Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca told the Detroit News that charges would be filed against players and fans involved in the November 19th brawl at the Pacers-Pistons game.
Gorcyca did not discuss specific charges and who would be charged. It is likely that players serving a lengthy suspension would be among those charged. Charges are likely to include assault and battery.
Netscape ISP Homepage - News Story
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Daily Briefing - 11/30/04
Two more resignations of note to report.
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge is planning to step down. This would be the perfect chance for the Bush Administration to add Rudy Giuliani to the team. Giuliani has said that he is currently not interested in a Washington job, but would consider any request from the President.
CNSNews.com -- News This Hour
The President of the NAACP Kweisi Mfume will be stepping down from his post with the civil rights organization. Before his tenure at the NAACP, Mfume was a Congressman. Will he re-enter politics?
USATODAY.com
Here are some other interesting items.
+The Rev. Jesse Jackson is at it again. Jackson appeared in Ohio to demonize the current Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, an African American, for following state law in Ohio for recounts.
Jackson says that Blackwell is hiding the vote as part of a Republican conspiracy to steal another election. According to Jackson, “We can live with losing an election! We cannot live with fraud and stealing!!!"
What he is really saying is that he and other leftists cannot live with an election that they lose.
Jackson is also demanding that Blackwell step aside and let Jackson take over the recount. Jesse would you just take your lack of credibility and common sense and go away.
Recount efforts by the libertarian party and others are expanding to New Mexico.
Leftist Jesse Jackson Claims GOP "Fraud And Theft"
More later.
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge is planning to step down. This would be the perfect chance for the Bush Administration to add Rudy Giuliani to the team. Giuliani has said that he is currently not interested in a Washington job, but would consider any request from the President.
CNSNews.com -- News This Hour
The President of the NAACP Kweisi Mfume will be stepping down from his post with the civil rights organization. Before his tenure at the NAACP, Mfume was a Congressman. Will he re-enter politics?
USATODAY.com
Here are some other interesting items.
+The Rev. Jesse Jackson is at it again. Jackson appeared in Ohio to demonize the current Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, an African American, for following state law in Ohio for recounts.
Jackson says that Blackwell is hiding the vote as part of a Republican conspiracy to steal another election. According to Jackson, “We can live with losing an election! We cannot live with fraud and stealing!!!"
What he is really saying is that he and other leftists cannot live with an election that they lose.
Jackson is also demanding that Blackwell step aside and let Jackson take over the recount. Jesse would you just take your lack of credibility and common sense and go away.
Recount efforts by the libertarian party and others are expanding to New Mexico.
Leftist Jesse Jackson Claims GOP "Fraud And Theft"
More later.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Kerry in 2008?
Will John Kerry run for President in 2008? Likely say some members of the Democratic Caucus.
Over the past few weeks, Kerry has been activley supporting Iowa Governor, Tom Vislick, for the Chairman of the DNC. Sources say that Kerry has met with many members of the House bolstering support for the Iowa Givernor.
With this level of involvement in the search for a new chairman, house members are speculating that this is the first and strongest indication that Kerry will run. Outgoing chairman, Terry McAuliffe, was the hand picked choice of former President Bill Clinton. But with three failed elections, McAuliffe will not be returning to the party leadership.
There is just one problem with Kerry's support of Vislick. Today, Vislick issued a statement saying he is no longer interested in pursuing the position. What will this do to Kerry's support? Just give hime a few moments and he'll change candidates.
Who else wants to be DNC Chair? None other than the Iowa screamer, Howard Dean. Most House members are cool to Dean since they believe he will run again in 2008.
Members believe Kerry preparing for 2008 run=The Hill.com=
Over the past few weeks, Kerry has been activley supporting Iowa Governor, Tom Vislick, for the Chairman of the DNC. Sources say that Kerry has met with many members of the House bolstering support for the Iowa Givernor.
With this level of involvement in the search for a new chairman, house members are speculating that this is the first and strongest indication that Kerry will run. Outgoing chairman, Terry McAuliffe, was the hand picked choice of former President Bill Clinton. But with three failed elections, McAuliffe will not be returning to the party leadership.
There is just one problem with Kerry's support of Vislick. Today, Vislick issued a statement saying he is no longer interested in pursuing the position. What will this do to Kerry's support? Just give hime a few moments and he'll change candidates.
Who else wants to be DNC Chair? None other than the Iowa screamer, Howard Dean. Most House members are cool to Dean since they believe he will run again in 2008.
Members believe Kerry preparing for 2008 run=The Hill.com=
Rather Replacements?
It is unlikely that CBS will go outside of the network to find Dan Rather's replacement. If they did, two NBC hosts are on the "wishlist," Matt Laurer and Tim Russert.
Of the two, Russert has journalism experience and is a good host of "Meet the Press." Russert does have his shortcomings. While it is unlikely that Russert would use forged dopcuments in a story to undermine the election, his liberal bias shows every week on "Meet the Press" and was a dominante feature of his election reports. Russert, like the Rather team, would maintain the liberal status-quo at CBS.
Hopefully, no sane executive at CBS would consider Matt Laurer for anything above office boy. Laurer would move CBS farther to the left and has lost much of his credfibility after comparing the founding fathers to terrorists.
By including Laurer and Russert on any list demonstrates that CBS president Leslie Moonves is serious about shaking up CBS News, this would conitnue the liberal bias that CBS News is now known for. These are not the guys.
In fact, CBS executives should look to remove the entire Rather regime and start over fresh.
MSNBC - Wishing on a Star
Of the two, Russert has journalism experience and is a good host of "Meet the Press." Russert does have his shortcomings. While it is unlikely that Russert would use forged dopcuments in a story to undermine the election, his liberal bias shows every week on "Meet the Press" and was a dominante feature of his election reports. Russert, like the Rather team, would maintain the liberal status-quo at CBS.
Hopefully, no sane executive at CBS would consider Matt Laurer for anything above office boy. Laurer would move CBS farther to the left and has lost much of his credfibility after comparing the founding fathers to terrorists.
By including Laurer and Russert on any list demonstrates that CBS president Leslie Moonves is serious about shaking up CBS News, this would conitnue the liberal bias that CBS News is now known for. These are not the guys.
In fact, CBS executives should look to remove the entire Rather regime and start over fresh.
MSNBC - Wishing on a Star
How Kerry whistleblower suffered for truth
After his lost John Kerry will continue to have a seat in the Senate, his crazy wife, Teresa, several mansions, and a pile of money left over from the campaign. One of Kerry's "Brothers" is not so lucky.
Steve Gardner, one of two Swift boat "brothers," did not stand with Kerry at the DNC. In fact, Gardner went around the country telling the true story of Lt. (jg) John F. Kerry. That truth has led to Gardner losing his job, threatened by one of Kerry's operatives, and is now nearly broke.
I guess Kerry won one victory on the campaign, the destruction of someone who knows the truth about Kerry.
How Kerry whistleblower suffered for truth
Steve Gardner, one of two Swift boat "brothers," did not stand with Kerry at the DNC. In fact, Gardner went around the country telling the true story of Lt. (jg) John F. Kerry. That truth has led to Gardner losing his job, threatened by one of Kerry's operatives, and is now nearly broke.
I guess Kerry won one victory on the campaign, the destruction of someone who knows the truth about Kerry.
How Kerry whistleblower suffered for truth
Bill O'Reilly: Dan got smeared
During the P{residential campaign, the "no" spin from Bill O"Reilly seemed like it was spinning in favor of Kerry. Although Kerry refused to be interviewed bu O'Reilly, many of his Talking Points seem more critical of the Bush Administration. By the way, Bill, President Bush did sit with you for an interview. The interview was mostly fair.
Now, O'Reilly, is just being silly. In a column in the New York Post, O"Reilly is supporting Dan Rather. He now says that Rather was smeared. No, Bill, Rather smeared himself.
Rather smeared himself in the liberal mantra. He chose to use forged documents in a 60 Minutes story. He chose not to refute the documents even after they were proven to be forged. He told the Chicago Tribune that he still believes in the documents authenticity. Rather and producer, Mary Mapes, have been after this story for four year and, until the forgeries, were going nowhere with it.
In recent years, Rather has become a charicature of himself using more puns than a Seinfeld clone.
Sorry, Bill, you are backing the wrong horse in this race. Rather and CBS News have lost most, if not all, it credibility because of the tactics and poor journalistic standards enforced by Rather.
New York Daily News - Home - Bill O'Reilly: Dan got smeared
Now, O'Reilly, is just being silly. In a column in the New York Post, O"Reilly is supporting Dan Rather. He now says that Rather was smeared. No, Bill, Rather smeared himself.
Rather smeared himself in the liberal mantra. He chose to use forged documents in a 60 Minutes story. He chose not to refute the documents even after they were proven to be forged. He told the Chicago Tribune that he still believes in the documents authenticity. Rather and producer, Mary Mapes, have been after this story for four year and, until the forgeries, were going nowhere with it.
In recent years, Rather has become a charicature of himself using more puns than a Seinfeld clone.
Sorry, Bill, you are backing the wrong horse in this race. Rather and CBS News have lost most, if not all, it credibility because of the tactics and poor journalistic standards enforced by Rather.
New York Daily News - Home - Bill O'Reilly: Dan got smeared
The Briefing - 11/29/04
Well, the first major holiday has passed. I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Mine was very good.
Other than the continual promo for Tom Brokaw on NBC, it was a relatively slow news weekend. Shoppers were shopping, the weather chose not to cooperate in several locations, and football was football.
Here are some interesting items.
+Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist will not be returning to the Supreme Court for the two week session beginning today. He continues to receive treatment for thyroid cancer. Chief Justice Rehnquist is working from his Virginia home with the help of his clerks and other personnel. The Chief Justice is listening to oral arguments and weighing in with his opinion.
While there will be a full Supreme Court Watch report later this week, the most interesting case involves medical marijuana. More importantly, two cases where state law conflict with Federal law.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Supreme Court to hear marijuana case
More later.
Other than the continual promo for Tom Brokaw on NBC, it was a relatively slow news weekend. Shoppers were shopping, the weather chose not to cooperate in several locations, and football was football.
Here are some interesting items.
+Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist will not be returning to the Supreme Court for the two week session beginning today. He continues to receive treatment for thyroid cancer. Chief Justice Rehnquist is working from his Virginia home with the help of his clerks and other personnel. The Chief Justice is listening to oral arguments and weighing in with his opinion.
While there will be a full Supreme Court Watch report later this week, the most interesting case involves medical marijuana. More importantly, two cases where state law conflict with Federal law.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Supreme Court to hear marijuana case
More later.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
ABC News: Dan Rather to Leave 'CBS Evening News'
Embattled CBS News anchor Dan Rather will be leaving his anchor and managing editor position with the CBS Evening News in March 2005.
Rather is mostly noted for his attempt to influence the Presidential election by portraying obviously forged documents as genuine. That story was part of a 60 Minutes Wednesday and produced by Bush hater, Mary Mapes.
In a CBS statement Rather claims that he and the network began to discuss his move in the summer. This is highly unlikely and probably more Rather blather.
After the use of the forged documents, CBS formed a investigative team to look into the issue. It report due shortly after the election is still no where to be seen. While Rather insists this was of his own choosing, it is likely that Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone was instrumental in the change.
Rather will continue as a reporter for 60 Minutes.
Who will replace Rather? It will be someone that Rather chooses and approves. Will the change in anchors help CBS?
No, the Rathergate debacle has permanently damaged the credibility of CBS News and all of its personnel. It will continue to be known as a very liberal news organization and one that tried to influence an election much lack Move On.org and other left-wing Bush haters.
ABC News: Dan Rather to Leave 'CBS Evening News'
Rather is mostly noted for his attempt to influence the Presidential election by portraying obviously forged documents as genuine. That story was part of a 60 Minutes Wednesday and produced by Bush hater, Mary Mapes.
In a CBS statement Rather claims that he and the network began to discuss his move in the summer. This is highly unlikely and probably more Rather blather.
After the use of the forged documents, CBS formed a investigative team to look into the issue. It report due shortly after the election is still no where to be seen. While Rather insists this was of his own choosing, it is likely that Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone was instrumental in the change.
Rather will continue as a reporter for 60 Minutes.
Who will replace Rather? It will be someone that Rather chooses and approves. Will the change in anchors help CBS?
No, the Rathergate debacle has permanently damaged the credibility of CBS News and all of its personnel. It will continue to be known as a very liberal news organization and one that tried to influence an election much lack Move On.org and other left-wing Bush haters.
ABC News: Dan Rather to Leave 'CBS Evening News'
Tidbits - 11/23/04
It is often said that Congressional staff, not elected members of Congress that create legislation and simply tell Representatives and Senators how to vote.
The amount of reading that a Congressman would need to do to understand everything he or she voted for or against would take longer than 24 hours everyday. So, many times Congressman are voting for something they have not read, do not understand, and, more often than not, do not care about.
Well, sometimes this comes back to bite the members hard. Case in point, here is a sentence from the Omnibus budget bill passed over the weekend.
"Hereinafter, notwithstanding any other provision of law governing the disclosure of income tax returns or return information, upon written request of the Chairman of the House or Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service shall allow agents designated by such Chairman access to Internal Revenue Service facilities and any tax returns or return information contained therein."
In essence it allows a Congressman or Senator to look at YOUR tax returns.
When asked by reporters, 75% did not know about the provision. So much for the right of privacy of IRS records.
--
Here are some interesting items.
+The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been looking closely at the claims of America OnLine (AOL) during its sale to Time-Warner. The SEC has noted irregularities in AOL's accounting practices and that revenue was overstated.
After years of investigations, Time Warner and the SEC are close to an agreement which will cost the media giant $750 Million. As part of the agreement, AOL nor Time Warner will admit to wrongdoing.
Let's see SEC investigation, payment of millions, but not responsible. Sorry Time Warner, if you pay the fine, you did the crime.
+Indiana Pacer forward Ron Artest released a statement yesterday concerning his suspension. If you read it, it sounds like Artest is not taking responsibility for his actions. What would you expect from a pampered athlete.
ESPN.com - NBA - Artest: Ban too long; not first time things flung
In a related story, former UCLA standout Bill Walton says that the suspensions are too lenient and the incident hurt the home of the NBA>
ESPN.com - NBA - Walton: Punishment too lenient
More later.
The amount of reading that a Congressman would need to do to understand everything he or she voted for or against would take longer than 24 hours everyday. So, many times Congressman are voting for something they have not read, do not understand, and, more often than not, do not care about.
Well, sometimes this comes back to bite the members hard. Case in point, here is a sentence from the Omnibus budget bill passed over the weekend.
"Hereinafter, notwithstanding any other provision of law governing the disclosure of income tax returns or return information, upon written request of the Chairman of the House or Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service shall allow agents designated by such Chairman access to Internal Revenue Service facilities and any tax returns or return information contained therein."
In essence it allows a Congressman or Senator to look at YOUR tax returns.
When asked by reporters, 75% did not know about the provision. So much for the right of privacy of IRS records.
--
Here are some interesting items.
+The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been looking closely at the claims of America OnLine (AOL) during its sale to Time-Warner. The SEC has noted irregularities in AOL's accounting practices and that revenue was overstated.
After years of investigations, Time Warner and the SEC are close to an agreement which will cost the media giant $750 Million. As part of the agreement, AOL nor Time Warner will admit to wrongdoing.
Let's see SEC investigation, payment of millions, but not responsible. Sorry Time Warner, if you pay the fine, you did the crime.
+Indiana Pacer forward Ron Artest released a statement yesterday concerning his suspension. If you read it, it sounds like Artest is not taking responsibility for his actions. What would you expect from a pampered athlete.
ESPN.com - NBA - Artest: Ban too long; not first time things flung
In a related story, former UCLA standout Bill Walton says that the suspensions are too lenient and the incident hurt the home of the NBA>
ESPN.com - NBA - Walton: Punishment too lenient
More later.
Monday, November 22, 2004
The Problem With the NBA
Without a true national superstar and declining attendance, the National Basketball Association (NBS) was hoping for a smooth season with little or no controversy. That hope ended Friday night at the Pacers-Pistons game in Detroit.
With less than a minute in the game Indiana's Ron Artest and others become involved in the biggest brawl involving fans in history. The tape of the incident has been shown countless times all over the media. It shows an out of control Artest storming the stands and confronting and beating fans. It was, as many say, deplorable,
To its credit the NBA took swift and harsh action against Artest and other members of the Pacers and the Pistons. Artest is out for the season. Other Pacer players are out for as long as 30 games and a player for the Pistons is out for 6 games. The NBA's decision for the suspensions "without" pay is admirable.
The actions of Artest and others is a symptom of other problems in the NBA. The NBA was the first professional sports organization to draft undergraduate, non-graduates, and high school players. This has left the NBA with under-educated and uneducated players. If has left the NBA with very rich young men who do not understand how to behave professionally. You only have to look at the Kobe Bryant case to understand the inability for some NBA players to understand society's rules and prohibitions. Bryant's case is only the tip of the iceberg.
Other NBA players have been involved in murder, drugs, and other crimes. To its credit, the NBA has taken measures against most of these players. You do, however, need to wonder why Michael Jordan was NEVER looked at by the NBA for his gambling habits. Did Jordan ever bet on the NBA or the Bulls? No one knows because there was no investigation.
The NBA did the right thing in this case. Now Artest will have the time to work on his rap album. Will Artest return to the court? It is unlikely that Artest will return to the Pacers. Too many problems, too many times. What other team will take him? Who knows.
NBA.com: NBA Announces Suspensions From Pistons-Pacers Game
With less than a minute in the game Indiana's Ron Artest and others become involved in the biggest brawl involving fans in history. The tape of the incident has been shown countless times all over the media. It shows an out of control Artest storming the stands and confronting and beating fans. It was, as many say, deplorable,
To its credit the NBA took swift and harsh action against Artest and other members of the Pacers and the Pistons. Artest is out for the season. Other Pacer players are out for as long as 30 games and a player for the Pistons is out for 6 games. The NBA's decision for the suspensions "without" pay is admirable.
The actions of Artest and others is a symptom of other problems in the NBA. The NBA was the first professional sports organization to draft undergraduate, non-graduates, and high school players. This has left the NBA with under-educated and uneducated players. If has left the NBA with very rich young men who do not understand how to behave professionally. You only have to look at the Kobe Bryant case to understand the inability for some NBA players to understand society's rules and prohibitions. Bryant's case is only the tip of the iceberg.
Other NBA players have been involved in murder, drugs, and other crimes. To its credit, the NBA has taken measures against most of these players. You do, however, need to wonder why Michael Jordan was NEVER looked at by the NBA for his gambling habits. Did Jordan ever bet on the NBA or the Bulls? No one knows because there was no investigation.
The NBA did the right thing in this case. Now Artest will have the time to work on his rap album. Will Artest return to the court? It is unlikely that Artest will return to the Pacers. Too many problems, too many times. What other team will take him? Who knows.
NBA.com: NBA Announces Suspensions From Pistons-Pacers Game
Tidbits - 11/22/04
Before I forget, today is the 41st anniversary of the assasination of President John F. Kennedy. A day that changed America forever and not always for the best.
The assassination made it possible for America to become deeply involved in Vietnam resulting in the sacrifice of 58,000 men and women. The Kennedy Presidency encouraged a young Arkansas boy, Bill Clinton, to become president and damage the office like no one else.
It was a bad day then and it is a bad day now.
Here are some interesting items.
+A conservative group, Move America Forward, wants the UN out of the US. With a petition drive and television commercial, the organization is calling for the UN to leave the US. It describes the UN as a corrupt organization that did not support the US war on terrorism and is an impediment to democracy.
Last week, I noted on this blog that the US should pull out of the UN, but this idea has some additional merit.
UN Out of US, Petition Drive Says -- 11/22/2004
+Liberals like to criticize the Bush Administration for being to "cozy" with the Saudis and other Arab nations.
It would appear that short-term memory loss is part of being liberal and a Clinton supporter. Records indicate that a portion of the $165 million Bubbahland was funded by the Saudis and other Arab countries.
How soon they forget.
Saudis, Arabs Funneled Millions to President Clinton's Library - November 22, 2004 - The New York Sun
More later.
The assassination made it possible for America to become deeply involved in Vietnam resulting in the sacrifice of 58,000 men and women. The Kennedy Presidency encouraged a young Arkansas boy, Bill Clinton, to become president and damage the office like no one else.
It was a bad day then and it is a bad day now.
Here are some interesting items.
+A conservative group, Move America Forward, wants the UN out of the US. With a petition drive and television commercial, the organization is calling for the UN to leave the US. It describes the UN as a corrupt organization that did not support the US war on terrorism and is an impediment to democracy.
Last week, I noted on this blog that the US should pull out of the UN, but this idea has some additional merit.
UN Out of US, Petition Drive Says -- 11/22/2004
+Liberals like to criticize the Bush Administration for being to "cozy" with the Saudis and other Arab nations.
It would appear that short-term memory loss is part of being liberal and a Clinton supporter. Records indicate that a portion of the $165 million Bubbahland was funded by the Saudis and other Arab countries.
How soon they forget.
Saudis, Arabs Funneled Millions to President Clinton's Library - November 22, 2004 - The New York Sun
More later.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Judiciary Republicans pledge unanimous support for Specter=The Hill.com=
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) is poised to become the next chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Committee colleagues have pledge their support to Specter.
In exchange, Specter has agreed not to block any of President Bush's nominees or legislation on tort reform.
Judiciary Republicans pledge unanimous support for Specter=The Hill.com=
In exchange, Specter has agreed not to block any of President Bush's nominees or legislation on tort reform.
Judiciary Republicans pledge unanimous support for Specter=The Hill.com=
Friday, November 19, 2004
Supreme Court Watch
It was a light week for the Justices of the Supreme Court. There were no oral arguments, the Court refused to hear cases on cock-fighting, and the Court reversed a Texas death penalty case.
Cases considered - -
The Court declined to review an Oklahoma case concerning cock-fighting. Oklahoma voters favored a ban on the blood sport in 2002. Several Oklahoma Courts have upheld the decision of the voters.
The case is Tally v. Oklahoma, 04-329
Yahoo! News - Court Steers Clear of Cockfighting Case
The Court also declined to hear a case involving K-Mart. The Court let stand a lower court ruling that K-Mart that declared K-Mart has no authority to pay "critical" vendors while under bankruptcy protection.
The cases are Irving Pulp & Paper v. Capital Factors, 04-181, Knight-Ridder v. Capital Factors, 03-1581, and Handleman Co. v. Capital Factors et al, 03-1583.
Yahoo! News - Court Declines to Step Into Kmart Dispute
The Court also let stand a ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that an adoptive couple did not have to return their adopted son to a Missouri women who claims she is the birth mother.
The case is C.M.C. v. G.A.L., 04-184
Yahoo! News - Supreme Court Declines Adoption Dispute
Rulings - -
The Supreme Court overturned the death penalty of a Texas man because the trial court did not consider his learning disability and other evidence.
In another Texas case, the Supreme Court ordered an appeals court to consider whether a Texas inmate should get a chance to challenge his conviction based on the jury not being able to hear evidence of his troubled childhood and emotional disease.
The cases are Smith v. Texas, 04-5323, and Abdul-Kabir v. Dretke, 04-5876.
Yahoo! News - Court Throws Out Texas Death Sentence
Upcoming oral arguments - -
Arguments are scheduled for the week of November 29, 2004 for the following cases.
Ashcroft v. Raich
Docket No. 03-1454
Howell v. Mississippi
Docket No. 03-9560
Whitfield v. United States
Docket No. 03-1293
and
Hall v. United States
Docket No. 03-1294
Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education
Docket No. 02-1672
Since there will be no activity in the Court the week of November 22, 2004 due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Supreme Court Watch will return on Friday, December 3, 2004.
Cases considered - -
The Court declined to review an Oklahoma case concerning cock-fighting. Oklahoma voters favored a ban on the blood sport in 2002. Several Oklahoma Courts have upheld the decision of the voters.
The case is Tally v. Oklahoma, 04-329
Yahoo! News - Court Steers Clear of Cockfighting Case
The Court also declined to hear a case involving K-Mart. The Court let stand a lower court ruling that K-Mart that declared K-Mart has no authority to pay "critical" vendors while under bankruptcy protection.
The cases are Irving Pulp & Paper v. Capital Factors, 04-181, Knight-Ridder v. Capital Factors, 03-1581, and Handleman Co. v. Capital Factors et al, 03-1583.
Yahoo! News - Court Declines to Step Into Kmart Dispute
The Court also let stand a ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that an adoptive couple did not have to return their adopted son to a Missouri women who claims she is the birth mother.
The case is C.M.C. v. G.A.L., 04-184
Yahoo! News - Supreme Court Declines Adoption Dispute
Rulings - -
The Supreme Court overturned the death penalty of a Texas man because the trial court did not consider his learning disability and other evidence.
In another Texas case, the Supreme Court ordered an appeals court to consider whether a Texas inmate should get a chance to challenge his conviction based on the jury not being able to hear evidence of his troubled childhood and emotional disease.
The cases are Smith v. Texas, 04-5323, and Abdul-Kabir v. Dretke, 04-5876.
Yahoo! News - Court Throws Out Texas Death Sentence
Upcoming oral arguments - -
Arguments are scheduled for the week of November 29, 2004 for the following cases.
Ashcroft v. Raich
Docket No. 03-1454
Howell v. Mississippi
Docket No. 03-9560
Whitfield v. United States
Docket No. 03-1293
and
Hall v. United States
Docket No. 03-1294
Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education
Docket No. 02-1672
Since there will be no activity in the Court the week of November 22, 2004 due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Supreme Court Watch will return on Friday, December 3, 2004.
Tidbits - 11/19/04
Here are some interesting items.
+A Madison, Wisconsin, radio host calls Condoleeze Rice and "Aunt Jamima." John "Sly" Sylvester said he was referring to the subservient role that black have in the Bush Administration. Sylvester has also referred to Colin Powell as an "Uncle Tome." A term used to describe blacks as fawning over whites. Sylvester is white also said that he was using terms that singer Harry Belafonte used to describe how any African-American would be able to gain access to power.
Totally unacceptable.
Las Vegas SUN: Radio Host Calls Rice 'Aunt Jemima'
+Shortly before the election former anchor, Walter Cronkite, told the American people that Karl Rove somehow convinced Osama Bin Laden to produce the tape released before the election to scare voters. At that time, we said that Walter was a bit over the edge and should no longer speak publicly.
Well, Walter now has a companion in is inappropriate tirade against the Bush Administration. Cuban leader Fidel Castro agrees with Cronkite. Only Fidel says that it was George Bush who convinced bin Laden to make the tape.
Yahoo! News - Castro Raises Doubts About Bin Laden Tape
More later.
+A Madison, Wisconsin, radio host calls Condoleeze Rice and "Aunt Jamima." John "Sly" Sylvester said he was referring to the subservient role that black have in the Bush Administration. Sylvester has also referred to Colin Powell as an "Uncle Tome." A term used to describe blacks as fawning over whites. Sylvester is white also said that he was using terms that singer Harry Belafonte used to describe how any African-American would be able to gain access to power.
Totally unacceptable.
Las Vegas SUN: Radio Host Calls Rice 'Aunt Jemima'
+Shortly before the election former anchor, Walter Cronkite, told the American people that Karl Rove somehow convinced Osama Bin Laden to produce the tape released before the election to scare voters. At that time, we said that Walter was a bit over the edge and should no longer speak publicly.
Well, Walter now has a companion in is inappropriate tirade against the Bush Administration. Cuban leader Fidel Castro agrees with Cronkite. Only Fidel says that it was George Bush who convinced bin Laden to make the tape.
Yahoo! News - Castro Raises Doubts About Bin Laden Tape
More later.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
The Loss That Keeps on Giving! by Ann Coulter
Here is this week's column by Ann Coulter.
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: The Loss That Keeps on Giving! by Ann Coulter
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: The Loss That Keeps on Giving! by Ann Coulter
Tidbits - 11/18/04
The media was blasted from several sides yesterday. One criticism very much deserved, the other came from a former candidate seeking more publicity.
Howard Dean, better known for screeching than making sense, criticized news agencies for failing to "maintain democracy." Speaking at Yale, the former presidential candidate said that news agencies have lost their objectivity. Come to think of it, this is one of the few times I would agree with Dean. But the news media usually loses its objectivity in favor of left wingers like Dean.
Perhaps this is a case of biting the hand . . .
WorldNetDaily: Howard Dean: News agencies fail America
ABC is in a bit of trouble. While trying to cross promote Monday Night Football and its new show Desperate Wives, ABC used a naked Nicolette Sheridan and an Eagles football player in a scene that many see as pornographic or racist.
ABC apologized for the incident, but its statement lacked credibility or sincerity. In this case the network and the NFL were fully aware of the content of the promo.
The FCC is currently looking into the matter. Could there be a fine for the Mouse House and its owned stations? If the FCC is consistent in its rulings, yes and possibly bigger than the recent Viacom fine. While Viacom denied knowledge of the Janet Jackson planned incident, ABC cannot. This fine may, and should, be larger and possibly endanger license renewals for ABC stations.
In a related matter, the coach of the Indianapolis Colts said that he does not want his team appearing on MNF. Hey coach, if the league schedules you will you refuse to play? Now that would be interesting.
WorldNetDaily: FCC chief slams ABC over raunchy television
Here are some interesting items.
+Poor Linda Ronstadt. Her singing career is faltering. Her audience are booing her political comments. Now Ronstadt says that voting for the Republicans is similar to events that happened in Nazi Germany.
Isn't she lucky that she lives in a country that allows her to make such stupid and inappropriate remarks. If the US, under any administration, was like Nazi Germany, Ronstadt would be in jail or worse.
The fact that some media outlets, in this case USA Today, continue to interview left wing nutjobs, like Ronstadt, prove the liberal bias in the media.
WorldNetDaily: Linda Ronstadt laments 'new bunch of Hitlers'
+Today is the grand opening of "BubbahLand" or the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.
The taxpayer funded building houses a variety of exhibits including one of the controversies and scandals during the Clinton years. Unfortunately, the Clinton Library, like Clinton himself, do not put the responsibility for the scandals where it should rest, on Bill Clinton. Instead the controversies are lumped together and sanitized to a Clinton perspective under the heading of the "politics of persecution."
Yes, the vast right-wing conspiracy is alive and well at the Clinton Library. Unfortunately, truth and history are not included. If future scholars are looking at the Clinton Presidency, they should avoid "BubbahLand."
My Way News
More later.
Howard Dean, better known for screeching than making sense, criticized news agencies for failing to "maintain democracy." Speaking at Yale, the former presidential candidate said that news agencies have lost their objectivity. Come to think of it, this is one of the few times I would agree with Dean. But the news media usually loses its objectivity in favor of left wingers like Dean.
Perhaps this is a case of biting the hand . . .
WorldNetDaily: Howard Dean: News agencies fail America
ABC is in a bit of trouble. While trying to cross promote Monday Night Football and its new show Desperate Wives, ABC used a naked Nicolette Sheridan and an Eagles football player in a scene that many see as pornographic or racist.
ABC apologized for the incident, but its statement lacked credibility or sincerity. In this case the network and the NFL were fully aware of the content of the promo.
The FCC is currently looking into the matter. Could there be a fine for the Mouse House and its owned stations? If the FCC is consistent in its rulings, yes and possibly bigger than the recent Viacom fine. While Viacom denied knowledge of the Janet Jackson planned incident, ABC cannot. This fine may, and should, be larger and possibly endanger license renewals for ABC stations.
In a related matter, the coach of the Indianapolis Colts said that he does not want his team appearing on MNF. Hey coach, if the league schedules you will you refuse to play? Now that would be interesting.
WorldNetDaily: FCC chief slams ABC over raunchy television
Here are some interesting items.
+Poor Linda Ronstadt. Her singing career is faltering. Her audience are booing her political comments. Now Ronstadt says that voting for the Republicans is similar to events that happened in Nazi Germany.
Isn't she lucky that she lives in a country that allows her to make such stupid and inappropriate remarks. If the US, under any administration, was like Nazi Germany, Ronstadt would be in jail or worse.
The fact that some media outlets, in this case USA Today, continue to interview left wing nutjobs, like Ronstadt, prove the liberal bias in the media.
WorldNetDaily: Linda Ronstadt laments 'new bunch of Hitlers'
+Today is the grand opening of "BubbahLand" or the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.
The taxpayer funded building houses a variety of exhibits including one of the controversies and scandals during the Clinton years. Unfortunately, the Clinton Library, like Clinton himself, do not put the responsibility for the scandals where it should rest, on Bill Clinton. Instead the controversies are lumped together and sanitized to a Clinton perspective under the heading of the "politics of persecution."
Yes, the vast right-wing conspiracy is alive and well at the Clinton Library. Unfortunately, truth and history are not included. If future scholars are looking at the Clinton Presidency, they should avoid "BubbahLand."
My Way News
More later.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Worry Rice Represents "Hard Right Turn," Urge Reliance on UN
Sometimes you have to worry how far the liberal media will go to hurt the US and the Administration. You also have to wonder if the liberal media understands what is happening in the world.
CBS and NBC are worried that the appointment of Condoleeza Rice as Secretary of State will be a "hard right turn" for foreign policy. The media is also suggesting that Rice be more willing to rely on the UN to further its policies. Isn't that how John Kerry lost? Didn't he suggest that US foreign policy pass a "world test" at the UN before acting?
If anything, Rice, when confirmed< should ignore the UN and seek to withdraw from the corrupt orgainztion.
Worry Rice Represents "Hard Right Turn," Urge Reliance on UN --11/17/2004-- Media Research Center
CBS and NBC are worried that the appointment of Condoleeza Rice as Secretary of State will be a "hard right turn" for foreign policy. The media is also suggesting that Rice be more willing to rely on the UN to further its policies. Isn't that how John Kerry lost? Didn't he suggest that US foreign policy pass a "world test" at the UN before acting?
If anything, Rice, when confirmed< should ignore the UN and seek to withdraw from the corrupt orgainztion.
Worry Rice Represents "Hard Right Turn," Urge Reliance on UN --11/17/2004-- Media Research Center
Who Will Swear in Bush?
There is speculation within the beltway that Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist may not be available to swear in the President for his second term.
Rehnquist is currently being treated for thyroid cancer has has missed oral arguments at the Supreme Court. He is, however, working at home and has authored at least one of this terms opinions.
While the Constitution specifies what the oath is, it does not specify who will give it. On nine occasions someone other than the Chief Justice has given the oath of office to a President. Most of these were on the occasions of a President's death. The last time followed the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
If Rehnquist is not available, the President can choose anyone he wants. Speculation is that he may pick Justice Antonin Scalia, a Bush favorite.
If You're Available Jan. 20 . . . (washingtonpost.com)
Rehnquist is currently being treated for thyroid cancer has has missed oral arguments at the Supreme Court. He is, however, working at home and has authored at least one of this terms opinions.
While the Constitution specifies what the oath is, it does not specify who will give it. On nine occasions someone other than the Chief Justice has given the oath of office to a President. Most of these were on the occasions of a President's death. The last time followed the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
If Rehnquist is not available, the President can choose anyone he wants. Speculation is that he may pick Justice Antonin Scalia, a Bush favorite.
If You're Available Jan. 20 . . . (washingtonpost.com)
Annan Much Like Clinton & Liberals
UN Secretary General Kofi Anna must have been paying attention during the Clinton years. Like Bill Clinton, Generation X slackers, and the liberal right, Annan is not taking responsibility for his actions or lack of action.
Annan believes there should be no investigation of the oil-for-food scandal or the people involved in the program. In fact he is denouncing any investigation as a "campaign" to "hurt the UN."
A Senate investigation has uncovered documents showing the extent of the scandal and, perhaps, Annan's complicity in it. During the 12 years of the program $21.3 BILLION dollars was scammed from the program by Saddam Hussein and his cohorts most of that money was looted between 1999 and 2003.
Is there anyone, liberal, conservative, or independent that can give any reason for the US to continue to be part of the most corrupt organization in the world? Is there any reason why the US should allow the UN to occupy prime Manhattan landscape for its corrupt operations? Is there any reason why "diplomats" at the UN should have immunity from prosecution in this scandal?
The answer to all three questions is NO!
OpinionJournal - The Real World
Annan believes there should be no investigation of the oil-for-food scandal or the people involved in the program. In fact he is denouncing any investigation as a "campaign" to "hurt the UN."
A Senate investigation has uncovered documents showing the extent of the scandal and, perhaps, Annan's complicity in it. During the 12 years of the program $21.3 BILLION dollars was scammed from the program by Saddam Hussein and his cohorts most of that money was looted between 1999 and 2003.
Is there anyone, liberal, conservative, or independent that can give any reason for the US to continue to be part of the most corrupt organization in the world? Is there any reason why the US should allow the UN to occupy prime Manhattan landscape for its corrupt operations? Is there any reason why "diplomats" at the UN should have immunity from prosecution in this scandal?
The answer to all three questions is NO!
OpinionJournal - The Real World
Tidbits - 11/17/04
Who's next? It would not be a surprise to see Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitige leave his position. A Powell supporter, he will not fit into a Rice State Department. It is also possible that President Bush will allow Secretary of State nominee, Condoleeza Rice, suggest a Deputy.
There is also speculation that Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge may leave the administration. I can only think of one person to replace Ridge, former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani. If asked, will Giuliani give up lucrative speaking engagements for the post?
--
Here ate some interesting items.
+The Motion Picture Association of America announced the first wave of lawsuits against individuals who pirate motion pictures using file swapping programs. The group did not mention how many suits were filed nor where the filings were made.
The lawsuits seek injunctions against the individuals and were asking for fines as outlined in copyright law.
This is similar action to the successful and ongoing suits by the Record Industry Association against music file swappers and internet sites, such as the original Napster, that facilitate the pirating of copyrighted material.
My Way News
+Senate Democrats elected Harry Reid (D-NV) as the next Senate Minority Leader. The 64 year old Reid said that he is looking forward for cooperation across the aisle, but warned Republicans not to "mess with the rules." He is referring to the possible change to the filibuster rules suggested by Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-TN).
Reid bring an interesting record to the position. He is more conservative than Tom Daschle and may be able to work with Republicans on a variety of issues. The big questions is "will he?" Reid said that he would prefer to "dance than to fight<" but he can fight if necesary.
The new Senate will be interesting.
Yahoo! News - New Senate Dems Leader Seeks Cooperation
More later.
There is also speculation that Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge may leave the administration. I can only think of one person to replace Ridge, former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani. If asked, will Giuliani give up lucrative speaking engagements for the post?
--
Here ate some interesting items.
+The Motion Picture Association of America announced the first wave of lawsuits against individuals who pirate motion pictures using file swapping programs. The group did not mention how many suits were filed nor where the filings were made.
The lawsuits seek injunctions against the individuals and were asking for fines as outlined in copyright law.
This is similar action to the successful and ongoing suits by the Record Industry Association against music file swappers and internet sites, such as the original Napster, that facilitate the pirating of copyrighted material.
My Way News
+Senate Democrats elected Harry Reid (D-NV) as the next Senate Minority Leader. The 64 year old Reid said that he is looking forward for cooperation across the aisle, but warned Republicans not to "mess with the rules." He is referring to the possible change to the filibuster rules suggested by Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-TN).
Reid bring an interesting record to the position. He is more conservative than Tom Daschle and may be able to work with Republicans on a variety of issues. The big questions is "will he?" Reid said that he would prefer to "dance than to fight<" but he can fight if necesary.
The new Senate will be interesting.
Yahoo! News - New Senate Dems Leader Seeks Cooperation
More later.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Network News Execs Talk but no Solutions
The news executives of the three "major" networks appeared at a joint session at Stanford University to discuss the recentcoverage of the election.
There was a lot of finger pointing at the internet and viewers who use the internet for the erroneous information about early exit polls. They fail to recognize their own contribution to the problem.
The three execs defended their coverage of the political conventions which in my opinion is the probably best.
No one talked about the role of Dan Rather and CBS News trying to throw the election to Kerry by using forged documents and unsubstantiated stories. Wonder why?
sacbee.com -- AP State Wire News -- Major network news chiefs review election, look to future
There was a lot of finger pointing at the internet and viewers who use the internet for the erroneous information about early exit polls. They fail to recognize their own contribution to the problem.
The three execs defended their coverage of the political conventions which in my opinion is the probably best.
No one talked about the role of Dan Rather and CBS News trying to throw the election to Kerry by using forged documents and unsubstantiated stories. Wonder why?
sacbee.com -- AP State Wire News -- Major network news chiefs review election, look to future
Tidbits - 11/16/04 - UPDATED
UPDATE: It is now official, President Bush has nominated National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice to replace Colin Powell as Secretary of State.
The confirmation process should be easy, but it is likely that Dr. Rice will riffle the feathers pf career diplomats at Foggy Bottom.
------
Some in the liberal media are suggesting that changes in the Bush Cabinet point to problems in the Administration. Nothing could be farther from the reality of any Administration. While there are many resignations coming at one time, turnover at the Cabinet level is normal and can provide some new direction for agencies.
There are reports that Condi Rice, the current National Security Advisor, will be nominated to replace Colin Powell. I will wait for official confirmation. If nominated and confirmed, Rice will shake up Foggy Bottom with her management style. Career diplomats at State do not care for Rice or her style.
Here are some interesting items.
+There is going to be a recount in Ohio. Green Party candidate David Cobb has raised the $113,000 filing fee necessary to force the recount. Cobb was only able to mount a write-in candidacy in Ohio. The Libertarian candidate for President is also raising funds for the recount effort.
Ohio Secretary of State,Janes Blackwell, has yet to certify the vote and count and under Ohio law has until December 3 to do so. After the vote is certified, recount filings can begin.
Green Party Claims Ohio Ballot Recount a 'Certainty' -- 11/16/2004
+Cultural conservatives are still fighting to derail the appointment of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) as the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Several groups plan to picket outside the Senate Office Building and the Office of Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-TN).
The groups hope to convince Frist and other Republican Senators not to appoint Specter because of his stance on abortion and his support of pro-choice judicial appointments.
Specter has said that he will support any judicial appointment made by President Bush and has supported Pro-Life nominees in the past.
Due to term limits in the Senate, Sen. Orin Hatch (R-UT) cannot be re-appointed to the chair of the powerful committee. Of the remaining Republicans on the committee, Specter has the most seniority and, frankly, would probably be the best choice.
Specter would likely champion the elevation of either Clarence Thomas or, my choice, Antonin Scalia to Chief Justice in the event of a vacancy in that position.
Conservatives v. Specter - Frist Mulls Choice -- 11/16/2004
More later.
The confirmation process should be easy, but it is likely that Dr. Rice will riffle the feathers pf career diplomats at Foggy Bottom.
------
Some in the liberal media are suggesting that changes in the Bush Cabinet point to problems in the Administration. Nothing could be farther from the reality of any Administration. While there are many resignations coming at one time, turnover at the Cabinet level is normal and can provide some new direction for agencies.
There are reports that Condi Rice, the current National Security Advisor, will be nominated to replace Colin Powell. I will wait for official confirmation. If nominated and confirmed, Rice will shake up Foggy Bottom with her management style. Career diplomats at State do not care for Rice or her style.
Here are some interesting items.
+There is going to be a recount in Ohio. Green Party candidate David Cobb has raised the $113,000 filing fee necessary to force the recount. Cobb was only able to mount a write-in candidacy in Ohio. The Libertarian candidate for President is also raising funds for the recount effort.
Ohio Secretary of State,Janes Blackwell, has yet to certify the vote and count and under Ohio law has until December 3 to do so. After the vote is certified, recount filings can begin.
Green Party Claims Ohio Ballot Recount a 'Certainty' -- 11/16/2004
+Cultural conservatives are still fighting to derail the appointment of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) as the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Several groups plan to picket outside the Senate Office Building and the Office of Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-TN).
The groups hope to convince Frist and other Republican Senators not to appoint Specter because of his stance on abortion and his support of pro-choice judicial appointments.
Specter has said that he will support any judicial appointment made by President Bush and has supported Pro-Life nominees in the past.
Due to term limits in the Senate, Sen. Orin Hatch (R-UT) cannot be re-appointed to the chair of the powerful committee. Of the remaining Republicans on the committee, Specter has the most seniority and, frankly, would probably be the best choice.
Specter would likely champion the elevation of either Clarence Thomas or, my choice, Antonin Scalia to Chief Justice in the event of a vacancy in that position.
Conservatives v. Specter - Frist Mulls Choice -- 11/16/2004
More later.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Oil-for-Food Official May Have Blocked Inquiries
The United Nations is corrupt. There is no doubt about that. The oil-for-food program is one of the most corrupt. The concept was good, providing food for the Iraqi people by buying oil from Iraq. Unfortunately, the food went to someone else and the money, billions of dollars went to Saddam Hussein.
Officials at the UN knew about the scandal and did nothing to stop it. The corrupt head of the food-for-oil program, Benon Sevan, told his staff NOT to investigate claims of corruption and helped to block efforts by the UN anti-corruption unit.
Why does the United States support this organization. It is not friendly to the US, it supports terrorist countries, and it is more corrupt than Chicago in the old days? It makes no sense to providee millions of dollars of taxpayer money to this organization. It makes no sense to participate in this corrupt organizations.
With all the corruption maybe it is a good place for Bill Clinton. He would fit in well.
Oil-for-Food Official May Have Blocked Inquiries (washingtonpost.com)
Officials at the UN knew about the scandal and did nothing to stop it. The corrupt head of the food-for-oil program, Benon Sevan, told his staff NOT to investigate claims of corruption and helped to block efforts by the UN anti-corruption unit.
Why does the United States support this organization. It is not friendly to the US, it supports terrorist countries, and it is more corrupt than Chicago in the old days? It makes no sense to providee millions of dollars of taxpayer money to this organization. It makes no sense to participate in this corrupt organizations.
With all the corruption maybe it is a good place for Bill Clinton. He would fit in well.
Oil-for-Food Official May Have Blocked Inquiries (washingtonpost.com)
Tidbits - 11/15/04
Is Keith Oberman Dan Rather's illegitamate son? Probably not, but both men use similar "journalistic" methods. Rather chooses to use forged documents to influence a presidential election. Oberman uses unfounded internet conspiracies to legitamize his view of the presidential; election. Since Oberman is a former sports "personality" you can cut him a little slack. Sports anchors generally do not use solid facts or information for a story. It is all hyperbole and innuendo.
Since Oberman has crossed over into "real" journalism, he should learn and his staff should learn the basic tools of the industry include the telephone.
All of the "facts" Oberman spewed about election fraud, uncounted and over-counted votes, and other nutty conspiracies were refuted by the people involved. Oberman and his staff did not call or email any of these people to find out the facts.
Since MSNBC has such a small audience compared to Fox and CNN, there is only minimal harm, but harm there is to the viewers of MSNBC, the candidates, the voters, and any legitimate news organization.
Should Keith Oberman be fired for his actions? Yes. Will he? No.
Keith Olbermann's Dan Rather moment - PittsburghLIVE.com
--
There is a new feature on CHECK THIS OUT!. Each week we will be following the activity at the Supreme Court. This will include decisions, cases heard, and cases accepted. This feature started last Friday and can be found each Friday.
---
Here are some interesting items.
+There is some good news from Washington today. Secretary of State Colin Powell has announced his resignation.
Since becoming Secretary of State, Powell has earned a reputation for opposing Administration policy and concerns.
This will NOT be a big loss for the President or the nation. He will continue to serve until a replacement has been confirmed by the Senate.
Powell Out
More later.
Since Oberman has crossed over into "real" journalism, he should learn and his staff should learn the basic tools of the industry include the telephone.
All of the "facts" Oberman spewed about election fraud, uncounted and over-counted votes, and other nutty conspiracies were refuted by the people involved. Oberman and his staff did not call or email any of these people to find out the facts.
Since MSNBC has such a small audience compared to Fox and CNN, there is only minimal harm, but harm there is to the viewers of MSNBC, the candidates, the voters, and any legitimate news organization.
Should Keith Oberman be fired for his actions? Yes. Will he? No.
Keith Olbermann's Dan Rather moment - PittsburghLIVE.com
--
There is a new feature on CHECK THIS OUT!. Each week we will be following the activity at the Supreme Court. This will include decisions, cases heard, and cases accepted. This feature started last Friday and can be found each Friday.
---
Here are some interesting items.
+There is some good news from Washington today. Secretary of State Colin Powell has announced his resignation.
Since becoming Secretary of State, Powell has earned a reputation for opposing Administration policy and concerns.
This will NOT be a big loss for the President or the nation. He will continue to serve until a replacement has been confirmed by the Senate.
Powell Out
More later.
Friday, November 12, 2004
CBS Fires Producer
While continuing to employ Dan Rather and Mary Mapes after using forged documents in a 60 Minutes story, CBS News fired the producer who cut into CSI:NY with the news of Arafat's death.
Saying that the producer was "overly aggressive," CBS apologized for the incident.
This incident seems minor compared to the blatant bias shown in the 60 Minutes story and subsequent denials and weak apologies from Rather. It seems that CBS' priorities and loyalties are misplaced.
Broadcasting & Cable: The Business of Television
Saying that the producer was "overly aggressive," CBS apologized for the incident.
This incident seems minor compared to the blatant bias shown in the 60 Minutes story and subsequent denials and weak apologies from Rather. It seems that CBS' priorities and loyalties are misplaced.
Broadcasting & Cable: The Business of Television
Supreme Court Watch
With Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist working from home while receiving chemotherapy for thyroid cancer, the Supreme Court reviewed several cases this week.
Heard arguments in two cases without Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who is working from home while he receives radiation and chemotherapy for thyroid cancer.
Cases Reviewed . . .
_Declined to hear an appeal from Washington state to stop minority felons from seeking the right to vote. The felons challenge as racially discriminatory a law stripping them of their right to vote. Every state but Maine and Vermont bar imprisoned felons from voting.
_Refused to consider whether health insurers violate antitrust laws when they team up with doctors to adopt reimbursement policies that siphon business away from chiropractors.
_Wrangled with a case that seeks to clarify when police can be sued for arresting suspects on charges that later fall apart. The Washington state case being argued involves a man who sued over his arrest during a traffic stop.
_Passed up a chance to consider whether the U.S. Coast Guard (news - web sites) can be sued for providing questionable emergency care to an injured Florida diver who later became paralyzed.
_Declined to review four Massachusetts discrimination cases involving judgments of thousands of dollars that employers say should have been decided by juries, not judges.
Cases Heard . . .
The Court heard a death penalty case to consider whether a jury correctly took into consideration a killer's religious conversion.
The case is Brown v. Payton, 03-1039
The Court also hear arguments in an Illinois case over the use of police dogs in a search. The case involves a traffic stop in which a drug-sniffing dog "comes buy" and finds drugs in the vehicle. The case was overturned by a lower court saying that the search was improper.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan answered a Justice question about the intimidation factor of a dog by saying, "millions of American have dogs." Nice one Lisa, that will certainly impress the High Court.
The case is Illinois v. Caballes, 03-923
Rulings . . .
Writing for the majority, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist said that a drunk driving charge is not sufficient for deportation of an immigrant. Saying that a DUI can not be considered a "crime of violence," the Court overturned a lower court ruling in the case.
The case is Leocal v. Ashcroft, 03-583
In a second ruling Tuesday, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (news - web sites) wrote a decision in a case involving a dispute over cargo damaged in a train wreck. The court ruled unanimously that a contract negotiated as part of a federal maritime law protects Norfolk Southern Railway Co. from having to pay large damages, even though the accident happened on land, not at sea.
The accident caused about $1.5 million in damage to machinery being shipped from Australia to Huntsville, Ala.
The case is Norfolk Southern Railway Co. v. Kirby, 02-1028.
Yahoo! News - Supreme Court Developments
Yahoo! News - Court Rules for Immigrant in DUI Case
Yahoo! News - High Court Considers Death Penalty Case
Yahoo! News - Court Considers When Cops Can Use Canines
Heard arguments in two cases without Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who is working from home while he receives radiation and chemotherapy for thyroid cancer.
Cases Reviewed . . .
_Declined to hear an appeal from Washington state to stop minority felons from seeking the right to vote. The felons challenge as racially discriminatory a law stripping them of their right to vote. Every state but Maine and Vermont bar imprisoned felons from voting.
_Refused to consider whether health insurers violate antitrust laws when they team up with doctors to adopt reimbursement policies that siphon business away from chiropractors.
_Wrangled with a case that seeks to clarify when police can be sued for arresting suspects on charges that later fall apart. The Washington state case being argued involves a man who sued over his arrest during a traffic stop.
_Passed up a chance to consider whether the U.S. Coast Guard (news - web sites) can be sued for providing questionable emergency care to an injured Florida diver who later became paralyzed.
_Declined to review four Massachusetts discrimination cases involving judgments of thousands of dollars that employers say should have been decided by juries, not judges.
Cases Heard . . .
The Court heard a death penalty case to consider whether a jury correctly took into consideration a killer's religious conversion.
The case is Brown v. Payton, 03-1039
The Court also hear arguments in an Illinois case over the use of police dogs in a search. The case involves a traffic stop in which a drug-sniffing dog "comes buy" and finds drugs in the vehicle. The case was overturned by a lower court saying that the search was improper.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan answered a Justice question about the intimidation factor of a dog by saying, "millions of American have dogs." Nice one Lisa, that will certainly impress the High Court.
The case is Illinois v. Caballes, 03-923
Rulings . . .
Writing for the majority, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist said that a drunk driving charge is not sufficient for deportation of an immigrant. Saying that a DUI can not be considered a "crime of violence," the Court overturned a lower court ruling in the case.
The case is Leocal v. Ashcroft, 03-583
In a second ruling Tuesday, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (news - web sites) wrote a decision in a case involving a dispute over cargo damaged in a train wreck. The court ruled unanimously that a contract negotiated as part of a federal maritime law protects Norfolk Southern Railway Co. from having to pay large damages, even though the accident happened on land, not at sea.
The accident caused about $1.5 million in damage to machinery being shipped from Australia to Huntsville, Ala.
The case is Norfolk Southern Railway Co. v. Kirby, 02-1028.
Yahoo! News - Supreme Court Developments
Yahoo! News - Court Rules for Immigrant in DUI Case
Yahoo! News - High Court Considers Death Penalty Case
Yahoo! News - Court Considers When Cops Can Use Canines
How Kerry Really Lost - The Clintonistas Made Him Do It
In her latest column Arianna Huffington tells the story about who is really responsible for the Kerry lost. It turns out, as this blog has said time and time again, to be the Clinton pack headed by James Carville and Joe Lockhart. Instead of focusing on the war in Iraq, the Clintonistas had Kerry return to domestic issues that won in '92.
Remember, the Clintons did not want Kerry to win this opening the door for Hillary in 2008.
ARIANNA ONLINE - November 11, 2004 - The Architects Of Defeat
Remember, the Clintons did not want Kerry to win this opening the door for Hillary in 2008.
ARIANNA ONLINE - November 11, 2004 - The Architects Of Defeat
Tidbits - 11/12/04
CBS did it again. This time, however, the were quick with an apology. A zealous news producer decided to cut into the last minute or so of Wednesday's CSI: New York to announce the death of Yasser Arafat. Since this happened nearly minutes before local news, the end of CSI:NY was not seen by most of the country. A CBS News spokesperson apologized saying that it was the kind of announcement that should have been offered to affiliates for the local news. CBS plans to run CSI:NY in its entirety tonight.
Doesn't it seem that there are more problems at CBS News than just liberal bias?
--
Here are some interesting items.
+John Conyers (D-MI) has always been anti-Republican, anti-Bush, pro-spending, and pro-tax. He is regarded by many as a "nut job" without any sense of reality.
On the heels of the liberal bloggers who see a conspiracy under every hanging chad, Conyers and some other liberals in Congress are calling for the GAO to undertake an investigation of the election and is also seeking Congressional hearings on the election of 2004.
As I said yesterday, just let it go. 59 million Americans are right. Kerry lost. Look forward to 2008 and the possibility of another Clinton in the White House. (This won't really happen, but it will give the lunatic fringe, like Conyers, some hope.)
Conservative John Fund Jabs Voter Conspiracy Theorists -- 11/12/2004
+Coming soon to a DVD near you, a sequel to Fahrenheit 9/11. Propagandist, filmmaker, Michel Moore, is planning a sequel to his propaganda film that will continue his rant against the war on terror and the war in Iraq. Moore told a reporter that the American people were lied to and need to be "enlightened and informed" about the government.
Moore's film grossed more than any other documentary ($119 million), but is a failure compared to other commercial releases. The new propaganda film will be released in two to three years. Meanwhile, Moore will release a film entitled "Sicko" on the American health care system.
CBC News: Michael Moore plans 'Fahrenheit 9/11' sequel
More later.
Doesn't it seem that there are more problems at CBS News than just liberal bias?
--
Here are some interesting items.
+John Conyers (D-MI) has always been anti-Republican, anti-Bush, pro-spending, and pro-tax. He is regarded by many as a "nut job" without any sense of reality.
On the heels of the liberal bloggers who see a conspiracy under every hanging chad, Conyers and some other liberals in Congress are calling for the GAO to undertake an investigation of the election and is also seeking Congressional hearings on the election of 2004.
As I said yesterday, just let it go. 59 million Americans are right. Kerry lost. Look forward to 2008 and the possibility of another Clinton in the White House. (This won't really happen, but it will give the lunatic fringe, like Conyers, some hope.)
Conservative John Fund Jabs Voter Conspiracy Theorists -- 11/12/2004
+Coming soon to a DVD near you, a sequel to Fahrenheit 9/11. Propagandist, filmmaker, Michel Moore, is planning a sequel to his propaganda film that will continue his rant against the war on terror and the war in Iraq. Moore told a reporter that the American people were lied to and need to be "enlightened and informed" about the government.
Moore's film grossed more than any other documentary ($119 million), but is a failure compared to other commercial releases. The new propaganda film will be released in two to three years. Meanwhile, Moore will release a film entitled "Sicko" on the American health care system.
CBC News: Michael Moore plans 'Fahrenheit 9/11' sequel
More later.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Olbermann can 'Countdown,' but can he count up?
This week's column by Ann Coulter. This week Coulter takes on idiot anchor, Keith Oberman and his crazy conspiracy theories. Give 'em hell, Ann.
WorldNetDaily: Olbermann can 'Countdown,' but can he count up?
WorldNetDaily: Olbermann can 'Countdown,' but can he count up?
Matt Lauer friend of terrorists
The Today Show's, Matt Lauer, demonstrated that he is not a patriot. In an interview with Lynne Cheney he equated the insurgents in Iraq with the founding fathers. His stupid remaek was rebiffed by the Vice President's wife. While Lauer tried to change his questioning, the remark was out and Lauer seems to support Iraqi terrorists instead of American troops. Way to go Matt. Maybe you could get a job with Al-Jazera you seem to agree with them.
This is the second time in a week that an NBC employee has equated terrorists with American patriots. Last week Chris Matthews, a liberal bomb thrower, did the same of Hardball.
It is time for NBC to weed out the kooks and those that pose a "clear and present danger." Lauer and Matthews must go.
WorldNetDaily: Matt Lauer equates U.S. Founders with terrorists
This is the second time in a week that an NBC employee has equated terrorists with American patriots. Last week Chris Matthews, a liberal bomb thrower, did the same of Hardball.
It is time for NBC to weed out the kooks and those that pose a "clear and present danger." Lauer and Matthews must go.
WorldNetDaily: Matt Lauer equates U.S. Founders with terrorists
Tidbits - 11/11/04
At the eleventh on the eleventh day in the eleventh month, the Great War was ended. The Armistice was signed and the world was at peace. That's the hope expressed at the end of World War I in 1918. After 86 years, the world has still not learned to live in peace and men and boys continue to die for their country or for a certain point of view. Today is the day in the United States that we honor those men and women who have served with honor and dignity throughout the years.
Thank you one and all.
-----
Here are some interesting articles.
+ABC affiliates around the country are refusing to air the movie, "Saving Private Ryan." Each of the, so far, 30 stations have pointed to the language and violence in the movie. Sources say that the "F" word is used throughout the movie. General Managers at several ABC stations point out that in the current climate of fines from the FCC that the movie cannot be shown uncut.
Until this week, ABC failed to provide stations with a copy of the film as it was to be shown, but the affiliates have known for many months of the scheduling. If they wanted to see it uncut, the could have gone to their nearest Blockbuster.
Stations in Atlanta, Des Moines, and others that cover over 30% of the country will be airing alternative programming this evening. One station manager said that the FCC's "inconsistent" application of the rules has made it impossible to show any film with language or violence.
Earlier this season, ABC ordered the producer of NYPD Blue to "tone down" the language and eliminate all partial nudity. The edgy NYPD Blue is known for these attributes and until the Janet Jackson incident had planned a normal season.
Chicago Tribune | TV Stations Cancel 'Saving Private Ryan'
+Yasser Arafat is dead. This time it's true. The Palestinian leader died early this morning after an illness that is till undetermined.
Funeral and burial arrangements are pending.
Ramallah Subdued, Smoldering After Arafat's Death -- 11/11/2004
Arafat Leaves Legacy of Violence, Terrorism, Chaos -- 11/11/2004
ABC News: Bush Hopes Peace Comes to Palestinians
+There are still reports that the liberals cannot let the election end. There are several reports about voter fraud, Kerry conceding to early, and Senator Hillary Clinton calling John Kerry "President Kerry."
Hey folks, it's over. You lost.
Boston.com / News / Local / Sen. Clinton's star power attracts 5,000 to Tufts
Left Wing Claims Exit Polls Were Accurate, Bush Stole Election -- 11/11/2004
Anti-Bush Rally Scheduled Across From White House Thursday -- 11/11/2004
More later.
Thank you one and all.
-----
Here are some interesting articles.
+ABC affiliates around the country are refusing to air the movie, "Saving Private Ryan." Each of the, so far, 30 stations have pointed to the language and violence in the movie. Sources say that the "F" word is used throughout the movie. General Managers at several ABC stations point out that in the current climate of fines from the FCC that the movie cannot be shown uncut.
Until this week, ABC failed to provide stations with a copy of the film as it was to be shown, but the affiliates have known for many months of the scheduling. If they wanted to see it uncut, the could have gone to their nearest Blockbuster.
Stations in Atlanta, Des Moines, and others that cover over 30% of the country will be airing alternative programming this evening. One station manager said that the FCC's "inconsistent" application of the rules has made it impossible to show any film with language or violence.
Earlier this season, ABC ordered the producer of NYPD Blue to "tone down" the language and eliminate all partial nudity. The edgy NYPD Blue is known for these attributes and until the Janet Jackson incident had planned a normal season.
Chicago Tribune | TV Stations Cancel 'Saving Private Ryan'
+Yasser Arafat is dead. This time it's true. The Palestinian leader died early this morning after an illness that is till undetermined.
Funeral and burial arrangements are pending.
Ramallah Subdued, Smoldering After Arafat's Death -- 11/11/2004
Arafat Leaves Legacy of Violence, Terrorism, Chaos -- 11/11/2004
ABC News: Bush Hopes Peace Comes to Palestinians
+There are still reports that the liberals cannot let the election end. There are several reports about voter fraud, Kerry conceding to early, and Senator Hillary Clinton calling John Kerry "President Kerry."
Hey folks, it's over. You lost.
Boston.com / News / Local / Sen. Clinton's star power attracts 5,000 to Tufts
Left Wing Claims Exit Polls Were Accurate, Bush Stole Election -- 11/11/2004
Anti-Bush Rally Scheduled Across From White House Thursday -- 11/11/2004
More later.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Specter Speaks
The controversy over Senator Arlen Specter's (PA-R) becoming the Chairmen of the Senate Judiciary Committee may be more media hype than reality.
After winning hard fought campaigns in the primary and general elections, Specter is set to take control of the powerful committee in the new Congress. Specter will replace Orin Hatch (UT-R) due to term limit rules for commitee chairs in the Senate.
Specter is known for his Pro-Choice stance, but his record speaks for itself. Specter has supported Pro-Life judicial nominees in the past and, according to the Senator, will do so again.
According to some sources, much of the controversy was created by media types looking for a good headline. Arlen Specter is always a good headline.
In an editorial in the Wall Street Journal, Specter writes about his experience and commitment to qualified judges.
OpinionJournal - Featured Article
After winning hard fought campaigns in the primary and general elections, Specter is set to take control of the powerful committee in the new Congress. Specter will replace Orin Hatch (UT-R) due to term limit rules for commitee chairs in the Senate.
Specter is known for his Pro-Choice stance, but his record speaks for itself. Specter has supported Pro-Life judicial nominees in the past and, according to the Senator, will do so again.
According to some sources, much of the controversy was created by media types looking for a good headline. Arlen Specter is always a good headline.
In an editorial in the Wall Street Journal, Specter writes about his experience and commitment to qualified judges.
OpinionJournal - Featured Article
The Peterson Trial
I have not reported on the Peterson Trial very much on this site.
The only part of the trial that interested me was the testimony of Amber Fry. Why? Actually, it's because she is very attractive. No other reason.
Now, the trial is taking a turn to the "dark side." For the second time in two days, the judge in the case has removed a juror. This makes a total of three and two since deliberations started.
On Monday, the judge ordered the jury to have an "open mind."
This does not bode well for the prosecution. It was obvious to most court watchers that the jury was deadlocked. Now, with the removal of two jurors, the jury must restart the deliberations.
I predict a hung juror by next Monday (Nov. 15) or a not guilty verdict by the end of the week.
FOXNews.com - U.S. & World - Peterson Judge Dismisses Another Juror
The only part of the trial that interested me was the testimony of Amber Fry. Why? Actually, it's because she is very attractive. No other reason.
Now, the trial is taking a turn to the "dark side." For the second time in two days, the judge in the case has removed a juror. This makes a total of three and two since deliberations started.
On Monday, the judge ordered the jury to have an "open mind."
This does not bode well for the prosecution. It was obvious to most court watchers that the jury was deadlocked. Now, with the removal of two jurors, the jury must restart the deliberations.
I predict a hung juror by next Monday (Nov. 15) or a not guilty verdict by the end of the week.
FOXNews.com - U.S. & World - Peterson Judge Dismisses Another Juror
President Selects Gonzales
While he would not be my first or second choice, President Bush has nominated White House Counsel and Texas confidant, Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General. Gonzales will replace John Ashcroft who resigned yesterday.
If confirmed, Gonzales will be the first Hispanic in the position.
My Way News
If confirmed, Gonzales will be the first Hispanic in the position.
My Way News
A Poem for Veterans Day
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. A day when all Americans should pause and remember who won the freedoms that we share.
THE LAST WORD
"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
"It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
"It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
"It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."
-- Father Dennis Edward O'Brian, USMC
(10 November 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress -- Semper Fi!)
THE LAST WORD
"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
"It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
"It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
"It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."
-- Father Dennis Edward O'Brian, USMC
(10 November 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress -- Semper Fi!)
Tidbits - 11/10/04
As a second term approaches, changes in the Cabinet are assured. Those changes began Tuesday as Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Don Evans announced their resignations.
Neither resignation is a surprise and will not be the last. As noted here, I believe that Secretary of State Colin Powell should resign due to his lack of support for Administration policy including the War in Iraq. Unlike other pundits, I do not believe that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld will resign or be fired. A change at Defense during war would put the military into crisis and lower morale.
My Way News
Here are some interesting items.
+Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist is still working. While recovering from thyroid cancer and the affects of chemotherapy, Rehnquist, 80, is working from his home and writing opinions.
He is the author of the majority opinion in the case of deportation of immigrants with permanent status for drunk driving. In the opinion, Rehnquist wrote that such driving accidents do not amount to intentional "crimes of violence" that can lead to expulsion from the country.
HoustonChronicle.com - Court sides with immigrant deported over DWI
More later.
Neither resignation is a surprise and will not be the last. As noted here, I believe that Secretary of State Colin Powell should resign due to his lack of support for Administration policy including the War in Iraq. Unlike other pundits, I do not believe that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld will resign or be fired. A change at Defense during war would put the military into crisis and lower morale.
My Way News
Here are some interesting items.
+Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist is still working. While recovering from thyroid cancer and the affects of chemotherapy, Rehnquist, 80, is working from his home and writing opinions.
He is the author of the majority opinion in the case of deportation of immigrants with permanent status for drunk driving. In the opinion, Rehnquist wrote that such driving accidents do not amount to intentional "crimes of violence" that can lead to expulsion from the country.
HoustonChronicle.com - Court sides with immigrant deported over DWI
More later.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Items From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
The Kerry Spot is still being published on National Review Online. It is less about Kerry and more about Democratic angst.
FORGET THIS 'NEW CAMPAIGN STRATEGY' STUFF
As we read the campaign post-mortems, the autopsies of the Kerry campaign, the wrap-up pieces, we're hearing a lot about how Democrats need a new way to campaign in 2008. They need a southerner, they need a centrist, they need this, that, etc.
My friends, 2008 is a long way away.
The Democratic party doesn't need a campaigning strategy until they are preparing for the 2006 midterm elections. Right now, they need a governing strategy. They have been the obstructionist party since Bush took office, and we see what that has gotten them.
I think the first thing they ought to do is become the "Ideas Party", and that means introducing lots of legislation, and not the usual party fare - tax hikes, minimum wage hikes, prescription drugs from Canada, yadda yadda yadda.
We learned from Bush's first term that he will sign any piece of legislation that seems popular enough, whether conservatives like it or not. Big farm bill? Signed. McCain-Feingold? Signed. Homeland Security? Nevermind that it was Lieberman's idea, Bush took the ball and ran with it.
Democrats have been running on the leftovers of the Clinton agenda for a long time, and their engines are sputtering. They ought to take all of Kerry's ideas - increasing the military by 40,000, doubling special forces, the nutty Department of Wellness - and throw it against the legislative wall and see what sticks. Find what few moderate Republicans remain and see what they're willing to sign on to. Voters will notice if the Democrats are the ones coming up with the good ideas, even if a Republican Congress and President keep passing those laws.
The second thing they need to do is to jettison their cultural elitism. Hank Sheinkopf puts this well in Slate:
The greatest political scientist and student of American politics in the 20th century, V.O. Key, in his last book, The Responsible Electorate, appeared to chide and challenge the public-opinion persuaders when he wrote that voters respond to the information they are given. They don't want Republicrats. They want economic Democrats as strong on defense as Harry Truman and FDR. They don't want confabs. They want to talk to real people about real issues. Mostly they want their values respected, and they don't want to be told they're dumb, that people from the East are just so much smarter.
So, dump the croissants and spend some time at a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall. Go to the local Wal-Mart, not to Starbucks. The Democrats might learn a lot more and then begin to understand the long road to winning this republic back.
WE MAY NOT HAVE SEEN THE LAST OF HIM
Well, the world may still need the Kerry Spot in the future. From the Boston Globe today:
While Senator John F. Kerry is "profoundly disappointed" with losing his presidential race last week, it is "conceivable" he will run again in four years, his brother and political confidant, Cameron F. Kerry, said yesterday.
Asked whether that might include another run for president, the younger brother replied: "That's conceivable. . . . I don't know why that [last week's loss] should necessarily be it. I think it's too early to assess. But I think that he is going to continue to fight on for the values, ideals, and issues this campaign is about." …
Former aides said they have received conflicting answers about whether he might wage another campaign. One, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Kerry told a top campaign official he could not envision another run. Yet that same adviser attended a farewell party for Kerry's staff Saturday night in Washington and said Kerry told the crowd, "There's always another four years."
The remark triggered an eruption of cheers.
I wonder how people will react to this news in Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's office.
Would the Democrats be stupid enough to run Kerry again? Well, they ran Adlai Stevenson in '52 & '56. But the tiumes are different, aren't they?
WHO IS TAKING THIS ELECTION THE HARDEST?
Instapundit reports that in a post-Election Day appearance, Maureen Dowd "looks absolutely terrible. It's like she's aged ten years since I last saw her. Her manner is subdued, and bitter, too. I guess that explains her post-election writing. It's striking to see a pundit taking the election so hard — most actual Democratic politicians seem to be maintaining more personal distance."
Well, really, who had more on the line in this campaign? A professional politician has ups and downs in his or her career; you win some races, and you lose some. But the press bet the house against Bush this year. Democrats may have recognized Kerry's faults and seen his vulnerabilities, but many members of the press were the "true believers" of this campaign.
The fun question will be whether members of the press learn from this experience and either A) are more open in acknowledging their liberal leanings and inability to comprehend life in the red states or B) realize they have gone too far and start trying to be more objective again. I think most folks on the right would be happy with either scenario - admitting their political leanings up front, or trying to give conservatives a fair shake. Just stop pretending to be fair or balanced while acting like the media wing of the DNC.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
FORGET THIS 'NEW CAMPAIGN STRATEGY' STUFF
As we read the campaign post-mortems, the autopsies of the Kerry campaign, the wrap-up pieces, we're hearing a lot about how Democrats need a new way to campaign in 2008. They need a southerner, they need a centrist, they need this, that, etc.
My friends, 2008 is a long way away.
The Democratic party doesn't need a campaigning strategy until they are preparing for the 2006 midterm elections. Right now, they need a governing strategy. They have been the obstructionist party since Bush took office, and we see what that has gotten them.
I think the first thing they ought to do is become the "Ideas Party", and that means introducing lots of legislation, and not the usual party fare - tax hikes, minimum wage hikes, prescription drugs from Canada, yadda yadda yadda.
We learned from Bush's first term that he will sign any piece of legislation that seems popular enough, whether conservatives like it or not. Big farm bill? Signed. McCain-Feingold? Signed. Homeland Security? Nevermind that it was Lieberman's idea, Bush took the ball and ran with it.
Democrats have been running on the leftovers of the Clinton agenda for a long time, and their engines are sputtering. They ought to take all of Kerry's ideas - increasing the military by 40,000, doubling special forces, the nutty Department of Wellness - and throw it against the legislative wall and see what sticks. Find what few moderate Republicans remain and see what they're willing to sign on to. Voters will notice if the Democrats are the ones coming up with the good ideas, even if a Republican Congress and President keep passing those laws.
The second thing they need to do is to jettison their cultural elitism. Hank Sheinkopf puts this well in Slate:
The greatest political scientist and student of American politics in the 20th century, V.O. Key, in his last book, The Responsible Electorate, appeared to chide and challenge the public-opinion persuaders when he wrote that voters respond to the information they are given. They don't want Republicrats. They want economic Democrats as strong on defense as Harry Truman and FDR. They don't want confabs. They want to talk to real people about real issues. Mostly they want their values respected, and they don't want to be told they're dumb, that people from the East are just so much smarter.
So, dump the croissants and spend some time at a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall. Go to the local Wal-Mart, not to Starbucks. The Democrats might learn a lot more and then begin to understand the long road to winning this republic back.
WE MAY NOT HAVE SEEN THE LAST OF HIM
Well, the world may still need the Kerry Spot in the future. From the Boston Globe today:
While Senator John F. Kerry is "profoundly disappointed" with losing his presidential race last week, it is "conceivable" he will run again in four years, his brother and political confidant, Cameron F. Kerry, said yesterday.
Asked whether that might include another run for president, the younger brother replied: "That's conceivable. . . . I don't know why that [last week's loss] should necessarily be it. I think it's too early to assess. But I think that he is going to continue to fight on for the values, ideals, and issues this campaign is about." …
Former aides said they have received conflicting answers about whether he might wage another campaign. One, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Kerry told a top campaign official he could not envision another run. Yet that same adviser attended a farewell party for Kerry's staff Saturday night in Washington and said Kerry told the crowd, "There's always another four years."
The remark triggered an eruption of cheers.
I wonder how people will react to this news in Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's office.
Would the Democrats be stupid enough to run Kerry again? Well, they ran Adlai Stevenson in '52 & '56. But the tiumes are different, aren't they?
WHO IS TAKING THIS ELECTION THE HARDEST?
Instapundit reports that in a post-Election Day appearance, Maureen Dowd "looks absolutely terrible. It's like she's aged ten years since I last saw her. Her manner is subdued, and bitter, too. I guess that explains her post-election writing. It's striking to see a pundit taking the election so hard — most actual Democratic politicians seem to be maintaining more personal distance."
Well, really, who had more on the line in this campaign? A professional politician has ups and downs in his or her career; you win some races, and you lose some. But the press bet the house against Bush this year. Democrats may have recognized Kerry's faults and seen his vulnerabilities, but many members of the press were the "true believers" of this campaign.
The fun question will be whether members of the press learn from this experience and either A) are more open in acknowledging their liberal leanings and inability to comprehend life in the red states or B) realize they have gone too far and start trying to be more objective again. I think most folks on the right would be happy with either scenario - admitting their political leanings up front, or trying to give conservatives a fair shake. Just stop pretending to be fair or balanced while acting like the media wing of the DNC.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
Tidbits - 11/9/04
Here are some intersting items.
+Michael Moore has been dealt another defeat. The propagandist has leared that his "documentary," Farenheit 9/11 will not be considered for a Golden Globe Award. The Foreign Press Association said that it does not have a category for documentaries. In a statement the assocxiation said that it would not be fair to include Moore's film while exclusing other documentaries.
Yahoo! News - Globes say no Moore
+THe "Mouth of the South," James Carville, says that the Democratic Party needs to be "born again." Noting that last Tuesday's loses were no fluke, Carville says that the Democratic Party needs to figure out who they are instead of delivering a litnay of public policy proposals.
Democratic Party must be 'born again,' Carville says - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - November 09, 2004
+In a related story, failed presidential candidate, Howard Dean, wants to take over the leadership of the Democratic National Committee. I'm certain that Terry MacAuliffe and the CLintons will have something to say about that.
CBS 2 - New York News: Local Wire
More later.
+Michael Moore has been dealt another defeat. The propagandist has leared that his "documentary," Farenheit 9/11 will not be considered for a Golden Globe Award. The Foreign Press Association said that it does not have a category for documentaries. In a statement the assocxiation said that it would not be fair to include Moore's film while exclusing other documentaries.
Yahoo! News - Globes say no Moore
+THe "Mouth of the South," James Carville, says that the Democratic Party needs to be "born again." Noting that last Tuesday's loses were no fluke, Carville says that the Democratic Party needs to figure out who they are instead of delivering a litnay of public policy proposals.
Democratic Party must be 'born again,' Carville says - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - November 09, 2004
+In a related story, failed presidential candidate, Howard Dean, wants to take over the leadership of the Democratic National Committee. I'm certain that Terry MacAuliffe and the CLintons will have something to say about that.
CBS 2 - New York News: Local Wire
More later.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Left-wingers in denial
Far left wing liberals and Hollywood elite continue to be in denial about the Bush re-election victory.
Air America's (only 5 stations) Al Franken said that all the red states are a desert and no one lives in the desert. I guess Air America will never have an affiliate in OHIO.
The lovely Susan Sarandon said that there is voter fraud in every state that Bush won. Susan you are beautiful, but that is a stupid remark.
Get over it people. Bush won and Kerry lost. Kerry couldn't help but lose. He had no positions, no vision, and no policy that would work. You picked the wrong guy. Continuing to bash Bush will get you nowhere. Just sit back and watch America move forward.
Al Franken and Susan Continuing Having Trouble Accepting Bush Win? --11/8/2004-- Media Research Center
Air America's (only 5 stations) Al Franken said that all the red states are a desert and no one lives in the desert. I guess Air America will never have an affiliate in OHIO.
The lovely Susan Sarandon said that there is voter fraud in every state that Bush won. Susan you are beautiful, but that is a stupid remark.
Get over it people. Bush won and Kerry lost. Kerry couldn't help but lose. He had no positions, no vision, and no policy that would work. You picked the wrong guy. Continuing to bash Bush will get you nowhere. Just sit back and watch America move forward.
Al Franken and Susan Continuing Having Trouble Accepting Bush Win? --11/8/2004-- Media Research Center
Viacom: FCC Super Bowl Fine Unconstitutional
While still claiming innocence, Viacom and CBS claim that the $550,000 fine from the FCC is unconstitutional. Saying, in part, that the fine and the broad indecency standard imposed by the FCC will have "chilling effect on broadcasting as we know it."
Viacom should just pay up and go away. There is no doubt that Viacom, MTV, and CBS were aware of what Jackson might do during the overly rehearsed half-time show. If Ms Jackson did not plan it, why was she wearing a pasty on her breast? Is that her normal attire? I say no.
Jackson planned it. MTV was aware if it and CBS knew something would happen that was "unusual."
The only "chilling effect" is that Viacom refuses to admit its mistake.
Viacom: FCC Super Bowl Fine Unconstitutional
Viacom should just pay up and go away. There is no doubt that Viacom, MTV, and CBS were aware of what Jackson might do during the overly rehearsed half-time show. If Ms Jackson did not plan it, why was she wearing a pasty on her breast? Is that her normal attire? I say no.
Jackson planned it. MTV was aware if it and CBS knew something would happen that was "unusual."
The only "chilling effect" is that Viacom refuses to admit its mistake.
Viacom: FCC Super Bowl Fine Unconstitutional
Pelosi Safe?
With the re-election of George W. Bush and additional Republican seats in the House and Senate, there will be some changes in Congressional leadership in the new Congress.
Obviously, Tom Daschle will be gone and there are several candidates for his successor. Will the Democrats pick a more moderate leader or continue with obstructionist politics as usual?
There is one leadership change in Congress that the Democrats seem unlikely to change. A position that, based on the outcome of the election, should be change sooner than later. It seems, however, that House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), is safe.
The question is why? Did not the Democrats learn that far left politics is a disaster? Did the Democrats not understand that the Republicans picked up seats in both houses? Do the Congressional Democrats not understand that Pelosi is farther to the left than Kennedy or Kerry?
If not, the 2006 mid-term elections will be another disaster for the Democrats. So much of a disaster that 2008 looks like another banner year for Republicans no matter who the Democrats nominate.
Democrats seek changes but Congressional safe=The Hill.com=
Obviously, Tom Daschle will be gone and there are several candidates for his successor. Will the Democrats pick a more moderate leader or continue with obstructionist politics as usual?
There is one leadership change in Congress that the Democrats seem unlikely to change. A position that, based on the outcome of the election, should be change sooner than later. It seems, however, that House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), is safe.
The question is why? Did not the Democrats learn that far left politics is a disaster? Did the Democrats not understand that the Republicans picked up seats in both houses? Do the Congressional Democrats not understand that Pelosi is farther to the left than Kennedy or Kerry?
If not, the 2006 mid-term elections will be another disaster for the Democrats. So much of a disaster that 2008 looks like another banner year for Republicans no matter who the Democrats nominate.
Democrats seek changes but Congressional safe=The Hill.com=
Tidbits - 11/8/04
A generally slow news weekend. Arafat seemed to be the biggest story. Is he alive or is he dead? The news from Paris is minimal and conflicting. Now Arafat's wife is saying that Palestinian authorities are coming to take away any of Arafat's remaining powers. Whether Arafat lives or dies, there will be no resolution to Mid-East peace anytime soon.
'They're Trying to Bury My Husband Alive' Suha Arafat Says -- 11/08/2004
Here are some interesting items.
+Speculation is running high on possible Supreme Court nominations. With Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist ailing and not sitting on the bench last week, the White House is looking at several possibilities.
If Rehnquist decides to retire, there is a possibility that Justice Clarence Thomas will be considered for the Chief Justice position. Although he is a sitting Justice, Thomas would still go through the nomination process. His original nomination hearings in the early 90's was difficult. Would Thomas want to go through that level of scrutiny again? Definitely, yes.
Thomas has become a highly respected member of the Court and his elevation to Chief Justice would be historic. The Senate Judiciary Committee would have a difficult time denying hearings and a vote.
Comment from the White House is that Justice Thomas is one of the possibilities for Chief Justice.
DRUDGE REPORT 2004�
+There may be one more person George W. Bush needs to thank for his re-election. . . Michael Moore.
The Union Leader and New Hampshire Sunday News - 08-Nov-04 - Commentary:
How Michael Moore got Bush elected
More later.
'They're Trying to Bury My Husband Alive' Suha Arafat Says -- 11/08/2004
Here are some interesting items.
+Speculation is running high on possible Supreme Court nominations. With Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist ailing and not sitting on the bench last week, the White House is looking at several possibilities.
If Rehnquist decides to retire, there is a possibility that Justice Clarence Thomas will be considered for the Chief Justice position. Although he is a sitting Justice, Thomas would still go through the nomination process. His original nomination hearings in the early 90's was difficult. Would Thomas want to go through that level of scrutiny again? Definitely, yes.
Thomas has become a highly respected member of the Court and his elevation to Chief Justice would be historic. The Senate Judiciary Committee would have a difficult time denying hearings and a vote.
Comment from the White House is that Justice Thomas is one of the possibilities for Chief Justice.
DRUDGE REPORT 2004�
+There may be one more person George W. Bush needs to thank for his re-election. . . Michael Moore.
The Union Leader and New Hampshire Sunday News - 08-Nov-04 - Commentary:
How Michael Moore got Bush elected
More later.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Jackson Case will Go Forward
The child molestation/conspiracy trial of Michael Jackson will go forward on January 31m 2005.
The judge in the case has made two significant rulings in the case. The judge ruled that the Santa Barbara prosecutor will remain on the case. Jackson attorneys filed various complaints and motions to remove Tom Schneeden. The California State attorney General called the allegations and complaints "baseless."
Jude Rodney Melville also scheduled several hearings for pretrial motions and warned attorneys for both side that there will be no further delay.
Jackson Case
The judge in the case has made two significant rulings in the case. The judge ruled that the Santa Barbara prosecutor will remain on the case. Jackson attorneys filed various complaints and motions to remove Tom Schneeden. The California State attorney General called the allegations and complaints "baseless."
Jude Rodney Melville also scheduled several hearings for pretrial motions and warned attorneys for both side that there will be no further delay.
Jackson Case
Friday, November 05, 2004
Some Election Thoughts From the Federalist Patriot
Quote of the week...
"There is an old saying, 'Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks.' In four historic years, America has been given great tasks and faced them with strength and courage. Our people have restored the vigor of this economy and shown resolve and patience in a new kind of war. Our military has brought justice to the enemy and honor to America. Our nation has defended itself and served the freedom of all mankind. I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I'm proud to lead it forward." --President George W. Bush, accepting the job for four more years
On cross-examination...
"The Democrats at this point are a bi-coastal party, claiming elite, populous pockets on the two coasts, but the rest of the country isn't interested in their effete agenda. Try as they might, the Democrats and the media can't divide the red sea that runs through much of the country." --George Neumayr
Open query...
"Fiscal responsibility is unbelievable in the face of massive new spending promises. A foreign policy based on the strength of 'allies' like France is unacceptable. A strong national-defense policy is just not believable coming from a candidate who built a career as an anti-war veteran, an anti-military candidate and an anti-action senator. When will national Democrats sober up and admit that that dog won't hunt? Secular socialism, heavy taxes, big spending, weak defense, limitless lawsuits and heavy regulation -- that pack of beagles hasn't caught a rabbit in the South or Midwest in years." --Retiring Georgia Senator Zell Miller (Zell has long been a Friend of The Patriot, despite that "D" after his name. He did not run for re-election. His seat will be taken by Republican Johnny Isakson, who defeated his Demo opponent by 58%-41%.)
From the JFK DEMO-lition derby, a final hurrah...
Last post -- and a postmortem, we're happy to finally say! So, what went wrong with the Kerry campaign? Simply put, Kerry is the very epitome of what's become of the 1960s Leftists who took control of the Democrat Party. Now polished, urbane and wealthy, Kerry has never renounced -- and never even softened -- his anti-war stance from the Vietnam era, his adherence to radical sexual politics, or his preference for government power over citizens' liberties. Oh, Kerry tried to "fuzz up" his positions on these contentious issues. But the Swiftees tagged him for his betrayal of his comrades still in battle and those languishing in North Vietnamese and Viet Cong prisons. Courageous Catholic priests also raised questions about his confusion in placing politics as pre-eminent over Church religious teaching.
Perhaps a last telltale revelation about Kerry came from his inability to know immediately how to reply to Osama bin Laden's threat tape. As Vice President Dick Cheney explained, "The thing that I find amazing about it is that John Kerry's first response was to go conduct a poll. He went into the field...to find out what he should say about this tape of Osama bin Laden. It's as though he doesn't know what he believes until he has to go and check the polls, his finger in the air, to see which way the wind is blowing and then he'll make a decision. ... I don't think that's a man who is up to the task of being commander-in-chief." And a majority of voters said, "Amen."
The BIG lie...
"I'm conceding because the nation is just too divided." --John F. Kerry's words to President Bush in his concession phone call Note to Senator Kerry: You conceded because you LOST.
DEMO-gogue campaign quotes...
"It's been a long night but we've waited four years for this victory; we can wait one more night. John Kerry and I made a promise to the American people that in this election every vote would count and every vote would be counted. Tonight we are keeping our word and we will fight for every vote. You deserve no less." --John Edwards at 2 a.m. on election night
"It's not about soul-searching. It may be about how we can educate the American people more clearly on the difference between Democrats and Republicans." --House Demo Leader Nancy Pelosi, sometimes called "San Fran Nan," suggesting the Demo losses are really the people's fault -- for not understanding the marvelous "progressive" utopia Demos are plotting for them
"This is the best election night in history." --Democrat National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, 2 November 2004, just before 8pm EST
And, a final campaign comment from John Kerry, Freudian-slipping his way to political obscurity: "If you believe, as I do, that America's best days are ahead of us, then join me tomorrow and change the direction of America." (You might want to read that one again slowly.)
Judicial Benchmarks...
The Supreme Court is the only branch of the federal government not subject to the madness of campaigning and electioneering that the legislative and the executive must periodically succumb to (though Thomas Jefferson would have preferred they be). But you can bet that politics and campaigns do have an affect on the judicial branch.
This year's presidential campaign didn't put too much emphasis on Supreme Court appointments, anywhere between one and four of which are likely to be made in the next four years. But the subject is now rising to the top of the post-election haze. Chief Justice William Rehnquist is undergoing chemotherapy for thyroid cancer, and it is increasingly likely that Bush will soon be mulling over a replacement.
If the Demo-obstruction of Bush's well-qualified federal judicial appointments is any indication of things to come, there may be a significant partisan fight on the horizon. It stands to reason that at the moment when Bush offers once again to reach across the divide and pledges to unite the nation -- his opponents will shun his offer and prepare to hunker down for battle. The more things change....
And last...
The Michael Mooron-icized Democrats have been continuing to MoveOn further Left in this election cycle. Indeed, these far-Left nuts have become the mainstream in the party. Unfortunately for them, this doesn't bode well for Democrats seeking national office. Twenty-seven House and Senate candidates were endorsed by MoveOn PAC in this year's election. Only five managed to claim victory: Melissa Bean in Illinois's Eighth District; Sen. Patty Murray of Washington won re-election; John Salazar won in Colorado's Third District, an open seat; Ken Salazar defeated Republican beer magnate Pete Coors for Colorado's open Senate seat; and Allyson Schwartz won Pennsylvania's open seat in District 13. That means candidates endorsed by MoveOn went 5-22, a pretty lousy batting average of .185! The moral of the story? If you're thinking of running for national office, fellow Patriots, try to square off with a MoveOn candidate. Your chances will increase dramatically!
http://FederalistPatriot.US/subscribe/
"There is an old saying, 'Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks.' In four historic years, America has been given great tasks and faced them with strength and courage. Our people have restored the vigor of this economy and shown resolve and patience in a new kind of war. Our military has brought justice to the enemy and honor to America. Our nation has defended itself and served the freedom of all mankind. I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I'm proud to lead it forward." --President George W. Bush, accepting the job for four more years
On cross-examination...
"The Democrats at this point are a bi-coastal party, claiming elite, populous pockets on the two coasts, but the rest of the country isn't interested in their effete agenda. Try as they might, the Democrats and the media can't divide the red sea that runs through much of the country." --George Neumayr
Open query...
"Fiscal responsibility is unbelievable in the face of massive new spending promises. A foreign policy based on the strength of 'allies' like France is unacceptable. A strong national-defense policy is just not believable coming from a candidate who built a career as an anti-war veteran, an anti-military candidate and an anti-action senator. When will national Democrats sober up and admit that that dog won't hunt? Secular socialism, heavy taxes, big spending, weak defense, limitless lawsuits and heavy regulation -- that pack of beagles hasn't caught a rabbit in the South or Midwest in years." --Retiring Georgia Senator Zell Miller (Zell has long been a Friend of The Patriot, despite that "D" after his name. He did not run for re-election. His seat will be taken by Republican Johnny Isakson, who defeated his Demo opponent by 58%-41%.)
From the JFK DEMO-lition derby, a final hurrah...
Last post -- and a postmortem, we're happy to finally say! So, what went wrong with the Kerry campaign? Simply put, Kerry is the very epitome of what's become of the 1960s Leftists who took control of the Democrat Party. Now polished, urbane and wealthy, Kerry has never renounced -- and never even softened -- his anti-war stance from the Vietnam era, his adherence to radical sexual politics, or his preference for government power over citizens' liberties. Oh, Kerry tried to "fuzz up" his positions on these contentious issues. But the Swiftees tagged him for his betrayal of his comrades still in battle and those languishing in North Vietnamese and Viet Cong prisons. Courageous Catholic priests also raised questions about his confusion in placing politics as pre-eminent over Church religious teaching.
Perhaps a last telltale revelation about Kerry came from his inability to know immediately how to reply to Osama bin Laden's threat tape. As Vice President Dick Cheney explained, "The thing that I find amazing about it is that John Kerry's first response was to go conduct a poll. He went into the field...to find out what he should say about this tape of Osama bin Laden. It's as though he doesn't know what he believes until he has to go and check the polls, his finger in the air, to see which way the wind is blowing and then he'll make a decision. ... I don't think that's a man who is up to the task of being commander-in-chief." And a majority of voters said, "Amen."
The BIG lie...
"I'm conceding because the nation is just too divided." --John F. Kerry's words to President Bush in his concession phone call Note to Senator Kerry: You conceded because you LOST.
DEMO-gogue campaign quotes...
"It's been a long night but we've waited four years for this victory; we can wait one more night. John Kerry and I made a promise to the American people that in this election every vote would count and every vote would be counted. Tonight we are keeping our word and we will fight for every vote. You deserve no less." --John Edwards at 2 a.m. on election night
"It's not about soul-searching. It may be about how we can educate the American people more clearly on the difference between Democrats and Republicans." --House Demo Leader Nancy Pelosi, sometimes called "San Fran Nan," suggesting the Demo losses are really the people's fault -- for not understanding the marvelous "progressive" utopia Demos are plotting for them
"This is the best election night in history." --Democrat National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, 2 November 2004, just before 8pm EST
And, a final campaign comment from John Kerry, Freudian-slipping his way to political obscurity: "If you believe, as I do, that America's best days are ahead of us, then join me tomorrow and change the direction of America." (You might want to read that one again slowly.)
Judicial Benchmarks...
The Supreme Court is the only branch of the federal government not subject to the madness of campaigning and electioneering that the legislative and the executive must periodically succumb to (though Thomas Jefferson would have preferred they be). But you can bet that politics and campaigns do have an affect on the judicial branch.
This year's presidential campaign didn't put too much emphasis on Supreme Court appointments, anywhere between one and four of which are likely to be made in the next four years. But the subject is now rising to the top of the post-election haze. Chief Justice William Rehnquist is undergoing chemotherapy for thyroid cancer, and it is increasingly likely that Bush will soon be mulling over a replacement.
If the Demo-obstruction of Bush's well-qualified federal judicial appointments is any indication of things to come, there may be a significant partisan fight on the horizon. It stands to reason that at the moment when Bush offers once again to reach across the divide and pledges to unite the nation -- his opponents will shun his offer and prepare to hunker down for battle. The more things change....
And last...
The Michael Mooron-icized Democrats have been continuing to MoveOn further Left in this election cycle. Indeed, these far-Left nuts have become the mainstream in the party. Unfortunately for them, this doesn't bode well for Democrats seeking national office. Twenty-seven House and Senate candidates were endorsed by MoveOn PAC in this year's election. Only five managed to claim victory: Melissa Bean in Illinois's Eighth District; Sen. Patty Murray of Washington won re-election; John Salazar won in Colorado's Third District, an open seat; Ken Salazar defeated Republican beer magnate Pete Coors for Colorado's open Senate seat; and Allyson Schwartz won Pennsylvania's open seat in District 13. That means candidates endorsed by MoveOn went 5-22, a pretty lousy batting average of .185! The moral of the story? If you're thinking of running for national office, fellow Patriots, try to square off with a MoveOn candidate. Your chances will increase dramatically!
http://FederalistPatriot.US/subscribe/
The Blame Game
Only three days after a bitter defeat word comes that John Kerry is blaming everyone but himself for the defeat.
Kerry blames Teresa for being Teresa. He blames John McCain for not being his running mate. He blames most of the campaign staff for being a campaign staff. He blames Clinton for having heart bypass surgery (How dare you Bill!). There is, however one person you forgot Senator . . YOU!.
You built your campaign on attacking the President. You had no plan, no vision for the country, and you continually ran away from your dismal record in the Senate. No, Senator, the only person to blame is you. You set the attack agenda, you pursued the attack agenda, and YOU lost the election.
Times Online - World
Kerry blames Teresa for being Teresa. He blames John McCain for not being his running mate. He blames most of the campaign staff for being a campaign staff. He blames Clinton for having heart bypass surgery (How dare you Bill!). There is, however one person you forgot Senator . . YOU!.
You built your campaign on attacking the President. You had no plan, no vision for the country, and you continually ran away from your dismal record in the Senate. No, Senator, the only person to blame is you. You set the attack agenda, you pursued the attack agenda, and YOU lost the election.
Times Online - World
Tidbits - 11/5/04
There is a story that Alan Keyes, Republican candidate for the Senate seat in Illinois, has refused to congratulate Barack Obama. Keyes says that it would be a "false gesture." Sorry, Alan, being a sore loser is not the Chicago Way.
Here are some interesting items.
+Tuesday's election saw eleven states reject gay marriage. Now it's time for the lawsuits. The first one is being filed in Oklahoma.
Shouldn't the will of the people outweigh the will of the attorneys?
First Lawsuit Filed to Overturn Voter-Approved Marriage Amendments -- 11/04/2004
+What will the US Senate be like without Tom Daschle? Will the new Democratic Leader be less of an obstructionist? Will the Senate still be a "dead zone" for judicial nominees and important bills like energy? Will 55 Republicans make a difference?
These are all good questions that will be answered very soon as the 109th Congress convenes in January. What happens, in large part, depends on Senator Majority Leader, Bill Frist, will he push the Bush agenda hard or will he allow the Democrats to filibuster their way through Bush's second term?
With a serious defeat on Tuesday, the Democrats should look toward their future as a party and wonder where everything went wrong. If they continue on their past road with Daschle, the 2006 mid-term election could garner enough lost seats in the Senate to guarantee no filibusters. So, a warning to the Senate Democrats, play ball or enjoy retirement.
OpinionJournal - Scene & Heard
More later.
Here are some interesting items.
+Tuesday's election saw eleven states reject gay marriage. Now it's time for the lawsuits. The first one is being filed in Oklahoma.
Shouldn't the will of the people outweigh the will of the attorneys?
First Lawsuit Filed to Overturn Voter-Approved Marriage Amendments -- 11/04/2004
+What will the US Senate be like without Tom Daschle? Will the new Democratic Leader be less of an obstructionist? Will the Senate still be a "dead zone" for judicial nominees and important bills like energy? Will 55 Republicans make a difference?
These are all good questions that will be answered very soon as the 109th Congress convenes in January. What happens, in large part, depends on Senator Majority Leader, Bill Frist, will he push the Bush agenda hard or will he allow the Democrats to filibuster their way through Bush's second term?
With a serious defeat on Tuesday, the Democrats should look toward their future as a party and wonder where everything went wrong. If they continue on their past road with Daschle, the 2006 mid-term election could garner enough lost seats in the Senate to guarantee no filibusters. So, a warning to the Senate Democrats, play ball or enjoy retirement.
OpinionJournal - Scene & Heard
More later.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Swiftvets' cause might live on
The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth may not be done. The group's highly successful ad campaign did help the Presidnet win the elction, but according to Jerome Corsi there are still some unanswered questions about Kerry's Vietnam record.
Questions about Kerry's discharge, his medals, and his conduct after the war are still high on Corsi's list.
WorldNetDaily: Swiftvets' cause might live on
Questions about Kerry's discharge, his medals, and his conduct after the war are still high on Corsi's list.
WorldNetDaily: Swiftvets' cause might live on
Arnold Watch
Since there is a slight possibility that Congress will pas a law that will allow foreign-born naturalized citizens to run for President, it might be fun to watch one of the possible front-runners in the '08 campaign, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Once he called Democrat leaders in the California legislature "girlie men," today he called the democrat leadership "losers." He was referring, he says, the their attempts to win tax increases in various parts of the state.
Yahoo! News - Schwarzenegger Calls Calif. Dems 'Losers'
Once he called Democrat leaders in the California legislature "girlie men," today he called the democrat leadership "losers." He was referring, he says, the their attempts to win tax increases in various parts of the state.
Yahoo! News - Schwarzenegger Calls Calif. Dems 'Losers'
Tidbits - 11/04/04
Democrats and Republicans are already discussing changes. The Democrats are entering a phase of soul-searching to discover how they loss a winnable election.
On the Republicans side there is speculation on who will continue in a second Bush Administration. Conjecture has both Colin Powell and John Ashcroft leaving sometime in January. While I will not miss Powell, Ashcroft will be a big loss for the Administration. I suspect that Bush may nominate Rudy Giuliani for Attorney General.
Giuliani was a Federal prosecutor before becoming mayor and would be an easy nomination to get through the Judiciary Committee. It would also give the American Public a chance to see Giuliani in a different role. This would poise him to be a solid choice for the Presidential nomination in 2008.
Here are some other interesting stories.
+The New York Times has begun fueling speculation on the Democratic nominee in 2008. Their favorite, naturally, is Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The New York Times > New York Region > 2008 Contender: For the Moment, Mrs. Clinton Looks Like the Candidate to Beat
+Now that Tom Daschle is gone, who will be the new obstructionist for judicial nominations? I t may be Republican Senator Arlen Spector (R-PA). Spector who will take the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee in January sent a letter to the White House "warning" the President about his nominees.
Spector who claims he has standards warned against sending nominees to the committee who will overturn Roe v Wade.
It is likely that in the new term President Bush will have the opportunity to nominate 3 justices to the high court. With the re-election of Bush ailing Chief Justice Rehnquist may look favorably upon retirement.
HoustonChronicle.com - Specter warns Bush on high court nominations
More later.
On the Republicans side there is speculation on who will continue in a second Bush Administration. Conjecture has both Colin Powell and John Ashcroft leaving sometime in January. While I will not miss Powell, Ashcroft will be a big loss for the Administration. I suspect that Bush may nominate Rudy Giuliani for Attorney General.
Giuliani was a Federal prosecutor before becoming mayor and would be an easy nomination to get through the Judiciary Committee. It would also give the American Public a chance to see Giuliani in a different role. This would poise him to be a solid choice for the Presidential nomination in 2008.
Here are some other interesting stories.
+The New York Times has begun fueling speculation on the Democratic nominee in 2008. Their favorite, naturally, is Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The New York Times > New York Region > 2008 Contender: For the Moment, Mrs. Clinton Looks Like the Candidate to Beat
+Now that Tom Daschle is gone, who will be the new obstructionist for judicial nominations? I t may be Republican Senator Arlen Spector (R-PA). Spector who will take the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee in January sent a letter to the White House "warning" the President about his nominees.
Spector who claims he has standards warned against sending nominees to the committee who will overturn Roe v Wade.
It is likely that in the new term President Bush will have the opportunity to nominate 3 justices to the high court. With the re-election of Bush ailing Chief Justice Rehnquist may look favorably upon retirement.
HoustonChronicle.com - Specter warns Bush on high court nominations
More later.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
One More Item From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
Let's see. First, Walter Cronkite said that Karl Rove worked closely with Osama bin Laden in the production of the latest tape. Poor Walter.
Now, the propaganda minister for the Kerry campaign, Dan Rather, says that Karl Rove controls the "bloggers." Poor Dan. Retirement is looking better isn't it Dan.
From the Kerry Spot . . .
LAST NIGHT, RATHER SAID ROVE CONTROLS THE BLOGS
From RatherBiased.com:
If you are a blogger who supports President Bush, you may not be aware that your site is really an extension of the Bush-Cheney campaign. Dan Rather broke the news early this morning at 4:07 ET.
"The secretary of state in Ohio says, we're not going to have another Florida, we will count all of those votes no matter how long it takes. It might take as much as a week. We'll simply have to wait and see. Ed Bradley, you did before saying clearly advantage Bush in Ohio, very hard to put the figures together and see how John Kerry can win.
"That being the case, one would expect that the blogging machine, which the White House and Bush-Kerry [sic] campaign have used to such strong advantage for any number of purposes over their four years will start, if it hasn't started already, a campaign to say Kerry and Edwards for the good of the country need to concede."
Dan Rather knows a thing or too about the collective power of blogs and the Internet but to make such a statement is preposterous. Looks like he's still stuck in 1974.
Bradley all but agreed with Dan:
"I'm sure it started already."
Rather agrees with Bradley's assent: "Right."
"If we could tune in to the internet right here you'd see people were saying that. That's certainly what the White House, the drum the White House is beating. We heard that from the two Republican senators in Ohio that he should concede at this point because from their experience, the lead is too large for him to overcome in Ohio. But as Bob Schieffer pointed out the mistake that the Gore people felt that they made was that they gave in too early."
These sound like the words of a man who has nightmarish visions of furious Pajamahadeen warriors when he closes his eyes at night.
Say goodnight, Dan. Say goodbye, Walter.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
Now, the propaganda minister for the Kerry campaign, Dan Rather, says that Karl Rove controls the "bloggers." Poor Dan. Retirement is looking better isn't it Dan.
From the Kerry Spot . . .
LAST NIGHT, RATHER SAID ROVE CONTROLS THE BLOGS
From RatherBiased.com:
If you are a blogger who supports President Bush, you may not be aware that your site is really an extension of the Bush-Cheney campaign. Dan Rather broke the news early this morning at 4:07 ET.
"The secretary of state in Ohio says, we're not going to have another Florida, we will count all of those votes no matter how long it takes. It might take as much as a week. We'll simply have to wait and see. Ed Bradley, you did before saying clearly advantage Bush in Ohio, very hard to put the figures together and see how John Kerry can win.
"That being the case, one would expect that the blogging machine, which the White House and Bush-Kerry [sic] campaign have used to such strong advantage for any number of purposes over their four years will start, if it hasn't started already, a campaign to say Kerry and Edwards for the good of the country need to concede."
Dan Rather knows a thing or too about the collective power of blogs and the Internet but to make such a statement is preposterous. Looks like he's still stuck in 1974.
Bradley all but agreed with Dan:
"I'm sure it started already."
Rather agrees with Bradley's assent: "Right."
"If we could tune in to the internet right here you'd see people were saying that. That's certainly what the White House, the drum the White House is beating. We heard that from the two Republican senators in Ohio that he should concede at this point because from their experience, the lead is too large for him to overcome in Ohio. But as Bob Schieffer pointed out the mistake that the Gore people felt that they made was that they gave in too early."
These sound like the words of a man who has nightmarish visions of furious Pajamahadeen warriors when he closes his eyes at night.
Say goodnight, Dan. Say goodbye, Walter.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
Oh Canada
Democrats and other disappointed liberal looking for a haven to hide during the next Bush administration should look someplace other than Canada.
Canadian Immigration officials say that you just can't come and live there. Potential immigrants are required to fill out forms, state a reason for coming to Canada and stand in line like everyone else. The process can take up to a year.
US News Article | Reuters.com
Canadian Immigration officials say that you just can't come and live there. Potential immigrants are required to fill out forms, state a reason for coming to Canada and stand in line like everyone else. The process can take up to a year.
US News Article | Reuters.com
The New York Times > Opinion > Editorial: Waiting for a President
Apparently the New York Times editorial board did not get the memo from the Kerry campaign.
Hey guys, it's over. You lost.
The New York Times > Opinion > Editorial: Waiting for a President
Hey guys, it's over. You lost.
The New York Times > Opinion > Editorial: Waiting for a President
Victim Spots Attacker On NBC Show - November 3, 2004
What now NBC? A suspect in a 2003 rape of a Californiua woman has been found. He was found on the NBC reality program Blind Date.
The victim in the case identified Ulrick Kevin White, 31, while watching the program. She heard someone use his nickname and looked on the website for confirmation. Police have been looking for White in connection with the case for a year.
Nice screening job NBC?
Victim Spots Attacker On NBC Show - November 3, 2004
The victim in the case identified Ulrick Kevin White, 31, while watching the program. She heard someone use his nickname and looked on the website for confirmation. Police have been looking for White in connection with the case for a year.
Nice screening job NBC?
Victim Spots Attacker On NBC Show - November 3, 2004
Election Reflections
Bush Wins! Bush Wins!
Yes, it is true. Kerry has conceded the election and the nation moves forward with a second Bush term. One of the biggest surprises was the popular vote. It did not quite reach the 120 million predicted by the Democrats and the liberal media, but it was the largest number of votes for a President, even Ronald Reagan. It is a great victory for Bush and I am sure a bitter defeat for John Kerry and the Democrats.
There will be some changes at the DNC. I predict that Terry MacAuliffe is out by the end of the year or sooner. He has failed in two Presidential and one mid-term election. Perhaps, Hillary Clinton will put him on her campaign staff.
Once the Democrats reorganize and find out what they stand for, the race for 2008 will begin. If you watched the campaign and the rhetoric, it was hard to discover what the Democrats stood for. The Kerry campaign was highly negative and did more attacking than explaining of policy. That is possibly one of the major reasons for the defeat.
It was a close race, no doubt, and the campaign for 2008 starts today. Who will run for the Democrats? Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Tom Vislick are names most mentioned. It is, however, Hillary's nomination to lose. If you can really talk about this early.
I must tip my hat to Kerry and his concession speech. He was honest with his assessment. His call for unity was, I believe, genuine. It will be interesting to see what happens when he returns to the Senate.
John Edwards is a different matter. For a brief moment, I thought Edwards was going to announce that he would fight for a Kerry Victory no matter what Kerry wanted. He was angry and upset. I will not miss John Edwards.
Now that the campaign and election is over, what will happen here. We will continue to look for media bias and problems. We will continue to criticize Democrats, liberal, and Republicans who do foolish things.
What will I miss?
I will miss the Kerry Spot and Battlegrounders on National Review Online. They provided links and interesting information for this blog. I hope all the cheeses, bug & medium, survive.
I will miss trying to find a national newscast that is merely a cheerleader for the Kerry campaign. I guess they will be cheering for some other liberal cause.
What I won't miss!
I won't miss Dan Rather. I am certain that following the dismal ratings for CBS' election coverage that Rather will NOT be the anchor during the 2008 campaign and maybe not for the 2006 mid-term elections. Rather's contract runs out in 2006.
I will not miss Sarah Edwards and her insulting demeanor toward the Cheney family. The only shame the Cheney family feels is for you Mrs. Edwards.
I will not miss the Heinz son who may be the real "coke head."
I will not moss Teresa Heinz-Kerry. Hopefully she will return to her quiet life of running a foundation and finding loopholes in the tax law. Heinz-Kerry is one of the biggest reasons to reorganize or abolish the IRS.
Finally, I will not miss Tom Daschle. The voters of South Dakota made the correct move. Daschle was the head obstructionist in the Senate. Without Daschle, it is possible that the Senate will be able to work together in a bi-partisan way. What am I saying? I forgot Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Dick Durbin, and Hillary Clinton are still there.
It has been a long campaign season and the next one starts . . . tomorrow.
Yes, it is true. Kerry has conceded the election and the nation moves forward with a second Bush term. One of the biggest surprises was the popular vote. It did not quite reach the 120 million predicted by the Democrats and the liberal media, but it was the largest number of votes for a President, even Ronald Reagan. It is a great victory for Bush and I am sure a bitter defeat for John Kerry and the Democrats.
There will be some changes at the DNC. I predict that Terry MacAuliffe is out by the end of the year or sooner. He has failed in two Presidential and one mid-term election. Perhaps, Hillary Clinton will put him on her campaign staff.
Once the Democrats reorganize and find out what they stand for, the race for 2008 will begin. If you watched the campaign and the rhetoric, it was hard to discover what the Democrats stood for. The Kerry campaign was highly negative and did more attacking than explaining of policy. That is possibly one of the major reasons for the defeat.
It was a close race, no doubt, and the campaign for 2008 starts today. Who will run for the Democrats? Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Tom Vislick are names most mentioned. It is, however, Hillary's nomination to lose. If you can really talk about this early.
I must tip my hat to Kerry and his concession speech. He was honest with his assessment. His call for unity was, I believe, genuine. It will be interesting to see what happens when he returns to the Senate.
John Edwards is a different matter. For a brief moment, I thought Edwards was going to announce that he would fight for a Kerry Victory no matter what Kerry wanted. He was angry and upset. I will not miss John Edwards.
Now that the campaign and election is over, what will happen here. We will continue to look for media bias and problems. We will continue to criticize Democrats, liberal, and Republicans who do foolish things.
What will I miss?
I will miss the Kerry Spot and Battlegrounders on National Review Online. They provided links and interesting information for this blog. I hope all the cheeses, bug & medium, survive.
I will miss trying to find a national newscast that is merely a cheerleader for the Kerry campaign. I guess they will be cheering for some other liberal cause.
What I won't miss!
I won't miss Dan Rather. I am certain that following the dismal ratings for CBS' election coverage that Rather will NOT be the anchor during the 2008 campaign and maybe not for the 2006 mid-term elections. Rather's contract runs out in 2006.
I will not miss Sarah Edwards and her insulting demeanor toward the Cheney family. The only shame the Cheney family feels is for you Mrs. Edwards.
I will not miss the Heinz son who may be the real "coke head."
I will not moss Teresa Heinz-Kerry. Hopefully she will return to her quiet life of running a foundation and finding loopholes in the tax law. Heinz-Kerry is one of the biggest reasons to reorganize or abolish the IRS.
Finally, I will not miss Tom Daschle. The voters of South Dakota made the correct move. Daschle was the head obstructionist in the Senate. Without Daschle, it is possible that the Senate will be able to work together in a bi-partisan way. What am I saying? I forgot Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Dick Durbin, and Hillary Clinton are still there.
It has been a long campaign season and the next one starts . . . tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
House ready for 269-269=The Hill.com=
What would happen if the Electoral College was tied 269-269? Although rare and improbable, there are 30 ways this could happen.
If a tied Electoral College is thrown into the House for a decision, there are truly no rules that govern the process. Each state would receive 1 vote. Currently the GOP controls 30 state delegations. This would give President Bush the victory, or would it?
Currently, House GOP leaders are looking at creating rules that would govern the process. Could this happen, yes. Will it happen? Unlikely.
House ready for 269-269=The Hill.com=
If a tied Electoral College is thrown into the House for a decision, there are truly no rules that govern the process. Each state would receive 1 vote. Currently the GOP controls 30 state delegations. This would give President Bush the victory, or would it?
Currently, House GOP leaders are looking at creating rules that would govern the process. Could this happen, yes. Will it happen? Unlikely.
House ready for 269-269=The Hill.com=
Items FromThe Kerry Spot on National Review Online
FIRST REPORT FROM MIDDLE CHEESE
From Middle Cheese, who knows what senior GOP folks are saying:
The short version to GOP folks: Feel good. We're in good shape.
The final Battleground Poll showed Bush up 4.
Ohio is looking good - several polls broke last night for Bush, especially Zogby.
The Pennsylvania Republican Party is on top of all of the Philly voter fraud stuff - apparently seven voting machines had votes on them before voting began, amounting to thousands of votes! Legal action is being taken...
Exit polls will not be available for a couple of hours.
One more good sign: CBS/New York Times poll had Bush 51, Kerry 43 in early and absentee voting.
HOW THE GOP GET-OUT-THE-VOTE WORKS
If the GOP’s new and improved Get-Out-The-Vote system works as well as the early reports indicate, and it lives up to all of the hype, I will put it boldface type that I was a fool for ever doubting Ed Gillespie and Karl Rove.
This report from Kerry Spot reader Greg in Roswell, Georgia, gives a sense of just how organized this effort is, and how it might make the difference in tight races:
As for the GOTV effort, I volunteered yesterday for the GA Republican party. I remember reading months back (I think it might have even been on the Kerry Spot) someone was quoted as saying that while the Democrats knew the neighborhoods where there votes were, Karl Rove knew which block they were on. Well, let me tell you, every neighborhood that I went to, I was told which specific house to go to. At least in Georgia, they know where every individual Republican voter is. Here's how organized it was. I went to my County Republican headquarters and signed in. I told them I had about 3 hours, they had a specific set of packets that could be completed in 3 hours. The packet that I was given had detailed maps on which specific streets to go to. I was sent to heavily Democrat Decatur, GA. My list took me to specific houses. I would go down a street that was all Kedwards signs except for 1, and that was the house I had been sent to. They were extremely organized. I have a lot of confidence in the Republican GOTV effort. By the way, I turned every volunteer in the headquarters on to your site.
I know you've been getting lots of turnout updates, but here's three more. First, a little update on the happenings here in Georgia and second, via my brother, in Hillsborough County Florida and third through a friend in Pittsburgh. I live in a heavily Republican Suburb of Atlanta. The polling lines today are twice as long as I have ever seen them for a Presidential election. While this is not going to help with any more Electoral votes from GA, it is a reflection on how organized the GOTV program is and how motivated the Republicans are. I spoke to my brother who lives in a critical area of Florida in the Eastern Suburbs of Tampa in Hillsborough County. He said that turnout was so heavy that he had to leave and go to work. (He'll be back later in the day) His area has experienced significant growth in the past 4 years and that there was an article in Tampa paper about how all the growth in Tampa is in these suburban areas. He said turnout in his heavily Republican neighborhood is much heavier that the last Presidential election. Third, just got off the phone from a friend who lives in Pittsburgh. His district is about 60/40 republican/dark side. He said he normally breezes in early and is number 5 or so and votes in a few minutes. This year, he was #68 and it took 45 minutes.
Now, all of you readers who were e-mailing from the ledge of a skyscraper yesterday should hesitate before you do cartwheels. These accounts are anecdotal — and the Democrats have had an advantage in getting their votes out through unions and African-American churches for a long time.
BIG TURNOUT IN RURAL PA, MI, MN, WI
I don't want to put too much stock into the anecdotal reports I'm getting. I don't want to focus too much on the trees, and not enough on the forest.
Having said those caveats, it sounds like turnout in the rural districts and counties in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota is big. And maybe Wisconsin, too.
From Stephanie:
I vote at a Fire Hall in a small rural town in Pennsylvania... Bainbridge. I was there at 6:45 to cast my vote for President Bush. Along with about 100 other voters. This is amazing when you consider what a small area this polling location covers. After speaking with some of the old timers while waiting in line, this is unprecedented turnout.
From Frank:
I voted this morning in the Valley Forge area in the Philly suburbs. I got there around 9:20 (I've got a newborn and got a late start) and didn't vote until 10:45. Around 10:30 I overheard an election worker say they'd already had 1/3 of the total voters they had in 2000. I'd say my district tends Republican, but not heavily. One annoying thing was that the check-in process was split into three lines: A-G, H-O and P-Z. Unfortunately, the A-G book (mine) was twice as thick as the others, so my wait was longer than the last 2/3 of the alphabet. Bad planning.
The election workers expressed some concern that they'd have to shut voters out when the polls close at 8:00 pm. GOPers, don't wait until the last minute!!!!
From Mark:
I went to the polls at 7:30 in rural PA (Berks County). I waited 25 minutes to vote and was number 113. Heck, I remember going the last time in the evening and only being 150ish or so. The turnout in my precinct was high (at least in the morning).
And for variety, here is Tom in Minnesota:
I live in Blaine Minnesota. A working class suburb of Minneapolis that used to be Democratic but now is a Republican district. Turnout at my precinct was extremely heavy. We waited about a half hour in line.
Meanwhile, a friend, a Kerry supporter who lives in a very heavily Democratic area of South Minneapolis reported to me that she only had four people in front of her in line.
And Bryan in Minnesota:
I'm one of Rove's exurbanites outside of Minneapolis. Showed up at the poll at 6:30am (polls open at 7am) and the line was about 50 deep. By the time the polls opened, we estimated at least 250 in line. When I left after voting, the line was at least 150 and a pretty good traffic jam of cars trying to enter the parking lot. Much, much heavier than 2002 Coleman/Mondale election, which may not be an accurate barometer.
From Mike:
I live in Farmington Hills, Michigan which is in Southwest Oakland County. Its a rainy day but not too cold. I arrived at 9:00 am... It took about 35 minutes to vote and with what looked like an above average turnout, one of the volunteers told me that the wait was over an hour during the morning rush before people go to work.
The best thing I saw was a man who was about 30 with 2 small children getting his picture taken in line. He said that he had just become a US citizen and this was his first time voting! The pride on his face was obvious and everyone in line congratulated him. Watching this it really confirmed to me what a great and special country we live in.
UPDATE: From James in Wisconsin:
Wow, BIG turnout at my polling station in NE Wisconsin (Neenah to be specific), which is Bush country. I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes to vote in any previous election. This time, the line went out the building, all the way out to the sidewalk, and started going down the sidewalk, and it was continuing to grow the whole time I was there. It took almost an hour to get through the line. This looks good for Bush. The folks on the radio were saying election officials expect 75% turnout.
By the way, the vast majority of the people there looked like Bush people. You know, hunting caps, camo gear etc... The guy in front of me in line had a leather GOP jacket with a Bush button on it. He got all the way to the voting booth before they made him take it off. There was only one poll watcher there, and he was a Bush GOP guy.
The Kerry Spot also has a very good article on what to watch, and when, tonight as Election Coverage heats up.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
From Middle Cheese, who knows what senior GOP folks are saying:
The short version to GOP folks: Feel good. We're in good shape.
The final Battleground Poll showed Bush up 4.
Ohio is looking good - several polls broke last night for Bush, especially Zogby.
The Pennsylvania Republican Party is on top of all of the Philly voter fraud stuff - apparently seven voting machines had votes on them before voting began, amounting to thousands of votes! Legal action is being taken...
Exit polls will not be available for a couple of hours.
One more good sign: CBS/New York Times poll had Bush 51, Kerry 43 in early and absentee voting.
HOW THE GOP GET-OUT-THE-VOTE WORKS
If the GOP’s new and improved Get-Out-The-Vote system works as well as the early reports indicate, and it lives up to all of the hype, I will put it boldface type that I was a fool for ever doubting Ed Gillespie and Karl Rove.
This report from Kerry Spot reader Greg in Roswell, Georgia, gives a sense of just how organized this effort is, and how it might make the difference in tight races:
As for the GOTV effort, I volunteered yesterday for the GA Republican party. I remember reading months back (I think it might have even been on the Kerry Spot) someone was quoted as saying that while the Democrats knew the neighborhoods where there votes were, Karl Rove knew which block they were on. Well, let me tell you, every neighborhood that I went to, I was told which specific house to go to. At least in Georgia, they know where every individual Republican voter is. Here's how organized it was. I went to my County Republican headquarters and signed in. I told them I had about 3 hours, they had a specific set of packets that could be completed in 3 hours. The packet that I was given had detailed maps on which specific streets to go to. I was sent to heavily Democrat Decatur, GA. My list took me to specific houses. I would go down a street that was all Kedwards signs except for 1, and that was the house I had been sent to. They were extremely organized. I have a lot of confidence in the Republican GOTV effort. By the way, I turned every volunteer in the headquarters on to your site.
I know you've been getting lots of turnout updates, but here's three more. First, a little update on the happenings here in Georgia and second, via my brother, in Hillsborough County Florida and third through a friend in Pittsburgh. I live in a heavily Republican Suburb of Atlanta. The polling lines today are twice as long as I have ever seen them for a Presidential election. While this is not going to help with any more Electoral votes from GA, it is a reflection on how organized the GOTV program is and how motivated the Republicans are. I spoke to my brother who lives in a critical area of Florida in the Eastern Suburbs of Tampa in Hillsborough County. He said that turnout was so heavy that he had to leave and go to work. (He'll be back later in the day) His area has experienced significant growth in the past 4 years and that there was an article in Tampa paper about how all the growth in Tampa is in these suburban areas. He said turnout in his heavily Republican neighborhood is much heavier that the last Presidential election. Third, just got off the phone from a friend who lives in Pittsburgh. His district is about 60/40 republican/dark side. He said he normally breezes in early and is number 5 or so and votes in a few minutes. This year, he was #68 and it took 45 minutes.
Now, all of you readers who were e-mailing from the ledge of a skyscraper yesterday should hesitate before you do cartwheels. These accounts are anecdotal — and the Democrats have had an advantage in getting their votes out through unions and African-American churches for a long time.
BIG TURNOUT IN RURAL PA, MI, MN, WI
I don't want to put too much stock into the anecdotal reports I'm getting. I don't want to focus too much on the trees, and not enough on the forest.
Having said those caveats, it sounds like turnout in the rural districts and counties in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota is big. And maybe Wisconsin, too.
From Stephanie:
I vote at a Fire Hall in a small rural town in Pennsylvania... Bainbridge. I was there at 6:45 to cast my vote for President Bush. Along with about 100 other voters. This is amazing when you consider what a small area this polling location covers. After speaking with some of the old timers while waiting in line, this is unprecedented turnout.
From Frank:
I voted this morning in the Valley Forge area in the Philly suburbs. I got there around 9:20 (I've got a newborn and got a late start) and didn't vote until 10:45. Around 10:30 I overheard an election worker say they'd already had 1/3 of the total voters they had in 2000. I'd say my district tends Republican, but not heavily. One annoying thing was that the check-in process was split into three lines: A-G, H-O and P-Z. Unfortunately, the A-G book (mine) was twice as thick as the others, so my wait was longer than the last 2/3 of the alphabet. Bad planning.
The election workers expressed some concern that they'd have to shut voters out when the polls close at 8:00 pm. GOPers, don't wait until the last minute!!!!
From Mark:
I went to the polls at 7:30 in rural PA (Berks County). I waited 25 minutes to vote and was number 113. Heck, I remember going the last time in the evening and only being 150ish or so. The turnout in my precinct was high (at least in the morning).
And for variety, here is Tom in Minnesota:
I live in Blaine Minnesota. A working class suburb of Minneapolis that used to be Democratic but now is a Republican district. Turnout at my precinct was extremely heavy. We waited about a half hour in line.
Meanwhile, a friend, a Kerry supporter who lives in a very heavily Democratic area of South Minneapolis reported to me that she only had four people in front of her in line.
And Bryan in Minnesota:
I'm one of Rove's exurbanites outside of Minneapolis. Showed up at the poll at 6:30am (polls open at 7am) and the line was about 50 deep. By the time the polls opened, we estimated at least 250 in line. When I left after voting, the line was at least 150 and a pretty good traffic jam of cars trying to enter the parking lot. Much, much heavier than 2002 Coleman/Mondale election, which may not be an accurate barometer.
From Mike:
I live in Farmington Hills, Michigan which is in Southwest Oakland County. Its a rainy day but not too cold. I arrived at 9:00 am... It took about 35 minutes to vote and with what looked like an above average turnout, one of the volunteers told me that the wait was over an hour during the morning rush before people go to work.
The best thing I saw was a man who was about 30 with 2 small children getting his picture taken in line. He said that he had just become a US citizen and this was his first time voting! The pride on his face was obvious and everyone in line congratulated him. Watching this it really confirmed to me what a great and special country we live in.
UPDATE: From James in Wisconsin:
Wow, BIG turnout at my polling station in NE Wisconsin (Neenah to be specific), which is Bush country. I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes to vote in any previous election. This time, the line went out the building, all the way out to the sidewalk, and started going down the sidewalk, and it was continuing to grow the whole time I was there. It took almost an hour to get through the line. This looks good for Bush. The folks on the radio were saying election officials expect 75% turnout.
By the way, the vast majority of the people there looked like Bush people. You know, hunting caps, camo gear etc... The guy in front of me in line had a leather GOP jacket with a Bush button on it. He got all the way to the voting booth before they made him take it off. There was only one poll watcher there, and he was a Bush GOP guy.
The Kerry Spot also has a very good article on what to watch, and when, tonight as Election Coverage heats up.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
Election Day Tidbits - 11/2/04
I hope that everybody who is eligible will vote today. I also hope that those who are ineligible or filed fraudulent registration cards stay away from the polls. This is too important to allow political operatives with an inappropriate agenda to cause problems with the count.
Now for some interesting items.
+Tires Slashed on GOP Vans in Wisconsin
(CNSNews.com) - Republicans reportedly plan to file a formal complaint Tuesday about an apparent effort to keep Bush supporters away from Milwaukee-area polls. Wire reports said someone slashed the tires of 30 vans Republicans had rented as part of their get-out-the-vote effort. The vandalism happened outside Republican headquarters in downtown Milwaukee, press reports said.
Vote Fraud in Philadelphia? Maybe Not, DA Says
(CNSNews.com) - Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham is casting doubt on reports that electronic voting machines recorded hundreds, maybe thousands, of votes -- before the polls opened in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Abraham was quoted as saying that the machines have two counters, one of which records the number of votes cast during the lifetime of the machine. She said that "lifetime" number apparently confused some poll workers, who erroneously thought it indicated votes cast on Election Day. Philadelphia Mayor John Street said he's concluded that "it would have been impossible" for anyone to have cast votes before the polls opened. He said reports of the vote fraud were false and malicious and "calculated to create confusion." Speaking on Fox News, Mayor Street called the incident an attempt to "cast a cloud over this election in preparation for what might be legal action at the end of the day. I believe that this could not have been an honest mistake."
+Bush Leads in Midnight NH Voting
(CNSNews.com) - The first Election Day votes were cast moments after midnight in two small New Hampshire communities, and the final vote tally shows President Bush leading Sen. John F. Kerry, 35 votes to 21. In tiny Dixville Notch, President Bush won 19 votes to Kerry's 7; and in Hart's Location, it was 16 votes for Bush, 14 for Kerry and one for Ralph Nader. In 2000, both communities backed Bush over Democrat Al Gore. The Bush victory gives Republicans bragging rights until the rest of the nation's votes are counted.
I understand that this small New Hampshire town plays an important role in the Primary, but I am not sure of its roll in a General Election. If this trend continues, the pollsters were completely wrong about New Hampshire or respondents lied to pollsters.
+Republicans Warn of Democrats' Election-Day Shenanigans
(CNSNews.com) - Brace yourselves for the Democrats' "Election Day litigation strategy," the Republican National Committee is warning American voters. As soon as the polls open Tuesday morning, the 10,000-plus lawyers retained by Democrats "will systematically file litigation to change the rules in battleground states across the nation" -- to "create a sense of chaos," the RNC said in a statement. According to the RNC, Democrats will argue that every provisional ballot should be counted -- despite questions about their legality and voter registration fraud. Republicans say the Democrats' Election Day litigation strategy has three primary objectives.
Republicans Warn of Democrats' Election-Day Shenanigans -- 11/02/2004
+Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has refused to uphold a lower court ruling to abolish "challengers" from polling places. Stevens believes he has the power to do so, but has faith in elected officials and poll workers to responsibly to their job in screening voters.
Democrats believe that GOP challengers will attempt to suppress the vote. The GOP says that an Ohio law allows challengers. According to that law challenges must be made on Election Day.
GOP May Put Vote Challengers in Ohio Polling Places -- 11/02/2004
More later.
Now for some interesting items.
+Tires Slashed on GOP Vans in Wisconsin
(CNSNews.com) - Republicans reportedly plan to file a formal complaint Tuesday about an apparent effort to keep Bush supporters away from Milwaukee-area polls. Wire reports said someone slashed the tires of 30 vans Republicans had rented as part of their get-out-the-vote effort. The vandalism happened outside Republican headquarters in downtown Milwaukee, press reports said.
Vote Fraud in Philadelphia? Maybe Not, DA Says
(CNSNews.com) - Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham is casting doubt on reports that electronic voting machines recorded hundreds, maybe thousands, of votes -- before the polls opened in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Abraham was quoted as saying that the machines have two counters, one of which records the number of votes cast during the lifetime of the machine. She said that "lifetime" number apparently confused some poll workers, who erroneously thought it indicated votes cast on Election Day. Philadelphia Mayor John Street said he's concluded that "it would have been impossible" for anyone to have cast votes before the polls opened. He said reports of the vote fraud were false and malicious and "calculated to create confusion." Speaking on Fox News, Mayor Street called the incident an attempt to "cast a cloud over this election in preparation for what might be legal action at the end of the day. I believe that this could not have been an honest mistake."
+Bush Leads in Midnight NH Voting
(CNSNews.com) - The first Election Day votes were cast moments after midnight in two small New Hampshire communities, and the final vote tally shows President Bush leading Sen. John F. Kerry, 35 votes to 21. In tiny Dixville Notch, President Bush won 19 votes to Kerry's 7; and in Hart's Location, it was 16 votes for Bush, 14 for Kerry and one for Ralph Nader. In 2000, both communities backed Bush over Democrat Al Gore. The Bush victory gives Republicans bragging rights until the rest of the nation's votes are counted.
I understand that this small New Hampshire town plays an important role in the Primary, but I am not sure of its roll in a General Election. If this trend continues, the pollsters were completely wrong about New Hampshire or respondents lied to pollsters.
+Republicans Warn of Democrats' Election-Day Shenanigans
(CNSNews.com) - Brace yourselves for the Democrats' "Election Day litigation strategy," the Republican National Committee is warning American voters. As soon as the polls open Tuesday morning, the 10,000-plus lawyers retained by Democrats "will systematically file litigation to change the rules in battleground states across the nation" -- to "create a sense of chaos," the RNC said in a statement. According to the RNC, Democrats will argue that every provisional ballot should be counted -- despite questions about their legality and voter registration fraud. Republicans say the Democrats' Election Day litigation strategy has three primary objectives.
Republicans Warn of Democrats' Election-Day Shenanigans -- 11/02/2004
+Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has refused to uphold a lower court ruling to abolish "challengers" from polling places. Stevens believes he has the power to do so, but has faith in elected officials and poll workers to responsibly to their job in screening voters.
Democrats believe that GOP challengers will attempt to suppress the vote. The GOP says that an Ohio law allows challengers. According to that law challenges must be made on Election Day.
GOP May Put Vote Challengers in Ohio Polling Places -- 11/02/2004
More later.
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