http://www.citizensugar.com/ Breaking News, Together. en http://www.citizensugar.com/2540483 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/a6b6b84356e0efe9_83566134.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center xlarger" height="267" width="400"></span></p> <ul> <li><b>Senate</b>: <a href="http://donklephant.com/2008/11/26/minnesota-board-rejects-frankens-absentee-appeal/" target="_blank">Supermajority dream beginning to fade? Minnesota board rejects Al Franken's absentee appeal.</a> — Donklephant</li> <li><b>Obama</b>: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/26/obama-defends-cabinet-the_n_146648.html" target="_blank">Is Obama bringing change to the cabinet? President-elect tells reporter that "the change will come from me."</a> – Huffington Post</li> <li><b>Liberals</b>: <a href="http://www.236.com/video/2008/liberal_ad_thank_you_sarah_pal_10439.php" target="_blank">This one is a joke? Liberal ad says thank you, Sarah Palin.</a> — 23/6</li> <li><b>Race</b>: <a href="http://townhall.com/blog/g/bacea92a-efa4-4c73-ae21-b4077826d5ee" target="_blank">Fear of "race card" accusations handcuffed McCain campaign? Advisers describe an environment of overwhelming caution.</a> — Townhall</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2540483#comment Al Franken Briefing Book Democrats Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:30:18 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2540483 http://www.citizensugar.com/2537886 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2537886"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2537886',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2537886');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/e0ed23648e62b431_Barack-Obama.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="369" width="300"></span>Speaking about uncertain economic times at a press conference today, President-elect Barack Obama <a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/11/obama_i_dont_think_theres_any.php" target="_blank">said one thing's for certain</a>: He has a mandate. Obama explained: <blockquote>We had, I think, a decisive win, because of the extraordinary desire for change on the part of the American people. And so I don't think there is any question that we have a mandate to move the country in a new direction, and not continue the same old practices that have gotten us into the fix that we're in.</p></blockquote> <p>Despite his confidence that he has the political capital to change the country's course, Obama also said he realizes a large portion of the country voted for John McCain and that "wisdom is not the monopoly of any one party." Do you agree with Obama's bold statement that Americans support his agenda for change?</p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2537886" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Does Barack Obama Have a Mandate? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yay! Almost every American thinks the country's on the wrong track. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Nay. Almost 50 percent of Americans disagree with his liberal agenda. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2537886" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2537886#comment Barack Obama Citizen Poll Democrats Yay or Nay Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:30:16 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2537886 http://www.citizensugar.com/2512218 <p>Joe Lieberman used up another one of his political lives, after Senate Democrats <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/18/lieberman-keeps-committee_n_144625.html" target="_blank">voted today to let him keep his chairmanship</a> of the Homeland Security Committee. The 2004 Democratic VP nominee, turned defeated primary candidate, turned independent senator <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1879924" >delivered some hard punches</a> against Barack Obama during the presidential campaign, on behalf of his Republican friend John McCain.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/7d5350cb3efc1a0c_Lieberman.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="393" width="550"></span><br /> Instead of truly punishing Lieberman by <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2471806" >stripping him of the crucial post</a>, the Democratic caucus, including newly elected senators, voted to remove him from chair of the less-important Environmental Public Works Committee, a symbolic gesture.</p> <p>The 42-13 vote for Lieberman today proved that independence from the party won't cost you power. Do you think the decision to keep Lieberman in power was a signal of a postpartisan era to come, or a rejection of the American people who voted for change? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2512218#comment Congress Democrats Headline Joe Lieberman Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:30:28 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2512218 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2486156 <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/10/dean-prepares-to-step-dow_n_142614.html" target="_blank">Howard Dean Prepares to Step Down As DNC Chair</a> After four years at the helm of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean is preparing to relinquish his chairmanship.</p> <p>Dean, who has been serving in the post since 2005, has said in the past that he would serve only one term, though his successful work with the Obama campaign had led some Democrats to wonder whether he would stay on into the next administration. This won't be the case, officials at the DNC confirm. He will serve as chair until his term ends in January. </p> http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2486156#comment aside Democrats Howard Dean Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:20:10 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2486156 http://www.citizensugar.com/2474088 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/45_2008/1958560c92d8a23a_Gun-Shopping-Spree.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="213" width="320"></span>Making sure to exercise their Second Amendment rights before it's too late, firearm fans have gone on a shopping spree. Gun shop owners report record sales since Tuesday, suspecting that customers fear a Democratic federal government could curtail the right to bear arms with new gun control laws. In fact in October, there were 15 percent more background checks issued for new purchases. </p> <p>Barack Obama's stance on gun control shouldn't cause too much panic in the gun-carrying community. The <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2079076" >president-elect has said</a> that he "will protect the rights of hunters and other law-abiding Americans to purchase, own, transport, and use guns." He also believes the Second Amendment creates an individual right, just as the Supreme Court <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1739042" >decided earlier this year</a>. Even so, Obama does support national legislation against carrying concealed firearms, and he may reinstate the ban on semiautomatic assault weapons. </p> <p>If you're a gun enthusiast, do you feel like your rights will come under fire from the new Democratic leadership, or are you comforted by the fact that a lot of other problems might push gun control to the bottom of the agenda? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2474088#comment Democrats Guns Second Amendment Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:00:01 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2474088 http://www.citizensugar.com/2471806 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/45_2008/b876feac4813becd_lib.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="305"></span>Senator Joe Lieberman is a Democrat-turned-Independent who <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1799517" >supported Republican John McCain for president</a>. He caused an upset among Democrats during the campaign when he attacked Obama and met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid this week to discuss his role in the Democratic caucus, leaving many to wonder if Dems will capitalize on his bipartisanship or remain bitter about his choice of endorsement. </p> <p>The senator didn't say exactly what he and Reid talked about after the meeting, but according to <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/06/liberman.democrats/" target="_blank">CNN said</a>: </p> <blockquote><p>"The election is over, and I completely agree with President-elect [Barack] Obama that we must now unite to get our economy going again and to keep the American people safe. That is exactly what I intend to do with my colleagues here in the Senate in support of our new president. And those are the standards I will use in considering the options that I have before me."</p></blockquote> <p>Reid is quoted as saying he understands Lieberman has voted with Democrats a majority of the time, but that his comments and actions have raised "serious concerns." Prior to the election, 50 percent of CitizenSugar readers said <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1879924" >Lieberman is no longer reputable and would only help McCain's campaign as much as he helped Gore</a>. What do you think now — should Lieberman ask the Dems for forgiveness, and perhaps give up his powerful positions, or should he accept the Republican's <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/07/gop-leader-reaches-out-to_n_142122.html" target="_blank">offer to join their ranks</a>? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2471806#comment Democrats Joe Lieberman Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:00:10 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2471806 http://www.citizensugar.com/2467367 <p>Barack Obama <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27531033/" target="_blank">took the presidency tonight</a> after breakthrough wins in Ohio and Virginia. At 8 p.m. PST, as soon as the polls closed in California, Oregon and Washington, the networks called the election of President Barack Obama. Republican candidate John McCain suffered losses in Ohio, the state that narrowly gave President George W. Bush victory in 2004, but also in key states like Pennsylvania, Iowa and New Mexico.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/45_2008/21fb691c531a4517_obama.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="394" width="550"></span><br /> There are a number of Senate seats that have not yet been decided, and we will keep on top of that, but for now congratulations to the Democrats and Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2467367#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Democrats Election Night Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:12:32 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2467367 http://www.citizensugar.com/2380015 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/42_2008/ead2265a5de02785_200297958-001.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="315"></span>A controversial new study hints it may be possible to look at a room and figure out how that room's inhabitant is voting. Set to be published in the <b>Journal of Political Psychology</b> <a href="http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=organization-and-political-leanings" target="_blank">the study asserts</a> that empty pizza box is "behavioral residue" that points to "distinct cognitive inclinations" that sends liberals in the direction of ambiguity and intellectualism, and spins conservatives toward order. These inclinations "drive the way one leads one's life and displays one's life in their living and work spaces," says one of the study's authors. Here are the differences they've found — see if you buy their findings: </p> <p><b>Conservatives:</b></p> <ul> <li>Right-leaners often have spaces filled with calendars, postage stamps, laundry baskets, irons and sewing materials. Fun! Darning socks time! </p> <li>Their bedrooms and offices are well-lighted.</li> <li>They decorate with sports paraphernalia and flags — especially American ones.</li> <li>The study's authors say, "Conservatives have a need for order, for there not to be ambiguity. There you see that expressed by being more orderly, having more cleaning supplies, needing to have everything lined up and organized so that one feels one's environment is predictable and therefore safe."</li> </ul> <p>Curious about that messy room? To find out their findings on liberals, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2380015">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2380015#comment Democrats Republicans Science Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:00:14 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2380015 http://www.citizensugar.com/2377844 <p>If you're staying up to watch John McCain make his grand, and potentially awkward, <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2356925" >return to David Letterman tonight</a>, you should expect to hear seven jokes about McCain's party for each joke made about the Democrats. </p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_2378629"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so2378629 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so2378629.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so2378629.addVariable("file",'2378629.flv'); so2378629.addVariable('height', 328); so2378629.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/2378629.jpg'); so2378629.addVariable('width','400'); so2378629.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/citizensugar.png'); so2378629.write('player_2378629'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> <p>According to the Center For Media and Public Affairs, since McCain tapped Sarah Palin, 286 <a href="http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/16/late-night-comics-skewer-republicans-seven-study-finds/#" target="_blank">jokes have been made about the Republicans</a> by late-night comics compared to 42 about the Democrats. Even material-producing Joe Biden, set to appear on Leno tonight, doesn't find himself the butt of many jokes. I guess the availability of a Sarah Palin <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/SNL" >comedian look-alike</a> got Joe off the hook. </p> <p>Perhaps Republicans should take it as a compliment — maybe <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1788752" >they're just funnier</a> than Democrats! Do you think late-night skewering could help kick politicians out of power? </p> <p><a href="http://www.lateshow.cbs.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2377844#comment 2008 Presidential Election Comedy Democrats Headline Lighten Up Republicans Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:45:33 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2377844 http://www.citizensugar.com/2352887 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/42_2008/Bill-Clinton.xxlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center xxlarge" height="334" width="500"></span></p> <ul> <li><b>Democrats</b>: <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14511.html" target="_blank"> Stumping for the Democratic Party? Bill Clinton urges Virginia Democrats to not just elect Obama, but also to preserve the party.</a> — Politico</li> <li><b>Troops</b>: <a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/check-point-funding-the-troops/" target="_blank"> Need some straight talk? Factchecking the candidates' records on funding the troops.</a> — The Caucus</li> <li><b>China</b>: <a href="http://shanghaiist.com/2008/10/13/shanghai_matchmakers_promise_to_tel.php" target="_blank"> Over 100 matchmaking agencies in Shanghai? Shanghai Matchmaking Trade Association signs agreement promising to be honest to their customers.</a> — Shanghaiist</li> <li><b>Climate Change</b>: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josie-garthwaite/new-greenhouse-effect-glo_b_133709.html" target="_blank">Global Cooling? The new greenhouse effect.</a> — Huffington Post</li> <li><b>Terrorism</b>: <a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/mccain_declines_to_condemn_vir.php" target="_blank"> Needs more context? McCain declines to condemn Virginia Republican's comparison of Obama and Osama.</a> — Talking Points Memo</li> <li><b>McCain</b>: <a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/BurtPrelutsky/2008/10/13/if_i_were_john_mccain" target="_blank"> Should he skip the next debate? Advice for John McCain.</a> — Townhall <li></ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2352887#comment 2008 Presidential Election Bill Clinton Briefing Book Democrats Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:30:55 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2352887 http://www.citizensugar.com/2123591 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2123591"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2123591',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2123591');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/40_2008/Nader-2000.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="300" height="235"></span>When Gallup asked the public in 2003 whether America needed a third party, a majority opposed the idea. But asked again in 2007, the majority of both Democrats and Republicans, seemingly unsatisfied with the two-party system, welcomed more parties. </p> <p>Well again this year, Americans have <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/110764/Public-Divided-Need-Third-Party.aspx" target="_blank">changed their minds</a>. A majority of Democrats, 56 percent, and Republicans, 55 percent, think the two major parties are doing an adequate job and thus there is <i>no need</i> for another party to compete with them. Even though liberals support third parties the most at 51 percent, fewer liberals support third parties since the survey began five years ago. As for Independents, 63 percent want more parties . . . maybe the rest like being unrepresented?</p> <p>The two-party system can add to adversarial undertones in the US — if you're a Democrat or Republican, every leader is either for or against you. In fact, every affiliated person you meet is either on your team or the enemy. Perhaps multiple parties would simply lead to a more harmonious society. And of course, those with views that do not match those of the major parties would welcome competition, too.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2123591" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Does America Need More Political Parties?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes! Even if they don't get elected, important policies they advocate can be adopted. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Of course. How can voters truly be represented when there are only two choices? </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No way. Nothing will ever get accomplished — two camps can't even agree.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2123591" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2123591#comment Citizen Poll Citizen vs The Pollsters Democrats Republicans Third Parties Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:00:32 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2123591 http://www.citizensugar.com/1945307 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/36_2008/71888756.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="267"></span>It looks like McCain and Obama have at least one thing in common: they both see the value in grabbing the best person for the job, regardless of party. Taking a page from Lincoln's Cabinet of Rivals, McCain said on <b>Face the Nation</b> yesterday that he would definitely be <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jIcNGMXAI_mfJI4Eb-ZS_GHqGM5gD931HQFO1" target="_blank">putting Democrats in cabinet posts</a>. He said, "I don't know how many, but I can tell you, with all due respect to previous administrations, it is not going to be a single ... 'Well we have a Democrat now.' It's going to be the best people in America."</p> <p>The challenges of the modern times take all the Ds and Rs a president can get his hands on. McCain said, "So many of these problems we face — for example, energy independence, what's partisan about that? And I'll tell you, some of them, I'll ask to work for a dollar a year." Uh-oh Michael Bloomberg — I think he's talking about you.</p> <p>Think the all mixed up answer to government hasn't happened since Lincoln? Nope. William Cohen, a former Republican senator served as Clinton's defense secretary, and Democrat Norm Mineta was transportation secretary under President Bush. Schwarzenegger has <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1782901" >already said</a> he'd think about serving under Obama if asked — who would McCain pull in for his cabinet? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1945307#comment 2008 Presidential Election Democrats John McCain Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:00:03 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1945307 http://www.citizensugar.com/1886679 <p>Now that we're in the thick of convention season, the full drama of the general election waits right around the corner. But you don't have to be members of different parties to spark some fireworks. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama produced some impressive headlines during their battle for the Democratic nomination, and the Republicans fought a tough battle, too. If you're starting to forget everything that happened during the marathon primary, this quiz will help you jog your memory!</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/34_2008/78450919.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="358" width="550"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.getttyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1886679">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1886679#comment 2008 Presidential Election Democrats Quiz Nation Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:15:31 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1886679 http://www.citizensugar.com/1879924 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1879924"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1879924',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1879924');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/34_2008/72430284.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="390"></span>Independent Senator Joe Lieberman <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/20/joe-lieberman-will-speak_n_120067.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">will speak at the Republican National Convention</a>, where Lieberman's former rivals will nominate his good friend John McCain for president. And an even juicier rumor is floating around: the real Lieberman surprise might come as a slot on the ticket, not merely as a speaking slot at the convention. John McCain is <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12646.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">seriously considering Joe Lieberman</a> as his vice-presidential nominee.</p> <p>Let's get back the substantiated rumor that Lieberman will speak at the RNC. At first it seems a little odd that a senator who got the Democratic VP nod in 2000, ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, and still caucuses with the Senate Democrats will speak at the Republican's biggest party. But it's also no secret that some of Lieberman's stances veer to the right. He strongly supports the Iraq war and crossed the aisle to support McCain early on. </p> <p>A while back <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1799517/results" rel="nofollow">more of you thought Lieberman should speak</a> at the RNC than those who thought a speech would be the ultimate betrayal. Now that the speech is happening, how much of an advantage does it give John McCain? As an Orthodox Jew, Lieberman could help McCain in a swing state like Florida. Should McCain go all the way and tap the recovering Democrat as his VP?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1879924" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Lieberman to Speak at RNC! How Much Does He Help McCain?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Embracing Lieberman shows McCain can cross the aisle, and it will help with moderates.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Lieberman is no longer reputable. He'll help McCain as much as he helped Gore. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> McCain's asking for a GOP revolt. He needs to stay away from a pro-choice VP.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1879924" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/1879924#comment 2008 Presidential Election 2008 Republican National Convention Citizen Poll Democrats Joe Lieberman John McCain Poll Republicans Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1879924 http://www.citizensugar.com/1868427 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/33_2008/78793863.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="290"></span>The 2008 Democratic platform has some new, pro-life-friendly language. The party's 54-page platform, set to be approved in Denver, will have a special section devoted to motherhood. The Democratic Party will make it clear that it "strongly backs a woman's decision to carry a pregnancy to term."</p> <p>The Democrats don't believe the party's position on abortion has to fall squarely into one camp. The newly-framed abortion stance will be increasingly inclusive: abortion should be legal, but there should also be more programs for expectant mothers who want to keep their babies. A pastor, who identifies as an undecided pro-life Republican, helped the Democrats come up with the platform. He <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&amp;sid=a2nC1Wysvtg4" target="_blank">explained the significance like this</a>:<br /> <blockquote>Voters that this will win over are those that are looking for an excuse to vote for Obama.They just needed one signal that, if I vote for him, more babies can be saved than if we keep wrangling over whether Roe v. Wade is going to be overturned.</p></blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, John McCain has <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12542.html" target="_blank">alarmed his base</a> by suggesting he would pick a pro-choice VP. Do you think the Democrat's new platform makes room for Americans who oppose abortion, but want to support Obama for other reasons? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1868427#comment 2008 Presidential Election Abortion Barack Obama Democrats Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:15:13 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1868427 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1865113 <p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/14/us/14arkansas.html?hp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman Gwatney Killed In Shooting</a> A man barged into the Arkansas Democratic headquarters and opened fire Wednesday, fatally shooting the state party chairman before speeding off in his pickup. Police later shot and killed the suspect after a 30-mile chase. Police said they don't know the motive for the 51-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released. They said Chairman Bill Gwatney, 49, died four hours later at University Hospital in Little Rock after the midday shooting near the state Capitol.</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1865113#comment Arkansas aside Democrats Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:25:26 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1865113 http://www.citizensugar.com/1862151 <p>A clash of personalities unraveled Hillary Clinton's bid for the White House, according to <b>The Atlantic</b>, which <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200809/hillary-clinton-campaign" target="_blank">published internal Clinton camp emails and memos</a> last night. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/33_2008/71804800.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="300"></span><br /> One of the most astonishing communications came in March 2007, when Hillary Clinton's then-chief strategist Mark Penn authored an email that resembled a smear chain email, more than a strategy recommendation against a friendly primary opponent. Penn <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/a/green-penn-3-19-07.mhtml" target="_blank">wrote</a>:<br /> <blockquote>All of these articles about his boyhood in Indonesia and his life in Hawaii are geared toward showing his background is diverse, multicultural, and putting that in a new light. Save it for 2050. . . . It also exposes a very strong weakness for him — his roots to basic American values and culture are at best limited. I cannot imagine America electing a president during a time of war who is not at his center fundamentally American in his thinking and in his values.</p></blockquote> <p>Penn goes on to say that Hillary should own "American." To find out what he suggested, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1862151">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1862151#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Democrats Hillary Clinton Mark Penn Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:00:41 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1862151 http://www.citizensugar.com/1839508 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/31_2008/200236314-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="325"></span>Despite what the Germans might <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1810223" >lead us to believe</a>, last month <a href="http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/party_affiliation/partisan_trends" target="_blank">the number of Democrats fell</a> for the first time since January, hitting a number below 41 percent. Judging from the numbers of Democrats <a href="http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/party_affiliation/party_affiliation/summary_of_party_affiliation" target="_blank">reaching back to 2004</a>, is the Dems big peak behind them? The number of Republicans remained constant for the fourth straight month. </p> <p>Meanwhile, despite the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1829865" >mixed response from the ads</a> the McCain campaign released last week, they seem to have done the trick: <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iX2arGasws02Vc4yiVCrGG8AHP0gD92B2N400" target="_blank">Obama lost a nine percentage-point advantage</a>, leaving the candidates in a dead heat over the weekend, with the game tied at 44-all. Obama derided the ads on Saturday but stopped short of saying they were racist. He said, "In no way do I think John McCain's campaign was racist. I think they are cynical. Their team is good at creating distractions and engaging in negative attacks." </p> <p>Despite the seemingly negative reaction to the ads, are they responsible for the drop for Obama? Do these kinds of ads work whether people say they like them or not?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1839508#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Democrats John McCain Republicans Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:00:30 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1839508 http://www.citizensugar.com/1823883 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/31_2008/53509754_0.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="330"></span>A new report released by the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative states that consequences of climate change extend beyond environmental, and into issues of human rights, race, and class. The research group says that climate change is especially harmful to African Americans, and low-income individuals.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.ejcc.org/" target="_blank">report maintains</a>:<br /> <blockquote>"Though far less responsible for climate change, African-Americans are significantly more vulnerable to its effects than non-Hispanic whites. . . .African-Americans are also more vulnerable to higher energy bills, unemployment, recessions caused by global energy price shocks, and a greater economic burden from military operations designed to protect the flow of oil to the US."</p></blockquote> <p>Following the release of the report, Congressman James Clyburn, the House Majority Whip, reiterated the sentiment that climate change disproportionately impacts blacks. To find out what the Democratic leader, had to say </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1823883">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1823883#comment Climate Change Congress Democrats Race The Daily Planet Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:00:26 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1823883 http://www.citizensugar.com/1804358 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/30_2008/freeicedcoffeepage_04.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="300"></span>Each morning news anchors on Fox's Las Vegas affiliate <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/business/media/22adco.html?_r=1&amp;oref=slogin&amp;ref=business&amp;pagewanted=print" target="_blank">sit in front of very visible McDonald's iced coffee cups</a>, part of a product-placement deal. The fast-food chain sponsors the two-hour morning news-and-lifestyle segment, but instead of commercial breaks, the advertisement happens during the news. </p> <p>Since advertisement dollars already influence networks, I think the product-placement deal raises some old conflict of interest concerns. The producers say they would pull the cups if they had to report a negative story about McDonald's, just as they would pull a regular commercial. Still, the covertness of the promotion could deceive some viewers not aware that McDonald's paid for the cups' placement. </p> <p>To find out how political parties are incorporating product placement, and how the industry sees it, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1804358">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1804358#comment Democratic National Convention Democrats Headline Las Vegas McDonald's Media Product Placement Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:15:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1804358 http://www.citizensugar.com/1782901 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/28_2008/81265661.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="400"></span>Well, well what do we have here. California governor, actor, body builder, Kennedy spouse . . . and Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger, seems open to being President Barack Obama's "Energy Czar." </p> <p>When asked if he would consider leading Obama's energy programs, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/13/schwarzenegger-id-be-obam_n_112377.html" target="_blank">the Governator said</a>:</p> <blockquote><p>I take his call now, and I will take his call when he's president — any time. Remember, no matter who is president, I don't see this as a political thing, I see this as we always have to help, no matter what the administration is."</p></blockquote> <p>Obama, arguably an Abraham Lincoln-wannabe, says <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/19/obama-wants-team-of-rival_n_108093.html" target="_blank"> he wants a "Team of Rivals"</a> a la Lincoln; so Arnold might be a compelling addition to a bipartisan cabinet. But don't forget, Arnold endorsed McCain in January! Perhaps Arnold is hedging his political bets by suggesting he would take a position in the Obama administration, but I can't hold his bipartisanship and <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-arnold27-2008jun27,0,1954634.story" target="_blank">dedication to the energy issue</a> against him. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1782901#comment 2008 Presidential Election Arnold Schwarzenegger California Democrats Eco Republicans Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:04 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1782901 http://www.citizensugar.com/1782922 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1782922"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1782922',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1782922');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/28_2008/10186920_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="325"></span>US Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) wants the nation to slooooow down. The representative, channeling Richard Nixon, has <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/10/MNNP11N0G7.DTL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">proposed a national speed limit</a> of 55 miles per hour.</p> <p>In 1974, Nixon ushered in a <a href="http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&amp;id=94" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fuel-conservation policy</a> unseen since World War II. The new law covered the nation with a federal speed limit (up to that point, states had set their own limits) and cut off federal funding to states that wouldn't comply. Nixon's act was repealed by Congress in 1995. Now back in similar oil-straits like the country saw in the 70s, slowing down to conserve may be back in fashion. </p> <p>Here are some of the highs and lows of slowing down:</p> <ul> <li> <b>The Pros</b>: Leads to safer driving, saving lives. Saves money, since each five miles over 60 mph costs 30 cents more per gallon. Decreases dependence on oil producing countries.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>The Cons</b>: Could result in more traffic, slower commutes. There is a possibility for more speeding tickets. Insurance rates could go up, as a result of tickets.</li> </ul> <p>Even though <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiVfaTJUZXU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sammy Hagar</a> can't drive 55, is this a good idea?</p> <p><a href="http://www.legacycreative.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1782922" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>55 Miles Per Hour! Should the Nation Slow Down? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yay! Saves gas, lives, money, seems like a no-brainer! </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Nay. Let's focus on fuel economy in cars, since I have places to go, people to see!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1782922" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/1782922#comment Congress Democrats Eco Gas Jackie Speier Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:05 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1782922 http://www.citizensugar.com/1779502 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/28_2008/50513920.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="240"></span>Welcome to the smoke-filled room! This week, Democrats announced that the party will seek public input on its 2008 platform, the document representing the party's vision for the next four years. Today, the Republicans followed, signaling that the major parties care about the ideas and needs of everyday citizens. </p> <p>Democrats say that the process will <a href="http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dnc-seeks-input-from-public-for-democratic-platform-2008-07-08.html" target="_blank">empower all Americans</a> who just want the best for their families. They want Americans to <a href="http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/listening/" target="_blank">host and attend meetings</a> joined by policy experts. Leaders will then consult written summaries when crafting the platform.</p> <p>The GOP says its initiative is the <a href="http://gopplatform2008.com/intro.aspx" target="_blank">most grassroots-driven platform development effort</a> in the history of American politics. You can offer your ideas using text or video. </p> <p>Responding to the parties' request could require a leap of faith, as I wouldn't be so sure that my ideas would be seriously considered compared to "scientific" polling data coming from swing states. Either way, this sounds like a great way for the parties to justify a party platform flip-flop — "the people have spoken!" What policies would you suggest to the Democrats of Republicans? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1779502#comment 2008 Presidential Election Democrats Republicans Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:45:04 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1779502 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1742950 <p><a href="http://wonkette.com/400762/how-not-to-attack-an-opponent-who-has-an-italian-name" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Not to Attack an Opponent Who Has an Italian Name</a><br /> A pending rematch of current Governor Gregoire and her last opponent Dino Rossi, who she managed to beat by 129 votes, now has an ad. The brilliant Washington State Democratic party went about making an attack ad of Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi by using a <b>Sopranos</b> theme. Really. The theme song.</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1742950#comment Ad-rageous aside Christine Gregoire Democrats Dino Rossi Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:55:55 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1742950 http://www.citizensugar.com/1739172 <p>Last night at the San Francisco premiere of the short movie <b>The Butler's in Love</b> (directed by David Arquette) <a href="http://teamsugar.com/user/PopSugar" >Pop</a> shimmied up to Gavin Newsom, mayor of San Francisco and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/02/12/gay.marriage.california.ap/" target="_blank">instrumental force</a> in the brand new rights for <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1714934" ><i>all</i> to marry</a> in the state of California, and popped a couple of questions of our own. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/26_2008/gavin.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="269" width="550"></span></p> <p>Since we've been closely following the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/1717023" >burst of new weddings</a>, we had to ask the political trailblazer: </p> <p><b>What’s next after the gay marriage victory?</b></p> <blockquote><p>The biggest most important thing is to defeat the initiative this November. It is absolutely critical we not allow this extraordinary moment in time where the Supreme Court has stepped up and adjudicated that the Constitution did not allow us to discriminate against same-sex couples for the public to then just a few months later write discrimination into the Constitution — so that’s the most important thing then, is to defeat it. And then to continue our efforts to expand rights and to expand opportunities for everyone regardless of their race, ethnicity, or their gender, or their sexual orientation and then to continue to build upon these efforts and to continue to address the issues of racial injustice and gender injustice that continue to this day — so there’s still a lot of work to be done.</p></blockquote> <p><p><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-64749 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 active ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1739145?page=0,0,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/26_2008/71102736.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-28672 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1739145?page=0,1,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/26_2008/76112631.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-88190 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1739145?page=0,2,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/26_2008/77856892.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-65700 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1739145?page=0,3,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/26_2008/79264953.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-75165 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1739145?page=0,4,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/26_2008/79278468.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div></p><br clear=all></p> <p>Newsom supported Hillary Clinton during her campaign — now that Obama's the candidate, we asked the big unity question. To find out what he had to say, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1739172">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1739172#comment Democrats Exclusive Gavin Newsom Gay Marriage San Francisco Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:00:12 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1739172 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1732021 <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/23/obamas-edge-in-jeopardy-r_n_108674.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Obama's Edge in Jeopardy: RNC Has $50 Million Cash Advantage</a><br /> Here are some new fundraising numbers that complicate the notion that Obama will have an enormous fundraising advantage over McCain this fall: The Republican National Committee now has $50 million more on hand than its Dem counterpart. The latest FEC filings show that the RNC raised over $24 million in the month of May alone, and has over $53 million cash on hand. By contrast, the DNC raised only $4.8 million.</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1732021#comment 2008 Presidential Election aside Democrats Republicans Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:10:32 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1732021 http://www.citizensugar.com/1712536 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/24_2008/200265129-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="325"></span>Uh-oh cowboys and girls — check that voter registration card. A big "R" on your status <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1026442/Dont-listen-liberals--Right-wingers-really-nicer-people-latest-research-shows.html" target="_blank">might just stand for</a> "Really nice," and the "D"? Maybe "Down right mean"? According to statistics based on the General Social Survey, those who label themselves as “conservative” are nicer, happier, more generous to charities, less likely to commit suicide, and even hug their children more than those who call themselves “liberals.”</p> <p>In a piece espousing this theory, Peter Schweizer says this about where the meanness might come from:<br /> <blockquote>In the Sixties, we saw the beginning of a narcissism and self-absorption that gripped the Left and has not let go. The full-scale embrace of the importance of self-awareness, self-discovery and being 'true' to oneself, along with the idea that the State should care for the less fortunate, has created a swathe of Left-wing people who want to outsource their obligations to others. </p></blockquote> <p>How does the research show their left-handed selfish side? To find out, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1712536">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1712536#comment Check This Democrats Republicans Research Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:00:08 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1712536 http://www.citizensugar.com/1701682 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1701682"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1701682',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1701682');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>The ghosts of presidential elections past are coming out of the dark to go back and forth about John McCain's latest quote on Iraq. Let's check out the exchange.</p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_1701691"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so1701691 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so1701691.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so1701691.addVariable("file",'1701691.flv'); so1701691.addVariable('height', 328); so1701691.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/1701691.jpg'); so1701691.addVariable('width','400'); so1701691.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/yumsugar.png'); so1701691.write('player_1701691'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> <p>On the <b>Today</b> show Matt Lauer asked McCain if he had a better estimate of when the troops will come home. McCain <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDbLbKfC9IE" target="_blank">said</a>: <blockquote> No, but that's not too important. What's important is the casualties in Iraq.</p></blockquote> <p>Former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry responded <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0608/Kerry_McCain_confused_unbelievably_out_of_touch.html" target="_blank">saying</a>: <blockquote>It is unbelievably out of touch and inconsistent with the needs of Americans and particularly the families of troops who are over there. To them it’s the most important thing in the world when they come home.</p></blockquote> <p>And let's not leave out former Dem veep nominee Joe Lieberman, who <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/us/politics/11cnd-campaign.html?hp" target="_blank">said</a>: <blockquote>The attacks on Senator McCain this morning [are] another partisan attempt to distort John McCain’s words, to distract the American people from the fact that McCain has been both courageous and right about the surge in Iraq, and Barack Obama has unfortunately been consistently wrong.</p></blockquote> <p>Click <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/11/mccain-iraq-comments-brin_n_106468.html" target="_blank">here</a> for a roundup of other reactions to the comment. Even if McCain's interview is not so bad, he's already had to spend time explaining away his "100 years" in Iraq comment. It still remains to be seen whether the "not too important" line will help him contextualise his stance, or simply provide useful fodder for Obama supporters. </p> <p>Who do you agree with — John or Joe?</p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1701682" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Gaffe or Straight Talk: When Troops Return Not Too Important</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Kerry! McCain is out of touch with the needs of our troops and the needs of US security.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Lieberman! Listen beyond sound bites, you'll understand McCain's responsible position.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1701682" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/1701682#comment 2008 Presidential Election Citizen Poll Democrats Gaffe Iraq War Joe Lieberman John Kerry John McCain Matt Lauer Military Republicans Today Show Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:45:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1701682 http://www.citizensugar.com/1694579 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/23_2008/200303862-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="300"></span>Were you a Republican in Wyoming yesterday? If you were, had $5 in your pocket, and happened to be swinging by the Jackalope Days festival in Douglas, you'd have had a chance to tell a Democrat go soak his head — literally. </p> <p>The local Democratic Party hosted a "Dunk a Democrat" booth to raise money for the party — $5 bucks buys 6 balls and <a href="http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2008/06/07/news/wyoming/217becaea5a7ae8087257460007e72cc.txt" target="_blank">a chance to slam a donkey</a> into the drink. Though it might seem like an exercise in self-loathing, with a 4-to-1 ratio of Republicans to Democrats, it means the soggy Ds are laughing all the way to the bank.</p> <p>The dunking booth is the Democratic party's biggest fundraiser of the year — they're hoping to double the $400 they pulled in last year. The head of the Wyoming Democratic Party had this to say about the brave souls facing the firing squad, "it's a commitment. It's a sacrifice. It's one of those things that needs to be done if we're serious about this election." If Dunking a Dem isn't your style, the Jackalope Days also feature pig wrestling, wiener dog races, and a monster-truck mud bog. I've already got my ticket for next year.</p> <p>Is trying to drown a Dem for cash a slam-dunk idea — or troubling partisan warfare?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1694579#comment Democrats Dunk a Democrat Headline Republicans Weird News Wyoming Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:00:35 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1694579 http://www.citizensugar.com/1693452 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/23_2008/81483316.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="335"></span>Hillary Clinton has just ended her bid for the White House within walking distance of the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue residence she's fought the past 17 months to call home again. </p> <p>Previewing the contents of the speech to supporters this week, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/07/clinton-to-end-historic-c_n_105809.html" target="_blank">Clinton said</a>, "I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee and I intend to deliver on that promise."</p> <p>The promise was just delivered on in a speech at the National Building Museum in DC. Supported by Bill, Chelsea, legions of fans, and those parents who watched her campaign saying to their kids, "see? You can be anything you want to be." Clinton detailed the fruits of her remarkable campaign, and then extended her support to her former rival, saying:</p> <blockquote><p>Today as I suspend my campaign, I congratulate him on the extraordinary race he has run. I endorse him and throw my full support behind him. I ask all of you to work as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me. . . ensuring that Barack Obama walks through the doors of the Oval Office on January, 20, 2009! </p></blockquote> <p>Following up that strong endorsement saying:</p> <blockquote><p>We cannot let this moment slip away. We have come too far and accomplished too much. . . today I am standing with Senator Obama to say, 'yes, we can!'</p></blockquote> <p>It's been a long fight, one that ends today not without emotion. Clinton may not be the only person nursing bruises from ending her quest — supporters will have to decide if they can now endorse Obama as wholeheartedly as Clinton did this morning. To see how hard this might be, and what's next for everyone, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1693452">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1693452#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Democrats Headline Hillary Clinton Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:04:27 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1693452 http://www.citizensugar.com/1684125 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/23_2008/81337086.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="300"></span> Barack Obama has reached the magic number, and <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D912O5FG0&amp;show_article=1" target="_blank">clinched the Democratic presidential nomination</a>, according to the Associated Press delegate count. </p> <p>The count is based on private and public delegate commitments. According to the AP, Obama has effectively claimed the nomination with 2,118 delegates, even if he loses the South Dakota and Montana primaries today.</p> <p>Showing political savvy, Obama's campaign has secured enough public and private commitments from elected and superdelegates, on the last day of the primary season.<br /> <br clear=all>Superdelegate endorsements have <a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/03/the-superdelegate-tally/index.html?hp" target="_blank">been announced</a> all day, thus ensuring his triumph will ride in ahead of the last two elections, instead of looking like a back-room, postponed deal made by party insiders. </p> <p>Are you ready for the general election showdown? Here comes Barack Obama vs. John McCain . . .</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1684125#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Democrats Nomination Superdelegates Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:35:44 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1684125 http://www.citizensugar.com/1677941 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/22_2008/democrat1.png" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="300"></span>Democratic party officials <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/us/politics/01rules.html?_r=1&amp;ref=us&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">reached a deal</a> today to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1676063" >seat delegates</a> from the disputed Florida and Michigan primaries with half a vote each. The decision happened behind closed doors and voted on publicly — announced to cheers and boos underscoring the impossibility of reaching a "correct" answer in the scenario.</p> <p>In the decision Clinton (who won the Michigan and Florida contests) picked up 19 delegates in Florida and 5 delegates in Michigan, a net gain of 24 delegates over Obama.</p> <p>Howard Dean, chairman of the DNC, opened the meeting today saying, “We are strong enough to struggle and disagree and to even be angry and disappointed and still come together at the end of the day and be united.”</p> <p>Was this decision fair? Will the Democrats be able to come together now?</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1677941#comment 2008 Presidential Election Delegates Democrats Florida Michigan Sat, 31 May 2008 18:23:28 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1677941 http://www.citizensugar.com/1676063 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/22_2008/dnc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="550" width="267"></span>We're about to hear the end of the big Michigan/Florida do-the-delegates-count snafu — and they're showing the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/live/" target="_blank">whole debate</a> live now! I just <i>know</i> you're popping the popcorn and settling in to watch the whole shebang — here are three things to know while you watch the showdown.</p> <p><b>The Role of Republicans in the Florida Trouble</b>:</p> <p>Were the Democrats sabotaged? Though Florida's Republican-controlled state legislature determined the date of the primary and Republican lawmakers did push vigorously for an early contest, it started with a Democrat. State Sen. Jeremy Ring introduced the legislation to reschedule the primary He said, "one thing you can be sure of," he said that Florida will be relevant during the primaries.” He's also said that he wasn't duped by anyone. Then the voting. Not one Democratic member of the state House voted against the measure, and hardly any opposition in the Senate.</p> <p>I promised three, and I will not ask for a change of the rules after the beginning of the game — for the rest, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1676063">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1676063#comment 2008 Presidential Election Delegates Democrats Florida Michigan Voting Bloc Sat, 31 May 2008 07:30:51 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1676063 http://www.citizensugar.com/1673761 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/22_2008/obamaandwomen_0.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="250"></span>Three women, none named Hillary Clinton, are on <b>Politico</b>'s <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10672_Page2.html" target="_blank">short list of potential Barack Obama running mates</a>. They include: Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill.</p> <p>They all bring red state credentials, have avoided focusing on gender during their campaigns, and are not considered polarizing figures by Republicans in their home states.</p> <p>For some background info on each potential running mate, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1673761">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1673761#comment 2008 Presidential Election Arizona Barack Obama Claire McCaskill Democrats Janet Napolitano Kansas Kathleen Sebelius Missouri Ohio Republicans Vice President Fri, 30 May 2008 10:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1673761 http://www.citizensugar.com/1670468 <p>Barack Obama has a Spanish mensaje personal for Puerto Rico. Unbeknownst to the English speaking public, Obama is promising Puerto Ricans independence as soon as he becomes president. OK, just kidding! But, check out the ad, which I swear is not dubbed! Obama really can roll his Rs.<br /> <center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_1670531"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so1670531 = new SWFObject('http://images.teamsugar.com/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','425','350','7'); so1670531.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so1670531.addVariable("file",'1670531.flv'); so1670531.addVariable('height','350'); so1670531.addVariable('image','http://images.teamsugar.com/media/cooked/thumbs/1670531.jpg'); so1670531.addVariable('width','425'); so1670531.write('player_1670531'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div> </center></p> <p>Puerto Rico will hold its Democratic primary on June 1. Bill Clinton has <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/28/news/CB-POL-Puerto-Rico-Primary-Clinton.php" target="_blank">assured Puerto Ricans</a> that this is their rare opportunity to influence US presidential politics. Whether or not the island territory, which does not vote in the general election, isn't too late to the primary game is up for debate. But either way, do you think this ad, which showcases Barack Obama's Spanish-speaking skills, will help him wrap this thing up?</p> <p><a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1185304443?bctid=1569823378" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1670468#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Bill Clinton Democrats Hillary Clinton Puerto Rico Thu, 29 May 2008 09:00:57 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1670468 http://www.citizensugar.com/1670696 <p>Howard Dean — the current chairman of the Democratic National Committee, former presidential candidate, and ex-physician — took ten questions from everyday Americans in the most recent issue of <b>Time</b>. They didn't hold much back! Here are some of the highlights:</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/22_2008/73192919.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="350"></span></p> <p><b>Why does the Democratic Party have superdelegates?</b> The initial purpose was to encourage officeholders to come to the convention, which they did not do in 1980 when there was a battle between President [Jimmy] Carter and Senator [Ted] Kennedy over the nomination. We've had them for 25 years for that reason.<br /> <b>Would you support an effort to create a single nationwide primary day?</b> Absolutely not. I think we do need to condense the schedule, but I also think that if you have them on a single day, it's like having a national election. We learn a lot about these candidates as they go through all these states.<br /> <b>Do you favor the elimination of the Electoral College?</b> Yes. </p> <p>To find out his reasoning why, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1670696">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1670696#comment 2008 Presidential Election Democrats Howard Dean Thu, 29 May 2008 03:00:02 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1670696 http://www.citizensugar.com/1652745 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/81027321.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="250"></span>The news out of the Clinton campaign regarding the candidate's finances <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1623534" >hasn't been good</a> lately. Even though she has raised an astonishing $200 million so far, Hillary is $19.4 million <a href="http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/05/clinton-debt-me.html" target="_blank">in debt</a>.</p> <p>But she has found a diamond, or at least $422, in the rough of bad money news — an 11-year-old Kentucky boy sold his bike and video games and donated the proceeds to her campaign. </p> <p>Hillary's young fan Dalton Hatfield <a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/portrait-of-the-politico-as-a-young-man/" target="_blank">shared his motivation</a> to give with the <b>New York Times</b>:<br /> <blockquote>I saw that her funds were running low. I just saw so much that I did not need such as like my video games, and I thought, "What can I do with them?"</p></blockquote> <p>Dalton agrees with Clinton's position on the war, the economy, and health care. </p> <p>Despite her lack of cash, Hillary may have a new incentive to fight on. To see why, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1652745">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1652745#comment 2008 Presidential Election Dalton Hatfield Democrats Florida Hillary Cliton Ohio Pennsylvania Swing States Thu, 22 May 2008 12:15:31 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1652745 http://www.citizensugar.com/1647291 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1647291"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1647291',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1647291');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/81073949.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="550" width="299"></span> This week, Hillary Clinton told the <b>Washington Post</b> that she believes sexism has negatively impacted her campaign.</p> <p>She <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/19/AR2008051902729.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">said</a>: <blockquote>It's been deeply offensive to millions of women. I believe this campaign has been a groundbreaker in a lot of ways. But it certainly has been challenging given some of the attitudes in the press, and I regret that, because I think it's been really not worthy of the seriousness of the campaign.</p></blockquote> <p>When asked if the campaign had been racist, she said no, adding: <blockquote>The manifestation of some of the sexism that has gone on in this campaign is somehow more respectable, or at least more accepted, and . . . there should be equal rejection of the sexism and the racism when it raises its ugly head. It does seem as though the press at least is not as bothered by the incredible vitriol that has been engendered by the comments by people who are nothing but misogynists.</p></blockquote> <p>Hillary's surrogates have gone so far to say that Barack Obama has in fact <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1113916" rel="nofollow">benefited</a> from the fact that he is black. Meanwhile, others argue that far from sexist, the Democratic primary has <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/hillary-clintons-defeat-a_b_102418.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">broken sexist barriers</a> for a new generation of women leaders.</p> <p>Should Hillary have delivered a defining "gender" speech, as Barack Obama gave his <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1125110" rel="nofollow">race speech</a> and Mitt Romney gave a <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16969460" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">religion speech</a>? Do you agree with Hillary Clinton? Has she been a target for sexism, more than Barack Obama has suffered from racism?</p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1647291" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Democratic Presidential Primary: Sexist or Racist? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Sexist! Hillary's been criticized for things (e.g. her fashion, laugh) a man never would be. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Racist. The Clinton camp straight up said that only she can win white votes.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Both. Campaigns always bring out an ugly side. Both suffered here.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Neither. Everyone else is over it, she keeps bringing up her gender.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1647291" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/1647291#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Citizen Poll Democrats Hillary Clinton Race Sexism Women Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:18 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1647291 http://www.citizensugar.com/1635398 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/20_2008/2115831.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="380"></span>Three <a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2008/05/democrats_win_miss_special_ele.html?hpid=topnews" target="_blank">recent upsets</a> in special elections for US House of Representative seats in the deep South, have Democrats rethinking their political fortunes in the region. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson famously <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2094552/" target="_blank">said</a>: "There goes the South for a generation" as he signed the Civil Rights Act. But recent and unlikely victories mean it might be time for the Democrats to draw a new map. </p> <p>Alabama Pollster John Anzalone <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D90MTB5O0&amp;show_article=1&amp;catnum=0" target="_blank">told</a> the <b>AP</b>:<br /> <blockquote>The Republican brand has taken a hit. When you have economic anxieties, the wedge issues that Republicans use just aren't that important. People aren't fat and happy now. They're worried.</p></blockquote> <p> This sounds like a more-nuanced incarnation of Barack Obama's <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1549360" >bitter-gate</a> comments.</p> <p>Another factor helping the Democrats is the fact that candidates are not shy about embracing "values issues" co-opted by the Republicans. Southern voters find pro-life, pro-gun, and anti-gay marriage candidates, running on a Democratic ticket. What makes these candidates different from the Republicans? They do not accept Republican foreign or economic policy, nor do they carry George W. Bush's baggage. </p> <p>Are the Spring's special election upsets a signal that the Democrats are going to widen their congressional majority this fall. If the incoming Democrats have a lot of red in their platform, what kind of majority will this be? Are Democrats giving up their core values, or finally understanding their constituency, and thus what it takes to win?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1635398#comment Barack Obama Congress Democrats Louisiana Mississippi South Sun, 18 May 2008 11:00:48 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1635398 http://www.citizensugar.com/1632953 <p>Carrotmob, a new <a href="http://www.carrotmob.org/" target="_blank">environmental nonprofit</a>, ditches the guilt sticks for the, you guessed it . . . carrots. Accepting that profit is a corporation's raison d’être, the founder wants to create irresistible economic incentives for environmental responsibility.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/20_2008/75287923.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span><br /> According to its <a href="http://www.carrotmob.org/welcome.html" target="_blank">website</a>:<br /> <blockquote>Companies will do what we want, not because of negative pressure, or morality, or a boycott, or a petition...there are enough sticks out there. We need a big juicy carrot. They will do what we say because they won't be able to resist the profits.</p></blockquote> <p> So, what are the logistics? Carrotmob plans to create a "mob" of consumers who will endorse certain environmentally friendly products, rewarding eco-friendly behavior with a beefy bottom line. To see how companies can win over the mob, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1632953">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1632953#comment Carrotmob Democrats Eco Where I'm Clicking Now Fri, 16 May 2008 10:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1632953 http://www.citizensugar.com/1626857 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/20_2008/56584664.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="400"></span>Yesterday, President Bush sat down with <b>Politico</b> and Yahoo! <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080513/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_iraq" target="_blank">to discuss</a> his golf game, emailing habits, and the Iraq War. Here are some of the highlights from the interviewee-in-chief: </p> <ul> <li><b>What if a Democrat is elected?</b> Bush's "doomsday scenario of course is that extremists throughout the Middle East would be emboldened, which would eventually lead to another attack on the United States." </li> <li><b>On sacrifices he's making for the Iraq war?</b> Bush gave up golf. "I didn't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf. I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal."</li> <p>To see how Bush answered a question from the online audience about whether he felt he had been misled prior to the invasion of Iraq, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1626857">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1626857#comment Democrats George W Bush Golf Internet Iraq Republicans Sports Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:55 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1626857 http://www.citizensugar.com/1623883 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/20_2008/56501540-1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="380"></span>Who gets to vote is becoming a partisan issue, just like who gets <i>a </i> vote.</p> <p>Mostly Republicans in 19 states have proposed legislation that would <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/us/politics/12vote.html?_r=1&amp;oref=slogin&amp;partner=MYWAY&amp;pagewanted=print" target="_blank">require proof of citizenship</a> at the voting booth. Not content with the strict identification requirements recently upheld by the Supreme Court, these states want to make sure illegal immigrants are not voting, and improve voter confidence in the system. </p> <p>Democratic leaders oppose strict ID laws, saying they disproportionately keep poor, disabled, elderly, and minority <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/281/story/615480.html" target="_blank">citizens away from the polls</a>. Birth certificates, for example, take weeks to get, cost money, and may be difficult to track down if they are lost or kept out of state.</p> <p>Missouri's secretary of state estimates that the law would disenfranchise 240,000 citizens unable to prove citizenship on such short notice. That number could be significant in November, as Missouri is a swing state that will likely go Red or Blue by a thin margin.</p> <p>Do we have to protect the rights of citizens who may have difficulty obtaining proof? Which is a graver risk: letting a non-citizen vote, or keeping a citizen from exercising the voting — the quintessential act of democracy? What if we could review votes later to disqualify non-citizens, while attaching stiffer penalties for fraud? </p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1623883#comment 2008 Presidential Election Democrats Immigration Indiana Missouri Republicans Voting Bloc Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:25 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1623883 http://www.citizensugar.com/1623534 <p>This video is by far the best Hillary impression I have seen to date. <b>SNL</b> needs to contact this woman immediately. I actually did a double take to make sure I didn't come across a secret video of Hillary practicing a speech in her robe.<br /> <br><br /> <center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_1623151"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so1623151 = new SWFObject('http://images.teamsugar.com/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','425','350','7'); so1623151.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so1623151.addVariable("file",'1623151.flv'); so1623151.addVariable('height','350'); so1623151.addVariable('image','http://images.teamsugar.com/media/cooked/thumbs/1623151.jpg'); so1623151.addVariable('width','425'); so1623151.write('player_1623151'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="sp