CitizenSugar -- Breaking News, Together.

Briefing Book! Powell Says Rush Limbaugh's Ruining GOP

CitizenSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:44 -0800

Colin Powell: All Rush's fault? Colin Powell says conservatives have to stop shouting at the world and the country. — Gawker
Blagojevich: Would Obama be more likely to pardon Blagojevich if he didn't look like a male hustler from 1974? Seven Blago questions for Obama. — 23/6
Space: Resistant to Obamafication? NASA making transition hard because it wants to save a costly project in jeopardy. — Good
GOP: Are you a Republican needing inspiration? Watch this montage dedicated to the Gipper. — Townhall

Candidate for RNC Chair Just Left Whites-Only Country Club

LibertySugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:30:09 -0800

When Katon Dawson, the chairman of South Carolina's GOP, decided to run for national chair of the RNC he quit his whites-only country club. Noting that his membership would be a distraction for Republicans trying to win elections, Dawson also called for an end of the discriminatory restriction included in the club's deed (which is actually unconstitutional and unenforceable).

One GOP critic says that if Dawson wins the post, it further proves that the GOP has been reduced to "a Southern regional rump party that's held hostage by intolerant crackpots." Barack Obama dealt with his own set of race issues during the campaign. Obama's membership in a mostly black church caused concern after tapes surfaced of the pastor Jeremiah Wright making fiery comments critical of America.

Do you find Dawson's membership with a whites-only club to be a deal breaker, or just an unfortunate association?

Source

Briefing Book! Jindal Planting Seeds in Iowa For 2012 Run

LibertySugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:30:50 -0800

GOP: Should he let Romney and Huckabee duke it out in 2012 so he can save the Republican party four years later? Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal heads to Iowa. — Donklephant
Iran: Useful idiots for the Iranian regime? Code Pink founders participating in "citizen diplomacy" during trip to Iran. — Townhall
Faith: Body before soul? Obama skips church on Sunday, heads for the gym instead. — Politico
Clinton: Not such a bad move? Seven reasons why hiring a Clinton is a good idea. — 23/6
Fox News: Just Hannity? Liberal Alan Colmes to leave Hannity & Colmes. — Huffington Post

Source

Obama In Talks to Keep on Bush's Defense Secretary Gates

CitizenSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:30:00 -0800

Not everyone in the Bush Administration will be out on their behinds on Jan. 20. Barack Obama is considering keeping on Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Gates, a former CIA head, has received widespread praise for his work as defense secretary since replacing Donald Rumsfeld.

Since he has led the Pentagon since 2006, Gates could be the person best situated to coordinate Obama's plan to withdraw from Iraq and increase troops in Afghanistan. Even so, keeping a Republican who has been leading Bush's war policy may take the team of rivals idea a bit too far.

Is Obama responsible and wise to keep on Gates in order to make the transition of power and situation in the Middle East run smoothly, or does a new direction require a new person in such an important cabinet position?

Source

Front Page: Alaska's Ted Stevens Loses Tight Reelection Bid

LibertySugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:00:55 -0800

Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens has officially lost his reelection bid, bringing the Democrats only two seats away from a filibuster-proof 60-seat majority. Stevens was the longest serving Republican ever to serve in the Senate, and his recent federal corruption conviction led to his fall from power. — New York Times
China's president Hu Jinato visited Cuba yesterday bringing hope of Chinese aid to the island and closer trade ties. Hu also visited ailing former president Fidel Castro. — AFP

In a new audio message al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri attacks Barack Obama going as far as using a racial epithet implying that Obama does the bidding of whites. The leader wants to convince Muslims and Arabs that Obama does not represent change. — AP
Ashley Dupre, the prostitute who brought down former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has sat down with Diane Sawyer. Her interview will air on Friday's 20/20 at 10 pm EST/PST. — ABC News

Source

GOP Heads Out on Caribbean Cruise to Re-Plot

LibertySugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:20:44 -0800

GOP Heads Out on Caribbean Cruise to Re-Plot The Republican elite could be found this week on a Caribbean cruise after being stung in the Nov. 4 elections. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson joined policy analysts and 700 subscribers who want to revive the Republican Party on the cruise hosted by the National Review, a conservative magazine. Publisher Jack Fowler told the AP during a port of call on Tuesday that their mood is upbeat despite last week. "No one's jumped overboard," Fowler quipped.

McCain Says Palin Is the Next Gen of Leadership: True?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:30:00 -0800

Last night Senator John McCain visited The Tonight Show With Jay Leno to honor Veteran's Day and talk shop about his postcampaign life. When asked about Sarah Palin McCain said he "couldn't be happier" with his choice and believes Palin will play a "big role in the future of our country."When pressed further McCain said he believes Palin is among a group of young Republican governors and senators who will become the next leadership of the Republican party. Do you think he's spot on, or is he giving his running mate too much credit too soon?

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McCain Says Palin Is the Next Gen of Leadership: True?

I think he's right. Sarah Palin brought great passion and attention to the campaign.

I think he's off base. It's way too soon to gauge her long-term influence on the GOP.

Something else. See my comment below.

Palin Prevails as Republicans' Top 2012 Choice, For Now

LibertySugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:00:50 -0800

Sarah Palin may be getting a bad rap in the press lately, but Republicans still have a positive opinion of her. While anything can change between now and the Iowa primary, Palin looks like she has a good chance to win the Republican nomination in 2012. A new poll shows that 91 percent of Republicans have a favorable view of her. In fact, 64 percent of GOP respondents said Palin was their top choice for 2012 nominee.

But fellow-Republicans want to knock Palin out of her apparent front-runner seat, and they hope to do so as soon as possible. Mike Huckabee and Bobby Jindal, two potential candidates are headed to Iowa this month.

Mississippi's governor Haley Barber had some harsh words for those attempting to make a power play: "One of the worst things that can happen to the Republican Party in our effort to rebuild is for a bunch of people to start running for president. . . Anybody out there running for president is undercutting what’s important. You do this against your own interest.”

Dare I ask? Who would you like to see run for the Republicans in 2012?

Source

Still By His Side, Bush Supporters Say He Got a Bad Rap

CitizenSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:05:00 -0800

Although President Bush, an eager and capable campaigner, was pushed into the shadows by fellow Republican candidates this year, his loyalists still have his back.

Insiders believe that the optimistic and steadfast President has been misunderstood. Perhaps more frustrating to supporters: the recent financial crisis has left the administration little chance to go out on a positive note or give attention to his legacy.

Even so, former Bush press secretary Ari Fleischer says Bush is confident that history will be kinder on him than his contemporaries. Do you think time will make the Bush Presidency look better or worse than it does now?

Source

John McCain Concedes, Offers Support to Obama

CitizenSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:35:00 -0800

John McCain conceded less than 30 minutes after polls closed on the West Coast tonight, saying he had already called Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him on his historic win. In a speech made to his supporters in Arizona, McCain expressed his sympathies that Obama's grandmother did not live to see her grandson elected and offered goodwill to the president elect.

Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help and lead us through the many challenges we face. I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next President our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together.

McCain went on to tell supporters it is "natural to feel some disappointment. Though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours." Love him or hate him, what did you think of McCain's speech?

Source

Why Barry Goldwater Couldn't Support Obama

CitizenSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:07:35 -0700

Why Barry Goldwater Couldn't Support Obama "The Goldwater name carries with it the standard of modern conservatism and has shaped the Republican Party for decades, waving proudly and with the dedication my father brought to everything in his life. However, that standard recently has been hijacked and used without any grounding in reality. Being Barry Goldwater's son and living in Arizona, one would assume that I would be voting for our state's senator, John McCain. Well, I am. The decision truly is a no-brainer." The piece is in response to an opposite opinion by Barry Goldwater Sr.'s granddaughter yesterday.

Is a GOP Loss the Only Way to Bring Back Small Government?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:00:17 -0700

The editor of Reason magazine, the libertarian leaning mag devoted to "free minds and free markets," has an Op-Ed with a somewhat counterintuitive premise: in order to save the GOP, we must destroy the GOP. After voting for Dole and then Bush, editor Radley Balko’s disappointment grew to treasonous proportions in 2004 after watching the Republican Party create the invasive and historically expansive Homeland Security Department. Following that the prescription drug benefit — the largest entitlement program since the Great Society. The last straw for Balko, however, came as he witnessed one of the largest takeovers of a private sector in this nation’s history: the recent bailout.

Balko makes his case, as he's nervous about the Bush Administration’s ever increasing executive power, which the writer believes goes against the very core of his conservative ideology. Saying “. . . the only consistent principle we’ve seen from the White House over the last eight years is that of elevating the American president to that of an elected dictator.” While admittedly using hyperbole in that statement, his real concern is that of an Obama presidency which then uses those same expansive powers.

To find out his voting strategy,

Dudes For Palin? What the Times Is Saying About the GOP

CitizenSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:00:58 -0700

You know how there are just some girls who always seem to have a pack of guy friends? According to the Times, Sarah Palin is the candidate equivalent of that. With crowds that seem to be tipping heavily male (I suppose the legendary Joe Six-Packs?) the vocal man-fans aren't afraid to be heard. With calls of, “You tell ’em baby,” and “You rock me out, Sarah,” Palin seems to be comfortable with the demographic saying, “I feel like I’m at home."

At one rally a female supporter taking a snapshot said of the ratio, “This is not a ladies campaign. There seem to be lots and lots of guys here. I’d guess 70-30, maybe 65-35, men to women. It’s quite noticeable to me.”

To see what the Times had to say about another woman on the trail, Cindy McCain, as well as Christopher Buckley,

Mo' Money, Mo' Options: What's Your Fiscal Conservative Type

CitizenSugar — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 10:00:37 -0700

When it comes to money, people lean right for all sorts of reasons. Some are idealists who fundamentally believe in less government and the free-market economy while others see all the proof they need in the success of capitalist countries. OK, general success. Even if today's economic woes tarnish the free market's image, most fiscal conservatives continue to believe in the invisible hand's dexterity.

According to "What Kind of Person Are You…If You Believe in Republican Economic Policy?" on PeopleJam, Republicans can learn a thing or two about themselves by examining economic beliefs. And because few things are more satisfying than having your personality analyzed by four quick questions, I made you a quiz. Come back and tell me if you think it's total nonsense or right on when you're done. To take it,

Messy Room? A New Study Says You May Be a Liberal

CitizenSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:00:14 -0700

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 Journal of Political Psychology the study asserts 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:

Conservatives:

Right-leaners often have spaces filled with calendars, postage stamps, laundry baskets, irons and sewing materials. Fun! Darning socks time!
Their bedrooms and offices are well-lighted.
They decorate with sports paraphernalia and flags — especially American ones.
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."

Curious about that messy room? To find out their findings on liberals,

Republicans on the Receiving End of Late-Night Jokes 7-1

LibertySugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:45:33 -0700

If you're staying up to watch John McCain make his grand, and potentially awkward, return to David Letterman tonight, you should expect to hear seven jokes about McCain's party for each joke made about the Democrats.

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According to the Center For Media and Public Affairs, since McCain tapped Sarah Palin, 286 jokes have been made about the Republicans 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 comedian look-alike got Joe off the hook.

Perhaps Republicans should take it as a compliment — maybe they're just funnier than Democrats! Do you think late-night skewering could help kick politicians out of power?

Source

John McCain's Bid Over Before It Began?

LibertySugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:30:48 -0700

As Hillary Clinton and John McCain taught us in the New Hampshire primaries, regardless of polls, anything can happen on election day. But if John McCain loses, history may paint him as the Republican's sacrificial lamb destined to be defeated by the Democrats.Spectators figure that a perfect storm of wars, bad economic news, GOP mismanagement in Congress, and a pariah of a President (George W. Bush) make it impossible for McCain to keep the White House under Republican control.Perhaps debating the merits of McCain's sometimes imprudent campaign is pointless, if the White House was never in McCain's reach.
Source

John McCain's Bid Over Before It Began?

Yes! After the last eight years no Republican had a chance.

No! A winning campaign could show how McCain is better than Obama and Bush.

Nope! Regardless of the past and present, Obama is better for the future.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Are Republicans Who Don't Vote For McCain Traitors?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:00:46 -0700

We (pronoun applied royally if you wish) have been wrestling with the concept of Republicans and known Conservatives turning away from McCain all week. Buckley, one of the more famous cases of the phenomenon, appeared on Hardball talking about his decision to go Obama and then quit the National Review. He told Matthews he was surprised by the ouster of sorts saying, "Be careful who you offer your resignation to, they may just accept it."Then New York magazine posted this list entitled, "Et Tu, GOP? The Conservative Betrayal Spectrum." Using Julius Caesar imagery this top 10 list of Republican "Brutuses," the countdown includes [my] David Brooks, Peggy Noonan (the whole reason I went to grad school) and winds up at #1: Andrew Sullivan. Of his "betrayal," they say: OK, OK, everybody knows Andrew Sullivan basically wants to be reincarnated as a beagle in the sinewy lap of Barack Obama, nestled comfortably under the Resolute Desk for the next eight years. But still, there was a time this dude had carved out his own steady brand of Republicanism — a maverick version, if you will. Remember when those were the people who were supposed to like McCain?

Wow. So is all the "traitor" and "betrayal" talk accurate? Source

Are Republicans Who Don't Vote For McCain Traitors?

Yes. You pick and represent a party, you vote for the candidate. That's how it's done.

It depends on who the person is and how he expressed it. A simple Obama vote? No.

No! That's the whole point of democracy. You get to make your own decisions.

Other. I'll "et tu" in the comments.

Buckley Quits National Review After Endorsing Obama

CitizenSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:23:28 -0700

Buckley Quits National Review After Endorsing Obama "Within hours of my endorsement appearing in The Daily Beast it became clear that National Review had a serious problem on its hands. So the next morning, I thought the only decent thing to do would be to offer to resign my column there. This offer was accepted — rather briskly! — by Rich Lowry, NR’s editor, and its publisher, the superb and able and fine Jack Fowler. I retain the fondest feelings for the magazine that my father founded, but I will admit to a certain sadness that an act of publishing a reasoned argument for the opposition should result in acrimony and disavowal."

Are Republicans Turning Away From McCain?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:00:10 -0700

Despite the fervency of the some of the crowds McCain has been drawing lately, I'm sensing a worrying and definite attrition of supporters, perhaps even because of that very fervency — it is hard to deny that lately, there has been a shift in the tone of the McCain campaign. McCain debuted what's being touted as a "comeback" speech moments ago, as even some who haven't officially haven't renounced a McCain/Palin vote are expressing doubt.

I got this email from a friend this weekend, a Dole-Bush-Bush voting Republican explaining why she's doubting:

The last four months of the campaign make me furious. How dare they take away the (albeit unconventional) dignified essence of the candidate and leave us with this dumb hick woman and a mob of uniformed reactionary zealots and call that a case made for a vote? It's an ill-conceived and torturous soul-selling for victory that will only ultimately prove to be ironic when he loses. Furious! I couldn't feel more cheated out of my vote. I'm honestly considering not casting one.

A strong response of the current campaign strategy to be sure, but these waning, and some say uglier, days of the campaign have put many ill at ease supporting McCain. Conservative by birth Christopher Buckley wrote a column this weekend titled, "Sorry, Dad, I'm voting for Obama." To see what he said,

David Brooks Calls Palin a "Cancer" on the Party: Too Far?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:35:14 -0700

Oh I took stalkerazzi pics at both conventions, but the one person I made a point to strike up a conversation and get a legitimate picture with? Mr. David Brooks. I find his sensibly reasonable pragmatism electric. Somehow I trust those who I feel call it like they see it over how they think people think they should see it. Which is why his recent column about Palin not being ready to be president didn't strike me as particularly counter-conservative, just his honest assessment. Yesterday however, Brooks extended that thesis, in decidedly stronger terms. At the launch of the Atlantic's new look, Brooks said that Palin: Represents a fatal cancer to the Republican party. When I first started in journalism, I worked at the National Review for Bill Buckley. And Buckley famously said he'd rather be ruled by the first 2,000 names in the Boston phone book than by the Harvard faculty. But he didn't think those were the only two options. He thought it was important to have people on the conservative side who celebrated ideas, who celebrated learning. And his whole life was based on that, and that was also true for a lot of the other conservatives in the Reagan era. Reagan had an immense faith in the power of ideas. But there has been a counter, more populist tradition, which is not only to scorn liberal ideas but to scorn ideas entirely. And I'm afraid that Sarah Palin has those prejudices. I think President Bush has those prejudices.

He said much, much more yesterday from his predictions to the final outcome (Obama by nine points even though he's a "mediocre" Senator) to whether experience matters (decidedly, yes) and honestly, it's all worth a read. What do you make of his commentary on what Palin represents about the Republican party? Is "drill baby, drill" replacing more. . . subtly thought out dialog? Did he go too far?Source

David Brooks Calls Palin a "Cancer" on the Party: Too Far?

Yes. The choice of "cancer" is inappropriate, and it's an unfair critique. People love her.

I don't know, but I wish more people spoke about the fundamentals of conservatism.

No. He was right on in his assessment, but he's ignoring the reality of the party now.

This is very complicated. I'll tell you what I think in the comments.

Does America Need More Political Parties?

LibertySugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:00:32 -0700

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. Well again this year, Americans have changed their minds. A majority of Democrats, 56 percent, and Republicans, 55 percent, think the two major parties are doing an adequate job and thus there is no need 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?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.Source

Does America Need More Political Parties?

Yes! Even if they don't get elected, important policies they advocate can be adopted.

Of course. How can voters truly be represented when there are only two choices?

No way. Nothing will ever get accomplished — two camps can't even agree.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

President's Political Calendar Empty: GOP Smart to Hide Bush?

LibertySugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:00:36 -0700

President Bush, an accomplished and eager campaigner, is all dressed up with nowhere to go. Thanks to a basement-level approval rating, fellow-Republicans have spurned the man who has controlled the White House for them these last eight years. Even at his party's biggest party in Minnesota, Bush seemed sequestered at the White House. Bush's presence was limited to eight minutes via satellite, and he didn't even garner a mention by name in John McCain's RNC speech. The President's political calendar is empty, while the likes of Mitt Romney have events scheduled for every week until the election. And unlike in 2000, when other Democrats did not follow Al Gore's lead of rejecting Bill Clinton, Republicans running for offices across the board want to appear independent of Bush. Even so, Bush is doing his part — he's raised $238 million for the GOP's 2008 efforts at closed-door fundraisers. Are Republicans smart to keep Bush in the shadows?Source

President's Political Calendar Empty: GOP Smart to Hide Bush?

Yes! George W. Bush isn't really what Republicans and McCain are about.

Of course. They got his advisors, so there's no need to take on the unpopular Bush.

No. Bush won two close elections. This man can campaign . . . and win.

Nope! Bush is popular with Republicans and it could divide the base.

Doesn't matter. Voters will realize that McCain has the same failed policies as Bush.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Big Tent Sale? Log Cabin Republicans Remodel the Campaign

CitizenSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:00:14 -0700

It's a coming out of a whole different variety: gay Republicans (sometimes known as Log Cabin Republicans, the gay and lesbian Republican grassroots organization) coming clean about their party affiliation. It's a tricky sell for the average homosexual who is for strong national defense, limited spending and other Republican party favors. It's a pairing of identities that leaves some feeling like, "you're not liked by either side."

One Log Cabin Republican in Texas says, "Some people think it's more difficult to come out as Republican to a gay friend, than to come out as gay to a straight friend." This could be especially true as the official Texas Republican Party platform says that homosexuality "tears at the fabric" of society, and blames diseases on the gay community. The Texan, gay GOP-er acknowledges, "There's a lot of hurtful and hateful language that we'd like to get stripped out of that platform." His partner knows the election day bottom line will eventually win over detractors saying, "They know our votes and our money [is] significant."

To see how the Log Cabin Republicans play into the current election,

Please Stop the Music! Artists Tell GOP to Stop Using Songs

LibertySugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:00:56 -0700

Both John McCain and Barack Obama have inspired musical creations — Will.i.am created the song "Yes We Can" for Obama based on a speech Obama gave after his New Hampshire loss, and at the RNC John Rich sang his original song "Raising McCain" about McCain's 5 years as a POW.

But not all recording artists have jumped on the campaign-song train. A few musicians have played the copyright card in an attempt to get the Republicans to stop using their songs. So who's saying thanks, but no thanks to the Republicans?

Frankie Valli "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" Remember the "Obama Love" McCain ad, accusing the media of being gaga for Obama? Warner got YouTube to remove the video from McCain's channel.
Jackson Brown "Running on Empty" The singer sued the GOP and McCain, when his song was used by the Ohio Republican Party. He said it created a false perception that he endorsed McCain.
Heart "Barracuda" Record companies sent a cease-and-desist notice to the McCain-Sarah "Barracuda" Palin campaign.

While I can understand the frustration that must go along with having your song go with a politician you oppose, unless a musician wrote a song or performs a song specifically for a candidate, I'm sure the public knows it doesn't equate to an endorsement.

Source

Lieberman to Speak at RNC! How Much Does He Help McCain?

LibertySugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Independent Senator Joe Lieberman will speak at the Republican National Convention, 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 seriously considering Joe Lieberman as his vice-presidential nominee.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. A while back more of you thought Lieberman should speak 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?Source

Lieberman to Speak at RNC! How Much Does He Help McCain?

Embracing Lieberman shows McCain can cross the aisle, and it will help with moderates.

Lieberman is no longer reputable. He'll help McCain as much as he helped Gore.

McCain's asking for a GOP revolt. He needs to stay away from a pro-choice VP.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Number of Democrats Drops in July & Obama Loses 9 Points

CitizenSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:00:30 -0700

Despite what the Germans might lead us to believe, last month the number of Democrats fell for the first time since January, hitting a number below 41 percent. Judging from the numbers of Democrats reaching back to 2004, is the Dems big peak behind them? The number of Republicans remained constant for the fourth straight month.

Meanwhile, despite the mixed response from the ads the McCain campaign released last week, they seem to have done the trick: Obama lost a nine percentage-point advantage, 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."

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?

Source

Wal-Mart Warns Of Dem Win — Which Businesses Lean Right?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:02:03 -0700

If the price is right, do you care if a store's politics might be Right as well? Wal-Mart has taken a break from rolling back prices, to roll out a campaign among their store managers nationwide to warn that if Democrats take power in November, a law change easing the way for workers to unionize, won't be far behind.

In the past few weeks, thousands of Wal-Mart managers have been called to mandatory meetings where, according to about a dozen workers who've attended the meetings, the corporate representatives are making it clear that a vote for Obama in November will be equal to letting unions in — sparking higher payroll and health costs.

One employee attending such a meeting said, "the meeting leader said, 'I am not telling you how to vote, but if the Democrats win, this bill will pass and you won't have a vote on whether you want a union. I am not a stupid person. They were telling me how to vote."

A Wal-Mart spokesman said, "if anyone representing Wal-Mart gave the impression we were telling associates how to vote, they were wrong and acting without approval." Adding that the meetings were designed to educate workers about the Employee Free Choice Act, which they think is a bad bill.

Is your shopping cart getting involved in the election too? To see other business that with possible ties to party politics,

Lighten Up: Rappers — They're Just Like Republicans! Right?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:30:03 -0700

Who loves Hummers? Rappers and Republicans apparently! After Rep. Virgil Goode took to his Fourth of July parade a gassy Hummer perhaps cementing his pimpness, The Daily Show took note and cooked up this game "Republican or Rapper?"

How are they alike? A love of money and guns (and some dicier reasons) according to the clip, but then this little parallel I uncovered: A prominent place on court dockets:

Rapper DMX (yep, the same one who recently learned a very important fact about the election) just pleaded not guilty to charges of theft and then plugged his upcoming album, in rap-form. Brilliant!

To see the rest of the Rapper/Republican trifecta,

CNN Uses Fake Republican to Hit McCain? Real Ones on Road!

CitizenSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:45:17 -0700

In a doom-and-gloom message from CNN today, it seemed like all was lost for the Republican candidate — no young voter was ever going to be inspired by time-tested McCain. Except, it's all a fake! According to a press release, CNN used a phony College Republican to dummy up the story.

The CNN piece quoted Eric Pearlmutter, a supposed College Republican at USC. Pearlmutter said, "We try to get people out to our College Republican meetings, but we can't seem to get the same amount of support." Seems damning — except that the real USC College Republican President Ben Myers says, "I have never met Eric Pearlmutter. I have never seen him at a College Republican meeting. He is not on our membership roster. I don't know why someone would think he speaks for us. As far as I know, he could be a Democrat." Whoa!

Update: According to TruthCaucus, the disputed CNN story was taken down for a period this evening. The name of the source, Eric Pearlmutter, may have been misspelled (the real spelling is possibly Eric Perlmutter-Gumbiner) though even so, Perlmutter isn't listed as an officer of the USC College Republicans. Plus his quote sounds very familiar. . . .

Update II: Interestingly, there seems to be a producer at CNN named Bruce Perlmutter. I wonder if he's related to the source of the quote?

Update III: CNN has admitted the error, via the LA Times saying, “Eric Perlmutter appeared on today’s American Morning segment about young Republicans on college campuses. While he attends USC and says that he is a registered Republican, he was inadvertently identified on-screen as a member of the USC College Republicans organization. We regret that error. We have invited Ben Myers, the president of the USC College Republicans organization, to appear on American Morning at a future time.”

In the meantime, there are real young Republicans on the road, crossing country for McCain. To see their story,

Should Lieberman Speak at the Republican Convention?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:00:12 -0700

Sen. Joe Lieberman (Democratic-caucusing, I-CT) hasn't made any secret of his support for John McCain, and now he's toying with the idea of being the political equivalent of his best man, standing up and giving a speech for McCain at the Republican Convention in September. On Fox News Sunday, Lieberman said: I want to help him. I’m not going to attack Obama. I am going to explain why I, as an independent democrat, support McCain, hoping that I can convince other independents and Democrats to join me in choosing the man who is clearly more ready to be the president America needs today.

It's not the first time that someone left the gate open and a donkey has wandered into the elephant pen. In 2004 Sen. Zell Miller (D-GA) crossed the party line to deliver a fiery keynote speech at the Republican Convention (he was introduced on the floor as "the conscience of the Democratic Party.) It was a dramatic performance, the likes of which I can't conceive Lieberman coming close to repeating (seriously. Go watch it. Wow.) but the symbolism remains as interesting. If Lieberman speaks in Minneapolis, will the Democrats kick Joe out of their caucus? Should they? Is Lieberman a traitor, or just making a solid independent decision?Source

Should Lieberman Speak at the Republican Convention?

Of course he should speak. He's an Independent, and he's made his choice. Go Joe!

He's always been a Democrat — he was even a running mate! A speech is disloyal.

Can we all agree that Lieberman's finally succeeded in making himself wildly irrelevant?

Other. I'll give my speech in the comments.

Pictures of McCain's Vietnam Cell, Plus First-Person Account

CitizenSugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:55 -0700

John McCain has announced that these days, he's speaking softly and carrying a big stick, a la Teddy Roosevelt. McCain said, "I count myself as a conservative Republican, yet I view it to a large degree in the Theodore Roosevelt mold," with a nod to Roosevelt's reputation for reform, environmentalism and tough foreign policy.

Though he may be a political Rough Rider now, these new photos of McCain's POW cell show that he's already had it plenty rough for almost six long years. The pictures show that even after the cell was cleaned up for an American historical filmmaker, the Hanoi Hilton was a chamber of terror. Debra Watkins took the pictures in 1993 before the area was destroyed. The first photo shows the door to the cell. Next to the door you can see old locks probably used to hold leg irons and other torture implements. The other photo shows the inside of McCain's cell and the leg-iron contraption the filmmaker believes he was tortured with.

Though certainly his time in Vietnam is no secret, the account of his entire time as a POW, written by McCain himself in 1973 and published online for the first time this year, is a riveting read. It's long — bookmark it and read away at it this week — but the length and detail does nothing if not prove beyond a shadow that what this man survived is anything short of miraculous. To see some excerpts of his story,

Hasta La Vista, GOP? Schwarzenegger Would Join Obama

LibertySugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:04 -0700

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."

When asked if he would consider leading Obama's energy programs, the Governator said:

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."

Obama, arguably an Abraham Lincoln-wannabe, says he wants a "Team of Rivals" 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 dedication to the energy issue against him.

Source

Outsiders Become Insiders: You Decide The Parties' Platforms

LibertySugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:45:04 -0700

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.

Democrats say that the process will empower all Americans who just want the best for their families. They want Americans to host and attend meetings joined by policy experts. Leaders will then consult written summaries when crafting the platform.

The GOP says its initiative is the most grassroots-driven platform development effort in the history of American politics. You can offer your ideas using text or video.

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?

Source

Smelly Memorial: SF Voters to Decide on Bush Sewage Plant

LibertySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:45:58 -0700

The Presidential Memorial Commission of San Francisco has some big plans to honor outgoing President Bush — they want to rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Plant, the George W. Bush Sewage Plant.

The civically savvy satirists have collected more than enough signatures required to put the renaming initiative on November's ballot.

The chair of the SF Republican Party (yes, it does exist) calls the measure "loony bin direct democracy" and called its supporters "typical San Francisco crazies." The plant itself notes that it is an award-winning facility that keeps the environment clean, thus making it an unworthy vehicle for a statement on Bush's negative impact, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Do you find naming a sewage plant after George W. Bush funny or offensive? If the measure passes, will the renaming be a historical political statement, or just a stinkin' empty gesture distracting us from serious grievances?

Source

Obama's Edge in Jeopardy: RNC Has $50 Million Cash Advantage

CitizenSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:10:32 -0700

Obama's Edge in Jeopardy: RNC Has $50 Million Cash Advantage 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.

GOP Frets Barr Could Play Spoiler in Presidential Race

CitizenSugar — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:55:00 -0700

GOP Frets Barr Could Play Spoiler in Presidential Race Bob Barr's Libertarian Party bid for the White House is the longest of long shots, but political experts say he may be able to exploit the unease some die-hard conservatives still feel about Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee-in-waiting. Combined with the surge in turnout among Democrats during the primaries and a difficult political climate for Republicans, they see what could be a recipe for trouble for the GOP.

Playing Nice? Republicans Are Kinder People Says Research

CitizenSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:00:08 -0700

Uh-oh cowboys and girls — check that voter registration card. A big "R" on your status might just stand for "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.”

In a piece espousing this theory, Peter Schweizer says this about where the meanness might come from:

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.

How does the research show their left-handed selfish side? To find out,

Meghan McCain Shares Her Dad with Other Kids

LibertySugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:00:46 -0700

Meghan McCain has announced plans to publish a children's book about her dad, just in time for Father's Day. The book will be out in September.

In a story about patriotism and tenacity, the 23-year-old daughter of a maverick follows Daddy John's life as a Navy brat, through five-and-a-half years as a POW in Vietnam, all the way to the Republican convention where he will be nominated for president.

Meghan can now add author to a resume that already includes blogger; She keeps an online diary of her experience on the campaign trail at McCain Blogette.

Do you think this biography-turned-children's book is a blatant campaign public relations tactic, or a sweet Father's Day gift that all of American's children can cherish? Would you read McCain's biography to your children as a bedtime story?

Gaffe or Straight Talk: When Troops Return Not Too Important

LibertySugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:45:00 -0700

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.

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On the Today show Matt Lauer asked McCain if he had a better estimate of when the troops will come home. McCain said: No, but that's not too important. What's important is the casualties in Iraq.

Former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry responded saying: 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.

And let's not leave out former Dem veep nominee Joe Lieberman, who said: 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.

Click here 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. Who do you agree with — John or Joe?

Gaffe or Straight Talk: When Troops Return Not Too Important

Kerry! McCain is out of touch with the needs of our troops and the needs of US security.

Lieberman! Listen beyond sound bites, you'll understand McCain's responsible position.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.