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Ladies' Man Gets the Vote? Vogue Declares Early Victor

CitizenSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:15:05 -0700

Looks like the Obama-Biden ticket is starting to close in on the coveted fashionista vote. Vogue took a chance in its November issue, which will hit newsstands over the next week, by titling a feature story "All the Vice President's Women." Cute! Let's hope it's not wildly prophetic, because the profile is really about one woman — Jill Biden, the would-be vice president's wife. Second Lady?

A representative for Vogue spoke to the Huffington Post and said of the cover line, "Win or lose, we thought it was a clever cover line that would serve to get people's attention." I've written entire posts to fit headlines I've come up with, so I understand the urge, but putting it in print and on the cover seems a lot like buying a dress one size too small.

Is it just me, or is there a lot of Obama-presumptiveness around lately? To see what I mean,

He's Back! Diddy's all Halloween-y — Sarah Palin "Scares Him"

CitizenSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 06:00:18 -0700

Diddy's back with a new video blog, and though it's not as long on nonsense as his last offering it's equally (and arguably) as short on substance. At least it's seasonally appropriate! Starring in his own horror movie, Diddy plays the clip of Katie and Sarah discussing newspapers, and Palin's reluctance to name a specific paper. The rest of the video is Diddy under the covers, in a not un-amusing homage to The Blair Witch Project, he cowers and says things like, "She's worse than the Boogeyman."

Get Flash to see this player.

The meat of his argument seems to be, "You could become the president of the United States. Did you hear the answer to that question? John McCain is 72." Though he opts not to go further with specifics. Much like Palin opting not to reveal certain media titles by which to possibly present a bias? Similar, Diddy? His claim isn't without some basis in fact, 30 percent of all Vice Presidents have gone on to takeover the top spot — though it would have been a nice addition to his argument if he'd included it. Maybe in the extended director's cut.

His grand finale, "I'm not coming out the covers. It safe underneath the covers. . . if I stay underneath the covers, she won't become president," is punctuated with a "Sarah!" His heart might be in the right place it's allegedly about getting out the vote — but I'd love to know a little bit more about why he's so scared of Sarah Palin. He caps it with an appeal to register to vote and the deadline (which in some states is sooner than the 6th, so check for yourself.) Who do you think is scarier — Sarah — or Diddy?

Debate Rebate: Our Reactions to the Big Biden vs. Palin

CitizenSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:57:11 -0700

Whoa. That debate was like running a half-marathon at a 5k pace. It was hotly anticipated and proved to be even more intense than expected. Your fantastic comments during the debate came almost faster than the candidates' answers themselves. Here's what we thought of the big #2 showdown:

Citizen:
This was a fast and furious debate. It barely paused long enough to get questions uttered before zooming on. Perhaps the questions over Gwen Ifill's motives were wildly unnecessary as she was competent though mostly periphery to the sheer pace. The questions she asked were fair and the candidates only really loosely followed them anyway. Sarah Palin was firmly self-assured as soon as she settled in, and both Palin and Biden hammered home a 100-mile-an-hour back-up of the arguments for their respective presidential candidates, exactly what they were supposed to do.

Joe Biden brought a similar performance to what we're used to seeing from him, the wild card of course was Palin. Her grasp of foreign policy facts was bullet-point perfect tonight, and her accessibility and — I'll say it — personality really shone through. Republicans were facing an uphill climb, stymied a bit by recent poll numbers and Palin's interview performances — Palin took that challenge, and especially in the first half of the debate, hit it home.

To see the rest of my thoughts, and what Liberty has to say,

Everything You Need to Know About Joe Biden and Sarah Palin

CitizenSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:54:41 -0700

OK, not everything, but I've taken the liberty of personally vetting the entire internet this morning and since the whole thing is full of BidenPalin-palooza, here are the tastiest morsels:

Joe Biden hypes his blue-collar-lunch-bucket cred, but does his actual life ride the same train? The Times delves into just how "everyman" he actually is, from his 6,800 square foot home to how much that train ticket actually costs per month.

You've heard the one about that "Bridge to Nowhere," right? Rolling Stone has a slideshow comparing Palin myth to Palin fact, including the story behind that eBay-ed plane plus 10 more.
I think I guffawed at this one: Politico has "10 Answers for Sarah Palin" to use tonight, including this one, “Sure, I said, ‘Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States,’ but at least I didn’t plagiarize it.” Kapow. Point Palin?

There's much more! To see the rest,

Front Page: India Nuclear Deal Approved, Suicide Bombers Strike End of Ramadan, Vice Presidential Debate Tonight

CitizenSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:56:41 -0700

India Nuclear Deal Approved:
In addition to passing the Bailout Bill last night which caused the European markets to rise, the US Senate voted 86-13 to approve a nuclear deal with India. The vote moves to end a 30-year ban on nuclear trade with India. The deal gives India access to civilian nuclear technology which critics say will expand its nuclear industry without having to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Suicide Bombers Strike End of Ramadan:
In Baghdad as Muslims marked the close of Ramadan, suicide bombers attacked two Shi'ite mosques during morning prayers, killing at least 20 people. The attacks were part of a second wave of violence this week culminating in the Id al-Fitr feast. No one has claimed responsibility but some in the crowd believe Sunni extremists were to blame.

Vice Presidential Debate Tonight:
Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden face off in their only debate tonight in St. Louis, MO. The event starts at 9 p.m. ET and will be moderated by PBS's Gwen Ifill. The debate has been much anticipated and we'll be gearing up for it today, as well as here tonight live-commenting during the debate.

Source

Gwen Ifill's Book Casts Debate Moderation Questions

CitizenSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:58:42 -0700

With the Lunch Bucket vs. Barracuda match up a hair over 24 hours away, the sassy, classy debate moderator Gwen Ifill has found her plate full of more than just prepping questions. Ifill, the PBS news maven and moderator of Washington Week, broke her ankle on Monday, though her doctor has given her the A-OK to travel and keep her debate duties. She called the accident, "Another crazy twist in a crazy week."

The week is about to get crazier if Matt Drudge and many others have anything to say about it. The top story on the DrudgeReport is of Ifill's upcoming book, set to be released on Inauguration Day called The Breakthrough: Politics in the Age of Obama. The book focuses on "emerging young African American politicians," one of whom is Barack Obama. The book also includes interviews with Colin Powell, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, and MA Gov. Deval Patrick, though given the climate the focus is on the big "O." Does that make for an uh-oh in a moderator?

To see what people are saying about it and my nickel (hey, two cents is not worth what it used to be)

Remember Him? What's Biden Been Up To — Is He Ready?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:30:03 -0700

Remember when we were all waiting for the magical text message to come? Cozy memories, right? And then we all found out Obama's VP pick was Joe Biden and then the Palin train came to town, and well . . . have people just forgotten him all together? He's out there alright, and saying things that deserve at least as careful a look as Palin's time with Katie Couric. To wit:

On Sunday, Biden let loose a fiery tirade saying, "John McCain said he'd follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell. Well, let me tell you something: President Barack Obama will follow him to where he lives and then send him to hell." Zap?

But then there's this: In an interview also with CBS airing last week, Biden painted a lovely picture of how FDR had spoken to the country on television in 1929 to comfort them about the stock market crash. Even though Herbert Hoover was president in 1929 and no one had a TV until 10 years later. Did we hear much about that?
He forcefully declared the Democratic ticket against clean coal when Obama is for it, sparking a rash of ads.
And then this one from a debate last year, interesting when juxtaposed against the Hillary "sniper fire" from this year. "Let's start telling the truth . . . you better have helicopters ready to take those 3,000 civilians inside the Green Zone, where I have been seven times and shot at." He later downgraded that statement to "I was near where a shot landed."

Questionable statements aside, the elder statesman is busily prepping for his big debate with partner Gov. Jennifer Granholm. To see his strategy,

Sarah Palin: The Woman's Everywhere From People to the Post

CitizenSugar — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:30:11 -0700

Now that the McCain/Palin '08 stationery has been ordered and we've had a day to process the news the media has been working overtime to answer the question, "who is Sarah Palin." Here's what they've come up with:

People magazine whipped up an interview with both families, a stunning feat given that most of the Palin family didn't know until right before the announcement. Here's a taste:

Given her young age and relatively short resume, why is she any more ready to be president than Sen. Barack Obama?
JOHN: I don't think it's a short resume. She first ran for office back in 1992. I don't know what Senator Obama was doing then, but the first time she ran was 1992. That's 16 years. I think that's a pretty, pretty event-filled and record-filled resume.
SARAH: And I haven't had too many years other than that to fill up yet.
JOHN: There you go.

A woman on the ticket is what a lot of Hillary Clinton voters wanted to see. What's your message to women who might see a second shot at shattering the glass ceiling?
SARAH: Certainly in this election cycle, women aren't finished yet. And women can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.
JOHN: I think that Sarah appeals to a lot of voters – I think because of her independence, because of her reform agenda and her record of balancing both family and service. It is motivation to not just Clinton voters but to lots of voters.

This just made me snort in my coffee:

Mrs. McCain, do you even remember the last time he changed a diaper?
CINDY: No. And I'm not sure he does.
JOHN: Heh-heh. I remember. There's some experiences you never forget.

There's much more! To see how others are playing the "Meet Sarah Palin" game,

Front Page: McCain Set to Announce Palin as VP, Iraq Signs $3 Billion Oil Deal, Mexico's Court Upholds Abortion

CitizenSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:05:56 -0700

McCain Set to Pick Palin as VP: According to sources close to the campaign, John McCain has picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. A formal announcement is expected shortly at a campaign rally in Ohio. A 44-year-old mom, Palin flew overnight to an airport in Ohio near Dayton, thought to be awaiting her formal introduction.

Mexico's Court Upholds Abortion:
Mexico's Supreme Court has voted to uphold legal abortion in Mexico City, keeping the city one of only a few places in Latin America that allow abortion without limitations in the first trimester. The Roman Catholic church blasted the 8-3 decision announcing that they will redouble their fight against it.

Iraq Signs $3 Billion Oil Deal:
Iraq has signed a $3 billion oil deal with China, its first oil deal with a foreign country since 2003. The contract is pending approval by the Iraqi cabinet, but if passed work could begin on the oil field in a few months. The 22-year contract is a new version of a 1997 contract with China began under Saddam Hussein.

Source

It's In! Obama Picked Biden For Vice President! Good Choice?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:21:20 -0700

We've been waiting for the text for days and now we know! Barack Obama just announced his running mate in the 2008 presidential election is none other than Joe Biden. The first Obama/Biden rally will go down today around 3:00 pm ET.Biden is in his sixth term as the senior Senator from Delaware, is Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and was in the running for the presidency this year before dropping out right after the Iowa caucuses. Are you surprised? Is this a good choice?Source

It's In! Obama Picked Biden For Vice President! Good Choice?

Yes! That's who I was hoping for! Right on.

That's the pick I expected, but I was hoping for _______.

No way. He just lost the election.

I'm surprised, but pleased.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Breaking: Secret Service Dispatched to Joe Biden's House

CitizenSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:48:30 -0700

I can't keep it to myself/can't stand the anticipation. So apparently both Kaine and Bayh have been given the "thanks for playing" calls, and the Secret Service has been sent to Joe Biden's Delaware home. And don't get me started on the charter plane heading from Chicago Midway to Delaware. Oh, Joe-mentum baby. It's on. The official text with the choice is supposed to drop tomorrow morning — check your phones and hear it here as soon as we know for sure!

Source

Prediction Market Bets On Biden For Vice President

CitizenSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:20:27 -0700

Prediction Market Bets On Biden For Vice President As of this morning, Intrade, a political trading market, was selling the Democrat from Delaware at 55.0 a share, meaning that a majority of betters believe that he will end up as the vice president. The senator has shot up on the market in recent days closing more than 13 points higher than his last price. A few days ago, however, he was selling at 49 a share.

Eyebrow-Raising Political Analysis — Do the Looks Have It?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:30:45 -0700

While we're breathlessly awaiting Liberty's big text from Obama to see who he picks for Veep, Bella says it's maybe the "pluck" that matters most. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine was making the rounds, stumping for Obama this weekend, humbly demurring talk of a #2 slot and showing up on Meet the Press. While he was conducting official business, his brows were the object of scrutiny on NPR's Wait, Wait . . . Don't Tell Me! Brow expert Eliza Pertrescu bashed Kaine's brows saying, "his eyebrows are definitely too feminine . . . his eyebrows are too manicured; whoever did it made him look almost like a woman." She also dished on the candidates arches as well. It's official — every aspect of the campaign has been scrutinized. With breathless attention to Obama shirtless and Kaine's eyebrows questioned, are male candidates finally getting the attention to looks that Hillary faced all campaign? Do a candidate's looks matter? Source

Eyebrow-Raising Political Analysis — Do the Looks Have It?

Yup. We want to see candidates who are attractive, it's a survival of the fittest thing.

A little. But it's that way with life, not just politics.

No! I can think of a million candidates who weren't attractive. This is silliness.

Other. I'll show you my brows in the comments.

Huckabee Says Lieberman Would Be "Disastrous" VP Pick

CitizenSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:25:01 -0700

Huckabee Says Lieberman Would Be "Disastrous" VP Pick Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said pro-life Republicans like himself would not not take too kindly to Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) as a running mate for John McCain. "Let's be honest with each other. It would be disastrous choice because, first of all, it's going to alienate many people in the Republican Party, particularly the conservative pro-life, pro-family base," said Huckabee, the last active candidate to win a Republican primary against McCain.

Could the Vice-President Choice Decide the Election?

LibertySugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:15:47 -0700

With talks of the vice-presidential choices getting louder, every aspect from the ethics of picking a running mate to the potential political boost of each potential pick, has its place in the discussion. Historically nine VPs have succeeded the president, so the nominees must think seriously whether a would-be number two could successfully serve as number one. Keeping that in mind, other concerns should be on the candidates' brains like: who can help me win; who will complement me the best; and who would be best for the nation. And perhaps more than other years, this election's VP nominees could have a deciding impact. Because the candidates themselves are so different, the VP choice could fatefully decide whether McCain's age comes off as experience or failed policies, or whether Obama's newcomer status translates to welcomed change or inexperience.Source

Could the Vice-President Choice Decide the Election?

Yes. A strong VP choice brings new votes, and highlights the ticket's strengths.

Yup! Whoever has the best number-two attack dog will win.

Maybe. If one VP choice does something stupid, otherwise it's all about the candidates.

No. The VP choice picks will round out both tickets making it a wash.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Indiana Abuzz for Veepstakes: Obama-Bayh on Wednesday?

CitizenSugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 09:45:18 -0700

Indiana Abuzz for Veepstakes: Obama-Bayh on Wednesday? Howey Politics Indiana asks: “An Obama-Bayh Ticket Wednesday?”: “Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama will stop in Indiana this Wednesday at Concord High School in Elkhart, setting Hoosier political observers aflutter with renewed veepstakes speculation. The visit, confirmed to HPI by Second Congressional District Chairman Butch Morgan, could be to announce the selection of Senator Evan Bayh as Obama’s running mate." Perhaps the Clinton-supporting has been explained?

Could This Be? Former VP Quayle Rumored to Be on DWTS!

CitizenSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:00:15 -0700

Could it be?! Oh, that it be true! Dan Quayle, former veep under George Bush I, is rumored to be in talks to join the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. The show is lacing up its shoes to reappear on Sept. 22, and the cast list is not yet concrete.

The show has been angling for a political figure, and Quayle seems to be tops of the shortlist. With tidbits of fame that include his tussle with fictional character Murphy Brown, and the whole "potato/potatoe" incident, he might be a great asset to the show. I don't know about you but I'm making up a whole list of politicians I'd like to see cut a rug: Mike Huckabee, Nancy Pelosi, Henry Kissinger, Nicolas Sarkozy — I could play this game all day. If it's true, will you watch?

Source

Jindal Pulls Himself Out Of VP Race

CitizenSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:07:25 -0700

Jindal Pulls Himself Out of VP Race Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday he will not run for vice president on the GOP ticket, making him among a growing number of those pulling themselves out of the race. Jindal's comments come as speculation is swirling that John McCain might announce his running mate choice imminently, as a way to draw attention away from Barack Obama's high-profile overseas trip.

New List of Possible VP Choices Out, Who Do You Like?

LibertySugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:00:31 -0700

Barack Obama has selected Caroline Kennedy to help him choose a running mate. Perhaps to aid the daughter of JFK, the Boston Globe put together a very handy slideshow of potential VP choices for Barack Obama. The interactive list, which includes Hillary Clinton as the only woman, outlines the pros and cons of each potential veep. For example: Retired General Wesley Clark would bring impressive military and foreign policy skills, as he helped negotiate the end of the war in Bosnia. But, his poor campaign skills, demonstrated by his poor run in 2004, could bring down the ticket.Go check out the list! And for fun, out of those highlighted, who do you think Obama should tap?Source

Will There Be a Madame Vice President Not Named Hillary?

LibertySugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Three women, none named Hillary Clinton, are on Politico's short list of potential Barack Obama running mates. They include: Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill.

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.

For some background info on each potential running mate,

How Healthy Is He? McCain Releases His Medical Records

LibertySugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:00:16 -0700

John McCain released his medical records from 2000-2008 today. According to the AP, the 71-year-old maverick's health issues are pretty common for someone his age. In the not-so-common column, as a result of war injuries, the former prisoner of war has degenerative arthritis that might mean a future joint replacement. The group of journalists, handpicked by McCain, could not keep, nor photocopy the documents.

So what's the fuss? In 2000, McCain underwent surgery for his Stage 2A melanoma, a form of cancer that kills a third of sufferers within 10 years. Judging by his records, medical experts think McCain's early treatment and constant checkups mean he has a very low risk of reoccurrence. McCain said last week that there will be no surprises and that the doctors have assured him he is in good health. Besides, his mom is 96 years old!

Do you think Americans have an appetite for McCain's health history? Should the issue of age, just like race, be taken off the table this campaign season? Should voters be asking for Hillary and Obama's health histories too?

Source

Did John Edwards Endorse His Way to Vice President?

LibertySugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:00:30 -0700

Yesterday, son-of-a-mill-worker John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama, ending months of silence and rebuffing former rival Hillary Clinton.The announcement was made in Michigan, a state that acutely experiences America's economic slowdown, and has felt scorn by the Democratic Party this primary season. Perhaps the announcement had more than geographical strategic significance — could this be the first dual appearance made by the reincarnation of the "dream ticket?" Will John Edwards take a second crack at becoming the nation's number two leader?John Edwards, whose own campaign appealed directly to white, blue-collar voters, received seven percent of the vote in West Virginia, where Obama struggled to keep his momentum. Not, bad for a man not even running. Obama has trouble with the group that embraces Edwards.Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is talking Democratic unity. On CNN yesterday, she said that it would be a "terrible mistake" for her supporters to vote for John McCain over Barack Obama. But, does Obama need her on the ticket in order to get her supporters to vote at all? The New York Times reported that although Edwards denied holding out for an administration position before he endorsed, he told them privately that he would consider the role of vice president, and favored the position of attorney general.While John Edwards didn't even make Huffington Post's Obama VP frontrunner list, this ticket does seem plausible. Will Obama tap Edwards? Source

Did John Edwards Endorse His Way to Vice President?

Yay! He fills out Obama's weak spot perfectly.

Nay. Edward's has been there done that . . . and lost.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.