Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Joe Miller: Tilting At Windmills
It is high time for Alaska Republican U.S. Senate candidate Joe Miller to admit what everyone else in America already knows-that he lost the November Senate race to incumbent Senator and write-in candidate Lisa Murkowski. Drop the recount and ballot challenges and admit that your Tea Party Darling status and Sarah Palin endorsement were unqualified failures and that the people of Alaska made their choice loud and clear-Senator Murkowski is the Senator they want. Stop embarassing yourself and return to private life. Show you can do what is in the best interest of the people of Alaska, unlike your headline-grabbing, self-promoting patron and Governor washout Sarah Palin.
Self-Made Billionairess Could Become An Even Bigger Force For Social Good
With the premiere of her new OWN Network on cable this coming Saturday, Oprah Winfrey may conquer the cable world as she has the talk show world for the last 25 years.
Her new network, a 50/50 collaboration with the Discovery Channel, could very well serve as a force for global understanding, empathy, and kindness in an increasingly hectic world that is already exhibiting too little of all three.
And, to the naysayers who criticize the recent Kennedy Center honoree as some conspiratorial entertainer out for world domination, I say: The woman is a self-made billionaire who has done countless acts of goodwill for people the world over.
When you can say the same, then and only then can you dare to malign her.
Her new network, a 50/50 collaboration with the Discovery Channel, could very well serve as a force for global understanding, empathy, and kindness in an increasingly hectic world that is already exhibiting too little of all three.
And, to the naysayers who criticize the recent Kennedy Center honoree as some conspiratorial entertainer out for world domination, I say: The woman is a self-made billionaire who has done countless acts of goodwill for people the world over.
When you can say the same, then and only then can you dare to malign her.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A Real Opportunity for John Boehner
As the newly seated Congress returns to Washington, D.C. next week, a rare opportunity for compromise and legislative progress exists.
As evidenced by the success of the recently adjourned lame duck Congressional session,Democrats and Republicans can work together to advance the national interest.
The incoming House Speaker, John Boehner (R-OH), can show himself to be a true statesman by cooperating with Democrats in Congress and the Obama Administration on issues where agreement is possible between the parties.
If Boehner hits the ground running on Energy legislation, jobs legislation, and economic and business legislation, great success is possible in the upcoming session of Congress.
If, however, Boehner and his colleagues decide right out of the box to pick fights on health care, foreign policy, and anti-Obama policies simply to deny the President any successes and possible reelection in 2012, then Boehner will lose a historic opportunity to shine in the Speaker's chair he has long coveted.
As evidenced by the success of the recently adjourned lame duck Congressional session,Democrats and Republicans can work together to advance the national interest.
The incoming House Speaker, John Boehner (R-OH), can show himself to be a true statesman by cooperating with Democrats in Congress and the Obama Administration on issues where agreement is possible between the parties.
If Boehner hits the ground running on Energy legislation, jobs legislation, and economic and business legislation, great success is possible in the upcoming session of Congress.
If, however, Boehner and his colleagues decide right out of the box to pick fights on health care, foreign policy, and anti-Obama policies simply to deny the President any successes and possible reelection in 2012, then Boehner will lose a historic opportunity to shine in the Speaker's chair he has long coveted.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
2010 Midterm Elections Predictions #1
Predictions #1 for Fall 2010:
1) Republican candidate Marco Rubio will win the U.S. Senate seat in the state of Florida.
2) Democratic candidate Chris Coons will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of Delaware.
3) Republican candidate Johnny Isakson will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of Georgia.
4) Democratic candidate Andrew Cuomo will win the New York Governor's race.
5) Republican candidate John Kasich will win the Ohio Governor's race.
6) Democratic candidate Joe Manchin will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of West Virginia.
7) Republican candidate Nikki Haley will win the South Carolina Governor's race.
8) Democratic candidate Richard Blumenthal will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of Connecticut.
9) Democratic candidate Patty Murray will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of Washington.
10) Democratic candidate Barbara Boxer will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of California.
11) Democratic candidate Mark Dayton will win the Minnesota Governor's race.
12) Republican candidate Rick Perry will win the Texas Governor's race.
While I don't expect 100% success on the above predictions, they are my best handicapped analyses for these races.
I will soon analyze other national races.
1) Republican candidate Marco Rubio will win the U.S. Senate seat in the state of Florida.
2) Democratic candidate Chris Coons will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of Delaware.
3) Republican candidate Johnny Isakson will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of Georgia.
4) Democratic candidate Andrew Cuomo will win the New York Governor's race.
5) Republican candidate John Kasich will win the Ohio Governor's race.
6) Democratic candidate Joe Manchin will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of West Virginia.
7) Republican candidate Nikki Haley will win the South Carolina Governor's race.
8) Democratic candidate Richard Blumenthal will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of Connecticut.
9) Democratic candidate Patty Murray will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of Washington.
10) Democratic candidate Barbara Boxer will win the U.S. Senate race in the state of California.
11) Democratic candidate Mark Dayton will win the Minnesota Governor's race.
12) Republican candidate Rick Perry will win the Texas Governor's race.
While I don't expect 100% success on the above predictions, they are my best handicapped analyses for these races.
I will soon analyze other national races.
Ignorance Is Not a Senate Qualification
Delaware Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell, a Tea Party darling, made a fool of herself in her second debate against her Democratic opponent, Chris Coons, when she continually questioned where the concept of Separation of Church and State comes from.
She continually asked her opponent, "Separation of Church and State is in the First Amendment"?
No candidate for the United States Senate of either political party should be permitted to run without at least a basic, rudimentary understanding of the Constitution.
Christine O'Donnell doesn't even possess that.
People of Delaware: Please laugh this joke right off the stage!
She continually asked her opponent, "Separation of Church and State is in the First Amendment"?
No candidate for the United States Senate of either political party should be permitted to run without at least a basic, rudimentary understanding of the Constitution.
Christine O'Donnell doesn't even possess that.
People of Delaware: Please laugh this joke right off the stage!
Put Substance Into the Strategy, Democrats!
Dear Democrats:
A Word To The Wise: Stop Using The "Halloween Strategy" as you campaign for the Fall 2010 Midterm elections!
Give the American people positive arguments about what is commendable about your policies...tell them what to vote FOR, not simply what to vote against!
The "Halloween Strategy" of "Vote for us, because the other guys are scarier than we are," is a ridiculous way to minimize congressional losses.
Talk with upbeat confidence about the things Democrats have accomplished since 2008-Financial Reform, Healthcare Reform, economic stimulus that helped to prevent a second Great Depression, and the successful saving of the auto and banking industries.
Don't cower in the corner and play the blame game. Stand up, be affirmative, and FIGHT BACK BY PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD!!!
A Word To The Wise: Stop Using The "Halloween Strategy" as you campaign for the Fall 2010 Midterm elections!
Give the American people positive arguments about what is commendable about your policies...tell them what to vote FOR, not simply what to vote against!
The "Halloween Strategy" of "Vote for us, because the other guys are scarier than we are," is a ridiculous way to minimize congressional losses.
Talk with upbeat confidence about the things Democrats have accomplished since 2008-Financial Reform, Healthcare Reform, economic stimulus that helped to prevent a second Great Depression, and the successful saving of the auto and banking industries.
Don't cower in the corner and play the blame game. Stand up, be affirmative, and FIGHT BACK BY PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD!!!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
National Endowment For the Arts and the National Endowment for The Humanities Are Vital...But Not To Armey
Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) just argued on Parker-Spitzer on CNN two minutes ago that the National Endowment for The Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts ought to be eliminated as federal programs because they are "useless".
In his view, these things should be handled by the states; in other words, they would be nonexistent at the state level during these tough times.
Generations of American students are better people because the Arts and Humanities have expanded their minds and given them a sense of culture, from the sublime to the outrageous to the inspirational.
That's what a free society does. It opens minds, hearts, and promotes cultural interaction and understanding.
But, then again, the Tea Party minions want to turn back the clock on progress.
Why should the Arts and Humanities be excused from their "Throwback to the Fifties" mentality?
Some things that are worthwhile deserve to be funded, not demonized.
In his view, these things should be handled by the states; in other words, they would be nonexistent at the state level during these tough times.
Generations of American students are better people because the Arts and Humanities have expanded their minds and given them a sense of culture, from the sublime to the outrageous to the inspirational.
That's what a free society does. It opens minds, hearts, and promotes cultural interaction and understanding.
But, then again, the Tea Party minions want to turn back the clock on progress.
Why should the Arts and Humanities be excused from their "Throwback to the Fifties" mentality?
Some things that are worthwhile deserve to be funded, not demonized.
A Ridiculous Ad
The inexperience and amateurism of Delaware Republican U.S. Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell was on bold display today as the embattled nominee released her first television ad that begins with the statement, "I am not a witch."
Rather than ignoring this point, which erupted when a young O'Donnell said she had "dabbled in witchcraft" years ago as a guest on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, candidate O'Donnell chose to REMIND Delaware voters of this negative by starting her ad with it. A Communications 101 undergraduate knows not to begin an ad that is intended to be positive by citing negatives.
This female, who defeated mainstream Republican Delaware Congressman and former Governor Mike Castle in the Delaware Republican Senate primary, has touted her support from the Tea Party and Alaska's Quitter in Chief Sarah Palin, as evidence that she is "one of us" and will make decisions just like "ordinary people" in Washington.
Quite frankly, nothing could be more ridiculous. Thinking people who understand
that serious issues require people of serious intellect and serious stature to address them want skilled professionals who know how to run a government to win elections.
Quitter Palin's hand-picked candidate with zero experience hardly qualifies as U.S. Senate material.
Voters of Delaware Watch Out!
Be Smart!
Don't be fooled!
Save your fine state from stupidity!
Rather than ignoring this point, which erupted when a young O'Donnell said she had "dabbled in witchcraft" years ago as a guest on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, candidate O'Donnell chose to REMIND Delaware voters of this negative by starting her ad with it. A Communications 101 undergraduate knows not to begin an ad that is intended to be positive by citing negatives.
This female, who defeated mainstream Republican Delaware Congressman and former Governor Mike Castle in the Delaware Republican Senate primary, has touted her support from the Tea Party and Alaska's Quitter in Chief Sarah Palin, as evidence that she is "one of us" and will make decisions just like "ordinary people" in Washington.
Quite frankly, nothing could be more ridiculous. Thinking people who understand
that serious issues require people of serious intellect and serious stature to address them want skilled professionals who know how to run a government to win elections.
Quitter Palin's hand-picked candidate with zero experience hardly qualifies as U.S. Senate material.
Voters of Delaware Watch Out!
Be Smart!
Don't be fooled!
Save your fine state from stupidity!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Triumph For The Rule of Law
The United States Senate made a public statement today that specificity, intellect, fidelity to the Constitution, and respect for settled law are traits we as Americans should cherish in our judicial nominees.
Senators confirmed U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as the 112th U.S. Supreme Court
Justice, the fourth female justice in American history, and she will become the third female justice currently seated on the high bench.
May Justice Kagan bring stature, respect, and dedication to the administration of justice in our country.
Senators confirmed U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as the 112th U.S. Supreme Court
Justice, the fourth female justice in American history, and she will become the third female justice currently seated on the high bench.
May Justice Kagan bring stature, respect, and dedication to the administration of justice in our country.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
An Added Forum
As of June 2010, I signed on as Political Analyst for Georgia Public Broadcasting, Inc., WKEU/88.9 FM.
Chat with you on air!
Chat with you on air!
What Happens In Nevada May Not Stay In Nevada
All political eyes have now turned to the state of Nevada, where the Tea Party's influence recently ensured the victory of Sharon Angle in the Republican U.S. Senate primary. Her victory over two better-known Republicans for the right to take on U.S. Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid this November has political pundits (this one included) salivating at the possible outcome this fall.
By supporting Angle, Tea Partiers are in danger of splitting the Republican vote, possibly guaranteeing the reelection of Senator Reid.
Reid himself recently spoke of his desire to campaign against Angle
for reelection, citing Angle's policy positions as radical and outside the mainstream. Despite the enthusiasm of the Tea Partiers for Angle's chances, her platform includes abolishing the Departments of Education and Energy, as well as the complete privatization of Social Security and public pensions.
Harry Reid may find himself smiling in November 2010.
By supporting Angle, Tea Partiers are in danger of splitting the Republican vote, possibly guaranteeing the reelection of Senator Reid.
Reid himself recently spoke of his desire to campaign against Angle
for reelection, citing Angle's policy positions as radical and outside the mainstream. Despite the enthusiasm of the Tea Partiers for Angle's chances, her platform includes abolishing the Departments of Education and Energy, as well as the complete privatization of Social Security and public pensions.
Harry Reid may find himself smiling in November 2010.
Republicans Make "Eating Their Young" An Art Form
In the months since Barack Obama assumed the Presidency, the public mood has sent a series of hopeful signals to the GOP. Obama's victory in securing the passage of landmark healthcare legislation has failed to provide him with a substantial polling bounce, the environmental tragedy in the Gulf Of Mexico showcased the federal government's initial lethargic response effort, and less than half of those now surveyed say they approve of the job Obama is doing as President.
A heavenly alignment of stars for Republicans, right?
Well, not exactly.
Surprise, surprise.
Instead of capitalizing on this turn of events, Republicans are dropping the ball, at least for now.
The Republican response to Obama's difficulties-their lack of new ideas, their stubborn refusal to vote to extend unemployment benefits until a newly-seated U.S. Senator made their opposition moot, their unapolegetic obstructionism, and an internal Civil War within their ranks, may well conspire collectively to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
The national Tea Party movement poses a genuine threat to the Republican Party.
While many Conservative strategists would like to see the GOP co-opt the Movement, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Movement may co-opt the GOP. Time and time again, the Tea Party and its activists have placed an ideological purity test on Republican candidates running in primaries all across the country. These activists are working tirelessly to ensure that only those candidates they deem to be legitimate conservatives win primary contest nominations.
From Rand Paul's primary victory in Kentucky to Bob Bennett's failure to secure renomination in Utah, the Tea Party has made it clear that it is not afraid to weigh in on U.S. Senate primary contests across the land.
Only time will tell whether the Tea Party is merely a flash in the pan, or in fact, the new face of the Republican Party.
A heavenly alignment of stars for Republicans, right?
Well, not exactly.
Surprise, surprise.
Instead of capitalizing on this turn of events, Republicans are dropping the ball, at least for now.
The Republican response to Obama's difficulties-their lack of new ideas, their stubborn refusal to vote to extend unemployment benefits until a newly-seated U.S. Senator made their opposition moot, their unapolegetic obstructionism, and an internal Civil War within their ranks, may well conspire collectively to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
The national Tea Party movement poses a genuine threat to the Republican Party.
While many Conservative strategists would like to see the GOP co-opt the Movement, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Movement may co-opt the GOP. Time and time again, the Tea Party and its activists have placed an ideological purity test on Republican candidates running in primaries all across the country. These activists are working tirelessly to ensure that only those candidates they deem to be legitimate conservatives win primary contest nominations.
From Rand Paul's primary victory in Kentucky to Bob Bennett's failure to secure renomination in Utah, the Tea Party has made it clear that it is not afraid to weigh in on U.S. Senate primary contests across the land.
Only time will tell whether the Tea Party is merely a flash in the pan, or in fact, the new face of the Republican Party.
Friday, February 12, 2010
President Throws Down The Gauntlet
In his recent State of The Union Address, President Barack Obama acknowledged that many of his first year woes in the White House were his fault, and that he should have explained the health care legislation proposals more effectively to the American people.
At the same time, however, he challenged Republicans to stop obstructing legislative efforts on multiple fronts, and he challenged Democrats not to cower in the face of public discontent, but instead, to soldier on to enact his legislative priorities.
At the same time, however, he challenged Republicans to stop obstructing legislative efforts on multiple fronts, and he challenged Democrats not to cower in the face of public discontent, but instead, to soldier on to enact his legislative priorities.
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