Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected Tuesday to name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, CNN affiliates the Chicago Tribune and WLS-TV reported, citing sources familiar with the decision.
www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/30/illinois.senate/index.html
UPDATE:
Quinn is calling for Blago's immediate removal. This state is a freak show.
Also, obviously Burris is insane or corrupt or senile (sorry, but it could be true). Otherwise why would he go along with this craziness?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Transcendental Invocation
This is an amazing article which puts into words my conflicted but optimistic feelings about the Warren pick. What I find so refreshing about it is that it was such a big surprise. And no one can quite understand why he did it and Obama ain't talking. Wow, a man with a plan. A man who doesn't make the safe or predictable choice. A man who we all connected with over the last two years and his message of change. A man with vision. Let the moment be what it will and see what happens.
Here are some cliff notes:
In fact, the predictable back-and-forth between left and right around this issue leads me in moments when my worser angels -- you know, the less-than-angelic angels -- of my nature have my ear to wonder whether or not we just got Souljahed out. Would Obama step on our tails to make us squeal in order to look "normal" to the pro-America parts of the country?
Another alternative: If the campaign revealed anything about the president-elect, it is his use of existing dynamics to his own advantage, knowing when to get out of the way of -- or lend a hand to -- Nature as she takes her course. The leaders of the religious right are far less dangerous to the rest of us when sniping among themselves. Could it be that, in elevating Warren so high above the rest, Obama has tossed an apple of discord over the right fence, a clever bait of distraction?
Here are some cliff notes:
In fact, the predictable back-and-forth between left and right around this issue leads me in moments when my worser angels -- you know, the less-than-angelic angels -- of my nature have my ear to wonder whether or not we just got Souljahed out. Would Obama step on our tails to make us squeal in order to look "normal" to the pro-America parts of the country?
Another alternative: If the campaign revealed anything about the president-elect, it is his use of existing dynamics to his own advantage, knowing when to get out of the way of -- or lend a hand to -- Nature as she takes her course. The leaders of the religious right are far less dangerous to the rest of us when sniping among themselves. Could it be that, in elevating Warren so high above the rest, Obama has tossed an apple of discord over the right fence, a clever bait of distraction?
The sage Todd Gitlin urges us to voice our complaint and move on. But moving on doesn't move me. I want my transcendent moment. First, it seems, I'll have to transcend my damn self.
In an otherwise critical post, Guardian America editor Michael Tomasky warily suggests an outside chance that Warren's stance might change through the experience of calling the blessing on the Obama presidency:
Maybe having given this "Holocaust denier" [Obama] his high-profile blessing will require over time that Warren moderate his views and his public posture, and maybe that would lead some portion of his flock to do the same.
An artist friend who wished not to be named ("Call me Wes and keep me out of that mess!") took it one step further. "How do you know, Adele, that that moment, when that man is on that stage, lookin' out on all those people -- how do you know that will not be his transcendent moment? Think of all the people he could move."
From your lips, Wes, to the ears of all that is Divine. Divisions -- especially over what God wants us to do -- are rarely overcome with an argument or a handshake. That's why our better angels have wings; to help us rise above. Here's to transcendence all around.Monday, December 29, 2008
Lunchtime Roundup
Back to the grindstone for a couple days. While celebrating the holiday, I completely missed the development of the horrific violence going on in Southern Israel and Gaza. Short of ceasing all arms dealing with Israel, which we would never do, I'm not sure the U.S. can do anything to halt the bloodshed. For what it's worth, W. blames Hamas, and while Barack has been pretty silent on the matter, he's also been critical of Hamas in the past. No one can deny that a country facing rocket attacks has to do something, but this full-scale invasion is sickening.
The biggest domestic story on the blogs I read is how W. let industries essentially run OSHA. We've got less than a month of him, people.
Nothing much new on the Blago stand-off, but the Gov is trying to use the report by Barack's team to show that he, too, is clean.
Finally, there are some concerns floating around about some poor moves by Barack. First, there's the whole Rick Warren thing, about which, my feelings are clear. Second, Paul Krugman mentioned last week that while there's nothing really wrong with the Obamas renting a posh Hawaiian house for their vacation, it does strike an odd note during a financial meltdown. Now, Lynn Sweet is miffed about his closed transition meetings. He's still wildly popular, but things can change fast. Hopefully, he'll get his groove back starting Jan. 20.
The biggest domestic story on the blogs I read is how W. let industries essentially run OSHA. We've got less than a month of him, people.
Nothing much new on the Blago stand-off, but the Gov is trying to use the report by Barack's team to show that he, too, is clean.
Finally, there are some concerns floating around about some poor moves by Barack. First, there's the whole Rick Warren thing, about which, my feelings are clear. Second, Paul Krugman mentioned last week that while there's nothing really wrong with the Obamas renting a posh Hawaiian house for their vacation, it does strike an odd note during a financial meltdown. Now, Lynn Sweet is miffed about his closed transition meetings. He's still wildly popular, but things can change fast. Hopefully, he'll get his groove back starting Jan. 20.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Morning Roundup
My apologies to all Sassy readers and writers who've been enjoying the Barack pic, but here are some quick news tidbits from the last couple days.
In yet another way that Barack's election is changing the world for the better, European countries are showing more willingness to accept Guantanamo prisoners to help Barack close that horrible blight.
In other Barack news, he'll be swearing on the same Bible as Lincoln did at the inauguration. I find that cool, but the Washington Monthly's expecting two negative reactions: 1) the nerve of him using Lincoln's Bible! and 2) what, no Koran?
I suppose this shouldn't be surprising, but conservative radio hosts and folks like Rove are arguing that the economy's not all that bad, but the liberal media is saying it is to help out Barack. It must be nice to not have to worry about actual truth when writing/reporting.
New Census data is out with implications for Congress and Electoral votes. Interesting tidbit: for the first time since the early 1970s, Florida lost population. I, for one, am happy anytime Florida loses a little influence.
For those of you traveling today, be safe and have a great holiday!
In yet another way that Barack's election is changing the world for the better, European countries are showing more willingness to accept Guantanamo prisoners to help Barack close that horrible blight.
In other Barack news, he'll be swearing on the same Bible as Lincoln did at the inauguration. I find that cool, but the Washington Monthly's expecting two negative reactions: 1) the nerve of him using Lincoln's Bible! and 2) what, no Koran?
I suppose this shouldn't be surprising, but conservative radio hosts and folks like Rove are arguing that the economy's not all that bad, but the liberal media is saying it is to help out Barack. It must be nice to not have to worry about actual truth when writing/reporting.
New Census data is out with implications for Congress and Electoral votes. Interesting tidbit: for the first time since the early 1970s, Florida lost population. I, for one, am happy anytime Florida loses a little influence.
For those of you traveling today, be safe and have a great holiday!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Papa Paul says it's all going to be OK
in 2010.
This absolutely boggles the mind. I hope these guys are shamed into returning much of this money.
Rahm to be absolved by Barack. Maybe a teeny conflict of interest here but I'm still willing to give O the benefit of the doubt.
Sassy spent Sunday watching this nightmare.
Krugman Update:
hallelujah!!!!
Politico reports that on Bill Press’s radio show today, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman was asked about “whether or not he was ‘in communications’ with the Obama administration regarding the economy, he declared: ‘Yes… I am. And that’s all I care to talk about.’” For at least three years, Krugman has been warning about the dangers of ballooning housing prices and the trade deficit. “One way or another, the economy will eventually eliminate both imbalances,” he wrote in August 2005. Read more at Krugman’s blog here.
This absolutely boggles the mind. I hope these guys are shamed into returning much of this money.
Rahm to be absolved by Barack. Maybe a teeny conflict of interest here but I'm still willing to give O the benefit of the doubt.
Sassy spent Sunday watching this nightmare.
Krugman Update:
hallelujah!!!!
Politico reports that on Bill Press’s radio show today, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman was asked about “whether or not he was ‘in communications’ with the Obama administration regarding the economy, he declared: ‘Yes… I am. And that’s all I care to talk about.’” For at least three years, Krugman has been warning about the dangers of ballooning housing prices and the trade deficit. “One way or another, the economy will eventually eliminate both imbalances,” he wrote in August 2005. Read more at Krugman’s blog here.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Weekend Roundup
I am SO looking forward to this election:
Sen. Joseph Lieberman appears to be paying a high price for his embrace of Sen. John McCain in the presidential race. This is the highest disapproval rating in any Quinnipiac University poll in any state for a sitting U.S. Senator - except for New Jersey's Robert Torricelli, just before he resigned in 2002. Among those who say they voted for Sen. Lieberman in 2006, 30 percent now say they would vote for someone else if they could.
Nate is predicting a Franken lead at the end of the day. Oh Nate, whatever happened to us?
Andrew Sullivan makes the case for Rick Warren and moral legitimacy. I have to say, it's persuasive. It does make me think that we need to reconsider our knee-jerk reactions as Democrats and start to develop a new paradigm for governing and good citizenship.
I don't have a strong opinion yet about Caroline Kennedy except on the personal level I really like her. But I do have a problem with political dynasties and the established party system. Barack almost didn't make it to the Illinois Senate because of cronyism and all that sh**. However, she is a true progessive and that makes me happy.
Finally, I'm really not sure what to say about the auto bailout, BofA layoffs, California's budget disaster, Madoff's house of cards, or that our new Veep thinks the economy is "tanking". I'm just going to ignore this nightmare and enjoy the holidays. Luckily, our current president keeps opening his big, stupid mouth and reminding all of us, on his way out, how grateful we should be for our new President--concern about Cabinet picks aside.
Can you imagine Barack saying that being president made him sleepy?:
Sen. Joseph Lieberman appears to be paying a high price for his embrace of Sen. John McCain in the presidential race. This is the highest disapproval rating in any Quinnipiac University poll in any state for a sitting U.S. Senator - except for New Jersey's Robert Torricelli, just before he resigned in 2002. Among those who say they voted for Sen. Lieberman in 2006, 30 percent now say they would vote for someone else if they could.
Nate is predicting a Franken lead at the end of the day. Oh Nate, whatever happened to us?
Andrew Sullivan makes the case for Rick Warren and moral legitimacy. I have to say, it's persuasive. It does make me think that we need to reconsider our knee-jerk reactions as Democrats and start to develop a new paradigm for governing and good citizenship.
I don't have a strong opinion yet about Caroline Kennedy except on the personal level I really like her. But I do have a problem with political dynasties and the established party system. Barack almost didn't make it to the Illinois Senate because of cronyism and all that sh**. However, she is a true progessive and that makes me happy.
Finally, I'm really not sure what to say about the auto bailout, BofA layoffs, California's budget disaster, Madoff's house of cards, or that our new Veep thinks the economy is "tanking". I'm just going to ignore this nightmare and enjoy the holidays. Luckily, our current president keeps opening his big, stupid mouth and reminding all of us, on his way out, how grateful we should be for our new President--concern about Cabinet picks aside.
Can you imagine Barack saying that being president made him sleepy?:
In the interview, Bush said he did not regret his wartime decisions.
"I was a wartime President and war is very exhausting. War is hard for a country. And, you know, I made the decision that we were going to win.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Extra Extra: B.O. Defeats B.H.O.!
Onion headline: "Barack Obama Defeats Barack Hussein Obama'
Not the most original thing they've done, but still pretty good:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/91294
Not the most original thing they've done, but still pretty good:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/91294
Sassy is displeased
About this and this.
Vilsack has an exhibited an interest and tolerance in genetically modified food, pissing off the organic food movement.(although he does support alternative fuels) And Salazar. Give me a break--he's a rancher with ties to the mining industry. Plus all the people who have come out so far to support this appointment are Republicans.
I know that Obama is a moderate, but this is a bit hard to stomach.
Oh, and Barack is Time's Person of the Year. Well, duh.
Vilsack has an exhibited an interest and tolerance in genetically modified food, pissing off the organic food movement.(although he does support alternative fuels) And Salazar. Give me a break--he's a rancher with ties to the mining industry. Plus all the people who have come out so far to support this appointment are Republicans.
I know that Obama is a moderate, but this is a bit hard to stomach.
Oh, and Barack is Time's Person of the Year. Well, duh.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Barack's ball squad
Now that Arne Duncan is going to be Secretary of Education, it looks like Obama is going to have a pretty good group of hoopsters around him. And Michelle's brother Craig was one of the best players in Princeton history (perhaps second after Bill Bradley).
Monday, December 15, 2008
"So What?"
W. used that question a couple times recently. First, after the press conference resumed and he was asked about the shoe attack, he replied, "So what if the guy threw a shoe at me?" He compared it to protest. Now, I still have a problem with the POTUS being somehow assaulted. Sure, the worst case would have been a broken nose from a shoe heel and, yes, he's done more than enough to deserve it, but I still want our president, whoever he or she may be, to be safe.
W. also said "So what?" in an interview about the war as a whole that goes a long way toward explaining why that guy threw his shoes. Reporter Martha Raddatz challenged him on his point about battling al-Qaeda in Iraq by mentioning that they weren't in Iraq before our invasion. His reply, "Yeah, that's right. So what?" He doesn't care so long as they're getting theirs somewhere. Unreal.
It's always a little shocking when I am reminded how little he cares about people and the consequences of his actions. His nonchalance about starting a horrible war under false pretenses is horrifying. I can't imagine what it's like to be a victim of his crimes. It's easy for me to be alarmed by the shoe throwing from the safety of my office. And, I can't believe that he's just going to go off into retirement and not be held to account.
W. also said "So what?" in an interview about the war as a whole that goes a long way toward explaining why that guy threw his shoes. Reporter Martha Raddatz challenged him on his point about battling al-Qaeda in Iraq by mentioning that they weren't in Iraq before our invasion. His reply, "Yeah, that's right. So what?" He doesn't care so long as they're getting theirs somewhere. Unreal.
It's always a little shocking when I am reminded how little he cares about people and the consequences of his actions. His nonchalance about starting a horrible war under false pretenses is horrifying. I can't imagine what it's like to be a victim of his crimes. It's easy for me to be alarmed by the shoe throwing from the safety of my office. And, I can't believe that he's just going to go off into retirement and not be held to account.
Washington State Capitol Holiday Display Mess
This is awesome. I guess it all started with a traditional nativity scene on the grounds of the WA capitol. An atheist group asked if they, too, could put up a display. Not wanting to exclude any groups, WA said sure. That opened the floodgates. A number of groups asked to put up displays, from the serious, a Buddhist display; to the ridiculous, a "Festivus" pole and a Flying Spaghetti Monster display; to the downright scary, a conservative Christian group wanted to put up a sign reading "Santa Claus will take you to Hell."
So, the state threw up it's hands and banned all new holiday displays. We live in a very silly country.
So, the state threw up it's hands and banned all new holiday displays. We live in a very silly country.
Morning Roundup
The shoe throwing incident has me conflicted. For one, it's an embarassment to W., which I support. At the same time, I have to admit that he handled the whole thing very well. But, I'm also disturbed that the POTUS was basically assaulted. That's just not good.
But, I'm back to being outraged at W. after reading that the Bushies quietly rewrote the bailout bill to pretty much strip out the executive compensation limits.
While on the topic of W.'s awfulness, Newsweek has an article about an intelligence employee who leaked the NSA wiretaps to the NYT. Naturally, he's being tormented by the Feds for being a whislte-blower.
In news of other Repugnancy, Rove is trying to make the fight against Eric Holder a rallying point for the GOP. He hasn't been successful at much lately, though.
Going from the nefarious to the ridiculous, in an article about Blago, the NYT notes that he refers to his favorite comb as "The Football," as in the briefcase that contains nuclear launch codes.
On a promising note, Obama's defense folks are talking the talk about trying to cut back on the Pentagon's largesse. We'll see if it actually happens.
In more Obama news, he's planning an honest to goodness whistle-stop tour before the Inauguration. Cool.
Finally, some great news: the members of the Electoral College will be meeting in state capitols today to officially elect Barack!
But, I'm back to being outraged at W. after reading that the Bushies quietly rewrote the bailout bill to pretty much strip out the executive compensation limits.
While on the topic of W.'s awfulness, Newsweek has an article about an intelligence employee who leaked the NSA wiretaps to the NYT. Naturally, he's being tormented by the Feds for being a whislte-blower.
In news of other Repugnancy, Rove is trying to make the fight against Eric Holder a rallying point for the GOP. He hasn't been successful at much lately, though.
Going from the nefarious to the ridiculous, in an article about Blago, the NYT notes that he refers to his favorite comb as "The Football," as in the briefcase that contains nuclear launch codes.
On a promising note, Obama's defense folks are talking the talk about trying to cut back on the Pentagon's largesse. We'll see if it actually happens.
In more Obama news, he's planning an honest to goodness whistle-stop tour before the Inauguration. Cool.
Finally, some great news: the members of the Electoral College will be meeting in state capitols today to officially elect Barack!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Detroit Bailout Failure
UPDATED INTRO: Since Krugman's still in Sweden getting his Nobel, I'm practically panicked about where to look for a sound analysis.
Okay, I'm leaving up my previous post, which features a fake ad mocking the Big 3 bailout, for posterity's sake, but it certainly appears that the failure of the bailout package could mean nasty, nasty ripple effects for the economy as a whole, with the large auto parts supplier industry getting hit first. Yikes.
Right off the bat, markets worldwide are falling rapidly because of the failure. So far today, the Dow's down about 80 points.
Now, people are asking about next steps. The White House is saying that it may use some of the Wall Street bailout package to help Detroit.
People are also looking at why the bailout failed. Basically, some financially conservative hardliners, on both sides of the aisle, voted it down because they wanted to see a quick reduction of wages and benefits to the level of non-union car factories in the "right to work" South. As Kevin Drum points out, it really came down to timing. Detroit and the UAW agreed to the cuts, but DeMint and Co. wanted them to hit 18 months sooner.
TNR is drawing comparisons to, you guessed it, the Depression. Their point is that the economy was nudged to a complete failure by incremental blows landed by ideologists.
Okay, I'm leaving up my previous post, which features a fake ad mocking the Big 3 bailout, for posterity's sake, but it certainly appears that the failure of the bailout package could mean nasty, nasty ripple effects for the economy as a whole, with the large auto parts supplier industry getting hit first. Yikes.
Right off the bat, markets worldwide are falling rapidly because of the failure. So far today, the Dow's down about 80 points.
Now, people are asking about next steps. The White House is saying that it may use some of the Wall Street bailout package to help Detroit.
People are also looking at why the bailout failed. Basically, some financially conservative hardliners, on both sides of the aisle, voted it down because they wanted to see a quick reduction of wages and benefits to the level of non-union car factories in the "right to work" South. As Kevin Drum points out, it really came down to timing. Detroit and the UAW agreed to the cuts, but DeMint and Co. wanted them to hit 18 months sooner.
TNR is drawing comparisons to, you guessed it, the Depression. Their point is that the economy was nudged to a complete failure by incremental blows landed by ideologists.
A Little Humor on a Day of Yet More Bad Economic News
To everyone in the Sassy community who works for BOA, my fingers are crossed for you.
Anyhow, in the spirit of distraction, here's a new ad for the Big 3. Although, given that the bailout failed, it's a little premature. Another example of poor planning by Detroit, I guess.
Not sure if you can read the fine print. It says: "You probably thought it was a smart idea to buy a foreign import of superior quality, with better mileage and resale value. Maybe you even thought that years of market share loss might prod us into rethinking our process and redesigning our products with better quality in mind. But you forgot one thing: We spend a shitload of money on lobbyists. So now you're out $25 billion, plus the cost of your Subaru. Maybe next time, you'll buy American like a real man. Either way, we're cool."
Anyhow, in the spirit of distraction, here's a new ad for the Big 3. Although, given that the bailout failed, it's a little premature. Another example of poor planning by Detroit, I guess.
Not sure if you can read the fine print. It says: "You probably thought it was a smart idea to buy a foreign import of superior quality, with better mileage and resale value. Maybe you even thought that years of market share loss might prod us into rethinking our process and redesigning our products with better quality in mind. But you forgot one thing: We spend a shitload of money on lobbyists. So now you're out $25 billion, plus the cost of your Subaru. Maybe next time, you'll buy American like a real man. Either way, we're cool."
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Obama Address Blago Scandal (Again)
Doubtlessly, some idiot somewhere will still scream that Barack hasn't officially "denounced" Blago, but he did directly address the issue today and directly answer questions about it in his press conference about health care policy.
Morning Roundup
Here's what's going on in non-Blago news today:
Looks like the Senate GOP might just block the auto industry bailout. I've looked to Krugman for help on this one, but he's in Sweden accepting some award. Dammit! What am I supposed to think? I seem to remember, though, that while he was a little skeptical of bailing out Detroit, he did think that failures by such large businesses right now could be really bad.
Barack picked his energy/environment team. I can't say I've heard of any of them, but his Energy pick, Steven Chu, is a Nobelist. Nice to have a respect for science in the White House again.
On that topic, the politcal hack W. put in charge of NASA, Mike "The Jury's Out on Global Warming" Griffin, is petulantly refusing to work with the Transition Team.
W. also made a mockery of Human Rights Day, yesterday, by giving the Presidential Citizens Medal to Chuck Colson. Colson, as Nixon's Special Counsel, hired thugs to beat up peace protestors and Daniel Ellsberg, and plotted to raid or firebomb the Brookings Institution.
But, let's end on a good note: the nation's very pleased with Barack's work so far. A number of polls show him having a tremendous approval rating.
Looks like the Senate GOP might just block the auto industry bailout. I've looked to Krugman for help on this one, but he's in Sweden accepting some award. Dammit! What am I supposed to think? I seem to remember, though, that while he was a little skeptical of bailing out Detroit, he did think that failures by such large businesses right now could be really bad.
Barack picked his energy/environment team. I can't say I've heard of any of them, but his Energy pick, Steven Chu, is a Nobelist. Nice to have a respect for science in the White House again.
On that topic, the politcal hack W. put in charge of NASA, Mike "The Jury's Out on Global Warming" Griffin, is petulantly refusing to work with the Transition Team.
W. also made a mockery of Human Rights Day, yesterday, by giving the Presidential Citizens Medal to Chuck Colson. Colson, as Nixon's Special Counsel, hired thugs to beat up peace protestors and Daniel Ellsberg, and plotted to raid or firebomb the Brookings Institution.
But, let's end on a good note: the nation's very pleased with Barack's work so far. A number of polls show him having a tremendous approval rating.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Blago and Barack
Having been raised on All The President's Men, today's press seems to be itching for a good presidential scandal. Not one involving lying about intelligence, torturing people, eroding the Constitution, and breaking laws all over the world. Where's the fun in that? No, bribery's so much easier to understand and doesn't make us ask tough questions about our roles as citizens of a law-breaking country.
Granted, Barack's responses to questions about Blago yesterday were pretty enfuriating. Most likely, he did talk to Blago about the open seat. That would be routine, right? Why deny it?
But, as Patrick Fitzgerald clearly stated, nothing in the Blago affair incriminates Barack. In fact, the complaint openly records Blago bitching that Obama wouldn't offer a reward for his choice to be named. And, it appears that the ethics bill that Obama helped push through the IL legislature cause Blago to step up his fundraising before the end of the year.
Yet, major news outlets are giving major spots to speculation on how this could be a drag on Barack. Come on. I agree with the Washington Monthly. Without any actual evidence of Barack being tied to this scandal, reporting speculation that it could dog him is irresponsible.
Granted, Barack's responses to questions about Blago yesterday were pretty enfuriating. Most likely, he did talk to Blago about the open seat. That would be routine, right? Why deny it?
But, as Patrick Fitzgerald clearly stated, nothing in the Blago affair incriminates Barack. In fact, the complaint openly records Blago bitching that Obama wouldn't offer a reward for his choice to be named. And, it appears that the ethics bill that Obama helped push through the IL legislature cause Blago to step up his fundraising before the end of the year.
Yet, major news outlets are giving major spots to speculation on how this could be a drag on Barack. Come on. I agree with the Washington Monthly. Without any actual evidence of Barack being tied to this scandal, reporting speculation that it could dog him is irresponsible.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Lawn Rangers make Inauguration Parade
Our favorite parade act, The Lawn Rangers
are one of the Inauguration Marhers. We received an email that the You Tube video we posted made the article. You can hear our laughter in the background!
are one of the Inauguration Marhers. We received an email that the You Tube video we posted made the article. You can hear our laughter in the background!
Did Rahmbo Drop the Hammer on Blago?
There's some scuttlebutt that Blago's arrest may have moved this quickly because Rahm went to the Feds after Blago tried to shake the Transition Team down. Didn't Blago listen? Mess with Rahmbo and he'll send you home in a box!
Blago may have to be impeached
Sounds like the SOB is refusing to resign (for now).
Update: I think someone mentioned Eric Zorn earlier this week. I've always really liked him (plus he and Mary Schmich perform together over the holidays and are quite a pair). Anyway, his blog about Blago requires readers to only leave one word comments (sweetbabyjeebus was my fave).
Update: Quinn becomes temporary governor if Rod resigns. Also, the state will likely being proceedings to take power from Governor to assign someone to empty Senate seat.
Update: I think someone mentioned Eric Zorn earlier this week. I've always really liked him (plus he and Mary Schmich perform together over the holidays and are quite a pair). Anyway, his blog about Blago requires readers to only leave one word comments (sweetbabyjeebus was my fave).
Update: Quinn becomes temporary governor if Rod resigns. Also, the state will likely being proceedings to take power from Governor to assign someone to empty Senate seat.
Oh Crap
From ABCNews:
Fitzgerald said "there is no allegation in the complaint that the President-elect was aware of it and that is all I can say." His comment did not close the door on the possibility that Obama or someone on his staff may have known of some aspect of the Govenror's demands.
More loveliness from our Gov:
Fitzgerald said "there is no allegation in the complaint that the President-elect was aware of it and that is all I can say." His comment did not close the door on the possibility that Obama or someone on his staff may have known of some aspect of the Govenror's demands.
More loveliness from our Gov:
The FBI affidavit said Blagojevich had been told by an adviser "the President-elect can get ROD BLAGOJEVICH's wife on paid corporate boards in exchange for naming the President-elect's pick to the Senate."
Told by two other advisers he has to "suck it up" for two years, the FBI says it heard Blagojevich complain he has to give this "motherf***er [the President-elect] his Senator. F*** him. For nothing? F*** him."
The Governor is heard saying he will pick another candidate "before I just give f***ing [Senate Candidate l] a f***ing Senate seat and I don't get anything."
JJ Jr?
Marc Ambinder thinks so:
Who might this person be?From the context, it's probably Jesse Jackson. Jr.
"Later on December 4, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH spoke to Fundraiser A. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he was "elevating" Senate Candidate 5 on the list of candidates for the open Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he might be able to cut a deal withSenate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH with something"tangible up front." ROD BLAGOJEVICH noted he was going to meet withSenate Candidate 5 in the next few days."
The only candidate with whom Blagojevich met within that period was Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Who might this person be?From the context, it's probably Jesse Jackson. Jr.
"Later on December 4, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH spoke to Fundraiser A. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he was "elevating" Senate Candidate 5 on the list of candidates for the open Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he might be able to cut a deal withSenate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH with something"tangible up front." ROD BLAGOJEVICH noted he was going to meet withSenate Candidate 5 in the next few days."
The only candidate with whom Blagojevich met within that period was Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Senate Candidate 5
I SO want to know who this is. From the criminal complaint:
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor that he might “get some
(money) up front, maybe” from Senate Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on October 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.
More of the complaint, this is just truly remarkable:
Blagojevich also allegedly spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so, including: frustration at being “stuck” as governor; a belief that he will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor; a desire to remake his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016; avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature; making corporate contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public 7
office; facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist; and generating speaking fees should he
decide to leave public office.
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor that he might “get some
(money) up front, maybe” from Senate Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on October 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.
More of the complaint, this is just truly remarkable:
Blagojevich also allegedly spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so, including: frustration at being “stuck” as governor; a belief that he will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor; a desire to remake his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016; avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature; making corporate contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public 7
office; facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist; and generating speaking fees should he
decide to leave public office.
Blago arrested by Feds this morning
Chicagoans will not be completely surprised by this however, I am absolutely stunned by the breadth of charges against Rod: trying to sell the Senate seat for a job?? Trying to get Trib editorial board members fired? This guy is going away for a long time. Patrick Fitzgerald doesn't f*** around.
Update 9:35: apparently Blago was also trying to secure favors for his wife (including $150K board appointments) so I wonder if she'll be charged as well. Maybe now we can get Rod'sridiculous free passes for all seniors on the CTA program cancelled. It practically bankrupted the CTA.
Also, I suspect this turn of events may make Durbin's request for a commutation for Ryan extremely unlikely.
Update 9:35: apparently Blago was also trying to secure favors for his wife (including $150K board appointments) so I wonder if she'll be charged as well. Maybe now we can get Rod'sridiculous free passes for all seniors on the CTA program cancelled. It practically bankrupted the CTA.
Also, I suspect this turn of events may make Durbin's request for a commutation for Ryan extremely unlikely.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Santo Hosed Again
Ugh. Poor Ron Santo got hosed AGAIN by the Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee. Only Joe Gordon, who played just 11 seasons, got in. Ridiculous.
Morning Roundup
First of all, happy birthday Gabriel. You've had cake now, my man. There's no turning back.
Somehow I missed this, but apparently certain groups on the right are all in a lather about mythical improprieties about Barack's birth certificate. Salon tells us that despite a thorough debunking, this conspiracy theory won't go away anytime soon. Considering the Trib's financial troubles, I'm sure they're more than happy to run full page ads about it.
Over the weekend, Barack announced plans for a massive public works program. That warms my practically socialist heart.
Barack will be nominating General Eric Shinseki as Secretary of the VA. The bloggers love them some Eric Shinseki.
And, despite being caught up in the D.C. madam scandal, Sen. David Vitters (R-LA) is planning to run for re-election, and likely to win. Yet, Eliot Spitzer is radioactive.
Somehow I missed this, but apparently certain groups on the right are all in a lather about mythical improprieties about Barack's birth certificate. Salon tells us that despite a thorough debunking, this conspiracy theory won't go away anytime soon. Considering the Trib's financial troubles, I'm sure they're more than happy to run full page ads about it.
Over the weekend, Barack announced plans for a massive public works program. That warms my practically socialist heart.
Barack will be nominating General Eric Shinseki as Secretary of the VA. The bloggers love them some Eric Shinseki.
And, despite being caught up in the D.C. madam scandal, Sen. David Vitters (R-LA) is planning to run for re-election, and likely to win. Yet, Eliot Spitzer is radioactive.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday Roundup--Baby, it's Cold Outside
Dave--thanks for taking over the last few days. Much of the Sassy family is (are?) having a very bad week. But politics can always make me smile...
Now this I can get behind. The new senator from New York?
This, not so much. The new senator from Florida?
I wasn't sure this story had legs when it first came out a week ago but now... The new senator from Pennsylvania?
Recounts, Missing Ballots, and the closest senate election in history. Still no winner.
Very interesting article by Kissinger on Obama's new national security team. I find it so interesting that Barack is receiving such incredible and unlikely support from the Repugs (Brooks, Rove, Kissinger).
PS I just had a chocolate donut. Oh yes I did.
Now this I can get behind. The new senator from New York?
This, not so much. The new senator from Florida?
I wasn't sure this story had legs when it first came out a week ago but now... The new senator from Pennsylvania?
Recounts, Missing Ballots, and the closest senate election in history. Still no winner.
Very interesting article by Kissinger on Obama's new national security team. I find it so interesting that Barack is receiving such incredible and unlikely support from the Repugs (Brooks, Rove, Kissinger).
PS I just had a chocolate donut. Oh yes I did.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Hatch and Stevens
I don't think that either Dave or Ilsa mentioned this, but, according to Politco, Orrin Hatch is calling for Bush to pardon Ted Stevens:
"Fair"? It's not exactly how I would view such an act. But the Wall Street Journal points out the great irony in this:
Of course, Dick Durbin is thinking of asking Bush to commute George Ryan's prison term, so I guess anything goes in politics.
“He has served this country for over 50 years. I think most anybody would probably say, ‘Yeah, he should be [pardoned].’ I think most anybody would say it’s fair to say that.”
"Fair"? It's not exactly how I would view such an act. But the Wall Street Journal points out the great irony in this:
Part of Stevens’s problem, it seems is that he continues to proclaim his innocence — meaning that he would be asking for a pardon for something he says he didn’t do. “If you pardon someone, you’re assuming he’s guilty,” said Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). “And he maintains his innocence.”
Of course, Dick Durbin is thinking of asking Bush to commute George Ryan's prison term, so I guess anything goes in politics.
Morning Update--Politics as a Distraction
On the whole, it's a somber day. It was a tragic weekend for Sassy writers and readers, with some shocking, sad family news. Yet another reason to be thankful for our little community--we all have good people to lean on. For now, let's just keep Ilsa and her family, as well as reader Jane and her family, in our thoughts and prayers.
Professionally, my industry is headed for a rough day. My organization is reorganizing, but thankfully, my job is safe. I can't say that for all of my colleagues, some of whom I will watch walk out the door today. As bad as it is here, it's worse for my old company.
With all this real, heavy stuff going on, a distraction is in order. So, on to our politico-nerd gossip.
Much to Bridget's chagrin, our favorite self-proclaimed "prankster" is being nominated as Commerce Secretary.
Bad news out of Georgia, as the repulsive Saxby Chambliss maintained his seat. Desperately, the Repugs are claiming this run-off win in an election that should have been a landslide on Nov. 4 as a momentum changer.
The U.S. attorneys scandal is actually regaining momentum as the prosecutor assigned to the case has been very active. In what is hopefully an omen, Alberto Gonzales's old chief of staff has taken a leave of absence from his law firm.
Meanwhile, W. continues to do damage. His latest move was to deny collective bargaining rights to 8,600 federal law enforcement officials. The Washington Monthly concludes that now that he no longer has to worry about being re-elected, W.'s showing his true colors with all of these awful regs and EOs.
He's also busy trying to save his "legacy." In an interview with Charles Gibson, he sort of admitted that Iraq was a mistake, but he's pinning the blame on an "intelligence failure." No mention of the fact that the intelligence that failed was the stuff he commissioned because he didn't like the official CIA and State Dept. intelligence. The Bushies have also initiated a "Bush legacy project" to try to save his name. Luckily, it's being led by Rove and Karen Hughes, who's last efforts at image-saving--ours in the Arab world--failed miserably.
Thankfully, we only have a month and a half until Barack's inauguration.
Professionally, my industry is headed for a rough day. My organization is reorganizing, but thankfully, my job is safe. I can't say that for all of my colleagues, some of whom I will watch walk out the door today. As bad as it is here, it's worse for my old company.
With all this real, heavy stuff going on, a distraction is in order. So, on to our politico-nerd gossip.
Much to Bridget's chagrin, our favorite self-proclaimed "prankster" is being nominated as Commerce Secretary.
Bad news out of Georgia, as the repulsive Saxby Chambliss maintained his seat. Desperately, the Repugs are claiming this run-off win in an election that should have been a landslide on Nov. 4 as a momentum changer.
The U.S. attorneys scandal is actually regaining momentum as the prosecutor assigned to the case has been very active. In what is hopefully an omen, Alberto Gonzales's old chief of staff has taken a leave of absence from his law firm.
Meanwhile, W. continues to do damage. His latest move was to deny collective bargaining rights to 8,600 federal law enforcement officials. The Washington Monthly concludes that now that he no longer has to worry about being re-elected, W.'s showing his true colors with all of these awful regs and EOs.
He's also busy trying to save his "legacy." In an interview with Charles Gibson, he sort of admitted that Iraq was a mistake, but he's pinning the blame on an "intelligence failure." No mention of the fact that the intelligence that failed was the stuff he commissioned because he didn't like the official CIA and State Dept. intelligence. The Bushies have also initiated a "Bush legacy project" to try to save his name. Luckily, it's being led by Rove and Karen Hughes, who's last efforts at image-saving--ours in the Arab world--failed miserably.
Thankfully, we only have a month and a half until Barack's inauguration.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Mid-afternoon Update
David Gregory to moderate Meet the Press. This makes me happy. Also, Brokaw will interview Obama this weekend.
Auto industry CEOs agree to cut their annual salaries to $1 a year, but only if they get bailed out. Which doesn't make sense to me, they're laying off workers like crazy --why not take the cut now?
New open senate seat for 2010. The news just gets better and better.
A very compelling case against the Holder nomination from Richard Cohen (who I don't usually care for).
"But the pardon cannot be excepted. It suggests that Holder, whatever his other qualifications, could not say no to power."
And, oh yeah, HRC is the new secretary of State. An interesting historical perspective on the position. Also, here's a very good piece on how Obama and Clinton line up on foreign policy (hint: a lot)
Today is the Senate runoff in Georgia. Think good thoughts!
Auto industry CEOs agree to cut their annual salaries to $1 a year, but only if they get bailed out. Which doesn't make sense to me, they're laying off workers like crazy --why not take the cut now?
New open senate seat for 2010. The news just gets better and better.
A very compelling case against the Holder nomination from Richard Cohen (who I don't usually care for).
"But the pardon cannot be excepted. It suggests that Holder, whatever his other qualifications, could not say no to power."
And, oh yeah, HRC is the new secretary of State. An interesting historical perspective on the position. Also, here's a very good piece on how Obama and Clinton line up on foreign policy (hint: a lot)
Today is the Senate runoff in Georgia. Think good thoughts!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
A Sassy Thanksgiving
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Big love to Dave and Bridget for hosting the Sassy Thanksgiving this year. A gluten-free, butter-drenched, persimmon flavored, feast.
Please feel free to add to this post (if you're a blogger) or comment (even if you've never commented before). Personally I feel so grateful and full of love this Thanksgiving and I wanted to share it and see if by doing so we could multiply and extend that feeling. There are so many who could really use a little good energy thrown their way. Don't be shy. Besides, if you were caught screaming your head off, jumping up and down, sobbing, and just generally acting like a maniac on November 4, there's nothing left to be shy about.
So, for me:
I'm thankful on behalf of all Americans (even those unwilling to support Barack), the international community, and planet Earth, for our new President. I know I'm repeating myself, but I really can't say it enough. Thank God for Barack Obama.
I'm deeply grateful that I was able spend that greatest day of days, November 4th, with my beloved Chicago tribe.
I'm humbled and honored to have found a fabulous job (in this economy). But, even importantly, a job I love with people I like and --the very best part--I get to work in close proximity to good friends.
Finally, I'm grateful to the community at Salon Sassy. Sassy gave me a strong purpose this year, got me out of bed in the morning, and provided a forum to share enthusiasm, support, and love for All Things Obama. Thanks for joining us on this lovely blog. It's been a great ride.
Much love and lots of sass to everyone this holiday season.
Ilsa
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Best. Thanksgiving. Ever.
We have ourselves a new president. All is well (or will be).
The best part? He's a good guy.
Barack and his family volunteer at a food bank today and then surprise school kids on the south side with a visit.
"Obama called out: "We're ready, let's go, bring 'em on in," and the distribution began.
Clearly, those lining up for food hadn't been told they had an important guest helping out this day. Many of them lit up; some shrieked with delight and hugged one or more of the Obamas. One elderly woman bowed; all seemed very appreciative. One and all were greeted with handshakes, hugs, and hearty "Happy Thanksgivings."
The daughters behaved like troopers for a half hour or so before the cold caught up with them, and they retired for a few minutes to warm up.
One sixty-something neighborhood resident named Daryel Namdan was asked how it felt to have Obama there. "It makes me feel very special," he said, before choking up.
Father Matt Eyerman of Saint Columbanus said the church feeds 450 to 500 every week. They start lining up at 5 a.m. to make sure they get a ticket to assure them food.
An Obama aide said the family has been to this particular food bank before and has pitched in here or elsewhere at least two other years."
Morning Roundup--Gobble Gobble
This makes me kind of sad but no doubt the MSM is blowing this way out of proportion.
Tim Russert to finally (but not really) be replaced. My pick is David Gregory though it would be cool to have a woman. But no one wants to look at Andrea Mitchell's bizarro face every week and I'm still pissed at Gwen for her "moderating" at the Veep debate.
Not sure how I feel about this, bloggers seem to be a bit concerned.
EJ Dionne is feeling good about Obama's economic team, so I am too.
"Washington often divides the Democratic policy world between progressives and pragmatists. With Obama, as yesterday's news conference showed, it will have to become accustomed to a president who is both. "
Obama slams CEOs (about damn time we got some leadership from the leadership!) and talks about keepin it real at the WH.
Safe travels to everyone heading out of town for Turkey Day.
Tim Russert to finally (but not really) be replaced. My pick is David Gregory though it would be cool to have a woman. But no one wants to look at Andrea Mitchell's bizarro face every week and I'm still pissed at Gwen for her "moderating" at the Veep debate.
Not sure how I feel about this, bloggers seem to be a bit concerned.
EJ Dionne is feeling good about Obama's economic team, so I am too.
"Washington often divides the Democratic policy world between progressives and pragmatists. With Obama, as yesterday's news conference showed, it will have to become accustomed to a president who is both. "
Obama slams CEOs (about damn time we got some leadership from the leadership!) and talks about keepin it real at the WH.
Safe travels to everyone heading out of town for Turkey Day.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Morning Roundup
Just some quick links because I have to get back to work.
Let's lead with outrage, shall we? The LA Times has an article about a little known regulation change the changed the requirements for "combat-related injuries" for soldiers. In the end, soldiers injured outside of firefights (e.g., if their vehicle is hit by an IED), are getting fewer benefits. Seriously, this presidency can't be over soon enough.
Interestingly, the LA Times also talks about how Obama's influence is growing before he takes office. In fact, Bush said that "anytime we're to make a big decision during the transition, [Obama] will be informed, as will his team." Is it too much to ask that Obama get some influence over some of the odious EPA regulations being promulgated?
The Washington Monthly has a post today about the demise of Freedom Watch, a site the Repugs started as an answer to MoveOn. The problem: they tried to start a netroots movement from the top down. I guess advocacy doesn't trickle down either.
Finally, Barack is nominating Susan Rice for UN Ambassador. She's a former Clintonite, but from the left-most branch. She's spoken out forcefully on ending genocide in Africa, and has been influenced by Samantha Powers. I like this pick. She'll work for good causes and will probably improve our relations with the UN as a whole. Let the healing begin.
Let's lead with outrage, shall we? The LA Times has an article about a little known regulation change the changed the requirements for "combat-related injuries" for soldiers. In the end, soldiers injured outside of firefights (e.g., if their vehicle is hit by an IED), are getting fewer benefits. Seriously, this presidency can't be over soon enough.
Interestingly, the LA Times also talks about how Obama's influence is growing before he takes office. In fact, Bush said that "anytime we're to make a big decision during the transition, [Obama] will be informed, as will his team." Is it too much to ask that Obama get some influence over some of the odious EPA regulations being promulgated?
The Washington Monthly has a post today about the demise of Freedom Watch, a site the Repugs started as an answer to MoveOn. The problem: they tried to start a netroots movement from the top down. I guess advocacy doesn't trickle down either.
Finally, Barack is nominating Susan Rice for UN Ambassador. She's a former Clintonite, but from the left-most branch. She's spoken out forcefully on ending genocide in Africa, and has been influenced by Samantha Powers. I like this pick. She'll work for good causes and will probably improve our relations with the UN as a whole. Let the healing begin.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Afternoon Update: 60 Looks Doubtful
The reprehensible Saxby Chambliss still leads in Georgia. But, there's still time on this one. Still, even if we get this, we'd still be counting on Jackhole Joe as our 60th vote. That doesn't give me tremendous confidence.
Another horrid Repub, Virgil Goode of Virginia, is demanding a recount in his election, but looks likely to lose. Goode riddance.
Rounding out GOP news, one of the candidates for the RNC chair just quit his whites-only country club. Oh, the sacrifices of being a public servant.
On the positive, and more interesting side, while being very clear that there's only one president right now, Barack is clearly stepping up his involvement in the country's economic affairs. The Washington Monthly notes that he seems to be spacing his economic moves (i.e., naming cabinet officials) out to keep in the news. So far, Wall Street likes this. The Dow rose when he named Geithner as his Treasury pick and rallied today as he introduced the rest of his team. As the Newsweek article to which Ilsa posted earlier mentioned that he's being appropriately careful about getting too mixed up with Bush's policies, it's interesting how he's asserting himself and how, for now at least, it seems to be helping.
Add from Ilsa: Nate weighs in on the Illinois senator search. I like his conclusions.
Another horrid Repub, Virgil Goode of Virginia, is demanding a recount in his election, but looks likely to lose. Goode riddance.
Rounding out GOP news, one of the candidates for the RNC chair just quit his whites-only country club. Oh, the sacrifices of being a public servant.
On the positive, and more interesting side, while being very clear that there's only one president right now, Barack is clearly stepping up his involvement in the country's economic affairs. The Washington Monthly notes that he seems to be spacing his economic moves (i.e., naming cabinet officials) out to keep in the news. So far, Wall Street likes this. The Dow rose when he named Geithner as his Treasury pick and rallied today as he introduced the rest of his team. As the Newsweek article to which Ilsa posted earlier mentioned that he's being appropriately careful about getting too mixed up with Bush's policies, it's interesting how he's asserting himself and how, for now at least, it seems to be helping.
Add from Ilsa: Nate weighs in on the Illinois senator search. I like his conclusions.
Morning Roundup: Nothing keeps Sassy down, not even a real job
Nate projects that Franken will win.
Feds bailout Citi and take a stake in the company. Does that mean as taxpayers, since we now have stake in all these companies, we'll get bonuses this year along with the execs?
Obama to name his economic team (which is getting flack for being a bunch of Clinton retreads) this morning and to provide more details on his economic recovery plan. On the morning shows yesterday, Sen Schumer said that Congress expects to have a legislation on Obama's desk on Inauguration Day--a "new new deaL" to the tune of $700B.
This is for Dave: A great little article in Newsweek drawing comparisons between FDR's transition to the presidency and Obama's.
5 who didn't make the cut in the Cabinet. Includes this rationale for giving Richardson a post (which frankly irritated me but I'd forgotten that he was an early supporter):
Bill Richardson, State — New Mexico’s governor and former Clinton U.N. ambassador-cum-Energy secretary dearly wanted State. And Obama owed him big-time, both for his primary endorsement and for Richardson’s now-forgotten decision to swing his delegates to Obama during the Iowa caucuses. If he’s upset, though, his tears will apparently fall on the Cabinet table. He’s reportedly the new Commerce secretary, and was apparently offered Interior too.
Feds bailout Citi and take a stake in the company. Does that mean as taxpayers, since we now have stake in all these companies, we'll get bonuses this year along with the execs?
Obama to name his economic team (which is getting flack for being a bunch of Clinton retreads) this morning and to provide more details on his economic recovery plan. On the morning shows yesterday, Sen Schumer said that Congress expects to have a legislation on Obama's desk on Inauguration Day--a "new new deaL" to the tune of $700B.
This is for Dave: A great little article in Newsweek drawing comparisons between FDR's transition to the presidency and Obama's.
5 who didn't make the cut in the Cabinet. Includes this rationale for giving Richardson a post (which frankly irritated me but I'd forgotten that he was an early supporter):
Bill Richardson, State — New Mexico’s governor and former Clinton U.N. ambassador-cum-Energy secretary dearly wanted State. And Obama owed him big-time, both for his primary endorsement and for Richardson’s now-forgotten decision to swing his delegates to Obama during the Iowa caucuses. If he’s upset, though, his tears will apparently fall on the Cabinet table. He’s reportedly the new Commerce secretary, and was apparently offered Interior too.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Happy Ilsa Day!
Sure, our fearless blog leader's birthday isn't until tomorrow, but we're celebrating it today. All the best, Ilsa.
Pic courtesy of Sassy Aunt Rosie.
Barack Obama has been president-elect for two days yet my cancer isn't cured- WTF?
Happy Saturday, Sassy readers!
Oh, and Sassy's own roving reporter (and doting husband of Sassy Security) just got his first op-ed placed in the NYT. Sure the byline might say Gail Collins, but the copy will look very familiar to Sassy readers. Don't forget us when you get your book deal, Dave!
Oh, and Sassy's own roving reporter (and doting husband of Sassy Security) just got his first op-ed placed in the NYT. Sure the byline might say Gail Collins, but the copy will look very familiar to Sassy readers. Don't forget us when you get your book deal, Dave!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Daily HRC State Dept. Update
According to Salon, "multiple outlets" say it's all but certain that HRC will be nominated for State after all. Of course, that same post also links to the NY Times article from this morning that talks about how the Senate Dems are dangling leadership posts to HRC to get her to stay. We'll see.
Two other interesting angles on this come from my economic go-to, Paul Krugman, and Salon editor, Joan Walsh. Krugman reminds us that nobody remembers the concern about W.'s shady business connections when he took office. Granted, W. shouldn't be our moral guide on this stuff, but it is a good point. Walsh writes that after all the great stuff that we've seen from Barack, if he thinks HRC would be the best Secretary of State for his administration, then we should trust him. Makes sense to me.
UPDATE from Ilsa: i just got a next from the NYT that Clinton is going to accept the Secretary of State post. Haven't found it anywhere else online.
Two other interesting angles on this come from my economic go-to, Paul Krugman, and Salon editor, Joan Walsh. Krugman reminds us that nobody remembers the concern about W.'s shady business connections when he took office. Granted, W. shouldn't be our moral guide on this stuff, but it is a good point. Walsh writes that after all the great stuff that we've seen from Barack, if he thinks HRC would be the best Secretary of State for his administration, then we should trust him. Makes sense to me.
UPDATE from Ilsa: i just got a next from the NYT that Clinton is going to accept the Secretary of State post. Haven't found it anywhere else online.
Morning Roundup: Crappy Economy Edition
After my frigid commute this morning, I'm still trying to regain full use of my fingers. So, please excuse any typos.
Obviously, the big news today is the continued decline of the economy. Here's the piece that concerns me, though. Apparently, the Bush White House has decided to sit on their hands until Obama takes office. Via a WaPo article: "Wall Street interpreted Paulson's comments [on not taking action] to mean that the financial rescue is on hold until President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration." Are you kidding me? Paul Krugman points out today that this inaction parallels the post election period in 1932. Nice.
That's not to say that I know exactly what I want Treasury to do. I even find myself going back and forth on the prospect of an auto industry bailout. Sure, it's a large sector of our economy and thousands of jobs are at stake, but Detroit's decisions over the last decade have been bad for business and the planet. I'm loathe to see that rewarded.
Anyhow, this has me further thinking about how awful W.'s presidency has been. Sure, he hasn't let the country descend into Civil War, so Buchanan still probably gets "worst ever." But, I think he's worse than Hoover, because Hoover didn't lead us into a tragically misguided war. And, in my opinion, his legal breaches have been worse than Nixon's. I give Bush second worst president ever.
Obviously, the big news today is the continued decline of the economy. Here's the piece that concerns me, though. Apparently, the Bush White House has decided to sit on their hands until Obama takes office. Via a WaPo article: "Wall Street interpreted Paulson's comments [on not taking action] to mean that the financial rescue is on hold until President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration." Are you kidding me? Paul Krugman points out today that this inaction parallels the post election period in 1932. Nice.
That's not to say that I know exactly what I want Treasury to do. I even find myself going back and forth on the prospect of an auto industry bailout. Sure, it's a large sector of our economy and thousands of jobs are at stake, but Detroit's decisions over the last decade have been bad for business and the planet. I'm loathe to see that rewarded.
Anyhow, this has me further thinking about how awful W.'s presidency has been. Sure, he hasn't let the country descend into Civil War, so Buchanan still probably gets "worst ever." But, I think he's worse than Hoover, because Hoover didn't lead us into a tragically misguided war. And, in my opinion, his legal breaches have been worse than Nixon's. I give Bush second worst president ever.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Evening Update-Dayum it's cold outside
lucky for me i drive to work now. suckers!
More good news: Five Gitmo detainees will finally be released after 7 years and not a single charge. But Andrew Sullivan is concerned that Obama is looking at John Brennan for the CIA. Even better, Bush gets spanked in the ruling:
And yet more confusion over a Clinton appointment. Is she waiting for a formal offer or is Obama waiting for an indication from her she'll take the position. Seems to me like we've got the Clinton dramz already and she's not even in the damn cabinet yet. I say, move on.
Sarah Palin continues to charm us.
From Wonkette: Sarah Palin pardoned a turkey at an abbatoir today to celebrate Thanksgiving, a full week beforehand. After pardoning the turkey, Palin partook in her favorite post-election hobby — answering questions from the media — while a turkey butcher worked in the background SLAUGHTERING A TURKEY IN A DEATH GRINDER, while smiling, a la Fargo. It is hilarious. Equally hilarious are the MSNBC captions in this clip, such as, “Gov. Palin Not Realizing Incongruity Of Her Words Versus Her Backdrop.” Liberals. [YouTube]
More good news: Five Gitmo detainees will finally be released after 7 years and not a single charge. But Andrew Sullivan is concerned that Obama is looking at John Brennan for the CIA. Even better, Bush gets spanked in the ruling:
"U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon, in the first ruling to carry out the Supreme Court’s June decision on detainees’ rights, ordered the federal government to release five Guantanamo Bay detainees "forthwith." The judge found, however, that the government had justified the continued imprisonment of a sixth detainee, Belkacem ben Sayah.
The judge, in an unusual added comment, suggested to senior government leaders that they forgo an appeal of his ruling on freeing the five prisoners, suggesting that "seven years is enough" in captivity. "And yet more confusion over a Clinton appointment. Is she waiting for a formal offer or is Obama waiting for an indication from her she'll take the position. Seems to me like we've got the Clinton dramz already and she's not even in the damn cabinet yet. I say, move on.
Sarah Palin continues to charm us.
From Wonkette: Sarah Palin pardoned a turkey at an abbatoir today to celebrate Thanksgiving, a full week beforehand. After pardoning the turkey, Palin partook in her favorite post-election hobby — answering questions from the media — while a turkey butcher worked in the background SLAUGHTERING A TURKEY IN A DEATH GRINDER, while smiling, a la Fargo. It is hilarious. Equally hilarious are the MSNBC captions in this clip, such as, “Gov. Palin Not Realizing Incongruity Of Her Words Versus Her Backdrop.” Liberals. [YouTube]
59?
Norm Coleman's lead has already started shrinking in the recount.
"By day's end, with about 18 percent of the vote recounted, Coleman continued to lead Franken -- but by only 174 votes, notably narrower than the unofficial gap of 215 votes at which the recount had begun. Franken's gain owed much to a swing of 23 votes in the Democratic stronghold of St. Louis County -- the result of faintly marked ballots and older optical scanners that failed to read the marks."
"By day's end, with about 18 percent of the vote recounted, Coleman continued to lead Franken -- but by only 174 votes, notably narrower than the unofficial gap of 215 votes at which the recount had begun. Franken's gain owed much to a swing of 23 votes in the Democratic stronghold of St. Louis County -- the result of faintly marked ballots and older optical scanners that failed to read the marks."
Good News for Enviros
From CQ:
House Democrats on Thursday handed Henry A. Waxman of California the gavel of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, toppling veteran Chairman John D. Dingell of Michigan.
The 137-122 Democratic Caucus vote was viewed as a referendum on the party’s future approach to energy and climate policy, as well as a test of the seniority system the party has long used to select committee chairmen and ranking members...
...Waxman’s takeover of the Energy and Commerce caps a quarter-century rivalry between him and Dingell. While they agree on many issues — most notably health care — the two men have clashed since the 1980s over environmental regulations. Waxman, who leans to the left of his party, is an advocate of strong clean air protections and stringent fuel-efficiency and energy conservation measures.
Dingell has been a fierce protector of the auto industry, which is crucial to the economy of his home state of Michigan.
=============================
The article doesn't mention that Dingell's wife is a descendant of one of the families that founded GM and that she is currently a senior executive with the company. But I'm sure there's no real conflict of interest there.
House Democrats on Thursday handed Henry A. Waxman of California the gavel of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, toppling veteran Chairman John D. Dingell of Michigan.
The 137-122 Democratic Caucus vote was viewed as a referendum on the party’s future approach to energy and climate policy, as well as a test of the seniority system the party has long used to select committee chairmen and ranking members...
...Waxman’s takeover of the Energy and Commerce caps a quarter-century rivalry between him and Dingell. While they agree on many issues — most notably health care — the two men have clashed since the 1980s over environmental regulations. Waxman, who leans to the left of his party, is an advocate of strong clean air protections and stringent fuel-efficiency and energy conservation measures.
Dingell has been a fierce protector of the auto industry, which is crucial to the economy of his home state of Michigan.
=============================
The article doesn't mention that Dingell's wife is a descendant of one of the families that founded GM and that she is currently a senior executive with the company. But I'm sure there's no real conflict of interest there.
Morning Roundup--Short Version. Sassy has a real job to do.
Not sure why Penny Pritzker was ever really a contender for Commerce, but looks like she's out.
I like Napolitano as Homeland Security (loving all this female energy in Barack's cabinet) but I would rather she run against McCain in 2010.
Will she or won't she? Clinton still undecided while Harry Reid tries to find a new role for her in the Senate if she decides to stay.
Bush is getting the cold shoulder from international leaders:
11-19-08: CNN: George Bush snubbed at the G20 Summit. Everyone greeting each other and shaking hands, but Bush walks with his head down like the dejected most unpopular kid in high school.
I like Napolitano as Homeland Security (loving all this female energy in Barack's cabinet) but I would rather she run against McCain in 2010.
Will she or won't she? Clinton still undecided while Harry Reid tries to find a new role for her in the Senate if she decides to stay.
Bush is getting the cold shoulder from international leaders:
11-19-08: CNN: George Bush snubbed at the G20 Summit. Everyone greeting each other and shaking hands, but Bush walks with his head down like the dejected most unpopular kid in high school.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Gutierrez Rumor Picks Up
From Rich Miller, my favorite (okay only) source on IL politics:
* RollCall reports that Rep. Luis Gutierrez has discussed the possibility of being appointed to Barack Obama’s seat, but Rep. Jackson, Jr. has not…
* RollCall reports that Rep. Luis Gutierrez has discussed the possibility of being appointed to Barack Obama’s seat, but Rep. Jackson, Jr. has not…
According to the source, the governor “has discussed the prospect” with the eight-term Chicago lawmaker, and the two Democrats “will talk more in a few days” about the possibly of his being named to the job. […]
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.), who some had considered until recently the frontrunner to replace Obama, “has not had a direct conversation with the governor” about the seat, his office confirmed.
“Some” had considered Jackson the frontrunner because Jackson worked the DC press galleries so hard and nobody bothered to check. This looks like it might be a targeted leak designed to take Jackson down a peg.
Daschle to be HHS Secretary
just saw this on cnn. kind of surprised, this is a big, ugly job. thought daschle might want something in the WH.
bridg--think this will make john s. happy?
bridg--think this will make john s. happy?
Wednesday Roundup
Clearly, Salon Sassy is reeling a bit from a post-election hangover and Ilsa getting a full-time gig. So, we've missed out on some events over the last couple days. Here's a quick summary of stuff that we haven't already addressed:
Obama recently recorded a talk about how he'll make combating global warming a priority. Hopefully, Bush's 11th hour regulation changes won't do too much damage in the meantime.
Good and bad news out of Texas. The good: Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales were indicted yesterday. The bad: nothing will come of it, largely because this came through the efforts of a crackpot DA.
HRC at State news: Bill has volunteered to submit his fundraising to an ethics review. But, it's still not clear that HRC wants the job. Wonkette takes the interesting angle that HRC is after the job because it would help her skate on her still massive campaign debt.
Latest scary economic news: Consumer prices just recorded their steepest one-month drop in 61 years and the average home price in Southern California has plummeted 41% in 18 months. Ugh.
One sector of the international economy is booming, however. Piracy. Somali pirates have earned $30 million in ransom in 2008. Of course, there are some dangers.
Finally, a great post by Nate. He's posted a great interview with a Zogby polling hack. Nate called him out on his methods and the hack got testy. Highly entertaining.
Obama recently recorded a talk about how he'll make combating global warming a priority. Hopefully, Bush's 11th hour regulation changes won't do too much damage in the meantime.
Good and bad news out of Texas. The good: Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales were indicted yesterday. The bad: nothing will come of it, largely because this came through the efforts of a crackpot DA.
HRC at State news: Bill has volunteered to submit his fundraising to an ethics review. But, it's still not clear that HRC wants the job. Wonkette takes the interesting angle that HRC is after the job because it would help her skate on her still massive campaign debt.
Latest scary economic news: Consumer prices just recorded their steepest one-month drop in 61 years and the average home price in Southern California has plummeted 41% in 18 months. Ugh.
One sector of the international economy is booming, however. Piracy. Somali pirates have earned $30 million in ransom in 2008. Of course, there are some dangers.
Finally, a great post by Nate. He's posted a great interview with a Zogby polling hack. Nate called him out on his methods and the hack got testy. Highly entertaining.
58! Begich Wins Alaska
The AP called the Senate race for Mark Begich. Such happy news on so many levels. First, we're one step closer to 60 seats (although, that includes Jackhole Joe). Second, it means that a convicted felon was not elected to the Senate. Third, no Sarah Palin in the Senate, for now, at least. But, the best news is that this is goodbye for Ted Stevens. Not only is he a felon, but he's widely acknowledged to be the meanest cuss in the Senate (and that takes some doing). Don't let the door hit you on your way out, Ted.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Lieberman to Keep Committee Chairmanship
Stupid, wimpy democrats.
UPDATE:
I'm with Kos, I think Reid should lose his leadership post. This isn't leadership, its capitulation and I am sick of it. Let's toss him out and insert Hillary as Majority Leader.
UPDATE:
I'm with Kos, I think Reid should lose his leadership post. This isn't leadership, its capitulation and I am sick of it. Let's toss him out and insert Hillary as Majority Leader.
Today's lesson
by kos
Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 09:59:53 AM PST
Asked what it would mean if Lieberman kept his chairmanship, one Senate Democratic aide said bluntly: "The left has been foiled again. They can rant and rage but they still do not put the fear into folks to actually change their votes. Their influence would be in question."I hope this puts to rest the notion that this is all some master stroke of kumbayah, of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer.
This is about telling you that you mean nothing. That democracy is a nice word, but it should never threaten the entitlement of the most exclusive club in the world.
No matter what Joe Lieberman does, the people who are protecting him hate you much more than they hate him.
There's that. But there's also disdain for the American electorate that voted in overwhelming numbers for change from the discredited Bush/McCain/Lieberman policies. But in a city known for tone-deafness, there clearly isn't a more tone-deaf group than the Senate Dems.
I'm done with Reid as Senate leader.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Well Hello Mr. Silver. Enjoy all $700,000
As this news broke, Seana spritzed on some Love's Baby Soft and jumped in a cab headed for Nate's Wicker Park loft (fortunately for me, the smell of the perfume and the bumpy ride in the overheated cab will cause Seana to feel ill and to give up, at which point she will re-resign herself to coming home to me! Woo Hoo!)
http://www.observer.com/2008/media/nate-silver-signs-penguin-two-book-deal-worth-sum-high-six-figures
http://www.observer.com/2008/media/nate-silver-signs-penguin-two-book-deal-worth-sum-high-six-figures
Hillary's Bill Clinton Problem
Poor Hillary. I just don't get what value she sees in continuing this relationship. Really.
Spitzer?
This comes by way of the Washington Monthly. They have a post wondering if Eliot Spitzer should be tapped by Obama in some role regulating the financial industry. Maybe head of the SEC?
I have to say, I'm intrigued. Yes, he got busted for soliciting a prostitute, and, thus, cheating on his wife. But, many stars in the GOP firmament (i.e., Gingrich, Guiliani, McCain) have cheated. And, Spitzer does have a record of tackling Wall Street. I'm sure it won't happen, but it's an interesting though.
I have to say, I'm intrigued. Yes, he got busted for soliciting a prostitute, and, thus, cheating on his wife. But, many stars in the GOP firmament (i.e., Gingrich, Guiliani, McCain) have cheated. And, Spitzer does have a record of tackling Wall Street. I'm sure it won't happen, but it's an interesting though.
Morning Roundup
First of all, Ilsa starts her new job today. Best of luck, Ilsa, don't take any guff from any of those stuffy tenured profs.
For a summary of actual news, today, check out Slate's daily, Today's Papers feature. Monday's highlights include progress on a status of forces agreement in Iraq that would have U.S. soldiers out of Iraqi cities by June and out of the country altogether by Dec. 2011. I don't think it's a coincidence that negotiations have started moving again since Barack's election.
Also, John McCain will be in Chicago today to meet with Barack. What on Earth are they going to have to talk about? Officially, they're supposed to discuss how they can work together on "issues facing the country." I think they'll both be checking their watches 20 minutes in.
A lot of papers have an interesting angle on HRC possibly being offered Secretary of State: Bill's shady international donors could be an issue. Bears watching.
One final note. I had a couple beers last night with a good friend who's a professor of political economy. In talking about Obama, he mentioned that in his studies, he's been amazed at how long many of the regulatory regimes that arose between 1964-70 (e.g., EPA, OSHA) have survived decades of attempts by the GOP to scuttle them. He's hoping that Obama push through some measures on the environment and health care that could also endure conservative onslaughts for the next 40 years.
For a summary of actual news, today, check out Slate's daily, Today's Papers feature. Monday's highlights include progress on a status of forces agreement in Iraq that would have U.S. soldiers out of Iraqi cities by June and out of the country altogether by Dec. 2011. I don't think it's a coincidence that negotiations have started moving again since Barack's election.
Also, John McCain will be in Chicago today to meet with Barack. What on Earth are they going to have to talk about? Officially, they're supposed to discuss how they can work together on "issues facing the country." I think they'll both be checking their watches 20 minutes in.
A lot of papers have an interesting angle on HRC possibly being offered Secretary of State: Bill's shady international donors could be an issue. Bears watching.
One final note. I had a couple beers last night with a good friend who's a professor of political economy. In talking about Obama, he mentioned that in his studies, he's been amazed at how long many of the regulatory regimes that arose between 1964-70 (e.g., EPA, OSHA) have survived decades of attempts by the GOP to scuttle them. He's hoping that Obama push through some measures on the environment and health care that could also endure conservative onslaughts for the next 40 years.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Liveblogging 60 minutes
6:26: Steelers WIN!!
6:36: Did Obama just say we need to "sequence the legislation right" in the beginning of the term to make sure everything gets passed. It's like, my god, he really is smart and strategic and forward thinking.
6:45 Is it me, or is Barack's hair sparkling? Maybe it's just the halo catching the light.
6:57: I love that picture of Barack's mother-in-law holding his hand. Like they just couldn't believe what was happening, couldn't look each other in the eye, but wanted to connect in the moment.
6:59: Michelle on the morning after the election with the girls: "Daddy's president-elect and we can still get to school by 10. " She definitely keeps Barack grounded.
7:04: I am loving Michelle, she is so sassy! To Barack: "Since when do you find doing the dishes soothing?"
7:17: oh yeah! we're talkin' football. nice.
7:19: i loved the whole bit about the mother-in-law and the dog. barack can be funny, engaging and warm without sophomoric (Bush 43) or sleazy (you-know-who). now this is a guy i'd want to have a drink with.
6:36: Did Obama just say we need to "sequence the legislation right" in the beginning of the term to make sure everything gets passed. It's like, my god, he really is smart and strategic and forward thinking.
6:45 Is it me, or is Barack's hair sparkling? Maybe it's just the halo catching the light.
6:57: I love that picture of Barack's mother-in-law holding his hand. Like they just couldn't believe what was happening, couldn't look each other in the eye, but wanted to connect in the moment.
6:59: Michelle on the morning after the election with the girls: "Daddy's president-elect and we can still get to school by 10. " She definitely keeps Barack grounded.
7:04: I am loving Michelle, she is so sassy! To Barack: "Since when do you find doing the dishes soothing?"
7:17: oh yeah! we're talkin' football. nice.
7:19: i loved the whole bit about the mother-in-law and the dog. barack can be funny, engaging and warm without sophomoric (Bush 43) or sleazy (you-know-who). now this is a guy i'd want to have a drink with.
If you read nothing else about Obama this week...
Read this.
Bridget told me a story the other night of a friend who took her 7 year old son to the Manassas Rally (on Election eve) that's described in this article. 90,000 people showed up and the rally went late; Obama didn't even speak until 10:30. The next morning the friend roused her son, who was still exhausted from the night before, and asked what he thought about Obama. Without even opening his eyes or getting up, he just lifted his arm into the air and said "Fired up".
Me, too.
Bridget told me a story the other night of a friend who took her 7 year old son to the Manassas Rally (on Election eve) that's described in this article. 90,000 people showed up and the rally went late; Obama didn't even speak until 10:30. The next morning the friend roused her son, who was still exhausted from the night before, and asked what he thought about Obama. Without even opening his eyes or getting up, he just lifted his arm into the air and said "Fired up".
Me, too.
Barack Obama's thank you letter to Illinois
Chicago Sun Times
November 16, 2008
November 16, 2008
Today, I am ending one journey to begin another. After serving the people of Illinois in the United States Senate -- one of the highest honors and privileges of my life -- I am stepping down as senator to prepare for the responsibilities I will assume as our nation's next president. But I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible.
More than two decades ago, I arrived in Illinois as a young man eager to do my part in building a better America. On the South Side of Chicago, I worked with families who had lost jobs and lost hope when the local steel plant closed. It wasn't easy, but we slowly rebuilt those neighborhoods one block at a time, and in the process I received the best education I ever had. It's an education that led me to organize a voter registration project in Chicago, stand up for the rights of Illinois families as an attorney and eventually run for the Illinois state Senate.
It was in Springfield, in the heartland of America, where I saw all that is America converge -- farmers and teachers, businessmen and laborers, all of them with a story to tell, all of them seeking a seat at the table, all of them clamoring to be heard. It was there that I learned to disagree without being disagreeable; to seek compromise while holding fast to those principles that can never be compromised, and to always assume the best in people instead of the worst. Later, when I made the decision to run for the United States Senate, the core decency and generosity of the American people is exactly what I saw as I traveled across our great state -- from Chicago to Cairo; from Decatur to Quincy.
I still remember the young woman in East St. Louis who had the grades, the drive and the will but not the money to go to college. I remember the young men and women I met at VFW halls across the state who serve our nation bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I will never forget the workers in Galesburg who faced the closing of a plant they had given their lives to, who wondered how they would provide health care to their sick children with no job and little savings.
Stories like these are why I came to Illinois all those years ago, and they will stay with me when I go to the White House in January. The challenges we face as a nation are now more numerous and difficult than when I first arrived in Chicago, but I have no doubt that we can meet them. For throughout my years in Illinois, I have heard hope as often as I have heard heartache. Where I have seen struggle, I have seen great strength. And in a state as broad and diverse in background and belief as any in our nation, I have found a spirit of unity and purpose that can steer us through the most troubled waters.
It was long ago that another son of Illinois left for Washington. A greater man who spoke to a nation far more divided, Abraham Lincoln, said of his home, "To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything." Today, I feel the same, and like Lincoln, I ask for your support, your prayers, and for us to "confidently hope that all will yet be well."
With your help, along with the service and sacrifice of Americans across the nation who are hungry for change and ready to bring it about, I have faith that all will in fact be well. And it is with that faith, and the high hopes I have for the enduring power of the American idea, that I offer the people of my beloved home a very affectionate thanks.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Hillary Hillary Hillary
good article about the benefits and pitfalls (mostly pitfalls) of a clinton secretary of state in a drama-adverse obama administration. But Gail Collins makes the case.
that's all i got today. oh, and reminder that the obamas are on 60 minutes tomorrow night.
have a great weekend everyone! sassy starts a new job on monday so i'll be relying on the rest of the bloggers to help keep pace with breaking obama news. but i would really like to keep this blog going, i think it's a nice way to dialogue about political/current events, share opinions, and spread the sassy.
that's all i got today. oh, and reminder that the obamas are on 60 minutes tomorrow night.
have a great weekend everyone! sassy starts a new job on monday so i'll be relying on the rest of the bloggers to help keep pace with breaking obama news. but i would really like to keep this blog going, i think it's a nice way to dialogue about political/current events, share opinions, and spread the sassy.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Joe Needs to Go
Best argument I've heard for cutting Lieberman loose. He certainly does not deserve to retain his chairmanship and I dare, dare him to flee the party. He'll get nothing done as an R and certainly won't get any attention.
I have to say I am really loving on Rachel Maddow. If they would just let her revert back to her butch hairstyle and be herself, I'd be happy. That hair reminds me of my highschool field hockey coach.
I have to say I am really loving on Rachel Maddow. If they would just let her revert back to her butch hairstyle and be herself, I'd be happy. That hair reminds me of my highschool field hockey coach.
Morning Buzz
Hillary Clinton to be Secretary of State? This is all over the internet this morning. An announcement may be made today. I must say, I'm kinda surprised. Never thought she'd want to work for Obama.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Morning Roundup
(just a little happy from last week in grant park)
Convicted felon Stevens looks to be losing in Alaska. Not only will the Dems pick up another Senate seat, but we also won't face the specter of a Senator Palin (who apparently hasn't gotten the memo that the campaign is over.)
In today's It's a New Day item: AIG has agreed to answer questions from readers to DailyKos. This is unprecedented--that a company will speak directly to Americans and bypass the MSM. Pretty cool and a testament to the work Kos is doing.
On his way out the door, Bush still thinks he did a dang good job.
Illinois Senate Watch: Insiders say Obama wants Valerie Jarrett for the seat, but I hear that she's not interested and will likely end up in his cabinet. Jesse Jackson Jr is totally gunning for the seat but is considered unelectable (downstate) in the 2010 election. Emil Jones is a possibility but supposedly he's ready to become a lobbyist and would only fill the seat for two years. I say let's find someone who is electable in 2010 and deserves to be there. Jan Schakowsky anyone? I did mention to a FOB's last night (who is also African American) that maybe we should fill the seat with another black legislator and he got pretty irritated and said that with Barack as president affirmative action should be over. So there.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Perma-grins...
In his column today, Mark Morford (San Francisco Chronicle) reflects on the surreal cocktail of emotions we've all been experiencing -- here's the start, the rest is
here.
Permagrins For Obama
The country's still a disaster. Why is everyone smiling?
It happened in a taxicab. It happened in a bank. It's happened multiple times in yoga class (of course) and I've heard it happen in cafes and supermarkets and restaurants and even out in the rough 'n' ragged city streets where you normally expect only a sidelong glance and a suspicious frown or maybe a slight nod of hello-now-please-get-out-of-my-way.
The best part: Each and every time, it's been almost wholly spontaneous, an outbreak, a burst, the unexpected thing that you haven't felt in years and which, in many ways, can't really believe you're experiencing at all.
It's smiling, laughing, actual cheering among the normally jaded and the wary whenever Obama's voice is heard, or when his name comes up on the radio, in print, in a song, on the sidewalk -- anywhere at all. It's a relatively surreal sense of Can This Really Be True? Is that young, calm, rock-solid, intellectual black guy really our new president?
here.
Permagrins For Obama
The country's still a disaster. Why is everyone smiling?
It happened in a taxicab. It happened in a bank. It's happened multiple times in yoga class (of course) and I've heard it happen in cafes and supermarkets and restaurants and even out in the rough 'n' ragged city streets where you normally expect only a sidelong glance and a suspicious frown or maybe a slight nod of hello-now-please-get-out-of-my-way.
The best part: Each and every time, it's been almost wholly spontaneous, an outbreak, a burst, the unexpected thing that you haven't felt in years and which, in many ways, can't really believe you're experiencing at all.
It's smiling, laughing, actual cheering among the normally jaded and the wary whenever Obama's voice is heard, or when his name comes up on the radio, in print, in a song, on the sidewalk -- anywhere at all. It's a relatively surreal sense of Can This Really Be True? Is that young, calm, rock-solid, intellectual black guy really our new president?
It's a New Day
More good news, if you can stand it.
Obama appoints Nunn and Christopher to top defense transition posts and is expected to give the boot to WH Intelligence staff who supported administration policies on surveillance and interrogation.
Oh, and there's more. Obama expected to close Gitmo. (for all the idiots who voted for nader and think that there's no difference between a dem and repug president)
Why Michelle's Red Dress Just Shook the World. Interesting analysis of the implications/message behind that dress.
Sarah Palin trying to stay relevant.
Obama appoints Nunn and Christopher to top defense transition posts and is expected to give the boot to WH Intelligence staff who supported administration policies on surveillance and interrogation.
Oh, and there's more. Obama expected to close Gitmo. (for all the idiots who voted for nader and think that there's no difference between a dem and repug president)
Why Michelle's Red Dress Just Shook the World. Interesting analysis of the implications/message behind that dress.
Sarah Palin trying to stay relevant.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Weekly Roundup--And it's been a long, lovely week
Drudge (I know, I know) is reporting that the Obama camp leaked details of the presidential visit yesterday, pissing off the prez. Like, who cares?
Great article in the NYT on Sunday about how Obama has energized a new generation of voters. Generation O. Oh, yes.
"Only a Fugees-loving, pick-up-basketball-playing, biracial president-elect would send supporters an e-mail message on election night that said: “I’m about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.”
He signed it simply “Barack.” After all, they were close. He and his biggest fans, the generation of young adults who voted for him in record numbers, together had slogged through 21 months of campaigning. And in his moment of victory, Barack Obama shared the glow of success.“All of this happened because of you,” the e-mail message said. “We just made history.”
Unbelievably, Lieberman actually wants to keep his committee post after being the most traiterous Dem in history. But look who's acting all presidential and shit.
In case you're having poll watching withdrawl, here's some good stuff:
Nearly seven in 10 adults, or 68%, said they have a favorable opinion of President-elect Barack Obama. Almost that many — 65% — said they think the country will be better off four years from now.
"The reception he's getting is unlike anything we've seen in decades," says Andrew Kohut, director of the non-partisan Pew Research Center. "It's a very high set of expectations to live up to. On the upside, it means people are going to be pulling for him."
As always, Frank Rich gets it right. He takes the media out to the wood shed.
The Republicans are actually considering making Gingrich the head of the party. Yeah, that'll turn things around.
This is hilarious:
Election officials have publicly humiliated actor Tim Robbins after it was discovered that his little Election Day tantrum was his own stupid fault. It would seem that Captain America attempted to vote in the wrong polling place, which he might have realized earlier had he actually bothered to vote in any election in the last four years. According to the NY Daily News
Records showed Robbins moved in 2004 and filed a new registration. His proper polling site was in the Andrew Heskell Library on W. 20th St., where Robbins’ name was in the poll book.
“It would appear,” Robbins was informed in a letter from [the] Manhattan election commissioner, “that your voting experience was less than positive because you simply went to the wrong poll site.” The letter noted that Robbins might not have made his mistake had he voted “in any recent election.
Monday, November 10, 2008
How secret are these code names anyway?
Barack is Renegade and Michelle is Renaissance. I think W's was Howdy Doody.
Color Theory
The person in red--all kinds of red--is the most powerful person in any gathering.
Any questions?
More Nate
Today's New York Times has a feature on Nate. He continues to be more and more of a legend.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
On the Pulse of Morning
I went back and re-read the poem that Maya Angelou wrote for Bill Clinton's inauguration -- it's even more electrifying in the current context than it was then.
On the Pulse of Morning
A Rock, A River, A Tree
Hosts to species long since departed,
Marked the mastodon,
The dinosaur, who left dried tokens
Of Their sojourn here
On our planet floor,
Any broad alarm of their hastening doom
Is lost in the gloom of dust and ages.
But today, the Rock cries out to us, clearly,
forcefully,
Come, you may stand upon my
Back and face your distant destiny,
But seek no haven in my shadow,
I will give you no hiding place down here.
You, created only a little lower than
The angels, have crouched too long in
The bruising darkness
Have lain too long
Facedown in ignorance,
Your mouths spilling words
Armed for slaughter.
The Rock cries out to us today,
You may stand upon me;
But do not hide your face.
Across the wall of the world,
A River sings a beautiful song. It says,
Come, rest here by my side.
Each of you, a bordered country,
Delicate and strangely made proud,
Yet thrusting perpetually under siege.
Your armed struggles for profit
Have left collars of waste upon
My shore, currents of debris upon my breast.
Yet today I call you to my riverside,
If you will study war no more.
Come, clad in peace,
And I will sing the songs
The Creator gave to me when I and the
Tree and the Rock were one.
Before cynicism was a bloody sear across your brow
And when you yet knew you still knew nothing.
The River sang and sings on.
There is a true yearning to respond to
The singing River and the wise Rock.
So say the Asian, the Hispanic, the Jew
The African, the Native American, the Sioux
The Catholic, the Muslim, the French, the Greek,
The Irish, the Rabbi, the Priest, the Sheik,
The Gay, the Straight, the Preacher,
The privileged, the homeless, the Teacher.
They hear. They all hear
The speaking of the Tree.
They hear the first and last of every Tree
Speak to humankind today.
Come to me,
Here beside the River.
Plant yourself beside the River.
Each of you, descendant of some passed-
On traveler, has been paid for.
You, who gave me my first name, you,
Pawnee, Apache, Seneca, you
Cherokee Nation, who rested with me, then
Forced on bloody feet,
Left me to the employment of
Other seekers -- desperate for gain,
Starving for gold.
You, the Turk, the Arab, the Swede,
The German, the Eskimo, the Scot,
The Italian, the Hungarian, the Pole,
You the
Sold, stolen, arriving on a nightmare
Praying for a dream.
Here, root yourselves beside me.
I am that Tree planted by the River,
Which will not be moved.
I, the Rock, I, the River, I, the Tree
I am yours -- your passages have been paid.
Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need
For this bright morning dawning for you.
History, despite its wrenching pain,
Cannot be unlived, but if faced
With courage, need not be lived again.
Lift up your eyes
Upon this day breaking for you.
Give birth again
To the dream.
Women, children, men,
Take it into the palms of your hands,
Mold it into the shape of your most
Private need. Sculpt it into
The image of your most public self.
Lift up your hearts
Each new hour holds new chances
For a new beginning.
Do not be wedded forever
To fear, yoked eternally
To brutishness.
The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space
To place new steps of change
Here, on the pulse of this fine day
You may have the courage
To look up and out and upon me,
The Rock, the River, the Tree, your country.
No less to Midas than the mendicant.
No less to you now than the mastodon then.
Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes,
And into your brother's face,
Your country,
And say simply
Very simply
With hope --
Good morning.
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