The NYT received a copy of a classified briefing given by the US Central Command on the security situation in Iraq. Here's how the NYT describe it: The conclusions the...[More]
November 1, 2006
ABC News + The "Liberal Media"
A few weeks back I highlighted some comments by the political director of ABC News, Mark Halperin, indicating his belief that the news media ought to work harder to "prove"...[More]
Leave No Man Behind?
Last night I highlighted a story about how the Bush administration caved to pressure from the Iraq government, effectively abandoning a US soldier behind enemy lines for political purposes. It...[More]
Enviro Tip Of The Day: Wash In Cold Water
This is mindblowing: How do you easily save 1% on national CO2 emissions as well as over $3 billion in energy costs? According to some studies, this could happen if...[More]
Don't Blame Rumsfeld. Blame the Troops?
I've been wondering when this would start... For years now we've been told by the civilian administration, all the way on up tot he Commander in Chief, that the "Generals"...[More]
November 2, 2006
Scandals Alone Could Cost Republicans Their House Majority
From today's WaPo Indictments, investigations and allegations of wrongdoing have helped put at least 15 Republican House seats in jeopardy, enough to swing control to the Democrats on Tuesday even...[More]
U.S. Soldier Killed Herself After Objecting to Interrogation Techniques
Oh dear god.... The true stories of how American troops, killed in Iraq, actually died keep spilling out this week. On Tuesday, we explored the case of Kenny Stanton Jr.,...[More]
Why The Foley Scandal Is Really A Republican Party Scandal
The Republican Party tried hard to paint Re. Foley as a bad apple that they knew nothing about. Although the ethics committee is done with its investigation, we won't of...[More]
No More Fish?
Do you like seafood? If so, you'll find this incredibly depressing....[More]
A Uniter, Not a Divider?
Andrew Sullivan provides two examples on how Bush really is bringing all of us together....[More]
Shock And Surprise! A Gay Evangelical Leader!
But not just any evangelical leader... Ted Haggard is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Last night, a local Colorado TV station broke the news that Haggard has...[More]
Put This One In The Win Column
Via TPM Muckraker and from the AP: A Republican congressman accused of abusing his ex-mistress agreed to pay her about $500,000 in a settlement last year that contained a powerful...[More]
"Nothing Short of Remarkable?"
Wow. These fools really done lost their minds....[More]
FoxNews Ratings In Free Fall
Billmon has the details....[More]
One More Reason To Hate McCain
UPDATE: I've noticed this page continues to get loads of Google Search traffic, so over the next few days I'm going to do my best to outline just why...[More]
Their Incompetence Knows No Ends (UPDATED)
This is truly terrifying: Last March, the federal government set up a Web site to make public a vast archive of Iraqi documents captured during the war. The Bush administration...[More]
What It All Means
TPM has some amazing readers: I hope that when the political history of the last half century is written it will show, as it should, that the Republicans engaged in...[More]
November 3, 2006
"We Pray That Lies Would Be Exposed" (UPDATED)
Late last night we learned that Ted Haggard, one of the most influential of the modern evangelical movement, may have been paying for both sex and drugs from a male...[More]
Obama / Patrick Rally
Just got back from the Obama / Patrick Get-Out-The-Vote-Rally. No time for a long post tonight, so two quick thoughts: 1. Both of them have it. I mean, they both...[More]
The Revolt of the Neo-Cons (Updated Multiple TImes)
Expect this story to dominate the airwaves this weekend. You've got all - and I do mean ALL - of the most important neo-cons going on the record together to...[More]
Army Times: "Time For Rumsfeld To Go"
Oh. My. God. They have officially lost the military: An editorial scheduled to appear on Monday in Army Times, Air Force Times, Navy Times and Marine Corps Times, calls for...[More]
November 4, 2006
Yet Another Fiasco
It just goes on and on... (CBS) The recent security breach at Los Alamos National Laboratory was very serious, with sensitive materials being taken out of the facility — possibly...[More]
November 6, 2006
Children Of The 80's... Hear Me Now!
You may have already seen this over at Andrew Sullivan's place, but just in case......[More]
Over The Next 24 Hours, Watch For This
Balloon Juice has the summary. Josh Marshall has the details. These tactics are illegal, immoral, and un-American. But they will not stop until there is a backlash, and that will...[More]
Richard Engel Continues To Uncover The Truth
While many other reporter hide in the relatively well-protected Green Zone, NBC's Richard Engel puts on his flak jacket and heads out into the wilds of Iraq to uncover the...[More]
Races to Watch: Stuart Rothenberg and Nathan Gonzales
For those playing along at home......[More]
Election 2006: California
For my California people... UPDATE: More here from Kevin Drum....[More]
Predicitions
I missed big in 2004 (I thought Ohio would break for Kerry), so why not try again? Based on nothing more than a hunch built out of obsessive blog reading.......[More]
Behold Your Talking Points
ThinkProgress provides 109 of them. Salon provides a shortened dozen. Make your choice, memorize your favorites, go forth, and get out that vote! I'll be working all day tomorrow as...[More]
November 8, 2006
My Prediciton This Morning
For the record... I made the following prediction this morning in my 9am PO101 class: 1. Rumsfeld resigns 2. Lieberman takes his place 3. The Republican Governor of Connecticut Jodi...[More]
Rumsfeld Is Gone. My Impressions, In No Particular Order
The Bush administration is now in receivership. With Rumsfeld's replacement today by Bob Gates, the loyalists of 41 have risen up to reign in 43 in an effort to protect...[More]
First You Win, Then You Govern
An important point to remember during this time of great political change. Throughout our history, our politics follow a very clear pattern. Ideological regimes establish themselves, govern for a time,...[More]
Conservative Dems?
This is a stupid meme, and it needs to be killed now. Bernie Sanders? Jim Webb? Jon Tester? Sheldon Whitehouse? Claire McCaskill? Conservative? Really? I thought the Dems were so...[More]
Jon Tester Wins
Montana takes another huge step towards becoming a new blue state. The man from Big Sandy is now going to DC. This is what our new Democratic Party looks like:...[More]
A Blow Out
I knew this was a wave, but I didn't realize - even after all the victories - just how big it was. Brad DeLong: 32,100,000 vs. 24,524,000 That's the split...[More]
First Tester, Now Webb?
Greg Sargent is reporting that the Allen campaign is considering avoiding a recount and admitting defeat. With Lieberman now out of the running for SecDef, a Webb win would give...[More]
A Tribute To The Fallen
This is hilarious. TPM's Muckraker has a tribute to the best of last night's worst. Pombo. Hayworth. Harris. Weldon. Santorum. Burns. Sherwood. Sweeney. Ryun. Taylor. I promise you... you will...[More]
Coming Attractions
Glenn Greenwald nails it. One of the defining features of the next two years will be a very public and very explicit constitutional showdown. And it is long, LONG overdue....[More]
It's Not Iraq, It's Corruption
Get a load of this. According to exit polling, Iraq was not the number one issue on the minds of yesterday's voters. It was corruption. No, this truth will never...[More]
Bush's Gates/Rumsfeld Announcement
The president is now stumbling through the introduction of Gates as the new Secretary of Defense. Again, no transcript, but I cannot believe what I just heard... Bush just touted...[More]
Balance The Budget
Reuters: WASHINGTON, Nov 8 (Reuters) - The presumed new chairman of the U.S. House of Representative's budget-writing committee on Wednesday said that he would push to end chronic deficits and...[More]
Evidence of A Rescue Mission
Want proof that 41 is trying to rescue 43? National Review has it. The day before Bush 43 met with Gates to discuss replacing Rumsfeld, Bush 41 spent the afternoon...[More]
Webb Wins
The AP calls it: Webb takes Virginia. I find it unbelievably fitting that the final two races that put the Dems over the top in the Senate were in Montana...[More]
The Plan For Iraq, Obama-style
Obama has one, and he plans to tell the world all about it in two weeks. Stay tuned... UPDATE: Here's Obama's take on the election. Because of your voices and...[More]
November 9, 2006
This Is Why I Like Kos
He, like Howard Dean, gets that long term matters more than short term, and that you can lose a few battles but still win the war.*...[More]
Bipartisanship???
This does not surprise me. Don't ever forget... the modern conservative movement is led in part by a man who once equated bipartisanship with date rape....[More]
November 10, 2006
The Man Who Would Be King
Having lost his race for the US Senate, Michael Steele wants to be head of the Republican Party. That being the case, it is important you educate yourself on who...[More]
For Once In His Life, Limbaugh Tells The Truth
Sure, the truth telling occurred in admitting to a two-year long lie, but nevertheless......[More]
The Coming Republican Civil War
And so it begins. Have fun guys... I hear the weather in the wilderness is wonderful this time of year. UPDATE: "Cuff links aren't on our agenda." Brilliant. UPDATE II:...[More]
Do "The Netroots" Matter?
If find it amusing that some people feel we still need to have this discussion. Forget Lieberman-Lamont. Forget Webb. And yes, you can even forget Tester. In fact, to understand...[More]
MSNBC's Ratings Through The Roof
Apparently MSNBC's ratings for election night were through the roof. I'm not surprised. For those of you who had your TV's tuned elsewhere, I have to say that was a...[More]
Yet Another Reason I'm Proud To Call Massachusetts Home
First Deval wins, then the bigots lose. Amazing....[More]
Elections Have Consequences
And this one, my friends, is fabulous. Here's the takeaway: Emboldened by their electoral victory, Democrats said they believed it would be all but impossible for the Republicans to pass...[More]
The Iraq Study Group As Saviour
I most definitely agree with Pat Lang on this one. It seems virtually everyone agrees at this point that the findings of the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group will lead to...[More]
This Is The Strategy
I hate to say this, but Dick Morris is dead on: The Democrats, for their part, will use their new House majority to plague the administration with investigations. While the...[More]
November 13, 2006
Quick Links
A few quick links this morning... Excellent analysis over at DailyKos today. Take a look. More interesting work from Kevin Drum on the bogus "conservative Democrat" meme floating around last...[More]
Lieberman Once Again Threatens To Bolt Democratic Party
I'm going to keep pointing this out from now until it actually happens. And I promise you, it will happen. Why any self-respecting Democrat in Connecticut fell for his lie...[More]
Live Free Or Die?
Once upon a time the conservative movement was led by some very serious thinkers. But now, with people like Mario Loyola and K-Lo leading the charge, its no wonder it...[More]
ABSCAM? (Updated)
Hmm... I forgot about the Murtha-ABSCAM connection. But... its not as if the choice is between him and a progressive, and Hoyer is as much, if not more, of a...[More]
November 14, 2006
2008 Pick-Up List
Do you live in or near any of these districts? If so, its not too early to get involved in the 2008 campaign. No. Seriously. Its not too early. 2006...[More]
Controlling the Frame
Earlier today, I was having a discussion with one of my classes about the upcoming congressional session, and how it may play into the 2008 campaign. Within the class there...[More]
Dirty Dems?
I've said it before and I'll say it again... I don't care if they are Republicans or Democrats: if they are dirty, get 'em out. I have no idea what...[More]
A Paper Trail of Torture
It exists. And it includes the signature of the President of the United States of America....[More]
November 15, 2006
Unintentional Irony
On the one hand, Republican leaders are expressing growing concern over the growing regionalization of the Republican Party. On the other hand, Republican leaders just elected Sen. Trent Lott, Mr....[More]
Libertarian Democrat?
Kos and Glenn Greenwald make the case. The mountains of the West aren't turning purple, they are turning blue. Here's yet another example, once again from the Great State of...[More]
Murtha and ABSCAM
Read and weep... Not depressing enough for you? Try this....[More]
More Troops To Iraq? Gen. Abazaid Say "No!"
Whew... This won't make Sen. McCain very happy, now will it? I'm glad to see we're finally going to get realistic about this asinine war. Sending more troops would have...[More]
Symbols Matter
There literally is nothing whatsoever that these people can do right. Nothing....[More]
Think the Election Means Bush Is Singing A New Tune?
Think again. Carpetbagger is right. Bolton's renomination will get far more attention, but this is far, far worse. The man was caught breaking the law not once but twice, and...[More]
Conservative Dems? (With Multiple Updates)
I will keep saying this until everyone understands: the incoming class of Democrats is not conservative. Not at all. Not even Sen. Jim Webb. In today's Wall Street Journal, Webb...[More]
Innovative Thinking On Greenhouse Gasses
Yet another example of how curbing greenhouse gas emissions would actually be good for the economy. Does anyone really think it makes sense for the world to waste "$5 to...[More]
Obama vs. Giuliani?
Maybe....[More]
More Troops?
For god's sake, people.. please. We don't have any more troops to send! Why is this so hard for people to understand? UPDATE: Wonderful. Apparently Baker and his Iraq Study...[More]
November 16, 2006
CNN Hits a New Low
Good lord. I have long thought CNN was worthless, but this is just beyond description. I don't think even Fox would stoop this low. The man was just elected to...[More]
November 17, 2006
"We'll Succeed," Bush Added, "Unless We Quit." (Mutiple Updates)
God help us. HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - President Bush, on his first visit to a country where America lost a two-decade-long fight against communism, said Friday the Vietnam War's lesson...[More]
Paying The Price?
This is priceless. 4 years ago, Sen. Trent Lott was considered to be such a racist that he had to be stripped of his Senate leadership post. Today, in his...[More]
"General Shinseki Was Right"
Andrew Sullivan has the quote of the day from Gen. Abazaid. Here's my question: what took you so long? I don't care if telling the truth - under oath -...[More]
Obama Makes A Move
Looks like Obama isn't waiting until January to get to work. U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) this week introduced legislation to protect Americans from tactics that intimidate voters and prevent...[More]
This Is What Police Brutality Looks Like (Updated)
For those of you not yet convinced of the power of YouTube, watch this. And then, when you are done, explain to me why it is that there aren't riots...[More]
Profiles in Corruption
Atrios is right: this profile from the editorial director of CBSNews.com on the Republican House leadership over the past 12 years is at least 12 years too late. Here's a...[More]
Memo To Bill O'
Hey Bill O.... Nice try, but you still don't get it. Your corporate masters aren't afraid of your diatribes. You are helping their cause, not hurting it. Marketing 101: No...[More]
From The Great State Of Montana
Hey America.... Meet your new Senator:...[More]
November 18, 2006
Nominating Nutjobs. No, Seriously... Nutjobs (Updated)
Wow. When I first heard that President Bush had nominated Dr. Eric Keroack to oversee all federal family planning and reproductive health services, I assumed it was just yet another...[More]
November 19, 2006
Mr. Schwarzenegger, Tear Down This Dam!!!
This one is for my friends out in California. I found it in the Guardian, and haven't heard anything about it until now. Is this really for real? Really? Please...[More]
McCain Hires Key Falwell Staffer For Presidential Campaign (UPDATED)
Yes, I lifted that headline from ThinkProgress. But it got your attention, didn't it? From "agent of intolerance" to an advisor in jut six short years. That john McCain... what...[More]
Brilliant Political Theatre
Via Neil the Ethical Werewolf over at Ezra's place, you've got to see this: Apparently Joe Lieberman no longer control's the "Connecticut for Lieberman Party." But one of his opponents...[More]
Kissinger And Blair Declare Iraq War A Failure (Updated)
Wow. First Bush lost Tony Blair, then he lost Henry "we only lost in Vietnam because we lost our will at home" Kissinger. ThinkProgress has the video with Blair. The...[More]
November 20, 2006
Obama-Edwards Or Edwards-Obama?
A southerner and a midwesterner. Hmmm.......[More]
Noted Without Comment
Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States:...[More]
It Will Come From The West...
Via Kos, here's a great story from The Salt Lake City Tribune on the rapid transformation of the mountain west. An excerpt: A Tribune analysis of U.S. House results shows...[More]
November 21, 2006
It's The 1970's All Over Again....
NYT: An antiterrorist database used by the Defense Department in an effort to prevent attacks against military installations included intelligence tips about antiwar planning meetings held at churches, libraries, college...[More]
Spoiled Rich Kids
I know college Republicans are generally not particularly bright, but this (from my own institution of higher learning, no less) really is ridiculous. Looking to draw attention to what they...[More]
Learning How To Frame The Debate
Forget learning. It looks like the Dems have already mastered it: Despite divisions among Democrats over how far to go in revising ethics rules, House leaders plan a major rollout...[More]
Care About Health Care Issues?
Then you need to read this....[More]
Cuttin And Runnin...
Looks like the Republicans are cutting and running from the job of governing the country. People seem to think this is a bad thing. Me? I'd honestly prefer that they...[More]
November 22, 2006
Election Fraud In Florida
If you're one of those people who has been worried about the possibility of electronic voting machines and electoral fraud, it is time to put up or shut up. The...[More]
Sen. Allen: "I Now What The National Parks Need! Guns!!!"
I've seen some pretty stupid proposals in my day, but this one is without a doubt one of the worst. Via the NYT: As a last little gift to America,...[More]
November 27, 2006
While We Shop, The Middle East Implodes
Nothing better exemplifies the disconnect between our nation and the rest of the world than the spectacle of dueling headlines that took place over this past weekend. On the one...[More]
What McCain Believes
Aside from the silly comparison to TR, this weekend's LATimes piece on Sen. McCain is an absolute must-read. If the intro doesn't get you to read the full article, nothing...[More]
How Neoconservatism Has Redefined "Centrism"
For incredibly thorough take-downs of the neo-conservative foreign policy nightmare that we're all living through, this weekend's posts over at Belgravia Dispatch and Unclaimed Territory are absolute must reads. While...[More]
Hail To The Chief
One wonders why articles such as this one from Sunday's Boston Globe are always written well after they are of any use to anyone. Political junkies have long known the...[More]