THE CONSERVATIVE FREEDOM NEWSFEED

Matthews: What Kind of 'Klutz' Takes Orders from Rush Limbaugh?

2008-04-16T20:14:00.001-05:00

Rush Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos," has ticked off Chris Matthews. On Wednesday's "Hardball" Matthews insulted Limbaugh's listeners, who are voting in the Democratic primary, as he questioned: "What kind of klutz do you have to be to take orders on how to vote from Rush Limbaugh and to change your party identity so that you can vote against, for somebody to screw the other party?"

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/geoffrey-dickens/2008/04/16/matthews-what-kind-klutz-takes-orders-rush-limbaugh

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Huckabee Shooting for VP Slot

2008-02-03T23:04:00.000-06:00

A Strategy For Republican Victory in 2008

2008-02-03T22:49:00.001-06:00

gged with Flock

Drive By Schieffer: Republicans Don't Like McCain Because He Challenges Authority

2008-02-03T00:07:00.001-06:00

Asked by Katie Couric Tuesday night why having Republicans dominate the Michigan GOP primary, as opposed to independents and Democrats, is bad for John McCain, CBS's Bob Schieffer didn't cite any of McCain's views -- such as on immigration, tax cuts and freedom of speech -- where he's out of sync with most Republicans. Instead of realizing how McCain is too liberal for many conservatives who are the majority in the GOP, Schieffer contended Republicans just don't like him because he's "willing to challenge the authority," insisting: "John McCain has always been sort of a maverick. He's always been willing to challenge the authority and a lot of Republicans just have not forgiven him for that."

Hardball Chris Matthews Hails Hillary as Cold War Hero Margaret Thatcher

2008-02-03T00:03:00.001-06:00

After playing a clip of Hillary Clinton slamming George W. Bush as "pathetic," during the Democratic debate in Nevada, Chris Matthews on Wednesday compared Clinton to former British Prime Minister and Cold War hero Margaret Thatcher as he exclaimed of the former First Lady's attack on the President: "It just struck me as very Thatcher-ite!"

Thompson Challenges CNN's Soundbite Editing to Fit an Agenda

2008-02-02T23:54:00.001-06:00

During a live interview on Friday's American Morning, Fred Thompson lived up to his reputation as the GOP presidential candidate most willing to challenge the media, as the former Senator complained to CNN anchor John Roberts that the show used a clip of him joking about Fed Chair Ben Bernanke to make it appear Thompson was not interested in a stimulus package for the economy: "You sit there and you take an hour's worth of tape, of course, and we have a little fun every once in a while, and sometimes you guys pick that out and have a little fun with it yourself..." When Roberts suggested he was being "dismissive" of a stimulus package, Thompson continued: "You know better than that....From time to time, things come up, and I poke fun at it...And you guys pick it out, you know, and leave it lying out there. We proceeded to talk about the economy and talk about a stimulus package, which I've been talking about for two or three days, but if this is your highlight event, it's your highlight event."

Blogged with Flock

6th Poll in a Year Finds Public Recognizes Liberal Tilt to Media

2008-02-02T23:50:00.001-06:00

For the sixth time in a year, a national survey has found many more Americans see a news media bias to the left than to the right, and the latest poll released earlier this month by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute, discovered "significantly declining percentages of Americans saying they believe all or most of media news reporting," with MSNBC (at a piddling four percent) and PBS (three percent) the least trusted for accurate reporting. Fox News, at 27 percent, was the most trusted, way ahead of second-best CNN at 14.6 percent. The Fairfield, Connecticut university's January 8 press release reported: "Just 19.6 percent of those surveyed could say they believe all or most news media reporting. This is down from 27.4 percent in 2003." By a three-to-one margin "Americans see news media journalists and broadcasters (45.4 percent to 15.7 percent) as mostly or somewhat liberal over mostly or somewhat conservative," but for NPR and the New York Times recognition of a liberal tilt is closer to four-to-one.

Blogged with Flock

CNBC's Burnett Says Low January Jobs Number 'Misunderstood'

2008-02-02T23:35:00.001-06:00

'Street Signs' anchor tells viewers the Labor Department's 'businesses dying estimate' always happens in January.

Blogged with Flock

Media Salutes Edwards but Bashes Giulani Withdraw

2008-02-02T23:32:00.001-06:00

Compare these lead sentences:

"John Edwards, the progressive Democratic candidate who made a populist, anti-poverty message the centerpiece of his campaign, has decided to drop out of the presidential primary race, and is to give a speech this afternoon at the same place where he began his campaign -- in New Orleans."

Giulani: "Perhaps he was living an illusion all along."

"Illegal Immigrant" = Hate Speech

2008-02-02T23:28:00.001-06:00

The National Council of La Raza calls for an end to hate speech -- as in Lou Dobbs and Sean Hannity -- and a Times' web journalist doesn't raise an eyebrow.

Liberal City of Berkley Banning Military Recruiters

2008-02-02T16:22:00.000-06:00

Oscar winning heart filled performance by Hillary and Barack at the last Dem “Debate”, and the mainstream media is eating it up! Possible partnership

2008-02-01T19:58:00.000-06:00

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3287003.ece

IRAQ THE TWO EDGE SWORD: LIBERAL SPIN TO ECONOMY

2008-01-28T09:32:00.000-06:00

For Conservatives, it is too bad that the truth can not be spun. While there was trouble in Iraq, the liberals championed withdraw as the #1 talking point. The mainstream media covered the issue continually. It is interesting that today we hear nothing about Iraq and we are suddenly in an economic recession. It must be nice to have such a powerful propaganda machine conveniently recognized as legitimate news.

Interesting article from the Wall Street Journal providing an additional rinse after the spin cycle:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120147855494820719.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Letterman messes with Edwards' hair

2008-01-23T08:56:00.000-06:00

What a pansie.

This guy wants to be President too. What would he say to a terrorist? "Hold on, I need to comb my hair -- then you can blow up my country."

ZZzz...

2008-01-23T08:52:00.000-06:00

Who benefits from Thompson's departure?

2008-01-23T08:48:00.001-06:00

Fred Thompson dropped out of the Presidency Tuesday. It came in the form of a press release. Fred Thompson left the race almost as silently as he arrived.

The question now is, who benefits from Fred's departure?

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza takes a look:

Florida's primary is the first "closed" event of the '08 primary season -- meaning that no one other than registered Republicans can participate. As such, the Jan. 29 primary is likely to give an outsized voice to conservative voters. Former governors Mike Huckabee (Ark.) and Mitt Romney (Mass.) made the most concerted efforts to court these conservatives in the pre-Florida contests. But in South Carolina, the two governors competed directly with Thompson -- and to a lesser extent McCain.

The exit polls from the Palmetto State underscore Thompson's appeal to the most conservative GOP voters. Among the voters who described themselves as "very conservative" (roughly one in every three participants), Huckabee led the way with 41 percent of the vote, but Thompson claimed 22 percent (McCain placed third with 19 percent followed by Romney with 16 percent).

Thanks to Washington Post polling director Jon Cohen and his "Behind the Numbers" blog -- a must-bookmark for data-heads and political junkies -- we have even more in-depth information about what Thompson's supporters (or ex supporters as the case may be) in the early states looked like.

In Iowa, where Thompson placed a distant third, 50 percent of those backing him identified themselves as evangelicals. That number rose to 60 percent in last Saturday's South Carolina primary. Seventy percent of Thompson's Iowa backers identified themselves as "very conservative" while 47 percent of Thompson supporters in South Carolina said they were "very conservative."

"Based on South Carolina, a state that Thompson worked pretty hard, his departure would seem to help Huckabee and Romney probably more so than McCain," said Neil Newhouse, a Republican pollster not affiliated with any of the presidential campaigns.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/01/thompsons_out_who_gains.html

U.S. deficit at $250 billion

2008-01-23T08:43:00.000-06:00

The Federal Government of the United States has estimated this year's budget will be in the red -- $250 billion dollars in the red.

WASHINGTON - The deficit for the current budget year will jump to about $250 billion, the Congressional Budget Office estimated Wednesday, citing the weakening economy. And that figure does not reflect at least $100 billion in additional red ink from an upcoming deficit-financed economic stimulus measure.

The nonpartisan CBO says that once the cost of wars is added to its "baseline" deficit estimate of $219 billion, the deficit would be about $250 billion.

Note, this doesn't include the President's $145 billion economic stimulus plan. It's estimated the budget could be as much as $350 billion by the end of the year.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080123/ap_on_go_co/budget_deficit

Huckabee cash crunch

2008-01-23T08:40:00.000-06:00

The Mike Huckabee campaign reported strong gains after he walked past the competition in Iowa. After struggling in the primaries following the caucuses, Huckabee is strapped for cash.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Republican Mike Huckabee said Tuesday his presidential campaign is facing financial difficulties with top advisers working without pay and some aides quitting.

The former Arkansas governor promised to remain in the race through next Tuesday's Florida primary, telling about 50 people, mostly University of Florida fraternity members: "We are taking a look at everything daily. But we will be here every day in Florida until next week."

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080122/D8UB6LH00.html

Surprise, surprise: election left to Florida

2008-01-22T09:54:00.000-06:00

It isn't exactly deja vu, but the results of this primary season - and likely the future of this country, hinge on the state of Florida. Romney, Giuliani, McCain, and Huckabee are all stumping for votes in the sunshine state this week.

Romney is touting his economic experience, and calling for conservative change. (Yes, there is such a thing as change - despite what a lot of conservatives think). He is running a new ad - and polls show him surging.

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/romney_airs_new_1.html

John McCain likely won't fair as well here. Why? Because only Conservatives can't vote - and sorry John, Conservatives don't vote for you. Can't fault him for trying though. The Washington Post says it is crunch time for McCain.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/21/AR2008012101865.html

Mike Huckabee may be skipping Florida. He spent yesterday in Georgia, vowing to finish first. Huckabee has struggled to fully capture the support of Evangelical Christians after his Iowa victory. I'm guessing the Evangelicals finally stopped getting their news from the pulpit.

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/01/21/huckabee_0122.html

And then there is Rudy.

Giuliani has placed all hope on Florida. He's been there for weeks, skipping the other key states. He's facing a shortage of cash and support now. Many are saying Rudy is done. I won't go as far as that, because remember - it's been do or die for Mitt Romney since Iowa, and he is still here.

http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/01/22/rudy-its-playing-out-the-way-we-thought/

Can the economy be saved?

2008-01-22T09:51:00.000-06:00

With markets at home and markets around the world plunging, the question is asked: can anything be done? President Bush laid down the ground work for his economic stimulus plan, and nothing. Then early Tuesday morning the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 3/4 of a point, and nothing.

Can anything be done?

Politico -- President Bush and Congress are racing to pass a stimulus package to jolt the nation’s ailing economy back to life. But will it work?

If history is any guide, probably not well — if at all.

Certainly, Wall Street and foreign markets don’t seem reassured.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/8022.html

Romney wins, race wide open

2008-01-15T22:04:00.000-06:00

Mitt Romney came away from his home state with a victory Tuesday night, keeping him in the race for the GOP nomination. The race is wide open, and each state has seen a different victor. "Mainstream Republicans" counted for over 2/3 of the vote, which may show why McCain and Huckabee had trouble.

Romney wins:
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1336891320080116

GOP field scrambled:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7924.html

Exit polls show amnesty, abortion supporters voted for McLiberal; Huckabee didn't even win Evangelicals and church-goers: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/epolls/#MIREP

Design flaw - NOT President Bush - caused bridge to collapse

2008-01-15T12:35:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not, a design flaw was the cause behind the tragedy known last summer as the Minnesota bridge collapse. Federal investigators determined plates that hold steel beams together had a fatal design flaw.

Surprising, considering Congressional and anti-war Democrats determined within hours of the bridge collapse it was President Bush's fault. They said if we weren't in Iraq, we could have inspected the bridges. As a matter of fact though, the "gusset plates" that were flawed aren't even in inspection protocol.

Interesting, huh?

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/15/bridge.collapse.ap/index.html

Primary day in Michigan

2008-01-15T12:21:00.000-06:00

It is primary day in Michigan, and the GOP candidates are busy stumping for last minute votes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - John McCain, campaigning in a funeral home, hoped for a large turnout by the living Tuesday as Michigan voters judged the Republican presidential pack in a snowy primary. Favorite-son Mitt Romney voiced edgy confidence in his chances.

Outside a Baptist church in Warren, Mike Huckabee was happy to see the freezing temperatures and snowfall, reasoning that his evangelical base would come out to vote when others less committed might not. "That can only be good for us because I think most of our voters are very focused. We hope so, anyway."

Meantime, while these three candidates are in Michigan - freezing - Fred Thompson is campaigning in the South Carolina sun. You tell me, who is smart enough to be President?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080115/ap_on_el_pr/campaign_rdp

Major offensive starts with success

2008-01-15T12:18:00.000-06:00

U.S. forces have started a major offensive in Iraq against al-Qaeda, specifically in northern Iraq. Monday was successful day for U.S. and Iraqi forces, they killed 60 militants and captured nearly 200.

BAGHDAD, Jan 14 (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces have killed 60 militants, seized dozens of weapons caches and detained 193 suspects during the first week of a major offensive against al Qaeda in northern Iraq, the U.S. military said.

This didn't make Tuesday's New York Times - by the way.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL14274134

Surge creates room for reconciliation

2008-01-14T09:22:00.000-06:00

The controversial "troop surge" has established security in Iraq. Enough so that the Iraqi parliament took a major step last week toward political reconciliation.

BAGHDAD (AFP) — In a major boost for reconciliation in deeply divided Iraq, Shiite and Sunni MPs unanimously passed a law on Saturday allowing ex-officials of Saddam Hussein's Baath party to return to public life.

The vote was swiftly welcomed by Washington which has long been calling for passage of a bill that it regards as a key measure of reconciliation in Iraq.

I remind you Harry Reid said, "...the war is lost, the surge is not accomplishing anything." I remind you... well no, I can't even begin to post all of Hillary Clinton's stances on the war, which seem to change on a daily basis.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i0l07OBgQR2XmF_VG97sClHCE9yA

Three-quarters of GOP voters still uncertain

2008-01-14T08:17:00.000-06:00

The New York Times calls it volatility. I say that is an understatement. As much as 75% of GOP voters are still uncertain about a candidate.

This suggests John McCain may not be peaking at the right time, but a little too early; the Huckabubble has burst for the most part, and Romney seems to be nothing more than a rich man spending money - with that said, I wouldn't write him off just yet - oh yeah, and Fred Thompson hasn't capitalized on any of these opportunities.

With so much uncertainty, the Democrats are starting to salivate over their "electability."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/us/politics/14poll.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Gender-racial showdown

2008-01-14T08:11:00.001-06:00

I think it says something about the early electoral process when you hear more about race and gender than substantive issues in a race for President. The color and sex of our President matter a lot more than where they stand or what they plan to do, right?

The Clinton camp says Obama wants to inject race into the... race. Of course, her remarks about the irrelevancy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream didn't help her cause. Obama called it "unfortunate" and "ill-advised."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/13/AR2008011303624.html?hpid=topnews
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/clinton-accuses-obama-camp-of-pushing-race-issue-2008-01-13.html

I was going to post a poll

2008-01-14T08:05:00.000-06:00

I was going to post a poll, one showing McCain leading Romney leading in Michigan. Then I turned on the television and saw a poll showing Romney leading McCain in Michigan.

I've decided not to post or consider any polls for the rest of the primary season. Considering how bad the pollsters were off in New Hampshire, can you really blame me?

Bush predicts Mideast Peace

2008-01-10T10:06:00.000-06:00

A day after President Bush began his first trip to Israel, he predicted Mideast Peace by the end of his Presidency. The eight day trip could be the first of many before the latter Bush leaves office.

RAMALLAH, West Bank - President Bush, summing up meetings with both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, said Thursday that a peace accord will require "painful political concessions" by each. Resolving the status of Jerusalem will be hard, he said, and he called for the end of the "occupation" of Arab land by the Israeli military.

"Now is the time to make difficult choices," Bush said after a first-ever visit to the Palestinian territories, which followed separate meetings with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem the day before.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080110/ap_on_re_mi_ea/bush_mideast

Can we trust the polls?

2008-01-09T08:47:00.000-06:00

Late Monday night, there was no question about how Tuesday was supposed to turn out. Hillary Clinton's top strategists predicted a ten point loss. Pundits, analysts, and bloggers all predicted a landslide Obama victory.

Tuesday showed otherwise, as Clinton came away victorious. The question is now, can we trust the polls?

Yesterday's result is sure to fuel debate among poll-watchers about the accuracy of polls in contests with African American candidates. In several well-known past examples, pre-election polls of such campaigns underestimated support for the white candidates. But a strong showing by polls in 2006 in elections with black candidates seemed to put that notion finally to rest.

Other factors that are more probable than the role of race include "likely voter" modeling, with pollsters perhaps over-counting the boost of enthusiasm among Obama supporters following his victory in Iowa last Thursday.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/09/AR2008010900098.html?hpid=topnews

New Hampshire rundown

2008-01-09T08:38:00.000-06:00

John McCain and Hillary Clinton made the MSM's week, playing both spoilers and "comeback kids." McCain spoiled a Mitt Romney upset, and has "revitalized" his campaign. Clinton spoiled what would have made Barack Obama the clear front-runner, and likely saved her campaign.

Clinton, McCain Win:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080109/ap_po/primary_rdp

Romney on to Michigan:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7803.html

Obama still motivated:
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0954624220080109?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews

Tough luck for Ron Paul:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/01/ron-paul-loser.html

Internet plays no role in N.H.:
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9846506-7.html?tag=newsmap

They don't like her because

2008-01-08T13:14:00.000-06:00

Apparently, it is "the message," not the gender that turns voters off of Hillary Clinton. Translation: Barack Obama is better than the Clinton's at their own game.

Obama's optimistic message, added to his young demeanor and confidence is what makes him the more likable candidate.

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (Reuters) - Voters are not turning their backs on Hillary Clinton because of doubts about a woman in the White House but rather turning on to the optimistic message of her rival Barack Obama, according to some experts on gender and leadership.

The 46-year-old senator with his wife and two young children makes Clinton, a 60-year-old political veteran, seem outdated to some voters, they said.

End the conspiracy, it isn't because she is a girl - it is because she really isn't a good candidate. Clinton has no substance, and she isn't nearly as slick as Bill. This is all the more compounded by Barack Obama's ability to appeal to voters on both ends of the spectrum.

Hillary is polarizing. You're either for her or against her. Her message is one of tested leadership, which can be questioned by anyone with half a brain. The wheels are coming off the Clinton machine.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0847707720080108

The rainforest is dying. Uh.. we think, uh.. maybe not

2008-01-08T13:09:00.001-06:00

It turns out we don't know if deforestation is a problem. Imagine that. The data being collected over the last 30 years is "so poor" it is actually unclear if a decline in forests even exists.

Alan Grainger from the UK's University of Leeds examined UN analyses going back almost 30 years, and found that "evidence for a decline is unclear".

Writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), he proposes a global forest monitoring system.

The UN admits there are problems with the data, but says tropical forests are certainly in retreat.

Dr Grainger is not so sure. "People have been assuming that forest cover is shrinking," he told BBC News, "and certainly deforestation has been taking place on a large scale."

But, he says, there is also evidence that in some countries, forests are expanding spontaneously.

I've seen enough "Save the Rainforest" bumper stickers in my very short life to cover at least two Winnebago Campers. Turns out after all that it may be a false hysteria promoted by the left.

Now I'm not saying global warming is a false hysteria, wait a minute - yes I am.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7175617.stm

Near disaster in Middle East

2008-01-07T14:11:00.000-06:00

What may be called at least an "interesting" encounter in the Mideast today, as Iranian speedboats played flirt with United States Navy ships.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Five Iranian boats made aggressive maneuvers and showed hostile intent towards three U.S. Navy ships at the weekend in the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route in the Gulf, the Pentagon said on Monday.

The Pentagon said the incident was serious. It described the Iranian actions as "careless, reckless and potentially hostile" and said Tehran should provide an explanation.

More careless activity similar to this could result in something the Iranians don't want. According to reports, the U.S. ships were close to firing on the Iranians.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0739039120080107

Bye-bye Clinton?

2008-01-07T14:09:00.001-06:00

According to Drudge Report, might as well be according to the Good Book, Hillary Clinton is facing a "tough decision" in the coming weeks.

From Drudgereport.com - TALK OF HILLARY EXIT ENGULFS CAMPAIGNS
Mon Jan 07 2008 09:46:28 ET

Facing a double-digit defeat in New Hampshire, a sudden collapse in national polls and an expected fund-raising drought, Senator Hillary Clinton is preparing for a tough decision: Does she get out of the race? And when?!

"She can't take multiple double-digit losses in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada," laments one top campaign insider to the DRUDGE REPORT. "If she gets too badly embarrassed, it will really harm her. She doesn't want the Clinton brand to be damaged with back-to-back-to-back defeats."

Meanwhile, Democrat hopeful John Edwards has confided to senior staff that he is staying in the race because Hillary "could soon be out."

"Her money is going to dry up," Edwards confided, a top source said Monday morning.

MORE

Key players in Clinton's inner circle are said to be split. James Carville is urging her to fight it out through at least February and Super Tuesday, where she has a shot at thwarting Barack Obama in a big state.

"She did not work this hard to get out after one state! All this talk is nonsense," said one top adviser.

But others close to the former first lady now see no possible road to victory, sources claim.

Developing...

http://www.drudgereport.com/flashhn.htm

Iowa rundown

2008-01-04T00:18:00.000-06:00

Huckabee and Obama score big victories (or so they say): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/caucus_rdp&printer=1;_ylt=Anug4.h_FF5pixiBoaKdcJ9h24cA

New Hampshire: Win or Bust for Mitt:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/03/politics/main3673188.shtml

We still no nothing:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7703.html

Change and Religion. The two big ones:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4083598&page=1

Dodd and Biden (Who?)drop out:
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0427118820080104?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews

Women and Religion propel Huck, Paul's supporters hate Bush Admin (surprised?), rich favor Romney:
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/epolls/#val=IAREP

Inevit-al-WHAT? Hillary camp scrambling:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7709.html

'07 deadliest year, but how deadly was it?

2008-01-02T10:38:00.000-06:00

The mainstream media is proudly boasting that 2007 was the deadliest year for American troops in Iraq. Unofficially there were 899 casualties in Iraq this year, compared to 1,004 traffic deaths in the state of Virginia.

Factcheck: Huckabee one of the worst on taxes

2008-01-02T10:32:00.000-06:00

The Washington Post's fact checker probably wasn't a favorite read within the Huckabee camp today.

The Facts

Huckabee won plaudits from conservatives by pushing a $90 million tax cut package through the Arkansas legislature in 1997, soon after he became governor. Largely on the strength of that tax cut, the Cato Institute awarded Huckabee a B rating in 1998, listing him as one of the country's "top ten tax cutters." But it was largely downhill from there. He was awarded a C in 2000 and 2002, a D in 2004, and an F in 2006. "Mike Huckabee of Arkansas went from being one of the best governors in America to one of the worst," the Institute declared. "The main reason for the drop was his insistence on raising taxes at almost every turn throughout his final term."

According to the Tax Foundation, the state and local tax burden on the average Arkansan increased from 10.1 per cent to 11.3 per cent under Huckabee. When he came into office in 1996, Arkansas ranked 30th in the nation as the state with the highest taxes. When he left at the beginning of this year, it had risen to 13th.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/?hpid=topnews

Huckagames hit the pocketbook hard

2008-01-02T10:22:00.001-06:00

Mike Huckabee's political ploy is going to cost him.

The Huckabee campaign told the Politico that Huckabee's decision to "pull" his attack ads on Mitt Romney cost the campaign about $150,000. That is a considerable amount for someone who has just $2 million in the bank.

I've already said I don't think Huckabee really ever intended on running the ad, but the mainstream media buys it.

Now Huckabee is trying to play victim on the last day before the caucuses.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7665.html

Congress is paying for tv coupons now

2008-01-02T10:13:00.000-06:00

The federal government will soon make available millions of government coupons that will go toward the purchase of digital converter boxes.

By 2009, all television signals will be digital, thus making analog televisions obsolete. Congress has set aside $1.5 billion to help people make the conversion.

WASHINGTON - Millions of $40 government coupons became available Tuesday to help low-tech television owners buy special converter boxes for older TVs that might not work after the switch to digital broadcasting.

Beginning Feb. 18, 2009, anyone who does not own a digital set and still gets their programming via over-the-air antennas will no longer receive a picture.

That's the day the television industry completes its transition from old-style analog broadcasting to digital.

The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 and will be available at most major electronics retail stores. Starting Tuesday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will begin accepting requests for two $40 coupons per household to be used toward the purchase of the boxes.

Another example of big government subsidization. Why on earth should my tax dollars be going to pay for someone else's television? The broadcast stations are already running PSA's informing people they have until 2009 to buy a new television, or get a converter box. If one can't save up $50 for a converter box or $100 for a television in the next year, that is their problem.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080102/ap_on_hi_te/digital_tv

Huckagames

2008-01-01T10:38:00.000-06:00

Will Mike Huckabee's playful politics cost him?

Yesterday the Republican front-runner held a press conference to unveil a new attack ad on rival Mitt Romney. Instead, Huckabee told reporters that he had decided not to release the ad, but would show it anyway just to prove he had one.

DES MOINES, Iowa - Mike Huckabee may have finally gone too far.

After running an unconventional, surprisingly strong and sometimes strange race to the top tier of the Republican presidential campaign, the former Arkansas governor topped himself Monday with an eyebrow-raising campaign stunt.

He called a news conference to unveil a negative ad that he had just withdrawn from Iowa television stations because, he told a room full of journalists recording the ad, he had a sudden aversion to negative politics. Quite a convenient epiphany.

I think it was a scam from the beginning. My thinking is, if Mike had enough time to tell his staff to pull the ad, then did he not have time to tell his staff to take down all the negative posters attacking Romney? As an aside, Huckabee was reading from a script - if he had enough time to write a speech, then of course he could have informed his staff of his decision in a timely manner. In turn, his staff could have notified the press and taken down the posters. Unless, of course, as my theory goes, he really didn’t want anybody to know; but rather, wanted his grand scheme to look impromptu so he could earn free press for being “the good guy.”

Huckabee didn’t have any problem attacking Mitt Romney Sunday, and he surely hasn’t had any trouble attacking him before that. It’s a little too late to decide to run a negative campaign.

Instead though, Huckabee now gets hours of free press for being “the good guy.” CNN, Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC, and every other MSM outlet will all praise Huckabee for deciding not to run a negative campaign. In turn, Iowans forget entirely that his campaign has been nothing but negative.

Don’t forget, the MSM wants Huckabee to win; in fact, the democrats are rooting for Huckabee because they know they can beat him.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080101/ap_on_an/huckabee_the_paradox

Paul expected to lead 4Q fundraising

2007-12-31T11:50:00.000-06:00

Today marks the end of 4th Quarter fundraising, and long shot Republican candidate Ron Paul is expected to bring home the bacon. The candidate with libertarian like domestic views, and a non-interventionist foreign platform could bring in over $20 million. This is thanks largely in part to "money-bombs" arranged by supporters outside his campaign.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/12/get-set-for-4q.html?csp=34

McCain touts endorsements

2007-12-31T11:44:00.000-06:00

John McCain's presidential bid has been revived in recent weeks, and his latest ad touts his numerous endorsements from news papers across New Hampshire and America.

The Senator will no doubt do well in New Hampshire, and he may benefit from the squabbling of Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney in Iowa.

McCain was a dominant front-runner early in the summer, but slipped as the campaign season slipped into the fall. Some analysts said he was done - I myself may have even written him off. Nonetheless, President George W. Bush's closest challenger in 2000 is back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyZADaSM1p4

Huckabee charges Romney as desperate, dishonest

2007-12-31T11:32:00.000-06:00

With just days remaining until the first votes are cast, Mike Huckabee is now throwing direct punches at Mitt Romney, not holding back in the least.

Huckabee charged Romney and his campaign as desperate and dishonest Sunday morning on CNN's American Morning. Huckabee also said he doesn't think Romney will be the GOP nominee.
Apparently Huckabee said this before seeing the latest polling data, which suggests Romney and Huckabee in a virtual tie for support in Iowa. Prior to the new data, Huckabee had what was though to be a comfortable lead.

Pundits, analysts, and myself have been predicting a "Huckabust" since the start of the "Huckaboom." Mike Huckabee hasn't always been true to the party's core economic beliefs; thus, alienating the economic right. The former Baptist Minister has, however, been the only candidate the evangelical right has seriously flirted with. This led to his sudden rise, but as more information has came to light - Huckabee has began to slip.

Opponents are rightfully firing at Huckabee for his sketchy past, as Governor of Arkansas, Huckabee allowed considerable tax increases, supported in-state tuition for illegals, and raised state spending significantly.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/31/2008.iowa/

Pakistan elections delayed

2007-12-31T11:22:00.000-06:00

Elections in Pakistan will be postponed in the wake of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. This coming from a senior official within the Pakistani Government.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Parliamentary elections seen as key to restoring democracy are set to be postponed for weeks in the wake of Benazir Bhutto's assassination, Pakistani officials said Monday.

A senior government official said that he expected a six-week delay in the elections now slated for Jan. 8, despite calls from Bhutto's party, other opposition politicians and world leaders for the polls to be held on time. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose the information.

The assassination of Bhutto has obviously dealt a major blow to U.S. and Pakistani interests. Bhutto's return was a direct product of Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice, and she was seen as the only way to restore democracy and stability to Pakistan.

Opposition Party leaders are threatening street protests if the elections don't go on as scheduled. The Bush Administration and other world leaders are pressing Pakistan to allow the elections to proceed as scheduled.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071231/ap_on_re_as/pakistan

Iraq the talk of new bin Laden tape

2007-12-29T16:38:00.001-06:00

A new audiotape released by Al-Qaida features leader Osama bin Laden talking mostly about Iraq, and warning Sunni's to stop fighting his insurgents in Iraq. The terrorist also threatned to expand his "holy war" to Israel.

CAIRO, Egypt -- Osama bin Laden warned Iraq's Sunni Arabs against fighting al-Qaida and vowed to expand the terror group's holy war to Israel in a new audiotape Saturday, threatening "blood for blood, destruction for destruction."

Most of the 56-minute tape dealt with Iraq, apparently al-Qaida's latest attempt to keep supporters in Iraq unified at a time when the U.S. military claims to have al-Qaida's Iraq branch on the run.

The tape did not mention Pakistan or the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, though Pakistan's government has blamed al-Qaida and the Taliban for her death on Thursday. That suggested the tape was made before the assassination.

Bin Laden's comments offered an unusually direct attack on Israel, stepping up al-Qaida's attempts to use the Israeli-Arab conflict to rally supporters. Israel has warned of growing al-Qaida activity in Palestinian territory, though terror network is not believed to have taken a strong role there so far.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/29/AR2007122900995.html?nav=hcmodule

Romney trying to protect what once seemed a lock

2007-12-29T16:34:00.001-06:00

As the voting nears, Mitt Romney is scrambling to recapture a lead that once seemed to be on lock. Bankrolling most of the operation himself, Romney is unleashing a fury of television ads aimed at his counterparts.

Mitt Romney on John McCain

Mitt Romney on Mike Huckabee

Ad-war rages on

2007-12-29T16:27:00.000-06:00

The ad-war in Iowa is raging as the candidates attempt to deliver last minute blows to opponents. Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney have traded blows over the last few days, and both have negative ads pointed directly at the other.

John McCain has even gotten in on the action, but he is still focusing more on New Hampshire.

New York Times - DES MOINES -- In the last weekend before the Iowa caucuses, the Republican presidential candidates are bloodying the field with a blizzard of negative attacks, showing the strains of a wide-open and unpredictable race.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/29/us/politics/29cnd-campaign.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Most of al-Qaeda network deystroyed

2007-12-29T16:20:00.000-06:00

The Iraq government says 2007 saw the destruction of most of al-Qaeda's network in the country. Most of that success can be attributed to the surge of American troops into the rebuilding country.

The Interior Ministry says that 75% of the terrorist network was destroyed in 2007, as kidnappings were reduced by 70% and other violence is estimated to be down by as much as 60%.

The Iraqi interior ministry lauded its achievements over the past year on Saturday, saying that 75 percent of Al-Qaeda's networks in the country had been destroyed in 12months.

Ministry spokesman Abdul Karim Khalaf also outlined sharp falls in the numbers of assassinations, kidnappings and death squad murders.

He told a news conference that increased patrols along the borders with Saudi Arabia and Syria had slowed infiltration by militants and played a key role in Iraq's improved security situation.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=071229135733.zfa5461f&show_article=1

Romney's record not as clean as he says

2007-12-28T20:29:00.000-06:00

New evidence is revealing that a Mitt Romney's Gubernatorial Administration could have kept an alleged murderer behind bars.

SHIRLEY, Mass.—A killer accused in the slaying of a newlywed couple in Washington state shortly after he was released from prison in Massachusetts should have been held behind bars for almost a year longer, but the Romney administration failed to file paperwork in time to take away his "good time" credits.

more stories like thisA Department of Correction superintendent, under then-Gov. Mitt Romney, did not act on a disciplinary recommendation to strip 300 days of credit from Daniel Tavares after he was accused of threats to prison staff in 2003, state officials announced Friday in releasing results of a probe into the Tavares case.

Because of the paperwork error, Tavares was allowed to keep nearly a year's worth of "good days" to complete his sentence June 14. Five months later, newlyweds Brian and Beverly Mauck were killed in Graham, Wash., allegedly by Tavares.

Mitt Romney has been critical of Mike Huckabee's record with pardons and commutations while Huckabee was Governor of Arkansas. To Romney's credit, he did call for the resignation of the Judge who released the alleged murderer. And to his credit as well, he didn't pardon the guy.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/12/28/romney_administration_could_have_kept_killer_behind_bars?mode=PF

U.S. directly involved with Bhutto's return

2007-12-28T20:14:00.000-06:00

The climactic return of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was apparently brokered directly be Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice. The Washington Post is reporting that Bhutto and Rice had direct talks, just a week before Bhutto returned to Pakistan.

Washington Post - For Benazir Bhutto, the decision to return to Pakistan was sealed during a telephone call from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice just a week before Bhutto flew home in October. The call culminated more than a year of secret diplomacy -- and came only when it became clear that the heir to Pakistan's most powerful political dynasty was the only one who could bail out Washington's key ally in the battle against terrorism.

Apparently the State Department and the White House saw Bhutto as the only way to return the country to stability, while keeping the power of Pervez Musharraf in tact. Musharraf, of course, has become a key ally to the United States in the War on Terrorism.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/27/AR2007122701481.html?hpid=topnews

Huckabee slips, twice

2007-12-28T14:37:00.000-06:00

Mike Huckabee could be in big trouble.

The cellar-dweller turned leader of the pack made two big slips in the wake of the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

USA Today - Commenting on the Bhutto assassination, Republican Mike Huckabee said in Orlando today that the United States should be "trying to ascertain who’s behind it, and what impact does it have on whether or not there’s going to be martial law continued in Pakistan."

And then... at a Des Moines presser, Huckabee made an off the wall comment about Pakistani's entering the country.

Politico - "We ought to have an immediate, very clear monitoring of our borders and particularly to make sure if there's any unusual activity of Pakistanis coming into the country," Huckabee said at a Des Moines presser, per Kay Henderson. "We just need to be very, very thorough in looking at every aspect of our own security internally because, again, we live in a very, very dangerous time."

If the MSM reports on this (I doubt it) then Huckabee could be in some serious trouble. He really seems to fail when it comes to knowledge about foreign policy. The more he talks, the more ignorant he sounds.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/1207/Huck_needs_the_caucuses_to_be_now_or_yesterday.html
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/12/pakistan-slip-r.html

Bush will veto defense bill

2007-12-28T13:13:00.000-06:00

President Bush will veto a defense authorization bill over provisions regarding Iraqi assets. The legislation was a directive for the Pentagon in regards to the size of the U.S. Armed Forces, and other military priorities.

The White House says it is concerned about a provision that would allow the freezing of Iraqi funds associated with the country's reconstruction.

CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - President George W. Bush intends to veto defense authorization legislation over a provision that would "imperil Iraqi assets held in the United States," the White House said on Friday.

The White House said it was concerned about a provision that would allow a freezing of Iraqi assets for lawsuits brought by Americans against Iraq over activities under Saddam Hussein's leadership, which could tie up Iraqi assets needed for the country's reconstruction.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSWBT00814520071228?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&sp=true

al-Qaida behind Bhutto's death

2007-12-28T13:08:00.000-06:00

The Pakistani government says that al-Qaida was behind yesterday's assassination of Benazir Bhutto. The Pakistani government has released a transcript of an intercepted conversation they say proves al-Qaida's involvement.

From Yahoo News:
Maulvi Sahib: Peace be on you.

Mehsud: Peace be on you, too.

Maulvi Sahib: How are you Emir Sahib?

Mehsud: Fine.

Maulvi Sahib: Congratulations. I arrived now tonight.

Mehsud: Congratulations to you, too.

Maulvi Sahib: They were our men there.

Mehsud: Who were they?

Maulvi Sahib : There were Saeed, the second was Badarwala Bilal and Ikramullah was also there.

Mehsud: The three did it?

Maulvi Sahib: Ikramullah and Bilal did it.

Mehsud: Then congratulations to you again.

Maulvi: Where are you? I want to meet with you?

Mehsud: I am in Makin. Come I am at Anwar Shah's home.

Maulvi Sahib: OK I will come.

Mehsud: Do not inform their family presently.

Maulvi Sahib: Right.

Mehsud: It was a spectacular job. They were very brave boys who killed her.

Maulvi Sahib: Praise be to God. I will give you more details when I come.

Mehsud: I will wait for you. Congratulation once again.

Maulvi Sahib: Congratulations to you as well.

Mehsud: Any service?

Mauvliv: Thank you very much?

Mehsud: Peace be on you.

Maulvi: Same to you.

al-Qaida is willing to do anything to disrupt peace, democracy, and freedom in this world. Radical extremist Islam is a force that must be met with an equal or greater amount of force.

The relentless attacks on peaceful and stable institutions have proven that al-Qaida is not just waging a war on "American Imperialism" but rather, waging a war aginst the forces of good in this world.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071228/ap_on_re_as/pakistan_transcript
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSISL32108820071228?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

Top 10 Climate Myths of 2007, BUSTED

2007-12-28T10:26:00.000-06:00

This should be well received. Or not.

FoxNews has published "The Top 10 Climate Myth-busters of 2007. Even though there is an international "consensus" that Global Warming is real and caused by humans, the evidence points in a different direction.

Fox News - “I’ve made up my mind. Don’t confuse me with the facts.” That saying most appropriately sums up the year in climate science for the fanatic global warming crowd.

As Al Gore, the United Nations, grandstanding politicians and celebrities, taxpayer-dependent climate researchers, socialist-minded Greens, climate profiteers and other members of the alarmist railroad relentlessly continued their drive for greenhouse gas regulation in 2007, the year’s scientific developments actually pointed in the opposite direction. Here’s the round-up:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318686,00.html

Romney goes after McCain

2007-12-28T10:18:00.000-06:00

With just 11 days now until the New Hampshire primary, longtime front-runner Mitt Romney is launching a new television ad aimed at his gaining rival, John McCain.

USA Today - Polls have been showing Sen. John McCain gaining on Mitt Romney in the crucial battle for votes from Republicans in New Hampshire (where the primary is set for Jan. 8).

In an ad going on the air today in New Hampshire, Romney takes direct aim at McCain over the issue of illegal immigration. The spot starts by calling McCain an "honorable man," and then quickly makes the case that the Arizona senator is not the "right Republican ... for the future" because of his views on immigration.

Here is the ad:

In what is definitely a bad turn of events for Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts Governor is declining rapidly. This seems to be an effort to buy his way back into the hearts of voters - or at least their voting hearts.

One may remember - way back in November, John McCain guaranteed victory in New Hampshire.

http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/mccain-guarantees-new-hampshire-victory-2007-11-11.html
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/12/romney-aims-at.html?csp=34

McCain suddenly in the spotlight

2007-12-28T10:13:00.000-06:00

If any of the Presidential candidates stand to make points off the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, then it is John McCain.

McCain by far has the most foreign policy credentials among Republican candidates. The untimely and disastrous death of the former Prime Minister has projected John McCain into the spotlight.

URBANDALE, Iowa — John McCain, older than dirt and with more scars than Frankenstein as he likes to say, suddenly wasn’t looking so bad.

Benazir Bhutto had been assassinated in Pakistan and the political conversation in America had changed.

Which means at least for a little while Republicans here were not thinking about which presidential candidate was tougher on immigration or which had the best Christian conservative credentials.

Some were thinking about who might be the best leader in an international crisis and John McCain says he can fill that bill.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7587.html

Controversial payments surround Huckabee

2007-12-28T05:50:00.000-06:00

Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee accepted over $50,000 from controversial groups for speaking engagements. The Politico is reporting that Huckabee took cash from a firm that wants to research human embryonic stem cells, as well as a non-profit group advocating for open access to the morning after pill, plus a group studying tighter gun laws.

Politico - Mike Huckabee last year accepted $52,000 in speaking fees from a bio-tech giant that wants to research human embryonic stem cells, a non-profit working to expand access to the morning after pill and a group pushing to study whether tightening gun control laws will reduce violence.

Huckabee opposes embryonic stem cell research, emergency contraception and stricter gun laws – all of which rank high on the list of deal-breakers for many of the religious conservatives whose support he’s ridden to the top of the Republican presidential field.

Take note these are not funds paid to his election campaign, but they must be filed publicly in accordance with FEC rules. This isn't the first time Huckabee has raised controversy regarding his income either.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7589.html

Candidates React

2007-12-28T01:28:00.000-06:00

Mitt Romney

Fred Thompson

John McCain

Ron Paul

Rudy Giuliani

Mike Huckabee

http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Newsroom.PressRelease&ID=457

Housing tops list of 2007 business stories

2007-12-28T01:25:00.000-06:00

The woes of the housing market topped the list of business stories in 2007. The list included the stock market credit crunch, oil prices, and Chinese safety concerns among others.

OIL SETS NEW RECORDS TIME AND TIME AGAIN

Lower interest rates could lead to inflation, and that's a growing concern going into 2008, thanks in part to high oil prices. Regular readers of the ABC News Business coverage already know that 2007 has been a record-setting year for crude oil prices. When the year dawned you could buy a barrel of oil for about $60. As the summer driving season kicked in, traders pushed prices above $70 & then above $80 & and finally above $90. The Energy Department is betting the average crude price for this year will be $72.05 -- 9 percent higher than last year. And don't think for a minute we've seen the top of the market. The EIA says it believes oil will average $85 a barrel next year thanks to insatiable global demand. According to their figures, that could push gas prices to $3.40 by the time we all get ready to hit the road in late spring 2008.

http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=4039445

Another poll, same result

2007-12-27T20:24:00.000-06:00

Yet another poll out of Iowa says that Conservatives are undecided; yet another declaration that this thing really is wide open.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dig beneath the surface of the raucous Republican presidential race and you will find even deeper turmoil: Four in 10 GOP voters have switched candidates in the past month alone, and nearly two-thirds say they may change their minds again.
Mike Huckabee, who has roared to a tie with longtime front-runner Rudy Giuliani, has little reason to feel safe, according to an ongoing national survey conducted for the Associated Press and Yahoo News.

Who has the most to gain from this? It isn't Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney. The two continue their slugfest while candidates like John McCain and Fred Thompson merrily court voters with little or no negative coverage or competition. As Mike and Mitt battle it out over the airwaves and cable systems, Fred and John are courting voters without competition.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-12-27-poll-unsettled_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

How much trouble is Rudy's campaign in?

2007-12-27T19:48:00.000-06:00

As Iowa approaches the caucuses next week, there will be little, if any, sign of Republican front-runner Rudy Giuliani. Rudy has been but a feather in the breeze in Iowa and New Hampshire.

The Giuliani campaign says it isn't in their strategy to use time and resources in the early states, both of which are key states. Rudy has choosen to focus a lot more money and a lot more time on Florida - which may be make or break for the former Mayor.

CBS News - That’s not how they see it in New Hampshire.

“I think Giuliani has basically written New Hampshire off,” said Giuliani supporter Marshall Cobleigh.

That from a Giuliani supporter, who is New Hampshire's former speaker of the House. He fears his man has lost momentum.

“I think he’s got a horrible national strategy,” Cobleigh said.

If not “horrible,” analysts call it “dangerous.”

“The Giuliani campaign is nervous and worried and they should be,” said political analyst Larry Sabato. “They realize that everything depends on Florida on Jan. 29. Either Giuliani wins Florida and catapults himself into the super-duper primaries on Feb. 5, or it’s over.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/27/eveningnews/main3651418.shtml

New bin Laden tape to air on Islamic web site

2007-12-27T19:01:00.000-06:00

An Islamic website says it will have a new audio tape of Osama bin Laden. In it bin Laden will reportedly be discussing foiling points in Iraq.

DUBAI (Reuters) - An Islamist Web site said on Friday it would carry a new recording from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden about "foiling plots" in Iraq.

The Web site said the recording would also be about an al Qaeda-linked group in the country. It did not say when the video or audio recording would be released.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL2749933620071228?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

Failure to fix AMT results in late refunds

2007-12-27T15:18:00.000-06:00

The failure of Congress to fix the Alternative Minimum Tax in a reasonable time frame will result in late refunds for millions of Americans.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- More than 3 million people will have to wait until February to get their tax refunds because of Congress' late fix to the alternative minimum tax, the IRS said Thursday.

Congress put a one-year freeze on growth of the alternative minimum tax last week, shielding many middle- and upper-middle income taxpayers from first exposure to the tax. But Congress' late action means the Internal Revenue Service won't be able to start processing five AMT-related forms until February, delaying potential refunds for those people until that month.

More evidence and yet another testament to the failure of the Democratically controlled Congress. Unless the legislation is a universal entitlement program attached to a major tax hike, Congress seems to have trouble passing it with any haste whatsoever.

Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, as well as every other elected Democrat, have failed their constituency in an unprecedented manner. Congress is nearly as incapacitated and impotent as the United Nations.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TAX_HIT?SITE=DCTMS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Bush condemns Bhutto's murder

2007-12-27T14:37:00.000-06:00

Militant captured

2007-12-27T14:32:00.000-06:00

A senior al-Qaeda militant has been captured by the Iraqi army. Defense minister Ahmed Turki Abbas was captured south of Baghdad on Thursday - providing another testament to military success in Iraq.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi army captured a senior al Qaeda militant in a clash south of Baghdad on Thursday, a government security spokesman said.

Baghdad security spokesman Qassim al-Moussawi said the militant, Ahmed Turki Abbas, claimed the rank of defense minister of the al Qaeda-linked group Islamic State of Iraq.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL2712333720071227?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

And then there was seven

2007-12-27T14:29:00.000-06:00

Seven.

With seven days left until voting begins, the race for the Republican nomination is far from decided. The candidates are working desperately to find every last caucus goer and rally their support.

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - Ten White House hopefuls scoured the small towns of Iowa for undecided voters on Thursday, pleading for support one week before the state opens a too-close-to-call presidential nomination race.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2128411020071227?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

Romney floods Iowa airwaves

2007-12-27T14:20:00.000-06:00

With just a week to go, Republican front runner Mitt Romney is flooding the airwaves of Iowa - trying to recapture the lead he so long held. Romney was the front runner for most of the summer and fall, and has fallen behind Mike Huckabee. The Romney camp has no doubt felt the effects of the Huckaboom.

Now though, the former Massachusetts Governor is trying to regain the lost support - with a flurry of ads some positive, but mostly negative attacks against Huckabee.

Mitt Romney is up with well over 1,000 gross ratings points in every major Iowa television market this week, a footprint that that is significantly larger than that of his nearest competitor.

Romney has purchased over 2,000 points on Cedar Rapids TV, just over 1,700 in Des Moines and just shy of 1,500 in Davenport. The three markets comprise the vast swath of central and eastern Iowa and are the largest in terms of Iowans reached in the state. The records were provided by a Democratic source who tracks media buys.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/1207/Romney_saturating_Iowa_airwaves.html

Turmoil, new dilemma, obituary, pictures

2007-12-27T14:14:00.000-06:00

Pakistan has erupted in turmoil following the assassination of Opposition Leader Benazir Bhutto.

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan - Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday by an attacker who shot her after a campaign rally and then blew himself up. Her death stoked new chaos across the nuclear-armed nation, an important U.S. ally in the war on terrorism.

At least 20 others were killed in the attack on the rally for Jan. 8 parliamentary elections where the 54-year-old former prime minister had just spoken.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071227/ap_on_re_as/pakistan

Dilemma

The assassination poses a new dilemma for the United States; Pakistan is a key ally in the global War on Terrorism.

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration scrambled Thursday to deal with the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's after having investing significant diplomatic capital in promoting reconciliation between her and President Pervez Musharraf.

President Bush, speaking briefly to reporters at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, urged that her murder not derail nascent efforts to restore democratic rule ahead of parliamentary elections set for next month. And he demanded that those responsible for the killing be brought to justice.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071227/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_pakistan

Obit:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2228796.stm
Pictures:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7161605.stm

Al-Qaeda?

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Al Qaeda is the chief suspect in the murder of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, standing to gain by preserving its remote stronghold, undermining President Pervez Musharraf and destabilizing the country, U.S. government and private analysts said.

The militant group, which has rebuilt its command structure on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was blamed for a previous attempt on Bhutto and it has denounced her as an instrument of U.S. policy in Pakistan.

Bush administration officials said it was too early to identify a clear suspect in Thursday's assassination.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2742403820071227

Bush signs spending bill

2007-12-26T17:23:00.000-06:00

Littered with almost $10 million in earmarks, the spending bill was etched with the signature of President Bush today. The spending bill totals $555 billion, but contains 9,800 earmarks.

This disappointed President Bush, who said "I am disappointed in the way the Congress compiled this legislation, including abandoning the goal I set early this year to reduce the number and cost of earmarks by half."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071226/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush;_ylt=AusZ_OncAZefniRxCp9JiGqs0NUE

How safe is Baghdad?

2007-12-26T11:50:00.000-06:00

Safe enough for Hollywood.

Baghdad is rolling out the red carpet for a film festival today, literally. As in there really was a red carpet.

Noticeably though, some 40 film makers didn't attend the event for fear of attack; however, this didn't encourage event organizers.

There are 61 films entered in the contest, and 21 of them are Iraqi entries. This is a testament to the improved security in and around Baghdad. Mainly in response to the U.S. troop surge.

Several hundred people showed up for the event, as did a dozen media outlets.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-iraq-filmfest.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Iowa still up for grabs

2007-12-26T11:39:00.000-06:00

With just eight days to go before the Iowa caucuses - the state is still up for grabs.

Even though Mike Huckabee has surged of late, his numbers are starting to slip. Relentless attacks from his rivals, and what one can easily call a liberal past are haunting the Huckabee camp.

Mitt Romney has long been the favorite, but the Huckaboom left his campaign scrambling. Without a doubt, Romney has the most formidable ground team in Iowa, but his aura has faded since early fall.

After receiving the endorsement of the Des Monies Register, John McCain's campaign has been revitalized in the state. McCain has spent little time and little money in Iowa though, instead placing his hopes on New Hampshire.

Fred Thompson has spent the last three weeks there, trekking across the state in a bus. He also picked up the endorsement of Representative Steve King just before Christmas.

The candidates will spend most, if not all of the eight days before the caucuses in Iowa - trying to pick up last minute votes. The polling data out of Iowa is always hard to predict and can be jumpy. Take the latest data on the Democratic side for example. Last week, three different polls had three different leaders - Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards. A CNN poll that had Hillary trailing Obama last week now has her doubling him in the state.

http://www.townhall.com/news/politics-elections/2007/12/26/many_iowa_conservatives_still_undecided?page=1

400+ scientists dispute claims of IPCC and Gore

2007-12-20T15:27:00.001-06:00

Global what? A new report from the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works says that over 400 scientists disputed the global warming 'consensus.' The scientists specifically call out conclusions made by the International Panel on Climate Change and former Vice President Al Gore.

Over 400 prominent scientists from more than two dozen countries recently voiced significant objections to major aspects of the so-called "consensus" on man-made global warming. These scientists, many of whom are current and former participants in the UN IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), criticized the climate claims made by the UN IPCC and former Vice President Al Gore.

http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=f80a6386-802a-23ad-40c8-3c63dc2d02cb

Controversy surrounds McCain

2007-12-20T09:56:00.000-06:00

According to the Drudge Report, Senator and Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain has hired a Defense lawyer to deal with charges of giving special treatment to a lobbyist. McCain has been pleading with the New York Times to not publish the story, which involves a lobbyist and telecom legislation.

http://www.drudgereport.com/flashnyt.htm
http://www.drudgereport.com

RECESSION! Or... Not

2007-12-20T09:50:00.000-06:00

As the American people unavoidably and without hope spiral into a recession (says who?) the economy continues to grow.

RTTNews) - The Commerce Department released its final report on gross domestic product in the third quarter on Thursday, showing that the pace of GDP growth for the quarter was unrevised compared to the preliminary estimate.

The report showed that GDP increased at an annual rate of 4.9 percent in the third quarter compared to the 3.8 percent growth seen in the second quarter. Economists had expected GDP growth to remain unchanged at 4.9 percent.

The GDP growth in the third quarter marked the fastest pace of growth since the third quarter of 2003, when GDP surged up 7.5 percent.

Not that Democrats or Liberals want you to know, but this was the fastest pace of growth since 2003!

The economy isn't falling apart; sure the housing market is in a bit of a slump - but poor people with bad credit shouldn't be given 150-thousand dollar home loans anyway.

It's all part of the plan, folks. "The Party of Change" wants you to believe everything is going to the plumbing. After all, if nothing is broke - there is nothing to change.

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20071220\ACQRTT200712200930RTTRADERUSEQUITY_0636.htm&selected=9999&selecteddisplaysymbol=9999

Study: News on Iraq down because violence is down

2007-12-19T12:18:00.000-06:00

A new Pew Research Study shows that Iraq has slipped in terms of news story volume. Iraq now accounts for 5% of all news stories, down from 8% in the first 6 months of 2007. The study also found this directly correlates with a reduced number of stories regarding daily attacks.

The study by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism said the volume of coverage from Iraq fell from 8 percent of all news stories in the first six months of 2007 to 5 percent between June and October due mainly to a decline in news accounts of daily attacks.

The article also found the decline in news correlated with an increase of favorable opinion about the war.

The left uncovered! They are actually reporting on the war less now that things are turning around in Iraq. Something I already knew, of course, but now there is a study to back it up. Mind you, these studies are always 100% accurate when the media uses them; I get to assume this one is 100% accurate as well.

The media, as well as the anti-war left, are invested in defeat. A war we are winning does not sell commercials and it doesn't get the democrats votes in November.

http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1846357720071219

White House Office Building catches fire

2007-12-19T12:15:00.000-06:00

An Executive Office building next to the white house caught fire this morning. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building is the primary office of Vice President Dick Cheney. The fire broke out around 9 a.m. on the second floor of the building. Vice President Cheney was not in the building at the time.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Thick black smoke billowed from a fire Wednesday in Vice President Dick Cheney's suite of offices in the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House.

Cheney's office was damaged by smoke and water from fire hoses, White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said. The vice president was not in the building at the time; he was in the West Wing of the White House with President Bush.

More than 1,000 people who work in the building were evacuated. The fire broke out on the second floor of the building around about 9:15 a.m. and was under control within a half hour, District of Columbia fire department spokesman Alan Etter said.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8TKL7E00&show_article=1

More hot air from Al Gore

2007-12-18T11:54:00.001-06:00

Former Vice President Al Gore is continuing to march around the globe carrying his global warming flag, preaching his "gospel." Turns out, however, that Gore may be the one who is full of hot air.

Last week at a conference on Global BS, I mean warming, in Bali, Indonesia, Al Gore publicly denounced the Untied States saying that his native country was responsible for holding up progress. Ed Koch published an interesting article today, and says that Al Gore seems to be telling a tale of his own.

Last week Al Gore appeared at the Bali conference and said, "I am not an official of the United States and I am not bound by the diplomatic niceties. So I am going to speak an inconvenient truth. My own country, the United States, is principally responsible for obstructing progress here in Bali. We all know that."
Oh, really? And just how do we all know that? Is it true that the U.S. is "principally responsible for obstructing progress" in Bali? The New York Times, which applauds the former Vice President, reported on December 14 that "[t]he emerging economic powers, most notably China and India, also refuse to accept limits on their emissions, despite projections that they will soon become the dominant sources of the gases." The same Times article stated while the U.S. opposes an agreement that would include numerical targets, so do "a few other countries, including Russia."

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/us_leads_world_to_solving_clim.html

Congress likely to not fix AMT

2007-12-18T11:48:00.000-06:00

The Democratic controlled Congress likely will not be able to patch the Alternative Minimum Tax, slamming over 20 million Americans with a tax increase as a result.

The Hill - House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) hinted Tuesday that Congress may not be able to stop a big tax increase from hitting 23 million Americans.

Hoyer, pressed on whether Congress would resolve disputes over the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), said, “Maybe.”

This should come as no surprise. The Democrats have failed on nearly every issue. Congress is 0 for 42 on the War in Iraq, they still haven't finished the spending bill, and they can't even patch the AMT - something Congress has been doing regularly since its inception.

Conservatives need to make this the staple point of the Election in 2008, making sure that the people know how badly Democrats have failed them in Congress.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/hoyer-says-congress-may-not-be-able-to-patch-amt-2007-12-18.html

Fact Checker: Pinocchios for Huckabee

2007-12-18T11:30:00.000-06:00

As Mike Huckabee surges to the top of polls in Iowa, South Carolina, and across the nation, he is having to deal with a new kind of competition: the truth. Huckabee has long been accused of having a tarnished record on illegal immigration - an issue conservatives feel is very important. The Washington Post's Fact Checker had some interesting words for Governor Huckabee today:

Washington Post - Now that he has become a front-runner, Mike Huckabee is feeling the heat from other Republican candidates who are scrutinizing his record as governor of Arkansas for evidence of "liberal" or "Democratic" inclinations. One leading rival, Fred Thompson, has accused Huckabee of having "championed" an effort to permit illegal immigrants to benefit from in-state tuition rates at state universities. Huckabee has denied the charge, claiming that his support was limited to a much more restrictive scholarship program.

Huckabee's denials fly in the face of the record.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/?hpid=topnews

NJ outlaws death penalty

2007-12-17T19:58:00.000-06:00

A major defeat out of New Jersey today, for advocates of capital punishment. The Governor of the Garden State signed a law that abolishes the death penalty.

TRENTON, N.J. -- Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed into law Monday a measure that abolishes the death penalty, making New Jersey the first state in more than four decades to reject capital punishment.

The bill, approved last week by the state's Assembly and Senate, replaces the death sentence with life in prison without parole.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/17/AR2007121700667.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Endorsements galore

2007-12-17T11:05:00.000-06:00

It was an interesting weekend for presidential candidates. Last week we saw the last set of debates before the Iowa caucuses, and today starts the push to Iowa. Things got started before this morning though.

The Des Moines register passed out their key endorsements on Saturday night. Hillary Clinton on the left and on the right, surprisingly I might add, John McCain secured the nod.

McCain also secured the endorsement from the Boston Globe, leading some to ask if these two endorsements will spark McCain's struggling campaign. Barack Obama received the Globe's endorsement on the Democratic side.

It wasn't just newspapers though, Joe Lieberman also picked his candidate: John McCain. Lieberman said this was "no ordinary time, this is no ordinary election, and John McCain is no ordinary candidate."

Lastly, another endorsement out of Iowa. Representative Steve King of Iowa's 5th District has endorsed Fred Thompson.

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071215/NEWS/71215016
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/12/15/globe_endorses_mccain_obama/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/17/AR2007121700502.html?hpid=topnews
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/?hpid=topnews

Tea party circa 2007

2007-12-17T10:58:00.000-06:00

There wasn't any tea, but there sure will be a party.

The Money Bomb arranged by Ron Paul supporters brought in well over six million dollar, breaking single day Presidential fundraising records with ease.

Politico - Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) raised an astounding $6 million and change Sunday, his campaign said, almost certainly guaranteeing he’ll outraise his rivals for the Republican nomination in the fourth quarter and likely will be able to fund a presence in many of states that vote Feb. 5.

I may not like it, but I'll admit: this guy can raise money. It'll be interesting to see if money translates into votes in the early states. It'll be even more interesting to see if the Paul campaign can turn this surge of cash around in time to mean anything for the early primary states.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7421.html

Crunch time

2007-12-17T10:49:00.000-06:00

That's the number of days to go until the Iowa Caucuses and for some candidates it's now or never. The surging Mike Huckabee still leads in Republican polls, but when it comes to the General Election - even John Edwards, who is running third in Democratic Polls, is beating Huckabee.

Fred Thompson is kicking off his Iowa bus tour today, what might be his last ditch effort to make a strong showing in Iowa.

Rudy Guiliani has shifted his focus to Florida, and yesterday released a message that sounds a lot like his old one.

Mitt Romney is still working hard, and will likely have the win if or when the Huckabubble pops.

John McCain secured a key endorsement from the Des Moines Register this weekend, but says he won't pick up campaigning in Iowa. The Senator says he is sticking to his game plan.

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - The long and sometimes baffling drama of electing a U.S. president, marked by obscure rules and long-held traditions, enters its decisive stage in two weeks.

The nominee of each party will be determined via a grueling marathon of state-by-state contests that begins on January 3 in Iowa and is followed five days later in New Hampshire, with all other states joining in over the next few months.

http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USN1740388620071217

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/election_2008_edwards_vs_mccain_and_huckabee

More fuzzy funding for Clinton

2007-12-15T16:56:00.000-06:00

Donations to Bill Clinton's Presidential Library are now being questioned. The Washington Post is reporting that over 10% of the funding for the Library came from overseas donations, the most generous from Saudi-Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's royal family gave Clinton about $10 million for the construction of his Little Rock, Arkansas library. About the same amount that they gave to George H.W. Bush's Library.

Strange considering that is the Bush family in bed with the Saudis right?

Clinton also secured funding from several other Middle Eastern states. Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, just to name a few.

Of course when President George W. Bush builds his library and gets donations from Middle Eastern States and the Saudis, it will be because he enriched them through is illegal war in Iraq.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/14/AR2007121402124.html?nav=hcmodule

Mukasey rejects Congress

2007-12-15T16:50:00.000-06:00

Attorney General Michael Mukasey has told the United States Congress to take its big nose and go home.

The nation's top lawman refused to provide Congress with details regarding the investigation of destroyed CIA tapes.

Mukasey also told Congress there was no need to appoint a special investigator because the Justice Department and the Inspector General were handling the matter.

"I am aware of no facts at present to suggest that department attorneys cannot conduct this inquiry in an impartial manner," said Mukasey.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/14/national/main3621325.shtml

Huckabee doesn't actually have a theology degree

2007-12-15T16:41:00.000-06:00

Mike Huckabee made claim last week to being better prepared to fight the War on Terror because he has a theology degree. As it turns out, Huckabee doesn't actually have a theology degree.

The Baptist Minister said to the Christian Broadcasting Network that he was "more qualified" because he says Islamo-facisim is waging a "theocratic war" and he is the only candidate with a theology degree.

Technically, Huckabee does not have a theology degree at all. He has a bachelor of arts in religion and has 46 hours towards a Masters in Theology.

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/287527.aspx

GOP considers ANOTHER Iowa debate

2007-12-14T15:11:00.000-06:00

Jonathan Martin of the Politico is reporting that Iowa GOP insiders are considering another debate. In the light of this weeks poorly moderated (understatement) debate, the Candidates want another shot at proving to Iowans they are better than the rest.
DES MOINES -- Dissatisfied with the debate here Wednesday that drew widespread scorn, Iowa Republicans will discuss on Friday the possibility of holding another forum before the January 3rd caucuses. ... "We'd prefer if the Register debate did not leave a bad taste," said this source, who requested anonymity. "Iowa deserves a little better than that."

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/1207/Iowa_Republicans_consider_another_debate.html

Ron Paul on offensive in Iowa

2007-12-14T11:24:00.001-06:00

Longshot Republican Presidential Candiate Ron Paul is going on the offensive in Iowa. The Paul campaign is paying two former Representatives from Arkansas to go to Iowa to attack Mike Huckabee and his record on immigration.

(AP) Two former Republican legislators from Mike Huckabee's home state are in Iowa this week criticizing Huckabee's record on immigration and taxes on trips paid for by Ron Paul, a Huckabee Republican presidential rival.
This is just the latest in a series of rival and media attacks against the Baptist Minister, as he has surged in national polling.

Another Presidential Candidate, Fred Thompson, has made the move to offense in Iowa as well. The Thompson campaign sent out over a thousands mailers, also attacking Huckabee's record on immigration.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/14/politics/main3618743.shtml

Huckaboom not over yet

2007-12-14T11:15:00.000-06:00

Following his recent surge in national polls and in Iowa, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has now overtaken Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney in South Carolina.

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee took the lead for the Republican nomination in the early-voting state of South Carolina in a poll released on Friday that mirrored his rapid rise in national polls.

Huckabee has 24% support from expected voters in the Palmetto State. Thompson and Romney are in a statistical tie at 17% and 16% respectively. Mayor Giuliani also grabs 16% of the vote, but is seemingly irrelevant as his support as dropped from over 30% earlier in the summer.

John McCain registers 13%, Ron Paul 11%.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1430564420071214

Clinton is a big brush of big government

2007-12-14T11:03:00.001-06:00

The chairman of Wyoming's Democratic party says if Clinton was elected "Every Democratic candidate in Wyoming will be painted with that same liberal, big-government brush. We will also be the target of the locker room jokes that rightfully belong to Bill Clinton."

In a letter to the Denver Post, John Millan charged the party will be forever damaged of Hillary secures the nomination. Denver is the site of this year's Democratic National Convention.

The rifts within the party are growing as the nation's first caucuses approach. A top aide to Senator Clinton resigned yesterday, after his remarks about Barack Obama drew harsh criticism from the media; and new numbers show that Clinton is behind in key states she once held.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7716742

Turmoil within

2007-12-14T07:42:00.000-06:00

The immaculately designed presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton is falling apart at the seams. A top advisor to Clinton resigned yesterday, after his remarks of Barack Obama's past drug use drew criticism, and new numbers show that she may be in danger of losing as many as four key states.

Bill Shaheen, a top advisor and key New Hampshire ally, resigned yesterday after his comments about competitor Barack Obama drew harsh criticism from the Obama camp. Clinton herself, of course, was able to maintaining "plausible deniability" in all this because the comments did not come from her. Shaheen made his resignation know to the Washington Post yesterday:

Bill Shaheen, Clinton's New Hampshire co-chair and the husband of former governor Jeanne Shaheen, said in a statement announcing his resignation that his remarks to The Washington Post on Wednesday were "in no way authorized" by the senator from New York or her campaign.
"I made a mistake," Shaheen said, adding that it was a "personal decision" to step aside as co-chairman of Clinton's New Hampshire operation.

In the meantime though, Howard Fineman now says Hillary is in danger of losing all four early primary states.

WASHINGTON - Sen. Hillary Clinton’s campaign is teetering on the brink, no matter what the meaningless national horserace numbers say. The notion that she has a post-Iowa “firewall” in New Hampshire is a fantasy, and she is in danger of losing all four early contests, including Nevada and South Carolina – probably to Sen. Barack Obama, who is now, in momentum terms, the Democratic frontrunner.

Seemingly things have been on the decline for Hillary ever since her debate trouble and flip-flop on drivers licences for illegals. Husband Bill has made an all out effort to stump for the struggling campaign over the last week, but seemingly to no avail.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22217110
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/13/AR2007121302113_pf.html

Bush finds his VETO pen

2007-12-13T15:28:00.000-06:00

President Bush has suddenly found his veto pen and, quite frankly, he likes to use it. It took him seven years but George's fiscal discipline has finally emerged. Democrats have caved on spending bills in the past weeks, and, according to Edward Morrissey, made President Bush more relevant than ever.

Captain's Quarters - Who'd have thought it? Pelosi and Reid have transformed Bush into a spending hawk. In the first five years of his presidency, Bush could barely find his veto pen. Now, however, freed of the burden of defending a free-spending Republican Congress, Bush has discovered his inner Reagan and decided to fight for budgetary discipline -- and the Democrats realize that they can't beat him.

http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/016301.php

Their plan: tax the wealthy

2007-12-13T15:11:00.000-06:00

At today's Democratic Presidential debate the Democrats struck a note in unison: tax the rich. Tax progress, tax success, tax anything that moves up a tax bracket.

JOHNSTON, Iowa - Democratic presidential rivals called for higher taxes on the highest-paid Americans and on big corporations Thursday and said any thought of balancing the federal budget would have to wait.

This shouldn't come as much surprise. How else are we going to pay for our entitlement programs? How else are we going to pay for these baby bonds? How else are we going to pay for college for everyone?

Actually only one Democratic candidate thinks balancing the budget would be a good thing. And that's Bill Richardson.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071213/ap_po/democrats_debate

George says 'no' to SCHIP, again

2007-12-12T23:20:00.000-06:00

President Bush shot down SCHIP again. Geez, this man must hate American children.

Or wait, maybe he just does not like the idea of socialized medicine in installments.

Or wait, maybe he just does not like the idea of grown adults getting free healthcare.

Or wait, maybe he just does not like the idea of someone making $60,000 a year to get healthcare at the expense of the American people.

Or wait, maybe he just does not like the idea of raising taxes - on cigarettes of all things. Cigarettes to pay for healthcare? That's an idea. Check out this video:

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=3991432

Study finds part of warming models may be wrong

2007-12-12T23:12:00.001-06:00

Something I've been saying all along: the computer models may be wrong. A new study shows that the earth has not warmed as rapidly over the last 30 years as 22 of the most commonly used climate models would suggest.

The study, published online this week in the International Journal of Climatology, found that while most of the models predicted that the middle and upper parts of the troposphere —1 to 6 miles above the Earth's surface — would have warmed drastically over the past 30 years, actual observations showed only a little warming, especially over tropical regions.

Basically, that says that according to these computer models, the earth would have warmed significantly; the REAL observations do not agree with that assessment.

A computer does nothing but do the math on formulas the computer geek puts in. A computer cannot make conclusions. The conclusions are made by the people that put the information in, take the information out, and then interpret the information. And Al Gore's cronies are the ones putting it in, taking it out, and interpreting it.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316566,00.html

You're right, no you're right, no no you're right

2007-12-12T19:53:00.000-06:00

Immigration? Nope.
Iraq? Nope.
Him? Yes.

Agreement was abound today at the Republican debate, the last before the critical Iowa caucuses.

JOHNSTON, Iowa (Reuters) - Republican presidential contenders took shots at China, budget deficits and the debate moderator but avoided attacking each other on Wednesday in their final encounter before Iowa kicks off the 2008 White House race on January 3. ... the Republicans found plenty of room for agreement on the need to rein in federal spending, bring down taxes and achieve energy independence.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN1263254020071213?sp=true

Duck! Religion mud starts to fly

2007-12-12T09:26:00.000-06:00

Mike Huckabee is now questioning the beliefs of Republican rival Mitt Romney. According to the Associated Press, Huckabee asks in an upcoming article, "Don't Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?" A question that the Church of Latter Day Saints says is usually asked by those who are trying to smear the Mormon faith.

A spokeswoman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Huckabee's question is usually raised by those who wish to smear the Mormon faith rather than clarify doctrine.
"We believe, as other Christians believe and as Paul wrote, that God is the father of all," said the spokeswoman, Kim Farah. "That means that all beings were created by God and are his spirit children. Christ, on the other hand, was the only begotten in the flesh and we worship him as the son of God and the savior of mankind. Satan is the exact opposite of who Christ is and what he stands for."

Romney responded by saying that attacks on his faith "have gone too far."

"But I think attacking someone's religion is really going too far. It's just not the American way, and I think people will reject that," Romney told NBC's "Today" show.

Huckabee questions Mormons' beliefs: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8TFL9B81&show_article=1

Romney responds: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071212/D8TFUIO80.html

Hillary trails in New Hampshire

2007-12-12T09:21:00.000-06:00

A poll conducted in part by CNN and local affiliate WMUR 9 shows that Hillary Clinton has lost all but 1 point of what was at once a 20 point lead in New Hampshire. Barack Obama has now statistically caught Hillary; she has 31% support while Obama has 30%.

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A new poll shows that while the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president holds a comfortable lead in New Hampshire, the Democratic race has tightened dramatically

http://www.wmur.com/politics/14826607/detail.html

The hidden success of President Bush

2007-12-11T20:35:00.000-06:00

Despite one of the lowest approval ratings of all time, President Bush might be more successful than the average American thinks.

Recent polls placing President Bush’s approval numbers near 30 percent miss an important distinction: The policies and positions the president has advocated since 2001 have led to significant results in recent days. In short, the presidency of George W. Bush is surging, rather than waning, with little more than one year remaining in his term.

I found this article quite interesting, considering the overall public disapproval of the President. Undoubtedly because of the late-blooming Iraq war. The truth is though, the economy is in good shape especially on the job front.; the recent scientific breakthrough on the stem-cell front has been a big victory for moralists and the pro-life crowd; and not to forget that the success in Iraq. Many argue that history will not look kindly upon Bush, but maybe there is time to change that.

http://thehill.com/op-eds/bush-suging-not-fading-as-tenures-end-nears-2007-12-11.html