"Not too Important"

Keith Olbermann builds a very constructive argument in regards to John McCain's comment that it is "not too important" when we come home from Iraq. The next day McCain said that his words need to be taken into context by what he said around that 'not too important' comment. Keith gives some context. The first minute and a 1/2 could be a commercial that Dems could run 24/7 and win the election with. McCain is, at this time, his own worst enemy. A special comment by KO:



Context indeed.

Inspiration Beats Experience

No doubt about it tonight. Barack wins!

His victory speech was emotional and one of the very best I have heard following a victory.



Hillary's speech seemed to say, "Hey, we didn't win tonight but I am still the best candidate." Barack's was all about what THEY did and about how he will make change actually happen. Hillary's words ring hollow because it is so much of the same old stuff. What Barack is saying and doing has a sparkle and sizzle that is going to be VERY hard to beat!

The very conservative NYTimes writer David Brooks said this,

"Barack Obama has won the Iowa caucuses. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to feel moved by this. An African-American man wins a closely fought campaign in a pivotal state. He beats two strong opponents, including the mighty Clinton machine. He does it in a system that favors rural voters. He does it by getting young voters to come out to the caucuses.

This is a huge moment. It’s one of those times when a movement that seemed ethereal and idealistic became a reality and took on political substance.

Iowa won’t settle the race, but the rest of the primary season is going to be colored by the glow of this result. Whatever their political affiliations, Americans are going to feel good about the Obama victory, which is a story of youth, possibility and unity through diversity — the primordial themes of the American experience.

And Americans are not going to want to see this stopped. When an African-American man is leading a juggernaut to the White House, do you want to be the one to stand up and say No?

Obama has achieved something remarkable. At first blush, his speeches are abstract, secular sermons of personal uplift — filled with disquisitions on the nature of hope and the contours of change.

He talks about erasing old categories like red and blue (and implicitly, black and white) and replacing them with new categories, of which the most important are new and old. He seems at first more preoccupied with changing thinking than changing legislation.

Yet over the course of his speeches and over the course of this campaign, he has persuaded many Iowans that there is substance here as well. He built a great organization and produced a tangible victory."

This is truly a historic time for America. The primaries are just getting started and the battle between Clinton and Obama is going to be intense. But, by February 5th (super duper tuesday) we'll have an answer as to who will be running in November. Crazy fast! This thing is so loaded in the first two months. Wild stuff.

A great day to be a Dem

I didn't have very high expectations. When you have lived through the tough loses of the past few national elections, you just hold your breath. I couldn't believe all the prognosticators about what was coming. But it is here...

1) A Dem controlled House.
2) A woman speaker for the first time ever.
3) Control of the majority of governor's seats.
4) Rummy Resigns! WOW.
AND TONIGHT!...
5) A Dem controlled Senate.

Yep, that's a sweep folks. They eeked it out, but the Democrats took the Senate, too. Amazing.

Here is my bottom line with all of it: This should help the 2008 Election cycle. Dems now know they can win again. Their confidence is restored. Now it is up to them to show the public that they can govern and that they can be trusted. Talk is cheap. Two years from now we'll have to see serious movement out of Iraq. Two years from now we'll have to see the Congress make progress on increasing the minimum wage and reforming immigration.

If they make progress in these regards, it sets up nicely for Hillary, Edwards, Obama, or Biden.

But, what it is all about is the people speaking and taking a stand. Enough is certainly enough. I haven't been blogging much about politics lately. I just can't seem to take it any more. But, just maybe I will have a few good stories to talk about for a change?

What a great day.
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Arrogant to the bitter end... and will it even cost them?

Can the GOP be any more stubborn?
Cheney Vows 'Full Speed Ahead' on Iraq War

By Michael A. Fletcher
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, November 4, 2006; Page A08

COLORADO SPRINGS, Nov. 3 -- The Bush administration is determined to continue "full speed ahead" with its policy in Iraq, regardless of Tuesday's midterm elections, Vice President Cheney said Friday.

Cheney said in an interview with ABC News that the administration is convinced that it is pursuing the right path in Iraq.

"It may not be popular with the public. It doesn't matter, in the sense that we have to continue what we think is right," Cheney said. "That's exactly what we're doing. We're not running for office. We're doing what we think is right."

The election is set for Tuesday. We usually vote early, but we waited this year since I have been sick and we have been busy with the baby. So Tuesday we'll go down right after school and cast our ballots. I'll vote straight Dem and I will be voting for the propositions on the ballot for Houston infrastructure improvement. But, it's not going to make any difference in my area and in my state. All I can say is, I am sending my message. Whether or not it gets to the fatcats, I don't care.

I'll tell you what. I don't think the Congress is going back to the Dems. Simple fact is that the whole 06 election just reminds me 2004 and 2000. Everyone wants change and the press is predicting a big turnaround for the Dems. But, their platform is "We're not the corrupt bad guys - vote for us!" Not good enough.

Anyway, I know the platform is middle class tax cuts (and raising taxes on the top earners and corporations), health care for everyone, and doing SOMETHING/ANYTHING about Iraq. In fact the official platform is: 1) Honest Government 2) Real Security 3) Energy Independence 4) Economic Prosperity and Educational Excellence 5) Healthcare for Everyone 6) Retirement Security.

That message isn't getting out though. The one that is getting out is "We are not Republicans." Is it enough? Probably not. Republicans have redistricted and setup their party for years of dominance. It is very difficult to loose seats for them. They have rewritten the rulebook for elections. Their voting machines are in place. I will vote on Tuesday and not be given a receipt of who I voted for. They can be hacked in minutes. And bottom line? Republicans vote.

Boy do I hope I am wrong.

Will the Democrats Regain Power on Tuesday?
	Yes, both Senate and House
	Yes, only the Senate
	Yes, only the House
	Nope
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