https://www.dailykos.com/user/lapis/rss/index.xml News Community Action Copyright 2005 - Steal what you want Sun, 26 Jan 2020 23:06:45 +0000 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 23:06:45 +0000 Daily Kos rss@dailykos.com (Daily Kos) Daily Kos rss@dailykos.com (Daily Kos) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/23/849779/-USA-Today-Poll-Public-Opinion-ALREADY-Turning-in-Our-Favor <p>Well, that didn't take long. And the GOP knew it, which is why they fought so hard against HCR passing. USA Today ran a poll last night, or perhaps over the last couple of nights, and the results are positive.</p> <p><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-03-23-health-poll-favorable_N.htm">Just as we expected</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-03-23-health-poll-favorable_N.htm">Americans</a> by 9 percentage points have a favorable view of the health care overhaul that President Obama signed into law Tuesday, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, <strong>a notable turnaround from surveys before the vote that showed a plurality against it.</strong></p> <p>By 49%-40% those surveyed say it was "a good thing" rather than a bad one that Congress passed the bill. Half describe their reaction in positive terms, as "enthusiastic" or "pleased," while about four in 10 describe it in negative ways, as "disappointed" or "angry."</p> <p>The largest single group, 48%, calls the bill "a good first step" that should be followed by more action on health care. An additional 4% also have a favorable view, saying the bill makes the most important changes needed in the nation's health care system. </p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) HCR Polls Recommended _849779 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:59:39 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/1/20/827661/-Inaction-on-HCR-means-Dems-lose-me <p>I'm one of those rah-rah Obama cheerleaders who "real" progressive denigrate as, well, "rah-rah Obamaphiles." Unlike some fellow activists, I do not expect the perfect president, the perfect congress, or the perfect legislation. I am one of those willing to accept moving forward in steps.</p> <p>Today I am dismayed at seeing virtually the entire Dem caucus, including POTUS, give up on HCR because we lost one single seat in one single branch of government. Then Gibbs comes out to the podium to say absolutely nothing about the HCR plan. Nothing, other than vague "remains committed" and "nothing will happen before Brown is seated."</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Barack Obama BarackObama HCR _827661 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:41:05 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/8/17/768577/-Whole-Foods-Boycott-Hits-the-NEW-YORK-TIMES <p>Finally, the NYT "Opinionator" picks it up, including lots of he said-she said. As of 11:30pm EDT, there are already more than 450 comments to the post.</p> <p><a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/whole-foods-fight/">Here's an excerpt:</a></p> <blockquote> <p>Reaction from pro-reform Whole Foods shoppers was swift and vociferous. As Brian Beutler noted the next day at TPM DC, Whole Food&#8217;s &#8220;Web site has been fielding angry comments all afternoon, and has had to set up an online forum where customers can vent their frustrations, and, oh, call for a boycott!&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Here&#8217;s a thought,&#8221; added Beutler. &#8220;If you own a major supermarket chain that caters to a great deal of liberal-minded people with money, don&#8217;t rail against the evils of health care reform in The Wall Street Journal.</p> <p>At Daily Kos, blogger DarkSyde wondered if Mackey had lost sight of his demographic &#8212; &#8220;Mr. Mackey, I&#8217;m not sure if you understand who it is that shops at your organic grocery chain&#8221; &#8212; and, in case that had happened, reminded him: </p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Boycott JohnMackey New York Times NewYorkTimes NYT Whole Foods WholeFoods _768577 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:47:45 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/8/12/765586/-Ben-Cardin-Town-Hall-Open-Thread-Liveblog <p>I live-blogged the town hall in MD.</p> <p>He's making an opening statement, trying to head off lies. Already people skeptical about everyone being able to keep their own private insurance.</p> <p>Says pre-existing conditions will be eliminated. Mentioned citizen mandate, and people stirred unhappily.</p> <p>Explaining that we don't have one bill in the senate. We are in a good position today to talk about how this reform will affect individuals. Received cheers when he said he told his leaders not to rush it. Says he believes in town hall meetings. Now we're getting questions...</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) BenCardin Town Hall townhall _765586 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:17:19 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/8/10/762466/-Claire-McCaskill-Town-Hall-Liveblog <p>I watched her town hall now on cnn.com. I started in the middle, but decided it was worth liveblogging:</p> <p>Says she supports a public plan.</p> <p>Abortion funding not in the plan. Tort reform not in the plan.</p> <p>She read a statement from one of the people saying that Obama is a socialist. Far too many people cheered.</p> <p>She said she knows some people won't vote for her for supporting health care reform, but said we have to stop kicking the can down the road. Many of the people in the crowd clearly support "kicking the can down the road."</p> <p>Wishes these people were around when Medicare Part D was passed, which gives 8 billion to the pharma companies.</p> <p>She's handling the hostile crowd very well. Says even when she gives them good news, they don't sound like they want to hear it.</p> <p>The format is excellent. It's in a theater of some kind, so many people can fit and all have comfy seats. She's at a podium above them and is trying to take written questions.</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) ClaireMcCaskill Health Care HealthCare _762466 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:33:27 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/5/5/728240/-Specter-remembers-his-new-party-reverses-himself-on-Coleman <p>I'm obviously not a fan of Specter and continue to be highly skeptical that pushing him to move to the Dem caucus was a wise choice, but his comments about Coleman were beyond the pale. If he hadn't reversed himself, it would have been immediate war.</p> <p>But he did explain the error of his ways:</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/05/05/specter_backs_away_from_coleman_comments.html?dsq=9034055#comment-9034055">Specter Backs Away</a> from Coleman Comments</p> <p>Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) reversed himself from comments he made in an interview in which he said he wanted Norm Coleman (R) to prevail in the disputed Minnesota Senate race against Al Franken (D), CQ Politics reports.</p> <p>Said Specter: "In the swirl of moving from one caucus to another, I have to get used to my new teammates. I'm ordinarily pretty correct in what I say. I've made a career of being precise. I conclusively misspoke."</p> <p>Asked who he's backing now in elections, Specter said, "I'm looking for more Democratic members. Nothing personal." </p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Al Franken AlFranken Arlen Specter ArlenSpecter Norm Coleman NormColeman _728240 Wed, 06 May 2009 00:56:19 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/22/555468/-Wow-Mullen-Agrees-with-Obama-from-tonight <p>This little bit of gold could not be more buried in an otherwise excellent WaPo piece for tomorrow entitled <em>"Obama Shifts the Foreign Policy Debate"</em>. But two shockers from the piece:</p> <ol><li value="1"> Mullen -- the same Joint Chiefs Mullen who made news on Sunday for telling Fox that a timeline is "dangerous" -- told PBS today that he <strong>agrees</strong> with Obama that Afghanistan is a major problem and the only way to get more troops there is to <strong>take them from Iraq.</strong></li></ol> <p>and</p> <ol><li value="2"> He said that he has strict priorities from the Commander-in-Chief to focus on Iraq first and foremost. Afghanistan is second.</li></ol> <p>Passage from WaPo:</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) 2008 elections 2008elections Afghanistan Barack Obama BarackObama Iraq John McCain JohnMcCain President _555468 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:01:04 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/11/534161/-Prediction-Thread-WSJ-NBC-Poll-Margin-Tonight <p>Well, the first big post-unity poll is coming out tonight from NBC/WSJ and by all teasers, Obama is going to be ahead. The question is by how much. Just for kicks, I thought I'd start a prediction thread.</p> <p>While my sincere wish is 15 pts, I'll be ecstatic with anything in the double digits. This poll is going to set the CW, at least for a few days, and will hopefully put a little scare into the Republicans.</p> <p>My guess: 51-42, good guys ahead. That's a 9 point spread. Anyone else want to play?</p> <p>Here's some info from WSJ:</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) mcCain Obama Polls _534161 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:22:56 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/4/18/498378/-Proud-Liberal-Journalists-Write-Open-Letter-to-ABC <p>I saw this link at Ben's place, and I LOVE the letter -- and the list of people who signed it. I found it interesting that Joe Conason signed on as well. Just goes to show, the ABC debate was a disgrace to anyone who cares about how the media conducts itself in the political process.</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20080505&amp;s=open_letter">We, the undersigned,</a> deplore the conduct of ABC's George Stephanopoulos and Charles Gibson at the Democratic Presidential debate on April 16. The debate was a revolting descent into tabloid journalism and a gross disservice to Americans concerned about the great issues facing the nation and the world. <strong>This is not the first Democratic or Republican presidential debate to emphasize gotcha questions over real discussion. However, it is, so far, the worst.</strong> </p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) ABC News ABCNews Campaign2008 Debate _498378 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:54:52 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/25/463850/-NYT-CBS-Poll-Obama-Rises-in-Voter-Popularity <p>Looks like a poll coming out tonight from NYT/CBS is going to be positive for Obama. He is 10 pts. above Clinton in favorability.</p> <p>This poll has tended to be a bit better for Obama (just like in the general elections, it tends to be a bit better for Dems), but I'll take it. Especially since this will be tomorrow's news.</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/poll-obama-rises-in-voter-popularity/">Voters&rsquo; opinions</a> of the top three presidential candidates have shifted significantly over the past two months, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll.</p> <p>Currently Senator Barack Obama is viewed more favorably than both Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator John McCain <strong>among all registered voters.</strong> Forty-five percent of voters said they have a favorable opinion of Mr. Obama, while about 35 percent have a favorable view of Mrs. Clinton and 36 percent said the same of Mr. McCain.</p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Barack Obama BarackObama Campaign2008 Hillary Clinton HillaryClinton _463850 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:31:17 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/23/462934/-UPDATED-Frank-Rich-Brutal-Column-for-Clinton-Added-new-Iowa-POTUS-Poll <p>Frank Rich has another <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/opinion/24rich.html?ref=opinion">brutal column</a> for the Clinton campaign to face. He takes the campaign apart piece by piece, and the lead is a comparison with Bush's Iraq strategy. Bush didn't have a Plan B strategy and neither did Clinton. It's the type of thing we've talked about here for awhile, but it's the first time I recall seeing a columnist put it in print.</p> <p>But he doesn't stop there. He hits her on Mark Penn (calls him her "Rumsfeld"):</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/opinion/24rich.html?ref=opinion">And no matter how</a> much bad stuff happened, she kept to the Bush playbook, stubbornly clinging to her own Rumsfeld, her chief strategist, Mark Penn. Like his prototype, Mr. Penn is bigger on loyalty and arrogance than strategic brilliance. </p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) 2008 Barack Obama BarackObama Elections FrankRich Hillary Clinton HillaryClinton President Primaries Recommended _462934 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:16:02 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/18/459132/-TX-Congressman-from-Bush-s-District-Endorses-Obama <p>Chet Edwards (and one of those Super-Duper Dems!) went with Obama today, which is fantastic. I don't know anything about him, and since he is from what Charlie Cook called the "reddest district in the nation," I'm guessing he has many positions I don't agree with. Still, love the endorsement. &nbsp;</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.wacotrib.com/news/content/shared-gen/blogs/communities/listening_post/">Waco&rsquo;s Edwards endorses Obama</a></p> <p>By Nathan Wade | Monday, February 18, 2008, 12:31 PM</p> <p>U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, today endorsed Barack Obama&rsquo;s bid for the White House, saying the U.S. senator from Illinois would work across party lines to unite the country.</p> <p>Edwards, who represents Texas&rsquo; 17th Congressional District, which includes the ranch home of President George W. Bush, released the following statement with his endorsement announcement: </p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Barack Obama BarackObama ChetEdwards Election 2008 Election2008 Texas _459132 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:37:42 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/11/454535/-If-a-Media-Scandal-Falls-in-the-Forest-Does-it-Make-a-Sound <p>Is anyone else as amazed at the media silence around the Shuster/Clinton debacle as I am? Talk about circling the wagons. The complete and utter lack of coverage by any of the major networks or by MSNBC and CNN just makes me loathe the media even more. How many news cycles did we see on the Snub-that-Wasn't? How many cycles did we endure on one candidate or another saying "Wasted Lives," or Hillary's tears? Far too many.</p> <p>There is no triviality too small for today's 24/7 media to cover ad nauseum and yet:</p> <ol><li value="1"> A major reporter on a cable network (tied to the vaunted NBC) said something indefensible about a candidate's daughter</li></ol> <ol><li value="2"> That reporter has been suspended "indefinitely"</li></ol> <ol><li value="3"> The Hillary campaign has distributed to all reporters a blistering letter to NBC about it</li></ol> <p>...and yet it's not worthy of even a MENTION by the networks or CNN? I don't watch FNC, but a friend who does told me they have been talking about it. Well, good for them. This is not a story that should be covered up just because it's happening to one of their own.</p> <p>More...</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) DavidShuster Hillary Clinton HillaryClinton MSM MSNBC NBC _454535 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:28:15 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/9/453519/-Help-Keep-Shuster-from-Being-Fired <p>I was completely supportive of Team Clinton's outrage yesterday and thought the suspension was justified, but Clinton sent a letter to NBC saying that his suspension is not sufficient. It's implied that she wants him fired -- though she may only be asking them to change the way they do business over there (see below). I'm not going to post her letter here, but if you want to read it, it's at <a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/hillary_to_nbc_fire_david_shus.php">TPM Election Central</a>.</p> <p>Firing Shuster for this is WAY OVER THE TOP. And it's really quite something for the Clintons to say they will not accept the apology of another person. Really. Quite. Something.</p> <p>I'm going to send a note to NBC encouraging them not to fire a very good reporter who said something wrong. Whatever HRC's motives, he's a good man and a good reporter and does not deserve to have his career ruined over this.</p> <p>The email I'm sending to is <strong>letters@msnbc.com,</strong> if you want to help Shuster out as well. <em><strong>Please be polite.</strong></em></p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) DavidShuster Hillary Clinton HillaryClinton MSNBC _453519 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 23:15:07 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/5/450329/-AZ-Robocall-from-HRC-How-is-this-not-lying <p>Team Hillary is back to lying in mailers and robocalls. Apparently there are more lies about Obama's 100% pro-choice positions in CT and now a robocall in AZ, the co-retirement capital of the U.S., &nbsp;she's lying about his social security position pretending Obama will raise the retirement age or even privatize social security.</p> <p>People can complain all they want about Obama's health care mailer talking about Hillary mandating health care -- and whether or not the kitchen-table couple was a dog whistle to remind people about 1993 -- but at least they weren't lying in the piece. Hillary's position IS to mandate health insurance.</p> <p>I am so very tired of the Clinton's lies.</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2008/02/az_robocall_hit.html">AZ Robocall Hits Obama On Social Security</a></p> <p>Per NJ Contributing Editor Linda Douglass, this call is reportedly going out to Arizona voters:</p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) 2008 Barack Obama BarackObama Elections Hillary Clinton HillaryClinton Social Security SocialSecurity _450329 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:18:09 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/1/447866/-Oprah-s-Baaaaaack <p>Let the naysayers begin to say Nay.</p> <p>Apparently she is going to join Michelle at a rally in L.A. on Sunday. Superbowl counter-programming anyone?</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/oprahs-back/#more-4092">On Sunday,</a> Oprah Winfrey is returning to the presidential campaign trail to headline a California event for Senator Barack Obama. The Obama campaign has yet to announce details, but people familiar with the event say the television talk show magnate will join Michelle Obama at a campaign rally in the Los Angeles area.</p> <p>The goal? Closing the gap with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in California before Tuesday&rsquo;s primary. The target? Women voters. </p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Barack Obama BarackObama Election 2008 Election2008 OprahWinfrey _447866 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:34:38 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/18/439059/-NH-Smear-peddlers-for-Clintons-want-to-Kiss-Make-up-with-Obama-Supporters <p>Like many Obama supporters, I was pretty outraged by the lies (yes, LIES) Team Clinton sent out in mailing pieces in Iowa and New Hampshire regarding Obama's 100% POSITIVE pro-choice record. Now, days after those lies helped the dishonest Clintons win NH, many of the <strong>same people</strong> have now sent a new letter to Dem leaders in the state asking us all to kiss and make up.</p> <p>And in one case, a founder of the NARAL chapter in NH actually admits she signed her name to the letter without bothering to check whether or not the lies and smears she was helping to propagate were true. She finds herself dismayed that the Clintons misled her (join the club), but I find it outrageous she didn't bother to check out the truth herself before slamming a good Democrat. I'm not sure if it's more outrageous to be ignorant, or to know the truth and after the smear worked try to pretty it up with a plea for peace and reconciliation.</p> <p>From <a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/18/trying_to_heal_a_rift_in_new_h_1.html">The Trail</a>:</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Barack Obama BarackObama Election 2008 Election2008 Hillary Clinton HillaryClinton NARAL New Hampshire NewHampshire _439059 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:06:42 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/14/436689/-Must-read-post-from-Matt-Bai-at-NYT-Open-Letter-to-the-Clintons <p>Matt Bai has been blogging at NYT's "The Caucus," and he <a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/the-clintons-and-history/#more-3838">just posted a thoughtful, insightful piece</a> about decisions the Clintons need to make in this campaign moving forward. He's not biased toward one candidate or another (as far as I've been able to tell) and the piece is not polemical. But he clearly states that the Clintons are at a crossroads: Do they continue allowing the lowest level of political campaigning in order to win at any cost, or do they care about their legacy in this party?</p> <blockquote> <p>The most dangerous place to stand in Washington is between Chuck Schumer and a bank of television cameras.</p> <p>Well, that may be, but it seems to me that the most dangerous place to be in the rest of the country is between the Clintons and an elected office.</p> <p>Just this weekend, after all the recent attacks against Barack Obama involving his kindergarten essay and cocaine, the "fairy tale" of his antiwar stance, we found out that the Nevada teacher&rsquo;s union with ties to the Clintons is suing to keep workers on the Vegas Strip from being able to caucus in their workplaces, since most of those workers belong to unions that have endorsed Mr. Obama. </p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) 2008 elections 2008elections Barack Obama BarackObama Bill Clinton BillClinton Hillary Clinton HillaryClinton MattBai President _436689 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:36:05 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/2/429498/-If-Obama-wins-here-are-two-small-reasons <p>I just read two interesting anecdotes on <a href="http://iowaindependent.com/magFront.do">Iowa Independent,</a> one of which I can back up with my own, that may help fill in the picture tomorrow night if Obama is, indeed, the winner.</p> <p>The first is this amazing small story told to <a href="http://iowaindependent.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1779">John Deeth</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>After the Clinton rally last night in Iowa City, a Clinton precinct captain sighed in frustration and, insisting on anonymity, shared this story. &nbsp;The precinct captain's friend, a school principal, had said he was trying to choose between Clinton and Obama. &nbsp;He was on his way into the rally when his cell phone rang. &nbsp;It was Obama.</p> <p>Not a campaign staffer, a volunteer, or a robo-call. &nbsp;<em>It was Barack Obama himself</em>. </p> </blockquote> <p>I was surprised to read that, because I was in Iowa canvassing for Obama last weekend and heard a related story that blew me away.</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) 2008 elections 2008elections Barack Obama BarackObama Democrats President Primaries _429498 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:56:25 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/28/427328/-Letterman-strikes-a-deal-with-WGA <p>Leave it to good-guy Letterman to be the FIRST to get a deal done with the WGA so he can come back to work <strong>with his writers</strong> and not cross a picket line. I realize he has an advantage over Stewart, Colbert and Leno because he owns his own production company, but still -- it shows that it is possible to end this strike. I hope others follow Letterman's lead.</p> <p>Everyone tune in on Wed to show support!</p> <blockquote> <p>Letterman, Ferguson returning to TV -- WGA strikes deal allowing late night shows</p> <p>By JOSEF ADALIAN</p> <p>The WGA and David Letterman's Worldwide Pants have reached an agreement that will allow "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson" to return to the air next week with their writers.</p> <p>Letterman-produced shows will return Wednesday, people familiar with the situation said. A rep for Worldwide Pants declined comment.</p> <p>Talks between WWP and the WGA weren't looking fruitful. But that changed within the last 48 hours, sources said.</p> <p>Interim agreement is the first deal struck by the WGA with a studio since the strike began last month. </p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117978232.html?categoryid=2821&amp;cs=1">Letterman deal.</a></p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) DavidLetterman WGA _427328 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:16:46 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/12/421094/-MTP-Guests-on-Jan-6-Request-a-Neutral-Panel <p>I know it's early, but I think we should respectfully ask the MTP producers not to include Carville, Matalin or any other panelists who have stated alliances to one of the campaigns on their Jan 6 panel. There is no way that Shrum, for example, or any other general Democratic consultant/advisor can effectively counterbalance Carville/Matalin, esp if Hillary loses in the caucuses.</p> <p>We cannot eliminate all Clinton bias since most in the media do seem to be aligned with her, but there is no reason for them to put people on the panel who have publicly stated their support for her or any other candidate, whether it's Clinton, Obama or Edwards.</p> <p>If you are interested in sending a note to MTP, here's the link:</p> <p><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6872152/">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...</a></p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Barack Obama BarackObama Hillary Clinton HillaryClinton John Edwards JohnEdwards MTP _421094 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:41:44 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/11/11/409241/-David-Yepsen-Says-Obama-Hit-it-Out-of-the-Park-with-video <p>I was looking around for Yepsen's take and finally found it -- he raved about Obama's speech and organization last night, and said that if he wins Iowa, the JJ event will be considered a turning point.</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.dmregister.com/?cat=33">Yepsen Reaction</a></p> <p>Some excerpts...</p> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) Barack Obama BarackObama Recommended _409241 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:14:25 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/11/2/265613/-IL-10-Dan-Seals-on-the-ground I went to an Election Day training for Dan Seals tonight at a local library. I thought it would be a fairly small group, esp since his campaign has been overshadowed to a large degree by the high-profile Duckworth campaign. </p><p> Well, the place was standing room only! Easily more than 100 people there. The person in charge of GOTV said that it was their fourth training this week and that the groups have all been large. For Seals's little-engine-that-could congressional campaign, he said there are more than <b>500 ELECTION DAY VOLUNTEERS!</b> And nearly <b>50 LAWYERS</b> to chase down issues. Just for Seals. Kirk is not going to have that many people on the ground fighting for him to stay in office. They also said the DCCC just dropped some money into the campaign to help with a couple of mailing pieces. And Durbin and Obama are headlining a rally for him Monday night. People are excited, and it's really coming together.</p><p> It's a close, close race, but we have a real shot at taking it. And it's not included on anyone's list of probable takeovers. rss@dailykos.com (lapis) DanSeals _265613 Fri, 03 Nov 2006 03:15:25 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/29/66487/-4-Days-Left-even-more-motivation-for-GOTV It's clear now more than ever that the GOTV efforts around the country, and especially in the swing states, are going to decide this election. I was at the rally in Madison yesterday and was amazed that I got some questions from people -- even there -- who wondered how they could vote early.<p> We have many, many supporters on our side. The majority of Americans are Democrats, after all. But it takes people on the ground, and on the phone, to help encourage people to get to the polls. GOTV matters, it works. There are so many initiatives going on this weekend and on Election Day. I hope you are able to find one.<p> <a href="http://act4victory.org">ACT 4 Victory</a><p> <a href="http://drivingvotes.org">Driving Votes</a><p> <a href="http://volunteer.johnkerry.com">Volunteer Center</a><p> <a href="http://calls.johnkerry.com">Call from Home</a> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _66487 Sat, 30 Oct 2004 00:56:03 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/15/60926/-Michigan-poll-K48-B43 Here's <a href="http://www.southbendtribune.com/stories/2004/10/15/local.20041015-sbt-LOCL-A1-Michigan_looks_tough.sto">another confirmation</a> that Michigan will be solid Blue this year.<p> <blockquote><strong>The poll shows Democratic Sen. John Kerry with a 48 percent to 43 percent lead among all Michigan voters</strong>, a decidedly different result from the 53 percent to 40 percent lead President Bush has over Kerry in Indiana.<p> The Michigan poll was conducted Monday through Wednesday and queried 600 likely voters without regard to party affiliation. The margin for error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.</blockquote><p> Sadly, Bush's biggest lead in Michigan is in Flint (Flint!). What could they be thinking?<br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _60926 Fri, 15 Oct 2004 19:54:20 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/15/60780/-It-s-Friday-what-are-your-GOTV-plans-for-the-weekend There are only three weekends left before the big day. I'd love to hear how people are helping. Tomorrow I'll be in Wisconsin. It's the last weekend we'll really push for absentee ballot applications from all of those UNLIKELY voters.<p> Sunday afternoon I'll be phonebanking to voters in swing states. The campaign seems to have identified "undecideds" and it's those we're mostly talking to. It feels great to tell people about a point of Kerry's plans (healthcare is a biggie) that they did not know before.<p> In case you still need ideas for how to help:<p> <a href="http://acthere.com">http://acthere.com</a><p> <a href="http://moveonpac.org">http://moveonpac.org</a><p> <a href="http://volunteer.johnkerry.com">http://volunteer.johnkerry.com</a><p> <a href="http://drivingvotes.org">http://drivingvotes.org</a> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _60780 Fri, 15 Oct 2004 16:03:42 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/14/60456/-John-O-Neill-back-on-Nightline-tonight This is it, folks. This is where the cornered animals really start to show their teeth. They are not going down without a fight and plan to bloody up Kerry day after day, if they are allowed.<p> Today we have faux outrage about Mary Cheney followed by another Nightline devoted to the Swift Boat lies. This time they'll be talking to Viet Congs who claim to have been there at the same time as Kerry -- and Koppel will have O'Neill on hand to help out. Next week is the Sinclair event.<p> They are desperate, so I'm guessing we haven't even seen the worst of it yet. I plan to dig in and help prove that we will not be deterred. We're going to get out the vote and remove the worst president in modern history. rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _60456 Thu, 14 Oct 2004 20:01:57 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/10/58697/-F911-DVD-already-having-an-effect In the last two weekends, I have personally talked to five voters who told me they had just rented F911 and were now definitely voting for Kerry. And you have to realize, they offer the information spontaneously. It's definitely not a question we ever ask. Other canvassers at the same events said they'd had similiar conversations with some voters.<p> The people the movie rental seems to be swaying are those who don't want to spend $20 bucks to see it in the theaters -- they just aren't that passionate about political issues. They are fence-sitters and they are not great at making it to the polls every election. These are people who do not vote strictly on wedge issues like abortion (those are a lost cause) -- they're just regular folks who pay some attention to the election but not much, and their decisions come down to things like the debates and Michael Moore's movie.<p> I was both encouraged and surprised, because I thought F911 would only help our cause at the edges. Now I'm seeing evidence (anecdotal, but not just my anecdotes) that I was wrong. This movie is moving -- really moving -- "soft" supporters and undecideds. As one woman told me yesterday, "My aunt still thinks she's voting for Bush, but I'm going to make sure she sees that movie."<p> <B>Update [2004-10-10 21:48:24 by lapis]:</B><p> I'm guessing the Dark Side has polled the F911 effect also -- and part of their response is the Sinclair atrocity. rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _58697 Sun, 10 Oct 2004 19:01:28 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/5/56661/-Leahy-invited-to-VP-debate Apparently the Kerry campaign has extended a kind invitation to the Senator from Vermont to attend tonight's debate. He'll be sitting in the second row in the sight of our esteemed Vice President.<p> According to Joe Lockhart, they understand how stressful the debates can be so they want to be sure Cheney sees a friendly face in the crowd.<p> (the poor GOP are whining, "No fair! They did that last week when they seated Terry McAullife right behind Laura Bush!" &nbsp;boo-hoo) rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _56661 Tue, 05 Oct 2004 20:40:36 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/4/56224/-Chicago-Dems-head-to-Wisconsin-and-Repubs-stay-home There is a great article in yesterday's <em>Chicago Sun Times</em> about the bus trips Dems are making every weekend from Chicago (and Evanston) to Wisconsin. I hope this will inspire those in solid blue/red states to travel to swing states on the weekends. We can make a difference. In Illinois check out the <a href="http://illinoisforkerry.com/">Illinois for Kerry</a> site.<p> I also wanted to share my favorite part of <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-wisc03.html">the article</a>:<p> <div class="blockquote">But as <strong>Illinois Democrats try to win the hearts and minds of Wisconsin voters, Illinois Republicans are staying here.</strong><p> "We are keeping the troops home because we believe we have a chance to stage an upset here," said Robert K. Kjellander, regional chairman of the Bush-Cheney campaign.</div><p> Yes, Repubs! Stay home and work for Keyes and Bush...there is still a chance.<br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _56224 Mon, 04 Oct 2004 16:42:39 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/9/26/53692/-Wisconsin-Seeking-the-Unlikely-Voter We spent another Saturday canvassing in Wisconsin this weekend -- and each weekend is better than the last. This Saturday over 150 people from the Chicago area took a Kerry-sponsored bus trip to Wisconsin to seek out votes. Some of us went to Madison (see DrSpike's great <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/9/25/225023/731">report here</a>), others to Beloit. Beloit is where we landed. <p> cont'd...<br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _53692 Sun, 26 Sep 2004 13:28:36 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/9/24/53402/-CNN-decides-to-fact-check I know, I know. We thought they never would. Of course the first speech they decide to fact check is Kerry's, but I guess you have to start somewhere.<p> Their Pentagon correspondent did a piece on Kerry's statements about Rummy/Pentagon and compares his statements with the "facts." I won't go into the whole piece, but the reporter's very last line (after telling us we are "entitled to our own opinions, but not our own facts") is that <strong>"Shinseki was never fired or forced to retire. Those are the facts."</strong><p> Well, that's a blatant lie. I know there are a lot of notes to the media to send out, but I've made it easy in the extended box -- and the bonus is that the person who yelled the loudest about the "unprecedented" retirement was well-known Kerry supporter BOB NOVAK. <p> Please go ahead and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?6">send them a note</a>. rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _53402 Fri, 24 Sep 2004 20:46:44 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/9/24/53375/-For-the-Edwards-skeptics There is a great piece on him by Craig Crawford, who as we know frequently pops up on MSNBC. It seems he decided to actually follow Edwards around for a few days to see if the skeptics were right. (And he gives his colleagues a couple of digs about how they only cover a candidate from four-star hotels.) <p> My favorite line: <strong>From what I've seen of Edwards, he would have to set himself on fire to generate more heat in his campaign appearances.</strong><p> Here are a <a href="http://cq.com/corp/show.do?page=crawford/crawford_current">couple of passages</a>, but the whole thing is a good read. rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _53375 Fri, 24 Sep 2004 18:35:48 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/9/18/51931/-Bush-s-healthcare-plan-Did-you-know I don't think the message of Bush's health plan as it relates to his "ownership society" is really getting out, and it's a big, big issue.<p> Bush's healthcare plan calls for the <strong>elimination of employer-funded health insurance.</strong> <p> Let me repeat: Bush's healthcare plan calls for the elimination of employer-funded health insurance.<p> Did you know that?<p> Indeed it's true. All his talk of increasing the limit on health savings accounts (the tax-free money people can put aside for health care costs) is because he wants people to pay for 100% of their health care out of that savings - the insurance, the copays, the prescriptions, all of it.<p> I saw this ABC News report last week, and its analysis was just confirmed tonight by a writer from the National Review (yes, the National Review) when he said, "Why isn't Kerry telling the public that Bush is going to take away their health insurance? That by 'ownership society' he means you are going to have to pay for it all." From the <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/sections/Politics/Vote2004/where_they_stand_healthcare_040916-1.html">ABC report</a>: <br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _51931 Sun, 19 Sep 2004 03:40:35 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/9/16/51290/-Kerry-op-ed-in-WSJ-today It is a great piece. There are many specifics on his plans including outsourcing, healthcare, stem-cell research, and the deficit. There is a strong emphasis on fiscal discipline, going so far as to say only security and education will be allowed to grow at rates larger than inflation. He begins with the case for how Bush has failed miserably and continues with the case of how he will fix the "mess." He takes the approach that the country needs a new CEO and we, the citizens are the shareholders.<p> <div class="blockquote"><a href="http://blog.johnkerry.com/blog/archives/002835.html#002835">As I travel</a> across this country, I meet store owners, stock traders, factory foremen and optimistic entrepreneurs. Their experiences may be different, but they all agree that America can do better under an administration that is better for business. Business leaders like Warren Buffett, Lee Iacocca and Robert Rubin are joining my campaign because they believe that American businesses will do better if we change our CEO.</div> <p> [more...]<br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _51290 Thu, 16 Sep 2004 15:03:27 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/9/5/48893/-The-Dem-leaks-keep-on-coming Honestly, today's NYT story with a photo montage of all those who spilled their guts was not enough. Tonight, we have yet another story detailing a 90-minute phone call from Kerry to Clinton yesterday (while Clinton prepared for open-heart surgery, mind you) on the state of his campaign.<p> I think it's clear that the Clinton folks are back and involved. How the hell else would the whole world know every move of this campaign -- the same campaign which managed to keep the VP choice a secret until hours before the announcement?<p> I'm a big Clinton fan and I'm glad some of his folks are now in this campaign, but I HATE the incessant leaking that was so pervasive during his term. Why is it so hard to keep information such as private conversations close to the chest?<p> <div class="blockquote"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/06/politics/campaign/06kerry.html?hp">Former President Bill Clinton</a>, in a 90-minute telephone conversation from his hospital room, offered John Kerry detailed advice on Saturday night on how to reinvigorate his candidacy, as Mr. Kerry enlisted more Clinton advisers to help shape his strategy and message for the remainder of the campaign.<p> In an expansive conversation, Mr. Clinton told Mr. Kerry that he should move away from talking about Vietnam, which had been the central theme of his candidacy, and focus instead on drawing contrasts with President Bush on job creation and health care policies, officials with knowledge of the conversation said. <p> The conversation and the recruitment of old Clinton hands came amid rising concern among Democrats about the state of Mr. Kerry's campaign and criticism that he had been too slow to respond to attacks on his military record or to engage Mr. Bush on domestic policy. Among the better-known former Clinton aides who are expected to play an increasingly prominent role are James Carville, Paul Begala and Stanley Greenberg, campaign aides said.</div> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _48893 Mon, 06 Sep 2004 02:40:49 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/30/47189/-Moveon-PAC-s-Switch-ad-campaign-starts-today They have a great, full-page ad in today's NYT (in the special RNC section) which you can see <a href="http://www.moveonpac.org/content/pdfs/FinalMOPACErrolMorrisAd.pdf">here</a>(pdf). (boy, is that a lily-white group, or what? We're talking Republicans, I guess...)<p> According to their email, they are going to start airing five of the spots in nine swing states today. And they are trying to <a href="http://www.moveonpac.org/donate/switchad_winners.html">raise $1M in 24 hours</a> to keep things going. I'm a huge fan of this campaign. It was very effective with Apple, and I think it could make a difference in this election.<p> Moveon PAC poll-tested the ads as well and according to them: <em>Our testing shows that the MoveOn members featured in these ads are genuine, compelling, and different enough to cut through the noise.</em> <p> I hope they're right. rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _47189 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 16:28:13 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/29/47034/-Tell-Kurtz-MoveonPAC-is-NOT-a-527 Today on CNN <a href="http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0408/29/rs.00.html">Howard Kurtz</a> shamelessly -- shamelessly! -- compared MoveonPAC's ads to the SBL ads and even outright called MoveonPAC a 527 group. I find that particularly astounding since he said "PAC" himself:<p> <blockquote>KURTZ: Now, MoveOn.org PAC, the liberal group, has been running -- has made ads with celebrities, including Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, who picks up a Republican in her car and convinces him to vote against Bush. I guess they're going to send it to all 50 states.<p> I mention MoveOn, because there are a lot of liberal groups, as you know, Debra Saunders, these 527s -- have there been a double standard in the media in not trying to make Kerry denounce the liberal ads, while reporters ask the president every day, why won't you disassociate yourself from the swift boat ads?</blockquote><p> Honest-to-God, he knows better. We know he knows better, and still, on a show about how the media is doing, he spews a blatant falsehood to his audience, reinforcing the idea that MoveonPAC ads are from a 527 and should (and would if Bush had is way) be outlawed. That is a false statement. <p> You can write him <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?25">here</a> (unless someone has an email address for him). rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _47034 Sun, 29 Aug 2004 18:59:05 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/24/46055/-Rubin-retracting-his-statement-on-Kerry-and-Iraq Rubin is admitting he screwed up in saying that Kerry "in all probability" would have gone into Iraq. It's late, but here it is in the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29593-2004Aug24.html">Post</a>:<p> <blockquote>A top national security adviser to John F. Kerry today said that he made a mistake when he said the Democratic nominee probably would have launched a military invasion to oust Saddam Hussein if he had been president during the past four years. [snip]<p> "To the extent that my own comments have contributed to misunderstanding on this issue. . . . I never should have said the phrase 'in all probability' because that's not Kerry's position and he's never said it," Rubin said in a statement. "That was my mistake." [snip]<p> In an interview today, Rubin said it is unknowable whether Kerry would have waged the war. "Bush went to war the wrong way," Rubin said. "What we don't know is what would have happened if a president had gone about it the right way."</blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _46055 Tue, 24 Aug 2004 23:13:31 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/22/45559/-Buchanan-slams-Bush-in-new-book In the uproar of SBL, I haven't seen any significant mention of a prominent story in today's NYT -- Buchanan has a new book out this week called "Where the Right Went Wrong" taking on Bush and the other losers who got us into the mess in Iraq, the deficit, etc. The release date and surrounding publicity is specifically timed for just before the RNC in order to have the greatest impact.<p> We need to do what we can to see that his book and criticism of Bush is not swallowed up by more SBL nonsense.<p> <blockquote>"<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/22/politics/22buchanan.html">He has a following</a> in conservative circles," said Paul Weyrich, a veteran conservative organizer. "It is not what it once was just because the religious right is not particularly enamored with him. But it is going to have an effect."<p> In an interview, however, Mr. Buchanan said publishing a book during the campaign was the best way he knew to inject what he considers important ideas into the debate. "The reason I wanted it out now is, it addresses big issues that are not being addressed in this campaign: the massive and growing deficit, the disintegration of the culture and a Wilsonian foreign policy that means war ad infinitum," he said.</blockquote><p> He's not endorsing Kerry, of course, but all criticism of Bush by the Right is most welcome. rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _45559 Sun, 22 Aug 2004 15:58:58 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/19/45154/-And-the-next-front-starts-Conason-has-the-scoop Well, Joe Conason <a href="http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2004/08/20/chetwynd_bossie/index.html">has the scoop</a> on the forthcoming anti-Kerry, We-can-be-F911 too, "documentary" from RNC friends, Citizens United.<p> You remember them. They were the same ones who gave Moore all that priceless advertising on the eve of the opening of Fahrenheit 9/11 where they demanded that the FEC shut Moore down from advertising his film on television.<p> Now they plan to release a feature-length documentary -- including many of the allegations of our esteemed Swift Boat Veterans for Revenge -- saying that Kerry is a scumbag. Oh, and that OBL wants him to win.<p> Conason's most important point: This "film" is made by people with clear and close ties to both Rove and the RNC (they are making two shorts for the RNC convention) and they may, in fact, be in violation of the same laws they claimed Moore was violating. (More friends of Rove involved in obliterating Kerry. Who'da thought?)<p> If the movie poster Salon has up is right, it's a keeper -- Kerry right next to OBL and SH with our beaming "Mission Accomplished" president hovering above (see below, but beware of gag reflex).<br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _45154 Fri, 20 Aug 2004 04:53:38 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/18/44755/-Errol-Morris-in-New-Yorker-Creating-Political-Switch-Ads There is a great article in the <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/printable/?fact/040823fa_fact">New Yorker</a> about Errol Morris's ad campaign profiling former Bush supporters who are now voting for Kerry (or against Bush, shall we say).<p> Morris actually went to Kerry's campaign months ago and wanted to do the ads for them, one including Kerry himself talking into the camera to help with his "connection" -- or lack thereof -- to regular folks. Ultimately the campaign wanted to stay cautious and never gave him a final yes or no, so he took the idea to <a href="http://www.moveonpac.org">MoveOn</a>. Of course, they immediately jumped on it.<p> Since we've seen many of the ads, it's interesting to read some of the backstories of the people in them. [more...] rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _44755 Wed, 18 Aug 2004 15:36:59 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/16/44417/-Democrats-Outhustling-GOP-in-Florida That's the headline from an article in the St. Petersburg Times from Friday (written pre-Charley, so there is no reference to its impact).<p> I found the article through <a href="http://gadflyer.com/articles/?ArticleID=185">gadflyer</a>. It's got some very encouraging news and makes the case that the Kerry lead in two FL polls are not flukes. Some highlights:<p> <ul> <li> The ACT &amp; Kerry groundgame is working -- Dems have registered 129,000 new voters compared to 75,000 new GOP voters.<p> <li> ACT already has 300 paid workers in FL and will have spent $10M in the state when all is said and done<p> <li> At this time in 2000, Gore was just beginning to spend time in FL. Kerry, OTOH, has made 13 visits since March (Bush 8 since Jan).<p> <li> FL GOP re-elect chairman admits: We underestimated the number of resources outside liberal groups would pour into Florida.<p> <li> Republicans starting to go on the record saying Bush is in trouble in FL.<p> </ul> A <a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/13/Decision2004/Democrats_outhustling.shtml">couple of excerpts</a>: rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _44417 Mon, 16 Aug 2004 19:59:36 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/13/43995/-New-Bush-Ad-Spreading-Democracy Okay, GW has a <a href="http://www.georgewbush.com/Default.aspx">new ad</a> out today tying the Olympics (predictably) to the outstanding Bush policy of spreading Democracy throughout the world. The ad even shows the Afghanistan and Iraq flags while a woman -- presumably ecstatic about being from a Democratic country -- swims to victory. The fact that Iraq is far from being a Democracy is not really the point here, clearly.<p> I have to say, I'm pretty surprised about this ad. Is spreading Democracy throughout the world really a priority for the (relatively xenophobic) American public? If you are sitting in Ohio, are you thinking, "Cool. We're spreading Democracy," or are you thinking, "What the hell is going to happen to <em>me</em> in the next four years?"<p> Maybe I'm wrong and this ad is pushing the right buttons somewhere. After all, the ad also evokes for me Black's fantastic piece on The Daily Show yesterday: "Keep false hope alive! Keep false hope alive!"<br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _43995 Fri, 13 Aug 2004 18:20:16 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/13/43969/-Kucinich-fantastic-Kerry-surrogate I've been unable to find a transcript, unfortunately, but he was on Inside Politics yesterday and shocked me at how strong an advocate he is for Kerry.<p> First Kucinich blasted Bushco for trying to trap Kerry on his Iraq vote. Kucinich said: "This is Bush's war. This is Bush's blunder. He can't blame anyone else. Kerry is the only hope we have of being successful in Iraq and getting our troops home. He's our only hope."<p> Then he was asked to respond to Cheney's attack on the "sensitive" bit. He said a couple of not terribly memorable things and then the real attack came: "And by the way, Vice President Cheney made that speech in <em>Ohio,</em> in my home state where we've lost a quarter of a million jobs, and he did not mention "jobs" once. Not once! All he did was come here to make a ridiculous attack and try to distract us from the real issues."<p> There are some Kerry communication aides who could learn a thing or two from that interview. Kucinich stood up for Kerry better than anyone I've heard in the last week. I realize that people outside the campaign can say things that those inside the campaign cannot say, but I'm tired of the deer-in-the-headlights look every time they are asked about Kerry's stupid "authority" reaffirmation. It's their job to turn the tables on Bush, not to stumble through a defense of the position.<br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _43969 Fri, 13 Aug 2004 16:32:03 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/11/43586/-Bush-Secrecy-and-Loyalty-Oathes-coming-back-to-haunt-him I know this diary is very short, but I decided it was worth it.<p> Here's a tv screenshot from the K/E blog, I've been told in the comments is from a Portland, OR station today.<p> <img src="http://blog.johnkerry.com/blog/archives/Invitation.jpg"><p> Can we say "image problem?" rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _43586 Thu, 12 Aug 2004 00:43:50 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/9/43183/-Nightline-thread okay, I thought I'd start it.<p> The opening piece was good, it leaned our way. There was much more skepticism toward the swift boat liars than to JK's record.<p> now the next segment... rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _43183 Tue, 10 Aug 2004 04:20:58 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/7/27/40363/-Hannity-on-Franken-Now it's getting ugly.<p> <a href="http://www.airamericaradio.com/"><a href="http://www.airamericaradio.com/">http://www.airamericaradio.com/</a></a> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _40363 Tue, 27 Jul 2004 17:12:34 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/7/26/40195/-More-good-trends-in-NV-Bush-up-by-only-3 March numbers in parens.<p> Bush 46% (49)<br> Kerry 43% (38)<br> Nader 4% (?)<p> In March Kerry was back by 11%, now he's only back by 3% and the poll includes Nader at 4%.<p> <a href="http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=2088583&amp;nav=15MVPB73">Las Vegas Review-Journal</a> conducted the poll.<p> <blockquote>The presidential race in Nevada has tightened significantly and is beginning to reflect its national status as a battleground state. The Republican ticket of George Bush and Dick Cheney led the Democratic ticket of John Kerry and John Edwards 46 percent to 43 percent. <p> Seven percent were undecided, and four percent went for Ralph Nader, who's heading the independent ticket. The new numbers are significantly closer than a similar poll conducted in March, which showed Bush up 49 percent to 38 percent over Kerry with 9 percent undecided.</blockquote><p> <a href="http://www.reviewjournal.com/special/polls/july2004/0725/president.html">Internals seem to be here</a>. Bush has a slight edge with Independents, but Nader is taking 8% of them. rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _40195 Mon, 26 Jul 2004 21:22:13 +0000 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/7/24/39944/-Political-Junkies-OH-focus-group-on-C-Span This is the only diary I've done with a news flash, but if you are able to watch C-Span online or on television right now, the focus group they are running with undecideds in OH is phenomenal. This is not the CNN "let's get all points of view" absurdity. These seem to actually be the coveted "undecided" voter -- people with jobs and families trying to make their way in the world.<p> Jobs and healthcare are the overwhelming top issues for these people, yet Abu Ghraib is one of the two most enduring images they have of the last year.<p> I was especially struck when the person I had pegged as the most conservative in the group cited the Anti-gay marriage amendment as the <em>least important</em> issue going on right now. He said, "We've already wasted two Amendments out of 27 -- one start to prohibition and one to end it. Social issues are not the place to change the Constitution."<p> Here's a link <a href="http://www.c-span.org">online</a>.<br> rss@dailykos.com (lapis) _39944 Sun, 25 Jul 2004 00:49:20 +0000