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10/31/04 :: By William Hare Telling The Real Story About JeffersonCategories :: Books
When I was first becoming politically active and living in Southern California, which was then an exciting if erratic “57 varieties” political stomping ground, I curiously visited the leading right wing bookstore in the area, located in Hollywood behind the insurance office of the man who ran it fervently with his wife. I often wondered how he could make any money in the insurance office due to its neglect in favor of concentrating on the activist bookstore.
10/31/04 :: By William Hare Clergy Challenge View That "God is a Republican"Categories :: Election 2004
One of the bright spots of the closing sprint of the marathon 2004 presidential campaign is that members of the clergy are now taking aim on the Bush effort to monopolize religious values. As many of us have previously pointed out, the Christian values the Bush religious right claims a monopoly are antithetical to the teachings of Christ himself. Jewish progressive observer Al Franken noted this recently.
10/31/04 :: By Stu Finkel Young Cell Phone Users: Kerry 55, Bush 40Categories :: Polling
A new Zogby cell phone text messaging poll of voters 18-29 finds Kerry well ahead of Bush, 55 to 40.
10/31/04 :: By Tom Ball Tracking Polls Looking Good for KerryCategories :: Polling
Bush can't even break 46% in the Fox News tracking poll. Keep in mind that if an incumbent fails to consistently poll over 50%...well...BC04 is in DEEP trouble.
10/31/04 :: By Tom Ball Word on the Ground in New MexicoCategories :: Election 2004
Reports on the Ground in New Mexico seem to be consistent with what I'm hearing from Ohio, Florida and Iowa.
10/31/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Pete's PredictionsCategories :: Election 2004
Pete goes out on a limb - a day early.
10/31/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough Democracy’s New ChallengeCategories :: Elections
The release of the OBL tape has generated mixed, if somewhat muted, responses in the mainstream media’s last full news cycle of the Presidential election. Fortunately, the Internet community operates under fewer restraints regarding copy deadlines. As political consultants scramble to re-shape strategies for each tarmac touchdown, any glitch in the expected daily framework presents an opportunity. But for a brief moment, pundits, campaigns, and viewers alike appeared to be caught in mid-stride, interrupted before heading into the final weekend before the big finish. Although both political candidates responded to the tape’s release in understated comments, the differences were subtle but telling.
10/31/04 :: By Tom Ball Must Read Excerpts from a Dem Strategists Conference CallCategories :: Election 2004 :: Polling
The Kerry Campaign brain machine got together and spilled its guts on the OBL tape, battleground states, and Kerry's chances on Tuesday. Lot's of great stuff, so I included all the interesting tidbits.
10/31/04 :: By Bob Kendall Bush Can't Fight a War on Terrorism! We Went to War for Oil! Can Americans Feel Safer?Categories :: Bush Administration
When asked about getting Osama bin Laden, who was definitely involved in 9/11, Bush at one point declared, “I don’t even think about him.” On the evening news on October 29, the networks presented the latest bin Laden message to the U.S. Apparently Osama bin Laden was thinking about Bush and the U.S. when he said words to this effect, “The U.S. can prepare for another attack if it doesn’t change its policy toward Israel.”
10/31/04 :: By Tom Ball Kentucky Wildcats Indicator Says Kerry Wins on TuesdayCategories :: Election 2004
"...if you look at the last two times an incumbent president has won re-election, we found that the Kentucky Wildcats had made the Final Four. This is in 1996 and in 1984. In the last two times incumbent presidents have lost re-election, a Kentucky team was not in there. So not sure if two is a trend, but if it is, George W. Bush better be rooting for the current No. 1-ranked team in the country, Kentucky, to make it to the Final Four if he wants to win re-election."
10/30/04 :: By William Hare If You Are a True Conservative You Must Reject BushCategories :: Bush Administration
The word conservative is derived from conserve. To conserve is to behave prudently. In a political context the word conservative is linked to tradition, to move with caution, operating in lockstep with tried and true propositions and fundamental concepts whose validity have been proven over time.
10/30/04 :: By Stu Finkel Poll Internals: A ComparisonCategories :: Polling
Newsweek releases another Republican slanted poll; Democracy Corps has more believable Party breakdown figures.
10/30/04 :: By Stu Finkel A Winning Combination: Upper MidwestCategories :: Electoral College
Kerry will win by holding the upper midwest and Pennsylvania, regardless of which way Florida flips.
10/30/04 :: By Tom Ball The Irony of Bin LadenCategories :: Election 2004
If the tape was of anyone other than Bin Laden, I might be worried. As it is, I actually think the footage will be a mild plus for the Kerry camp. The thinking is this. Bush supporters would naturally want some sort of 'October Surprise' that reminds the voters of the need for Bush. Given that he polls strongest on the issue of fighting terrorism (for some reason), their ideal surprise would be some sort of terror warning. What these supporters would NOT want is something that reminds the voters of Bush's failures in fighting terrorism.
10/30/04 :: By Stu Finkel Let's Not Forget HalliburtonCategories :: Bush Administration :: Corporate Welfare :: Criminal Acts
There's been so much material to indict the Bush administration this week that the extremely telling story of the Halliburton investigation is in danger of slipping through the cracks. So let's give it some much deserved airtime: The U.S. Army...
10/30/04 :: By Tom Ball BREAKING NEWS: Bin Laden Alive and Well and Spreading Terrorist Propaganda While Bush has Our Troops Locked up in IraqCategories :: Election 2004 :: Terrorism
Until now, everyone I associate with, on the left and the right felt quite sincerely that Osama Bin Laden had been turned to dust by some daisy cutter in the Afghan desert. Surprise. Bin Laden lives, and he felt compelled to appeal to the American population just days before the election. So what is the effect on the election?
10/30/04 :: By Tom Ball More on the Pentagon's Newest Al Qaqaa AssertionCategories :: Propaganda/Spin
More on Friday's CNN press conference with Pentagon Spokesperson Lawrence de Rita, and Major Austin Pearson regarding the Pentagon's newest assertion that some of the Al Qaqaa explosives might have been removed by US troops.
10/30/04 :: By Stu Finkel GOP Strategy: Obfuscate, Obstruct, Create False EquivalencyCategories :: Election 2004
The constant cries of fraud from the GOP and its minions is already making clear what is going to happen on election day
10/30/04 :: By William Hare 9/11 Conspirators met with Bush Officials After the AttackCategories :: Bush Administration
Bush Administration officials repeatedly met with terrorists linked to 9/11 such as Sami al-Arian and Abdurahman al-Amoudi even after the attack, The MadCowMorningNews has learned.
10/30/04 :: By Tom Ball Kerry and the Democrats Enter the Pre-Election Weekend with the BIG MO!Categories :: Election 2004
This is it folks. The weekend begins tonight and Monday will be all about the election process. And correct me if I'm wrong but EVERYTHING (no jinx allowed) seems to be flowing either in the Democrats' favor or at least out of the Republicans' favor.
10/29/04 :: By Bob Kendall The Stakes Are Higher in This Election Than We Could Ever ImagineCategories :: Bush Administration
I am completely puzzled as to why George Bush was not impeached for the obvious war criminal activity of dashing off to the Iraq War without any provable justification. I thought that American society prided itself on being civilized enough to believe in “law and order.”
10/29/04 :: By Tom Ball Pentagon Suggests Some Explosives Might Have Been Removed by US SoldiersCategories :: Election 2004
As I write this, the Pentagon has rolled out a soldier in a press conference on CNN claiming to have removed 200 to 250 tons of munitions from some bunkers in the area of Al Qaqaa.
10/29/04 :: By Stu Finkel Cats on Capitol HillCategories :: Satire
George Bush is taking a stroll around Capitol Hill with a senior member of Congress when he meets a little girl carrying a small basket with a blanket over it.
10/29/04 :: By Delton Murphy Reclaiming Humanity: A Progressive Pep TalkCategories :: Election 2004 :: Elections
Many of us have been literally counting the days to November 2, 2004 and we must not let the onslaught of problems occurring at the polls across the country break our stride. None of this should be surprising. They did it last year and most of us knew they were going to do it again this year. We've come much too far to let the devastating reports of deliberate disenfranchisement overwhelm us. Don't let "Defeatism" on our part be Bush's October Surprise!
10/29/04 :: By Delton Murphy Voting Wrongs of the RightCategories :: Criminal Acts :: Discrimination :: Election 2004 :: Elections :: Republicans
This year's election theft tactic isn't limited to illegally purging Black voters from the voter rolls. This time the Republicans are challenging the federally guaranteed use of provisional ballots. This is crazy because the reason some voters are requesting a provisional ballot is because they were erroneously purged from the voter rolls in the first place!
10/29/04 :: By William Hare The Evidence Begs a Fundamental Question: Did the Cheney-Bush Junta Commit War Crimes?Categories :: Criminal Acts
Two smoking guns have recently surfaced concerning activities of the Bush Administration in the long period leading up to the Iraq War. When considered in the face of earlier evidence the question must be asked whether this information warrants under international law a trial against members of the Cheney-Bush junta for the commission of war crimes.
10/29/04 :: By Tom Ball Affiliate Video was Certainly Al QaqaaCategories :: Iraq
The New York Times this morning presents new evidence in the form of expert analysis of the ABC affiliate Al Qaqaa video.
10/29/04 :: By Stu Finkel An Election in Doubt: Follow-UpCategories :: Election 2004
Several days ago I posted an entry entitled "Shot Across the Bow: An Election in Doubt." In it I detailed all of the abuses and questionable situations that have already, ahead of time, thrown this presidential election in doubt. To add to that list, here are just a few of the things that have come up in the last several days. While the long lines and glitches in early voting have received much attention (if it all has you down, see the Daily Show's Election 2004: Fiasco Preview [video link]), today we'll focus on the various Republican efforts at voter suppression. And, yes, despite the fact that the GOP loves to say that provisional ballots are just a-okay, and no should be alarmed, this of course is not the case. As the NAACP noted on Thursday:
10/29/04 :: By Tom Ball ABC News Picks up Affiliate's Al Qaqaa StoryCategories :: Election 2004 :: Iraq
Finally, the Network has picked up its affiliate's bombshell story. So far I have only seen the online article. Let me know if you see it mentioned on Television or in other media. Strange, Drudge seems to be avoiding this story like the plague.
10/29/04 :: By Tom Ball IAEA Seals Were Still Intact on April 18, 2003Categories :: Iraq
Once again, the ABC affiliate, KSTP in Minneapolis has the scoop.
10/28/04 :: By Tom Ball Al Qaqaa RundownCategories :: Iraq
Lot's o' revelations appearing on the issue of Al Qaqaa...and they all point in one direction -- that the site was looted AFTER the invasion.
10/28/04 :: By Tom Ball Pressure ABC News to Air its Affiliate's Exclusive on the Missing Explosives at Al QaqaaCategories :: Bush Administration :: Election 2004 :: Iraq
It is critically important that ABC News air the story and video of their affiliate, KSTP in Minneapolis. We can make that happen: Email ABC World News Tonight at: NETAUDR@abc.com
10/28/04 :: By Drew Johnston A Glimpse Into the FutureCategories :: Campaigns
Ridiculous stunts, biased polls, cheap political pandering - let's see what the Clouded Crystal Ball has in store for the final week of this election season.
10/28/04 :: By Delton Murphy It's The War, StupidCategories :: Bush Administration :: Election 2004 :: Kerry, John :: Progressive Strategy
Despite what the pundits, the corporate media and the Bush Administration continue to proclaim, it's not the economy, it's not same sex marriage, and it's not unemployment. The biggest concern on most people's mind is the war. The anti-war protest at the Republican National Convention in New York, (the largest in US history), and the recent presidential debates prove that war and terrorism is of primary concern to most American voters.
10/28/04 :: By Stu Finkel Your GOP: Disasters 'R' UsCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Not content to try to use global terrorism as a means both to ramrod through their radical rightwing agenda and as the central plank in their re-election strategy, the Bush campaign is also counting on natural disasters. But they have found, much to their disappointment, that the Florida hurricanes haven't given them the electoral boost they were hoping for.
10/28/04 :: By Tom Ball Top 31 Conclusions Jumped to by the Bush Administration: It's All About IraqCategories :: Bush Administration
Today George W. Bush told the American people that, "... a political candidate who jumps to conclusions without knowing the facts is not a person you want as your Commander in Chief."
And he was absolutely correct. In fact, to help President Bush complete his argument, we’re offering the top 30 Conclusions that Bush and his administration jumped to regarding Iraq that illustrate unequivocally that Bush is absolutely ‘not a person you want as your Commander in Chief!’
10/28/04 :: By Tom Ball VIDEO ALERT: Governor Bush Caught on TapeCategories :: George W. Bush
Let's all say hello to our hero George W. Bush. Here's a quaint little video of the dark lord back when he was Governor of the great state of Texas. And. Yes. It's a real, untouched video. 100% Genuine jackass.
10/27/04 :: By Bob Kendall God, The Devil and George BushCategories :: George W. Bush
Take the case of the Los Angeles Times report of a man who was apparently desperate to return home to talk to God who hijacked a bus with eight people on a 320 mile dash across the desert before police killed him when his journey ended in his driveway in Colton, California.
10/27/04 :: By Stu Finkel CBS/NY Times Poll May Have Shown Kerry up by 9 in FloridaCategories :: Polling
CBS/NY Times are refusing to release a poll that may have shown Kerry up by 9 in Florida.
10/27/04 :: By Tom Ball Bush Gave Blair the Date of the Iraq Invasion 5 MONTHS IN ADVANCECategories :: Iraq :: Lies
Secret plans for the war in Iraq were passed to British Army chiefs by US defense planners five months before the invasion was launched, a court martial heard yesterday. The revelation strengthened suspicions that Tony Blair gave his agreement to President George Bush to go to war while the diplomatic efforts to force Saddam Hussein to comply with UN resolutions were continuing.
10/27/04 :: By Tom Ball Battleground PollsCategories :: Election 2004 :: Polling
Looking at three independent pollsters: Have to say, I'm feeling pretty good about all of these! Don't understand the Zogby numbers though...showing Kerry in the lead in Colorado -- an outlier. Hmmm. Also, even if Zogby is correct with the OHIO numbers, it doesn't bode well for Bush if the best he can pull is 46% of the vote. Remember, undecideds break for the challenger and all that.
10/27/04 :: By William Hare We Invaded Iraq Due to Cheney With Bush Signing OnCategories :: Books
Two of the most important books to read concerning the 2004 presidential election are Seymour Hersh’s revealing “Chain of Command” and “Dick: The Man Who Is President” by Madison (Wisconsin) Capital Times and Nation reporter John Nichols. It was Nichols who penned one of the most informative works on the 2000 post-presidential election pyrotechnics with “Jews For Buchanan.”
10/27/04 :: By Tom Ball Iraq Explosives Were Looted AFTER the InvasionCategories :: Lies
Let's get this straight. The Iraq explosives were looted after the Invasion. Despite this, the right wing and the ignorant, lazy media will continue to cloud the issue, suggesting that 'nobody knows' when the material was stolen or worse, "It was gone when we got there". Here's two things you have to know. Throw these in the faces of those in denial and suggest that just once in their miserable lives, they should take collective responsibility for our collective mistakes.
10/27/04 :: By Stu Finkel Shot Across the Bow: An Election in DoubtCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004 :: Criminal Acts :: Election 2004
The results of the Presidential Election of 2004 are not yet in, but they are already almost irreversibly tainted by fraud, irregularities and uncertainty. Unless the margin of victory for one of the two candidates is more than polls are currently suggesting then the legitimacy of this election has already been cast into doubt.
10/27/04 :: By Bob Kendall The Devil and George BushCategories :: Bush Administration
“The Devil and George Bush” might sound disrespectful to some Republicans and Democrats. But let’s analyze this connection with some logic.
10/26/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Bush Failed to Perform His Military Duty And Has Failed America as Commander In ChiefCategories :: Military
The AP story released today on the military records of George W. Bush that were released as a result of the AP lawsuit shows how the press fails to understand the military. The story claims that the harshest attacks on Bush have been by Democrats that claim that Bush was a deserter or absent without leave. You just don’t get it do you. Let me spell it out. The military requires you to attend or be present every occasion that it states. NO EXCUSES. If you are not there then you are ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE. It means you are not present and you have not provided any material to alter that status. Deserting your post means that you did not show as required by the military.
10/26/04 :: By Tom Ball Bush Favors Gay Civil Unions (Part II)Categories :: Gay Rights
Believe it or not, Bush has always had the position that he opposes 'Same-Sex Marriage' while deferring the issue of 'Civil Unions' to the states.
10/26/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship I Didn’t Know that I (was) UnAmericanCategories :: Election 2004
It is truly remarkable how creative the progressive side of the brain can be. Please listen and support. I only wish it could play on every tv station.
*I Didn’t Know that I (was) UnAmerican*
10/26/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Bush Favors Gay Civil UnionsCategories :: Gay Rights
An interview of George W. Bush by Charles Gibson of ABC’s “Good Morning America” that aired on Monday and Tuesday has Bush siding with gay civil unions if a state wishes to enact those laws. So Bush now supports Vermont’s law that legalized same sex civil unions. In fact when pressed on the issue Bush said that he did not support the Republican Party platform that opposed civil unions. He believes that states should have the right to pass laws that “enable people to have rights like others.”
10/26/04 :: By Tom Ball Refuting Drudge: Pentagon Officials Say the Al-Qaqaa Looting was The U.S.'s FaultCategories :: Iraq :: Lies
This Morning, The Drudge Report boasts the headline, "NBCNEWS: CACHE OF EXPLOSIVES VANISHED FROM SITE IN IRAQ BEFORE TROOPS ARRIVED... ". The link leads to a story written by Drudge describing a report he saw on Television last night. Specifically, he notes the passage:
10/26/04 :: By William Hare Lakoff Frames a New Progressive AgendaCategories :: Film Reviews
George Lakoff has broken interesting new ground at the Rockridge Institute. The linguistics professor at the University California at Berkeley has led the movement in helping shape a new progressive political agenda after conceding that conservatives had achieved a big lead in the important realm of establishing message as a means of prevailing in ongoing debate.
10/25/04 :: By William Hare Rasmussen Now Has Kerry Ahead, Gallup Does Some SpinningCategories :: Election 2004
The Scott Rasmussen poll, which has had Kerry trailing since August 23, reveals a 2-point edge for the Democratic candidate in today’s poll, 48 to 46 percent. Also significantly, for the first time today Rasmussen records a negative rating for Bush on whether the U.S. is winning the war on terror. If Kerry can chip away on “the emperor has no clothes” argument that the claims on the part of Bush propagandists that American is safer under his command then he is likely to triumph.
10/25/04 :: By Bob Kendall Did Alleged "Born Again Bush" Ever Read The Ten Commandments?Categories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Before the Ten Commandments there was the Code of Hammurabi, with similar admonitions for maintaining s stable society. Christians claim to believe in the Ten Commandments. Cecil B. DeMille even made a remarkable movie starring gun guru Charlton Heston playing Moses in “The Ten Commandments.”
10/25/04 :: By Tom Ball Bush 'Wants to Get to the Bottom' of His Administration's Gross Incompetence in IraqCategories :: Iraq
As you know, 350 tons of high explosives, which were under IAEA auspices during the reign of Saddam, were looted during the early days of the US occupation into Iraq. It seems the Administration opted to forego protection of such high value targets (ammo depots) in exchange for increased protection around the nation's oil pumps. Defend against terrorism, my ass.
10/25/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Bush You’re An AssholeCategories :: George W. Bush
This online video presentation sums it up: Bush You’re An Asshole
10/25/04 :: By Delton Murphy Black Faces in High Places: Top 31 Reasons Why Ethnic Communities Will Vote For John KerryCategories :: Civil Rights :: Discrimination :: Election 2004 :: Polling :: Reference
Let's leave the land of delusion for awhile and highlight a few unpleasant facts of life under Bush over the last couple of years by taking a look at how George W. fares with civil rights and ethnic communites across the county. So before you start contemplating life as a Canadian just in case the unspeakable occurs on election day, arm yourself with the facts.
10/25/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Don’t Stop Thinking About TomorrowCategories :: Elections
The entry of Bill Clinton into the election 2004 fray makes me envious of all those people in Philadelphia that get to see him. His appearance on Good Morning America was remarkable not because he looks the thinnest I have ever seen him but his insight about his life and the recent operation. It is that remarkable moment when it stops becoming all about him and becomes about others. I saw that in what Clinton had to say this morning.
10/25/04 :: By Tom Ball Target: FloridaCategories :: Polling
Entering into the final week before the election, we start to feel the burning importance of the polls, if not for a reality check, then for an inspiring spark of confidence. Florida's St. Petersburg Times gives us the following rundown of these final critical days.
10/24/04 :: By William Hare Should America Be Pushed to the Brink of Nuclear War to Energize Bush's Base Among Christian Right Wing Extremists?Categories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Kevin Phillips was a former Nixon Administration operative who still classifies himself as a conservative. He also believes in separation of church and state, but in an appearance Friday night on Bill Moyers Now he told the show’s host that on the subject of religion, “We need to have a debate on this subject.”
10/24/04 :: By Stu Finkel Abolish the Electoral CollegeCategories :: Electoral College
Political Strategy's own Tom Ball wrote a definitive pair of pieces on the moral and practical imperatives for the abolition of the Electoral College several months ago: So, what is the solution? You know as well as I do that...
10/24/04 :: By Tom Ball Media Preparing for a Kerry WinCategories :: Election 2004
With only days left to the Election, it seems the pollsters are trying to prepare the electorate for another electoral win by the popular vote loser -- only this time, they predict the Democrat will be the electoral winner.
10/23/04 :: By Tom Ball UK Guardian Speaks for the World?Categories :: Election 2004
Holey Moley! Charlie Brooker of the UK Guardian wrote an alarming assault on Bush -- like none I've read or heard before in the mainstream media, international or otherwise.
10/23/04 :: By Tom Ball Democrats Lead in Early Voting: Vote Now!Categories :: Election 2004
If you live in one of these states, then you can vote before election day, November 2nd. Bank your vote now and avoid all the potential pitfalls of waiting till the final day -- long lines, glitches, technical breakdowns, voter intimidation, and general GOP voting fraud designed to invalidate your vote.
10/23/04 :: By William Hare Clinton Might Have Lied, but Under Bush People DiedCategories :: Film Reviews
Based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name by Gene Lyons and Joe Conason, “The Hunting of the President” is an explosive DVD telling the incredible story of how a coup d’etat by highly financed right wing operatives launched against a popular American president almost succeeded.
10/22/04 :: By Bob Kendall Pulpit PoliticsCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Not since the Salem witchcraft trials have we seen such a surge in religious gasping for political power. The United States went through one of its darkest moments, when the religious crazies held sway and designated the alleged witches. Crowds cheered lustily as they were disposed of in hideous ways.
10/22/04 :: By Drew Johnston The Deification of George W. BushCategories :: Conservatives :: George W. Bush :: Religion
The right-wing Christians in the conservative power structure are trying to make Bush into some sort of saint. Am I the only one that's disgusted by this?
10/22/04 :: By Stu Finkel Feeling Blue in PA (and OH)Categories :: Polling
Good news on the polling front in PA and OH: A Qunnipiac Poll has Kerry up 51-46 in PA among Likely Voters; a Gallup Poll has Kerry up 50-44 in OH among Registered Voters.
10/22/04 :: By Stu Finkel Making Some CallsCategories :: Activism
The Kerry campaign is looking for more then a few good women and men to join an army of vote searchers on November 2nd.
10/22/04 :: By Bob Kendall Americans Held Hostage by Bush and Pharmaceutical CompaniesCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Flu shots are not available to all Americans that need them now, which begs the question: How can an Administration that can’t even have flu shots available when Americans need them for all citizens who depend on them extricate the U.S. out of the religious war quagmire in Iraq?
10/22/04 :: By William Hare 60 Reasons Why George Bush Must be DefeatedCategories :: Election 2004
With November 2 rapidly approaching, it is time to set forth some basic reasons why George Bush has been a past disaster with an even more calamitous future awaiting us should he remain in the White House.
10/21/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Make No Mistake About ItCategories :: Lies
Like many people and fellow bloggers the Pat Robertson story caught my attention. I focused in on the most sensational aspect of the story, that is the recalling by Robertson of Bush’s statement about no casualties and then the subsequent back and forth with the White House. I guess Robertson now knows how it feels to be slimed by the White House. However I am guilty of a mistake. I thought that was the important part of the interview. On second reading I realize that the important part was toward the end of the interview.Robertson wants Bush to admit mistakes
10/21/04 :: By Tom Ball Is the Bush Administration Supressing the Price of Gas?Categories :: Economy
I guess suppressing only the vote isn't enough for this administration. It seems that the price of gas has suspiciously dropped in the face of rocketing oil prices. This is directly counter to the tight correlation that this commodity and its derivative have experienced in past years.
10/21/04 :: By Tom Ball Rockridge Institute: How the Progressive Web can Frame the Debate for the Entire NationCategories :: Framing 101 :: Progressive Strategy
Thus, we invite Mr. Lakoff and the Rockridge Institute to join with us to nurture a culture of disciplined unity in the progressive community -- a launching pad for promoting the progressive frames that will define the American ideological landscape for subsequent generations.
10/21/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Bush Aides Call Pat Robertson a LiarCategories :: Iraq
It is truly incredible. White House Spokesman Scott McClellan said "The president never made such a comment," This is in reference Pat Robertson recalling George W. Bush telling him that “Oh, no, we’re not going to have any casualties.” This was before the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
10/20/04 :: By Mel Valentin The Motorcycle DiariesCategories :: Film Reviews
Political tract or conventional narrative, The Motorcycle Diaries proves to be an artistic failure, an occasionally admirable or engaging failure, but a failure nonetheless. It offers little in the way of clearly articulated political ideas (and ideals), and, when viewed...
10/20/04 :: By Bob Kendall Bush's Barbaric Concept of War!Categories :: Bush Administration
Bush’s so-called pre-emptive war policy is a return to Stone Age barbarism. The world had advanced, with carefully thought out rules and regulations of when a nation is justified in conducting war. Thoughtful peace loving and intelligent men and women had recognized that every nation should follow certain logical rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct of war, understanding that especially in the atomic and nuclear age, some madman might start the war that could end the world.
10/20/04 :: By Tom Ball Kids Pick Kerry to Be the Next PresidentCategories :: Election 2004
Kid power! Democrat John Kerry is the winner, and the rest of the country should pay attention because the vote on Nickelodeon's Web site has correctly chosen the president of the United States in the past four elections.
10/20/04 :: By Delton Murphy The Power of Positive Poll ProjectionCategories :: Election 2004
While it's true there exists a noticeable amount of division in America right now, there is also an equal, if not greater amount of unity.
10/20/04 :: By Stu Finkel The Faith-Based Presidency, Laura Bush, and The Grand InquisitorCategories :: George W. Bush :: Philosophy :: Religion
George W. Bush's faith-based presidency is based on the fallacy that true belief depends on being unquestioning. Even Laura Bush's favorite author Dostoyevsky, himself an ardent Christian conservative, knew better: faith is based precisely on being free to not believe, and to believe nonetheless.
10/20/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Delusional Bush Tells Robertson “No Casualties in Iraqi War”Categories :: Iraq
It almost sounds too crazy to be true but there it was on CNN. Pat Robertson opens up with a shocker that George W. Nashville told him in Nashville before the American invasion of Iraq “We’re not going to have any casualties.” Read the transcript for yourself ”We’re not going to have any casualties”
10/20/04 :: By Tom Ball Top 35 Trends that say Kerry will Take the White House in NovemberCategories :: Election 2004
This election is not just any old presidential election. To Progressives, this is literally a matter of life and death. This 'do or die' perception is what is going to drive progressives and moderates to the polls in record numbers to end the madness. This is why the traditionally apathetic 18-24 year old demographic is going to put down their cell phones long enough to pull the lever for Kerry. But don't take my word for it, check out these 35 trends that point to a Kerry victory on November 2nd.
10/20/04 :: By Drew Johnston Education, Obesity and BeyondCategories :: Education
No Child Left Behind is a bad program, but its effects are more far reaching than you think. Added bonus: the secret to immortality revealed!
10/20/04 :: By William Hare Michael Moore's DVD Features Cover Important New GroundCategories :: Film Reviews
Having seen Michael Moore’s power-packed Fahrenheit 9-11 on the screen I was eager to purchase a copy of the DVD version. A major benefit of the DVD process, along with enhanced visual quality, is the additional features provided. In the case of Michael Moore curiosity abounded over his additional selections.
10/20/04 :: By William Hare Media Snake Oil: Fox as America's Brainwashing ToolCategories :: Media Snake Oil
Hermann Goering headed the Gestapo for Adolf Hitler among other responsibilities. A master of propaganda, he told Nuremberg questioners shortly before cheating the hangman by hanging himself in his cell the twin keys behind brainwashing a nation behind a political leader and the cause embraced.
10/19/04 :: By Mel Valentin The Hunting of the PresidentCategories :: Documentary
The Hunting of the President, another in the rapidly expanding series of partisan, political documentaries released in 2004, chronicles the decade-long campaign to discredit (and later impeach) former President William J. Clinton. Written and directed by Harry Thomason and Nicholas...
10/19/04 :: By Bob Kendall Will UFO's Pay Off The Bush Generated $7.4 Trillion National Debt?Categories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
No way! UFO’s appear in the sky some say, and they are just looking down on us. With a debt like that they won’t come near us, so don’t count on anyone from outer space to bail the U.S.A. out of the debt pit that Bush and this Republican dominated Congress created.
10/19/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Touchdown for IncompetenceCategories :: Election 2004
The local Nashville Sinclair Broadcasting Company affiliates, Fox 17 and UPN 30, announced that they will show the controversial film, Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal, on Friday, October 22, 2004, at 8 p. m. The anti-John Kerry film has drawn national attention and may be considered the October surprise of Karl Rove. Since Sinclair announced what they plan to do, there has been considerable outrage about this blatant attempt to influence the election and ignore basic rules of campaign fairness. Locally, there is a new group called Nashville’s Citizens For a Democratic Media that plans to protest the stations with pickets.
10/19/04 :: By Delton Murphy Between Reason and FaithCategories :: Activism :: Election 2004 :: Kerry, John :: Progressive Strategy :: Tactics
With more than half of the country now against the war in Iraq we are faced with the uncanny dilemma of choosing between two pro-war presidential candidates in the midst of an unpopular war based on forged documents, fear tactics, manipulation, and misinformation.
10/19/04 :: By William Hare Corporate Media Pollsters Seek to Swing The Election to BushCategories :: Election 2004
Some more polls were released today. In the two conducted by independent pollsters, John Zogby and Scott Rasmussen, John Kerry pulled even. In the others released by the corporate media it was concluded that momentum is on Bush’s side since what the media, with reluctance, has now acknowledged were three losing debate efforts against Kerry.
10/19/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Fact: No Plan To Win The PeaceCategories :: Iraq
March 2003 Army slide show presentation lists post-war plan as "To Be Provided."
10/18/04 :: By Bob Kendall Bush Style Democracy -- Attack All Opposing ViewsCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Has democracy in the U.S.A. degenerated to the point where if a Democrat dares mouth a liberal viewpoint he or she is immediately attack by a series of right wing media moguls? Is it the American way to be smeared by corporate robots designated to attack with vicious force a differing view? Can there be no legitimate difference of opinion on crucial issues confronting America? Has the Republican attack machine mobilized to such an extent that true freedom of speech is no longer possible? Are these high salaried down-and-dirty media attack dogs concerned only with maintaining lavish lifestyles at all costs, making greed their God?
10/18/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Honky Tonkers for TruthCategories :: Election 2004
I am not a big fan of country and western music and I live in Nashville. I am more a bluegrass fan but this song helps take some of the sting out of living in right wing world Tennessee. Listen and enjoy if you can. If not then I have included the lyrics of the song and I think you get the idea. Also if you get a chance visit Music Row Democrats
Taking My County Back
10/17/04 :: By William Hare Bush's Iraq and Anti-Terrorist Policies are Based on Grand DeceptionCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
I recently read an article by a professor of political science from a western state who asserted that if John Kerry is elected over George Bush that the opportunity to achieve democracy in Iraq would be shattered and a message would be sent to the rest of the world that terrorism had triumphed. Kerry would be incapable of the kind of tough and decisive leadership that this professor attributes to Bush.
10/17/04 :: By Stu Finkel Electoral Vote UpdateCategories :: Electoral College
While certain "venerable" polls that-shall-not-be-named which like to vastly oversample Republicans may cause a bit of concern, a look at the Electoral College shows things to be absolutely deadlocked.
10/17/04 :: By William Hare Should Cheney's Record Make You Feel Comfortable About The Future?Categories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
The smoke had barely cleared from the final debate in Tempe than Dick and Lynne Cheney fired shots across the bow at John Kerry. Their criticism of Kerry supposedly “outing” Cheney’s daughter Mary and sparking an ongoing battle classified as “Marygate” is yet another example of Bush campaign demagoguery. Lynne Cheney even went so far as to charge that Kerry was “not a good man.”
10/16/04 :: By William Hare A Patriot Analyzes The Patriot ActCategories :: Film Reviews
Mark Crispin Miller opened the eyes of Americans interested in the dumbing down of the political process with his riveting work “The Bush Dylexicon.” Whereas Orwellian Doublespeak had been a familiar term for years, a reference to how ordinary language had been contorted to produce a devious result through citizen brainwashing, the influence of Bush political consultant Karl Rove has resulted in Rovean Doublespeak as symbolized by what Miller sees as the “Bush Dyslexicon.”
10/16/04 :: By Bob Kendall Death, Destruction, Debt -- That's The Record Bush is Running OnCategories :: Election 2004
“He can run but he can’t hide,” Bush triumphantly lashes out at Kerry, while Republicans, all handpicked for these photo ops, cheer. Strangely, these are almost the identical words Bush used when lashing out against a former C.I.A. source, Osama bin Laden. Osama bin Laden did run, and sadly successfully did hide when U.S. service personnel in Afghanistan were placed in charge of catching him. They “outsourced” the job to Afghanistan warlords, who until shortly before that had been protecting the international terrorist. He escaped from the caves of Tora Bora and tragically has not been found.
10/16/04 :: By Tom Ball Charlie Cook Sounds off on the 2004 ElectionCategories :: Election 2004
Love him or leave him, Charlie Cook of the Cook Political Report is one of the most well respected voices on electoral politics among the media masses. Thus, it is a good idea to know what the Cookster is thinking about this election season. Recently, Cook gave an online interview to discuss his views of the 2004 election cycle and politics in general. Some points are well worth noting:
10/16/04 :: By Mel Valentin Distorted Morality: The War on Terrorism?Categories :: Documentary
Distorted Morality: War on Terrorism? features two lectures by Noam Chomsky given in 2002, after the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C, but before the March 19, 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States. Noam Chomsky is a professor in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, a position he’s held at MIT for more than forty years. In the 1950s, Chomsky pioneered linguistics research, formulating what he called “universal grammar” (a theory, in simplistic form, that posited innate, cognitive structures within the human brain inherently predisposed to generating complex language systems). For non-academics, Noam Chomsky is better known as a longtime political critic and activist. He began his second career as an activist during the 1960s, as a critic of U.S. involvement in Vietnam abroad and an activist for civil and political rights at home.
10/15/04 :: By Stu Finkel Thank God for Jon Stewart Part 372Categories :: Media
Jon Stewart says all that needs to be said about that traitor Bob Novak.
10/15/04 :: By William Hare Democracy Denied in FloridaCategories :: Film Reviews
“Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election” tells the story behind the shameful clutching of victory from the jaws of defeat by the Bush team over Al Gore through a manipulation of the political process in Florida. The result was democracy denied and the accession to the presidency of a candidate who lost the popular vote and, but for the application of tactics befitting a totalitarian state, eked out “victory” by adding the scandal-tarnished electoral votes of Florida.
10/15/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Instead of Blogging I Voted and a Few Other ThingsCategories :: Election 2004
My intentions were to write a long blog but instead of writing I voted. It gave me a nice warm feeling to put one in the bank for Kerry and Edwards. Here in Tennessee early voting started on Wednesday, October 13. Reports from the various polling stations say that early voting in Tennessee is heavy but not just in the major urban areas. The Republican parts of the state are also experiencing record early voting. Unfortunately this does not help clear up the picture in Tennessee. Most people expect Tennessee to go for Bush but the question is by how much. If on election night the reports are that Tennessee goes for Bush but by a lower margin than 2000 then you will know what the rest of the night has in store- a Kerry win. Oh by the way my voting precinct is only three precincts over from Al Gore.
10/14/04 :: By Bob Kendall Which is Worse, Clinton's Adultery or Bush's Plunging the U.S. into the Iraq War on False Information?Categories :: Election 2004
Has the morality of the members of the United States Congress become so twisted that they rate adultery as an impeachable offense? In contrast, is plunging the United States into the horrifying Iraq War and breaking international law acceptable? Is this a matter that does not demand impeachment?
10/14/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Grading On a Curve: George W. BushCategories :: Education
The greatest single improvement that can be made in American education is to stop the social promotion of George W. Bush. Elect a truly intelligent, knowledgeable and courageous leader John Kerry.
10/14/04 :: By William Hare The Debates Gave Kerry His Opportunity to Shatter Soundbite MythsCategories :: Election 2004
The ideal campaign for Karl Rove and his team was the one that evolved prior to the first debate between his candidate George W. Bush and challenger John Kerry. The soundbite campaign chock full of vivid imagery and fabled Rovean Doublespeak provided the perfect opportunity to frame an opponent in the highly unflattering manner the Bush campaign sought to accomplish.
10/14/04 :: By Tom Ball Hit the Online Polls: Republicans Are Finally Waking Up!Categories :: Polling
Nevertheless, Kerry's lead in several online polls is tenuous at best (CNN, FoxNews, AOL). Let's hit the online polls with everything we've got! All the polls are here with updated results!! Hit em hard and spread the word.
10/14/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Will The Real George Bush Please Stand Up?Categories :: George W. Bush
George Bush has three personalities. At least the lying was consistent.
10/14/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Shorter Presidential Debate (Part Trois)Categories :: Election 2004
Third presidential debate, nickel version.
10/14/04 :: By Drew Johnston Presidential Word Count the 3rd - The Final SmackdownCategories :: Election 2004
Kerry introduces Bush to the backside of his hand yet again, and I'm there to report on it.
10/14/04 :: By Tom Ball Hit the Post Debate Polls (With Results)Categories :: Polling
ALERT: These polls are ongoing -- VOTE NOW!!! We are rocking the online polls. Spread the word and GOTV!
10/13/04 :: By William Hare Quote of the Day From Congressman Tim RyanCategories :: Election 2004
Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio is a proven comer who was sworn into the 108th Congress as the body's youngest member. He had previously served in the Ohio State Senate.
10/13/04 :: By William Hare Media Snake Oil: For Bush The Strategy is "The Best Defense is a Good Offense"Categories :: Media Snake Oil
In that George Bush does not have a defensible record he must rely on attacks on John Kerry and hope that at least some of what is said sticks with voters. The corporate media has been dropping key tidbits prior to the preceding debates and a current point being frequently raised prior to tonight’s debate at Arizona State University in Tempe is how aggressive he has become, incorporating the strategy of “the best defense is a good offense.”
10/13/04 :: By William Hare Congress Abdicated Responsibility; Bush Should Have Been ImpeachedCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
When George W. Bush invaded Iraq without a supporting resolution for his action, America stood in violation of Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The resolution on which the ongoing inspection searching for any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, headed by Sweden’s Hans Blix, was ongoing and producing tangible results. While inspections proceeded Iraq’s dictator Saddam Hussein, yielding to international pressure, had begun destroying weapons.
10/13/04 :: By Stu Finkel Judge Throws Nader off PA BallotCategories :: Nader, Ralph
Declaring that the signature-gathering process "was the most deceitful and fraudulent exercise ever perpetrated upon this court" a PA judge threw that beacon of Democracy, Ralph Nader, off that state's ballot.
10/13/04 :: By Mel Valentin Bush Family Fortunes: The Best Democracy Money Can BuyCategories :: Documentary
Bush Family Fortunes: The Best Democracy Money Can Buy, the latest in what appears to be an unending series of anti-Bush political documentaries released this season, covers little new ground in examining George W. Bush’s meteoric, if unfortunate, rise to power in presidential politics and as such, indicates the limits, if not of the short-form documentary format, then of a subject matter that has been exhaustively scrutinized and discussed both in the alternative press and the mainstream media, to diminishing returns.
10/13/04 :: By Tom Ball Must Read Books and Must See DVDs for the 2004 ElectionCategories :: Books :: Documentary
As we approach the most important election of the past 25 centuries, I think it is important to refresh our memory as to why it is so critical. Thus, I have supplied a rather extensive "Election 2004" Reading/Viewing list.
10/13/04 :: By Bob Kendall White House Resident George Bush Can Run But He Can Never Hide From What He and his Administration Have DoneCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Are you an accomplice to the Iraq War by continuing to back Bush and his crew – Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz and Richard Perle? If you still believe in this character that told the world a series of falsehoods, from weapons of mass destruction to they’re working with Uranium from Africa, we know that for a fact. Saddam Hussein is threatening the U.S.. The people of Iraq are anxious for us to come and overthrew their government.
10/13/04 :: By Stu Finkel GOP Firm Shredding New Voter Forms in NevadaCategories :: Elections :: Republicans :: Tactics
GOP hired voter registration firm in Nevada is accused of ripping up new Democratic voter registration forms.
10/12/04 :: By Stu Finkel Sinclair Affiliates Want to Hear from YOUCategories :: Media
Hesiod notes that a number of the local affiliates have polls up on their websites about whether or not Sinclair should be showing the film.
10/12/04 :: By Bob Kendall Bush's Weapon of Mass DeceptionCategories :: Bush Administration
While we have been bombarded with the “weapons of mass destruction” propaganda that struck fear into the hearts of Americans, but got the Iraq War going full steam ahead. Now we know it was all based on lies, but it achieved Bush’s goal of going to war in Iraq.
10/12/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Wisdom of BubbieCategories :: Satire
The creativity of this production shows that the Democrats are alive and well. You should pass it around but first watch, enjoy.
Wisdom of Bubbie
10/12/04 :: By Mel Valentin The Yes Men (Taking on the WTO)Categories :: Documentary
The Yes Men, directed by Dan Olman, Sarah Price, and Chris Smith (American Movie), follows two anti-corporate/anti-globalization pranksters, Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonnano, as they impersonate World Trade Organization (WTO) officials at various trade and business conferences. The WTO is...
10/12/04 :: By Peter Perkowski POTUS and VPOTUS Are Violent CriminalsCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
For the purpose of deporting people of color, DUI is a "violent crime." For the purpose of electing a President, DUI is a "youthful indiscretion."
10/12/04 :: By Tom Ball Former FCC Chairman Confronts Sinclair Broadcasting Group Over Anti-Kerry PropagandaCategories :: Propaganda/Spin
Does a former FCC chairman have any pull in a situation like this? Is this a sign that the current FCC, and hopefully the FEC are addressing this aggressively?
Yesterday, former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt sent the following message to executives at Sinclair Broadcasting Group (Thanks to TPM)
10/12/04 :: By Delton Murphy Muslim Until Proven InnocentCategories :: Discrimination :: Patriot Act :: Terrorism
Many Muslims today realize that it is their American citizenship, not their Islamic identity that is tenuous. Prior to 9/11, Muslims in America were primarily focused on changing United States policy toward Palestine, Kashmir and Iraq. But since that time the effort to reconstitute their identities as American Muslims is making domestic relations, civil rights and interfaith relations much more important.
10/11/04 :: By William Hare Media Snake Oil: Has the Bush-Media Influence Begun to Lose Control?Categories :: Media Snake Oil
It is critical to never suspend attention to Bush-media strategy in view of what happened four years ago to Al Gore. The vice president, operating in a period in which 23 million jobs were created and the country was not at war, was as far as 10 points ahead of George W. Bush entering the debate phase of the campaign according to many polls.
10/10/04 :: By Stu Finkel Taking Down DeLayCategories :: Congress
Tom DeLay epitomizes everything that is wrong with the Republican Party and modern American conservatism: utterly cynical, Machiavellian, arrogant, corrupt, self-interested, the list goes on and on. Most of all, he is one of the primary enemies of the way the American democracy should work.
Fortunately, the bugkiller may be finally getting his comeuppance.
10/10/04 :: By Stu Finkel Rove Endgame Strategy: Attack, Obfuscate, DistractCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Yuval Rubenstein at the Left Coaster notes, "If anyone is still wondering what the BushCo 'October suprise' will look like, the Bush campaign (and its surrogates) have essentially telegraphed their strategy in the past few days. Specifically, we'll be seeing a second assault on Kerry's Vietnam record even more audacious than the August ambush."
10/09/04 :: By Stu Finkel Sinclair Broadcast Group Orders Affiliates to Show Anti-Kerry FilmCategories :: Media
The conservative Sinclair Broadcast Group, whose television outlets reach nearly a quarter of the nation's homes with TV, is ordering its stations to preempt regular programming just days before the Nov. 2 election to air a film that attacks Sen. John F. Kerry's activism against the Vietnam War.
10/09/04 :: By William Hare Kerry Once More in CommandCategories :: Election 2004
It was previously noted how effusively certain corporate media elements emphasized the idea that George W. Bush would do much better in the second debate, bolstered by the town hall format and interaction with voters, reputedly an event suitable to his style. It was therefore simple enough for these pundits to credit themselves with prescience following the debate by proclaiming how well Bush had been done, which so many did. The question that arises is whether that was what really happened.
10/09/04 :: By Tom Ball ACTION ALERT: ABC News Attempts to Hold Bush Accountable and Right Wing Crybabies AttackCategories :: Activism
Today, Drudge and a host of other babbling GOP blowhards are whining about an attempt by the news media to hold Bush accountable for his campaign of distortions, misrepresentations, and outright lies.
10/09/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Bush’s Message: Louder That Will Do ItCategories :: George W. Bush
Message for George Bush: We are not stupid. We get what you are saying but we don’t buy it. I guess all those years as a cheerleader helped form your communication style. Don’t yell at us we don’t like it.
10/09/04 :: By Delton Murphy Pinky and the BrainCategories :: Election 2004
As Bush barked incessantly about staying the course and attacked John Kerry's lengthy senate record, all I could think about watching this was who the hell are the undecided voters? The callous incompetence of this entire administration has been obvious for years but it is never so apparent as when Bush speaks. No wonder he's held fewer press conferences than any president since the invention of Television.
10/09/04 :: By Tom Ball Hit the Post Debate Polls (With Results)Categories :: Polling
ALERT: These polls are ongoing -- VOTE NOW!!!
We are rocking the online polls. Spread the word and GOTV!
10/09/04 :: By Drew Johnston The Presidential Word Count Part DeuxCategories :: Election 2004
The Presidential Word Count for Debate #2 - Now with 75% fewer al Qaeda agents!
10/09/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Shorter Presidential Debate (Part Two)Categories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Presidential Debate (Part Deux), nickel version.
10/09/04 :: By Tom Ball Longer Presidential DebateCategories :: Election 2004
Kerry was loose and brilliant. He knows his stuff and he gave up nothing in this debate, the one with a format most suited to Bush. Of course there is absolutely no way in this or any other reality that Bush could have done as pathetically or pitifully or terribly as he did in the last debate. He did better here but Bush is still a giant loser!! Now hit the online Polls!!!!!!!!
10/08/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.Categories :: Election 2004
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
Those famous words from one of the greatest boxers of all time Mohammed Ali should be the theme of tonight. John Kerry needs to be light on his feet. He needs to be warm, personable and yes funny. At the same time he needs to land zingers at Bush that sting.
10/08/04 :: By William Hare Media Snake Oil: The Frightened Republicans are SpinningCategories :: Media Snake Oil
Before the first Kerry-Bush debate the Republicans were attempting to convince the American citizenry that the race was over. They busily utilized corporate media friends to make that point.
10/08/04 :: By William Hare Palast Outlines the Political Rise of George W. BushCategories :: Election 2004
Greg Palast during the personal interview phase of his hard hitting new DVD documentary “Bush Family Fortunes”, which he adapted from his penetrating bestseller “The Best Democracy Money Can Buy”, explains what it took to enable him to provide his insightful commentaries into the current political scene. He had to move out of the country.
10/08/04 :: By Stu Finkel Electoral Map Looking GoodCategories :: Polling
The most diligent poll gatherers on the internet are beginning to show how the Kerry surge has translated into the state polls. Gallup continues to show its demonstrable Republican bias.
10/08/04 :: By Bob Kendall Any Republican Who Has Witnessed What Bush Has Done to America and Will Still Vote for Him is a MasochistCategories :: Election 2004
In the first place, let’s get this straight. George Bush is not a traditional Republican conservative. No Republican president ever plunged this nation into the colossal debt he has achieved in four years. No Republican president before him other than the disgraced Nixon and McCarthy equated disagreement with U.S. policy alongside giving aid and comfort to the enemy apart from Bush with his arrogant announcement, “You are either with us or with the terrorists.”
10/08/04 :: By William Hare Rove Spins a Web of DeceptionCategories :: Books
If Texas reporters James Moore and Wayne Slater have it right, the reasonable conclusion to reach after reading "Bush's Brain" is that Bush's leading adviser Karl Rove is a man who lives for political conquest and is devoid of principle. This is not an attack piece and the writers, well grounded in the Texas political scene, use quotes from well connected political operatives and others close to the base of political operations to tell the story of how Rove rose from Lee Atwater's running mate to acquire leadership of the Young Republicans, then launched a soaring climb that resulted in his current heady position as chief political adviser and, from many accounts, top policy formulator to the nation's chief executive.
10/08/04 :: By Tom Ball Job Growth Weaker Than ExpectedCategories :: Economy
Now Bush is screwed with rest of America and he will pay for it in the debate tonight.
10/08/04 :: By Tom Ball How do We Know Zogby is Right?Categories :: Election 2004 :: Polling
Guess which polling outfit has the number one, best-of-the-best, hang-your-hat-on-it accuracy over the last two presidential election cycles? And why does it matter to Democrats in 2004? Give up? Okay, I'll tell you...
10/08/04 :: By Tom Ball Bush Tries to Pin His Failures on KerryCategories :: Lies
George W. Bush is absolutely incapable of taking responsibility for anything. ANYTHING! It is absolutely pathetic and an embarrassment to our nation. And today, George "The Buck never ever stops with me" Bush took a desperate slash and burn attempt to blame John Kerry for his own disgraceful actions. Of course, keeping in character with the entirity of his tenure as President, Bush had to lie in order to cast blame:
10/08/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Is The Punditocracy Headed For Embarrassment Of 1994 Proportions?Categories :: Pundits
Pundits are playing it safe - here's why they're wrong.
10/08/04 :: By William Hare The Media Wants You to Wait Before Deciding What You SawCategories :: Election 2004
I’ve always loved police dramas and enjoy current real life documentaries on the subject as well. I like to see how crafty officers using modern technology solve crimes. One of the cornerstones of police work has been to interview witnesses to crime scenes as soon as possible. The rationale is that with the event fresh in mind a greater tendency exists for an accurate recitation of what happened, particularly in the realm of personal identification.
10/07/04 :: By William Hare Hersh Writes the Crucial Book for a Pivotal Moment of HistoryCategories :: Books
The crucial 2004 presidential election has brought about what in the long term could be one of the more positive political trends in recent years. With such keen interest in the 2004 election a surge of important books has arrived. Never in history has so much been written about a particular election, indicating the pivotal importance of election 2004.
10/07/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Bush’s Slip Is ShowingCategories :: Election 2004
The recent survey of battleground state polls by Zogby shows a remarkable thing. It shows that Kerry is consolidating his gains, locking down needed states and moving back into competition in other states. Zogby Battleground States Poll WEST: The three...
10/07/04 :: By Delton Murphy Veeps Go DeepCategories :: Cheney, Dick :: Edwards, John :: Election 2004
Dick Bruce Cheney may have actually set a new record for lying as he immediately launched into the very familiar Iraq war mantra many of us have heard so much that we're able to recite in unison right along with him. But this time as the angry, irritated 63 year old man from Wyoming continued to drone on, John Edwards provided no wiggle room and elucidated the popular, happy lies of Mr. Halliburton.
10/07/04 :: By Tom Ball 86 Steps to Armageddon: The Complete Cataclysmic Record of Bush and North KoreaCategories :: Bush Administration :: Foreign Policy :: Reference
From the moment George W. Bush set foot in the White House, he and his administration of neoconservative hawks provoked, threatened, lied, mocked, and disengaged with North Korea until Pyongyang officials finally warned that the situation on the Korean Peninsula was deteriorating to the 'brink of a nuclear war. This must-read expose lays it all out, showing step-by-step how the Bush administration has brought us to the brink of Armageddon with North Korea.
10/07/04 :: By Tom Ball 86 Steps to Armageddon: The Complete Cataclysmic Record of Bush and North Korea (Part II)Categories :: Bush Administration :: Foreign Policy :: Reference
From the moment George W. Bush set foot in the White House, he and his administration of neoconservative hawks provoked, threatened, lied, mocked, and disengaged with North Korea until Pyongyang officials finally warned that the situation on the Korean Peninsula was deteriorating to the 'brink of a nuclear war. This must-read expose lays it all out, showing step-by-step how the Bush administration has brought us to the brink of Armageddon with North Korea. (Continued: Steps 51 through 84 in Bush's March to Armeggeddon with through North Korea.)
10/06/04 :: By Stu Finkel And Here's Another Thing Cheney Screwed UpCategories :: Cheney, Dick
Cheney screws up the name of a website, directing millions of people to George Soros's anti-Bush website and simultaneously pisses off the folks at factcheck.org.
10/06/04 :: By William Hare Does Cheney Ever Get it Right?Categories :: Cheney, Dick
In last night's debate Dick Cheney was clearly on the defensive on the subject of his false assertions concerning Saddam Hussein's possession of weapons of mass destruction, of an alleged link between the Iraqi dictator and Osama bin Laden, and about his involvement as CEO with corruption plagued Halliburton.
10/06/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Cheney, You Little DevilCategories :: Cheney, Dick
Bush and Cheney are clear about their position on Kerry's flip-flopping. Except when they're not.
10/06/04 :: By Tom Ball Friday's Payroll Numbers Could Sway the ElectionCategories :: Economy :: Election 2004 :: Propaganda/Spin
Regardless of Friday's release of payrolls and the unemployment rate, one of the candidates will be touting it as proof of their assertions...either Kerry, "I told you Bush's economic policies suck." or Bush, "I told you my economic policies don't suck." Also regardless of this data release's outcome, Kerry will be right.
10/06/04 :: By William Hare More Than 180 Former U.S. Ambassadors from Republican and Democratic Administrations Endorse KerryCategories :: Election 2004
John Kerry has been decrying throughout his run for the presidency the dangerous foreign policy posture of the Bush Administration toward unilateral action. He has outlined the tragic result by indicating the tremendous prestige drop the United States has suffered on the international scene, including nations that have been strong allies.
10/06/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Dr. Evil and Johnny SunshineCategories :: Cheney, Dick
A suggestion for Mike Myers when he makes the next Austin Powers movie: cast Dick Cheney as Dr. Evil. It isn’t a stretch and he will be available after January 20th. Dick Cheney is the archetypal villain. However, in this...
10/06/04 :: By William Hare Republican Spinners Thwarted Again as Projected Strong Job Growth Prediction FizzlesCategories :: Election 2004
Last night before the debate the Republican spinners were deriding the Kerry-Edwards ticket for projecting gloom in the face of alleged continuing good news on the job front. A snippet in today’s Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel punctures yet another balloon for...
10/06/04 :: By Peter Perkowski It's Not Just A Debate, It's An ElectionCategories :: Election 2004
Slate article lays it out flat: Edwards won, and here's why.
10/06/04 :: By William Hare Edwards Extends Kerry's MomentumCategories :: Election 2004
Pundits generally concluded that John Kerry benefited from his first debate with George W. Bush, generating pressure on both Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator John Edwards to respectively halt or extend earlier momentum. It was the veteran Cheney who was said to possess that important quality of gravitas, experience and substance, and for that reason many gave him an edge going into the encounter over the one-term North Carolina solon.
10/06/04 :: By Tom Ball Take the Post Debate Online PollsCategories :: Election 2004 :: Polling
Post debate analysis of Edward's debate win over Dick Cheney.
10/06/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Shorter Vice Presidential DebateCategories :: Election 2004
Vice Presidential debate, nickel version.
10/05/04 :: By Drew Johnston The Tough Guy ChallengesCategories :: Campaigns :: Satire
Conservatives want a tough guy in the White House. I think I can help them find one.
10/05/04 :: By Stu Finkel What Atrios SaysCategories :: Iraq :: Lies :: Media :: Republicans
According to the most recent Gallup poll, 62% of Republicans think Saddam Hussein was personally involved in the 9/11 attacks.
10/05/04 :: By Delton Murphy The Paranoia of the ThiefCategories :: Books :: Discrimination :: Election 2004 :: Media :: Progressive Strategy
We consciously live in an era where fiction substitutes for fact, lies become misstatements, justice is now revenge and war is quickly becoming the norm. The unholy alliance between the Republicans and the Right Wing has just intensified as we enter the homestretch of the presidential election. The fact that they are resorting to these tactics is evidence that they are running scared. Gone is the Bush strut and swagger. Absent are the Haiku-laced press conferences of Donald Rumsfeld, who just yesterday had to admit that he has "seen no evidence of a Saddam Hussein-Al Qaeda connection". And Dick Cheney hasn't attempted to unite the country through fear in almost two weeks. Uh-oh. It seems that finally after four years, the paranoia of the thief has kicked in.
10/05/04 :: By William Hare Media Snake Oil: The View Before and Projections After Cheney vs. EdwardsCategories :: Election 2004
Last week’s prediction that Kerry would dominate, predicated on a wide edge in public policy knowledge, with corporate media spinners projecting a different view was validated. One major element was destroyed, however, in the attempt to make Bush look presidential. The latest mantra about Bush being “comfortable in his own skin” had to be abandoned because he looked so uncomfortable on camera with his frequent grimaces and painfully halting manner.
10/05/04 :: By Mel Valentin Going Upriver: The Long War of John KerryCategories :: Documentary
Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry, loosely based on Douglas Brinkley’s Tour of Duty, is the latest in a series of political documentaries intended to educate, enlighten, and more importantly, impact the upcoming general election. Despite its unapologetically...
10/05/04 :: By Bob Kendall George Bush's Arrogance and Ignorance Flashed Through The Entire DebateCategories :: Election 2004
What a pathetic display the White House resident George Bush revealed when he appeared on stage with John Kerry in Coral Gables, Florida for their first debate. I was on my debate team in high school, and frankly I don’t think George Bush would have made that group.
10/04/04 :: By William Hare Bush Media Spin Achieves Tragedy in IraqCategories :: Bush Administration
So much has been written here and on other progressive blog sites about the blatant manner in which the Bush Administration has capitalized on media spin. This Karl Rove-driven propensity was never more evident than in the rush to war in Iraq, as the documented record reveals in a powerful film that should be must viewing for undecided voters heading into the crucial November 2 presidential election.
10/04/04 :: By Tom Ball If Bush Didn't Lie, He Would Have Nothing To SayCategories :: Iraq :: Lies
It was pitiful enough that our current Commander-in-Chief couldn't come up with the words to explain to the American people virtually anything about his foreign policy initiatives other than it is 'hard work' and 'Don't forget Poland'. It also seems that the few points that Bush was able to spit out were lies.
10/03/04 :: By Stu Finkel Democrats Poised to Retake Senate Despite What You Might HearCategories :: Congress
Democrats are poised to retake the Senate, although you wouldn't know it from reading recent articles to this effect
10/03/04 :: By Stu Finkel Kerry 1, Bush 0 (Media -- less than zero)Categories :: Media
Good summation by Toronto Star columnist Antonia Zerbisias this morning of the debate, the fact that even wingnuts had trouble spinning it Bush's way, the fact that the hoodwinked "mainstream media" nevertheless tried to call it a tie, etc.
10/03/04 :: By Tom Ball Newsweek Poll: Kerry 47%, Bush 45%Categories :: Election 2004 :: Polling
After 62.5 million voters were able to see Kerry and Bush side by side discussing Bush's 'strongest' issues, They came to one conclusion...John F. Kerry should be our new president.
10/02/04 :: By Mel Valentin Persons of Interest: Muslims/Arabs After 9/11Categories :: Documentary
Funded in part by the Sundance Documentary Fund and directed by Alison Maclean (Jesus' Son, Crush) and Tobias Perse, Persons of Interest examines arbitrary arrest, secret detention, and deportation of Muslim and Arab immigrants in the after of the 9-11...
10/02/04 :: By Tom Ball Sighs and Scowls: Then and NowCategories :: Election 2004 :: Hypocrisy
Karen Hughes enters the realm of hypocrisy (Where Republicans are most comfortable) as she attempts to rationalize Bush's sighs and grimaces at Thursday's debate.
10/02/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Spread This MemeCategories :: Election 2004
Fun with the English language: Spin the following jaw-dropping statement made by George Bush during the debate.
10/02/04 :: By Delton Murphy The Battle of the BonesmenCategories :: Campaigns :: Election 2004 :: Foreign Policy
It is insulting that this president and his administration assume that the majority of Americans are shortsighted, inattentive and totally incapable of independent thought.
10/01/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Bush Hobgoblins and GobbledygookCategories :: George W. Bush
It’s a good day when an American historian can quote one of the great American writers and philosophers, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Bush in the debate last night placed such a high value in consistency, but such a value leaves no room for alternatives. It is the wrong value and the wrong tactic in the fight on terror. We are confronted with an enemy who does not fight in conventional ways and will seek out every weakness that we have, but Bush believes that consistency will win the day. Sorry Mr. Bush, it is the flexible changeable nature of the war on terror that requires leadership that is flexible, creative and yes, willing to admit mistakes and make changes.
10/01/04 :: By William Hare Media Snake Oil: The Media Spinners Run True to FormCategories :: Media Snake Oil
When I posted my earlier article predicting how the corporate media Bush enthusiasts would spin the debate I noted that John Roberts of CBS last night called the debate "a draw." I thought that position would be the one spun because, in view of Bush's halting manner and obvious nervousness, the old familiar "Bush is comfortable in his own skin" would not resonate in view of last night's events.
10/01/04 :: By Cary W. Blankenship Bush: Unaccustomed to Hard WorkCategories :: George W. Bush
How many times did Bush remind us in the debate that he is doing hard work? What did Bush expect of the presidency? It is hard work, but not nearly as hard as the things that Americans do everyday. These are the people who struggle to earn a living, pay unreasonable health care costs, take care of aging parents, protect children and make sure that they have chance at a bright future. Oh, and don’t let me forget fight Bush’s wars. That’s hard work for the people who are actually risking their lives everyday and the people back here who love them and depend on them.
10/01/04 :: By Peter Perkowski Shorter DebateCategories :: Election 2004
Debate summary, nickel version.
10/01/04 :: By William Hare Kerry's Strong Showing Will Necessitate a Tactical SwitchCategories :: Election 2004
John Kerry’s strong showing in last night debate will necessitate a tactical switch. That loud sucking sound you heard was that of the Republican spinmeisters losing a tactical framing that they had worked long and hard to build at a tremendous cost.
10/01/04 :: By Tom Ball John Kerry Kicks Ass in DebateCategories :: Election 2004
Kerry did an outstanding job. He introduced himself to millions of voters for the first time and gave one Hell of a first impression.
10/01/04 :: By Drew Johnston The Bush Word CountCategories :: Election 2004
Bush stumbles through his first debate, and I have the scoop . . . sort of.
10/01/04 :: By William Hare Bush Bigots Spew Ethnic HateCategories :: Bush-Cheney 2004
Periodically the cauldron of bigotry existing within the rabid Republican right rears its ugly head. Today was one of those days, the occasion when their spinmeisters prepare to transform by medic hocus pocus a clueless corporate zombie into a great American leader who knows what he thinks and acts with decisive courage on his instincts.
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