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(This morning's photo of an Eastern Meadowlark in the snow comes from reader Gordon, who took this near his home. Like Gordon, I've never seen one in the snow, either. Love their song, though.)
Here's the Sunday Talking Head line-up. Nothing to say except there isn't enough coffee in the whole world to make me sit through CNN today.
ABC's "This Week" — Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.; breast cancer specialist Dr. Eric Winer; breast-cancer survivors.
CBS' "Face the Nation" — Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; former U.S. Attorney H.E. "Bud" Cummins.
NBC's "Meet the Press" — Former U.S. attorneys David Iglesias and John McKay; Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Arlen Specter, R-Pa.
CNN's "Late Edition" — Samir Sumaidaie, Iraqi ambassador to U.S.; John Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N.; Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; Lanny Davis, former Clinton special counsel; Donna Brazile, Democratic strategist; Ed Gillespie, former RNC chairman.
"Fox News Sunday" — Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Trent Lott, R-Miss.
Looks like quite a bit of discussion on the US Attorney firings and the politicization of the Department of Justice. Lots of the usual suspects on the various shows to discuss that topic - but look for some fireworks from Iglesias and McKay on Meet the Press, and from Sens. Pat Leahy and Lindsey Graham on Face the Nation.
Although I would love to see Orrin Hatch have to answer several questions about the number of his minions who have their hands in this festering Turdblossom Special from Rove's shop. Much more to come from me on this issue later in the day.
John and Elizabeth Edwards will be appearing on 60 Minutes this evening. Bet Rush will be watching something else. (If you missed his obnoxious ranting about the Edwards family, Taylor has a clip from the show. What a self-serving, bloviating moron. She's also got a clip of Fox News reporter Carl Cameron making an ass of himself, and some great on the scenes reporting from the SEIU forum. Good stuff -- thanks, Taylor!)
Finally, Zbigniew Brzezinski calls the Bush Administration's "war on terror" policies out for what they are: blantant fear-mongering in search of an election cycle. Do take the time to go and read his op-ed -- it is worth lots of conversation over the next few days and weeks.
So, how is everyone this morning?
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mornin’ all
Still no Lieberman three weeks in a row! Oh, and go Christy, Jane, etal! And Waxman!
Good morning, everyone.
Morning everyone! How’s tricks?
And a typo, too. Shouldn’t “Donna Brazile, Democratic strategist” have the word “alleged” in the middle.
weather predicted to hit 80 degress this week in central Indiana - raining but warm.
I love spring! And beaches!
I was born to live on a beach, but I’ve searched Indianapolis pretty thoroughly, and there just don’t seem to be any here….
Christy Hardin Smith @ 4
Tricks is fine. I’m still asleep.
I wonder if the goofballs on Fox will ask Trent Lott about his 2002 statement:
Good morning, all.
Looks like Face the Nation is the way to go this a.m.
OT- For those interested in the Conrad Black trial, MacLean’s magazine takes a cue from FDL & is blogging it. Link to entries so far:
Conrad Black Trial Blog
Mornin’ Christy. Another beautiful day here in VA. Hope you have a good one.
Good morning all!
First Sunday morning off since January. It feels so good.
MTP looks like it will be fun today. Most interesting will be watching Pompkinhead and how he tries to lay up soft ones for the crooks. Or might he becoming tired of being used like an old dishrag?
In 15 minutes the Search Committee announces to a congregation that I will be coming to meet them next month as their ministerial candidate. New job, new state, lots of people to stir up and rouse and try to right the ship of state, with spirit and values that reflect truth and justice.
This is SO exciting. Down side, Arlen Specter. Upside, cheering on more voices to give him the hell he deserves.
Christy,
The thread isn’t loading yet on the main page. Got here through RSS.
Has anyone else noted how prissy Bush looks when he gets irritated and purses his lips — like Maggie Thatcher or Queen Elizabeth registering distaste upon hearing they might have to get close enough to the general public to smell them?
Here’s a good example
In light of the obvious resemblances, I’d like to suggest a new nickname for Bush: Tea Lady.
(Call it: Revenge of the Breck Girls.)
Waxman, Leahy! (thanks Fitz)
Deb at 13 — Thanks — appreciate the heads up. Was working on my next thread and hadn’t noticed that yet.
Morning all,
Just got back from Think Progress, where a serious sock puppet war made the thread totally unappetising and nearly unreadable.
Thank you Jane, for our dear mods!
Thank you, dear mods, for you service to your country. {{{{{{{{{{{ mods }}}}}}}}}}}
[Mod Note; you’re welcome. We live to serve.]
Feinstein on fox news sunday now talking about gonzogate…
Good morning all. And another week of the trials and troubles of GWB. May it be harsh.
This thread still isn’t loading without a direct link. Something caught in the toobz?
Deb at 20 - No idea. I’ve e-mailed the tech geniuses, but since it is Sunday morning, it may be a bit before I get an answer. My guess is that it is a cache issue, since C&L appears to be having the same problem and we use the same servers.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 21
I will periodically post this link to the bottom of the last thread. Eventually people will get here.
Trent Lott is very rude. He keeps interrupting Feinstein.
twolf1 @ 23
When you’ve got nothing, be a bully. They think it works for them.
Meet the Press could be good. I wanna hear Iglesias and McKay ask Specter a few choice questions.
egregious @ 25
Hopefuly Timmeh won’t run interference for Arlen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did.
It’s time to listen when even such a practitioner of realpolitik such as Brzezinski is criticizing the “war on terror.” He has never been known as a raving leftist.
Morning, everyone. I’d preface that with “good” but I just got off work, so good would be a stretch right now. 87,000 pieces of mail run, all by myself. I’m tired!
Now for the topics of the day:
For those of you of a religious bent, I’m sure Satan is keeping that spot by his left nut free, just for Rush Limbaugh. It might be hot enough there to take an ounce or two off Pigboy. If there were any justice (and if he’s feeling generous), Old Scratch would have Rush lick the soles of his feet. That would be a much better use for that evil tongue.
Some of our blueAmerica people made the front page of the Post yesterday, color picture page 1 above the fold. “House Passes Iraq Pullout Timetable.”
It’s five people:
Pelosi, looking resplendent
Hoyer, looking morose
then
Murtha with his arms around
Rep. Pat Murphy–PA, rising blueAm star, and
Rep. Tim Walz–MN, not blueAm but some others of us with actBlue accounts supported him.
Walz is the coach/vet where we loved his ads.
Brzezinski is a bit slow, isn’t he? Here’s a piece I wrote for my wife’s ZZ-list blog last year. (Scroll down to ” Terror and the Terrorising Terrorisors who Terrify”-I can’t figure out how to link straight there, and yes, I’m a whore.)
http://gobstruck.blogspot.com/.....chive.html
RevDeb @ 13
Oh that explains it. Now we know how addicted I am. Every Saturday and Sunday, I first check to see Christy’s choice of visual and topic. I caught up on last evening and kept refreshing and was beginning to get concerned -the good kind of “concern.” Now I’ll make coffee. Morning.
I don’t think Bush should be impeached. I think he should be forced to resign.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/.....ed-limits/
FEC: Bush Violated Limits
Did anyone else catch Ms. Eubanks on (ugh) Fox today? She was the lead atty on the big tobacco case and was excellent in her interview with Chris Wallace.
The most perilous location in Washington D.C. on any given Sunday morning has to be any space between Mayberry’s Senator and a television camera.
twolf1 @
23
How are you seeing this so early?
Brel1 @ 32
That’s what I’ve been saying!
Brel1 @ 32
Well, yeah. But first, can we sit him on a stool on the White House lawn and everybody line up so we can each have two minutes to personally tell him what his presidency has ment to us? And what a sorry misbegotten souless excuse for a human being he is.
Sangemon @
35
Fox News Sunday is on at 9AM here in eastern PA.
Bushie-gate!
Brel1 @ 32
I’d like to see him tried, convicted, and run out of the country.
twolf1 @ 38
I guess that offsets the early DST.
FED UP.. with members of Congress continually acting “surprised” when these political hacks who run our government put out spittle such as this from a “DOJ” spokesman as quoted from the NYTimes this morning -
Is there some sort of rule in Congress against using the mantras “Disingenuous” or “You lack any credibility from the record of your words” ?
It is time to hold these Dems accountable. They have no more excuses. There should be initial inquiries into impeachment of Gonzo.. This is the only thing Emperor Chimpy understands. He has a record of needing to be “hit in the head with a 2X4″ before he listens. His whole life has been a lie. The person who stands up to the plate and gets this started and starts to apply the pressure will go down in history as a leader. So far, Chimpy is winning… as usual.
g’morning all - been on a lil vacation for a few days - now in .transit on my way home -a bit off beat but able to access internet - missed the lake and plan on getting back in the swing of things when i get home - feel great and hope everyone is fine too ;o)- hmm anything going on in lately? lol
juslin at 43 — Welcome back. Hope you had a good vacation!
Good morning all,
Nothing to add, just wanna say hiya!
Lovely photo, btw. Oh, and Pinocchio as Scooter in the animated version.
Good Morning Christy and Firedogs,
doubt seriously that Timmeh will have Specter and the former USA’s on at the same time . . .however, using his nice guy next door personna, Dick Durbin has proven to be an effective proxy for the Leadership in the past - getting away with saying things that would be labeled strident from another Dem
I’m still of a mind that Hatch and Specter pulled a fast one on their senate colleagues with the language in the revised Patriot Act and the leadership is not happy about it (pdf). I’ll be looking for that :)
Meet the Press was good. Iglesias and McKay were excellent and Russert did a good job. In fact, as I mentioned in a comment at C&L, I think the clip of those two should go viral and be quoted consistently. They were very credible and both insist on oversight. Olbermann needs to follow up with a segment about them and put it in contrast to Fox propaganda.
I think their faces and commentaries are far more powerful than emails indicating lies.
It was also pretty good with Durbin and Specter, I thought. The WH is so far away from reasonable on this, its just ridiculous. Russert really seemed to feed that, contrary to one’s fears.
I would welcome comments on The American Freedom Agenda; Are they Cut & Run from the Bush Admin hacks, or more serious? Any thoughts?
http://themoderatevoice.com/ge.....om-agenda/
What a fine feathered friend we have this morning. Love the design. Mother Nature is the finest artist there ever will be.
Holy cow, what a difference a day makes. Yesterday was a lovely (if cool) spring day. Woke up this morning to a few inches of snow. I guess I’ll put the rake away and pick up the shovel.
Anyone notice that the guestbook over at “Voices of Conflict” has been shut down. I wonder what’s up with that? A short time ago it was open with many comments, now it’s closed.
Saw Specter on MTP…RevDeb, ’bout what you expected. Timmeh lobs the softballs, challenges nothing.
Specter: Clinton fired all 93 attys.
Timmeh: nothing.
Shallow thinkers: yeah, yeah….
Timmeh’s softballs so Specter can look like he’s negotiator-in-chief.
There was lots more. Too tired to reconstruct. Just left with this impression:
Timmeh and soft balls about sums him up.
Matalin’s tool again. Must be preservation instinct for Luke’s gig with Mr. Matalin. [never forget that Mr. Matalin eats at the plate of Bush and Chee-knee].
Have Liar - Will Travel - Brian Roerhkasse, as a paid professional liar was the one trying to cover Tom Ridge’s ass on the duct tape thing… See http://www.cq.com/corp/show.do.....3_homeland
I know political hacks make the rounds in DC, but I am surprised they have their own Liar Corps d’Elite.
Pat @
39
Good one!
Push the theme that they hate everybody who isn’t a Bushie and will dump anyone who doesn’t do it their way.
The circle’s closing in around ‘em and the mainline Repubs better realize which side of the circle the Bushie’s have put them.
Mitt Romney–endorsed by Jeb–just another Bushie until George P ages.
hey- no Schumer today?
looking forward to Leahy.
politico.com apologist up now on Reliable Sources trying to explain away how they eff-ed up bigtime on the Edwards presser announcement.
Prairie Sunshine @ 51
I disagree. I caught the 93-Clinton BS slipped in too, and Russert did not push Specter as he ought. On the other hand, he fed Durbin, did not lob Republican talking points at him as questions, and the segment left the clear impression that the WH was up to its neck. For instance, he asked Durbin if this was to be a fishing expedition, based on a general comment from Durbin in an Illinois paper. Durbin gave and excellent answer and Russert did not say a peep. Yes, its not what I would have wanted to see, but this is Russert. You are not going to get what you want. If you watched both the attorneys segment and the senators segment, it was horrible for the WH. Specter closed by saying he would rather have a transcript and public testimony. Now, I know he will take almost anything to make it go away, but in terms of message management, he endorsed nearly what Leahy wants. So no, there was no grilling, but the 93-Clinton talking point misrepresents that show. That was very useful footage and the combined effect of the two segments definitely pushed back on WH spin.
Thanks for updating the Wilton story with the kids’ webpage.
Prairie Sunshine @ 53
“There is pressure from outside groups as well. Bruce Fein, a lawyer and former Reagan administration Justice Department official, this week announced the formation by several prominent conservatives of the American Freedom Agenda, an organization that denounced the Bush administration’s record on civil liberties and said it would seek pledges from all presidential candidates not to pursue similar policies.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03.....ref=slogin
There they are again.
Feinstein is doing OK but letting Lott get the upper hand with flat out lies. Lott is spinning the incompetence stuff again. Feinstein needs to immediately respond that there is no record of poor performance and she should use Lam’s immigration success should be talking point one.
(edited for grammar)
Good Morning Folks,
Since 1973 it has been my deep desire to be able to help alter the global paradigm.
This week my dream came true. Game on!
G’morning everyone, from Minnesota, where the rain has stopped (for a while), it’s heading for 70 degrees (there.is.no.such.thing.as.global.warming)and we’re the home of Congressman Tim Walz. There’s already buzz about trying to persuade him to run for U.S. Senate. Way too soon, but gives a sense of the high regard we have for him. Life is good. As long as I don’t read the news, which is where I’m headed now. Gah!!
Kurtz talking about Elizabeth Edwards and making the palpably laughable statement that partisan divide seem almost suspended…while showing clips and quoting Bushie media allies who are being the big concern trolls about her young children while she’s campaigning.
Hannity is a pig
We survive with cancer precisely because we continue on with life with as much vigor and optimism as possible instead of, as Jane described earlier, handwringing woe-is-meisms.
CHS@44 - thanks and i needed a break - kiss peanut and give her a big hug from this granny :o)- i have a 3yo granddaughter who’s cute as a lil button as i know the peanut is - now i’m rejuvenated and ready to do my best to help move country forward in my small way - hows jane doing? still have her on my prayer list. now i have to read the posts i missed while away to check in with the other posters on the lake ;o} - im forced to watch poxnews as this hotel has limited access to other news sources :o(
AdNags is at it again. Every talking point–overreach, have to legislate, civility, cooperation, weak on security.
Every one of them.
After listening to Tweety’s round table, there is little doubt as to why there are so many “low information voters” in the country. Jeebus!
retirin’ in five @
5
Perhaps TWO “alleged”: one before Democrat, & one before “strategist.”
Donald Lambro from the Moonie Times on Kurtz’ show shilling for the repukes.
The horror, the horror.
Ed Henry calling it straight. “Let the chips fall where they may…have to ask tough questions…”
One guy who seems to get it.
Mauimom @ 66
Yes, you’re right. Sorry. My bad :-)
inmymind’seye @
50
It’s back and simply packed with thoughtful, intelligent commentary and a lot of support for these young people. Wonderful!
Eubanks is on Fox and she is not taking shit off Wallace. Its fun.
RevDeb,
Congratulations on your new position.
Iglesias for Attorney General!
John McKay for Federal judge!
IANAR
Good morning Christy. I’ve live here 10 years and still don’t know when MTP comes on in Boston. One day, I’ll find it, but I refuse to ask or “look at a map.” btw, who is pumpkinhead?
http://alternet.org/waroniraq/49275/
Am reposting this link to Engelhardt (more on Cheney) article because I find it really interesting, and to keep the info flow going. Hope that’s ok?
Some Guy, I don’t take issue at all with your analysis. It speaks to the reality that the facts are so incontrovertible, and the speakers, Durbin and the USAs so credible, that the facts cannot be denied.
Does Russert have a specific philosophy about not following up when someone does as Specter did tossing out the Clinton meme? Yes he does. I’ve heard him express it on Imus. I just fundamentally think it is wrong to allow deliberate distortions to go uncommented, unclarified, whatever you want to call it. And where were the questions about Specter’s own staff member’s role in the changing of the Patriot Act which facilitated the firing of the Gone-zo 8?
Apparently, in the mind of Russert, complexity and context must be sacrificed so he can maintain his access. Doing so, he sacrifices the opportunity to truly contextualize the news. And facilitates further the Bushie’s manipulation of the shallow thinkers. A sin of omission….
Just heard a panelist on Rel Sources note that Tony Snow’s pushback of journalists’ questions as partisan is a partisan tactic…and that journalists must get beyond that tactic or they aren’t doing their jobs.
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when repugs had control pork galore was added to spending bills - why are they so upset now? and a hearty touche to sen boxer for reminding idiot sen dems have the gavel now!
On Fox News Sunday, Sharon Eubanks did an excellent job talking about her bosses interference in the tobacco case she prosecuted as a career attorney in DOJ. She also called the investigation in to the interference “a whitewash.” Wallace tried to corner her with a few quetions and he’s no match for this one.
jayackroyd @ 64
Money quote:
“As they try to figure out what they can and can not do, the Democrats are looking back to Mr. Gingrich’s House. Republicans exercised their power with gusto, peppering the Clinton White House with subpoenas and, of course, bringing impeachment proceedings. Then came the five-seat loss.”
Because spending YEARS and millions of dollars on finding out about blow-jobs is equivalent to investigating deliberate attempts to undermine the constitution.
some guy @70. what is she saying? we got holy rollers on FOX here.
Eeeewwwwww Specters tie and jacket combo! Looks like a circus clown outfit. (and I am being kind here)
GPB, I totally agree about Ed Henry. His recounting of Snow’s telling him to “Zip it” on Iraq questions really says volumes.
Well, White House, Ed Henry can zip it when I’m not seeing as the lead front page headline in the Fargo Sunday paper in blunt, bold type: Frazee man dies in Iraq.
Heartfelt caring to our Minn neighborhood families mourning one lost, 3 wounded. And to all who cope with loss and injury because of this obscene ego-trip by BushCo.
Bring our troops home alive and whole. And soon.
thanks Neil. will look for it later in the sked. will put up with FOX for this one.
Paid Professional Liars Corps d’Elite, Brian Roehrkasse had this to say..
“The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division found that the new identification requirements had no negative purpose or effect, nor is there any evidence, for that matter, that the voter ID requirements have a negative effect on the turnout of any voters.”
So, what he is saying, is that when the Georgia law requiring some people to drive as far as 20 miles and pay $15 to get a voter ID — with picture — was argued before the Supreme Court, the facts, he concludes, showed this was not a disincentive to voting..
Brian missed his objective when the SCOTUS ruled this was little more than a poll tax..
inmymind’seye @ 50
It’s open now. Thanks for the link!
Eureka Springs, AR @ 81
how appropriate! since he is a CLOWN!
Prairie Sunshine @
75
I agree, I don’t like his habit of letting stuff go at all. I have very low expectations for him. He had many opportunities to do some real journalism there and did not take them. So we agree on that.
Good Morning Christy and all the Fire Pups. Gorgeous day in Atlanta…everything thing is blooming and pollinating big time. I don’t have the stomach to watch the Sunday circle j–ks so I come here to catch the low points.
jayackroyd @
64
That is an ugly column and deserves a response — I suspect it will get more than one. Heh.
have to hit the road to home - did i miss the Lake - oh yeahhhhhhhhhh! see all when i get home early monday - meantime have a great sunday - byeeeeeeeeee for now
Hume literally laughed about the AG scandal. That’s all he’s got: laughter. Nice. Only going to get worse for these loyalists.
but Arlen, no one cares what you say any more. don’t you know that?
TiredFed @ 92
Specter the spectre.
Dick Durbin doing a pretty good job laying out the case against Gonzalez, with an assist from 2 REPUBLICAN US Attorneys. Nice.
Face the nation just interviewed Bud Cummings; not Schieffer is all over the tobacco case meddling. Interviews Sharon Eubanks. Now asks Senator Leahy about this. Leahy says “this was egregious.”
PeteCO @ 93
If only folks would stop asking him his opinion as if the Republicans were still in charge. Wishful thinking, I know.
Scarecrow @ 95
Leahy knows egregious? wont she be pleased ;)
Scarecrow - just caught it as well
Yeeee - Haaaaw !!!! this hippie is lovin’ her some Republican USA’s
TiredFed @ 83
More Fox News Sunday: Feinstein does a good job on Fox News Sunday too, Lott’s persistent interurption notwithstanding, and Wallace’s ridiculous implication that Feinstein was in some way negligent.
Hey all, ’tis a beautiful day in Central Indiana. Windows are open, and the fresh spring air is pouring in.
Started to read the article in NYT about the information black market in DC. Stopped about a paragraph in when the the writer cited “perhaps a non-existent crime” in referring to Plame.
Did anybody see the faculty of the University of Florida gave Jeb Bush the One-finger salute recently? Karma beatch!
Thanks again Neil. Nice to see Dems (and even some renegade Republicans) getting a chance to strike back.
TiredFed @ 96
Ghost of Congress Past. Wooooo!
It occurs to me that all of these AUSAs are Republican trial lawyers, so they probably all (a) watch Faux News on a regular basis and (b) are quite capable of handling themselves under pressure. Which means that this is one of those rare occasions where someone going on Faux News might actually yield, well, news.
Whoa. Lindsey Graham supporting Leahy on Face the Nation on need to get answers from DoJ and WH. Says Gonzales and DoJ misled Congress.
Stephanopolis: “I do think the Democrats are going to have to give a little bit on this of executive power…”
Mr. Marks & me simultaneously: WHY?!!!
Scarecrow @ 104
He’s a smarmy little jerk, but he’s usually ahead of the curve in terms of guessing which way the wind is going to blow.
Scarecrow @ 104
if enough Republican Senators get pissed about this, we will have the 2/3 majority needed. not holding my breath on Specter or Graham, but there are others (RINOs). Hope someone is keeping track.
cbl,
Glad you are here today. Last week you suggested a video called “Home Away From Home”
About the Yanks in Ireland aboard the U.S.S. Mason.
We are doing a Civil Rights unit in my history classes and it would be helpful to find the source. Is it VHS or DVD and where can I find it?
I would have asked you at the time but it would have been a hit and run on my part without time to respond to your answer.
Thanks.
Scarecrow, I saw that too … but he only voices finding out in the DoJ and not the White House. But he is inching closer.
bg @
19
amen to that! and may it burn and sting!
If Rove is out and about the country talking about the US Attorney terminations, how can the executive branch claim executive priviledge?
When Rove speaks in public, does he do so an an agent for the White House? Does he speak authoritatively on matters of policy or politics or both?
I like Mr. Brezinski.
I thought Durbin did a great job this morning on MtP.
Good morning - Need lots of coffee to brace for the jerk-circle of shows and today’s weather - - more cold and dark and icy.
With your help I have a clear vision of spring in my head.
TiredFed @ 107
It’s one thing to stand up in front of your constituents and say the right things, its another to risk your political future by voting against BushCo.
Even Jim VanDeHei — looks worried. David Brooks trying to reframe the discussion as though this is only the AG picking the wrong issue on which to fight. Oh, here it is: the Dems need to worry about focusing on scandals and not focusing on issues. That’s the talking point of the day.