...by this measure shall ye be judged.
Hey ‘08….By: Jane Hamsher Wednesday May 23, 2007 4:30 pm |
Hey ‘08….By: Jane Hamsher Wednesday May 23, 2007 4:30 pm |



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zed for now?
Jane
What are we supposed to see here. I can’t get this clip to play?
Jane!!!
good for dodd!
how many will follow suit, and do the right thing?
SeamusD @ 2
Worked ok for me.
pre-zedded for your convenience.
Palast is on Randi Rhodes right now.
Way to go Dodd! I’m really starting to like this guy.
This Is Not a “Compromise,” It’s a Blank Check
by John Nichols 5/23/07
“Democrats in Congress are caving on Iraq, compromising on trade, backtracking on ethics reform and pushing for an immigration bill that nobody likes.”
“But they (Democrats) still lack either the backbone or the discipline to take real risks and fight the status quo.”
by Ari Berman 5/23/07
It’s about fricking time.
WE have benchmarks, too, and this is one of them.
Meet it, or hit the road.
Go, Dodd, Go!!! That’s what I’m talking about!!! Be still thy heart…
Hey Jane!
I have Howard Berman representing me, and he is, shall we say, not on board. Is there a potential netroots person available here in CA-28?
For those that couldn’t see, it is a video of Senator Chris Dodd explaining why he will vote “NO” on the Iraq supplemental and asking his colleagues to join him in that vote.
Note: that text is from the press release, not the transcript of the video.
Disclosure: I proudly work for Senator Chris Dodd’s presidential campaign.
Olbermann in 20.
OT - Anyone else having a problem getting into Americablog.
I saw this clip earlier. Dodd was on Bill Maher’s show, I think it was last week, via satellite. I like him.
Anybody else out there want to help get rid of Lungren? About 50 people in the Sacramento Area
are involved now and we could use all the help we can get. marymccurnin at mac dot com
Dodd won’t be alone- apparently a majority of dems are gonna vote against this fucker- it will be carried by the goopers and the blue dogs. Dems needed to give their red staters a chance ta vote for the troops or they would risk being short termers-
Kinda odd- as if the dems are saying “why don’t you goopers take back congress- just for this one vote.”
I don’t think the progressive “strategy” of not talking about 9/11 is working very well.
Amazing to see a clear and concise statement like this from any politician, let alone a presidential candidate. Go Dodds!
Oh, and punaise, when you get up here from below - today was a bit of kabuki - some Dems (Davis!!!) got it and got some good stuff; GOP spent all day complaining about how this silly little issue was distracting from really important stuff, and complaining that Little Miss Monica was being persecuted because she was a Christian. (Fave was when one idiot, whose name I’ve forgotten, claimed that under the new hate crimes bill, dems on the committe might be prosecuted for inciting anti-Christtian violence!)
Best part was when LMM talked about meeting with Gonzales where she was “uncomfortable” because he started going over events as he recalled them. She was vague, which leads some to think he memory will get better as her immunity grant gets broader.
That is all.
Mr. Dodds goes ta congress!
There does seem to be a contrast between Dodd and one or two other Democratic presidential candidates.
Wonder if any of the dem prez candidates in the senate will vote FOR the funding bill? Wonder if any goopers will vote agin it?
Jane - some of us (no names please) read FDL at work and can’t, for technical reasons, play videos, thus some clues as to what is on them would be appreciated. I see MBH at 12 has the press release, something like that would be nice as part of the post. Thanks.
Hope you are feeling strong and well.
Thank you, Senator Dodd.
No the right thing would be a filibuster it only takes ONE Senator to do it this cursed bill can’t pass unless Democrats betray the AntiWar movment that put them in power. I am so glad I finally got my passport. Senator you could have said don’t worry this bill won’t pass I’m going to fillibuster instead you assume that I don’t know that a no vote is not your only option. Congresional games of voting for or against something that passes anyway when you can filibuster are not going to help you!
Palast making the point that the voter caging thing was all the work of Tim Griffin, who is not only guilty of a felony, but is now the USA in Arkansas, and that he stays as such until at least the 2008 election. He’s *really* hammering the felony aspect by Griffin. Says the Pugs have already knocked 1.5 million voters off the roles for 2008.
He’s meeting with Conyers next week.
Hope Conyers is awake that day - and that he refers the matter to the SJC.
Things Come Undone @ 25
Don’t know if you can filibuster spending bills…
Dems are now lookin like the kid who bragged he’d take out the school bully for months and then ran away when it turned fist city..
The screenplay for this performance will not get an oscar.
Things Come Undone @ 25
i think it would take 40 votes to prevent a vote for cloture.
‘pups with more knowledge please jump in here… and correct me if necessary. thanks!
Yep..please disregard Edwards comments today reaffirming what Congress should do..
and please..do not upset The American Legion and follow the Edwards call for dissent this coming weekend…after all that haircut…
But you can follow the Clinton/Obama/Dodd/Richardson calls for dissent this weekend..
it is ok..as long as there is dissent
Things Come Undone @ 25
Yea, the same Senator that stood up for President elect Al Gore when Maxine Waters asked just one Senator to stand up…. that Senator?
According to digby, Hillary will have something to say when she has something to say. According to CNN, Obama wants to read the bill before he announces his decision. According to Wolf, Biden’s voting for the bill.
Edwards was on Wolf earlier today, trying to explain to Wolf why a vote against this bill was a vote to support the troops. But Wolf was confused, and said he thought Edwards has it easy since he’s not in the Senate, oh and how’s your wife Elizabeth? Wolf won’t get off those GOP talkers: “undercutting the troops, leaving them in the desert without food and equipment.”
Which, of course, Bush has already done.
Chris Dodd is beginning to sound more and more like a candidate who is worthy of the Progressive Community’s support. He and John Edwards must be “makin them other Presidential Candidates” very uncomfortable.
And the “private testimony” revelations continue:
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/.....in-elston/
take home message: there may be enough private testimony to impeach gonzales and possbily get a subpoena to stick to kommisar karlosivitch…
OT AND EPU’d, but still made me giggle. Good for a laugh break from today’s events (esp the part about ‘Card takes a punch at a nurse…’)
Danziger’s take on the Hospital visit… titled ‘Great Moments in the War On Terror’.
http://danzigercartoons.com/?p=1087
Mutant Poodle @ 27
Filibuster everything else then bring Senate business to a halt until the Senate leadership gives in! Extreme times call for a leader who can get things done saying I can’t really means you don’t want to. Do we have any leaders in the Senate who can get things done?
Hey, MBH, good to see ya! (tell your guy to get himself a blue wall, please — his great hair blends into the white wall) Your friend, Shallow Ted.
I will dedicate a song to Chris Dodd when I perform at DemocracyFest. I hope he’s in the audience. He’s speaking there, but I don’t know if he’ll be able to hang around for the party.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 34
Okay, that’s pretty damning.
What I wrote to my Rep (Howard Berman), who needs a spine even though he’s in the safest of the safe blue districts:
It may sound paradoxical, but the only way to win the greater battle against islamic extremism is to accept that we cannot achieve the Bush administration’s goals in Iraq, and get out.
You are in a position, as a representative of an extremely safe Democratic district, to do the right thing and stand up for an end to this disastrous war. Voting for this supplemental funding bill is caving in to an administration that is incapable of seeing reality, and must be constrained in every way possible by a responsible and determined Congress.
Sincerely yours,
[Mutant Poodle]
my dream ticket …
dodd/richardson
dodd was my sen until 2 yrs ago - he’s had the right stuff for a long, long time.
Someone above mentioned Hillary. I refuse to discuss this subject for the rest of the night. ;0)
Keith up.
Eureka Springs @ 31
Some new Senators have been elected since then.
expat @ 33
I liked what he said here
Loo Hoo. @ 43
more please - i don’t have cable!
God. Even Olbermann is talking about you know who.
Special comment tonight on the dems on KO!
TeddySanFran @ 32
Still triangulating…please stand by…
Obviously, that would be a smart thing to do…several days ago.
Good ol’ Bought’n'PaidFor Biden. Go stand in the corner with Lieberman, Joe.
Now, what’s so hard about just being like Edwards? Oh, and Wolf Blitzer can go fuck himself.
Last night I was beside myself - so angry about this spending bill I was close to tears. Today, much calmer, I see it in a different light.
We can’t override a veto, we have to submit bill with funding, dems vote no, we shine a bright white light on everyone who votes yes as supporting the continuation of the occupation, and we we continue the fight to end the war.
I HATE the idea of one more life lost. So we have to keep working to end the war.
Olbermann is upset with the cave in.
What digby said..
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com.....-john.html
of course go to the web site of your favorite candidate..and find out where dissent will take place this weekend..
and don’t count the Edwards speech today..ya know where he calls the “funding”.. “capitulation” ..
after all..nobody with a $400.00 haircut matters
Conyers on Kos
dailykos link
Says he isnt backing down.
EvilDrPuma @ 39
hi, edp! i’m programming with one hand and fishing for more tidbits with the other. my third hand is … oops not supposed to talk about that one! *> (
Okay, Selise.
Bush told Coast Guard Al Queda is scary and intelligence reports say they are going to Iraq.
Keith: All Bush cited are dead or in custody!
Hey Nineteen
No we got nothing in common
No we can’t talk at all
Please take me along
When you slide on down
TeddySanFran @ 37
He he.. you beat me to it.
If Selise is still around I have a question? Did you catch the Kucinich speech today or even a link of it? (P.S. I just got high speed internet!!! So I can now take advantage of your wonderful work.)
Looking at the Bush clip on Olbermann beating the same old dead horse. Don’t you love that little head-bob George sometimes does when he speaks. It’s as good as the smirk.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 54
You’re doing
that while reading FDL? Good God, man, you are dedicated!
Zee @ 50
and THAT, maam is why we don’t do reflexive screaming at nancy and the other pros. they do know what they are doing and they are committed to our cause. and much as i like edwards, HE doesn’t have to run for reelection with the “didn’t support our troops” meme hung on him like a stone albatross. he’s a good man and i appreciate his wise media strategy here, but let’s keep everything in context.
EvilDrPuma @ 59
no, broke. my granddaughters are expensive…
Fear is the only thing left in Bush’s arsenal. (E.J. Dione)
Actual numbers of Al Queda are in Pakistan. Not much support left for Bush in America.
Bush triumphed in the vote yesterday, but that won’t last. Republicans will revisit in September.
EvilDrPuma @ 39
Could one of you explain to me why Rove is subpoena proof to date cause I just don’t get it.
Elliott @ 45
to tell the truth, i’ve liked quite a lot of what he’s said…
.
Everythingseemssoneat @ 17
Seriously OT, but was Bush’s speech today at the Coast Guard Academy a graduation speech? If so, how weird. If that were my child’s graduation, I’d be pissed that it was a feeble attempt to shore up Bush’s war credentials. It sounded more like a “State of the Union During Wartime” speech than a commencement address.
Loo Hoo. @ 55
Bush doesn’t have it in mind to use the Coast Guard if he gets to start a war with Iran, does he?
Elliott @ 66
It wouldn’t surprise me. As infantry, of course, because Bush really is that stupid.
wgg: tokin liberal @ 64
and I never felt he ever seriously runs for President
The Democrats are blowing it.
KO-
Milbank-give the dems credit, they kept the pork.
Dems caved in. Clinton and Obama will not say how they’ll vote. Dodd committed to vote no (as Jane says)
Not a Rove powerpoint presentation. Some new ideas including what Baker/Hamilton recommended. Dems are stuck betwee4n their base and reality.
Loo Hoo. @ 55 -
thank you!
KO-
Milbank-Do you want to win the war or the election? Republican liability.
Dana Milbank: “the Dems are feeling some heat over this Iraq bill…”
Olbermann: “Yeah, they’re gonna get some heat here in about 40 minutes.” (refering to his upcoming ‘Special Comment’)
[not verbatim, but close]
Ya. Good statement by Chris Dodd. I called my Congresscritter’s ofc in D.C. this PM and was told by Rep. Markey’s staffer that he plans to oppose the climb-down bill. GOOD, I said — I’d have told him to PLEASE consider changing, if he were going to go the other way. She said a HUGE majority of the calls were in favor of opposing this stupid compromise with a madman (not ner terms but thass what it is). So there… :)
————————————————————————
‘PupMap (621 pins), Chat, Calendar, Timeline (Click here or on my .SIG above)
VictorLaszlo @ 73
Uff da. Wouldn’t want to be on Olbermann’s bad side.
newspaperbrat @ 63
rove is not subpoean proof, but merely subpoena difficult. the reason is that nasty concept “executive privilege” that supposedly prevents presidential counselors (which rove technically is) from being forced up to an unfriendly congress on the hunt for perjury trap evidence (you remember, like they did with clinton…). that’s the reason leahy is so carefully building his case against rove from other, effectively unimpeachable (meaning in this case hard to call liars, we need new words) witnesses WITHIN THE CURRENT DOJ. then when they slap the subpoena on him, they can use their stored evidence to back it up. not that it will actually get him to testify, because chimpy will wear it out in rethug-friendly courts and the BSCOTUS (Bush-SCOTUS) will decide in his favor. BUT, this allows them to effectively lay out their case to the public in advance of 2008. make no mistake, all of this is aimed squarely at 2008. unless we get another “secret tapes” break like watergate did, this IMHO is all we can do.
newspaperbrat @ 63
He’s not, except that he won’t show and the courts won’t get involved and Abu G would have to enforce it…
I was looking forward to Lew Koch’s next post. Was it delayed because of GoodlingGate?
Denver ‘08 = Chicago ‘68….. with Seattle on top.
Military widows against the Occupation, disabled vets against the Occupation, retired Generals against the Occupation….
with Steelworkers, hippies, kids, grannies, turtles, and EarthFirst!
And MSM and Fox.
Dem leaders: Your Denver convention is only fourteen months away.
How will you get out of Iraq before your nation meets you in Denver?
Dem leaders fund the war and sell our jobs.
Next summer in Denver, we’ll be talking about their jobs.
Not the Rethugs.
As in ‘68 and 2000.
Dem leaders:
You leave the Occupation in Baghdad.
We’ll bring the nation to Denver.
Fourteen months.
Denver ‘08.
Dems = Disorder
Smash our communities, we’ll smash your message.
Nonviolently, of course.
See you in the streets, Dem leaders.
Spin those images, DNC.
The war you fund brings blood to Iraq.
your security goons will draw blood in Denver.
Maybe Rahm’s pals in the Chicago machine can share a few memories…
of the battle they won that summer
and the war they lost that November.
Dems = Disorder
Denver ‘08
Olbermann says my party “capitulated” to Bush. I agree.
I’d for one, would like to see Olbermann rip my party a new one.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 60
Our leadership can’t discount our outrage. The anger of Joe Q American over this spending bill is real. My anger and emotion is real. But I didn’t start to understand what they were doing until someone here (I’m so sorry, I forgot who it was - but I thank you whole-heartedly) patted me on my virtual shoulder and slowly explained it to me. There are a lot of people out there who are just seeing the part that looks like the democrats wimped out. Congress seriously needs to explain to the 70% of us who want the war to end why this bill is not a huge mistake. Even yesterday in my rage I remembered that Pelosi is smart and knows what the majority of Americans want, but I still didn’t see how they could submit this bill. I’m starting to understand, but I’d like them to tell me if I am understanding correctly.
Eureka Springs @ 31
Actually, I think Gore asked that nobody stand up for him, BUT, in 2004 Barbara Boxer joined Rep Stephanie Tubbs Jones to contest the counting of the electoral votes in the Senate because of Ohio irregularities
And guess what? She was rewarded for taking a stand
Pic
OMG, is that Porky the Pig behind Monica?
Oklahoma kiddo @ 80
“Will we know peace in our time?”
KO skewering Monica — priceless!!
Loo Hoo. @ 84
yep! :) (her lawyer)
Loo Hoo. @ 84
Her atty John Dowd. Serious bucks in cost.
Eureka Springs @ 57
woo hoo, high speed on the toobz!
here’s the link to the old files that i’ve posted (comey is #6).
i did not catch kucinich today, but if it replayed or it gets in the c-span archive let me know and i’ll happily rip an mp3 (i’d like to hear that one too!)
please do let me know if there is anything of interest you’d like me to rip and post, i’m happy to do it… and if you’re interested, i bet there are other fire pups who’d like a copy for their ipods.
Loo Hoo. @ 84
I think its Droopy Dog
According to David Shuster, a lot of folks think MG’s testimony about meeting with AGAG is VERY close to witness tampering. Abu sayin he was “comforting” her. Uhuh.
john in sacramento 5:18 - I knew none of this.
Beautiful!
Oklahoma kiddo @ 81
Isn’t that what Bush and Abu Gonzales would also like to see, on the day that Monica Goodling testified that the AGAGAG (Attorney General “Abu Ghraib” Alberto Gonzales) lied to Congress?
selise
See my #57 if you missed it, por favor.
punaise @ 85
Depends on what Gore does.
Schuster-Goodling able to provide better info than Abu.
Witness tampering possible on the part of Abu.
Abu saying (press?) he didn’t mean it apparently. Abu says Monica called for the meeting.
Career officials infuriated.
KO to Shuster: Waiting to see if Reese Witherspoon bought the rights to “Legally Blond: The Disbarment.” LOL
ifthethunderdontgetya @ 93
The Dems have already, once again, ripped themselves a new one with the cave-in.
dakine01 @ 97
Beat me to it. ZING!
Zee @ 82
it is important to remember that many, many truths of the current electoral reality CANNOT BE OPENLY DISCUSSED. Just as no rethug can openly say, “We support supressing BLACK AND LATINO AND POOR WHITE VOTERS cause they don’t vote for us”, no democrat can openly say “we HAVE TO GET ENOUGH WHITE LOWER CLASS MALES to vote for us to win the presidency and keep control of the house and senate.” That’s the demographic that votes the “support our troops” mantra. Pelosi personally doesn’t have this liability and so she doesn’t have to vote for it. but the blue dog democrats who help us have control in the senate and house DO, and this bill is laregly designed to allow them to dodge the “didn’t support our troops” meme. thus the following scenario:
this bill goes through, bush signs it. (NOTE: there is a lot of talk about “negotiations” with the white house on this, which apparently the wh intends to honor. why? because BUSH NEEDS THIS BILL TOO! he won’t risk being blamed for “vetoing bullets and armor for our troops” either.) only rethugs and BDD’s vote for it. chimpy signs it, probably with a signing statement flipping off the iraqi accountability provisions. then, when everything goes up the spout over there which it looks like it is about to do, Pelosi and the other dems can say “we gave him and the rethugs what they wanted. we caved. what’s the problem here?”
Eureka Springs @ 94
got it… see my #89
No, by Dodd’s measure MAYBE a FEW members of the Senate may be judged.
LET’S HAVE YOUR LIST of pro-Iraq war Senators who you think we have ANY chance of removing in 2008, Jane.
Name ONE.
Republican incumbent races
[Lamar Alexander of Tennessee
Saxby Chambliss of Georgia
Norm Coleman of Minnesota
Susan Collins of Maine
John Cornyn of Texas
Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina
Pete Domenici of New Mexico
Michael Enzi of Wyoming
Lindsey Graham of South Carolina
Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
Pat Roberts of Kansas
Jeff Sessions of Alabama
Gordon Smith of Oregon
Ted Stevens of Alaska
John Sununu of New Hampshire
Democratic incumbent races
Max Baucus of Montana
Dick Durbin of Illinois
Tom Harkin of Iowa
John Kerry of Massachusetts
Mary Landrieu of LouisianaFrank Lautenberg of New Jersey
Carl Levin of Michigan
Mark Pryor of Arkansas
Jack Reed of Rhode Island
Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia
Possibly retiring senators
Joe Biden (D) of Delaware
Tim Johnson (D) of South Dakota
Thad Cochran (R) of Mississippi
Larry Craig (R) of Idaho
Chuck Hagel (R) of Nebraska
John Warner (R) of Virginia
Let’s see who it is you think are threatened with being hounded by this particular vote.
I expect more from you, Jane. Political neophytes might buy this ‘blame them at the polls’ bit, but surely you know how hard it is to replace even ONE of these Senators.
Thanks selise,
Will be scouring cspan archives for Kucinich and let you know..)
Gonzales already issued statement that he was “comforting Monica in a dificult time in her life”
That was quick
reKucinich: I got this press release today:
Kucinich News Conference Will Reveal Consequences
of Iraqi Oil Privatization in Supplemental Bill
Who: Congressman Dennis Kucinich
Ms. Antonia Juhasz, Institute for Policy Studies
Ms. Denice Lombard, U.S. Labor Against the War
When: Thursday, May 24, 2007
Time: 12 p.m.
Where: Cannon Terrace Corner of New Jersey Avenue and Independence Avenue
What: Congressman Kucinich, along with Iraqi oil expert Antonia Juhasz and National Tour Coordinator for the Voices of Iraqi Workers Solidarity Tour Denice Lombard will be discussing the implications of Congress insisting on benchmarks in the Iraq supplemental that include passage of the Iraqi “hydrocarbon act,” which forces the Iraqis to privatize their oil.
***Following the news conference, there will be a Congressional briefing to expose the crucial issue of Congress passing a measure that pressures Iraq to pass a “Hydrocarbon Act.” This act would allow multinational oil corporations — many based in the United States — to exercise control over Iraqi oil resources.
The Iraqi oil privatization briefing will be from 2 p.m.-3 p.m., in room 402 Cannon.
Zee @ 90
HA!
Siun @ 105
REALLY? no WONDER chimpy is so eager to sign it…
Paul in LA @ 102
To answer your question, these are ALL vulnerable R senators on the block for ‘08. Yes even toothless Mitch is on the ropes. JAR approx 45% and a split KY R party due to his backing a protege against incumbent/crook R Gov.
Norm Coleman of Minnesota
Susan Collins of Maine
John Cornyn of Texas
Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina
Pete Domenici of New Mexico
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
Gordon Smith of Oregon
Ted Stevens of Alaska
John Sununu of New Hampshire
Every one of these is expected to have difficult challenges if not outright losses. Looks like a few pick-ups to me.
Olbermann is angry at my party. Coming up.
Paul in LA: Ah, dude. We already beat LieberME in the Dem primary last year. Our candidate made up 40% in just a few months. Have some faith.
Chris Dodd is OUR Senator.
Joe Lieberman is his OWN Senator.
snowbird42 @ 104
His “comfort” made her “uncomfortable” according to her today.
Siun @ 105 -
do you know if there will there be a webcast?
this day has given me a headache - i’m watching KO - should feel better soon i hope
OK. Who is that old dude in the red loincloth showing his plumber’s crack on KO? Is Hastert moonlighting?
Here’s more on the oil business from kucinich. I am sending this out pronto to my contacts. if this crap is true we are all being had. this is very, very bad news…
http://www.americanchronicle.c.....leID=26308
Zee @ 115
Moonica Godling
Connecticut Bob @ 111
Senator Dodd is saying to my party what needs saying.
bonkers @ 112
This is like what they said about Matt Dowd when he slammed Bush.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 118
Actually, I should clarify this - Lieberman is BUSH’S Senator!
Gonzales, comforter of the deathly ill, and
comforter of the legally blond.
KO-
Major US show in the sea near Iran today.
Condi was almost pleading with Iran for diplomacy.
What does the administration think. That the Iranians are unruly students in the classroom?
Loo Hoo. @ 122
that may be related to this:
http://rawstory.com/showarticl.....221547.htm
not that chimpy likes soros, but any excuse in a pinch…
snowbird42 @ 104
You do know the AGAGAG is very compassionate…for instance, when he and Andrew Card went to visit John Ashcroft at the hospital, to wish him well.
Connecticut Bob @ 120
some people are beginning to notice:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/.....-of-power/
Susan S- How would you like your kids taking taking classes from Doug Feith and George Tenet at Georgetown or Philip Zelikow at UVA?
Alfred Kelgarries @ 124
Thanks.
ifthethunderdontgetya @ 125
And they brought a special greeting card for him to sign…
Don’t any of our Democratic representatives have the brains to realize how pathetic today’s hearing made them look?
Why did no one push her to answer yes or no to the best of her recollection, telling her she could correct her testimony if she discovered she was mistaken?
Why did no one say, a cooperative witness with immunity would admit what she did was illegal instead of saying she crossed a line.
Never mind all the factual questions that didn’t get asked.
Apologies if this has been linked already. Having a hard time keeping up.
keninny has post up at DWT highlighting some of the quotes from WaPo online chat today with David Iglesias: here
~~~Washington: I am half-listening to the hearing today, and get the sense we will be no closer to the bottom of this issue. What do you think it will take to finally answer all the questions pertaining to the DOJ?
IGLESIAS: Washington: Monica has dropped the dime on [recently resigned Deputy Attorney General Paul] McNulty, so that’s one thing I’ve learned. Want to get to the bottom of this? Get Rove and company in to testify under oath. [Later Iglesias referred again to Monica’s testimony that McNulty had been “appropriately briefed by Goodling.”]
Alfred Kelgarries @ 107
Oh, he loves it, it’s served on a silver platter for his base
Loo Hoo. @ 128
please check out my 116. If the leadership knows about this, they’re as complicit as chimpy. realpolitik is one thing, selling out to the oil companies is another!
kirk murphy @ 129
I’m sure the card would have given him a nice pharmacy discount at Safeway™…if only he had signed it!
NO pun re: Andy Card intended. Honest!
john in sacramento @ 132
its worse than that. see my 116. it may be time to form a new party….
This is a question I saw many times on the threads today, and I would appreciate any insight too.
Will the Senate Judiciary Committee have their turn with Monica?
Recently I thought of a good one punaise would have been proud of but I fucking forgot it.
I like Rosie O’Donnell!
Alfred - note carefully that this is one of the “benchmarks” the D’s are insisting Bush meet - the passage of this oil bill.
More info here: http://www.handsoffiraqioil.org/
Keith just hinted he’ll be signing off in a few minutes with a blast at the dem leadership…good for him!
Mutant Poodle @ 77
He’s not, except that he won’t show and the courts won’t get involved and Abu G would have to enforce it…
Methought there is a Capitol Police force controlled by the Senate Majority Leader/Spkr of of the House (not sure) which is an independent force than the Executive Branch (including Abu). Armed showdown on Pennsylvania Ave., anyone?
Alfred, your 116 link doesn’t work.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 138
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. But you gotta love her ovaries.
Conyers says more work to do. He trying to decide who,s next
dailykos link
ifthethunderdontgetya @ 134
With this crowd, the Rx would be for enough to keep AG Ashcroft delirious as long as Bush needed “Get Out of Jail” notes.
I must respect the AG Ashcroft former Dep AG Comey described.
Even delirous, AG Ashcroft respected boththe Constitution and the chain of command.
The Bushies couldn’t do that sober.
newspaperbrat @ 140
Yup, and he just compared Harry Reid to Neville Chamberlain.
“these are ALL vulnerable R senators on the block for ‘08. Yes even toothless Mitch is on the ropes. JAR approx 45% and a split KY R party due to his backing a protege against incumbent/crook R Gov.
Norm Coleman of Minnesota
Susan Collins of Maine
John Cornyn of Texas
Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina
Pete Domenici of New Mexico
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
Gordon Smith of Oregon
Ted Stevens of Alaska
John Sununu of New Hampshire”
dakine, that list of vulnerable Rs is MOOT to the blame for this particular budget vote, right? Clearly they are already in trouble, not even having again rubberstamped this vote.
Anyhow, I reworked the list to include some Jan 07 Congressional Quarterly analysis. Glad to hear that the R Senators are vulnerable.
2008 Senate Races:
Republican incumbent races
Lamar Alexander of Tennessee (Favored)
Saxby Chambliss of Georgia (Favored)
Norm Coleman of Minnesota (Leans R)
Susan Collins of Maine (Leans R)
John Cornyn of Texas (Favored)
Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina (Leans R)
Pete Domenici of New Mexico (Safe*)
Michael Enzi of Wyoming (Safe)
Lindsey Graham of South Carolina (Favored)
Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma (Favored)
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky (Safe)
Pat Roberts of Kansas (Safe)
Jeff Sessions of Alabama (Favored)
Gordon Smith of Oregon
Ted Stevens of Alaska (Safe)
John Sununu of New Hampshire (Leans R)
Democratic incumbent races
Max Baucus of Montana (Favored)
Dick Durbin of Illinois (2002 NAY) (Safe)
Tom Harkin of Iowa (Favored)
John Kerry of Massachusetts (Safe)
Mary Landrieu of Louisiana (Leans D)
Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey (Favored)
Carl Levin of Michigan (2002 NAY) (Safe)
Mark Pryor of Arkansas (Favored)
Jack Reed of Rhode Island (2002 NAY) (Safe)
Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia (Safe)
Possible retiring senators
Joe Biden (D) of Delaware (Safe D)
Tim Johnson (D) of South Dakota (No Fav)
Wayne Allard (R) of Colorado (No Fav)
Thad Cochran (R) of Mississippi (Safe)
Larry Craig (R) of Idaho (R Safe)
Chuck Hagel (R) of Nebraska (Safe)
John Warner (R) of Virginia (R Favored)
(Jan. 07 Congressional Quarterly analysis)
i wont be watching the view after rosie leaves… she livened up that snoozefest…she may not have been the best spokesperson for pro causes but at least she gave opposing views to combat ALL the RW spin….
Olbermann is doing the right job on my party!n
Siun @ 139
AND they added a rule preventing it being amended on the floor. THAT’s the conspiracy, right there. I AM NOT HAPPY.
Keith…(sigh)
To the point, which of these Dem Senators can be punished in 2008 for their support of this bill?
Answer? Maybe Landrieu, maybe.
So Jane’s threat is a head fake.
Here’s a good article from the great Bob Parry.
http://consortiumnews.com/2007/052207.html
He refuses to acknowledge 9/11 too. I just don’t get it. Especially since it is the root of the war in Iraq. The situation is much worse than people think. I’m afraid we’re dangerously brainwashed.
as usual KO nails it!!!
Everythingseemssoneat @ 137
Maybe you should write it down next time. Before …
Someone around here said recently that when the USG sez that the Iraqi government is “not cooperating” that really means “they haven’t signed the OIL LAW that lets our corporations steal their resources.” So we gots to stay there until they cave. It sounded like a reasonable sort of rationalization… Whatchoothink?
Go Keith!
Loo Hoo. @ 142
Hmm. it works for me, tested it twice. But still, YMMV, so:
Kucinich Reveals Dem Funding Bill Includes Privatization of Iraq Oil & Carte Blanche to Invade Iran
June Caldwell
May 6, 2007
Story and Picture of Dennis Kucinich by June Caldwell
In a meeting with the West Los Angeles Democratic Club on Saturday, May 5, Presidential candidate and Ohio Congress Representative Dennis Kucinich revealed that the Democrats in Congress had made some secret concessions to the Republicans in the initial Bill to continue funding the Iraq War that was vetoed, and in a subsequent version that is currently being negotiated. They include:
>Privatization of Iraq’s Oil – in the original Bill, but not shared with the public. A rule was created that said this clause could not be removed during debate on House floor.
>Bush could invade Iran without approval of Congress. A clause that would require him to get approval from Congress first was removed.
>Timetable for troop withdrawal from Iraq to be removed from Bill (in post-veto version).
The clause that Iraq must privatize ownership of its oil was in the original Bill presented by Congress, although it was not mentioned publicly. It was stated as a benchmark to be met by Iraq, and if it was not met, the US would withdraw troops and refuse to offer peacekeeping troops to help rebuild the country. That means the Iraqis would not own their own oil, but instead International oil companies, primarily US oil companies, would instead divide ownership of the oil.
This seems to reaffirm the worst possible scenario that the war in Iraq not only was built upon lies, but was solely for the purpose of destroying their country so the big US oil companies can own their oil. These same oil companies are still resolute about keeping the oil prices high at the pumps for US citizens (while refraining refinery capacity), so that they alone retain record-breaking profits. Kucinich explained he requested on the Congress floor that clause be removed from the Bill, and was finally assured it would be. He found it was not, and again demanded it be removed, and was then accused of ‘not being a loyal Democrat’.
Kucinich went on to explain that last November, the citizens of the US voted for a ‘change of direction in Iraq’ but as of yet have only gotten a bait and switch.
Snarkassandra- That’s not a bad idea.
Olbermann. Doing the job!!!
I just found this:
Committee on Ways and Means
Hearing on Internal Revenue Service’s Use of Private Debt Collection Companies to Collect Federal Income Taxes
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Some info here
and here
~~On March 22, 2007, Committee Chairman Rangel launched an investigation into the IRS’s use of private debt collection companies citing complaints from taxpayers, instances of harassment and violations of law, and the inability of taxpayers to hold the Federal government liable for the actions of a collection contractor. Further, Chairman Rangel urged the Commissioner not to proceed with awarding additional contracts.~~~
OMFG-Keith: Harry and Nancy must be unseated if they bail on their constituencies.
Holy F**k. You all see KO?
SPECIAL COMMENT, KO-
Congress has said get us out of Iraq. the dems have agreed to give Bush all he wanted, optional benchmarks.
Men and women elected have traded their support for magic beans.
First step, but the only first step is what you were elected to do. Bush holds his breath until he turns blue.
Thousands dead and maimed, this is moronic. This is not close to cutting off funding for our troops.
He will make sure our “troops are safe/”
We are near war and shame (Churchill)
Neville Chamberlain moment for the dems.
Dems paper says Bush can ignore it.
Ancient history for dems. The promise of getting out in Sept. is not why you were elected, but falling on deaf ears in congress.
The dems have failed us. Bush has failed us. Sen. Dodd and Edwards are the only candidates who have not failed us.
The electorate figured this out 6 months ago, ahead of the media, congress, white house.
Who among us will stop this war?
There is only blame for this shameful and bipartisan for this continued war.
oh well - i guess i have to keep slogging thru and hope we americans wake up and smell the coffee…..
solai @ 163
oh hell yeah!!!111
KO. Historic.
Siun @ 157
Siun I think you would like my last post on my site. It’s about some of the same stuff as your post on the weekend.
We just witnessed a/the defining moment. Wow.
Olbermann gives me courage to keep on keeping my party’s feet to the fire. And I’m going to crank it up!
Keith, historic rant.
Loo Hoo. @ 164
sounds great! i will be watching c&l for the clip.
Paul in LA
And I stand by the list I gave you of vulnerable Repubs that will most likely be out of officeafter ‘08, no matter what the congressional quarterly may have said in January. McConnell is extremely vulnerable right now in KY. Collins is running in a state trending bluer every day as are Smith and Sununu. Coleman is in a blue state where the only reason he was elected was Wellstone’s death. Domenici has made himself look a fool. Liddy Dole, Ted Stevens, John Cornyn are all in solid red states but are vulnerable for various reasons, not least of which is the war, although corruption is in their for some of them. ALL are targets and most will lose in ‘08.
Look out front-runners!!!
Scarecrow @ 169
I believe so.
snowbird42 @ 144
yield his time and his power to grant immunity sans proffer.
jeebus, why do the Congressional Dems keep putting out for the GOP?
1) Keep Lieberman so you don’t lose his vote…
and allow him to block the Senate discussing whatever he oposes.
Hey - such a deal.
One man, one block.
2) Now Conyers.
Gave away teh marbles before Monica sat down to play.
Uhh - Dem stategists?
You play to lose and think no one notices.
Trained political attorneys don’t give away power by mistake.
Your moles are showing.
Or someone showed you the goods on your family.
Either way, someones burning you.
We can smell it.
newtonusr- “Harry and Nancy must be unseated if they bail on their constituencies.”
I thought they weren’t supposed to make the president angry. You know how Barbara gets when her son feels unhappy.
Got home from work 2 mins. before the Special Comment started. All I can say is Thank You, Keith Olbermann, for saying what needs to be said to the Dem leadership & to GWB, our fearmongering president…
kirk murphy @ 176
is it really that bad?
we are broadcasting hour long “destroy israel” rants on our US-FUNDED arabic language channel because chimpy’s appointees DON’T SPEAK ARABIC, and apparently all the available amercians who do ARE GAY.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....-linguists
don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t speak arabic. the trifecta.
When I agree with guys like Olbermann, Gore and others, I know this is the correct path.
Dru @ 146
And, before anyone asks “who is Neville Chamberlain?”— ~~~Chamberlain’s political legacy is overshadowed by his dealings with and appeasement of Nazi Germany.~~~
wiki
kirk murphy @ 176
I thought of that too. now with this hidden oil ammendment, i am begging to worry you are right…
Oklahoma kiddo @ 181
The rant was at the end?
They won’t. There will be 160k troops or thereabouts in Iraq in January 2009.
The political question is this: how can the Dems make it as clear as possible that the people keeping those troops there are Bush and his 25%-er lackeys?
I hope KO’s apt comparison of Reid to Neville Chamberlain stung.
Dept Of MSM Propaganda:
Romney and Tancredo “blasted” ABC for outing the secret iran destabilization effort. ABC’s response: They asked the WH and CIA if they had any objections to the story being published for SIX DAYS. They didn’t.
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/.....ran-story/
As much as I like Keith, hasn’t he spoken against people who make Chamberlain comparisons? I just don’t think it’s helpful to make that particular analogy, because it carries so much (false) weight.
I feel alone upstairs.
selise @ 172
sounds great! i will be watching c&l for the clip.
My thots ‘zackly selise :) Go John Amato!
Keith speaks to me and for me.
I don’t know what it is going to take for the idiots in congress to figure it all out. How many ways can it be spelled out for them?
And here are the Dem Senators up in 2008, based on voting for cloture on Feingold-Levin, which may point the direction of their final vote on this budget bill:
Democratic incumbent races
(Yea on F-L clot. boo!)
Dick Durbin of Illinois (2002 NAY) (Safe)
Tom Harkin of Iowa (Favored)
John Kerry of Massachusetts (Safe)
Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey (Favored)
(Nay of F-L clot.)
Max Baucus of Montana (Favored)
Mary Landrieu of Louisiana (Leans D)
Carl Levin of Michigan (2002 NAY) (Safe)
Mark Pryor of Arkansas (Favored)
Jack Reed of Rhode Island (2002 NAY) (Safe)
Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia (Safe)
Not much there to pick from, Jane.
Lew’s at the Lake!!!
pseudonymous in nc @ 185
They won’t. There will be 160k troops or thereabouts in Iraq in January 2009.
The political question is this: how can the Dems make it as clear as possible that the people keeping those troops there are Bush and his 25%-er lackeys?
What worries me is that it may be Blackwater (21st-century Hessians) who do the bidding of the Denver City Fathers and Homeland Security in “keeping order.” If that happens because the National Guard is “otherwise occupeid” in occupying Iraq, there will be hell to pay.
The Goodling testimony leads PBS NewsHour- after working in film archival research all day, I can only think her attorney looks a hellavalot like a grumpy Charles Laughton. And she’s going for the wide-eyed ingenue demeanor, when she is anything but…
FYI, terrorist eggplant and zucchini and a
new thread!
upstairs with lew!
Wordsmith @ 184
Olbermann just did the job. All the way through it. ;0)
SnarKassandra @ 179
Cassie, I believe so.
Burnt (blackmailed), bought (bribed), co-opted (the Rahm/DLCC/K Street DINO’s)
Lots of people make dumb choices.
These are very smart people, repeatedly making high-profile decisions with predictable adverse consequnces for their “own” side.
Conyers may be fading - but his whole staff?
We follow the money - good thing, too.
But the money buys stuff:
failed regulations
failed legislation
failed strategy.
Moles leave hills - and holes.
Cave-ins.
Follow the failure Zeligs - the ones at the core of the failed strategy/tactics.
Burnt, bought, co-opted.
You can bet the ‘front-runners’ are busy consulting with their consultants on what to do.
Zee @ 82
So what is the explanation? I’d really dearly love to hear it. So far, all the “explanations” I’ve heard have been weak at best. The one about being afraid of having the “didn’t support the troops” club used against them is one the most craven and weak of them all.
As my white-hot rage cooled over the last night, I’m now left with cold fury. I’m still not seeing any reason to support the Dems if they keep cowering before Bush like this. And I really, honestly, want to support them Dems.
I’m waiting for someone to really, really take on the DLC.
BREAKING BREAKING
6.5 Magnitude quake off Indonesia, Tsnami Warning! check out…
http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/s.....p;lang=eng
EPU’d no doubt, but may I just say, watching the Monica hearing interviews on PBS NewsHour here in L.A., Dan Lungren still makes my ass ache, just as he did these many yrs. ago in CA as the AG…
Marie Roget @ 203
I was living in Santa Rosa, Cali when Lungren was doing his thing. Mr. Lungren is a very bad man.
Paul at 102 ==
From your list, here are the vulnerable Rs:
Norm Coleman of Minnesota
Susan Collins of Maine
John Cornyn of Texas
Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina
Pete Domenici of New Mexico
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
Gordon Smith of Oregon
Ted Stevens of Alaska
John Sununu of New Hampshire
Larry Craig (R) of Idaho
Chuck Hagel (R) of Nebraska
John Warner (R) of Virginia
Paul in LA @ 152
Um, maybe your interpretation of her message is out of whack?
I took this to be a signal to the PRESIDENTIAL candidates, not to members of Congress.
Why should we bust our tails for any Dem running for POTUS if they either cannot walk the walk in their current elected capacity, or help move us out of this impasse now in their capacity as a statesman?
Don’t poke a stick in a hive if you have NO idea exactly what is in that hive.
And exactly what the hell are you doing, anyhow? You say you expect more from Jane — what exactly are you doing to change things? From where I’m sitting you’re asking more of Jane than you are yourself or any of the Senators you are so blithely listing. I know Jane’s commitment. What’s yours?
Connecticut Bob @ 111
NO. Joe Lieberman is a fucking tool.
KO’s rant is on C and L:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/.....y-in-iraq/
rwcole @ 28
Did someone say “Fist City“? Awwwwwwhhh-haaaaaw!
Sing it, Loretta!
I have a feeling Dodd is going to make the Big 3 (Clinton, Edwards, Obama) mighty uncomfortable before this campaign is over. I could imagine Dodd catching fire with the netroots, and changing the entire dynamic of this election.
It’s also worth remembering that Dodd stood up and backed Democratic Senate nominee Ned Lamont over the reptilian Joe Lieberman. Dodd earned a lot of credibility with me with that move…
TeddySanFran @ 32
I’m beginning to think Obama is just Hillary with better speaking style.
Chris Dodd stand up guy, everyone else is missing in action.
Last again but mad as always-I keep calling these dems and talking and reiterating my wish, which is the desire of most americans, that we end this war and get bupkes for my effort.
Jacqrat @ 209
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....mp;search=
Alfred K.
Re: your 116 et. seq. Dennis is so right about the oil. See www.uslaboragainswar.org for plenty of details, including popular resistance in Iraq and upcoming speaking tour of Iraqi unionists, who will have much to say about this.
Matt Browner Hamlin @ 12
Dodd is also one of the only Presidential candidates who has made an issue of restoring the Constitution, and has re-introduced the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007. The bill will restore Habeas Corpus protections to detainees, bar information acquired through torture from being introduced as evidence in trials, and limit presidential authority to interpret the meaning and application of the Geneva Conventions. Why aren’t all the other candidates doing this?
Bob in HI
Alfred K & pups, link is www.uslaboragainstwar.org/
Bob Schacht @ 215
There is a lot of time between now and Super Tuesday. Perhaps Dodd will gain some momentum. Frankly, I don’t think Edwards will ever be more than a brides maid in the contest. Hillary and Barrack may loose their luster if they continue to calculate every position for political muster. I think the liberal electorate is starving for someone that will lead and speak the unvarnished truth. Dodd does have expertise on foreign policy, is bi-lingual, and seems concerned about the civil rights we have been stripped of by Bushco.
Blank Check Not Yet Sent - Blades at Kos.
Called my Congresscritter, urged a NO vote. It’s action at least. And agreed, let’s make covering their left an issue. Any would-be candidate that casts for this bill should understand, they lose the nets and the left.
Final thought. Language again. This is where the capitulation starts - and must end. No more talk on their dishonest, inaccurate, false, misleading, and unfortunately, horribly effective terms - NO.
No to “withdrawal, surrender, defeat, the fallen (and can’t get up - WTF?), war, and security”
Speak the reality of “occupation, oil profits, blood for saving face, stupidity, foolishness, irresponsibility, and bankruptcy.”
I want to live to be Methuselah to see how vilified these people will become. I won’t though, so I’d like to see some action NOW. That’s what I voted for and will continue to vote for.
Also at Digby’s because I honestly can’t believe I can post at even one place that I revere and respect so much! Now onto First Draft, The Left Coaster, and to be lost amongst the zillions at Atrios…
Thanks for the real work you all do - lurkers everywhere salute you; the mods, the rockers, the commenters, and even the sincere trolls (an oxymoron, or an oxycontin…)
“dakine01 says: “And I stand by the list I gave you of vulnerable Repubs that will most likely be out of officeafter ‘08, no matter what the congressional quarterly may have said in January.”
Good news that these R will be driven out, but if they are replaced with other R, it may not be an improvement. Anyhow, there aren’t a great deal of Dem Senators who need to worry about Jane’s pseudo-threat.
As for the MYTHOLOGY that Conyers is losing on purpose — screw you man. Take a look at the job he has done for DECADES for this country, and look at his books, on the 2004 stolen election and his book listing the federal crimes committed by Bushco, as well as his consistent votes NAY on the PNAC Wars, as well as his many investigations and documentations of criminality as chair.
WHO on this entire planet has done as much? Who do you know or can name who can replace such a public servant?
Rep. Conyers is not to blame for the corruption of US politics, or for the powers that be. Those who prefer to blame even our heroes, for their inability to wave the magic wand — what have THEY done for our country, ever? Nothing but BACKSTAB those who try to make progress even in a shitstorm.
And on that oil bill. Has it occured to you that the PNAC War against Iraq is illegal? Has it occured to you that the country itself is likely to cease to exist? Has it occured to you that Bush is going to attack Iran?
That oil bill may well mean NOTHING down the line. Those contracts can be cancelled by a new president. As with other issues, not taking every piece of bait is the way you move forward. Giving Monica a limited grant of immunity was worth it — she is small fry, and Conyers wants to tackle Rove.
Paul in LA @ 219
Let’s try not to insult our fellow commenters.
“I took this to be a signal to the PRESIDENTIAL candidates, not to members of Congress….”
Oh, there has been so much attack on ‘the Dems’ I didn’t consider that.
Personally, I plan on voting for Al Gore, after Bush is forced out. :)
“I know Jane’s commitment. What’s yours?”
Over 500 hours of street/highway protest since this started, along with organizing a two year impeachment call effort (2002-2003), as well as quite a bit of GOTV and anti-electronic vote-fraud efforts. I’ve been maced pointblank, I’ve been spit on, punched, handcuffed, and threatened with knives.
American citizenship. Who knew?
It’s too bad that Dodd doesn’t have an ice cube’s chance in hell for the presidency! What’s that flying Wallenda act, Hillary have to say?
Thanks for saying the right thing, Senator Dodd.
Sorry, but you’re still a bore.
Conyers on Kos
dailykos link
Says he isnt backing down.
It would help if he and the other Dems would quit already with the letters and subpoenas and get to the arresting (they CAN do it…they can arrest virtually anyone using their Sgt at Arms and the Capitol Police). Simply responding to BushCo failures to respond to the previous barrage of “strong letters” and wagging fingers with yet MORE “strong letters” and wagging fingers is tantamount to doing nothing.
DO SOMETHING! ARREST, DETAIN, FORCE TESTIMONY!
newspaperbrat @ 63
Executive privilege prohibits the confidential advice of Presidential staff to senior aides or cabinet members unless a showing that criminal activity has occurred can be made.
LibertyLee @ 225
Really? Executive privilege prohibits confidential advice?
I know how to end this war. Just for one day I’d like to have complete, uncensored access to televison air waves and cable. Transmit a single channel of a day in the life of Bush’s War. Live, unedited. Show the true horror. Make it a weekday. I guarantee you no one in their correct mind could ever support this war. Another way would be to require that all yah’s on these bill be forced to submit one family member to serve 18 months in hell, I mean Iraq.