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
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.
“This war has gone on longer than World War II and there is no end in sight. Yet we are less secure and more isolated than before. We have lost 3,400 patriotic Americans and shattered our standing in the world. We are spending $2 billion a week - $8 billion a month - and are now caught in the middle of a civil war. Still, this President wants more of the same and this bill would give him his wish.
“I cannot and will not simply give this President another blank check.
“Half-measures and equivocations are not going to change our course in Iraq. If we are serious about ending the war, Congress must stand up to this President’s failed policy now - with clarity and conviction.
“As the debate on the war continues, I will continue to fight for a firm deadline that is tied to funding which will allow for a responsible redeployment of U.S. combat troops in Iraq - because that’s the only way to responsibly bring this war to a conclusion.
“I hope my colleagues would do the same.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.”
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.
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!
Don’t know if you can filibuster spending bills…
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?
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.
What I wrote to my Rep (Howard Berman), who needs a spine even though he’s in the safest of the safe blue districts:
I am writing to urge you to vote against the Iraq supplemental funding bill. It is clear that this war has been lost through the incompetence and mismanagement of the Bush Administration, and every day that the President’s authority to continue this war unchecked is another day that costs our country in lives, dollars, and prestige.
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.
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!
Yea, the same Senator that stood up for President elect Al Gore when Maxine Waters asked just one Senator to stand up…. that Senator?
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.
According to digby, Hillary will have something to say when she has something to say.
Still triangulating…please stand by…
According to CNN, Obama wants to read the bill before he announces his decision.
Obviously, that would be a smart thing to do…several days ago.
According to Wolf, Biden’s voting for the bill.
Good ol’ Bought’n'PaidFor Biden. Go stand in the corner with Lieberman, Joe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I liked what he said here
to tell the truth, i’ve liked quite a lot of what he’s said…
.
I don’t think the progressive “strategy” of not talking about 9/11 is working very well.
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.
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.
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… :)
Could one of you explain to me why Rove is subpoena proof to date cause I just don’t get it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Yea, the same Senator that stood up for President elect Al Gore when Maxine Waters asked just one Senator to stand up…. that Senator?
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
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.
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.
I’d for one, would like to see Olbermann rip my party a new one.
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?
I’d for one, would like to see Olbermann rip my party a new one.
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?
The Dems have already, once again, ripped themselves a new one with the cave-in.
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.
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.
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?”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Eli
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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
Eli