zip?

heh

Darn it Richmond…

Yike first 2X in a row. I should buy a lottery ticket (Not). Now to read.

Good morning, Christy!

Oh boy, some early morning haranguing…

Morning everyone. How is everyone this morning? I need more coffee…where’s Old Coastie with the fresh cuppa?

dammit, none of this should surprise me, but it does…arrrrgggghhhh

I wonder whether this isn’t also linked to the fact that they cannot show LA Law on television while he is a candidate. Hence, also having major ramifications in terms of funds for related actors. By January, they may also have enough episodes in the “can” without Fred so there won’t be financial harm. If FEC decides against him, that may be the end of his candidacy.

And, probably not germaine, but someone here recently put out the scary idea that Fred would run with Jeb as V.P., and after the election would step down for health reasons, leaving us with BUSHIE III. Ouch.

Mr. Thompson, another Republican role model for our kids. I have much more to say about Fred, but I gotta go to work.

I gotta say, though, the guy just looks like he’s knocking at death’s door. I have a hard time seeing a lot of enthusiasm bubbling up for him, even from the sociopathic 25%.

Corruption, corruption everywhere and all the boards did shrink…

So “Hollywood” Fred is getting a pass huh? … Sounds like he was getting swift-boated from Carl Cameron .. poor guy(Not!!)

I got Starbuck’s Gold Coast, the nectar of the goddess! Not to intrude on OC’s turf, but I do have a fresh pot & us highly caffeinated people love to share.

Oooooh, nonplussed. That sounds lovely!

To paraphrase the patron saint of modern Republics, Richard Nixon: “When a Republic does it that means that it is not cheating.”

Good morning, Christy. We live in the age of cheaters. Time to take back the country.

Richmond @ 9

I wonder whether this isn’t also linked to the fact that they cannot show LA Law on television while he is a candidate. Hence, also having major ramifications in terms of funds for related actors. By January, they may also have enough episodes in the “can” without Fred so there won’t be financial harm. If FEC decides against him, that may be the end of his candidacy.

And, probably not germaine, but someone here recently put out the scary idea that Fred would run with Jeb as V.P., and after the election would step down for health reasons, leaving us with BUSHIE III. Ouch.

I don’t believe that. Only because if that was the case, Faux Noise wouldn’t be trying to swift boat him in favor of Rudy. Ailes has already gone on record supporting Rudy, as has Sean Insanity.

Old Coastie is probably still off celebrating getting the zed on her birthday yesterday.

SnarKassandra, rickety is from a nutritional deficit that leaves one’s bones thin and weak, rickets.

I mentioned in another thread that I was at the Iowa State Fair on Friday and saw Thompson. Just like other candidates, the golf cart was used to carry him from the end of the parking lot to the main concourse, about 3/4 of a mile. From there he walked around, again, just like the rest of the candidates.
Why Fox made such a big deal of the fact that he rode a cart from the parking lot in 90 degree weather, I don’t know. But why are we suddenly accepting the Fox version of things, when we don’t trust them for anything else? Nothing personal Christy, but IMHO the FEC issues should be the lede, not snark about his age, or his ride in a golf cart, or what brand of shoes he wears.
Just my 2p. I’ll go back to lurking now.

ATM, I am enjoying a mocha…I make ‘em myself…MMMMMMMMM…

Cassie – Rickets is caused by Vit. D. deficiency.

Perhaps Mr Thompson is not an honest man and only played one on TV.

nonplussed @ 14

I got Starbuck’s Gold Coast, the nectar of the goddess! Not to intrude on OC’s turf, but I do have a fresh pot & us highly caffeinated people love to share.

Working on a pot of my own of carefully cross-bred, genetically re-engineered version, which yields a fine resultant cross of gas-station and truck-stop coffee. Mmmmm…

I’m a coffee low-brow. But I am enthusiastic about it…

On the day of the Scooter Pardon, I was out in front of the White House with my Code Pink Sisters in Peace, raising a ruckus and marking off the crime scene. One of our ‘bullhorn moments’ was to explain to the tourists:
“People, remember that this is America. Everyone is presumed innocent until ELECTED.”

Why shouldn’t it be fun to end the war?
Come to DC soon, my friends, I’ll make coffee !!

Faux Joe Klein– :-) You don’t believe the LA Law part either? On Fred AND Jeb running, I don’t believe it either, but not because of Faux which can be notably fickle. Anyway if Fred is not “running” yet Faux can’t oficially support him. And, by the way, doesn’t this also mean Fred doesn’t have to do the debates (saving him from questioning).

On Jeb again: There have to be some out there in the Rethug party who are really nervous about the current “pool” of sludge they have running. I bet there are thoughts out there of adding a new (better) “face” to the pool.

Toby Wollin @ 22

Cassie – Rickets is caused by Vit. D. deficiency.

I thought it was C

Well i tried to give up coffee. It lasted one day, yesterday. Perhaps another time.

It was the gucci loafers Old Fred wore to an Iowa Fair…. ya think he was walking around when they were doing the cow chip tossing contest?

Another point, as a nurse, watching that makes me ask questions on the status of his Lymphoma, is it still in remission? There is a frailness about him that is beyond getting to a “campaign weight”.

Following up on prior post, looks like the Bush WH conspired with the Chinese to weaken enforement of lead paint rule. Denver Post. Another impeachable offense.

jayt @ 24

nonplussed @ 14

I got Starbuck’s Gold Coast, the nectar of the goddess! Not to intrude on OC’s turf, but I do have a fresh pot & us highly caffeinated people love to share.

Working on a pot of my own of carefully cross-bred, genetically re-engineered version, which yields a fine resultant cross of gas-station and truck-stop coffee. Mmmmm…

I’m a coffee low-brow. But I am enthusiastic about it…

You must have a cast-iron stomach.

TJ @ 27

Toby Wollin @ 22

Cassie – Rickets is caused by Vit. D. deficiency.

I thought it was C

I think that TJ is thinking of scurvy.

Mark at 20 — I was told that Fred was riding around the fair in the golf cart as well, not just from the parking lot. From people who were at the fair. So that conflicts with what you saw — and I’ll try to find out specifics on that to be certain. I could give a rat’s ass about his age — but questions about his infirmity is a whole other issue, especially when he wants to be President of the United States. And those have been raised lately with a host of people whispering in the background that he’s not up to the rigor of the campaign. Which is why I raise the issue here.

If the GOP wants to front out a candidate who cheats the election laws and who, ultimately, is not up to the job, that’s not just their business — it is all of ours. And we have a right to know up front, not after the fact, that there is a problem if, indeed, there is one. I don’t just put shit up on the blog without there being a reason for it. The media isn’t asking these questions publicly, even though they are chattering about them behind the scenes. It’s time to bring them out into the open, air them out one way or the other, and let the Thompson campaign either put them to rest or answer them forthrightly — about the FEC violations as well as the many questions that have been raised about his ability to sustain a lengthy campaign.

Scarecrow @ 30

Following up on prior post, looks like the Bush WH conspired with the Chinese to weaken enforement of lead paint rule. Denver Post. Another impeachable offense.

A future post? Also it makes one think about whether they overlooked the lead paint rule on kids toys etc on purpose with the accord of the Bush people.

MayDaze @ 31

jayt @ 24

nonplussed @ 14

Working on a pot of my own of carefully cross-bred, genetically re-engineered version, which yields a fine resultant cross of gas-station and truck-stop coffee. Mmmmm…

I’m a coffee low-brow. But I am enthusiastic about it…

You must have a cast-iron stomach.

With no lining left.

Richmond @ 34

Scarecrow @ 30

Following up on prior post, looks like the Bush WH conspired with the Chinese to weaken enforement of lead paint rule. Denver Post. Another impeachable offense.

A future post? Also it makes one think about whether they overlooked the lead paint rule on kids toys etc on purpose with the accord of the Bush people.

That would be cheating. They don’t seem to play by any rules.

You must have a cast-iron stomach.

I do now. Practice – lots of practice.

The Repubs are saving Jeb for 2012.

They figure to undermine President Hillary so thoroughly, so badly, that by 2012 Americans will be sick of her and will have forgotten about shrub.

Good mornin’ all,

Just getting going with a “tall” sumatra. I have a love/hate relationship with Starbucks. Love the coffee, hate that a “tall” is really a small.

Oh, and T. Monk playing in the background.

JimPreston @ 32

TJ @ 27

I thought it was C

I think that TJ is thinking of scurvy.

Sheesh, I better review my vitamins.

This is good post to SPOTLIGHT to the media to help draw attention to this.

TJ @ 27

Toby Wollin @ 22

Cassie – Rickets is caused by Vit. D. deficiency.

I thought it was C

That’s scurvy.

Jonathan @ 38

The Repubs are saving Jeb for 2012.

They figure to undermine President Hillary so thoroughly, so badly, that by 2012 Americans will be sick of her and will have forgotten about shrub.

Something I wish the Democratic Primary voters would consider — I mean in states that actually hold their primaries BEFORE the whole thing has already been decided. (That rules ME out.)

mc @ 39

Good mornin’ all,

Just getting going with a “tall” sumatra. I have a love/hate relationship with Starbucks. Love the coffee, hate that a “tall” is really a small.

Oh, and T. Monk playing in the background.

I’ve largely weaned myself off Starbucks, but I always refused to call it a “tall” — I always asked for a “small”. Just ridiculous.

There’s this:

Mr. Thompson, a Republican, has been able to set up what looks like a stealth campaign on the Internet because federal election laws and enforcement have failed to catch up with the surge in campaigning in cyberspace. As a result, he has been able to promote his positions and raise money through his Web site, all while technically remaining a noncandidate.

And that status enables him to remain on television on “Law and Order” reruns without NBC facing demands from other candidates for equal time. It exempts him from the more rigorous rules on reporting donors that declared candidates must adhere to.

(snip)

“The question is, at what point do your activities in fact become a candidate’s activities?” said Meredith McGeehee, policy director of the Campaign Legal Center, which advocates tighter campaign finance rules. “This experience will probably cause some folks, us included, to go back and say: ‘Is there something that needs to be updated? Are the rules clear enough? Are these really up to date with modern campaigns?’ ”

If Thompson waits until September 6 to formally declare his candidacy, he wouldn’t have to disclose any of the cash given to his campaign until January 31 — after many major contests are over, including the Iowa and Nevada Caucuses, and the New Hampshire, South Carolina, Michigan and Florida primaries.

Given the apparent internal strife and high turnover within his campaign staff, maybe he doesn’t *have* that much cash to report…

I just phoned the FEC and the woman spent a good amount of time explaining the process to me. While Thompson is “testing the waters” he doesn’t have to register with the FEC. Once he announces he has 15 days to file form 2, then 10 days after that to file form l. September 6th would mean he would complete the process October lst. Anytime before September 30th would mean he would be required to file an October 15th financial disclosure.

She said that the rules were written 30 years ago and that the FEC has been trying to get congress to tighten this up for years. She said that some congressional candidates had been using this for years.

Gaming the system….just another Rethuglican.

jayt at 46 — There has been an awful lot of turnover for Thompson’s non-campaign campaign, hasn’t there?

The republican motto is No Crime Left Behind. They seem to spend every waking moment furiously underming every law, regulation, ethics code and morality issue they can find.

nonplussed @ 14 – fourth cuppa my favorite, can’t beat Eight O’Clock (grandma always knew best).

Richmond @ 34

Scarecrow @ 30

Following up on prior post, looks like the Bush WH conspired with the Chinese to weaken enforement of lead paint rule. Denver Post. Another impeachable offense.

A future post? Also it makes one think about whether they overlooked the lead paint rule on kids toys etc on purpose with the accord of the Bush people.

Does this mean that the Chinese are going to execute Bush?

carmen at 47 — All of that is true unless and until there is an expenditure of $5,000 or more for “campaign activities” by the potential candidate. As much travel as Thompson has been doing? You think that’s been less than $5,000 in expenditures? Just in airfare and hotel alone for all the trips to Iowa, NH and elsewhere the last few months? They’ve enforced the law in the past on a number of candidates, including Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson. See the above links. Truly — this is one of those “if you look under the rock, you may see something you won’t like” types of situations. Sounds to me like the FEC doesn’t want to have to look under the rock.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 48

jayt at 46 — There has been an awful lot of turnover for Thompson’s non-campaign campaign, hasn’t there?

Yes, and alot of the problems seem to have been caused by Fred’s wife. No matter the funding, she is going to be a MAJOR problem for the non-campaign. (Read blond and booby version of Katherine Harris).

ironranger @ 49

The republican motto is No Crime Left Behind. They seem to spend every waking moment furiously underming every law, regulation, ethics code and morality issue they can find.

Only if they can profit from undermining it.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 52

carmen at 47 — All of that is true unless and until there is an expenditure of $5,000 or more for “campaign activities” by the potential candidate. As much travel as Thompson has been doing? You think that’s been less than $5,000 in expenditures? Just in airfare and hotel alone for all the trips to Iowa, NH and elsewhere the last few months? They’ve enforced the law in the past on a number of candidates, including Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson. See the above links. Truly — this is one of those “if you look under the rock, you may see something you won’t like” types of situations. Sounds to me like the FEC doesn’t want to have to look under the rock.

Or somebody is standing on the rock saying “You can’t look under here.”

Richmond at 53 — Blergh. It’s too early for a mention of Katherine Harris…but a scary comparison, nonetheless.

Back to the phones. Should have followed all the links first. Thanks.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 52

carmen at 47 — All of that is true unless and until there is an expenditure of $5,000 or more for “campaign activities” by the potential candidate. As much travel as Thompson has been doing? You think that’s been less than $5,000 in expenditures? Just in airfare and hotel alone for all the trips to Iowa, NH and elsewhere the last few months? They’ve enforced the law in the past on a number of candidates, including Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson. See the above links. Truly — this is one of those “if you look under the rock, you may see something you won’t like” types of situations. Sounds to me like the FEC doesn’t want to have to look under the rock.

jayt @ 46

Given the apparent internal strife and high turnover within his campaign staff, maybe he doesn’t *have* that much cash to report…

Umm, “internal strife” being another term for “Miss Jeri don’ like the kitchen help.”

But, since Fred has the help and support of Miss Comstock and her friends with the overweight checkbooks, the “internal strife” probably hasn’t had an effect on fundraising… wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Christy at 33

I was told that Fred was riding around the fair in the golf cart as well, not just from the parking lot. From people who were at the fair. So that conflicts with what you saw — and I’ll try to find out specifics on that to be certain. I could give a rat’s ass about his age — but questions about his infirmity is a whole other issue, especially when he wants to be President of the United States. And those have been raised lately with a host of people whispering in the background that he’s not up to the rigor of the campaign. Which is why I raise the issue here.

Fair enough (no pun intended – well, maybe a little). My wife and I saw him and Sen. Grassley after he was delivered to the concourse and was doing the “meet and greet” photo-op walk. As I mentioned in the other thread, he does look worse in person than he does on TV.It wasn’t my intention to say that you post “bullshit” on the blog. My sincere apologies if it came across that way. I agree completely with all the reasons you give for why questions about Thompson and his campaign need to see the light of day. I just don’t trust Fox, and in this case my Rashomon point of view from last Friday doesn’t jibe with theirs. Thanks!

The best part of this is knowing up front that this guy does not play by the rules.

And this:

F.E.C. regulations that limit the use of traditional media for campaignlike activity apply to the Web as well. But while regulators can easily monitor the reach and level of spending on television and other traditional forms of advertising, the same is not the case with the Internet, since users determine how much traffic a site like Mr. Thompson’s gets. And experts say enforcement is practically nonexistent.

(snip)

One election lawyer who works for a Democratic campaign called the Internet “the third rail of election politics” for the F.E.C. “It spooks them,” said the lawyer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, adding, “I think it’s more likely that they would overlook it completely so that they don’t have to tangle with any Internet lawmaking.”

Christy Hardin Smith @ 56

Richmond at 53 — Blergh. It’s too early for a mention of Katherine Harris…but a scary comparison, nonetheless.

At least Katherine Harris is closer to Fred’s age.

carmen @ 47

I just phoned the FEC and the woman spent a good amount of time explaining the process to me. While Thompson is “testing the waters” he doesn’t have to register with the FEC. Once he announces he has 15 days to file form 2, then 10 days after that to file form l. September 6th would mean he would complete the process October lst. Anytime before September 30th would mean he would be required to file an October 15th financial disclosure.

She said that the rules were written 30 years ago and that the FEC has been trying to get congress to tighten this up for years. She said that some congressional candidates had been using this for years.

Gaming the system….just another Rethuglican.

But if Lane Hudson has filed a complaint, then the facts and the rules are at issue wrt to Thompson, so no spokesperson for the FEC should be giving callers their conclusions about whether Thompson is or is not complying with FEC rules. Describing the rules = okay; applying them to a case under investigation = not okay.

Badwater@54:
Profit is king for repugs but I think there is also a nasty, mean streak that runs through many of them.

Mark at 59 — Oh man, I am so with you on the not trusting Fox News reporting. *g*

scarecrow at 63 — Absolutely correct.

How did Fred Thompson avoid military service? He’s the right age for the first wave into Viet Nam.

Richmond @ 4

Yike first 2X in a row. I should buy a lottery ticket (Not). Now to read.

Today would be a good day for it. Mega Millions jackpot estimated at $170 million.

Badwater @ 67

How did Fred Thompson avoid military service? He’s the right age for the first wave into Viet Nam.

Likely a law school deferment. That, or he’s got cyst on his asshole, too….

SufiLizard @ 43

Jonathan @ 38

The Repubs are saving Jeb for 2012.

They figure to undermine President Hillary so thoroughly, so badly, that by 2012 Americans will be sick of her and will have forgotten about shrub.

Something I wish the Democratic Primary voters would consider — I mean in states that actually hold their primaries BEFORE the whole thing has already been decided. (That rules ME out.)

That will be true no matter which Dem is elected. The Republicans won’t roll over because of an election; they have worked too many decades to get to this point. The only two Dems that I think can take the heat are Edwards and Hillary.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 33

Mark at 20 — I was told that Fred was riding around the fair in the golf cart as well, not just from the parking lot. From people who were at the fair. So that conflicts with what you saw — and I’ll try to find out specifics on that to be certain. I could give a rat’s ass about his age — but questions about his infirmity is a whole other issue, especially when he wants to be President of the United States. And those have been raised lately with a host of people whispering in the background that he’s not up to the rigor of the campaign. Which is why I raise the issue here.

If the GOP wants to front out a candidate who cheats the election laws and who, ultimately, is not up to the job, that’s not just their business — it is all of ours. And we have a right to know up front, not after the fact, that there is a problem if, indeed, there is one. I don’t just put shit up on the blog without there being a reason for it. The media isn’t asking these questions publicly, even though they are chattering about them behind the scenes. It’s time to bring them out into the open, air them out one way or the other, and let the Thompson campaign either put them to rest or answer them forthrightly — about the FEC violations as well as the many questions that have been raised about his ability to sustain a lengthy campaign.

Christy, I love the way you cut clear to the bone. That’s a big reason I come here – a lot.

A confession.

Back in December of 2000, I thought Katherine Harris was hot.

There was a mystery about her to which I was drawn.

What was she hiding behind that tight smile?

Never had such feelings about Ann Coulter.

Jonathan @ 72

A confession.

There was a mystery about her to which I was drawn.

Yup, lying Republican operatives doing their best to steal an election are so fuckin’ seductive….

Christy Hardin Smith @ 15

Oooooh, nonplussed. That sounds lovely!

And for those of us who don’t drink coffee, your caffeine has arrived.

karnak at 71 — It’s just that I keep hearing the same whisper campaign and media behind-the-scenes chatter on these two issues, and no one has had the balls to ask them out loud in public. This namby-pamby crap has to stop. They all knew that George Bush was a less-than-honest, good-ole-boy-wanna-be who wasn’t really up to the job, and they gave him a pass as “the guy people would like to have a beer with (and never mind his history of alcoholism).” Well, no more.

They need to do their damn jobs and ask the hard questions BEFORE it’s too late, not after the fact. And the Rove coverage this week after he announced his leaving the WH is exhibit A in how the media dances around asking the tough questions when they ought to do so but, instead, waits until the powerful can no longer cut off their source of information. It’s appalling — and it is journalistic malpractice. And I, for one, have had more than enough of it.

CHS @33:

A little OT, but the golf cart reminded me of Thompson’s red pickup:

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/016496.php

That, or he’s got cyst on his asshole, too….

A peculiarly Republican kind of affliction, that. Maybe prolonged periods of *being* an asshole….nah, gonna let that one go.

OT:
U.S. Sen. David Vitter will travel to Iraq next week, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander, (R – Tenn.), Sen. Bob Corker (R – Tenn.) and Sen. George Voinovich (R – Ohio). This is Vitter’s third trip to the Middle East.
“With an upcoming congressional debate in September over the impact of the surge, I believe it is vitally important to see the situation firsthand,” said Vitter. “Our policy should be formed by the real general and soldiers on the ground, not the politicians – arm chair generals – in Washington.”

Christy – Are there any good, fact-checking, put it out there journalists anywhere, anymore? It just seems as if anyone who was has retired or run off to the hills or something. I see a large part of our problem for the last 6 years has been this vast, stupid, gullible, non-questioning, not-willing-to-tell-the-hard-truth press.

I couldn’t believe how bad he looked in Iowa. I wonder if he is on “chemo” for his lymphoma?

jayt @ 77

That, or he’s got cyst on his asshole, too….

A peculiarly Republican kind of affliction, that. Maybe prolonged periods of *being* an asshole….nah, gonna let that one go.

Metamorphosis for the late 20th century, perhaps?

Thanks for the rickets info.

Does Scarecrow have a facebook page? I want to show him this.

Re: Fred’s health:

Thompson has non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a form of cancer. “I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms. My life expectancy should not be affected. I am in remission, and it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future — and with no debilitating side effects,” Thompson said.[96] Like many patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Thompson received treatment with Rituxan.[97] Thompson’s cancer, though currently incurable, is reportedly indolent, the lowest of three grades of NHL.[96] Thompson has nodal marginal zone lymphoma which is a rare form of NHL, accounting for only 1% to 3% of all NHLs.[98]

Steve at 80 — I was initially thinking that it was just the usual “lose some weight” thing that candidates do prior to making an announcement, so they get down to their teevee “fighting weight” for on-camera work. But Thompson looks haggard and worn out in a way that goes well beyond some weight loss and a bit of a jowly look, doesn’t he? And I’ve heard from a few folks inside the Beltway that there are serious questions about whether he will, ultimately, get into the race at all. Shouldn’t we be asking why now — rather than waiting until way late in the game?

Ol Fred does look like he has seen better days but if you ask me , Ghouliani don’t look none too shiny either.

As David Gregory was “interviewing” Karl on MTP, I kept getting flashes of MCRove & David (press corps dinner) off to the side really getting into it out of my head. Media carnival games.

Toby at 79 — There are some, but I think they get restricted in what they can cover in a lot of ways. When they cover items that the editorial/producer types don’t necessarily think are saleable, they get back page placement in print or little to no air time on teevee.

Joel Achenbach had some interesting thoughts on this issue yesterday that are worth a read and some thought. It goes to the heart of a lot of what Froomkin has addressed at Neiman and what Jay Rosen has talked about for years. Interesting theory — but how it plays out in a real world context is anything but certain at this point — it’s information versus infotainment.

Unfortunately have had experience with lymphoma in my family (sister-in-law). This business about Thompson’s “remission” worries me in a presidential candidate. My sister-in-law was young and had world class care at Anderson in Houston. She was “in remission” also but the lymphoma flared up and she died at age 42, ten years after her initial diagnosis.

Both Thompson with his medical history and Rudy with his personal foibles are opportunities for the MSM to redeem themselves in terms of investigative reporting.

We need to know who/what we’re voting for this time. I’m traveling at the moment and continue to be appalled by the lack of accurate info out there, particularly about Rudy.

Bustednuckles @ 85

Ol Fred does look like he has seen better days but if you ask me , Ghouliani don’t look none too shiny either.

Yeah, but, that’s Benito every day….

Who knows? Maybe ol’ Fred is the ringer. He wins the nomination and takes a fall, literally, during the nomination acceptance speech. The worst fascist of the bunch streaks to his side and announces his utter loyalty to Fred’s principles and memory.

Time to rewatch The Manchurian Candidate, maybe. :)

Thompson looks terrible. Perhaps they should nominate someone hale and hearty, like wee Sam Brownback. If they want to nominate a decrepit TV lawyer, why don’t they get Matlock to run?

And how is Thompson not a candidate? Did anybody who was not a candidate get a golf cart ride to the candidate meet and greet? Could I show up at the fair and get a golf cart ride?

“Howdy! It shore is hot! Kin me and my exploratory committee get a ride on that there cart? Take me over there where that Guiliani feller is!”

Just called the FEC. Very strange. Is it now the REPUBLICAN Election Commission?

Yeah, I’m sure his health is just great. My last boss had Non-Hodgkins and was dead a month after diagnosis.

Does anybody at Fox do any fact checking? They identify Thompson as a former Senator from North Carolina (approx 28 seconds into clip).

Dr. K @ 92

Does anybody at Fox do any fact checking? They identify Thompson as a former Senator from North Carolina (approx 28 seconds into clip).

Hey, he’s from somewhere below the Mason-Dixon Line. That’s what counts, y’all. :)

On the health of GOP candidates:

Coincidentally, two other potential Republican presidential nominees have also had cancer: John McCain and Rudy Giuliani.

Dr. K at 92 — Fox notoriously has issues with it’s on-air labelling. They recently mis-identified Arlen Specter as a Democrat when he was criticizing Alberto Gonzales, for example. C&L has a running category for it, I think. It’s that bad…

Scarecrow @ 63

carmen @ 47

I just phoned the FEC and the woman spent a good amount of time explaining the process to me. While Thompson is “testing the waters” he doesn’t have to register with the FEC. Once he announces he has 15 days to file form 2, then 10 days after that to file form l. September 6th would mean he would complete the process October lst. Anytime before September 30th would mean he would be required to file an October 15th financial disclosure.

She said that the rules were written 30 years ago and that the FEC has been trying to get congress to tighten this up for years. She said that some congressional candidates had been using this for years.

Gaming the system….just another Rethuglican.

But if Lane Hudson has filed a complaint, then the facts and the rules are at issue wrt to Thompson, so no spokesperson for the FEC should be giving callers their conclusions about whether Thompson is or is not complying with FEC rules. Describing the rules = okay; applying them to a case under investigation = not okay.

Something else (and I want to give Christyu and Jane a heads up about this) the quote above

If Thompson waits until September 6 to formally declare his candidacy, he wouldn’t have to disclose any of the cash given to his campaign until January 31 — after many major contests are over, including the Iowa and Nevada Caucuses, and the New Hampshire, South Carolina, Michigan and Florida primaries.

Is not a correct statement of the law. If he waits until Spet 6th he will (as the nice lady at the FEC explained to Carmen) have to file the October 15th Quartely report and will have to report all funds raised during that quarter.

http://www.fec.gov/pages/repor…..ezq3.shtml

Waiting sheilds the funds he raised BEFORE the quarter began. Those will not be disclosed until the end of year report which is due in January.

So, it is a bit more complicated than the quote makes it seem and the quote is literally incorrect, though I understand what he was trying to get at.

ccmask @ 78

OT:
U.S. Sen. David Vitter will travel to Iraq next week, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander, (R – Tenn.), Sen. Bob Corker (R – Tenn.) and Sen. George Voinovich (R – Ohio). This is Vitter’s third trip to the Middle East.
“With an upcoming congressional debate in September over the impact of the surge, I believe it is vitally important to see the situation firsthand,” said Vitter. “Our policy should be formed by the real general and soldiers on the ground, not the politicians – arm chair generals – in Washington.”

Ugh! Both my TN senators will be coming back spouting the typical Rethug talking points on how the surge is working. Losers, both of them.

Dr. K @ 92

Does anybody at Fox do any fact checking? They identify Thompson as a former Senator from North Carolina (approx 28 seconds into clip).

Do they identify him as a Democrat, as well?

/s

Toby Wollin @ 79

Christy – Are there any good, fact-checking, put it out there journalists anywhere, anymore? It just seems as if anyone who was has retired or run off to the hills or something. I see a large part of our problem for the last 6 years has been this vast, stupid, gullible, non-questioning, not-willing-to-tell-the-hard-truth press.

I am also struck by the Michael Gordons and Judith Millers of the journalistic world, people for whom ideology (their own religion, political viewpoint etc) came to be more important than getting the real story. This is to me one of the saddest and most disturbing aspects of this business. I now look regularly at who is writing a NYT story before I decide to give it any credence. I don’t remember doing that before the Iraq business.

angry_cyclone @ 97

ccmask @ 78

OT:
U.S. Sen. David Vitter will travel to Iraq next week, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander, (R – Tenn.), Sen. Bob Corker (R – Tenn.) and Sen. George Voinovich (R – Ohio). This is Vitter’s third trip to the Middle East.
“With an upcoming congressional debate in September over the impact of the surge, I believe it is vitally important to see the situation firsthand,” said Vitter. “Our policy should be formed by the real general and soldiers on the ground, not the politicians – arm chair generals – in Washington.”

Ugh! Both my TN senators will be coming back spouting the typical Rethug talking points on how the surge is working. Losers, both of them.

My first thought (shame on me) was that Vitter was going to show Corker and Voinovich where to find the really hot hadji girls….

Jonathan @ 38

The Repubs are saving Jeb for 2012.

They figure to undermine President Hillary so thoroughly, so badly, that by 2012 Americans will be sick of her and will have forgotten about shrub.

Somewhere over the last couple days Iread something that indicated that KArl Rove has built a new house in theFlorida Panhandle very near a property owned by Jeb and that he is leaving the Wh to go start working on Jeb’s campaign for 2012.

If GHWB really is Rove’s mentor, and as we all know GHWB really wanted Jeb to be president, this scenario would have a ton of logic in it.

Yesterday when Senator Leahy walked away from the podium, he looked older and very weary. The lawlessness of the thugs must be taking a heavy toll on him.

ccmask @ 78

OT:
U.S. Sen. David Vitter will travel to Iraq next week, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander, (R – Tenn.), Sen. Bob Corker (R – Tenn.) and Sen. George Voinovich (R – Ohio). This is Vitter’s third trip to the Middle East.
“With an upcoming congressional debate in September over the impact of the surge, I believe it is vitally important to see the situation firsthand,” said Vitter. “Our policy should be formed by the real general and soldiers on the ground, not the politicians – arm chair generals – in Washington.”

Given all of the Iraqi women who have been forced to turn to prositution, it might be easier for him to get his fix in Bagdhad than DC.

Dr. K @ 92

Does anybody at Fox do any fact checking? They identify Thompson as a former Senator from North Carolina (approx 28 seconds into clip).

Of course they do intensive fact checking — to make sure no actual facts inadvertently get on the air.

Good Morning Christy and good pups.

We had some impressive rain yesterday, but all the topsoil-hauling, seeding and tending the sweet Mr. & I have been doing this summer was worthwhile after all. Whew. Now, if I can just keep our 3(?!) broods of fledgling hummers fed and semi-peaceful, we’ll be golden. Tough, tough little birds. I don’t know where they go to get out of driving rain, but they manage.

I’d dearly love to rain on sneaky Freddie’s parade! We KNOW what he did THIS summer. His cheatin’ ways & snake-oil-salesman voice make him stand out like a born-again huckster in amongst that awful band of repug. candidates. But then, he has the resume to prove it.

The MSM OUGHT to be all over him for this. Even the other repug candidates… You’d think they’d cry foul, um, fowl? How come he didn’ even have ta’ kiss the pig at the fair. That’s standard campaign fare. Golf cart, humpfh!
girlie-man!

SufiLizard @ 104

Dr. K @ 92

Does anybody at Fox do any fact checking? They identify Thompson as a former Senator from North Carolina (approx 28 seconds into clip).

Of course they do intensive fact checking — to make sure no actual facts inadvertently get on the air.

707

Dr. K @ 92

Does anybody at Fox do any fact checking?

Short. No

Longer. Good reporting is bloody hard work, requires focus, concentration, endless hours of research, foot slogging, disappointment, long hours, low pay and a developed trust through honesty and accuracy.

I talked to another nice lady at the FEC about the $5,000 limit. She said it doesn’t apply to someone testing the water. Seems that there is lots of ambiquity about what constitutes “campaigning”.

She didn’t know whether they would look into the complaint filed by Lane Hudson, but thought that if others were filed it would likely encourage the FEC to look into it.

ccmask @ 78

OT:
U.S. Sen. David Vitter will travel to Iraq next week, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander, (R – Tenn.), Sen. Bob Corker (R – Tenn.) and Sen. George Voinovich (R – Ohio). This is Vitter’s third trip to the Middle East.
“With an upcoming congressional debate in September over the impact of the surge, I believe it is vitally important to see the situation firsthand,” said Vitter. “Our policy should be formed by the real general and soldiers on the ground, not the politicians – arm chair generals – in Washington.”

More xtian family values in La.

Poll: Louisianans Approve Of Vitter
A new poll of Louisiana by Baton Rouge-based firm Southern Media & Opinion Research finds that Senator David Vitter (R), who was revealed to have patronized prostitutes in the D.C. Madam scandal, has a 66.7% approval rating, and only 22.5% disapproval.

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe…..ng_roundup

LHP at 96 — Thanks for the clarification on that. I thought it was pretty clear when I read it, but looking at your note, I see that may have been my read of the law and not the actual paragraph that made it clear. I’ve updated the post above to reflect the distinction.

looseheadprop @ 101

If GHWB really is Rove’s mentor, and as we all know GHWB really wanted Jeb to be president, this scenario would have a ton of logic in it.

Now, there’s an ugly mental image–Jebby and KKKarl sitting on the Redneck Riviera, drinkin’ beer and plotting electoral mischief….

Fresh thread, up and running for everyone…

Sally @ 102

Yesterday when Senator Leahy walked away from the podium, he looked older and very weary. The lawlessness of the thugs must be taking a heavy toll on him.

I saw that. I’m thinkin’ he’s just utterly disgusted to his core. This administration can do that to a fella. I’m hoping he’s fine otherwise.
He must surely be absolutely feeeuurrrious inside. He’s showing admirable control for the cameras.
True professional, and caring soul. One of our heroes! We wish him well. In fact, he’s gotten more than one thankyou note from this household, & probably will get more before long. ;->

Steve-AR @ 109

ccmask @ 78

OT:
U.S. Sen. David Vitter will travel to Iraq next week, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander, (R – Tenn.), Sen. Bob Corker (R – Tenn.) and Sen. George Voinovich (R – Ohio). This is Vitter’s third trip to the Middle East.
“With an upcoming congressional debate in September over the impact of the surge, I believe it is vitally important to see the situation firsthand,” said Vitter. “Our policy should be formed by the real general and soldiers on the ground, not the politicians – arm chair generals – in Washington.”

More xtian family values in La.

Poll: Louisianans Approve Of Vitter
A new poll of Louisiana by Baton Rouge-based firm Southern Media & Opinion Research finds that Senator David Vitter (R), who was revealed to have patronized prostitutes in the D.C. Madam scandal, has a 66.7% approval rating, and only 22.5% disapproval.

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe…..ng_roundup

That certainly sounds like that poll was culled from the SM & OR white people only call list….

Fiddlegirl192 @ 91

Just called the FEC. Very strange. Is it now the REPUBLICAN Election Commission?

Yeah, I’m sure his health is just great. My last boss had Non-Hodgkins and was dead a month after diagnosis.

Hi, I just called too and had the same imression. Hmmm.

as Scarecrow pointed out below, what was the nice lady at the FEC doing giving Carmen an investigatory conclusion on a matter which has just been opened with a complaint filed at the FEC? Curiouser and curiouser…

Keeping it in the family. That’s what this administration is and has always been all about.

Badwater @ 67

How did Fred Thompson avoid military service? He’s the right age for the first wave into Viet Nam.

It appears that there is a misconception that ALL young men who were of the “correct” age during the Vietnam draft years were drafted for military service.

This is not true – there was a lottery – your birthday was what determined when (or if) you would be called up for service. Only a certain number of boys were called each year. It is concievable that you would be able to avoid service simply by having been “born right”.

Better information here

I made my call to the FEC– what a bunch of hoey…. has he ever said “i want to be the next president of the United States”

Sewmouse @ 117

Badwater @ 67

How did Fred Thompson avoid military service? He’s the right age for the first wave into Viet Nam.

It appears that there is a misconception that ALL young men who were of the “correct” age during the Vietnam draft years were drafted for military service.

This is not true – there was a lottery – your birthday was what determined when (or if) you would be called up for service. Only a certain number of boys were called each year. It is concievable that you would be able to avoid service simply by having been “born right”.

Better information here

The lottery did not exist until 1970. Freddie of Hollywood would have been available for the draft in the early 60s.

I called the FEC on the reporting question, too. I got a slightly different answer than posted above concerning the timeframe for cash raised.

- if a candidate is in the “testing” phase, then once he announces or raises cash above what’s “reasonably necessary” (term undefined) he must report ALL funds received, not just those from the previous quarter.

BUT

- if a candidate has announced (no longer “testing”) then it’s the fund raised in the previous quarter that must be reported.

it’d be fun to see thompson evading election laws – he’d be yet another republican playing to type. but I don’t think that’s what’s going on here. once he announces, he will have to report ALL funds raised.

so we should be on the alert for the contents of the first report.

I did press the FEC staffer on whether there’s any oversight on the “testing” phase. there isn’t – candidates define it themselves. so here’s another area needing congressional attention.

The reason old Freddie is motoring around in a golf cart is that he can’t hack the walking! He’s not being very honest with Americans! There is something medically wrong with the old geezer. Don’t know what, but know that there is. Any doctors out there who might dare to venture an opinion?

nonplussed @ 14

I got Starbuck’s Gold Coast, the nectar of the goddess! Not to intrude on OC’s turf, but I do have a fresh pot & us highly caffeinated people love to share.

Oh NO! Not Starbucks! They’re an uber chain that has run everybody else out of business through predatory pricing and unfair labor practices.

Way EPU’d, but important.

From Chrisy above…

If you have some time this morning, call the FEC at (800) 424-9530 or in Washington (202) 694-1100. Ask them why Fred Thompson has been getting a pass to cheat on election laws. What is the cheat, you ask? This:

“If Thompson waits until September 6 to formally declare his candidacy, he wouldn’t have to disclose any of the cash given to his campaign until January 31 — after many major contests are over, including the Iowa and Nevada Caucuses, and the New Hampshire, South Carolina, Michigan and Florida primaries.”

And you thought he was just being coy. Cheaters only prosper when you let them get away with it. More sunshine please

I just watched Lehrer this evening. Gwen Ifle and frequent guest ‘expert’ Susan Page discussed the Freddie candidacy at length. They did NOT, however, even come close to dealing with the angle you brought up in your post, Christy. Seems as if it might be a good idea to call/e-mail and enlighten our PBS “experts”. eh?

I think younger Fred looked like Peter Boyle in Young Frankenstein. I think old Fred looks like old Peter Boyle. Mrs. Thompson reminds me of a character from Young Frankenstein also; the one that sings at the end.

Homeland Security tightens Grip. Entering Latin America and the Caribbean

It looks like neo imperial America is increasing her empire. Touting “the Time Has Finally Come” and “..the long anticipated event”,Homeland Security and apparently her little sister the, Latin American Caribbean Security Council (LACHSS ), is holding a summit November 7-10, 2007 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. With a goal of bringing Latin America and thttp://newssophisticate.blogspot.com/2007/08/homeland-security-tightens-grip.htmlhe Caribbean countries into the existing homeland security apparatus, the LACHSS summit has a stated mission…

Please the read the full Article. A MUST SEE. The imagery alone is provocative enough.

Sewmouse @ 117

Badwater @ 67

How did Fred Thompson avoid military service? He’s the right age for the first wave into Viet Nam.

It appears that there is a misconception that ALL young men who were of the “correct” age during the Vietnam draft years were drafted for military service.

This is not true – there was a lottery – your birthday was what determined when (or if) you would be called up for service. Only a certain number of boys were called each year. It is concievable that you would be able to avoid service simply by having been “born right”.

Better information here

The lottery started pretty late in the war. Early on few who were eligible were actually drafted…most were able to find deferments if they had the educational capabilities or money. But when the lottery started they diallowed any sort of deferments so the only way to avoid being at risk was to enlist in some sort of “limousine unit” like the Texas Air National Gaurd. So it was a crap shoot for everyone else…I was drawn #9 in 1971.

I see no reason that Thompson, a High School football and basketbalk team athlete in good health, wouldn’t have enlisted in the war that he vigorously supported. Sure he married his first wife when he was 17 and still in HS…likely because she was pregnant. And having a family was an appropriate rationale to getting a draft deferment (one that Cheney also used). But there were lots of enlistees with young wives and families.

But it was a war that he expected others to fight.

Here’s a little about Fred’s early history in Alabama and Tennessee which makes pretty clear he was a healthy young college student, and although married, a bit of a wild “good ol’ boy”.

http://www.timesdaily.com/arti…..00329/1011