Why not? Bush hides behind Condi and Karen Hughes, fly-boy behind Sarah and Cindy. . .

“…could accept a valuable sled dog”? You’re kidding right? A sled dog? Morning, Miss Christy; I hope things are starting to settle in Chez Reddhead. It’s 39 and amazingly foggy here in Upstate NY this morning.

What, you can’t picture Sen. Toobz shouting “mush, mush” while he and his sled dogs glide across the frozen tundra?

(Yeah, me neither…)

Nina Totenberg had an update on the trial this morning that dripped with the same sort of feeling I had about the “blame the wifey” strategery. When I can pull it up on the NPR site, I’ll add the link. *G*

Nope, Christy – I can imagine Sen. Toobz saying, “Mush, mush” when he’s describing the condition of his brains.

Morning, Christy. Does Ted, at 84, plan to go dog-sledding? That just makes me laugh.

Ladies and gentlemen, Digg is open.

Is that Paul ‘Spit-comb’ Wolfowitz awarding the medal to Ted?

I know — contemplating Ted Stevens in a sled dog race makes me smile. But those dogs can be valuable, and he apparently was quite the sled dog collector…

Catherine was actually working as an escort and had built up quite a substantial bank account from that which, of course, explains where the money came from.

I don’t know why y’all are so down on poor old Toobz.

Orrin Hatch testified that Ted is the bestest senator evah, and if there’s any justice in this world at all, the good senator should probably be nominated for sainthood.

Can I just say that it took me forEVER to track down that specific still from the movie? I remembered the scene and I could not find a pix of the Cowardly Lion getting his medal…and then, whammo, I found it. *g* Sometimes, it takes me longer to find the right graphic than it does to write things up…

The new excuse for the GOP, It’s not my fault, my spouse did it. Worked well for Palin I guess.

With all the bad news on tv lately, take a break and watch this new MTV ad about conserving water. It’s a hoot.

http://www.treehugger.com/file…..mpaign.php

Shucks folk I’m speechless.

Christy, Thank you for including the video of the AIP party. I had not seen it and David does an astounding job. It’s unfortunate that he is not on tv more often.

“News accounts in Alaska indicate that in 2001, Palin drove from Wasilla to Allen’s home in faraway Cook Inlet. Allen, other VECO executives, and their wives then gave Palin’s campaign committee $5,000, contributing $500 apiece over a two-day period in late December.

No one else in Palin’s underfinanced bid for lieutenant governor came close to VECO. Virtually the same group of executives repeated the pattern in 2003—giving $1,600 to Charlie Fannon’s campaign committee, chaired by Palin. No one seemed to mind that the Alaska Public Offices Commission had collected the largest fine in its history ($28,000) from VECO who were paying employees to make illegal campaign contributions. In the current VECO scandals, which have already led to the convictions of several state legislators, it’s clear that VECO continued the practice of reimbursing the campaign donations of its executives.”

http://www.villagevoice.com/20…..of-sarah/1

Good Morning, everyone!

This was featured on either KO or RM this week. Long piece, more evidence of Palin-as-ultimate-personification-of -modern -GOP.

Christy – that whole song “speech” on courage is one of my kids’ favorites, esp. the part about “What makes the Hottentots so hot?” They had no idea who the Hottentots are..but it just tickled their fancies so much.

The Cowardly Lion On Courage

Courage. What makes a King out of a slave? Courage.
What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage.
What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist or the dusky dusk?
What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage.
What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage.
What makes the dawn come up like THUNDER?! Courage.
What makes the Hottentot so hot?
What puts the “ape” in ape-ricot?
Whatta they got that I ain’t got?

Dorothy & Friends: Courage!

Cowardly Lion: You can say that again.

I had missed it yesterday, too — was running some errands and working on the house, trying to get it ready for Mr. ReddHedd’s dad to move in with us on Friday. (Trying to shuffle any errant toys out of the way so there will be no tripping over them and getting his room ready and such.)

Was so glad to see that C&L had it up. Yay!

People would rather believe what other people tell them that supports their wishes and wants. Otherwise, they would have to use their critical thinking caps and take responsibility and face the music.

Ted Stevens: cadavaricious

Demi ! Are you back home? We are all so glad you’re okay. Everyone was fretting to know how you and the family were doing. It’s nice to have you back.

Doesn’t anyone think that the DOJ is screwing up their prosecution on purpose? The stuff they’re doing is ridiculous.

I was always collapsed into giggles over the muskrat guarding his musk for some reason. *g*

This has been a bit of a weird trial, hasn’t it?

Thanks Twain. Now I get to watch the debate with “my friends” at the Lake.

wow – who should I dislike more – repig stooge Ron Christie or repig stooge Joe Watkins?

I think it’s gotta go to Watkins – what with him supposed to be a minister and all, he really needs to brush up on a Commandment or two….

Oh, Christy – don’t you remember the way he said that…all coy? Burt Lahr was a genius.

Makes ya wonder why people in Alaska keep voting for a so-called man whose wife controls everything…..or at least claims she does. To me it’s an indication that he’s too senile to participate in family decisions.

Those comments aren’t meant to have any deep-seated prejudices and maybe they’re poorly expressed; really just trying to say that blaming one’s spouse for ethical violations is another method for refusing to accept responsibilities for one’s own actions or inactions.

I don’t know why, but I’m feeling a bit anti-climactic about the debate this evening. Since the polling has been trending so far toward Obama in so many states lately, it likely means that McCain is going to have to “up the ante” in his behavior just to break through the status quo…which could lead to some weird stuff. But I can’t seem to get myself worked up about it today.

Maybe because the last few weeks have already been so weird, I cannot imagine how they can get much more odd, frankly…

How dare you question a man that has been personally vouched for by Colin Powell?

-G

Ladies (particularly the Ladies) and Gentlemen,

May I present Ted Stevens!

The Finest example of a traditional Christian right FAMILY VALUES Republican!

You too can raise your children to be just like him!

Or not.

You know, as a lawyer, I have to say that character witnesses are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of testimony impact. If they can go to the heart of the case in terms of some conversation or another about facts in evidence or something material, then they can be really effective. But if you are just bringing in pals to say what a swell person your client is? I’ve never found that to be all that effective because the jury looks at them — especially if it’s a parade of people — as “just saying whatever they need to for a friend” and discounts a lot of the testimony.

I’d think with a “celebrity witness” it would be doubly so, especially if they are a politician in the current “politicians are skeezeballs” climate. Anyone else have that experience, too, or was I just dealing with highly skeptical juries here in WV? *g*

I am sure that Colin Powell’s standing is more highly regarded in GOP-ervilles like Alaska.

His reputation is much more spotty among the non-Kool Aid set.

-G

Are you refering to Todd taking the heat for trying to get Wooten fired

Looking forward to Ted’s “Dukester” mea culpa moment in front of the cameras, with a tear in his eye & the wife by his side.

By the way, looks like they got another “#2″ in Iraq http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200…..ea/ml_iraq

I think Powell would likely be pretty effective on the stand, actually. I was thinking more about Orrin Hatch, actually…who just oozes smarm these days. Ugh. (But again, that may just be me…)

dunno – I’ve never even tried to use a character witness at the trial level – just a gut feeling, I guess, that it would, if anything, more likely backfire….

Christy, agree that Powell can be effective on the stand – just look at his performance at the UN.

(But again, that may just be me…)

wrt Hatch, it’s not just you, but it’s obvious that you’re letting sanity and good judgment taint your opinion….

Most judges here really frown on that sort of character vouching anyway until the sentencing phase of a trial. So, in my mind, it’s really unusual to bring non-material character people in to testify anyway…

John Cleese on Sarah Palin
The former Python offers his thoughts

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worl…..sarahpalin

A piece to raise the humour levels on the day, might be needed

Steve Benen has an interesting little post up from yesterday,wrt the debate, expectations, and general head-fakery;

http://www.washingtonmonthly.c…..015177.php

This whole “wheels within wheels” stuff is intriguing, but it makes my head hurt. As Steve says, I guess we’ll find out tonight.

Good Morning Christy.

Lacking in compassion for the good senator, are we? Uh yeah, pretty much. And well earned.

Thanks for the great update.

btw, unless I’m sorely mistaken, wherever there are high-class sled dogs, there must be plenty exercise to keep ‘em trim & happy. Someone might want to check into what else came to Teddie along with the doggies; e.g., staff for the dog-care and training and maintenance. Alternatively, maybe they were just an investment, & he never had to touch or own up to nuttin, till now, that is. crying shame, how they’re pickin’ on that poor sweet old fella. /s

Did Powell produce a small vial of snow while on the stand?

-G

P.S. Jesse Jackson steps up to the plate with some really moronic rhetoric.

Thanks Rev!

Oh lordy — what now?

Aren’t you people expecting a lot from the poor man? After all, Ted is just your typical naive long sitting Senator. It simply never occurred to him that anything impropitious might be going on…

(((Demi)))

We’re so glad you’re back and safe.

…or that anyone would bother to look at it while Bush was in the WH…

Looks like Jesse is still trying to grab Obama by the balls & squeeze. Jesse Jr. needs to remind dad we are trying to win Florida.

Well, yes, it’s that context thing again. When we experience personal changes, adjustments, we have the opportunity to view external situations from a larger perview. For example, during the last two days I didn’t fret once about the financial situation.
I’m thinking of writing a diary about What’s Really Important. May do it after work this afternoon, instead of doing more soot clean up. Ha!

I have always liked Jesse but he does have a tendency to shoot from the lip. He obviously hates being out of the spotlight and he needs to get over it and enjoy what’s about to happen.

((Adie-Girl))

Jesse was never more prophetic than in 2000 when he said “stay out of the Bushes”. But I do think he is having trouble giving up the reins of leadership in the black community.

From Haaretz.

-G

Yeah. Hey. Line up right here with the rest of us weeping tears of, um, well, laughter’s good for the soul, I’ve heard tell somewhere.

Oh my. I hope they don’t confiscate his fave plaid jammies. poor? my &$#.
He’s the least loveable sentr ever, if ya don’t count Gramm, the bug beater Lay, Helm$ and a few other cranks whose names mercifully escape my mind at the moment. Gawlee, hatch & dominitchy still there? Good dawgie. Fetch!

Retirement’s a good thing, however accomplished. Just count the silver as they slither out the door.

The past few weeks have been weird but some of it has been in a good way. Stopped in the local Dem headquarters yesterday (in this little red NC town). It was humming with activity… and has its own young man from “up north” working there as a field coordinator. The women in the office have fallen in love with him.

I was inquiring when there will be more yard signs available. They are expecting 500 on Friday AM. It’s first come, first served and they expect them to be gone within the first hour!

Talked to a longtime Dem activist, a native who is a retired teacher. She said this is the first time any national campaign has established a presence here and she’s astonished by how well organized the outreach is.

The local Republicans are so pissed they paid the owner of the vacant store next door to let them put a few signs in that window.

driveby ot – for anyone wants to listen to hearings on the financial crisis today:

10:30 am – Turmoil in the U.S. Credit Markets: The Genesis of the Current Economic Crisis
Senate Banking

Witnesses – Panel 1
Honorable Arthur Levitt , Jr., Senior Advisor, The Carlyle Group
Honorable Eugene Ludwig , Chief Executive Officer, Promontory Financial Group
Honorable Jim Rokakis , Treasurer, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Honorable Marc H. Morial , President and CEO, National Urban League
Mr. Eric Stein , Senior Vice President, Center for Responsible Lending

11:00 am – To review the role of credit derivatives in the U.S. economy.
House Agriculture

Witnesses – Panel 1
The Honorable Walter Lukken, Acting Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Mr. Erik R. Sirri, Director of Division of Trading and Markets, Securities Exchange Commission

Witnesses – Panel 2
Mr. Robert Pickel, Chief Executive Officer, International Swaps and Derivatives Association
Professor Henry Hu, Professor, University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas
Mr. Johnathan Short, Vice President and General Counsel, Intercontinental Exchange, Atlanta, Georgia
Ms. Kim Taylor, Managing Director and President, CME Group Clearinghouse, Chicago, Illinois

hey back at ya!

Are u saying your house etc. o.k. except for the (sigh) soot? We were so worried about you, grrrl.

We didn’t lose any houses, but the hills surrounding, we are two blocks on three sides, are burned, scorched all the way down to the curbs.
We’re home and safe. Thanks for asking.

I’m a Scranton native living in a little red NC town – Hickory NC – where are you?

Went to work phone banks yesterday afternoon evening. Incredibly busy place. Campaign workers from all over the country still team building. Being one of the older hands I had a special chore of calling those who had problems with their registrations to make sure they got missing information to County clerks. The place was really alive with incredible activity

Real Clear Politics Election poll (at The Guardian has these results:

Latest Presidential Polls
Election 2008 Obama McCain RCP Average
National 50.1 42.1 Obama +8.0
Battlegrounds Obama McCain RCP Average
Florida 50.0 45.0 Obama +5.0
Pennsylvania 53.4 40.0 Obama +13.4
Ohio 48.9 45.5 Obama +3.4
North Carolina 47.8 46.8 Obama +1.0
Virginia 50.6 44.1 Obama +6.5
Indiana 45.0 48.8 McCain +3.8
Minnesota 51.3 42.6 Obama +8.7
Colorado 49.0 44.0 Obama +5.0
Iowa 52.8 41.0 Obama +11.8
Nevada 49.2 46.3 Obama +2.9
New Mexico 53.4 40.0 Obama +13.4
New Hampshire 52.0 41.6 Obama +10.4
Battleground States | Latest Polls | RCP Electoral Map
RealClearPolitics produces a comprehensive average of recent presidential election polls.

Thank goodness for the 50 state plan. Howard Dean is a genius. I get angry every time I think of how he was treated by Madam Speaker and her ilk. Obama knew it was the right thing to do and look where we are now. I think the Dems should crawl on their knees and beg Dean to stay.

Am in Washington…way in the east. I have close friends in Hickory…nice place. That said, wish I thought your congressman, McHenry, could be ousted. What a little puke!

He reminds me of all the things I dislike in the current crop of young Republicans.

Those community organizing skills do pay off nicely, don’t they?

I have heard some calls for him to be named to head FDA

Exactly it is called “Extenuating circumstances’ asnd reserved for thr sentencing of defendants found guilty.
The prectice is begging the question as well. And it it all throws more shadow on the guilt of the accused. Might sway a weak juror but couls set up a retrial.

He certainly should be somewhere in the administration or the party. He is really quite brilliant but it is a common sense brilliance – not a common thing among elected Dems these days.

Sounds great!

That last little bit about the frustrated R’s is hilarious.

We’re seeing the very same determination and good organization among Dems. in our little corner of OH also (northeast quadrant). No one’s taking anything for granted.

Campaign signs are about equal so far, tw’ R & D around us, but the placement of them, and hints from other signs, point to probable Dem. advantage. I suspect a substantial number of folks are worried about potential vandalism, so that might be dampening the public showing of spirit, but it’s there.

If it weren’t so embarrassing, I’d take a pic of our own array of signs. Got every Dem. sign available. Then wired em all together, with extra wire extending down into the ground on a slant as if ??? (caution-tape tags tied to all stretches of wire), 2 suspicious-looking square-ish plastic toy boxes: one near each end of the display, but set back in the weeds, but still visible from the road. One sign has one of its wire supports stuck down through a cinder block, also visible. Another has its wire looped through the handle of a garbage can lid laid down flat, so it’s hardly visible unless someone should get out of their car and go take a look-see; that lid would make quite a clatter if someone should take a notion to yank on pretty much anything in the array.
Final touch that hints strongly that [the old bat who lives here is seriously frightening/bizarre/playing with your mind], if anyone notices it…

Next to a brightly colored NO TRESPASSING sign, on a convenient tree, is a small round mirror pointed directly at our Obama sign, at eye level, and set so it reflects nicely in headlights as people drive by at night.

(oh that? it’s half of a broken lady’s compact, performing its last useful function before I toss it in the trash after election day. It has no function whatsoever except to look menacing, just the way it’s supposed to.)

Have I lost my mind? Nah! Can’t a gal have a lil’ fun?!

I was hoping McHenry would be toast after his self promotion video tour of Iraq – he had a reasonable Republican opponent who was a vet and gave him a hard time over the stunt, but alas, the little turd prevailed.

Still hoping to watch Liddy Dole go down the tubz as NC turns blue.

oops. house agriculture is today, senate banking is tomorrow. sorry for the confusion.

This is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I’m laughing madly. Sounds like you have booby trapped everything except the cat. I love it !

Why, Thank you very much. Seriously, quite a few people in our area know from past service to the schools, etc., that I’m not particularly easy to get rattled.

This, coming on the heels of the Strongsville debacle by the Mcsameappalling crowd, and being just a few miles away, hopefully will get double duty out of the signs.

It also probably “spoke” to a number of folks, when I slowly and methodically assembled the whole thing in broad daylight during after-work rush hour. And, I’ve got gray hair and try to smile at passers-by in a totally non-threatening way. I don’t play fair.

My biggest weapon is not to flinch at mcsame’s threats, and to make it clear what I think of his campaign, but quietly, without harm or threat. Bullies seem not to know how to counter that sort of approach. ymmv.

Thank you selise. Your posting of those schedules and updates is so helpful!

You spoil us rotten, and it’s much appreciated. ;->

To counterattack the “he’s a muslim” lady how about a commercial with Bush & Cheney and the Saudi family and a pic of Bush and the Taliban when he was gov.,? Rep party is knee deep in Arab/Muslin friends. Where’s the beef err ads?

Stevens Trial: Why Is Ted Ducking Behind His Wife? Follow The Yellow…

Snow?

Otherwise, they would have to use their critical thinking caps and take responsibility and face the music.

In my morning foggery [it’s 6:45 am here], I read that as “crystal thinking caps” and thought “now that’s quite an image!”

OT, but MSNBC is reporting that Nancy Reagan is in the hospital with a broken hip. Seems to be just a hairline fracture, though.