This is for some of my pals here at the lake, sound good to you?

Ralph Nader, the consumer advocate turned professional political sideshow, was interviewed by Fox News on Election Night and asked about this statement he’d made earlier on a radio show:

To put it very simply, he [Barack Obama] is our first African American president, or he will be. And we wish him well. But his choice, basically, is whether he is going to be Uncle Sam for the people of this country or Uncle Tom for the giant corporations.

Hopefully this is the last we’ll hear from Nader. Pat Paulson used to pop up every 4 years to run but we all knew he was just goofin’.

Oh! Joe! Americans DO care what letter follows their politicians name. Here is a special “I” for yours -Î , sit on it.

Morning Raven. Did you hear that Saxby might have Sarah campaign for him.

In one column, he got rid of the Corvair. In the other column, he shot down Al Gore. For the rest, I’ll just reread Don Quixote.

thanks for the “Summers or Geithner?” link BT, i’m not a fan of either (especially summers, i know less about geithner).

On Friday, Obama is meeting with his transition economic advisory board, which includes Summers, Rubin, investment guru Warren Buffett, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Google CEO Eric Schmidt. But campaign aides said Obama did not plan to announce his Treasury pick at the afternoon press conference that is scheduled to follow the meeting.

sounds like we won’t know today.

What I find comical is that the repubs portrayed Palin as a hockey mom and regular joanne sixpack. Now that the election’s over, they’ve changed that title to ‘hillbilly’. Don’t they need the hillbilly vote?

i hope we keep hearing from nader and others who will challenge obama to be the best president – would be nice since we’ve just had to live through the worst.

We’ve got to have a SecTreas that doesn’t see Friedman economic theory as the holy grail. We certainly don’t need to follow an economic policy that is inherently flawed.

Geithner is the CFR/Goldman/IMF/Rockefeller agent – therefore it will be Geithner. The end game (intentionally bankrupting America) is at hand.

The Presidency is purely ceremonial. Obama can’t stop the banksters from creating debt from thin air, stealing it, and leaving the US taxpayer with the bill. We are a third world country already. You just haven’t gotten the memo yet.

So you see the theft occurring before your eyes? No amount of “bailouts” will fix the system. They’ve convinced you that the only way to save you is to save your banksters. They are printing money and stealing it (to “solve” the problem that they created) as fast as they can.

This is in-your-face criminality, and the media is complicit.

Joe Scar reduced to stuttering while trying to defend Nicole Wallace’s lying on the Today show.

Nader’s not saying anything that we haven’t already said. I really haven’t seen him add anything constructive to the discussion.

Odonell(sp) seems to be in Joe Scars face – gotto love it.

The Presidency is purely ceremonial.

Do you really believe that?

If you do, did you vote?

If so, why?

Good Morning Blue Texan and Firedogs,

if you haven’t heard, Dems picked up another House Seat yesterday

Glenn Nye (VA-02)

Raising Kaine

I’m not watching, but I always like to see O’Donnell there when bullies are on. He goes right after Pat Buchanon every time.

Are you freakin’ kidding me? He said THAT? {{{gorge rising rapidly}}}

Odonell(sp) seems to be in Joe Scars face – gotto love it.

Sure was, and with facts, too.

Facts and truth are to Republicans what sunlight is to vampires.

See what I mean?

amen. also would be nice to have a treasury sec who didn’t represent the interests of wall street. now that would be change!

re nader – i wasn’t referring to any particular statement. but i’ve heard (or read) stuff from nader i don’t see here or for that matter from very many sources. but the thoughtful analysis is not what tends to get attention from the msm or the dlc-type neolibs. there are too few voices pushing from the left (imo) and i’m happy to have more.

Video of it is here

(((Mornin’, Barbara)))

Yep. Was all over the place the other day. There was even a segment where he tried to explain what he meant, only digging himself in deeper. See if I can dig ‘em up.

raven and barbara – there was a long thread wednesday on that very quote. with video even. lots of interesting perspectives.

Thanks.

My blogging partner is deeply involved in the Franken/Coleman recount. We had our own Nader in MN as Dean Barkley (who ran Jesse Ventura’s campaign) presented himself as an option to Al/Norm. Here’s what Susan has to say about Barkley:

In a later post I’ll write about what effect third party candidates, specifically Dean Barkley, had on this outcome. But exit polls show that Barkley took 30% of Al’s votes and 25% of Norm’s, giving Franken roughly 22,000 more votes than Norm. Don’t get me started. Whoops, too late, can’t stop. Barkely’s a schlubby cigar chompin’ lard ass, who sits back pretending he’s above the fray, but what he really is is out of the fight. He’s his own imaginary best friend. He passes for a nice guy and says he’s a moderate, but he calls Antonin Scalia the sort of supreme court justice he’d like to see on the bench.

We gotcher basic wolves in elephants’ clothing here, folks.

re Nader – I can’t argue with that.

FOX news had him on for an interview (Shep) and Nader would not back down from his comment. Unfortunately, there are concerns about corporate America but Nader forever tarnished his voice by using racial terms. Americablog had the you tube a few days back.

Thanks (SD, too). I’ve been totally out of the mainstream lately. David. Brother Garry (I am his guardian) in hospital (bowel obstruction surgery). AND on election day, I decided to pop corn for election workers and started a grease fire in my kitchen. Thank the cosmos Obama won because otherwise, I’d be just a teensy bit upset. *g*

good luck in MN. fingers crossed.

Guess I’m a tad slow this morning.

Yea, it doesn’t matter if he blurts our stupid racist bullshit as long as he shares our world view on economics.

Rahm Emmanuel = Scooter Libby with a “D”

What was Rahm’s REAL job in the Clinton White House? Who did he REALLY work for?

It is exceptionally disheartening to see the agents of treason assuming positions of influence around the Presidency – again.

Awright!!!

In a later post I’ll write about what effect third party candidates, specifically Dean Barkley, had on this outcome.

While I understand frustration re: Barkley’s participation in this race, Obama’s election doesn’t change my view that we need more that two political parties to vote for in this country.

how is your brother? wow. after this, i hope you have a long rest with no hospitals involved for anyone you know. (barbara)

i’d love to have a thoughtful discussion with you. but your attempts to provoke a fight are not that – especially when you so grossly mischaracterize what i (or anyone else here as far as i know) think.

MSNBC just reported the job loss numbers. Over 500,000 for the last two days.

Didn’t quite catch the name, but someone on Imus referred to Nader’s comment being like the ol’ white sports guy a few years back.

Meanwhile, apparently the rightwing radio screeders are trying to gin up their dittoheads that talk radio’s going to be destroyed. There is still a market for fear and hate.

there are at least five more out there we are still waiting on …and our chances are good in all of them !

Jimmy the Greek

It actually does matter. His image is forever tarnished. Decades ago he made a name for himself as a champion of consumer rights and now he’ll be remembered as an egotistic as*hole.

It’s been 8 years since Shrub was elected and the Green Party is not much bigger than it was then. They, all third parties, seem to become active just before a prez election but hibernate afterward. There was a discussion on my community radio station before the election on just that topic. The Greens said they couldn’t raise enough money, or interest, to prevail in local elections, much less national. Now is when third parties need to start organizing, not in 2012.

This is me, talking out of both sides of my mouth. I agree about alternative party(ies). But what has happened in MN twice in the past decade is more about gargantuan egos playing politics than thoughtful, well-qualified individuals seeking to make a positive difference. Jack Nelson Pallmeyer (who ran against Franken for the Dem endorsement) would be a superb third party candidate (except he’s a really, truly bona fide Dem). The problem is that he couldn’t have won. The political nest has been fouled to a stinking fare-thee-well, and it has to be cleaned out before building something new on it. Campaign reform/campaign finance reform have to happen. Must be a priority. Current system is obscene ($$$ and vicious snark; unqualified candidates running amok). I know, I know. This is America, where anyone can run for anything. Well, we’ve seen that to be true clear up to the top of the ticket. And to what end?

Al Campanis as well

I have never used your name, I have told you I am not interested in having any discussion with you.

Mayo Clinic just cut an entire department for clinical trials. That is an immense loss to this country.

He is slowly recovering from surgery. Surgeon hopes they sorted things out. Third time he’s had surgery for this. Third hospitalization this year. I am just about hospital’d out, and I imagine he will come home with me for a while to recuperate. Thanks so much for asking. I love this place. It feels like home base.

What’s up with that? I thought they were one of the best funded organizations going.

Here’s the Strib’s piece on Mayo.

October job losses worse than feared

Economy sheds 240,000 jobs in October, jobless rate rises to 6.5 percent; stocks pare gains 8:32am EST

Please take care of yourself because we value your voice on the site.

because of anticipated future losses and a change in business strategy.

Well, gee, I’m glad they cleared that up.

OT but I noticed last night on PBS “Newshour” Jim Leher referred to Obama as “Mr. Obama” rather than “President-Elect Obama”. Of course Leher is an old white guy with close ties to the status quo and couldn’t help but think that Leher is having a hard time accepting the will of the electorate. I’m sure in the coming weeks there will be attempts by the Republicons and their allies in the corporate media to de-legitimatize Obama.

They revised September also which means 1/2 million jobs in two months. Can’t wait until next month when they revise October.

well, then i’m glad to know you were not trying to imply that i or anyone here think as you described. although it’s a little confusing why you would make the comment.

Sorry to read this! Somewhere I heard that embryonic stem cell research will be a priority under Obama. Did you see the report that the U of M scientist who said adult stem cells work just as well as embryonic has been discredited? That really got lost in the whole campaign season hype.

What about the other 2 worthless old white guys on NewsHour?

I think Lieb would be in a slightly different position had he been less public and simply kept his campaign comments to “supporting a friend.” When he started stumping for McC and telling lies, he drew a line in the sand.

It’s one thing to campaign simply as a supportive friend. It’s another to be a part of the attack. When he attacked, he showed his opportunist politics. He has no “public service” calling. There was nothing “independent party” politics about his endorsement.

If he goes around whining, “I was just supporting a friend and now I’m being punished,” thus playing the victim, he has sealed his fate.

To act like he did not see this coming is stupid. In fact, if he had a pair, he would have just stepped down from his chairmanship as a professional gesture. Unfortunately, Lieberwhiner does not “get” professional gesture. He plays both sides, just like a double agent does.

second that.

Rahm Emmanuel = Scooter Libby with a “D”

Every administration had one, and needs one. The hope is Rahm doesn’t venture into actual criminality.

And, respectfully, who still didn’t answer my questions @14.

I get being skeptical, I am as well.

But I refuse to believe it’s all hopeless, especially just 60 hours after this election.

Until Obama gives me concrete evidence of incompetence, I’m gonna give him the benefit of the doubt.

He’s earned that. I’ve read here for 2 years how he’s done this wrong and that wrong, didn’t involve the 527’s enough, wasn’t combative enough in the debates, etc. and yet here he stands as President-Elect.

Like him or not, he ran an excellent campaign, which had to mean he surrounded himself with competent people.

Why should we expect anything less as POTUS?

I didn’t imply it I said it. Good bye.

I think Campanis was the one mentioned. Thanks for joggin’ my memory.

Nader has officially reduced himself to Harold Stassen territory.

i didn’t see that, do you have a link?

one thing that i haven’t seen in the debates on stem cell research is that there is no way to know if adult cells are functioning as embryonic stem cells would – unless there are studies with embryonic stem cells.

the whole thing argument is constructed as a false choice because research is need on both adult and embryonic cells.

Now is when third parties need to start organizing, not in 2012.

Agree totally. It’s not just about winning elections, it’s also about having a platform to force discussion of issues the two major parties would rather not touch with a ten foot pole.

Hope the recovery is rapid and complete. Get some rest yourself. Hospitals can drain the strenght right out of you.

Well, I hope that was not the case. Leher was quite moved and choked up when he announced Obama as President. Once he composed himself (he lost his voice from getting choked up) he shared his southern history and the racism he observed growing up and how the injustice around him in his youth spurred him to become a journalist, in order to write the stories of injustice. He stated he was thankful to live to see this history and that it marked a new era in American History.

ack. hope my typing/thinking fuck ups didn’t thoroughly confuse the issue. need more coffee.

Fantasy scenario.

Murdoch, losing over $1M/year on The Weekly Neocon, will close it down here and move to Tel Aviv. Short Ride, stripped of his committee chairmanship and ousted from the Dem caucus, resigns from the Senate in a huff. Murdoch, on Kristol’s suggestion, will hire Short Ride as the Special Correspondent for the Likud Party.

from reuters banner: “Analyst reaction to October job losses: “We have entered the phase of serious recession conditions. Unfortunately we will encounter more of this going forward.” 8:52am EST”

Thanks Bush

Obama was smart to at least put Rahm in a more public eye position. Bush knew not to put Rove as COS and saw the effectiveness of making him Deputy COS. Rove was then in a less public eye position and was freed up to carry out “those other tasks”.

And, respectfully, who still didn’t answer my questions @14.

That obviously should’ve read “you” still didn’t answer…

I agree that I have seen some very right on comments by Nader. I don’t like the sometimes very nasty division between Democrats and Nader people though. It doesn’t make sense for those of us who are hanging on in the progressive wing. Like a few days ago at the polls, a voter told me he was voting for Nader and acted all confrontational about it, as if I should be put off, when CT is a 60/30 (Dem/Repug) state. I said I have no problem with Nader, but this voter didn’t see to believe me and he might as well have given me the finger.

Exactly. Folks aren’t going to support something that just doesn’t like the powers that be and has no solid alternative policy stance.

Thus my closing comment…

He plays both sides, just like a double agent does.

good morning.

thinking of you and other Buckeye Firedogs when I saw this:

The Republicans, who controlled 11 of the state’s 18 Congressional seats, could now find themselves with as few as eight seats.

if I had said that a month ago everyone would have suggested I get some help :D

my, my, my

The issue with third parties is that they need to be active and do party building all year long outside of elections. If someone wants to start a third party they first need to register enough voters to qualify in your county/state to be recognized as a legitimate party.

So they actually have to do HARD work. They have to set up the structure that already exists within the Democratic Party after Howard Dean built his 50 state strategy. Many Dems thought of leaving after 2004 but realized the extent of the work ahead to build a new party. So collectively we decided to take over the local Democratic party. It isn’t easy, it is like butting heads with DLC’ers and called DFH all the time but gradually, our members are officers in the party.

So IF you want more choice, then you have do the hard work. Start in your county, get established, open a party office, run local candidates. Then go from there.

We had a local candidate running as a “green” who was registered only 4 days before she filled for her race, would not meet with the green party or use their logos. She was funded by the two Republicans running and was the spoiler for the race.

A friend who is active in Ohio polictics, could not get a wink of sleep election night because of the news about the Ohio Congressional races turning so Dem.

Yes, a my, my, my…

Good Morning cbl2, Selise, SD, Barbara and other dogs.
I hope everyone slept well last night.
I’ve been resting better the last few days than I have for a long time.

sounds like an asshole.

i also wish that the divisions were not so nasty with nader supporters and dem parter reformers. same with people who support green party. it seems to me that we progressives are all on the same side even when we choose different tactics for trying to effect long term change. i’m sure the corporatists have a good laugh every time they can provoke one of these fights.

p.s. i said my piece (re the nader comment raven linked to) in wednesday’s thread which is why i’m not going there now.

The diehards, particularly here in FL, will forever blame Nader for Gore’s loss to Shrub. Considering the “official” vote count here they might have a point. Nader sees what is wrong with government and has good solutions but for some reason alienates those who agree with him.

I don’t think there is anyone or any political party that could eliminate corporations ever, they are an vital part of our economic Capitalistic system. Controling these beasts with an iron thumb pressed on their greedy brains would go a long way toward economic security and equality.

Ooooh, Barbara: May it only improve. I am sorry about your brother and hope things go well. And, I hope there is not too much mess from the fire. Maybe the fates are about to change. I know this is not the time you need a pile-on. Take care. Bev

So collectively we decided to take over the local Democratic party. It isn’t easy, it is like butting heads with DLC’ers and called DFH all the time but gradually, our members are officers in the party.

That’s exactly what’s going on in Pinellas County. One by one they’re getting rid of the old white status quo crowd. A lot of younger faces in the local party now.

And yet he managed to be helpful during the Lamont race. (Nader is from CT btw). He praised local CT dems on a local radio show and we had a whole lot of independants supporting Lamont, so I think things can work out.

I hear you. Contentious issue. It’s not how it should be. (Closing argument).

What I don’t understand (and there’s a lot of that), is why someone would come here first thing in the morning just itching for a fight.
And, I don’t mean you.

Awww, I’m a Mark Shields fan…sorry he is aging; we just do, I guess. I was so glad Gigot left; I thought he was a dingbat and could’t stay on the subject.

Christy is upstairs…

Well, I’m all for robust argument. I get scared at the idea of becoming a bunch of ditto heads. I don’t think anyone should single anyone out personally though. Issues are issues.

One way to control corporations is to remove their “person” designation.

Alright already. I’m just not very knowledgeable about the OLC, but I’ll take the stairs.
*g*

Yes, my late ex mother-in-law used to say what a boring world this would be if we were all alike.
And, I agree we should try to stay with the issues. And, if another commenter disagrees, they should have that right without being called names.
Okay, that said, I am going upstairs.

And a fine morning to you as well.

The good news just keeps on coming.

I’m amazed at how far we’ve come in just 4 short years.

Once we got that fungus, Blackwell, out of office as Secy. of State things just seemed to take a turn for the better.

Coincidence?

Demi, I really agree about the morning…need to just get a start. Funny, that’s the way I felt about my marriage ;)

sorry he is aging; we just do

Yep, me too, but then that is the object of the exercise.

My main thing is we need fresh, new faces and ideas, vision. All of the older white guys are still stuck with that Cold War mentality and don’t seem to be able to adapt to a different world. I would rather not hear analysis where the underlying consideration is that the Soviet Union never died and we’re still battling Stalinism.

It’s not just older white guys who are stuck with ye old cold war mentality.

No but they’re the faces we’re presented with every day. They’re the ones validating the mindset.

away for a while, here’s a link with more info on the discredited research report from the Minneapolis Star Tribune 10-08-2008

The study was one of a series that Verfaillie published, suggesting that adult stem cells could be used as an alternative to embryonic stem cells in medical research.

wow. this shit pisses me off no end. and i think is far, far more common that the public knows.

The University of Minnesota has concluded that falsified data were used in a 2001 article published by one of its pioneering researchers on adult stem cells.

A panel of experts concluded that four images used in the Blood paper were intentionally altered