Politirazzi

Slate comes up with their own list of rumors in response to the Obama campaign's Fight the Smears site, except these are funny.

— Adrian

By Adrian

To all my loyal fans — and I know there is at least one or two of you — I’m back. I was out in the great state of Texas for some family business but have happily returned to New York (despite American Airline’s best effort to keep me home). I’ll confess: I’ve been so busy that I just haven’t had time to keep up with politics. So, I want to do something a little different. I want to address an issue that is near and dear to my heart. I plan to send the following letter to both candidates.

Dear Senator McCain/Obama,

It wasn’t that long ago that I accompanied my best friend Daniel through security at LAX. It was August 2001, and Daniel had just helped me move from Texas to California for my freshman year of college. Daniel had never flown and was excited to board a Southwest flight back to Texas. As I watched him nervously walk down the jet way, I smiled and saw nothing but smiling family members standing around wishing their loved ones bon voyage.

(continued)

Breaking

NBC News veteran Tim Russert has died of a heart attack at age 58. A statement from Adrian:

"My condolences to Mr. Tim Russert's family and all his colleagues and NBC. Tim, your honesty and thorough reporting, calm voice and piercing intellect will be missed by millions of viewers around the world."

By Adrian

It’s not surprising that Bill O’Reilly took Scott McClellan to task last night on "The O’Reilly Factor." I couldn’t find a transcript, but at one point Bill O said something to the effect of “Scott, don’t you feel used? I mean, all the Bush haters are using your book to attack the president. All these people at NBC and CNN are just so happy that you wrote your book!” McClellan, to his credit, stayed on message and even managed to yell louder than Bill O whenever Bill tried to stop McClellan from answering a question by berating his half-uttered answer.

I wish McClellan would have said, “Look, Bill, I know this is your show and you act like an egomaniac, but if you don’t let me complete my sentences I’m going to have to leave. I wrote this book as a first-person expose. I am a witness to history and I have to be honest about what I saw and how I perceived it. My duty is not to you, to the president, to the Republican party or anyone else. My sole duty is to the truth. If you can’t handle that, then maybe you are in the wrong profession.

"What you are doing right here, right now, is exactly what’s leading the country down the wrong path and is the reason I had to write this book. You are attacking the messenger, not the message; you are trying to make me look foolish instead of debating the ideas in my book; you are putting the president on an untouchable pedestal.

"There are those in the media that probably do 'hate Bush.' But for you to accuse whole news organization of using me to promote hate instead of to point out the character flaws that lead the president to make bad decisions is intellectually dishonest and exactly why we are in the mess we are in today.”

By Adrian

Memorial Day gave me a chance to relax, reflect and drink a few cold ones. During my moments of alcohol induced nirvana, I realized I was in no state to think about politics. In fact, inspired by my very close French friend, I’ve decided to go on strike! No politics for a week! No CNN, no MSNBC and just a little dose of the NY Times and WSJ Web sites.

What to do about my blog? Well, I’m going to do what any good writer (and I am not claiming such a title) would do — write a personal vignette tangentially related to politics.

Disclaimer: To whomever I may or may not be dating right now this story may or may not be true.

A couple months ago, not long after the Texas and Ohio primaries, I met a cute girl and decided to invite her out for a drink. The date was going great! She was interesting, fun and very smart. Then she popped the question: “Who are you backing in the presidential election?”

(continued)

Barack will have to show voters that "change" is more than a banner slogan. (AP)

By Adrian

Barack Obama has been carried skyward on a cloud of “change” to his current position as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Hillary Clinton and John McCain have relentlessly attacked Obama for his stirring rhetoric backed by nothing but four years in the Senate and a few in the Illinois house. While Senator Obama has made it clear that he intends to change American foreign policy, he has given little detail and few specifics regarding his vision for domestic policy. On his Web site, Obama promises to “Cut Pork Barrel Spending,” “End Wasteful Government Spending” and has ranted against special interests. The senator says he “will slash earmarks to no greater than year 2001 levels and ensure all spending decisions are open to the public.”

But, his actions speak much louder than words. As David Brooks pointed out in yesterday’s New York Times, Obama supported the 2008 farm bill that was so laded with special interest pork barrel spending, it caused the editorial boards of the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Los Angeles Times to agree!

(continued)

By Adrian

President Bush has been known for politicizing any event, be it a college commencement, anniversary of 9/11 or a state visit. It’s no surprise that he injected himself into the 2008 election today by comparing those who “believe we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals” to Hitler appeasers before World War II. This cannot be seen as anything but a swipe at Obama’s remarks that he would like to meet with Syrian and Iranian leaders.

The Obama campaign responded by e-mail saying in part that the “President's extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel.” The campaign also invoked Ronald Reagan’s name as a president who successfully blended military strength with powerful diplomacy to bring about international change. Obama is continuing his tradition of including great Republican leaders as examples to support his views, a strategy that is sure to appeal to some Republicans and independents.

Obama should use this opportunity to make a foreign policy speech, similar to his speech on race, outlining just why he wants to sit down with leaders of rouge nations and what his administration hopes to accomplish with a more diplomatic approach to foreign policy.

"I didn't know she was going to be here," said Obama supporter Doris Smith, Monday in Charleston, W. Va. (AP)

By Adrian

People’s perception of Hillary Clinton hasn’t changed dramatically during the primaries. The right has long portrayed her as being zealously and shamelessly ambitious — and she has only affirmed their accusations. She transformed herself from a Yale educated policy wonk into a standing-in-the-back-of-a-pickup Huey Long populist.

She has:
— Cried to win in New Hampshire
— Remained on the ballot in Michigan after other candidates had agreed to boycott the early primary
— Backed a gas-tax holiday
— Refused to cast her lot with economists (they are too elite, I guess)
— and, despite knowing that Florida and Michigan delegates would not be seated because those states violated party rules, she has sent her campaign spokesmen out to endlessly reiterate that the party cannot nominate someone (Barack Obama) with the votes of only 48 states.

(continued)

By Adrian

For me, the biggest issue in this presidential campaign is the issue of American values and American image at home and abroad.

I am not talking about abortion, prayer in schools or any values that have defined the value wars of the last quarter century. I am talking about the values of liberty — America’s defining values — respect for human rights, freedom of speech and of worship, freedom from fear, self-respect, self-determination and freedom of commerce.

The values I speak of are those values elucidated by our Declaration of Independence, by President Kennedy and so many other great statesmen throughout our history. These values are those which America has stood for since its founding, the principles that made this nation the envy of the world. America’s stance in the world politically and economically has suffered tremendously in the last eight years. War and torture abroad, enhanced surveillance, fear, and economic uncertainty at home have brought low our great nation.

I want leaders who have the vision, as President Kennedy did, to inspire this nation to do great things. Whatever my policy differences with Barack Obama, and there are many, his uplifting rhetoric, his intelligence and belief in American ideals make him a very attractive candidate. However, the more he has fumbled in the last few months, the more attractive John McCain has become.

Maybe it’s time for a grandfatherly figure in the White House. Or, maybe it’s time for an inspirational figure. Either way, it’s time to right the ship of state.

Sen. Barack's Obama relationship with the media seems to have changed. (AP)

By Adrian

The media jumps ship? Yup, it appears that the media’s Obama obsession was nothing more than a high school crush, slipping away to get the next hot thing at its first chance. Prognosticators and professional pundits, weeks ago touting Obama as the next RFK or JFK, now question his electability. From Karl Rove in the Wall Street Journal to John Judis in the New Republic, conservatives and liberals alike are calling Obama a losing horse in November.

But, wait, wasn’t Obama the heir apparent just a few months ago? Isn’t he still polling well? Yes, he is! Aren’t those pundits who note that both Obama and Clinton are losing to McCain in the most recent polls overlooking the fact that almost 25 percent of registered Republicans in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state that the GOP and barely won the last two elections, voted for Ron Paul or Mike Huckabee? The media needs to take a step back and take a breath. There are still seven long months left in this campaign, seven months of gaffes, missteps, speeches, debates, fundraising and history.

The media should not try to be Ms. Cleo and divine the future, as this distracts the American people from the real issues facing the nation and the world.

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By Adrian

Hilary Clinton is, for at least the second time this election season, touting herself as the “Comeback Kid.” Tout yourself all you want, Hilary, but the Democrat with the best chance to win in the fall is still Barack Obama. Here’s my analysis of the math:

Clinton has won several big primary states, but Obama is winning where it counts — in the heart of Republican country. So far, Clinton has won Pennsylvania, California, New York, New Jersey and Ohio. If this article in the New York Times is correct and Clinton really is attracting large numbers of voters over 65, and she won in Pennsylvania with 60 percent of the over 65 vote, she would have won Florida. Aside from Florida and Ohio, all these states are heavily Democratic — “Yellow Dog Democrats” — as the old saying goes. (For those of you who haven’t heard this saying, it is an old Southern expression meaning that some voters would vote for a yellow dog if it was running as a Democrat.). They are probably going Democrat no matter the nominee.

Obama thus far has swept most Southern states, minus Tennessee. He won in Georgia with more raw votes than the top two Republican candidates combined, won in Louisiana, and won in Virginia. If the poll numbers are correct, Obama should win North Carolina by a wide margin. Obama also won in heartland states like Iowa, Kansas and Colorado, often receiving more votes than the top three Republican contenders combined. Obama’s big numbers in these states make it believable that he could win at least some of these states in the general election. However, he still has to bring home Ohio or Florida to win it all.

(continued)

Clinton is a fighter, not uniter. Hillary — after 16 years and 20 debates, all we know is that you favor universal health care and you’ve been attacked by the Republicans for almost two decades.

Notice issues that were not mentioned this debate. Not a word on immigration. No word on the defense budget. Very little said about religion, other than Obama’s comment.

No clear winner. Each had good points. Another draw.

Why can’t these two debate ala the Lincoln/Douglas debates? They should be able to ask each other questions, challenge each other’s positions. I don’t particularly love this format.
— Adrian

I really like Obama’s answer on affirmative action. It is so true. It is fair. It blunts a lot of Republican arguments.
— Adrian

(AP)

Hillary sidesteps gun question by talking about law enforcement. She’s also reusing an argument from her husband’s campaign — that police are being outgunned. If that is still true, her husband has a lot to do with that. He pressed some of the harshest gun control members through Congress to make sure the police aren’t outgunned ...

She’s also talking about the “Constitutional Right.” Is that individual or a group right?

OMG! Obama says he have an individual right! OK, as a Republican from Texas, that’s HUGE! He may win over a lot of floundering Republicans with that comment.

Complete ban "might be found by the court to be" unconstitutional? Really???
— Adrian

Why doesn’t one of them say, “We have spent almost $8 trillion dollars we do not have. The dollar is falling. For the first time is many years, people are talking about leaving the country. We the people have to do something about this deficit that we let our politicians run up. It means, for some, taxes will go up.”
— Adrian

Pay-go. Will the moderators follow up on this issue? It’s serious. That’s a balanced budget proposal. Is Obama going to follow through? Is he going to raise capital gains? He’s waffling.
— Adrian

Obama says he will cut taxes. Clinton says people making $250K and less are middle class. Am I watching the Republicans or the Democrats? Whatever, I like what’s being said!
— Adrian

Protecting all our friends in the Middle East. Hillary, you started by giving props to our founders. Did you remember what the man you want your political ancestor to be, George Washington? Do you remember what he said about “entangling alliances?” He said NOT to get into them.
— Adrian

Good foreign policy question. Obama is going to make Iran a top priority. He is sticking to a conservative line, rebuffing those who say he will be too soft on Iran and terrorist organizations. Strong foreign policy answer that will play well with the media. Very Republican sounding.
— Adrian

OBAMA! Ha, “the buck stops with me.” That’s Harry Truman, who fired MacArthur!
— Adrian

“…military commanders publicly opposing…” the executive branch. She’s letting the military know early that she means business and will fire those who don’t agree with her.
— Adrian

Obama is best at breaking down BS issues and showing they are distractions. But, he needs to speak to the actual issues in this campaign.
— Adrian

Good job, Obama. About not wearing the flag pin on his lapel — “This is the type of manufactured issue …” Excellent!
— Adrian

Obama’s hitting his stride. He’s talking about the big, historical picture. Good for him. He sounds good, it really makes me watch what he says and he looks like a transcendent, JFK-like leader.
— Adrian

You said Clinton was dumb? Why'd she bring that up? Freudian slip???
— Adrian

Clinton’s demeanor and answers are stunningly professional, smooth, well elucidated. She looks very Presidential. Much softer and more understanding than previous debates. She appears in control. Let’s see if she can keep it.

Obama is really on the defensive, and his answers are not home runs. They are good, but not great. He needs to talk more about what he is going to do rather than what’s been happening in the last few months.
— Adrian

That’s the response he should have given first. He gave an example of Clinton being attacked by with the same accusations, and then empathized with her. It made Clinton look hypocritical.
— Adrian

Obama get's the fast ball and can only hit a single. Sad. He should have
had a very good response to the question about his comment.

Why is Clinton speaking as if she's a Republican? Showing you can shoot —
a la John Kerry — doesn't impress people.
— Adrian

Clinton had a good opening, harkening back to the America's founding. Obama
could have starting getting back those gun owning, bible thumping Americans
with a powerful historic opening. But, Clinton is showing that she will
reverse her husband's promise that "The era of big government is over." She
wants government to solve all our problems.
— Adrian

By Adrian

The long interlude from the time Texans and Ohioans stormed the polls in record numbers and the day in one week when Pennsylvanians cast their ballots has been enlightening rather than frustrating. “Winning isn’t everything — it’s the only thing!” or so goes the famous Vince Lombardi quote. Unfortunately, when politics is viewed as simply a horserace, the American people often lose. If you don’t believe me, then just look at what has happened to the Republican p arty and the country since 1980. They started with high-minded ideals, fostering profound change, and then devolved into an election machine that cared less for who it was electing than winning elections. The country has suffered.

The last six weeks was full of “faux news,” but had its fair share of real news. Obama gave two speeches — a groundbreaking speech on race that is sure to go down, should he become president, as one of the most honest and powerful speeches on race in a generation, and another on economic policy. Senator McCain likewise spoke on the issues of race and the economy, and Senator Clinton also gave the electorate a vague idea of her economic policy.

These speeches and this down time are important. It is a chance for the electorate to focus on something other than the horserace. These candidates are making important policy speeches; they are distinguishing themselves and giving clues to their governing styles. A very real war in Iraq has been back at the top of the news. Unfortunately, the pundits are more attune to gaffes than to real issues.

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By Adrian

Americans are schizophrenic! I was sitting on the subway thumbing through the paper when I saw the headline “McCain erases Obama lead.” If there is one thing that people can say about this campaign it’s that the prognosticators and pundits have been proven wrong over and over again. McCain’s campaign, according to “all the experts,” was dead last August – bankrupt and written off. Yet, he is the Republican nominee, and as of today’s poll results, the presumptive president. And, I guarantee, like Joe Namath in Super Bowl III, that this poll is wrong. I’m sure that a new poll will come out in the not to distant future reversing this latest poll’s findings.

Throughout this whole election the American people have been polled, and polled, and polled, and yet they consistently find ways of fooling all the news gurus and polling companies. Each reactionary headline wants to proclaim a winner and a reason for the results. The news article sighted above claimed “The survey showed the extended Democratic primary campaign creating divisions among supporters of Obama and rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and suggests a tight race for the presidency in November no matter which Democrat becomes the nominee.” Really? Two months ago, polls showed Obama with a 10 point lead over McCain in a head-to-head match up. How about this for an article: “The American people still seem unsure as to who they would like to see as President. Much is dependent on how the campaigns actually conclude. This may be a close race, or a landslide. Honestly, this reporter does not know.” Don’t worry, you will never see that.

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Hillary Clinton. While this may sound misogynistic, it has nothing to do with her sex. She is, in a word, divisive. Asking people if they're for Hillary is almost as bad as asking them if they agree with Roe v. Wade. We may see the South try and secede again if she is elected. She exudes a sense of uninhibited ambition that leads her to pay any price to win. Her second of humanity and a few tear drops in New Hampshire, her whining at the last debate in Ohio about the media's seeming love for Obama, and her campaign tactics are simply childish and ugly. She is the Democratic Karl Rove.

George W. Bush was elected as a self-described "uniter, not a divider." The nation has wanted someone to bring us together — a president that the nation as a whole can be proud of — since 2000. Hillary is not this person. While she would be a capable President, I only see her continuing the partisanism that has defined the last seven years.
— Adrian