Seriously, lets think about this again for a second. Where was the Secret Service? And how did they allow somebody to take off their shoe, throw it, then take off ANOTHER shoe, and throw it again? At the very least they should have been throwing themselves in front of Bush or tackling the shoe guy, but no. They were behind some door and didn't even come out until after BOTH shoes had come off! Look, all I'm saying is that we got the first black president coming in soon and we live in a country where about 46 or 47% of people didn't want him elected, I bet that 20% of that was because of racism or some kind of bigotry, and 5% of them are probably down right crazy enough to do something more damaging than than throwing a shoe at Obama if you get what I'm saying. Now more than ever the Secret Service needs to be on its game, shoe, no shoe, or something far worse.
And if you missed it...
Monday, December 15, 2008
BREAKING: Obama office had no 'inappropriate contact' w/ Ill. Gov.
This news just confirms what I suspected and what US Attorney Fitzgerald has said all along. More updates as I get them...
>UPDATE: Here's the full story below (From AP/MSNBC)
>UPDATE: Here's the full story below (From AP/MSNBC)
Obama review: No inappropriate discussionsFull details of internal review not to be released until at least December 22
The Associated Pressupdated 12:16 p.m. PT, Mon., Dec. 15, 2008WASHINGTON - An internal review shows aides to President-elect Barack Obama had no "inappropriate discussions" with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich or his staff concerning the search for a Senate replacement from Illinois, a spokesman for the presidential transition office said Monday.
But spokesman Dan Pfeiffer also said the office won't release details of its review until the week of Dec. 22 at the request of prosecutors "in order not to impede their investigation of the governor."
That's Christmas week, when few people will be paying attention and when Obama plans to be celebrating the holiday in Hawaii.
The brief statement left several issues uncovered. It did not say whether Obama's incoming White House chief of staff, Rep. Rahm Emanuel, was heard on a wiretap providing the governor's top aide with a list of names that the president-elect favored.
Nor did it say who if anyone on Obama transition's team had made contact with the governor or his aides concerning a replacement for Obama.
In the statement, Pfeiffer said that incoming White House counsel Gregory Craig has kept federal prosecutors informed of the internal review "in order to ensure our full cooperation with the investigation" into allegations against the governor.
Pfeiffer said the review "affirmed the public statements of the president-elect that he had no contact with the governor or his staff, and that the president-elect's staff was not involved in inappropriate discussions with the governor or his staff over the selection of his successor as U.S. Senator.
Obama resigned his Senate seat last month to prepare for taking the oath of office as president. Blagojevich, who has the power to appoint a replacement, was arrested last week on charges he schemed to sell the seat in exchange for money or political favors for himself or his wife.
Presidential Race Officially Ends Today
Here's a fun little tidbit. Today the electoral college is going to meet up and cast their votes for president, which would officially (barring anything extremely unprecedented and outrageous) make Barack Obama the President-elect of the United States. Now although Obama should win this, don't be surprised if he doesn't get the 365 that all the news agencies are projecting he will get. It is common to have one or two "unfaithful electors" who either spell the name wrong or acidentally vote for the worng guy in the final offical count. But if everything goes prefectlly, Obama will be declared the winner with 365 electoral votes to McCain's 173 electoral votes. Yay!
Sen. Caroline Kennedy (D-NY)?
The New York Times went with an article this morning on the decision of Caroline Kennedy to seek the US senate that will soon be vacated by Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton.
Reactions about having another Kennedy, especially this Kennedy, are mixed. There are many concerns about her ability to be re-elected, her experience, and the fact that it seems as if she is inheriting the seat just because of her name. Clinton loyalists also don't want her to have the seat because of the fact she supported Barack Obama And finally, many residents of New York, upstate New York to be specific, want somebody in the senate that represents them and not just the city. But that is not to say that she doesn't have any supporters. Mayor Bloomberg for instance has praised her abilites, while many democrats love the idea of keeping a Kennedy around seeing that Ted Kennedy's era is approching its ending.
As I'm not from, nor that familier to the issue, all I will say is that after seeing Caroline Kennedy support Obama the way she did in both the primaries and in the vetting process for a VP, I would not be against her being in the US Senate. However, it is the governors choice, and it will hopefully reflect the will of the people in New York. Not some college student from California.
[From The New York Times]
The decision came after a series of deeply personal and political conversations, in which Ms. Kennedy, who friends describe as unflashy but determined, wrestled with whether to give up what has been a lifetime of avoiding the spotlight. Ms. Kennedy will ask that Gov. David A. Patterson consider her for the appointment. The governor was traveling to Utica today could not immediately be reached for comment. If appointed, Ms. Kennedy would fill the seat once held by her uncle, the late Robert F. Kennedy.
Reactions about having another Kennedy, especially this Kennedy, are mixed. There are many concerns about her ability to be re-elected, her experience, and the fact that it seems as if she is inheriting the seat just because of her name. Clinton loyalists also don't want her to have the seat because of the fact she supported Barack Obama And finally, many residents of New York, upstate New York to be specific, want somebody in the senate that represents them and not just the city. But that is not to say that she doesn't have any supporters. Mayor Bloomberg for instance has praised her abilites, while many democrats love the idea of keeping a Kennedy around seeing that Ted Kennedy's era is approching its ending.
As I'm not from, nor that familier to the issue, all I will say is that after seeing Caroline Kennedy support Obama the way she did in both the primaries and in the vetting process for a VP, I would not be against her being in the US Senate. However, it is the governors choice, and it will hopefully reflect the will of the people in New York. Not some college student from California.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Talking Points for 12/15
Besides Bush nearly getting hit by a shoe (I'm still giggling about it), there was more news made today. Here's your talking points for Monday that will sure to strike up some interesting conversation:
>Rovian Politics: Karl Rove is rumored to be the leader in the holding of up Eric Holder's confirmation for Attorney General. Holder has a troubled past because under Clinton he allowed the pardoning of Marc Rich after Rich evaded taxes and made oil deals with Iran during the hostage crisis. My take is that although this issue should be examined by the senate, it should not stop him from getting the job. Holder's record after is fairly clean, and after Alberto Gonzales, can Rove really try to say Eric Holder's appointment would be that bad?
>Powell: We should re-evaluate don't ask, don't tell: Fmr. Secertary of State Colin Powell sat down with CNN's Fareed Zakaria and suggested that the US should re-think the military's treatment of Homosexuals. My take on this one is that we, the US, are mighty stupid not to allow Homosexuals who want to serve, to serve. I look at it this way, I'm not going to any warzone, so if a gay person wants to go you need to take him cause you sure as hell won't get me! Either that or (stupidly) fight the war with too few troops. Seems like a clear choice to me.
>Hey, aren't we still short a few Senators?: Yep, it seems like the whole Blogojevich scandle kept our eyes off the on-going recount in Minnesota. Last I heard is that Franken, who actually has a shot at winning, is going to withdraw many of his ballot challenges, leaving him with about 500 in total. As far as when this recount will end, it looks like it will go on for at least 2 more weeks. There is more on that matter here and here. And in Illinois we are also still short a senator because of the crazy little idea thier Governor had. On that front, rumors are still swirling about Blago resigning tommorow, but it appears less likely. My take on all of this is a simple yet long sigh.
>Sorry! All out of Midnight Oil!: And finally, some lighter news right out of California. The South El Monte city council has passed legislation that bars the city mayor from staying in City Hall past 11pm. The mayor is not pleased with the legislation, she calls it "petty" and justifies her staying late because her days are full of meetings and responding to e-mails. Personally, I'm with the mayor on this one. If she likes working hard into the night, they shouldn't stop her. I just remind the mayor to keep in mind that "All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl." She should work to her hearts content Monday-Thursday, Duck out early on Friday, and Have the weekends off.
>Rovian Politics: Karl Rove is rumored to be the leader in the holding of up Eric Holder's confirmation for Attorney General. Holder has a troubled past because under Clinton he allowed the pardoning of Marc Rich after Rich evaded taxes and made oil deals with Iran during the hostage crisis. My take is that although this issue should be examined by the senate, it should not stop him from getting the job. Holder's record after is fairly clean, and after Alberto Gonzales, can Rove really try to say Eric Holder's appointment would be that bad?
>Powell: We should re-evaluate don't ask, don't tell: Fmr. Secertary of State Colin Powell sat down with CNN's Fareed Zakaria and suggested that the US should re-think the military's treatment of Homosexuals. My take on this one is that we, the US, are mighty stupid not to allow Homosexuals who want to serve, to serve. I look at it this way, I'm not going to any warzone, so if a gay person wants to go you need to take him cause you sure as hell won't get me! Either that or (stupidly) fight the war with too few troops. Seems like a clear choice to me.
>Hey, aren't we still short a few Senators?: Yep, it seems like the whole Blogojevich scandle kept our eyes off the on-going recount in Minnesota. Last I heard is that Franken, who actually has a shot at winning, is going to withdraw many of his ballot challenges, leaving him with about 500 in total. As far as when this recount will end, it looks like it will go on for at least 2 more weeks. There is more on that matter here and here. And in Illinois we are also still short a senator because of the crazy little idea thier Governor had. On that front, rumors are still swirling about Blago resigning tommorow, but it appears less likely. My take on all of this is a simple yet long sigh.
>Sorry! All out of Midnight Oil!: And finally, some lighter news right out of California. The South El Monte city council has passed legislation that bars the city mayor from staying in City Hall past 11pm. The mayor is not pleased with the legislation, she calls it "petty" and justifies her staying late because her days are full of meetings and responding to e-mails. Personally, I'm with the mayor on this one. If she likes working hard into the night, they shouldn't stop her. I just remind the mayor to keep in mind that "All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl." She should work to her hearts content Monday-Thursday, Duck out early on Friday, and Have the weekends off.
Shoes Fly, But Misses Pres. Bush
Still President Bush made a surprise trip to Iraq today and was greeted with shoes flying at his face. During a press conference an Iraqi reporter took off his shoes and threw them at Bush one after another. Bush ducked each one (impressively I might add), but White House Press Secretary Dana Perino ended up with a black eye after guards and other journalist scuffled to get the shoe-bomber. As an American that has respect for the office of the Presidency, I'm glad the President wasn't harmed. BUT, as someone who has a sense of humor and is not that crazy about Bush, I find this quite funny. And only slightly wish that last shoe would have at least made contact on the shoulder or something...
[Watch]
[Watch]
Saturday, December 13, 2008
We Knew This Was Comming...
The Governor of Illinois has made it big this past week, even though it may not have been the way he wanted. But to top off his climb to the top is a spoof appearance on SN (bleeping)L! No embeds available yet and it has not even aired over here on the west coast yet, but it has been both seen and confirmed by NBC (and expected by everyone).
[From NBCChicago.com]
"It was bound to happen. Saturday Night Live writers didn't miss the chance to take advantage of our scandal-plagued governor's misfortunes this week in their opening skit, bleeps and all. Too bad the reality hasn't been all that funny for the people of Illinois. The bleep-filled sketch of Gov. Rod Blagojevich pleading his financial case to a senate committee included a potty-mouth appearance by Illinois First Lady Patti Blagojevich. Since the U.S. attorney's office detailed f-word-laced recordings of the governor and his wife amid charges he tried to sell president-elect Barack Obama's senate seat, Blagojevich has been fodder for comedians like Letterman, Leno, Colbert and Stewart. In fact, he's been topic a for just about every cable program, newspaper, blog and water cooler discussion."
On My Radar: 12/13-12/14 Weekend Edition
As with most weekends, things are slow. But that doesn't mean that there is NOTHING going on. Here's what's on my radar...
>Ill. Governor Rod Blagojevich: Yes, not a specific news piece about him, but the whole guy himself. Anything can happen with this guy so I'm watching his whole situation. It also seems that there are some developments that are leading people to think the good gov. will resign on Monday. [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/13/blagojevich-could-decide_n_150769.html]
>The First Friends: I know. Who knew Presidents had friends? Furthermore, who knew they had a title? Anyways, the NY Times has got an interesting piece on the first friends and how they plan on staying close. [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/us/politics/14friends.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss]
>Shaun Donovan = HUD Secretary: Another day, and another appointment for Pres. Elect Obama. Side note, this one was not a press event, but rather via Radio Address. Perhaps because his last one that unveiled Tom Daschle as Health and Human Service Secretary turned into another Blagojevich press conference. Anyway, NYC Housing Commissioner Shaun Donovan was appointed to Housing and Urban Development today. [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/13/1713853.aspx]
>The church, the church, the church was on Fire: Ok, lets just let it be known that I am NOT celebrating this next stroy, its just that this headline was the only thing I could think of. None the less, an arson is being blamed for a fire at Gov. Palin's home church. Palin aplogized if the fire was started because of undue attention she gave the church. [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28213500/]
>Ill. Governor Rod Blagojevich: Yes, not a specific news piece about him, but the whole guy himself. Anything can happen with this guy so I'm watching his whole situation. It also seems that there are some developments that are leading people to think the good gov. will resign on Monday. [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/13/blagojevich-could-decide_n_150769.html]
>The First Friends: I know. Who knew Presidents had friends? Furthermore, who knew they had a title? Anyways, the NY Times has got an interesting piece on the first friends and how they plan on staying close. [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/us/politics/14friends.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss]
>Shaun Donovan = HUD Secretary: Another day, and another appointment for Pres. Elect Obama. Side note, this one was not a press event, but rather via Radio Address. Perhaps because his last one that unveiled Tom Daschle as Health and Human Service Secretary turned into another Blagojevich press conference. Anyway, NYC Housing Commissioner Shaun Donovan was appointed to Housing and Urban Development today. [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/13/1713853.aspx]
>The church, the church, the church was on Fire: Ok, lets just let it be known that I am NOT celebrating this next stroy, its just that this headline was the only thing I could think of. None the less, an arson is being blamed for a fire at Gov. Palin's home church. Palin aplogized if the fire was started because of undue attention she gave the church. [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28213500/]
The Pundit On...: Slipping Up
Huh, you say the election past already?!? DAMN it. Yes, once again I have fallen off the blog wagon big time. This stuff is seriously harder than it looks. But that's okay. We still don't have much readership (in fact, I'm probably just talking to myself), so it's not like I let a lot of people down. So, it's time for a re-boot. I promise I'll be more committed this time, to show it I even did a new layout. So yes, let's put that behind us and look forward to the future starting...very soon! After finals! But I promise I will be fully here afterward...
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