In Defense Of Sarah Palin
[ Posted Monday, September 29th, 2008 – 16:19 UTC ]
While this will be a shock to anyone who has read just about any other column I've written, I speak today in defense of Sarah Palin.
Archive of Articles in the "Military" Category
Maliki's Spin
[ Posted Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 – 15:18 UTC ]
One can't help but wonder if President Bush is thinking to himself: "It wasn't supposed to be like this." Now, there's a whole passel of issues which might make him feel this way, but in particular I'm talking about his negotiations with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki over the United States' continuing troop presence in Iraq. Because it is increasingly looking like Bush is simply not going to get what he wanted. But since what he wanted was to tie the hands of the incoming president, this is actually a good thing.
More Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Please
[ Posted Monday, September 15th, 2008 – 17:23 UTC ]
What a difference a weekend can make! Barack Obama's campaign is strongly defending themselves in the air wars, and taking the fight to John McCain. Joe Biden has found his voice on the campaign trail, giving some rousing stump speeches. And Obama himself seems to be learning the "bumpersticker" rule of political slogans; keep it short and simple! But the real highlight of the weekend had to be CBS' Face The Nation, where Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz -- a former Hillary Clinton supporter, it should be noted -- showed everyone else what a surrogate is supposed to do. She had her facts ready, she knew her issues, and she was absolutely relentless in making her points. Her performance was so strong and so well focused that it would be foolish not to immediately send her out on the campaign trail and/or to as many television interviews as she can squeeze into her schedule.
Craig Ferguson's Excellent Rant -- "If You Don't Vote, You're A Moron."
[ Posted Thursday, September 11th, 2008 – 17:24 UTC ]
As a public service, today I am running a full transcript of Craig Ferguson, host of The Late Late Show on CBS, from last night, 8/10/08.
Ad Suggestion For Obama -- McCain AWOL On GI Bill
[ Posted Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 – 15:38 UTC ]
Barack Obama has been getting lots of advice recently about what to do out on the campaign trail. Since it seems to be "Give Obama Advice Week," I'd like to offer up a campaign ad script.
Part of the problem Obama's been having since Sarah Palin appeared is that he's been playing defense ever since. He needs to go back on the offense on McCain, and drive the news cycle instead of just reacting to it.
Anbar Awakening In Danger Of Being Put To Sleep
[ Posted Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 – 15:01 UTC ]
Because Maliki's Shi'ite-dominated government has shown absolutely no inclination to hire any of their former Sunni enemies, either in the military or otherwise. And once the Americans are gone from the province, it's hard to believe that Maliki will continue paying them their $300 per month very much longer, either.
Maliki's Leverage Over Bush
[ Posted Monday, September 8th, 2008 – 12:22 UTC ]
Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki seems to have the upper hand in the ongoing negotiations with the Bush administration. The talks continue, in an attempt to hammer out an agreement for U.S. troops to operate in Iraq after the United Nations framework expires at the end of this year. Upon reflection, it's easy to see why Maliki is getting stronger in this diplomatic tug-of-war, and Bush is getting weaker -- because the clock is running out on Bush, and because Bush's domestic popularity continues to fall while Maliki is using the international media to boost his own popularity with the voters in Iraq.
Friday Talking Points [45] -- Lessons Democrats Should Learn From Obama's Speech
[ Posted Friday, August 29th, 2008 – 17:11 UTC ]
I know that just about the entire blogosphere is talking about John McCain's pick of Sarah Palin (who?) for his running mate, but I, for one, refuse to let John McCain distract me from writing about Barack Obama's acceptance speech last night, given to a cheering throng of 84,000 in Denver's football stadium (I refuse [...]
Convention Thoughts -- Day Three (Some Red Meat)
[ Posted Thursday, August 28th, 2008 – 16:45 UTC ]
As I've said, this convention is being directed by a maestro -- slow and warm at first, then a big resounding call for unity, and now, on Day 3, some red meat to the crowd. Tonight should be absolutely stunning, that's all I can say, because the "build" has gone swimmingly well.
A Historical Perspective On Divided Democratic Conventions
[ Posted Monday, August 25th, 2008 – 04:54 UTC ]
Today begins the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The media (or some sections of it, I should say) have been pushing for a big rousing fight on the floor of the convention in Denver -- the Hillary Clinton supporters staging some sort of scene for the cameras -- so they can continue their "look how [...]