Quote of the Day

"Ronald Reagan never lived in the past; Ronald Reagan was all about the future. If President Reagan were here today he would have no patience for Americans who looked backward." - Michael Steele RNC Chair

I'm guessing he missed the irony in that statement. . .

Ken Blackwell - "Country First"

That's high sarcasm, of course, considering the RNC chair's primary concern regarding job growth under President Obama:

While only a few details are known, one overlooked issue is that it could create a major electoral advantage for Democrats at taxpayer expense. That would be unacceptable for what is being touted as a nonpartisan measure, and gives Republicans yet another reason to oppose it if not restructured. […]

But most federal employees, that are not political appointees, vote Democrat. Since Washington, DC is the seat of government, whenever new federal bureaucrats are created many live in Maryland and Virginia. In 2008, Virginia went Democrat for the first time since 1964, and Mr. Obama won it by 130,000 votes. Creating 600,000 new jobs might help cement Virginia in the Democrat column, making it harder for Republicans to retake the White House.

In summary, Blackwell is all for new jobs. Provided they go to loyal Republican voters. . .I, for one, am pleased to have Blackwell at the helm of the Republican Party. It takes away some of the pressure. Then again, I wasn't particularly feeling any as of late.

Will Durst - The Roosting Storm

In which our intrepid correspondent takes 60 seconds to speak of the wet blanket that dampened the party going on 1200 miles north at the headwaters of the Mississippi River:

When Black Republicans Attack

Are there really that many of them out there?

From Cenk Uygur:

The Young Turks have been broadcasting all week long from the Republican National Convention. We have had some really interesting interviews with Duncan Hunter, Heather Wilson, Bob Barr, Sen. Dan Coats, Rep. Bob Latta, Joe Klein, Michael Medved and the list goes on (you can check out a lot of these interviews on our You Tube Channel here).

Although there were great disagreements in many of these interviews, none of them got out of hand ... except one. The founder of HipHopRepublicans.com took exception when I suggested that George Bush might have been late in responding to Hurricane Katrina. He said he was shocked that I would suggest that late response might have cost some people's lives.

He proceeded to knock my mike down and then hit our camera on his way out. He also got within inches of my face as he stood over me. Watch it here:

Obama Responds to Palin Speech

Barack Obama responded personally to Sarah Palin's harsh speech at the Republican National Convention in York, Pennsylvania. "You're hearing an awful lot about me, most of which is not true," he said. "What you're not hearing is a lot about you.":



Joe Biden called Palin's performance "one heck of a political speech" and "Karl Rove stuff" that avoided issues or policy proposals "to dig us out of the hole the Bush administration has dug us into." But it showed, he said, that Palin would be a "formidable" opponent and "very skillful debater":

Local Blogger Mentioned by Randi Rhodes

Although we disagree on a number of issues, it was still a delight to hear local blogger and city councilman Mitch Harper quoted by the goddess of progressive talk radio on this afternoon's show:

Many Republicans were relieved Monday that President Bush didn't attend the Republican National Convention.

"It is a good thing," said Mitch Harper, a Republican delegate from Fort Wayne, Ind. "John McCain has got to demonstrate that he's his own brand, that he would go in a different direction.

"Among those swing voters who make a difference, the president doesn't help John McCain," he said.

Mitch, we're in agreement on this one. Lets discuss the more of the McSame brand over a cold one after President Obama is sworn in. ;)

"Hookers and Blow"

ABC News correspondent Brian Ross reports on the GOP parties in St. Paul as Hurricane Gustav rages through the Gulf Coast. Including a band named "Hookers and Blow. Seriously:

Amy Goodman Savaged by St.Paul Police

Just in case you missed the first ammendent to the United States Constitution:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman was unlawfully arrested in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota at approximately 5 p.m. local time. Police violently manhandled Goodman, yanking her arm, as they arrested her. Goodman was arrested while attempting to free two Democracy Now! producers who were being unlawfuly detained. They are Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar. Kouddous and Salazar were arrested while they carried out their journalistic duties in covering street demonstrations at the Republican National Convention. Goodman’s crime appears to have been defending her colleagues and the freedom of the press. Video of her arrest can be seen here:



Amy Goodman is one of the most well-known and well-respected journalists in the United States. She has received journalism’s top honors for her reporting and has a distinguished reputation of bravery and courage. The arrest of Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar is a transparent attempt to intimidate journalists from the nation’s leading independent news outlet. Democracy Now! is a nationally-syndicated public TV and radio program that airs on over 700 radio and TV stations across the US and the globe.

Amy Goodman Discusses Arrest on The Young Turks Today

Pickles Bores Pa in Law

A nostalgia-inducing video of George H.W. Bush checking out his watch during Tuesday night's Republican convention address by first lady Laura Bush.

The elder Bush, who was cheered wildly by the crowd in Minneapolis both when highlighted by speakers and during video biography, quite famously suffered a watch-related gaffe during his re-election bid in 1992. In a televised debate with Bill Clinton, Bush was caught by camera glancing at his wristwatch as his Clinton addressed an audience member who had detailed her struggles in the wake of the economic recession:

Empty Seats in Minneapolis

As I looked at the photos from today's Republican National Convention, something seemed out of place to me. There appeared to be something in these pictures that I hadn't seen in similar shots taken in Denver last week. It took me a few seconds, but then I nailed it - EMPTY SEATS. At our party in Denver, every seat was filled; every spot on the floor was taken as if The Who were performing in 1979; Thousands of people crowded the grounds outside even though they KNEW they couldn't get inside. Cue these sad, sad pics from Minnesota:

If you've ever had one of those "mother/daughter" sexual fantasies. . .this one will "bring you down" for several years. Urk!

Perhaps the empty seats belong to the delegates who were busy visiting the Larry Craig Memorial Shrine nearby:



Maybe they were engaged in extra-curricular activities, or focused on more important news of the moment.

Perhaps they were reading private e-mail, aka Bush Admin Style. Or maybe they were just checking out the local sports scores while enjoying a Heath bar:



Whatever they were doing, and to who, they left empty seats that several thousand Barack Obama supporters would have gladly filled if the same circumstances had occurred in Colorado last week.

Speculation has been that Palin may withdraw her nomination. Further speculation is that McGrampy may withdraw his as well; or have it taken away. Pictures are worth a thousand words. . .

And "W" gave another big hug kiss of death to John boy tonight.

Family values, my ass. Bend over and take it like "everything you preach against, yet secretly enjoy" you hypocrites. Just keep you stance inside your own stall; I'm busy crapping all over your parade in mine.