Occams Tweezer

OK, Now That My Token "Godspeed" Post Is Out Of The Way.....

2005-08-30T14:41:00.000-04:00

What is wrong with you people?? I've spent a grand total of 11 days of my life in New Orleans and even I know what would happen if it took a direct hit from a hurricane. If you stayed in your home, you are a selfish ass and are putting the lives of first responders in danger. They have to risk their lives because you don't care enough about yours to heed a [b]mandatory[/b] evacuation notice.
I pray that no cop, EMT or fireman is hurt trying to rescue some thoughtless yahoo standing on the roof of his house. So if you're conceited enough to think that you can survive a hurricane, then at least have the common courtesy to NOT call for help when the water is rising around you.

Godspeed

2005-08-30T14:36:00.000-04:00

Our thoughts and prayers are with those of you living through Hurricane Katrina.

What If I would Have Told You Four Years Ago..

2005-03-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

..........that that Syria would withdraw from Lebanon?

..........that Saudi Arabia would hold municipal elections?

..........that Egypt would plan presidential elections?

..........that Palestine and Israel would have true detente?

..........that Iraq would hold free elections?

..........that Afghani women would vote in free elections?

..........that Libya would voluntarily give up its weapons program?

..........that Pakistan would be a key player in the war against Islamic terror?

..........that Iran was on the verge of a popular revolution?

To the consternation of those who for partisan purposes seek to minimize the importance of recent events, we are living in historic times with changes that were unimaginable only four short years ago. If it wasn't for the revolutionary global changes between 1980-1991, this era of blossoming democracy would be unprecented in modern history.
So we have to ask ourselves - if these changes are [i]really[/i] happening, was it all worth it? If the invasion of Iraq was the catalyst for all this, was it worth it?

Still In Despair Over The Election?

2004-11-09T07:21:00.000-05:00

For those of you despondant Democrats who simply wont be satiated by immigrating to Canada, might I suggest a more, ahem, permanent solution?

Please Help! I CANT Stop Reading Democratic Undergroud!!

2004-11-04T13:15:00.000-05:00

These people are just amazing to me and I absolutely canNOT stop reading their delusional diatribes. Are there honestly people like this?

"searching my spirit for "how I was feeling". I told others here awhile ago, HOW WILL I LOOK MY TEEN IN THE EYES? How will he ever believe in anything positive again.
We spent this entire year in full steam ahead working for Democracy and a brighter future. He got all enthused about it too. I was so proud of him. It looked like this election was the ticket to cause him to perk up and want to get involved more fully with life and educationl
FUCK YOU REPUBS AND WEAK KNEED DEMS for doing this to my family.
My teen said that if Bush won, he would go to jail instead of being drafted. Either way, his life is screwed behind that catch 22."

"There are organizations that can independently fight to find out about voter fraud. How much money does MoveOn still have? Could some lawyers get together and pool their pro-bono hours to fight this thing -- then KERRY isn't seen as the one fighting it, but more votes could still be found. Kerry conceding can be seen as the patriotic thing to do ... but others can keep fighting on in his name. He'll look good, and the fight will still go on!
If fraud is found (kicking out lots of fraudulent ballots or E-ballots) or if enough votes are found to trigger recounts in certain states, who knows?"

A majority of voters (and not all of them gay-hating, bible-thumping bigots) thought Bush was the better alternative. And the rest of the world is embracing that decision. The global markets soared as soon as the news hit. Terrorists in Fallujah have begun crapping themselves in anticipation of the city's liberation. Jobless claims are down.

In other words -

Get over it.

Waxing Poetic

2004-11-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhh, the sweet, sweet nectar of victory is in the air. It courses through my veins - warming my heart and tickling my loins. She's a tender, loving mistress that invades my soul and intoxicates my psyche. Rejoice, as I suckle at the bosom of triumphant success and conquest.
I shall savor each and every one of the next 2,217,600 minutes that the American people have bequeathed to each and every one of us.

And blessed are those that we have saved from themselves. May each of them come to experience the joy and relief that I have come to feel in the last 14 hours. May each of them be sustained in the sheltering womb of Mother Conservatism.

Raining In Northeast Ohio

2004-11-02T14:45:00.000-05:00

Whatever that means.

Speaking of Bloom County

2004-11-02T14:19:00.000-05:00

Im certain Berke Breathed wasnt thinking of Kerry when he penned this, but he should have been.

2004-11-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

Worked the phone banks at the local Republican HQ this weekend. Typical positive responses from the party faithful as well as the chronically undecided.
However, it was the call sheet from the "Belly of the Beast" that had me most surprised. This phone list, bequeathed to me due to my infectious optimism as well as my complete dearth of personal shame, contained the inhabitants of the most liberal precinct in my county (hint: home of a legendary radical 60's/70's college campus).
Anyhow, the callees not only refrained from issuing death threats and inferences to my mother's volcanic libido, but they also were suprisingly receptive to my conservative wiles. Positive responses that I'd think would be more at home on an early 80's Reaganesque campus rather than of hotly divided anti-Bush lair.

Oh Please Please Pretty Please

2004-11-02T10:09:00.000-05:00

I just hope they dont wimp out like they did in 2000.

I hear Qatar is lovely this time of year.

What's Another Word For "Thesaurus"?

2004-11-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

To break up the monotony of poll watching, I present to you.......

Steven Wright.

Why Didnt I Think Of This?

2004-11-02T08:57:00.000-05:00

From INDC Journal -

"But Kerry voters - I just noticed there's a West Wing marathon on TBS! All day long! Starting any minute now!

Don't miss a treasured moment of the passion, principle and drama as President Josiah Bartlett tackles the pressing liberal issues of the day and fights terrorists with both resolve and compassion! Will Leo and Josiah's poignant friendship survive under the strain of the Presidency? Will a nervous C.J. successfully parry the questions of a scandal-obsessed press? Will Josh and Donna's dedication guide the President to victory against his Republican challenger? Can Toby secure the crucial votes of the UN Security Council in their multilateral quest for peace in the Middle East?

Don't you dare miss a single second of the all-day West Wing marathon!

The rest of you - vote."

Classic misdirection!

Dumbest Idea In SD Campaign History

2004-11-02T08:41:00.000-05:00

You dont sue the other candidate. You leak the story to a well-placed source in the press. Innuendo and gossip will go a lot further without making you look like a whiny crybaby.
And why the need anyhow? His internal pollsters must be a lot worse than the other out there (Thune +2-3).

Regardless, this pansy-ass move just cost him the election.

Mass Confusion In My Sleepy Little Village

2004-11-02T08:08:00.000-05:00

Due to construction of a new village hall, the residents of Sleepy Village proper are voting in my usual polling place. Since its about the same size as a glorified men's room, there was a wee bit of confusion as to who sticks what in where (prom night, anyone?).
I drove up at 6:45AM and was greeted by a line of humanity about 50 souls long. Very unusual where I come from. My initial reaction was that these were the new registrants paid for by the NAACP with three vials of crack. But then I found out that there was a separate (and much shorter) line inside for my precinct. But not before I heard a middle-aged woman claim that the Republican poll watchers were intimidating Dems by asking for ID.
Anyway, I poked and prodded my good ol' reliable punch card and proceeded on my way.

Live-Blogging The Election

2004-11-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

I'll be live-blogging the election tomorrow including up-to-the-minute feedback from poll observers in Ohio and Colorado.
Dont think anything until I tell you what to think!!!

Kerry/Streisand Caught in Tryst! Bush To Name Kucinich Sec. of Peace!

2004-11-01T15:23:00.000-05:00

Im going to be up all night waiting for the other shoe to drop. Theres got to be an Octob...errrr...November Surprise. There just has to be.

Cheney is really a Automaton created in a joint venture between Halliburton, Enron and Microsoft!

Edwards - Im not just a spokesman for the Hair Club For Men, Im also a client!

Gov. McGreevy tells of his passionate nights with Laura Bush!

My Completely Reliably Infallible Electoral Prediction

2004-11-01T14:55:00.000-05:00

Bush - 315 EV's
Kerry - 223 EV's
Bush wins outside the MoL (Margin of Litigation).

Bush wins OH, PA, FL, IA, HI and WI.

Speaking of the National Review.......

2004-10-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

As much as I really enjoy The Corner, I dont know if I can continue patronizing their little slice of the web. How do they expect me to maintain any sense of respect when their overwhelming fave beers are Bud, Corona and Guinness? Come on, folks. Thats like saying your favorite restaurants are McDonalds, Taco Johns and Applebees.
Though I applaud the picks of Cliff May (Fat Tire, a New Belgium classic) and Mac Owens (the always reliable Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale), the rest of the picks are just plain inexcusable.

Some recommendations? How about an All-Swing State list?
Iowa - Simpatico Lager
Ohio - Gotta go with Burning River Pale Ale from the fantastic Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Colorado - Wynkoops Captain Hickenlooper's Flying Artillery Ale
Florida - Anything from the Ybor City Brewing Company

Poseurs!!

Kerry Takes His Eye Off The Ball

2004-10-27T13:31:00.000-04:00

OK, now this KerrySpot pic really ticks me off! As a guy who used to play a little ball himself, Kerry's attempt here is just pathetic.
Nevermind the closed eyes not even looking in the general direction of the ball, just look at his hand position! His pinkies arent touching like they should be, his fingers arent parallel and his arms arent fully extended.
If I tried to haul in a pass like that, my coach would STILL have me running laps!

And this guy wants to be president???

October Surprise - Little Rock Style

2004-10-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

Does anyone here actually believe that Hillary wants John Kerry to win 8 days from now? No way. Uh-uh.
So, although the polls have Bush up +3, you just know that Hillary's sweatin' it up a bit. A Kerry win pushes her window back to 2012.
What lengths would HRC go toward clearing up the Dem ticket for '08? What dirt can she get on JFK II and leak it to some friendly press all anonymous-like?

There will be a crap-bomb dropped on Bush or Kerry sometime in the next week. The real story wont be what the bomb is, but rather WHO dropped it. If it comes via a Lanny Davis/Bruce Lindsey press flak, things will get real interesting real fast.

Edited To Add -

To those who are going to email insults citing Bill Clinton's stump for Kerry, I respond with this -

He's stumping in Philly = a non-swing town in a non-swing state. A rope line at a rotary club in Des Moines would have a bigger impact on the election.

Hate Mail Of The Week

2004-10-06T16:37:00.000-04:00

"What kind of name is Occams Tweezer? I don't get it. Is that suppose to be some kind of joke.
Anyway your blog show you to be what you are, a tool for the right wingnuts that are driving this country into the ground. Your jokes aren't funny and show you how dumb you are.
Dumbasses like you make me glad I'm voting for Kerrey(sic)"

Name Deleted

Um, does he know that Bob KerrEy is not running this year or is it just wishful thinking on his part?

Bush's Speech & A Preview Of The Next Debate

2004-10-06T16:19:00.000-04:00

Here

Im Absolutely Shocked! Shocked, I Say!

2004-10-06T15:50:00.000-04:00

I posted just two comments on the Kerry Campaign Blog before I was booted.
My first post called into question Kerry's true commitment to fighting non-al Qaeda terror cells. It lasted about 30 seconds before it was deleted.
The second post countered an allegation of Republican voter fraud in Michigan with examples of flagrant Democratic voter fraud in Florida, South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, New York, et al. That post lasted less than 2 minutes.

I wasnt disrespectful nor was I insulting. But I was ejected nonetheless.

Yet this reasoned posted (by Teachers For Kerry) was allowed to stay -
"As I was watching the debate last night, I found myself, as I always do while watching Dick Cheney, waiting for the filthy, slimy alien creature to burst out of his chest"

And here I thought the official blog of the John Kerry campaign would be a haven for rational political debate and cogent discussions of topical issues.

2004-10-06T13:38:00.000-04:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Did He Just Say What I Think He Said?

2004-10-06T13:28:00.000-04:00

In the middle of this otherwise inconsequential article is a stunner of a quote -

John Kerry - "Osama bin Laden should have been the complete focus of our effort in the war on terror."

That is so completely and utterly naive as to defy adequate superlatives. Does the junior Senator actually believe that Al Qaeda is the only radical Islamist faction plotting against us? Does he somehow believe that if we kill bin Laden, the rest of the terror types will just wilt away?

This catastrophically obtuse perspective represents a tremendous philosophical chasm between those dealing with real world implications of global terror and those, like Senators Kerry and Edwards, who are perpetually living in a pre-September 11th world. That perspective steadfastly refuses to acknowledge the cold hard truth that radical Islamic terror is a pervasive force that must be defeated wherever and whenever it rears its head. Global terror is not just Al Qaeda. The Global War on Terror CANNOT be just against al Qaeda.

Ya Gotta Love Dennis Miller

2004-10-06T13:13:00.000-04:00

Dennis on Leno last night -

"That's why I like Bush. He doesn't over-think it. He wakes up every morning, jumps out of bed, lands on his two feet, scratches his balls, and says, "Let's kill some f@#@$ing terrorists!"
And the crowd applauded.

And as overly graphic as that quote is, I think it will be exactly (sans the f-bomb) what a lot of on-the-fence voters will be thinking when they walk into the booth on 11/2. No rhetoric. No vacillation. Just getting down to business and killing terrorists.

The Next RNC Commercial

2004-10-06T09:11:00.000-04:00

Voiceover -
"As a presidential candidate, John Kerry was offered an intelligence briefing on possible Al Qaeda terror attacks inside the United States."

John Kerry -
"I havent had time"

Voiceover -
"So what was so important to John Kerry that he refused to be briefed on the latest terror threats to this country?"

Cue video of John Kerry sitting in Radio City Music Hall laughing & clapping as Whoopi Goldberg makes pornographic jokes about George Bush.

Voiceover -
"John Kerry finds time to raise money from Hollywood liberals, but he cant find the time to be briefed about the newest terror threats to the United States."

"John Kerry has his priorities. Are they yours?"

What We're Going To Hear From The Right.......

2004-10-06T08:23:00.000-04:00

1. John Kerry doesnt have the resolve to make the tough choices in the GWOT.
Had John Kerry simply omitted those infamous two words (Global test) ffrom his response on Thursday, he largely could have insulated himself from the first charges. But, as off-message as he was, Bush jumped on it. And thats what has become the sound bite of the campaign. Kerry's problem was then compounded by Edwards' nebulous explanation last night.

2. John Kerry promised to reform our intelligence apparatus, yet when he had the opportunity in the past (as a member of the Senate Intel Comm with oversight) he missed 3/4 of the public meetings (and even more of the private meetings) and voted to slash the intel budget AFTER the first WTC attacks.
This may very well start today at Bush's amended speech today. Kerry's Senate record has been all but avoided by the Dems this year and there's a reason for that. Bush and the RNC are going to be talking about it at every single event until 11/2.

3. John Kerry missed votes on the Amber Alert, Lacies Law, middle class tax relief, etc.
While they wont necessarily start channeling Ann Richards' "Where Was George" chants of '88, you can certainly expect the Republicans to make "Where Were The Johns" a central theme from here on out. Cheney hit Edwards hard last night for missing nearly every Judiciary Comm meeting. Bush will certainly hit Kerry for his absence from the Intel Comm.

4. John Kerry wanted to raise gas taxes by 50 cents a gallon.
Gas prices might have very well been an albatross around Bush's neck. They are a very real and visible indication about how the economy is doing and they have a very real effect on the average Americans well-being. But Kerry cant take advantage of it due to his Al Gore-like support of oppresive gas tax rates.

Kerry Needs To Re-Evaluate His "Help Is On The Way" Talk

2004-10-04T16:52:00.000-04:00

John Kerry should probably think about protecting his flank and stop giving out the vibe that he has the troops back. He should also stop rattling off the handful of ex-military that support his candidacy.
Polls like this are a pro-Bush commercial waiting to happen. A thirty second spot with returning troops supporting Bush and his actions in Iraq as well as their condemnation of Kerry and his anti-war past would be devastating. And while Kerry can list off a half dozen lower echelon Army types, Bush can go on for days with Stormin' Norman, Tommy Franks, Colin Powell, etc. Big Names. That we've heard of.

What Everyone Is Missing

2004-10-04T16:40:00.000-04:00

If you were a presidential candidate, which of the following lasting impressions would you least want to make during a televised debate;

1. A smirking goof

2. A position on pre-emption that would seem to give deference to foreign countries (ie Global Test)

Everyone knows Bush smirks. He's practically famous for it and it endears him to his followers.
However, most undecideds have questions about Kerry's commitment to national defense. Bush/Cheney have repeatedly planted the seed that Kerry would give a defacto veto to the UN vis a vis pre-emptive military action. His words on Thursday only served to reinforce that with those ill at ease with him.

When I Want To Know What A "Real" Cowboy Is...

2004-09-29T08:25:00.000-04:00

When I want to know what a "real" cowboy is, I read the Village Voice. There isnt a more credible authority on all things "Wild West" and "cowboy-related". Didnt Louis L'Amour get his start as the entertainment writer for the Voice?
Anyhow, according to The Village Voice, this is what a "real" cowboy looks like. They also recognize these as "real" Indians, construction workers, soldiers and cops.

I Was Weeks Ahead of This Story

2004-09-29T07:41:00.000-04:00

For my response to this pearl of wisdom, click here. Or here.

Im Right. Everyone Else Is Wrong.

2004-09-28T15:34:00.000-04:00

How many plummeting Kerry poll numbers do we have to see before we realize that relentlessly attacking Bush is NOT the way to go? Kerry has been lambasting his counterpart non-stop on every issue from Iraq to social security to jobs to the deficit and it has only led to worse internal numbers. Yet some people (Howard Fineman, MoDo and Helen Thomas) keep insisting that Kerry keep up the assaults.

Theyre wrong. Dead wrong, and so is everyone else that holds the same view.

If there is any lesson to learn from Bill Clinton is that the candidate should steer clear of making personal attacks. Thats what subordinates are for. Kerry should laud Bush for his post 9/11 leadership. He should thank him for his service to his country during the war on terror. Then he should say that despite Bush's victories, someone new needs to finish the job. Some one new must rebuild the bridges burned during Bush's tenure. Someone new needs to renew the international relationships damaged during the leadup to Iraq. And John Kerry is the person to do that (yeah, yeah, we know that statement is bogus, but it doesnt matter).

It would appear statesman-like. It would appear conciliatory. And most importantly, it would appear presidential.

47 Billion to One

2004-09-28T15:00:00.000-04:00

Those are the odds that Bush will commute John Walker Lindh's conviction....in an election year.....with 5 weeks to go......in the middle of a war.

Little Johnny would have been better served to shut his mouth and wait it out another couple of months.
He has zero chance now.

Guess The Quote - Dan Rather Vs Kent Brockman

2004-09-28T10:49:00.000-04:00

Guess the originator of the following quotes. Is it the mellifluous yet folksy Dan Rather or the stern yet playful Kent Brockman?

"He swept through the South like a tornado through a trailer park."
* Rather
* Brockman

"Scott, things aren't as happy as they used to be down here at the unemployment office. Joblessness is no longer just for Philosophy majors - useful people are starting to feel the pinch."
* Rather
* Brockman

"Now, over the years, a newsman learns a number of things that for one reason or another, he just cannot report. It doesn't seem to matter now, so...the following people are gay..."
* Rather
* Brockman

"This race is tight like a too-small bathing suit on a too-long ride home from the beach."
* Rather
* Brockman

"Frankly we don't know whether to wind the watch or to bark at the moon."
* Rather
* Brockman

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again: democracy just doesn't work."
* Rather
* Brockman

"Ladies and gentlemen, I've been to Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and I can say without hyperbole that this is a million times worse than all of them put together."
* Rather
* Brockman

The winner gets a half-eaten box of Fiddle Faddle and my old TV remote control complete with the duct-taped battery cover!

Is It Too Early To Focus On The Down-Ticket Races?

2004-09-28T08:31:00.000-04:00

The headline of today's USA Today poll isnt good for Kerry (Bush up 8), but the internals are just brutal.

Right Direction -
Bush +10

Iraq -
Bush +14

Terrorism -
Bush +27

Foreign Relations -
Bush +8

The Economy -
Bush +6

Bush's approval is at a solid 54 and support for Kerry is softening.

The question remains - Is it time for the DNC to pull back from the presidential campaign and re-focus on on the Senate and Congressional races (especially out West)? If Kerry continues to tank, then Bush's coattails become a huge factor. As it is now, the Republicans look to pick up 1-2 seats. The Dems cant afford to let that bump up to 4-5.

Volokh's Blog Challenge Update

2004-09-28T08:20:00.000-04:00

Volokh has posted a preliminary list of responses to his Iraq Blog Challenge. A lot of good reading.

Any Baby Showers On The Horizon?

2004-09-28T08:03:00.000-04:00

The perfect gift.

From the people who brought you;

"I Love Elmers Glue" horse blankets

AND

"I Love Chinese Food" cat pillows

Can CBS Be Happy With This Poll?

2004-09-28T07:32:00.000-04:00

55% of Americans think they can trust CBS to report the news accurately.
Isnt that akin to an airline bragging that 55% of their passengers trust their pilot not to fly the plane into the side of a mountain? If barely half the respondants trust you to do your job (in a field where your credibility is the only currency), then you have a serious problem.
I dont think CBS understands that.

In Other Words.....

2004-09-28T07:22:00.000-04:00

"Please stop letting everyone know about my inconsistent voting and intelligence committee attendance records so my people can re-focus on calling you a lying drunken traitor".

"PS - Your wife's a drug dealer, too".

Undecided?

2004-09-27T16:14:00.000-04:00

Percentage of Americans undecided about the 2004 Presidential race - 5%

Percentage of Americans that have been kicked in the head by rabid mules - 5%

Coincidence? I think not.

I only know one admitted undecided voter, so my frame of reference is pretty small. But how in the world can someone be undecided in this election? The differences are real and the contrasts stark. Have they kept themselves so isolated for the past year that theyve managed to successfully avoid any coverage of the candidates? Do they somehow expect to gain some last iota of insight during the debates (which are ALWAYS chock full of substance and controversial statement)?

I just dont get it. If you havent decided who to vote for yet, then stay home on November 2. Re-arrange your sock drawer. Figure out what happens when you jam a paper clip in an electrical outlet. Weigh your belly button lint.
Do anything, but make sure you dont vote!

New Feature! Hate Mail/Death Threat Of The Week!

2004-09-27T15:28:00.000-04:00

Due to a recent influx of "constructively critical" emails, I thought it a complete waste to keep these all to myself. Although I dont want to summarily dismiss the many thoughtful critiques I receive, the burning seething scorn contained in a select group of hate emails deserves an honor all its own.

So I present to you the Hate Mail/Death Threat of the Week (with appropriate fisking)!

"What the f**k do you know, chickenhawk b**ch?"

(For the record, proud veteran of the USN 1990-1996)

"Don't the lifes (sic) of 1000+ soldiers mean anything to you or is it ok as long as you make money on your oil stocks?"

(Actually, real estate is my preferred investment)

"Bush and idiots like you are the real terrorists. How many innocent iraqis have to be blown to bits before your bloodlust is satisfied. How many innocent iraqis have to die to make you, Wolfowitz and all the other jew apologists happy?"

(My membership to the Elders of Zion has expired. So technically Im a lapsed jew apologist)

"If you think that invading Iraq is so important, why dont you have the balls to enlist yourself?"

(I did. See above)

"I hope you find out what its like to have your life destroyed by erant (sic) bombs and stray bullets. Burn in Hell!"

(Grandma, is that you?)

Name and email deleted to protect the innocent

There you have it. Quite a way to start out the week. The bar is set pretty high. But I have a feeling that people of his...ahem...intellectual stature are not in short supply.

Volokh Blog Challenge

2004-09-27T13:37:00.000-04:00

For the readers directed here from The Volokh Conspiracy, one of the links listed on my blog actually goes to a website filled with erotic photos of Kitty Dukakis. Start clicking.

Orin Kerr over at The Volokh Conspiracy has issued a challenge to the pro-Iraq War bloggers.

Question 1.
First, assuming that you were in favor of the invasion of Iraq at the time of the invasion, do you believe today that the invasion of Iraq was a good idea? Why/why not?

Answer.
My support for military intervention in Iraq predates 2003 and as a matter of fact predates Bush 43.
I dont see how anyone gets around the fact that a Hussein-led Iraq was a threat to the United States. The supporting facts are compelling;

Iraq provided material support for suicide bombers who, in turn, targeted and murdered American citizens. It is impossible to separate Hussein from the war on terror. As long as he was in power, an endless flow of money (helpfully supplied via the UNs oil-for-food program) would have been routed to global terrorists.
His anti-aircraft batteries were firing on American & British patrol aircraft on a daily basis. It was only Iraqi incompetence and the expertise of our pilots that prevented the deaths of fighters patrolling the no-fly zones.
Hussein blatantly and serially violated numerous UN resolutions. Although we now know that he was only biding his time until the restrictions were lifted so he could re-start his weapons programs, his non-compliance had to be met with repercussions.
Its the height of naivete to conclude that the presence of Abu Abbas & Abdul Rahman Yasin (among others) in Iraq was a coincidence. Iraq was a central clearinghouse for terrorist planning, training and funding.

Question 2.

Second, what reaction do you have to the not-very-upbeat news coming of Iraq these days, such as the stories I link to above?

Answer 2.

I was initially very apprehensive about our occupation post-overthrow. I much preferred a rapid withdrawl to eliminate the appearance of the new government as an American puppet regime. However, time has demonstrated that method to be overly optimistic. A faster withdrawal would have left the reformers in a very dangerous and precarious situation. Though bloody and tenous, our extended involvement has been necessary to the stabilization of a previously murderous regime. We can always nitpick the military's decisions vis a vis Fallujah and Najaf, but their are no easy answers and being more aggressive could just as easily led to more insurgency.

Question 3.

Third, what specific criteria do you recommend that we should use over the coming months and years to measure whether the Iraq invasion has been a success?

Answer 3.

Based on the above terms, the invasion of Iraq is already a success. The Iraqi government is no longer giving millions to Palestinian suicide bombers. The terrorists in Iraq are being hunted and killed. Hussein is no longer plotting a revitalization of his weapons programs. The rape rooms have been taken out of service. Iraqi children are being fed and immunized.

Certainly we have a way to go. But the January elections will deal a serious if not mortal blow to the foreign and domestic terror elements in-country. The installation of any tyoe of democracy in the Middle East can only have positive impacts throughout the rest of the region. Its already had an impact in Libya. And although the rhetoric out of Iran has been on the increase, the mullahs have internal problems of their own.

We were faced with a choice;

Either respond to increasingly deadly terror attacks as we had for 20 years (with strategic Tomahawk strikes & indictments)

Proactively eliminate terrorists, their funding and the nation-states that support them.

We made the right choice.

No, This Is Not From The Onion. Seriously

2004-09-27T13:29:00.000-04:00

Not satisfied with propping up terrorist regimes (see Arafat, Yasser and Korea, North), Jimmy Carter sees an even graver threat on the horizon........

"Voting arrangements in Florida do not meet "basic international requirements" and could undermine the US election, former US President Jimmy Carter says. "

Its All Well & Good, But......

2004-09-27T13:16:00.000-04:00

The affiliates pressure on their CBS mothership has become a story. However, it wont change a thing. CBS will ride the "internal investigation" schtick until all the furor dies down (and it will, most likely after the election).
The only thing that will force necessary changes on a compressed timeframe is pressure from the advertisers. Once Madison Avenue pulls their support, CBS will take notice.
Clearly they care little of their reputation, but I guarantee you they care a lot about their wallet.

Now That Kerry Has Pissed Off Every Other Country In The World....

2004-09-27T13:08:00.000-04:00

Now he cant even rely on France and Germany. This is after Kerry needlessly rips into PM Allawi last week (Allawi being the guy who is placing his life on the line for Iraqi democracy after being imprisoned and having his wife murdered by Hussein).

The question remains if Kerry will continue to spout his "internationalist" creds the rest of the way.

So Let Me Get This Straight...

2004-09-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

...its un-American for Cheney to claim that the terrorists would prefer a Kerry presidency, but its hunky-dory to say that a Bush re-election would lead to a "nuclear 9/11"?

Yup, that makes sense.

As Usual............

2004-09-24T13:02:00.000-04:00

Krauthammer says it better that I did.

It Just Keeps Getting Worse & Worse

2004-09-24T11:16:00.000-04:00

Just as Grady Seasons belittled Tom Cruise's Vincent in The Color Of Money with the disparaging line of "It just keeps getting worse and worse", things definitely could be going better for John Kerry.
Now Rep Peter King (R) pulls out a 1997 Crossfire tape with the following money quote from Mr. Kerry himself -

"We know we can't count on the French. We know we can't count on the Russians," said Mr. Kerry. "We know that Iraq is a danger to the United States, and we reserve the right to take pre-emptive action whenever we feel it's in our national interest."

Ouch!

I was never as enomored with the RNC's 11 minute rundown on Kerry's Iraq flip-flops. Too much deviation from context and when the quotes are listened too as a whole, they arent nearly as devastating.

But this is bad. It directly contradicts everything he's said for the past year. And expect to hear the quote about 4 million times in the next 38 days.

Let Me Get This Straight.....

2004-09-24T07:49:00.000-04:00

John Kerry wants to have a more "sensitive" relationship with foreign countries, yet he seldom misses the opportunity to berate their leaders?
Kerry essentially stood up in that fire station in Columbus and called Allawi a liar. Kerry's sister was just down in Australia claiming PM Howard's backing of the US caused the Indonesian night club bombing. He says Britain, Pakistan and Spain are part of a fraudulent coalition?
Rather than developing more respectful relationships, Kerry is rapidly alienating nearly every democratic leader on the planet. Somebody tell him to shut the hell up!

Why Kerry Will Lose - Badly

2004-09-22T13:47:00.000-04:00

There is a reason why the role of campaign attack dog is traditionally held by the Veep candidate. It allows the campaign to roll around in the mud while keeping the top of the ticket clean, above the fray and, most importantly (see below), presidential.
So then why is Kerry serving as his own attack dog? Its patently unprofessional and brings him down a peg.
So either John Edwards is unable to fill the role (just too cute to launch an effective attack?) or, more likely, refuses to do so. If he knows that Kerry's campaign is on the fast track to Dukakis-ville, why should he tarnish his image by throwing mud now?

Kerry's own running mate doesnt believe in him. Why should we?

This Is Wrong (Even Though It Feels So Right)

2004-09-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

Col. Nathan Jessup as played by Karl Rove -

"YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT I DID IT!"

For What Its Worth

2004-09-22T11:59:00.000-04:00

Ive been hesitant to weigh in on the Memogate situation since everything I could say has been said better at other more established blogs. However Rathergate has set up a one-click link that allows you to get your message out to all the CBS affiliates.

Click away.

The "MSM Story I Couldnt Care Less About" Of The Week

2004-09-22T11:53:00.000-04:00

The words "Britney" "Celebrity Wedding" and "Exclusive Pre-Nup Details" have hereby been removed from my vocabulary.

Who Didnt See This Coming?

2004-09-22T11:38:00.000-04:00

I have never understood Kerry's insistence on continually being photographed snowboarding, windsurfing or kite-surfing. It makes him look like a weenie. Worse still, he looks like an un-presidential weenie. And to compound that real problem, it adds to the growing lifestyle disconnect between Kerry and middle America. Farmers dont snowboard. Steelworkers dont windsurf. And factory workers sure as hell dont kite-surf.
There's a reason the Republicans show Bush clearing brush after driving a pickup truck in rolled up sleeves.

The inevitable result of this silliness is encapsulated here.

And The Prize For "Biggest Balls" Goes To...

2004-09-22T11:11:00.000-04:00

Kofi Annan for this remark;

"I have indicated it was not in conformity with the UN charter from our point of view, from the charter point of view, it (the Iraq War) was illegal."

First of all, someone needs to tell this lowlife that his voice is not the voice of the Member States. He is in no way the absolute and final arbiter of what is and is not illegal. His remarks are especially rich in light of his stonewalling of the investigation into the corrupt Oil-For-Food program.

And secondly, if obeying the law means standing by as mass graves are filled & wives/daughters of diddidents raped/murdered, then I want no part of it. What honor lies is watching idly by as the basic tenets of human rights are violated.

Hey Baby Baby Its A Wild World

2004-09-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

The story isnt that Cat Stevens is a whacked out Islamic extremist. The real story is how a suspect on our terror watch list was allowed to get on a trans-atlantic flight to WASHINGTON FREAKIN' DC. Is it the normal process to vet passengers after the plane has left?
And do these journalists see the irony in blindly labeling him a "peace activist"?

The Tempe Debate

2004-09-22T10:52:00.000-04:00

Whether or not Bob Schieffer ends up moderating the Tempe Presidential debate, an extra burden will be placed on the emcee to avoid ANY and ALL appearance of bias. Will this result in an anti-Kerry shift in the questions????

Donde esta el postos, por favor?

2004-09-08T13:11:00.000-04:00

Sorry. Long weekend.

Reading Hillary's Mind....

2004-09-03T14:28:00.000-04:00

"Please, please, please just let him die before 2008."

I Know Im A Couple Of Days Late, But......

2004-09-03T14:22:00.000-04:00

I told you so.

Reading Karl Rove's Mind

2004-09-03T14:11:00.000-04:00

"Please, please, please dont let him die until after the election."

Kerry Revamped His Staff For This?

2004-09-03T13:01:00.000-04:00

This is Kerry's response? He cant possibly be serious. Hopefully there is a reasonable explanation. Im actually kind of hoping he was drunk. At least it would be an excuse.
Did his staff bother to explain to him that there is nothing to gain from disparaging Cheney's deferments? Did he plan on sinking his approval numbers even lower. And more amusing still, did he staffers bother to remind him that HIS OWN FREAKIN' RUNNING MATE DIDNT SERVE EITHER?

Listen to me know and hear me later. Your opponents are defining your record and your message for you. You need a better response than branding them racists, tools of the Saudis, and arrogant. Thats not substantive.
Theyre questioning your judgment and your voting record. Either defend them or shut up.

Not to get Too Nitpicky, But......

2004-09-03T11:57:00.000-04:00

Bush's proposals for a revamped federal job training program and augmented Pell grants shouldnt have made it through the first draft.
Job training programs dont work and the money is better spent elsewhere. And how many times do we have to remind our leaders that subsidizing something doest make it more affordable. It makes it more expensive.

Im pretty sure it has something to do with that pesky "supply/demand" thingy.

What We're Fighting For

2004-09-03T11:52:00.000-04:00

Imagine this was in Orlando, Salt Lake City or Youngstown.
Who do you trust to fight to ensure it doest happen here?

This is what Ron Silver, Guiliani and Zell Miller were talking about. The necessity to ensure the safety of all Americans and the resounding defeat of global terrorism trumps all other issues.

Bush seems to realize that. Kerry doesnt seem to have a clue.

Just Who Is Running His Campaign???

2004-09-02T15:22:00.000-04:00

Little things like this make a difference. Havent they learned the old saw "Dress for the job you want rather than the job you have"?
Someone needs to give Kerry a good hard slap and tell him to stop putting himself in situations where he looks patently unpresidential.
Honestly, just who in the hell thought it was a good idea to put him in a cardigan, button-down oxford and CAMO SHORTS???

John Kerry is in for the race of his entire career and he's not taking it seriously. The Democratic party is not well served by his unthinking childishness.

Why Do Vets Hate John Kerry?

2004-09-02T15:11:00.000-04:00

Maybe this might have something to do with it.

Or this.

Or this.

This most certainly will be an issue in October and John Kerry needs to pull a Clinton by getting it out in the public FIRST, thereby controlling the message and its impact.
Changing the subject will not serve him well and only strengthen the inevitable blow.

Does He Think These Questions Will Just Go Away?

2004-09-02T14:19:00.000-04:00

Kerry's latest ad buy is a tremendously stupid gamble. Half his war chest will be blown with two months to go before the election on issues that may have little or nothing to do with the mindsets of the people coming to the polls in November.
The GOP is doing a pretty good job about making National Security the only issue in this campaign. And theyre effectively defining him as lacking resolve and moral clarity, to which he responds with "well, uhhhh, we can do better on jobs".

Thats not going to cut it. He has to show how he will make the country safer than Bush. And simply saying that he would do things different will not do the trick.

He has to show why its important to bring in the international community. And he has to show that doing as much doesnt mean outsourcing our national security to Paris.
He has to show that Bush has gone after Iraq while ignoring the threats in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Yemen. And he has to do that while convincing the anti-war types that he can address those countries with diplomacy and sanctions rather than tanks and bombs.

How To Lose An Election - By John Kerry

2004-09-02T13:21:00.000-04:00

This is a bad approach to take.

He will not win by denying the gains made by the Bush administration. Cries of failure in Iraq and Afghanistan are easily refuted by pointing out the new era of freedom in those countries. Worse still, it paints Kerry as a pessimistic defeatist. Everyone already knows that there have been bumps and detours on our road to win the war on terror. We dont need to hear is reflexively contrarian position on everything Bush does.
Saying he "would have done almost everything differently" reaks of Monday Morning Quarterbacking and 20/20 hindsight.

He wins this election by acknowledging the victories Bush has made and the importance of the leadership he showed following 9/11. He wins by convincing people that he's the man to finish what Bush started. He's the man to renew broken relationships. He's the man to rebuild bridges burned during Bush's tenure.
He loses this election by trying to be manlier than Bush. He loses this election by try to out-cowboy Bush. He loses this election by wasting time windsurfing and snowboarding. He loses this election by continuing down this path he has chosen.

A Belated Apology

2004-09-02T13:10:00.000-04:00

I owe a heartfelt apology to Ron Silver for prematurely mocking the significance of his speech. The Ron Silvers of middle America may very well turn the election. Im sure he is not the only social liberal to learn the importance of strong, unrelenting resolve in the War on Terror. Partisan nastiness has to be set aside during times of national peril and Mr. Silver made that case in an eloquent and poignant fashion.

Call Them What They Are

2004-09-02T12:44:00.000-04:00

They are not militants. They are not rebels. They are not separatists.

They are radical Islamic terrorists part and parcel with Al Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah. Just because they are not Arab, does not make them any less reprehensible or less deserving of swift and unmerciful justice.

When you start blowing up apartment buildings, airplanes and schoolhouses, you cease being freedom fighters and start being vermin crying out to be exterminated.

Just So No One Forgets.....

2004-09-02T12:41:00.000-04:00

Barbra Streisand is an pretentious, self-important, clueless idiot.

That is all.

A Subtle But Significant Shift

2004-09-02T10:20:00.000-04:00

The winds of change are starting to blow in the political press corps and it doesnt bode well for John F Kerry.
After glossing over his obvious and inescapeable flaws for nearly eight months, we get a sense that the cold hard truth is finally seeping into the overwhelmingly liberal print and network press. Their annointed (post-Dean self-immolation) candidate is continually and unabashedly shrinking the box in which he has been placed. His coldly received speech at the American Legion only served to further solidify the Right's "Indecisive" and "Unsure" labels.
By failing to define his 20-year Senate career, he has let the Republicans do it for him. By failing to rectify his "evolving" perspectives on Iraq, He has let the Republicans make it a campaign issue. And even his most ardent defenders in the press are beginning to see that he is a lost cause. Joe Klein and William Raspberry, among others, have begun the slow but steady march to skepticism of Kerry's worthiness to ascend to the post of Commander in Chief. And Kerry cannot win without the MSM marching lockstep with his campaign and touting his all too flimsy record.

The Speech That No Republican Could Have Made

2004-09-02T07:25:00.000-04:00

Blistering. Scathing. Brutal yet with a distinct ringing of truth.
Thats how Zell's speech came out and it was a barnburner of historical proportions. What it did best was to turn the criticisms of Bush ("divider", not a "uniter") back onto the Democratic party. And while much (but not enough) has been made of the fact that a Dem gave the Republican keynote, the subtle message throughout the convention has been that fair-minded Democrats (Silver, Koch, Miller, etc) realize this election is too important to fall back on politics. A real leader is needed to see us through these dangerous times.

And they dont think Kerry is up to the task.

Speaking of Bush.........

2004-08-31T16:09:00.000-04:00

Maybe its just me, or perhaps its just that I havent heard him on the radio much, but he is 100 times the speaker on radio than his is with a camera in his face. Even the most ardent admirer has to squirm a little bit when they listen to his halting TV addresses accompanied by his omnipresent smirk, but he was absolutely locquacious on Rush today. Mellifluous and clear.
Who knows? Maybe the latest poll numbers have boosted his confidence and put the swagger back in his giddyup.

RNC Too Front Loaded?

2004-08-31T16:05:00.000-04:00

After the rousing speeches last night to be followed by Laura and Arnold tonight, the VP and Pres speeches are looking to be almost anti-climactic. Bush and Cheney had better bring some lumber to the dais or they risk being the downers of the entire show.

Allawi Is Right

2004-08-31T15:05:00.000-04:00

Allawi has it dead on with his veiled warning to France.

"Neutrality doesn't exist, as the kidnapping of the French journalists has shown…The French are deluding themselves if they think they can remain outside of this. Today the extremists are targeting them, too.''

The terrorists will not leave them alone simply because Franc ehas chosen to stand on the sidelines during the battle. On the contrary, their capitulation will only invite more terror and more targeting of French targets.

And while Chirac puts up a strong front, you can bet that he's exploring back channel communiques to offer an olive branch.

The Most Overlooked Sound Bite From Last Night

2004-08-31T14:34:00.000-04:00

Guliani's condemnation of European abusers was long overdue. Germany's capitulation to the '72 Munich terrorists was particularly atrocious and one of the darkest marks in that country's long history. However, I failed to see the point in singly out Italy with his remarks. While they have certainly and needlessly negotiated with terrorist elements, Berlusconi os now one of our staunchest allies in the war on global terror. His mediation of Libya's disarmament was particularly helpful.
His blast at Arafat was not only a stinging rebuke of the hypocrites on the Nobel committee, but also a backhanded slap at Clinton.

This Is Going To Hurt

2004-08-30T16:22:00.000-04:00

I was driving to work one day when I started to feel cramp-like pains in my abdomen. Within five minutes, the pain went from cramp-like to rusty meathook-like. I drove as fast as I could to the emergency room after which I proceeded to moan and wail like a five year old girl. I cried out until a kindly nurse pumped me up with enough demerol to placate a brontosaurus. Turns out it was gall stones.

Why do I bring this up?

Because on Wednesday, John Kerry is going to feel the exact same way. Its going to hurt.....bad. And he's going to have to tough it out and be ready with an effective response. What that response could be, I have no idea.

One Month Anniversary

2004-08-30T15:58:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow marks the one month anniversary since Kerry has given a serious TV interview (with apologies to Jon Stewart). Until he comes forward and faces the music, the Vietnam controversy will not go away. He is prolonging the inevitable with his hermit-like media avoidance and stump speech-only appearances.
Thursday or Friday would be a great time to go on Hardball and have Chris Matthews toss some cupcakes while you act contrite and humble. Better suck it up now than let the issue fester up until the debates.
Worse still is that Kerry's press corps is growing more and more weary of his disappearing act. We learned in 2000 how important it is to be liked by the reporters following your campaign. Look for more caustic appraisals of the challenger from the ink-stained wretches on his campaign bus.

Still More Protest Warrior Content

2004-08-30T15:42:00.000-04:00

Agree or disagree, this guy may be single-handedly responsible for the downfall of the classic leftist protests. The more vocal and the more violent these protests get, the more Bush wraps up the undecided votes.

Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before, But......

2004-08-30T15:27:00.000-04:00

Havent we tried this before **COUGH north korea COUGH **?

"Kerry first outlined the idea of providing nuclear fuel to Iran in a speech in June -- a proposal favored by many Europeans -- but Edwards, who twice described the concept as a "bargain," was more explicit in suggesting the Kerry administration would actively try to reach an agreement with the Iranians."

Appeasing dictators then crossing your fingers and hoping they follow up on their promises is ALWAYS a bad idea. Im really shocked that the Kerry-Edwards campaign would float such a transparent copy of Clinton/Carter's North Korea plan as a substitute for leadership and resolve in Iran. Id hope that Edwards backtracks on this before the debates or else Cheney will shove this down his throat

Moore To Cost Daschle in November?

2004-08-30T14:57:00.000-04:00

Though the much-speculated Swiftie backlash has yet to rear its ugly head, The F9/11 backlash may be getting into full swing. The Dems embrace of Michael Moore (literal and otherwise) is beginning to cost them. Who thought it was a good idea to seat Moore next to Jimmy Carter at the DNC in Boston?
I guarantee you there are going to be moore stories like this and moore pictures like this. And they will have an impact. Moore's vitriole is not something that the Dems should be associating themselves with and it will cost them in November.

The Dems Have Ben Affleck, The GOP has........

2004-08-30T14:20:00.000-04:00

Ron Silver?

Come on now. Was Gary Coleman unavailable?

Why Is Bob Taft Onstage

2004-08-30T14:06:00.000-04:00

Do the Republicans really want Bob Taft (oh he of fiscal irresponsibility and reckless tax-and-spending) to be representing the GOP on a national stage?
I thought Bush wanted to WIN in Ohio.

My New Favorite Band

2004-08-30T12:04:00.000-04:00

I dont think theyre going to be touring with Springsteen and the Dixie Chicks anytime soon.

The Most Under-Reported Story of The RNC

2004-08-30T11:41:00.000-04:00

Not just one, but TWO Democrats will be addressing the RNC. Now that Ed Koch has signed up to introduce Bloomberg, the Republicans are putting across an effective message.
I cant help but think if the Kerry campaign missed a huge opportunity to steal some thunder by putting up some party-jumpers of his own. It would have demonstrated that now is not the time for partisan bickering, but rather a time for rallying around a leader with real war time credentials.
How many strikes does Kerry think he's going to get before he's called out?

Expect To Hear This 4,256,255 Times In The Next 2 Months

2004-08-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

Now that Kerry has been wounded by unanswered questions about his Vietnam/post-Vietnam service (still no word on his Form 180), expect to have this message pounded into your brain on a regular basis from the Bush campaign.
Though I cant help but wonder if Bush's "I dont think you can win (the War on Terror)" will be thrown back into his face.
Cant win the WoT? I hope the soldiers and sailors in Iraq and Afghanistan dont hear that.

Counter-Ops

2004-08-30T10:41:00.000-04:00

A little something to occupy yourself as you watch the great unwashed demonstrate at the RNC

The Times, They Are A'changin'?

2004-08-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Kerry daughters booed on MTV? There has to be some other reasonable explanation aside from a cataclysmic paradigm shift of the young and ignorant.
John Kerry has responded with the following press release -

"Yo peeps, that was just whack! Mad props to my homies that was giving it up for my shorties and a shout out to my beeyatch J-Lo. But those playa haytahs in the hizzouse (and you know who you is), dont be hatin' on a playah!

Peace Out,

John "F to the izzo" Kerry "

Nip It In The Bud!

2004-08-30T09:21:00.001-04:00

The sad thing about the Swifties impact on the Kerry campaign is the fact that it could have easily been turned to his advantage. But his ham-fisted performance has made that impossible. The Swift Vet problem has been brewing since early in the primaries and the Kerry campaign refused to de-fuse the inevitable bombshell. A Clinton-esque press conference in May/June, surrounded by his shipmates and other vets, would have painted his Vietnam service and even his Winter Soldier testimony in a much more favorable light. Confess to being overly ambitious and gung-ho. Show regret that your Purple Hearts, while dutifully earned, paled in comparison to those earned by those who lost life and limb in service to their country. Show humility by minimizing whatever actual heroism you demonstrated and highlighting the heroism of those with which you served. Ask forgiveness of those you erringly slandered during your Senate testimony in 1971. Say you felt it was important to do whatever necessary to end the war and rushed to believe the worst without reminding people of the best. Kerry should have told of the mistakes he made and the lessons he learned from them. Everybody loves a little humility. The Swift Vets, while not completely disarmed, certainly would have lost some wind from their sails. But that opportunity is now lost. He has repeated and compounded his error by once again slandering his fellow veterans. He has stated that his documented record in Vietnam is the "Gods honest truth" when it most certainly is not. Regardless of the merit of his medals, he most certainly was never in Cambodia, let alone having the experience "seared" in his memory. There is no going back for Kerry. He must continue to carry on with his condemnation of the SwiftVets and blame-shifting towards the Bush campaign when in reality he only has himself to blame.

The Worst Candidate In Dem History?

2004-08-30T09:01:00.000-04:00

As the world watches the candidacy of John Kerry self-destruct like the villain's lair in a James Bond flick, we have to examine the possibility that the Dems nominated the single worst candidate in their storied history.
It boggles the mind what he (or the DNC) was thinking. No other candidate could have been so easily de-constructed. Karl Rove has to be pinching himself. He has an opponent that voted against funding our troops in a time of war (nevermind his subsequent flop and twitch act), his attendance (or lack thereof) at Senate Intelligence Comm meetings in a post-WTC1 world, his left-left-left-left of center voting record (especially on taxes) and just keeps making bad decision after bad decision.
And its not just the little things that are going to bring him down. Its flying his "stylist" cross-country on a private jet for a touch-up. Its his so-pathetic-its-almost-sad Harley ride on Leno during the Primaries. And (not to nitpick) his appearance in a wetsuit while wind-surfing. Its IMPOSSIBLE to look presidential in a wetsuit.