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Home > Opinion > Mike Luckovich > Archives > 2008 > February > 20 > Entry
Best friends
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Permalink | Comments (153) | Post your comment | Categories: Editorial Cartoon





DEL.ICIO.US
Comments
By IN THE NEWS Is A Name Jacking Coward
February 20, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
“BFF?”
WTF is that?
~~~~~
{{{{Wisconsin- Obama 58% KKKlinton 41%, Hawaii-Obama 76%, KKKlinton 24%- Bwa.}}}}
The Kampaign of thee “Inevitable One” plods on to it’s next stunning defeat.
~~~~~
{{{{Ku Klux Rodham had tried to stop Obama’s momentum in Wisconsin by suggesting he borrowed speech excerpts inappropriately from his political ally, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. The New York senator also opened a TV ad attack on Obama in Wisconsin that slammed him for refusing to debate in the state.}}}}
{{{{In the end, that charge “insulted people’s intelligence,” said Wisconsin pollster Paul Maslin, a Democrat watching the nomination battle from the sidelines.}}}}
“Insulted people’s intelligence?”
If that were true then nobody would be reading the AJC.
You can’t insult something people don’t have.
Nope, the Repugs gave Obama the win.
You’re welcome.
~~~~~
{{{{Low prices boost profit at Wal-Mart- Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, said Tuesday that its renewed focus on low prices paid off with a 4 percent increase in profit for its fiscal fourth quarter.-Urinal}}}}
Gosh, you mean people really do want lower prices?
Will Obama soon propose a “low price” tax?
By reebok
February 20, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Sad but true…McCain has sold out to the very thugs who cut his throat last time around. A McCain presidency would just look like another 4 years of the failed Bush regime…tax breaks for the rich, a never-ending war in Iraq. Obama is going to cruise.
By Luckoduh-AndiGirl
February 20, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
I was firthst!!! I was firthst!!! HA HA HA!! You libs are so stoopid!!! Not like me!
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
[Straight Talk Needed: What Programs Will You Cut, Senator McCain?This weekend, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) announced his “goal” of balancing the budget in his first term. “It has to be our goal, because we’re mortgaging these young people’s future,” he said. There are two ways to lower the deficit: raise taxes or cut spending. On Sunday, McCain took taxes off the table by taking the “Read My Lips” plunge, proclaiming that as president he would not raise taxes for any reason: On his campaign website, McCain trumpets a laundry list of tax cuts: – Permanently repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) – Cut the corporate tax rate from 35 to 25 percent – Provide all individuals with a $2,500 [health care] tax credit ($5,000 for families) – Expanded health savings accounts – Allow first-year deduction, or “expensing”, of equipment and technology investments. – Establish permanent tax credit equal to 10 Percent of wages spent on R&D. He touts his pledge to eliminate earmarks, but this would save roughly $20 to $30 billion a year. McCain is still left with over $350 billion in tax cuts unaccounted for, which will require massive — and unpopular — spending cuts if he is going to keep his word.](http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/19/mccain-no-new-taxes/)
By Luckoduh-Andigirl
February 20, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
I’m the king of this board!! Yew will respekt me for ever and always!!! Yew doant knoe the wrath of an angry southern culture afishanado!!!
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Organize, agitate, educate, must be our war cry. —Susan B. Anthony
Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation. —Robert F. Kennedy
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. —Martin Luther King, Jr.
A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. —Margaret Mead
By John McCain
February 20, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
That is one poor excuse for a cartoon, Mr. Luckovich. For one thing, it is a poor likeness of this humble naval aviator and war hero who is running for Prezdent.
For another thing my frien—-excuse me—-Mr. LUCKOVICH, for another thing, the record shows that I accepted the invitation to go among my former enemies, to listen to their war stories and to understand their side. And even though they once held me captive, still I looked my former enemies in the eyes and told them that they were virtuous, noble combatants and worthy opponents. I asked for THEIR forgiveness and understanding, Mr. Luckovich, when someone of lesser ambitions would have demanded an apology from THEM.
So that’s what the record shows, Cartoon Boy. Because that’s what I did and what I said. Yes, I’ll always hate the little GOPes, but…
By For John McCain
February 20, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
I believe John McCain is a good man, and more literate than the poster who pretends to be him, the poster who probably never served a day in her life- I mean Andy, the angry little girl who speaks for trailer trash everywhere.
By @@
February 20, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Tell me you didn’t use the BFF (Best Friends Forever) message ml!
You’re a “tween”?
By IN THE NEWS Is A Name Jacking Coward
February 20, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Yew libs just doant evur give up, do yew??!! Let me tell yew, yew doant knoe who yer messin with!!! I will bite on to this comment bord and never let go like the vishus dog I am!!! For evry post yew do I’ll come back with one two three four more!!!
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Fort Hood soliders breaking the silence in war in Iraq
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Wikileaks, the whistleblower site that recently leaked documents related to prisons in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, was taken offline last week by its U.S. host after posting documents that implicate a Cayman Islands bank in money laundering and tax evasion activities.
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Would that I were Andy.
And would it not have been better for everyone concerned had John McCain never served in the military?
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Al-Sadr threatens to end 6-month cease-fire Radical Shiite cleric’s truce had been widely credited for reducing violence
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
The Donkey and the Elephant (A Fable)
By Goldie
February 20, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
ITN— BFF means “best friggin’ friends”, or some variation of that!
By I Caused IN THE NEWS To Go Mental, Like I Do With All Libs
February 20, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
{{{{MILWAUKEE (Reuters) - Barack Obama has surged past Ku Klux Rodham to open a big national lead in the Democratic presidential race, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.}}}}
{{{{The poll showed Obama with a 14-point edge over KKKlinton, 52 percent to 38 percent, after being in a statistical tie with the New York senator last month.}}}}
Bwa.
~~~~~
{{{{In a clear sign of their relative standing in the race, most cable television networks abruptly cut away from coverage of Klinton’s Klan rally when Obama began to speak in Texas.}}}}
To the relief of many viewers I’m sure.
By Dubya
February 20, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
It is well that Hickabee remains in the race and his numbers are high. He constantly reminds and reveals the percentage of depravity & sickness that dwells within the Republiscum mind. God bless Murka. Allah Akbar.
By Goldie
February 20, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Barack “Ten In A Row” Obama is unstoppable now!
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Despite the defeat of President Pervez Musharraf’s party in the Pakistani parliamentary elections, the Bush administration is still trying to “construct a coalition that will keep Mr. Musharraf in power as president.” Officials admit that Musharraf “remains the administration’s preferred Pakistani leader.”
By Dusty
February 20, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I think Luckovich has shown us what we all know: McCain can get his crew together while Hillary and Obama are still throwing stones at each other.
Here’a to a leader…McCain in 2008
By Georgia 74
February 20, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Yea, Obama is unstoppable until he gets creamed in the general election. Prediction: McCain 65%, Obama 20%, others 15%. And this is coming from a Democrat. This has George McGovern written all over it.
By I Caused IN THE NEWS To Go Mental, Like I Do With All Libs
February 20, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Like I was saying:
{{{{For the Bush Administration, Monday’s election means that it can continue to transition from what is often described as a “Musharraf policy” to a broader Pakistani one. It was never in America’s interests to humiliate or isolate the Pakistani leader, at least while he cooperated with the U.S. in fighting al Qaeda and the Taliban, shutting down the A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation network, improving relations with India and keeping a grip on the country’s nuclear arsenal.}}}}
{{{{But U.S. interests in Pakistan are best served by cultivating democratic institutions and a vibrant civil society with its own interests in fighting Islamic extremism. That’s precisely the goal that seems to have been at least modestly advanced in Monday’s election.}}}}
Bushie wins!
By Artie O'Bamma
February 20, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Georgia 74, do you really think that many GOP carpetbaggers for Obama will come home to McCain in the general?
Gee, ya think maybe Obama’s being set up for a takedown?
Where’s the tofu?
By Georgia 74
February 20, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Yes.
By Denali
February 20, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Dustmite is HERE! Our very own medical mensroom janitor speaks afresh. And HOMODUH vomits forth as well. Homoduh never sleeps & is forever “on duty” on this board. Great, impressive Repugs all. Might that be “Rebugs”? Insects of the world unite!!
By Artie O'Bamma
February 20, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Oh.
By BREAKING NEWS
February 20, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Dateline Africa: Cheering natives have…eaten Bush! Several hours later they passed him in the woods. Stay tuned.
By contrary to POPULAR beliefs
February 20, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Based on what I am receiving and seeing-because ContrarianCommentary.com is not only a news and opinion-producing organization, it is a news and opinion-receiving operation, many Clinton Democrats will vote for McCain in November.
By Goldie
February 20, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
The majority of Dems are sure that Hillary and Bill will get creamed in November if Hillary’s name is on the ticket — all ya have to do is look at the negative ratings nationwide. Those voters who already know they dislike the Clintons will not change their minds!
The Clintons will not be sent back to the White House again — been there, already got the T-shirt on that one!
By Andy
February 20, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
But then all the “reelly stoopid” Republicans are here in Georgia, like an island of lepers in a world unto themselves, not realizing that the rest of the world is moving on — without them. So long, GOPs in the Executive Branch.
By Goldie
February 20, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Hillary = same ole Clinton politics.
McCan’t = same ole Bush politics.
Obama = landslide win in November.
By Hey Andy
February 20, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Who is moving on? WHere is this happening? Did you get your facts from the media? “Reel Sttopid” Democrats I vote for Obama b/c he wants change. Doesn’t matter he has no plan to get it, or no experience. Is that why when interviewed 90% of democraps can not give one example of what Obama has done to qualify him for President. I told my boss I wanted change. He asked what I was going to do, I said I have no plans but I want more money, better healthcare, and a better retirement plan. He asked was I going to work harder, I said no but I want change. Is that why he said no?
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
White men can jump — to Obama
By getalife
February 20, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
McMaverick’s victory speech:
“My friends, thanks. Don’t listen to good, eloquent speeches. Listen to my speeches. And listen to me talk about how much experience I have. And look over your shoulder. See those brown people? Those terrorists? Venezuela? Yeah. My friends, that’s why you have vote for me.”
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
By GOPdeathKnell
February 20, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait till the GOP puckers up and kisses our derrieres come this next election. Sweet victory. Whine all you want, Dusty, Andy, RW, RB. Your days are over.
By Georgia 74
February 20, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Artie O’Bamma, I hope I’m wrong.
By History lesson
February 20, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
The first black Congressman (Joseph H. Rainey, a Republican from South Carolina) was elected in 1870.
The first US Congresswoman (Jeannette Rankin, a Republican from Montana) was elected in 1916.
By Reuters
February 20, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Havana — Cuban President Fidel Castro today announced a transfer of power to his diminutive sidekick, Mini Fi. The outgoing president concluding his seven-hour farewell address with a rousing cry of “Viva la Revolucion! Viva Fidelito!”
By TW
February 20, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
How bad were the Republicans? No longer can sports fans refer to a ‘W’ as a win.
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
The Constitution of the Homeland of America: Revised Abridged Addition
By Associated Press
February 20, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Kigali, Rwanda (AP) — President George W. Bush today was ritually eaten in effigy by Tutsi natives recently converted to Catholicism. The ritual was performed in gratitude for the state gift of an airlifter full of Texas barbeque sauce brought last week by President Bush to the struggling nation.
“As the Great White Father ascended before we were able to express our gratitude to Him for His unmerited Grace,” said a Tutsi spokesnative in a statement issued earlier, “today we were able to give thanks through the mystery of neoconsubstantiation.”
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
There are few times when political stories touch the soul. But I have read this post, and all the links therein, a couple times now, and I have an emotional upwelling that is indescribable. My hat is off to the teachers for their understanding, the students for their courage, and Dan Grant for walking with the students in this 7.3 mile march for voter rights.
By Mack
February 20, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Ten landslides in a row make Obama the mathematical certainty.
Obamamania is real. America is real. The real america wants Obama.
Period.
By Real America
February 20, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Mack, your a real genius. Look at the freaking state of Ill. it is a disaster, he couldn’t even help his own state. High taxes, unemployment, city is trashed. Great job Obamamania!!!!!! The real America will show up at the polls for the elecetion, don’t worry. Once the Republican party starts shredding all his false plans and the truth comes out, it’s over.
By Mack
February 20, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
There’s no denying the math, Einstein.
An obama presidency is a just presidency because it reps the real america. real. ‘merica. the one that exists on the planet.
But rocket scientists like you are so far out there, you simply dont see it. Stay out there, okay?
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Real America
Better send along some FACTS on the outrageous charges in your 10:55 post. Without facts, your words are simply slime dressed up as opion.
Illinois is pretty damn good shape, and Chicago is a fabulous city.
(Try Mr. Beef on LaSalle for the best sandwhich in town)
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Real America
Better send along some FACTS on the outrageous charges in your 10:55 post. Without facts, your words are simply slime dressed up as opion.
Illinois is pretty damn good shape, and Chicago is a fabulous city.
(Try Mr. Beef on LaSalle for the best sandwhich in town)
By Goldie
February 20, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Some friendly advice for Hillary:
Fair or not, a big part of Clinton’s problem is her image as a scheming, conniving unprincipled politician. To be sure, the image is strongest among non-Democrats, but it’s a huge liability in the general election when independent voters determine the outcome. Hillary’s high personal negatives are the big reason why political handicappers think Clinton would not fare well against John McCain.— Taking the high road is Hillary’s best bet. An unexpectedly quick, gracious and magnanimous departure from the race could serve as the first step in her journey to becoming a “new” Hillary Clinton.
By Luckoduh Loves Dick Cheney
February 20, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
With or without the Cheney…
;*>
By Mack
February 20, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Obama Landslide. I’m getting tired of typing those words.
It’s over. Obama is the next president. AMerica has come of age. America is real.
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Goldie,
Senator Clinton would be wonderful as the Senate Majority Leader!
By TW
February 20, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Yes, Hillary, you do have a nice list of accomplishments next to your name. But you fell asleep at the wheel with regards to Iraq, when 21 other Senators did not.
Your fired.
By Goldie
February 20, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Proud ToBe DUH @ 11:43 — we can definitely use Hillary’s good skills as Majority Leader, or as VP, or as Nat’l Security Advisor… there are so many slots where she might serve America best!
By Mack
February 20, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Hillary needs to resign now. The debates will be an embarrassment, and she will be exposed as the fish-wife hausfrau she truly is. Just like before New Hampshire when she became unhinged on tv, but saved it with a plant and a softball open ended question that let her wax poetically and reflect self pity which got the chick’s panties in a wad over her again, but that shield (no pun) is temporary.
Ten obama landslides in a row across a wide spectrum of America is a mathamatical certainty. it just is, and if you dont believe it, then you need more schoolin’ dummy.
By RW-(the original)
February 20, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Hillary Clinton as the National Security adviser???
Are we going to let Betty Crocker head the FDA too?
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
[Small Online Contributions Add Up to Huge Fund-Raising Edge for Obama] (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/us/politics/20obama.html?_r=1&ei=5088&en=25a3a6b51cbb331f&ex=1361250000&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1203527102-uTTM7Cnj5ywSWRou4zC8IA)
McCain 12 million
Clinton 13.5 million
Obama 36 million
By Goldie
February 20, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
RWingnut-(the original) — Hillary would definitely be a better Nat. Security Advisor than your gal Condi was, who had her lips attached to Dubya’s butt!
By Midori
February 20, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
why not Betty Crocker?
couldn’t be worse than Bush appointees.
we might as well had Mr. Magoo as NSA.
Neither he nor the NSA at the time spotted the NIE, “Bin Laden to strike in US”, prior to 9/11.
By Midori
February 20, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
In fairness to Mr. Magoo, at least he would have ACTED on the NIE.
By RW-(the original)
February 20, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
“Are we going to let Betty Crocker head the FDA too?”
No, I don’t think Harriet Miers will make it in any office after her last failure.
By Fly-on-the-wall
February 20, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
RW, maybe having Betty Crocker head the FDA would be better than what we’ve had during this Bush Administration. At least we could count on the food being safe AND good tasting! I’ll take safe first and good tasting later. Bush has striped the ability of the FDA and other agencies to protect us from Big Business’ need to make a profit. I look forward to change so our air, water, food, children’s toys…the list goes on, will be safe for consumption.
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Midori
Always a pleasure to see you.
I thought Magoo was formerly at FEMA?
By Mack
February 20, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Our long national nightmare is nearly over, and Bush thinks he’s getting away scott free, but like castro, his career is over, and he needs to never say another word to the american people again. Maybe folks in Pakistan will listen to this idiot, or afghanistan or China.
The GOP: A national embarrassment that will bring redfaced denial from americans for generations. Shame on the GOP and Shame on Bush.
ISAIDSHAME!
By Luckoduh's BFF is Dick Cheney
February 20, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
With or without the Cheney…
~~<:
By OBamamania
February 20, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Mack,
You are a freakin idiot. Claiming victory because your candidate had to go to the end to Hilary, wow that is a true domination and America has spoken. Go back to stocking shelves at Wal-Mart.
By OBamamania
February 20, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Mack,
You are a freakin idiot. Claiming victory because your candidate had to go to the end to beat Hilary, wow that is a true domination and America has spoken. Go back to stocking shelves at Wal-Mart.
By Shawny
February 20, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Obama- empty suit.
Not much there.
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Midori,
Heve you got a minute for a question?
By OBamamania-Andy
February 20, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Perhaps I should go back to watching Fox news and learn how to spell candidates’ names and STFU. At least she knows how to spell Wal-Mart from hanging out in bathroom doing the wide-stance dance.
By RW-(the original)
February 20, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
It takes a special kind of airhead to think the PDB from August 6th 2001 had any actionable information, but only our very on parrot could mistake it for a NIE.
Later! <—-Any post that purports to be from me before 5:00 won’t be.
By getalife
February 20, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
w spewed , you covered your a-ss now and did absolutely nothing.
By I Caused IN THE NEWS To Go Mental, Like I Do With All Libs
February 20, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Thee “Inevitable One” shares some of it’s vast war making knowledge with us:
{{{{On a conference call, top strategist Mark Penn just told reporters that in the next two weeks Hillary KKKlinton will go after Barack Obama on the issue of who is better qualified to be commander-in-chief — and Penn suggested that Ku Klux Rodham would be a better commander of the nation’s armed forces than both Obama and John McCain. “She is the only person in this race who is both ready to be commander-in-chief and would end the Iraq war and start to bring troops home within 60 days, compared to both Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain,” Penn told reporters.}}}}
This is not what Thee “Inevitable One” said last week:
{{{{KKKlinton refuses to commit to full Iraq pullout by 2012}}}}
I voted for the war!
No I did not vote for the war!
Troops in!
Troops out!
$5000 baby bond!
Uh, nevermind.
By Apocalypse
February 20, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
By MICHAEL LUO Published: February 20, 2008
CHICAGO — A cluster of cramped cubicles, tucked away in a rear corner of Senator Barack Obama’s campaign headquarters here, serves as the heart of a fund-raising machine that has reshaped the calculus of the 2008 election.
Mr. Obama’s finance director, Julianna Smoot, who has helped him raise more than $150 million so far, does not even have her own office. A Ping-Pong table is the gathering spot for Friday lunches for her team.
The setting, which has the feel of an Internet start-up, is emblematic of how Mr. Obama, of Illinois, has been able to raise so much money. On Wednesday, the Obama campaign will report to the Federal Election Commission that it collected $36 million in January — $4 million more than campaign officials had previously estimated — an unprecedented feat for a single month in American politics that was powered overwhelmingly by small online donations. That dwarfed the $13.5 million in January that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York is expected to report Wednesday and the $12 million Senator John McCain’s campaign said he brought in for the month.
Mr. Obama’s startling success, however, has also now put him on the spot, tempting him to back away from indications he gave last year that he would agree to accept public financing in the general election if the Republican nominee did the same. The hesitation has given Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee whose advisers concede he would most likely fall far short of Mr. Obama’s fund-raising for the general election, fodder for a series of attacks.
“This type of backpedaling and waffling isn’t what inspired millions of people to invest in Senator Obama’s candidacy,” said Jill Hazelbaker, a spokeswoman for Mr. McCain.
Under rules of public financing, a candidate has access to $85 million from a taxpayer-financed fund for the general election, a substantial amount to spend for the roughly two months after this year’s conventions. But this election cycle has shattered fund-raising and spending records and upended expectations.
The details of Mr. Obama’s January fund-raising illustrate just how much his campaign has been able to chart a new path for the presidential race. He brought in $28 million online, with 90 percent of those transactions coming from people who donated $100 or less, and 40 percent from donors who gave $25 or less, suggesting that these contributors could be t
By Mack
February 20, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Everything will be better without Bush.
A better America. Obama.
By Apocalypse
February 20, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
On Tuesday, the people of Wisconsin voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new kind of politics.
Barack Obama has now won 9 consecutive contests, but the race for the Democratic nomination remains close. It’s going to be a fight for every vote and every delegate in the remaining 17 contests.
Join our movement for change by making a matched donation now:
https://donate.barackobama.com/match
Barack has won the most states and the most delegates because a movement of people decided to take back the political process and participate in unprecedented numbers.
I’m one of them.
Our goal is 500,000 people giving to the campaign — this year alone — by March 4th.
Join me and make a donation now:
https://donate.barackobama.com/match
Thanks,
Apocalypse
By Midori
February 20, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Proud to be Duh,
no prob - fire away.
You see the Koward of the Kounty, RW post his usual nonsense before fleeing to the free clinic?
See how he constantly praises and rah-rah’s failure and incompetence?
By Mack
February 20, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Obamamania: America, it’s yours and mine. we own it. lets change american. Lets hope together.
By Apocalypse
February 20, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Teamsters Union to Endorse Barack Obama
By JESSE J. HOLLAND
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Barack Obama is slated to pick up the endorsement of the powerful Teamsters, the second major union endorsement for the Democratic front-runner in a week, union officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Obama will meet with Teamster President James P. Hoffa in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday. The endorsement is expected to come soon thereafter, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the planned formal announcement.
The Teamsters represent 1.4 million members.
Union support will be key in the Democratic primaries in the next few weeks, particularly in Ohio on March 4 and Pennsylvania on April 22. Ohio and Pennsylvania have some of the nation’s largest number of union workers, with more than 15 percent of the workforce unionized in Pennsylvania and just over 14 percent in Ohio.
The endorsement from the Teamsters is Obama’s third from organized labor in a week. The 1.9-million member Service Employees International Union endorsed the Illinois senator last Friday, and the smaller United Food and Commercial Workers endorsed him last Thursday.
Obama also has two AFL-CIO unions in his corner in the Transport Workers Union and the National Weather Service Employees Organization. And with a Teamsters endorsement, he will have four Change To Win unions in his corner: the Teamsters, SEIU, the United Food and Commercial Workers and UNITE HERE, who gave the Illinois senator his first national endorsement from a union.
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By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Midori
I know that RW/Duh is one in the same.
But there appears to be another floating entity around here.
Who is “Polly” “Political Foreskin” and what’s his deal?
By Apocalypse
February 20, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Yesterday, the people of Wisconsin voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new kind of politics.
They rejected an onslaught of negative attacks and attempts to distract them from the common concerns we all have about the direction of our country.
No doubt we’ll hear much more of these attacks and distractions in the days to come.
But the noise of these tired, old political games will not drown out the voices of millions calling for change.
You can help bring a new voice to our political process. By giving through our matching program, you will double the impact of someone giving for the first time this year.
We’re nearing our goal of 500,000 people giving so far in 2008. You’ve already donated to this campaign — but now you can help push us over the top and bring in someone new.
Make a matching donation right now:
https://donate.barackobama.com/promise
We won’t know until late tonight the results of today’s Hawaii caucus, but we’ll let you know how that turns out tomorrow.
If we win in Hawaii, it will be ten straight victories — a streak no one thought possible, and the best position we can be in when Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont vote on March 4th.
Thank you for making this possible,
Barack
By Midori
February 20, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
PoliFore has been around for some time - spends his/her time equally ridiculing both sides.
But primarily @@’s idiocy.
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Must’ve missed something, Midori. Do tell. Idiocy from @@? Surely you jest.
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
So, to get McCain’s “straight talk” straight, he claims Obama is “naive” and “inexperienced” for doing what the CIA calls “a model” of how to score victories against al-Qaeda. Does this mean that if he were President and the Pakistani government “turned down” requests for cooperation, McCain would have let a top al-Qaeda commander go free?
By I Caused IN THE NEWS To Go Mental, Like I Do With All Libs
February 20, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
IN THE NEWS: This will probably be the last time I ever address someone as disgustingly weird as you are, but since we are talking about things that are “one in the same,” I was thinking that you and Napoleon had a lot in common.
Later on, loser.
~~~~~
{{{{In New York, they tax the house you live in, the job you work at, the food you eat, the water you drink, the car you drive, the gas you put in it, the road you drive on, and if you have any money left over, they tax your meager savings too.}}}}
{{{{Government has to charge you so much so that it can afford all the free services it offers you. Well, that’s the explanation that politicians give, at least. It’s enough to drive you to drink if you think about it too much, which is why they also tax beer, wine and liquor.}}}}
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Think of the top officials of the Bush administration as magicians when it comes to Iraq. Their top hats and tails may be worn and their act fraying, but it doesn’t seem to matter. Their latest “abracadabra,” the President’s “surge strategy” of 2007, has still worked like a charm. They waved their magic wands, paid off and armed a bunch of former Sunni insurgents and al-Qaeda terrorists (about 80,000 “concerned citizens,” as the President likes to call them), and magically lowered “violence” in Iraq. Even more miraculously, they made a country that they had already turned into a cesspool and a slagheap — its capital now has a “lake” of sewage so large that it can be viewed “as a big black spot on Google Earth” — almost entirely disappear from view in the U.S.
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
RW @ 2:15
IN THE NEWS: This will probably be the last time I ever address someone as disgustingly weird as you are
By getalife
February 20, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
pf is a failed comedian who thinks gay wanking is funny.
He tends to take out his sexual frustration out on this blog.
He should join Andy with Britney and seek help.
I think it is the xanex, ambien and prozak combo that the me generation take like candy.
By AndyLuckoduhNutjob
February 20, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
To Those Poor Souls Who Read This Comment Board, Be Warned It Is Haunted By A Little Trannie Named Andy. He Has No Life, Friends, Save His Poor Mother, Because He Is Stricken With Vaginitis. The Only Way To Relieve His/Her Suffering Is Through Excessive Ranting and Praising Of All Things GOP-Party-Related and Policing Of Anyone Who Opines Differently. Beware All Ye Who Enter Here.
By Apocalypse
February 20, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama’s Plan Protecting Our Chemical Plants
Chemical plants are attractive terrorist targets because they are often located near cities, are relatively easy to attack, and contain multi-ton quantities of hazardous chemicals. While a number of plants have taken voluntary steps to improve security, there are still major gaps; and the federal government has never established meaningful, permanent security regulations. Senator Obama worked with Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to introduce comprehensive chemical plant security legislation that would establish a clear set of federal regulations that all plants must follow. The bill requires chemical facilities to enhance security, including improving barriers, containment, mitigation, and safety training, and, where possible, using safer technology, such as less toxic chemicals.
Keeping Track of Spent Nuclear Fuel The nation has 103 operating nuclear power plants which annually produce over 2,000 metric tons of spent fuel that remains highly radioactive for many years. A report by the Government Accountability Office found inadequate tracking and security for spent nuclear fuel rods. Nuclear plants in Connecticut, Vermont and California have reported missing spent fuel in the last five years. Senator Obama introduced legislation to establish guidelines for tracking, controlling, and accounting for spent fuel at nuclear power plants.
Evacuating Special Needs Population in Emergencies One of the most devastating aspects of Hurricane Katrina is that most of the stranded victims were society’s most vulnerable members - low-income families, the elderly, the homeless, and disabled Americans. Too many states and cities do not have adequate plans in place to care for special-needs populations. Senator Obama introduced and passed legislation to require mandatory planning for evacuating people with special needs.
Reuniting Families After Emergencies After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of people struggled to contact family and friends following evacuation. Evacuees were forced to comb through dozens of databases in an effort to reconnect with loved ones. Senator Obama introduced and passed legislation to create a centralized, federal database to allow individuals displaced by an emergency to call one phone number or go to one website and post their location and condition. Family members and law enforcement officials would be able to use this same secure, centralized syst
By I Caused IN THE NEWS To Go Mental, Like I Do With All Libs
February 20, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
al-Gitmo: So what are you taking for this little illness of yours:
{{{{The House of Clinton is falling before our eyes. Hillary Clinton’s crushing loss yesterday in Wisconsin, in the wake of the wipeout she experienced in the “Potomac Primaries” and the loss of ten consecutive states, means it is extremely improbable that she will win the nomination. Everything is breaking Obama’s way. All the trends are going in his direction and he is getting stronger with every passing week. Hillary Clinton has shown no signs that she can slow, let alone stop, his momentum. She not only has to defeat him in Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania; she now needs to beat him by double-digit margins.}}}}
Or have you jumped ship, again?
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Concerns over Economy Push George W. Bush’s Overall Job Approval to New Low - 19%
AND
Bet that makes him feel all warm and fuzzy
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
[Spy satellite shootdown depends on weather Pentagon says high seas may delay mission until at least Thursday] (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23253805)
Does this mean we better hope that we don’t get attacked on a rainy day or the “star wars” defense may not work??
By I Caused IN THE NEWS To Go Mental, Like I Do With All Libs
February 20, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
To Those Poor Souls Who Read This Comment Board, Be Warned It Is Haunted By A Little Trannie Named Andy.
He Has No Life, Friends, Save His Poor Mother, Because He Is Stricken With Vaginitis.
The Only Way To Relieve His/Her Suffering Is Through Excessive Ranting and Praising Of All Things GOP-Party-Related and Policing Of Anyone Who Opines Differently.
Beware All Ye Who Enter Here.
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Hillary craves control. As she’s losing control, so will she lose her wits. Bill craves affection. As he’s losing it, so will he lose it.
They have no use for each other, other than use for each other. When each becomes useless to the other, they will lose each other.
Barack is running on vapor because he doesn’t want to come out of the closet as a massive redistributionist. Hillary forced him to do so last night, at a cost to the nation of upwards of $1 Trillion and counting.
Michelle, his wife, is proud of her country for the first time because, in embracing her and her husband, the USA is promising to become the Socialist utopia their professors at Columbia, Princeton and Harvard always wanted it to be.
All four of these people are way out of their depth. I bet on Bill to be the first to lose it in public.
By Cindy
February 20, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
HeeHee. HeeHee. HeeHee.
Bushit and his followers are out.
By Paul
February 20, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Midori 12:12
“Neither he nor the NSA at the time spotted the NIE, “Bin Laden to strike in US”, prior to 9/11. “
Interesting you’d say the National Security Agency didn’t spot a National Intelligence Estimate, since the NSA is one of the agencies that contributes to NIEs.
Were you referring to a specific NIE or to the President’s Daily Briefing on Aug 6, 2001? That was pretty general, rather like saying “there’s a bad guy who wants to hurt you.” Where? When? How? That was absent. In fact, the briefing presented to the Pres on Aug 6 2001 noted that attacking within the US had been a bin Laden goal since… 1997! I guess from 1997 to Aug 5, 2001 someone dropped the ball on finding out just what he wanted to do?
Link: Presidential Daily Brief - bin Laden
Most people cite Richard Clarke’s memo to Rice as evidence the Administration had adequate warning but was incompetent in preventing the attack. The memo was general as high-level memos are – aid to the Northern Alliance and Uzbekistan, more money and respond to the Cole attack. His Strategy for Eliminating the Threat
Link: Clark memo to Rice
was not a document on how to prevent the WTC attack. Even taking all the actions he recommended would not likely have had an impact within eight months.
This is not a defense - just a recognition of how large bureaucracies work. Clarke had been around since Reagan, he was the classic “whistling in the wind” guy. Leaders in both administrations didn’t do all of what he recommended, although he got some decent efforts started and changes made.
Clarke
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
I’M IN THE NEWS!
I’M PATHOLOGICALLY OBSESSED WITH RW, LUCKODUH AND @@.
I HAVE MADE IT MY LIFE’S WORK TO STALK THEM ON THIS SILLY POLITICAL BLOG.
AS YOU CAN SEE BY ALL OF THE NAME JACKINGS AND RIDICULOUS POSTS THAT I HAVE MADE TODAY, ALL TWO HUNDRED OF THEM, MUCH LIKE A DOG HUMPING SOMEONE’S LEG, I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BETTER TO DO WITH MY TIME.
I GUESS YOU COULD CALL ME A PARANOID DELUSIONAL PSYCHOTIC.
JUST BE THANKFUL I DON’T WORK IN THE POST OFFICE!
By Paul
February 20, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Midori - con’t
Clarke notes in the paper al Qaeda had declared war on the US in 1998 – but we were still in a criminal law mindset three years later. Many still are. Pres Bush kept on CIA Director Tenet from the Clinton Administration. So he had the same basic infrastructure (aside from his top appointees) in intel, State, Defense and Justice with the same general mindset that had existed for years. Again, to expect the massive changes the 911 Commission pointed to – to correct the failures – to have those occur in eight months is, I think, wishful thinking.
Some say a Gore Administration would have been “different” in somehow preventing 9-11 or other attacks within the US. It’s speculation, but I haven’t seen anything credible that would indicate a Pres Gore would have had a much different view from a VP Gore. In fact, I think it more reasonable to expect his actions would have gone along in the evolutionary way as we had throughout the 90s. So 9-11 would likely have happened anyway.
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Whew! I’m so out of it!
Thank Lord God in NRA Heaven that I have Limbaugh-Hannity-O’Reilly to tell me what to think!
Of course, I realize that none of my previous posts resemble anything close to reality, but then reality has always been a big stumbling block for neocons.
Speak of the devils, Cheney and Bush really put the con in neocon, don’t they?
Shredding not only the constitution, but breaking international law as well!
I’m so proud to have been a part of the oil-soaked hegemony that has dragged our economy and country’s integrity into the dirt for the past eight years.
By RW becomesNamejacker @ 3:15 I'm still IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
McCain: Bush should veto torture bill McCain Says Bush Should Veto Bill That Bars Waterboarding, Other Harsh Interrogation Methods
By Paul
February 20, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Midori
Sorry, wrong link on the Clarke Memo. The other was a condensed NIE noting recent procedural changes.
Here’s what Clarke passed on to the Bush Administration -“Strategy for Eliminating the Threat from the Jihadist Networks of al Qaeda: Strategy and Prospects”:
Link: Clarke Memo about al Qaeda
By Luckoduh
February 20, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Well, Andy-girl, it’s been a joy watching you crumble into the blithering fool I always knew was inside you under that thin veneer of sanity. Thanks for giving me so much joy the past few days.
Signed,
It Wasn’t In The News
By RW, PROUD TO BE DUH, I'M IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I’M AMVET/HUGE!
I’M PATHOLOGICALLY OBSESSED WITH RW, LUCKODUH AND @@.
I HAVE MADE IT MY LIFE’S WORK TO STALK THEM ON THIS SILLY POLITICAL BLOG.
AS YOU CAN SEE BY ALL OF THE NAME JACKINGS AND RIDICULOUS POSTS THAT I HAVE MADE TODAY, ALL TWO HUNDRED OF THEM, MUCH LIKE A DOG HUMPING SOMEONE’S LEG, I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BETTER TO DO WITH MY TIME.
I GUESS YOU COULD CALL ME A PARANOID DELUSIONAL PSYCHOTIC.
JUST BE THANKFUL I DON’T WORK IN THE POST OFFICE!
P.S. I’d double check^^ to see who you really made into the “blithering fool.”
You little stalker, you.
By RW becomesNamejacker @ 3:15 I'm still IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Political Foreskin is that you?
We’ve never met, I’m IN THE NEWS.
I love poking RW the master of all trolls as much as the next guy, but man you’ve been real busy!
By @@
February 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Well this is most interesting in a sad sort of way:
By Midori:
(((PoliFore has been around for some time - spends his/her time equally ridiculing both sides.)))
(((But primarily @@’s idiocy.)))
Where ‘ya been Midori? as though I didn’t know.
By: Getalife
(((pf is a failed comedian who thinks gay wanking is funny.)))
(((He tends to take out his sexual frustration out on this blog.)))
Amen! but let’s change that “he” to “she”.
(((I think it is the xanex, ambien and prozak combo that the me generation take like candy.)))
AMEN AGAIN!!!!
Getalife:
Let’s not forget the time that PoliFore signed on with a message for you that wasn’t very complimentary. Problem is “SHE” screwed up and signed on under the name MIDORI.
When I asked her to explain, she disappeared from the board.
(((equally ridiculing))) indeed.
Keep in mind that PoliFore has professed his errrr HER love for Midori.
That’s “the sockpuppet” generation Getalife.
Diddle Diddle Midori. Going for “The Big O” are ‘ya?
Off to Stratfor. I’ll bring back anything that might be of interest.
By RW becomesNamejacker @ 3:15 I'm still IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Well, thanks RW, now I know the 3rd member of your unholy trinity.
It has been your mistakes that lead me to discover you - purely by accident.
Pretending to be 3 blogyard bullies (and a cast of clowning around other characters) all day long for so many years…wow. You are one dedicated neocon.
Dude, your time is just about up.
By Midori
February 20, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Well Paul,
it’s a little late for all that “reading” now, isn’t it?
Maybe you should send all of your “research” to Ms. Rice, in the hope that the next time (if applicable), she’ll get off her shoe shopping, Bush butt licking, incompetent a$$.
By Midori
February 20, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
@@, Paul, RW and Andy
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
As the 3:20 post did not resembly any of my various styles of grammatical abuse, it is beneath the daily standard of namejacking set by this blog.
Moreover, I do not listen to the talk-show hosts in question, but am flattered to be compared to such successful people. When I do hear of their doings, the news of their exploits usually comes from persons who flatter me by telling me how comparatively slow they are to reach the same conclusions I do. Sean Hannity I see on television with his partner Alan Colmes, the Clinton flack. Mr. Hannity has a fine head of hair, the distinguished salt&pepper thing at the temples compensating for his somewhat discrediting baby face.
For that matter so does Laura Ingraham have nice locks, now that her hair has grown back post-chemo. The last time I followed her efforts she was doing battle as Editor of the Dartmouth Review and brevet General Commanding, East Coast, of the Great War on Political Correctness. It’s good to see her doing so well, and looking so well. I wonder whether John McCain knows that she too is a war hero of sorts.
By RW @@ DUH, 3 x fun, I'm still IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered its projection for economic growth this year, citing damage from the double blows of a housing slump and credit crunch. It said it also expects higher unemployment and inflation.
By Demonty
February 20, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Mike, years ago when fax was the state of the art and large US corporations were protesting apartide by pulling out, I sent you (by fax) an idea - The front of a movie house with the marque titled “Out of Afric, staring General Motors, IBM (etc).” I have another idea, related to the Democratic primaries and would like to send it to you. Don M.
By Paul
February 20, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Midori
Late for reading? When is it ever too late for reading?
Wasn’t going for a “gotcha” on the diff between an NIE or a daily brief derived from a PBD. Was mostly addressing the “Bush incompetent-lied-ignored” mantra so prevalent in the discussions. There’s a lot of misinformation portrayed as “that’s absolutely the way it was” - when it’s not. So I was simply providing the source documents with my conclusions.
Remember the line where I said it wasn’t a defense? There’s a big difference between laying out facts or analysis and advocacy.
I’d think someone with your interest in US politics would be interested in events as they happened - not in passing along misinformation.
Regarding your Sec Rice comments - seems diametrically opposed to the assessment of ex Sec State (under Pres Clinton) Madeline Albright, now, doesn’t it?
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
@@,
Brissful Ignatz has got me down as a member of get’s tribe, so I guess I won’t be attempting to violate the sanctity of your happy marriage.
Oh well.
By @@
February 20, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Another blow to Putin. From Stratfor:
Germany introduced a proposal Feb. 19 to build an international uranium enrichment center that would secure uranium supplies for states interested in obtaining nuclear power facilities but not in having pieces of a potential nuclear weapons program. The Multilateral Enrichment Sanctuary Project would ensure that eligible states have access to enriched uranium for civilian purposes while operating directly under the International Atomic Energy Agency. If the project wins support, it will be a blow to Russia, which has so far enjoyed dominating Europe’s uranium supply.
But the status quo is vulnerable to situations such as the one created by Iran, which has insisted on its right to civilian nuclear power while resisting international inspections. Germany’s plan, however, adds carrots to the global nonproliferation scheme. The prospect of buying nuclear fuel wholesale from an internationally sanctioned source likely will attract many countries that have no interest in Iranian-style brinkmanship. And the Germans already have given assurances that the MESP will not discriminate against customers based on politics.
Now ^^^ that’s creative thinking that could have been initiated long ago, but the “NEED” wasn’t there….up until now that is.
Forward thinking in strategic terms.
By Midori
February 20, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Paul,
I think your comments should be directed to Ms Rice, as she was the late one.
By @@
February 20, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Glenn:
Have I told you lately that I……………………………
find you most puzzling. I “like” puzzles if that makes you feel better.
By @@
February 20, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Stratfor has had little to report lately. Looks like Putin’s a day late and a dollar short on this one:
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika met in Moscow on Feb. 20 to discuss, among other things, cooperation in the oil and natural gas sphere. The meeting comes amid speculation that the two countries are considering forming a natural gas cartel along the lines of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which Algeria is the current chair. Bouteflika told reporters, “It’s clear that countries such as Russia, Qatar and Algeria already play a major role on international gas markets and they should coordinate their activities even more.”
There are good reasons why there has never been a powerful natural gas syndicate before. However, a Russian-Algerian cartel would obviate many of the problems that prevent such an agreement from arising elsewhere, and it would represent Moscow’s best option to rope Europe back into energy dependence on Russia. Related Special Topic Pages
* Russian Energy and Foreign Policy * Central Asian Energy: Circumventing RussiaThis is not the first time the idea of a “natural gas OPEC” has come into the spotlight — Iran raised it in February 2007 — and Stratfor has written before about why, in general, such a cartel could never get off the ground. Unlike oil, natural gas has to travel along a pipeline from supplier to consumer, and it cannot be diverted to another customer at a moment’s notice. As a result, there is no global market for natural gas, as there is for oil. So, even though Russia and Iran together control half of the world’s natural gas reserves, a natural gas cartel between Moscow and Tehran would have a minimal effect on worldwide natural gas prices.
I love this stuff. Sorry they’re so long.
By Paul
February 20, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
@@ 4:14
Now that’s the kind of thinking we need to move ahead. Shame we haven’t heard anything similar from candidates of either party.
BTW - much as I cringe at our putting all our eggs in one basket with the dictator of the day (e.g. Pakistan) - and seeing how Pres Bush has been roasted here for Musharraf’s troubles - well, doesn’t it make sense they’d also laud Pres Bush for the successes in Pakistanis rejecting Islamists?
“Pakistani voters handed Islamist political parties a massive defeat Monday, virtually eliminating them from regional parliaments in an election that’s likely to have a wide-ranging impact on efforts to rein in growing Taliban and al Qaeda influence in Pakistan’s North West Frontier province.
In 2002, fundamentalist religious parties, some openly sympathetic to the Taliban, won 12 percent of the national vote. That was enough to form a regional government in the North West Frontier province, which borders Afghanistan, become part of the ruling coalition in Baluchistan, another conservative province, and hold 57 seats in the 342-member national parliament.
But unofficial results of Monday’s vote indicate that religious parties won only five seats in the national parliament this time. In North West Frontier province, where the country’s Islamic insurgency is strongest, religious parties won just nine seats in the 96-seat provincial assembly. In 2002, they won 67.
”This is a sea change,” said Khalid Aziz, a political analyst based in the province’s capital, Peshawar. “The people have rejected the much-hyped Islamic nation concept.”
In answer to my question: Nawww.
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
You of all people should not.
—- ### —-
So the other day I went into this fish & chips place up by the Big Chicken. They’d advertised “Stuffed Crab”, and that roped me in. I grew up catching and eating crabs. Love the bugs.
So I ordered and paid for a couple stuffed crabs, with slaw and hush puppies, etc. When the meal came, I wasn’t sure that it tasted right. It was seasoned well, but it wasn’t really registering, aesthetically, what “it” was that was seasoned.
Finally I got up from the table and went to the front of the restaurant to ask what was in the stuffed crab. Lots of good things, it turned out, except crab. The central kitchen of that particular chain of fish joints had extruded a rude surprise into an empty shell, had frozen the whole concoction, had preyed upon my hope for a crab dinner, had taken my money and my trust, and never bothered to tell me that they’d sold me a crabless crab dinner until I bothered to pry and to get into their company’s face.
I gave them back the crab shells stuffed with stuff. They returned my money.
Those of you who have bought into Barack Obama: beware of the shell of an orator, the shell of a leader, the shell of a democrat, the shell of a liberal. Beware of the shell of a man.
See what stuff he’s made of. Then decide.
By AntiRadical
February 20, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Good toon, ML. Sadly, at this point McCain has nearly as much baggage to carry as does Hillary.
I had thought that I would vote for McCain this fall, hoping to achieve a better balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. I cringe at the thought of another cycle of uniparty government ala GWB circa pre-2006.
Having seen the rabid meltdown of the radical right, though, perhaps it is best for the country that they get a lesson in the wages of extremism. What a bitter pill to swallow it will be.
Perhaps 4-8 years of liberal judiciary appointments, ballooning of social programs, legislative approval of same sex marriage, a gauranteed right to abortion on demand, and an enormous expansion of business regulators will make an impression.
It is unlikely that the radical right will ever learn the life’s lesson that in order to go along you have to get along, though. They appear to be determined little suicide bombers who are quite willing to yank the cords on their satchel charges in order to spite us all.
By @@
February 20, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Paul:
I was holding my breath on Pakistan but Musharraf’s appointment of Kayani allowed me to exhale.
Kayani has been doing some positive things on the military end winning praise from the Pakistani people. He’s preparing to do what the military is supposed to do….destroy the enemy in the interest of Pakistan’s future.
Bhutto was a big fan of Kayani as was Musharraf.
I posted something yesterday where tribal leaders in northern Warziristan are in agreement with the government to oust the militants. Last agreement was with the militants and they quickly broke their agreement.
You and I both know that things can turn on a dime but I think there’s a momentum going that won’t be stopped easily. Mankind’s desire to be free of violence and oppression is just too great in my opinion.
Glenn:
You like crabs? I make a killer crab cake. The recipe came from the Chef (if you can call him that) at Fontaine’s in the highlands. He didn’t study at the Cordon Bleu but he is excellent with shellfish. Used to serve a “Black & Blue” oyster dish. Mmmmmmmmmm! The blue was cheese.
By getserious
February 20, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
No, in order for get to get long you would have to go along. So go along now. Get!
By Paul
February 20, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Glenn
Nice story. Gotta be careful about using a politician’s name and the word “crabs” in the same phrase, though. People might misconstrue your meaning.
@@
Will you share the recipe? I made crab cakes the other day - looked at a bunch of recipes and made my own - pound of lump meat, egg and few bread crumbs for binding, bit of minced shallot (more consistent than onion) - couple shots of Worchestershire, some cayenne, lemon juice, parsley (Italian, of course) and believe it or not, a drop of mustard. Dijon. And ground pepper. No Old Bay. Nothing to elipse the taste of the crab.
Sauteed gently. Big lumps of crab held together with bare minimum of binding. The were great.
By Apocalypse
February 20, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
We’ve crunched all the numbers and discovered that we are within striking distance of something historic: one million people donating to this campaign.
Think about that … nearly one million people taking ownership of this movement, five dollars or twenty-five dollars at a time.
We’re already more than 900,000 strong, including over half-a-million donating so far this year. This unprecedented foundation of support has built a campaign that has shaken the status quo and proven that ordinary people can compete in a political process too often dominated by special interests.
Unlike Senator Clinton or Senator McCain, we haven’t taken a dime from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs. Our campaign is responsible to no one but the people.
One million donors would be a remarkable feat — something that’s never been done before in a presidential primary and something no one ever thought would be possible for us. And your generosity made it possible.
But it’s going to take an incredible organizing effort to bring in 100,000 new donors before March 4th.
Be a part of this historic effort. Make a donation as part of our matching program, and you will bring in a first-time donor by doubling the impact of their contribution. You can even choose to exchange notes and let them know why you are part of this movement.
There’s less than two weeks until March 4th, but you can be part of this historic push right now. Make your matching donation here:
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By Is IN THE NEWS A Blog Troll Or Just A Stalker?
February 20, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
{{{{——->A depraved individual who sits in front of a computer all day<——- and posts flames of an idiotic or pseudo-intellectual nature on public forums and private websites. ——->Many of these people actually become emotional about what is said on the afore-said mediums and feel it is their duty to punish those who disagree with them.<——- They too may pursue this object in an obsessive-compulsive manner.}}}}
Yep, troll it is, hahaha.
By getalife
February 20, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
W is down to 19% so McMaverick may want to change course on w’s third term or he will get embarrassed.
Blog on.
By Luckoduh Loves George W. Bush
February 20, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
But not without the George W.
By @@
February 20, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Paul:
I’ll have to find it first. Sounds pretty similar to yours except ritz crackers in place of breadcrumbs. Crab is sweet by itself, but the ritz crackers gave it a buttery flavor. I also add butter to the oil. Sometimes it’s herb butter. Crispy on the outside, yummy on the inside. I don’t cook them often because of all the butter, but I do indulge myself on rare occasions.
All workout and no butter makes @@ a very dull girl.
By Luckoduh Always Prefers Dick Cheney
February 20, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
With or without the Cheney - I’m not picky!
:>~~
By Paul
February 20, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Apocalypse
“nearly one million people taking ownership of this movement, five dollars or twenty-five dollars at a time.”
You get what you pay for?
Sorry. Just too good to pass up.
Seriously - I hope his advisors are gearing up with some specifics. The hope-unity-change was good to separate himself from the pack. But now the drumroll has begun for “what next?” True - many specifics will never see the light of day - but they give one a sense of how he will seek to implement his vision.
McCain has a record he can put forward as “while Obama was talking I was doing. With the very liberal Russ Feingold on campaign finance reform. With the very liberal Kennedy on…” and on and on it goes.
So if they go that route it’ll be an interesting matchup. Obama may not have the record but he can state what he wants his record to be. Gotta watch for McCain saying “while you were talking I was doing.”
Just the nature of the contest is great for America. There are some countries and peoples out there who are, frankly, quite racist and stereotypical in their views. Saw one on (foreign) service the other night - educated, modern country. Was still processing Obama could be our next president. Was a bit confused. I loved it.
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
That sounds toadally AWESOME, the Fontaine’s recipe. Had a wonderful crab cake once at the Horseradish Grill, in Chastain Park. What a chef they had then. I was really disappointed by the celebrated crab cakes at the Union Oyster House, in Boston. But I’ve never had a bad one in DC or Maryland (of course) or Alexandria. Charleston, yes, but not up Virginia way.
I miss the Dungeness Crabs I used to catch, at sunset, as a kid. Sometimes we’d take the catch straight from the beach to the back door of a proper restaurant a few blocks away, and have the crabs served at table with all the fixings. Price usually was a cut of the crab catch. With some crusty, dark-bake sourdough made from old sour starter, jeepers—-it could start an insurrection.
Blue cheese! I think I’d go for Gorgonzola, just because it’s such a fun name. One probably could seduce even a suspecting crab lover with the right crustacean, the right crust and, were one to get the pitch and tempo just right, a word like “Gor-gon-ZO’-la!” (Though it might take a white Burgundy for good measure.)
There’s a ‘que joint in old Roswell that advertises “Blues & Crab Saturdays”. I’m trying to talk them into serving Blue Crab, so they can change their sign to “Blues & Blues & ‘Que”. My thinking is that I could do up the logo for them, in exchange for a wealth of bones and shells. If they’d move the date back a few days, they could have “Blues, ‘Que & Blues, Tues.” To say nothing of pool cues.
By Luckoduh Always Prefers Dick Cheney
February 20, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
With or without the Cheney - I’m not picky!
I’m a stupid POS, but I’m not picky!
:>~~
By Paul
February 20, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
@@
I look forward to it. Butter - unsalted - would provide the right amount of richness. It didn’t have the depth I wanted. I’ll add. I used commercial (Old London) bread crumbs - little flavor and had the desired effect. Panko would’ve been too crunchy. Hmm, maybe I could use cheap crab and tell guests the crunch is from the crumbs, not the shell pieces?
By RW @@ DUH, 3 x fun, I'm still IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
I’M NOT RwdUHPauL@@, I’M IN THE NEWS!
I HAVE AN EXTREME EMOTIONAL DISORDER, SO BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY AROUND ME.
SEE, IN MY WEAK LITTLE PARANOID MIND, IF I DON’T AGREE WITH YOUR POLITICAL OPINION, THEN I CAN NAMEJACK YOU OR STALK YOU WITH FOUL AND PROFANE COMMENTS BECAUSE IT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A REAL MAN, I AM STALKER, HEAR ME ROAR.
SO BEWARE, ANYTHING CAN SET ME OFF, AND THEN I WILL ADD YOU TO THE LIST OF DEMONS LIVING IN MY HEAD, rWdUH@@glENN.
EXCUSE ME FOR A MOMENT WHILE I GO CHASE CARS PASSING BY THE FRONT OF MY HOUSE.
By @@
February 20, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Glenn & Paul:
I’m gonna make both of you green with envy…..
My neighbor is authentic Cajun right down the the accent and his ability to dance. What he can do with seafood is astounding. What he can do on the dance floor is unsurpassed.
His soft shell crabs are my all-time favorite.
It doesn’t hurt that he is hilariously funny either.
By Mack
February 20, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Just remember that Obama means hope and change. McCain is a loose cannon accident waiting to happen. Hillary is through.
By Luckoduh
February 20, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Jeezy-Beezy, when Andy loses it, it’s better than anything I could make up.
Awesome!
Thanks again, Andy, for making my day! I had no idea you’d still be spinning like a top. I’ll take a break for a couple of weeks, give you time to recover, and ..nah, maybe I’ll just wait until November.
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Paul, and here I felt certain that you’d appreciate the juxtaposition of Obama and crabs, and by Jove you did! Remember the derivation of the word “politics”? Again, it’s from the Greek prefix “poly-“, meaning many, and “tics”, meaning bloodsucking vermin.
Your recipe looks double-plus good (to keep this blog’s Orwellian semi-literacy intact). The shallot’s an inspiration. Since @@ likes sweetness, one could carmelize the shallot a bit first. In Charleston they urge ground mace with crab, and wow, does it ever pop. Looks good too, and resembles the color of crab roe. (Too much is poisonous, though: it’s the shell of the nutmeg berry.) So you might want to sneak the cayenne into the mixture, and later finish by dusting with some mace.
By you could protest, “Don’t mace me, bro!” and I wouldn’t be offended. Just don’t tell the Low Country folk.
By IN THE NEWS Is A Name Jacking Stalker
February 20, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
MSNBC’s Chris Matthews: “You are a big Barack supporter, right, Senator?”
State Sen. Watson: “I am. Yes, I am.”
Matthews: “Well, name some of his legislative accomplishments. No, Senator, I want you to name some of Barack Obama’s legislative accomplishments tonight if you can.”
State Sen. Watson: “Well, you know, what I will talk about is more about what he is offering the American people right now.”
Matthews: “No. No. What has he accomplished, sir? You say you support him. Sir, you have to give me his accomplishments. You’ve supported him for president. You are on national television. Name his legislative accomplishments, Barack Obama, sir.”
State Sen. Watson: “Well, I’m not going to be able to name you specific items of legislative accomplishments.”
Matthews: “Can you name any? Can you name anything he’s accomplished as a Congressman?”
State Sen. Watson: “No, I’m not going to be able to do that tonight.”
Matthews: “Well, that is a problem isn’t it?”
Bwa.
By Paul
February 20, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
@@ 6:01
Thbpppttt.
Glenn,
Mace? Who’da thunk? You are correct, a little goes a long way. Like the way you identified it. Some would think it’s a ground-up medieval ball and chain…
Got a nutmeg grinder as a gift one Christmas. Was expecting it, as I’d asked for one. Unwrapped it, box said “Nut Grinder.” My then-10-year old son yelled (in the presence of the company) “Dad! Don’t do it!!!”
He’s still alive.
By Luckoduh
February 20, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
{{{{By Luckoduh February 20, 2008 6:03 PM Thanks again, Andy, for making my day! I had no idea you’d still be spinning like a top. I’ll take a break for a couple of weeks, give you time to recover, and ..nah, maybe I’ll just wait until November.}}}}
You want to play, then let’s play.
I knew it wouldn’t take you long for you to grovel.
I’m starting to enjoy this anyway, why stop now?
I will always get my message out no matter what.
Plus, I get to watch you make an absolute childish as-s out of yourself, I mean, those f-ag name jacks of your’s are like real clever.
Exposing that liberal immaturity or all to see, my friend, is the best part.
By Glenn
February 20, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
God bless your son, Paul. And I bet the dog, but not the vet, is his best friend too.
Damn you, @@. Damn you for that. I can only get you back with a carom shot off Paul. Paul Prudhomme cooked for me, on my birthday, in San Francisco! I had a truly lovely red-haired Parisienne as my date, and she told St. Paul, in French, that she’d never enjoyed a cuisine as much. He kissed Nathalie’s hand.
Oui! C’est vrai!
Chef Paul’s cooking is, uh, infallible…
By @@
February 20, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Alas Glenn, we were two strangers passing in the night.
My husband was “the house boy” as his Dad’s pool hall. He taught me well…
I used to run the table on all the guys in college. I became addicted to the game and started bailing on too many classes because of it. It was back to the books and I lost my edge. Can still shoot a mean stick though.
Oui! C’est vrai!
Paul:
I knew that’d get the two of you. My pet name for my neighbor guy is “Edgy” and appropriately so.
By Luckoduh Loves Dick Cheney
February 20, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
More Dick please! I love Dick! I need Dick!
With or without the Cheney!
By Luckoduh Loves Glenn
February 20, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Especially when he makes me wear the red wig and speak with the French accent - oooohlala!
By lain old IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Sorry, RW it has not been me. Maybe now they’ll look real close at you.
EEEYOUUUCK!
RW went to the principal and said I was pickin’ on him. Turns out it wasn’t me!
Obama 08 Are you really ready for change?
By RW @@ DUH, 3 x fun, I'm still IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
I’M NOT RwdUHPauL@@, I’M IN THE NEWS!
DID I FORGET TO TELL YOU THAT I HATE F*-GOTS MORE THAN ANYTHING, EVEN MORE THAN THE EVIL DEMONS IN MY HEAD, rWdUH@@glENN?
THAT’S WHY I JACK PEOPLE’S NICKNAMES AND CALL THEM FA-GS BECAUSE I HATE THEM!
{{{{By Luckoduh Loves Dick CheneY February 20, 2008 7:01 PM More Dick please! I love Dick! I need Dick! With or without the Cheney!}}}}
SEE HOW MEAN I CAN BE AND IT TOOK ME A REAL LONG TIME TO THINK THAT ONE UP, AREN’T I JUST SO SMART?
I KNOW, I KNOW, HATING F*-GOTS SEEMS OUT OF PLACE FOR A LIBERAL BUT YOU APPARENTLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT LYING BIGOTS WE ARE, WE JUST WANT THE FA-GS TO VOTE FOR US.
SO SHUT UP OR I WILL CALL YOU A F-AG!
By Lil Ole IN THE NEWS
February 20, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
ITN NOT GUILTY OF NAME JACKING!
Local blogger complains to AJC blog management about having his name(s) jacked - only to find out ITN not guilty!
By RW-(the original)
February 20, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
ITFS,
You’re insane and your obsession with me is really unhealthy for you. You and your friends can namejack all day long for all I care, but all you do is ruin any chance for a free exchange of ideas. I suspect that’s what your ilk wants anyway since you have no ideas.
Glad to see you think you’re exonerated of something, but like I told you the other day I didn’t it was you anyway. You’re just really fun to push over the edge.
The spit bucket handler from Athens has been dropping hints all week that it was him.
By No Name Jack
February 20, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
“I GUESS YOU COULD CALL ME A PARANOID DELUSIONAL PSYCHOTIC.”
Any one else noticing Andy’s pretty accurate self-diagnoses bleeding through the last few days?
By No Name Jack
February 20, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
“I GUESS YOU COULD CALL ME A PARANOID DELUSIONAL PSYCHOTIC.”
rWdUH@@glENN<——-O.K. SO MAYBE I AM PARANOID DELUSIONAL PSYCHOTIC.
I JUST DON’T KNOW IT.
YOU F-AG.
By rachael
February 26, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
BEGGING - HELP ! I had cut a copy of your (Mike Luckovich) Hilary cartoon from Newsweek 2/12/2008. Cartoon is Hilary speaking to the public saying “What equips me to deal….” and Bill is in the foreground with his pants at his ankles saying “I don’t get it”.
I tried to copy/scan this cartoon for a friend (ok, I want to be more than friends & he’s not quite ‘ready’ post divorce) and my printer at it. I’m HORRIFIED. It made me laugh every day. Can you help?
Thanks!
Rachael (hopefully email will come through if you can’t post to the site)