Just to jump in on the response to Biden of Hillary folks: Her comments today in support of Biden seemed quite sincere. As other commentators have pointed out, the Clintonistas would have howled that Kaine was inexperience, that Bayh was blah, and that Sebelious was yet another "slap on the face." Obama could not have done better--excepting choosing Hillary and all her baggage and Bill. Excellent decision in that regard as well. This should help quell most of the genuine if defeatist angry so-called PUMAs.

Posted at August 23, 2008 5:23 PM in response to Biden Offers Testament To Obama's Character And Toughness

I watched the two speeches live on MSNBC. I was very impressed with how passionate and intelligent both men were. On their game. This old cynic is totally won over.

Biden did great mentioning not just his and Obama's stories, and aluding to his Catholicism, but bringing in secretaries, veterans, police and fire people, etc. Much more down to earth, "working class". He also looked good bounding up the runway in his entrace.

The image of the four of them standing on the stage--a black man and woman and a white man and woman--was to their theme songs: "Its a Beautiful Day" and "Only in America" (Not familiar with the songs, so unsure of the names.

Posted at August 23, 2008 4:12 PM in response to Biden Offers Testament To Obama's Character And Toughness

That's right. Obama's actually a white guy from the Scranton. Suffers from reverse Michael Jackson disease. His real name is Patrick Vincent O'Connor--Irish as the day is long. But a Republican nonetheless.

Posted at July 1, 2008 5:00 PM in response to The REAL Barack Obama--Unmasking the Beast

I am not always impressed with Clark--unfortuntely the military leadership is all too much about kissing up and bowing down and less about leadership excellence and innovation. But Clark is really a standout. Took four bullets in Nam but it didn't slow him down. Also was Commander of the Southern Command and the European Command. Extremely intelligent and knowledgeable. And as we see from this--taking on the brass totem of John McCain--he is still a courageous and public spirited man as well.

Still, I don't know how much longer Clark will be able to hold up to all the withering attacks.

For what its worth--I think that John McCain is a courageous and public spirited man too. I was impressed every time he said that he places the nation above the Republican Party. But we don't need a Patriot--we need a competent and moderately liberal and visionary leader. And that's not John McCain!

Posted at July 1, 2008 4:53 PM in response to WAAAAHH! Wesley Criticized Me!

Thank you Pangaea for your astute rendering of what many of us already believed: Obama is in league with the Devil--and I don't mean the Mormon Church and Mitt Romney either!

Let me see if I've got this right, before I share this with my profuse extended family in New Jersy and Fla.: There are eighteen letters in Obama's full name, divided by first, second and middle--that's three--equals 6 per name so his name signifies 666--Mark of the Devil! Wasn't 666 very popular with the Nazi SS too? Ah, it all comes together: BHO is an Islamofascist Devil Worshipper! What 'til all my relatives hear this! Wow! Obama's toast!

Posted at July 1, 2008 4:36 PM in response to The REAL Barack Obama--Unmasking the Beast

I watched the whole thing on my computer from my perch in Northern Newfoundland. I thought it was one of the best political moments in this campaign, at least so far. Both Hillary and Obama did terrific jobs. Then again, what would you expect--They are both great world-class politicians or they wouldn't be where they are. They both looked very professional.

Hillary did an exceptional job, particularly when she stressed the humane and idealistic values of the Democratic Party and made it clear that any Democratic nominee was a thousand times better than any Repug, even the honorable John.

It was the first time since late January, when I went from being a Clintonist to an Obamaite, that I felt good about Hillary. And not because Obama won or she lost, but it felt like she was speaking about her own values rather than her own ambition. I was also pleased that she talked not about "her" 18 million but about the 36 that voted for both of them. Again, good job all around.

Posted at June 27, 2008 3:10 PM in response to She Rocks Alright: Hillary Knocks It Out of the Park

I read everything you write hrebendorf because you have the most amazing picture: A cat with rabbit ears. Is that your cat or is that something that TPM offered you? If that is your cat(or your spouses cat or if you are that cat's pet/provider/slave)then you are a truly lucky young person!

Posted at June 26, 2008 9:36 AM in response to Chris Dodd's Speech Is A Must-See

While I certainly think you make a good point Bill about all the anti-Hillary postings here, at least here they are balanced by more than a few wiser voices and even Hillary defenders. Hillaryis44 seems to have descended into all nasty all the time. Not only will the ranting not help their cause, but voting for McCain sets women(and us all) back on all the issues that Hillary cares about.

I agree with one of the posters above: Hillary ought to read Hillaryis44 the riot act.

Posted at June 14, 2008 5:38 PM in response to Hard-Hearted Hillary Hardcore: What is Wrong with these People?

I went to Hillaryis44 again. It is actually rather shocking all the blaming and anger there. Hillary's most selfish and self-righteous supporters continue to take a page from the Karl Rove playbook. Nasty nasty nasty. Blame and demean Obama. Blame and demean Dean and the DNC. Blame and demean Nancy Pelosi. Blame and demean--Tim Russert? Tim death is karma for the media humilitating Hillary? What ignorance! And lots of talk on the site about a big telephone conference with McCain tomorrow. Lop off your nose to spite your face!

Posted at June 14, 2008 2:20 PM in response to Hard-Hearted Hillary Hardcore: What is Wrong with these People?

I really didn't want to watch this, but given all the time I have spent watching speeches and debates, I thought I would. I wasn't disappointed.

It was ultimate political theater.

This was the first time I have felt warm and respectful towards Hillary since January, having been her supporter until then. While not perfect, and there were a few opportunties missed, I thought she did an excellent job. Thanks Hillary.

Posted at June 7, 2008 1:37 PM in response to Hillary: Time To "Write The Next Chapter In America's Story"