(Telegraph).Disaster for Gordon Brown as Labour falls below Lib Dems in new poll
Gordon Brown has suffered a devastating blow with a new opinion poll showing Labour's support in a general election falling behind the Liberal Democrats for the first time in 22 years.
The ICM poll for The Sunday Telegraph is the worst possible news for the Prime Minister as he enters his most important week since taking power with Labour expecting a hammering in Thursday's local and European elections.
The results, which show Labour has suffered particularly badly from the MPs' expenses scandal in voters' eyes, are certain to ratchet up speculation that Mr Brown will face a leadership challenge in the next few weeks.
Royal row with Treasury looms Asked who they would support in a general election, only 22 per cent of voters back Labour, with the party slumping behind both the Conservatives on 40 per cent and, crucially for Mr Brown's future, the Liberal Democrats who are on 25 per cent.
The last time Labour was in third place in any poll in a "general election" question was in 1987 - when the party was reeling from defeat in a by-election held in Greenwich and hard-left local councils were tarnishing its reputation across the country.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Only in America....Adnan Barqawi Addresses RPV Convention: :"Impossible is Nothing..."
Adnan Barqawi, outgoing commander of the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech, addresses the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) state convention in Richmond on May 30, 2009. Barqawi became an American citizen on April 17 and will teach elementary school in the Mississippi Delta as part of the Teach for America program.a new citizen and descendent of Palestinian refugees born in Kuwait, who brought the house down with his speech given from the heart with a clear love of his new country and its founding principlesL:
"Impossible is nothing but a small word thrown around by low men who
would rather live in a world that is given to them than explore the
opportunities that they have before them."
"I have learned the meaning of individual responsibility. That no one is in charge of my welfare except myself."
"I have learned that diversity is the embracing your new culture rather than expecting the culture to embrace you."
"i don't call myself a Arab American...i call my self an American..."
"Impossible is nothing but a small word thrown around by low men who
would rather live in a world that is given to them than explore the
opportunities that they have before them."
"I have learned the meaning of individual responsibility. That no one is in charge of my welfare except myself."
"I have learned that diversity is the embracing your new culture rather than expecting the culture to embrace you."
"i don't call myself a Arab American...i call my self an American..."
Xerox CEO: Obama hasn’t detailed ‘exit plan’ for economic intervention
Anne Mulcahy, the top executive at Xerox Corp. and a one-time Obama adviser, said Sunday that the new administration has yet to detail a strategy for ending its heavy economic intervention.
“All of us understand the need for the government to intervene and take the actions they did – whether it was for the financial services industry or the stimulus plan. But I also think there’s a need for an exit plan [and] that this has to be one that’s thought through,” she told David Gregory, host of NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“All of us understand the need for the government to intervene and take the actions they did – whether it was for the financial services industry or the stimulus plan. But I also think there’s a need for an exit plan [and] that this has to be one that’s thought through,” she told David Gregory, host of NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Romney balks at government ownership of GM
Detroit News Washington Bureau -- The Obama administration and the United Auto Workers should immediately distribute their stock in a restructured GM to American taxpayers, former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Sunday.
"We don't want a president and the head of the UAW running General Motors," Romney, a Michigan native and son of former Gov. George Romney, said in an appearance on "Fox News Sunday."
Romney suggested that the roughly 70 percent of GM that the government could own after it emerges from bankruptcy should be immediately distributed to taxpayers, and the 17.5 percent that will go to a UAW trust fund for retiree healthcare should be handed out to UAW members.
Romney repeated his criticism of the auto policies followed by both the Bush and Obama administrations, saying GM and Chrysler should have been pushed into a restructuring, either in or out of bankruptcy court, months ago.
"I'm a son of Detroit. My dad was an auto executive," Romney said. "I drive American cars, I love American cars. My heart bleeds for the people in Michigan, in Detroit, for all those auto workers.
"This is a very sad circumstance for this country, and it represents bad decisions by management, overreaching by the UAW. It's really tragic in a lot of ways, and it has not been well-played either in my opinion by the Bush administration or the Obama administration."
"We don't want a president and the head of the UAW running General Motors," Romney, a Michigan native and son of former Gov. George Romney, said in an appearance on "Fox News Sunday."
Romney suggested that the roughly 70 percent of GM that the government could own after it emerges from bankruptcy should be immediately distributed to taxpayers, and the 17.5 percent that will go to a UAW trust fund for retiree healthcare should be handed out to UAW members.
Romney repeated his criticism of the auto policies followed by both the Bush and Obama administrations, saying GM and Chrysler should have been pushed into a restructuring, either in or out of bankruptcy court, months ago.
"I'm a son of Detroit. My dad was an auto executive," Romney said. "I drive American cars, I love American cars. My heart bleeds for the people in Michigan, in Detroit, for all those auto workers.
"This is a very sad circumstance for this country, and it represents bad decisions by management, overreaching by the UAW. It's really tragic in a lot of ways, and it has not been well-played either in my opinion by the Bush administration or the Obama administration."
Mitt hints at 2012 run: Im not closing the Door
(http://twitter.com/FoxNewsSunday)Mitt Romney on running for President in 2012: "I’m not going to close that door, but I’m not going to walk through it either."
" … We have plenty of time to decide what the future holds. It’s very early – five months into the president’s term. We’ll see how he does and we as a party are going to come back stronger, more vibrant, and more committed to following the principles that have always been at the base of our party.”
On the reemergence of the GOP:
"You know, there have been other times when our party has been written off," he said. "And what typically happens is that the party that gets all the power starts thinking good about themselves and overreaches, and the American people say they've gone too far."
"I think you'll see Republican Party come charging back," Romney added. "If we hold true to our principles and do a better job communicating those principles and holding true to them, acting as we speak, I think the American people will put us back in a position of leadership."
" … We have plenty of time to decide what the future holds. It’s very early – five months into the president’s term. We’ll see how he does and we as a party are going to come back stronger, more vibrant, and more committed to following the principles that have always been at the base of our party.”
On the reemergence of the GOP:
"You know, there have been other times when our party has been written off," he said. "And what typically happens is that the party that gets all the power starts thinking good about themselves and overreaches, and the American people say they've gone too far."
"I think you'll see Republican Party come charging back," Romney added. "If we hold true to our principles and do a better job communicating those principles and holding true to them, acting as we speak, I think the American people will put us back in a position of leadership."
Obama Learns Existence of Defense Department Intel Agency During Burger Run
On his trip to get a burger with Brian Williams at Five Guys this afternoon, the president appears to have learned of the existence of a Defense Department intelligence arm, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, from an agency employee also at the burger restaurant.
"So explain to me exactly what this National Geospatial..." Obama said, after the worker mentioned his employer, according to a video of the event.
"We work with, uh, satellite imagery," the worker, Walter replied.
"So explain to me exactly what this National Geospatial..." Obama said, after the worker mentioned his employer, according to a video of the event.
"We work with, uh, satellite imagery," the worker, Walter replied.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Bob Mcdonnell (VA) at acceptence speech: They'll just say NO, we'll just say YES
.....Now, my fellow Republicans, you know that elections are about choices. And this year -- regardless of who the Democrats choose on June 9th -- there will be a clear choice for Virginians going to the polls on November 3rd.
I will offer big ideas and positive solutions -- we will be the party that embraces reform and says YES.
On energy, our opponents will say NO to offshore drilling, NO to clean coal, NO to nuclear, and NO to the new jobs and investment that come with it.
When it comes to promoting energy independence:
They'll just say NO, we'll just say YES!
When it comes to the job-killing card check bill which threatens Virginia's Right to Work law, a cornerstone of our business success, our opponents will say NO to protecting the secret ballot, and NO to safeguarding Virginia's Right to Work law.
When it comes to keeping Virginia competitive:
They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!
When it comes to educating our children, our opponents will say NO to more educational choices, NO to charter schools, and NO to performance pay for our best teachers and principals who help our children to achieve excellence.
When it comes to improving our schools:
They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!
On the issue of government efficiency and spending, our opponents will say NO to eliminating burdensome regulations, NO to making government simpler and more user-friendly, NO to reducing unnecessary permits, fees, licenses, and decals, NO to reducing wasteful spending.
When it comes to government accountability:
They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!
There will be a clear choice in November. We will offer positive, innovative solutions to create new jobs and provide greater freedom and opportunity for all Virginians.
When it comes to Virginia's future and the need for changes in Richmond: We'll just say YES!
I will offer big ideas and positive solutions -- we will be the party that embraces reform and says YES.
On energy, our opponents will say NO to offshore drilling, NO to clean coal, NO to nuclear, and NO to the new jobs and investment that come with it.
When it comes to promoting energy independence:
They'll just say NO, we'll just say YES!
When it comes to the job-killing card check bill which threatens Virginia's Right to Work law, a cornerstone of our business success, our opponents will say NO to protecting the secret ballot, and NO to safeguarding Virginia's Right to Work law.
When it comes to keeping Virginia competitive:
They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!
When it comes to educating our children, our opponents will say NO to more educational choices, NO to charter schools, and NO to performance pay for our best teachers and principals who help our children to achieve excellence.
When it comes to improving our schools:
They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!
On the issue of government efficiency and spending, our opponents will say NO to eliminating burdensome regulations, NO to making government simpler and more user-friendly, NO to reducing unnecessary permits, fees, licenses, and decals, NO to reducing wasteful spending.
When it comes to government accountability:
They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!
There will be a clear choice in November. We will offer positive, innovative solutions to create new jobs and provide greater freedom and opportunity for all Virginians.
When it comes to Virginia's future and the need for changes in Richmond: We'll just say YES!
Romney at GOP gala inVA: Virginia and NJ will bring our Voice back on track
(washingtonpost)...The former Massachusetts governor received an enthusiastic welcome when he appeared later at the sold-out Commonwealth Gala as a kick off of the annual state GOP convention in Richmond. The audience of about 1,300 -- some who were seated at tables out of sight oustide the ballroom -- gave him a standing ovation.
"For a guy from Massachusetts this is a bit of an unusual experience,'' Romney quipped. "There are more Republicans here than in my entire state."
I'm proud of our party, I'm proud of what its stands for," said Romney, the keynote speaker for tonight's Republican Party of Virginia fundraiser at the Richmond Marriott.
"From time to time there will be setbacks, but those setbacks make us more energized," said Romney. "America and Virginia are a center right state and a center right nation," Romney continued.
Romney said the statewide elections this year in Virginia and New Jersey are cruicial for the health of the Republican party.
"These are two states where Republicans can pick up governor's offices,'' he said. "That sends a pretty strong signal that conservative principles -- keeping government small, keeping taxes down and trying to build jobs in the private sector --really is the approach that the American people find most attractive. I think what you are seeing here in Virginia as well as New Jersey could well speak to the entire country."
"For a guy from Massachusetts this is a bit of an unusual experience,'' Romney quipped. "There are more Republicans here than in my entire state."
I'm proud of our party, I'm proud of what its stands for," said Romney, the keynote speaker for tonight's Republican Party of Virginia fundraiser at the Richmond Marriott.
"From time to time there will be setbacks, but those setbacks make us more energized," said Romney. "America and Virginia are a center right state and a center right nation," Romney continued.
Romney said the statewide elections this year in Virginia and New Jersey are cruicial for the health of the Republican party.
"These are two states where Republicans can pick up governor's offices,'' he said. "That sends a pretty strong signal that conservative principles -- keeping government small, keeping taxes down and trying to build jobs in the private sector --really is the approach that the American people find most attractive. I think what you are seeing here in Virginia as well as New Jersey could well speak to the entire country."
Our Comeback kicks off here! Romney Endorses Bob McDonnell for Virginia Governor
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, honorary chairman of the Free and Strong America PAC, today proudly endorsed former Attorney General Bob McDonnell for governor of Virginia and Bill Bolling for lieutenant governor.
Romney applauded the McDonnell-Bolling ticket for its pursuit of pro-growth policies that will get the economy moving again.
“Like the rest of the country, Virginia faces some economic challenges but they can be overcome with the right leadership in place at the State House,” said Romney. “Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling will create an environment that allows businesses to expand, add jobs and put people to work.”
“With Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling, the people of Virginia have a winning team that will make Virginia stronger and more prosperous,” said Romney.
From Washington post:
"What is happening in Virginia and New Jersey is really critical to conservative principles nationally. These are two states where Republicans can pick up governors' offices," Mr. Romney said at a press conference.
The former Massachusetts governor and presidential contender spent two days stumping in Virginia before addressing GOP convention goers at the party's kickoff dinner, where he told the delegates that "Republicans must stay true to their principles."
While Mr. Romney says it is too early to decide whether he will be running for president in 2012, he told The Washington Times that he has been spending the last year since losing his bid for the party's presidential nomination working with his political action committee, campaigning for candidates he supports and writing a book about the issues affecting the Republican Party.
"I am campaigning for Republican candidates who I think can make a real difference for their country and their state," he said, after finishing two days of campaign and fundraising appearances with Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.
He dismissed the setbacks the party has faced in recent years, saying that such issues are natural but that the party can regain its standing because overall, he said, the state and country are "center right."
"If you put country first and do what is right for America and what is right for Virginia, then the voters are going to follow," Mr. Romney said.
Stressing party unity, Mr. Romney noted that Mr. McDonnell and Mr. Bolling have been "working as a team, not in a battle in the Republican Party."
At the press conference, he also dismissed the disparate voices in the party of former Vice President Dick Cheney, radio host Rush Limbaugh and House Minority Whip Rep. Eric Cantor. "When you don't have the White House, then you have a lot of voices that are all ... expressing their own views," Mr. Romney said.
Romney applauded the McDonnell-Bolling ticket for its pursuit of pro-growth policies that will get the economy moving again.
“Like the rest of the country, Virginia faces some economic challenges but they can be overcome with the right leadership in place at the State House,” said Romney. “Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling will create an environment that allows businesses to expand, add jobs and put people to work.”
“With Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling, the people of Virginia have a winning team that will make Virginia stronger and more prosperous,” said Romney.
From Washington post:
"What is happening in Virginia and New Jersey is really critical to conservative principles nationally. These are two states where Republicans can pick up governors' offices," Mr. Romney said at a press conference.
The former Massachusetts governor and presidential contender spent two days stumping in Virginia before addressing GOP convention goers at the party's kickoff dinner, where he told the delegates that "Republicans must stay true to their principles."
While Mr. Romney says it is too early to decide whether he will be running for president in 2012, he told The Washington Times that he has been spending the last year since losing his bid for the party's presidential nomination working with his political action committee, campaigning for candidates he supports and writing a book about the issues affecting the Republican Party.
"I am campaigning for Republican candidates who I think can make a real difference for their country and their state," he said, after finishing two days of campaign and fundraising appearances with Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.
He dismissed the setbacks the party has faced in recent years, saying that such issues are natural but that the party can regain its standing because overall, he said, the state and country are "center right."
"If you put country first and do what is right for America and what is right for Virginia, then the voters are going to follow," Mr. Romney said.
Stressing party unity, Mr. Romney noted that Mr. McDonnell and Mr. Bolling have been "working as a team, not in a battle in the Republican Party."
At the press conference, he also dismissed the disparate voices in the party of former Vice President Dick Cheney, radio host Rush Limbaugh and House Minority Whip Rep. Eric Cantor. "When you don't have the White House, then you have a lot of voices that are all ... expressing their own views," Mr. Romney said.
BANKRUPTSY? BAD ECONOMY?NOT IN OBAMASTAN! Obama's flies with Taxpayers Money to NY to date Wife
In Obama's words "Everyone's going to have to give. Everyone's going to have to have some skin in the game."
(Politico).But President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama landed in New York Sunday afternoon, and after taking a helicopter from JFK into Manhattan, drove up the West Side Highway, where the northbound lanes were shut down by police for their visit, past Ground Zero, into the Village for dinner at the Village's Blue Hill restaurant, before heading up to Times Square to see a production of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" at the Belasco Theater on West 44 Street.
Asked about the cost of the trip, which Republicans have criticized as indulgent, coming just ahead of the expected announcement of GM's bankruptcy filing on Monday, Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest told pool reporter Dave Michaels of the Dallas Morning News, that he "didn't anticipate being able to provide a cost estimate tonight."
The Republican National Committee slammed the outing in an "RNC Research Piece": "As President Obama prepares to wing into Manhattan’s theater district on Air Force One to take in a Broadway show, GM is preparing to file bankruptcy and families across America continue to struggle to pay their bills. ... Have a great Saturday evening – even if you’re not jetting off somewhere at taxpayer expense. ... PUTTING ON A SHOW: Obamas Wing Into The City For An Evening Out While Another Iconic American Company Prepares For Bankruptcy."
The RNC's Gail Gitcho added: "If President Obama wants to go to the theater, isn’t the Presidential box at the Kennedy Center good enough?”
(Politico).But President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama landed in New York Sunday afternoon, and after taking a helicopter from JFK into Manhattan, drove up the West Side Highway, where the northbound lanes were shut down by police for their visit, past Ground Zero, into the Village for dinner at the Village's Blue Hill restaurant, before heading up to Times Square to see a production of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" at the Belasco Theater on West 44 Street.
Asked about the cost of the trip, which Republicans have criticized as indulgent, coming just ahead of the expected announcement of GM's bankruptcy filing on Monday, Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest told pool reporter Dave Michaels of the Dallas Morning News, that he "didn't anticipate being able to provide a cost estimate tonight."
The Republican National Committee slammed the outing in an "RNC Research Piece": "As President Obama prepares to wing into Manhattan’s theater district on Air Force One to take in a Broadway show, GM is preparing to file bankruptcy and families across America continue to struggle to pay their bills. ... Have a great Saturday evening – even if you’re not jetting off somewhere at taxpayer expense. ... PUTTING ON A SHOW: Obamas Wing Into The City For An Evening Out While Another Iconic American Company Prepares For Bankruptcy."
The RNC's Gail Gitcho added: "If President Obama wants to go to the theater, isn’t the Presidential box at the Kennedy Center good enough?”
Romney's Schedule Hints at 2012 Run
(Boston Globe) Ask Mitt Romney about his presidential ambitions, and he artfully demurs. But his schedule keeps looking like that of someone who has his eyes on 2012.
The former Massachusetts governor, who sought the GOP nomination last year, was the keynote speaker last night at the Virginia Republican Party's big Commonwealth Gala dinner in Richmond, his latest appearance before the party faithful.
Tomorrow, Romney is scheduled to make his latest appearance on a political talk show, on "Fox News Sunday."
And on Monday morning, he is scheduled to give a major policy speech on national security at the high-profile Heritage Foundation in Washington, his latest venture into critiquing President Obama.
Romney's speech, titled "The Care of Freedom," will assess the Obama administration's response to North Korea's nuclear and missile tests "and America's larger leadership role in the world," the foundation said.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Bush: "I vowed to take whatever steps that were necessary to protect you"
(CNN) BENTON HARBOR, Michigan Former President George W. Bush on Thursday repeated Dick Cheney's assertion that the administration's enhanced interrogation program, which included controversial techniques such as waterboarding, was legal and garnered valuable information that prevented terrorist attacks.
Former President George W. Bush defended his administration in speech Thursday in Michigan.Bush told a southwestern Michigan audience of nearly 2,500 -- the largest he has addressed in the United States since leaving the White House in January -- that, after the September 11 attacks, "I vowed to take whatever steps that were necessary to protect you."
"The first thing you do is ask what's legal?" Bush said. "What do the lawyers say is possible? I made the decision, within the law, to get information so I can say to myself, 'I've done what it takes to do my duty to protect the American people.' I can tell you that the information we got saved lives."
The former president received a noisy standing ovation when answering a question about what he wants his legacy to be.
"Well, I hope it is this: The man showed up with a set of principles, and he was unwilling to compromise his soul for the sake of popularity," he said.
Cantor and McCain Endorse Meg Whitman
(Fox & Hounds) House Republican Whip Eric Cantor, who has arguably emerged as the conservative leader in Congress, will endorse Meg Whitman for Governor in Los Angeles Thursday.
(Newsmax) Arizona Sen. John McCain will announce his support for Republican Meg Whitman in California’s 2010 gubernatorial race Friday, a Whitman spokesman says.
"We are thrilled to have someone of his stature as part of the team," spokesman Mitch Zak told Associated Press.
Whitman, former chief executive of eBay, was a national co-chair of McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign and advised him on economic issues.
She seeks to replace incumbent Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who can’t run for a third straight term and has lost popularity amid California’s financial crisis anyway.
Whitman has earned support from other powerful Republicans on the national scene as well. Former California Gov. Pete Wilson is her campaign chairman, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has endorsed her.
Romney Keynote Speaker at Virginia GOP Convention
(AP) RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Republicans are kicking off their state convention with a speech by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
Romney, who unsuccessfully sought his party's presidential nomination last year, will be the keynote speaker at Friday night's Commonwealth Gala fundraising event in Richmond.
Thousands of convention delegates will get down to the business of nominating the Republican slate of candidates for statewide office Saturday.
Romney, who unsuccessfully sought his party's presidential nomination last year, will be the keynote speaker at Friday night's Commonwealth Gala fundraising event in Richmond.
Thousands of convention delegates will get down to the business of nominating the Republican slate of candidates for statewide office Saturday.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
As if you were never Told! A moderate Republican regrets Voting for Obama
(NewMajority).Admittedly, I was one of the moderate conservatives who was wooed by Obama during his PR campaign to become the country's next president. Sadly, even though I was still unsure of my vote until the week before the election, I know better now. I truly had no idea he would turn out to be the radical tax and spend liberal he's revealed. Since the beginning of his presidency, Obama seems more interested in making policies and decisions that grab headlines than those in the best interests of the country.The president wants to do everything at one time, national healthcare, economy, taxes (wealth redistribution), clean energy, infrastructure, education and more. He acts very king-like, expecting Congress to endorse everything he floats their way, but his high octane PR strategy--loaded with smiles and good oratory may be fading.
....These recent events, the planned closing of Gitmo and "CIA-gate", have made the president look very inexperienced and unpolished in his ability to lead the nation and only widened the partisan bickering in Washington.
....It seems like the president's image is unraveling in recent months and we're getting a look at the real Obama underneath the PR, razzle, dazzle veneer he sports so well. I think Americans are growing weary of the sparkle, shine and high-spending policies this president is selling and want to see something more. Every week he is on TV holding a press conference for this or that announcement on funding, bailouts or programs to expand government exponentially. As my father exclaimed recently, "when does he have time to run the country, if he's on television everyday." This is a question to be pondered. Team Obama may have won the presidency through an innovative public relations campaign but winning over the confidence of Americans and setting the country on the right course will require careful thought, temperance and bipartisan collaboration.
A smile and eloquent speech won't make it all right.
....These recent events, the planned closing of Gitmo and "CIA-gate", have made the president look very inexperienced and unpolished in his ability to lead the nation and only widened the partisan bickering in Washington.
....It seems like the president's image is unraveling in recent months and we're getting a look at the real Obama underneath the PR, razzle, dazzle veneer he sports so well. I think Americans are growing weary of the sparkle, shine and high-spending policies this president is selling and want to see something more. Every week he is on TV holding a press conference for this or that announcement on funding, bailouts or programs to expand government exponentially. As my father exclaimed recently, "when does he have time to run the country, if he's on television everyday." This is a question to be pondered. Team Obama may have won the presidency through an innovative public relations campaign but winning over the confidence of Americans and setting the country on the right course will require careful thought, temperance and bipartisan collaboration.
A smile and eloquent speech won't make it all right.
Is Obama treating Netanyahu as a Republican?
Martin indik in a interview in Yediot Achronot:
..........“On his current visit to Washington, Netanyahu arrived in a different
city to the one he knew in 1996. At that time, the Republicans had a
majority in both houses of Congress. Netanyahu is more a Republican
than a Likudnik: the Republicans consider him one of their own. Today,
the Republicans are in a difficult situation, and Obama, as a skilled
politician, understands this.”
..........“On his current visit to Washington, Netanyahu arrived in a different
city to the one he knew in 1996. At that time, the Republicans had a
majority in both houses of Congress. Netanyahu is more a Republican
than a Likudnik: the Republicans consider him one of their own. Today,
the Republicans are in a difficult situation, and Obama, as a skilled
politician, understands this.”
Obama in LA: I've Made mistakes and 'You aint see Nothing yet'!!
(The Hill).The president, speaking to a dinner which cost couples $30,400 to attend, was followed by a larger, lower-dollar concert that all told raised between $3 million and $4 million for the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
At the concert, headlined by Jennifer Hudson and more, Obama responded to an audience member yelling, "Yes we can" by saying, "Yes we have. But we've got more work to do. We can't rest on our laurels.
"We didn't ask for the challenges that we face, but we don't shrink from them either," he said. "It won't be easy. There will be setbacks. It will take time."
"I've made some mistakes, and I guarantee you I'll make some more," he said.
But Obama said in promising to continue to work hard, "Los Angeles, you ain't seen nothing yet."
At the concert, headlined by Jennifer Hudson and more, Obama responded to an audience member yelling, "Yes we can" by saying, "Yes we have. But we've got more work to do. We can't rest on our laurels.
"We didn't ask for the challenges that we face, but we don't shrink from them either," he said. "It won't be easy. There will be setbacks. It will take time."
"I've made some mistakes, and I guarantee you I'll make some more," he said.
But Obama said in promising to continue to work hard, "Los Angeles, you ain't seen nothing yet."
Romney to speak Monday on missile defense
(The Note).The Heritage Foundation is hosting what it describes as a "timely policy speech" by Romney on Monday at the U.S. Navy Memorial which appears to expand his indictment of Obama's foreign policy in the traditional terms of a Republican attacking a Democratic president as soft on defense.
The theme:
"Since the nation’s early days, America’s leadership in the world has depended on strong and uncompromising military strength. It is the best ally peace has ever known.
In this timely policy speech, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney warns against proposed defense cuts that will increase our vulnerability, imperil our allies and diminish the cause of freedom. In making the case for a stronger military, Romney will review current threats to American leadership and the challenges ahead."
Politico's Ben Smith and The Hill's Jeremy Jacobs note Mitt Romney's steady effort to boost his foreign policy cred, so he's not just the economy guy.
Smith:
Romney, in particular, is continuing to do what you do if you're running for president: avoid cable overexposure and build an intellectual and policy infrastructure to lean on later.
Jacobs:
We've been keeping a close eye on Romney because he can pick and choose when he wants to step into the national dialogue. And Romney has spoken up on several issues recently. Last month, he chimed in on North Korea and criticized President Obama on foreign policy. More recently, he slammed Obama for his national security speech and called Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court "troubling."
More on Romney:
.... Romney is right on track. That seems to be a constanst for Romney when he makes his various appearances. The man can talk about his ideas effortlessly and sound convincing while doing it. Moreover, Romney never makes a mistake while on camera. He looks sharp, always sounds smart, and promotes conservatism and Republican policies everywhere he goes.
Romney wasn’t even on my radar during the last election but the man grew on me after Fred Thompson dropped out. Right now, as it all stands, Mitt Romney is the only real national leader that the Republicans have. While he refuses the title, he is tireless in that endeavor nonetheless. And he will garner large support because of his efforts.
The theme:
"Since the nation’s early days, America’s leadership in the world has depended on strong and uncompromising military strength. It is the best ally peace has ever known.
In this timely policy speech, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney warns against proposed defense cuts that will increase our vulnerability, imperil our allies and diminish the cause of freedom. In making the case for a stronger military, Romney will review current threats to American leadership and the challenges ahead."
Politico's Ben Smith and The Hill's Jeremy Jacobs note Mitt Romney's steady effort to boost his foreign policy cred, so he's not just the economy guy.
Smith:
Romney, in particular, is continuing to do what you do if you're running for president: avoid cable overexposure and build an intellectual and policy infrastructure to lean on later.
Jacobs:
We've been keeping a close eye on Romney because he can pick and choose when he wants to step into the national dialogue. And Romney has spoken up on several issues recently. Last month, he chimed in on North Korea and criticized President Obama on foreign policy. More recently, he slammed Obama for his national security speech and called Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court "troubling."
More on Romney:
.... Romney is right on track. That seems to be a constanst for Romney when he makes his various appearances. The man can talk about his ideas effortlessly and sound convincing while doing it. Moreover, Romney never makes a mistake while on camera. He looks sharp, always sounds smart, and promotes conservatism and Republican policies everywhere he goes.
Romney wasn’t even on my radar during the last election but the man grew on me after Fred Thompson dropped out. Right now, as it all stands, Mitt Romney is the only real national leader that the Republicans have. While he refuses the title, he is tireless in that endeavor nonetheless. And he will garner large support because of his efforts.
Obama's NS Advisor: North Korea - No threat to the US
President Obama’s national security adviser on Wednesday said that North Korea’s recent nuclear detonation and subsequent missile tests are not “an imminent threat” to the safety and security of the United States.
Retired Marine Corps Gen. James Jones, in his first speech on the administration’s approach to national security, said that the “imminent threat” posed by North Korea is that of the proliferation of nuclear technologies to other countries and terrorist organizations.
North Korea still has “a long way” to “weaponize” and work on the delivery of its nuclear missiles before they pose a threat to U.S. security, Jones said in a discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council.
“Nothing that the North Koreans did surprised us,” Jones said. “We knew that they were going to do this, they said so, so no reason not to believe them.”
Retired Marine Corps Gen. James Jones, in his first speech on the administration’s approach to national security, said that the “imminent threat” posed by North Korea is that of the proliferation of nuclear technologies to other countries and terrorist organizations.
North Korea still has “a long way” to “weaponize” and work on the delivery of its nuclear missiles before they pose a threat to U.S. security, Jones said in a discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council.
“Nothing that the North Koreans did surprised us,” Jones said. “We knew that they were going to do this, they said so, so no reason not to believe them.”
MITT DRIVE- Want a GOP office in Utah? Best get your glove on Mitt
(Deseret News).It used to be Ronald Reagan.
Now it's Mitt Romney.
If you are a Republican trying to win an office in Utah, you want to stand next to Romney, the locally popular former head of the Salt Lake Winter Olympics.
More important, you want Romney's Utah fundraising ability.
Apparently, it doesn't get any better than a Mitt For Me endorsement — even if you only partly think you have it.
In the case of U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, he does have it — both the endorsement and fundraising, Romney was in town a month ago for a "Bennett in 2010" event and official endorsement, which raised an estimated $225,000 for the senator's re-election effort next year.
And wasting no time, Bennett is now running a Romney TV endorsement ad that in 30 seconds has Romney saying three times that Bennett is a conservative.
Now it's Mitt Romney.
If you are a Republican trying to win an office in Utah, you want to stand next to Romney, the locally popular former head of the Salt Lake Winter Olympics.
More important, you want Romney's Utah fundraising ability.
Apparently, it doesn't get any better than a Mitt For Me endorsement — even if you only partly think you have it.
In the case of U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, he does have it — both the endorsement and fundraising, Romney was in town a month ago for a "Bennett in 2010" event and official endorsement, which raised an estimated $225,000 for the senator's re-election effort next year.
And wasting no time, Bennett is now running a Romney TV endorsement ad that in 30 seconds has Romney saying three times that Bennett is a conservative.
Romney stumps for Christie(NJ); strengthens his chances of winning N.J. in '12
(AP). Republican Chris Christie campaigned in south Jersey Thursday with former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
The former Massachusetts governor says Christie will provide the kind of conservative leadership New Jersey needs.
Romney told a crowd of about 50 on the steps of Haddonfield Borough Hall that New Jersey has "tried liberal" and it's time for the state "to have a chance to try conservative."
"I'm convinced the challenges facing New Jersey and the rest of the country can be overcome with courageous leadership. Chris Christie is a strong conservative voice for balanced budgets, low taxes and more jobs. He will bring badly-needed change to state government," Romney said in a statement released by his Free and Strong America PAC. "By electing Chris Christie, the people of New Jersey will be taking a giant step toward a brighter and more prosperous future."
From PolitickerNJ:
...Mitt Romney's decision to pick a horse in the New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary likely accomplishes two things: it boosts former U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie's standing among conservatives, and it strengthens Romney's chances of picking up organizational and fundraising support in New Jersey if he seeks the 2012 GOP nomination for President.
Christie leads former Bogota Mayor Steven Lonegan, who has been the de facto leader of the conservative wing of the New Jersey GOP for the last six years, by 23 percentage points, according to a poll released last week by Quinnipiac University.
The former Massachusetts governor says Christie will provide the kind of conservative leadership New Jersey needs.
Romney told a crowd of about 50 on the steps of Haddonfield Borough Hall that New Jersey has "tried liberal" and it's time for the state "to have a chance to try conservative."
"I'm convinced the challenges facing New Jersey and the rest of the country can be overcome with courageous leadership. Chris Christie is a strong conservative voice for balanced budgets, low taxes and more jobs. He will bring badly-needed change to state government," Romney said in a statement released by his Free and Strong America PAC. "By electing Chris Christie, the people of New Jersey will be taking a giant step toward a brighter and more prosperous future."
From PolitickerNJ:
...Mitt Romney's decision to pick a horse in the New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary likely accomplishes two things: it boosts former U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie's standing among conservatives, and it strengthens Romney's chances of picking up organizational and fundraising support in New Jersey if he seeks the 2012 GOP nomination for President.
Christie leads former Bogota Mayor Steven Lonegan, who has been the de facto leader of the conservative wing of the New Jersey GOP for the last six years, by 23 percentage points, according to a poll released last week by Quinnipiac University.
Toomey (PA) gains ground, Trails Specter by only 9%
(Quinnipiac).Former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey, the likely Republican challenger in the 2010 Pennsylvania Senate race, has gained some ground and now trails newly-converted Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter 46 - 37 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
This compares to a 53 - 33 percent Specter lead in a May 4 survey by the independent Quinnipiac University poll.
In this latest look at the Specter-Toomey matchup, Republicans back Toomey 73 - 16 percent. Specter leads 73 - 10 percent among Democrats and 43 - 33 percent among independent voters. The Democrat leads 47 - 39 percent among men and 45 - 35 percent among women.
"Sen. Arlen Specter's numbers have slipped since the controversy that followed his switch to the Democratic Party, but he's still better off than he would have been if he stayed a Republican and faced a tough primary challenge from former Rep. Pat Toomey," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"Running as a Democrat, the Senator leads Toomey by 9 points, down from 20 points right after his conversion.
This compares to a 53 - 33 percent Specter lead in a May 4 survey by the independent Quinnipiac University poll.
In this latest look at the Specter-Toomey matchup, Republicans back Toomey 73 - 16 percent. Specter leads 73 - 10 percent among Democrats and 43 - 33 percent among independent voters. The Democrat leads 47 - 39 percent among men and 45 - 35 percent among women.
"Sen. Arlen Specter's numbers have slipped since the controversy that followed his switch to the Democratic Party, but he's still better off than he would have been if he stayed a Republican and faced a tough primary challenge from former Rep. Pat Toomey," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"Running as a Democrat, the Senator leads Toomey by 9 points, down from 20 points right after his conversion.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Obamastan targets Israel In plea to Muslim world- Clinton: Israel settlement must halt
(Reuters) - The United States wants Israel to stop expanding Jewish settlements without exception, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday, promising that Washington would push this point with its ally.Palestinian and other Arab officials have long argued that Israel's expansion of settlements on land it occupied in the 1967 Middle East war undermine efforts to negotiate a peace agreement to end the six-decade conflict."The president was very clear when Prime Minister Netanyahu was here. He wants to see a stop to settlements -- not some settlements, not outposts, not natural growth exceptions," Clinton said at a news conference with Egypt's foreign minister."We think it is in the best interests of the effort that we are engaged in that settlement expansion cease. That is our position, that is what we have communicated very clearly not only to the Israelis but to the Palestinians and others and we intend to press that point.
NYtimes Whining - Netanyahu scored and Won over Obama
(NYtimes) — Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, won the first round over President Barack Obama. That’s not good for American interests or for Israel’s long-term security.
All the overblown reciprocal compliments could not hide evident tensions — over Iran and Israel-Palestine and how the two are linked. In the end, Obama blinked.
The president ceded to Israeli pressure for a timetable on any Iran talks, saying a “reassessment” should be possible by year’s end (Israel had pressed for an October deadline). Obama talked of the possibility of “much stronger international sanctions” against Iran, undermining his groundbreaking earlier overture that included a core truth: “This process will not be advanced by threats.”
Obama also allowed Netanyahu to compliment him for “leaving all options on the table” — the standard formula for a possible U.S. military strike against Iran — when he said nothing of the sort. The president did, however, use that tired phrase in a Newsweek interview this month — another mistake given the unthinkable consequences of a third U.S. war front in the Muslim world.
In return, what did Obama get? Not even acknowledgment from Netanyahu that Palestinian statehood, rather than some form of eternal limbo, is the notional goal of negotiations.
Score one for Netanyahu, who, in the words of one former American official who knows him well, “is the kind of guy who negotiates the time he will go to the bathroom.”
All the overblown reciprocal compliments could not hide evident tensions — over Iran and Israel-Palestine and how the two are linked. In the end, Obama blinked.
The president ceded to Israeli pressure for a timetable on any Iran talks, saying a “reassessment” should be possible by year’s end (Israel had pressed for an October deadline). Obama talked of the possibility of “much stronger international sanctions” against Iran, undermining his groundbreaking earlier overture that included a core truth: “This process will not be advanced by threats.”
Obama also allowed Netanyahu to compliment him for “leaving all options on the table” — the standard formula for a possible U.S. military strike against Iran — when he said nothing of the sort. The president did, however, use that tired phrase in a Newsweek interview this month — another mistake given the unthinkable consequences of a third U.S. war front in the Muslim world.
In return, what did Obama get? Not even acknowledgment from Netanyahu that Palestinian statehood, rather than some form of eternal limbo, is the notional goal of negotiations.
Score one for Netanyahu, who, in the words of one former American official who knows him well, “is the kind of guy who negotiates the time he will go to the bathroom.”
Jeb Bush Jr. Endorsing Marco Rubio
Just in via email:
"I’m proud to announce the endorsement of Jeb Bush Jr.(the son of the former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush),He will be a great asset in our efforts to reach the next generation of GOP leadership".
Marco Rubio
Update:
Jeb Bush Jr.'s endorsement
Today I would like to let you know that I will be enthusiastically supporting my friend Marco Rubio for his bid for the United States Senate.
Florida and our country are at a crossroads. Not only in our economic life, but in who we are as Republicans.
My choice was a simple one: Marco Rubio represents the best in what our Party should strive to be and who it must engage – he is young, conservative, and believes in the principles of our Founding Fathers, that individual freedom and liberty are what makes our country great and always will.
Marco Rubio is a candidate who can help to bring our Party back on track by reaching out to our youth, entrepreneurs, Hispanics and those who believe that if you work hard enough, anything you dream can be achieved. With Marco, we have a great opportunity to elect a true conservative and a greater obligation to elect a man of principle.
I hope that you will join with me in this exciting journey to elect my friend Marco Rubio to the United States Senate in 2010. If you can make a donation today to keep this effort going it will go a long way to bring back common sense and a return to conservative principles in Washington. http://marcorubio.com/donate.php
I thank you for your time and consideration.
With warm regards,
Bush, Jr.
"I’m proud to announce the endorsement of Jeb Bush Jr.(the son of the former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush),He will be a great asset in our efforts to reach the next generation of GOP leadership".
Marco Rubio
Update:
Jeb Bush Jr.'s endorsement
Today I would like to let you know that I will be enthusiastically supporting my friend Marco Rubio for his bid for the United States Senate.
Florida and our country are at a crossroads. Not only in our economic life, but in who we are as Republicans.
My choice was a simple one: Marco Rubio represents the best in what our Party should strive to be and who it must engage – he is young, conservative, and believes in the principles of our Founding Fathers, that individual freedom and liberty are what makes our country great and always will.
Marco Rubio is a candidate who can help to bring our Party back on track by reaching out to our youth, entrepreneurs, Hispanics and those who believe that if you work hard enough, anything you dream can be achieved. With Marco, we have a great opportunity to elect a true conservative and a greater obligation to elect a man of principle.
I hope that you will join with me in this exciting journey to elect my friend Marco Rubio to the United States Senate in 2010. If you can make a donation today to keep this effort going it will go a long way to bring back common sense and a return to conservative principles in Washington. http://marcorubio.com/donate.php
I thank you for your time and consideration.
With warm regards,
Bush, Jr.
A leader that STANDS UP for his Country - Israeli Prime Minister Cancels Europe visit
(AHN) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled his June 3 meeting with French President Nicholas Sarkozy because of Paris' position that Jerusalem should be the capital of two states.
Israeli officials had cited incomplete preparation as the reason for the cancellation announced Tuesday but the French Foreign Ministry said otherwise.
Ministry spokesman Frederic Desagneaux was quoted as saying by Ejpress.org that the cancellation was related to the French government's accusation that Netanyahu is prejudicing the outcome of the Middle East peace process by declaring that Jerusalem would forever be Israel's undivided capital.
Israeli officials had cited incomplete preparation as the reason for the cancellation announced Tuesday but the French Foreign Ministry said otherwise.
Ministry spokesman Frederic Desagneaux was quoted as saying by Ejpress.org that the cancellation was related to the French government's accusation that Netanyahu is prejudicing the outcome of the Middle East peace process by declaring that Jerusalem would forever be Israel's undivided capital.
Obama's approval rating Drops to a new low; only 25% agree with him on Gitmo
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 31% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Thirty percent (30%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of +1. That’s the lowest positive rating yet received by the new President (Obama's rating was the past few month at a steady 35%).
Following the President’s speech on the Guantanamo prison camp, just 38% agree with the President’s decision. Forty-nine percent (49%) now disagree. Opinion was evenly divided in January. By a two-to-one margin, voters oppose having any of the suspected terrorists brought to prisons in the United States. Only 25% share the President’s belief that the Guantanamo camp weakened the nation’s security.
Following the President’s speech on the Guantanamo prison camp, just 38% agree with the President’s decision. Forty-nine percent (49%) now disagree. Opinion was evenly divided in January. By a two-to-one margin, voters oppose having any of the suspected terrorists brought to prisons in the United States. Only 25% share the President’s belief that the Guantanamo camp weakened the nation’s security.
Gibbons refuses to meet President: I want a Apology
(Hotairpundit).Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons has declined an invitation to meet briefly with President Barack Obama while he's in Las Vegas today, his office announced yesterday, and instead has demanded that the president publicly apologize for remarks he made earlier this year discouraging travel to Las Vegas.
"While I appreciate the offer, I am not interested in a handshake and a hello from President Obama," Gibbons said in a statement. "I am interested in an apology and plan to undo the damage the president did."
"While I appreciate the offer, I am not interested in a handshake and a hello from President Obama," Gibbons said in a statement. "I am interested in an apology and plan to undo the damage the president did."
Huckabee to endorse Rubio for Senate
(GOP12).A HuckPAC email seems to have revealed Mike Huckabee's plan to endorse Marco Rubio in Florida's Senate race.HuckPAC sent the fundraising email to supporters today, which includes Marco Rubio's name as the type of candidate contributions will go to.
The slip is scrubbed from HuckPAC's official newsletter.Rubio, of course, endorsed Mike Huckabee in the 2008 primaries. If Huck were, indeed, to return the favor, it's a sign he's moving further from the establishment that never really trusted him.
The errant email (emphasis added):"The appointment of Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court is the clearest indication yet that President Obama's campaign promises to be a centrist and think in a bi-partisan way were mere rhetoric.Sotomayor comes from the far left and will likely leave us with something akin to the "Extreme Court" that could mark a major shift. The notion that appellate court decisions are to be interpreted by the "feelings" of the judge is a direct affront of the basic premise of our judicial system that is supposed to apply the law without personal emotion. If she is confirmed, then we need to take the blindfold off Lady Justice.Please make a contribution today in support of our efforts to elect Republicans to the Senate. While we may not be able to block liberal Judge Sotomayor, we must be prepared for future nominations. Electing more Republicans to the Senate then is critical.Your contribution or $5, $10, $25 or $50 will be invested in the candidates for Senate Huck PAC endorses. Candidates such as Marco Rubio of Florida".
The slip is scrubbed from HuckPAC's official newsletter.Rubio, of course, endorsed Mike Huckabee in the 2008 primaries. If Huck were, indeed, to return the favor, it's a sign he's moving further from the establishment that never really trusted him.
The errant email (emphasis added):"The appointment of Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court is the clearest indication yet that President Obama's campaign promises to be a centrist and think in a bi-partisan way were mere rhetoric.Sotomayor comes from the far left and will likely leave us with something akin to the "Extreme Court" that could mark a major shift. The notion that appellate court decisions are to be interpreted by the "feelings" of the judge is a direct affront of the basic premise of our judicial system that is supposed to apply the law without personal emotion. If she is confirmed, then we need to take the blindfold off Lady Justice.Please make a contribution today in support of our efforts to elect Republicans to the Senate. While we may not be able to block liberal Judge Sotomayor, we must be prepared for future nominations. Electing more Republicans to the Senate then is critical.Your contribution or $5, $10, $25 or $50 will be invested in the candidates for Senate Huck PAC endorses. Candidates such as Marco Rubio of Florida".
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Dennis Ross vs. Obama - Ross in Book:Obama's mideast Plan will not bring Peace
(Haaretz).Dennis Ross, the U.S. Secretary of State's special adviser on Iran, says in a new book that the United States will not make progress toward peace in the Middle East with the Obama administration's new plan.
The book, written with David Makovsky and entitled "Myths, illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East," opposes the Obama administration's concept of linkage. The book is to be published by Viking Press next month.
Contrary to the position of the president and other advisers, Ross writes that efforts to advance dialogue with Iran should not be connected to the renewal of talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Other senior officials in the Obama administration told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his recent visit to Washington that Israeli gestures and the advancement of talks with the Palestinians will help the administration get Iran to suspend uranium enrichment.
Because of Ross' position, his superiors at the State Department do not allow him to promote the book or be interviewed about it.
In the second chapter, entitled "Linkage: The Mother of All Myths," Ross writes: "Of all the policy myths that have kept us from making real progress in the Middle East, one stands out for its impact and longevity: the idea that if only the Palestinian conflict were solved, all other Middle East conflicts would melt away. This is the argument of 'linkage.'"
Ross wrote the book with Makovsky, a former Jerusalem Post journalist who in recent years has been a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, considered a pro-Israel think tank.
The book was written before Ross took up his current position as senior State Department adviser. Ross' appointment has been controversial because he is an observant Jew and is considered a strong supporter of Israel.
His critics argue that the appointment could hurt the dialogue President Barack Obama hopes to conduct to solve the controversy over Iran's nuclear program and change relations between the two countries.
The book, written with David Makovsky and entitled "Myths, illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East," opposes the Obama administration's concept of linkage. The book is to be published by Viking Press next month.
Contrary to the position of the president and other advisers, Ross writes that efforts to advance dialogue with Iran should not be connected to the renewal of talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Other senior officials in the Obama administration told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his recent visit to Washington that Israeli gestures and the advancement of talks with the Palestinians will help the administration get Iran to suspend uranium enrichment.
Because of Ross' position, his superiors at the State Department do not allow him to promote the book or be interviewed about it.
In the second chapter, entitled "Linkage: The Mother of All Myths," Ross writes: "Of all the policy myths that have kept us from making real progress in the Middle East, one stands out for its impact and longevity: the idea that if only the Palestinian conflict were solved, all other Middle East conflicts would melt away. This is the argument of 'linkage.'"
Ross wrote the book with Makovsky, a former Jerusalem Post journalist who in recent years has been a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, considered a pro-Israel think tank.
The book was written before Ross took up his current position as senior State Department adviser. Ross' appointment has been controversial because he is an observant Jew and is considered a strong supporter of Israel.
His critics argue that the appointment could hurt the dialogue President Barack Obama hopes to conduct to solve the controversy over Iran's nuclear program and change relations between the two countries.
Obama's pick of Sotomayor not a surprise
(NRO-bench memos).Sotomayor is a liberal judicial activist of the first order who thinks her own personal political agenda is more important that the law as written. She thinks that judges should dictate policy, and that one's sex, race, and ethnicity ought to affect the decisions one renders from the bench.
She reads racial preferences and quotas into the Constitution, even to the point of dishonoring those who preserve our public safety. On September 11, America saw firsthand the vital role of America's firefighters in protecting our citizens. They put their lives on the line for her and the other citizens of New York and the nation. But Judge Sotomayor would sacrifice their claims to fair treatment in employment promotions to racial preferences and quotas. The Supreme Court is now reviewing that decision.
She has an extremely high rate of her decisions being reversed, indicating that she is far more of a liberal activist than even the current liberal activist Supreme Court.
She reads racial preferences and quotas into the Constitution, even to the point of dishonoring those who preserve our public safety. On September 11, America saw firsthand the vital role of America's firefighters in protecting our citizens. They put their lives on the line for her and the other citizens of New York and the nation. But Judge Sotomayor would sacrifice their claims to fair treatment in employment promotions to racial preferences and quotas. The Supreme Court is now reviewing that decision.
She has an extremely high rate of her decisions being reversed, indicating that she is far more of a liberal activist than even the current liberal activist Supreme Court.
Mitt Romney's statement on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court
Former Governor Mitt Romney today issued the following statement regarding the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court:
The nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court is troubling. Her public statements make it clear she has an expansive view of the role of the judiciary. Historically, the Court is where judges interpret the Constitution and apply the law. It should never be the place "where policy is made," as Judge Sotomayor has said. Like any nominee, she deserves a fair and thorough hearing. What the American public deserves is a judge who will put the law above her own personal political philosophy.
The nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court is troubling. Her public statements make it clear she has an expansive view of the role of the judiciary. Historically, the Court is where judges interpret the Constitution and apply the law. It should never be the place "where policy is made," as Judge Sotomayor has said. Like any nominee, she deserves a fair and thorough hearing. What the American public deserves is a judge who will put the law above her own personal political philosophy.
Obama to name Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme court
CNN is reporting that President Barack Obama will nominate federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic to serve on the Supreme Court. She would be replacing retiring Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court.
Judge Sonia Sotomayor, if nominated, would make the sixth Catholic on the Court, with two justices of Jewish descent and one Protestant, according to lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who was interviewed by CNN this morning. Her politics are described as "centrist-left" by both Dershowirtz and Jeffrey Toobin.
Read more: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1479541.php/Judge_Sonia_Sotomayor_is_Obamas_pick#ixzz0GcLTOcTq&B
Judge Sonia Sotomayor, if nominated, would make the sixth Catholic on the Court, with two justices of Jewish descent and one Protestant, according to lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who was interviewed by CNN this morning. Her politics are described as "centrist-left" by both Dershowirtz and Jeffrey Toobin.
Read more: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1479541.php/Judge_Sonia_Sotomayor_is_Obamas_pick#ixzz0GcLTOcTq&B
Monday, May 25, 2009
Biden's "within Six month Obama will be tested" challenge Obama faces
Iran's Ahmadinejad rejects Western nuclear proposal
Israeli document: Venezuela sends uranium to Iran
North Korea Tests Second Nuclear Device
Will Obama rise to the occasion and prevent Iran becoming nuclear power that he called a "threat to the United States"? Obama remember -"This is out time; This is our moment...... This is the moment we will end the war and secure our image as the last best hope on earth".
Israeli document: Venezuela sends uranium to Iran
North Korea Tests Second Nuclear Device
Will Obama rise to the occasion and prevent Iran becoming nuclear power that he called a "threat to the United States"? Obama remember -"This is out time; This is our moment...... This is the moment we will end the war and secure our image as the last best hope on earth".
Israel FM Report: Obama's Amigo is Supplying Iran with Uranium
(AP) - Venezuela and Bolivia are supplying Iran with uranium for its nuclear program, according to a secret Israeli government report obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
The two South American countries are known to have close ties with Iran, but this is the first allegation that they are involved in the development of Iran's nuclear program, considered a strategic threat by Israel.
"There are reports that Venezuela supplies Iran with uranium for its nuclear program," the Foreign Ministry document states, referring to previous Israeli intelligence conclusions. It added, "Bolivia also supplies uranium to Iran."
The report concludes that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is trying to undermine the United States by supporting Iran:
"Since Ahmadinejad's rise to power, Tehran has been promoting an aggressive policy aimed at bolstering its ties with Latin American countries with the declared goal of 'bringing America to its knees.'"
As allies against the U.S., Ahmadinejad and Chavez have set up a $200 billion fund aimed at garnering the support of more South American countries for the cause of "liberation from the American imperialism," according to the report.
The two South American countries are known to have close ties with Iran, but this is the first allegation that they are involved in the development of Iran's nuclear program, considered a strategic threat by Israel.
"There are reports that Venezuela supplies Iran with uranium for its nuclear program," the Foreign Ministry document states, referring to previous Israeli intelligence conclusions. It added, "Bolivia also supplies uranium to Iran."
The report concludes that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is trying to undermine the United States by supporting Iran:
"Since Ahmadinejad's rise to power, Tehran has been promoting an aggressive policy aimed at bolstering its ties with Latin American countries with the declared goal of 'bringing America to its knees.'"
As allies against the U.S., Ahmadinejad and Chavez have set up a $200 billion fund aimed at garnering the support of more South American countries for the cause of "liberation from the American imperialism," according to the report.
Debate what? Ahmadinejad Calls for Open Debate with US President
(Far news).Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Sunday voiced readiness to attend a public debate with his US counterpart Barack Obama at the United Nations over the root causes of the world problems.
"As I invited the US president to a debate in (my address to) the United Nations during my visit to New York in the past, I repeat my call for a debate (with the US president) to study the root causes of global problems and management and collective participation in (the establishment of) sustainable security and peace," Ahmadinejad told foreign reporters in a press conference at the presidential office here in Tehran today.
"The human being and powers should change their view about world management as this is the only way to establish sustainable peace," Ahmadinejad said, and added, "And a major part of this change should take place in the kind of look that the dominant ruling systems have over the world, and a new system should be created in the world equations."
"As I invited the US president to a debate in (my address to) the United Nations during my visit to New York in the past, I repeat my call for a debate (with the US president) to study the root causes of global problems and management and collective participation in (the establishment of) sustainable security and peace," Ahmadinejad told foreign reporters in a press conference at the presidential office here in Tehran today.
"The human being and powers should change their view about world management as this is the only way to establish sustainable peace," Ahmadinejad said, and added, "And a major part of this change should take place in the kind of look that the dominant ruling systems have over the world, and a new system should be created in the world equations."
On Memorial Day,this is a time to remember all those proud men and women who have given their lives in defense of our great nation, lets bow our heads in Honor of the fallen soldiers that sacrificed their Lives in Iraq and Afghanistan for the security of the world and our Country, May their memories be blessed.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
George W. Bush speaks at scholarship ceremony at Artesia High
Former President George W. Bush on Thursday told thousands of people, including a group of high-school scholars and their families, that he's relieved to be out of office.
"I no longer feel that great sense of responsibility that I had when I was in the Oval Office. And frankly, it's a liberating feeling," he told the crowd.
Bush was invited to speak at the ceremony for Artesia High School seniors who were receiving scholarships from the Chase Foundation.
"I no longer feel that great sense of responsibility that I had when I was in the Oval Office. And frankly, it's a liberating feeling," he told the crowd.
Bush was invited to speak at the ceremony for Artesia High School seniors who were receiving scholarships from the Chase Foundation.
Israeli Cabinet Minister Ya'alon to the US: Dont Threaten us, dont set Timetables
(Bibireport).If Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe ("Boogie") Yaalon can be presumed to speak on behalf of Israel's government, that government gave American President Obama a Bronx cheer on Israel's Channel 2 on Saturday night.
"Settlements are not the reason that the peace process is failing, they were never an obstacle, not at any stage," Ya'alon told Channel 2 News. "Even when Israel pulled out of [Palestinian] territory, the terror continued. Even when we uprooted [Jewish] communities, we got 'Hamastan.' That is why I propose that we think about it - not in slogans and not with decrees."
According to Ayalon, "we will not halt the construction in the settlements within the framework of natural growth. There are people here who are living their lives, raising children. Housing is required ? it wasn't housing that has prevented peace."
Unfortunately, this does not mean that the government will create new Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria, nor does it mean that the government will not remove existing 'illegal outposts.'
In reference to the illegal West Bank outposts, which Israel has vowed to evacuate and has begun to do so, Ya'alon stressed that "the government will not permit illegal settlement, as we've proven with our actions this week."
But Yaalon made it clear that Israel will not be cowtowed by the Hopenchange administration in Washington:
"[U.S. envoy to the Middle East George] Mitchell will come, and we'll talk to him. I suggest that Israel and the U.S. don't set a timetable. We won't let them threaten us," Ya'alon added.
"From the banks of the Potomac in Washington it is not always clear what the real situation here is," Ya'alon concluded. "This is where Israel must step in and help her ally understand the situation."
How Cheney defeated Obama - by sticking to the facts
(Daily news).It was a tale of two speeches. One was clear, direct and powerful. Barack Obama gave the other speech.
It would have been heresy to write those words any other time, so commanding has President Obama been with the spoken word. But the real Mission Impossible was to imagine that wheezy old Dick Cheney would be the speaker to best Obama.
Meanwhile, the occasion showed that Cheney, the darkest of dark horses, is emerging as a fact checker in exile. With Democrats holding all Washington power, the ex-veep's willingness to challenge Obama's narrative of the war on terror is a poor substitute for an institutional check-and-balance, but it's all we have.
In that sense, Cheney's ability to outduel Obama could mark a turning point in the debate on this and other critical issues. His TKO over the President recalls the three most important things in real estate: Location, location, location.
The key to Cheney's powerful performance: Facts, facts, facts.
Cheney coughed his way through a 40-minute defense of the Bush administration's anti-terror strategy. He glossed over huge lapses, such as the flawed intelligence leading to the invasion of Iraq, but used to great effect the most compelling fact - no successful attacks on America since 9/11.
In a contrast-and-compare sequence, he challenged Obama's approach, including the release of the so-called torture memos and talk of prosecuting Bush officials.
"To the very end of our administration, we kept Al Qaeda terrorists busy with other problems," Cheney said. "We focused on getting their secrets, instead of sharing ours with them. And on our watch, they never hit this country again".
For his part, Obama sounded like a put-upon plaintiff arguing a Supreme Court case. The heavy symbolism of his setting, the National Archives in front of an original copy of the Constitution, added to the worrisome impression he is lost in the legal and political weeds.
Ironically, his criticism that Bush took his eye off the ball to invade Iraq has a corollary in Obama's fixation on interrogation techniques. He is missing the larger point.
After conceding terrorism presents unique challenges, Obama argued "the decisions that were made over the last eight years established an ad hoc legal approach for fighting terrorism that was neither effective nor sustainable - a framework that failed to rely on our legal traditions and time-tested institutions; that failed to use our values as a compass."
Unfortunately, Obama was less than reassuring, saying: "Neither I nor anyone else standing here today can say that there will not be another terrorist attack that takes American lives."
That's a fact, of course, but it's also a fact that he's been warned his policies will make it more likely we will be hit again.
It would have been heresy to write those words any other time, so commanding has President Obama been with the spoken word. But the real Mission Impossible was to imagine that wheezy old Dick Cheney would be the speaker to best Obama.
Meanwhile, the occasion showed that Cheney, the darkest of dark horses, is emerging as a fact checker in exile. With Democrats holding all Washington power, the ex-veep's willingness to challenge Obama's narrative of the war on terror is a poor substitute for an institutional check-and-balance, but it's all we have.
In that sense, Cheney's ability to outduel Obama could mark a turning point in the debate on this and other critical issues. His TKO over the President recalls the three most important things in real estate: Location, location, location.
The key to Cheney's powerful performance: Facts, facts, facts.
Cheney coughed his way through a 40-minute defense of the Bush administration's anti-terror strategy. He glossed over huge lapses, such as the flawed intelligence leading to the invasion of Iraq, but used to great effect the most compelling fact - no successful attacks on America since 9/11.
In a contrast-and-compare sequence, he challenged Obama's approach, including the release of the so-called torture memos and talk of prosecuting Bush officials.
"To the very end of our administration, we kept Al Qaeda terrorists busy with other problems," Cheney said. "We focused on getting their secrets, instead of sharing ours with them. And on our watch, they never hit this country again".
For his part, Obama sounded like a put-upon plaintiff arguing a Supreme Court case. The heavy symbolism of his setting, the National Archives in front of an original copy of the Constitution, added to the worrisome impression he is lost in the legal and political weeds.
Ironically, his criticism that Bush took his eye off the ball to invade Iraq has a corollary in Obama's fixation on interrogation techniques. He is missing the larger point.
After conceding terrorism presents unique challenges, Obama argued "the decisions that were made over the last eight years established an ad hoc legal approach for fighting terrorism that was neither effective nor sustainable - a framework that failed to rely on our legal traditions and time-tested institutions; that failed to use our values as a compass."
Unfortunately, Obama was less than reassuring, saying: "Neither I nor anyone else standing here today can say that there will not be another terrorist attack that takes American lives."
That's a fact, of course, but it's also a fact that he's been warned his policies will make it more likely we will be hit again.
Newt Gingrich on 'Meet the Press': Country less safe with Obama as President
GREGORY: Do you agree with the Vice-President when he says that the country is less safe under President Obama?
NEWT: Absolutely.... the question is: is the most important thing to us today to find some kind of American Civil Liberties Union model of making sure that we never offend terrorists, or is the model for us today is to say to the CIA and others: "Do everything you can to cover America. We're gonna cover your back. We are proud of you, and we want you to defend America."
GREGORY: How long should Gitmo remain open?
NEWT: Until the war's over.
GREGORY: When is that?
NEWT: Until the terrorists disappear.
NEWT: Absolutely.... the question is: is the most important thing to us today to find some kind of American Civil Liberties Union model of making sure that we never offend terrorists, or is the model for us today is to say to the CIA and others: "Do everything you can to cover America. We're gonna cover your back. We are proud of you, and we want you to defend America."
GREGORY: How long should Gitmo remain open?
NEWT: Until the war's over.
GREGORY: When is that?
NEWT: Until the terrorists disappear.
Colin Powell: I am still a Republican, Calls for More Inclusive Party
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell touted his Republican credentials Sunday, shooting down pointed criticism from Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney that he had abandoned the GOP.
"Rush will not get his wish and Mr. Cheney was misinformed. I am still a Republican," Powell said on CBS' "Face the Nation."
While standing by his loyalty to the Republicans, Powell defended his endorsement of President Obama last fall:"I am still a Republican. I'd like to point out that in the course of my 50 years of voting for presidents, I have voted for the person i thought was best qualified at that time to lead the nation. Last year I thought it was President-now Barack Obama," Powell said.
Powell continued to call on the Republican Party to be more moderate and expand its base,"You can only do two things with a base. You can sit on it and watch the world go by, or you can build on it," Powell said. He said the party should be more inclusive, "I think the rep Republican party has to take a hard look at itself and decide what kind of party are we? I have always felt that the Republican party should be more inclusive than it generally has been over the years."
Excuse me Mr. Powell where were you when we nominated a so called maverick and moderate nominee John McCain to run as head of the Republican Party? did we lose to Obama cuz we were too moderate or cuz we were not Liberal enough?
"Rush will not get his wish and Mr. Cheney was misinformed. I am still a Republican," Powell said on CBS' "Face the Nation."
While standing by his loyalty to the Republicans, Powell defended his endorsement of President Obama last fall:"I am still a Republican. I'd like to point out that in the course of my 50 years of voting for presidents, I have voted for the person i thought was best qualified at that time to lead the nation. Last year I thought it was President-now Barack Obama," Powell said.
Powell continued to call on the Republican Party to be more moderate and expand its base,"You can only do two things with a base. You can sit on it and watch the world go by, or you can build on it," Powell said. He said the party should be more inclusive, "I think the rep Republican party has to take a hard look at itself and decide what kind of party are we? I have always felt that the Republican party should be more inclusive than it generally has been over the years."
Excuse me Mr. Powell where were you when we nominated a so called maverick and moderate nominee John McCain to run as head of the Republican Party? did we lose to Obama cuz we were too moderate or cuz we were not Liberal enough?
No tiene Dinero! Obama spends it all - We are out of Money
C-SPAN host Steve Scully interviewed Obama on Saturday:
SCULLY: You know the numbers, $1.7 trillion debt, a national deficit of $11 trillion. At what point do we run out of money?
OBAMA: Well, we are out of money now. We are operating in deep deficits, not caused by any decisions we've made on health care so far. This is a consequence of the crisis that we've seen and in fact our failure to make some good decisions on health care over the last several decades.
But here is Candidate Obama explaining why we have got to make Spending cuts and blames Bush on deficit:
"I think it's important just to remember a little bit of history.When George Bush came into office, we had surplus. And now we have a $0.5 trillion deficit annually. When George Bush came into office, our debt, national debt was around 5 trillion. It's now over $10 trillion. We've almost doubled it.
And so while it's true that nobody's completely innocent here, we have had, over the last eight years, the biggest increases in deficit spending and national debt in our history. And Senator McCain voted for four our of five of those George Bush budgets.
So here's what I would do. I'm going to spend some money on the key issues that we've got to work on.....so we are going to make investments but we also got to make some spending cuts.......but actually i'm cutting more then i'm spending".
SCULLY: You know the numbers, $1.7 trillion debt, a national deficit of $11 trillion. At what point do we run out of money?
OBAMA: Well, we are out of money now. We are operating in deep deficits, not caused by any decisions we've made on health care so far. This is a consequence of the crisis that we've seen and in fact our failure to make some good decisions on health care over the last several decades.
But here is Candidate Obama explaining why we have got to make Spending cuts and blames Bush on deficit:
"I think it's important just to remember a little bit of history.When George Bush came into office, we had surplus. And now we have a $0.5 trillion deficit annually. When George Bush came into office, our debt, national debt was around 5 trillion. It's now over $10 trillion. We've almost doubled it.
And so while it's true that nobody's completely innocent here, we have had, over the last eight years, the biggest increases in deficit spending and national debt in our history. And Senator McCain voted for four our of five of those George Bush budgets.
So here's what I would do. I'm going to spend some money on the key issues that we've got to work on.....so we are going to make investments but we also got to make some spending cuts.......but actually i'm cutting more then i'm spending".
Why Romney is likely to take the Chance to run
Max Twain’s Percentages on chances of potential '12 candidiates:
Mitt Romney 95%
Mitt is in, and he is gaining the backing of the congressional establishment more each week. He seems to be the guy gaining the most favors with candidates across the country, and like Huckabee, has never seemed to stop campaigning. I know some feel that if Obama seems unbeatable that Mitt won’t run, but I doubt that scenario. Decisions toMax Twain’s Percentages run for President need to come 2 years out, and it’s impossible to determine that far out what the eventual position of Obama will be. This is what i call the ‘Cuomo Rule’, which is if you have the chance to run, no matter how bleak the polls, you take the chance. If Cuomo had run despite Bush 41’s high numbers, he would have been President. Eventually the economy turned, Perot entered, 41 forgot how much milk costs, and the country turned to the last clown standing. When the chance comes, you run, let the polls be damned. The only reason Mitt is not as much a mortal lock as T-Paw and Huck is because of Anne’s multiple sclerosis, and there is no way to be sure what her condition will be 3 1/2 years out. Unlike silky John Edwards, Mitt is clearly devoted to Anne, and would give up anything and everything for her, and that includes his presidential ambitions.
Potential VPs: Jeb Bush, Bobby Jindal, John Thune, Tom Ridge
Mitt Romney 95%
Mitt is in, and he is gaining the backing of the congressional establishment more each week. He seems to be the guy gaining the most favors with candidates across the country, and like Huckabee, has never seemed to stop campaigning. I know some feel that if Obama seems unbeatable that Mitt won’t run, but I doubt that scenario. Decisions toMax Twain’s Percentages run for President need to come 2 years out, and it’s impossible to determine that far out what the eventual position of Obama will be. This is what i call the ‘Cuomo Rule’, which is if you have the chance to run, no matter how bleak the polls, you take the chance. If Cuomo had run despite Bush 41’s high numbers, he would have been President. Eventually the economy turned, Perot entered, 41 forgot how much milk costs, and the country turned to the last clown standing. When the chance comes, you run, let the polls be damned. The only reason Mitt is not as much a mortal lock as T-Paw and Huck is because of Anne’s multiple sclerosis, and there is no way to be sure what her condition will be 3 1/2 years out. Unlike silky John Edwards, Mitt is clearly devoted to Anne, and would give up anything and everything for her, and that includes his presidential ambitions.
Potential VPs: Jeb Bush, Bobby Jindal, John Thune, Tom Ridge
Ridge:GOP can rebound nationally if we are more judgmental about our disagreements with the Dems
(AP) -- A prominent Republican has some sobering advice about how the GOP can restore itself as a national party, rather than a regional one.
Former Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge says the Republican Party needs to be much less judgmental about disagreements within the party - and far more judgmental about disagreements with Democrats.
Ridge also says conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh conveys his point of view in ways that offend many people.
Ridge says Republicans should respect other people's opinions and not attack individuals - only their ideas. He says it's important to explain in what he calls "a rational, thoughtful, responsible and reasonable way" why Republican ideas should be more acceptable to the average American.
"For the Republican Party to restore itself as not its original party, but as a national party, we have to be far less judgmental about disagreements within the party and far more judgmental about our disagreement with our friends on the other side of the aisle," he said on CNN.
"Let's lead our party based on some principles that have been very much a part of who we are for decades. And let's be less shrill in terms of — and particularly, let's not attack other individuals. Let's attack their ideas," said Ridge.
Former Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge says the Republican Party needs to be much less judgmental about disagreements within the party - and far more judgmental about disagreements with Democrats.
Ridge also says conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh conveys his point of view in ways that offend many people.
Ridge says Republicans should respect other people's opinions and not attack individuals - only their ideas. He says it's important to explain in what he calls "a rational, thoughtful, responsible and reasonable way" why Republican ideas should be more acceptable to the average American.
"For the Republican Party to restore itself as not its original party, but as a national party, we have to be far less judgmental about disagreements within the party and far more judgmental about our disagreement with our friends on the other side of the aisle," he said on CNN.
"Let's lead our party based on some principles that have been very much a part of who we are for decades. And let's be less shrill in terms of — and particularly, let's not attack other individuals. Let's attack their ideas," said Ridge.
On offense - Cheney scores points; helps Republicans gain Independents trust
(Washingtontimes).Former Vice President Dick Cheney's sweeping indictment of administration policy changes on the handling of terrorism-suspect detainees has thrown President Obama on the defensive and scored points for the vice president and his party, according to pollsters and political analysts.
While Mr. Cheney has come under increasing fire from Democrats for charging that Mr. Obama's policies have made the country more vulnerable to future terrorist attacks, polls show a majority of Americans side with him on using aggressive interrogation methods on high value al Qaeda prisoners and are against moving them from the detention facility at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to maximum-security facilities in the U.S.
"Cheney's critical comments in recent weeks and the Senate vote against funds for closing Guantanamo did put the president on the defensive and led to his speech" on Friday defending his national security policies, said Thomas Mann, a presidential scholar at the liberal Brookings Institution.
That speech occurred on the same day Mr. Cheney delivered a blistering speech of his own in defense of the Bush administration policies that he helped to shape and that he said had kept the nation safe in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Mr. Cheney's aggressive, nonstop criticism of the White House's actions, beginning with Mr. Obama's ban on harsh interrogation techniques such as waterboarding, have unleashed a wave of attacks from his liberal critics. It has also won him praise from his party's conservative base and, according to polls, support for his positions among independent voters that the GOP needs if it is to make a political comeback in future elections.
"I have tested the message and the message clearly helps Republicans," said Whit Ayres, a pollster for Resurgent Republic, a GOP advocacy group. A poll he conducted May 11 to 14 found voters supported "harsh interrogation" of al Qaeda prisoners by a 19-point margin, 53 percent to 34 percent - including 53 percent support among independents.
A similarly "strong majority believes the Guantanamo Base prison helps protect America, rather than undermines our moral authority. Independents are, again, much more like Republicans than Democrats on this issue," Mr. Ayres said in a report on his poll's findings.
"The challenge for Republicans now is winning back independents who abandoned Republicans in droves in 2006 and 2008. This helps persuade independents that their values are most closely aligned with Republicans than with Democrats," he said.
While Mr. Cheney has come under increasing fire from Democrats for charging that Mr. Obama's policies have made the country more vulnerable to future terrorist attacks, polls show a majority of Americans side with him on using aggressive interrogation methods on high value al Qaeda prisoners and are against moving them from the detention facility at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to maximum-security facilities in the U.S.
"Cheney's critical comments in recent weeks and the Senate vote against funds for closing Guantanamo did put the president on the defensive and led to his speech" on Friday defending his national security policies, said Thomas Mann, a presidential scholar at the liberal Brookings Institution.
That speech occurred on the same day Mr. Cheney delivered a blistering speech of his own in defense of the Bush administration policies that he helped to shape and that he said had kept the nation safe in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Mr. Cheney's aggressive, nonstop criticism of the White House's actions, beginning with Mr. Obama's ban on harsh interrogation techniques such as waterboarding, have unleashed a wave of attacks from his liberal critics. It has also won him praise from his party's conservative base and, according to polls, support for his positions among independent voters that the GOP needs if it is to make a political comeback in future elections.
"I have tested the message and the message clearly helps Republicans," said Whit Ayres, a pollster for Resurgent Republic, a GOP advocacy group. A poll he conducted May 11 to 14 found voters supported "harsh interrogation" of al Qaeda prisoners by a 19-point margin, 53 percent to 34 percent - including 53 percent support among independents.
A similarly "strong majority believes the Guantanamo Base prison helps protect America, rather than undermines our moral authority. Independents are, again, much more like Republicans than Democrats on this issue," Mr. Ayres said in a report on his poll's findings.
"The challenge for Republicans now is winning back independents who abandoned Republicans in droves in 2006 and 2008. This helps persuade independents that their values are most closely aligned with Republicans than with Democrats," he said.
Oops i did it again!! Obama salutes 'veterans' this Memorial Day
Last year Barack Obama made the mistake of recognizing dead veterans in the audience(?) during his Memorial Day speech in Las Cruces,(Here is the Video)well this year he happens to make the same mistake in Memorial day address to the Nation:
(AP)– President Barack Obama saluted veterans and urged his countrymen to do the same this Memorial Day weekend, saying the nation has not always paid them proper respect.
In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama said people can honor veterans by sending a letter or care package to troops overseas, volunteering at health clinics or taking supplies to a homeless veterans center. He said it could also mean something as simple as saying "thank you" to a veteran walking by on the street.
"We have a responsibility to serve all of them as well as they serve all of us," Obama said. "And yet, all too often in recent years and decades, we, as a nation, have failed to live up to that responsibility. We have failed to give them the support they need or pay them the respect they deserve.
"That is a betrayal of the sacred trust that America has with all who wear and all who have worn the proud uniform of our country," he said.
Well! mr. President log on through your blackberry to Wikipedia and see the description of Memorial Day - Honor U.S. men and women who died while in the military service., While on veterans Day we we salute our military men and women.
___
(AP)– President Barack Obama saluted veterans and urged his countrymen to do the same this Memorial Day weekend, saying the nation has not always paid them proper respect.
In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama said people can honor veterans by sending a letter or care package to troops overseas, volunteering at health clinics or taking supplies to a homeless veterans center. He said it could also mean something as simple as saying "thank you" to a veteran walking by on the street.
"We have a responsibility to serve all of them as well as they serve all of us," Obama said. "And yet, all too often in recent years and decades, we, as a nation, have failed to live up to that responsibility. We have failed to give them the support they need or pay them the respect they deserve.
"That is a betrayal of the sacred trust that America has with all who wear and all who have worn the proud uniform of our country," he said.
Well! mr. President log on through your blackberry to Wikipedia and see the description of Memorial Day - Honor U.S. men and women who died while in the military service., While on veterans Day we we salute our military men and women.
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Friday, May 22, 2009
Steele: Obama was never vetted,Media fell in Love with the Black man
Michael Steele guest hosts Bill Bennett's radio show:
STEELE: The problem that we have with this president is that we don’t know [Obama]. He was not vetted, folks. … He was not vetted, because the press fell in love with the black man running for the office. “Oh gee, wouldn’t it be neat to do that? Gee, wouldn’t it make all of our liberal guilt just go away? We can continue to ride around in our limousines and feel so lucky to live in an America with a black president.” Okay that’s wonderful, great scenario, nice backdrop. But what does he stand for? What does he believe? … So we don’t know. We just don’t know.
STEELE: The problem that we have with this president is that we don’t know [Obama]. He was not vetted, folks. … He was not vetted, because the press fell in love with the black man running for the office. “Oh gee, wouldn’t it be neat to do that? Gee, wouldn’t it make all of our liberal guilt just go away? We can continue to ride around in our limousines and feel so lucky to live in an America with a black president.” Okay that’s wonderful, great scenario, nice backdrop. But what does he stand for? What does he believe? … So we don’t know. We just don’t know.
Romney's '12 run kicks off with Virginia tour
(Politico).In another sign that he’s eying a second run for the presidency, Mitt Romney is planning a series of stops in Virginia next week to help Republican candidates running in the commonwealth’s off-year election.
The former Massachusetts governor is the featured guest at the high-dollar gala next Friday prior to the Virginia GOP’s state convention in Richmond — one of the party’s chief fundraising events, That same day, Romney will also headline fundraisers for Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling,Bolling served as Romney’s campaign chairman in Virginia during the 2008 primary.
On Thursday night, Romney is the special guest at a Bolling fundraiser being held at the McLean home of uber-fundraiser Fred Malek, which will follow a Romney appearance at an Arlington business forum on the potential impact of the Employee Free Choice Act on Virginia businesses and workers.
“Mitt Romney is going to be actively involved in important races this year and next,” said his spokesman, Eric Fehrnstrom. “One of those races is in Virginia. Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling are offering good strong conservative leadership and they are best prepared to meet the challenges facing the people of Virginia now and in the future.”
Of course, lending a hand to Republicans desperate to break a string of statewide losses surely won’t be forgotten in future years.
“Well, there are two kinds of people who would do it,” said University of Virginia Professor Larry Sabato of Romney’s trek. “Those planning a presidential run next time around, and those who are stark raving mad. From all indications, Romney falls into the former category.”
Sabato also noted that with Bolling’s re-election, “Romney would have his chairman already in place, and organizing for him earlier than any other potential candidate.”
The former Massachusetts governor is the featured guest at the high-dollar gala next Friday prior to the Virginia GOP’s state convention in Richmond — one of the party’s chief fundraising events, That same day, Romney will also headline fundraisers for Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling,Bolling served as Romney’s campaign chairman in Virginia during the 2008 primary.
On Thursday night, Romney is the special guest at a Bolling fundraiser being held at the McLean home of uber-fundraiser Fred Malek, which will follow a Romney appearance at an Arlington business forum on the potential impact of the Employee Free Choice Act on Virginia businesses and workers.
“Mitt Romney is going to be actively involved in important races this year and next,” said his spokesman, Eric Fehrnstrom. “One of those races is in Virginia. Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling are offering good strong conservative leadership and they are best prepared to meet the challenges facing the people of Virginia now and in the future.”
Of course, lending a hand to Republicans desperate to break a string of statewide losses surely won’t be forgotten in future years.
“Well, there are two kinds of people who would do it,” said University of Virginia Professor Larry Sabato of Romney’s trek. “Those planning a presidential run next time around, and those who are stark raving mad. From all indications, Romney falls into the former category.”
Sabato also noted that with Bolling’s re-election, “Romney would have his chairman already in place, and organizing for him earlier than any other potential candidate.”
Ridge: Disappointed in Obama; Obama is looking backward, not forward
Ridge, who served as the country's first homeland security secretary in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, said he's "disappointed in the president" for spending time criticizing past actions of the Bush administration."
"He keeps looking backwards to justify what he's doing now and I don't think at the end of the day — I think that becomes more politics than policy, and I don't think it's the kind of approach that we need to bring America together on this very important issue," he said.
Bob Schieffer: Cheney is Winning .
(Finkelblog).Bob Schieffer Face The Nation host ultimately scored Dick Cheney the winner over PBO in yesterday’s dueling national security speeches.
Schieffer made his admission on this morning’s Early Show.
HARRY SMITH: This was a debate in every possible way, except it was not face-to-face. Is it possible to say which case was more compelling?
BOB SCHIEFFER: I think you could, you know, argue that either case was compelling because both of them were. But I have to say, Harry, the fact that the President of the United States had to make this speech, the fact that Congress had turned him down in giving him the money to close Guantanamo, I have to say that on points, I give it to the Vice-President on this.
Just the fact that the debate took place, the fact that Congress turned the president down. President Obama’s been in the driver’s seat with the congress up until now, but congress pretty much pulled him over to the side of the road on this issue. And until he comes up with a plan on how to close Guantanamo down, I think they’re going to continue to deny him the funds to do just that.
Right now, I think the Vice-President has made his case, and at this point I’d have to say he’s winning.
Schieffer made his admission on this morning’s Early Show.
HARRY SMITH: This was a debate in every possible way, except it was not face-to-face. Is it possible to say which case was more compelling?
BOB SCHIEFFER: I think you could, you know, argue that either case was compelling because both of them were. But I have to say, Harry, the fact that the President of the United States had to make this speech, the fact that Congress had turned him down in giving him the money to close Guantanamo, I have to say that on points, I give it to the Vice-President on this.
Just the fact that the debate took place, the fact that Congress turned the president down. President Obama’s been in the driver’s seat with the congress up until now, but congress pretty much pulled him over to the side of the road on this issue. And until he comes up with a plan on how to close Guantanamo down, I think they’re going to continue to deny him the funds to do just that.
Right now, I think the Vice-President has made his case, and at this point I’d have to say he’s winning.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Romney: When it comes to protecting America, Obama is conflicted while Cheney never went to sleep.
(Article in NRO).Two speeches, two very different men. Former Vice President Cheney seeks no political future. He speaks from the vantage of one who witnessed the killing of our fellow citizens, who deliberated and defined the strategy that would successfully prevent further murders of our fellow Americans.
His address today was direct, well-reasoned, and convincing.
President Obama, on the other hand, continues to speak as a politician. Contrary to the advice I and others gave him, he has placed two of his top political consultants in the West Wing, looking to them to opine on matters of national security. Barack Obama is having a hard time going from politician to president. His speech and his policies have one foot in campaign mode and another in presidential mode. He struggles to explain how he is keeping faith with the liberal advocates who promoted his campaign but in doing so, he breaks faith with the interests of the American people. When it comes to protecting the nation, we have a conflicted president. And his address today was more tortured than the enhanced interrogation techniques he decries.
It is laughable to suggest that Guantanamo is a meaningful aid in terrorist recruiting. Before Guantanamo came the first bombing of the World Trade Center, the bombing at Riyadh, the attacks on Khobar, the bombing of our embassies, the Cole. There will always be rallying cries for recruitment whether it is the existence of Israel or the freedoms enjoyed by Americans. Appeasement has not ever, does not now, and will never satisfy a foe who looks to destroy freedom and rule the world.
Vice President Cheney has been the target of every media, from mainstream to comic. But he spoke today as before without regard to the politics but with abiding respect for the truth. Barack Obama is still hanging on to the campaign trail. He said that the last thing he thinks about when he goes to sleep at night is keeping America safe. That's a big difference with Vice President Cheney—when it came to protecting Americans, he never went to sleep.
His address today was direct, well-reasoned, and convincing.
President Obama, on the other hand, continues to speak as a politician. Contrary to the advice I and others gave him, he has placed two of his top political consultants in the West Wing, looking to them to opine on matters of national security. Barack Obama is having a hard time going from politician to president. His speech and his policies have one foot in campaign mode and another in presidential mode. He struggles to explain how he is keeping faith with the liberal advocates who promoted his campaign but in doing so, he breaks faith with the interests of the American people. When it comes to protecting the nation, we have a conflicted president. And his address today was more tortured than the enhanced interrogation techniques he decries.
It is laughable to suggest that Guantanamo is a meaningful aid in terrorist recruiting. Before Guantanamo came the first bombing of the World Trade Center, the bombing at Riyadh, the attacks on Khobar, the bombing of our embassies, the Cole. There will always be rallying cries for recruitment whether it is the existence of Israel or the freedoms enjoyed by Americans. Appeasement has not ever, does not now, and will never satisfy a foe who looks to destroy freedom and rule the world.
Vice President Cheney has been the target of every media, from mainstream to comic. But he spoke today as before without regard to the politics but with abiding respect for the truth. Barack Obama is still hanging on to the campaign trail. He said that the last thing he thinks about when he goes to sleep at night is keeping America safe. That's a big difference with Vice President Cheney—when it came to protecting Americans, he never went to sleep.
Steele: Obama plan endangers national security
(CNN) – Michael Steele blasted President Obama's national security speech Thursday, accusing the president of jeopardizing national security by wanting to shutter the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay.
"It's astonishing that the day after we learned one in seven terrorists who have been freed returned to terrorism, President Obama gave a speech in which he is still promising to close down GITMO," Steele said in a statement provided to CNN. "Putting these terrorists on American soil is dangerous, naïve and a threat to America's national security."
"President Obama needs to stop repeatedly passing the buck by blaming the Bush administration, which kept America safe for the last eight years," he said. "By continuing to promise the closure of GITMO and allowing terrorists into the United States, President Obama is demonstrating irresponsibility at the highest level."
"It's astonishing that the day after we learned one in seven terrorists who have been freed returned to terrorism, President Obama gave a speech in which he is still promising to close down GITMO," Steele said in a statement provided to CNN. "Putting these terrorists on American soil is dangerous, naïve and a threat to America's national security."
"President Obama needs to stop repeatedly passing the buck by blaming the Bush administration, which kept America safe for the last eight years," he said. "By continuing to promise the closure of GITMO and allowing terrorists into the United States, President Obama is demonstrating irresponsibility at the highest level."
The Early Line: Romney in Front mounting Strength
(The Early Line).It’s Triple Crown season, and time for an early handicapping of the 2012 Republican presidential field.
As with horse racing, where the fastest horse out of the gate often fades in the stretch 'early speed in a presidential race can be very misleading.
With that in mind, here are some very early odds for the 2012 Republican horse race:
Mitt Romney: 2-1.
History makes him the favorite. Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bob Dole and John McCain all finished second in G.O.P. primary races before turning around and claiming the nomination the next time it came open.
There is some debate over whether Romney actually finished second in 2008, since Mike Huckabee actually finished with more delegates than Romney. But Romney deserves the designation for several reasons: (1) he received more popular votes and won more primaries and caucuses than Huckabee; (2) he demonstrated broader appeal; and (3) Huckabee inflated his delegate share by staying in the race even after it was clear he couldn’t win and everyone else had dropped out.
Since the November election, Romney has been relatively quiet, but he’s working hard to seal the deal with the conservative activists who weren’t completely sold on him last year. Just this week, he made a typically red-meat-laden speech to the N.R.A., ripping President Obama for teaming up with “left-wing law professors and editorial boards” to craft national security policy. There are clear signs of his enduring strength: He won CPAC’s February straw poll, and he seems to have scared John Huntsman, a potential ’12 rival, all the way to China.
As with horse racing, where the fastest horse out of the gate often fades in the stretch 'early speed in a presidential race can be very misleading.
With that in mind, here are some very early odds for the 2012 Republican horse race:
Mitt Romney: 2-1.
History makes him the favorite. Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bob Dole and John McCain all finished second in G.O.P. primary races before turning around and claiming the nomination the next time it came open.
There is some debate over whether Romney actually finished second in 2008, since Mike Huckabee actually finished with more delegates than Romney. But Romney deserves the designation for several reasons: (1) he received more popular votes and won more primaries and caucuses than Huckabee; (2) he demonstrated broader appeal; and (3) Huckabee inflated his delegate share by staying in the race even after it was clear he couldn’t win and everyone else had dropped out.
Since the November election, Romney has been relatively quiet, but he’s working hard to seal the deal with the conservative activists who weren’t completely sold on him last year. Just this week, he made a typically red-meat-laden speech to the N.R.A., ripping President Obama for teaming up with “left-wing law professors and editorial boards” to craft national security policy. There are clear signs of his enduring strength: He won CPAC’s February straw poll, and he seems to have scared John Huntsman, a potential ’12 rival, all the way to China.
GOP kingmaker leans toward Mitt Romney
(Politico).Fred Malek, a heavyweight Republican fundraiser and kingmaker, has singled out former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as the GOP’s leading contender in the early stages of the 2012 Republican presidential derby.
In a largely unnoticed post to his blog late last week, Malek, a wealthy businessman who served as national finance co-chair of John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign, ranked Romney No. 1 on a list of influential Republicans “who might both lead our party back and who might be our nominee in 2012.”
Malek blogged that Romney has “the established organization, fundraising network, time, and talent to get the nomination this time” and predicted he could “be in the best position when the serious campaigning begins in early 2011.”
Though Malek conceded Romney “does retain an image problem with some Republicans, who are not sold on his conservative credentials or upset with him for changing his emphasis of issues from his time as governor to presidential candidate,” he called Romney “self-aware and very smart.”
In a largely unnoticed post to his blog late last week, Malek, a wealthy businessman who served as national finance co-chair of John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign, ranked Romney No. 1 on a list of influential Republicans “who might both lead our party back and who might be our nominee in 2012.”
Malek blogged that Romney has “the established organization, fundraising network, time, and talent to get the nomination this time” and predicted he could “be in the best position when the serious campaigning begins in early 2011.”
Though Malek conceded Romney “does retain an image problem with some Republicans, who are not sold on his conservative credentials or upset with him for changing his emphasis of issues from his time as governor to presidential candidate,” he called Romney “self-aware and very smart.”
BIBI'S AMERICA - Majority of American's see Iran as Danger to the US
JTA) -- Nearly three-quarters of Americans say their country won't be safe with a nuclear-armed Iran.
In a poll released this week, 71 percent of Americans say the United States won't be safe with a nuclear Iran. Seventy-nine percent said if Iran acquired a weapon, it was likely to provide it to terrorists to attack an American city. A slightly larger number, 80 percent, said Iran was likely to fire a missile at Israel.
The survey of 600 likely voters was conducted May 8-9 by McLaughlin & Associates and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.
Respondents also reported a 41 percent net favorable rating -- somewhat favorable or very favorable -- of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eighty-two percent of respondents said the United States should be concerned about the security of Israel, and 57 percent said Israel would be justified in attacking Iranian nuclear facilities. Approximately the same figure, 58 percent, approved an American attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In a poll released this week, 71 percent of Americans say the United States won't be safe with a nuclear Iran. Seventy-nine percent said if Iran acquired a weapon, it was likely to provide it to terrorists to attack an American city. A slightly larger number, 80 percent, said Iran was likely to fire a missile at Israel.
The survey of 600 likely voters was conducted May 8-9 by McLaughlin & Associates and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.
Respondents also reported a 41 percent net favorable rating -- somewhat favorable or very favorable -- of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eighty-two percent of respondents said the United States should be concerned about the security of Israel, and 57 percent said Israel would be justified in attacking Iranian nuclear facilities. Approximately the same figure, 58 percent, approved an American attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Idol shocker- Kris paints America Red: When America did not vote for change
(REDIF).The eighth season of the all-American show, American Idol, came to an end last night with a shocker. Adam Lambert, the immensely popular and heavily praised singer lost out to Kris Allen in a finale that was supposed to be a no-contest.
Blogs, social networking and news wires sites are exploding with a furious debate over the significance of this result. It is common knowledge that the charismatic Lambert is gay. In the run up to the finale, Lambert had raked up not only the popular votes with his obvious talent and electrifying stage presence, but had also garnered considerable support for his sexual leanings.
"America voted for Obama did't it? So what's wrong with Lambert? America has and will vote for change" was the common refrain on twitter and facebook. Pro-Lambert viewers argued passionately about Lambert's voice, saying: "It is talent that counts."
While it is not to say that the guitar-toting dark horse Kris Allen is not gifted, at the end Lambert's loss will and has raised a serious question about how America views homosexuality. Especially on a family show that is widely watched among children and young adults.
...Compare him with the low-key Kris Allen, an acoustic guitar-strumming, reticent Arkansas student. All of 23 years old, Allen is newly-wed with lovely young wife waiting for him back home, is devoutly Christian and has a clean cut image that defines the wholesome American way of life. Allen has always been the underdog, never really getting a standing ovation, but impressing the judges with his unique take on popular numbers. Allen is anything but the star Lambert is. He is more of a boy-next-door with a nice voice and a flair for giving his spin on even Michael Jackson songs.
For now, all those still basking in the after glow of "America, Change We can," are quietly flipping channels, nodding their heads in disbelief, wondering what exactly went wrong. Did America vote for the underdog? Or did it vote for No-Change?
Blogs, social networking and news wires sites are exploding with a furious debate over the significance of this result. It is common knowledge that the charismatic Lambert is gay. In the run up to the finale, Lambert had raked up not only the popular votes with his obvious talent and electrifying stage presence, but had also garnered considerable support for his sexual leanings.
"America voted for Obama did't it? So what's wrong with Lambert? America has and will vote for change" was the common refrain on twitter and facebook. Pro-Lambert viewers argued passionately about Lambert's voice, saying: "It is talent that counts."
While it is not to say that the guitar-toting dark horse Kris Allen is not gifted, at the end Lambert's loss will and has raised a serious question about how America views homosexuality. Especially on a family show that is widely watched among children and young adults.
...Compare him with the low-key Kris Allen, an acoustic guitar-strumming, reticent Arkansas student. All of 23 years old, Allen is newly-wed with lovely young wife waiting for him back home, is devoutly Christian and has a clean cut image that defines the wholesome American way of life. Allen has always been the underdog, never really getting a standing ovation, but impressing the judges with his unique take on popular numbers. Allen is anything but the star Lambert is. He is more of a boy-next-door with a nice voice and a flair for giving his spin on even Michael Jackson songs.
For now, all those still basking in the after glow of "America, Change We can," are quietly flipping channels, nodding their heads in disbelief, wondering what exactly went wrong. Did America vote for the underdog? Or did it vote for No-Change?
Flip-Flop!! Obama not the same President as Advertised.
(Karl Rove-WSJ).Barack Obama inherited a set of national-security policies that he rejected during the campaign but now embraces as president.
for all the examples and ful article read here
....Making adjustments in office is one thing. Constantly governing in direct opposition to what you said as a candidate is something else. Mr. Obama's flip-flops on national security have been wise; on the domestic front, they have been harmful.
Mr. Obama's appealing campaign images turned out to have been fleeting. He ran hard to the left on national security to win the nomination, only to discover the campaign commitments he made were shallow and at odds with America's security interests.
Mr. Obama ran hard to the center on economic issues to win the general election. He has since discovered his campaign commitments were obstacles to ramming through the most ideologically liberal economic agenda since the Great Society.
Mr. Obama either had very little grasp of what governing would involve or, if he did, he used words meant to mislead the public. Neither option is particularly encouraging .America now has a president quite different from the person who advertised himself for the job last year. Over time, those things can catch up to a politician.
for all the examples and ful article read here
....Making adjustments in office is one thing. Constantly governing in direct opposition to what you said as a candidate is something else. Mr. Obama's flip-flops on national security have been wise; on the domestic front, they have been harmful.
Mr. Obama's appealing campaign images turned out to have been fleeting. He ran hard to the left on national security to win the nomination, only to discover the campaign commitments he made were shallow and at odds with America's security interests.
Mr. Obama ran hard to the center on economic issues to win the general election. He has since discovered his campaign commitments were obstacles to ramming through the most ideologically liberal economic agenda since the Great Society.
Mr. Obama either had very little grasp of what governing would involve or, if he did, he used words meant to mislead the public. Neither option is particularly encouraging .America now has a president quite different from the person who advertised himself for the job last year. Over time, those things can catch up to a politician.
Dont Look away from Teleprompter!!! Obama Flubs Defense Chief’s Name During Security Speech
AP: President Barack Obama sees his secretary of defense just about every day, but he still flubbed Robert Gates' name on Thursday. Gates was in the crowd for Obama's national security speech. Pointing him out, the president said "William Gates" was on hand. Perhaps Obama was thinking of Bill Gates.
Cheney Defends the Bush National security Policy:"We made our country safer, and a lot of Americans are alive today because of it".
"....The responsibilities we carried belong to others now. And though I'm not here to speak for George W. Bush, I am certain that no one wishes the current administration more success in defending the country than we do. We understand the complexities of national security decisions. We understand the pressures that confront a president and his . Above all, we know what is at stake. And though administrations and policies have changed, the stakes for America have not changed.
When President Obama makes wise decisions, as I believe he has done in some respects on Afghanistan, and in reversing his plan to release incendiary photos, he deserves our support. And when he faults or mischaracterizes the national security decisions we made in the Bush years, he deserves an answer. The point is not to look backward. Now and for years to come, a lot rides on our President's understanding of the security policies that preceded him. And whatever choices he makes concerning the defense of this country, those choices should not be based on slogans and campaign rhetoric, but on a truthful telling of history.
Our administration always faced its share of criticism, and from some quarters it was always intense. That was especially so in the later years of our term, when the dangers were as serious as ever, but the sense of general alarm after September 11th, 2001 was a fading memory. Part of our responsibility, as we saw it, was not to forget the terrible harm that had been done to America … and not to let 9/11 become the prelude to something much bigger and far worse.
To make certain our nation country never again faced such a day of horror, we developed a comprehensive strategy, beginning with far greater homeland security to make the United States a harder target. But since wars cannot be won on the defensive, we moved decisively against the terrorists in their hideouts and sanctuaries, and committed to using every asset to take down their networks. We decided, as well, to confront the regimes that sponsored terrorists, and to go after those who provide sanctuary, funding, and weapons to enemies of the United States. We turned special attention to regimes that had the capacity to build weapons of mass destruction, and might transfer such weapons to terrorists.
.....Along the way there were some hard calls. No decision of national security was ever made lightly, and certainly never made in haste. As in all warfare, there have been costs - none higher than the sacrifices of those killed and wounded in our country's service. And even the most decisive victories can never take away the sorrow of losing so many of our own - all those innocent victims of 9/11, and the heroic souls who died trying to save them.
For all that we've lost in this conflict, the United States has never lost its moral bearings. And when the moral reckoning turns to the men known as high-value terrorists, I can assure you they were neither innocent nor victims. As for those who asked them questions and got answers: they did the right thing, they made our country safer, and a lot of Americans are alive today because of them".
When President Obama makes wise decisions, as I believe he has done in some respects on Afghanistan, and in reversing his plan to release incendiary photos, he deserves our support. And when he faults or mischaracterizes the national security decisions we made in the Bush years, he deserves an answer. The point is not to look backward. Now and for years to come, a lot rides on our President's understanding of the security policies that preceded him. And whatever choices he makes concerning the defense of this country, those choices should not be based on slogans and campaign rhetoric, but on a truthful telling of history.
Our administration always faced its share of criticism, and from some quarters it was always intense. That was especially so in the later years of our term, when the dangers were as serious as ever, but the sense of general alarm after September 11th, 2001 was a fading memory. Part of our responsibility, as we saw it, was not to forget the terrible harm that had been done to America … and not to let 9/11 become the prelude to something much bigger and far worse.
To make certain our nation country never again faced such a day of horror, we developed a comprehensive strategy, beginning with far greater homeland security to make the United States a harder target. But since wars cannot be won on the defensive, we moved decisively against the terrorists in their hideouts and sanctuaries, and committed to using every asset to take down their networks. We decided, as well, to confront the regimes that sponsored terrorists, and to go after those who provide sanctuary, funding, and weapons to enemies of the United States. We turned special attention to regimes that had the capacity to build weapons of mass destruction, and might transfer such weapons to terrorists.
.....Along the way there were some hard calls. No decision of national security was ever made lightly, and certainly never made in haste. As in all warfare, there have been costs - none higher than the sacrifices of those killed and wounded in our country's service. And even the most decisive victories can never take away the sorrow of losing so many of our own - all those innocent victims of 9/11, and the heroic souls who died trying to save them.
For all that we've lost in this conflict, the United States has never lost its moral bearings. And when the moral reckoning turns to the men known as high-value terrorists, I can assure you they were neither innocent nor victims. As for those who asked them questions and got answers: they did the right thing, they made our country safer, and a lot of Americans are alive today because of them".
Israeli PM Netanyahu: Jerusalem to never be divided again
Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday that all of Jerusalem would always remain under Israeli sovereignty, in comments likely to arouse consternation among Palestinians who hope to make the city the capital of a future state
Jerusalem Day celebrates the conquest of the city during the 1967 Six Day War, before which Jordan controlled east Jerusalem, while Israel had the western section. Shortly after the war, Israel annexed east Jerusalem.
Netanyahu said he had made the same declaration during his recent visit to Washington, where he met with United States President Barack Obama over the peace process and Iran's nuclear program:
"I stand here today… saying what I said in my visit to the US: Jerusalem will never be divided again. Only Israeli sovereignty over the city would ensure the freedom of religion for the three faiths, and it is the only thing that can guarantee that all minorities and congregations could continue living in it,"
"United Jerusalem is Israel's capital. Jerusalem was always ours and will always be ours. It will never again be partitioned and divided", said Prime Minister Netanyahu, to the sounds of roaring applause.
Jerusalem Day celebrates the conquest of the city during the 1967 Six Day War, before which Jordan controlled east Jerusalem, while Israel had the western section. Shortly after the war, Israel annexed east Jerusalem.
Netanyahu said he had made the same declaration during his recent visit to Washington, where he met with United States President Barack Obama over the peace process and Iran's nuclear program:
"I stand here today… saying what I said in my visit to the US: Jerusalem will never be divided again. Only Israeli sovereignty over the city would ensure the freedom of religion for the three faiths, and it is the only thing that can guarantee that all minorities and congregations could continue living in it,"
"United Jerusalem is Israel's capital. Jerusalem was always ours and will always be ours. It will never again be partitioned and divided", said Prime Minister Netanyahu, to the sounds of roaring applause.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Powell Returns Fire: "Another version of the Republican Party waiting to emerge once again".
(NBC).Infighting within the Republican Party continued yesterday when former Secretary of State Colin Powell fired back at former Vice President Dick Cheney and conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh for criticizing him, the Boston Globe reports.
"Rush Limbaugh says, 'Get out of the Republican Party.' Dick Cheney says, 'He's already out.' I may be out of their version of the Republican Party, but there's another version of the Republican Party waiting to emerge once again," Powell told the a crowd of 1,500 business leaders in Boston yesterday.
"Rush Limbaugh says, 'Get out of the Republican Party.' Dick Cheney says, 'He's already out.' I may be out of their version of the Republican Party, but there's another version of the Republican Party waiting to emerge once again," Powell told the a crowd of 1,500 business leaders in Boston yesterday.
Rush Limbaugh 'resigns' as head of the GOP
(Politico).Rush Limbaugh, on today's show, told listeners that he has been been made the "titular head of the Republican party" by members of the "drive-by media" and Obama White House. But he claims to not want the crown.
"I am resigning," Limbaugh said. "I am resigning as the titular head of the Republican Party."
"I am resigning," Limbaugh said. "I am resigning as the titular head of the Republican Party."
Close race for the Idol - Lambert leads Allen 52-48 in predicted Win
(RasmussenReports).52% Predict Lambert Will Be Crowned 'American Idol' Tonight's the night, and our predictors are calling it close for the final two contestants on "American Idol." Fifty-two percent (52%) believe Adam Lambert will be crowned the eighth "American Idol," while 48% think his final opponent, Kris Allen, will walk away the winner, according to our last "American Idol" prediction challenge.
Will Rubio (FL) win over Undecided ?
Mason-Dixon Florida 2010 Gubernatorial/Senatorial :
GOP Senatorial Primary
Charlie Crist 53%
Marco Rubio 18%
Undecided 29%
(last poll before Crist entered the race put Rubio with only 8%, and if the undecided break towards Rubio which is more likely ,since Crist is the well known popular Governor in the State, (in the poll when asked about favorably - 56% did not recognize the candidate Rubio while 0% said the same on Crist), Then this could be a very close race).
GOP Senatorial Primary
Charlie Crist 53%
Marco Rubio 18%
Undecided 29%
(last poll before Crist entered the race put Rubio with only 8%, and if the undecided break towards Rubio which is more likely ,since Crist is the well known popular Governor in the State, (in the poll when asked about favorably - 56% did not recognize the candidate Rubio while 0% said the same on Crist), Then this could be a very close race).
Democrats oppose Obama on Guantanamo Bay
(Politico).In a clear setback for President Barack Obama, Senate Democrats moved Tuesday to both wipe out $80 million in new funding for the closing the Guantanamo detention facility and bar the administration from moving prisoners to U.S. soil until there is a more detailed plan provided to lawmakers.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) confirmed the decision, which follows intense pressure from Republicans going into debate over a $91.3 billion wartime spending bill expected to come to the floor late Tuesday.
“We’ll wipe out all the money,” Inouye said, “And I’ll put in a provision that says none of the funds in this bill or any other bill can be used to pay for the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo to the United States.”
Inouye held out the option that Obama could still seek funding as part of the regular Defense and Justice Department appropriations bills for the new fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. But at this stage, securing the money now—without an approved plan—was a “non-starter,” he said.
Following House debate last week on the same bill, Obama is left with no money and less flexibility than when he first made his funding request this spring.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) confirmed the decision, which follows intense pressure from Republicans going into debate over a $91.3 billion wartime spending bill expected to come to the floor late Tuesday.
“We’ll wipe out all the money,” Inouye said, “And I’ll put in a provision that says none of the funds in this bill or any other bill can be used to pay for the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo to the United States.”
Inouye held out the option that Obama could still seek funding as part of the regular Defense and Justice Department appropriations bills for the new fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. But at this stage, securing the money now—without an approved plan—was a “non-starter,” he said.
Following House debate last week on the same bill, Obama is left with no money and less flexibility than when he first made his funding request this spring.
Sarah Palin: Michael Steele 'bold and courageous'
(Politico).Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin praised Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele as "bold and courageous" late Tuesday while knocking President Barack Obama as "predictable as Alaska's winter snow."
In a statement criticizing the president over General Motors' plan to sell its healthy assets to the federal government following bankruptcy, the Republican governor singled out Steele as a counterbalance to the president.
"We have another voice in Washington, DC – a man who understands what Alaskans believe: less centralized government control, restrained budgets, more opportunity for development, and fewer taxes," Palin said.
"Today, we have a friend in RNC Chairman Michael Steele and his bold and courageous speech defines his leadership goals that will guide us all through this most difficult time for our nation."
Turning to Obama, Palin said "change" in the president’s administration "has meant rapid movement toward massive government growth, huge tax burdens on future generations, and an unprecedented reliance upon foreign countries."
"We are now witnessing actions that will lead to a monumental shift away from free market capitalism and the strong work ethic that built this great country," she said. "Government should not be in the auto industry business."
In a statement criticizing the president over General Motors' plan to sell its healthy assets to the federal government following bankruptcy, the Republican governor singled out Steele as a counterbalance to the president.
"We have another voice in Washington, DC – a man who understands what Alaskans believe: less centralized government control, restrained budgets, more opportunity for development, and fewer taxes," Palin said.
"Today, we have a friend in RNC Chairman Michael Steele and his bold and courageous speech defines his leadership goals that will guide us all through this most difficult time for our nation."
Turning to Obama, Palin said "change" in the president’s administration "has meant rapid movement toward massive government growth, huge tax burdens on future generations, and an unprecedented reliance upon foreign countries."
"We are now witnessing actions that will lead to a monumental shift away from free market capitalism and the strong work ethic that built this great country," she said. "Government should not be in the auto industry business."
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Will Kris Allen paint America a RED Idol?
(DailyNews).Now comes the real blockbuster election - one that will hinge just as much on complex demographic, technological and geographic factors as last year's epic presidential battle.
We are talking, of course, about "American Idol," the season finale of which will begin Tuesday night and end Wednesday night with the crowning of a new Idol,Theories abound over who has the inside edge - the neo-glam, San Diego-bred Adam Lambert, 27, or the younger, more down-home Kris Allen, 23, of Conway, Ark.
Veteran political consultants say the 2008 presidential election is a useful prism through which to view this high-profile faceoff.
"The profiles of Adam and Kris suggest that this is really a red state versus blue state showdown," suggested Chris Lehane, a California-based political consultant who worked on the presidential campaigns of Al Gore and John Kerry.
The way Lehane sees it, Adam is the liberal in this race, the hipster from big blue California with a certain progressive flair, including painted fingernails and copious amounts of eyeliner.
Kris is more of a red-state country boy - a baby-faced, guitar-pickin', churchgoin' son of the land of Woo Pig Soiee, which voted solidly Republican in the last election.
"It will come down to whether Adam is able to build on the blue-state, progressive wave we have seen building since 2006, or whether this is a last gasp for the red state viewer/voter," explained Lehane by e-mail.
As a Californian, Lehane conceded he's pulling for favorite son Adam,"I am hoping that Dick Cheney comes out and tells people to vote for Kris, thus assuring Adam wins," joked Lehane, a father of two "Idol"-watching tots.
Other political pros gives Adam the edge based on a key demographic component - cell phones, and who owns them,Millions of "American Idol" watchers vote each week by texting on their cell phones, often repeatedly. And many believe Lambert's Generation X and Y groupies are more likely to own cell phones than Allen's younger, preteen followers.
Sheinkopf is also picking Lambert to win, "because he's got colored fingernails and talent. But it's going to be close," added Sheinkopf, also a father of two "American Idol" devotees.
Fewer than a million votes - out of some 90 million cast for three contenders - separated Adam and Kris during the last round of voting.
OFA Note: The Interesting Thing is that while watching the performance tonight with a friend i pointed out that Adam is considered the Front Runner and enjoys the support as a powerful singer and a great performer but is in my eyes the popular guy that everyone likes and admires , while Kris is viewed as the under Dog but sings from the heart and put himself much more into the singing part and the meaning part of the song rather then the performance and being the popular guy, therefor i still think that Adam will Win because of what i described but still admire Kris and hope he wins , maybe who knows, there maybe some hope for the GOP!
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