Beans & Scales

Prince Harry...

2008-02-29T10:01:00.002-06:00

Love him or hate him...he's killed a ton of Arabs.

I don't know what's more interesting about this story...the fact that it was kept a secret for this long or that Matt Drudge was the one who broke the story.

Unamerican?

2008-02-29T09:39:00.004-06:00

This is really interesting. Methinks that by now that this would have surfaced and been discussed. Is it not mesmerizing what is actually "news," and what is not? But, anyway, I do not think there is any traction to this, but it is an interesting note.

Here’s some LB Thursday morning triva: What do the following Republican
presidential candidates have in common?

A) John McCain (2008)
B) George P. Weicker Jr. (1980)
C) George Romney (1968)
D) Barry Goldwater (1964)

OK, so our headline sort of gives it away. Yes, they were all born on foreign soil, and therefore their basic constitutional qualifications for the presidency — a natural born citizen, at least 35 years of age with 14 years of residence — have been called into question. And now it’s McCain’s turn.

In 1936, McCain was born at the Coco Solo Air Base, in the then-American controlled Panama Canal Zone (pictured), to Jack McCain, a Navy officer, and Roberta McCain. If McCain wins the 2008 election, he’d be the first American to take the presidential oath who has an official birthplace outside the 50 states.

“There are powerful arguments that Senator McCain or anyone else in this position is constitutionally qualified, but there is certainly no precedent,” said Sarah H.
Duggin, an associate professor of law at Catholic University. “It is not a slam-dunk situation.”

According to the Times story, McCain’s campaign recently asked Gibson Dunn’s Ted Olson to prepare a detailed legal analysis. “I don’t have much doubt about it,” Olson told the Times, adding that he still needed to finish his research.
Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican, was a bit more definitive, “He was posted there on orders from the United States government,” Graham said of McCain’s father. “If that becomes a problem, we need to tell every military family that your kid can’t be president if they take an overseas assignment.”

OBAMA: "Why Not....?" Part III

2008-02-25T08:11:00.003-06:00

Your thoughts?

LOST

2008-02-22T15:29:00.002-06:00

Open thread for discussion....

A Warning Shot?

2008-02-22T06:39:00.002-06:00

In a topic most of the MSM chose to gloss over this week, the United States military successfully shot down the toxic satellite that was feared to land in a populated area. Of course, Chinese officials are frightened...as they should be. This test demonstrates the power of our missile defense system. Take note, Time Magazine Man of the Year.

Quote of the Day

2008-02-22T06:37:00.000-06:00

One for Hillary.

Hooters & Huckabee

2008-02-21T16:34:00.002-06:00

It really does not concern me all too much where Mrs. Huckabee was (Las Vegas), what she saw (Title Fight) and where she stayed (Hooters Casino & Hotel).

I just think it is hilarious.

To me, not that big of a deal, sounds like a great weekend. But, someone who has completely emersed themselves in "values voters" and cow towing to the "evangelicals" should have refrained from this. Seriously, could you make this up? What was she thinking?

2 for 2

2008-02-21T11:47:00.003-06:00

The hits just keep coming for Mrs. B. Hussein Obama.

First, she just recently became proud of this nation, in her adult life, though.

Second, today, this is just plain weird.

Am I missing something here? Could someone explain what she is trying to convey?

OBAMA: "Why Not....?" Part II

2008-02-21T11:44:00.001-06:00

If not for Chris Matthews, this would have fooled me as being a parody.

Hat Tip - RWN

Castro "Resigns"

2008-02-19T05:47:00.001-06:00

Actually, the official term is that Castro "will not seek reelection". I love how dictators choose "not to seek reelection". How very gracious of him.

This story represents the traditional media spin on Castro's time in office. They are quick to point out how he's outlasted US Presidents and how Cuba has "free healthcare". However, as usual, they are slow to point out the human rights nightmares and the overall brutality.

Unfortunately, my fear is that his brother, Raul, will be much worse. Michelle Malkin has a great piece covering all the related Castro angles.

A must read for all.

OBAMA: Why Not....? Part I

2008-02-17T08:30:00.003-06:00

In what this humble pundit plans to introduce as an ongoing series, let me discuss a reason why I will not vote for an Obama (or, I guess, Clinton, too) or a "why not."

This will serve as an ongoing effort of trying to convince myself that a vote for (banging head against the wall) Senator John Mccain will be in my own best interest.

For starters, taking a look at his "economic" plan is downright frightening (AllahPundit has more). Some are calling it "Red Dawn II," but I think it illustrates a fundamental naivety of our capitalisitic system more than anything else. See for yourself. (and, let me know what you think)

I think it just underscores the assertion that he is a lightweight and his time has not yet come.

Religion of Peace UPDATE

2008-02-15T12:11:00.000-06:00

This is our enemy.

The Case For Clemens

2008-02-14T21:10:00.002-06:00

There are few things I enjoy greater than playing the devil's advocate, as those that know me well could attest. Additionally, I enjoy playing the role of the devil's advocate when I own 20 copies of a certain suspect's rookie card.

Issue #1: Pettite's testimony that he spoke to Clemens about HGH.

Devil's Advocate: Pettite testified that it was mentioned twice. Really? Only twice. These two have been best friends for 10 years, and they never discussed side effects, advantages, repurcussions more than twice??? Wouldn't best friends discuss these things at length??

Issue #2: Clemens' Wife admitting that she used HGH provided by McNamee.

Devil's Advocate: The media talking heads are up in arms about this one, and rightfully so. However, place yourself in her position. You've heard of these drugs, have a photo op coming up, and are fully aware that even the association of your husband to these things could render him guilty in the court of public opinion. Is it not completely plausible that she went to the only person who even might know of these drugs and ask him about them without telling her husband. It's not at all? Really?

Issue #3: McNamee looked calmer during the hearings.

Devile's Advocate: Umm, McNamee was a NEW YORK POLICE OFFICER. It may be a shot in the dark, but I'm guessing, at one point or another, he's testified under oath and under similar pressure. Clemens, on the other hand, has never had any such advantage.

So, there it is.............enjoy, fellow commenters.

Congress Playing With Sports

2008-02-14T19:18:00.002-06:00

Really? It's come to this? Do people not understand that sports are games, played simply for the entertainment of the public? I am completely flummoxed that 43% of the voting public is actually in FAVOR of Congress continuing to play the babysitter to MLB and the NFL.

Well, on the bright side, at least there's no war, no subprime mortgage crash, or a devaluing of the dollar to otherwise worry themselves with.

Romney to Endorse the Sheriff

2008-02-14T12:47:00.002-06:00

Up until this point, Mitt Romney retained "custody" over his delegates, but according to these reports Romney will endorse John McCain, while releasing his delegates and urging them to vote for McCain. We all know Romney was expected to do this at some point anyway, but it makes you wonder if he didn't move up this endorsement to help finally rid the primaries of Mike Huckabee.

Speaking of McCain, interesting speculation as to the future of his senate seat.

Fondtastic

2008-02-14T10:44:00.000-06:00

Since The Beagle enjoys all things entertainment and gossip, I look forward to getting his take on this piece.

Wait a Second...

2008-02-13T14:41:00.000-06:00

Jason Kidd is still in the NBA?

Ouch

2008-02-13T13:20:00.000-06:00

In what could be quite possibly one of the funnier stories in history, Robert Benjamin states the following concerning his S&M lifestyle:

"It's like when you crave a turkey," he said. "You eat it and you eat it and you eat it, but you still want it. But now I've had enough. I don't want turkey anymore. I'm full."

Well said Mr. Benjamin...well said.

Obama? Who's That?

2008-02-13T10:36:00.000-06:00

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed. Her election night speeches make you think she's the only one in the race...especially since it sounds the same as her speeches on the night of the Florida and Michigan primaries.

The Right Vote

2008-02-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

In what is causing the nutroots to collectively explode, the Senate Democrats were soundly defeated on the FISA fight. For those not up to date, the FISA battle centers around granting immunity to the telecom companies who assisted in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Of course, nutroots and other Democrats wanted to take this opportunity to bring class-action lawsuits on companies who were told by the Justice Department that they were not breaking the law.

I think the most comical part of this episode is that nutroots now believe Senate Democrats are conspiring to cooperate with Bush. What is a nutroot to do?

The Bears Attack

2008-02-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

Interesting piece explaining the intensity of a possible 2008 recession. Personally, I still believe the possibility of a recession to be overblown.

Must See TV

2008-02-12T08:31:00.000-06:00

Wow. That is all I can say.

Not That I Needed Another Reason...

2008-02-11T15:14:00.000-06:00

but I am completely finished with the Bush Administration and the current State Department. Conveniently, this little nugget of liberalism is slowly making its way around the MSM and blogosphere. Like the McCain amnesty bill, let's hope that public outcry will show this initiative to its proper resting place.

Michelle Malkin provides a comprehensive look at The Merida Initiative.

Seriously?!?!

2008-02-11T10:10:00.000-06:00

It's amazing that stories like this get ignored by the media. Personally, I wish the United States would boycott this year's olympics in China, just as we did the last time they were held in an abusive, communist country. However, since the media continues to treat China with kid gloves, no one will have the guts to do so. I feel sorry for the poor Chinese citizens who will be abused and mistreated if they "misbehave" during the olympics.

Super-Duper Delegates

2008-02-11T06:26:00.000-06:00

Just when you think that the Democrat primary contest could not get any better, there will be a round 2.

You know, I must confess, I have had to don the pupil hat throughout this election cycle. Many of the processes I take for granted are being used, so I find these things fascinating.

My Choice for VP

2008-02-09T09:02:00.000-06:00

McCain will not choose him because he's too conservative, but here is my choice for the Vice-Presidential nominee.

Buy Me Some Peanuts and Crackerjacks

2008-02-08T16:41:00.000-06:00

What a sad, sad state of dissaray Major League Baseball finds itself in these days.

Roger Clemens has put himself in a position where his legacy as the greatest pitcher in baseball will depend less on his E.R.A. and more on his D.N.A.– Earl
Ward, lawyer for Brian McNamee

He is constantly lying. I warn you all now, five to six to seven months from now, any of you who have jumped on the bandwagon that Roger took steroids and assumed anything Brian McNamee had to say will be embarassed.– Rusty Hardin, lawyer for Roger Clemens

I used to cherish the sport, and I still watch it, I mean, you have to, right? What other sport is there to turn to during the dog days of summer?

But, hey, maybe this will pique everyone's interest, no?

Re: Reagan 2.0

2008-02-08T16:12:00.000-06:00

Enough already.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I Ronald Wilson Reagan in high regard.

It has been discussed ad nauseum since Governor Romney's galiant exit from this year Republican primaries that Romeny is the heir apparent to the Regan legacy.

I have grown tired of such banter, and I think it tarnishes the legacy of Regan that everyone wants to proclaim themselves the next Reagan.

I think the article mentioned by The Abacus below delves into that subject itself:

Mitt Romney is not the next Ronald Reagan, at least not yet. That’s not a personal criticism of him, it’s just a reflection of the fact that Reagan spent a good 30 years prior to 1976 studying and speaking out on the Communist threat, he spent two terms as the governor of the country’s most populous state, and built and led a movement that was always larger than himself. Reagan was always about the battle of ideas and moving the country away from big government and toward smaller government. In a serious way, Reagan led an ideological war against Communism that culminated the year after he left office, when the Berlin Wall came down. There is no analogous political figure on the scene today, who has spent decades studying the threat we face now from al Qaeda and its ideological allies. There just isn’t. We shouldn’t kid ourselves that there is and no one at this point has earned Reagan’s mantle.

And, that is just the beginning of any analysis on this subject.

Reagan 2.0?

2008-02-08T14:20:00.000-06:00

Great column on the future of Mitt Romney and his conservative aspirations.

While my thoughts on Romney are well documented, I am also quick to caution conservatives on "settling". Let's make Romney earn "the next Reagan" title.

McCain-Romney?

2008-02-08T11:12:00.000-06:00

Victor Davis Hanson with some good points on the McCain issue.

HUCK!

2008-02-08T08:11:00.000-06:00

Ah, just when things could not possibly get worse for the GOP.

Thanks, JD!

He is pro-life, dammit!

Religion of Peace Update

2008-02-07T21:06:00.000-06:00

It's sad that none of this really surprises me anymore, but some people, mostly liberals, continue to ignore the inherent evil we face in the War on Terror.

Friday's coordinated attacks were carried out by 15-year-old girls with Down syndrome, according to Iraqi officials.

Simply disgusting.

Jena Six Update

2008-02-07T21:03:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I'm shocked that the police continue to frame members of the Jena Six. Obviously, these gentle young people mean no harm to anyone else.

Like It or Not...

2008-02-07T17:27:00.000-06:00

So, here we are...later this year Senator John McCain will become the leader of the Republican Party. I honestly never thought I'd see the day. I actually thought we got rid of him in 2000, but alas, he is here and we must learn to deal with it. Fortunately, McCain is off to a good start in reaching out to conservatives with his CPAC speech today. However, like many other conservatives have stated today, one speech does not a successful conservative outreach make. I want specific policies and actions that show he is truly committed to the ideals of conservatism. I also await his vice-presidential nominee. If he chooses Mike Huckabee...well, he would have done less just to come over to my house and choke me.

As always, Michelle Malkin has an interesting take on today's events.

Romney 20??

2008-02-07T16:56:00.000-06:00

I alluded to it below, but in case you missed it, one of the greatest speeches I've heard in a long time.

Mccain '08

2008-02-07T16:45:00.000-06:00

A great roundup of what we could expect from a Mccain Presidency.

Madamme President

2008-02-07T15:35:00.000-06:00

I simply cannot wait. Can you?

As if we did not need a reminder of why the Clintons should never grace the Oval Office. George Will reminds us, and, frankly, I have never heard of this particular "deal"/"payoff"/"scandal"/"et al"/"ad nauseum" when the duo returns to the Oval Office.
Bill Clinton by executive edict, declared 1.7 million acres of Utah to be a national monument. Under those acres are the largest known deposit—more than 60 billion tons—of low-sulfur, clean-burning coal. The second largest deposit, the value of which rose because of Clinton's action locking up an alternative supply, is in Indonesia and is owned by a member of the Indonesian Riady family, of fragrant memory, which was generous to Clinton's 1992 campaign.

Done

2008-02-07T11:46:00.000-06:00

If these reports are true, then today is a sad day for true conservatives.

Let's hope this isn't the last we hear of Willard Romney.

UPDATE*** Full text of Romney's CPAC speech

I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.
This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters... many of you right here in this room... have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.

Reaction: Over or Under?

2008-02-07T11:27:00.000-06:00

Maybe, just maybe this has to do with the practice, but is this not just downright frightening?

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Police officers in Daytona Beach are swabbing the mouths of persons of interests during traffic stops with special DNA kits in the hunt for an elusive serial killer, sources close to the investigation told Local 6.

Straight-Talk Express to CPAC

2008-02-07T08:35:00.000-06:00

As you probably already know, Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) is scheduled to give his much anticipated CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) speech at 2:00 p.m. today. This speech will go a long way in determining whether or not he will have conservative support in November (CPAC will conduct a straw poll on Saturday...a poll where Senator McCain finished dead last in 2007). Jed Babbin at Human Events has a great piece detailing what McCain needs to accomplish in this speech. The Washington Post also has an informative article summarizing the trouble McCain faces at the moment.

Did McCain just tell me to "calm down"?

In my opinion, McCain will go to CPAC and tell conservatives exactly what they want to hear. Then, as usual, he will continue to gouge the eyes of conservatives at every corner.

Interesting Theory....BUT!

2008-02-07T08:08:00.000-06:00

This is an interesting theory.

But, my question hinges on this, what would that do the Mccain/Huckabee ticket that conspiracy theorists like myself (HA!) have been bantering about here lately.

Would that not leave Huckabee with nowhere to go....but to Romney. I say that because I do not see Huckabee "settling" for a cabinet post.

All politicians have egoes, or they would not be politicians. And, not to mention, Huckabee has been pretty much acting lie Mccain's mini-me in the last several weeks.

National Signing Day 2008

2008-02-06T18:41:00.000-06:00

Upon perusing the Beans & Scales website on my first visit, my first reaction was there seemed to be a great deal of political discussion taking place, which, sure, is a good thing in its own way. I guess. However, with all the hoopla taking place about “Super Tuesday” and the primary results, somehow one of the most important days of the year was overlooked. Yep. National Signing Day………which just happened to be today. This obviously was in need of a remedy, so I am proud to present the 2008 National Signing Day Recruiting Recap.

Some of this, well, maybe a lot of this, may not make much sense to the novice reader, as I spent countless hours today dedicated to a constant refreshing of Rivals.com in order to be properly versed on all of the “recruit-speak” and up-to-date on the newest developments. And, yes, I have a job. But that’s neither here nor there. I’ll spend this post only highlighting some players from Alabama’s Class, and may post later with thoughts on other teams.

University of Alabama
Rivals Rank: 1

Obviously the gem of the class, Mr. Julio Jones (Rivals Rank: *****), came today at a press conference. Jones is the number 1 rated WR in the country, which probably means that he’s already the best WR Alabama’s had since, umm, well……..Freddie Milons had a good year a while back. Hopefully, he is accomplished at "hitch" routes, as JP Wilson sometimes has trouble hitting targets that are actually in motion.

Onto the second highest rated recruit in this class. Mr. Burton Scott (Rivals Rank *****). I don’t really know a great deal about him since he committed so early in the process. Well, other than the fact that he spends his days saving children from burning buildings and ran a 4.4 last week----in the 250 yard dash.

Third comes Star Jackson (Rivals Rank ****), the QB of the future at the Capstone. And, no, that’s not a stage name. He’s a dual threat quarterback that the Tide isn’t accustomed to having. As an added bonus, if you think I’m not running out tomorrow to buy a jersey of anyone who plays quarterback and is named Star Jackson, well, you simply don’t know me well enough.

Next is Wesley Neighbors, a legacy recruit who doubles as a cornerback. He hauled in a 3-star rating from Scouts.com, but, after I began nodding in acceptance, I was ushered back to reality by the following conversation.
Me: Hey, we just got a new commitment. He plays CB. Looks pretty solid.
Friend: What’s his name?
Me: Hmm. Looks like it’s Wesley Neighbors.
Friend: (With Bitter Beer Face). That sounds like someone who gives up 300 yard passing games.
Me: Crap. You’re right.

Finally comes another QB, Brad Smelley (Rivals Rank ***). I was thoroughly confused about why Alabama would extend a scholarship to another quarterback in this class after having already gotten a commitment from someone named Star Jackson, so I posed this query to the above referenced friend. His response? “Well, it’s not like Coach Saban is going to be holding the clipboard for the next 4 years.” To which I say, touché, friend, touché.

[Joseph Smith] Only Knows.

2008-02-06T17:11:00.000-06:00

Really.

Because it is this way, or that.

What Now?

2008-02-06T14:12:00.001-06:00

I never thought I would see him say this, but these thoughts from Hugh Hewitt contain serious weight and should be thought about by all who are frustrated with the McCain/Huckabee support (including myself).

Wow

2008-02-06T14:06:00.000-06:00

Total Votes Cast:
Clinton: 50.2% (7,347,971)
Obama: 49.8% (7,294,851)

Although this means approximately 14.6 million people are committed to liberalism, it is still impressive nonetheless.

Misconceptions Regarding Perceptions

2008-02-06T10:04:00.001-06:00

UPDATE: Is HRC really in this much trouble?

I thought this was very interesting.

It would seem as though that everything is par for the course in that the Clintons are winning the war of perception regarding ST's outcome, while the substance of the outcome lies seems to be a very different reality.
In a surprise twist after a chaotic Super Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) passed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in network tallies of the number of delegates the candidates racked up last night.
Clinton was portrayed in many news accounts as the night's big winner, but Obama's campaign says he wound up with a higher total where it really counts -- the delegates who will choose the party's nominee at this summer's Democratic convention.
With the delegate count still under way, NBC News said Obama appears to have won around 840 delegates in yesterday's contests, while Clinton earned about 830 -- "give or take a few," Tim Russert, the network's Washington bureau chief, said on the "Today" show.
Imagine that.

Disgusted

2008-02-06T09:05:00.000-06:00

I give up. If Republicans want John RINO or Jimmy Carter Huckabee, then who am I to step in their way? I do not understand the Republican voter this election cycle. Exit polls suggest that immigration and the economy are the two most important issues, but for some reason most voters manage to vote for the weakest candidates in those areas. So with that, I don't know what I look forward to the least...McCain's lukewarm reception he is bound for when he makes his convention acceptance speech...or the embarrassment that will result when we have a 72 year-old, out of touch pol up against a youthful, energetic Obama (or even Hillary) in debates. Do you really think the "feel first" crowd in this country will flock to that?

As always, Hot Air has a complete recap of yesterday's events.

Conspiracy

2008-02-06T05:32:00.000-06:00

Usually, I deplore conspiracy theories, but let me just be a little hypocritical today, and buy into the one where the Huckster is taking pot shots at Romney so that he can secure his VP slot by hitching a ride on the Straight Talk Express.

Matt Lewis makes the case at Townhall Blogs.

Well, if he's the guy who stops Mitt Romney -- and has a lot of
delegates -- I think Huckabee has a good argument to get on a McCain ticket.

Seinfeld

2008-02-06T05:27:00.001-06:00

I feel like like I am about to quote an old Seinfeld bit from the mid-90s:

"What's the deal with the Sourth? And, what's the deal with the Evangelicals?"

But, seriously, what matters most, and why is Dixie following the Pied Piper's song and voting Huckabee? I considered myself to be both until this election, now I am not so sure.

Sadly, I will say this, I feel quite similar to PoliPundit. (And, I link to it because I know The Abacus will simply love the 2012 hopefuls, one name in particular)

Too Little, Too Late?

2008-02-05T17:26:00.000-06:00

Speaking of Rush's 11th hour endorsement of Romney, JYB notes:
In what ought to be news but just looks futile, Rush chimes in with an endorsement for Romney today.

And, for as long as I have listened to Rush Limbaugh, and still do, this has to be my knee-jerk reaction, as well.

I have, as yet, to hear Rush articulate a sensible reason as to why he did not, in the least, express a "preference" of one over the other.

One Against Two?

2008-02-05T15:25:00.000-06:00

I have a few different thoughts on this story. One, who would vote for someone just because of an endorsement (I have an independent mind and will vote myself, thanks)? Two, are we really surprised this would happen? Three, I understand Huckabee auditioning for a cabinet or VP spot, but seriously, he's embarrassing himself. He's two weeks away from being the official John Edwards of the Republican Party.

The Weak Case Against Romney

2008-02-05T09:16:00.000-06:00

It appears that "flip-flopper" is the new "He's a Mormon". According to the Evangelical Outpost, Romney is a "flip-flopper" of the worst type. However, as with most arguments similar to this one given by the Evangelical Outpost, people seem to assume "flipping" is the same as "flip-flopping". If you notice, most of the arguments given by Evangelical Outpost demonstrate Romney's thoughts and positions over the years...not examples of Romney flipping to one position than back to the other. In one such case, the blogger gives a time frame of Romney's thoughts on stem cell research. In 2002, Romney supported stem cell research, but in 2005, Romney vetoed the stem cell research bill. Um...am I missing something here? For anyone that reads the bill in question and the commentary surrounding it, it is quite obvious that Romney supported stem cell research as long as it doesn't include embryonic stem cell research (I happen to have this stance as well).

Unfortunately, this manipulation of the facts is widespread between Huckabee and McCain supporters. As a Conservative, I'm ashamed that the evolution of thought is dismissed as pandering or "flip-flopping". Isn't that what we want for non-conservatives is for them to find the error of their ways and believe in the values and merit of Conservatism? Apparently not, for some.

We Meet...at Dawn

2008-02-05T06:31:00.000-06:00

To borrow from Rush Limbaugh, on all election days Conservatives "meet at dawn". Today is no different. In what it promising to be a long night, Republicans and Democrats across the country will take another step in electing its Presidential nominee. As you can imagine, there is a different story with a different angle everywhere you look:

Hot Air offers its predictions

Michelle Malkin with a great summary of the issues surrounding today

Primary Headquarters for most people

Latest polls

This story, while not different than most other candidates, gives a great example of what these men and women go through on the campaign trail. Whether or not you agree with the primary/general election process, there is something to be said for a process that forces the candidates to travel around the country and deliver their message. Not many countries can say the same.

Get Behind the Sheriff...or else

2008-02-04T10:05:00.000-06:00

From the obvious department, this story gives a great account as to McCain's rapport with his fellow colleagues. While one would think these feelings of McCain would come to the surface and derail his campaign, I'm assuming that most of these senators will back down in an attempt to gain favor with who they think will become the next President.

Yes, I'm just as surprised as you are (sarcasm) at the thought of Republican senators lacking the courage to stand up and have a voice.

Pretty Blonde White Girl Update

2008-02-03T18:59:00.000-06:00

BREAKING NEWS ON A MISSING PRETTY BLONDE WHITE GIRL

In a story that will not go away, officials now believe they know what happened to the pretty blonde white girl from Birmingham, Alabama. However, ABC News still has not commented on what happened to the other dozens of children and teenagers abducted in Alabama during the same week (May 30, 2005). I guess someone should tell these kids that its a shame they weren't pretty, blonde, and white. Maybe the news outlets believe the Wal-Mart "missing" bulletins are good enough for them.

Who Cares?

2008-02-03T18:46:00.000-06:00

I don't.

As with most (if not all) unions/guilds, I deplore the way they attempt to hold entire industries hostage, regardless of the innocent people who are affected (in this case, cameramen, costume personnel, etc.). As if giving the steel and car industries away to foreign countries wasn't enough, unions continue to bully around corporate America in the name of paying mostly unskilled labor $20/hour. Although this story is different than the traditional union strike, once again consumers proved that union members are not as valuable or significant as they originally believed.

Maine & Mitt

2008-02-02T21:41:00.000-06:00

This story caught me by surprise, and it is welcome news since all that has been written and spoken over the course of the last several days.

I really cannot believe the disparity.....but, I will take it walking away. One would only hope that this would be the beginnings of a momentum shift, or at least a stall for Senator Mccain.

Grown a Great Deal

2008-02-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

I deplore being spoken to this way.

Methinks that when Senator Goldwater was running back in 1960 that the conservative movement was not yet viable. Too, telling the young movement to "grow up" got him far, yes?

I generally read Fred Barnes, but this attitude, and this statement dissapoints me gravely.

One issue that is resoundingly silent from this op-ed is the single issue that Mccain is most know for recently, immigration. It would make one wonder why this is not discussed by Mr. Barnes.

Your Thoughts.

2008-02-02T13:29:00.000-06:00

Ann's latest "controversial" statement.

Limited Government [Part 2]

2008-02-02T10:35:00.000-06:00

The Abacus broached this subject just yesterday.

I missed this poignant observation by the Abacus's new found favorite Senator:

“That requires an explanation,” Specter said. “The N.F.L. has a very preferred status in our country with their antitrust exemption. The American people are entitled to be sure about the integrity of the game. It’s analogous to the C.I.A. destruction of tapes. Or any time you have records destroyed.

Really?

I think Captain Ed nails it.

So what do we have here? We have a senior Senator sticking his nose into a violation of league rules that got resolved months ago, threatening a private business that has committed no violation of the law, just coincidentally two days before their biggest game of the year.

The Enforcer?

2008-02-02T08:15:00.000-06:00

A little obvious...but still something to think about...

I haven't quite decided if I'm in the support Hillary over McCain crowd or not, but this column makes you stop and think if further degradation to the presidency makes it worth sticking it to McCain and other RINOs.

They say the numbers don't lie....

2008-02-02T08:06:00.000-06:00

Bad:
In the narrowed field, McCain now leads among Republicans with 48 percent, far outdistancing Mitt Romney at 20 percent and Mike Huckabee at 19 percent. Ron Paul receives 5 percent. The number of undecided voters has dropped from 13 percent in December to 5 percent today.

It is happenning, but that does not mean that I have to understand just what is going on.....

Forgotten[?] Comment

2008-02-01T14:50:00.001-06:00

Interesting.

Unfortunately, this seems to be par for the course when it comes to Mccain.

My thoughts of this comment just left me shaking my head.

Alito? ......really?

Straight-Talk Party Anyone?

2008-02-01T14:03:00.000-06:00

Some pictures just say it all.

Check out the smiles/laughs...it's the same kind of smile I have when I'm making a shady trade in Monopoly and no one else realizes it.

The Great One's Great Piece

2008-02-01T13:36:00.000-06:00

From NRO:

As everyone knows, McCain led the battle not once but twice against the
border-security-first approach to illegal immigration as co-author of the
McCain-Kennedy bill. He disparaged the motives of the millions of people who
objected to his legislation. He fought all amendments that would limit the
general amnesty provisions of the bill. This controversy raged for
weeks.

And, that encapsulates my concern with Mccain.

It is not a concern just with someone who does not share the same system of beliefs as I, it was (and is) the deliberate, petulant attacks on those who disagreed with him. It is admirable to follow your ideals, but one must refrain from belligerence.

Levin, poignant as ever.

Michelle Malkin: "Mark Levin Rights–and yes, I mean that with a capital “R”–some wrongs committed by McCain supporters invoking Ronald Reagan."

The Party of Limited Gover....wait a second...

2008-02-01T13:17:00.000-06:00

No one would ever accuse Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa) of taking up the cause of Conservatism, but with Specter calling on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to give an account of the destroyed tapes from "Spygate", it further adds to the frustrations of Conservatives who reject the mantra of "government knows best".

ESPN's take on the Specter/Goodell battle

Letter to Goodell

Letter to Specter

I understand the NFL's antitrust exemption and how one could argue that the NFL owes a higher duty of transparency to the public, but are we really witnessing the official questioning of an intracorporation act by an United States Senator? Between this and the rise of "Straight-Talk Express", I feel like I'm having a bad dream.