Saturday, July 4, 2009

Obama calls on groups within the Democratic Party to stop targeting moderate Democrats

Ummmm, that won't stop....

President Obama, strategizing yesterday with congressional leaders about health-care reform, complained that liberal advocacy groups ought to drop their attacks on Democratic lawmakers and devote their energy to promoting passage of comprehensive legislation.

In a pre-holiday call with half a dozen top House and Senate Democrats, Obama expressed his concern over advertisements and online campaigns targeting moderate Democrats, whom they criticize for not being fully devoted to "true" health-care reform.

"We shouldn't be focusing resources on each other," Obama opined in the call, according to three sources who participated in or listened to the conversation. "We ought to be focused on winning this debate."

Emphasis mine on the last sentence

I want to win this debate, but when you have the likes of Ben Nelson, Joe Lieberman, Mary Landrieu, etc., going on the record of not supporting a public option, then they must be called on it.

Congress has public option. Congress has the best health care plan out there that is available. The American people do not.

One has to wonder what is in it, IN THE END, for these Democrats to totally chuck any notion for public option? My only reason is that these Democrats depend on heavy donations from the insurance and health care communities, via their lobbyists.

Again, if this health care bill goes down, there will be repercussions and that will start with the 2010 Mid-Term Elections.

President Obama, we understand you want consensus and a good debate, but in the end the public wants and demands a choice, that choice is a strong public option plan.

It can not be anymore clearer than that.

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White House 4th of July Pictures









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Sarah Palin threatening lawsuits

One thing that many can say is this, she is one Drama Queen!!! Truly she is!! Here is the money paragraph:

To the extent several websites, most notably liberal Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore, are now claiming as "fact" that Governor Palin resigned because she is "under federal investigation" for embezzlement or other criminal wrongdoing, we will be exploring legal options this week to address such defamation. This is to provide notice to Ms. Moore, and those who re-publish the defamation, such as Huffington Post, MSNBC, the New York Times and The Washington Post, that the Palins will not allow them to propagate defamatory material without answering to this in a court of law. The Alaska Constitution protects the right of free speech, while simultaneously holding those "responsible for the abuse of that right." Alaska Constitution Art. I, Sec. 5. http://ltgov.state.ak.us/... These falsehoods abuse the right to free speech; continuing to publish these falsehoods of criminal activity is reckless, done without any regard for the truth, and is actionable.

Thomas Van Flein, for
Governor Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin is a public figure. Period. In accepting the VP slot with McCain in 2008, vetting her was appropriate because no one heard of her. Palin put her kids, family front and center, she did that and in doing so families are vetted, too. Don't believe me? Ask the Obamas. Now I don't know why she is leaving her office after only 2-1/2 years, but if there is any indication from that bizarre press conference yesterday, the only thing I can conclude is that she is not one who does well when the heat is up or a fire in the kitchen. In other words, she just bailed because it got too hard. I expect her to make mega bucks, that is the direction she is going and she will get it, but as far as politics she is done.

Politics is a hard ball sport and if you can't take the knocks and know how to fight, then you don't need to be in the game. As we see, she does not.

Read it all here and CBS

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Live Streaming of Fireworks, Barbeque, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Fallon at the White House with The Obamas for the 4th of July

Live streaming of the big bash on the South Lawn of the White House for military families, here.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama returned from Camp David in time to host the Independence Day celebration. The Obamas have invited about 1,200 military families for the festivities Saturday night.

The loud sounds of the Foo Fighters carried across the White House's South Lawn as the rockers rehearsed. During the presidential campaign last year, the band complained about John McCain's use of their song "My Hero" to promote his candidacy. His campaign said it paid the proper licenses to use many different songs, include that one. read more here...

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President Obama's Weekly Radio Address, July 4, 2006 (Video and Transcript)

Celebrating Independence Day and the American Spirit



download .mp3 | download .mp4 (47.0) | read the transcript

Republican Response by John McCain

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Friday, July 3, 2009

Is Sarah Palin under criminal investigation? (video)

h/t to Al Rodgers...

Well, something is going on because it does not make sense to just resign with 18 months left in office. If true, as always, it will come out. Just ask Mark Sanford.

[UPDATE]

Possible Federal Indictments in the Pipe for Palin, Read Here.



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Is Sarah Palin going to CASH IN???? CA-CHING??? (Video)

I say if it is true that she is done with politics, then she is DONE with Alaska. Expect her to move to NYC, some glizty place and rake in the dough.



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Sarah Palin is supposedly leaving politics for good (Video)

Again, dropping a bombshell on a holiday weekend? I believe there is more to this story to come....



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Video & Transcript: Sarah Palin Resigning as Governor of Alaska



Transcript

MSNBC

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Sarah Palin RESIGNING as Governor of Alaska

It is all about RUNNING FOR POTUS IN 2012...

Gov. Sarah Palin will resign her office in a few weeks, she said during a news conference at her Wasilla home Friday morning.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated at the Governor's Picnic at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks on Saturday, July 25, Palin said.

There was no immediate word as to why she will resign, though speculation has been rampant that the former vice presidential candidate is gearing up for a run at the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

Palin made the announcement flanked by Parnell and most, if not all, of her cabinet.

Parnell ran unsuccessfully against Rep. Don Young in the Republican primary last year.

The stunning announcement by Palin opens the floodgates for the 2010 gubernatorial race. Speculation that Palin might not seek re-election had fueled further conjecture of who might run.



She has a lot of damage repair to do. And it is all about getting out of ALASKA, when you have tasted the lower 48, Alaska is nothing to go back home to cheer about. Sorry, that is how she sees it.

Source

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In case you missed it: President Obama tapes audio for Disney's Hall of Presidents (video)



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The Obamas overseas starting next week

yes, with the Obama Girls and Grandma, too.

First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia, along with her mother, Marian Robinson, will join President Obama when he travels to Russia, Italy and Ghana next week. The First Couple will meet with Pope Benedict XVI on July 10 at the Vatican.

The White House announced in May that Mrs. Obama would visit Ghana -- and only recently confirmed that she will be with the president for the entire swing. The president will deliver two major speeches during the trip -- in Moscow, on U.S.-Russia relations, and in Accra, before the Ghanaian parliament.

Not all details about Mrs. Obama's activities on this trip are out yet, but a Wednesday briefing at the White House revealed some of her plans.

This is Mrs. Obama's second overseas trip in less than a month; she, her mom and daughters flew to Paris and London in June, marking Sasha's eighth birthday in London. Malia turns 11 on July 4. The next day, the Obama family flies to Russia aboard Air Force One, landing in Moscow on Monday.

Unlike the Paris and London trip -- basically a vacation for Mrs. Obama, with the exception of a side visit to Normandy to mark the anniversary of D-Day -- this travel is official business. read more here....

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Thursday, July 2, 2009

Senator Kay Hagan on board for the public option

The pressure was put on her and when she went home, well, she was initially cheered at the opening, but by the closing her constituents were telling her to, "Do the right thing."

She is not the only one, here. Many of these weak knee senators who are going home are going to get an EARFUL from their constituents. People are tired and voted for change. If we wanted what we had, I would be typing President John McCain, OK?

One of the real camels to break Hagan's back was the ad planned by moveon.org to target her resistance to the public option. In the end, she got the message.

For days, even weeks, the North Carolina Democrat had been pinpointed as a possible roadblock towards getting a strong public option out of the HELP committee. Progressive groups were running advertisements in her state to compel her to support the provision. Local pressure on the Senator was intense as well as it was widely believed that she was trying to water down the public option during the committee's drafting process.

In the end, Democrats say, Hagan was much more solid on the idea than media reports were letting on.

"The Left is wrong about Sen. Hagan on this," said a Senior Democratic staffer. "For others to attack her as standing in the way of progress on public choice just isn't right. She worked right up to the wire with other Democrats on the Committee. In the end, it will be plan they created together that will pass the Senate, guarantee access to affordable coverage for those who don't have it and preserve the options of those who do." read it all here...

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Obama cautious on the economic and job recovery front (Video)

Hey, the job numbers suck and it is not good. 9.5% unemployment, you can say what you want but it does not look good.



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Harry Reid's new excuse on the 60 votes in the senate, "..we cannot bulldoze anybody.."

It just can't get any better than that.

Again, we do have 60 votes for the Democrats, but with leaders like Harry Reid, I am here to tell you, NOT FOR LONG.

Reid has been notorious for making up any excuse for not pushing legislation through, but now faced with the fact of a 60 fillbuster proof majority, he still doesn't get it.

“We have 60 votes on paper,” Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader, said Wednesday in an interview. “But we cannot bulldoze anybody; it doesn’t work that way. My caucus doesn’t allow it. And we have a very diverse group of senators philosophically. I am not this morning suddenly flexing my muscles.”

Indeed, becoming the first party in 30 years to reach the fabled plateau of 60 could create as many political problems as it solves, raising expectations sky high and potentially causing a backlash should Democrats falter on energy or health care.

“The American people are going to say, ‘Look, we have given you the authority to make changes on health care, go ahead and do it,’ ” said Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent aligned with the Democrats. “No more excuses.”

Senator Reid, President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, the public DOES expect you not to falter on health care and energy, along with the other things that the Democrats were put in charge with.

If you don't understand this, can't figure it out, or out of touch, let me tell you this, "You better get in touch and with a quickness." Change was what this country voted for and with it you got a mandate.

Now do your jobs and deliver.

Source

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MSNBC, What is up with not promoting Carlos Watson?

If you have not watched MSNBC, take a peep at it now.

The channel has new hourly morning personalities, the aesthetics of the channel has changed and that is all good. The look is more slick, sleek, modern, which I like but I have a beef with MSNBC.

The channel is promoting its morning line up, starting with morning joe, then it's Dylan Ratigan and the Morning Meeting, then it is Dr. Nancy Snyderman's show. The problem is that Carlos Watson's hour is totally dissed. I mean like the man and his hour DON'T EXIST on MSNBC. What is that about?

Next, is how MSNBC is advertising the morning line up, VISUALLY. The ads running are Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, with Willie Geist, then Dylan Ratigan and his Morning Meeting, finally it is all about Dr. Nancy. Between Ratigan and Dr. Nancy's show is Carlos Watson and his hour. But there is no advertisement at all for Watson, NONE VISUALLY. How bogus is that?

This is a beef and I don't know if it is intentional but it is clear that what MSNBC is presenting is all their white on-air personalities and their slot times promoted, but not Carlos Watson who is black. Then another beef, Watson was in his slot a few weeks before Ratigan and Dr. Nancy's shows even premiered on air.

MSNBC do the right thing. If you are going to promote your NEW MORNING PERSONALITIES, promote them ALL, not just some. The way this is being presented has a racial bias view to me. Now all these personalities have to sink or swim on their own, but don't pump, push and prod your few picks and not be fair to promote them all.

MSNBC clean it up.

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The Unemployment Numbers are BAD, 9.5%

There is no getting around it, the numbers are bad. We are right around the double digit marker here.

This is a dark horse that is running against the Obama Administration. The other thing is that the Republicans can not run on the job mantra, just yet, when much of this demise was on their watch and is just continuing.

2010 the Obama Administration will have to own this, period. The stimulus package is either a go or bust, no other way around it. And as numbers continue like this, it means that homes are not being bought, malls are empty, and people are holding on to their money and spending only what is necessary.

It is, what it is.

Employers cut a larger-than-expected 467,000 jobs in June, driving the unemployment rate up to a 26-year high of 9.5 percent, suggesting that the economy's road to recovery will be bumpy.

The Labor Department report, released Thursday, showed that even as the recession flashes signs of easing, companies likely will want to keep a lid on costs and be wary of hiring until they feel certain the economy is on solid ground.

June's payroll reductions were deeper than the 363,000 that economists expected and average weekly earnings dropped to the lowest level in nearly a year.

However, the rise in the unemployment rate from 9.4 percent in May wasn't as sharp as the expected 9.6 percent. Still, many economists predict the jobless rate will hit 10 percent this year, and keep rising into next year, before falling back.

All told, 14.7 million people were unemployed in June.

If laid-off workers who have given up looking for new jobs or have settled for part-time work are included, the unemployment rate would have been 16.5 percent in June, the highest on records dating to 1994. read more here...

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Full Video and Transcript of President Obama's Town Hall Meeting on Health Care, July 1, 2009 in Virginia



download .mp4 (737.8 MB) | read the transcript

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Mark Sanford and Sarah Palin, "Mentally Unstable" (Video)

No shit. Read the whole Vanity Fair article on Palin here, "It Came From Wasilla", it is a doozy. And from Keith Olbermann's Countdown. The GOP is one HOT MESS party. for real.



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Ed Schultz EXPOSES Mark Sanford and his hypocrisy (Video)



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LADIES A MUST READ ON CHEATING HUSBANDS

From Maureen Dowd, I am only highlighting a few:

1. Skip the press conference, especially when your husband is copping to call girls, gay pickups in airport bathrooms or “tragic” and “forbidden” telenovela-style love stories. Stoicism at the skunk’s side is overrated and, as Larry Craig’s wife learned, sunglasses don’t help.

2. When there’s an Associated Press bulletin quoting your husband saying that he has found his soul mate but he’s going to try to fall back in love with you, change the locks. (At your second home, too.)

[snip]

8. Even if you’re a clever, competent woman, you risk sounding like a stereotypical harridan if you use the kids as a bludgeon and tell the press, as Jenny did: “You would think that a father who didn’t have contact with his children, if he wanted those children, he would toe the line a little bit.” When kids are involved, it’s best to chill when dishing out revenge.

9. Don’t slam his girlfriend for lying when you know she’s telling the truth. Don’t refer to the baby your rival had with your husband as “it.” Don’t trash a mistress, as Hillary and Elizabeth did, as a wacky stalker. No one — except the wife — blames the girlfriend as much as they blame the husband. Besides, you invite The Other Woman’s retaliation, as when Rielle decided — after watching Elizabeth spill to Oprah — that she might want that DNA test after all.

If you did not read this click on the link above and read it ALL. Most importantly, don't put your dirty married affairs in the news, a.k.a. the A.P. as the Sanfords did. Sadly, both Jenny and Mark Sanford are jokes now and to the point that South Carolina just want them to go away.

Tip Jenny, really, if your husband comes out and says he "has to fall back in love with you", girlfriend it is time to take your millions, your check book and BOUNCE. What woman want to hear that noise from a husband that is confessing he found the love of his life, his soulmate and he ain't talking about YOU.. He has done nothing but embarrass and humiliate you. GIRL MOVE THE FUCK ON......

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Video of President Obama's Health Care Town Hall in Virginia


At an emotional forum in Virginia, President Barack Obama hugged a cancer patient Wednesday and vowed to bring greater efficiency and accessibility to the nation's health care system.

Debby Smith, 53, of Appalachia, Va., a volunteer for Obama's political operation, fought tears as she told Obama of her kidney cancer and her inability to obtain health insurance or hold a job. The president embraced her and called her "exhibit A" in an unsustainable system that is too expensive and complex for millions of Americans.

"We are going to try to find ways to help you immediately," he told Smith as hundreds watched at a community college forum — and countless others on television. But the nation's long-term needs require a greater emphasis on preventive care and "cost-effective care," he said. read more here...


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Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) whose side are you on in the health care fight? (Video)

On Wednesday, a coalition of progressive groups, including Democracy for America, MoveOn, and Change Congress, released a 60-second television ad in Louisiana ramping up the pressure on Sen. Mary Landrieu to support a government vehicle for insurance. In addition to shining a spotlight on the $1.6 million Landrieu has received from health and insurance companies in the form of campaign contributions, the spot also elevates the story of Karen Gadbois, a breast cancer survivor who had won the title of 2008 New Orleanian of the Year by exposing corruption after Hurricane Katrina. read more here....



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Calls for Mark Sanford to RESIGN

YES.HE.SHOULD....

There is an OPEN FIGHT for everyone to view between Sanford, his wife, and to some degree his lover.

The back and forth of Mark and Jenny Sanford puts light on a marriage that is VASTLY OUT OF LOVE with each other.

The remarks that Jenny Sanford gave about her marriage, the continuous remarks that Mark Sanford has given about his marriage is just TMI!!! Yes, too much information.

The Sanfords need to go away and now South Carolina is in agreement.

Twelve of the 27 members of the state Senate's Majority Caucus now have signed a petition, calling for Gov. Mark Sanford to resign.

The latest Republican to sign was state Sen. Wes Hayes, R-York, chairman of the Senate's ethics committee.

Pressure is mounting Sanford to step down after he disappeared to Argentina for a week without telling anyone where he would be, confessed to an extramarital affair with an Argentine woman and acknowledged additional unspecified inappropriate relationships with a handful of other women. read more here...

And Senator Jim DeMint calls for Sanford to "Do the right thing", a.k.a., RESIGN.
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) on Wednesday urged embattled Gov. Mark Sanford, a fellow South Carolina Republican, to make the “right decision” about his political future.

“He’s dropped the flag. The rest of us have to get up and go on,” DeMint said during an interview on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.”

“A lot of us are talking to him behind the scenes in hopes that he'll make the right decision about what needs to be done,” the first-term senator said. read more here....



Hey, this is political fodder and an albatross around the Republicans NECK for their "family values" platform. Should Sanford resign? Yes. The man is not in love with is wife, but with the woman in Argentina. Why continue this and have these crazy statements flowing from Sanford's mouth? The man is a hypocrite of the highest magnitude and should RESIGN.

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Glenn Beck agrees that a major weapon should be detonated in the United States (Video)

Stunning, but not unexpected from that idiot:

At :24 seconds into this video

Scheuer: " The only chance we have as a country right now is for Osama bin Laden to deploy and detonate a major weapon in the United States. "

Is that patriotic? Why was the mic not cut from that fool? And Beck agrees?

It is rhetoric like this that should put FOX NEWS on the danger list. I mean a list that incites hate and racist rhetoric on the daily. h/t Daily Kos



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Daily Insurance Talking Points Against Public Option, from Senator Joe Lieberman (Video)

WE DON'T HAVE THE VOTES FOR PUBLIC OPTION!!! But he surely loves the insurance companies!!! But remember he was for it before he was against it and it is here on video, but that was when he was running for re-election.



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So, we have 60 votes in the senate. Now, do we have the balls to use it?

Yes, do we have the drive and determination to deliver the agenda the public voted for.

Do we have balls to drive legislation through the senate that this country VOTED for, like health care reform, like environmental reform, like education reform, like energy reform, like the dismantling of DADT and DOMA, well do we?

That is the big elephant in the room for the Democrats.

We congratulate Senator-Elect Al Franken for his patience, perserverance, stamina, and knowing he was on the right side of the recount argument. He handled this final win from the Minnesota Supreme Court with grace and stature that is expected from a Senator-Elect. But, Franken is not the Saviour here because he is the 60th vote, this number is the hammer down for Democrats to stop HIDING behind the words, "We Don't Have The Votes."

See, this country voted for change. If this country did not want change it would have just let the same win in November, but the Republicans did not and the voters rebuked that party. The Democrats have two options, fight and produce solid legislation that was voted for or tip toe around the minority party and let them call the shots.

The Republicans have 40 senators in the senate and their prospects for 2010 don't look all that good in reality. I understand bi-partisanship, Obama tried hard but he got nothing out of it, in fact now the Republicans are stating that the White House are not wooing them any longer. Did they think that would continue with their nastiness and constant viciousness? And I mean from the Republican Party against not only President Obama but his wife, Michelle Obama. Did they think that their constant vote against EVERYTHING would keep them in the Obama White House click? After a while, one gets tired of trying and MOVES ON. The Republicans have gotten that message.

The Democrats have a golden opportunity, it is called, "doing the right thing." I mean all the Democrats, even the conservative ones. If they do not, they will see imploding not in D.C. but across this country. People are waiting and they are tired. If the Democrats don't get this, they better and I mean quick.

60 votes is a big thing in the senate. We are talking about not since 1979 has a White House administration had this. If the Democrats in D.C. and the Obama White House don't do the right thing, they can expect some angry voters in 2010 and beyond.

I am not just typing this, I am hearing this and from many first time voters, Republicans who voted for Obama, and independents.

Do the right thing, Democrats. If not, it is at your peril.

Cross-posted @ Daily Kos

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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Keith Olbermann on Mark Sanford and his "more women" (Video)

Really, this is getting to be something else. Sanford out there on the prowl and just up and says there were more women. This does not sound like a man in love with his WIFE, at all. And why she wants to keep him around is beyond me. The Sanford Creep Show Continues....



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Al Franken's Victory Speech, Accepting the Minnesota U.S. Senate Seat (Video)



Coleman Concedes

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Norm Coleman Concedes to Al Franken (Video)

ABOUT TIME....takes money to keep a battle going...



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South Carolina Governor Sanford Admits Crossing the Line With Other Women

GOOD LORD, REPUBLICANS!!! When is enough, really enough!!!

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says he "crossed lines" with a handful of women other than his mistress — but never had sex with them.
The governor says he "never crossed the ultimate line" with anyone but Maria Belen Chapur, the Argentine at the center of a scandal that has derailed Sanford's once-promising political career.

During an emotional interview at his Statehouse office with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Sanford said Chapur is his soul mate but he's trying to fall back in love with his wife.

He says that during the other encounters he "let his guard down" with some physical contact but "didn't cross the sex line." He wouldn't go into detail.

Sanford said the casual encounters happened outside the U.S. while he was married but before he met Chapur. read more here....

Talk about HOT MESS. Does he thinks this will bode well as he is trying to make up or reconcile with his wife? But even more, does he really WANT TO RECONCILE with his wife? I don't think he does.



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Minnesota Supreme Court Declares Al Franken the Winnner of the U.S. Senate Race

THIS WAS BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION

Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) said he will sign the certificate if the MN Supreme Court's decision for Franken, and the Secretary of the State of Minnesota is on record to sign the certificate.

Norm Coleman's only option is to take this to federal court and at this point, "GOOD LUCK WITH THAT ONE." It takes money for court battles, do the Republican Party want to spend their money on this? I don't think so.

It is over for Coleman, who should have conceded MONTHS ago.

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday declared Democrat Al Franken the winner of a tight U.S. Senate race over Republican Norm Coleman, which should give Democrats the 60-seat majority they need to overcome procedural obstacles and push through their agenda.

Coleman has said in published reports he is unlikely to appeal the state court's decision to the federal courts. Under state law, the court's decision gives Franken the right to occupy the seat, which has been up for grabs since last November's election.

Minnesota Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has said he will certify the election winner based on what the state court decides.

If the decision holds up, Democrats will control 60 of the 100 Senate seats -- enough to overcome Republican procedural roadblocks in a clear boost to President Barack Obama's agenda.

Democrats hold a solid majority in the U.S. House.

One thing that sticks out is that the Minnesota Supreme Court orders that the Franken be certified the winner. That means not too much wiggle room for Coleman, AT ALL.
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that Democrat Al Franken be certified as the winner of the state's long-running Senate race, paving the way for a resolution in the seven-month fight over the seat.

Source
MSNBC

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Ed Schultz, "Mark Sanford has no shame" (Video)

Well, Sanford doesn't.

Here is a governor of a state that just LEFT, BOUNCED and no one knew where in the HELL he was at!! His wife told him not to go see his mistress or lover, but did he care? HELL TO THE NAW, he went all the way to Argentina for that!! for real. It is his dereliction of duty that NO ONE, not even seasoned Republican strategists can explain away because there is NO EXPLANATION, he was wrong.

Sanford is a sore eye on the Republicans and for me, he can sit out there all day long. This talk of he must get back with is wife is utter bullshit. This talk that he was led down a dark path, PUHLEAZE!! Really, if Sanford is down a dark path then he is TOTALLY not competent or stable enough to remain a governor.

As Ed puts it, "Stop with the excuses, because there are NONE...."



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John Edwards sex tape? (Video)

Not only say it isn't so, can we say to John Edwards to just STAY AWAY!!!



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Desiree Rogers, powerhouse behind the East Wing?

Ask former, Jackie Sher, who resigned or so they say....

One early miscalculation on Norris’ s part was that she tried to take on Desiree Rogers, a close friend of the first lady, insisting that the social secretary report to her. The disagreement culminated in what one aide described as a “blowup.” Valerie Jarrett, aide to the president and a friend of both women, had to step in and smooth over a conflict that many thought should never have been engaged. “We brought in people with strong personalities and passions,” Norris said. “Disagreements are inevitable.”

Desiree Rogers is a good looking, highly competent, sophisticated and Chicago armed individual. As was told from me, just on speculation from East Wing Rules, Desiree Rogers IS the one that Michelle Obama listens to. The ousting of Sher proves it.
Obamas, Bidens Host White House Luau For Members Of Congress

Now on the other hand was Sher effective for Michelle Obama?
Although Obama's job-approval ratings have soared, the first lady -- a Harvard-educated lawyer -- wasn't satisfied with coasting. She is hiring a full-time speechwriter and has instructed her staff to think "strategically" so that every event has a purpose and a message. She doesn't want to simply go to events and hug struggling military families, she said; she wants to show progress. "Her desire is to step out more and have deliverables," said communications chief Camille Johnston. "It's about things that are coming up that we want to be a part of: child nutrition reauthorization act, prevention and wellness for health-care reform. ..."

In the past couple of weeks, Obama has been more vocal about the specifics of the president's health plan, and she will play a substantive role in promoting it. She will soon announce the creation of an advisory board to help military families. And she will be the face of the administration's United We Serve, a summer-long national service program, which she launched on Monday. Even her social events have a message: She let congressional families know that before the annual White House barbecue Thursday, the 500 guests are expected to show up at Fort McNair in the capital to stuff camp backpacks with goodies for the children of military personnel.

Obama has also taken stock of her family life, which she has found to be more constrained than she expected. She has concluded that there's really only one road toward some semblance of a private life for them -- and it leads away from the White House.

I totally understand all this, especially a private life. Notice that the Obamas have spent a lot of time at Camp David. Why? It is PHOTO, PAPARAZZI, MEDIA FREE!!! The Obama Family can have the PRIVACY that lacks, even living in the White House.

More insight here...
In naming Sher, Obama took another step toward recreating her Chicago life on a world stage. She has surrounded herself with familiar faces, starting with her mother, who lives in the White House and takes daughters Malia and Sasha to school every day in an unmarked SUV. Obama begins her day at 5:30 a.m. with another Chicago transplant, Cornell McClellan, who has been her and her husband's personal trainer for 12 years. The family's meals are largely prepared by Chicagoan Sam Kass, a White House assistant chef, who also oversees the organic garden.

After the move to Washington, Obama sat down with her staff and two calendars: one from the office and one from Sidwell Friends, her daughters' new school. No events would be scheduled that presented a potential conflict with the girls. But she quickly discovered that her days off don't allow her any real freedom. When she wore shorts to walk the dog last week in a sheltered spot on the White House lawn, photos showed up on the Internet within hours.

Yes, I remember those photos. Grant it, no big deal because many of us walk our dog, for me DOGS, with poop bags, etc. It is no glam job. We are out there with no make up, no high heel shoes, enjoying the exercise with our pets, but for Michelle Obama it is different. Going out there, like that is not flattering and for some, NOT ME, but some that is not what they want to see a First Lady doing. Now this argument can be argued from here to there, but the privacy and frustration factor is understandable in Michelle Obama's thought. The "Damn, I can't even take Bo out for a poop without photographers....", yes, it is frustrating. But Michelle Obama, this is part of the JOB and the White House is DEFINITELY not a place for total privacy.

But, no matter what anyone may think or not think about Desiree Rogers, Michelle Obama TRUSTS her and her judgment.
One of the first people let in on Obama's vision was the woman charged with executing the cultural and social message for the White House: Rogers, 50, the first African American social secretary. The stuffy world of protocol has never seen the likes of Rogers, a glamorous Harvard MBA and former corporate executive, who unabashedly posed in $100,000 earrings for a magazine photo shoot -- much to the amusement of her boosters in the East Wing, and the anxiety of the president's advisers. Axelrod, an old friend, was agitated by the WSJ magazine profile in which she wore the earrings and talked about the "Obama brand."

Obama tasked Rogers with ensuring that every social event has a populist component, as she did last week when Duke Ellington High School students attended workshops with jazz greats. Rogers said that the Obamas want to convey that coming to the White House is "just a home visit." That's why, she said, the first lady hugs so many people who walk through the doors. "You try to take the fear out of just the mere awe of walking through the gates."

The Obamas are in no rush to schedule a state dinner for a foreign head of state, Rogers said. At the president's request, the first lady is planning a series of intimate "salon dinners." Rogers said she had provided the Obamas with a list of about 1,000 arts, business and science names and several suggested guest lists. "The opportunity to have 10 people that you're interested in and hear what they have to say about something," she said. "How fabulous!"

Read the whole article, here.

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In case you missed it: President Obama's remarks to members of the LGBT community at the White House (Video)



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Monday, June 29, 2009

The Obamas LGBT White House Reception


The Obamas received hundreds for the LGBT reception in the East Room of the White House

Despite skepticism among the gay community and a wary sense that President Obama might not have the courage to deliver on his campaign promises, he got a pretty good reception from LGBT attendees at his Pride Month reception at the White House Monday.

Obama drew early and enthusiastic applause from the crowd of 250-300 LGBT families, volunteers, community leaders, federal employees, state and local lawmakers, and heads of LGBT lobbying/activist organizations gathered in the East Room as he called out greetings to openly gay appointees and gay rights activists, then delivered remarks for about 20 minutes. (Hear audio of Obama's remarks here.)

"Welcome to your White House," he said to the crowd as he addressed it.

As noted elsewhere, Obama has yet to earn the trust of many in the gay political community. His administration hasn't prioritized a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell in Congress; its Justice Department defended the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Clinton-signed bill that defines marriage as between a man and a woman--an opinion that's been called insulting to the gay community. He doesn't believe in gay marriage. The message gays have been gleaning from the administration thusfar is: be patient.

President Obama promised the Gay Community won't be disappointed in the end
"We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of discrimination based on who you are or who you love, and I know that many in this room don't believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that," he said. "It's not for me to tell you to be patient anymore than it was for others to counsel patience to African-Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half century ago. But I say this: We have made progress, and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises that I made, but by promises that my administration keeps ... We've been in office six months now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration."

But Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told Chuck Todd of MSNBC/NBC that by 2012 DOMA will be repealed:


The Atlantic
Huffington Post

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I don't believe Ruth Madoff

Bernie Madoff deserved all of the 150 years sentence that was passed onto him today.

Madoff is the scum of the earth. A viper of the highest and most sneaky caliber. He prayed on rich folk, non-profits, ordinary folk, people on strict incomes, pension plans, you name it he was ON IT. In the end, it was his greed that "done him in". Now, comes his wife and her statement.

Bernard Madoff's wife says she feels "betrayed and confused" by the actions of her husband.

Ruth Madoff said in a statement Monday that "the man who committed his horrible fraud is not the man whom I have known for all these years."

Her 71-year-old husband was sentenced minutes earlier to 150 years in prison for fraud that bilked investors of billions of dollars.

A judge had already issued a forfeiture order stripping Ruth Madoff of $80 million in assets she claimed were hers. The order left her with $2.5 million.

She says "not a day goes by when I don't ache over the stories that I have heard and read." read more here.....

Betrayed and confused? No, Ruth Madoff, that is for the victims who lost everything, not you.

I can not believe that she knew NOTHING of what was going on, along to some extent her children who worked at their father's firm. Sure, you can say you don't know anything by turning a blind eye, but really you did know what was going on, but just did not want to face it.

Greed, Money, Power can sucker and take folks for a real ride. The ride equavalent to the best penthouse apartment in Manhatten. That ride can just make you not face the fact that for all those years, your husband stole billions of dollars from people worldwide.

Sorry, Ruth, but I don't believe you. Not one word. You knew about it, but rode along on the gravy train until your husband got caught.

Simple as that. No pity party being thrown here.

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Supreme Court rules for White Firefighters (Video)

Yes, we will hear all about Judge Sonya Sotomayor, because she voted against the firefighters along with other judges on a panel. But, in the end, Judge Sotomayor will sit on the supreme court bench in the fall, she has an approval rating of 62% from the public, and the Republicans don't have the votes to stop her from being confirmed.



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Jenny Sanford don't care about her husband's, Mark Sanford's career (Video)

I don't blame her. Again, WOMEN, if you are married to a politician, a high profiled politician, don't stand up there by him after he has HUMILIATED you and your family. Let him deal with the sharks, or press, ALONE. I commend Jenny Sanford, 100%. And if it were me, I would not give a mickey-fickey care about my cheating husband's career, EITHER.



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Bernie Madoff sentenced to 150 Years

The master ponzi schemer got 150 years, in other words, will die in prison.

Bernard Madoff was sentenced Monday to 150 years for the multibillion-dollar fraud scheme he perpetrated.

Before the sentencing, Madoff apologized to his family and to the victims of his multibillion-dollar fraud scheme Monday at a hearing for his sentencing for the investment swindle.

The 71-year-old financier said at the hearing that he “will live with this pain, this torment, for the rest of my life.”

Madoff says that he dug himself “deeper into a hole” as the scheme progressed. He also said he cannot offer an excuse for his behavior.

Attorney Ira Sorkin says the 150 years in prison recommended by prosecutors or the 50 years recommended by the federal probation department are excessive.

Madoff has pleaded guilty to securities fraud and other charges in March and has been jailed ever since.

Earlier, victims of the fraud described their ruined lives Monday to the judge sentencing the 71-year-old former Nasdaq stock market chairman.

Several hundred spectators crowded the courtroom in Manhattan to witness the sentencing of Madoff for the fraud scheme that wiped out fortunes, ruined charities and foundations and pushed some investors to commit suicide. read more here....

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Another Stimulus Package?

I knew this would happen.

The fight for the first stimulus package was just not enough money, in my opinion. Now to listen to David Axelrod on Meet the Press, yesterday, put that out there is just another head scratcher.

Do we need it? YES, but will it be passed by congress? That is another matter. It is called, looking at the poll numbers.

A senior White House adviser said Sunday the economic stimulus has not yet "broken the back of the recession" but set aside calls for a second massive spending bill. Republicans, meanwhile, called spending under way a failure.

White House adviser David Axelrod urged patience for President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus package in the face of sliding poll numbers. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a past and potentially future presidential candidate, said the spending was ill-designed and served only to expand the size of government.

Republicans have seized on the public's growing unease over government debt and spending to challenge the popular president. Sensing their own vulnerabilities, Obama's top advisers have ramped up their defense of spending that is incomplete and going slower than many had hoped. read it here....

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Sunday, June 28, 2009

Governor Pawlenty WILL sign the certification from Minnesota Supreme Court

Remember, Pawlenty is not running for re-election, but IS running for the Republican nomination for 2012.

Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) said Sunday he has no plans for further delay in certifying the results of the state's disputed U.S. Senate election so that Republican Norm Coleman can pursue a federal court challenge.

Pawlenty told CNN that he would abide by whatever ruling the Minnesota Supreme Court makes in the contest, where Democrat Al Franken appears to have an upper hand.

"I'm prepared to sign [the certification] as soon as they give the green light," Pawlenty said. “I’m not going to defy an order of the Minnesota Supreme Court. That would be a dereliction of my duty."

Pawlenty said he had no plans to slow up the process to allow federal litigation to play out, but would abide by any federal court stay Coleman might obtain. "If that doesn’t happen promptly or it drags out for any period of time, then we need to move ahead,” Pawlenty said.

It is over for Norm Coleman.

Source

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Phillipine Prisoners honoring Michael Jackson (Video)

these prison inmates are at least getting their "cardio" on...



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South Carolina's First Lady Jenny Sanford is not standing by her man (Video)



Read her interview, here.

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Meet the Press, June 28, 2009 (Video and Transcript)

Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod weighs in on the Obama agenda and some key leadership tests: health care, energy, the troubled economy, and the administration's response on Iran. Two key Republican voices, 2008 GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney & Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), weigh in on the leadership challenges facing their party, the future of the GOP, and the Obama agenda. Insights and analysis on all the week's news from our political roundtable: New York Times' David Brooks, Washington Post's E.J. Dionne, Vanity Fair's Dee Dee Myers & Republican Strategist Mike Murphy.



Transcript

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