Nobel Peace Prize recipient Al Gore is thrilled that President Obama won (Video)

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Freed journalists from North Korea (Videos)

Two American journalists freed by North Korea returned home to the United States on Wednesday for a jubilant, emotional reunion with family members and friends they hadn't seen in nearly five months.

The jet carrying Euna Lee and Laura Ling, reporters for Al Gore's San Francisco-based Current TV, and former President Bill Clinton arrived at Burbank's Bob Hope Airport at dawn. Clinton met with communist leader Kim Jong Il on Tuesday to secure the women's release.

The journalists were arrested near the North Korean-Chinese border in March while on a reporting trip for Current TV. read more here....

Laura Ling

Former Vice-President Al Gore

Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton

President Barack Obama



Now I want to hear from Bill Clinton.....

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Climate Bill Passes the House, BARELY

Some heavy lifting and arm twisting was done by President Obama and former Vice President Gore to get this passed in the House.

Reflecting the tenseness of the legislative debate, the White House and Democratic leadership have ratcheted up their efforts to ensure party unity. Among those making calls to lawmakers on the fence include Al Gore and President Barack Obama. According to a senior Hill aide, who asked to remain anonymous, Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis -- both recent recruits from the House -- have been calling former colleagues as well.

The key argument being conveyed is that this bill is the last big bite at the environmental policy apple.

"If it goes down, climate change is stymied," said one Democratic aide.

Well, it was not stymied and the bill is now on its way to the senate.

In a triumph for President Barack Obama on Friday, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed sweeping legislation calling for the nation's first-ever limits on pollution linked to global warming.

The bill also aims to usher in a new era of cleaner, yet more costly energy.

The vote was 219-212, capping months of negotiations and days of intense bargaining among Democrats. Republicans were overwhelmingly against the measure, saying it would cost jobs in the midst of a recession.

Republicans had sought to delay the inevitable. Moments before the final vote, House Republican John Boehner of Ohio plunged into a lengthy speech, methodically raising questions about numerous changes that he said Democrats had made public after 3 a.m. Friday.

He called the bill "the most profound piece of legislation to come to this floor in 100 years," but one that would create "a bureaucratic nightmare" without solving the nation's energy problems. read more here....

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Obama Evening Wrap Up. Illinois and Corruption.

Obama meets with Al Gore in Chicago, today.

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Blagojevich and the Fallout

If you have not heard, Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) was arrested by the feds for attempting to sell or auction off Obama's senate seat to the highest bidder. No joke, this is for real.

In terms of Barack Obama or fallout, none, but embarrassment for the Illinois Democratic Party. Also, you must now put Obama's senate seat and the governorship in toss up for 2010. The potential "auctioning off" of Obama's seat is a serious stain and it reeks.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich embarked on a "corruption crime spree" and tried to benefit from his ability to appoint President-elect Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate, federal officials said Tuesday.

At a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called it a sad day for the citizens of Illinois and alleged that the governor tried to "auction off" the Senate seat "to the highest bidder."

He said the alleged behavior "would make (Abe) Lincoln roll over in his grave."

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Fitzgerald accused Blagojevich of "appalling conduct" and said the governor "has taken us to a truly new low." He alleged that the governor wanted "tangible and up front" cash in return for appointing Obama's successor.

"He wasn't against a corrupt deal, he was against being stiffed in a corrupt deal," Fitzgerald added.

Fitzgerald said "Blagojevich put a 'for sale' sign on the naming of a United States senator."

Lynn Sweet reminded many that the Obama Campaign NEVER had ANYTHING to do with Governor Blagojevich. Period. View it below.



While the criminal complaint is extensive and long, this is just the beginning folks. Just the beginning. Read it all here.

What I am trying to understand is this, "If you are doing scummy shit, why on earth are you talking about it on the phone and out in the open? Knowing that you are under investigation already????" My teenage nephew has more sense than this!! The corruption in Illinois is real. Our previous governor, Ryan, is currently in prison for corruption. 2010 is going to be interesting. Can the Republicans regroup and take Obama's senate seat and the governorship or will the Democrats survive? Expect a lot of promises from both sides about reform and corruption. A show we viewed in 2002.

Lastly, this governor is brazen, careless and classless. The sooner he resigns, the faster we can regroup and clean the stench in Springfield, Illinois up.

Continuous Update.

Obama was not aware, video below:



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No allegations against Obama in Illinois: official

President-elect Barack Obama was in no way implicated in the federal corruption charges against the governor of his home state of Illinois, a fellow Democrat, the U.S. prosecutor in the case said on Tuesday.

"I should make clear the complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever," said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday, including trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Obama. Obama, who takes office on January 20, left the Senate soon after winning the November 4 presidential election.

Fiztgerald told a news conference that with the arrest of Blagojevich he had wanted to stop a "crime spree."

Obama aides would not immediately comment on the charges against the governor, but said the Obama transition office would be issuing a statement. continue

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Auto turmoil casts cloud over factory jobs

Ron Maccari, an assembly worker for General Motors for nearly 30 years, has been angry lately over the negative comments he’s heard on TV and read on the Internet about his chosen career.

For weeks, the Big Three U.S. automakers have been on a campaign for a federal bailout, leaving the manufacturing industry as a target of public vitriol.

Lawmakers, economists and business executives have joined in the attack.

Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., called the U.S.-based auto industry a “dinosaur.” An analysis in The Wall Street Journal titled “Just Say No to Detroit” by economist David Yermack suggested: “We would do better to set this money on fire rather than using it to keep these dying firms on life support.” Media mogul Ted Turner, in an interview with NBC's Tom Brokaw, questioned why the country was still trying to “keep alive a smokestack industry of the past.” continue

••

and...................

Blagojevich Shakedown List, no shit

With Arrest, Blagojevich Joins Other Ill. Governors

"Just How Insane Is Rod Blagojevich?"

House Ethics expands Rangel investigation

Illinois Legislature to Consider Special Election

Pressure Grows on Obama Over Pakistan

SEIU: We Did Nothing Wrong In Blago Tale

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The Governor Blagojevich arrest and stunning criminal complaint by the US Attorney's Office is just unreal. To attempt to sell or auction off Obama's Senate Seat to the highest bidder is truly unethical, immoral, and a Hollywood movie ready to be made. It is stuff like this, that makes many Americans cynical about politics. And this is on both sides of the aisle.

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Obama's Statement on IL Governor Rod Blagojevich with Al Gore (Video)

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Gore meeting with Obama and Biden Tomorrow

Main topic: Climate Change and energy issues.

Read it, here.

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CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS Telecast with Al Gore (Video)

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Al Gore's Speech at the Democratic Convention

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This Week With Barack Obama, The Presumptive Democratic Nominee, June 16-21, 2008

cross-posted @ Daily Kos


barack and al, detroit, michigan

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al gore's endorsement for barack obama, detroit, michigan

"When a disaster strikes — a Katrina, a shooting, or a six-alarm blaze — its city hall we lean on, its city hall we call first, and city hall we depend on to get us through tough times. Because whether its a small town or a big city, the government that people count on most is the one thats closest to the people." — Democratic Sen. Barack Obama

This was part of a statement that Barack Obama made to the United States Conference of Mayors in Miami, Florida.

It was ironic that John McCain chose to visit Iowa, when the Governor of Iowa asked him not to.

But what was more ironic is that as the folks in the ravaged midwest come to terms of what happened, it will be this that will anger many:

"I know that Sen. McCain felt as strongly as I did," Obama said, "feeling enormous sympathy for the victims of the recent flooding. I'm sure they appreciated the sentiment, but they probably would have appreciated it even more if Sen. McCain hadn't opposed legislation to fund levees and flood control programs, which he considers pork."

This is politics folks. Pure and simple. McCain voted against this bill that would have sent federal dollars for restoration of dams and levees. Maybe, McCain forgot that he did not vote to fund this bill, but showed up for the photo-op anyway.

The bill funded hundreds of projects — such as dams, sewage plants and beach restoration — that are important to local communities and their representatives. It also included money for the hurricane-hit Gulf Coast and for Florida Everglades restoration efforts.

I don't know about you, but I am tired of this government not spending the appropriate money for something called, maintenance and repair on the infrastructure of this country. Ask these folks flooded out how they feel about it, or the folks in Minnesota when a bridge just up and collasped on them, or Katrina victims STILL trying to get their lives back in order.

This country sure knows how to send money to Iraq in a snap, but for just the ordinary things like maintenance and repair, the Bush Administration will call it pork barrel spending in a minute, with McCain going right along with Bush.

A shame.


michelle, the dress, on the view

polls

Rasmussen: Obama pulls ahead in Virginia; Nevada Poll; Kansas Poll; Ohio PPP Poll; ABC/Washington Post Poll; SUSA Minnesota Poll; Mason-Dixon Virginia Poll; Rasmussen Oregon Poll; SUSA Kentucky Poll; Pope Institute North Carolina Poll; Reuters National Poll; Quinnipiac OH, FL and PA Poll; Alaska Rasmussen Poll; PPP Virginia Poll; Rasmussen Ohio Poll; ARG Florida Poll; SUSA Wisconsin Poll; Rasmussen Florida Poll; Georgia Insider Advantage Poll; Newsweek National Poll; Rasmussen New Hampshire Poll; Obama best Democratic Candidate in years, per Electorial-Vote.com

Bill, Jim, Caroline? Readers Pick Obama VP
Obama’s Decision Threatens Public Financing System
Obama returns Chicago to center stage
Axelrod Visits Senate Democrats
GOP Recycles Hillary Attacks On Obama Again -- This Time On Campaign Finance
With money, Obama to try to widen the battleground





barack's announcement to forego public financing

Without public funding, sky's the limit for Obama
AP-Ipsos poll: Most say US on wrong track
Obama gets AFSCME endorsement
Obama e-mail list makes Dems salivate
Obama Revives Kennedy-Era Excitement for Democrats Mikva, Minow


obama's economic roundtable with governors

National Push by Obama on Ads and Turnout

Senator Barack Obama is drawing up plans for extensive advertising and voter-turnout drives across the nation, hoping to capitalize on his expected fund-raising advantage over Senator John McCain to force Republicans to compete in states they have not had to defend in decades.

With his decision to give up public financing and the spending limits that go with it, Mr. Obama has added several seasoned hands to his advertising team, a harbinger of a multifaceted television campaign that people inside and outside Obama headquarters said would grow well beyond its already large presence in 18 states.

Future commercials could run on big national showcases like the Olympics in August and smaller cable networks like MTV and Black Entertainment Television that appeal to specific demographic and interest groups.

He is also dispatching paid staff members to all states, an unusual move by the standards of modern presidential campaigns where the fight is often contained to contested territories. New York Times

Ready to Attack Obama, But Geez...NO MONEY by icebergslim
Obama opts out of public financing by kos
Obama Calls Muslim Women Barred from Stage by Valhalla
Obama's First General Election Ad by dansac
Obama & Kerry deal Halliburton major blow; Prez OKs closing KBR tax loophole by beachmom
An Epic Primary Season for Democrats by Maureen


obama at the united states conference of mayors in miami, florida

audio/video

Barack on Jimmy Kimmel; Michelle on The View; Barack at Foreign Policy Summit; Barack with nation's governors for an Economic Conference; Obama on Pop Culture; Obama on Offshore Drilling; Obama Expresses 'Deep Disappointment' in McCain's Silence on Wife Attacks; Polls Try to Frame Ever-Changing Political Landscape; Why the Obama Campaign Has Six Pollsters; Dissecting McCain's Vulnerabilities in the Fall; Obama Pins Hopes on Fundraising Power; Obama Puts Early Focus on Michigan; Week in Review: Campaign Finance, Wiretapping

Obama, Clinton to join forces at fundraiser
'Straight Talk Express' often reverses course
Huckabee Says Demonizing Obama `Fatal Mistake' for Republicans
Obama meets with national security advisers



barack with anna burger, the chairwoman of "change to win," and john sweeney, president of the afl-cio

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Barack Obama: Lay Off My Family
Obama Campaigns on Capitol Hill
Obama Announces Senior Working Group on National Security
Obama’s Campaign Tightens Control of Image and Access
Obama camp sketches new electoral path
Women voters lining up behind Obama
Why the Christian right fears Obama



barack and chairman howard dean, dnc

shoutouts

Amtrak Has Too Few Usable Train Cars Left by bink; What's for Dinner: the Great Barbecue Edition by Asinus Asinum Fricat; This is a bus... by JeffLieber; What conservative bloggers taught me about flood relief by desmoinesdem; Obama To Opt Out Of Public Financing by slinkerwink; WaPo: General Accuses WH of War Crimes by abundance; How to Transform the US From a Debt to an Equity Economy by bonddad; Obama Responds to McCain Campaign Charge that he has "A September 10th Mindset" by TomP; "McCain Democrat" leader outed as racist by kat68; I got your back Barack! by Deoliver47; You Are Falling for the Right Wing's Trap. by kath25

Obama, McCain see purple in Minnesota
Obama to visit Iraq, Afghanistan
Barack Obama on Economics: 'We're Going Through a Big Shift'
Obama rebukes McCain camp on terrorism criticism
Senator Barack Obama Says He Wants to Make College Affordable
McCain Disses Bush -- But Mac Isn't as Green As He Says
Obama criticizes McCain on offshore drilling




icebergslim’s last word: barack obama

While many are up in arms over FISA, something else happened this week, “Barack Declared Independence.”

Barack Obama opted out of public financing. A first for any major candidate.

This decision is important on many levels. First, there will be grumbling from the other side of flip/flopping and Barack did, but for a good cause, to run a campaign independent of the shackles on your feet with public financing. I don’t expect this to stick because most of the general public is not interested in how campaigns are financed. They just don’t care. Maybe in another year or years to come, but not this year with the economy crumbling and gas prices looking at folks to hit five dollars a gallon, soon, it is a non-issue.

But what this does mean? It means that not only is Barack independent, but the Democratic Party, as a whole, is independent. We are free to raise the amount of money needed to fund all 50 states through November, along with helping to raise money for all the congressional and senate races riding this independent wave, as well.

I hope you fully understand what is at stake here. While some are complaining about FISA, we need to raise massive amounts of money for Barack, the DNC Convention, and the whole Democratic Party. This burden is not only on Barack, but all of us.

Along with this, Barack and Michelle Obama must fundraise, Barack has to go overseas, Barack has to go to Iraq and Afghanistan, Barack has to run the Democratic Convention, Barack has to complete a platform, all in about two months. One word, "Wow."

A good friend told me today that she did not like that Barack only raised 22M for May, for her a huge drop off. That is worrisome to her. I told her it did not bother me, but now I have to sit back and look at all I just wrote above and completely state, “this is a lot of stuff to complete on a promise of ordinary voters to fund.” It is.

So, while you are angry, you need to sit back and look at what we need to do and complete as a party. I will be the first to state that having the primary go to the end did not help us with timing. Many just became tired of it and disconnected, well it is time to reconnect and that starts with donating to the Obama for America Campaign.

See, I understand the current beef about FISA, warranted and duly noted, but the large picture is too big and the stakes too high to stop now. There are many reading this that have a son or daughter or loved one in Iraq; somebody has lost their job; a family is wondering how to save their home; someone may not have gas money to go to work tomorrow; many are skimping on food because of costs; some teenager is crying right now because they cannot go to college, even though they had good grades; folks got the credit card companies calling constantly because they can’t afford the payments and this list is endless. Yes, endless because I know some people who are affected on this list. So, see FISA right now is not an issue, but change and new direction in this country is.

We need to stand together, not apart now. I am hoping this bill is shoved until after November when it can be readdressed, but no matter what happens we need to move forward, together.

Folks, we have a laundry list of items to accomplish and time is not on our side.

It starts here. Donate to Obama for America. Because if we don’t get him elected in November and increase Democrats in congress, there will be more than whining for the next four years, but some serious weeping as well.




well another week has flown by and michelle obama was the star, no doubt. i don't know why the press is giving her a bum rap, but the woman is not only accomplished and lovely but puts her family first. al rodgers got me hooked on the slideshows, but he is numero uno in that department. a true, inspiration. as the summer is coming along, many of us are busy with families, getting ready for vacations, or just coping with LIFE. remember, we came from absolutely nothing and look where we are. keep involved, focus, donate and remember to focus on obama and not the drama...

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Tip the Obama Jar, Here
Get Involved Here
For Inspiration: Yes.We.Can!!!

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icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com

Afternoon Break...with Gore stuff....

Well, last night Al Gore joined Barack Obama, first at a fundraiser then a rally at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan to a packed house to announce his formal endorsement for Barack Obama.

What does this mean? A lot. Gore wrote on his blog, "I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States."

During his speech, Gore took jabs at the failed Administration that is called Bush:

"After eight years of incompetence, neglect and failure, we need change," Gore said. "After eight years when our Constitution has been dishonored and disrespected, we need changes."

He gave a very good speech; hit all the points, but my favorite line is below:

...even our dogs and cats learned elections matter....yes, al gore is back.....

Watch the video below, which was a zinger for sure.



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The cable desk clerks are chirping away about the move of the Obama Campaign to install former Clinton Campaign Manager, Patti Solis-Doyle to be Chief of Staff of the VP Nominee (to be selected).

We all know how this works. The Clinton forces got their surrogates hopping and whining on cable television, insinuating this is a 'dis'. But something else occurred to me, via my strategist friend.

This was bait for Clinton.

Bait you say? Why?

What is Barack's number one demand from the conception of his campaign? NO DRAMA.

So, what does the campaign do? They released a pr (press release), but this pr was a staffing list. This list had about 10 names on it. It listed other positions that have been absorbed by current staff members, newly created positions by bringing other staff members from other campaigns in, and Solis-Doyle's name somewhere in the middle.

Well, if this was a test, the Clinton folks got a big fat "F". Instead of being quiet and taking it the surrogates were running their mouths amuck.

This reminds me of the whole Clinton snafu of not conceding WHEN SHE SHOULD HAVE on that Tuesday Night. Instead, all her surrogates were running around teevee, screaming that she should be the VP pick, some like "Lanny Davis" even starting a website for petitions to put her on the ticket and that dreadful "Bob Johnson" trying to press the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) to put pressure on Obama for Clinton.

Well, that was major blowback for Clinton and failed. Especially when Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA) a Clinton backer said:

“There’s no bargaining," he told Dominic Carter, according to a transcript from NY1. "You don't bargain with the Presidential nominee. Even if you're Hillary Clinton and you have 18 million votes, you don't bargain.”

We all know what happened after this, Clinton recoiled, recanted and stated that she is not seeking the VP spot, though she said she would be interested.

I think this was a test. A test of how one would handle potentially bad news or even confusing news and look what has happened. The bulldogs were sent out; barking on the teevee screen and everyone is saying, basically, "so what".

This is Obama's choice. And since when does a presidential candidate have to get permission to hire a former colleague and absorb them in the campaign? He does not have to get a checkmark by the name from Hillary Clinton or anyone else. If the Clinton Camp has not learned anything, they need to absorb this; Barack Obama is stubborn and will not flinch. We have seen this repeatedly throughout this campaign and if Hillary Clinton has not FINALLY realized this, of course, she won't be tapped for the VP nod.

Finally, Solis-Doyle was born and raised in Chicago. She is friends and worked with David Axelrod, Mayor Daley. Her brother is a city councilman and powerful ward chief in this city. Of course, she is brought aboard. This has been floating around since March and no one should be surprised at this. Least of all the Clintons.

Simple as that. Oh, read Al G's take on it from The Field, here.

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Obama returns Chicago to center stage. Yippee!!! Sorry, I am from Chicago so I am patting myself on the back....._:)

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For Blacks in France, Obama’s Rise Is Reason to Rejoice, and to Hope

Interesting piece in the NYT about how folks are viewing this election abroad. I have been following how Obama is playing internationally and this is THE ELECTION that the world is watching. Pure fascination, but it would send a message internationally how the United States of America will be viewed, post George W. Bush years, which have sunk our value to an all time low.

When Youssoupha, a black rapper here, was asked the other day what was on his mind, a grin spread across his face. “Barack Obama,” he said. “Obama tells us everything is possible.”

A new black consciousness is emerging in France, lately hastened by, of all things, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States. An article in Le Monde a few days ago described how Mr. Obama is “stirring up high hopes” among blacks here. Even seeing the word “noir” (“black”) in a French newspaper was an occasion for surprise until recently.

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Washington Post/ABC Poll

The skinny is that Obama is leading by 6 points, but the cable desk clerks are chirping, "Why isn't the lead larger?"

Let me 'splain this again, as I was chirping this line in June of 2007.

IT IS EARLY. PERIOD.

Remember, who lead all of 2007 in the polls? It sure was not anyone with the name of Obama?

People are not paying attention to this stuff. They are not. It is early, the summer is here, folks are fishing, kids are out of school, etc. Again, the only ones watching this are political junkies, us. When Labor Day comes and goes, the kids back in school, fall approaches, you will see movement and folks paying attention to Obama and McCain.

For me, Obama is doing what he need to. Bringing the party together, getting the DNC funded, preparing for the Convention in August, stumping in the swing states, but more importantly getting ready for post Labor Day when the country will be engaged.

One nugget in this poll is this. 84% of the people believe the country is going in the wrong direction. If you were John McCain and have not made a dent or movement in shifting this number, I would be VERY AFRAID for NOVEMBER.

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Catching up with the polls.....

Oh, My, Obama is Leading in Ohio.....

PPP (Public Policy Poll) has Obama 50, McCain 39

Again, early, one poll, not a pollster, but visit Nate @ 538 to my left. He is the poll god. No kidding.

Looks as if Wisconsin is Obamaland...Obama 50, McCain 37.....

Virginia is tight....

Oregon is Obama 46, McCain 38......

Obama 37, McCain 47 in Kansas....still early.....

And kos says that women are going for Obama. As in polling....

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The moveon.org ad...."Not Alex"



and the talking heads...



and Chuck Todd....



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And if you missed Frank Rich's column titled, "Angry Clinton Women ♥ McCain?" It is a must read. Here is a tidbit and click on the link to finish it out:

TEN years ago John McCain had to apologize for regaling a Republican audience with a crude sexual joke about Hillary and Chelsea Clinton and Janet Reno. Last year he had to explain why he didn’t so much as flinch when a supporter asked him on camera, “How do we beat the bitch?” But these days Mr. McCain just loves the women.

In his televised address on Barack Obama’s victory night of June 3, he dismissed Mr. Obama in a single patronizing line but devoted four fulsome sentences to praising Mrs. Clinton for “inspiring millions of women.” The McCain Web site is showcasing a new blogger who crooned of the “genuine affection” for Mrs. Clinton “here at McCain HQ” after she lost. One of the few visible women in the McCain campaign hierarchy, Carly Fiorina, has declared herself “enormously proud” of Mrs. Clinton and is barnstorming to win over Democratic women to her guy’s cause.

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If you missed This Week With Barack Obama, click here.

And hope you are having a great day.....