Broken Masterpieces

June 16, 2005

What's In A Name?

RedState.org || - Romney Running - I'm wondering if this country is ready to elect someone named Willard or Mitt. Call me shallow but in an election, everything counts. I think he's an intriguing candidate but can we call him something else?

Posted by Tim at 08:41 AM | Comments (0)

April 11, 2005

Kerry Couldn't Have Lost

RedState.org || John Kerry: Sore Loser - not like any of us haven't had enough of the 2004 election but it looks like John Kerry just can't let go.

"Last year, too many people were denied their right to vote; too many who tried to vote were intimidated," Mr. Kerry said at an event sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts.

He's got to be kidding, right?

Posted by Tim at 06:55 AM | Comments (1)

November 29, 2004

Paying a Price for Bringing It On

Power Line: What ever happened to Steve Gardner?

Twenty-four hours later, Gardner's employer, Millennium Information Services, informed him via email that his posiiton with the company was being eliminated and that his services were no longer required. Gardner says that he has since seen the company advertising for his old position.

There may be more to this story but nothing surprises me anymore. Steve Gardner was one of 254 "liars" who decided that John Kerry wasn't fit to be President.

Posted by Tim at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2004

In Praise of John O'Neill

Tip to PowerLine

Kerry critic displays courage under fire

Nat Hentoff digs a bit deaper on John O'Neill of the Swift Vets and finds that Mr. O'Neill conducted himself with dignity in the face of the MSM wanting to discredit him. Contrary to popular MSM belief Mr. O'Neill was not a Bush flack.

A few other reporters have taken the time to find out more about the so-called Bush operative John O'Neill. In both the Aug. 28 New York Times and Los Angeles Times, a careful reader would have discovered that O'Neill voted for Democrats Hubert Humphrey and, years later, Al Gore for president. And his favorite presidential candidate this year was John Edwards. Also, O'Neill has described George W. Bush as an ''empty suit.''

Posted by Tim at 07:26 AM | Comments (1)

November 14, 2004

Joe Lieberman on Why Kerry Lost

Just caught the end of the Joe Lieberman interview on the Fox Sunday morning show. He was asked the question about why Kerry lost and he had the right answer: national security. He stated that the Democrats have not had a consistent message on national security. That's one leading Democrat that gets it.

Posted by Tim at 08:39 AM | Comments (0)

November 08, 2004

Oblermann - Not Over Yet?

MSNBC -

This is mentioned because there is a small but blood-curdling set of news stories that right now exists somewhere between the world of investigative journalism, and the world of the Reynolds Wrap Hat. And while the group’s ultimate home remains unclear - so might our election of just a week ago.

There's hope for the secessionists yet.

The only reason I differentiate between the blogs and the newspapers is that in the latter, a certain bar of ascertainable, reasonably neutral, fact has to be passed, and has to be approved by a consensus of reporters and editors. The process isn’t flawless (ask Dan Rather) but the next time you read a blog where bald-faced lies are accepted as fact, ask yourself whether we here in cyberspace have yet achieved the reliability of even the mainstream media.

Reliability of the MSM? Only that they are reliable pimps for Democratic candidates and policies.

Posted by Tim at 07:56 AM | Comments (2)

November 04, 2004

Krugman: No Surrender

Tip to Drudge

The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: No Surrender

See the Fisking below:

No Surrender
By PAUL KRUGMAN

President Bush isn't a conservative. He's a radical - the leader of a coalition that deeply dislikes America as it is. Part of that coalition wants to tear down the legacy of Franklin Roosevelt, eviscerating Social Security and, eventually, Medicare. Another part wants to break down the barriers between church and state. And thanks to a heavy turnout by evangelical Christians, Mr. Bush has four more years to advance that radical agenda.

Krugman's far-leftiness shows up right away. Talk about disliking America... Bush is a center-right conservative with big government tendencies. Mr. Krugman just doesn't get it. Social Security is broken in the long-term and needs to be fixed. The mentality that it can't be revamped to work better is just wrong headed. Heck, Bush even "fixed" Medicare (he's spending more than ever on it). This bogey man about breaking down the barriers between church and state are the scare mongering tactics that won't work anymore.

Democrats are now, understandably, engaged in self-examination. But while it's O.K. to think things over, those who abhor the direction Mr. Bush is taking the country must maintain their intensity; they must not succumb to defeatism.

No, they need to rethink their stances on defense and moral issues. They, not the President, need to move closer to the middle. Bush is far closer to the middle than Kerry.

This election did not prove the Republicans unbeatable. Mr. Bush did not win in a landslide. Without the fading but still potent aura of 9/11, when the nation was ready to rally around any leader, he wouldn't have won at all. And future events will almost surely offer opportunities for a Democratic comeback.

9/11 was a wake up call that many Americans will remember for a long time. Kerry and most of the Democratic party still have the 9/10 mentality.

I don't hope for more and worse scandals and failures during Mr. Bush's second term, but I do expect them. The resurgence of Al Qaeda, the debacle in Iraq, the explosion of the budget deficit and the failure to create jobs weren't things that just happened to occur on Mr. Bush's watch. They were the consequences of bad policies made by people who let ideology trump reality.

Yep, it's all Bush's fault. He didn't inherit a recession. 9/11 was all his fault. The previous administrations have no responsibility there (notice I didn't just single out Clinton). Granted, Iraq is tougher than what most of us thought it was it is a worthy cause and it's going to get better.

Those people still have Mr. Bush's ear, and his election victory will only give them the confidence to make even bigger mistakes.

So what should the Democrats do?

Hopefully, learn and quite crying.

One faction of the party is already calling for the Democrats to blur the differences between themselves and the Republicans. Or at least that's what I think Al From of the Democratic Leadership Council means when he says, "We've got to close the cultural gap." But that's a losing proposition.

John Kennedy was not a frothing-at-the-mouth liberal. He was strong on defense, civil rights and taxes. Liberals need to get back to making the case that it is safe to vote for them.

Yes, Democrats need to make it clear that they support personal virtue, that they value fidelity, responsibility, honesty and faith. This shouldn't be a hard case to make: Democrats are as likely as Republicans to be faithful spouses and good parents, and Republicans are as likely as Democrats to be adulterers, gamblers or drug abusers. Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate in the country; blue states, on average, have lower rates of out-of-wedlock births than red states.

This is code for calling people in the red states white trash/red necks. There is personal morality which many from both sides live out every day. It's the pollution of the culture that the left seems to tolerate too much. They just don't understand that we don't want our kids being bombarded with the cultural swill.

But Democrats are not going to get the support of people whose votes are motivated, above all, by their opposition to abortion and gay rights (and, in the background, opposition to minority rights). All they will do if they try to cater to intolerance is alienate their own base.

There's the white trash/red neck reference again. Why don't you just cover us with white sheets. Speaking of tolerance, nothing in Krugman's writing indicates any kind of tolerance for people he doesn't agree with. Us religious conservatives prefer to go beyond tolerance. We may not agree with a gay person's life style but that does not mean we don't love that person or respect their humanity. We don't hate them but do disagree. The elite left seems to take disagreement and make it into hate or accusations of lying.

Does this mean that the Democrats are condemned to permanent minority status? No. The religious right - not to be confused with religious Americans in general - isn't a majority, or even a dominant minority. It's just one bloc of voters, whom the Republican Party has learned to mobilize with wedge issues like this year's polarizing debate over gay marriage.

Yep, we are just a bunch of single issue voters. Not really, as we do care about moral issues but believe in a strong defense. Again, the Democrats need to earn the trust of Americans on defense issues.

Rather than catering to voters who will never support them, the Democrats - who are doing pretty well at getting the votes of moderates and independents - need to become equally effective at mobilizing their own base.

That is just clearly wrong. The left GOTV efforts consists of making sure union workers get election day as a paid day off, loading up buses of voters and scaring young voters with draft fears. The left GOTV effort is giving people directions to the polls, alerting them of the issues and trusting them to actually take the time off of work to go and vote.

In fact, they have made good strides, showing much more unity and intensity than anyone thought possible a year ago. But for the lingering aura of 9/11, they would have won.

Wrong again. Most of the trends over the years before 9/11 were Republican. Krugman also is contradicting himself as just a few paragraphs backs it was because we are voting for moral issues. If it weren't for 9/11 Bush would have had an economy recovering much more quickly and less of a need for the extra defense and war on terror spending.

What they need to do now is develop a political program aimed at maintaining and increasing the intensity. That means setting some realistic but critical goals for the next year.

The main goal should be to change the left's posture on defense.

Democrats shouldn't cave in to Mr. Bush when he tries to appoint highly partisan judges - even when the effort to block a bad appointment fails, it will show supporters that the party stands for something. They should gear up for a bid to retake the Senate or at least make a major dent in the Republican lead. They should keep the pressure on Mr. Bush when he makes terrible policy decisions, which he will.

Of course, with the MSM on their side, the Democrats will be able to turn good people into Satan. Hopefully, the new media will continue the good fight. If the Democrats are only seen as obstructionists it will hurt them. They need to be for something not just against the President.

It's all right to take a few weeks to think it over. (Heads up to readers: I'll be starting a long-planned break next week, to work on a economics textbook. I'll be back in January.) But Democrats mustn't give up the fight. What's at stake isn't just the fate of their party, but the fate of America as we know it.

Go ahead and take a few weeks. This President is ready to get to work now. Once the MSM gets back into the fight they will be in panic mode. Get ready for "The Gingrich Who Stole Christmas" type things. While Krugman rests, the new media doesn't.

E-mail: krugman@nytimes.com

Posted by Tim at 10:49 PM | Comments (6)

Unity

I guess the mantra of the Bush opponents is unity. Let me clarify what they really mean; Bush needs to run to the left and do some of the things they want done. Here's what I mean by unity; there are many causes we all have in common but there can only be one path taken. President Bush and the Republican party won the election so there is a leadership that will make that path. The opposition can choose to obstruct or they can reach out and try to have some influence in the path to be taken.

Posted by Tim at 08:26 AM | Comments (1)

November 03, 2004

Winners and Losers - 2004 Election

UPDATED on 11/4.

Losers:

  • Biggest Loser
  • Worldwide terrorists - the war on terror continues. We are still playing offense.
  • John Edwards - he's a political lightweight who didn't deliver his home state and now he's out of a job. He needs to run for governor, win, serve at least one term, then he can run for president.
  • Dan Rather and the rest of the Mainstream Media. Time for conservatives to make some real inroads into the MSM. Maybe one of my kids will join the ranks. This is a very long-term goal.
  • California Tax Payers - when there are so many fiscal problems why are we taking a $3 billion bond for questionable and immoral science.
  • Bruce Springsteen - he crossed the line for me when he started advocating Al Franken books and Michael Moore's load of crap. I'm sure I'll get over it but now I'm not enjoying his music. Bruce, can love your music but many don't agree with your far left politics.
  • Michael Moore and all the other "Bush lied, people died" folks. They did nothing to elevate the discourse but brought it into the gutter.
  • Ron Reagan - there is nothing worse than seeing this no talent, gravy training it off sympathy following the death of his father.
  • MTV - using a supposedly non-partisan Rock the Vote organization to try and scare people (via draft rumors) into voting for Kerry.
  • "Vote or Die" - how dumb of a phrase was that?

    Winners:

  • Republican Party
  • Hugh Hewitt - he stayed positive and wrote a great book about building the Republican party into a long-term power.
  • Marriage - 11 states voted to protect marriage as between a man and woman
  • Believe it or not the Senate Democratic leadership. Harry Reid is pro-life and brings forward a face that social conservatives can deal with
  • Bloggers - taking down the Rather fraud was amazing.
  • John Kerry - a tough campaign but a Massachusetts liberal getting around 48% ain't bad. Thanks for not being a Sore Loserman.
  • Switchfoot - nothing politcal but their latest album just passed the 2 million in sales mark.
  • Barack Obama - a fresh face, not a bomb thrower. Hopefully, he's a part of the future of the Democratic party.

    I'll probably update this some more later. I'm just tired now.

    Posted by Tim at 10:51 PM | Comments (1)
  • Biggest Loser of 2004 Election

    Has there ever been a bigger disaster for a political party than DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe. Between the election of 2002 and now 2004 this guy has helped send the Democratic party down a path that will be tough to turn from. The DNC will be relieved once this bomb thrower is gone.

    Posted by Tim at 08:31 AM | Comments (1)

    It's Over

    Just as I'm ready to jump into the shower I heard that Kerry made "the call". Fortunately for everyone, I didn't make this entry until I took my shower. Call me extremely happy and relieved.

    Posted by Tim at 08:26 AM | Comments (0)

    Election 2004 Leason Learned

    One thing that Republicans learned in 1996 is that you can't just be against an opponent. There needs to be a compelling reason to vote for someone not just against the opponent. I'm hopeful that when 2008 rolls around that us Republicans don't just base our election on defeating Hillary. We need to be ready to nominate someone we can be proud of and to rally around.

    Posted by Tim at 07:59 AM | Comments (4)

    Ohio Provisional Ballot List

    Ohio Provisional Ballot List

    Thanks to The Corner for the tip. As of this writing it is incomplete. If the number stays below 140,000 then it will be mathematically impossible for Kerry to win. One the the talking heads said this number could be complete in one hour.

    Posted by Tim at 12:50 AM | Comments (0)

    November 02, 2004

    Not Again?

    I guess I understand what Kerry is doing but it does seem like a longshot. Let's hope that it gets done quickly so we can all move on.

    Posted by Tim at 11:54 PM | Comments (0)

    Fox Calls Ohio Too Early

    I think Fox has called Ohio too early. I'm still optimistic but not ready to think it's even close to being called.

    Posted by Tim at 09:55 PM | Comments (0)

    Best Electoral Map ABC News

    ABC News: Elections 2004 Coverage

    Seems to have the latest and greatest in precincts reporting.

    Posted by Tim at 08:52 PM | Comments (0)

    Yahoo Election Tracker

    Yahoo! News - Elections

    Again, tip to Drudge. Has all the percentages of votes counted so far with links to the sources of the numbers.

    Posted by Tim at 04:48 PM | Comments (0)

    Looking for Exit Polls?

    Not here my friends. I'm very concerned about the panic that a Drudge report headline can produce. Take business into your own hands and go vote and encourage others to do the same.

    Posted by Tim at 01:08 PM | Comments (0)

    Voting in 34 Minutes (or so)

    What a great day!

    Posted by Tim at 06:26 AM | Comments (0)

    November 01, 2004

    Tracking the Pollsters

    I'll be trying to keep this post updated with the final selections of the major polls.



    Tracking the Pollsters
    PollBushKerry
    Battleground51.2%47.8%
    Gallup49.0%49.0%
    Rasmussen50.2%48.5%
    TIPP50.1%48.0%
    CBS News49.0%47.0%
    Marist49.0%50.0%

    Posted by Tim at 11:36 PM | Comments (0)

    My Pledge For The Next 4 Years

    No matter who is elected President of the United States I pledge to pray for them, to critique them, to agree with them when they are right and to correct them when they are wrong. Too many folks think it will be the end of the world if their guy doesn't win. Well, I'm going to be optimistic. God is in charge know matter who is the President. Heck, we survived 8 years of Clinton.

    Posted by Tim at 11:09 PM | Comments (0)

    My Optimistic Prediction

    Bush 50% and Kerry 48%. Electoral count is 300-238 for Bush.

    UPDATE (11/1/2004 @11:00 PM): Forgot to give Hawaii to Bush. Numbers were updated appropriately.

    Posted by Tim at 10:53 PM | Comments (0)

    The End of the Trail

    At least for the candidates they are just about done campaigning. I don't see how they did it and how they all don't screw up more often. Props to both President Bush and Senator Kerry for a long road that has now ended.

    Posted by Tim at 10:23 PM | Comments (0)

    Thoughts on Voting

    For us folks who don't need to be told to vote (more on that later), tomorrow is a great day. We realize that many people have bled and/or died for our right to vote. I resent all these organizations trying to get people to vote, under the umbrella of non-partisanship, who have an agenda. They just want people to blindly vote for their candidate. It spits in the face of people who've given so much for the right to vote. If you are going to vote, please get informed before voting.

    Posted by Tim at 10:10 PM | Comments (0)

    Questioning Kerry's Discharge

    Kerry's Discharge Is Questioned by an Ex-JAG Officer - November 1, 2004 - The New York Sun

    All officials with knowledge of what specifically happened in Mr. Kerry's case are muzzled by the Privacy Act of 1974.The act makes it a crime for federal employees to knowingly disclose personal information or records.

    Only Mr. Kerry can do that. As of this writing, Mr. Kerry has failed to sign a Standard Form 180 giving the electorate and the press access to his Navy files.

    Not that this even matters much but Kerry should have signed the Form 180. This is an issue that will not go away if he becomes President.

    UPDATE: Forget the hat tip to the Corner

    Posted by Tim at 06:26 AM | Comments (1)

    October 31, 2004

    Kerry Stumping In Church - Again

    I want to see the transcript of this service. Any pastor giving the pulpit to a political candidate (to toute there own election) for a Sunday service should be removed. This is beyond what the gospel is about and also is a clear violation of their tax-exempt status. Sunday service (or Saturday night in some cases) is a time to proclaim Christ not Kerry or Bush.

    Posted by Tim at 09:42 AM | Comments (1)

    Rendell Says UBL Wants Bush To Win

    Just saw on Fox News Sunday that Ed Rendell thinks UBL wants Bush to win since he's the best recruiter for al Qaeda. Whatever. Gov. Rendell sounds desparate.

    Posted by Tim at 08:29 AM | Comments (0)

    October 30, 2004

    Another Flip Flop - Tora Bora

    The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: The Osama Litmus Test

    But politics has shaped Kerry's approach to this whole issue. Back in December 2001, when bin Laden was apparently hiding in Tora Bora, Kerry supported the strategy of using Afghans to hunt him down. He told Larry King that our strategy "is having its impact, and it is the best way to protect our troops and sort of minimalize the proximity, if you will. I think we have been doing this pretty effectively, and we should continue to do it that way."

    But then the political wind shifted, and Kerry recalculated. Now Kerry calls the strategy he supported "outsourcing." When we rely on allies everywhere else around the world, that's multilateral cooperation, but when Bush does it in Afghanistan, it's "outsourcing." In Iraq, Kerry supports using local troops to chase insurgents, but in Afghanistan he is in post hoc opposition.

    I actually even heard CNN Headline News mention that General Franks disagrees with Kerry on this issue.

    Posted by Tim at 07:37 AM | Comments (0)

    October 29, 2004

    Election Brought Back Into Focus

    The appearance of the UBL tape brings the election back to the main topic at hand; terrorism. If you think Kerry would fight the war on terror better, then vote for him. If you think Bush would fight the war on terror better then vote for him.

    We know that Bush believes that the war in Iraq and taking the war to terrorists is part of the same war. We know Kerry doesn't link Iraq and terrorism. Kerry has a plan. What is that plan? He's a great Monday morning QB (he thought the approach to Tora Bora was fine back when it occurred) who talks tough but has a really bad habit of puting his finger to the wind for direction (see $87 billion).

    The choice is quite clear to me; the best defense is a string offense, vote for Bush.

    Posted by Tim at 09:35 PM | Comments (0)

    Why Not To Vote For Kerry

    The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

    The above link has some of the lowlights of a Kerry interview with Tom Brokaw. His reponse to the Iraq question is just junk and now we know he's not release all his military records (translation - he's been lying).

    Posted by Tim at 08:56 PM | Comments (0)

    October 27, 2004

    Election Prediction - 2004

    If it's a close race I believe the media dedication to Kerry and the voter fraud will make Kerry the next President. If this occurs I do not want President Bush to repeat the Sore Loserman fiasco of 2000. Simple recounts are OK but trying to create situations in counties that favor one candidate is junk. I truly believe that if Kerry is close but is behind he will do anything to win. Gore and Kerry are the same type of person; they want to be President because they want to be President. That's their compelling reason to be President.

    I am prepared for a Kerry victory but am still very hopeful that Bush will win. People really have to decide if Kerry can be commander in chief. He talks a good talk but his voting record in the Senate betrays him.

    Posted by Tim at 11:38 PM | Comments (3)

    October 26, 2004

    More Foreigners for Kerry

    Terrorists hope to defeat Bush through Iraq violence - The Washington Times: World - October 27, 2004

    "If the U.S. Army suffered numerous humiliating losses, [Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John] Kerry would emerge as the superman of the American people," said Mohammad Amin Bashar, a leader of the Muslim Scholars Association, a hard-line clerical group that vocally supports the resistance.

    Doesn't this matter to anybody? Our enemies are doing horrible things in Iraq so they can get rid of George W. Bush. I gotta be honest, if Kerry wins he'd better back up his tough talk with real actions. Regretfully, his past 33 years indicate something else.

    Posted by Tim at 11:00 PM | Comments (1)

    October 21, 2004

    John Kerry - Regular Guy (or is that Panderer in Chief)

    The biggest laughs of this campaign come when John Kerry tries to be a regular guy. First, 4 Canadien Geese give their lives for the Kerry cause in Ohio as the 2nd Amendment advocate (he believes guns are just for hunting not for self-defense) went on a hunting trip.

    I also caught Senator Kerry "watching the game, having a Bud" (I'm sure Kerry is a regular Bud drinker) during the Sox-Yanks 7th game. I wonder if Kerry will be excited watching Manny Ortiz at Lambert Field in the World Series. I hope his will make Kerry's favorite Sox player from the old days, Eddie Yost, extremely happy. It makes me think back to the day when the Dodgers, led by Eddie Gibson, Orel Yost, Fernando Ortiz and Eddie Sax, won a couple of World Series' in the 1980's. Good luck to the Sox when the series opens up in Fender Park this weekend.

    UPDATE:

    Yep, that's the real deal!

    Another UPDATE: Looks like Kerry only bagged 1 Canadian Goose. The news I saw this morning said 4.

    Posted by Tim at 08:21 AM | Comments (5)

    October 20, 2004

    RWN - Why John Kerry Shouldn't Be President -- In Quotes

    Right Wing News (Conservative News and Views) - Why John Kerry Shouldn't Be President -- In Quotes

    Everyone needs to link to RWN's post to get to know who Senator Kerry really is.

    Posted by Tim at 06:57 AM | Comments (1)

    October 19, 2004

    Kerry Will Leave Social Security As Is

    John Kerry for President - Kerry Offers a Fresh Start for America with a Plan to Restore Fiscal Responsibility and Protect Social Security

    Kerry will also strengthen Social Security. Unlike the president, his plan will not raise the retirement age, cut benefits for people that rely on them, raise taxes on the middle class or privatize the program.

    Since he's eliminated many options what is his plan? To all you young voters, Social Security needs to be fixed. Only one man has a real plan to fix Social Security and it's not Kerry. The only thing he has to offer is fear-mongering.

    Posted by Tim at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)

    Ashley's Story

    Tip to many...

    Ashley's Story

    Just watch it. See if he's the real deal or not.

    UPDATE: Be careful when you watch it. It might really touch you.

    Posted by Tim at 01:07 PM | Comments (4)

    October 18, 2004

    Vox Blogoli IV: Why vote for Bush, and what's wrong with Kerry

    In response to Hugh Hewitt's request to explain why Bush and not Kerry, here it goes:

    I support the re-election of President Bush because he has a plan to defeat terrorism. His plan isn't limited to law enforcement techniques but to taking the war to the terrorists. He's the candidate that learned from 9/11 that we can't just wait to be attacked and then react. The other candidate has backed himself into such a corner that he'll take us back to the pre-9/11 stance of reacting to terrorists instead of taking them out as quickly as possible.

    John Kerry has decided to go on a scorched earth policy as I truly he believes he's more about winning the election than thinking long term about where our country needs to go. He's already smacked down our key allies in the war on terror. I believe he's already reverting to his Vietnam era cut and run stance. I believe the Democratic party, lead by John Kerry, have gone above and beyond in terms of talking about everything that is wrong in Iraq. That's horrible behavior for someone who wants to be commander-in-chief.

    In terms of social issues Kerry voted against the outlawing of partial birth abortion and voted against the Defense of Marriage Act. He's way out of the mainstream of America but is in concert with the media and Hollywood elites of this country. He's also decided to talk about his faith in God now that the polls indicate that's a good move. He's been taking the opportunity to speak at Sunday services and uses the pulpit to insult President Bush during the service.

    In terms of the economy, President Bush inherited a stock market in a nose dive and an economy in recession. Then 9/11 hit. His tax cut policies have helped bring the economy back around. John Kerry has a history of voting to raise taxes and has a laundry list of proposals that will only increase spending.

    In summation, this is truly a single issue election and it's terrorism. President Bush will be aggressive while his opponent will cut and run.

    Posted by Tim at 10:57 PM | Comments (0)

    October 17, 2004

    Desperation on Social Security?

    MSNBC - Kerry: Bush planning ˜January surprise"

    Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry accused President Bush on Sunday of planning a surprise second-term effort to privatize Social Security and forecast a “disaster for America’s middle class.”

    Is it any wonder there are problems getting along in Washington? What won't Kerry say to win?

    Posted by Tim at 09:11 PM | Comments (2)

    October 15, 2004

    Where's The Outrage? - Disenfranchising the Military Again?

    MSNBC - Bush campaign voices worry about military vote

    This article covers the worst parts of the DNC; make sure the military doesn't get to vote, keep someone off of a ballot and fear mongering about the draft. Very nice!

    Posted by Tim at 10:38 PM | Comments (1)

    Podhoretz on Bush's Complacency

    New York Post Online Edition: Bush's Biggest Flaw

    One way or another, even if Bush had put away Kerry in the opening debate, I believe the race would have tightened up. That's in part due to the profound divisions in the body politic. It's also due to Kerry's own competitive strengths. But mostly, I think, it's because of Bush's most damaging political weakness: His capacity for complacency.

    I couldn't agree more. Bush gets cocky and over confident. Even though I'd love to go to a Bush or Cheney rally before the election, I'd better not see them here. I want them in Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, Colorado and the rest of the battleground states. They can come to California after they win.

    Posted by Tim at 06:53 AM | Comments (1)

    October 13, 2004

    Faith Without Works?

    $0 - The amount of charitable giving of John Kerry in years 1991 and 1995 (taxable income? - $240,036)

    John Kerry should NEVER give a lecture about faith and works given his past. There was only one person using their faith for political gain and it wasn't George W. Bush.

    Posted by Tim at 09:25 PM | Comments (3)

    JohnSwords - New Blog

    Check out this brand new blog, JohnSwords. A new discovery because of the debate...

    Posted by Tim at 08:55 PM | Comments (0)

    Child or Choice?

    If you are a pro-life person and are still undecided then consider the following: If you think this is a child then vote for President Bush. If it's a choice then vote for John Kerry.

    Posted by Tim at 08:52 PM | Comments (2)

    Final Debate Analysis

    Pretty decent debate but a bit boring. Having a debate without dealing with terrorism much in these times is pretty dumb. Kerry bringing up Cheney's daughter was a total cheap shot. Should Bush bring up Kerry's ex-wife? Bush did pretty well and was strong on the marriage issue, taxes and judges. Kerry had a better answer than Bush about the assault weapons ban.

    Watching some CNN pundits it seems they saw a different debate as most of them (mostly lefties) thought Kerry won big. I'm not sure how anyone could really think either side had a big week.

    The big ad buy needs to be about the Senator to the left of Ted Kennedy.

    Posted by Tim at 08:41 PM | Comments (3)

    Last Debate Pre-Analysis

    I've been off the blogosphere for a couple of days due to overwhelming work. I'm hoping to get home in time for the debates but we'll see. In order for Bush to do well I'm hopeful that Kerry will try his psuedo-Catholic stance in dealing with the moral issues of our day; abortion, fetal stem cell research and defense of marriage. Bush needs to explain how tax cuts help. In terms of spending Bush needs to tread carefully as he doesn't have much ground to stand on. Bush needs to explain the whole spending in the name of homeland security thing but needs to explain where he will put the brakes on spending.

    Kerry will try to exploit the death of Christopher Reeve so Bush needs to have evidence about adult stem cell research and how that is yielding real results unlike fetal stem cells (AKA killing unborn babies for their stem cells). Bush needs to stand strong on this issue. If he wavers then many cultural conservatives will lose their enthusiasm.

    Back to the grind....

    Posted by Tim at 09:23 AM | Comments (0)

    October 11, 2004

    Latest Polls

    The latest presidential election polls are all over the place. My hope is that it will keep Bush fired up and focused. In so many ways Bush's fate is in the hands of current events. How he responds to those events will be important. He needs to be the man we saw last Friday, not the debate before.

    Posted by Tim at 10:50 PM | Comments (6)

    October 09, 2004

    Hugh Hewitt on Kerry's Last 8 Days

    HughHewitt.com

    In the past eight days, John Kerry has:

    *announced to a national audience that American actions in defense of national security must pass a "global test";

    *announced that he would sell nuclear fuel to Iran;

    *could not answer, and badly filibustered a question on what he would do if Iran continued to push towards nuclear weapons acquisition;

    *denounced as unilateralism the conation that George Bush put together to overthrow Iraq, and called for unilateral appeasement of North Korea;

    *compared Iraq to Lebanon, but insisted a summit could entice other countries to join the effort in Iraq, even after the French and the Germans announced they would not do so even if Kerry was elected;

    *twice identified the most pressing proliferation problem as the American effort to develop a new generation of nuclear weapons capable of destroying deep bunkers, thus equating the United States with rogue states like North Korea and Iran and proclaiming hostility to modernization of the American arsenal --vintage Kerry defense thinking;

    *announced plan after plan for which no details exist;

    *"absolutely" pledged not to raise taxes on anyone earning less than $200,000 annually, a pledge that even his most ardent admirers know is either a bald lie or a repudiation of most of his spending plans;

    *ignored the creation of 1.9 million jobs over the past 13 months and ignored the economic consequences of the Clinton recession and 9/11 attacks while attacking Bush's tax cuts;

    *while calling attention to his Catholic status, defended his vote against banning partial birth abortion, called for taxpayer support for abortion, argued that "parental notification" was connected to dads raping daughters and defended the wholesale harvesting of frozen embryos for research purposes --four positions completely opposite of Catholic Church teaching and far outside the American consensus opinion on abortion;

    *actually said "John Edwards and I are for tort reform," and told the American people that lawsuits against doctors are 1% of the health care problem;

    *defensively denied being "wishy washy," a "flip flopper," and a "liberal," while complaining about being branded such by the president;

    *embraced the Kyoto Treaty and called for its resuscitation with amendments;

    *told America that General Shinseki had been fired by Bush and that the firing had a "chilling" effect on all generals, and one day later said Shinseki had been "retired" --not fired-- and left off the "chilling effect" argument --a record one day flip flop;

    *saw his running mate get woodshedded and his campaign try to reverse that blow by arguing that the Vice President should have remembered meeting Edwards;

    *heard his wife assert that American troops were fighting for oil and many other stunning things;

    *watched as Bush did not make a single memorable error in two debates while effectively underscoring Kerry's "global test" pratfall, focusing on Kerry's did-nothing time-serving two decades in the Senate, wrestle the ISG report to its appropriate place in the discussion of the Iraq War, persuade by repeated argument (which the Vice President also helped along) that coalitions can not be led or maintain by derision or democracies built by indecision;

    *watched as Bush effectively and accurately branded KerryCare as an expanded form of HillaryCare;

    *watched as Bush simply and devastatingly branded Kerry as not credible on taxes, spending and most important of all, defending the United States.

    I agree but I still think this is a very close race and Bush and the rest of us had better not get cocky. I hope the polls stay tight because Bush will stay on his game. If they loosen up again Bush and too many of his supporters get lazy. This happened in 2000 and happened last week. We need to keep our eye on the ball.

    Posted by Tim at 09:46 AM | Comments (1)

    Podhoretz - The L-Word Returns

    New York Post Online Edition: THE L-WORD RETURNS

    Twice Bush said, "You can run, but you can't hide." He meant Kerry couldn't hide from his liberal Senate voting record. The era of the flip-flop attack is over. The argument against Kerry's liberalism has begun in earnest.

    This is setting up the next debate up perfectly. Bush will be pounding home that Kerry is a liberal who's way out of touch with mainstream values; that he'll tax and spend because that's his record. Kerry has also taken the most extreme approach on more issues such as abortion where he voted against partial birth abortion. I really hope Kerry brings up his Catholicism again in the context of abortion or maybe in his explanation of why he voted against the Defense of Marriage Act.

    "Bring it on"

    Posted by Tim at 09:10 AM | Comments (1)

    October 08, 2004

    Great Debate!

    Major props to Charles Gibson for picking a great variety of questions. He's gained much credibility that he can be a liberal but yet fair.

    Great back and forth between President Bush and Senator Kerry. Bush had his passion back and Kerry had some good answers. In the end I'm very proud of President Bush and am very glad to have him back. I believe Bush wins because he was able to begin cracking open the difference between the Kerry rhetoric and the Senate voting record. Kerry can sound tough but his voting record is now more known by America.

    Next debate, Bush needs to be be ready to explain same-sex marriage and Kerry not supporting the Defense of Marriage Act. He needs to be ready to answer the Kerry point about not funding No Child Left Behind. He needs to be able to talk more about job creation. Hopefully, some revised job numbers might help. Bush needs to keep hammering the points about the dropping stock market and inherited recession and how 9/11 really screwed up the economy. Now we are bouncing back and he needs to keep pounding these points home. He did real good tonight explaining the economy and needs to keep it up.

    FURTHER THOUGHT: Next debate Bush does need to address the Canada/drug issue some more. He will also need to come up with a better answer to the outsourcing issue instead of just attack Kerry. I'm hopeful that Bush will address tightening the borders.

    UPDATE: Kerry mentioning his Catholicism in the context of being pro-choice is a big mistake. Roman Catholics who take their faith seriously will need to take another look at this man who spits in their face with his views.

    Posted by Tim at 08:02 PM | Comments (1)

    3rd Pre-Debate Analysis

    I'm hopeful that Bush will attack John Kerry's Senate record over the last 20ish years. He's proposed the elimination of key weapon systems, sided with the Communists in South America, been terribly inconsistent on big issues in Iraq (nothing like wanting to be President) and has a history of cut-and-run politics. Anyone with his Senate voting record is not going to do enough in the war on terror. His vision of just going after the people that are responsible for 9/11 is very short sided. Bush needs to hammer him there.

    When it comes to domestic issues Kerry's voting record is to the far-left of most America. He voted against the Defense of Marriage Act, is against banning partial-birth abortion, doesn't have a problem raising taxes and only thinks certain people deserves tax cuts. Bush needs to focus on a few issues and hammer away on him about how out of touch he is with most of America on some social issues. He also needs to nail him on now being against the Patriot Act.

    Hopefully Kerry gets cocky and Bush acts like an underdog. The expectations are higher now for Kerry so we'll see how it goes. I'd still rather watch baseball (can you say "split screen"?).

    Posted by Tim at 07:26 AM | Comments (1)

    October 07, 2004

    Time To Expose The Liberal Senator From Massachusetts

    The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

    So the “flip-flop” stuff was just entertaining background noise?

    “That’s exactly right,” we were told. “Look, we know we can beat John Kerry on his liberal voting record. But that decision is made in finality by most voters during the closing days of an election. We needed to give people something to talk about for the past year while Kerry has tried to slash the President down with his vicious, negative attacks.”

    This makes me so happy.

    Posted by Tim at 08:38 AM | Comments (1)

    October 06, 2004

    Biggest Lie of this Campaign

    The biggest lie is the Kerry-Edwards line that they've always had a consistent stance on Iraq.

    "I have one position on Iraq. One position." - John Kerry, 9/21/04

    There's no nuance here, he's just putting his finger in the air and seeing where the wind (or Democratic voters) is blowing.

    Posted by Tim at 07:28 AM | Comments (2)

    October 05, 2004

    If the MSM Says It's a Tie....

    ...then you all know that Cheney clearly won.

    Posted by Tim at 09:57 PM | Comments (4)

    Not a Very Memorable Meeting

    It looks like Cheney may have actually met Edwards at a prayer breakfast a few years ago. I guess it's not a big memorable moment for Cheney. Maybe if Edwards showed up at the Senate Cheney would have remembered him.

    Posted by Tim at 09:08 PM | Comments (2)

    A Reminder, The Real John Kerry

    Don't let the rhetoric fool you. John Kerry's real vision for defense.

    Posted by Tim at 08:41 PM | Comments (0)

    That Had To Hurt

    Mr. Edwards meet Mr. Cheney. Mr. Edwards, you were way out of your league. Good night!

    Posted by Tim at 08:21 PM | Comments (2)

    VP Debate - Prediction and Fact Checking

    My prediction... the old man will blow Edwards away when it comes to foreign policy. I hope President Bush is watching.

    Posted by Tim at 05:54 PM | Comments (1)

    Vote For Kerry Or You Are A Moron

    Tip to The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

    John Edwards: “I'd say If you live in the United States of America and you vote for George Bush, you've lost your mind.” (ABC’s “Nightline,” 10/4/04)

    A true uniter.

    Posted by Tim at 08:36 AM | Comments (1)

    October 04, 2004

    Do Not Panic

    It's clear that the race is tightening up for president but that was not unexpected. That's one reason this blog wasn't trumpeting the Bush lead too much. This will be a close race. Everybody needs to get informed and vote (not just vote). The 2004 election will determine which path this country will take. Do we want Neville Chamberlin (John Kerry) or Winston Churchill (George Bush) in the war on terror. It the war on terror against just al-Qaeda (Kerry) or all Islamo-Fascists (Bush).

    Posted by Tim at 08:40 AM | Comments (0)

    October 02, 2004

    Using the Harshest Word

    CNN.com - Kerry accuses Bush of lying about debate - Oct 2, 2004

    "George Bush lost the debate," an announcer says in a television ad Kerry's campaign unveiled Saturday. "Now he's lying about it."

    Nice!

    Posted by Tim at 08:54 PM | Comments (1)

    October 01, 2004

    Ammunition From Kerry For Kerry

    The Kerry Spot on National Review Online - KERRY MAY HAVE GIVEN HIS FOES TOO MUCH FODDER


    1. "Global test?" Major mistake. We're gonna hear a lot about this. Probably today. Hopefully today.
    2. Kerry didn't seem to know there were already sanctions on Iran.
    3. Summit. Summit. Summit. Blah, Blah. Blah.
    4. Kerry is opposed to the nuclear bunker busters as though we're the moral equivelant of our enemies. How very 80's of him.
    5. Kerry certainly won Kim Jong Il's vote.

      I'm beginning to think that Kerry may have one a style battle last night but his substance was even worse than I originally thought.

    6. Kerry wants both bi-lateral AND multi-lateral discussions with North Korea? Sheesh. How about a stand? Sorry, forgot who we're dealing with.
    7. Kerry said nuclear proliferation is his greatest fear and opposes missile defense? Uhm, okay.
    8. He mis-spoke about the 87 billion dollars? How about, as Bush might put it, he mis-voted? Terrible reponse.
    9. Was Iraq a mistake, or wasn't it? He doesn't know. He says both in the same debate. I rub my hands in anticipation of the RNC's commercial on this.
    10. No subways were closed during the Republican convention. Duh.

    Posted by Tim at 02:06 PM | Comments (0)

    "Smashing" Kerry

    Props to the Corner.

    Citizen Smash - The Indepundit - General Kerry

    Just read it and there is too much to just highlight a couple of quotes.

    Posted by Tim at 01:00 PM | Comments (0)

    Killing the Terrorists with a Summit

    Listening to Laura Ingraham this morning, I was getting a kick out of her analysis of the debate. Basically, let's kill the terrorists by holding a summit. We'll also get out of Iraq by training the Iraqis faster. I don't think Senator Kerry has ever heard that you can't have a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant.

    For Kerry, all style and weak substance. I guess resting in his hotel was better than visiting hurricane victims yesterday.

    Posted by Tim at 08:53 AM | Comments (1)

    Morris on First Debate

    New York Post Online Edition: ONE WINNER ON SUBSTANCE, ANOTHER ON STYLE

    Morris is pretty much spot on. Bush did seem "disengaged, distracted and, at times, even bored".

    Posted by Tim at 07:06 AM | Comments (0)

    More Post-Debate Analysis

    Since Kerry was at his best last night and Bush wasn't, and yet the debate was still close (and I think Kerry really didn't provide any solutions), Bush will have lowered (unintentionally) the performance expectations. I don't know if Kerry will do any worse but we all know Bush can do better. Note to President Bush; be ready for 90 minutes, not 45.

    Another observation, I honestly don't know how people can not screw up when getting grilled for 90 minutes.

    Posted by Tim at 06:49 AM | Comments (0)

    September 30, 2004

    "Passing the Global Test" - Kerry

    Picking up on a topic making the rounds, what the heck does "passing the global test" mean? In Kerry-speak that means we must have the approval of France and Germany to defend ourselves with pre-emptive strikes.

    Posted by Tim at 09:20 PM | Comments (3)

    Race Not Over

    Trying to avoid the post-debate spin... my impressions:

    First, no screw-ups of any substance. The spinners are saying Bush looked annoyed during the wide shots but I didn't really notice it. Kerry seemed to be pretty consistent in terms of the length of debate (not in content but in performance) while Bush seemed to be tiring out after about 45 minutes. So for performance I think Kerry did better.

    In terms of content Kerry had a ton of criticism but no real specific answers for how he'd "fix" Iraq. His solution of a summit really isn't much of an answer. Bush had a very rich target with all his Senate votes but didn't take much advantage of it. Kerry was on the attack and Bush didn't attack as much as I'd want. So neither advanced their position much but at least Kerry has been consistent for the last 10 days. Bush stands strong on his position.

    All in all, 90 minutes is too long for me after 10 hours of work. If people just watched the first 45 minutes they'd think Bush won. If they watched the whole thing then Kerry closed stronger and did well despite being wrong on the issues. We'll see how the people judge this one.

    Slight win for Kerry but just because he did perform better.

    UPDATE: Note to Joe Lockhart, clean up your act you slob. What a dorky representation for your candidate. Learn from Karen Hughes who had a debate with the MSNBC report (is she working for Kerrey?) and was amazing. It's not Rove who's the real genius but Mrs. Hughes.

    Posted by Tim at 08:48 PM | Comments (1)

    Debate Facts Feed - Be Sure To Stay Here During The Debate


    Posted by Tim at 02:38 PM | Comments (1)

    Morris on Why Kerry Is Losing (For Now)

    Tip to RealClearPolitics.

    Kerry's losing because he keeps punching his pillow=The Hill.com=

    But beyond the issue of being pro-war or antiwar, Kerry is committed to showing the war in Iraq as a failure. The pessimism and negativity that comes to color his campaign as he attacks Bush on his handling of Iraq can only hurt him further.

    By criticizing the president on his conduct of a war, one has almost implicitly to be criticizing the troops who are waging it. It was only after years and years of obvious chaos in Vietnam that opposition to that conflict became politically acceptable.

    Kerry cannot break with a president in his conduct of a war without being seen as negative to the men and women who are waging it.

    Morris is saying, as of this moment, that you cannot support the troops without supporting the mission. Iraq is not even closed to a lost cause. We are still way ahead and will win.

    Posted by Tim at 01:04 PM | Comments (0)

    September 29, 2004

    First Presidential Debate - My Pre-Debate Thoughts

    First, I can't wait for this first debate so the the silly low-expectations game will end. Of course, the Democrats have said that Bush is such a moron then say he's a good debater. Let's be honest, in the Bush-Gore debates I don't really thing Bush won but Gore totally lost. He came off as a total freak. What Kerry needs to do is not repeat Al Gore. He should just be himself, warts and all. Americans can tell a fake and if Kerry tries to be someone he's not it won't matter if he gets in some zingers or has a clear plan for Iraq (yeah right!). I'm also sure the makeup artists will take the orange luster off of Senator Kerry.

    Bush needs to not try and impress us with his liguistic skills (because he won't). If he responds the same way he did on the O'Reilly interviews then he'll be fine. I just wish he could have Tony Blair explain Iraq instead of him. He does need to go after Kerry for his Iraq inconsistencies but really needs to call him on the carpet for feeding the draft scare frenzy. Bush needs to put the blame where it belongs for the draft scare and that's to the Democrats. The started the fire and are now fanning the flames, then blaming Bush.

    The debates mean the election is getting closer and I must admit that I'm super tired of this horribly long election cycle. Just think, on November 3 there will be folks starting all over again.

    UPDATE: Bush better not say "homeboy". I also hope he doesn't say "flip-flop".

    Posted by Tim at 09:23 PM | Comments (1)

    September 27, 2004

    Kristol on Kerry's Scorched Earth Policy

    CBS News | Kerry's Disgraceful Behavior | September 27, 2004 12:33:18

    John Kerry has decided to pursue a scorched-earth strategy in this campaign. He is prepared to insult allies, hearten enemies, and denigrate efforts to succeed in Iraq. His behavior is deeply irresponsible -- and not even in his own best interest.

    There is some chance, after all, that John Kerry will be president in four months. If so, what kind of situation will he have created for himself? France will smile on him, but provide no troops. Those allies that have provided troops, from Britain and Poland and Australia and Japan and elsewhere, will likely recall how Kerry sneered at them, calling them "the coerced and the bribed." The leader of the government in Iraq, upon whom the success of John Kerry's Iraq policy will depend, will have been weakened before his enemies and ours -- and will also remember the insult. Is this really how Kerry wants to go down in history: Willing to say anything to try to get elected, no matter what the damage to the people of Iraq, to American interests, and even to himself?

    Obviously, Kristol has been reading this blog :). Winning at any cost is not good but this is what Kerry has chosen to do, no matter the ramifications. He's wanted to be President since he was young and will do anything to win.

    Posted by Tim at 09:52 AM | Comments (8)

    September 26, 2004

    Stupid Draft Tricks

    QandO has provided a definitive and easy to understand explanation of the Democratic scare tactic about the draft. Send your friends here when you get that silly email or hear of this dirty trick.

    BTW, I am not completely against a draft at all.

    Posted by Tim at 10:35 PM | Comments (0)

    September 23, 2004

    How Kerry Chould Have Run His Campaign With Honor

    In hindsight, and knowing the election is far from over, John Kerry could have run a much more honorable campaign and one that didn't possibly do permanent damage against the US efforts in Iraq. Here's my list of how he should have run this deal:

  • Should have defended his 2002 vote instead of claiming he was misled. He had access to all the information that the administration had. He wasn't misled, he just didn't dig enough. He put his faith (and so did many others) in the intelligence we had and that's that. Quite blaming others and take responsibility for your votes.
  • Along the same lines, voting against the $87 million for Iraq and the rest of the war on terror was a disaster. Instead, he should have said he wanter MORE money for troops but still should have voted for the $87 million. This was purely a vote to counter Howard Dean. Nuance just doesn't work on this one.
  • No matter the situation, Bush would still campaign on the war on terror and Iraq. Kerry just should have said he totally backs the current course and would continue the course but be even stronger, demanding more troops. This would have taken the terror issue off the table. He could have even made a big man announcement and said that he would not make this a campaign issue.
  • With terror off of the table he could have focused on a major domestic area like healthcare and pounded Bush on domestic issues without looking weak on the war on terror.

    It's all too late as Kerry has poisoned the water with our newest allies in Iraq, insulted the allies that have stood with us and tried to please the allies that are best with sticking it in our ear. The cut-and-run candidate, whether he wins or loses, has damaged the effort in Iraq. He's not only the cut-and-run candidate but the say-anything-to-win candidate (see smacking the Iraqi PM and the hints about Bush bringing back the draft).

    Posted by Tim at 10:27 PM | Comments (3)
  • Kerry Pandering To The Wrong People

    New York Post Online Edition: Ralph Peters - Reverting to Form, Kerry's Pandering to a New Enemy

    But Kerry doesn't want to see those things. He's reverting to form. Just as he lied about our troops three decades ago, encouraging our enemies of the day and worsening the suffering of our POWs in North Vietnam, today he's pandering to a new enemy.

    John Kerry, the cut and run candidate. He never learned the lesson from Vietnam about what it means to support our soldiers. Helping to embold the enemy by advocating an early pull-out just lets the enemy wait us out.

    Posted by Tim at 06:36 AM | Comments (3)

    September 22, 2004

    Kerry Scare Tactics

    Yahoo! News - Kerry Says Draft May Return Under Bush

    "If George Bush were to be re-elected, given the way he has gone about this war and given his avoidance of responsibility in North Korea and Iran and other places, is it possible? I can't tell you."

    Next thing he'll hint that Bush might not rule out bringing back slavery. This type of crap is just that, crap. I hope Bush brings this up in the debate and make Kerry say it out loud and on national TV.

    Posted by Tim at 10:17 PM | Comments (1)

    September 21, 2004

    David Brooks on Latest Kerry Iraq Stance

    The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Finally, Kerry Takes a Stand

    Substantively, of course, Kerry's speech is completely irresponsible. In the first place, there is a 99 percent chance that other nations will not contribute enough troops to significantly decrease the U.S. burden in Iraq. In that case, John Kerry has no Iraq policy. The promise to bring some troops home by summer will be exposed as a Disneyesque fantasy.

    More to the point, Kerry is trying to use multilateralism as a gloss for retreat. If "the world" is going to be responsible for defeating Moktada al-Sadr and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, then no one will be responsible for defeating them. The consequences for the people of Iraq and the region will be horrific.

    Finally, if the whole war is a mistake, shouldn't we stop fighting tomorrow? What do you say to the last man to die for a "profound diversion"?

    But that is what the next few weeks are going to be about. This country has long needed to have a straight up-or-down debate on the war. Now that Kerry has positioned himself as the antiwar candidate, it can.

    Kerry is not the antiwar candidate but the cut-and-run candidate. If elected, I hope he is more responsible than that.

    Posted by Tim at 06:33 AM | Comments (4)

    September 20, 2004

    Kerry - We Should Have Kept Saddam In Power

    CNN.com - Kerry: Bush's Iraq policy has endangered U.S. - Sep 20, 2004

    Kerry said Saddam Hussein "was a brutal dictator who deserves his own special place in hell. But that was not, in itself, a reason to go to war. ... We have traded a dictator for a chaos that has left America less secure."

    More understanding of nuance required.

    Posted by Tim at 08:58 PM | Comments (0)

    September 17, 2004

    Anything Postive For The Troops, Senator Kerry?

    Kerry Accuses Bush of Hiding Troops Plan

    Conspiracy theories now? Geez Kerry, can you at least throw the troops a positive bone every once in a while? I guess he's never learned that too much negativity towards a mission just doesn't help at all. If he'd at least been consistent in his views on the Iraq war he'd have some credibility.

    Posted by Tim at 11:29 PM | Comments (1)

    No Bush or Kerry at Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner

    Taking the cue from Hugh Hewitt.

    Bush, Kerry Not Invited to Annual Dinner

    From a faith perspective I'm a bit bumbed that this event will not have President Bush. His appearance 4 years ago was a great chance for him to share issues of faith and life that isn't always welcome in the political arena. Of course, Bush was pretty darn funny before he got serious (and Al Gore even sounded a little funny sometimes).

    John Kerry is lucky he doesn't need to attend this event because, as a Catholic, he's at great odds with his own church. While Bush would be able to talk about his pro-life stance while Kerry just can't. Kerry is also lucky because he won't have to try (and fail) to be funny. That would be just painful to watch.

    Posted by Tim at 10:31 PM | Comments (5)

    September 14, 2004

    Bring Him On

    Tip to Drudge.

    Yahoo! News - Kennedy to Hit Campaign Trail for Kerry

    This should help...... Bush. Can't wait to see the ads to be run in the swing states with the Kerry/Kennedy ticket.

    Posted by Tim at 03:59 PM | Comments (4)

    In the Same Spirit as the DNC

    Swift Boat Veterans for Truth - Swift Vets Fact Sheet

    Since the DNC keeps bringing up Vietnam let's see some answers from Kerry. He needs to release all his military service records, just like President Bush has done.

    Posted by Tim at 12:30 PM | Comments (4)

    What Happened to the Issues?

    Tip to Drudge.

    DNC Video: Fortunate Son

    Can't Kerry control his own party? The left has spent so much energy wanting Bush to stop the Swift Boat Vets (which is something Bush cannot stop) yet they fully support, through their candidate and party, the same type of behavior. Is this desperation or just stupidity?

    Posted by Tim at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)

    September 10, 2004

    DNC Going After Bush's Service Record

    Democratic National Committee 'Action Alert' E-mail -- 09/10/2004

    So, the RNC and Bush campaign do nothing to question John Kerry's military service despite countless inconsistencies, yet the DNC goes right after Bush based on possibly fraudulent documents and a terribly inconsistent witness. Other witnesses have not come forward. Who's basing their campaigns on the issues? The main issue of the day being the war on terror.

    Posted by Tim at 01:03 PM | Comments (5)

    September 09, 2004

    Hewitt - Kerry in Nicaragua

    Tip to RealClearPolitics.

    One Weekend in April, A Long Time Ago . . .

    Kerry was wholly wrong about Nicaragua, about the limits of American power, about the applicability of the Vietnam experience outside of Vietnam, indeed even about the lessons of the Vietnam War. Kerry's instinct in 1985 was appeasement of Ortega, and there is no reason to believe that his fundamental views, quite visibly revealed in his mission to Managua, have in any way evolved to a more mature understanding of the nature of America's enemies or the use of American power. John Kerry: Wrong about Vietnam. Wrong about the Sandinistas. Wrong about the Soviets. Wrong about Iraq. The wrong man with the wrong ideas at the wrong time.

    Posted by Tim at 06:51 AM | Comments (0)

    September 08, 2004

    Looking for an Apology

    Tip to PrestoPundit.

    Jed Babbin on Vietnam Veterans for Truth on National Review Online

    Tony Snesko is a Swift-boat vet. He didn't know Kerry in Vietnam and --- like the others I spoke to --- doesn't want to debate Kerry's medals or combat experiences. Snesko says Kerry's testimony "put a plague on anyone that served in the war that would last the rest of our lives. ... I don't think there's any way to ever remove from us the stain ... [Kerry's] testimony about us being called rapists, child-killers and the like ... I don't know of anyone of the hundreds of Swift-boat guys that I know and Vietnam veterans that ever participated in any kind of atrocity."

    It's not about medals folks. Kerry's anti-war activities are only going to hurt him, as they should.

    Posted by Tim at 11:34 PM | Comments (0)

    The Facts on Bush's Service

    Tip to Drudge.

    Before you fall for Dems' spin, here are the facts=The Hill.com=

    I didn't see Dan Rather's interview with the Barnes guy. Was there equal time given or any time given for a response? My guess would be not much. The media wants Kerry and will carry his water for him on this issue. This is why campaign finance reform totally blows..... the media can give free boosts to the candidates of their choice. At the same time some organizations cannot.

    Posted by Tim at 11:20 PM | Comments (0)

    Thoughts on Unfit for Command

    After Kerry's nastiness right after the Republican Convention I decided to buy the Unfit for Command book. I'm only a bit through it but what I'm finding through this book is that Kerry really isn't a very nice guy. Forget the "he said, he said", he treats others like dirt. Do some digging about a recent Swift Boat reunion where Kerry just used it as a photo op. His bahavior is to use others when he can then dump them. I wonder how much convincing it took to find just about 14 members that he fought with out of more than 250 to support him. If 15 out of every 16 of my co-workers though of me like they thought of Kerry then I'd expect people to question my character and the type of person I am.

    I will read some more and continue trying to communicate the not-so-obvious.

    Posted by Tim at 11:12 PM | Comments (3)

    September 07, 2004

    Where Are Kerry's Records

    So it looks like the media will be carrying the water for Kerry over Vietnam. I'm glad they've found more of Bush's records, now let's get all of Kerry's records. We'll see where that "pressure" leads to. Kerry's made a huge mistake attacking Bush on Vietnam. Doesn't he know the media will take care of that?

    Posted by Tim at 09:40 PM | Comments (1)

    The Fruit of 'Sensitive' War

    MSNBC - Troops battle al-Sadr loyalists; at least 34 killed

    Can't we just get this job finished? al-Sadr needs to go NOW!

    Posted by Tim at 06:58 AM | Comments (0)

    September 03, 2004

    VDH - Brace Yourself

    National Review Online - Brace Yourself

    For many of us lifelong Democrats, the very sight of Michael Moore perched next to Jimmy Carter at the convention in Boston says it all -- the sorry coming together of conspiratorial anti-Americanism and self-righteous appeasement.

    If I'm running the Bush campaign that is a picture that will be shown every day from about 10/20 until 11/2.

    Posted by Tim at 11:03 PM | Comments (0)

    Glenn Reynolds - No Questioning Kerry

    Tip to NRO Corner.

    MSNBC - GlennReynolds.com: JOHN FORBES DUKAKIS

    Great stuff. Since Kerry has made his Vietnam service such a huge part of his campaign he will need to provide some answers. He will also need to answer for his anti-war statements and his Senate record.

    For now, Bush needs to continue pushing the items in his convention speech. When the debates come he needs to highlight what Kerry did in the Senate including his Iraq flip-flop-flip. I wonder what Kerry's position will be next month?

    Posted by Tim at 10:45 PM | Comments (1)

    Someone Very Adversely Affected By Kerry and the Like

    A True War Hero Speaks on Kerry

    Col. Geo. "Bud" Day is one of America's most decorated living warriors. A Vietnam POW from 1967- 1973, he is the proud owner of a Medal of Honor.

    Here is his letter to Joe Scarborough of MSNBC:

    Dear Joe:

    The major issue in the Swiftboat stories is, and always has been, what John Kerry did in 1971 after he returned from Vietnam. Kerry cast a long dark shadow over all Vietnam Veterans with his outright perjury before the Senate concerning atrocities in Vietnam. His stories to the Senate committee were absolute lies… fabrications… perjury… fantasies, with NO substance. That dark shadow has defamed the entire Vietnam War veteran population, and given "Aid and Comfort" to our enemies... the Vietnamese Communists. Kerry's stories were outright fabrications, and were intended for political gain with the radical left… McGovern, Teddy and Bobby Kennedy followers, Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden, and the radical left who fantasized that George McGovern was going to be elected in 1972. Little wonder that returning soldiers from Vietnam were spit upon and castigated as "baby killers".

    A returned war hero said so. Kerry cut a dashing figure as a war hero, lots of medals, and returned home because of multiple war wounds… even a silver star. His Senate testimony confirmed what every hippie had been chanting on the streets..."Hey hey LBJ…How many kids did you kill today"????? He obviously was running for political office in 1971.

    Until Lt. John O' Neil, himself a Swiftboat commander, spoke out before the 1972 elections against Kerry's outright deceptions, there was no one from the Swiftboat scene that could contradict Kerry's self serving lies.

    I was a POW of the Vietnamese in Hanoi in 1971, and I am aware that the testimony of John Kerry, the actions of Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden, and the radical left; all caused the commies to conclude that if they hung on, they would win. North Vietnamese General Bui Tin commented that every day the Communist leadership listened to world news over the radio to follow the growth of the anti-war movement. Visits to Hanoi by Jane

    Fonda and Ramsey Clark gave them confidence to hold in the face of battlefield reverses.

    The guts of it was that propaganda from the anti-war group was part of their combat strategy.

    While the Commies were hanging on, innumerable U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Foce members were being killed in combat. Every battle wound to Americans after Kerry's misdirected testimony is related to Kerry's untruthfulness. John Kerry contributed to every one of these deaths with his lies about U.S. atrocities in Vietnam. He likewise defamed the U.S. with our allies and supporters. His conduct also extended the imprisonment of the Vietnam Prisoners of War, of which I was one. I am certain of at least one POW death after his testimony, which might have been prevented with an earlier release of the POWs.

    My friend and roommate Senator John S. McCain denounced the Swiftboat video by John O'Neil. I have a different take on the Swiftboat tape and disagree with my good friend John.

    John Kerry opened up his character as a war hero reporting for duty to the country with a hand salute...and his band of brothers...of which he was the chief hero. Most of his convention speech was about John Kerry...Vietnam hero, and his band of brothers. John Kerry's character is not only fair game, it is the primary issue. He wants to use Bill

    Clinton's "is", as an answer to his lack of character. The issue is trust. Can anyone trust John Kerry?? "Never lie, cheat or steal" is the West Point motto. When a witness perjures himself at trial, the judge notes that his testimony lacks credibility. Should we elect a known proven liar to lead us in wartime??

    I draw a direct comparison of General Benedict Arnold of the Revolutionary War, to Lieutenant John Kerry. Both went off to war, fought, and then turned against their country. General Arnold crossed over to the British for money and position. John Kerry crossed over to the Vietnamese with his assistance to the anti-war movement, and his direct liaison with the Vietnamese diplomats in Paris. His reward- Political gain. Senator…United States. His record as a Senator for twenty years has been pitiful. Conjure up, if you will, one major bill that he has sponsored.

    John Kerry for President? Ridiculous. Unthinkable. Unbelievable. Outrageous.

    Posted by Tim at 10:37 PM | Comments (0)

    I Don't Think Kerry Knows About Normal People

    The American Spectator - Out of It

    For example, on Wednesday night, after Kerry had returned to Nantucket from Nashville, a candidate with a sense of where he stood in his campaign might have returned to his palatial estate and told reporters that he'd watch the Republican convention in the privacy of his oak-lined study even if he didn't intend to.

    Instead, candidate Kerry took his wife out to Chanticleer, the most expensive restaurant on the island, and ran up a dinner tab close to $400, not including what surely must have been a generous tip.

    John and Teresa then decided it might be a good idea to walk home, thus tying up traffic for the rest of the Nantucket community, while also drawing the ire of a group, apparently college Republicans, who attempted to hit them with water balloons.

    How out of touch is this guy? He doesn't even try not to be an elitist.

    Posted by Tim at 12:19 PM | Comments (0)

    September 02, 2004

    Kerry's Follow Up to Bush

    Pathetic. Now he's back to Vietnam. The rules have truly changed. No speaker at the Republican convention questioned Kerry's patriotism. He's totally heading towards the Michael Moore route. I will be making a donation to the SwiftVets soon. The gloves are off as Kerry keeps bringing up Vietnam. Kerry should explain Cambdia and his first Purple Heart if this is a route he's going to take. I call on Kerry to release his complete military records and to get a tough interview.

    This is a desparate man who's paniced. It was too early to panic for him.

    UPDATE: Kerry is so thinned skinned. He imagines people questioning his patriotism and blows a gasket. Bush is called Hitlerish, racist, baby killer, war monger, etc. and he doesn't freak out.

    Posted by Tim at 09:07 PM | Comments (1)

    Kerry on National Defense

    I can't remember who to give the hat tip to.

    Kerry on the Defense Budget - 1984.

    History has proven Senator Kerry wrong.

    Posted by Tim at 01:06 PM | Comments (1)

    August 31, 2004

    More Alerting the MSM: What This Election Is About

    A "Liberal With Sanity"

    "I do not agree with him on any major domestic issue," Koch wrote, "from tax policy to the recently enacted prescription drug law. These issues, however, pale in importance beside the menace of international terrorism, which threatens our very survival as a nation. President Bush has earned my vote because he has shown the resolve and courage necessary to wage the war against terrorism."

    Again, this is what the election is all about; Ed Koch gets it, Ron Silver gets it and Zell Miller gets it.

    Posted by Tim at 10:35 PM | Comments (2)

    The Swift Vet Ads

    So now there are 4 Swift Vet ads. I think the first ad is too much "he said, he said" to really make a difference. The second ad nails the essence of the Kerry problem. What he did is really a point of heartburn for many Americans. The third ad goes after the Cambodia story but I just don't think it makes a big difference. The fouth, about the medals, won't be very effective either as most Americans would probably say, "do whatever you want with your medals".

    If I were running the Swift Vets I'd keep bringing back the 2nd add then make new ones where Kerry is quoted as saying he committed atrocities (Meet the Press, 1971 - "I took part in search and destroy missions, the burning of villages," Kerry said in 1971. "I committed the same kind of atrocities as thousands of other soldiers have committed in that I took part in shootings in free-fire zones. I conducted harassment and interdiction fire. I used .50 caliber machine guns…" ) and his "new soldier" quotes like "We will not quickly join those who march on Veterans' Day waving small flags, calling to memory those thousands who died for the ‘greater glory of the United States.' We will not accept the rhetoric. We will not readily join the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars…We will not take solace from the creation of monuments or the naming of parks after a select few of the thousands of dead Americans and Vietnamese. We will not uphold traditions which decorously memorialize that which was base and grim."

    These are things that need to be emphasized and are fair game. This stuff does matter to the general public.

    Quotes found here.

    Posted by Tim at 10:04 PM | Comments (5)

    August 29, 2004

    Hoping For More Than A Dead Cat Bounce

    Make sure to keep up the the RNC Bloggers as, I hope, President Bush offers a real vision for the future of America and the world. I hope Bush learns that it's not just about what you've done in the past but what is the "vision thing".

    Posted by Tim at 10:38 PM | Comments (0)

    August 27, 2004

    TAS - Little Saigon Eyes Kerry

    The American Spectator - Little Saigon Eyes Kerry

    This is a different take than many of us think of when thinking of Vietnam. What about the people the US was fighting for and what do they think? Tough questions for Senator Kerry and other anti-war folks. Just remember what the commies did to Southeast Asia.

    Posted by Tim at 12:57 PM | Comments (0)

    August 26, 2004

    This Will Change

    Link from RealClearPolitics.

    Bush or Kerry: The Electoral College Map#Wisconsin

    After the reference to "Lambert Field" this is gonna change:

    Wisconsin
    The Los Angeles Times Poll, Aug. 21-24, 2004. N=512 likely voters statewide. MoE ± 3:

    Bush 45%
    Kerry 44%
    Nader 3%
    Don't Know 8%

    Posted by Tim at 11:08 PM | Comments (0)

    August 25, 2004

    Shawn Macomber - Bush in Black and White

    The American Spectator - Bush in Black and White

    What Bush does need to do is turn back the clock. He needs to reconnect with the inner rock that we saw for about a year after September 11; the part of him that said simple things like "You're either with us or with the terrorists," and "Dead or alive, it doesn't matter to me." Black and white. The President should leave the shades of gray in Crawford. We haven't seen the stripped-down version of Bush in a long time, and it has hurt his relationship with the American people.

    If Bush wants to not have a dead-cat/Kerry bounce out of the convention then he should listed to Shawn Macomber.

    Posted by Tim at 12:57 PM | Comments (0)

    RCP - The Media & The Swiftees

    RealClearPolitics

    Great points made that I totally agree with:

    A question: imagine, just for one minute, what would happen if a few dozen of George W. Bush's former colleagues - from Harvard Business school, Harkin Energy, the Texas Rangers, or from the statehouse in Austin - came together as a group to denounce his leadership skills and say he was unfit to be President.

    Would big media ignore the group's story?

    We all know this answer.

    Personally - and I know many of you may disagree with me on this - I think the Swiftees made a mistake in questioning Kerry's medals.....

    In the end, people generally tend to "trust the system" - whatever system that may be - and give the benefit of the doubt to the accused on the most basic of facts. One of the reasons the National Guard story never really hurt George Bush in a major way is because there was no getting around the simple fact he received an honorable discharge. To disregard this fact you'd have to start engaging in speculation and conspiracy theories, and people naturally tend to shy away from that sort of thing.

    Yep. The Swiftees should not have run the first commercial. They (and many others) are mad at Kerry for his betrayal of the soldiers left behind in Vietnam. This is really what it's all about. In order for there to be any kind of real healing on this issue I believe Kerry needs to dump the nuance and apologize for some of the statements he made about soldiers in Vietnam. I believe he probably made some type of apology to John McCain but what about all the other POWs?

    The record is clear that Kerry had serious doubts about Vietnam before going, yet went anyway. Kerry and his supporters hold this up as a noble example of service to country. And indeed it would be - if that were the end of the story. But it's not.

    Kerry conspicuously bought a video camera in Vietnam to record and reenact his exploits.

    I believe Kerry wanted to be just like the first JFK. No matter his motives, he did serve and I honor that.

    And now, as with every run for public office John Kerry has ever made, he's draped those same medals around his neck, wrapped himself in the flag, and showered himself in the glory and sacrifice of service in a war that he and those in his party have hated and opposed for decades with every fiber of their being.

    The Kerry M.O. - opportunism and flip-flops.

    Posted by Tim at 08:01 AM | Comments (0)

    August 24, 2004

    Who Opened The Vietnam Scab?

    Tip to Winds Of Change.

    Adeimantus: Let It Alone

    Since someone is now "bringing it on" Kerry cries foul. Well, any quick reading will indicate that Kerry and the DNC has continually brought up Vietname. Now the time to pay up has come. This whole mess was not started by the Swift Vets but they are immediately branded as Republican hit men who are all liars.

    I'd have preferred that Kerry run on something more than his military experience (just look at his most public speech at the Dem convention). The problem really is that there is nothing else for him to run on. He was elected to represent the Dems in this race because of one reason, his military service. They think he can beat Bush so they picked the most electable candidate.

    Posted by Tim at 10:54 PM | Comments (3)

    Kerry Taking It All Seriously

    Tip to Drudge.

    Kerry does ``The Daily Show'

    Yep, this will clear everything up. I guess the strategy is to use friendly media to ignore the charges against him. The Daily Show just doesn't seem to be the right place to be. If he wants to bury the issue then he needs to be a bit more serious. My guess is a softball Leslie Stahl interview on 60 Minutes.

    Posted by Tim at 08:36 PM | Comments (2)

    August 23, 2004

    Very Long Look at Kerry's Bronze Star

    Courtesy of Kerry Spot.

    bastardsword: Kerry, Part LXVII

    I actually read this whole artice. Even though our mainstream press will never do this type of work (which means the issue will fade soon) it's worth reading. Despite my claims that this issue won't be important in the election it is very interesting. At best, it seems Kerry has an exaggeration problem. That is the character flaw that may live on.

    Posted by Tim at 09:35 PM | Comments (2)

    Kerry Should Listen To Dole

    NewsMax.com: Dole Defends Swiftees in Call From Kerry

    "Everybody likes quiet heroes," Dole added, saying he told Kerry, "John, everybody knows you were in Vietnam and the less you say about it, the better."

    That is called wisdom. Bragging about your heroism, in my book, automatically brings questions.

    Posted by Tim at 04:44 PM | Comments (1)

    August 21, 2004

    Neophyte Pundit - John Kerry's Gamble

    ~Neophyte Pundit~: John Kerry's Gamble

    I can add nothing else to what Neophyte Pundit has to say.

    Posted by Tim at 09:16 AM | Comments (1)

    August 19, 2004

    I Knew It - Mainstream Press Boasts Kerry Against Switf Boat Vets

    True to form, the mainstream press is reacting to the Swift Boat Vets by supporting Kerry; CNN, MSNBC, Washington Post, New York Times, ABC News and CBS News. As I stated back on August 5th, it's not about Vietnam. Just the fact that Kerry went and Bush didn't means that Kerry wins this argument. It's ancient history. Let's get back to the war on terror. I understand the issues of making up or embelishing stories but if the lying and cheating Clinton can get elected twice then it doesn't matter about Kerry's stories of Vietnam.

    All the press is doing is finding one problem with the Swift Vets story (and ignoring all the Kerry inconsistencies) and will focus on that issue. It won't matter what the explanation would be about the problem, the headline will favor Kerry. I'm sorry fellow conservatives, the press will not be fair on this issue as they have a distinct bias.

    Personally, I believe 254 Swift Boat Vets instead of 8-10 guys who show up at various Kerry event (how much are they getting paid?). It still doesn't matter, the press believes their guy, John F. Kerry.

    Posted by Tim at 09:46 AM | Comments (1)

    MSNBC - Kerry blasts Bush

    MSNBC - Kerry blasts Bush over Swift Boat vet ad

    For months now several groups with much more funding than the Swift Boat Vets have been hammering at Bush, including comparing him to Hitler. I've not heard one word of condemnation about that one. Only recently did he condem a moveon ad that attacked Bush but only because of the Swift Boat ads.

    Posted by Tim at 09:09 AM | Comments (1)

    August 18, 2004

    John Kerry Needs to Release His Military Records

    Right Wing News (Conservative News and Views)

    That means stonewalling and smear attacks on people making the charges aren't going to cut it. John Kerry should comment publicly on what really happened that day, release his FULL military records

    Either Kerry is totally sandbagging to get a full effect of his records or he's got something to hide. The more he waits it's either a big win or a big loss for him. This should getting interesting but I'm still more concerned how Kerry will fight his sensitive war on terror.

    Posted by Tim at 09:34 PM | Comments (0)

    August 13, 2004

    KMC - "Me Too...."

    KMC - Who's demonstrating real leadership here?

    Kevin McCullough has a great summation of the leadership of George W. Bush. Please check it out.

    Posted by Tim at 07:19 AM | Comments (1)

    August 12, 2004

    A "Sensitive War on Terror"

    USATODAY.com - For first time, Kerry criticizes Bush's reaction to 9/11 attacks

    "I'm asking you to trust our nation, our history, the world, your families in my hands, and I understand that. It's a big (thing to) ask," he said. He told them he learned the lessons of war firsthand. "I believe I can fight a more effective, more thoughtful, more strategic, more proactive, more sensitive war on terror" than Bush, he said.

    Just digging up some original source material that Cheney is referencing. Yes, John Kerry wants a more sensitive war on terror. BTW, nobody has been more proactive than President Bush on the war on terror. Sometimes Senator doesn't even bother to show up to vote. Of course, the last significant vote on the war on terror he voted against the continued funding for the war on terror.

    Again, it's not about Vietnam but about the war on terror.

    Posted by Tim at 07:49 AM | Comments (3)

    Motives & Money

    The motives of the Swift Boat Veternas for Truth has been questioned (that's about the only mention the mainstream press gives) and it should be. What about the "band of brothers" Kerry uses to exploit his Vietnam service? How much do those gentlemen get paid? What's in it for them? If the motives of about 250 Vietnam vets that consider Kerry unfit for command what about the 8-10 guys that support him? I think it's only fair to ask this question. The mainstream press has given Kerry a pass even though Kerry's main campaign thrust is his service in Vietnam.

    Again, I'd prefer this issue to go away but since it won't I do expect fairness. Bush released his military records and so should Kerry. The anti-Kerry vets are getting vetted but what about the pro-Kerry vets? I want this issue off of the table, ASAP, but it won't happen.

    The real question, who will do the best job of keeping America safe?

    Posted by Tim at 06:24 AM | Comments (0)

    August 11, 2004

    It's Still Not About Vietnam - Reasons A Former Gore Supporter Is Voting For Bush

    From National Review.

    Q&A with Ronald Kessler on A Matter of Character on National Review Online

    Kessler: The way to make a difference in the war on terror is penetrating the plots before they happen. To do that, you need a strong FBI and CIA. Clinton and the Democrats decimated the CIA, imposing a cut in the clandestine service of 20 percent as well as a risk-averse atmosphere. Clinton rarely met with his FBI or CIA director.
    In contrast, as soon as he took office, Bush began meeting every morning with George Tenet. After 9/11, he added Robert Mueller, the FBI director, to the meetings. Bush focuses them, demands improvement, and energizes and supports the agencies. In effect, he is the CEO of the war on terror.
    The 9/11 Commission largely ignored that fact and the improvements since 9/11. The fact we have not been attacked in since 9/11 demonstrates how effective Bush has been in conducting the war on terror. Imposing another layer of bureaucracy by appointing an intelligence czar is a step backward, in my opinion.

    Kerry can have his band of brothers from 35 years ago but what has he done lately other than "nuance" his flip-flops. President Bush is leading this nation in the war on terror and it is WAR. When one side (the terrorists) will do anything to kill us then we'd better make it a war. No nuance needed here.

    Kessler: I have voted for both Democrats and Republicans, but I thought that Bush came across in the debates as being not as well-informed and smart as Gore. I was so wrong to vote for Gore, especially after he demonstrated how little he cares about protecting this country when he came out against the Patriot Act and other measures that allow the FBI to find the bad guys without infringing in any way on civil liberties. In fact, under the Patriot Act, a judge now has to approve searches of library computers. Previously, a prosecutor asked a grand jury to approve them, often after the fact.

    Of course, Kerry uses the Patriot Act as a punching bag yet voted for it. Who's really serious about fighting this war on terror. I think Kerry is just plain wrong to vote one way, then speak a different way, then use nuance to explain himself. Sorry, but the terrorists don't care about nuance. Our actions, under President Bush, speak much more loudly than "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it."

    Posted by Tim at 10:41 PM | Comments (1)

    August 10, 2004

    I Agree With Citizen Smash

    Citizen Smash - The Indepundit: Vietnam, Again

    Citizen Smash, the Indepundit, says it much better than I have in my previous posts. It's not about Vietnam.

    Posted by Tim at 11:05 PM | Comments (0)

    August 09, 2004

    Kerry Campaign Says Unfit Not a Serious Problem

    The American Spectator - Terry in Turquoise

    The campaign source said that the book was not considered a "serious" problem for the campaign, because, "the media wouldn't have the nerve to come at us with this kind of stuff," says the source. "The senior staff believes the media is committed to seeing us win this thing, and that the convention inoculated us from these kinds of stories. The senior guys really think we don't have a problem here."

    I guess my previous post is validated here.

    Posted by Tim at 10:11 PM | Comments (1)

    Kerry, Vietnam, and the Current "Fun"

    ~Neophyte Pundit~: John Kerry and Cambodia

    As there is this current swirl about Kerry and whether he was in Cambodia on Christmas Eve in 1968. Does it fall in the category of Kerry's integrity? It sure does. In the end though, it will not matter. The mainstream press will not follow it in a manner of integrity but will find a way to turn it into blaming the Republicans. In the end, Vietnam is not a winner for President Bush and unless it was truly proven that everything about Kerry in Vietnam is proven to be a lie, then it is a loser for President Bush. This is not a winner and, with the current media bias, not an issue that will matter. Clinton's adultry and draft-dodging didn't matter so why would this?

    This election will be about whether President Bush will be retained or fired by the American public. Kerry is running his election in this mode and if President Bush and his supporters can't make a case for re-election then he will lose.

    Let's focus on the war on terror and the economic issues and make the case for Bush.

    Posted by Tim at 08:39 PM | Comments (1)

    August 05, 2004

    Boot: Kerry's Three-Faced Foreign Policy

    Tip to my favorite liberal commentor, Tom.

    Kerry's Three-Faced Foreign Policy

    This is the type of artice that raises legitimate questions about John Kerry's foreign policy experience, not all the battles over his service in Vietnam (BTW, I urge Bush to disavow it). Where does Kerry stand on the important issues of today and what does he really believe in?

    Posted by Tim at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)

    This Election Is Not About Vietnam

    As I reflect on the results of last week's Democratic Convention and the campaign that John Kerry is running it seems that it comes down to this, "I served in Vietnam so you can trust me with national security". At the same time there's a group of Kerry's comrades that say he's unfit for office. Of course there has been the rumblings from various Democrats about Bush not serving in Vietnam. ENOUGH!

    What has John Kerry or George W. Bush done to indicate they have a good idea on how to protect America? I don't see much on the Kerry side and see a president that is proactively trying to get terrorists. I can also look at Kerry's stances in the Senate on defense and communism and safely say that he was on the wrong side of history then. I still don't know if he was right or wrong on Iraq because he's taken both sides (one side for 2002 election reasons and another side to combat Howard Dean). When it comes to war I don't want our leaders to see which way the wind blows.

    This blog will try and keep with what is relevant for this presidential election. Vietnam became a non-issue in 1992 when a clear draft-dodger was elected over a man who served with distinction in WW2 and then in 1996 when the same draft-dodger beat a man permanently disabled in WW2. One thing I would ask of Kerry, does he still stand by the accusations of American servicemen that he made in 1971? I believe he owes many Vietnam Veterans (and especially his Swift Boat comrades) an apology. If he does then it should be dropped as a issue. Kerry needs to quite exploiting his service and just be humble about it.

    Good or bad I wouldn't want someone to judge my work skills based on what I just did 15 years ago. How have I grown and what can I do now based on recent evidence. Do I make the same mistakes now that I made so long ago? Same for our presidential candidates.

    Posted by Tim at 01:06 AM | Comments (11)

    July 27, 2004

    Is This The True Face Of The Democratic Party?

    Courtesy of Drudge.

    dnc7.jpg

    Is this a validation that the Democratic Party leadership has bought into Michael Moore's worldview? If so, that is just sad.

    Posted by Tim at 07:42 AM | Comments (1)

    July 23, 2004

    Bill Bennett - An Open Letter to the Democratic party

    William J. Bennett on Democrats on National Review Online

    Go back to your roots as you plan your speeches for Boston, as you prepare your campaign to replace President Bush. Re-embrace your concern for human rights abroad with your willingness to use force to defend those rights. Propose alternative foreign-policy strategies that can build off of our successes in Iraq and Afghanistan ” and cease labeling those successes as failures. Restore the proper and respectful role of your partisan duties with legitimate differences of opinion that do not give doubts as to your principles. In the end, let 'er rip, but do not ” for the sake of your party, for the sake of your country” abuse your partisan role to further divide our nation, or our reputation abroad. Up until now, your demagoguery has put a primacy on the fanning of flames rather than the light a responsible use of heat should shed. Boston, the site of so much good from our country's early history, can be the site of you reclaiming so much good from your party's past. Now is the time for your new revolution; do not ” in your heated passion” squander this moment.

    Posted by Tim at 01:06 PM | Comments (1)

    July 12, 2004

    40 Reasons to Vote for Bush

    Tip to Hugh Hewitt.

    Right Wing News posts 40 reasons to vote for Bush and against Kerry. Based on this info I was wrong in this link when I said the following about the Democratic Underground:

    Seems this is more of a fringe group as other Democratic sites don't provide links to these idiots. Just a bunch of fringe morons that don't deserve any attention at all. It's even a waste of time to denounce them.

    Thanks to Right Wing News I know that John F. Kerry's blog has a link to them. Amazing.

    Posted by Tim at 09:51 PM | Comments (1)

    July 06, 2004

    Check Out Mrs. Edwards

    FOXNews.com - You Decide 2004 - Fast Facts and Positions: Edwards

    In 1998, at the age of 48, Elizabeth Edwards gave birth to Emma Claire; she was 50 when their son was born two years later.

    How interesting and cool is that?

    Posted by Tim at 08:21 PM | Comments (3)

    Remembering 1988

    So when the Presidential nominee in 1988 nominated a personable and attractive Senator in 1988 it was roundly smacked around by the media elite. In 2004 where is the same criticism?

    Posted by Tim at 07:54 PM | Comments (7)

    The Letter About Edwards

    MSNBC - Kerry e-mail to supporters on Edwards

    We'll be fighting to build a strong military

    Well, that will be a first. Somebody please point out some votes that indicate that Kerry has every supported any new weapon's programs or anything else that went towards building a strong military. This is an important issue with me and I will not let it go.

    Posted by Tim at 05:57 AM | Comments (0)

    GOP.com was ready for Edwards

    Courtesy of Drudge.

    G O P.com :: Who Is John Edwards?

    “Kerry took aim at Edwards’s lack of military and foreign policy experience while responding to Edwards’s comment that both candidates shared similar plans to rebuild Iraq. ‘Well, I think he would like it to be that way,’ said Kerry, a decorated veteran, ‘but I think I have 35 years of experience in international security, foreign policy, and military affairs, and I think that makes an enormous difference here. I think that the world is looking for leadership that is tested and sure.’” (Raja Mishra, “Edwards And Kerry Emphasize Contrasts,” The Boston Globe, 2/23/04)

    I think Kerry was wrong to compare his own foreign policy experience to Edwards'. At least Edwards doesn't have a Senate voting record that was wrong on just about all counts. Sucking up to Daniel Ortega: priceless.

    Posted by Tim at 05:49 AM | Comments (1)

    It's Edwards

    MSNBC (and just about anyone else) are reporting that John Edwards will be the VP nominee for John Kerry. My thoughts, good choice for trying to win but a mediocre choice of a person who could actually be President. I'd like to know more about his executive experience since I know Kerry has little or none. Two Senators who've really done very little as legislators. I still thought Edwards was a better choice for the top of the ticket just on likability alone.

    Posted by Tim at 05:27 AM | Comments (0)

    June 18, 2004

    McCain's Speech - 6/18

    John McCain's introductory speech for President Bush this morning made such a great case for the war on terror including Iraq. I hope President Bush took notes. Bush needs to speak Texan not Beltway.

    Posted by Tim at 09:01 AM | Comments (5)

    June 10, 2004

    Aaron Brown Just Screwed Up

    In his review of the services last night for President Reagan, Aaron Brown didn't mention that the backwards boots were actually Reagan's own riding boots. Come on Aaron, that is something worth mentioning, despite your contempt for our late President.

    Posted by Tim at 01:08 AM | Comments (1)

    May 27, 2004

    Rantburg Comments on Kerry's Discussion with Seattle Supporters

    Rantburg: Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Blogs of War

    Rantburg does have a great way with words and is darn right.

    Posted by Tim at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)

    May 25, 2004

    Cronkite Misrepresents

    I just caught the end of a Choose or Lose show on MTV related to jobs. At the end they had Walter Cronkite sum up the differences between Republicans and Democrats on their tax policies. He said Republicans are for giving tax breaks to the rich and that the results would trickle down. He then said that Democrats would just bypass the trickle down and give tax cuts to the middle class. Nice misrepresentation and a great job of media bias. Republicans have been giving tax cuts to EVERYONE who pays federal income tax and that includes the middle class. Get it straigh Walter.

    Posted by Tim at 11:08 PM | Comments (0)

    The Tax Man

    Tip to my friend, Steve.

    Tax Man

    Posted by Tim at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)

    May 14, 2004

    Latest Kerry Ad

    I just saw the latest Kerry ad on CNN boasting of his public service. Great ad but not much discussion on ANYTHING he's done as a Senator. It's great that he's served and feels he should but what record is he running on. Obviously, he needs to create a new one because his Senate record is far left. The one thing that was just silly was his optimism about the American people. Nobody has been more negative than Kerry about anything. In reality, he's running on pessimism. I just hope people do their homework.

    Another quick observation, no mention of his anti-war protesting. Don't want Joe Lunchbox to know much about that?

    Posted by Tim at 10:41 PM | Comments (3)

    May 12, 2004

    I Guess Kerry Doesn't Think There is an Unemployment Problem

    Thanks to RealClearPolitics.

    BostonHerald.com - Opinion: Kerry a no-show when it counts

    How much is Kerry getting paid to be a Senator? How important is the unemployment "problem" if SENATOR Kerry can't show up to vote on extending unemployment benefits? He was the only one not to show up.

    Posted by Tim at 06:11 AM | Comments (5)

    May 07, 2004

    288,000 More Jobs in April

    FOXNews.com - Business - Payrolls Surge; Unemployment Dips

    The Bush recovery continues. Of course the mainstream press will try and find one bit of the latest report to cast doubt on the recovery. Now if Bush would present to congress some spending cuts.

    Posted by Tim at 05:48 AM | Comments (2)

    April 30, 2004

    Kerry's Assault on His Own Faith

    OpinionJournal - Taste

    But a dispassionate observer--even one who rejects Catholic teachings--should recognize Mr. Kerry's posture for what it is: an assault on the faith he claims to revere.

    I used to belong to a church where I ended up not sharing the same faith, so I quit and went somewhere else. No big deal and no grandstanding. Why won't Kerry and other Roman Catholics who don't agree with official Catholic teachings leave? It just doesn't make sense to me and seems very offensive to Roman Catholics who take the teachings of the church to heart.

    Posted by Tim at 05:34 AM | Comments (1)

    April 26, 2004

    Kerry on GMA

    I saw John Kerry's interview on Good Morning America this morning. What a disaster! First, with evidence right in his face he tries to nuance Charles Gibson and Gibson didn't fall for it. Kerry then tried to change the subject and begins with the "Bush was AWOL" charges (I thought you weren't going there Kerry). All in all, John f-bomb Kerry came off as a true jerk. As I predicted yesterday, he will not be the nominee.

    UPDATE (and upon further reflection): Kerry is better off keeping his mouth shut. He does not respond well to aggresive questioning at all at comes off as too defensive. He seems very thin-skinned. Any questioning of his past activities is responded to with an attack on someone else. The Dems would have been much better off with John Edwards as the nominee (and he still could be).

    Posted by Tim at 08:27 AM | Comments (5)

    April 25, 2004

    Prediction - John Kerry will not be Nominee

    Tip to Drudge.

    ABCNEWS.com - Discarded Decorations

    As a politician this guy doesn't even tell a good lie. It just shows that telling a lie in the first place is not a good thing. I just wish this all came out on 11/1/04 instead of now. Get ready for Hillary vs. W.

    Posted by Tim at 08:40 PM | Comments (5)

    April 21, 2004

    Wrong Argument about the Kerry War Record

    The focus on John Kerry's military service is silly. The issue is his behavior after the war and the statements he made about his fellow soldiers. No Mr. Kerry, who cares about the brown hair. You accused your own fellow soldiers of war crimes. That's what he needs to be accountable about. His service record is not the problem and is something Kerry can be proud of.

    Posted by Tim at 08:22 AM | Comments (1)

    Jonah Goldberg on Selective Patriotism

    Tip to RealClearPolitics.

    Jonah Goldberg: A question of patriotism

    Jonah Goldberg nails it.

    Posted by Tim at 06:01 AM | Comments (0)

    April 16, 2004

    Kerry Crying, Again

    Tip to Drudge.

    Yahoo! News - Kerry Hits Back at White House, Defends Patriotism

    Kerry told the crowd of more than 5,000 that "asking questions about the direction of our country is patriotism."

    Despite the fact nobody has questioned his patriotism he continues to decide how to define how he's a patriot. The only thing that Republicans are questioning is his voting record on defense. Why are so many Democrats defensive about their patriotism? Ted Kennedy can say horrible things about President Bush but someone questions some key defense votes and they howl "they are attacking my patriotism". If you can't defend your record then get out of the business.

    Posted by Tim at 08:50 PM | Comments (4)

    April 15, 2004

    MSNBC Discovers Kerry is a Liberal

    MSNBC - What Kerry's 20 years of Senate votes reveal

    Well, at least one MSNBC author got a grasp of the obvious.

    Posted by Tim at 07:14 AM | Comments (3)

    April 04, 2004

    More Politics in Church

    Yahoo! News - Top Stories Photos - AP

    I saw the pastor introduce Kerry as the next President of the United States. Again, if this was the Republicans it would be a different story. The howling from the left would be deafening.

    Posted by Tim at 08:20 PM | Comments (1)

    April 01, 2004

    Elder - The Likability Gap

    Courtesy of RealClearPolitics.

    Larry Elder: Senator Kerry -- the likability gap

    Just a bit interesting. Doesn't sound like a guy you'd want to have over for dinner.

    Posted by Tim at 06:41 AM | Comments (0)

    March 24, 2004

    Most Overrated Person - Richard Clarke

    This "expert" does not even warrant an entry in Bob Woodward's book, Bush at War. This is a non-important former member of the Bush Administration guy who WAS important in the Clinton Administration. The difference being one means he wasn't in the loop verses being in the loop.

    Posted by Tim at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)

    March 22, 2004

    More Liberal Charitable Giving

    Byron York on John Kerry & Tax Returns on National Review Online

    John Kerry's charitable contributions from 1991-1995

    Kerry's returns from 1995 and earlier, before his marriage to Heinz, have sometimes attracted criticism over the issue of charitable giving. In 1995, according to published reports, Kerry reported a taxable income of $126,179, and charitable contributions of $0. In 1994, he reported income of $127,884, and charitable donations of $2,039. In 1993, he reported income of $130,345, and contributions of $175. In 1992, he reported income of $127,646, and contributions of $820. In 1991, he reported income of $113,857, and contributions of $0.

    George W. Bush's giving from 1991-1993.

    As far as Bush is concerned, in 1991, the future president, then a private citizen, reportedly had income of $179,591, and charitable contributions of $28,236. In 1992, Bush reported income of $212.313, and contributions of $31,914. In 1993, Bush reported income of $610,772, and contributions of $31,292. In 1994, Bush reported income of $474,937 and in 1995, income of $419,481. Published reports at that time did not list Bush's charitable contributions for those two years.

    So the guy that wants to raise taxes doesn't give of his own money near as much as the guy who wants to let you keep more of your own money. Granted, Kerry has been better at giving lately but the mindset of a liberal that doesn't give much to charity is mind blowing. These are the folks that are supposed to care more than the evil conservatives that want to hoard their money and let children starve to death. Guys like Kerry, Gore and Bradley give liberals a real bad name from the compassion point of view.

    Posted by Tim at 10:15 AM | Comments (6)

    March 21, 2004

    Read Woodward's Book Instead

    MSNBC - Kerry studying Clarke book on Iraq

    Instead of reading a book by a critic who just seems to have an axe to grind Kerry should read this:




    Woodward is not a conservative nor even a Republican. Clarke's ticked at somebody and seems to be distorting what happened after 9/11.

    Posted by Tim at 09:22 PM | Comments (0)

    March 04, 2004

    New Bush Ads

    President Bush could have an ad featuring him talking to his mother and the Democrats and media would have something bad to say. 9/11 has defined this president and has changed this country and the president in a dramatic way. The lefty way is to make this a law enforcement issue. President Bush isn't playing defense when it comes to terrorism. He's rooting them out nation by nation AND one by one. Keep it up President Bush.

    Posted by Tim at 08:18 PM | Comments (2)

    John Kerry's Waffles

    Courtesy of RealClearPolitics.

    John Kerry's Waffles - If you don't like the Democratic nominee's views, just wait a week. By Michael Grunwald

    There's a great table at the bottom that has the opposing views.

    Posted by Tim at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)

    March 03, 2004

    Lileks on who the Enemy Wants to Win

    Courtesy of Power Line.

    Guess Which Candidate Our Enemies Want to Lose in 2004?

    Posted by Tim at 10:38 PM | Comments (1)

    8 More Months of the Campaign

    I've already tired of all the stump speeches and we still have eight more months to go. John Kerry makes Bob Dole look like a stand-up comedian. In all honesty I've tired of Bush's campaign style speeches already and if I, a strong Bush supporter, am tired of it then he needs to come up with something different. He's been beating the same drum to the same song too long. It's time to change some things up a bit. Explaining how and why we are winning the war on terror and how and why his economic plan is working needs to be done for the person who is not a political junky. He needs to explain why he should be rehired and why the other guy would be a bad idea.

    Posted by Tim at 07:31 AM | Comments (2)

    March 02, 2004

    Kondracke on Who's Smearing Who

    RealClear Politics - Mort Kondracke

    Any time the Republicans bring up where they say the Democrats are wrong the Dems yell that they are being called unpatriotic or being attacked. An attack is the stuff that Ted Kennedy said about why we went into Iraq. An attack was Howard Dean not disagreeing with a talk show host saying Bush had foreknowledge of 9/11. An attack is DNC head Terry McAuliffe saying President Bush was AWOL without any facts. Those are gross and disgusting attacks. Nobody in our party leadership has come close to anything like that.

    Posted by Tim at 09:01 PM | Comments (0)

    February 28, 2004

    Kerry Rated Most Liberal in Senate

    Tip to Evangelical Outpost

    Government Executive Magazine - 2/27/04 Kerry rated most liberal member of Senate

    See the extended entry for the complete article. This information is too important to leave to the wims of a link.

    Kerry rated most liberal member of Senate

    By Richard E. Cohen, National Journal

    On the night of February 17, after finishing a surprisingly close second to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., in the Wisconsin primary, Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., made the rounds of television interviews and repeated what has become a familiar theme. Asked on CNN about his campaign strategy, Edwards replied that he planned to emphasize the contrasts between him and the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

    "I think it's important for people to know the differences between us," Edwards said. "I like and respect John Kerry very much. And I think he feels the same way about me. But we have differences." Edwards added a few moments later: "There are clear differences between us. Now those differences will become more apparent to Democratic voters."

    Judging by National Journal's congressional vote ratings, however, Kerry and Edwards aren't all that different, at least not when it comes to how they voted on key issues before the Senate last year. The results of the vote ratings show that Kerry was the most liberal senator in 2003, with a composite liberal score of 96.5. But Edwards wasn't far behind: He had a 2003 composite liberal score of 94.5, making him the fourth-most-liberal senator.

    National Journal's vote ratings rank members of Congress on how they vote relative to each other on a conservative-to-liberal scale in each chamber. The scores, which have been compiled each year since 1981, are based on lawmakers' votes in three areas: economic policy, social policy, and foreign policy. The scores are determined by a computer-assisted calculation that ranks members from one end of the ideological spectrum to the other, based on key votes -- 62 in the Senate in 2003 -- selected by National Journal reporters and editors.

    The fact that Kerry and Edwards had such similar scores in 2003 is striking, because during the course of their Senate careers, their ratings have often placed them in different wings of their party.

    Kerry has compiled a generally more liberal voting record. After winning election to the Senate in 1984, he ranked among the most-liberal senators during three years of his first term, according to National Journal's vote ratings. In those years -- 1986, 1988, and 1990 -- Kerry did not vote with Senate conservatives a single time out of the total of 138 votes used to prepare those ratings.

    Edwards, on the other hand, had a moderate voting record during the first four years following his election to the Senate in 1998. The results positioned Edwards comfortably apart from Senate liberals, but not so far to the right that he locked arms with centrist Republicans. His consistent moderation placed Edwards among the center-right of Senate Democrats. But once Edwards decided to run for president and abandoned his bid for a second Senate term, his record moved dramatically to the left in 2003.

    Last year, Kerry, Edwards, and other congressional Democrats who were seeking the presidency, including Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri, missed many votes. To qualify for a score in National Journal's vote ratings, members must participate in at least half of the votes in an issue category. Of the 62 Senate votes used to compute the 2003 ratings, Kerry was absent for 37 votes and Edwards missed 22.

    As a result, in the 2003 vote ratings, Kerry received a rating only in the economic policy category, earning a perfect liberal score. Edwards received ratings in the categories of economic and social issues, also putting up perfect liberal scores.

    A separate analysis showed that of the votes that Kerry cast in the two categories in which he did not receive scores in 2003 -- social policy and foreign policy -- he consistently took the liberal view within the Senate. Edwards did not receive a score in the foreign-policy category; he sided with the liberals on five votes in that area, and with the conservatives on one vote. On foreign policy, Kerry and Edwards -- both of whom supported the 2002 resolution authorizing the use of military force against Iraq -- last year joined most Senate Democrats in voting that half of the U.S. reconstruction aid to Iraq be provided as loans, a provision that ultimately was dropped.

    To be sure, Kerry's ranking as the No. 1 Senate liberal in 2003 -- and his earning of similar honors three times during his first term, from 1985 to 1990 -- will probably have opposition researchers licking their chops. As shown in the accompanying chart, Kerry had a perfect liberal rating on social issues during 10 of the 18 years in which he received a score, meaning that he did not side with conservatives on a single vote in those years. That included his 1996 vote, with 13 other Senate Democrats, against the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited federal recognition of states' same-sex marriage laws. Along the campaign trail, Republicans likely will remind voters of Kerry's stance on that issue.

    But interestingly, during Kerry's second term, from 1991 to 1996, he dropped back into the pack of Democratic senators and voted more moderately. In those years, he earned composite liberal scores in National Journal's vote ratings ranging from 78.2 to 85.8.

    Kerry was especially moderate in his second term when it came to foreign-policy issues. He opposed the liberal position in key Senate showdowns on missile-defense and intelligence spending in 1993, and on procurement of additional F-18 Navy fighters in 1996. Such votes could provide Kerry with some useful talking points for his presidential campaign. Kerry also voted with President Clinton and congressional Republicans, but against many liberals, in favor of welfare reform in 1996, and he occasionally split from organized labor on workplace issues.

    Meanwhile, Edwards, the son of a textile worker, has frequently pointed to trade issues as one of the key "differences" between him and his opponent. He has criticized Kerry's support for the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1993 and for other international trade deals during the Clinton presidency. (While Edwards did not serve in the Senate during much of that time, news reports confirm that he opposed NAFTA during his 1998 campaign, although it was not a major campaign issue.)

    In fact, both senators have spotty records on trade issues. This helps to explain why organized labor backed other Democratic candidates in the early presidential caucuses and primaries.

    Edwards voted with Kerry in 2000 to establish trade relations with China, and in 2002 to extend presidential trade-negotiating authority. Also in 2000, Edwards split from Kerry by opposing legislation to drop U.S. trade barriers with Africa and the Caribbean. (That vote was excluded from National Journal's Senate vote ratings because it did not correlate statistically.) In July 2003, Edwards opposed free-trade agreements with Chile and Singapore, each of which passed the Senate handily, despite mostly Democratic opposition. Kerry missed both votes.

    Posted by Tim at 08:20 AM | Comments (2)

    February 22, 2004

    Kerry Can't Hack It

    Tip to Drudge.

    My Way News - Kerry Blasts Bush Over Attacks on Record

    So after months of attacking Bush about everything including Bush's military service now he wants these things to stop? There is nothing more relevant than a voting record. Just because Kerry had heroic service in Vietnam does not give him a free pass over his votes in the Senate nor his anti-war activism. He needs to explain his stances then and if any of those opinions have changed and why.

    The strategy of the Democrats will be to attack like crazy then when Republicans respond the Dems will say quit attacking our patriotism. This is the attack led by the horrible and amoral party leader Terry McAuliffe. Just watch.

    Posted by Tim at 08:06 AM | Comments (1)

    February 20, 2004

    An Election Note to Evangelicals

    Tip to Drudge.

    Evangelicals frustrated by Bush - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics

    If you think President Bush has lagged on some issues we all care about then you are right. At the same time do you think things will be better with a President Kerry? Do you think the country will be safer with a President Kerry? Let's look at some things that would not have happened without a President Bush:

  • No tax cuts of any significance. The economic recovery would be even slower.
  • Saddam would still be in power providing a training ground for terrorists, funding for the bad guys in Sudan and trying to develop WMDs.
  • Libya would still be developing nukes.
  • Iran wouldn't be making any effort to disclose their nukes (even though this is a real slow process).
  • North Korea would still be secretly breaking their 1994 agreements.
  • Partial birth abortions would still be 100% legal.
  • There would be unfettered access to fetal stem cell research in the federal government.
  • The response to terrorism after 9/11 would have been to bulk up federal unions through homeland security jobs and to make everything a law enforcement issue. We wouldn't be taking the war to the terrorists they'd be taking it to us.

    A vote for some alternative candidate or staying at home is a vote for John Kerry (or John Edwards). Bush is a good man who is not perfect but is a far better alternative than the other guy.

    Posted by Tim at 08:19 AM | Comments (1)
  • February 17, 2004

    Close One In Wisconsin

    Wow, what a big surprise in Wisconsin. Edwards comes pretty darn close and gives John f-bomb Kerry a nice scare. I wonder if the rumors and innuendos about Kerry hurt him or are Kerry's anti-war activities going to come back and haunt him. I hope it is the latter.

    Posted by Tim at 08:53 PM | Comments (0)

    February 13, 2004

    Media Hypocrisy

    HughHewitt.com - Media Hypocrisy

    Hugh points out how the media will pounce on the Bush-AWOL allegations but the rumors about someone on the other side of the aisle are taken with great care. Not only the media but the party leaders. Even FoxNews has kept quite about the latest rumors as they should as they are only unconfirmed rumors.

    Posted by Tim at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)

    Bush Releasing All Service Records

    Tip to Dudge (again).

    My Way News: Bush Orders Release of Military Records

    This should have been done in the first place a long time ago.

    Posted by Tim at 03:18 PM | Comments (2)

    Must Be A Republican Plant

    Tip to Drudge.

    Yahoo! News - Ex-Guardsman Says Bush Served in Ala.

    All part of the VRWC to make sure Bush is re-elected. Funny thing is that some people believe that last sentence.

    Posted by Tim at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)

    February 12, 2004

    Kerry in Trouble

    No I'm still not commenting on that rumor, but the whole Kerry post-Vietnam story will have real legs. I can tell because of the absolute shrillness of Lawrence O'Donnell and Robert Reich on tonights Scarborough Country. They act like he was right about everything and that a great majority of the country agrees with him. Guess what, no matter what the view people have about whether Vietnam was worth it they won't appreciate Kerry's actions in the anti-war movement.

    Posted by Tim at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)

    Caution on Kerry "Scandal"

    It is real important that those of us who call ourselves Christians make darn sure that the reports coming out about John Kerry are true before we report them.

    Posted by Tim at 10:22 AM | Comments (3)

    A Letter From Someone Who Served With President Bush

    Tip to blog father Hugh Hewitt.

    Letters to the Editor - The Washington Times: Editorials/OP-ED

    Well worth reading if you question President Bush's service in the Air National Guard.

    Posted by Tim at 06:08 AM | Comments (0)

    February 10, 2004

    Clark Out

    CNN just reported that Clark is out. Good. He needs to go back and figure out what he really believes.

    Posted by Tim at 08:07 PM | Comments (1)

    Who'd A Thunk It?

    Just a bit more than a month ago everyone thought that Howard Dean was going to be the nominee for the Democratic party. Has anyone ever seen someone fall from favor so quickly? He's not even getting double digits in the primaries tonight. Kerry will be much for formidable.... Bush needs to concentrate on national security/terrorism, keeping the tax cuts and judicial appointments. He needs to focus on Kerry being wrong about almost every national security issue in the last thirty years and not supporting tax cuts.

    Posted by Tim at 07:51 PM | Comments (0)

    A Clear Choice on our Security

    Tip to Real Clear Politics.

    A fateful choice - The Washington Times: Commentary

    The most important issue in this presidential is the security of our nation. Do we want someone who thinks the UN is our best protector or someone who trusts American power. The choice is clear. There is no other issue.

    Posted by Tim at 06:00 AM | Comments (0)

    February 09, 2004

    Bush on the Defensive

    Tip to Real Clear Politics.

    New York Post Online Edition: postopinion

    Just read it.

    Posted by Tim at 05:53 AM | Comments (0)

    February 06, 2004

    Bush to Daytona 500

    local6.com - News - President Bush To Go To Daytona 500

    I'd love to see John Kerry visit a NASCAR race. Talk about a fish out of water.

    UPDATE: Forgot, hat tip to Drudge

    Posted by Tim at 11:59 AM | Comments (0)

    February 05, 2004

    Bush v. Russert

    Bush to Defend Record on TV (washingtonpost.com)

    Go get him George. You get through Russert then you're back on top.

    Posted by Tim at 09:03 PM | Comments (1)

    NYP - The Real Kerry

    Tip to Drudge.

    New York Post Online Edition: The Real Kerry

    In 1993, for instance, living on a senator's salary of about $100,000, he managed to give a total of $135 to charity.

    This ranks right up there with the giving habits of the top 2 Y2K Presidential contenders. I'm a big believer that people who talk of compassion and class warfare need to be on the leading edge of giving. Let's see those tax returns. I do bet his giving has gone up drastically the last couple of years or at least by the time he decided to run for president.

    Posted by Tim at 06:16 AM | Comments (2)

    February 03, 2004

    More on Kerry is Dole

    A couple of weeks ago I made the observation that John Kerry of 2004 is the Democrats answer to the Bob Dole of 1996. Both wounded and were heroic in the field of battle. Both were running against opponents who didn't come close in military experience (I'm not going to compare Bush and Clinton because they are not even in the same ballpark). Both were pretty boring members of the US Senate. Both had spent way too many years in Washington. Both are trying to defeat a sitting president.

    All that said, Kerry does have a pretty decent shot at defeating Bush. The mainstream networks (ABC, NBC and CBS) are going to clearly favor Kerry and that's where most people still get their news. The folks who follow politics have already made up their minds and are the ones who stay informed by going deeper into the news (cable, internet, radio, magazines, books, etc.). For President Bush to win he needs to stay ahead of the curve by acting presidential. He needs to lead domestically by vetoing a lot of spending. He needs to tell people that he took over an economy on its' way down, hit bottom because of 9/11 and is rebounding because of his initiatives, specifically the tax cuts. John Kerry voted against the tax cuts and if that policy had it's way we'd barely have any growth at all. If there were ever a need for tax cuts to spur the economy the two big ones that Bush proposed and passed fulfilled that need.

    On Iraq and terrorism I still think Bush has a winner. If Kerry had his way then Hans Blix would still be in Iraq and so would Saddam, Uday and Quasay. Libya would still be nuclear. Sudan would still be being armed. Saddam would be providing training grounds and funds for terrorists.

    Bush loses if he cannot make the point that what he's done on terrorism and the economy have been for the positive. He needs to be pounding those two points.

    Posted by Tim at 08:49 PM | Comments (0)

    January 30, 2004

    The Only Reason I Need to Re-elect President Bush

    Power Line: What Terrorist Threat?

    Just read it.

    Posted by Tim at 07:16 AM | Comments (0)

    One Stop Shop For Bush's Military Record

    Real Clear Politics has published all the links they have about Bush's military record. Please take a look before believing Michael Moore.

    Posted by Tim at 05:14 AM | Comments (0)

    Kondracke on Kerry's Voting Record on Defense

    RealClear Politics - Commentary

    The dossier on Kerry also includes a 1995 proposal to cut intelligence funding by $300 million for the next five years and a 1994 proposal to cut $1 billion from the program that coordinates counterterrorism activities.

    The Boston Globe observed last year that in 1984, Kerry said he would cancel the B-1 bomber and the B-2 stealth bomber; the Apache helicopter; the Patriot missile; F-15, F-14 and Harrier jets; and the Aegis air-defense cruiser.

    The Globe also reported that he advocated cuts in other systems, including the Abrams tank, Bradley fighting vehicle and Tomahawk missile, all critical to U.S. military success in Afghanistan and Iraq.

    Posted by Tim at 05:09 AM | Comments (3)

    January 27, 2004

    New Hampshire Wrap Up

    So Kerry is the official frontrunner, Dean is in deep poop, Clark lives another day, Edwards waits for South Carolina and Lieberman needs to get out. That's a pretty amazing and sad statement I've made based on under 200,000 votes of people in one small state. Over the next couple of weeks we'll see if Kerry can not mess up and blow the lead because Dean will probably have to get nasty.

    Posted by Tim at 07:41 PM | Comments (0)

    Peggy Noonan Nails Clark

    Peggy Noonan begs Democrats not to vote for General Clark. She says what I've been trying to say on this blog. In a post-9/11 world no major party should be selecting a President who doesn't seem like they can handle pressure.

    Posted by Tim at 06:10 AM | Comments (0)

    January 26, 2004

    New Hampshire Prediction

    Following the lead of California Yankee.

    Dean, Kerry, Edwards, Clark, Lieberman.

    For some reason people are going to give Dean a sympathy vote and Dean will pull off the upset. This will be Joe Lieberman's one and only primary which is way too bad. Clark will be luck to get 10% and I think Edwards might get close to 20%. Dean and Kerry will be close and even if Dean is a close second he'll claim victory.

    Posted by Tim at 08:32 PM | Comments (2)

    Powerline on Kerry's Anti-War Activism

    Power Line: Kerry me back

    It will be interesting to see if the major media outlets dig into John Kerry's anti-war activism. If so, will Americans even care? Regretfully, probably not.

    Posted by Tim at 07:18 AM | Comments (1)

    January 25, 2004

    John Kerry on Fox

    I've got to be completely honest about my impressions of John Kerry on Fox News this morning. He made a great populist case for being President of the United States. He made a good case on Iraq and made a good case for rolling back taxes on the "rich" to pay for health care. President Bush needs to be ready to make arguments against Kerry's views or there will be a new President next year.

    Posted by Tim at 08:35 AM | Comments (1)

    January 22, 2004

    The Deans with Diane Sawyer

    I just got done watching the interview with Howard and Judy Dean. First impressions, does Mrs. Dean really want to be first lady? She seems like a nice lady and a person who takes life seriously. I almost feel sorry for Howard and it could be be that some Democrats feel that way and he might get some more votes. I still think he's toast. Compare it to Bill and Hillary in 1992. That was purely political. This was a normal wife with her political husband who seems to love his wife. Compared to the facade we got from the Clintons it was refreshing. Dean is a loudmouth and I thoroughly disagree with him on many issues but wish him a peaceful life back in Vermont.

    Posted by Tim at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)

    QandO on Clark During Debate - 1/22

    QandO: Clark Blows It ... Big Time

    Posted by Tim at 09:54 PM | Comments (0)

    Neat Article About Why People Like W.

    Tip from Occam.

    They like Bush, and they are not stupid - www.theage.com.au

    Posted by Tim at 09:51 PM | Comments (0)

    Democrat Debate Watch - RNC

    G O P.com :: Democrat Debate Watch

    If you are considering voting for someone other that George W. Bush then look at the alternatives.

    Posted by Tim at 09:27 PM | Comments (0)

    John Kerry - a Moderate

    Byron York on John Kerry on National Review Online

    Check out his liberal and conserative ratings, at least when he decided to show up to vote in the Senate and take on President Bush.

    Posted by Tim at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)

    Some John Kerry Insight

    The American Spectator

    Sounds like a real warm and nice guy.

    Posted by Tim at 09:20 AM | Comments (0)

    Predicted Democratic Ticket

    I'm predicting that once the Democratic convention is over that the ticket will be John Kerry and John Edwards. Geographically it makes sense and on the surface it looks like a good ticket. It won't matter that much as it is still the top slot that matters in most cases. I can't see Edwards helping that much in the south against Bush.

    Posted by Tim at 06:07 AM | Comments (0)

    January 21, 2004

    John Kerry == Bob Dole

    Think back to 1996. The Republicans picked a war hero, good man, lots of experience and dull as a doorknob. If John Kerry gets the nominations he's inspires the independent vote just like Bob Dole did. At the same time if Bush falters I'll take Kerry over Dean or Clark any day.

    If Kerry is the nominee then I predict a Bush landslide. Kerry really doesn't give a compelling reason to change leadership and isn't inspirational at all. A 4-term senator complaining about special interests is just funny.

    Posted by Tim at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)

    January 20, 2004

    Mark Steyn on Clark

    Hat tip to Rush.

    Undoing the party herd - The Washington Times: Commentary

    Considering voting for Clark? Please read the above. I wasn't a big fan of Clark when he was a general but now I'm wondering how ever was allowed to get that high of a rank.

    Posted by Tim at 05:56 AM | Comments (0)

    January 19, 2004

    RWN - Clark Lying About Iraq?

    Right Wing News (Conservative News and Views)

    Please check out the Wesley Clark quotes about his support of action in Iraq. Who is this guy?

    Posted by Tim at 10:27 PM | Comments (0)

    Clark Won A War

    I officially am scared of Clark. I just way him say "I won a war". Oh my goodness. This guy has been all over the map since 2001. Who is this guy?

    Posted by Tim at 09:50 PM | Comments (1)

    One Big Reason Not To Vote For Clark

    The Democratic stooge, Chris Lehane is running the Clark show. This guy is the worst type of hack out there. You watch him and you wonder why these people are allowed inside any campaign.

    Posted by Tim at 09:40 PM | Comments (1)

    Iowa in Review

    Looks like the Broken Prediction was spot on. I consider Dean to be toast. What kind of speech was that?

    Here's my thoughts about each candidate:

  • John f-bomb Kerry - decent acceptance speech and I'm wondering what his policies will be other than being against Bush.
  • Edwards - I like the optimism and attitude. Big mistake voting against the reconstruction of Iraq.
  • Dean - I'm glad he won't be the nominee. He's just not good for the country.
  • Gephardt - Real bad night for him. I admired his stands on Iraq but it cost him dearly. Not a very inspiring candidate anyway.
  • Clark - Let's see what he has next week. If he's the nominee let's get more pictures with him and Michael Moore.
  • Lieberman - Almost the same as Gephardt and he'll get very little support in NH.
  • The Rest - see ya!

    Posted by Tim at 08:53 PM | Comments (1)
  • Quick (and Bold) Iowa Prediction

    Howard Dean will not be the front runner after the Iowa caususes.

    Posted by Tim at 09:33 AM | Comments (0)

    January 15, 2004

    Drudge Latest on Clark

    DRUDGE REPORT 2004®

    Either Clark is delusional, a liar or Drudge just made this stuff up. There doesn't seem to be an alternative.

    I included the actual text since it moves all the time.

    UPDATE: Removed the extended entry. To see the congressional record of Clark's statement go here. Tip to NeophytePundit for the link.

    Posted by Tim at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)

    January 14, 2004

    What Was The Point Anyway?

    CNN.com - Braun to drop out, endorse Dean - Jan. 15, 2004

    Funniest thing I ever saw on C-SPAN was when Braun announced for President and there was ONE person in the audience most of the time.

    Posted by Tim at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)

    January 11, 2004

    Dean Under Fire

    MSNBC - Dean under fire in final Iowa debate

    Under fire in the last campaign debate before Iowans go to their caucuses Jan. 19, Howard Dean conceded grudgingly Sunday night that he never named a black or Latino to his cabinet during nearly 12 years as governor of Vermont.

    I'm actually going to defend Howard here. From what I understand Vermont just doesn't have many minorities. Of course Dean could have found some token people to hire but that would really be wrong. There is nothing here but I guess when trying to pander to people it will be done.

    Posted by Tim at 07:20 PM | Comments (3)

    January 08, 2004

    Howard Dean On Tape

    MSNBC - Tale of the tape on Howard Dean

    This is an FYI on what Howard Dean may really be like. I haven't finished reading but it's interesting so far.

    Posted by Tim at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)

    Dean Dropping? - Interesting

    FOXNews.com - Politics - Polls: Dean Losing Ground, Clark Gaining

    Could it be that the constant flow of foot-in-mouth-disease is taking it's toll on Dean? Maybe the Democrats realize that anger is not a real issue.

    Posted by Tim at 06:16 AM | Comments (0)

    January 07, 2004

    God's on his Side - Just Ask Him

    Dean Says Faith Swayed Decision on Gay Unions (washingtonpost.com)

    "My view of Christianity . . . is that the hallmark of being a Christian is to reach out to people who have been left behind," he told reporters Tuesday. "So I think there was a religious aspect to my decision to support civil unions."

    Posted by Tim at 10:40 PM | Comments (2)

    January 02, 2004

    Guess This Settles It

    FOXNews.com - Politics - Pat Robertson: God Says Bush Will Win in 2004

    OK, so if it's a squeaker then Pat's a false prophet? Come on Pat, what will happen with Iraq? Give us more. Who will win the World Series?

    The way things are going Pat will be correct, Bush will win in a landslide. That's as easy to predict as saying the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will not win the World Series in 2004. Pat needs to stay out of the news and keep doing the great humanitiarian work he does. When Pat talks like this it scares most people, liberals AND conservatives. Only his devoted followers find him credible on these issues.

    Posted by Tim at 04:08 PM | Comments (1)

    January 01, 2004

    Quotes from the Democratic Underground

    Please see this Right Wing News entry of all these crazy opinions from the Democratic Underground.

    Posted by Tim at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)

    December 29, 2003

    Bush AWOL Charges Debunked

    Hat tip to QandO

    Was Bush 'AWOL' from HobbsOnline.

    Make a link for the coming debates on this issue.

    Posted by Tim at 11:12 PM | Comments (0)

    Witnessing a Democratic Meltdown

    Just got done watching Hardball on MSNBC. They had Pat Cadell and Peter Fenn, both Democrats and both movers and shakers within the party. Cadell was shaking with anger trying to defend Howard Dean (Fenn supports Joe Lieberman). They both just blasted each other. It was great TV. Cadell was trying to make the point that Dean is energizing his party and that he was right about the war. Fenn was trying (poorly) to make the point that Dean cannot win in the general election.

    My analysis is that they are both correct. The war with Iraq will probably be the defining point of the coming election. When the war started there was less than 30% of support for the anti-war position. So Dean gets most of those votes for sure. Problem for him is that truly this is the base of the Democratic party. In the general election that plus other party faithful will not be near enough to beat George Bush.

    I sure hope to see more of these great internal wars on TV. It does make for some fine entertainment.

    Posted by Tim at 09:24 PM | Comments (1)

    December 26, 2003

    More of Dean's Views on Terrorism

    Dean's secure in his view of Saddam

    I just wonder what picture Dean is looking at. I've got a feeling those Bush-hating colored glasses won't let him see anything that is real. For the love of the security of this country Democrats, pick someone else for your party.

    Posted by Tim at 12:05 PM | Comments (2)

    December 25, 2003

    Dean Speaks of his Faith

    Article here.

    Posted by Tim at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)

    December 21, 2003

    Missed Opportunity By Tom DeLay

    Tim Russert, on Meet the Press, served up the perfect question to Tom DeLay on why Dean is extreme and DeLay did not mention Howard Dean implying that Bush may have been tipped off on 9/11 by the Saudis. Dang it! We must get the message out. Conspiracy buffs like Howard Dean do not belong in office. Republicans cannot miss out on these opportunities to use Howard Dean's own comments against him. Dean owes President Bush a big apology for those comments.

    Posted by Tim at 09:21 AM | Comments (0)

    December 17, 2003

    An October Surprise

    So another Democrat has bought into the crazy conspiracies out there. Madeleine Albright says that Bush may announce the capture of Bin Laden in October right before the election. Here's the Newsmax story. This is just amazing. Any serious Democrats out there? Can anyone believe that someone like this was once Secretary of State?

    UPDATE - Here's the transcript from Fox News:

    MORT KONDRACKE: "I was here at Fox News, Madeleine Albright, former secretary of state was in the Green Room getting made up for a different show. And she said do you suppose that the Bush administration has Usama bin Laden hidden away somewhere and will bring him out before the election?"

    MARA LIASSON: "The October Surprise."

    KONDRACKE: "The October -- she was -- she was not smiling, you know."

    BRIT HUME: "What did you say?"

    KONDRACKE: "I said you can't seriously believe that. And she said, well, she thought it was a possibility. I mean, you know, that is just unthinkable. That's irrational. It's -- but they will believe anything about George Bush, the Democratic Party. And this is not some kid in sandals, you know, working in the Dean campaign. This is the former secretary of state."

    Posted by Tim at 06:30 AM | Comments (2)

    December 16, 2003

    Kiss of Death for Clark

    The Material Girl has endorsed General Clark. First children's books then politics. I would dare by a children's book from her nor would I listen to her political views. She lives in a completely different world than most of us.

    Let's not forget the early support from Michael Moore. You really know how to attract them, General.

    Posted by Tim at 10:07 PM | Comments (0)

    Hugh Hewitt on Howie's Foreign Policy Speech

    Check out Hugh's destroying the speech that Howard Dean made in regards to foreign policy. He focuses on the statement "But the capture of Saddam Hussein has not made America safer" and rips Howie apart. I really hope the Democrats nominate a serious person. This is a dangerous world and someone who thinks that capture of Saddam doesn't make America safer just isn't qualified to be President.

    Posted by Tim at 08:49 AM | Comments (0)

    December 15, 2003

    Not Voting for Bush?

    I'm starting to notice some conservative bloggers who say they may not or will not support President Bush in his re-election. I've got one question for you, do you want President Dean or President Bush? This is just like the California recall where people were supporting Tom McClintock even though he had no chance to win.

    I will ask the question again, President Dean (or another Democrat) or President Bush? There are no other viable alternatives. There is truly one issue where the President will make a real difference and that's the war on terror. Other issues that may matter to conservatives; Howard Dean wants to repeal the tax cut, would not have signed the partial-birth abortion bill and he'd turn Bin Laden over to the world court. If that's what you want then vote for the more conservative candidate who'll get around 1-2% but in a close vote, you may end up with President Dean.

    Posted by Tim at 02:00 PM | Comments (3)

    December 10, 2003

    Presidential Preference Quiz

    Via QandO here's my results of this quiz:


    Your Results:

    1. Your ideal theoretical candidate. (100%)
    2. Bush, President George W. - Republican (78%) - Though my percentages would be higher.
    3. Libertarian Candidate (43%) - Must be that smaller government thing that we have in common
    4. Kerry, Senator John, MA - Democrat (43%) No blankin' way. This thing is messed up.
    5. Gephardt, Rep. Dick, MO - Democrat (41%) The only thing I've ever agreed with this guy on is Iraq
    6. Edwards, Senator John, NC - Democrat (41%) This thing is truly messed up
    7. Kucinich, Rep. Dennis, OH - Democrat (35%) Must have his old pro-life views
    8. Phillips, Howard - Constitution (32%) I remember this guy. Though we'd have more in common.
    9. Lieberman, Senator Joe, CT - Democrat (27%) There is no way this guy is below John f-bomb Kerry
    10. Dean, Gov. Howard, VT - Democrat (25%) Please, not this guy.
    11. Hagelin, Dr. John - Natural Law (15%) Party on, dude!
    12. LaRouche, Lyndon H. Jr. - Democrat (15%) When is this guy going back to jail?
    13. Green Party Candidate (14%) Nader in 2004
    14. Sharpton, Reverend Al - Democrat (11%) How can he be down here and Dennis higher?
    15. Socialist Candidate (8%) Good
    16. Clark, Retired General Wesley K., AR - Democrat (3%) Again, Clark should be higher than some of the others
    17. Moseley-Braun, Former Senator Carol, IL - Democrat (0%) EXCELLENT!

    Posted by Tim at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)

    Thought on Gore Endorsement

    So we know that Al Gore couldn't give his "friend" Joe Lieberman before shafting him but just one question, why couldn't Gore have waited to endorse Dean until his "friend" had dropped out? It probably would have happened within 2 months.

    Posted by Tim at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)

    December 08, 2003

    Gore Endorses Dean

    Check this CNN article for the details.

    This is a very interesting development. I've read that some believe this is really a Gore vs. Clinton deal. I buy into that also. It does look like the Democratic "establishment" minus Clinton has gotten behind Dean. I just wish a more responisible person was going to be the nominee. Remember when Gore was a moderate? It doesn't look like there's any room at the top of the Democratic party for anyone who truly isn't a total lefty.

    Posted by Tim at 11:12 PM | Comments (0)

    December 04, 2003

    Again, More Bad News For The Democrats

    For most Americans, the news coming Friday about job growth, is good news. For those Americans who want the economy to stumble because they want a new president, sorry. You are out of luck. Again, I don't remember any prominent Republicans rooting for the economy to tank in 1996. That's just wrong.

    Posted by Tim at 09:08 PM | Comments (0)

    December 03, 2003

    More Bad News For Democrats

    For the group of Democrats rooting for a bad economy there is more bad news, productivity of US companies is at a 20 year high according to this MSNBC article.

    Posted by Tim at 07:45 AM | Comments (0)

    December 02, 2003

    Good Guys

    In response to the Hate Bush meeting some bravehearts (led by Aaron the Liberal Slayer) showed up at the last minute to support President Bush. Check out the pics.

    Posted by Tim at 11:46 PM | Comments (1)

    Run Nader, Run

    Will Ralph Nader give an encore performance? I sure hope so. I need to remember to send this guy a Christmas card in rememberance of his helping elect George W. Bush in 2000.

    Posted by Tim at 10:58 PM | Comments (4)

    Desparate Dean

    According to this Newsmax article Howard Dean says:

    "The most interesting theory that I've heard so far - which is nothing more than a theory, it can't be proved - is that he was warned ahead of time by the Saudis," Dean told a caller to Washington, D.C's Diane Rehm Show, according to a transcript obtained by Opinion Journal.com.

    What an idiot. I hate calling another human being that but Dean is the main contender for President of the United States. That would have been like Bob Dole saying all those Mena, Arkansas theories were true. Howard Dean is proving again and again that it's just not safe to vote democrat.

    Posted by Tim at 08:45 PM | Comments (0)

    November 30, 2003

    A Response From The Left

    The following statement was in response to an entry I made titled "Why Do They Hate Bush and Ashcroft?":

    Why do I bash the president. Well there are a lot of reasons. I feel he's made my world more dangerous, I feel his foreign policy balances on wreckless, I think he has done everything possible to ruin our environment at the behest of big business, I feel we didn't have a good enough reason to invade Iraq and a lie doesn't constitute a good reason I want hard evidence I want Osama I want sadaam where are they? Maybe they are hiding with the WMDs, I feel that he puts the issues which regard business above the average American. I also feel that republicans treat Americans as second class citizens, well its about time we stood up to such an oppressive government, yes oppressive. Item #1 the PATRIOT act, more like the most UNpatriotic item ever to flow through the congress, I want to know who these people in Washington think they are? You are going to prevent me from being attacked because someone wants to take away my Civil liberties, by taking away my civil liberties? Give me a break, I dont want the radical right owning my flag, I want the world to respect us, not fear us, I want the world to know that we mean business, War should never, ever be any less than a last minute option, we've made it a way of life. Bush is horrible on the economy giving tax cuts to people who just dont need 'em, he's horrible on National Security spreading our armed forces out thin across the globe, he's terrible on foreign relations the UN will not help us out of spite now, hes horrible on the environment trying to drill in alaska.. hey why not get us off foreign oil? why not tell the saudi's to sell it elsewhere? why not stop polluting our air? No child left behind, an unfunded education mandate which as BANKRUPTED schools across this country. need I go on, dont support this man, he's bad for our future. Support a real candidate, for after all, if you want to live like a republican you have to vote like a democrat.

    I appreciated the commentors (see his page) comments as it really does bring out the heart of why the left cannot stand Bush. If I felt that way I would not support Bush either. I'm going to break down sections of the comments and add my own answers.

    Why do I bash the president. Well there are a lot of reasons. I feel he's made my world more dangerous, I feel his foreign policy balances
    on wreckless,

    I think the world has always been dangerous but we didn't really "get it" until it hit home. Now we know it's dangerous. Keeping the status quo is not an option. President Bush recongnizes that there are bad guys that want to do much more damage than 9/11. Reckless would be trusting France and the rest of the UN to fix the problem of terrorism.

    I think he has done everything possible to ruin our environment at the behest of big business,

    A different belief in the same goals (clean environment) does not consitute ruining. The fires we had in California did ruining. Using technology from big business is not ruining it. Making a boogie man out of big business instead of getting them on board doesn't help at all. This really comes down to a basic difference in philosophy. If anyone really thinks that the Bush Administration wants to purposely harm the environment then the "hate meter" needs to be checked.

    I feel we didn't have a good enough reason to invade Iraq and a lie doesn't constitute a good reason I want hard evidence I want Osama I want sadaam where are they? Maybe they are hiding with the WMDs,

    There weren't any lies about WMDs or links with Al Qaeda. The quotes from Bill Clinton and other Democrats before this war started about WMDs answers that question. Am I disappointed in our intelligence, yes I am. I believe we should have had enough information to find real WMDs by now. We've found paper trails but that is not enough evidence for a lot of Americans. Maybe Iraq didn't directly help with 9/11 but they've aided and helped train them (see this). If you want Saddam, then how would not going in have gotten the guy. I won't both of them also, but their power is greatly reduced. There sphere of influence is much less than it was not so long ago.

    I feel that he puts the issues which regard business above the average American.

    Businesses create jobs, that's the bottom line. Here, in the Peoples Republic of California we've got businesses ready to bail. That means less jobs, less tax revenues and people having to uproot their families. We're so desparate that we recalled our governor. The average American works for a business.

    I also feel that republicans treat Americans as second class citizens,

    Republicans are Americans too.

    well its about time we stood up to such an oppressive government, yes oppressive. Item #1 the PATRIOT act, more like the most UNpatriotic item ever to flow through the congress, I want to know who these people in Washington think they are? You are going to prevent me from being attacked because someone wants to take away my Civil liberties, by taking away my civil liberties? Give me a break, I dont want the radical right owning my flag,

    Other than Mr. Padilla being held what item(s) of the Patriot Act are being complained about. We here all these statements from the left about attacks on civil liberties, where are they? Al Sharpton said that there may be an investigation into the anti-war movement under the Patriot Act. Show us the proof Al.

    I want the world to respect us, not fear us, I want the world to know that we mean business,

    Under this President the world knows we mean business. Bin Laden did not expect us to go into Afghanistan like we have. Iran and Syria know that they are next if they start behaving like Saddam. Countries should fear us if they are harboring or supporting terrorists.

    War should never, ever be any less than a last minute option, we've made it a way of life.

    I hate war. I hate people dying or being maimed for life. I hate that a parent has to leave their family for very long periods of time. What I hate more though was what happened on 9/11 and what happens with the homicide bombers in Israel. Americans living in fear of terrorists is worse than war. A repeat of 9/11 is worse than war. Something bigger that 9/11 is worse than war. Many may disagree with the strategy. I happen to agree with it.

    Bush is horrible on the economy giving tax cuts to people who just dont need 'em,

    I got a tax cut and I needed it. I live in California. I haven't heard one person complain who got a tax cut (that's everybody who has kids under 18 or who pay federal income taxes) do any complaining except for a few guilty-rich lefties (they can give it back). Bush inherited a recession, saw the results of years of corporate screw ups and 9/11 (airline industry will never be the same). Now we've got over 8% growth, jobs are coming back and we're on the way back. My problem with Bush on the economy is government spending in non-security/defense issues. 9/11 has been used by everybody to grow the government. Bush needs to use the veto on some spending bills.

    he's horrible on National Security spreading our armed forces out thin across the globe,

    Well, the terrorists organizations and states that sponsor them are all around the world. Personally, I think we need to grow the active duty ranks. He also inherited a downsized military from both Bush 1 and Clinton. They have to be creative. I recommend reading Bob Woodward's (not a conservative) "Bush at War" to learn more.

    he's terrible on foreign relations the UN will not help us out of spite now,

    The UN wasn't helping before. They would not enforce their own resolutions. If they don't want to help, no big deal. The influx of UN power just gives the old Saddamites a better shot at regaining power.

    hes horrible on the environment trying to drill in alaska.. hey why not get us off foreign oil? why not tell the saudi's to sell it elsewhere?

    Here we have a great contradiction that is often repeated from the left. Listen and repeat "one of the reasons we want to drill in Alaska is to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil". The proposal for drilling in Alaska would affect less than 1 percent of the land in question. That's not being horrible on the environment. We need to get oil from somewhere as nobody has a better answer yet.

    why not stop polluting our air?

    Need some facts here. This tactic is getting old. George W. Bush is not doing anything extra to make the air quality any worse than the previous administration. The previous administration left a few parting gifts of executive order that would take effect after Clinton left office. Bush tried to undo some of them. These are issues that should be voted on in congress not by executive order.

    No child left behind, an unfunded education mandate which as BANKRUPTED schools across this country.

    I'm not a big fan of this law because Bush let Ted Kennedy write most of it and took out vouchers. It's an attempt to fix a problem. I don't like unfunded mandates either put many of the beloved lefty laws like the endangered species act are full of them. Let's fix them all but to say "No Child Left Behind" is bankrupting schools is not true. It hasn't been in effect long enough. The problem schools have is that most state governemnts are overcommitted to designated spending that they make cuts to schools where law permits them to. That's messed up but it's reality.

    need I go on, dont support this man, he's bad for our future. Support a real candidate, for after all, if you want to live like a republican you have to vote like a democrat.

    If you want Iraq to go back to the Saddamites, vote Democrat. If you want your taxes raised vote Democrat. If you want the UN making foreign policy then vote Democrat.

    Posted by Tim at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)

    November 29, 2003

    Clark Attacks Dean on Medical Deferment

    Hat tip to Hugh Hewitt.

    This article quotes Wesley Clark:

    "I didn't have as much practice skiing as the governor did. He was out there skiing when I was recovering from my wounds in Vietnam."

    Ouch General Clark, but Howard Dean failed a physical. What was he supposed to do? Let's go back to the replay machine and look at the man General Clark said he admired so much when he ran for President. Here is former President Clinton's letter to his Colonel Holmes. I'm sorry, but if you (General Clark) could support Bill Clinton over WWII veterans George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole, then issue of service in the military is a non-issue.

    Posted by Tim at 09:43 PM | Comments (1)

    November 19, 2003

    Howard Dean's Latest Attack Ad

    Fox News was reviewing the latest ads for the democratic presidential candidates. The Howard Dean one attacked Richard Gephardt for his stance on the war in Iraq and his support of the $87 billion in extra spending. Dean said the $87 billion was all for Iraq and made it sound like it was all for the war in Iraq. Well, we know that not all of it was for "war". About $20 billion is for rebuilding Iraq and the rest of the money is to fight terrorism including finding Usama bin Laden. Dean, take off the blinders, this is not just about Iraq but terrorism. Howard Dean, a man you cannot trust with national security.

    Posted by Tim at 07:51 AM | Comments (1)

    November 10, 2003

    Who Is This Soros Guy?

    Looks like campaign finance is a bigger farce than most of us thought. It will be interesting to watch rich power brokers like George Soros operate around the campaign finance laws.

    Posted by Tim at 10:38 PM | Comments (0)

    Does Anyone Who Knows General Clark Even Like Him?

    Please see the Power Line entry about General Clark and what people think of him. General Clark will probably need a hug after this campaign.

    Posted by Tim at 02:01 PM | Comments (0)

    November 06, 2003

    What Did Howard Dean Say?

    Just go take a look at BushCheney2004 for the answer.

    I guess opinions change after either the shock of 9/11 goes away or if you want to be president.

    Posted by Tim at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)

    General Clark - You Can't Make This Stuff Up

    I received this in my email from the RNC about General Clark and all his "sources" about actions the Bush Administration was or will take in terms of the war on terror. The man lives on rumors. As Mark Larson says, "In your guts, you know he's nuts".

    Posted by Tim at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)

    November 04, 2003

    November 02, 2003

    Bush's Best Friends

    The brilliant minds at Move On have decided to create new ads to counteract the Bush administration. Check out their website here. They have a "panel of esteemed judges, including Michael Moore, Donna Brazile, Jack Black, Janeane Garofalo, and Gus Van Sant". Yep, that's mainstream America. The rest of the judges include those salt of the earth types: Eddie Vedder, Moby, James Caraville, Margaret Cho and other mainstream Americans. This is just too funny.

    Posted by Tim at 08:21 PM | Comments (0)

    November 01, 2003

    Stereotypes, Howard Dean Style

    “I STILL want to be the candidate for guys with Confederate flags in their pickup trucks” - Howard Dean

    That is mighty compassionate of you Governor Dean. Next thing you'll want is the vote of the snake handling Christian. To you people in the south, this is what the Democratic party thinks of you. Just read what Democratic Senator from Georgia, Zell Miller, has to say.

    Posted by Tim at 08:20 PM | Comments (0)

    October 30, 2003

    Another Issue Gone

    Looks like another Democrat hope for taking the White House is gone. I know that sounds cynical but it sounds like so many Democratic presidential candidates are rooting for bad things to happen. The economy may be one of those wishes that won't come true. Tax cuts work! These candidates that talk of raising taxes to help a struggling economy are just wrong.

    Posted by Tim at 07:23 AM | Comments (0)

    October 29, 2003

    Be A Bush Team Leader

    Posted by Tim at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)

    Democrat Miller Endorses Bush

    Freddie "The Beetle" Barnes reports on Senator Zell Miller endorsing President Bush. I think 60-70 percent of America is either at the same place as Miller or to the right of him. If people ("moderates" and "independents") would wake up to what the "mainstream" Democratic party represented then they'd only get about 30-40 percent of the popular vote. The Democratic party has totally left the mainstream.

    Posted by Tim at 02:14 PM | Comments (0)

    October 18, 2003

    Wesley Clark - Who Are You

    This Time article will be very damaging to General Clark's bid for the Democratic nomination. So he voted for Reagan and has shown more than just patriotic support for President Bush in two instances within the last three years. This would be fine except for his drastic turn about. People on the left probably won't trust him, but if he were to win the nomination his words will come back to haunt him.

    Posted by Tim at 08:28 PM | Comments (0)

    October 13, 2003

    The "Department of Peace" Guy

    That great leader, Dennis Kucinich, has announced he's running for President. The more face time that this guy gets on the debates, the better. I'm not quite sure which planet he's from but his grasp of reality is "far out".

    Posted by Tim at 08:59 PM | Comments (0)

    Lieberman Ready To Raise Taxes

    My favorite Democratic candidate for President has decided to play a bit of class warfare. Time to tax the rich, according to "Bob". Nothing like slowing down growth by raising taxes.

    I also am getting a bad feeling that the Democrats will really make raising taxes on the "rich" a huge issue. It's much easier to tell a big majority of Americans that it's someone elses fault and that they are not paying "their fair share".

    Posted by Tim at 08:55 PM | Comments (0)

    October 09, 2003

    President Bush's Speech - 10/9/03

    I saw some of President Bush's speech in New Hampshire this morning. The best part was him asking how anyone could not be glad that Saddam was removed? That is clearly a soundbite he must use often. Many of the Democrats running for President are on the wrong side of history (again) and this must be driven home. I'll post a link to the speech when I find one.

    Posted by Tim at 08:15 AM | Comments (0)

    September 30, 2003

    Bloggers 4 Bush



    I already messed up and donated $25 instead of $29. Make sure to add the extra $4.

    Posted by Tim at 11:07 AM | Comments (0)

    September 25, 2003

    Drudge Lights Up Clark

    The Drudge Report has lit up General Clark. He's got quotes of Clark praising Bush, Condi, Rummy, etc. This should play real well with the "base".

    Posted by Tim at 02:46 PM | Comments (0)

    September 24, 2003

    Poll Numbers

    A note to President Bush.... don't look at the poll numbers. Just keep doing what is right, especially in terms of Iraq and tax cuts. There is nothing to change. One thing you can change is use the darn VETO pen on some of that spending.

    Posted by Tim at 10:41 PM | Comments (0)

    General Clark's Economic Plan

    CNN has the outline of General Clark's economic plan. Here are the main parts:

  • "So I will reduce the tax cuts Mr. Bush gave the richest households -- those making more than $200,000 a year" and use the money for an economic incentive plan, he said.
  • A $40 billion fund would focus on improving homeland security by investing in infrastructure, such as hospitals, and training those who are the first to respond in emergencies. That fund would leave hospitals better prepared for potential biological and chemical attacks, provide money to hire more Coast Guard and customs workers, and secure ports, bridges and tunnels, Clark said.
  • A $40 billion fund for states and local governments -- many financially strapped -- would bolster public education, health care, local law enforcement and social services, he said. About $20 billion would help public colleges keep tuition down and help state and local governments train workers for new jobs, he said. Local governments would receive $10 billion to cope with rising health-care costs, and $10 billion would help finance local law enforcement programs and social services.
  • The third proposal would provide $20 billion for business tax credits and incentives, including tax credits of $5,000 per every new employee hired by a company. There would be incentives for firms to keep manufacturing jobs in the United States and efforts to make companies more competitive in the trade markets, Clark said.

    Of course, we get some classic Democratic demagoguery:

    "Three years ago, we were told we were getting a compassionate conservative," he said. "What we got instead were massive tax cuts for the rich, staggering deficits for the country and the worst jobs losses since the Great Depression. That's not compassionate or conservative. It's heartless, reckless and it's wrong."


    Now, his plan has come classic class warfare and too much spending, but to a lot of people, it will look good. In reality, all that spending is like Clinton's attempt at economic stimulus of 1993, which was just a give away to areas that supported him. That's exactly what this will end up being.

    Posted by Tim at 09:48 PM | Comments (0)
  • WMD Concern

    I am really beginning to feel that some group of people within the administration may have exaggerated the WMD issue. I hope I'm wrong because if WMDs are not found then President Bush will love in 2004. No matter how it's spun the much of the public believes that was the main purpose for going to war. In my opinion, if the WMDs were not a cinch then it should have not been part of the reasons for going to war. The terrorism haven and murderous regime were more than enough reason to go to war. Some people really messed up and it's hurting the President a lot. President Bush must remember, the mainstream press hates him, and will pick apart every little (or big) thing. They will persist until the WMDs are found.

    Posted by Tim at 09:35 PM | Comments (0)

    September 19, 2003

    General Clark Wants It Both Ways?

    Looks like a great politician.

    Posted by Tim at 08:17 PM | Comments (0)

    September 18, 2003

    Clark's First Campaign Stop

    General Clark had his first campaign stop in Florida. The Washington Post story is here and I will also comment on certain parts.



    Clark 'Probably' Would Have Backed War
    On First Campaign Stop, Democrat Lacks Specifics but Rallies Crowd

    By Jim VandeHei
    Washington Post Staff Writer
    Friday, September 19, 2003; Page A05


    HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 18 -- Retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark said today that he "probably" would have voted for the congressional resolution last fall authorizing war, as he charged out into the presidential campaign field with vague plans to fix the economy and the situation in Iraq.

    Clark said his views on the war resemble those of Democratic Sens. Joseph I. Lieberman (Conn.) and John F. Kerry (Mass.), both of whom voted for the war but now question President Bush's stewardship of the Iraqi occupation. "That having been said, I was against the war as it emerged because there was no reason to start it when we did. We could have waited," Clark said during a 75-minute session with four reporters.

    Trying to have it both ways. Sounds just like Kerry. Actually, Lieberman has been much for supportive of the war than Kerry. I believe Kerry only voted for the resolution for political reasons. I think Lieberman believes it's the right path, he just disagrees with the way Bush has handled the last few months. As soon as Kerry voted for the resolution, he immediately backtracked. Kerry == Clark?

    En route to his first campaign stop as a candidate, a high-energy rally at a local restaurant, Clark said he has few specific policy ideas to offer voters right now and offered a few thoughts that might surprise Democrats flocking to his campaign. As recently as Sunday night, he was unsure if he should run for president, so Clark said voters need to give him time to think things through.

    OK, but are you sure you want to do this?

    Clark's statement on the war resolution put him at odds with former Vermont governor Howard Dean, whose stock has soared among Democratic activists in recent months on the strength of his antiwar position. It could make it difficult for Clark to differentiate himself from the other nine candidates in the field on policy, other than by touting his résumé as a former Army general and commander of NATO forces in Kosovo.

    That's a pretty strong resume but the lefties won't like it. Dean is the biggest beneficiary of Clark's candidacy. Kerry might as well quit now, then he doesn't have to mingle with the common folks.

    In the interview, Clark did not offer any new ideas or solutions for Iraq that other candidates have not already proposed.

    I had to stop watching CNN's coverage of the war because Clark was so negative. He was one of the people who was so wrong about many parts of the war. It's real easy to be negative, General Clark. Got any solutions?

    A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Clark said that if he were in Congress, he would vote against Bush's request for $87 billion for operations and reconstruction in Iraq unless the president details a specific strategy to eventually withdraw U.S. troops. Clark said he wants more troops in Iraq, but was unsure who best can provide them -- the United States, Iraqis or other countries. . He would consider cutting defense spending if elected, he said.

    Yes, let's cut defense spending. Nobody wants to harm the US. Let's stop building those silly missile defense systems. Let's spend more time making our military politically correct and go back to the days when there weren't enough bullets for training purposes.

    Clark, relaxed and chatty, portrayed himself as a different kind of Democrat, one without strong partisan impulses. He said he "probably" voted for Richard M. Nixon in 1972 and backed Ronald Reagan. He did not start considering himself a Democrat until 1992, when he backed fellow Arkansan Bill Clinton. "He moved me," Clark said. "I didn't consider it party, I considered I was voting for the man."

    Someone who voted for Reagan and then Clinton a few years later really doesn't have a political philosophy. Clinton moved me (RALPH!) also.

    Clark said that as recently as last week, the former president and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) both encouraged him to run, as did many of their close friends. He said the former president initially was cool to the idea but warmed to it as the draft-Clark movement grew. Clark said he never discussed running with Sen. Clinton on the same ticket, however. Clark, who discussed the vice presidency with Dean at a recent meeting, said he would not rule out taking the No. 2 slot on a ticket.

    Clark said the country "will not function well" with one party controlling the White House and Congress. He sounded a bit like former presidential candidate H. Ross Perot as he talked about focusing on "context" and not specifics and his yearning to work "with people of all sides and all parts of the political spectrum."

    But Clark took some shots at Bush, too. He compared Bush to Nixon in abusing his power to bully Congress and U.S. allies. "This is an administration which has moved in a way we have not seen any administration since Nixon to abuse executive authority to scheme, manipulate, intimidate and maneuver," Clark said.

    Same poop, different candidate. Where is the proof? How short a memory this man has. Remember Clinton?

    Still, it is domestic issues that often dominate presidential elections, and Clark remains largely undefined in this arena. He may be put to the test next week, when he is likely to participate in a Democratic debate in New York. Clark said he did not watch the last two debates.

    Again, are you sure you want to do this, General Clark?

    He said he supports universal health coverage that includes preventive care and a "freeze" on Bush's tax cuts that have yet to take effect for people earning $150,000 or more.

    Record deficits, but wants what kind of health care coverage? Drug test for General Clark, please.

    Clark said he supports a ban on assault weapons and was uncertain of precisely what the Brady gun law does -- and if any changes to it are needed. The law requires background checks and waiting periods for gun purchases.

    This guy needs to read the newspaper.

    "I support the Second Amendment. People like firearms, they feel secure with firearms, they should keep their firearms," said Clark, who has been shooting weapons since he was young.

    We agree!!!!

    Clark, who said he does not consider homosexuality a sin, said the military needs to reconsider the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for gay service members. He suggested the military should consider the "don't ask, don't misbehave" policy the British use. "It depends how you define misbehave. That's what has to be looked at," he said.

    I'd expect nothing less from a Democrat.

    While Clark's agenda is a work in progress, he passed one test today: he showed here he could draw a big crowd and rouse them with fiery speech. Clark flew in on a friend's private jet to shake hands here and to rally a large crowd of young and old, all shouting, "We want Clark."

    While new to politics, Clark jumped up on a chair and sounded like a seasoned pro as he delivered a lively, if brief, call to arms.

    "We are trapped in a jobless economy and an endless occupation" of Iraq, Clark told the crowd. "The simple truth about politics is if you are going to make a difference in the country, you have to have an organization, you have to be able to communicate the message, you have to travel, you have to have the signs, and all of that takes resources. This is America -- we operate on the greenback and I need your help."

    Sorry, gotta send W. some money.

    As Hugh Hewitt has said, it's still not safe to vote Democrat.

    Posted by Tim at 11:17 PM | Comments (0)

    September 17, 2003

    Getting It Wrong On Terrorism - Clark

    Just saw an interview with General Clark. The question was how would he fight terrorism? He said he'd not focus on nations that support terrorism but would just focus on the terrorists. Sounds real backwards to me. In fact, the balance the Bush administration between states and individual terrorists is good. In fact, more emphasis needs to be placed on the states that support terrorism. Without their support the terrorists are weakened greatly.

    Posted by Tim at 10:44 PM | Comments (0)

    Even More On Clark

    Even though I disagree with a lot of what General Clark did as commander of NATO and some other things, I do believe it's wrong to question his military service. Honest disagreements are fine but I've already seen some conservatives go a bit far. I never served in the military, but have the highest regard for those who have. Of course, his military record like everything else is open to scrutiny but let's keep above the fray when it comes to questioning his service.

    Posted by Tim at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)

    September 16, 2003

    More On Clark

    No matter what you may hear about General Wesley Clark (and the press will be kissing his general stars) just remember, he's a FOB (Friend of Bill). During the Clinton reign of really fouled up foreign policy, General Clark went from being a 2 star to a 4 start general before being fired by SecDef Cohen. See what The American Prowler reports. This is all just a reminder that Bill and Hillary are never going away.

    Posted by Tim at 09:00 PM | Comments (0)

    General Wesley Clark

    According to MSNBC, Clark is getting in. He may be a good candidate in a general election but in a Democratic primary? Too many on the left want nothing to do with the military. I just see Clark taking votes away from Lieberman or Kerry. The big winner, Howard Dean.

    Posted by Tim at 08:33 AM | Comments (0)

    August 19, 2003

    Go, Joe, Go

    I really hope Joe Lieberman is the nominee for the Democrats. If for some reason President Bush stumbles and becomes unelectable then Senator Lieberman is OK by me. Check out this MSNBC article. The rest of the Democrats just aren't safe, in terms of national security. Lieberman understands that you don't play politics with national security.

    Posted by Tim at 12:50 AM | Comments (0)

    August 11, 2003

    The Washington Post Said What?

    So I just picked myself up off the floor after reading this editorial from the Washington Post. If the WP is this worried about the Democratic party then things are looking pretty bad for them. As Hugh Hewitt says, "it's still not safe to vote Democrat".

    Posted by Tim at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)

    August 05, 2003

    The Lieberman Conundrum - from Slate

    This article from slate.com laments how Joe Lieberman has a good message but has a bad messenger. It's actually too bad. I like Senator Lieberman and if a Democrat were to be President he'd be one of my top choices.

    Posted by Tim at 07:44 AM | Comments (0)

    July 03, 2003

    DLC Commentary

    Although I think the writers completely overrate President Clinton it's a good commentary. The link is here.

    Posted by Tim at 11:41 AM | Comments (3)

    June 28, 2003

    The Impossible Dream?

    So President Bush was in the PRC raising money and campaigning. Good. I was afraid he'd given up on us on the Left Coast. Whether Bush feels he can win in California doesn't matter. We need to replace Senator Boxer in 2004. Problem is, who the heck is running for the Republicans? I've heard Pete Wilson, BLAH! That's the ultimate, hold your nose while you vote. He would lose anyway because many evangelicals won't vote for him and I don't blame them. I don't think he can win. I like David Dreier and Christopher Cox but I doubt either will run. I wish Dennis Prager would have run.

    Posted by Tim at 12:27 AM | Comments (2)

    June 27, 2003

    Results of Online Poll of Democrates

    Well, the Democrats had a pretty good sized online poll (moveon.org) for whom they choose. The results are here. Howard Dean was the winner and Dennis Kucinich had a good showing. Us Republicans can only say one thing, "Bring 'em on".

    Posted by Tim at 10:33 PM | Comments (0)

    June 24, 2003

    King Richard and other Funny Democrat Things

    I hate the concept of executive orders for the President. It just seems undemocratic. Of course I wasn't surprised to hear this from Richard Gephardt:

    "When I'm president, we'll do executive orders to overcome any wrong thing the Supreme Court does tomorrow or any other day."

    Newsmax has the full story here, since the regular press won't cover it.

    I also enjoyed seeing Senator Bahy on Hannity and Colmes telling how he believes the intelligence on WMDs and reading how Senator Rockefeller simply said "The senator is running for president".

    Attack away Dems. What do they stand for anymore other that their passionate hatred of President Bush. Some of us on the right made the same mistake with President Clinton? It's not what you are against but what you are for, at least most of the time.

    Posted by Tim at 10:00 PM | Comments (0)

    June 20, 2003

    Howard Dean Quote From Opinion Journal

    "All those countries the president insulted on his way into Iraq--they all have health insurance." - Howard Dean

    Yep, let's be like Germany and France.

    Posted by Tim at 11:11 PM | Comments (0)

    John Kerry and the Supremes

    Senator Kerry has outlined his views on Supreme Court nominies. Here's the full article. The key phrase is here:

    "I am prepared to filibuster, if necessary, any Supreme Court nominee who would turn back the clock on a woman's right to choose or the constitutional right to privacy, on civil rights and individual liberties and on the laws protecting workers and the environment," Kerry said in remarks via satellite at a meeting of Democratic party officials in St. Paul, Minn.

    My interpretation, if you are against ANY limitations on abortion up to and including the 40th week of pregnancy, if you are against affirmative action, don't suck up to unions and are against saving little bugs on Farmer Fred's property then you are not qualified to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Keep talking like this Senator Kerry. Great for the primaries (for you) and great for the general election (for Bush).

    Posted by Tim at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)

    June 19, 2003

    John Kerry Said What in 1997?

    The Drudge Report strikes again. Here's some excerpts from John Kerry in 1997 pertaining to Iraq (Senate Record). Here's the link to the congressional record. That boom you hear is the backfire from Senator Kerry's campaign. It will play well in the primaries but he'll get smoked when it counts.

    I don't know how long Drudge will keep the report up so I will excerpt the items from the congressional record.

    "It is not possible to overstate the ominous implications for the Middle East if Saddam were to develop and successfully militarize and deploy potent biological weapons. We can all imagine the consequences. Extremely small quantities of several known biological weapons have the capability to exterminate the entire population of cities the size of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. These could be delivered by ballistic missile, but they also could be delivered by much more pedestrian means; aerosol applicators on commercial trucks easily could suffice. If Saddam were to develop and then deploy usable atomic weapons, the same holds true." (Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Record, 11/9/97, pp. S12254 -S12255)

    '[Saddam Hussein] cannot be permitted to go unobserved and unimpeded toward his horrific objective of amassing a stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. This is not a matter about which there should be any debate whatsoever in the Security Council, or, certainly, in this Nation."(Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Record, 11/9/97, pp. S12254 -S12255)

    "In my judgment, the Security Council should authorize a strong U.N. military response that will materially damage, if not totally destroy, as much as possible of the suspected infrastructure for developing and manufacturing weapons of mass destruction, as well as key military command and control nodes. Saddam Hussein should pay a grave price, in a currency that he understands and values, for his unacceptable behavior. This should not be a strike consisting only of a handful of cruise missiles hitting isolated targets primarily of presumed symbolic value." (Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Record, 11/9/97, pp. S12254 -S12255)

    "Were its willingness to serve in these respects to diminish or vanish because of the ability of Saddam to brandish these weapons, then the ability of the United Nations or remnants of the gulf war coalition, or even the United States acting alone, to confront and halt Iraqi aggression would be gravely damaged." (Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Record, 11/9/97, pp. S12254 -S12255)

    "[W]hile we should always seek to take significant international actions on a multilateral rather than a unilateral basis whenever that is possible, if in the final analysis we face what we truly believe to be a grave threat to the well-being of our Nation or the entire world and it cannot be removed peacefully, we must have the courage to do what we believe is right and wise." (Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Record, 11/9/97, pp. S12254 -S12255)

    Posted by Tim at 07:10 PM | Comments (0)

    More On The "New" Democratic Strategy

    So if there weren't any WMDs then what was the threat in late 1998 (right around impeachment time)? This is just a silly and desperate. Just remember, by not going in during the Fall of 2002 it gave the Iraqis a lot more time to hide and/or move the WMDs. We just need to keep capturing the folks from the "Most Wanted" cards. So far they've not broken but we will eventually work some plea bargains. At that time the Dems will be in deep trouble because we'll find some of the WMDs.

    Again, as has been said by many folks, in a post 9/11 world it's just not safe to vote Democrat.

    Posted by Tim at 03:28 PM | Comments (1)

    June 18, 2003

    The Next Democratic Strategy

    Based on this entry about Bob Graham and this latest by John Kerry the stategy seems to be to make Bush a liar. Two problems, Bush is a straight shooter and both of these guys had access to the same information Bush had and didn't say anything (because the info said there is WMDs). Heck, Senator Kerry even voted for the resolution allowing for the US to handle the Iraq situation.

    This is truly politics at it's worst. Remember, in a post 9/11 world it's just not safe to vote Democrat.

    Posted by Tim at 10:12 PM | Comments (1)