P! Update: Bush Tears, McCain Flip Flop, Gay Marriage

Posted on May 16, 2008

- Dan Froomkin writes, “Bush has cried many times during his presidency — when he’s met with the families of dead soldiers, after 9/11, at disaster scenes. But this was different. In this case, it seems his tears were for himself.” (We’re crying too, Mr. President.) Think Progress has the story, with video.

- The Huffington Post nails John McCain’s latest flip flop, with exclusive video: ‘McCain Was For Talking To Hamas Before He Was Against It.’

- Pam’s House Blend has compiled an extensive list of outraged reactions to the California Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage.

- From Talking Points Memo: McCain Blasts Obama As Unfit To Defend America: ‘On a conference call with conservative bloggers this afternoon, John McCain launched what may be his most direct attack yet on Barack Obama’s national security credentials, saying flat out that Obama is incapable of protecting America and lacks the necessary traits to keep it secure from foreign threats.’ (Pardon my French, but this is absolute horseshit. McCain should be ashamed.)

Same-Sex Marriage in California Possible

Posted on May 15, 2008

In overturning the state’s marriage ban today, the California Supreme Court has rejected Proposition 22, which previously defined marriage as between a man and a woman. But opponents of same-sex marriage aren’t going down without a fight. They’ve been busy circulating petitions for a constitutional amendment which would nullify the court’s ruling. The California Legislature has twice passed bills allowing same-sex marriage. Both were vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who now promises to uphold the court’s decision.

From the L.A. Times: ‘Today’s ruling by the Republican dominated court affects more than 100,000 same-sex couples in the state, about a quarter of whom have children, according to U.S. census figures. It came after high courts in New York, Washington and New Jersey refused to extend marriage rights to gay couples. Before today, only Massachusetts’ top court has ruled in favor of permitting gays to wed. Paul Drugan, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, said the county was not immediately granting same-sex marriage licenses, noting that the court’s decision would take effect in 30 days.’

Hillary Clinton - Queen of Denial

Posted on May 15, 2008

Although Clinton won West Virginia by a forty-one point margin, she still trails Barack Obama in pledged delegates, superdelegates and the popular vote. And now that John Edwards has given his support to Obama, Hillary is facing even more calls for her to withdraw from the race. Dawn Teo at The Huffington Post writes: ‘(Joe) Trippi’s admission that he wishes he had advised Edwards to stay in the race could be taken as a nod to Hillary Clinton that it’s ok to stay in the race, but I don’t think so. I think it was simply meant to soften the blow of these specific words: “Would he be grinding out delegates only to be in a position to cut a deal at the convention for his own gain?” Of course, Trippi will be on the media circuit over the next few days, answering questions about Edwards, and I’m sure this will come up. I’m betting that he’ll say over and over that Edwards exited the race for the good of the country - this will be a hint to Clinton.’

Hillary doesn’t take hints. But we do like that she said this yesterday: “I’m going to work my heart out for whoever our nominee is. Obviously, I’m still hoping to be that nominee, but I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that anyone who supported me understands what a grave error it would be not to vote for Senator Obama.”

Words of wisdom.

Edwards Endorses Obama

Posted on May 14, 2008

Former presidential candidate John Edwards said today that he is throwing his support behind Sen. Barack Obama. “The reason I’m here tonight is because the Democratic voters have made their choice, and so have I,” he told the cheering crowd.

Bush Honors Fallen Soldiers - By Giving Up Golf

Posted on May 14, 2008

As his approval ratings continue to plummet, the U.S. president tries to show his sensitive side. From Politico: ‘For the first time, Bush revealed a personal way in which he has tried to acknowledge the sacrifice of soldiers and their families. “I don’t want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf,” he said. “I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.”’

We’re sure the grieving families of over 3000 American soldiers killed in Iraq are grateful for the president’s enormous personal sacrifice. If the death toll reaches 5000, do you suppose he’ll give up fishing?

John McCain will live - for 100 Years!

Posted on May 13, 2008

We wondered how long it would be before the McCain camp dragged out his 96-year-old mother to illustrate the Republican candidate’s longevity genes. (Not very long, it seems. The GOP unleashed this mildly disturbing ad on Mother’s Day.) And what’s with the Walt Disney music in the background? I kept waiting for woodland creatures to appear and start cleaning the living room.

Alec Baldwin: The Role Of Politics

Posted on May 12, 2008

Alec Baldwin recently appeared on 60 Minutes. Among other things, he discussed politics and the vast right-wing conspiracy that’s after him. At one point Morley Safer quoted Alec describing Dick Cheney as a “lying, thieving oil whore” and “a murderer of the US Constitution”. Watch the clip:

You can read more of Alec’s political view points on his blog.

That Virgin Pledge

Posted on May 11, 2008

Almost everyone agrees that high-schoolers should try to refrain from having sex until they’re older and in a committed relationship. But the welfare of children is not served by a misguided social policy that keeps them in ignorance. Mathematica Policy Research Group, funded by the Dept. of Health and Human Services, found that “abstinence-only programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth.” Another recent study found that young people who took the so-called ‘virginity pledge’ were one-third less likely to use contraception when they did become sexually active than their peers who had not pledged. The study also showed that pledgers were not only less likely to use condoms to prevent STDs, they were less likely to seek medical testing and treatment, thereby increasing the possibility of transmission.

The Washington Independent reports: “Marcella Howell, a vice-president for Advocates for Youth, a nonprofit organization devoted to sex education, said abstinence education was an early priority of Bush’s social agenda. ‘He kept saying during the 2000 presidential campaign he was going to triple abstinence funding,’ Howell said. ‘It was a component of his faith-based initiatives…’ She added that ‘for the funding to end, the debate must shift away from conservative ideology and toward accurate information.’”

Accurate information! What a concept!

Sticking To Their Story

Posted on May 11, 2008

It seems like the Neocons are forever bleating about Iran’s involvement in Iraq’s civil war. (And we all know how John McCain plans to address the situation.) Those of us who’ve been skeptical of Iran’s participation now have a reason to remain skeptical. From the Los Angeles Times blog: “There was something interesting missing from Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner’s introductory remarks to journalists at his regular news briefing in Baghdad on Wednesday - the word ‘Iran,’ or any form of it… Not once did Bergner point the finger at Iran for any of these weapons and munitions, which is a striking change from just a couple of weeks ago when U.S. military officials here and at the Pentagon were saying that caches found in Basra in particular had revealed Iranian-made arms manufactured as recently as this year.” Tina Susman, reporting from Baghdad, also has this to say: “A plan to show some alleged Iranian-supplied explosives to journalists last week in Karbala and then destroy them was canceled after the United States realized none of them was from Iran.”

This story may not get much traction in the main stream media since major news outlets thrive on the gruel that’s being served up by our current administration. Lucky for us, the blogsphere doesn’t get its talking points from Dubya.

A Woman of Wealth

Posted on May 9, 2008

You remember in 2004 when the Republicans were outraged that John Kerry’s wife didn’t want to release her tax returns? Well, now that Cindy McCain has refused to do the same, the GOP doesn’t seem too concerned because, y’know, that’s private stuff.

Crooks and Liars has the story: “The McCains are extraordinarily wealthy — one might even be tempted to call them ‘elites’ — and Cindy McCain’s assets are estimated to be about $100 million, including a private jet, which her husband has been borrowing at a reduced rate. Given the other candidates’ disclosures, and McCain’s own alleged commitment to transparency, will we ever see Cindy McCain’s returns? She was asked on The Today Show this morning, and said, politely, ‘Never.’”

Never?

Media Matters nails the distinction: “In contrast with Cindy McCain, Heinz Kerry did release a part of her 2003 income tax return that showed ‘total income,’ which enabled The New York Times to analyze how she benefited from the Bush tax cuts. Such an analysis of how the McCains have benefited from the tax cuts - which Sen. McCain supports extending permanently - is not possible, based on the information his campaign has released on Cindy McCain’s income.”

Veracifier has the video:

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