Here’s to David Shuster, who I thought did a great job on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  Smart, likeable, aggressive. His reporting has always been top notch. Very professional as well. I’ll miss him @ 6:00 pm. I looked forward to his program.

And so here’s wishing Ed Shultz well with his new program. I for one am tired of constantly hearing about the CEOs in this country. They’re nothing but a bunch of SOBs. It’s high time we heard about average Americans and their concerns for their childrens’ future.  

This after all is the bottom line as to what’s going on right now - education, health care, affordable college, affordable houses, future jobs, and of course, Iraq and Afghanistan.  

Well, there goes Mitt's 2012 chances.  To have the audacity to say that sometimes President Obama is RIGHT?!?!?!1!?!!!11!one  This is sure to enrage the Great Limmmmmmbaugh.  I won't hold my breath waiting for him to point out some future examples.  And are we surprised Mitt flip-flopped on universal health care?  He flip-flopped on just about everything else from gay marriage to the NRA during the primary.

Karl Rove is completely irrelevant.

It's time for Chris Dodd to go.

I really wish FR would stop making every state visit about 2012.  The election is over.  If Democratic Presidents are supposed to be limited to only visiting the bluest of blue states lest it be labeled some pre-campaign stop, then they'd really be doing this country a disservice.  Did you ever think maybe they're going to NC because NC is doing some important things and because NC is a state with high military population?

Example of excess in government:  Obama took twelve teleprompters with him on his G20 trip.  Indication of just how much he relies on them.

*rubs eyes*

Not a word about the GOP "budget" that proposes a spending freeze (on everything except the military, of course) and (surprise, surprise) HUGE TAX CUTS for the wealthy?

How is that not news First Read?

After weeks of microanalyzing the President's budget, and using all of the Republican talking points you could to describe it, can you not be troubled to give the Republican budget some scrutiny?

What gives? Too "newsy" for ya?

Let's hear it for the Republican Tax Fairy !!

From WashingtonMonthly:

'...THE RIGHT WON'T LET THE TAX FAIRY GO.... The National Review's Andy McCarthy had an item yesterday, which was not an April Fools' joke, and which served as a helpful reminder of why discussing tax policy with conservative activists tends to be frustrating.

   We know that lowering marginal tax rates can increase federal revenue, but it's clear that the President won't cut taxes (not even for "95 percent of Americans"). So we need a Plan B....

So, if the government lowers taxes, the argument goes, government revenue necessarily goes up. It's something "we" already know. Indeed, it's so obviously true to McCarthy, he doesn't bother to explain how he came to believe such nonsense.

The idea has been around for years, and it's known in some circles as the "Tax Fairy" argument -- all we have to do is lower taxes and, like magic, the Tax Fairy will boost revenues. Under this approach to tax policy, tax cuts just pay for themselves.

The problem, of course, is that the argument is wildly wrong. Dean Baker recently explained, "It is amazing to me that people have treated this as though it is a debatable point, because it is really not." Or, as A.L. noted yesterday:

   [I]t's demonstrably, empirically untrue. We've lowered marginal tax rates multiple times, and it never produces more revenue. Even the most ardent supply-side economists don't believe that tax cuts fully pay for themselves (they believe only a fraction of lost revenues are offset by supply-side effects).

   In other words, only complete crackpots believe that McCarthy's "Plan A" would increase revenue. Sadly, with respect to this issue, virtually all mainstream Republicans are now complete crackpots. Which goes a long way toward explaining why the Republican party's budget proposals make absolutely no sense. How can you craft a coherent budget when your only idea for raising revenue is to massively cut revenue? If you're working from that premise, why bother coming up with numbers at all?

What's more, even if we accept McCarthy's foolishness at face value, why wouldn't officials just cut taxes all the time? As Matt noted, tax cuts tend to go over well with voters, so political leaders have an incentive to keep cutting. If "we know" lowering marginal tax rates can increase federal revenue, why would any politician ever oppose more tax cuts?

As for McCarthy's contention that President Obama "won't cut taxes ... even for 95 percent of Americans," didn't we just have this debate? Hasn't Obama already cut taxes for 95% of Americans?

How odd....'



Not Really that Odd, they're Republicans

How much MORE Revenue have we had since Bushy cut taxes on the Rich ??

None ???

Our new President operates, and thinks at a very fast pace. Yet he is careful enough to understand the concepts of diplomacy. President Obama just does not wait around for things to happen. This President is intelligent enough to take the initiative, and multi-task on several missions at once. President Obama is on task, motivates others to succeed, speaks clearly, and has several goals to complete. Foreign leaders had better think on their feet, know their facts, and be ready to operate at a fast pace.

The media works to exploit the differences between US and France, or US and Germany, but again they see only trees and no forest. The common thread is that unregulated Capitalism has run amuck. Some want strong regulations, some want governments to spend stimulus money. It sees that the world's population hates bankers who became greedy as the expense of the common good. (Correction to previous statement...Republicans still love greedy bankers and want to give them a tax cut) Is that out of step or what.   From these meetings will come a list of consensus statements...which is a good thing.  As much as the conservatives scream, Capitalism will become closely regulated...with some CEO bankers losing their job.

So Romney says he does not want President Obama to fail and has actually praised our President. The question is will the Rightwing nuts punish Romney.  This is a core issue.  Can you speak outside the right wing talking points without being thrown under the bus?  Wait and see.

Touching the Queen:  Michele did put her arm around the Queen: a protocol no, no. But the Queen responded in kind. The British subjects loved it.  Her is a woman who shows compassion, and knows the human need for touching.  She has wisdom beyong her years.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCkOmcIl79s

CEO's theme song...now they have your money too..
with no paper trail what they owe you...or do they?

Why are we giving ROVE, who needs to slither his way back to the primodial pond scum he comes from, air time? I get nausea everytime I have to see or listen to this machiavellian/repitialian sorry excuse of a human being. He simply needs to be presecuted for outing a covert CIA agent which is against the law. Thats right! How foolish of me. The Rethuglicans do not believe in due process/laws. NEVER MIND!

Chris Dodd is history.  For obvious reasons.  He has been there so long, he's forgotten about the average John Q Public.  Like Ted Stevens, ethics is a murky water for the long timers (both parties) - they really start believing that their own shady dealings are beyond reproach.  I personally think there should be term limits on ALL elected officials.  While it would be nice to think the constituents would take care of it, even they get used to some of the 'porks' - (eh, perks) and often look the other way.  It doesn matter when your Senator has seniority and you get plum committee chairmanships.  Experience is one thing; but honesty and transparency should trump it all.
^^^^^^^^
And Peter, sorry; but I wanted to respond to some items from yesterday - so look away:

“…Or were they just that incompetent to begin with?”  Anna Molly (Sent Wednesday, April 01, 2009 4:24 PM)

Do you really want an answer to that question?  I am sure this is rhetoric.  There are books on the shelves already that discuss the criminal actions and general incompetence of Bush appointees.  This is not news.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Richard, Washington State (Sent Wednesday, April 01, 2009 4:45 PM)

You missed my point, many executives don’t ‘report’ the time off that they most certainly take – for example these two publicly declared days.  So the vacation balance isn’t properly reduced – that is the scam.  Accruing benefits is not a crime.  And I am not anti perks.  I merely point out hypocrisy where I see it.  Palin was SO quick to take credit for saving Alaskans money –‘ Thanks but no thanks on the bridge to nowhere, sold the private jet on E-bay, etc’. – so it was more than a little hypocrisy to later expense your family costs to the state and further charge the state for time you spent in your own home, per your own choice.  But if this is your litmus test for seeing where my values are, go for it.
Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Wednesday, April 01, 2009 4:52 PM)  see above.  And can you guys honestly tell us you aren’t her adoring fans because, “she had you at that first wink”?  I am very tired of men thinking with their johnsons.  I hated it when Clinton did it and I’m really intolerant of it here, as well.
^^^^^^^^^^^
“…Besides, the objective in the Stevens case was met and had nothing to with justice.  The Justice Department, after all, is always political.”  Richard, Washington State (Sent Wednesday, April 01, 2009 4:53 PM)

On this I will agree, not sure about the sacrificial portion?  I am for prosecution of ALL criminals (without regard to party) to the fullest extent of the law.  I think you are agreeing that Clinton was the sacrificial one?
^^^^^^^^^
“Brian Crooks:

More likely vehicle related, like the three or four thousand that happened here during the month of March. Could have been suicide, too.   You seem to prefer they were electrocuted just to make a political point, but that's probably just me imagining it.  Suicide would work too, wouldn't it?  I actually wish you WERE trying to make joke.”  Richard, Washington State (Sent Wednesday, April 01, 2009 5:28 PM)

I am all too familiar with your ‘tongue in cheek’ meter; but on this point I find your sarcasm trite and counter intuitive.  Brian’s point was the failure of KBR (subsidiary of Halliburton) to protect our troops.  They instead sought shoddy workmanship and easy profit.  You seem to be twisting that by accusing Brian of scoring a cheap political point.  I know you know better, so I get frustrated with your flippancy.  Every American should be appalled that one soldier died from shoddy profiteering; but the fact that they haven’t fixed the problem in no less than a dozen posts is down right UNAmerican.  Our soldiers deserve OSHA standards in their service to our country and every American should be allowed to speak truth to power without continuing to be labeled (ala the last regime) as ‘unpatriotic’ or demeaned and accused of making cheap political points.

Example of excess in government:  Obama took twelve teleprompters with him on his G20 trip.  Indication of just how much he relies on them.
KLM in MI (Sent Thursday, April 02, 2009 9:30 AM)
====================================================
...and next up, Obama did NOT wear a flag pin on his lapel.(Gasp)...and later, just who IS Barack Obama?

In Kentucky and Ohio, the Democrats' Senate primaries are getting some action - and the establishment is splitting right down the middle: http://campaigndiaries.com/2009/04/01/democratic-primaries/

I enjoy seeing Barack Obama collect back taxes that Clueless George never bothered to collect.  Just one more instance of how Barack is undoing the damage of the bushwhacker.  I hope Sebelius gets her nomination soon so she can go to work ASAP on getting us universal health care.

I am so gratified that Ed Schultz is going to get his own show on MSNBC tv.  I was really jazzed when Keith made the big announcement last night, but then when I saw that he was getting David Shuster's time slot I kept wondering what happens to Shuster.  Finally at the very end and rather nonchalantly Keith made mention that David is getting a two hour time slot for his new show.  Congrats to MSNBC tv, Ed Schultz and David Shuster for making the MSNBC tv lineup rock solid Liberal!  Now if MSNBC would just get rid of that repugnant one trash Mourning Jerk in the morning all would be cool.  I mean Mourning Jerk belongs on Fox and Freaks.

In Ed Schultz We Trust!
In David Shuster We Trust!
In Mourning Jerk We Bust!

Nashville Fan, what are you whining for?  There's a whole 'nother topic posted on the GOP budget.  Just for you.  

All that hate just boiling over and ready to spew so early???

Example of excess in government:  Obama took twelve teleprompters with him on his G20 trip.  Indication of just how much he relies on them.
KLM in MI (Sent Thursday, April 02, 2009 9:30 AM)

hahahahahahahhahahahaha, KLM.  You must be really tired after staying up all night thinking of more teleprompter jokes.  What would we, the readers of FR, do without you?????


I'd say don't ever change, but, well....you won't.

I don't know where you at fr get your info but lets take a swing at it.70% of Americans approve of what Mr,Obama has done and is trying to do.He dose not have to impress us,that was the last bunch, that was more worried about style points then getting there hands dirty.You talk about Europe having problems,I see France and Germany,but no one else.Me thinks some heads of state are intimidated buy what our new President is trying to do.My guess is they are up for re-election and tough talk towards the US makes they look strong,kind of the same as we see here.And for the umpteenth time Who gives a damn what Karl Rove has to say?The man is Darth JR.Mitt your honesty about Obama being right on some things,and making the best moves is going to upset Rush,and tin head,watch your back the stabbers will be out in force.

Livingston reports that Romney also said the GOP shouldn’t be resentful and should recognize that -- at times -- Obama can be right.
------------------------------------------------------
Wow, actual grown-up talk from someone in the GOP.  How refreshing.  Hopefully, Mitt Romney will be able to sway his more reasonable colleagues to embrace this idea.  Unfortunately, the screechers on the far-right seem to have a stranglehold on the party- as evidenced by Michael Steele having to retract and apologize for 99% of the statements he makes.

If the GOP doesn't get some strong moderate leadership in there, soon- their numbers will continue to shrink as the fringe drives former supporters to the Independent and Democratic circles.

Having worked for both sides of the aisle, I know of what I speak.

I think the Rushbots have pushed the teleprompter about as far as it will go. Dead and unfruitful. Just like a neo conserative, the rushbots have no new thoughts, no new solutions and no new arguments. Rush is becoming more irrelevant every day. Go to his web site and ask your self one question. Why are there no sponsors or web ads?

Who gives a rat's behind what Klueless Karl Rove says?  He's not so smart now that he's destroyed the repugnant one's party by playing petty partisan politics.  The only thing that we should be seeing Klueless Karl doing is testifying to Congress about his nefarious criminal deeds in the White House that wrecked our secular democracy.  Send Rove to prison where he belongs and throw away the keys!

We probably wouldn't be so lucky to hear about more CEO firings from Obama but we will hear good news as Barack Obama undoes the damage of the belligerent bushwhacker.  Barack has proven how an American President should conduct himself overseas and with world leaders.  And to think the repugnant ones were whining about him not being ready for prime time diplomacy, yeah like they know anything about anything.

I'm still grinning from ear to ear that Ed Schultz is getting a new show on MSNBC tv and that David Shuster is getting two hours instead of only one.  What a great lineup now with David, Chris, Ed, Keith and Rachel.  Fox and Freaks has got garbage like glenn henpecked and billo the clown or sean insanity and is going down the tubes as their listeners turn to MSNBC tv for the truth they will never find on Fox and Freaks.

In MSNBC We Trust!
In Fox and Freaks We Bust!

"Romney also said the GOP shouldn’t be resentful and should recognize that -- at times -- Obama can be right."

That just might kill Romney's hopes of ever becoming President.  He said a Democrat "can be right."  Anything but lockstep opposition to "libruls" is not tolerated by the conservative base.  Romney better hope this doesn't get out to the masses.

Pat Boston MA
Enjoyed your comments on garments.  Also I agree with your assessment of David Shuster.

My worst person in the world is still Pat Buchanan.  He seldom comes on Shuster, never on Olberman or Maddow. Maybe someone at MSNBC is getting the message.  

You are more tolerant than I.  I gave up on morning Joe, but since you commented about Mike Barnakle, I guess you are still watching.  

Final Four: Championship game...Then baseball.  Go Red Sox.

Touching the Queen:  Michele did put her arm around the Queen: a protocol no, no. But the Queen responded in kind. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You can bet Rush and Hannity are already making this their lead for today's shows.  Classic "Rip and Read" journalism.  Now we'll watch the sheep like Palomino, Moon Dawg, and Bad Chihuahua regurgitate it later today.

The biggest rift between France/Germany and the US exists because they can't do the kind of spending we do.  They already have universal health care and most of the safety nets we're talking about putting in place.  It's kinda like going to a hospital and saying they should install some wheelchair ramps.  It's not that they don't want to do stimulus, it's just that they've already done a lot of it.

"Nashville Fan, what are you whining for?  There's a whole 'nother topic posted on the GOP budget.  Just for you.  

All that hate just boiling over and ready to spew so early??? -Get a Life
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I read the other post and it contains no analysis from the writers here at First Read, it is just a regurgitation of what other folks said.

I'm not whining, I'm asking for some analysis from Chuck, Mark, and Domenico. I think that after weeks of SAVAGING the President's budget, the alternative presented deserves some scrutiny, since in my opinion, it is ridiculous and disingenuous.

Clearly your life is about as exciting as mine, since we are both here, right?

If you're writing off Chris Dodd now then you're engaging in premature speculation.  It's still early and while Chris has been unfairly tainted by the guilty repugnant ones of helping the AIG bailout bozos he will endure this controversy and emerge stronger in the future.  Let's face it Dodd has been quite vocal about reining in bailout bonuses and the repugnant ones are now trying to fasely accuse him of aiding the bailout bozos get theirs when it was the bushwhacker who failed to stop this nonsense.  The bushwhacker and Munster Paulson kept slipping in protections for the CEO creeps and their useless minions to get these bailout bonuses.

I find it funny that now that one repugnant one has seen the light and wants to review the idiotic Cuba policy that now we're finally getting somehwere on overturning the failed policy of belligerence.  Thanks to the repugnant ones we've lost a good chance to have a positive influence over Cuba and now Russia will base bombers and warships there, Heckuva Job Clueless George!

Once again congrats to Ed Schultz for landing a new show on MSNBC tv, the most trusted news outlet for truth, justice and the American Way!  More viewers will be leaving Fox and Freaks and turning to MSNBC tv to finally get the truth they've been missing.  I'm glad that Ed will aim his show towards supporting the good blue collar union workers that the repugnant ones demonize.

In Ed Schultz We Trust!
In Obama We Trust!

Eagle 1776 (from yesterday)

Don't be so offendend that MSierra of SF was chosen the April Fool. At least it wasn't you but you were so upset about it you felt you had to hit that submit button twice. Obviously you are unable to take a joke in the spirit of April Fools Day.

By the way, some runners up were Clara, Diane, Beverly, Brian Crooks, jawillie, cindy, Jody and Ron.

Hope you feel better today.

Nashville_fan,
So you have lost your consolatory language and are ready to attack...my my my what a difference a day makes.

Look at the other post...and let’s all try to work together.

This was from yesterday concerning Ted Stevens, but I HAD to comment:
The fact remains he wouldn't even be on trial if he didn't break the LAW!
J, Long Beach, CA (Sent Wednesday, April 01, 2009 11:38 AM)

Someone actually wrote this line...wow.  The amount of ignorance that goes into this statement is astounding!!!  You are saying that anyone who is on trial must be guilty of something?  If that's the case then I spent 3 years of law school for nothing.  Apparently there goes another few million people out of a job.

"Example of excess in government:  Obama took twelve teleprompters with him on his G20 trip.  Indication of just how much he relies on them.
KLM in MI"

Yes, it's SOOOOOO terrible to have a President actually sound like he knows what he's saying than the off-the-cuff malapropisms by GWB.

"Children's do learn."
"We cannot let terrorists and rogue nations hold this nation hostile or hold our allies hostile."
"It will take time to restore chaos and order."
"They have miscalculated me as a leader."

I'm actually rather proud to have a President who can not only speak, but also write his own speeches, and read them clearly so he sounds intelligent and thoughtful.  Gosh, it's such a bad thing to have a Teleprompter to help the President actually look like a real leader, instead of a guy who can barely remember the basic rules of grammar.

Maybe you prefer having a President that sounds like the village idiot, but I sure don't.  It's nice to have a President that not only IS educated, but acts and sounds that way too.  And if he uses a Teleprompter - SO WHAT?

Chris Dodd is a goner.  His ethics are no better then Ted Stevens.  Funny how when they stay long enough,...they don't see the forest for the trees.  Term limits for all.  Maybe 18 years.  Oh, and I would say NO Congressional pension benefits unless you win a minimum of 3 terms for Congress and 2 for Senate.  Just my own little cost cutting measures.

2nd post today - first has not appeared.

My worst person in the world is still Pat Buchanan.  He seldom comes on Shuster, never on Olberman
----------------------------------------------------
That's because Olbermann never has on guests that disagree with him.  He can't stand to be intellectually challenged, so he only invites guests on that will nod in agreement with him.

Remember the greeting cards sold in various store depicting Bush as incompetent and so forth?

Well, it seems that Obama is not above the greeting card insanity. He's pictured in drag on one, as a pompous president who can't make the right choice on the another (true) and wearing a wig to cover his big ears on another one. I forget what the liner notes said but all were hillarious.

I saw them at Wal-Mart and Walgreens so start your boycott. I didn't buy any but I'm still thinking about it.

Nice Brian, OH - those 3 (probably same person) disgust me at time and others I laugh them off.  They or it must be fuming over Romneys comments!!!Hahahaha!!!

*rubs eyes*

Not a word about the GOP "budget" that proposes a spending freeze (on everything except the military, of course) and (surprise, surprise) HUGE TAX CUTS for the wealthy?

How is that not news First Read?

After weeks of microanalyzing the President's budget, and using all of the Republican talking points you could to describe it, can you not be troubled to give the Republican budget some scrutiny?

What gives? Too "newsy" for ya?
Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, April 02, 2009 9:32 AM)
-----------------------------------------------------

The GOP put zero work into this budget...it is essentially the same budget that bush put out in 2008.
Yep, more of the same...

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/feb/05/nation/na-budget5

I like how tax-cheats in Obama's administration make "mistakes" or "unintentional" slight of hand.  For the rest of us, it's a "crime."

Some good thoughts today from Brian Crook, Ron in Indiana, Pat Boston.

The President continues to learn and impress. He is a very quick study and an excellent politcian. The final output from the G20 may be a little watered down, but the markets seem to like it world wide. DJA is almost at 8K. Anyone thinking Obama Rally?

Thanks to Mitt Romney for being moderate. As many others have said, those positions will imflame the right wing nuts but without moderates, the GOPers will be losers for a long time!

How dare the irreverant First Lady TOUCH the Queen of England. What a non-story that is. Just some fodder for the loonies.

Ron IN. I fully agree on Pat B. What a jerk! I always Tivo the pol shows so fast forward is may answer to Pat B. and all the other GOPer losers. Until they make sense, there is nothing to listen to but noise when they bark their stale talking points.


Movin on down the road to Recovery!

I don't care what Obama does at this point, as long as it keeps pissing off the right-wingers
-----------------------------------------------------
jawillie, you really don't care what Obama does at this point?  Really?   Do you want what's best for this country, or do you want to just piss off the right-wingers?

Geez!  I'm surprised the lament isn't:  "Is the President doing too much?".

President Obama consistently proves that indeed he can "chew gum & walk at the same time".

You folks sound tired just writing up the report.

President Obama is INCREDIBLE!  All this and just think of ALL he has done since January 20th.  Hardly a spare minute to prepare for the G-20 with the MESS he's been left.  He certainly has demonstrated he can "muli-task".

The Press Corp should be PROUD of the U.S. President.  A refreshing CHANGE from the last 8 embarrassing years!

President Obama truly is the "People's President".

Ron, I have always watched Mike Barnicle because I always loved him. His writing I thought was always spectacular, especially when it comes to sports. I don't know what's happened to him. He definitely has changed. Morning Joe is on life support in my home. It's not the same program. On most mornings, I usually turn it off and put music on until I head out the door. It's better than getting ticked off and coming here and ranting about one of the pundits. It's just not a healthy way to start the day.

I felt bad about what I wrote yesterday about Mr. Barnicle. It's not something I'm comfortable doing. I guess I just can't stand it when people are concerned enough about an issue and they then take the time and effort to go out and protest, but in return all they get is ridiculed by the media. These people instead should instead be interviewed about their concerns. These are tough times. The media seems only concerned about the employees on Wall Street. It's just not right. There are some legitimate protestors out there. You never hear about them. People ARE angry. And rightly so.
________
btw, the Red Sox are bidding farewell to Florida today and heading north. Just wish the weather would warm up. I'm still wearing my winter coat!!!

For someone who apparently cannot function without a teleprompter (aka electronic notes instead of paper notes), Obama seems to like taking press conferences from the foreign press (where folks ask questions and you answer from your mind), asnwering questions on all issues with Russian, Chinese, British, and Saudi Arabian leaders and press. This after 22 primary and 3 general election one-to-one debates in getting the job.

A president who uses a blackberry instead of a rotary phone a teleprompter instead of paper notes, a laptop, and the Internet is supposed to be liability to the party and folks who insist on being technologically averse.

Glad to see MSNBC is adding new show to evening lineup.  I too, would like to see someone else take over the morning show.  I think three hours of that dribble is too long.  All that is done is going over the newspapers version of the news and they try to expand on it with goofy comments.  Enough already! People know how to read.

"How much MORE Revenue have we had since Bushy cut taxes on the Rich ??

None ???
MSierra, SF"


Good job on pointing out the fallacy of supply-side economics, MSierra.  The Laffer Curve has been a laugh to any thinking economist since the 70's, but conservatives still persist in pushing it.  Even Irving Kristol - godfather of neo-conservatives - conceded that he wasn't sold on the idea having real financial value, but he did see the political value in it.

It would be helpful if the media would point out once in a while that supply side economics has NEVER WORKED.  Ever.

I have met Rob Simmons face to face, shaken hands and spoken with him, an excellent person and representative.  Everything dodd is NOT.  He will be a great Senator for CT and I wish him well.  Anyone interested in representative government, regardless of party, should be anxious to see dodd go.  Unless YOUR idea of representative government is dogmatically representing a party and its financial contributors.

welcome to changeville

"Nashville_fan,
So you have lost your consolatory language and are ready to attack...my my my what a difference a day makes.

Look at the other post...and let’s all try to work together.  -Ed Coppell
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ed,

I am the same me that I have always been. When I have something to attack, I do so with gusto. However, I try to back up my "attacks" (I prefer the term "argument", but whatever floats your boat) up with FACTS, not lies.

That said, I will be happy to work with you and anyone else to move this country forward. It's not about me Ed, it's about we . . . as in "yes WE can".

I find it a shame that our ecomony is in the mess its
in and yet our illustrious leader needs 500 people to accompany him along w/ a fleet of helicoptors to go overseas and plead our case... I really see him cutting corners and I find it incredibly shallow that with the seriousness of the situation all we can comment on is how great the president's wife looks!!!

What leaders promise at G20 and what they actually work towards after the fun little summit will probably be very different. Will Chussia play nice for long?

Obama needs to watch for diplomatic burnout, not overexpose his positions.  

http://www.political-buzz.com/

>>>Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, April 02, 2009 9:54 AM)
==========
I'm afraid I have to correct you, Ron (not maliciously, mind you).  Buchannon HAS made several appearances on Maddow.  Actually, the two of them are good friends, despite their political differences.  Personally, I like Buchannon better on Maddow than I do on Matthews.  They have a pretty reasonable give and take between them that doesn't elevate to the level of bloviation.

http://jawillie.blog.com

By the way, some runners up were Clara, Diane, Beverly, Brian Crooks, jawillie, cindy, Jody and Ron.

Hope you feel better today.
Polythene Pam
===================
Have you noticed that your "list" is getting longer and longer? I'm proud to be on it with my fellow liberals! Thanks for the inclusion (I know that's a hard concept for you righties!).

Polythene Pam (Sent Thursday, April 02, 2009 10:01 AM)

I think all of the rational people can agree that the real joke yesterday was Boehner, Cantor and the Republican Party.  Nice to see I was a 'strong contender',...

Of course we can take a joke,...Thrilled that we aren't THE joke.

My worst person in the world is still Pat Buchanan.  He seldom comes on Shuster, never on Olberman
----------------------------------------------------
That's because Olbermann never has on guests that disagree with him.  He can't stand to be intellectually challenged, so he only invites guests on that will nod in agreement with him.
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Actually, he did an interview a couple of years ago and talked about this.  He said that he thinks you can get a lot more intelligent discourse accomplished by giving people a platform to speak at length instead of having people on to have a shouting match.  If you don't believe me, watch the Bill O'Reilly/Barney Frank debacle.  We got approximately 30 seconds of actual substance and then the rest was name calling, shouting over one another, insults, etc.  If you don't like Keith, don't watch him.  But to say he's afraid to be challenged is just not true.  Frankly, I find it refreshing to have a show where we don't just have two people locked in an ideological battle taking cheap shots at each other and fighting for the last word (hellooooooo Hardball).  

On an interesting side note, Rachel Maddow tries her ass off every show to have Republicans come on and they very, very, very seldom do.  And her show is about 1/10 as established and hated as Keith's by right-wingers.  So what makes you think actual Republicans would actually come on and actually talk to Keith?  I bet he could get blowhards like Cliff May and Ron Christie to come yell in his face and accuse him of hating America, but then his show would be just like all the others and I would probably be very disappointed as a viewer.

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