First thoughts: Don't stop 'til ...

Posted: Friday, June 26, 2009 9:26 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough: As anyone who has turned on a television set in the past 12-15 hours has noticed, Michael Jackson’s passing will overshadow any political news today -- and perhaps throughout the weekend. Of course, that’s probably welcome news to South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, as well as to a Republican Party that was going to have to endure more “What’s wrong with the GOP?” stories. Also, the Jackson news, plus the fact that it’s the Friday before Congress leaves for its July 4 break, makes it a ripe opportunity for a bad news dump. So what/who will it be? Still, politics doesn’t stop. President Obama meets in the White House with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at 10:30 am ET, and the two hold a joint press conference an hour later.

Obviously, much of the coverage of today’s bilateral will focus on some of the tension between the two world leaders, particularly over fiscal policy (Merkel has questioned the U.S. spending, while the Obama administration has wondered why Germany isn’t doing more to counteract the global recession). But do note that this is the THIRD personal meeting between the two since Obama became president. The biggest news that Merkel and Obama could make would be on the issue of Iran.

*** Pick your title -- Human Nature, PYT, The Lady in My Life, The Way You Make Me Feel, She’s Out of My Life, The Girl is Mine: Mark Sanford tries to return to some normalcy today, when he holds a cabinet meeting at 12:30 pm. But the calls for him to resign are getting louder now that he’s admitted to visiting his Argentine girlfriend while on a taxpayer-funded trip. “While the purpose of this trip was an entirely professional and appropriate business development trip, I made a mistake while I was there in meeting with the woman who I was unfaithful to my wife with,” Sanford said in a statement yesterday. “That has raised some very legitimate concerns and questions, and as such I am going to reimburse the state for the full cost of the Argentina leg of this trip.” That’s not satisfying some South Carolina Republicans, however. “I think he’s gone, it’s over,” said state Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler Jr., per the New York Times. “Leaving aside his personal life, when you use taxpayer dollars, that’s what Republicans are all about -- spending tax dollars wisely. This was not spending tax dollars wisely.” The next three weeks are huge for Sanford. If there's a drip-drip of more allegations, then he probably can't hang on. But he's got two things going for him now: 1) Michael Jackson's death, and 2) the July 4th holiday. Both could be disruptions that keep him out of the public eye a tad.

*** Thriller (on Capitol Hill): Perhaps the biggest drama in politics today will be in the House of Representatives, where Democrats are trying to bring to the floor -- and then pass -- the energy/climate change/cap-and-trade legislation. Per NBC’s Mike Viqueira, Democrats last night didn’t think they had the votes to pass the bill. And if they don’t have the votes, they aren’t going to bring it to the floor. Viq adds that the legislation is up in the air as of this morning. Right now, House Democrats plan to move forward with the bill first thing today. But it’s not in the bag. Speaker Pelosi was seen stalking the floor yesterday during votes to button-hole wavering Democrats. Of course, today’s drama sparks this question: If the energy bill is THIS heavy of a lift in the Democratic-controlled House, then how the heck is the White House going to get this bill out of the Senate?

Video: House Democrats just announced that they’ll take a vote on a sweeping climate change bill by the end of the week. Venture capitalist Ira Ehrenpreis discusses why investing in green energy pays off in an economic downturn.

*** Beat It: Speaking to reporters at yesterday’s Christian Science Monitor breakfast, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel listed a few contrasts between this year’s health-care fight and the one that failed in ’93-94 (industry groups are now playing a constructive role in the reform, the House committees drafting the legislation are now working together, and the administration is now allowing Congress to draft the legislation). But here’s another difference: The majority of TV ad spending is SUPPORTING the White House’s health-care efforts -- not OPPOSING them. That’s also true on energy. To put it simply, Harry and Louise are getting overwhelmed right now. The campaign apparatus that serves as Obama’s backstop is like nothing we've seen for a president, well, maybe ever. And that apparatus is probably enough to blunt special interest pressure. We've seen one example already -- the MoveOn TV ad against Dianne Feinstein. It's a message the group and Obama supporters hope is received by other wavering Democrats on health care. Also, the New York Times has a C.W.-setting piece on how the Obama White House and Senate Democrats are at an impasse over how to pay for health care.

*** Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’: Missing those daily superdelegate counts? The speculation about when states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and Michigan would hold their primaries/caucuses? Come on, admit it -- you miss it. Well, if you are, you can head over Saturday morning to the first meeting of the DNC’s Democratic Change Commission, which has been tasked with reforming 1) the primary calendar, 2) the number of superdelegates, and 3) the caucus system. Presiding over the meeting will be DNC chair Tim Kaine and commission co-chairs Jim Clyburn and Claire McCaskill, and there isn’t supposed to be any big news. The 37-member commission will listen to a presentation of Democratic Party presidential nominations by Rhodes Cook; a look at the superdelegates by Elaine Kamarck; and an examination of the caucus system by Organizing for America’s Mitch Stewart. This is all in the fact-gathering stage, but ask yourself this: How likely is it that this DNC would dramatically change a system that helped launch the president's campaign? Iowa and South Carolina are VERY safe. As for the superdelegate system, well that’s another story…

*** Because I’m bad, I’m bad, come on (or sha-mon): Per Politico, "House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey (D-Wis.) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) engaged in a late-afternoon shouting match on the House floor after Obey reportedly rebuffed Waters on an earmark request, aides and witnesses said." More: "Witnesses, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it appeared that Waters pushed or shoved Obey. The pair were seen shouting at each other and had to be separated by members -- who were crowded on the floor casting final votes before heading off to a party at the White House." She wanted him to fund a program in her name. Obey, no fan of projects in members' names -- so-called "monuments to me" -- said no. The scuffle ensued. Will this make Obey a hero on Fox News opinion programs? Stay tuned.

*** Rock With You (and Reagan): Finally, while covering the Reagan White House, NBC's Andrea Mitchell remembers vividly Michael Jackson's photo-op with the late president. Reagan (and Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole) granted him a presidential public safety communication award on May 14, 1984, to thank him for allowing the White House to use his hit song, "Beat it" in a campaign against teen drunken driving. "Well, isn't this a thriller," Reagan said at the time. "We haven't seen this many people since we left China." The Washington Post reported then: "'Just think, you all came to see me,' Reagan added, looking out over the crowd on the South Lawn of the White House."

Countdown to Election Day 2009: 130 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 494 days

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Comments

Obama supporters: be proud. Those who hate Obama and those of us who stay with him, thick or thin, those who spend hours dissing us all over the internet, lets us know one sure thing: we are winning. Stay strong, stay firm, and feel good about being on the right side of history!
LB, Virginia (Sent Thursday, June 25, 2009 1:58 PM)
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This is SO GOOD… it’s worth repeating as we wrap up another Crazee week here @ FR! And head into the weekend…Oh and LB never heard back from Ed Schultz… rather disappointing!

I know there are times when I feel like what’s the point to coming here daily and duking it out with the opposition? How many times can you slap the GEENOPEERS up side their empty skulls with facts & evidence… only to have them bounce back with the daily spoon fed yakking point! If nothing else… it’s VERY predictable (see below for classic example)…

Then I keep in mind that… no way in hell I’m going to give the lunatic whack jobs one inch in their pursuit to regain power in this country only to drive it off a cliff again! You HAD your chance… and you guys sure did blow it! Country First my a@@... only thing that matters to the male – stale & pale party are their CHECKBOOKS – PERIOD!

Proven yet again by that scumbag Sanford… soaking his state for his little tryst! Cheatin on the wife @ the taxpayers expense now that’s REAL class! Oh and let’s not forget family values!

Makes me wonder how many times/ways you can call them out on their hypocrisy! It’s certainly taxing my ‘creative writing skills’!

I also want to express my outrage at Maureen Orth (sp?) last night & this morning with her venomous attack against Michael Jackson.

Having lost a loved one herself suddenly I can’t believe she has the audacity to stage such a vicious assault while his body was still warm for cryin out loud! I’m not condoning some of his behavior – BUT he was tried and then acquitted on ALL charges by a jury of his peers!! And lady like it or NOT that is the LAW of this land! So get off your soap box and show some respect… your behavior was unbecoming of the wife of the late great Tim Russert! Try taking the high road like your husband always did!

And to you guys here @ FR – Chuck – Mark & Domenico – thanks for another great week … but I do feel more like I’m playing ‘beat the clock’ around here rather than blogging! You guys GOTTA get your rhythm back! Pleeeeeze!

So in closing all you right wing whack jobs – I’m not going anywhere anytime soon! Bring it on! You’re up against some daunting competition here at FR and so far getting your @ss kicked – thanks for playin though – it would be awfully boring without ya!

Classic Example:
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Clara in KC is getting real long-winded and Anita in Birmingham (Pam) still thinks she's a reporter.

Gee, I love this blog.
Moonshadow (Sent Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:14 PM)
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Nice try Chihuahua! Only thing you left out was ‘hijacking’! Or are you saving that for Monkberry Moon moniker? Your drivel is soooo easy to identify! Keep up the good work because it’s most entertaining!

You’re about as clever as ‘dryer lint’!
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***To the family & friends of Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson, my thoughts and prayers are with you! We lost 2 great talents yesterday – and with that heaven gained 2 more angels!***

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:34 AM)

Cute - FR - Cute

With the passing of Michael Jackson, politics had the night off. But today is politics as usual. Sanford is willing to pay back SC for his trip. Cost is going to be his job!

Time to say the obvious about healthcare:

To Republicans the word “Healthcare” is translated into spending money.

To Democrats the word “Healthcare” is translated into medical care for Americans.

To Republicans it is acceptable to spend money on an unnecessary with a preemptive strike.

To Democrats it is not acceptable to allow an American who has had a stroke go untreated.

Republicans trust private insurance companies, yet the private health companies deny health benefits and hide behind pre-existing clauses. “Managed Care”: Who is managing the care? Private insurance companies; not the doctors. If you do not like a public option, cut up your Medicare card. Do it today!

Democrats prefer a public program. Like Social Security is a safety net for senior Americans, a public health program offers a safety net for those unemployed, or unable to get insurance in the private sector, which brings us back to the beginning: To Republican healthcare is all about spending money.

For those who want to defend their position on being fiscal conservative: How much is a life worth? Isn’t your health your greatest asset?

For the next few months Healthcare will be like riding a roller-coaster, with highs and lows. The only thing I’m going to do is hassle my senators.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:35 AM)

Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wine
________________
My generation lost Elvis & John Lennon too soon. For my son’s generation – Michael Jackson. And almost 40 years to the day (June 22nd), my parents’ generation lost, in my opinion, the greatest of them all – this little lady. Another who began her career as a child star. She was only 47 years old.
_____________
JUNE 27, 1969: NYT: They arrived before dawn at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home and stood for hours behind police barricades- thousands of elderly women, weeping young men, teen-aged girls, housewives, nuns, priests, beggars, cripples and hippies.

They packed 81st Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues, streaming into the funeral home to gaze at the glass-enclosed coffin containing the body of the 47-year-old singer who, in death as well as in life, stirred emotions in her fans.

They wept.

"People identified with that woman," Mrs. Marilyn Ford, a 23-year-old Queens housewife, said as she stepped out of the funeral home. "Everyone's got sadness and problems, everyone gets lonely. Judy Garland made us all feel something tied her and us together."

Through the gray, murky afternoon, fans waited patiently in line to walk into the chapel.
Inside, the fragrance of flowers suffused the air- bouquets and wreaths of roses and pink and white carnations and yellow spider mums- flowers sent by Fred Astaire, James Stewart, Sargent Shriver, William Paley, Irving Berlin and dozens of other friends and fans.

By 10 o'clock last night, nearly 15,000 people had walked past the coffin. During the day, the line, eight abreast, had curled around 81st Street to Fifth Avenue, then along the avenue to 82nd Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues. There was a four-hour wait to enter the funeral home.

"I don't remember anything of this magnitude and I go back 20 years," said Ted Thorne, vice president of Frank E. Campbell. "We sort of anticipated it."
As visitors streamed slowly into the chapel- designed vaguely in the style of an old New England church- many placed carnations and daisies on the pews.
There were large numbers of Negro women, too, young and middle-aged.

"Judy gave love and you got the feeling there wasn't an ounce of hate in her," whispered Mrs. Helen McClean Jaafer, a Manhattan housewife. "There's so much hatred now, so much meanness, and I think Judy Garland was just too kind for this kind of world."
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Judy, Elvis, Lennon, Michael – None were perfect, but their talents were. Thank you for the music.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:37 AM)

Good morning everyone, I’ve been especially moved by the death of Farrah Fawcett and extremely shocked by the sudden death of Michael J. Jackson.

Farrah represented and era of change for me as a young professional female starting my career in the exciting world of fashion, as a buyer for one of the most prestigious companies in America; that “hair” style ruled the run ways and fashion magazines.

Every woman wanted that Farrah look. It was exciting…she was cast as cute and the guys went crazy for that “plain poster”. Isn’t. It amazing…she didn’t have to disrobe to be admired. She will be missed.

Michael Jackson’s music was the music of my pre-teen, young adult and adult life. I am grateful that he lived to grace us with his unique artistry. As I’ve watched different stories and specials surrounding his life…I can’t but help remember how the media hounded him and put so much spin on the various trials of his life that it really lead him into being a recluse.

These same people are now talking about how great he was. Do any of these people have a brain? I wouldn’t be able to rest knowing that something that I possibly said or exaggerated might have caused the demise of someone else, but a dollar will buy anything, wont it? Even blood and misery…

My thought for the week end……”Do not let your mouth speak, before your mind have a chance to think”. Have a safe one everyone…

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:37 AM)

"Michael Jackson’s passing will overshadow any political news today."
Hmmmm
The world is a strange day today. The exiled Hamas leader, Khaled Meshal, actually has hopes for working with President Obama..
http://www.governmentalityblog.com/my_weblog/2009/06/hamas-leader-optimistic-about-working-with-obama.html

Sam, NYC (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:38 AM)

++++ Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) engaged in a late-afternoon shouting match on the House floor after Obey reportedly rebuffed Waters on an earmark request,

Earmarks? There are not more earmarks. Obama said he wouldn't allow any after the stimulus bill was passed early this year.

Obey and Waters better get with program. Obama is going to veto any bill that gets to him with earmarks in it.

Justin Case, Saint Louis Missouri (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:39 AM)

Rick, NC (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:40 AM)

Mark, Dom & crew - I love the way you pay tribute to Michael Jackson. Yesterday was a hard day. 2 people who really affected the world have left us. I'm saddened by this. It's the circle of life. Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends. I feel very fortunate to have watched Michael Jackson and Farrah give the world their given talents. They will be missed.

Again FR crew - thank you for a rather should we say entertaining week - get some rest guys & gals. Oh yeah, looking forward to Dylans show Monday!!

cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:40 AM)

FR: "If the energy bill is THIS heavy of a lift in the Democratic-controlled House, then how the heck is the White House going to get this bill out of the Senate?"

Yup, the rabble in the House might (barely) pass this nonsense but the adults in the Senate will take a more reasoned look. And that's a good thing.

Bill, Fairfax, VA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:40 AM)

Say goodbye to any semblance of news coverage in Iran. Michael Jackson will top every newscast for the next week (at least).

http://www.thepajamapundit.com/

The Pajama Pundit (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:42 AM)

So now FR is exploiting Jackson's death with all these silly titles.

Not a big Jackson fan but he was great in the 80's when MTV was great.

Then MTV turned into some kind of monster and ruined it's credibility. The music videos got lost in other wierd programming. People tuned out. Then VHI went in the same direction so now we have GAC and CMT, both country video stations and the rock groups are working their way into country video.

Quincy Jones and MTV allowed Jackson unlimited fame.
Thriller, the album and the video, is his signature.
Then the wierd whack jacko kicked in and helped ruin an otherwise great career.

Just don't compare him to Elvis.

Peter Percival Patterson (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:43 AM)

If President Obama had not been elected:

-we would not even be discussing healthcare reform
-we would have a severely diminished American auto industry
-we would have many more state workers laid off
-we would have many unemployed Americans with depleted unemployment benefits
-we would have far fewer children insured under S-chip
-we would not be sending an ambassador to Syria
-we would not be thawing relations with Cuba
-we would be discussing our bombing of Iran instead of the results of Iranian elections
-we would still be playing defense in Afghanistan
-we would still have the man we elected to LEAD the government telling us that “government is bad”

P.S. Rest in peace Michael Jackson . . . thanks for the music . . . thanks for the memories.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:43 AM)

First Read; Of course, today’s drama sparks this question: If the energy bill is THIS heavy of a lift in the Democratic-controlled House, then how the heck is the White House gong to get this bill out of the Senate.
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The cap and trade tax bill is an act of desperation by the Democrats. Healthcare reform is surely dead, so the Democrats are trying to pass one piece of their signature legislations they want to pass this year. Cap and trade only passes if a dozen or more Republicans vote for it because all Democrats in the Rust Belt will vote against it. Unemploymnet is getting to all time highs in the Rust Belt, and cap and trade will only destroy more jobs in those states.

This will be an embarrassing defeat to the Democrats.

Riley Odoms, Cleveland Ohio (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:43 AM)

Mark Sanford has a reputation for being stingy and cheap. Amazing that he would use tax-payer money to have a love affair with his girlfriend.

Is that the money that he could not spend on improving schools?
What a hypocrite! $12,000 would repair a few leaky roofs.

Andrea, New York City (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:43 AM)

Sick of the lying about healthcare (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:44 AM)

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:44 AM)

No energy tax. You people are killing us with all your frikkin' taxes.

Get Obama out of the White House.

Moon Dawg (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:45 AM)

Et Tu First Read? I thought that atleast here at First Read we would have a Michael Jackson free zone so that we could concentrate on real news. Well still it's been yet another great week here at First Read, the best place on the web for political discourse. Many thanks to the fine crew of First Read for posting so many great articles and comments. Many thanks to all the great Obama supporters for supporting Truth, Justice and the American Way!

"GWB was very much a liberal... cramming morality down peoples throat... it's government dictating lifestyle... So yeah he cut taxes and then went on a spending spree (Ronny Raygunz started that nonsense Jon) that's not being a republican or conservative that's being an idiot. I won't dispute George Bush jr. was stupid, but if we're talking policy he was more liberal than conservative...He was a liberal with an eternal streak of stupid."
Jonathan Siglow

Hey Jonathan - You and Clueless George do have one thing in common - you both have an eternal streak of stupid. Nice try to avoid being responsible for bringing that clueless liar to the White House but Clueless George has been and will always be a repugnant one conservative. Maybe you missed his dating one of Nixon's daughters back in the 70's right before he went AWOL to work on his political career. Maybe you missed his worthless President Dad stopping the SEC investigation into how he bankrupted his own oil company by stealing from it. Sorry but Clueless George is your piece of trash and you must take responsibility for your mistake by confessing to the truth that your party has wrecked our economy and international reputation. As they say confession is good for the soul, so fess up or face eternal damnation!

In Obama We Trust!
In First Read We Trust!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:45 AM)

Thanks First Read for that wonderful tribute to Michael Jackson on your title topics. I'm deeply saddened by his passing and heard about it on my way back from the Healthcare Reform rally in DC yesterday.

You can say what you will about the man (and there will be a lot of mean, crude comments today) but the music stands on its own.

My thoughts are with is mother in particular. I hope Michael finds the peace this day that alluded him here on earth.

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:45 AM)

An Angel and a Dancer/ Singer went to Heaven yesterday we need to morn and pause and reflect..
how fragile and fleeting we have here to do good and have fun...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_hz2am90Hk&feature=featured

BJ, CA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:49 AM)

The Beatles said it in their song Taxman.

"If you get too cold I'll tax the heat."

Harrison wrote it. Now it's on the table to become reality.

Moonshadow (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:49 AM)

I can’t believe she has the audacity to stage such a vicious assault while his body was still warm for cryin out loud! I’m not condoning some of his behavior – BUT he was tried and then acquitted on ALL charges by a jury of his peers!! And lady like it or NOT that is the LAW of this land! So get off your soap box and show some respect… your behavior was unbecoming of the wife of the late great Tim Russert!

Hypocrisy anyone? You screech about Sanford who cheated on his wife, but feel that an accused child molestor should be respected. Sanford did not break the law, Jackson may have (and that is being kind, see Simpson, OJ: an aquittal does not mean you are innocent). I love how the Dumbocrats want everyone to mind their own business and stay out of their bedrooms.... until you can do it yourself for you own amusement.

Dismayed, Minneapolis (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:49 AM)

How much is a life worth?

Well, according to the Obama plan, older lives are notworth much-he wants cuts in medicare that go to 'lost' causes.

He also wants to cut medicare and medicaid funds to nursing homes. Any of you ever visit or volunteer at a nursing home? I do. There are three in the area where I live tht I visit as a volunteer. Most of what I do is to assist those who cannot feed themselves. The best homes are understaffed because they are underfunded.

I also bring home-cooked food to those who are not on restricted diets, because the food served is often unappetizing. It's difficult to stretch the food dollars, and it's easily seen on the plates.

I wonder how many of the bleeding hearts on this board ever look beyond themselves, and what they feel entitled to, and see the actual costs of what they advocate for themselves-and who exactly pays.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:50 AM)

This will be a great weekend to get away from TV. I am already sick of the Michael Jackson death coverage. Enough already. We know he's dead. It will eventually happen to everyone.

The odd little man is gone and the media will make sure the weird dude is never forgotten despite all efforts one may have to not remember.

eagle1776 (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:50 AM)

Is anyone else tired of the Joe & Mika around the world book tour? If they have to spend this much time selling Joe's book, maybe it is not doing too well. Enough already. Morning Joe is becoming a shill for the book.

Dottie Swarthmore PA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:50 AM)

This is rich...while a congressman Sanford voted to impeach a president over lying about an affair...why is he still around as governor after driving his state back into the 19th century and carrying on with a foreign national while on official state business?

Don't let facts get in your way. Clinton was impeached for lying under oath, not for diddling Monica. Did Sanford lie under oath?

Dismayed, Minneapolis (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:52 AM)

As anyone who has turned on a television set in the past 12-15 hours has noticed, Michael Jackson’s passing will overshadow any political news today -- and perhaps throughout the weekend.

==================================================

Nope. Just more "Bread and circuses" from New York. Treating it like news of him, OJ, or Clinton's scandals in the 90s. Turning it off or "changing" the channel.

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:52 AM)

This will be an embarrassing defeat to the Democrats.
Riley Odoms, Cleveland Ohio (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:43 AM)
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

And what will say when they both pass - And they will.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:53 AM)

Thank you Nashville fan.

A good reminder of the good stuff!!

Andrea, New York City (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:53 AM)

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has some nerve. Germany has always as long as I remember (in business dealings over the years) tight fisted with cash (cheap) and in instances where common sense and prudence should be exercised, they prove to be gullible. Thse were "my personal observences" in dealings with them some years back.

Generosity with the finances is something that they have never been. Her insight isn't something that moves me...
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The Girl is Mine:

It is my "opinion" that Mark Sanford is still involved with his mistress, if I am worng then I do apologize. I say so because it doesn't make sense for a man to leave his "children" on father's day weekend to go spend time with his mistress,"cry" for a week and return the day "after" Father's Day.

Hell I was born, but it wasn't yesterday...

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:53 AM)

God Bless You, Michael

Your talent will be missed

You transformed pop culture like Obama transformed politics

Vaya con Dios

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:54 AM)

It's a pity that the media is in the tank about Michael Jackson's death, I hate it when the media goes nuts over one stupid story. I was hoping to see the Thriller in the House today as we Democrats want to see the Energy Bill passed today and we want to see the dopes of nope whine baby whine. I'm hoping that Nancy Pelosi will be able to crack the whip and get the Democrats united in defeating the dopes of nope yet again. Our country needs energy reform and this bill does the trick better than anything passed the past 35 years.

One good thing about having Adulterer Sanford's sinning ways pushed out of the news today and late yesterday is that it will now linger on into next week. It is so gratifying to see the repugnant ones have to stop their whining to defend their decrepit hater of traditional marriage. Plus we're getting our first photos of his hot young new playgirl and that's give this story legs. Maybe we'll get to see her tan lines or the curve of her hips to see what turned Adulterer Sanford against traditional marriage.

I sure hope that the Ed Show is not dropped today as I want to see him do a Psycho Talk segemnt on Bachmann Moron Overdrive and her continued whining about the census. She is a nutcase in the extreme and her clueless ranting against the census only proves that she belongs in a mental institution, or fox and freaks propaganda channel. Us Democrats sure didn't crybaby when the census data could have been abused by War Criminals Bush and Cheney to target us for political abuse. The census serves a useful purpose and I can only hope that Eric Holder drags this screaming witch to court and prosecutes her to the fullest extent of the law so that she stops her nonsensical campaign against the census.

Prosecute Bachmann Moron Overdrive!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:56 AM)

Just checking in. How many of you crying about socialist healthcare have dropped your medicare and tricare and gone into the private market for your insurance today? None? Then shaddup about how bad government run healthcare is and let the reat of us in on your little gravytrain.
Sick of the lying about healthcare

This is exactly the point. A government option will cause many lemmings such as yourself to run to that plan, driving up the cost of my plan to the point where I will be forced to the government "option". If you have a relative that has been treated at the VA, you already know how bad government run healthcare is.

Dismayed, Minneapolis (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:56 AM)

How early did you guys at FR have to get up to come up with this Oh So Clever titling? I love it, and as a class of 1984 graduate, I would love my memories of Michael Jackson to be the music. I just hope no children were scarred in the making of his videos (life story). I feel a little nostalgic today.
^^^^^^^^
I think you guys are skewing the Waters/Obey conflict. Yes, the center she is trying to get funds for has her name; but she countered with earmarking an adult program and Obey dismissed her and said it isn't going to happen. or to that effect, I don't think we have the full story,...your clip isn't very illuminating. To coin your efforts, in kind, in doesn't seem to be "Black or White"
^^^^^^
Pat, Boston - as always - great tribute,...I was likening this to Elvis and John Lennon last night, as well. Judy Garland was a little before my time - probably Marilyn Monroe comes to mind, as well.

Thoughts and prayers to all affected by both Farrah and Michael.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:56 AM)

Not really politics, but hearing someone like Al Sharpton and others on Keith last night talking about Michael Jackson's role in the African-American community, I kept thinking--what are they talking about? Seems to me he tried to downplay his blackness, never was a public role model and in fact was trying to be white.
Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA

-----------------

With Sharpton, everything is about race. Why a convicted felon (for a race based crime) gets to speak out about race and admonish white people on a daily basis is a mystery to most people.

Jim Wheaton, Florida (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:57 AM)

Strawman (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:59 AM)

Micheal jackson was a talent like no other, his passing remindes me of the pass of Elvis. every body was heart broken, wondering how and why. both were taken far to early, and will be missed.
my memory of micheal was not the thriller days but the little boy who with his brothers, the Jackson 5.
i remember every time a new 45 came out you begged mom and day to please give me my allowance early and ran to the corner store to get the new record then we sat on the living room all your friends came by to listion to his voice, my god he voice was amazing!
when Elvis died my mother went in to morning, she said that Elvis back in the 50s was one of the only white singers the blacks kids would listion and dance to, well now that micheal is goan i can say the same thing, he was one of the black singers that whites would dance and listion to.
i a 47 years old black man who was raised on the southside of chicago, grew up with micheals songs, and i'm so glad to have been born at the right time, i will go to my grave knowing in my life time there was micheal Jackson.

Jeff Westmont (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:00 AM)

Rick Nelson sold over 100 million records, was second to Elvis in sales from 1958 - 1963 and even outsold the Big E in 1961. Dylan was a big fan of Nelson, writing about him in his book, Chronicles.

Nelson's guitarist, James Burton, was with Rick from 1957 to 1968. Burton eventually wound up with Elvis until his untimely death.

I compare Michael Jackson to Howard Hughes. Eccentric to the max. Hughes was compulsive/obsessive and had mental issues later on.
I see the same issues with Jackson.

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:02 AM)

If President Obama had not been elected:

- we wouldn't have nearly $4 trillion dollars of additional debt
- we wouldn't be talking about the biggest tax hikes ever on Americans
- North Korea wouldn't be kicking sand in Americas face every day
- The Iranian people that want free and just elections would have the support of the American president
- Time and Newsweek would have gone out of business
- The Oval Office wouldn't smell of smoke

Tampa Fan (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:03 AM)

I like the clever use of Jackson's songs for these articles. I know Michael Jackson was a huge talent and I enjoyed his music and that talent but enough, please. The non-stop coverage last night was sufficient. His life was a mix of meteoric success but more of human tragedy much like Elvis Presley. Keep reporting the activities but mix in some news and other far more important issues. A third meeting between PM Merkel and Pres Obama, the nearing date of US troop withdrawals from Iraqi cities, Iran, is more newsworthy that speculation on the cause of Jackson's death.

As far as Sanford goes, I have no sympathy for him, he knew what he was doing would hurt his wife and children yet he did it anyway. I still say the only reason he confessed was he got caught. Sanford send pretty descriptive e-mails, did he not realize the internet is almost an open book. It's like Nixon thinking his tape recordings would never get out--why record the conversations to begin with?

My view of Maxine Waters is only through her interviews with the media and she appears smart and easy going. My goodness, tempers were flaring but good for Rep. Obey for standing his ground on naming things after themselves--I agree with him.

Maybe the House should hold the energy bill until after the July 4th holiday break, give people time to calm down.

As a republican back then I voted for Reagan, it didn't take me long to realize that I didn't like the direction his policies were taking the GOP but I did like him personally. He had a pleasant sense of humor as is obvious in his comment with Michael Jackson.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:03 AM)

Feisty Redhead Airhead ~

Are we having fun yet?

I sure as hell am. Have a nice Friday.

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:05 AM)

Hypocrisy anyone? You screech about Sanford who cheated on his wife, but feel that an accused child molestor should be respected. Sanford did not break the law, Jackson may have (and that is being kind, see Simpson, OJ: an aquittal does not mean you are innocent). I love how the Dumbocrats want everyone to mind their own business and stay out of their bedrooms.... until you can do it yourself for you own amusement.
Dismayed, Minneapolis (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 9:49 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well that didn’t take long… listen pal and all the rest that want to jump on the dismayed bandwagon.

I don’t know what trailer park you were raised in…BUT I was brought up to not speak ill & respect the dead… SO STFU!

Feisty Redheaf Roselle, IL (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:06 AM)

The energy bill is very interesting. It has much industry support but doesn't do enough for some environmentalists.

The industry supports it for two reasons:

1 - The US has been talking about energy reform for decades. This finally puts things into a bill that they can plan around and deal with.
2 - For some power companies (those that rely heavily on hydro or nuke), this bill will actually help them. They stand to be able to sell their carbon credits to other industries that aren't as clean. In theory, this will make energy in these areas cheaper than in other parts of the country and could draw industry.

The time has come and we need to get it done. Never mind the lunatics that say global warming is hoax and never mind the scare tactics of the GOP that insists it will destroy jobs. You know, the same thing they said about the environmental laws passed in the 60s, 70s, and 90s!

If we get this passed soon, it gives the entire world more leverage to push China and India to reduce their emissions. It is pretty hard to negotiate with them now as they just point to the US and it's lack of regulation.

So let's get it done and let's get on the right path to reducing carbon emissions and slowing global warming!

Chris - IL (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:07 AM)

M.J. and Farrah are in a better place now. Condolences to their families.

Joyce (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:07 AM)

I sure hope that the DNC makes some good changes for the next election cycle. I really didn't like the superdelegate system as it takes away too much from us regular voters and gives too much to the politicians. It's our party and system not theirs, they are just our employees and should remember that. Hopefully we'll get a better calendar where states aren't going stupid trying to be up front on the voting calendar and no more Super Tuesdays, we need more of an even spread of states voting. We barely saw the candidates here in California and I give Hillary credit for finding Salinas on her campaign.

We certainly need to keep health care reform on the front burner and we need to keep up the pressure for the public option. We can't surrender our economy to the AMA the way the repugnant ones have allowed for too many decades. We waste way too much money on our worthless private health care model and we need to get with the program that every other industrialized country has, universal health care.

Jon Stewart did a great routine last night on how Obama has been way too secretive and he has not lived up to his campaign promise of more transparent government. I do not know why President Obama is protecting the criminal acts of the bushwhacker's administration. We need to see the torture club photos and we need to prosecute those who brought the illegal immoral torture club to our country. Barack must keep his campaign promise for more transparent government, it's the only way we will ever know the true depths of immorality and illegality that War Criminals Bush and Cheney perpetrated against us. It was funny how he showed a clip of David Shuster saying that the reason to keep things secret is to keep the info away from Jon Stewart and the Daily Show. Why is the government so afraid of Jon Stewart? Because he shows us the truth the mainstream media refuses to.

In Jon Stewart We Trust!
Prosecute War Criminals Bush and Cheney!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:08 AM)

Pat, Boston, MA

Such a beautiful tribute to such talented artist...each one ogf them shared a contrasting bond...amazing isn't it?

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:09 AM)

What does all this mean for the Michael Jackson DayCare Center?

Boys Town (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:10 AM)

Nashville fan: Great Post...Keep writing as I enjoy what you have to say.
Feisty I like the way you keep FR..sorta honest.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:12 AM)

Feisty Redhead Airhead ~

Are we having fun yet?

I sure as hell am. Have a nice Friday.

Bad Chihuahua

Oh the day is going to get much better. Watching Nancy Pelosi stalk around trying to find the votes to pass her Cap and Trade Tax America Out of Existence bill will be a pleasure to watch. Then we get to see Nancy stand at a podium and blame the Republicans for the bills failure to get enough votes.

It's going to be a good day.

KJ Jennings, WI (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:13 AM)

Chris - IL (Sent Thursday, June 25, 2009 3:33 PM

Did you read the post? Obviously the morality angle is something that is exclusive to the GOP, but what I am referring to is the idea that government can influence/dictate how you live your life. FDR did this often (if you recall he was a democrat). He was so dedicated to his Farm Subsidy program that he wouldn't allow pig farmers to grow their own grain to feed their pigs. Draconian behavior started in force as government policy with FDR. He opened the door to it, and George Bush just joined in the practice. What about TARP funds.? That's not a conservative idea either. Your right when you say "if this is true most of the current republicans in office are behaving as liberals." When they were supporting Bush they were supporting liberal policy. We have not had good Conservatives since the 60's (aside from Ron Paul) Also, I never said he was a good liberal.

To Eric,
I'm not trying to pawn him off on the Democratic party. The GOP elected him. It was their fault he was in office. There is no getting around that. What I was merely saying is if you take a hard look at GWB's policy he was stupid first, and his brand of stupidity was more Liberal than Conservative. This isn't to discredit Obama (as i'm sure this is how you took it), but rather to defend Conservative ideas. It's because of this any time a Republican starts yammering about fiscal conservatism you democrats can avoid talking about it by inferring the idiocy of GWB. Frankly, Republicans deserve to not be taken seriously for it. The ideas of Conservative government, however, shouldn't be discredited. This was and is my only concern, and reason for making this argument.

Also, the instances that you pointed out weren't Conservative policy stances, but corrupt behavior. That is something people from both sides of the aisle are capable of. Don't misunderstand me though, this family did damage to Conservatism. GWB (and Darth Cheaney) can be blamed for the GOP is imploding.

Oh and thank you for calling me stupid. You're wrong about that too.

Jonathan, Flint, MI (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 10:13 AM)

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