First thoughts: Labor's concession

Peter R., NYC — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:32:17 GMT

Isn't this charming? The banking bailout got voted down when it was at $750 billion, and then it came back a week later and cost us taxpayers $850 billion. Now the automakers showed up a couple of weeks ago asking for $25 billion, then they were thrown out of town, but now the show up again wanting $35 billion. And as the bill goes through congress, that price will double (everyone needs to add on their ear-marks,right?).

Every time they these beggers show up, it costs the taxpayers more and more money.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Eric, Salinas, CA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:39:21 GMT

Now isn't that funny how the infantile GOP governors now have to raise taxes after cutting them so that the state budgets become balanced again? My Tinseltown Flake governor ofcourse wants to raise sales taxes 1.5 percetage points which will screw the lower and middle classes while he protects his Tinseltown Flake crowd of economic girlie men and women from paying more taxes with a progressive tax hike.

Not surprising that the Wasilla Hillbilly has hit up the clueless GOP for more clothes money. No amount of new clothes will ever make her presentable because she is so ignorant and arrogant. She should be impeached so Alaska can get a governor with a clue.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:39:36 GMT

Yesterday it was "Lil Dommie."
Today it's "Mumbling-Stumbling Marky-Mark."
You guys just HATE powerful, intelligent, well spoken woman who seek political office, in particular Sarah Palin, and Hillary...don't you?
You really are JERKS, and there's no other way to put it.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

I Love Liberals — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:40:47 GMT

This auto bailout really confuses liberals. First, liberals just love the government getting involved with every aspect of a business. More involvment means more control for the government. But the liberals hate it when the mean old white man executives profit from the bailouts, so they just want to fire those guys and replace them with, government appointees I guess. Then the liberals love the to bail out their union buddies because, well, liberals love unions, less work, more pay, whats wrong with that? Then liberals look at who they are bailing out, the auto makers in this case. Liberals hate auto makers, cars and suvs burn those nasty fossil fuels that pollute the environment. Yuck, can't have that. So, to justify the bailout, the liberals hold their noses and say, you have to make "Green" cars, what ever those are. Lots of convuluted thoughts for libs.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Carla, Kansas City — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:41:23 GMT

I wonder if the critics of the money spent on Palin's clothes are critical of the $162,000 spent on Greek columns at the Dems' convention. I'm guessing not.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Eric, Salinas, CA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:44:09 GMT

A real pity that we have to have a trillion dollar stimulus package to stimulate the economy that "Dunce" Bush and the repugnant ones have wrecked with their clueless freeloader market nonsense. We have wrecked the economy for our children and grandchildren and we should start getting responsible by raising taxes on the rich and greedy to pay off the debt that financed the stupid tax cuts the rich and greedy never deserved or needed. We need to add back the top tax rate brackets that "Alzheimer" Raygunz got rid of and make capital gains taxes the same as regular tax rates.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Clara Kansas City, MO — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:44:14 GMT

"...The clothing/accessories, a GOP source says, will be donated to local and national charities..."

That is, of course, if they ever find them all. Inventory isn't a stong suit of the RNC - personal, or otherwise.
^^^^
and from yesterday:

Hey President-Elect Obama....how's about a peak at your birth certificate, eh? J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 9:56 AM)

Are you implying PE Obama’s birth certificate is a Mountain? I believe the word you want is “peek”. I guess you don’t have faith in your government to properly vet candidates for POTUS? I mean these are the same folks that missed that Daily Briefing on Terrorists. Did you know, just yesterday Bill Gates was going to send you Thousands of dollars in prize money just by forwarding that e-mail? What? You failed to forward the e-mail? I guess that’s more of Bill Gates Money for the rest of you DUMB Republicans that want to believe the worst, doomsayer talking point of your idiot puppet master, Rush Limbaugh. Why don’t you come back and play once you’ve actually researched your OWN talking points? Thank goodness your side has Richard from Washington State and Mike Murphy, otherwise I’d think you were all a bunch of morons.

PS. Here is a copy, since you couldn’t be bothered - http://fightthesmears.com/articles/5/birthcertificate

^^^^^^^^^^^
Eric & Ron:

I, too, found it interesting that Condi went to India. The immediate thought racing through my condescending brain was, “Well, I guess it makes sense – I keep hearing that there were warnings about the impending catastrophe – and who better than Condi to help them put a happy spin on their inertia and lack of response?” But you know, my condescension not withstanding – WTF? Seriously. I wonder if anyone has vetted Hillary’s piano playing skills? Which brings me to my other condescending point, why on earth does Hillary want SoS? She would be a much better Lioness in the Senate. SoS really doesn’t really pack the same punch. It is an incredibly important job, don’t get me wrong; but long term, what does that get her?

January 20th cannot get here soon enough.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Per a request to ‘look up’ vilified Republicans, i.e. Trent Lott:
From Wikipedia - “…Lott's party switch was part of a growing trend in the South. During the 1960s, cracks had begun to appear in the Democrats' "Solid South", as many whites, motivated in part by the national Democratic Party's stance on civil rights, began to switch parties…”

I find this passage interesting because I see on this site at least two or three times a week that “Republicans are the party of Lincoln” and I often want to retort how ridiculous it is – Lincoln would have left the current ‘republican party’ as it doesn’t represent ANY of the values formerly held seven score and three years ago. PS. Both Lott and Thurmond WERE Democrats until 1964 (a little thing called the Civil Rights Act really pissed them off).

“…At Thurmond's hundredth birthday party in December 2002, Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott sparked controversy by praising Thurmond's 1948 candidacy for President and suggesting that the country would be better off if Thurmond had won, leading to Lott's resignation from his Leader post…”

The above implication by Lott wasn’t just a gaffe or an in artful remark; but was, in fact, accurately assumed to be an endorsement of Thurmond’s segregationist beliefs (beliefs that carried four states and 39 electoral votes in 1948 – anyone want to guess which states? Answer at the end of my post.) So the real travesty in National Politics is that a bunch of racist “Dixiecrats” co-opted and have extorted what use to be a relatively decent party (Lincoln).

I really love a good history lesson, and further enjoy a challenge – so thank you, Ty Reynolds, MS for further expanding my rhetoric with meaningless commentary; unless, of course, you see nothing wrong with a Senate Minority Leader endorsing Segregation in December 2002? All asinine remarks are not created equal, ‘my friend’; but lucky for you (and the rest of us) – All Men (people) ARE!

Answer: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Reality Bites — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:44:16 GMT

No amount of new clothes will ever make her presentable because she is so ignorant and arrogant
------------------------------------------------------
Eric in Salinas, what amount of new clothes will it take you to be presentable because of your ignorance, anger, hatefulness and arrogance? And tell me again, what state are you the governor of?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Con Con — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:44:33 GMT

Please Minnesota, put Franken in office! The Republicans need another Post Boy of Deceit for the 2010 elections. Already got Obama, but having Al would just be the icing on the cake!

First thoughts: Labor's concession

BJ, CA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:45:43 GMT

Bankruptcy...the books have to be opened...is labor going to have their books opened too?
This is a knife that cuts both ways..Bet on management to screw this one all up because they think they have the best lawyers...No one wins when we fight against each other for greed and position..
Greed will not succeed! Shame on you all that feed the slippery slope...

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Ron Indiana — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:46:23 GMT

The comment by the Boston Globe that the Obama rule of, "Reward your enemies, not necessarily your friends." Is pure nonsense. That is sour grapes from those who did not get the appointments they wanted. When you are looking for a new job, it happens that you come in second, or third to someone better qualified than yourself. This is an example of a reporter who had space to fill...so he wrote nonsense, and First Read picked up on it.

Lots of drama around, "Will Reid get enough votes for the auto makers?" When it is all said and done, he will get the votes...But it will not solve the problem. It will only postpone the problem. It will take YEARS for GM to make a quality car that Americans will want to buy. Yes, it's about trade, but it is really about quality. That is the unsaid truth. Ford is ahead of GM on quality and they will likely make it. Many AA thought they would not see in their lifetime a black POTUS. I never thought I would see in my lifetime GM go under. It may not in the next three weeks, but GM has lost the confidence of the American consumers to make a car as good as Toyota, Honda, European models. The blame rests with the GM Management. Too bad. No one wanted to see it happen. But it will.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Siegfried, Central Illinois — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:47:08 GMT

Putting Clinton and Palin in the same category is a gross insult to Clinton and to all the other capable women in politics. Get over it--Palin was not ready for the national stage.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

BJ, CA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:48:05 GMT

Congress becomes the lobbyist..that's real change we can count on?
Come on people, we should know good from wrong by now.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Clara Kansas City, MO — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:48:23 GMT

J. Merle,

Are you aware that the individual who POSTS the articles, is not necessarily the author? I mean this article is co-authored by Chuck, Domenico, Carrie AND Mark. You know what a by-line is? Right?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

camie — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:48:34 GMT

I love the change.gov website and how regular people like me could contribute to the discussion. Its all about open government and participation. Daschle is great, I understand why people would even complain about him.
And I cant believe we are still talking about minnesota, either way both of the candidates are annoying, you would think that minnesota would provide the country with more reasonable politicians.

Paranoia Alert: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/paranoia-alert-congresswoman-ileana-ros-lehtinen/

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Seattle Sue — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:49:27 GMT

Will God send a bolt of lightning to strike these Republican governors dead for raising taxes?+++++++J. Merle Stanley+++++I just can't comprehend anyone thinking of Sarah Palin as intelligent and well spoken. Have you ever listen to her speak or answer a question without a script?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Clara Kansas City, MO — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:50:00 GMT

kajillion -
What's a couple gazillion, kajillion, magrillion amongst tax payers?

Anyone remember when a Terabyte was thought to be a dinosaur?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Free American Tehachapi Ca. — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:52:38 GMT

The bash Palen web sight back at it

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Mini Soda (MN) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:54:29 GMT

RE: The latest in MN:

http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/SenateRecount.asp

Franken: 1188736
Coleman: 1177465
(as of 8pm on 12/3/08)

...why are there different numbers from the Star Tribune?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Al Corneau, Tiverton, RI — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:55:00 GMT

I'm sorry but Sarah isn't fit to carry Hillary's briefcase. When you describe Palin as "well spoken" you are revealing a complete lack of judgement. Well what can you expect from a governor who doesn't read any newspapers, and thinks she has foreign policy expertise just because on a clear day she can see the coast of Russia!

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Ron Indiana — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:57:42 GMT

I know I'm supposed to follow the script, but I guess I have more to say. Huffington Post is giving a lot of space to whether Chris Matthews has to leave MSNBC to pursue his desire to be a Senator. Actually I like Chris and Hardball, I wish he would let his guests finish their sentences, but I like his positive energy. Sometimes we all want things that are not good for us and I don't think the Senate will be good for Chris. In fact, because he can be a butt-head, I'm not sure he can win. In short, I hope Chris can find peace where he is and stay with MSNBC.

Huffington Post has also spent some time and space saying that David Gregory will get the moderator position on Face the Nation. I for one sure hope not. What I observe is that while he was in the Press Corp at the White House, he learned to ask "got-ya" questions. He has not grown from that mentality. It's still got-ya. Tim Russert, Larry King, others, sometimes asked questions for information. David simply is not ready. I hope the Management at MSNBC is listening to their "base".

First thoughts: Labor's concession

BJ, CA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:59:32 GMT

Hey Al; call it a day..walk away with hope you fool.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Mollie Wisconsin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:00:53 GMT

I wouldn't call Palin well spoken, far from it. You betcha ! Hillary has more intelligence in her little finger than what Palin ever thought of. Sarah reads from scripts, not her own ideas. She might be powerfull with a few Repugs, but, not all. Now, after months. she is reporting she got free trips. We had enough of her kind in GW. As far as Rangel, if he's guilty, then he needs what is coming to him.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:01:37 GMT

If the RNC is going to donate Palins threads, then WHY IS SHE STILL WEARING THEM????????

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Dan, NY — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:08:55 GMT

Some big news yesterday came out of Nevada, where Harry Reid's top potential GOP challenger was indicted, a big blow to Republican 2010 chances: http://campaigndiaries.com/2008/12/04/2010-krolicki-indicted-jeb-mulling-a-run/

First thoughts: Labor's concession

CM — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:09:01 GMT

I'm all for cooperation between the unions and the corprations that hire them. But as the wife of a hardworking union man who has serious health issues and is starting retirement, it worries me that the health care of retirees is on the table as a bargaining chip. First the tax payers, now the pensioners, are being asked to make sacrifices to help the bottom line of the big 3 auto makers. If the CEO's agree to give up their corporate jets and lavish lifestyles and live on $40,000 a year like the pensioners do, then I'll go along with their plan.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Bentley in NY — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:12:19 GMT

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:39 AM)

Get a life, it's not sexist to dislike someone based on their qualifications....and Palin is about as unqualified as a pig with lipstick. And as far as Hillary goes, there is not a single ObamaManiac that wouldn't have voted for her. We are democrats and would have united around whoever closely fits our beliefs....there would never be a group of "democrats voting republican" if Hillary had won the nomination. By the way, if you were a Democrat who just couldn't bring yourself to vote for the Black man, your a racist.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

BROKE IN FLORIDA..MORE THAN EVER ! — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:12:54 GMT

GOOD MORNING AMERICA ! LET'S ALL THANK G.W. AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FOR THE HUGE FINANCIAL DISASTER THEY HAVE PUT THIS GREAT NATION IN. NO ! THEY COULD DO NOTHING TO STOP OR LESSEN THIS FINANCIAL CRISIS 2 YEARS AGO. THAT WOULD HAVE ADMITTED, DURING THE ELECTION PERIOD THAT THEY HAD SCREWED UP BIG TIME.SO THEY LEAVE THE "MESS" TO BE CLEANED UP TO THE DEMOCRATS. THANKS AGAIN GUYS, YOU DID A TERIFFIC JOB ! FOR A "CONSERVATIVE" FISICAL POLICY PARTY, THE "REPUBLICANS" HAVE PUT THIS COUNTRY INTO THE "LARGEST' DEFICIT IN OUR HISTORY. WHEN WE HAD A "SURPLUS" 8 YEARS AGO.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

I Did Not Have Relations With That Cow, Not Once — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:23:07 GMT

Palin should put an end to Clothing Gate by taking a day to make $100000 in cattle futures, and then just pay for the cloths.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Beverly in Chicago — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:26:51 GMT

Grassroots is much better than trickle down. In this fashion, the government implements of the people and by the people.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:27:51 GMT

Ron, I as well like Chris Matthews. He just seems to have too much caffeine in him while he's on the air. It's true, he doesn't let people answer his questions, but he is at least aware of it. It's too bad because he has a lot of smart people on.

I disagree with him as often as I agree with him, but he loves to tell stories. Who doesn't? [smile]

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Diane from Illinois — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:34:43 GMT

Clara Kansas City, MO,

I, too, have pondered why Hillary would want to be SoS. I would think she'd have more freedom staying in the Senate. Seems like she (as well as Bill) will be "boxed in" in this position. Can anyone enlighten?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

MSierra, SF — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:50:40 GMT

Thank you UAW !!
You're doing the right thing in give backs to the auto makers

We're ALL in this together !!

If we can give Billions to Simon LeGree and the banking industry, we can afford to LOAN money to the auto makers
It would be nice to get them to pledge higher fuel economy and greener cars. Get that and get it done

If Paulson wants another tranche of bailout money, MAKE HIM AGREE TO THE AUTO LOANS FIRST !
PUT IT IN WRITING !!

Someone note yesterday that the auto industry is probably our last manufacturing base in this country
Why discard it ?

Make the auto makers promise a certina percentage of the manufacturing will be done in America
Not Mexico, not Canada, not China.... America

Put EVERYTHING IN WRITING !!

First thoughts: Labor's concession

subgruvet, ok — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:53:18 GMT

To the ignorant out there that believe unions represent some great evil - wake up! Unions have brought more prosperity and stability to working men and women in this country than any benevolent CEO or board of executives. Bad management and greedy executives are as bad for the business than the most frivolous union demands. How many times more are these executives worth to a company than their union member line employees? 10, 100 a thousand?! If they ONLY earned 10 times as much how many problems would they be having?!

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Indie Woman in Denver — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:53:43 GMT

I'd be surprised if The Club for Growth and anti-tax activist Grover Norquist care one whit about tax increases that don't directly impact them and their elitist friends. OK, so maybe they might care about having to pay more for their imported cigars, but otherwise... probably not.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Amy B Portland, ME — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:53:45 GMT

Sarah Palin is an entertainer, not an administrator.
She makes me think of a FOX news anchor type or a televangelist. She embodies what Republicans like to think are their values and makes them feel good about themselves. Everybody needs to get perked up now and then, so what's the harm? Meanwhile, serious and hardworking public servants like Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe are called RINOS. All the more reason to keep voting Democratic.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Beverly in Chicago — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:56:52 GMT

I Love Liberals (Sent Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:40 AM)
First, liberals just love the government getting involved with every aspect of a business. More involvement means more control for the government. But the liberals hate it when the mean old white man executives profit from the bailouts, so they just want to fire those guys and replace them with, government appointees I guess. Then the liberals love the to bail out their union buddies because, well, liberals love unions, less work, more pay, whats wrong with that? Then liberals look at who they are bailing out, the auto makers in this case. Liberals hate auto makers, cars and suvs burn those nasty fossil fuels that pollute the environment. Yuck, can't have that. So, to justify the bailout, the liberals hold their noses and say, you have to make "Green" cars, what ever those are. Lots of convuluted thoughts for libs.
=========================================================
I Love Liberals
Think of the ripple effect of jobs; which came about through Enron. A collapse of the Big Three would eliminate nearly millions of jobs. As well as Social Security dollars and federal income tax payments will not be available; that would be crucial to the economy. America needs like the New Deal-era WPA infrastructure projects and universal healthcare.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:59:27 GMT

Bail Out:

Consumers and investors drive the economy. No amount of bail out money for the automakers or Market Street will turn the economy around unless jobs are created (and not decreased by the auto makers as part of their plan). Consumers have to be assisted by way of helping to save their mortgages, creating jobs and paying wages that can keep up with the cost of living so that people are not required to live on over-extended credit.

Palin:

No comments. She is irrelevant.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

MSierra, SF — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:59:50 GMT

Eric, Salinas, CA: '... My Tinseltown Flake governor ofcourse wants to raise sales taxes 1.5 percetage points which will screw the lower and middle classes while he protects his Tinseltown Flake crowd of economic girlie men and women from paying more taxes with a progressive tax hike...'

Eric, granted, the sales tax is more regresive than the income tax.....

But I'll settle for the sales tax !!
We NEED to balance the budget without slaughtering education.
We probably won't even get the sales tax !!
Arnold is reversing course on the Car Registration tax. That was a stupid issue from the beginning

The problem is the 2/3rd requirement for taxes and budgets
We HAVE to recind THAT

PS
I give Arnold credit for saying we need tax increases. What other Republican will say that ?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Jerry, Lancaster, Pa — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:05:13 GMT

How can MSNBC have that job cutting knife throwing Jack Welsh giving any comments on jobs. Please follow the higher people from the past GE and where they went and they cut jobs everywhere they gone to benefit themselves and their pay check. MSNBC, didn't Jacky boy give up some PERKS earlier that the big 3 also have know. So Jack your role is DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO. Shame or Sham

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:06:10 GMT

Palin is a disgrace and should never have been elevated to the VP pick. If you think that statement is harsh, the dunce in chief can not speak well and looks like an idiot when he comes up with those doe in the headlights look when he has to think and comes up with the most idiotic phrases (ie I am the decider). Do I want someone who will continue to do that and to continue the dumbing down of this country? Hell NO!!! If Palin wants to be a representative of the Repuke party, she needs to do a lot more than being hell bent on continuing the fear and hatred mantra that has become of the Repuke party-call me unpatriotic again! I have more patriotism than most repukes including that divisive speaking Palin, I BLED FOR THIS COUNTRY!

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Anna Molly — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:06:29 GMT

… Then the liberals love the to bail out their union buddies because, well, liberals love unions, less work, more pay, whats wrong with that? Then liberals look at who they are bailing out, the auto makers in this case … Lots of convuluted thoughts for libs. I Love Liberals (Sent Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:40 AM)

Thanks for the “lovely” sentiment, and being liberal, I love you, too, but -- and I hate to disappoint you -- some of us liberals actually like “convoluted thoughts.” It was too much of the same old thinking that precipitated this crisis in the first place. You and I do agree on one thing, and that’s the notion that “less work, more pay” is what got us into this mess. However, it’s becoming painfully clear – judging by the balances in my 401(k) plans -- that it was the banking industry, Wall Street executives, and automaking moguls who didn’t do enough real work for the pay they got. Do I want to bail out the automakers? No way, no how. But, being nothing more than a sentimental liberal, I DO want to help all of the innocent men, women, and children who will actually do the suffering caused by the greed and short-sightedness of Detroit executives. Instead of just throwing more good money after bad decision-making, maybe it would be smarter to just purchase the “legacy costs” that the automakers long ago agreed to pay and then see if they can REALLY compete?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Indie Woman in Denver — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:15:18 GMT

J. Merle Stanley (or whoever is using that moniker today) -- Don't even TRY to equate Sarah Palin with Hillary Clinton. People who love one generally hate the other, except for the anti-Clintonites who hate the Clintons REGARDLESS. You may have thought you were being complimentary to both by describing them as "powerful, intelligent, well spoken woman who seek political office", but in fact you just showed yourself for the JERK you are.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Dan St. Louis, MO — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:17:14 GMT

I wonder why we keep hearing about Palin's clothes and what the RNC spends on them. Does the RNC also pay for McCain's suits? Does the DNC also pay for Obama's and Biden's suits? If so, why don't we hear that information?
A more important question. With the obviously good money that the Palin family earns yearly, why can't they pay for their own clothes? And the logic of spending thousands of dollars on clothes that will only be worn once or twice before being donated to "charity" also doesn't make sense. Wouldn't it make better sense for the RNC to simply spend that money on clothes at a cheaper place (Target, Kmart, Walmart) then simply donate those clothes? Is this a way for the RNC to take tax deductions on donations made by taxpayers?
Something just doesn't seem right with this.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

I Love Liberals — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:22:55 GMT

I Love Liberals
Think of the ripple effect of jobs; which came about through Enron. A collapse of the Big Three would eliminate nearly millions of jobs. As well as Social Security dollars and federal income tax payments will not be available; that would be crucial to the economy. America needs like the New Deal-era WPA infrastructure projects and universal healthcare.

Beverly in Chicago

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

There you have it. It never fails. The solution to every problem for a liberal is . . . . MORE GOVERNMENT.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

j fl — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:26:53 GMT

Could it be Diane from Illinois that the Clintons are die hard democrats and actually care about helping other people and their party? Could it be that most of the media and your Clinton bashing was dead wrong? I have met Hillary and Chelsea personally (a two hour womens question and answer group) and found her to be down to earth,a loving parent, highly knowledgable, very compassionate and caring (hard to fake that),competent and also quite powerful, but NOT narcissistic. What a shocker, huh? And I will bet she will be an awesome SoS.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

shaking his head in happy valley — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:29:35 GMT

"You guys just HATE powerful, intelligent, well spoken woman who seek political office, in particular Sarah Palin, and Hillary...don't you?"

This is, as usual, a silly comment. There is no (no, no, no) comparison on any substantive level between Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. To claim that Palin is "well-spoken" is just absurd. Speaking in an unbroken stream of words is not being "well-spoken". Comments like that make this whole board suspect. I am guessing that the median age is around 14.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

TOM TYSKIEWICZ, FOREST HILLS, PA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:29:37 GMT

SARAH PALIN equals ELOCUTIONARY EFFERVECENCE

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Another belief shattered — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:32:08 GMT

" Rangel's also tearing a page out of the crisis management playbook by trying to blame the media for their coverage of the story."

That nasty, mean old LIBERAL MEDIA?

First thoughts: Labor's concession

REG in AZ — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:34:20 GMT

As an ex-long-term registered Republican I think about what happened to turn me around to become a confirmed Independent who actually voted Democratic in the last three presidential elections. I literally hadn’t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since JFK but also I never voted for Nixon, abstaining then, so probably I’d be considered as always having been an Independent leaning Republican. Last night I had a conversation with a really close and good friend who is a strong, unwavering Republican, who obviously was greatly disappointed that Barack Obama had won, and it made me again think about what changed my thinking. I still believe in the Republican principals that the least amount of government is the best government and that government should only do for the people that which they can’t do for themselves but I also recognize that inherent in that are the real and necessary responsibilities to protect the people from exploitation by the powerful few and to insure fair and equitable opportunity for all (not just for the few) and in my opinion you can add that government has the strong responsibility to be both honest and transparent. Those responsibilities, each and every one of them, as I see it, are where the Republican Party currently fails to adequately perform and to even honestly care. GWBush, DCheney, KRove, CRice, many others and obviously including SPalin and even JMcCain, who actually changed to conform, are all examples of those who display cavalier attitudes that totally confirm the problem. To me, two characteristics stand out that explain it: Their attitude – they arrogantly and belligerently think they are right in everything and can just do whatever they want, expecting that if they need to, they will just boldly offer subterfuge to manipulate public opinion; and Their focus – they irresponsibly concentrate on benefiting Special Interests and a select few, who provide them overt and covert support, contributions and promised after office compensation, while they give the average American only apathy, the costs and deceptive rhetoric, including appeals to individual biases aimed just to manipulate. Barack Obama has proven that a more centrist and moderate position, honestly focused on all of the people and presented with respect, can not only appeal to the people but it can also solicit the required support. Hopefully the Republicans will learn from that and cease selling themselves and their focus to Special Interests and a select few so we can once again have a competitive choice for fairly representing all of the people. It isn’t about conservative v liberal, it is about responsibility and honesty; it isn’t about Republican v Democrat, it is about integrity and character; it isn’t about being manipulated by appeals to limited issues, it is about recognizing the need to be effective for all Americans.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Dan St. Louis, MO — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:48:43 GMT

You guys just HATE powerful, intelligent, well spoken woman who seek political office, in particular Sarah Palin, and Hillary...don't you?
You really are JERKS, and there's no other way to put it.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:39 AM)

After reading many of your past posts, I can understand how you can pass judgment on hate, since many of your posts spew hatred towards Obama.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Morton Swift — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:57:48 GMT

Chuck - FYI, saying

"the battle to toss out the secret ballot"

frames the debate over Employee Free Choice using an anti-union talking point. As a journalist you should be more careful about using language that favors one side or the other. Elections using secret balloting will still be an option workers can use after Free Choice passes. The law merely shifts the decision about which way to seek a union majority (election vs. majority signup) from management to workers.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Indie Woman in Denver — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:05:21 GMT

Note to I Love Liberals -- You make fun of those you label as "liberals," which includes everyone to your left, and you blame every problem in the world on them. I wish the world was really that simple.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Diane from Illinois — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:09:23 GMT

j fl,

I'm glad you are a Hillary fan; but that still doesn't answer why she would want the job. Even if you are a fan, you've got to admit that the Clinton's are a powerful twosome and extremely political, which also doesn't explain why she'd want the job. She'd have more moveablity staying in the Senate. Don't get me wrong, I do think Hillary is very intelligent and I think she'll do a good job as SoS; I just don't like or trust her, nor do I care for the drama both of them bring to the table. Apparently I had my fill when they were in the White House.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

YaChi — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:13:42 GMT

I, too, have pondered why Hillary would want to be SoS. I would think she'd have more freedom staying in the Senate. Seems like she (as well as Bill) will be "boxed in" in this position. Can anyone enlighten?
Diane from Illinois
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Hilary is a junior Senator and is at the bottom of the todem pole as far as Committee Chair spots, doesn't matter if her husband was Pres. She has to wait in line like everyone else. If memory serves me correctly, I think she's 5th from the bottom.

Any who, she has more "power" so to speak as SoS. She will be fine. Not my first pick and I have to admit I squirmed when I heard about it, but as during the primaries and general election I shouldn't question someone who has been two steps ahead of everyone else. I will trust Obama's judgement until he gives me a reason not to.

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Sandy Ct — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:25:12 GMT

This woman is a liar,devisive,and out for herself. If the republicans have learned anything about thier BIG DEFEAT, it is that "we the People" spoke, and we didn't want mccain/palin!!!! I hope mccain is proud of himself for unleashing this heinous person on the American people. My hope is that the people of Alaska are embarrased by her and will vote her out next time. I'm sure there is alot that we still don't know about her. mccain you tried to fool the people, but you made a fool of yourself! Thank God we won't have to watch you "try" to run as President again. If the people of Arizona had any smarts they would vote you out next time... your a loser

First thoughts: Labor's concession

Heynow — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:52:37 GMT

Hey Carla,

At least Obama wasn't using taxpayers money for those columns. But I suppose that never crossed your mind.