First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Tina F., NY — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:29:41 GMT

If the people of NY are dumb enough to have Hillary as their senator, then yes, they are dumb enough to have Caroline as their Senator.

Caroline/Oprah '16

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Bob Nooner, Oregon — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:30:58 GMT

Is Bill Richardson headed for a tougher-than-expected confirmation hearing? Consider Bloomberg’s scoop from yesterday, which the Washington Post follows up on today, noting that a federal grand jury is investigating whether a financial firm won more than $1.4 million in work for New Mexico

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Obama will have two of his staff (Emanuel and Richardson) arrested before he's even inaugerated.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Ron Indiana — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:37:30 GMT

Hillary may be a lot of things, but she is not dumb. First Read is baiting us into thinking that there will be some drama associated with Hillary's comments regarding Caroline taking her Senate seat. Hillary will NOT speak negatively of Caroline. She will not. Hillary may not give the warmest endorsement, but it is not to Hillary's advantage to speak ill of Caroline.

David Shuster is doing a great job on MSNBC's 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Time for MSNBC to showcase David.

Comments from yesterday regarding the delay of Holder's confirmation hearing. While it looked like Leahy had caved in, Leahy took an issue off the table that he was rushing Holder's appointment. Actually, I think I would like those hearings to begin after Bush leaves office, so Bush cannot do some extra pardoning of Rove, Cheney, waterboarding interrogators, Libby, Gonzo, and the list goes on.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

MSierra, SF — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:39:40 GMT

On Letterman last night, speaking about the Iraq shoe incident:

'...George Bush hasn't dodged anything that well since the Viet Nam draft...'

Question: Why did the chicken cross the road ?
Answer: To join the Texas Air National Gurad

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

cindy, Las Vegas, Nv — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:39:44 GMT

I like Ken Salazar. I like Caroline Kennedy. I like Bill Richardson. Will they serve their country well? I hope all 3 get a chance. So far, what they have shown has been good. After the last 8 years of Shrub & the Dick, the change will be welcome!!!!!!

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:43:10 GMT

While there's a brain drain in the Senate with some good smart Senators becoming part of Obama's team there's no brain drain on the repugnant one's side as smarter better Democrats are taking over for many of the exiting fools.

I sure hope the Minnesota recount ends soon and well for Franken. Now we're getting news about one of Coleman's slimy donors, too bad we didn't get this news before the election.

Free al-Zeidi and give him a Medal of Freedom!

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Peter Percival Patterson — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:43:37 GMT

I've never seen any president-elect have more press conferences than Barack Obama and obviously there is a need to always have a Kennedy in the Senate.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Monkberry Moon Delight — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:45:25 GMT

Only 35 more days until Barack is actually president.

And then the fun will start.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Nashville_fan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:46:46 GMT

"While Clinton supporters still might be miffed at Kennedy for going against the state's favorite daughter, will the Clintons themselves like the fact that a Kennedy wants to follow a Clinton in the Senate? " - First Read
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First: During the campaign, we heard that Hillary Clinton was the beloved daughter of Pennsylvania (and seemingly every other swing state), and now she is New York's favorite daughter too! Golly gee, that's ALOT of love!

Second: Interesting that out of one side of this blog you indicate that the Senate is losing so much "institutional knowledge" and out of the other side of this blog you say we should worry about "dynasties". Trying to have your cake and eat it too? :)

I say, you shouldn't get any job just because of your last name. However, I don't feel your last name should exclude you either. Let's just judge each person on their own merits and COMPETENCE, and let the chips fall where they may.

P.S. About the Clinton backers actively campaigning again Caroline Kennedy . . . kind of tacky, no?

This is the kind of pettiness that many people are concerned about in politics - personal grudges over the interests of the people.

That is EXACTLY one of the things that the Obama Administration is are trying to CHANGE! I'm not holding my breath, but at least now I have HOPE . . .

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:47:00 GMT

As long as we get good Democrats into government I don't care if they have dynasty issues. I'm just glad there will be no more bush's and doles in government.

Barack has the ultimate excuse, the prosecutor ate his homework. I am so laughing at how the media is frothing at the mouth due to the delay caused by teh prosecutor Fitzgerald.

I'm glad to see David Shuster has the 1600 Pennsylvania show now and he does so much better than Gregory ever did. Gregory's biggest mistake was having on too many pundits at the same time and never riding herd on them.

Free al-Zeidi and give him a Medal of Freedom!

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

BJ, CA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:48:39 GMT

Fear Mongering is alive and well within the MSM..

Doris we need you...

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:49:12 GMT

I hope that Hillary shows her supporters how to have some class and that she will publicly support Caroline Kennedy to replace her.

Hey Jerry from Corpus Crispi - now that oil is so low you better get a real job!

Free al-Zeidi and give him a Medal of Freedom!

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:49:16 GMT

We loved and respected your father Caroline.
But, there is NO WAY on God's Green Earth that NY Democrats will support someone who spit at Hillary the way you did.
Obama is your messiah. Get an appointment from him, sweetheart.
Stay the hell out of NY!

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

BJ, CA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:53:40 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7jG91sPvf0

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

J. Ellis, Virginia — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:53:53 GMT

It seems that Blago is ready to play hardball. The Gov. is a major sleeze but I can't figure out why U.S. Attry Fitzgerald jumped the gun on just a lot of foul language and yada yada. Why couldn't he wait for the exchange of money or some other more incriminating evidence?

If my boyfriend threatened to cut my throat,(or my blanketey, blank, bleeping throat, which seems to make it more threatening) when I go to the police, they are not gonna arrest him for talking about it. They will promptly tell me that until he does something, there is no crime.

Blago behaved badly, no doubt and may have had criminal intent, but other than that, no crime seems to have been committed.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Nashville_fan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:59:01 GMT

Dear J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY:

You are part of the problem, not the solution. This is a FREE COUNTRY and we are free to make up our own minds as to whom we support politically.

Why is Caroline Kennedy bound to support Hillary Clinton because live in the same state?

Your irrational hatred of everyone who doesn't agree with you is counterproductive and sad.

Maybe you would be more comfortable living under a dictatorship than a democracy . . . we've had 8 years of "my way or the highway", and it turns out that it is a HORRIBLE way to govern.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Pat Huntington NY — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:01:57 GMT

Obama might want to rethink draining the Democrat Senate pool to fill his cabinet. He's making it so that more and more Dem seats are up for grabs in 2010. Certainly, there must be other equally qualified people outside the Senate.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Pat Huntington NY — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:03:04 GMT

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 16, 2008 9:49 AM)

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You really need an education...Caroline Kennedy is a New Yorker! She's lived here for some time, much longer than your beloved Hillary!

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Supporters of Obama & Kennedy — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:04:07 GMT

J. Merle... Your Grinch suit is ready. Also, get a life.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Nashville_fan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:04:12 GMT

To J. Ellis, Virginia:

The prosecutor moved on Gov. Blago because the Chicago Tribune published an article indicating that the Governors calls were being recorded, leading to his now infamous "only sunshine over me" press conference the day before he was arrested.

So maybe the Chicago Tribune pulled the trigger early instead of the prosecutor.

In any case, many of the folks who were recorded on those calls are now volunteering to testify against the Governor, so perhaps we should all just wait until all the evidence is revealed before we make too many assumptions. (Hard to do with the media foaming at the mouth daily I know.)

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:07:26 GMT

Can some one please tell why Hillary's supporters think they are some kind of God's and we should all bow to there demands.They remind me of Jim Jones type's that would follow Hilly off the end of the earth if she told them to.What they want is what Hilly wants,what they say is what Hilly say's.They seem like lost souls,and haven't taken the loss to Obama very well.As far as the Richards appointment being confirmed, I hope that a Grand Jury will be looking into the PAC money all the Southern Union busters received from there Foreign Auto Makers that call there states home.Obama has chosen someone that I hope will not cave to the the non-reformers,education needs a huge overhaul top to bottom .The time has come for new blood,new ideas,and the staffs running the schools.not the non-teaching .

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:09:48 GMT

On the Republican side of the Senate (regarding their losses) there has to be brains in order for there to be a brain drain. I can understand this problem for the Dems although those Dems leaving will be in key administrative roles that can still have an influence on the Senate. As for the Republican losses in the Senate, it's kind of like losing GWB as President. The result just might be that they are replaced with people who have brains.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Reno Will — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:14:33 GMT

I'm real tired of the royalty...heir to the throne...family tied politics the U.S. seems bent on in recent years. Money and power do not necessarily equal a good heart, loyalty, and ability.

At this moment Kennedy's daughter is angling, Jeb Bush is positioning and the Clinton's daughter is watching.

This country is full of good people with ability and brains. It's not filled with self absorbed multi-millionaires assured of their own greatness.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

ujw, ny — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:17:15 GMT

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY

As we're neighbors, let me say I couldn't disagree with you more. It's ridiculous to suggest Caroline Kennedy's endorsement of Obama was 'spitting' on Hillary Clinton. As one of the highest appointees in the upcoming administration, I'd hope Clinton would embrace Kennedy's appointment as a show of solidarity.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Indie Woman in Denver — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:19:03 GMT

I'm THRILLED about Ken Salazar's appointment to Sec of the Interior. FINALLY, someone who understands public land and energy resource issues! He'll be the guy overseeing oil and gas drilling on public lands, and managing the national parks and wildlife refuges. After 8 years of Bush/Cheney, he'll have a BIG job straightening things out. Although I'll miss as senator (I've pretty much always agreed with his positions), I know he'll do a great job as Sec of the Interior. Rumor has it his brother may be appointed to fill his seat. It's not just a family thing, either. John Salazar is a US Representative from Colorado.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Rick, NC — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:25:37 GMT

John Mccain? Who's he?

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Erica in Salinas — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:25:52 GMT

MSierra you're just so darn funny with your draft dodging joke. Did you find it as amusing when Bill Clinton did it?

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Proud Virginian — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:29:08 GMT

While there's a brain drain in the Senate with some good smart Senators becoming part of Obama's team there's no brain drain on the repugnant one's side as smarter better Democrats are taking over for many of the exiting fools.
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Not that I expect anything even remotely intelligent to come out of Eric in Salinas' mouth, but one of the exiting Republicans, John Warner, is as fine a senator as one could hope for. He's been a great representative of my state.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Sally, CA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:30:19 GMT

The replacement of those senators isn't a brain drain. It's a transfusion.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:36:31 GMT

I'll say one thing for Caroline Kennedy, at least she seems to be honest. Unlike the last Senator from new York....

Eric my friend in California:

California spends $11 billion dollars a year taking acre of illegal aliens.....
Arnie is calling for a loan from Washington....
Why don't you send all your amigos back across the border?
That way you can save some money...
Maybe pay for all those F-150 trucks the california democrats bought that are baking in the sun in San Diego LOL

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Linda, Allen, TX — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:39:58 GMT

Why is McCain making so many public appearances? Doesn't he know he lost?

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Auntie Fascist — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:45:19 GMT

Proud Virginian, I don't agree with you often, but I respected John Warner. Didn't necessarily agree with him, but I never thought that he was talking out of both sides of his mouth and his hindquarters at the same time.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Karen Schultz — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:46:25 GMT

And what were Arnold Schwartztenberger's qualifications for governor of California He is only married to a Kennedy; Caroline was born one. The Kennedy's aside, there are numerous examples of people with no prior politcal experience themselves who became members of congress or governors of their state. Aside from Schwartztenberger, I am reminded of deceased senators' wives who were eiher elected or chosen to replace their late husbands in both congress and the governor's mansion. New York could do a lot worse than Caroline Kennedy.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

It is a crime — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:55:56 GMT

If my boyfriend threatened to cut my throat,(or my blanketey, blank, bleeping throat, which seems to make it more threatening) when I go to the police, they are not gonna arrest him for talking about it. They will promptly tell me that until he does something, there is no crime.

Blago behaved badly, no doubt and may have had criminal intent, but other than that, no crime seems to have been committed.
J. Ellis, Virginia

Actually if your boyfriend threathens to cut your blanketey, blank, bleeping throat, if you go to the police and they do nothing, they are ignoring the law. Words can be assault. When you hear assault and battery, the battery is the physical beating, or the slitting of the throat, assault is the threathening to commit physical harm to another with the ability to carry it out. If I tell Merle I'm going to blow his brains out, that wouldn't be assault, because I don't know Merle personally, have no clue where he lives, and (just joking here) he has no brains so I couldn't blow out what doesn't exist! HOwever if your boyfriend says in anger that he's going to slit your throat, and you believe he means it, and he has the ability to do so (he isn't incarcerated on death row, or have a severe physical disability making it impossible for him to carry out the threat)he has committed a very serious crime. Any police dept., that would tell its citizens that until a punch is throw or the attempt to harm is carried out they can't do anything, is not only wrong with respect to the law, they are placing people in danger.

Also with respect to Blagojevich, assuming the tapes say what Fitzgerald says they do, Blagojevich did commit a crime. Some of what he said may come close to a crime, such as I'd like an ambassadorship in exchange for appointing Obama's preferred candidate, others aren't even close to the line of being a close call. The attempt at the SEIU deal, the desire to head a 501(C), yet to be formed, the sole purpose to funnel money to Blagojevich is illegal. It doesn't become a crime after it's carried out, or in the process. Conspiracy is 2 or more people who in a joint effort conspire (discuss, plan)to commit a crime. If you agree that selling a US Senate seat is a crime, than Blagojevich and Harris' discussions on how they could accomplish that illegal act, is criminal conspiracy. Patrick Fitzgeralds no fool, he doesn't file a criminal compliant if no crime was committed.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Jackson, Seattle — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:02:22 GMT

I was and still am a Hillary supporter. And, I am one of those Hillary supporters who took **forever** to come around to Obama. But it took me about 3 nanoseconds to come around to Caroline Kennedy. She is right that, while being the most junior senator, she would have more press following her than anyone else, and her bully pulpit status would be secure. Also, having to run an election in 2010 and again in 2012, well, who else on the list of possible replacement *could* really raise that kind of money twice in such short succession?

And, as a Hillary supporter, I hope she does not get in the way of this. After all, she has as much right to have a say in whether Caroline should replace her as Rice does in saying Clinton should replace her.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Mkd — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:14:11 GMT

Does the Blagojevich pay-for-play scandal give this news more scrutiny?
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I'm sure it does...even if there is nothing to it - the media seems determined to taint the Obama administration with a scandal -- any one will do -- before Obama even takes office. Because wouldn't that be great and sensational - wow, the ratings it would bring! Who cares if the country is melting - go ahead and foment more conflict. It's Great for selling soap!!

This is getting pathetic. Seriously. How many times does not only Obama - but ANYONE who knows ANYTHING about the Blagovich thing need to say that Obama's campaign did NOTHING inappropriate or improper before the media stops insinuating that Obama did something wrong here. I know it is the story the media would LIKE to report, unfortunately - the story the media would like to report does not seem to be supported by the FACTS.

Now there is this Richardson thing - and I'm certain the media will go to extraordinary lengths to make this the sensational story they are hoping for -- whether it is supported by the facts or not.

Don't get me wrong - the media needs to ask the tough questions, absolutely.

The media needs to investigate and find the truth and report it to the public, that is their job...But this means that they need to have patience - reporting RUMORS is not reporting NEWS.

Wait until you have all of the facts - or at least a reasonable certainty of the facts before you start reporting insinuation and theories thrown out by pundits trying to get airtime. This really is pathetic.

First thoughts: Senate brain drain

Brainless Libs — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:20:09 GMT

Can you drain a brain that's never really been there?