Open Thread

16 Comments

1. 

   idredit on August 7, 2008 at 2:23 pm

   if they keep this up, their candidate won’t even place in this race.

   Paris Hilton will.

   McCain offers prizes to those who spread his talking points!

   Spread John McCain’s official talking points around the Web — and you could win valuable prizes!

   That, in essence, is the McCain campaign’s pitch to supporters to join its new online effort, one that combines the features of “AstroTurf” campaigning with the sort of customer-loyalty programs offered by airlines, hotel chains, restaurants and the occasional daily newspaper.

   Seriously. Keep an eye on reporters.

2. 

   Serena Blaiz on August 7, 2008 at 2:34 pm

   Just how long a "vacation" does Chris Matthews get? It seems like he’s been gone for weeks, but maybe that’s because I find Barnicle even more intolerable than Tweety. I’m beginning to think there may be contract issues involved in this long absence. Anyone know if he normally is gone this long?

   • 

     BooMan on August 7, 2008 at 2:43 pm

     Funny.  I hadn’t even realized that Tweety was on vacation.  

     • 

       Serena Blaiz on August 7, 2008 at 3:08 pm

       Lucky you. Unfortunately, I have a family member who likes Hardball (but who also dislikes Barnicle).

3. 

   Brendan Skwire on August 7, 2008 at 2:42 pm

   I don’t know.  I kinda lie it when people like burgess shooot off their mouths.

   and frankly, we could do worse than President Paris Hilton.  Hell, our current Resident is worse that Paris Hilton, as is our leadershiop in Congress and the House.

   • 

     Serena Blaiz on August 7, 2008 at 3:07 pm

     At least she hires good writers.

4. 

   dada on August 7, 2008 at 3:01 pm

   just when you thought the comedy was over, the original stupid one speaks:

   Gingrich raises the specter of another government shutdown

   And as of this week, the former Speaker is talking openly about yet another government shutdown…

   Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) predicted Wednesday during the fourth day of Republican protests at the Capitol that Democrats would lose a potential government shutdown fight over offshore oil drilling.

   The offshore drilling ban expires Sept. 30, and some conservatives have urged President Bush to threaten to veto any bill that extends it, including a routine stopgap spending bill keeping the government open.

   “Are they really prepared to close the government in order to stop drilling?” Gingrich asked of Democrats. “I think the public would think they’re insane…. I don’t see how the Democrats could possibly sustain a suicidal strategy like that.”

   via thecarpetbagger

   yeah…to quote his hero chimpy: “bring it on”. it worked so well the last two times, maybe the third one really is a charm.

5. 

   AP on August 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm

   Have you taken a gander at MSNBC? You should.

6. 

   dada on August 7, 2008 at 4:16 pm

   chimpy can’t win even when he stacks the deck:

   Gitmo jury gives bin Laden driver 5 1/2 years

   GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba – A military jury sentenced Osama bin Laden’s former driver to 5 1/2 years in prison for aiding terrorism Thursday, making him eligible for release in just six months, despite prosecutors’ pleas to give him no less than 30 years.

   worst.  president.  ever.

   • 

     AP on August 7, 2008 at 4:42 pm

     And that was on the weakest charge, yes? Please.

     Meanwhile, can we do something about crazy in our own midst?

7. 

   Real History Lisa on August 7, 2008 at 8:56 pm

   FYI. I’ll do a write-up when time permits….

   • 

     Real History Lisa on August 7, 2008 at 8:57 pm

     … and possibly plots much closer to home.)

     • 

       Joyful Alternative on August 8, 2008 at 6:39 am

       Please do. I’m of a certain age, and the name is ringing a tiny bell, but I won’t look it up and spoil the surprise.

8. 

   anarchronarchist on August 8, 2008 at 1:11 pm

   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26080747/

   Scary shit to see the Ruskies rolling across borders again…

   • 

     anarchronarchist on August 8, 2008 at 1:27 pm

     Way to keep tabs on those burgeoning democracies, bushy-boy.

     From the occupied territories to Georgia, the idea that Democracy and stability and freedom are inextricably linked is now dead. Over time, democracy’s ‘self-correction’ may work, but not so likely while Ruskie tanks roll across borders…

     Is it time for NATO to strike back yet? Oh yeah, they like their natural gas and oil…

     Given the history of the region Georgia might be better off just giving up the ghost here. It’s an impoverished Rusk-o-phile region of only about 65,000 people. 98% of them voted for independence (defacto Russian rule) two years ago.. Democracy only when convenient is not sustainable (see USA)..

     • 

       anarchronarchist on August 8, 2008 at 1:40 pm

       Having Russians in South Ossetia puts them literally a stone’s throw from the TRACECA transport corridor (highways, roads, PIPELINEs, etc.) and the Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan pipeline, putting them in yet another strongly threatening position over current and future Western Energy and other key transport routes.