I plan to live blog the SOTU but less than 10 minutes before the big event, it would seem that the national news media is much more interested in a play-by-play of the whole Christopher Dorner mess. I've turned on the telly to a picture of a burning cabin near Big Bear. Meanwhile, the House of Reps is filling up with members of Congress, who may or may not be less useless than Dorner....the jury is out on that question.
10:16 pm
That's a wrap. Time for me to go to bed. In this way, I can avoid the talking heads on TV. That's a win.
10:14 pm
Ending on a hopeful note. I'm still crying about the guns. And realizing that Biden and Boehner are wearing lilac and coral ties, respectively. Weird.
10:08 pm
Here comes the guns.
Me: I was so hopeful that Newtown would lead to something. And it so has not......every day that passes without serious action on background checks and ammo limits, the NRA is winning, America. And children are dying. It's a tragedy of our own making.
Obama: 1,000 shootings since Newtown.
Me: Seriously? That is messed up. I am truly ashamed of my nation.
Obama: "They deserve a vote."
Powerful to hear that line being called in the chamber. Pretty awesome, actually. But doesn't change the fact that the NRA holds too many Senators by the short hairs.
10:06 pm
It's a chock-ful of policy speech, ain't it? Commission for voting......we can fix this. We can, but will the GOP let us? I direct your attention to the voter registration bullshit that went on in Republican-controlled states last year.
9:59 pm
Cyber defense. Good idea. Maybe even bipartisan?
9:55 pm
Afghanistan draw-down continues. There's a plan. Is anyone really hopeful about it?
9:50 pm
Violence Against Women Act.....looking at you, House of Representatives. I predict: It ain't going anywhere. Neither is Paycheck Fairness, by the way. Minimum wage is also a non-starter, though yeah, $9 is a worthy goal.
9:47 pm
Comprehensive immigration reform. Let's hear it for the Dream Act. Just so we're clear, the reduction in illegal crossing probably has as much to do with our crap-tastic economy as it does your enforcement at the border, Mr. President.
9:45 pm
"Hey, Mr. President, Science, technology, and math aren't worth a dime if they don't come with creativity and good writing skills," says this high school history teacher.
9:42 pm
High quality pre-school is such a good idea. So long-term, so helpful to working families. And so not going to happen in this nation. We can't keep our kids from getting shot or give new parents decent maternity and paternity leave. You know we'll keep dropping the ball on pre-school.
9:39 pm
Infrastructure, which is something I have been yammering about for years. Years. Bridges, roads, energy grid, nationwide wireless. NOW.
9:34 pm
Climate change. Lots of clapping, though Boehner still looks like he just sucked a lemon. Obama linking progress on climate change to strong economic growth. Name calls McCain, who looks confused since he no longer believes in the climate change that he believed in circa 2008.
9:32 pm
This would be more fun if there were thought-bubbles over the heads of members of Congress. Someone tell Tim Cook to get on that.
9:28 pm
I like the "manufactured crisis" line. That's a money quote. "Deficit reduction alone is not an economic plan." Cha-ching.
9:25 pm
JT thought the Supremes were old. Good thing he didn't see that trifecta shot of Sanders, Mikulski, and Levin.
9:22 pm
And sequestration, here we go. I so long for him to say, "screw it, no cuts." Because we don't actually have a spending problem, America. We have a grow-the-economy problem and budget cuts and fiscal austerity will make that worse. Just ask Europe.
9:17 pm
The president invokes JFK and the idea that Congress is jointly responsible for progress. Okay, but I suspect you and Boehner don't agree on what that progress means. Just saw Paul Ryan and you can be damned sure he doesn't agree. Blah, blah, compromise, blah. Mitch McConnell looks like a cranky Eeyore.
9:14 pm
JT just caught sight of the Supreme Court and announced, "Damn, they are old." Indeed.
9:10 pm
POTUS! Cantor is right behind him. I cannot like that man. I mean Cantor, of course. I want to shove him and smash his glasses.
9:06 pm
And now JT is here to watch. Which is good because I can't live blog and scoop ice cream at the same time.
8:59 pm
FLOTUS in the House. Cabinet is also here. White guys. Gah.
8:57 pm
When my hand is forced, I watch MSNBC. But tonight they have Michael Steele on board. Heading over to CBS.
Showing posts with label live blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label live blogging. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Monday, October 22, 2012
Live Blog, Round III
Everything I know tells me that foreign policy positions is not going to determine votes in this election. For one thing, American are woefully ignorant about foreign policy. For another (and perhaps as explanation for the first), they don't care about foreign policy. But I do care and later tonight I will offer up some live-blogging of the nonsense.
10:31 pm
Near as I can tell, only parts of the world are Middle East and China. Latin America, Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, remainder of Asia......now off the map.
10:25 pm
GM, again? really.
10:15 pm
And now the China bashing portion of our evening. Sigh.
Romney: I will label China a "currency manipulator." Tough name calling, Governor.
10:12 pm
Looked like we might get to talk drones but then, no, Romney rejects Middle Eastern extremism. Hmmm, I had no idea we had trouble in the Middle East.
Obama will avoid the drones, too.
10:05 pm
Afghanistan......Romney says troops home by 2014. Still have relations with Pakistan, though. Because they have nucs and terrorists. He's mostly right that Pakistan is the real issue. But Americans have no freakin' clue what you're talking about pal. Also, Obama is about to take credit for Afghanistan in 2014.
And he did.
Frankly, this whole situation deserves way more lip service than it's getting. Sigh.
10:01 pm
Debate is now all over the place. Obama just invoked bin Laden......nothing Mitt can do here. President does get to take a victory lap on this one.
9:57 pm
Trips overseas. Mittens says that Obama took an apology tour. Obama now kicking some serious ass on this issue. Also, I think he's kinda mad at you now Mittens. And like it or not, he's the guy with nucs these days. Just sayin'.
9:55 pm
Mittens has the most peculiar blinking pattern. Kinda creeps me out.
9:53 pm
Iran. No nucs for you, crazy Iranian mullahs.
Next?
Wait, did Romney just say that Iran has 10,000 centrifuges? Really? How does he know?
9:49 pm
Now they both have to swear fealty to Israel. Yawn.
9:44 pm
"Governor, this isn't Battleship." We have less naval ships than 1917.....and also, less horses and bayonets. Bring it, Mr. President.
9:38 pm
Now on the budget. Bob? BOB? B-O-B?
Obama: Points out that Romney wants to spend 2 trillion on the military that the military isn't asking for. Cha-ching.
9:34 pm
Hey, fellas, this is a foreign policy debate.
Bob, are you gonna redirect?
9:28 pm
Bob asks what is America's role on the world?
Mittens is all over. Obama is more focused, with specifics. Obama is schooling Romney.
9:27 pm
Romney connects economic weakness to national security after a throw-away "peace through strength" line. He's all over the place.
9:16 pm
Syria. Which is, pun fully intended, a minefield.
Obama: Syrians must determine their own fate. Situation is tricky.
Romney: Humanitarian disaster. It's an opportunity for us because of the role Syria plays for Iran. Seeing Syria remove Assad is a high priority, but we don't want to get drawn in to a military conflict. Must arm our allies but not let those arms hurt us down the road. WTF? Seriously, WTF? He is scary on this question.
Hey Governor: Syria and Iran don't share a border and Syria isn't Iran's route to the sea.
What does Romney mean by "responsible party in charge"?
9:04 pm
Bob Schiefer is our host and this makes me cautiously optimistic. I don't much like TV news, but I tolerate him, which is the highest praise I pay to TV news. He goes straight to a question about Libya and the state of circumstances in the Middle East.
Romney goes first. He's disorganized for his two minutes but by golly he knows the map of the Middle East. And he opposes extremism in Iran. Blech.
Obama is more ordered. Out of Afghanistan, kept Americas safe. Clear timeline on Libya. Challenging Romney's knowledge and command of the issues; says he want foreign policy of 1980s. Going for the jugular here. Go-bama!
Romney: Attacking me is not an agenda. Pretty good line.
10:31 pm
Near as I can tell, only parts of the world are Middle East and China. Latin America, Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, remainder of Asia......now off the map.
10:25 pm
GM, again? really.
10:15 pm
And now the China bashing portion of our evening. Sigh.
Romney: I will label China a "currency manipulator." Tough name calling, Governor.
10:12 pm
Looked like we might get to talk drones but then, no, Romney rejects Middle Eastern extremism. Hmmm, I had no idea we had trouble in the Middle East.
Obama will avoid the drones, too.
10:05 pm
Afghanistan......Romney says troops home by 2014. Still have relations with Pakistan, though. Because they have nucs and terrorists. He's mostly right that Pakistan is the real issue. But Americans have no freakin' clue what you're talking about pal. Also, Obama is about to take credit for Afghanistan in 2014.
And he did.
Frankly, this whole situation deserves way more lip service than it's getting. Sigh.
10:01 pm
Debate is now all over the place. Obama just invoked bin Laden......nothing Mitt can do here. President does get to take a victory lap on this one.
9:57 pm
Trips overseas. Mittens says that Obama took an apology tour. Obama now kicking some serious ass on this issue. Also, I think he's kinda mad at you now Mittens. And like it or not, he's the guy with nucs these days. Just sayin'.
9:55 pm
Mittens has the most peculiar blinking pattern. Kinda creeps me out.
9:53 pm
Iran. No nucs for you, crazy Iranian mullahs.
Next?
Wait, did Romney just say that Iran has 10,000 centrifuges? Really? How does he know?
9:49 pm
Now they both have to swear fealty to Israel. Yawn.
9:44 pm
"Governor, this isn't Battleship." We have less naval ships than 1917.....and also, less horses and bayonets. Bring it, Mr. President.
9:38 pm
Now on the budget. Bob? BOB? B-O-B?
Obama: Points out that Romney wants to spend 2 trillion on the military that the military isn't asking for. Cha-ching.
9:34 pm
Hey, fellas, this is a foreign policy debate.
Bob, are you gonna redirect?
9:28 pm
Bob asks what is America's role on the world?
Mittens is all over. Obama is more focused, with specifics. Obama is schooling Romney.
9:27 pm
Romney connects economic weakness to national security after a throw-away "peace through strength" line. He's all over the place.
9:16 pm
Syria. Which is, pun fully intended, a minefield.
Obama: Syrians must determine their own fate. Situation is tricky.
Romney: Humanitarian disaster. It's an opportunity for us because of the role Syria plays for Iran. Seeing Syria remove Assad is a high priority, but we don't want to get drawn in to a military conflict. Must arm our allies but not let those arms hurt us down the road. WTF? Seriously, WTF? He is scary on this question.
Hey Governor: Syria and Iran don't share a border and Syria isn't Iran's route to the sea.
What does Romney mean by "responsible party in charge"?
9:04 pm
Bob Schiefer is our host and this makes me cautiously optimistic. I don't much like TV news, but I tolerate him, which is the highest praise I pay to TV news. He goes straight to a question about Libya and the state of circumstances in the Middle East.
Romney goes first. He's disorganized for his two minutes but by golly he knows the map of the Middle East. And he opposes extremism in Iran. Blech.
Obama is more ordered. Out of Afghanistan, kept Americas safe. Clear timeline on Libya. Challenging Romney's knowledge and command of the issues; says he want foreign policy of 1980s. Going for the jugular here. Go-bama!
Romney: Attacking me is not an agenda. Pretty good line.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Live Blogging the Debate
Okay, with the caveat that I don't think Obama blew the last debate so much as Romney wasn't a complete incompetent, I'm up for another round of live-blogging this nonsense. And, yes, it is nonsense because a room filled with undecided voters is a room awash in nonsense. For the love of God, who could possibly be undecided at this late date?
Themisery fun starts in 5 minutes.
The worst part of any debate is that time when I must select which of the mainstream media to watch. I'm going with MSNBC, but I will be pounding the mute button when Chris Matthews opens his gaping, unpleasant yaw.
In other news, this is funny. Well played, DNC. Well played.
10:00 pm
Obama is articulate, factual, engaging, competent. Romney was defensive and deceptive on his tax plan, his view of birth control; demeaning about women in the workforce. I'm satisfied. What will the media think?
9:55 pm
Both men did well on the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately question.
9:45 pm
Romney has to identify his biggest difference from George W. Bush and say how he is different. Energy independence. Trade crack down on China. Trade with Latin America. Balanced budget. Champion small business. Romney is rambling.
This is all malarkey.......Obama should explain that the recession meant government spending and that is why the debt is high.
9:43 pm
Obama says that birth control is a health issue and an economic issue for women. Mittens? He gets to dodge birth control completely then comes back to it and claims that he supports birth control access for women. To which I say what Candy won't: you're a fucking liar.
9:38 pm
Finally a question about workplace income inequality for women. And Obama mentions Lillie Ledbetter; first bill he signed into law. Bingo.
Governor? Says he had some qualified women in his Cabinet in Massachusetts (he got 'em from a "binder full of women"...that's an unfortunate choice of words). He favors flexible hours for mom. Employers in the new economy will do this, he says. When we have a strong economy, women will get good work.
Really, Candy, you'd better kick some ass on this one.
9:32 pm
Romney on the split-screen blinking furiously while Obama schools him on taxes. Satisfying.
9:27 pm
Obama talks about the specific cuts he's made for small businesses and middle class folks. Says 98% of Americans get no tax increase to deal with debt, but taxes go up for the top 2%, folks who make above 250K....he wants Clinton-era tax rates for those folks.
9:25 pm
A specific question about middle class tax credits......will Romney talk specifics about his plan? Not so far.
Romney: I will bring rates down for everyone. I will eliminate credits and deductions for folks at the high end. Says he may limit deductions to a total of $25,000 for big income. He won't tax investments for people who make less than $200,000/ year. Ahem, that ain't the middle class, Governor.
9:18 pm
The two are facing off and calling one another's liars. This is a bit rocky; very combative. Romney is implying he can lower the price of gas and that is a risky claim, as he must certainly well know. Gas prices are determined by world markets and pumping oil here is a private business venture in the US; government can't tell them where to sell it.
Romney just said that Long Island had gas at less than $2 a gallon when Obama took office. I live in this area, NJ has the lowest prices in the region, and I haven't paid under $3 for gas in the past 4 years.
9:11 pm
Stupid question about gas princes. But Obama is explaining about how to create energy independence and lowering oil imports. Romney is meandering though he says will get us energy independent.....more drilling, more permits and licenses, pipeline from Canada.
Candy asks if gas prices are at the new normal. It's a good question.
9:06 pm
Obama wants to create good-paying jobs; build on the 5 million already created. And he's got specifics: build manufacturing, tax incentives for those who create jobs here, help small businesses to export, build the best education system in the world, student loans, community colleges for re-training, control our own energy (solar, wind, bio-fuels), balanced reduction of deficits.
Obama home run. Candy pushes back and asks for specifics. Romney answers with, "I'll create 12 million jobs." And then wonders all over the place talking about Detroit bankruptcy. Obama hammers Romney for everything he's said thus far. Does it in a folksy style but is still basically calling out, "liar, liar, pants on fire."
9:05 pm
Romney is going to make it easier for students to afford college. He likes loans and Pell Grants. And he wants kids to be able to get jobs. But how, Governor? HOW?
9:01 pm
What the fuck happened to Candy Crowley's hair? I like Candy as much as I like any TV reporter. But, seriously, WTF?
The
The worst part of any debate is that time when I must select which of the mainstream media to watch. I'm going with MSNBC, but I will be pounding the mute button when Chris Matthews opens his gaping, unpleasant yaw.
In other news, this is funny. Well played, DNC. Well played.
10:00 pm
Obama is articulate, factual, engaging, competent. Romney was defensive and deceptive on his tax plan, his view of birth control; demeaning about women in the workforce. I'm satisfied. What will the media think?
9:55 pm
Both men did well on the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately question.
9:45 pm
Romney has to identify his biggest difference from George W. Bush and say how he is different. Energy independence. Trade crack down on China. Trade with Latin America. Balanced budget. Champion small business. Romney is rambling.
This is all malarkey.......Obama should explain that the recession meant government spending and that is why the debt is high.
9:43 pm
Obama says that birth control is a health issue and an economic issue for women. Mittens? He gets to dodge birth control completely then comes back to it and claims that he supports birth control access for women. To which I say what Candy won't: you're a fucking liar.
9:38 pm
Finally a question about workplace income inequality for women. And Obama mentions Lillie Ledbetter; first bill he signed into law. Bingo.
Governor? Says he had some qualified women in his Cabinet in Massachusetts (he got 'em from a "binder full of women"...that's an unfortunate choice of words). He favors flexible hours for mom. Employers in the new economy will do this, he says. When we have a strong economy, women will get good work.
Really, Candy, you'd better kick some ass on this one.
9:32 pm
Romney on the split-screen blinking furiously while Obama schools him on taxes. Satisfying.
9:27 pm
Obama talks about the specific cuts he's made for small businesses and middle class folks. Says 98% of Americans get no tax increase to deal with debt, but taxes go up for the top 2%, folks who make above 250K....he wants Clinton-era tax rates for those folks.
9:25 pm
A specific question about middle class tax credits......will Romney talk specifics about his plan? Not so far.
Romney: I will bring rates down for everyone. I will eliminate credits and deductions for folks at the high end. Says he may limit deductions to a total of $25,000 for big income. He won't tax investments for people who make less than $200,000/ year. Ahem, that ain't the middle class, Governor.
9:18 pm
The two are facing off and calling one another's liars. This is a bit rocky; very combative. Romney is implying he can lower the price of gas and that is a risky claim, as he must certainly well know. Gas prices are determined by world markets and pumping oil here is a private business venture in the US; government can't tell them where to sell it.
Romney just said that Long Island had gas at less than $2 a gallon when Obama took office. I live in this area, NJ has the lowest prices in the region, and I haven't paid under $3 for gas in the past 4 years.
9:11 pm
Stupid question about gas princes. But Obama is explaining about how to create energy independence and lowering oil imports. Romney is meandering though he says will get us energy independent.....more drilling, more permits and licenses, pipeline from Canada.
Candy asks if gas prices are at the new normal. It's a good question.
9:06 pm
Obama wants to create good-paying jobs; build on the 5 million already created. And he's got specifics: build manufacturing, tax incentives for those who create jobs here, help small businesses to export, build the best education system in the world, student loans, community colleges for re-training, control our own energy (solar, wind, bio-fuels), balanced reduction of deficits.
Obama home run. Candy pushes back and asks for specifics. Romney answers with, "I'll create 12 million jobs." And then wonders all over the place talking about Detroit bankruptcy. Obama hammers Romney for everything he's said thus far. Does it in a folksy style but is still basically calling out, "liar, liar, pants on fire."
9:05 pm
Romney is going to make it easier for students to afford college. He likes loans and Pell Grants. And he wants kids to be able to get jobs. But how, Governor? HOW?
9:01 pm
What the fuck happened to Candy Crowley's hair? I like Candy as much as I like any TV reporter. But, seriously, WTF?
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Live Blogging the Debate
I've no idea how long I will be willing to live blog the debate since I expect most of this exchange to cause my head to spin and blow up. For your added pleasure, I highly recommend that you organize the supplies to play Presidential Debate Bingo, provided for your edification over at Mother Jones.
Live Blogging starts when the debate begins. I'd say may the best debater win, but frankly, I don't give a damn how good Mitt Romney sounds, I'm with Barack Obama. So let's be clear: may Barack Obama wipe the arena floor with Mittens.
10:10 pm
Time limits for presentations are gone, clearly. And now Mittens is invoking Reagan. Platitudes and nonsense, that. Mittens is all over the place. I'm taking this operation upstairs and I'll drift off to sleep watching the disorganized mess that is debate number 1. I'd better not have nightmares, you two.
10:06 pm
Would someone please ask Willard how he will pay for pre-existing coverage healthcare requirements? Or covering kids until they are 25? And here comes the President to skewer Mitt on this question.
10:02 pm
Note to Mittens: No Republicans support healthcare reform, which is why none of them voted for it.
9:58 pm
Healthcare. Willard just invoked the Massachusetts healthcare plan.....Tea Partiers are gonna be cranky. And now Obama is citing the Obamacare advantages. Nicely done.
9:56 pm
In the smile contest, Obama kills it. Mittens has a thin, mean smile.
9:50 pm
Will Willard get specific about what regulation is excessive? Yes...Dodd Frank. Seriously, Dodd Frank didn't do nearly enough to regulate, pal.
9:48 pm
Romney's getting in the weeds on healthcare. And that silly smile after he speaks doesn't help his cause. Obama was a bit weak at the outset, but he seems to have hit his pace.
9:25 pm
Jim Lehrer has lost control. That ain't good.
9:17 pm
Mittens is getting worked up about whether or not he will reduce taxes for the rich. He says that he won't.....and he will lower taxes for the middle class. I don't buy it.
9:15 pm
That split screen ain't helping Mittens.
9:04 pm
Shouldn't Jim Lehrer ask Congress if they will do anything to create jobs? Because that's who needs to do something. I guess that tonight we can pretend otherwise, but that ain't gonna light a fire under Congress. Obama did fine with his usual list of specifics. Mittens is also offering specifics, which is a change.....started off strong but lost the trail of thought at the end.
9:00 pm
Look here, Mittens, let's get this started on time. It's not like I don't have some laundry to fold.
Live Blogging starts when the debate begins. I'd say may the best debater win, but frankly, I don't give a damn how good Mitt Romney sounds, I'm with Barack Obama. So let's be clear: may Barack Obama wipe the arena floor with Mittens.
10:10 pm
Time limits for presentations are gone, clearly. And now Mittens is invoking Reagan. Platitudes and nonsense, that. Mittens is all over the place. I'm taking this operation upstairs and I'll drift off to sleep watching the disorganized mess that is debate number 1. I'd better not have nightmares, you two.
10:06 pm
Would someone please ask Willard how he will pay for pre-existing coverage healthcare requirements? Or covering kids until they are 25? And here comes the President to skewer Mitt on this question.
10:02 pm
Note to Mittens: No Republicans support healthcare reform, which is why none of them voted for it.
9:58 pm
Healthcare. Willard just invoked the Massachusetts healthcare plan.....Tea Partiers are gonna be cranky. And now Obama is citing the Obamacare advantages. Nicely done.
9:56 pm
In the smile contest, Obama kills it. Mittens has a thin, mean smile.
9:50 pm
Will Willard get specific about what regulation is excessive? Yes...Dodd Frank. Seriously, Dodd Frank didn't do nearly enough to regulate, pal.
9:48 pm
Romney's getting in the weeds on healthcare. And that silly smile after he speaks doesn't help his cause. Obama was a bit weak at the outset, but he seems to have hit his pace.
9:25 pm
Jim Lehrer has lost control. That ain't good.
9:17 pm
Mittens is getting worked up about whether or not he will reduce taxes for the rich. He says that he won't.....and he will lower taxes for the middle class. I don't buy it.
9:15 pm
That split screen ain't helping Mittens.
9:04 pm
Shouldn't Jim Lehrer ask Congress if they will do anything to create jobs? Because that's who needs to do something. I guess that tonight we can pretend otherwise, but that ain't gonna light a fire under Congress. Obama did fine with his usual list of specifics. Mittens is also offering specifics, which is a change.....started off strong but lost the trail of thought at the end.
9:00 pm
Look here, Mittens, let's get this started on time. It's not like I don't have some laundry to fold.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Family Viewing: Live-Blogging the New Jersey Governor's Debate
On the way home from school this afternoon, JT casually mentioned what he had read in the Star-Ledger today. For the uninitiated, the Star-Ledger is a leading newspaper here in the Garden State. And my fourth grader was reading it as part of his social studies lessons this year.
Allrighty then. No excuses for ignorance about local politics will be tolerated at Sassafras House. Thus it is that we are sitting in front of the telly tonight, watching incumbent Democratic Governor face-off against two challengers: Republican Chris Christie and Independent Chris Daggett.
8:05 pm
JT's opening observation: "If these guys were a cartoon, Christie would be the fat guy, Daggett the really skinny guy, and Corzine the in-between guy." True that.
And then JT notes, "They're all bagging on Corzine."
Daggett mentions raising the gas tax (NJ's is the lowest in the nation). The proceeds could be used to repair our roads. JT's assessment: "good idea." That's my boy.
8:20 pm
For the non-Jerseyans among you, Incumbent Corzine is facing a bit of an uphill challenge. For many Democrats, his failure to reform the Jersey political system has been a disappointment. And governing in a recession hasn't been particularly easy, either.
Christie was a federal attorney in New Jersey and he has record of prosecuting corrupt politicians on both sides of the aisle (and there is no shortage of corruption in this state). But Christie was a Bush appointee, no asset in blue Jersey. And he's very conservative, also out of touch with the state. He led this race for a while, but the August arrival of Independent Chris Daggett, who regularly polls in the 10% range, has closed the window of Christie's lead.
The race has tightened considerably and though Corzine is still behind, it's only by a few points. Turns out that Christie's support was pretty shallow.
8:25 pm
Christie has been asked to justify his traffic-ticket dodges (there have been a few). The question: "Is there a different standard for your behavior?" JT says yes.....Christie says no.
And JT notes that Corzine isn't fit to discuss traffic violations either (Corzine was in a high-profile traffic accident a few years back; it was the result of speeding and the Gov was not wearing his seat belt).
9 year olds have no patience with hypocrisy on either side of the political divide.
8:33 pm
Daggett calls for state employees to accept salary cuts (they already have) and changes to the pension and insurance plans for public employees. Christie agrees. Corzine pays lip service to fixing the NJ pension plan. None of these guys is willing to point out that state employee unions won't just lie back and accept these cuts.
And now we go to questions from the public. The first one: how will you cut the budget and close our 8 billion dollar budget gap? "That's a lot of baseball cards," the boy notes.
Christie proposes kicking people out of the state health insurance plan. JT does not approve.
8:45 pm
And now the topic of abortion comes up. Because that's what I want to explain to my son on a Thursday evening. We're pro-choice around here and that's what I explained to JT.
Suddenly talking about property taxes sounds much more appealing. JT notes that property taxes have been high in New Jersey forever. He's right.
8:52 pm
Medical marijuana: yea or nea? Corzine says yup. Daggett thinks it might be okay. Christie says he's down with a little pot if safeguards are in place. JT thinks smoking is bad.
9:00 pm
The debate still has 30 minutes to go but bedtime looms....JT is going to cast his ballot for Corzine. His second choice would be Daggett and his third choice one of the many other small potato candidates in the mix. Sorry Chris Christie.
Allrighty then. No excuses for ignorance about local politics will be tolerated at Sassafras House. Thus it is that we are sitting in front of the telly tonight, watching incumbent Democratic Governor face-off against two challengers: Republican Chris Christie and Independent Chris Daggett.
8:05 pm
JT's opening observation: "If these guys were a cartoon, Christie would be the fat guy, Daggett the really skinny guy, and Corzine the in-between guy." True that.
And then JT notes, "They're all bagging on Corzine."
Daggett mentions raising the gas tax (NJ's is the lowest in the nation). The proceeds could be used to repair our roads. JT's assessment: "good idea." That's my boy.
8:20 pm
For the non-Jerseyans among you, Incumbent Corzine is facing a bit of an uphill challenge. For many Democrats, his failure to reform the Jersey political system has been a disappointment. And governing in a recession hasn't been particularly easy, either.
Christie was a federal attorney in New Jersey and he has record of prosecuting corrupt politicians on both sides of the aisle (and there is no shortage of corruption in this state). But Christie was a Bush appointee, no asset in blue Jersey. And he's very conservative, also out of touch with the state. He led this race for a while, but the August arrival of Independent Chris Daggett, who regularly polls in the 10% range, has closed the window of Christie's lead.
The race has tightened considerably and though Corzine is still behind, it's only by a few points. Turns out that Christie's support was pretty shallow.
8:25 pm
Christie has been asked to justify his traffic-ticket dodges (there have been a few). The question: "Is there a different standard for your behavior?" JT says yes.....Christie says no.
And JT notes that Corzine isn't fit to discuss traffic violations either (Corzine was in a high-profile traffic accident a few years back; it was the result of speeding and the Gov was not wearing his seat belt).
9 year olds have no patience with hypocrisy on either side of the political divide.
8:33 pm
Daggett calls for state employees to accept salary cuts (they already have) and changes to the pension and insurance plans for public employees. Christie agrees. Corzine pays lip service to fixing the NJ pension plan. None of these guys is willing to point out that state employee unions won't just lie back and accept these cuts.
And now we go to questions from the public. The first one: how will you cut the budget and close our 8 billion dollar budget gap? "That's a lot of baseball cards," the boy notes.
Christie proposes kicking people out of the state health insurance plan. JT does not approve.
8:45 pm
And now the topic of abortion comes up. Because that's what I want to explain to my son on a Thursday evening. We're pro-choice around here and that's what I explained to JT.
Suddenly talking about property taxes sounds much more appealing. JT notes that property taxes have been high in New Jersey forever. He's right.
8:52 pm
Medical marijuana: yea or nea? Corzine says yup. Daggett thinks it might be okay. Christie says he's down with a little pot if safeguards are in place. JT thinks smoking is bad.
9:00 pm
The debate still has 30 minutes to go but bedtime looms....JT is going to cast his ballot for Corzine. His second choice would be Daggett and his third choice one of the many other small potato candidates in the mix. Sorry Chris Christie.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Live Blogging the Health Care Address
Regular readers (hi Mom!) will recall that last fall I took to live-blogging the presidential debates. The election put an end to that brand of fun. But as I started thinking about President Obama's address to Congress, I thought it might be fun to live-blog the madness.
Our helpful assistant blogger is my 9 year old son. And before you doubt his credentials, I want you to think about the behavior of the Republicans in Congress.
In comparison, the kid looks incredibly serious and well-qualified.
I'll start by disclosing my bias: I want universal, single-payer healthcare. I am completely aware that is not going to happen in this round of reforms, if ever. I'll settle for a public option plan to compete with private insurers; some sort of serious effort to control costs; and a real commitment to real universal coverage: insurance for every person in this nation.
And yes, I know that's probably unrealistic. The sins of the national news media not withstanding, the Obama Administration handled August badly. I want the president to get Congress back on track and provide some leadership on the issue, explaining to the nation why we must reform our health care system and offering some serious proposals to help make it happen.
The first issue: whose coverage to view? I'm going with MSNBC because I like Brian Williams, David Gregory and Rachel Maddow. But if they let Keith Olberman talk........I'm gone. He's a monstrosity.
7:58 pm
Just saw John Boehner. I hope to hell that he keeps up with his insurance premiums because that kind of suntan has skin cancer written all over it.
8:00 pm
MSNBC is letting Olberman serve as our narrator. I'm off to CNN. Wolf Blizter. Gah. JT just explained to the cats: we don't like this guy either but he's better than that other dude. Michelle Obama wearing sleeves tonight.
8:04 pm
CNN opting to show the Clinton speech from 1992...teleprompter trouble that year. And no reform that year either....coincidence?
8:12 pm
The man of the hour turns up. JT's only question: Will he shake his wife's hand? Wife looks pissed off that he didn't shake her hand. Uh oh.
Caught sight of Senator Tim Johnson from SD who knows his way around the healthcare system as a result of a recent serious illness. Interesting to hear what he and his staff have to say about reform.
8:18 pm
The economy blah blah blah getting better blah blah blah still need to help folks looking for jobs blah blah blah.
JT: I thought this was supposed to be about healthcare.
Exactly. Let's get to it, Mr. President.
Props to Representative John Dingell and an Obama vow to be the last president to propose healthcare reform. Starting strong.
8:21 pm
Obama: "we are the only advanced democracy who allows such hardship for its citizens." Amen.
8:23 pm
JT: "Insurance companies let people die? That's bad." From the mouths of babes.
8:27 pm
Congress is getting strokes so far...."you've worked hard." Okay, but I want some heads to roll.....and Obama just said, "The time for bickering is over....we must show the American people that we will do what we were sent here to do." That's more like it.
The plan:
1. Security and stability for those who have insurance.
2. Insurance for those who need it.
3. Cost control.
I'm in. Tell me more.
8:32 pm
Insurance marketplace exchange idea is interesting, I guess. But it's not really going to solve our problems and he knows it. We need more than a marketplace. Plus....4 years? Dude, that's not soon enough.
8:35 pm
He's gonna require everyone to get care with a hardship waiver for low income folks and small businesses.....okay, but I'm not convinced that will do the trick and it's costly. Massachusetts has been bleeding cash to make that happen.
8:37 pm
And now he takes on the myths......first up death panels. He's talking to you Sarah Palin; says "It's a lie. Plain and simple." Congress cheers.
Says no coverage for folks who are here illegally. I don't approve, because I am compassionate that way.
And a member of Congress just yelled back at the president. Did he call him a liar? Nancy Pelosi is not amused. My 9 year old is shocked.
Update: Yes, Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina did call the president a liar.
8:40 pm
He's pointing out that the big 5 insurance companies need more competition and must be held accountable. That sort of language makes the GOP happy. And for now, I'll live with it. Because he just said that he wants a public option to be in the marketplace.
Yes. By God, yes.
8:50 pm
Obama promises to protect Medicare. GOP sits on their hands.
8:53 pm
He notes that defensive medicine contributes to rising costs; mentions malpractice reform but doesn't commit.
Obama says the costs of reform will be less than the tax cuts for the rich passed by the last Administration. Looking at you, George W. Ouch.
8:55 pm
Obama says his door is open for those with new ideas. But he won't stand by and endure those who misrepresent the plan; those who want to get in the way of reform. Says, "Know this: I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it’s better politics to kill this plan than improve it." Says he will call out the deceivers...strong language.
I hope to hell that he means it.
8:58 pm
Closing with Teddy Kennedy, calling health care "a moral issue" about "social justice" and "the character of our country." Says Teddy was driven by "something more" "a passion born of his own experience" and Kennedy's concern about those who didn't have health care, a feeling that isn't partisan. I'm sold.
The final words were emotional: "we did not come here to fear the future. We can meet history's test."
It was an impressive appeal to take some action for the common good. Let's hope that we can rise to the challenge.
Our helpful assistant blogger is my 9 year old son. And before you doubt his credentials, I want you to think about the behavior of the Republicans in Congress.
In comparison, the kid looks incredibly serious and well-qualified.
I'll start by disclosing my bias: I want universal, single-payer healthcare. I am completely aware that is not going to happen in this round of reforms, if ever. I'll settle for a public option plan to compete with private insurers; some sort of serious effort to control costs; and a real commitment to real universal coverage: insurance for every person in this nation.
And yes, I know that's probably unrealistic. The sins of the national news media not withstanding, the Obama Administration handled August badly. I want the president to get Congress back on track and provide some leadership on the issue, explaining to the nation why we must reform our health care system and offering some serious proposals to help make it happen.
The first issue: whose coverage to view? I'm going with MSNBC because I like Brian Williams, David Gregory and Rachel Maddow. But if they let Keith Olberman talk........I'm gone. He's a monstrosity.
7:58 pm
Just saw John Boehner. I hope to hell that he keeps up with his insurance premiums because that kind of suntan has skin cancer written all over it.
8:00 pm
MSNBC is letting Olberman serve as our narrator. I'm off to CNN. Wolf Blizter. Gah. JT just explained to the cats: we don't like this guy either but he's better than that other dude. Michelle Obama wearing sleeves tonight.
8:04 pm
CNN opting to show the Clinton speech from 1992...teleprompter trouble that year. And no reform that year either....coincidence?
8:12 pm
The man of the hour turns up. JT's only question: Will he shake his wife's hand? Wife looks pissed off that he didn't shake her hand. Uh oh.
Caught sight of Senator Tim Johnson from SD who knows his way around the healthcare system as a result of a recent serious illness. Interesting to hear what he and his staff have to say about reform.
8:18 pm
The economy blah blah blah getting better blah blah blah still need to help folks looking for jobs blah blah blah.
JT: I thought this was supposed to be about healthcare.
Exactly. Let's get to it, Mr. President.
Props to Representative John Dingell and an Obama vow to be the last president to propose healthcare reform. Starting strong.
8:21 pm
Obama: "we are the only advanced democracy who allows such hardship for its citizens." Amen.
8:23 pm
JT: "Insurance companies let people die? That's bad." From the mouths of babes.
8:27 pm
Congress is getting strokes so far...."you've worked hard." Okay, but I want some heads to roll.....and Obama just said, "The time for bickering is over....we must show the American people that we will do what we were sent here to do." That's more like it.
The plan:
1. Security and stability for those who have insurance.
2. Insurance for those who need it.
3. Cost control.
I'm in. Tell me more.
8:32 pm
Insurance marketplace exchange idea is interesting, I guess. But it's not really going to solve our problems and he knows it. We need more than a marketplace. Plus....4 years? Dude, that's not soon enough.
8:35 pm
He's gonna require everyone to get care with a hardship waiver for low income folks and small businesses.....okay, but I'm not convinced that will do the trick and it's costly. Massachusetts has been bleeding cash to make that happen.
8:37 pm
And now he takes on the myths......first up death panels. He's talking to you Sarah Palin; says "It's a lie. Plain and simple." Congress cheers.
Says no coverage for folks who are here illegally. I don't approve, because I am compassionate that way.
And a member of Congress just yelled back at the president. Did he call him a liar? Nancy Pelosi is not amused. My 9 year old is shocked.
Update: Yes, Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina did call the president a liar.
8:40 pm
He's pointing out that the big 5 insurance companies need more competition and must be held accountable. That sort of language makes the GOP happy. And for now, I'll live with it. Because he just said that he wants a public option to be in the marketplace.
Yes. By God, yes.
8:50 pm
Obama promises to protect Medicare. GOP sits on their hands.
8:53 pm
He notes that defensive medicine contributes to rising costs; mentions malpractice reform but doesn't commit.
Obama says the costs of reform will be less than the tax cuts for the rich passed by the last Administration. Looking at you, George W. Ouch.
8:55 pm
Obama says his door is open for those with new ideas. But he won't stand by and endure those who misrepresent the plan; those who want to get in the way of reform. Says, "Know this: I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it’s better politics to kill this plan than improve it." Says he will call out the deceivers...strong language.
I hope to hell that he means it.
8:58 pm
Closing with Teddy Kennedy, calling health care "a moral issue" about "social justice" and "the character of our country." Says Teddy was driven by "something more" "a passion born of his own experience" and Kennedy's concern about those who didn't have health care, a feeling that isn't partisan. I'm sold.
The final words were emotional: "we did not come here to fear the future. We can meet history's test."
It was an impressive appeal to take some action for the common good. Let's hope that we can rise to the challenge.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Live Blogging the Sleepover: The Morning After
Though it's now south of 7 am, the boys were awake at 6:15. The night before I had instructed them to lie in bed until at least 7.
Ha.
They have a pathological need for privacy in the bathroom and I have an old home. The bathroom door upstairs can be firmly shut. But, once shut it's a little difficult for a 9 year old to open. So they go to the bathroom in pairs, one holding the door shut while the other attends to business. And they do not have a quiet setting. The bathroom is 5 steps from my bed and so......I was also awake at zero dark thirty.
I dozed to the sounds of my home being destroyed and then came downstairs for coffee.
Lucy spent a weary night in bed with me. Tiger remains in stealth mode and we have yet to see him.
Soon, I shall commence to make pancakes.
8:02 am
Bacon is cooking; pancake production has begun.
9:11 am
Pancakes have been eaten; the table has been cleared; the dishwasher is running. Final pancake tally: 16 pancakes, 1 quart of milk, half-pound of bacon. God save me when these boys become teenagers.
Tiger the cat has turned up to expressively complain about the continuing boy-related noise. The boys are upstairs playing with the Wii. Tiger is on my lap and I am about to read the paper. Estimated time of boy departure: 10 am.
Estimated time for Mama's morning nap: 10:30 am.
10:50 am
I am down to one boy and I believe it to be the one I started with. Headed for a hot bath with some chai tea and then a nap.
The party can be considered a success.
Ha.
They have a pathological need for privacy in the bathroom and I have an old home. The bathroom door upstairs can be firmly shut. But, once shut it's a little difficult for a 9 year old to open. So they go to the bathroom in pairs, one holding the door shut while the other attends to business. And they do not have a quiet setting. The bathroom is 5 steps from my bed and so......I was also awake at zero dark thirty.
I dozed to the sounds of my home being destroyed and then came downstairs for coffee.
Lucy spent a weary night in bed with me. Tiger remains in stealth mode and we have yet to see him.
Soon, I shall commence to make pancakes.
8:02 am
Bacon is cooking; pancake production has begun.
9:11 am
Pancakes have been eaten; the table has been cleared; the dishwasher is running. Final pancake tally: 16 pancakes, 1 quart of milk, half-pound of bacon. God save me when these boys become teenagers.
Tiger the cat has turned up to expressively complain about the continuing boy-related noise. The boys are upstairs playing with the Wii. Tiger is on my lap and I am about to read the paper. Estimated time of boy departure: 10 am.Estimated time for Mama's morning nap: 10:30 am.
10:50 am
I am down to one boy and I believe it to be the one I started with. Headed for a hot bath with some chai tea and then a nap.
The party can be considered a success.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Live Blogging the Sleepover
JT has recently turned 9 and no birthday would be complete without a party. And 9 year old boys like sleepover parties. And so it is that tonight I am the proud host of 5 extra boys, who joined the regular inmate for an extremely loud celebration.
They arrived at 5 pm. I haven't seen the cats since.
At 6:45, they ate some snacks and played Uno as they waited for the pizza to arrive.
Looks downright civil, no? Perhaps the aftermath will provide a more accurate perspective.
At 9ish, I've promised to light the candles on some homemade chocolate cake. Guest V, a long-standing fan of my baked goods ( he once told the 2nd grade that I made the best cookies in the world), has already requested that I save a piece to bring home to his big sister, thus confirming V's place in my heart.
8:08 pm
There is an odd quiet upstairs. And then a shout: who left the toilet open? Perhaps I should check on things.
8:30 pm
I have just confiscated the remote control fart machine.
9:00 pm
2 of the boys just came downstairs for a drink of water. They had the following conversation:
N: Good sleepover, huh?
E: Yeah.
They were like two old men discussing the Monday night game.
9:30 pm
Cake! I used sparkler candles...makes for quite the fiery demonstration.
Brief quiet while they crammed cake and ice cream into their mouths. It won't last.
10:08 pm
That would be the children all tucked in their sleeping bag beds to watch Indiana Jones (restful, those movies). Notice that the birthday boy scored himself the spot on the futon. E seems to have disappeared all together in this photo, but I hear him talking so it would seem that he's alive and well.
Any chance I'm asleep before midnight?
10:55 pm
Heading upstairs to quiet the beasts and tuck myself into bed. Still hoping to sleep before midnight.
They arrived at 5 pm. I haven't seen the cats since.
At 6:45, they ate some snacks and played Uno as they waited for the pizza to arrive.
Looks downright civil, no? Perhaps the aftermath will provide a more accurate perspective.
At 9ish, I've promised to light the candles on some homemade chocolate cake. Guest V, a long-standing fan of my baked goods ( he once told the 2nd grade that I made the best cookies in the world), has already requested that I save a piece to bring home to his big sister, thus confirming V's place in my heart.8:08 pm
There is an odd quiet upstairs. And then a shout: who left the toilet open? Perhaps I should check on things.
8:30 pm
I have just confiscated the remote control fart machine.
9:00 pm
2 of the boys just came downstairs for a drink of water. They had the following conversation:
N: Good sleepover, huh?
E: Yeah.
They were like two old men discussing the Monday night game.
9:30 pm
Cake! I used sparkler candles...makes for quite the fiery demonstration.
Brief quiet while they crammed cake and ice cream into their mouths. It won't last.
10:08 pm
That would be the children all tucked in their sleeping bag beds to watch Indiana Jones (restful, those movies). Notice that the birthday boy scored himself the spot on the futon. E seems to have disappeared all together in this photo, but I hear him talking so it would seem that he's alive and well.Any chance I'm asleep before midnight?
10:55 pm
Heading upstairs to quiet the beasts and tuck myself into bed. Still hoping to sleep before midnight.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Live Blogging Round IV: The Final Showdown
Tonight is the final presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama. There's talk that McCain will "pull off the gloves," though I have no earthly idea what that means. I'm thinking that a slugfest between a 46 year old and a 72 year old (veteran though he is) doesn't offer promising odds to the 72 year old......but perhaps it's just a figurative removal of the gloves, whereby John McCain delivers a character attack against Barack Obama and thereby persuades the remaining undecided voters in America that McCain truly would sell his soul to occupy the White House.
No drinking game tonight, though I'm contemplating dipping into the family Halloween candy stash every time McCain offers up one of his favorite lame platitudes: calling us "my friends"; indictments of the greedy Wall Street crowd; or promises to balance the budget (this last being the boldest lie of the campaign so far...which is saying something).
But it's 9:01 and we're off and running, live from Hofstra University just north of here...........show Mama the Obama victory.
9:04
Ahhh, yes, I am one of those "innocent victims of greed" Senator McCain. And may I thank you for the dark chocolate that I've just popped in my (greedy?) mouth.
Does McCain know that Paulson has already blown $250 billion of the $700 billion bailout to re-capitalize banks? Because if we then spend $300 billion to bail out mortgages (and, that by the way, is a deeply confusing prospect....but I defer), then we don't have much left. I'm just saying.
9:08
Is this Joe of which McCain speaks Joe Sixpack, Sarah's friend?
No, it's Joe the Plumber. And he gets a tax cut if he makes less that $250,000 a year. And if Joe the Plumber is making more than $250,ooo a year, well, then, damn I should have skipped college and become a plumber.
9:10
McCain is not going to let go of the "Obama will tax the hell out of you" mantra.
9:18
McCain is always talking about things he knows how to do: find (and kill!) bin Laden at the last debate; tonight he knows how to slash spending, save zillions from defense spending. But he never explains just how he will do this. I'm reminded of Nixon's secret plan to end the war in Vietnam. And we know how well that went.
McCain is a little disjointed ---- passionate ---- but all over the place in his answers.
9:20
And McCain just said "sure, I can balance the budget in 4 years." WTF?! Call him on this Obama.
9:25
Bob the moderator just asked the boys if they could be nice to one another and McCain explains that he wanted to be nice and have a bunch of town halls but that Obama said no and well, since then, he's just had no choice but to deliver the nastygrams.
McCain looks as if his feelings are truly hurt. Whatev.
9:27
Obama should answer the questions about public funding of campaigns (he declined because his campaign is raising money by the fistful; McCain is stuck with public funding because he committed to the system early on, when his campaign was a long shot). He's about to hit the homerun: go ahead and attack me for the next three weeks, but what the public wants to hear about is the economic challenges ahead of us. Bingo.
Obama is spending more money on the campaign than McCain. Because he has the money to spend.
9:33
I think that McCain is wishful thinking to assert that 10,000 - 15,000 people attend his rallies. Obama is awfully successful at staying on message: the American people want to hear about the issue.
McCain just said that ACORN is destroying the fabric of American democracy. Dude, you need to dial back the rhetoric because you're in danger of making a complete ass of yourself. And you fell for the Ayars bait, John, John, John....Obama is about to eat your lunch.
9:41
Schiefer just asked Obama and McCain to defend their choice of a running mate. Oh my.
Obama: completely about Biden, no attack on Palin. Nicely done.
McCain: also did a pretty god job as well, though Sarah Palin isn't a role model to any woman I know.
9:53
I am of the view that free trade is a good idea, so it may very well be that I tip toward McCain on this (though we're not going to create millions of jobs selling crap to Columbians....it's not exactly on the list of the world's wealthiest nations). But most Democrats are not with me here and even though I'm disposed to prefer McCain's answer on this question, I thought he just seemed cranky. And suggesting that Obama should wander down to Columbia and check things out is just nutso.
Sweet Jesus: preconditions back again. Enough already. McCain is just all over the damned place and then, when he needs to conclude his comments he accuses Obama of preparing to raise our taxes.
10:00
If Joe the Plumber is making more than $250,000 a year in income, then he and his small business can damn well provide health insurance for his employees.
I'm guessing that Joe's phone is ringing off the hook now.
10:04
McCain is totally rambling. Though did I hear him say that he will be taxing all of us on our healthcare benefits? Doesn't he know that he's opposed to taxes?
10:15
Abortion. Yawn. More Americans support a right to choose and Obama knows it and isn't afraid to own being pro-choice. McCain has to kiss social conservative heinie on this. He did.....and when he did it kissed goodbye to the last undecided moderate women voters in America.
10:25
Plain's baby isn't autistic; he's got Down's Syndrome. Totally different situation....I trust McCain knows that he mis-spoke.
Michelle Rhee, the Superintendent of D.C schools supports charters, but as I understand it, she doesn't support a widespread system of vouchers.
10:28
McCain just couldn't resist getting in a last word that showed him to be a jackass. He has looked incredibly awkward tonight, aggressive but without reserve and though his closing remarks are a little more organized than his other comments, I haven't been particularly impressed.
10:31
Obama had a nice clean closer. He is one cool customer: impressively articulate and thoughtful. Very calm under pressure. Well done. I have to confess some relief that the debates are over. I am starting to get really hopeful that we've got smooth sailing to an Obama victory and I'm looking forward to being proud of my nation and its president again.
No drinking game tonight, though I'm contemplating dipping into the family Halloween candy stash every time McCain offers up one of his favorite lame platitudes: calling us "my friends"; indictments of the greedy Wall Street crowd; or promises to balance the budget (this last being the boldest lie of the campaign so far...which is saying something).
But it's 9:01 and we're off and running, live from Hofstra University just north of here...........show Mama the Obama victory.
9:04
Ahhh, yes, I am one of those "innocent victims of greed" Senator McCain. And may I thank you for the dark chocolate that I've just popped in my (greedy?) mouth.
Does McCain know that Paulson has already blown $250 billion of the $700 billion bailout to re-capitalize banks? Because if we then spend $300 billion to bail out mortgages (and, that by the way, is a deeply confusing prospect....but I defer), then we don't have much left. I'm just saying.
9:08
Is this Joe of which McCain speaks Joe Sixpack, Sarah's friend?
No, it's Joe the Plumber. And he gets a tax cut if he makes less that $250,000 a year. And if Joe the Plumber is making more than $250,ooo a year, well, then, damn I should have skipped college and become a plumber.
9:10
McCain is not going to let go of the "Obama will tax the hell out of you" mantra.
9:18
McCain is always talking about things he knows how to do: find (and kill!) bin Laden at the last debate; tonight he knows how to slash spending, save zillions from defense spending. But he never explains just how he will do this. I'm reminded of Nixon's secret plan to end the war in Vietnam. And we know how well that went.
McCain is a little disjointed ---- passionate ---- but all over the place in his answers.
9:20
And McCain just said "sure, I can balance the budget in 4 years." WTF?! Call him on this Obama.
9:25
Bob the moderator just asked the boys if they could be nice to one another and McCain explains that he wanted to be nice and have a bunch of town halls but that Obama said no and well, since then, he's just had no choice but to deliver the nastygrams.
McCain looks as if his feelings are truly hurt. Whatev.
9:27
Obama should answer the questions about public funding of campaigns (he declined because his campaign is raising money by the fistful; McCain is stuck with public funding because he committed to the system early on, when his campaign was a long shot). He's about to hit the homerun: go ahead and attack me for the next three weeks, but what the public wants to hear about is the economic challenges ahead of us. Bingo.
Obama is spending more money on the campaign than McCain. Because he has the money to spend.
9:33
I think that McCain is wishful thinking to assert that 10,000 - 15,000 people attend his rallies. Obama is awfully successful at staying on message: the American people want to hear about the issue.
McCain just said that ACORN is destroying the fabric of American democracy. Dude, you need to dial back the rhetoric because you're in danger of making a complete ass of yourself. And you fell for the Ayars bait, John, John, John....Obama is about to eat your lunch.
9:41
Schiefer just asked Obama and McCain to defend their choice of a running mate. Oh my.
Obama: completely about Biden, no attack on Palin. Nicely done.
McCain: also did a pretty god job as well, though Sarah Palin isn't a role model to any woman I know.
9:53
I am of the view that free trade is a good idea, so it may very well be that I tip toward McCain on this (though we're not going to create millions of jobs selling crap to Columbians....it's not exactly on the list of the world's wealthiest nations). But most Democrats are not with me here and even though I'm disposed to prefer McCain's answer on this question, I thought he just seemed cranky. And suggesting that Obama should wander down to Columbia and check things out is just nutso.
Sweet Jesus: preconditions back again. Enough already. McCain is just all over the damned place and then, when he needs to conclude his comments he accuses Obama of preparing to raise our taxes.
10:00
If Joe the Plumber is making more than $250,000 a year in income, then he and his small business can damn well provide health insurance for his employees.
I'm guessing that Joe's phone is ringing off the hook now.
10:04
McCain is totally rambling. Though did I hear him say that he will be taxing all of us on our healthcare benefits? Doesn't he know that he's opposed to taxes?
10:15
Abortion. Yawn. More Americans support a right to choose and Obama knows it and isn't afraid to own being pro-choice. McCain has to kiss social conservative heinie on this. He did.....and when he did it kissed goodbye to the last undecided moderate women voters in America.
10:25
Plain's baby isn't autistic; he's got Down's Syndrome. Totally different situation....I trust McCain knows that he mis-spoke.
Michelle Rhee, the Superintendent of D.C schools supports charters, but as I understand it, she doesn't support a widespread system of vouchers.
10:28
McCain just couldn't resist getting in a last word that showed him to be a jackass. He has looked incredibly awkward tonight, aggressive but without reserve and though his closing remarks are a little more organized than his other comments, I haven't been particularly impressed.
10:31
Obama had a nice clean closer. He is one cool customer: impressively articulate and thoughtful. Very calm under pressure. Well done. I have to confess some relief that the debates are over. I am starting to get really hopeful that we've got smooth sailing to an Obama victory and I'm looking forward to being proud of my nation and its president again.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Live Blogging, Round III
Tonight's presidential debate is a town hall format and it comes to us from Nashville, Tennessee. I lived in the Music City for five years back when I was young and idealistic and it remains my favorite city in America. The debate is at Belmont University, a Baptist college well-respected for its connections to the country music business.
And we all know of my fondness for country music.
Allegedly, the debate questions will come from regular Joe and Josephine Citizen, people who claim to be undecided voters. I have a hard time believing that there are any undecided voters left. While the rest of the nation has drunk the Obama Koolaid in the last week (check out this electoral map or this one), I assume that these undecideds have been holed up in a cave.....perhaps with bin Laden? That would certainly add a twist to tonight's discussion.
For tonight's debate, I've decided to add a personal challenge. Every time McCain utters one of his "trademark" phrases, I'll have a healthy sip of wine.
I'm a notorious lightweight and it's totally on John McCain if 3rd period doesn't get to take their test tomorrow because Ms. Sassafras is hung over.
The phrase list:
- untried, untested, or variations therein when used in reference to my man Barack
- Miss Congeniality.....because I hear word that McCain wasn't voted that award in the U.S. Senate
- maverick (though McCain usually lets Sarah Palin drop the m-bomb)
- earmarks or any other reference to wasteful federal spending
- General David Petraeus (in the unlikely event that McCain invokes Civil War General George McClellan, I'll drink then as well, perhaps two gulps for Little Mac)
9:06
It took Obama a minute to get to his plan for helping out the middle class out. But it's a good plan.
9:07
McCain earns me my first drink by talking about the need to slow federal spending. Thanks John.
9:10
Who should be the next Sec Treas? McCain wanders the stage and the wanders with his answer. Obama nails it.....he's on a first-name basis with the Sage of Omaha. And might Warren Buffet deliver Omaha to Obama?
9:15
As soon as McCain said it you could see that Obama was going to deliver the Fannie and Freddie jab right back at him. But first he answers the audience question from Oliver. Nicely done on that front. I know that the mainstream media is under the impression that Obama seems aloof in small groups. Not tonight, it would seem.
Also, I think that I should get to to drink anytime ANYONE says Fannie or Freddie. And I make the rules around here.
9:23
Is anyone going to explain just what the hell they mean by energy independence and how they will get us there?
McCain just told us he will cut spending by working on energy independence, healthcare, and entitlement spending all at once. Really? Dude, you're nuts.
9:26
Obama is all over the folksy charm tonight. He even knows the price of gas....but does he know that when the economy head south, the price of gas usually goes down? Because that's the tiny silver lining of the current debacle.
Did I hear earmarks? Show mama the wine.
9:31
When it comes to the sacrifice for your country question, Obama just hit a full-on home run, pointing out that George W. Bush told us post-9/11 to go shopping, and that doesn't constitute sacrifice. And then he discusses creating service opportunities for Americans. Yes.
9:39
Obama just did a terrific job of making clear his tax plan. But seriously, with the current federal spend-o-rama, does anyone really think we can cut their taxes?
9:41
Tip O'Neil is rolling in his grave to hear that he and John McCain are bosom buddies. McCain totally dodging the question of entitlement reform.
New rule: I drink when McCain says "my friends." Feeling no pain.
9:44
McCain's jobs program? Nuclear power. Ummmmmm, no thanks.
9:48
Brokaw all worked up because the time limits aren't being followed. McCain and Obama could care less.
I think that McCain is doing very badly, by the way. He's got soundbites but no details. He's jumpy and enthusiastic, but I don't want this dude in charge of the kids playing in the backyard, let alone the nucs.
10:08
Foreign policy, blah, blah, blah. McCain is much more comfortable here, but Obama is on fine-footing. And also: pocketbook economic issues trumps foreign policy with the voters.
10:32
The 'what is your weak spot' question is such a cheesy job interview question that it makes me laugh. I understand that being president is a big damned job and demands thoughtfulness and some sort of humility, but it's a strange way to ask this question.
The sum-up: McCain gets much stronger on foreign policy. He makes a good pitch with that steady-hand on the tiller claim....but I don't think that McCain has demonstrated his steadiness in the past week's economic mess, so he has a harder sell to make. McCain's dislike of Obama showed tonight and I don't think that helps his campaign.
Obama is just amazingly articulate, thoughtful, and very well-informed. He did an impressive job tonight; if anything, he was stronger than in the first format. He is steady handed and he has demonstrated it over and over in this past week.
And we all know of my fondness for country music.
Allegedly, the debate questions will come from regular Joe and Josephine Citizen, people who claim to be undecided voters. I have a hard time believing that there are any undecided voters left. While the rest of the nation has drunk the Obama Koolaid in the last week (check out this electoral map or this one), I assume that these undecideds have been holed up in a cave.....perhaps with bin Laden? That would certainly add a twist to tonight's discussion.
For tonight's debate, I've decided to add a personal challenge. Every time McCain utters one of his "trademark" phrases, I'll have a healthy sip of wine.
I'm a notorious lightweight and it's totally on John McCain if 3rd period doesn't get to take their test tomorrow because Ms. Sassafras is hung over.The phrase list:
- untried, untested, or variations therein when used in reference to my man Barack
- Miss Congeniality.....because I hear word that McCain wasn't voted that award in the U.S. Senate
- maverick (though McCain usually lets Sarah Palin drop the m-bomb)
- earmarks or any other reference to wasteful federal spending
- General David Petraeus (in the unlikely event that McCain invokes Civil War General George McClellan, I'll drink then as well, perhaps two gulps for Little Mac)
9:06
It took Obama a minute to get to his plan for helping out the middle class out. But it's a good plan.
9:07
McCain earns me my first drink by talking about the need to slow federal spending. Thanks John.
9:10
Who should be the next Sec Treas? McCain wanders the stage and the wanders with his answer. Obama nails it.....he's on a first-name basis with the Sage of Omaha. And might Warren Buffet deliver Omaha to Obama?
9:15
As soon as McCain said it you could see that Obama was going to deliver the Fannie and Freddie jab right back at him. But first he answers the audience question from Oliver. Nicely done on that front. I know that the mainstream media is under the impression that Obama seems aloof in small groups. Not tonight, it would seem.
Also, I think that I should get to to drink anytime ANYONE says Fannie or Freddie. And I make the rules around here.
9:23
Is anyone going to explain just what the hell they mean by energy independence and how they will get us there?
McCain just told us he will cut spending by working on energy independence, healthcare, and entitlement spending all at once. Really? Dude, you're nuts.
9:26
Obama is all over the folksy charm tonight. He even knows the price of gas....but does he know that when the economy head south, the price of gas usually goes down? Because that's the tiny silver lining of the current debacle.
Did I hear earmarks? Show mama the wine.
9:31
When it comes to the sacrifice for your country question, Obama just hit a full-on home run, pointing out that George W. Bush told us post-9/11 to go shopping, and that doesn't constitute sacrifice. And then he discusses creating service opportunities for Americans. Yes.
9:39
Obama just did a terrific job of making clear his tax plan. But seriously, with the current federal spend-o-rama, does anyone really think we can cut their taxes?
9:41
Tip O'Neil is rolling in his grave to hear that he and John McCain are bosom buddies. McCain totally dodging the question of entitlement reform.
New rule: I drink when McCain says "my friends." Feeling no pain.
9:44
McCain's jobs program? Nuclear power. Ummmmmm, no thanks.
9:48
Brokaw all worked up because the time limits aren't being followed. McCain and Obama could care less.
I think that McCain is doing very badly, by the way. He's got soundbites but no details. He's jumpy and enthusiastic, but I don't want this dude in charge of the kids playing in the backyard, let alone the nucs.
10:08
Foreign policy, blah, blah, blah. McCain is much more comfortable here, but Obama is on fine-footing. And also: pocketbook economic issues trumps foreign policy with the voters.
10:32
The 'what is your weak spot' question is such a cheesy job interview question that it makes me laugh. I understand that being president is a big damned job and demands thoughtfulness and some sort of humility, but it's a strange way to ask this question.
The sum-up: McCain gets much stronger on foreign policy. He makes a good pitch with that steady-hand on the tiller claim....but I don't think that McCain has demonstrated his steadiness in the past week's economic mess, so he has a harder sell to make. McCain's dislike of Obama showed tonight and I don't think that helps his campaign.
Obama is just amazingly articulate, thoughtful, and very well-informed. He did an impressive job tonight; if anything, he was stronger than in the first format. He is steady handed and he has demonstrated it over and over in this past week.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Vices Revealed: Live Blogging the VP Debate
Suit up folks....I'm live-blogging the Vice Presidential debate. Should be fun and maybe, if we are very, very lucky, funny.
9:02 The audience has promised no untoward outbursts. I have made no such promise.
9:05 Memo to Sarah: most of the folks at the kids' soccer fields on Saturday actually have no Stock Market investments.
Both of them dodged this question, which was about how well Congress did with the bail-out (hint: not well at all, since, um, we don't actually have a bailout). Biden explaining how Bush policies have failed . But Palin argues that McCain was instrumental to the bailout. Really? That hasn't been obvious to me.
9:10 Palin just demanded federal regulation of banking. And then suggested people live within their means. My goodness, next she'll renounce the Republican party.
Biden needs to look at the camera as Palin is doing.
9:14 Biden pretty well ate her lunch on who voted for tax increases in the Senate. But she's feisty and fighting back.
9:20 Taxes just won't go away, will they? Ifill needs to get us off this nonsense, or we'll be pointing fingers all night long. And so she heads off to questions about which of the campaign proposals will have to be scaled back in light of the bailout. Both Obama and McCain dodged this last week.
9:23 And Palin just goes off on how great she's been at busting on oil corporations in Alaska. WTF? She got a little wacky off-script here. But she's got all sorts of TV presence, Tina Fey-style. Though her continued invocation of the idea that McCain got people to the table for the bailout makes me laugh.
9:30 I believe our friend from out West just called for drilling ANWAR, an "untapped domestic source of energy." She's answering all questions by discussing energy. So Gwen goes to climate change.
So Palin explains the climate in a way that I find completely confusing.....she wants to "positively effect the impacts." What does that mean?
9:36 And out of the frying pan into the fire....Biden endorses same-sex equality for property, hospital visiting. Palin is opposed to same-sex marriage, but you can sleep with whomever you like. Apparently, she knows some gay folks!
9:40 Gracious me, it's okay to be gay.
But perhaps not in the military........Gwen drops the ball and now Palin is discussing foreign affairs and telling us how great the surge is. She's all over the place here, with no tether to keep her sensible.
9:46 Palin can almost say Ahmadinejad......though she just called him insane, which seems unlikely to make him feel friendly toward us.
9:52 Memo to Sarah: the successful agreements between Israel and its neighbors was the accomplishment of Carter and Clinton, Democratic presidents. Not your peeps in the GOP.
9:56 Biden just nailed McCain on the similarity of McCain and Bush policies overseas. Total homerun for Joe there.
10:16 Does Palin actually know what the constitution says about the Vice Presidency? Because it ain't much. Has she read the constitution?
10:21 I've rarely heard Biden invoke his time as a single parent with such emotion and honesty. As a single parent myself, living in a world that often fails to understand what that feels like, I have to say that I really appreciate what he said. If Palin was being honest and she and her husband really didn't have health insurance at one time, then the campaign should talk about it.
But it says a lot that I assume she's not telling the truth.
10:29
Palin's sum-up was far stronger than her answers to the questions in the 90 minutes. Though I'm not persuaded that just because she's a proud American she (and John McCain) should be elected. Biden made the case for fundamental change and his definition of progress resounds with me. He can go folksy pretty darn well.
In sum, I think that it's truly clear that Biden is a thoughtful guy whose political credentials run deep. Palin seems to start strong but very quickly it's clear that her policy knowledge is, shall we say, deeply shallow. She's goes to folksy when that happens. I don't buy it.
9:02 The audience has promised no untoward outbursts. I have made no such promise.
9:05 Memo to Sarah: most of the folks at the kids' soccer fields on Saturday actually have no Stock Market investments.
Both of them dodged this question, which was about how well Congress did with the bail-out (hint: not well at all, since, um, we don't actually have a bailout). Biden explaining how Bush policies have failed . But Palin argues that McCain was instrumental to the bailout. Really? That hasn't been obvious to me.
9:10 Palin just demanded federal regulation of banking. And then suggested people live within their means. My goodness, next she'll renounce the Republican party.
Biden needs to look at the camera as Palin is doing.
9:14 Biden pretty well ate her lunch on who voted for tax increases in the Senate. But she's feisty and fighting back.
9:20 Taxes just won't go away, will they? Ifill needs to get us off this nonsense, or we'll be pointing fingers all night long. And so she heads off to questions about which of the campaign proposals will have to be scaled back in light of the bailout. Both Obama and McCain dodged this last week.
9:23 And Palin just goes off on how great she's been at busting on oil corporations in Alaska. WTF? She got a little wacky off-script here. But she's got all sorts of TV presence, Tina Fey-style. Though her continued invocation of the idea that McCain got people to the table for the bailout makes me laugh.
9:30 I believe our friend from out West just called for drilling ANWAR, an "untapped domestic source of energy." She's answering all questions by discussing energy. So Gwen goes to climate change.
So Palin explains the climate in a way that I find completely confusing.....she wants to "positively effect the impacts." What does that mean?
9:36 And out of the frying pan into the fire....Biden endorses same-sex equality for property, hospital visiting. Palin is opposed to same-sex marriage, but you can sleep with whomever you like. Apparently, she knows some gay folks!
9:40 Gracious me, it's okay to be gay.
But perhaps not in the military........Gwen drops the ball and now Palin is discussing foreign affairs and telling us how great the surge is. She's all over the place here, with no tether to keep her sensible.
9:46 Palin can almost say Ahmadinejad......though she just called him insane, which seems unlikely to make him feel friendly toward us.
9:52 Memo to Sarah: the successful agreements between Israel and its neighbors was the accomplishment of Carter and Clinton, Democratic presidents. Not your peeps in the GOP.
9:56 Biden just nailed McCain on the similarity of McCain and Bush policies overseas. Total homerun for Joe there.
10:16 Does Palin actually know what the constitution says about the Vice Presidency? Because it ain't much. Has she read the constitution?
10:21 I've rarely heard Biden invoke his time as a single parent with such emotion and honesty. As a single parent myself, living in a world that often fails to understand what that feels like, I have to say that I really appreciate what he said. If Palin was being honest and she and her husband really didn't have health insurance at one time, then the campaign should talk about it.
But it says a lot that I assume she's not telling the truth.
10:29
Palin's sum-up was far stronger than her answers to the questions in the 90 minutes. Though I'm not persuaded that just because she's a proud American she (and John McCain) should be elected. Biden made the case for fundamental change and his definition of progress resounds with me. He can go folksy pretty darn well.
In sum, I think that it's truly clear that Biden is a thoughtful guy whose political credentials run deep. Palin seems to start strong but very quickly it's clear that her policy knowledge is, shall we say, deeply shallow. She's goes to folksy when that happens. I don't buy it.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Debate Night: Live Blogging
The plan tonight is live blogging the debate. But first a history lesson: 45 years ago, the nation watched as Ole Miss hurled invective and insults at African-Americans seeking to enroll as students at the university. Tonight, an African-American presidential candidate is warmly welcomed at Ole Miss.
I wonder if James Meredith ever envisioned this?
Okay, it seems fair to point out that snide comments will likely outnumber sincerity in tonight's posting. But I am truly serious when I say it makes me very proud of my nation to see Barack Obama as a presidential candidate on the stage tonight.
9:12
On the night when Republicans are asking us to spend $700 billion to save the national economy, John McCain is calling for fiscal responsibility. Seriously, I don't ever want to hear another Republican talk to me about fiscal responsibility. GOP: Kiss my heinie.
9:19
Earmarks are a red herring. Anyone who took American Gov't 101 knows that they are less than 1% of the national budget; getting rid of them actually changes nothing.
9:25
In the current economic situation, ain't none of us gonna get a tax cut. Move it along boys.
9:28
Obama is spot-on when he talks about our need to build infrastructure, the electricity grid, broadband access nationwide. Yes.
9:29
McCain: I oppose ethanol. I couldn't agree more but you just lost Iowa for the GOP pal.
9:38
OMG, McCain just called Sarah Palin a maverick. Dimwit, yes. Maverick, no.
9:44
Why does McCain think that Obama has to go to Iraq to know what's going on? That's just bullshit.
9:55
Foreign policy now. I think that I speak for all of America when I say: Yawn.
9:58
McCain is spot on about his vote on the Marines in Beirut in '83, but where is he headed with all of this? I guarantee you that the viewing public has no idea what he's talking about. I do know and he's lost me.
10:08
Main reason McCain will not meet with Ahmadinejad of Iran? Can't pronounce his name.
10:09
Obama just totally trumped McCain on this whole "meeting without preconditions" question.
10:13
McCain did not rise to meeting with Spain bait. Bummer.
10:15
McCain about to lose his cool. Bring it on, baby.
10:26
Asked about risk of another terror attack, McCain just plays the 9/11 drumbeat. And then wanders all over the place. WTF?
10:32
About to close up shop. In summary, the debate was a serious discussion. Obama was far more articulate than McCain and totally collected under pressure. McCain less organized, frequently retreated to scripted lines rather than answer questions. But no major screw-ups for him.
10:35
Obama sum up on American standing in the world: full-on homerun there. Can't invoke being a POW like McCain, but he's got a vision and he explained it.
I wonder if James Meredith ever envisioned this?
Okay, it seems fair to point out that snide comments will likely outnumber sincerity in tonight's posting. But I am truly serious when I say it makes me very proud of my nation to see Barack Obama as a presidential candidate on the stage tonight.
9:12
On the night when Republicans are asking us to spend $700 billion to save the national economy, John McCain is calling for fiscal responsibility. Seriously, I don't ever want to hear another Republican talk to me about fiscal responsibility. GOP: Kiss my heinie.
9:19
Earmarks are a red herring. Anyone who took American Gov't 101 knows that they are less than 1% of the national budget; getting rid of them actually changes nothing.
9:25
In the current economic situation, ain't none of us gonna get a tax cut. Move it along boys.
9:28
Obama is spot-on when he talks about our need to build infrastructure, the electricity grid, broadband access nationwide. Yes.
9:29
McCain: I oppose ethanol. I couldn't agree more but you just lost Iowa for the GOP pal.
9:38
OMG, McCain just called Sarah Palin a maverick. Dimwit, yes. Maverick, no.
9:44
Why does McCain think that Obama has to go to Iraq to know what's going on? That's just bullshit.
9:55
Foreign policy now. I think that I speak for all of America when I say: Yawn.
9:58
McCain is spot on about his vote on the Marines in Beirut in '83, but where is he headed with all of this? I guarantee you that the viewing public has no idea what he's talking about. I do know and he's lost me.
10:08
Main reason McCain will not meet with Ahmadinejad of Iran? Can't pronounce his name.
10:09
Obama just totally trumped McCain on this whole "meeting without preconditions" question.
10:13
McCain did not rise to meeting with Spain bait. Bummer.
10:15
McCain about to lose his cool. Bring it on, baby.
10:26
Asked about risk of another terror attack, McCain just plays the 9/11 drumbeat. And then wanders all over the place. WTF?
10:32
About to close up shop. In summary, the debate was a serious discussion. Obama was far more articulate than McCain and totally collected under pressure. McCain less organized, frequently retreated to scripted lines rather than answer questions. But no major screw-ups for him.
10:35
Obama sum up on American standing in the world: full-on homerun there. Can't invoke being a POW like McCain, but he's got a vision and he explained it.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Women's Basketball: Live-Blogging Round II
On occasion, I have live-blogged political events. And tonight, for reasons that seem sensible at this very moment, JT and I have decided that we will live-blog the NCAA Women's Basketball tournament. It's the start of round II tonight.
First off, I'd just like to say a very public thank you to Orbitz, this year's sponsor of the women's tournament. I think that we all remember when Monistat brought us the women's basketball half-time report on ESPN. That was un-cool. So thanks are due to Orbitz.
And observation number two......what is the deal with the Baylor coach's BIG hair? I went to high school in the 1980s and so I know big hair when I see it. Memo to Kim Mulkey: less hair gel, sugar.
8 pm update
We're watching the LSU-Marist game. LSU is playing at home and with the inestimable Sylvia Fowles in their corner. She's impressive but even so, LSU is only leading by two points at the half.
Also, JT just showed me the crud and lint in his belly button. I say this with love: it is nasty. If he had a better mama, the child would be clean.
8:40 pm update
Operations have been moved upstairs for the basketball season treat: watching from Mama's nest. Tiger has joined us. Soon my human companion will tuck his booty into my bed and watch a bit more basketball. He'd like to stay up late to watch the Rutgers game (we are big fans of the Scarlet Knights). but first the boy has to brush his teeth....3 minutes of lost viewing time. As he put it, "that's brutal, Mama."
9:06 pm
Pitt has pulled into a winning lead over Baylor. Mulkey's hair still huge, despite 8 point loss. Lucy is in the mix.
9:31 pm
We just watched Andrea Riley deliver the win for Oklahoma State. It was an exciting moment for a team that two years ago was 0-16 and is now headed to the sweet 16......but all that adrenaline is not exactly conducive to getting your 8 year old asleep.
9:43 pm
Live-blogging is over as I require all of my attention to watch Rutgers show Iowa State how we play the game here in Jersey. That game will be starting shortly.
But it must be said as I end my live-blogging experiment that the Doris Burke, Kara Lawson, Stacey Dales, Trey Wingo combination that ESPN is running at the desk is great. I like them all and it's a huge improvement over the Mimi days.
Go Rutgers!
First off, I'd just like to say a very public thank you to Orbitz, this year's sponsor of the women's tournament. I think that we all remember when Monistat brought us the women's basketball half-time report on ESPN. That was un-cool. So thanks are due to Orbitz.
And observation number two......what is the deal with the Baylor coach's BIG hair? I went to high school in the 1980s and so I know big hair when I see it. Memo to Kim Mulkey: less hair gel, sugar.
8 pm update
We're watching the LSU-Marist game. LSU is playing at home and with the inestimable Sylvia Fowles in their corner. She's impressive but even so, LSU is only leading by two points at the half.
Also, JT just showed me the crud and lint in his belly button. I say this with love: it is nasty. If he had a better mama, the child would be clean.
8:40 pm update
Operations have been moved upstairs for the basketball season treat: watching from Mama's nest. Tiger has joined us. Soon my human companion will tuck his booty into my bed and watch a bit more basketball. He'd like to stay up late to watch the Rutgers game (we are big fans of the Scarlet Knights). but first the boy has to brush his teeth....3 minutes of lost viewing time. As he put it, "that's brutal, Mama."
9:06 pmPitt has pulled into a winning lead over Baylor. Mulkey's hair still huge, despite 8 point loss. Lucy is in the mix.
9:31 pmWe just watched Andrea Riley deliver the win for Oklahoma State. It was an exciting moment for a team that two years ago was 0-16 and is now headed to the sweet 16......but all that adrenaline is not exactly conducive to getting your 8 year old asleep.
9:43 pm
Live-blogging is over as I require all of my attention to watch Rutgers show Iowa State how we play the game here in Jersey. That game will be starting shortly.
But it must be said as I end my live-blogging experiment that the Doris Burke, Kara Lawson, Stacey Dales, Trey Wingo combination that ESPN is running at the desk is great. I like them all and it's a huge improvement over the Mimi days.
Go Rutgers!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Live Blogging the State of the Union
8:55 pm
It's just me and Alberto Gonzales sitting home watching the speech. I've got my jammies on. What about Al? Is he wearing his favorite sweats? Has he popped some popcorn? Gotten out the ice cream? I assume he's sober because jeez, they left him home in case disaster struck.
Decision time is upon me: which channel to watch? I like Bob Schieffer of CBS but I cannot stand listening to Katie Couric. Sure, she's America's sweetheart, but she's not so bright. And for as much money as she makes, you'd think she could get a better cut and color job. CBS is out.
I'm over to NBC. I like Brian Williams but I cannot stand Tim Russert. He's forgotten that he's a journalist here to tell us what's happening, not what to think about what's happening. So unless Williams is going to tape Russert's mouth shut, I can't stay here.
Off to ABC. Still showing America's Funniest Home Videos. Does anyone really watch that show anymore?
Fox? No.
CNN it is, though I have a long-standing objection to watching The Situation Room because, well, it's called The Situation Room. And the fact that Wolf and Paula had a huge diagram of the House chamber where the big event happens, showing us where all the politicians will sit, bored us all. Sadly, I enjoyed the conversation about what Nancy Pelosi was wearing because, well, I'm shallow like that.
9:02
The members of the Supreme Court who drew the short straws have arrived, in their freshly ironed robes: Roberts, Kennedy, Breyer, and Alito.
And now the Cabinet.
Mike Johans is as big a dork as ever. And here's a trivia question: which member of the Senate is Elaine Chao, the Secretary of Labor, married to?
9:13
Very gratifying to hear all these men -- even the president -- refer to Nancy Pelosi's historical presence on the stage tonight. Good for women and damnit, good for little boys to see a woman in this position. Though my boy will have to watch on You Tube tomorrow morning. Madam Speaker sounds good.
9:18
Cheney looks so annoyed. Has he got some place better to be? Has he got a few L-Word episodes on tape that he wants to watch?
9:27
Just caught a glimpse of John Kerry. What I would give to hear his internal dialogue at this moment......"I lost to this moron? Unbelievable."
9:34
Any chance we will reduce our gasoline use by 20% via the method used by every other democracy? Rigourous MPG standards and an increase in the gas tax? Because it's hard for me to see how a bigger emergency petroleum reserve is going to do the trick.
9:39
I like her, But Hilary Clinton has a mullet. That's not very presidential.
9:53
Everyone opposes terrorism and no one thinks that crazed nation states should have nuclear weapons. Got it.
Could George W. Bush find Darfur or Burma on a map?
10:06
All over now. It was a fine speech and he clearly gets the need to reach out for some political compromise. But I don't think these folks will stand by his side for his Iraq plan.
It's just me and Alberto Gonzales sitting home watching the speech. I've got my jammies on. What about Al? Is he wearing his favorite sweats? Has he popped some popcorn? Gotten out the ice cream? I assume he's sober because jeez, they left him home in case disaster struck.
Decision time is upon me: which channel to watch? I like Bob Schieffer of CBS but I cannot stand listening to Katie Couric. Sure, she's America's sweetheart, but she's not so bright. And for as much money as she makes, you'd think she could get a better cut and color job. CBS is out.
I'm over to NBC. I like Brian Williams but I cannot stand Tim Russert. He's forgotten that he's a journalist here to tell us what's happening, not what to think about what's happening. So unless Williams is going to tape Russert's mouth shut, I can't stay here.
Off to ABC. Still showing America's Funniest Home Videos. Does anyone really watch that show anymore?
Fox? No.
CNN it is, though I have a long-standing objection to watching The Situation Room because, well, it's called The Situation Room. And the fact that Wolf and Paula had a huge diagram of the House chamber where the big event happens, showing us where all the politicians will sit, bored us all. Sadly, I enjoyed the conversation about what Nancy Pelosi was wearing because, well, I'm shallow like that.
9:02
The members of the Supreme Court who drew the short straws have arrived, in their freshly ironed robes: Roberts, Kennedy, Breyer, and Alito.
And now the Cabinet.
Mike Johans is as big a dork as ever. And here's a trivia question: which member of the Senate is Elaine Chao, the Secretary of Labor, married to?
9:13
Very gratifying to hear all these men -- even the president -- refer to Nancy Pelosi's historical presence on the stage tonight. Good for women and damnit, good for little boys to see a woman in this position. Though my boy will have to watch on You Tube tomorrow morning. Madam Speaker sounds good.
9:18
Cheney looks so annoyed. Has he got some place better to be? Has he got a few L-Word episodes on tape that he wants to watch?
9:27
Just caught a glimpse of John Kerry. What I would give to hear his internal dialogue at this moment......"I lost to this moron? Unbelievable."
9:34
Any chance we will reduce our gasoline use by 20% via the method used by every other democracy? Rigourous MPG standards and an increase in the gas tax? Because it's hard for me to see how a bigger emergency petroleum reserve is going to do the trick.
9:39
I like her, But Hilary Clinton has a mullet. That's not very presidential.
9:53
Everyone opposes terrorism and no one thinks that crazed nation states should have nuclear weapons. Got it.
Could George W. Bush find Darfur or Burma on a map?
10:06
All over now. It was a fine speech and he clearly gets the need to reach out for some political compromise. But I don't think these folks will stand by his side for his Iraq plan.
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