« June 2007 | Main | August 2007 »

July 31, 2007

Can't make this up

This just got sent my way:

"Republican Sen. Ted Stevens, whose home back in Alaska was raided by federal investigators Monday in a wide-ranging corruption investigation, has threatened to place a hold on the Democratic-drafted ethics legislation just passed by the House and expected on the Senate floor by week’s end."

FBI Raids Alaskan Senator's Luxury Home

Yesterday, FBI agents raided the luxury Alaskan home of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK), the 83-year-old Republican senator who is the focus of a corruption investigation.

Stevens, 83, has been under a federal investigation for a 2000 renovation project more than doubling the size of his home in Girdwood that was overseen by Bill Allen, a contractor who has pleaded guilty to bribing Alaska state legislators.

The agents hauled off undisclosed items and took extensive pictures and video, but they wouldn't say what they were looking for. Two dozen agents searched the property from noon until at least 9:30 p.m.

Bush Administration Deadline of Noon on Tuesday

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) told the Bush administration that it must resolve the contradictions in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' congressional testimony by noon today. From The Hill:

Specter aides released a statement late Monday that suggested a bombshell to come on Tuesday afternoon.

Alberto Gonzales testified last week about the late-night hospital visit in which he tried to force former Attorney General John Ashcroft to authorize the Bush administration's domestic spying program. His version was different from the sworn testimony of former deputy Attorney General James Comey, who was present at the scene.

Frustrated Democrats have called for a special prosecutor to investigate Gonzales for perjury, while others are preparing to introduce a resolution to impeach.

Domenici: Iraq Caused McCain's Fall

In a new podcast posted at the official Senate Republican Conference website, Senator Domenici speaks out about McCain's fall.

His message? That McCain is tanking because his support of the war and President Bush. Yes, it's something Democrats have known for a long time, but it's worth noting when his Republican colleagues finally start admitting it.

You can listen to the whole thing, but here are a couple excerpts:

Domenici: I think it's obvious that Senator McCain was much higher and has now come down and I think you can see it in just talking to him -- the tone of his voice, the way he appears, the way he reacts -- that things aren't going like they were a year ago.

[...]

Caller: Do you think the fact that Senator McCain has supported the war to the point to have been so close to the president -- that that might have impacted his popularity?

Domenici: McCain's?

Caller: Yes, sir.

Domenici: Yes, I do. I think he probably he himself would sit down and go through it and would say that he dropped off by staying too close too long with the president for the war and that probably caused him to drop.

Tuesday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 30, 2007

PB Rescue Open Thread

Here are yet another set of posts I'd like to bring to your attention, originally posted over at PartyBuilder.

• Howard Dean, in an email sent out today, asks every one of us to Pledge to Live a Life that Will Protect our Environment for Generations to Come and to sign Al Gore’s Live Earth pledge.
• Louisa Kinoshi and Joanna Pucci, interns in the Women’s Leadership Forum, call attention to the multitude of problems experienced by Women In The Military.
• NYT: Mining of Data Prompted Fight Over Spying. My Vote describes the process by which the majority of emails are screened by the government. “The FISA law would allow this only on a case by case basis but Bush has claimed [that] his never-ending war against terror precludes that law.”

The Democratic Party gives anybody the ability to write blog posts directly on our website over at PartyBuilder (PB). You can read what everybody has to say, or you can create your own account and start writing posts yourself.

This is an open thread. Chat away...

U.S. Government Turned Down Offers of Help After Katrina

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) reported today that the U.S. government turned down offers of help from around the world in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, telling one diplomat that "human assistance of any kind is not on our priorities list."

The report reveals the US was interested mostly in cash assistance and materials, rather than direct aid from foreign relief workers and doctors, after Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast in 2005.

According to Raw Story, a plane from Israel loaded with relief supplies sat on the tarmac for 48 hours. An offer of aid from Estonia was met with "deafening silence."

Voting Machines Can't Stand Up to Hackers

According to a University of California study that was released on Friday, teams of computer hackers were able to break through the security of virtually every model of California's voting machines, change results, or take at least partial control of the systems' electronic functions.

Matt Bishop, UC Davis computer science professor, who led one of the hacker teams, was interviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle:

[Bishop] said he was surprised by the weakness of the security measures, both physical and electronic, protecting the voting systems. His team of hackers found ways to get into the systems not only through the high-tech equipment in election headquarters but also through the machines in the polling places.

If the testers had had more time, they would have found more flaws, he added.

Democratic Reunion A Success!

Thanks to those of you who made it out this past Saturday for the Democratic Reunion. You cleaned up parks and rivers, planted trees, and recycled. You truly lived your values, making the planet cleaner for all of us.

Here are some pictures from one event, where Adam's County Democrats cleaned up Heartwell Park (you can see more here):

Republicans Say No to YouTube Part II

The CNN/YouTube debate for Republican presidential candidates scheduled for September 17 has been postponed. A new date has yet to be determined. Democratic presidential candidates answered questions from YouTube users on July 23.

Meanwhile Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney said Friday that he will not participate in the CNN/YouTube debate because the debate did not "show the proper respect for the process of selecting a presidential nominee." Remember, this is the guy who posed for campaign pictures with this sign.

Monday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 29, 2007

Sunday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 28, 2007

From the Archives

It's up to you; it's up to you; it's strictly up to you.

Saturday Open Thread

Chat away...

But not until you participate in the Democratic Reunion!

July 27, 2007

PB Rescue Open Thread

Have a nice weekend, and don't forget to attend the Democratic Reunion!

• In PBS - Uncovering Vote Caging, Robert Donovan makes note that "this evening's broadcast of NOW on PBS will look at allegations of voter caging in the 2004 campaign."
• Andy writes that we cannot wait any longer, we need Alternative Energy NOW!! He says that focusing on the transportation industry is a good place to start and advocates higher fuel standards and hybrid vehicles.
• And to Faith Shirley, I'm sorry you're Depressed Today. So here's a kitten for you. Feel better!

The Democratic Party gives anybody the ability to write blog posts directly on our website over at PartyBuilder (PB). You can read what everybody has to say, or you can create your own account and start writing posts yourself.

This is an open thread. Chat away...

Democrats in Congress Implement the 9/11 Commission

The Democratic Congress passed legislation today to make the country safer by implementing the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission. Governor Dean issued the following statement:

"Today Democrats did what President Bush and Republicans refused to do: implement the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission to make our country more secure. While President Bush and his Republican allies ignored the bipartisan 9-11 Commission recommendations, choosing instead to focus on Iraq, Al Qaeda began to rebuild and Osama bin Laden remains on the loose," Dean said. "But today Democrats delivered on their promise to protect America by passing these homeland security measures despite previous attempts by Republicans to block it every step of the way. It's no wonder that Americans trust Democrats more than Republicans to keep them safe."

Rough Seas Ahead For Thompson

The Fred Thompson campaign has seen some tough times lately, confronted with his record as a lobbyist and the subsequent cover-up. That was followed by staff problems at the very top of the campaign.

But rather than kick a man when he's down, we decided to throw him a life vest. The Democratic Party interns paid a visit to his office:

Text of the letter, below the fold.

Keep reading "Rough Seas Ahead For Thompson"

The Friday Five: Democratic Reunion Edition

Every Friday we're highlighting five events happening around the country that we've found in PartyBuilder's Events system.

But with the Democratic Reunion tomorrow, we've got a special edition featuring July 28th events where Democrats in every state will take action in their community to clean up America.

Here are 5 events happening around the country. If you don't see one in your neck of the woods, click here to search for one near you. Or better yet, create your own!

1. Heartwell Park Clean-Up (Hastings, NE)
   

   Partnering with the national chapter of Democrats Work and the Democratic National Committee (DNC), volunteers from the Adams County Democrats will be cleaning up the historical park from 8-10 am.

2. Cleaning the Waters Edge (Gallatin Gateway, MT)
   

   The Gallatin River is a major source of fun for outdoor enthusiasts but it is constantly in a state of litter and garbage. This event would begin at the Axtel Bridge parking access and go as far as the legs of the volunteers will take them.

3. Beach Cleanup at Salt Creek Beach (Dana Point, CA)
   

   Come be a part of the Democratic Reunion and help support a cleaner environment by helping us clean up Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, CA from 10am to 2pm!

4. City of Wilmington Tree Planting (Wilmington, DE)
   

   Join volunteers from the City of Wilmington on Saturday, August 4th, as we plant trees on Bancroft Ave. We will be meeting between Lancaster Ave. and 2nd Street.

5. Checking the Air and Helping the Environment (El Paso, TX)
   

   As part of the 2007 Democratic Reunion, The El Paso Democratic Party is asking to join us and to donate 2 hours this Saturday, July 28th to a "tire check", 8:00 am - noon, Chevron at I-10 & Airway. Besides actual tire checkers, we need sign holders, instructors, windshield washers and morale boosters!

Are you going to be at Yearly Kos? Meet Governor Dean

We posted this at Dailykos. Please feel free to recommend and if you're going to be at the convention please sign up to meet Governor Dean.

Over the last two years, tens of thousands of Democrats have invested in rebuilding the Democratic party and implementing the 50-State Strategy. Block by block, and contribution by contribution Democrats around the country have bought Democracy Bonds to build the foundation for Democratic successes in 2006 and beyond.

Next Thursday at YearlyKos, we've set aside some time for some Democracy Bond holders at the YearlyKos Convention to meet with Governor Dean. The informal meeting will take place at 6:15, before Governor Dean's keynote address. We've set up a page on our website where Democracy Bond holders can RSVP to the informal chat with the Governor. If you've always wanted to become a Democracy Bond holder, you can join the Democracy Bond movement at our website.

Space is limited, so if you're a Democracy Bond holder at Yearly Kos, please sign up.

PS. Don't forget that tomorrow is the 2nd Annual Democratic Reunion. You can join other Democrats in your community clean up the environment.

The Atmosphere Ate My Computer

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has lost over $94 million in equipment in the last ten years, according to a new report from the General Accountability Office. Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), who chairs the Science Committee, blames a lack of oversight.

One employee lost a laptop computer worth $4,265. The excuse was:

"This computer, although assigned to me, was being used on board the International Space Station. I was informed that it was tossed overboard to be burned up in the atmosphere when it failed."

Surely the most creative excuse in the history of lost office supplies...

Senate Democrats Request Special Counsel

From the AP via OpenCongress:

Senate Democrats called Thursday for a special counsel to investigate whether Attorney General Alberto Gonzales perjured himself during Capitol Hill testimony.

Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sent a letter to Solicitor General Paul Clement to request the special counsel. Read the letter at Talking Points Memo.

Republicans Won't Answer Questions From YouTube Users

The first CNN/YouTube debate on Monday in Charleston, South Carolina provoked some interesting, unguarded moments from the Democratic presidential candidates. So why are the Republicans avoiding the next one? From the Washington Post:

Four days after the Democratic debate in Charleston, S.C,. more than 400 questions directed to the GOP presidential field have been uploaded on YouTube--targeted at Republicans scheduled to get their turn at videopopulism on Sept. 17.

But so far, only Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and Rep. Ron Paul (Tex.) have agreed to participate in the debate, co-hosted by Republican Party of Florida in St. Petersburg.

Even though Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney both have dozens of videos on their YouTube channels, neither have agreed to participate in the debate. Neither has Tom Tancredo, who has a YouTube channel called "Tancredo Takes."

So what are they scared of? Talking snowmen?

Friday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 26, 2007

PB Rescue Open Thread

My favorite blog post of each and every day -- when I get to highlight some of what all of you are writing over at PartyBuilder.

• D. Tree alerts us to Trouble In The Supreme Court: Roberts & Alito Testimony to be Probed. The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to review the records of Justices Roberts and Alito’s confirmation hearings to “determine if their reversal of several long-standing opinions conflicts with promises they made to senators to win confirmation.”
• Nancy G writes in support of the Wounded Warrior Legislation passed by Senate[and moved] to Conference Committee. This very important legislation promises to “close the [benefits] gap from the time a service member is separated from the Armed Forces and the time VA benefits begin.”
• Dedicated to positive change for all! asks What does responsible government leadership mean to you? and suggests that “the current Republican Administration has grown to be the opposite of the principles that founded this country.”

The Democratic Party gives anybody the ability to write blog posts directly on our website over at PartyBuilder (PB). You can read what everybody has to say, or you can create your own account and start writing posts yourself.

This is an open thread. Chat away...

Senate Democrats Vote to Add $3 Billion to Border Security Spending

The Senate voted today to add $3 billion in emergency spending for border security to the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill currently under consideration. Bush has threatened to veto the bill.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) had this to say:

"Democrats believe stronger border security is an important first step toward fixing our broken immigration system, and we will continue to work toward the enactment of comprehensive immigration reform. Tightening our borders is also one our nation’s highest-priority security projects...The Senate demonstrated today this it overwhelmingly supports tough border security, and we hope the President shows us he shares our concern by dropping his irresponsible threat to veto the Homeland Security spending bill."

From FBI Director Mueller: Alberto Gonzales Lied Under Oath

FBI Director Robert Mueller testified this afternoon that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was not accurate in his sworn testimony to the Senate. From the Associated Press via firedoglake:

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller said Thursday the government’s terrorist surveillance program was the topic of a 2004 hospital room dispute between top Bush administration officials, contradicting Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ sworn Senate testimony.

...On Tuesday, Gonzales repeatedly and emphatically denied that the dispute was about the terrorist surveillance program.

So is it perjury? Judge for yourself at The Gavel.

Mitt Romney: Iraq Like a GOP Fundraiser

Mitt Romney's endorsement of a Republican fundraiser where donors will be firing Uzis and M-16 rifles: "Let them participate in that and come back with a much bigger appreciation for our military men and women in uniform in harm's way."

A Republican fundraiser is just like what our troops in harm's way in the middle of a civil war, in the heat of summer, are going through? Way to minimize their sacrifice, Mitt.

UPDATE: Here's the video, and there's a lot more that's worth noting on top of what I just described. Just watch.

Governor Dean Thanks the YouTube Community

Governor Dean thanks the YouTube community after the first ever CNN/YouTube debate last Monday night:

Thompson-Gingrich '08 - Christmas Comes Early to the DNC

From the Politico:

Newt Gingrich's long, slow striptease over whether he will seek the presidency in 2008 looks like it might come to an unexpected conclusion: a date with Fred Thompson. [...] The same day that Gingrich made his comments, his former communications director, Rich Galen, disclosed that he had signed on as an adviser to Thompson's campaign in waiting. In an interview, Galen termed the coincidence "an unfortunate confluence of events," denying that there was any link.

But that was not the only evidence of a possible Thompson-Gingrich alliance in 2008. Gingrich and his wife, Calista, had dinner with Thompson and his wife, Jeri, at the former senator's home in McLean, Va., on July 16, according to two Republican sources close to both men.

Senate Democrats Subpoena Karl Rove

Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) announced today he is issuing subpoenas for the testimony of White House officials Karl Rove and J. Scott Jennings, due to evidence that they were involved in the political purge of eight U.S. attorneys last year. Breaking via ThinkProgress:

"What the White House stonewalling is preventing is conclusive evidence of who made the decisions to fire these federal prosecutors," Leahy wrote. "Indeed, the evidence we have been able to collect points to Karl Rove and the political operatives at the White House."

Satyam at ThinkProgress points out that Karl Rove initially suggested firing all 93 U.S. attorneys in early January 2005, and discussed the idea with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Show Me the Money! Anatomy of a Campaign Collapse

More dirty details on the collapse of Republican John McCain's presidential campaign, this time from the Wall Street Journal.

McCain's new campaign manager, Rick Davis, is being blamed by sources who say his business and lobbying activities "amounted to profiteering at the campaign's expense and risked embarrassing the senator."

Last year Mr. Davis and lobbying partner Paul Manafort had started and co-owned an Internet services firm, 3eDC, which billed the campaign more than $1 million. Mr. Davis also arranged for the campaign to give its property-management business to a second new company started by a lobbyist-friend's client, Indian-casino developer Richard Fields. That move came despite the fact that Mr. McCain had become known as the Senate's biggest critic of scandals involving Indian casinos. The campaign has ended both companies' deals, though it still owes them money.

The other advisers also objected that Mr. Davis and his firm lobbied for a Kremlin-backed Ukrainian Party that is opposed by the U.S. government and Mr. McCain.

Meanwhile, media team Russ Schriefer and Stuart Stevens quit the campaign on Monday because they hadn't been paid.

Congress Reaches Consensus on 9/11 Commission Recomendations

The Democratic-led Congress just reached consensus on legislation that would "require a greater share of Homeland Security grants to be based on risk, instead of a political formula, and seeks to tighten security of cargo carried on ships and passenger planes."

The bill, if signed into law, will implement many of the recommendations of bipartisan 9/11 Commission. Consider it a win for the "Jersey Girls" that extremist right-wingers like Ann Coulter love to hate. More importantly, of course, it's a win for those of us who are committed to a real plan for security that's smart, not just tough.

Some specifics of the legislation, thanks to the NY Times:

The so-called 9/11 commission bill would make a major change in the way grants from the Department of Homeland Security are distributed to states. It would cut in half the guaranteed minimum grant, which this year was $3.8 million, that each state would receive, allowing Homeland Security officials to distribute more money in discretionary grants to states where the threat and consequences of a terror strike are deemed greatest.

The change in the grant formula moves in the direction advocated by the Sept. 11 commission, whose recommendations were the inspiration for this bill. Still, the minimum amount of grant money set aside for small population states like Wyoming, West Virginia and Montana is 50 percent higher than what the House first proposed when the bill was introduced in January. In past years, officials from some more populous states that were considered likely terrorist targets, like New York, complained that small or rural states collected outsize grants.

The bill, which is expected to pass with bipartisan support by the end of next week, will also require the screening of all cargo carried by passenger jets.

PuppyGate Part II?

PETA was upset about Romney's PuppyGate scandal, with the president saying, "If you wouldn't strap your child to the roof of your car, you have no business doing that to the family dog."

Well, here's Romney's reply:

I can see the excuses now. The little one just wanted some fresh air! No, wait. They installed a windshield! I mean, he was in a completely enclosed area! Hmm... that doesn't work. Oh, I know -- he got himself up there!

House Democrats Vote on Contempt Charges

The House Judiciary Committee voted 22-17 yesterday to cite White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers for contempt of Congress. Bolten and Miers refused to testify before Congress about the political purge of eight U.S. attorneys.

Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) also prepared a 52-page memo "that for the first time alleges specific ways that several administration officials may have broken the law during the multiple firings of U.S. attorneys." Jesse Lee at The Gavel has the link.

Thursday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 25, 2007

PB Rescue Open Thread

Time for another installment of PartyBuilder rescue, where I make special note of some highly-deserving posts.

• This is so sad! Bentley Davis reports that “an army base has decided to allow the units to have only one group memorial a month, instead of a memorial for each soldier's death as it happens,” which both takes the individuality out of what should be a very personal service, and is a comment on how many people have died in this war.
• B points out the many loopholes that permit employers to force their truck drivers to work 70 hour weeks and the risks that stem from this in Transportation.
• In A Family Affair, Barry C aka Casey calls the YouTube debate"the culmination of 22 years of having the evening news as a constant dinner companion."

The Democratic Party gives anybody the ability to write blog posts directly on our website over at PartyBuilder (PB). You can read what everybody has to say, or you can create your own account and start writing posts yourself.

This is an open thread. Chat away...

Senate Democrats Pass Important Wounded Warriors Act

Today the Senate Democrats passed "The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act," the same day that Robert Dole and Donna Shalala's bipartisan "Presidential Commission" released a 29 page report on veteran care.

The legislation would upgrade military health care and the transition of wounded soldiers from the Pentagon's health care system to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill also included a 3.5% pay raise for our nation's troops.

Governor Howard Dean and the Democratic Party's Veterans and Military Families Council Chairman Don Fowler demanded that President Bush join Democrats in providing our wounded veterans the resources they need:

"President Bush has an obligation to the brave men and women wounded in service to our country to not treat this report like he treated the Iraq Study Group or the 9/11 Commission by paying lip service to it before sticking it on a shelf somewhere to rot. The American people were shocked to learn of the dreadful conditions at facilities treating our heroes wounded on the battlefield. Democrats responded by taking real steps to improve the care they receive and kept our promise to America’s veterans and military families by passing the largest increase in veterans' health care funding in history. The time has come for President Bush and the Bush Republicans in Congress to join us in truly putting our veterans and military families first."

I Bet You Think This Post is About You...

Don’t you?

The Mitt Romney campaign has been keeping track and noticed today that the DNC has produced more press releases attacking him than other candidates. If there are more Romney releases, that's just because there always seems to be more than one Mitt Romney running.

Anyway, this one goes out to our favorite Smooth Talking, Flip Flopping, Trooper Faking, Castro Quoting, Varmint Huntin'...Mitt Romney!

Fuzzy Logic

Brilliant "thinking" by House Republicans. We should allow the White House to go completely unchallenged when they ignore subpoenas. Why? Because if we try, and fail, then the White House might ignore subpoenas!

No, really. Watch for yourself...

But it doesn't stop there. We might lose, according to House Republicans, because they claim a lack of evidence. But the point is that the White House is potentially withholding evidence when they ignore subpoenas and withhold documents!

Mitt Romney: So Bad, He's Good?

Did you know the fact that we point out Romney's many inconsistencies is a sign that we secretly fear the Romney Juggernaut? That's what the Romney campaign is trying to tell anyone who will listen.

The truth is, we really can't help ourselves. When a candidate regularly takes such contradictory positions in an attempt to pander to the far-right base of the Republican party, we feel the need to point it out. Besides, the fact that pointing out his flip-flops is so easy should probably strike Romney as a bug, not a feature. As one commenter at Marc Ambinder's blog points out:

Personally I attack Romney because it is fun, easy and deserved. Did you realize the Iraq War has been going on so long that when it began Mitt Romney was pro-choice, pro-gun control, and refused to sign a no new tax pledge?

White House Aides To Be Held in Contempt of Congress

Two White House aides, Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former legal counselor Harriet Miers, refused to testify before Congress about the political purge of eight federal prosecutors, even after they received subpoenas.

Now House Democrats will vote today to cite Bolton and Miers for contempt of Congress. From Huffington Post:

The White House has said that Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former legal counselor Harriet Miers, among other top advisers to President Bush, are absolutely immune from subpoenas because their documents and testimony are protected by executive privilege.

House Judiciary Committee Democrats, led by Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., reject that claim and have drafted for a vote Wednesday a resolution citing Miers and Bolten with contempt of Congress, a federal misdemeanor punishable by up to a $100,000 fine and a one-year prison sentence.

The article points out that contempt of Congress is a federal crime--but a sitting president has the authority to commute the sentence or pardon anyone convicted or accused of any federal crime.

Republican National Committee Smears Senator Reid

According to a poll in the Washington Post, Americans trust Democrats over Republicans by a 2 to 1 margin to manage a responsible end to the war in Iraq.

But the same day that the poll was released, the Republican National Committee sent a mass email smearing Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV). Why? Because he tried to force Republicans in Congress to take public responsibility for their votes to continue the war in Iraq.

Steve Benen at The Carpetbagger Report tells us what the Republicans are up to:

I obtained, this afternoon, a copy of the new RNC talking points--which, I kid you not, devote a whole section to David Broder's criticism of Reid--which were surprisingly weak.

Clearly, Republicans are threatened that Sen. Reid is acting to hold them accountable. Especially since, as the Washington Post points out, "the public stands with Congress"--the Democratic Congress--on the Iraq war.

Wednesday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 24, 2007

PB Rescue Open Thread

More posts over at PartyBuilder that I'd like to direct your attention to. Enjoy!

• PartyBuilder favorite D. Tree writes that it’s Not Just Foreign Policy, Conservative Ideology Fails Domestically too. He shows that every time the republicans have tried a “business-style” approach they have failed because they “only look at short term gains, and miss the larger…picture - often to their own detriment.”
• Democrats hold a commanding lead over Republicans in fundraising, says one of my personal favorites, Robert Donovan, in Starting the week off on a good note.
• Percy H Florez says "The Equal Rights Amendment [is] Unfinished Business for the Constitution."

The Democratic Party gives anybody the ability to write blog posts directly on our website over at PartyBuilder (PB). You can read what everybody has to say, or you can create your own account and start writing posts yourself.

This is an open thread. Chat away...

Bush Has Worst Job Creation Record in 40 Years

Over at Daily Kos, Bonddad tells us that Bush’s record of job creation is the lowest of the last 40 years:

No matter how you slice the job growth of the current expansion, it is the weakest the country has seen in the last 40 years. The compound annual growth rate is the lowest we have seen. And the higher-paying jobs lost have been replaced by lower-paying jobs, partially explaining why wages have been stagnant for this expansion.

Definitely worth a read.

Mitt Flips on the Minimum Wage

Mitt Romney flips on the minimum wage:

Automatic increases to the state minimum wage were a key part of Mitt Romney's campaign platform for governor--No. 39 on the list of promises he offered Massachusetts voters in 2002.

Now that Romney is seeking the 2008 Republican nomination for president, he is shying away from minimum wage indexing at the federal level.

His enthusiastic support in the past for raising the minimum wage is now making trouble for him with the right-wing base.

Thanks to the Democratic Congress, the federal minimum wage was raised today for the first time in a decade. About 5.6 million workers will now make just over $15,000 a year, due to raises of 70 cents an hour.

Thompson Has Staff Trouble Already?

He is only "testing the waters," but the waters just got choppier. CNN is reporting that top Fred Thompson advisor Tom Collimore has resigned. According to CNN sources, Collimore, former vice president of food and tobacco giant Altria, was frustrated that Thompson's second wife Jeri was so deeply involved with the management of the campaign.

Of course, the campaign already has trouble answering questions from both the right and the left about Thompson's lobbying career, his pro-choice lobbying work, and those pesky campaign finance laws.

Gingrich Calls Republican Field "Pathetic" and "Pygmies"

Newt Gingrich dismissed the Republican presidential field as a "pathetic" bunch of "pygmies," hinting Monday that he might enter the race.

And just a day after a lively Democratic CNN/YouTube debate in Charleston, Gingrich ridiculed debates as "the idea of 10 or 11 people standing passively at microphones," and said he refused to "shrink to the level of 40-second answers, standing like a trained seal, waiting for someone to throw me a fish."

Another Gonzales Contradiction

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales really needs to get his story straight. Either they went to see an "under sedation and incapacitated" John Ashcroft without the intention of overruling the acting Attorney General at the time, or they didn't.

If they didn't, then what exactly did Gonzales mean when he said that even though Ashcroft gave up his authority temporarily that he "can always reclaim it?"

Video below:

UPDATE: Even more, possibly more serious (and obvious), contradictions.

Governor Dean Making the Rounds

Just wanted to give all of you a heads-up that your favorite DNC Chair will be making the media rounds, first on the Ed Schultz Show at 1:30pm ET (listen live at their website), and then on MSNBC with Ann Curry at 2:00pm ET. You won't want to miss it.

Also, in case you missed his CNN appearances from yesterday, I've included those below. Enjoy!

Cohen Calls Out Lobbyist Thompson On His "Lie"

In today's Washington Post Richard Cohen points out that Fred Thompson hasn't been forthcoming to say the least in regards to his past. As lobbyist Fred Thompson has been running a "campaign" question about his past have arisen. The Los Angeles Times originally noted that Fred Thompson had been a lobbyist for a pro-choice orginization, something that Fred Thompson categorically denied through a spokesman. It turned out that that denial wasn't up to snuff, and Fred Thompson had to quickly back away from that "denial" when billing records became public.

Today Richard Cohen points out that major problem with the Thompson campaign and his as a "straight-shooting"lobbyist.

Fred Thompson has stepped out of character. To much of America, he is Arthur Branch, the district attorney he portrays on the TV series "Law and Order." Branch is a straight shooter, a no-nonsense kind of guy who says what he means and means what he says. In contrast, the actor who plays him can be quite a different man. I don't think Arthur Branch would vote for Fred Thompson.

Branch's problem, as well as my own, is that Thompson does not always tell the truth. He clearly did not when it was revealed that back when he was a lobbyist, he worked for a family-planning outfit. Such honorable work is, of course, verboten to most Republicans, and so, for understandable but inexcusable reasons, Thompson -- through a spokesman -- lied. There are nicer words, I know, but when you give the impression that what is true is false, that is a lie. Arthur Branch would understand.

"Fred Thompson did not lobby for this group, period," his chief spokesman, Mark Corallo, said in an e-mail to the Los Angeles Times. A bit later, Thompson himself tried the old disparagement dodge: "I'd just say the flies get bigger in the summertime. I guess the flies are buzzing.' " Arthur Branch would see through this folksy piece of evasion and note not only that Thompson now denies nothing but also that flies buzz around BS.

Romney Staffer Likes To Party All the Time

And conduct "Special Ops:"

An aide to former Gov. Mitt Romney who was linked to the campaign’s alleged use of phony badges has created personal Internet pages where he boasts that he’s a top secret “special ops” employee who toils in the “underbelly of politics.”

Will Ritter, who helps plan Romney’s presidential campaign events, included the bizarre, Jason-Bournesque job description on Internet networking pages that also contain boisterous pictures of him hoisting a champagne bottle in a hot tub and other party shots.

The Romney campaign has been besieged by allegations of questionable conduct by aides on the campaign trail. Ritter’s boss, Jay Garrity, stepped down last week after the Herald reported he was accused of distributing phony badges to Ritter and another campaign staffer.

Minimum Wage Increases Today

Obstructionist Republicans wouldn't allow it to come to a vote under the last Congress, but the Democrats made sure they made it a priority when they took office earlier this year.

Now, finally, after a decade, the minimum wage will increase 70 cents. It's the longest amount of time it's gone without a boost since the minimum wage was introduced. American workers earned this raise, and while it's a shame that Republicans blocked it for so long, finally we can celebrate that it will go into effect and improve the lives of families across America.

And it isn't just workers that are happy about the changes. According to one columnist:

In Georgia, one of the reddest of the "red states," one might expect an almost universal denouncement of the raise in the minimum wage. In fact, the opposite is true.

Business owners and managers I've spoken with aren't concerned. They're glad the minimum wage is going up because workers deserve it and they believe it will help our local economy.
[...]
"Higher wages benefit business by increasing consumer purchasing power, reducing costly employee turnover, raising productivity and improving product quality, customer satisfaction and company reputation," a statement by Business for a Fair Minimum Wage explains.

"A fair minimum wage is a sound investment in the future of our communities and our nation," concludes the statement, which I endorsed along with hundreds of business people nationwide, including the owners of Georgia businesses such as Morning Glory Farm in Clermont, North Georgia Woodworks in Toccoa, and Sugar Magnolia B&B, Flyer Candy Bars, Simply Web and Grand Central Pizza in Atlanta.

It's not just good politics, it's good economic policy that is good for workers and their employers. Americablog and others will be liveblogging the issue on this important day.

UPDATE: Governor Dean's statement:

Because Democrats kept their promise, America’s working families will receive a long-overdue pay raise today. Democrats believe that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to earn a decent living in our country. Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to increase the minimum wage for 10 long years but today, all Americans win. This milestone only reminds us that there is much more work to be done to help all Americans achieve a better life for themselves and their families.

Gonzales Begins Testimony

He's not out of the woods yet, with his testimony about to begin in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We already know what to expect.

• He'll promise to fix the problems of the Justice Department, while claiming no such problems of politicization existed in the first place.
• Cite "mistakes," but not clarify what those mistakes were beyond communication errors (therefore ignoring the more substantive complaints).
• Three words: "I don't recall."

Hopefully, we'll get some specifics on this topic submitted to Gonzales in advance: "Monica Goodling testified under oath before the House Judiciary Committee that she had an 'uncomfortable' conversation with you during which you outlined your recollection of what happened and asked her for her reaction to your version."

You can watch a webcast of the hearing on the Senate Judiciary Committee website. It starts now.

Tuesday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 23, 2007

YouTube/CNN Debate About To Begin!

There's a general open thread below (for the discussion of other topics), but I wanted to make sure there was a thread dedicated 100% to the debate. How do you think it's going? Who are you pulling for? Which YouTube video questions are you hoping they'll show?

We'll be keeping a live chat up for tonight with some of our DNC staff at the debate in Charleston, SC. It starts at 7pm ET.

Chat away...

UPDATE: Live-chat transcript after the jump!

Keep reading "YouTube/CNN Debate About To Begin!"

PB Rescue Open Thread

I'm going to have another open thread for the debate, but I wanted to make sure to highlight some of the posts you've been writing over at PartyBuilder.

• It's not JUST the Economy, Stupid. Julie asks why our government is willing to shell out hundreds of billions for an unpopular war, but refuses to fund programs that protect and support the Americans at home.
• Sam Sedaei criticizes Deficit Reduction Blowback and Balancing the Budget on the Backs of Seniors and writes that “cuts to Medicare and other public assistance programs without considering their repercussions” are a trademark of this administration.
• Gretchen exposes the unacceptable situation that is Military dependant medical insurance. Many military families are forced to apply for welfare in order to, for example, pay the medical expenses associated with a pregnancy. She denounces this as a shameful way of the supporting our troops.

The Democratic Party gives anybody the ability to write blog posts directly on our website over at PartyBuilder (PB). You can read what everybody has to say, or you can create your own account and start writing posts yourself.

This is an open thread. Chat away...

Lobbyist Thompson Pays Lobbyist Son From Federal PAC For Doing Nothing

The New York Post reports that Fred Thompson's son did virtually nothing running a federal PAC for Lobbyist Fred Thompson.

WHAT did Fred Thompson's son, Daniel, do to earn the more than $170,000 that his firm, Daniel Thompson Associates, was paid from his father's federal political action committee, the Fred D. Thompson PAC?

The records suggest he did next to nothing.

Why is this problematic? The NY Post explains,

The FEC ruled that a campaign could hire a family member "at market value for bona fide campaign services."

But it's hard to find any evidence of bona fide work done by Daniel Thompson Associates for his father's PAC. Presumably, Fred Thompson made the decision about what money would go to candidates - especially since many of them were his former colleagues.

Maybe Daniel Thompson wrote the 20 checks a year that the PAC mailed out. How much time or skill could that take? Not $85,000 a year worth.

These culture of corruption issues played an important role in places like California's 11th Congressional district in 2006.

Gonzales to Appear for Further Questioning

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow about his involvement in the firing of nine U.S. attorneys, among other issues. In his opening statement for tomorrow’s hearing, submitted in advance, Gonzales will state that “…there is no place for political considerations in the hiring of our career employees or in the administration of justice.” But admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.

This time around, Leahy included a list of questions for Gonzales to anticipate when he appears before the Committee on Tuesday. The most interesting and hard hitting questions deal with contradictions in Gonzlaes’ previous testimony.

"On April 19, you testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee that you had not spoken with anyone involved in the firings about that process because you did not want to interfere with the investigation. Again, on May 10, you testified to the House Judiciary Committee that you had not spoken with anyone involved in order to protect the integrity of the investigation. Then on May 23, Monica Goodling testified under oath before the House Judiciary Committee that she had an 'uncomfortable' conversation with you during which you outlined your recollection of what happened and asked her for her reaction to your version. Is Ms. Goodling’s testimony accurate, and if so, how do you account for your previous, uncorrected testimony to this Committee?"

While he’s there, we also hope to find out what legal authority “Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General” Stephen Bradbury had to sign a memorandum granting Harriet Miers immunity from “compelled congressional testimony.”

In a letter sent to Gonzales early last week, Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy noted that Gonzales did “not recall” what had happened over 60 times when last questioned on April 19, 2007. Let’s hope that Gonzales is more honest and straightforward with the Committee and the American people come tomorrow’s hearings.

Bush Approval Rating Down to 25%

With just hours until the first Democratic Party-sanctioned debate, we learn that President Bush's approval ratings have fallen to record lows. Again.

According to a new American Research Group poll, just 25% of Americans approve of the way President Bush is handling his job as president and 71% disapprove. When it comes to Bush's handling of the economy, 23% approve and 73% disapprove.

We'll see if anyone submitted questions on the economy--or Bush--to the CNN/YouTube debate tonight.

Obstructionist Republicans

Senate Republicans still have no idea why they're stuck in the minority, and if they keep things up, it might just stay that way. Kos points to an article about how the Senate Republicans are threatening filibusters to block more legislation than ever before.

That's right. More legislation than ever in our nation's history (be sure to check out the chart). Never in the course of all of American history has any political party dedicated itself to blocking so much from getting accomplished.

Why are they going for the record? Do they think the voters aren't paying attention? Or maybe they're just stunned that the new Congress is doing something besides serving as a rubber stamp for Bush.

Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate Tonight in Charleston

Right now I'm writing from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, where the Democratic presidential candidates will be debating tonight in the first debate sponsored by the Democratic National Committee. I'll be writing updates and posting pictures through the day to give everyone a sneak peek behind the scenes at the Democratic Party in action.

Live-Blogging the Democratic Debate

We're very excited to announce that with today's Democratic debate, co-sponsored by YouTube and CNN, we'll be liveblogging the debate as it happens tonight at 7pm ET.

But in the spirit of bottom-up, user-generated content that this debate is all about (given that the questions will be submitted by regular folks via YouTube), we wanted to make sure that you also could join us in live-blogging the debate. So all day when you're blogging about the debate over at PartyBuilder, be sure to tag your diary as: July 23rd Debate

Using that tag will make sure that when people go to our debate website, they'll see your entries, as well. Go there and see for yourself. Once there, you'll want to click on where it says "Your Blogs." That'll link to all of your posts that are tagged correctly.

We're very excited about this new way of bringing people into the debates: having regular folks join the conversation with the candidates by submitting their video questions. And so, we want to make sure we allow those of you who don't get to have your question asked the ability to make your voice heard.

Mitt's Answer to the "Osama ... " Sign

There was a story this weekend about a sign that Mitt Romney held up, which you really need to see to believe. Romney was asked about it on the campaign trail, and we've got his reply on tape.

The cliffnotes version of his spin?

• I'm not responsible for signs I hold.


• I didn't hold the sign. Somebody else did. [Has he not seen the pictures?]

UPDATE: He not only held up the sign, but apparently he signed a picture of himself holding it up. Is that enough of an endorsement?

Monday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 22, 2007

Sunday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 21, 2007

Saturday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 20, 2007

PB Rescue Open Thread

Special edition today. From Deputy Committeemen For (HDTV), a call to action:

"The time has come to stop complaining about politics and do something about it. When people get involved in politics, the more beneficial it will be for everyone. Our representatives need input from the community to convert the will of the people into legislation."

One way you can get involved? Start or join an environmental event for the Democratic Reunion!

The Friday Five: Democratic Reunion Edition

Every Friday we're highlighting five events happening around the country that we've found in PartyBuilder's Events system. Democrats who work and play together, win together, and keeping your local Democrats active and involved is the key to sustaining vibrant organizations.

Once again we've got a special Democratic Reunion edition, featuring July 28th events where Democrats in every state will take action in their community to clean up America.

Here are 5 events happening around the country. If you don't see one in your neck of the woods, click here to search for one near you. Or better yet, create your own!

1. Living our Values (Wichita, KS)
   

   In Sedgwick County, Democrats will gather for a presentation by Dr. Ed Cook, entitled “Global Climate Change.” Dr. Cook was trained by the Al Gore Climate Institute. Dr. Cook’s presentation is an updated version of Al Gore’s award-winning picture, An Inconvenient Truth.

2. Clean Abilene! (Abilene, TX)
   

   Hello fellow West Texas Democrats! I have been asked to organize an event for this year's annual Democratic Reunion. Our mission this year is to get out and clean up our community! I am asking people to plant trees, clean up our local parks and highways, and even begin recycling in their own homes.

3. Blue Wave Clean Up (Ellensburg, WA)
   

   Please join the Washington State Democrats as we host the "Blue Wave Clean Up" in Washington State. Party activist will descend on their neighborhoods to clean up highways, schools, parks, and senior centers.

4. Lake Balboa Park Clean-Up (Van Nuys, CA)
   

   Come join the California Democratic Party on July 28 in support of our National Community Service Day! We are encouraging volunteers and community members to come together for a park clean up (10am-12pm), followed by a picnic for the rest of the gathering. Sign-in will be availiable near the entrance to Lake Balboa (accessible from Balboa Blvd.)

5. Canvassing for Denver Tree Giveaway (Denver, CO)
   

   Volunteer for the DNC's National Day of Service. Join Democrats Work as we help The Park People secure commitments from Villa Park residents to help care for free trees provided by the City and County of Denver.

Kennedy Introduces Fair Pay Act in Senate

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the Fair Pay Restoration Act today to undo the damage done by the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire.

Lilly Ledbetter received less pay than her male colleagues through most of her twenty years as a supervisor at a Goodyear Tire factory in Gadsden, Alabama. She proved her case before a federal jury and was awarded back pay and punitive damages, but the company pursued the case, and she eventually lost before the Supreme Court.

People for the American Way filmed a powerful video about Lilly Ledbetter's experience. Watch it here:

Bush Has 18% Approval Rating in New Jersey

Holy cow. According to a new poll of 800 likely voters in New Jersey, Bush's approval rating has dropped to 18%.

The question: "Do you approve or disapprove of President Bush's overall job performance?" Of the voters polled, 18% approve, 71% disapprove, and 11% are undecided.

Dean: Bush Administration Has Damaged Our Country

Governor Dean responded today to Bush's false claim that the Democratic Congress doesn't want to give the troops a pay raise--despite the fact that it was the Bush administration that "strongly opposed" the raise:

"President Bush's comments today are exactly why America will elect a Democratic president in 2008 to restore our American values. President Bush and his Republican allies sent our brave troops into a war of choice without the proper equipment and on false pretenses. After the damage that President Bush and his Republican allies have done to undermine our core values, and a legacy that includes threatening to veto a pay raise for our troops because it was too much, overstretching our military to the breaking point after sending them to Iraq without the proper equipment, threatening to veto health care for our children, and knowingly putting survivors of Hurricane Katrina in toxic trailers, it’s clearer than ever that our country needs new leadership."

Bush Opposes Pay Raises for the Troops, Tries to Blame Congress

President Bush criticized Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) this morning for pulling the Defense Authorization bill from consideration, saying the move would deny a pay raise to soldiers serving in Iraq:

"Even members of Congress who no longer support our effort in Iraq should at least be able to provide an increase in pay for our fighting there."

Except that last May, Bush administration budget officials said that the troops don’t need bigger pay raises. The White House also opposed increasing benefits for widows of slain soldiers by $40 per month, and opposed additional benefits for surviving family members of civilian employees.

Democrats in Congress fought back. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), an Iraq war veteran, said at the time:

"But the fact is, is that those privates who are making $17,000 a year, those privates that are leaving their wives, their kids at home, many of whom have to survive on food stamps, those privates who saw what we did in the defense bill, who said that’s great, 3.5% pay increase, not even $1,000 more a year, a couple hundred dollars a year, the President of the United States said, private, 'Thank you for your service to your country, but that's too much of a pay increase.' Mr. Speaker, I hope the people at home are watching. The President of the United States said a couple hundred dollars more a year to a private making $17,000 a year is too much."

UPDATE: ThinkProgress has some additional analysis.

Pulling A "Mitt Romney"

You know you're in trouble when even ESPN sportscasters use your name as an adjective to describe someone who's willing to change their position to pander to an audience.

Is There a Draft In Here? Not for Rudy Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani is now struggling to explain how he skirted military duty in Vietnam:

Today Giuliani's problem is not avoiding military service but explaining how and why he avoided it. A spokesperson for the candidate recently told New York Magazine that he "has made it clear that if he had been called up, he would have served," which doesn't quite expiate his strenuous efforts to make sure that never happened. Giuliani opposed the Vietnam War for "strategic and tactical" reasons as well, according to his flack. Of course, that sounds much like the bipartisan dissent against the Iraq war that he now dismisses so contemptuously.

Maybe he could blame it on a bad knee, like the College Republicans captured in this amazing video by Max Blumenthal. Watch it on YouTube here.

Senate Passes Education Bill to Make College More Affordable

The Senate passed the Higher Education Access Act today by a vote of 78-18, after a last-minute Republican attempt to kill the legislation.

This legislation would cut federal subsidies to lending companies by as much as $19 billion, and channel the savings to student aid, lowering interest rates on student loans, and making it easier for students to repay their loans after graduation.

The House passed similar legislation last week. Bush has called the legislation an "entitlement program," and threatened to veto it.

Romney Fake Cop Problems Continue

Remember Mitt Romney's secret service impersonator who continues to be on the campaign payroll? According to the Boston Herald this morning Romney's private security aide was apparently creating fake law enforcement badges so the campaign could hassle reporters, get past security and avoid paying tolls.

In an apparent violation of the law, a controversial aide to ex-Gov. Mitt Romney created phony law enforcement badges that he and other staffers used on the campaign trail to strong-arm reporters, avoid paying tolls and trick security guards into giving them immediate access to campaign venues, sources told the Herald.

The bogus badges were part of the bizarre security tactics allegedly employed by Jay Garrity, the director of operations for Romney who is under investigation for impersonating a law enforcement officer in two states. Garrity is on a leave of absence from the campaign while the probe is ongoing.

A campaign source said Garrity directed underlings on Romney’s presidential staff to use the badges at events nationwide to create an image of security and to ensure that the governor’s events went smoothly.

H/T Josh Marshall.

Friday Open Thread

Chat away...

July 19, 2007

PB Rescue Open Thread

You know the drill. You write blogs on PartyBuilder, and I highlight a few of them daily. Today we've got some that I found particularly interesting.

• Democrat in Springfield, MO laments her Insurance Woes and wonders what the point of subscribing to an insurance policy is if it doesn’t cover any of her medical expenses. It's a touching post.
• Jessica, the only 11 year old democrat of Watchung, NJ asks why Racism exists.
• White House Spy Sentenced: Cheney Still Disobeys Law. PB celebrity D. Tree writes that “given the security breaches and abuse of classified information, plus the fact that Cheney still refuses to follow the law, one is left with the distinct impression the White House not only abuses the handling of classified material for political purposes, but they covet that ability more than our National Security itself.”

The Democratic Party gives anybody the ability to write blog posts directly on our website over at PartyBuilder (PB). You can read what everybody has to say, or you can create your own account and start writing posts yourself.

This is an open thread. Chat away...

Romney: I Hate Porn, I Swear

From the Examiner:

GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney plans to unveil a series of initiatives aimed at combating what he called the burgeoning vulgarity of television and the pervasiveness of Internet pornography.

In an interview with The Examiner, Romney railed against “the unrequested pornography that comes into your computer — the pop-ups.”

“And you know, type in a wrong letter and bingo, you get all sorts of stuff you didn’t want, that I’d just as soon my kids not get,” added Romney, who’s a father of five and grandfather of 10. “You can get filters, and yet they keep finding ways around the filters.”

It's a topic Romney knows something about, having profited off of it.

Heckuva Job

This is a disgrace. FEMA "supressed warnings from its own Gulf coast field workers since the middle of 2006 about suspected health problems that may be linked to elevated levels of formaldehyde gas released in FEMA-provided trailers."

You know, you'd think that the failures during Hurricane Katrina might have told those senior officials at FEMA that maybe -- just maybe -- they have a special obligation to get things right after the storm cleared.

But no. Instead they insisted on a path towards what Rep. Waxman is calling "premeditated ignorance."

You can read more about this story in the Washington Post or watch video from the hearing, but only if you can think you can stomach it.