One Week to Go

Today is November 1.  In one week's time, Americans will go to the polls to elect the 45th President.  All evidence and polls indicates that, eight years after electing the first African-American President of the United States, we are about to elect the first female President of the United States.

I have not hidden that I am a Democrat - but I am also an American.  I will admit that the Democratic nominee for President is not an ideal candidate, she has flaws and she has trouble relating to people sometimes.  But she is a smart, policy driven, candidate, who truly believes in the greatness of America.  She is a fighter who will truly work for the best of every American.

The Republican nominee for President is unhinged, dangerous, and unfit for the office.  When he makes a declaration that he "will keep us in suspense" regarding the election results, and will contest them if they don't go his way, because the system is "rigged" - he undermines the very foundations of American democracy.

I have Republican friends and almost every single one of them, without exception, is not planning to vote for him.  They may not be voting for her, which is fine, but they cannot bring themselves for vote him, which is even better.

I am willing to let people have a difference of opinion - if people really want to vote for him, I can't stop them.  What I can't accept is that people can't vote for her because of statements (and misstatements) that have been perpetuated by the Republican party and nominee.  You can dislike her, but there is nothing about the Republican nominee that could ever get me to vote for him and I would hope that those who are considering voting for him might change their minds.

One Year Later - A Loud Message

[cross-posted from Order from Chaos]

One year ago, I trudged out into the cold frosty morning here in Washington, DC to be a part of history, at the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. While I was unable to get to my appointed station, I got home and watched the bulk of it on television (where it was warmer and there were donuts).

Yesterday evening, in a loud scream from the American electorate, specifically those in the Bay State, a message was sent to President Obama, "we're in trouble, and now, so are you." There is a lot of finger pointing going around today as to what happened, but congratulations to Scott Brown, the Senator-elect from Massachusetts. Although don't be surprised if some of the men listed below drop by and visit with you to make sure it all goes well. There have been some titanic figures in the Class I Senate seat from Massachusetts, and they may just want to make sure you are up to the task. Let's hope so.

On this day in 1961, people gathered for another historic inauguration, the first Catholic President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who had also held the historic Senate seat that was delivered to Scott Brown last night, when he defeated Attorney General Martha Coakley. He was young, telegenic, and he delivered a stirring, moving address. (If you are interested, you can follow @JFK_1960, as the JFK Library commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of Kennedy's pursuit of the Democratic nomination for president. Here are some excerpts of JFK's inaugural address, which have some messages on how the President and the Congress might be able to proceed from this point.

"We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom - symbolizing an end as well as a beginning - signifying renewal as well as change."

"The world is very different now . . . And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe - the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God."

"Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans - born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage - and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world."

"This much we pledge - and more."

"To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do - for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder."

"So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate."

"Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us."

"All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."

United States Senators from Massachusetts (Class I):

• Tristram Dalton, 1789-1791
• George Cabot, 1791-1796
• Benjamin Goodhue, 1796-1800
• Jonathan Mason, 1800-1803
• John Quincy Adams, 1803-1808
• James Lloyd, 1808-1813
  
• Christopher Gore, 1813-1816
• Eli P. Ashmun, 1816-1818
• Prentiss Mellen, 1818-1820
• Elijah H. Mills, 1820-1827
• Daniel Webster, 1827-1841
• Rufus Choate, 1841-1845
  
• Daniel Webster, 1845-1850
• Robert C. Winthrop, 1850-1851
• Robert Rantoul, Jr, 1851
• Charles Sumner, 1851-1874
• William B. Washburn, 1874-1875
• Henry L. Dawes, 1875-1893
• Henry Cabot Lodge, 1894-1924
• William M. Butler, 1924-1926
• David I. Walsh, 1926-1947
• Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., 1947-1953
• John F. Kennedy, 1953-1960
• Benjamin A. Smith, 1960-1962
• Edward M. Kennedy, 1962-2009
• Paul G. Kirk, 2009-2010
• Scott Brown (Senator-elect), 2010-

Almanac Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to last week's quiz:

1. Who represents the wealthiest congressional district?

• (b) Gerry Connolly (D-VA)

2. Who represents the congressional district with the highest percentage of Hispanics?

• (a) Silvestre Reyes (D-TX)

3. Even though he won by six percentage points, this incumbent senator spent the most money in 2008. Name the senator.

• Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

4. How many women in Congress have given birth while in office? (Bonus question! How many can you name? Hint: five current members, three former.)

• Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA)
• Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD)
• Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
• Sen. Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D-AR)
• former Rep. Susan Molinari (R-NY)
• former Rep. Enid Greene Waldholtz (R-UT)
• former Rep. Yvonne Braithwaite Burke (D-CA)

5. Which congressional race was closest percentage-wise?

• (b) Perriello vs. Goode - 727 votes

6. Which three former members of Congress were defeated in their party primaries in 2008?

• David Davis (R-TN)
• Chris Cannon (R-UT)
• Albert Wynn (D-MD)

7. Which U.S. representative is a former governor?

• Mike Castle (R-DE)

8. Which freshman senator became his state's senior senator in 2009 after spending just 16 days as junior senator?

• Mark Udall (D-CO)

9. Who is the youngest senator?

• 42-year-old Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

10. Who is the longest-serving Republican senator?

• 33-year veteran Richard Lugar (R-IN)

11. Who are the two Buddhists in Congress?

• Hank Johnson (GA) and Mazie Hirono (HI).

How Big a Political Junkie are You?

The National Journal's 2010 Almanac of American Politics, is out and full of facts sure to satisfy every political junkie. Here's a quiz to sharpen your political acumen. Answers next week.

1. Who represents the wealthiest congressional district? (a) Steve Israel of New York. (b) Gerry Connolly of Virginia. (c) Anna G. Eshoo of California
2. Who represents the congressional district with the highest percentage of Hispanics? (a) Silvestre Reyes of Texas. (b) Ruben Hinojosa of Texas. (c) Lucille Roybal-Allard of California.
3. Even though he won by six percentage points, this incumbent senator spent the most money in 2008. Name the senator.
4. How many women in Congress have given birth while in office? (Bonus question! How many can you name? Hint: five current members, three former.)
5. Which congressional race was closest percentage-wise? (a) Fleming vs. Carmouche, Louisiana. (b) Perriello vs. Goode, Virginia. (c) McClintock vs. Brown, California.
6. Which three former members of Congress were defeated in their party primaries in 2008?
7. Which U.S. representative is a former governor?
8. Which freshman senator became his state's senior senator in 2009 after spending just 16 days as junior senator?
9. Who is the youngest senator?
10. Who is the longest-serving Republican senator?
11. Who are the two Buddhists in Congress?

2010: The Governors

Before we look at the Senate - which in one race took a dramatic turn this week, let's look at where we are with the gubernatorial races, two of which will be decided in November.

The two 2009 races are in Virginia and New Jersey. In the Garden State, it appears that Jon Corzine might be toast. Lord knows he has plenty of money to throw at this race, but one might want to get used to saying Governor Chris Christie. Christie is a United States Attorney and is benefiting from a bad economy that is pulling Corzine's numbers below a salvageable level.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the selection of Creigh Deeds as the nominee for the Democrats has made the race a tossup. Deeds was the most unknown of the candidates in the democratic field. Bob McDonnell on the Republican side had no opposition and the race will very likely come down to the wire.

As to the 2010 races, here's the current thinking.

Switching Parties

• California - Schwarzenegger (R) is term limited and a Democratic victory is expected.
• Florida - Crist (R) is running for the Senate and the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee is likely to be redecorated in blue.
• Kansas - When Kathleen Sebelius (D) relocated to Washington, her Lt. Gov. stepped up. But he doesn't want the job. This one goes to the Republicans
• Hawaii - Linda Lingle (R) is term limited and the state is too democratic for a Republican to win.
• Oklahoma - Brad Henry (D) is out and it is surprising a Democrat made it two terms there.
  
• Rhode Island - See above, but substitute Don Carcieri (R) for Linda Lingle.
• Tennessee - Phil Bredesen (D) is popular, but not enough to save the governorship for his party.
• Wyoming - See Oklahoma. Dave Freudenthal (D) is term-limited.

Too Close to Call

• Arizona - When Janet Napolitano came to Washington, she left the state in the care of someone certifiable. It's unclear whether the Republican Brewer can be shoved aside.
• Minnesota - Tim Pawlenty (R) wants to be President. Then he shouldn't be from Minnesota.
• Michigan - Jennifer Granholm (D) is out and the scramble has not produced a clear favorite yet.
  
• Nevada - Governor Gibbons (R) is in a tough fight.
• Pennsylvania - Ed Rendell is leaving office and though the attention will be on the Senate race, this should be a doozy.

Razor Thin Margins

• Georgia - I suppose there is something to be said for a narrow Republican advantage in Georgia, but in the lack of a stronger Democratic candidate, the statehouse stays red.
• Ohio - The bellweather state has a good governor in Ted Strickland (D), and he should be able to hold on to the statehouse.
• Vermont - Jim Douglas (R) is running again and despite the Green Mountain's state blue trend, he should be able to pull it off.
• Wisconsin - Jim Doyle (D) recently announced he would not run for reelection, but the state should be able to produce a new Democratic governor.

Cruising to Victory

• Alabama - Bob Riley (R) is leaving the office, but (to quote "My Cousin Vinny") "Its Ala f***ing Bama.")
• Connecticut - In the Governor's race, anyway, Jodi Rell (R) is clear favorite
• Illinois - With Blago now a memory, Pat Quinn is doing a fine job and should get the job outright.
  
• Iowa - Chet Culver (D) is a lock (for now)
• Massachusetts - Deval Patrick (BFF of the President) should cruise to reelection
• New Mexico - If I lived there, I'd be voting for Val Kilmer - wouldn't that be cool?
  
• New York - Paterson (D) may be in trouble from Andrew Cuomo, but either way, the Governor should be a Democrat.
  
• South Carolina - surprisingly Mark Sanford is nearly out of a job (if that doesn't happen sooner than the election), and if he keeps talking, this race could become competitive.
• South Dakota - Mike Rounds (R) is term limited but it won't matter.
• Utah - no problem for the Republicans.

Not Worrying at All

• Alaska - Parnell (R), Sarah? Sarah who?
• Arkansas - Beebe (D)
• Idaho - Otter (R)
• Maryland - O'Malley (D)
• Nebraska - Heineman (R)
• New Hampshire - Lynch (D)
• Oregon - Kulongoski (D) is term limited, but safe for the Dems
• Texas - either Perry (R) or Hutchinson (R). These two will bloody themselves, but whoever emerges from the primary will win

2016: The Contenders

I know, I know. Let's not start down this road again, right? The never ending presidential campaign. Well something from the CNN Political Ticker caught my eye the other day. And with Sarah Palin in the race for 2012, who knows what could happen.

(CNN) – It appears that two high ranking members of the Obama administration haven't entirely ruled out seeking the presidency again.

First, Vice President Joe Biden said last month that a third White House bid in 2016 — when he would be 73 — is not something he has completely closed the door on.

"No, I won't. I won't rule that out. No," the vice president said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Now, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who battled President Obama for the 2008 Democratic nomination, told a Thai television station she doesn't know if she will have White House ambitions in the future, though quickly made clear it's not something she has given thought to.

"I don't know, but I doubt very much that anything like that will ever be part of my life," Clinton, who would be 68 in 2016, told the television station, according to the Associated Press.

"I tried to be the president and was not successful," she added.

George Bush on Facebook

found here:

George W. Bush Joins Facebook: Day One

George is now friends with Condi Rice, Karl Rove, Sean Hannity, Antonin Scalia and Tom DeLay

George W. Bush is sayin' howdy! My first post---wOOt! What's up? - 3:08pm February 23

Scooter Libby at 3:09pm February 23

Why didn't you pardon me, you prick?

Sarah Palin at 3:09pm February 23

Thanks but no thanks. I'd rather pal around with terrorists.

Mitch McConnell at 3:10pm February 23

Now I can say it---you really sucked.

Tom DeLay invited you to join the Bitter Aging Texans Group

George is now friends with Dana Perino, Tony Blair and King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud

Grover Norquist at 3:11pm February 23

I told you to reduce the size of the government so you could drown it in the bathtub. You grew the size of the government, toweled it off, then blew up the bathtub. Your dad's right--you got hit with a special kind of dumbstick.

Scooter Libby, Sarah Palin and Mitch McConnell like this comment

Condi Rice at 3:12pm February 23

Friends 4evuh!!! {{{Mr. President}}}

Dick Cheney at 3:13pm February 23

Why didn’t you pardon Scooter you prick???

Scooter Libby likes this comment

General Colin Powell (Ret.) sent you a bucket of virtual maggots.

Elizabeth Dole at 3:14pm February 23

Here---have a hot cuppa STFU

Bob Dole likes this comment

Michael Steele at 3:15pm February 23

Facebook is the only party in town, baby. Mainly because you KILLED OURS!!!

John McCain wants to send you a virtual can of coal slag and a bag of rusty nails

Norm Coleman just threw a shoe at you.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at 3:35pm February 23

Where is the Scrabble page? I wish to play Scrabble now.

Scooter Libby likes this comment