Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Six ideas for Fox News after Alan Colmes leaves Hannity and Colmes

This week, Radio Equilizer broke the news, which was later confirmed by Fox News, that Alan Colmes would be leaving Hannity and Colmes after 12 years on the air. The question as to what will happen between Bill O'Reilly and Gretta Van Susteren (I mean the time slot between) is still unanswered. In an effort to help the big wigs at Fox, here are a few ideas to help fill the void.












  • Hannity and Abdul. Who better to offset the hard-hitting style of Sean Hannity than the softy judge from American Idol, Paula Abdul. I can hear it now: "First of all, Congressman, you look great and you know I love you. I just wanted to say, that legislation maybe wasn't the right choice for you. That doesn't mean you shouldn't introduce any legislation, maybe just a different bill more your style. But keep it up. You're going to do great. This just wasn't your week. Sean?"








  • Hannity and Julianne. Ok, I'm not sure where Dancing With The Stars' professional dancer Julianne Hough sits politically, but I'm sure Hannity would not mind sitting across from her. Seriously, have grown men ever taken a keener interest in the Paso Doble since she hit the scene?




























  • Hannity and Rosie. Just imagine the shootouts they would have. They could somehow add an element of full contact martial arts.









  • Hannity and Alf. I have long suspected that Alan Colmes was actually a sophisticated muppet operated by James Carville under the desk. It wouldn't be much of a stretch if the muppet was replaced by everyone's favorite 80's stuffed alien.













  • Hannity and Madden. "Ha Ha. Ok, Senator McCain. Have you considered Brett Favre as your running mate. I mean, boom! you'd go out and give a speech and you wouldn't even need Secret Service. I mean, if he saw someone coming after you, he'd boom! and take out the whole group of terrorists. I know if there was anyone I'd want on my team it'd be Brett Favre."











  • The Wit Hits the Fan tv hour. So far, this one has my vote. Actually, who am I kidding? It's my second choice after Julianne.

Pennsylvania ACORN worker sentenced to house arrest and fine

http://www.examiner.com/a-1710464~Ex_ACORN_worker_gets_home_term_in_voter_fraud_case.html

The 34-year-old Chester man must serve
six to 23 months of home confinement after his sentencing Monday in Delaware
County

Barksdale must also pay the group $574 restitution after pleading
guilty to forgery, theft and other charges. ACORN officials say Barksdale is a
"bad apple."

Not bad for an admitted forger. This genius registered names like "Ben Dover" and didn't think he was going to get caught. Looks like he could be out just in time for the 2010 election.

Monday, November 24, 2008

SNL big 3 bailout skit from this weekend

Fr. Barron on Advent, patience and the virtue of waiting


Fr. Robert Barron provides these great, extremely thoughtful youtube videos about everything from Church philosophy to Bob Dylan music. I really enjoy his perspective. Check him out. The address for his website is www.wordonfire.org or you can search "Fr. Barron" on youtube.

Hear me now und believe me later: Obama skips church, but hasn't missed a workout




Does Obama think church is for girly men? He hasn't attended a single service since winning the election, but he is achieving perfect butt-ness in the gym. It's just a matter of priorities.


(Matthew 6:19-24): "For Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also"

Reuters: Obama may delay "tax-cut rollback" for wealthy

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSTRE4AM1F120081123

The headline of this article is hilariously full of Obamaspin. Does this guy write those cheesy late-night infomercials? "It's not a tax hike -- it's a tax-cut rollback for the wealthy! And if you act now, we'll throw in 2 years of universal citizenship corps service!"

The body of the article shows a little indication that the President-elect may be listening to some of his more supply side advisers. He's not exactly becoming Adam Smith, but at least he not trying to tax his way out of these economic doldrums--for now. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Bloomberg: Obama looking into "prepackaged" auto bankruptcy. Showdown with Congressional Dems on the horizon?

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aRfqFMhlj5lk&refer=worldwide
In a possible hint that the President-Elect may, in fact, govern from the center, Obama has floated the idea of a prepackaged and negotiated bankruptcy reorganization plan. The idea of such a plan was introduced by Republican lawmakers like Tennessee Senator Bob Corker and would minimize taxpayer exposure.


Leaders in the Democrat-controlled Congress and officials representing the big 3 automakers have outwardly rebuffed the idea, setting up a potential showdown.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The Fairness Doctrine has hit this blog. From the pen of Baghdad Bob--

Blogger's note:


It has been my commitment for these past couple of months to provide the truth in this blog. Well, with the looming threat of a Fairness Doctrine, I have decided to be proactive and offer a recurring feature which will provide the opposite -- just to be fair. Who would be better to provide the opposite of the truth than everyone's favorite minister of propaganda, Baghdad Bob. Please note, I have very little control over the things he says, so hate mail should be addressed to him, not me.

From the Pen of Baghdad Bob



Yes. It is being a pleasure to me to be writing to you this glorious day. I come here to defy the stinking, lying pigs that have multiplied upon the internets like stinking pigs – who lie… and multiply. (Did I already say that?)

Let me place today needful comment upon the pitiful, washed-up members of the hateful Republican Party. Surrender. You have no hope. You are destined to become a mere useless fixture in history who’s time has come and has gone – much as the Whig Party or underarm deodorant.

Even though there is no possible way that your pitiful party can be returning to power in your Congress or Presidency, I will provide to you the benefit of my advice.

Do not look to the winning strategy of holding fast to such outdated and mindless theories as letting capitalist American pigs keep more of their extravagant wages. Do not profess the antique virtues of less government spending. Who can know better how to distribute the fruits of American’s meager labors? Of course the answer is faceless, unaccountable government bureaucratic agents.

And though there is no possible means by which the Republican Party can be more than a burdensome fly to be swatted back to the camel dung from which it has emerged, there are those few enlightened members who have sage advice that should be closely followed. Just look to the success of Senator Lincoln Chafee, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Colon Powell (not when he weakly led the invading Zionist forces against my homeland, but when he heroically endorsed Barack Obama for President).

Another wise Republican, Kathleen Parker, has written this glorious piece to be heeded.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/18/AR2008111802886.html

If Republicans wish to return to power (which they cannot do – it is hopeless – surrender) they must eject all mindless lemmings who are the – as you say – the “religious right.” Reject your constraining values! Compromise! Pro-life – blah! One man one woman marriage – blah! Talk of God in your propagandist “Pledge of Allegiance” – blah! As we say in my glorious homeland “a big tent!”

I must now leave you this day in my writings. Heed my advice, though there is no hope. If Republicans wish to be of any significance (which they can never do – surrender) stray from the wretched teachings of your Ronald Reagan and your lies found in the 1994 “Contracts with Americans.” Become lukewarm and middle of the road. It is a wonderful place to be.

Do not resist my words. It is no use.

Love,
Baghdad Bob
The Minister of Propaganda

Can you tell who this vote is for? Al Franken is not sure

Franken is challenging this ballot due to its ambiguity. Maybe his comedy is funny after all.







Wednesday, November 19, 2008

House Republicans elect new leadership team. Stalwarts Pence and Sessions highlight a more conservative group



Ohio Congressman John Boehner remains the Republican leader, but the makeup of the rest of the team suggests an ideological shift to the right. New Conference Chairman Indiana Congressman Mike Pence has been an outspoken voice for fiscal responsibility and smaller government--sometimes putting him at odds with his own party.

Boehner showed some fight during debate on the bailout package. He stood strong with other House Republicans as the only real opposition to the original bailout legislation. This group was successful in stripping obscure language from the bill that would have handed 20% of any profits gained from the acquisition of "high risk" assets to ACORN. They also held their ground in removing an amendment Senator Harry Reid tried to sneak through that would have extended the ban on shale oil exploration.

I'm hopeful this leadership team will keep it up and actually provide opposition when appropriate.

Here's how the new team breaks down:

Republican Leader: Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)
Republican Whip: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Conference Chairman: Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Policy Committee Chairman: Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)
Conference Vice-Chair: Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Conference Secretary: Rep. John Carter (R-TX)
NRCC Chairman: Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)

Despite ACLU lawsuit, Indiana remains God's country



Freedom of religion does not mean coercion from religion.






US Senate update: Stevens defeated in AK, recount in MN, early voting begins in GA run-off

Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens lost his bid for reelection yesterday, giving Democrats 56 seats in the Upper Chamber. By making nice with Joe Lieberman yesterday, Senate Democrats have 58 members in their caucus (Lieberman and Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders meet as Democrats).

All eyes now focus on two undetermined Senate races: Minnesota incumbent Norm Coleman (R) vs. liberal talk radio host/comedian (I'm being generous in calling him that) Al Franken (aka Stuart Smalley) and Georgia incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) vs. State Assemblyman Jim Martin.

The initial vote count in Minnesota ended yesterday with Coleman ahead by 215 votes out of 2.9 million votes cast. By state statute, a recount is automatically conducted on races determined by less than one-half of one percent. The recount is not expected to be completed until mid December.

In Georgia, Saxby Chambliss won, but because there was a third-party candidate in the general election, he did not get the state-mandated 50% majority needed to be awarded the seat. A run-off election between the top two candidates is being held. Early voting has already begun and Obama has dedicated his vast campaign money and political machinery to help the Democrat win the seat.

The Democrat hopes of gaining a 60-vote majority (the number necessary to override filibusters) hinge on winning both seats. In my opinion, these two seats will determine the ideological tone of the next two years. If Dems get both, it increases the viability of hard-left legislation like the Fairness (censorship) Doctrine or redistributive tax policy. All Republicans have to do is win one.

My prediction is that Chambliss will soundly win in Georgia. I'm cautiously optimistic that the re-count in Minnesota will widen Coleman's lead, however I fear this may be a race decided in the courts. We've already seen bitter debate over ballot eligibility and surprise votes appearing in the trunks of cars.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Filmmaker John Ziegler puts together "How Obama Got Elected" as a statement on what Obama voters remembered from media coverage

It's a 10 minute video, but pretty interesting and mildly amusing. The purpose of the video is not to disparage the intellect of Obama voters (in fact these 12 seem relatively intelligent) but to show what these people remember from the media coverage of the election.



Check out the site at:

http://www.howobamagotelected.com/

Update: Dems vote to allow Lieberman to continue meeting in Democratic Caucus

According to breaking news reports, Independent Senator and John McCain supporter, Joe Lieberman, will be allowed to caucus with the Democrats in the upcoming Senate. It also appears he will retain his committee chair status.

While the "bloated 3" beg for bailout money in D.C., Honda dedicates its newest production plant in Greensburg, Indiana


It kind of defies the argument that we can't competitively and successfully build vehicles in America.


Fox News columnist: Put the breaks on the automaker bailout

http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/11/17/lpeek_1117/

Good read.

What must happen is a serious reworking of the industry’s labor agreements, restructuring of its financial obligations and new management that is charged with making these companies sharper, more nimble and more competitive. New executives should be handed incentives aplenty, based on five-year performance targets, to get the job done. Displaced workers need help with retraining, and with relocating, if necessary. It won’t be easy, but it is inevitable.

Detroit Free Press: 6 myths about the Detroit 3


As national debate continues about the multi-billion dollar automaker bailout, here is a little quick hitter from the Free Press. It made me feel a little better about the Big 3.


Monday, November 17, 2008

The Catholic vote in the 2008 election--what happened?


No other Presidential candidate has had as explicit and extensive of a pro-abortion voting record as Barack Obama. He made the campaign promise during the Democratic Primary that one of his first priorities would be to sign "Freedom of Choice" legislation, overriding all abortion limitation laws in the individual states.


The United States Council of Catholic Bishops placed the protection of the unborn as the most important issue in the 2008 election, superseding every other issue, and that Catholics must vote their conscience.


But after election day, exit polls showed those labeling themselves as Catholic voted 55%-45% for Obama. Among regular mass-attending Catholics, the exit polls show McCain only won 55%-45%. Why did so many Catholics stray from their tradition and the urgings of the bishops? An op-ed in the Washington Times places a substantial amount of the blame on Catholic academics in church affiliated and supported universities.


It's an interesting theory. I personally think the author, Patrick Reilly, president and founder of the Cardinal Newman Society, over-estimates the sway these professors have with the Catholics across the country. The article does present, however, a sad picture of the way these academics, who draw much of their salary from the collection plates of the Catholic Church, find no problem in undermining its teachings.


Check it out:


First he had to decide what kind of puppy to get, now he's looking into a college football playoff system

http://blogs.usatoday.com/gameon/2008/11/obama-to-push-e.html

With all these tough issues to deal with, he's barely got time to put together that economic plan-thingy. Oh, well. I guess we just prioritize.

Good read for future political architects: The Four Hard Lessons of Campaign 2008

Here's a good read from Carol Platt Liebau on Townhall.com for my fellow armchair political strategists who are already plotting the next election cycle.

http://townhall.com/Columnists/CarolPlattLiebau/2008/11/17/the_four_hard_lessons_of_campaign_2008

In a nutshell, according to Ms. Liebau:

1. It is impossible for any Republican presidential candidate to garner
favorable mainstream media coverage, so long as s/he represents the more
socially conservative electoral choice.

2. Campaign finance “reform”
will always have a disproportionately negative impact on Republicans.

3. Republicans can’t win over Latinos through appeals on the illegal immigration
issue.

4. “Mavericks” end up leading a party of one.

We all know what happens when we don't learn from the lessons of history. Let the Karl Roves of tomorrow move on with these lessons in hand.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Things that make you go "hmmmmm": if Hillary becomes SOS, is a Rudy Giuliani Senate race on the horizon?



According to unnamed leakers (I mean sources), Hillary Clinton has flown into Chicago to perhaps meet the President-Elect about the Secretary of State position in his cabinet. If true, one wonders what the future holds for her abandoned Senate seat. If I am not mistaken, the Governor of New York is charged with appointing an interim Senator who would serve until the citizens of New York could elect someone in 2010.

Rumor has it that Governor Paterson will appoint environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., setting the stage for a potential Rudy/RFK election in 2010. That is assuming Rudy wants the job. It has been widely thought that Giuliani really wants to become Governor (which would also be up for election in 2010).

hmmmmmm

Will low income school children in DC have the same educational opportunity as the Obama daughters?

Here's a nice opinion piece by Cal Thomas from the Washington Times:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/14/presidential-school-choice/

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Do American automakers deserve to be bailed out? Before you answer, read this



Warning: may cause rational and logical thought contrary to the Washington herd mentality.




Seems to me, throwing billions of dollars in bailout money to the automakers in their current state would be like shoveling sand into a bottomless pit.



US Conference of Bishops to ACORN: "No loot for you"

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/11/12/conference_cuts_funding_for_acorn/

Due to ACORN's wide-spread occurrences of fraudulent voter registrations, embezzlement of $1 million and actions counter to their stated mission, the US Council of Bishops has permanently cut all funding to the community organizing group.

No word yet on any changes in ACORN's long-standing deal with the devil, however. (just jokes)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Newt Gingrich speaks in Indy: Two things needed to win elections

http://www.indystar.com/article/20081107/NEWS0502/811070458



Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich spoke before the Indiana Chamber of Commerce last week. It was his first major speech after the 2008 election. Acording to the Indianapolis Star, Gingrich articulated two keys that should be taken to heart for future campaigns.



1) Incumbents must govern well in order to be re-elected. Elected officials must follow through on campaign promises and need to stay true to their core vision and values.



2) A well-oiled campaign organization, complete with a strong and enthusiastic ground game is critical in winning elections.



The Republican Party should take note in selecting strong candidates and providing a network of support in order to recoup the losses sustained over the past few election cycles.

Top 10 leaked surprises from the Bush/Obama White House tour

On Monday, Barack and Michelle Obama joined the President and First Lady for a White House tour and informal briefing. One day later, the Bush camp voiced displeasure that some of the conversational details were leaked to the press. In the interest of keeping you the most informed readership in the world, here are a few other leaked details that have been suppressed up to this point.

Top 10 leaked surprises from the Bush/Obama White House tour

10. You have to jiggle the handle of the toilet outside the oval office to keep it from running.





9. The walls of the second floor residence are covered by Willy Wonka lickable wallpaper.




8. The bust of Abraham Lincoln flips up to reveal the button which opens the panel hiding the fireman poles leading to the bat cave.

7. The Clinton Bedroom still contains the original stripper pole and magic fingers vibrating mattress.

6. The liquor bottles in the wet bar were secretly filled with colored water after a rogue house party held by the Bush twins.

5. Jimmy Carter never filled out a change of address form, so he stops by every Thursday to pick up his credit card applications and Victoria's Secret catalogues.

4. Long-time White House Press Corps reporter Helen Thomas (just like Kim Jong Il and Alan Colmes) is actually a muppet and is operated from a hole cut in the press room floor.



3. In a little-known detail of the Constitution, the founding fathers dictated that all incoming Presidents must get a "keep on truckin'" tattoo on the left bicep.

2. Legislation is currently in committee to replace the Presidential Primaries with a reality TV show in which candidates are stranded on a tropical island and viewers call in to determine who is kicked off every week.

1. The position of President is really just a front for the real ruler of the United States, Jack Bauer.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

RNC Chair update: Steele may officially announce on Thursday, and is seeking Newt's support


http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/11/11/steele-likely-seek-rnc-leadership-post/

Fox News has the latest update on the run for Republican National Committee Chair. Michael Steele could make an official announcement by Thursday. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich will not run and his support is being sought by Steele.

Good times ahead for Republicans? Conservative heavyweights seeking to take hold of the party reigns

There may not have been a Ronald Reagan presidency without Jimmy Carter. There may not have been a 1994 Republican revolution without the Bill Clinton/Democrat Congressional majority election in 1992. What will the Obama presidency and Democrat victories in the 2008 election bring? I don't know, but I like what I'm seeing.

Conservatives across the country are more motivated than ever to retake their party and regain leadership in D.C. If you have any doubts about that, look at the star power positioning itself for leadership of the Republican National Committee.


Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House and architect of the sweeping Republican victories in 1994, is reported to be seeking the RNC Chairmanship according to the Washington Times.



Michael Steele, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, current chair of GOPAC and shining conservative star, is also reportedly positioning for the Republican top spot.


In addition, rumors began swirling around conservative circles on Monday that former Tennessee Senator and actor, Fred Thompson's name was being thrown out there as a candidate for RNC General Chair.

Quin Hillyer of the Washington Examiner explains the position of General Chair as follows: "The General Chairman usually provides overall direction and philosophical moorings, and acts as the public face of the party doing media and speeches, etc., and also is available probably for big-money phone calls and events -- but the Chairman, with an Executive Director under him, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the RNC. Think Chairman of the Board vs. CEO, perhaps. "

Republicans can't go wrong with any one of these three running the show. What the party needs is to find a way to have all three playing some role. It's clear the motivation is there. With the right leadership in place, look for good things in the future of the Republican Party.

Happy Veterans Day to all who served and all who currently serve



Thank you and God bless you.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Now you see it; now you don't. Obama removes manifesto from his website

On Friday, I published a screenshot of Obama's "Change.gov" website, outlining his plan for mandatory community service. Today, those specifics, along with all the others, are gone from the page. Let's hope this means they are also gone from his agenda. But, lest we all forget, here's the way it looked on Friday:


Rasmussen: Americans voted for Reaganism, not "change"

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122628429302812557.html?mod=djemEditorialPage

The Republican candidate may have lost this election, but post election polls show the fundamental Republican ideal of lower taxes won it. According to the Wall Street Journal Opinion page:

Mr. Obama's tax-cutting message played a key role in this period of economic anxiety. Tax cuts are well-received at such times: 55% of voters believe they are good for the economy. Only 19% disagree and see them as bad policy. Down the campaign homestretch, Mr. Obama's tax-cutting promise became his clearest policy position. Eventually he stole the tax issue from the Republicans. Heading into the election, 31% of voters thought that a President Obama would cut their taxes. Only 11% expected a tax cut from a McCain administration.


In addition, the same poll shows President-Elect Obama should not take his victory as a mandate to unveil government program upon government program.

A Rasmussen survey conducted Oct. 2 found that 59% agreed with the sentiment expressed by Reagan in his first inaugural address: "Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." Just 28% disagreed with this sentiment. That survey also found that 44% of Obama voters agreed with Reagan's assessment (40% did not). And McCain voters overwhelmingly supported the Gipper.


Will the new President govern more like FDR or Ronald Reagan? Only time will tell, but the voters have voiced their preference.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

What's next? Hugh Hefner as family values advisor?


In yet another sign that Obama is an impeccable judge of talent, the President-Elect has named Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to his 17 member economic advisory council. With her, Granholm brings such qualifications as presiding over the nation's most depressed economy, being named "the worst governor in Michigan history," by longtime political commentator Bill Ballenger and having raised income taxes 17 percent in her five years in Lansing.


Tell me again who voters said they trusted more with the economy?

Friday, November 7, 2008

Ask not what your country can do for you. Let me tell you what you're gonna do for your country


Is this for real? Yup. Here's the link:

http://change.gov/americaserves/

Is it too late for a do over of Election Day?

Update: Lieberman to caucus with the Republicans?



Why not, he's more of a Republican than Olympia Snowe.

By his actions we will know him

A very good friend of mine forwarded a great link to me about President-elect Obama’s choice as Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel. It is an August 2006 document that outlines Emanuel’s “new contract with America.”

The thing rings pretty Orwellian. Among the components of his plan are Universal Citizen Service, Universal College Access, Universal Retirement Savings, and Universal Children’s Health Care.

Universal? Does that mean available to everyone? Does it mean mandated for everyone? Hard to tell, but it certainly means paid for by everyone (and by everyone I mean those evil, greedy, unpatriotic and selfish people who want to pay less taxes).

Under the heading of “A return to fiscal responsibility and an end to corporate welfare as we know it” we get this little redistributive tidbit:

We can only achieve universal service, college, pensions, and children’s health care if we’re willing to cut and invest to pay for it.
That is exactly what Joe the Plumber would call income redistribution. I would call it socialism.


But don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself:
http://www.jessejacksonjr.org/issues/i082106748.html


As my friend put it in his e-mail, “So much for the speculation that Obama might lead from left of center despite his liberal record.”


Obama laughed off the “socialist” tag the McCain campaign hit him with, but his first presidential act was to appoint a guy with this type of manifesto out there.

Rasmussen: Two out of three Republicans say Palin helped McCain

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2012/69_of_gop_voters_say_palin_helped_mccain

In other shocking news: the Earth may be round!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Do not let history be written by the losers


Winston Churchill, a prominent member of my all-time list of favorite guys, is famous for saying, “History is written by the victors.” Vladimir Lenin, prominently not on my list of all-time favorite guys is quoted as saying, “A lie told often enough becomes the truth.”

Today, the losers are trying to write history by repeating a lie.

The savaging of Sarah Palin has begun and it’s coming from staffers within the McCain campaign. It’s pure, petty and pitiful CYA politics. It can’t go unchecked.

Perhaps a little insight into the nature of a political staffer is in order. As a recovering staffer myself, I have found there are two kinds of career political staffer. Those who choose this as a life-long vocation can be broken down into the true-believers and the parasites.

The true-believers are there to do their part to advance a cause. Usually these types of people knowingly do so for less pay than they would make in the private sector. Typically, the true-believers are genuine and beneficial.

Parasites are true-believers whose causes are themselves. Parasites, true to their name, latch on to a candidate for reasons of self-importance. They live vicariously through their candidate and convince themselves that their candidate could not win without them. What happens when their candidate loses? You find a scapegoat and scandalize him or her.

That’s what we find happening right now with Sarah Palin. The parasites are willing to sabotage her good name and her aspirations in order to shift the blame. Words like diva, tantrums, simplistic, naĂŻve, uncontrollable, and uninformed are being bandied about by the press. They have been whispered in the ears of reporters by “inside sources” who don’t have the courage to show their faces or back them up.

The facts are as follows:

-Sarah Palin was elected the first female Governor of Alaska.
-She remains the most popular governor (in terms of approval ratings) in the United States.
-She rose to that position without the benefit of family wealth, power or influence.

To paint her as incompetent is to insult the 75% of Alaskans who love her.

It has been debated that she was a drag on the campaign. I submit that McCain didn’t take a lead over Obama until she was named his running mate. I also submit she packed venues at campaign stops all over the country. In addition, Sarah Palin pumped up the enthusiasm of a base that was ready to stay home on Election Day due to McCain’s mutually lukewarm relationship with conservatives. I would argue that McCain was a drag on Palin’s campaign.

Don’t let the parasitic losers write the history on Sarah Palin. The repeated lie that she was the reason McCain lost cannot become the truth.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

I think they're getting the hint

Do I sense a real fundamental change ahead for the loyal opposition? Here's a quote from the Politico:

Already Tuesday night, angry conservatives hinted of retaliation against their party leaders.

"Republicans suffered very serious setbacks in the last two years in both the Senate and the House," said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), a thorn in McConnel's side for months. "We have got to clean up, reform and rebuild the Republican Party before we can ask Americans to trust us again. This must begin with either a change of command at the highest levels or our current leaders must embrace a bold new direction."

"Republicans must admit the Wall Street bailouts were a trillion-dollar bust, and immediately fight for free-market solutions that create jobs and increase freedom," DeMint said. "This election reflects a failure of Republicans to keep their conservative promises."

To paraphrase a wise man: "It only took 50 lost Congressional seats, the loss of the presidency and an approval rating in the teens and I changed at the snap of a finger."

Looking for someone to run against Barack Obama in 2012? Check this guy out


It's a long read, but it'll make you feel better about our future.

http://archive.redstate.com/stories/elections/2007/bobby_jindal_saves_louisiana

Called to the principal's office?


According to radio reports, Independent Senator and McCain supporter Joe Lieberman has been asked to meet with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to discuss his future in the Senate. I'm sure it's being done in the spirit of cooperation and inclusion.

Runoff in GA Senate Race

Not so fast, my friend. According to the AP:
In the Georgia Senate race, Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss has failed to reach the majority vote requirement needed under state law to avoid a runoff. The freshman senator will face Democrat Jim Martin in the Dec. 2 contest to fill the last seat in the new Senate.

The Georgia race joins the Minnesota race (recount pending) and Alaska race (too close to call) as US Senate seats still in flux.

Thank you to all who visited this blog Election Day!



Your friendly neighborhood blogger would like to humbly thank everyone who has visited The Wit Hits the Fan. We just had our biggest 24 hour period with over 200 unique visitors, spanning 39 states and 8 different countries. Not bad for a barely month old, unadvertised little soapbox. Look out Matt Drudge!

It's been fun. Let's keep it up. This blog will continue to be an optimistic, light hearted place for hard issues. It will continue to be a place for deep thought and shallow humor.

Pull up a bar stool and let's talk. This will be your corner pub without the jukebox filled with Bon Jovi songs. As always, your comments are welcome.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Republicans appear to have held off the 60 seat Dem majority in the Senate


Hey, you've got to take your victories where you can. Let the filibusters begin.

Game over? Fox calls Ohio for Obama at 9:30

I'm extremely surprised the Buckeye State was able to be called so early. If the call holds up, it appears it's over. We move on and look forward.

I had the opportunity to talk to my Congressman, Mark Souder, right after the Republican National Convention. He likened the prospect of an Obama presidency with a Democratic majority in both houses to the 1992 election.

In 1992, Bill Clinton swept into office the same way Obama may have done tonight. Two years later we were looking at a sweeping Republican revolution at every level of government.

I tend to agree with his assessment.

Besides, it's more fun to be in the minority party.

Here's to 2010!

Daniels projected winner in Indiana Governor's race!

Fox has called the Governor's race for Mitch Daniels. No surprise. Let's hope he pulled McCain with him.

This will probably be my last post of the night. I'll be busy either flipping from channel to channel or throwing assorted objects around the house.

Keep the faith!

Conflicting numbers out there

Drudge has Obama up 15 in PA, but Ohio, VA, Fla as too close to call.

I posted what National Review Online was saying. One thing for sure, no one seems to know what's going on yet. (Except for Fox's Mort Kondrake, who all but announced we had the first African American president. Way to keep those west coast voters motivated!)

Also from National Review Online...to be taken with a grain of salt at this point

Some Cautiously Optimistic Takes From Sources on the Ground in Ohio

I continue to hear relentlessly positive takes from folks on the ground in Ohio.

George Bush carried Darke County, Ohio, 18,306 to 7,486 with 70 percent turnout. I'm hearing some predictions that turnout there could reach 80 percent this year.

Bush carried Warren County 68,037 votes to 26,044 with 76 percent turnout. I'm hearing that turnout is expected to be higher there, too.

The sense among some GOP folks on the ground is that the turnout in heavily African-American precincts in some of Ohio's cities has been light today, as of midafternoon, because of so many partaking of early voting. They see that as a reasonably good sign, that the Obama get-out-the-vote operation has hit its limit. These sources have been telling me for a few weeks now that they think McCain will overperform Bush's 2004 performance and that the Republican candidate's margin of victory will be greater than the two percent four years ago.

First round of exit polling in

Here is a post from National Review Online as of 5:51 p.m.

Gawker has the first round of state exit poll numbers. I know I said I was going to be skeptical either way, but looks like we're in for a late night.

Obama by 4 in Pennsylvania, by 2 in Virginia, trailing by 2 in North Carolina, leading by 1 in Florida, leading by 1 in Ohio.

"Don't get cocky."


In the past, exit polling has been skewed more Dem due to a number of factors. Everyone has been warning not to put too much stock in them. Interesting, however.

Philly "security detail" leave the building

Thumbs up to Philly's finest!

"Security detail" at Philly polling place

Ah, yes. The "Party of Inclusion" has their own version of voter security. Yikes!


US News and World Report blogger: McCain sees battleground states moving "hard and fast" in his favor

Could be a long night. Tuck in the kids and pass the Rosary.

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/capital-commerce/2008/11/4/the-latest-from-inside-mccain-hq.html

Confession of an accused thug voter intimidator


I think it’s time I got something off of my chest. I, your friendly The Wit Hits the Fan blogger, have been accused of voter intimidation. Please allow me to explain.

The incident occurred on Election Day 1996. Bob Dole was running against Bill Clinton. I was a volunteer election monitor stationed in an inner city precinct in Flint, Michigan.

As I arrived in the red-eye hours of the day, I introduced myself to the volunteer poll workers. They were all elderly and friendly, yet standoffish for the most part -- all of them except for one woman, who didn’t seem to be too happy to see me. As I smiled and reached out my hand to her, I introduced myself as the Republican vote monitor. In hearing that, the smile dropped from her face and she offered me a lukewarm hand shake and a displeased “I’m Mrs. Jackson.” She placed the emphasis on the "Mrs." to make it clear we would not be on a first name basis.

The head poll volunteer was a woman who formerly served in the county clerk’s office and was very familiar with the local demographics. During friendly small talk, I asked her how many registered Republicans there were in the precinct. She told me there were three.

“Three percent?” I asked.

“No,” she said. “There are a total of three.”

Well, the day continued slowly and without any incident of fraud or impropriety. It was pretty clear to me by the voter enthusiasm shown in that precinct, it wasn’t going to be Bob Dole’s day. If those three Republicans snuck through the voter lines that day, I sure didn’t see them.

Trying to make the most of being cooped up in a long and boring situation, the poll workers and I began to joke around and build a certain friendly rapport. I even got a few smiles and laughs out of Mrs. Jackson, who turned out to be a very nice lady.

About half an hour from the time the polls were set to close, I was standing away from the check-in tables. In a rush a news reporter and television cameraman burst into the gym. He saw my election monitor badge and ran directly to me.

“What’s the problem here?” he demanded.

A bit taken aback, I asked him what he meant.

“What’s the problem here?” he repeated.

“I haven’t seen any problems all day,” I replied.

Without another word, the reporter and his cameraman made a beeline to the poll workers, apparently to ask them the same question.

A little perplexed, I watched as he spent some time talking to each of them, including Mrs. Jackson, who seemed to have a little more to say than the others. Before long the reporter walked back to me sheepishly with much less determination in his step.

“I just want to apologize,” he said. “I got a call back at the station that the poll observer was getting in people’s faces, following them around and intimidating voters. That’s why I came here. When I asked the poll workers about it, they told me you were as good as gold. They couldn’t say enough nice things about you. Now that I think about who placed the call, I see it was a political hit job.”

He wouldn’t tell me who placed the call.

A few months later, during debate about legislation to make it mandatory for voters to show photo identification in Michigan, the State Senator from Flint repeated the claims of voter intimidation in his precincts. I asked my boss, the Senate Majority Leader at the time to allow me (all intimidating 5’7” of me) to give testimony as an accused voter intimidator. Unfortunately it never happened.

Well, that’s my confession. I feel much better having gotten it out. Keep it in mind when the Democrats or their agents in groups like ACORN cry out against wide-spread thuggery or intimidation this election.

Republican election monitors ejected from Philly polling places

What are the Democrats afraid they will witness?

http://townhall.com/blog/g/cf47766b-5a6d-44ab-95e7-ce60631bcadc

Monday, November 3, 2008

Assignment for all readers: Don't assume McCain has it in the bag!


I know all the polls are almost in 100 percent agreement that momentum is clearly on McCain's side. I know Obama, Biden and Murtha have collectively insulted, alienated and discounted 85% of their crucial Pennsylvania voters over the past couple of weeks. I know despite an overwhelmingly large Democratic advantage in early voting, Obama isn't chalking up an equally overwhelmingly large lead in the exit polls. I know crucial voting blocks such as Catholics, evangelicals, free-thinking blue collar workers and small business owners are as motivated as they ever have been for McCain. I know the market has stabilized and gas prices are way down. I know Obama has promised to raise business taxes and allow the Bush tax cuts expire in 2010.


Please, don't assume McCain has it in the bag. Get out and vote!