I guess I don't read enough sports writers to see them the same way you do, especially given your own background. And, when I do read King, for example, he seems fairly even-handed.

Still, I guess I'm just more familiar with some political writers who used to be sports writers... Olbermann, Lyons, et al, and they seem to be better reporters to me, but that could just be because they are more Old School, whatever their age.

Another commenter suggested something comparing sports and political writing. That might be interesting...

I just went back to Chris Dodd's website (after receiving an email) and made another $25 donation.

Even if you can't do that (or don't want to), please still visit his site, and read the blog if nothing else, where you can see how the Firefighters are organizing themselves for a victory for Dodd. (They did it for Kerry in 2004.)

There were also some posts about the FISA coverage in Iowa, and a few other things...

The email:

Hey -

Because of your support, we've been able to go up on the air with another television advertisement.

It's my closing argument, and I think it makes a compelling case that will cause Iowans to take another look at my candidacy.

Now that the ad is made, your $25 contribution will help to keep it on the air through Caucus night.

Will you watch the ad and contribute $25 right now?

http://chrisdodd.com/together

You should see the size and enthusiasm of the crowds I'm encountering since returning to Iowa after stopping retroactive immunity.

People care about leadership that delivers results, and that's why we are poised to earn one of the tickets out of Iowa and the road to the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

Your $25 will keep our newest ad on the television screens of thousands of Iowans.

Will you watch the ad and help keep it on the air, right now?

http://chrisdodd.com/together

We have a holiday party in Iowa City with my wife, Jackie, later tonight, and I'd love to announce we hit our latest fund raising goal.

You can make it happen with your contribution.

Thanks again for all of your support,

Chris Dodd

Of course, you may contribute more than $25...

...when we are looking at the candidates. It's just not the only issue that we consider.

For example, here's Dodd (still on topic) on both Crime and Drugs, according to ontheissues.org:

Chris Dodd on Crime

* Mandatory minimum sentencing has been a disaster. (Jun 2007)

* Eliminate distinction between crack cocaine & powder cocaine. (Jun 2007)

* Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)

* Voted YES on $1.15 billion per year to continue the COPS program. (May 1999)

* Voted NO on limiting death penalty appeals. (Apr 1996)

* Voted YES on limiting product liability punitive damage awards. (Mar 1996)

* Voted YES on restricting class-action lawsuits. (Dec 1995)

* Voted NO on repealing federal speed limits. (Jun 1995)

* Voted YES on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)

* Voted NO on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)

* Rated 75% by CURE, indicating pro-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)

* Moratorium on death penalty; more DNA testing. (Mar 2001)

* More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)

* Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001)

Chris Dodd on Drugs

* Allow medical marijuana; and allow decriminalization too. (Sep 2007)

* Decriminalize marijuana but don't legalize it. (Sep 2007)

* Supports national ban on smoking in public places. (Sep 2007)

* Alcohol problems significant; keep drinking age at 21. (Sep 2007)

* Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses. (Nov 1999)

* Voted NO on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)

Is there a perfect candidate out there? Probably not, though there may be one who is slightly better on these issues than Dodd is. However, he is probably one of the more liberal among the current field. (Again, according to ontheissues.org, which has a matrix/set of axes at the bottom of each page. Dodd is as far to the left as one can go without being on the very edge.

Why would I consider seriously supporting, i.e., with my money, (at least during the primary season) any of the other candidates, on the basis of a single issue (e.g., RP on the war), when Dodd much more closely reflects my own positions? ...especially given his support and leadership on my own "litmus test": restoring the Constitution?

Great minds, and all that...

Let's just hope that his campaign reaches their goal tonight, and that the Firefighters organize well enough for a really good showing on the 3rd...

I would send your less politically-inclined friends the link to Dodd's website, and or the blog. (chrisdodd.com) It contains lots of comments from all kinds of people... just plain folks, also those who are much more active in party politics.

And maybe the link to ontheissues.org, which is an interactive site that allows you to compare all of the candidates in both parties on the issues that are important to you, in a (somewhat) brief overview. There are also additional links supplied that one can follow for more information.

I've noticed lately that Dodd seems to favor green ties. In fact, one of the commentators/pundits (I just don't remember who) even commented that he might begin to wear them himself... if they could be so lucky.

We could do something along the lines of what they did in the Ukraine with the orange scarves, but instead wear green ties, or scarves or shamrocks, or anything else green to signify support for Dodd. A bit of green this winter might also be very welcome.

Thanks, Both!

Dan Greaney's idea is even better than the links I suggested. In the meantime, while waiting for said videos, you could select some that already exist on YouTube of the Senator, and send those to your friends. Some of them are also on his website.

but I think you meant that Dodd is running FOR not FROM president. ;~)