I think we should lighten-up on Joan. While I have noticed a tendency to be neutral toward HRC, she has also been critical.

Given an incipient surge by Obama in the polls that, if it continues, it will bury HRC, and if it is reflected in PA may result in the biggest upset of the campaign. Even if its only close (less than 10%), PA will effectively end the race.

But in retrospect, it may wall be that the vetting of Obama in the primaries will be a huge plus in November. The Rev. Wright thing has played itself out and Obama's survived. It's increasingly becoming "old news." It will be old, old news in October.

And both HRC and Obama have been pushed to the Democratic core values by the campaign. HRC discovered her hidden anti-war position and Obama has become increasingly populist by necessity. The real game in Denver may well be the platform and there I expect Pelosi and crew to play a dominant role. That’s IMVHO is a real plus. As a former Edwards supporter I think that's great.

The only question is how will HRC go: with a touch of class or a touch of crass. At some point despite her "fighting" instincts, I expect that sooner, rather than later. One thing about Hillary, she is a smart lady. I just hope she's really smart.

http://johnklotz.blogspot.com

Joan:

I haven't read all 406 comment that precede this so maye its old news. But in this morning's Errol Louis in the NY Daily News that the National Press Club event was organized by Rev. Dr. Barabra Reynolds, who is supporting Hillaruy Clinton. Maybe the next time Hillary speaks about Wright she should also demonize her supporter, Rev. Dr. Reynolds, who is orchestrating Wrigfht's reemergence.

Is this the ultimate dirty trick or what?

johnklotz.blogspot.com

Why is this day different than any other primary day? It's the day that Obama may finally pass-over.

I was in a sour mood the morning of the PA primary, because the Zogby tracking poll had caught a swing to Hillary. Now, he's showing a strong Obama surge in North Carolina and even a small lead in Indiana. From his lips to God's ear. An Obama win in Indiana would really seal the deal.

If Zogby is right than it will really be over except for the Applachin vote in two states which voted for Bush. The only issue is when will Hillary and her die-hards understand the real damage she is doing, not just to the party, but to herself.

Her ridiculous pander on the gas tax has made her look like her Republican enemies worse caricature of her. She's much smarter -- and better -- than that.

If Zogby's off this time and she pulls some chestnuts out of the file - actually only one, a near win in NC, than it gets worse.

But right now, save some wine for Elijah.

johnklotz.blogspot.com

Hillary's problem is the old picket fence: I I I I. Even when she wept in New Hampshire, her statement was about how "I" wanted to help solve the problems.

There was a fairly successful public official who was a picket fence. I summarized his campaign speech as follows: "I want to thank you for giving me the chance to be a great person."

While it's impossible not to give a campaign speech without an occasional "I," listen to how often Obama talks about "we" and "us."

It's not just a difference in rhetoric. Obama has succeeded because of his emphasis on "we" and Clinton is failing because she can't escape from her picket fence.

Hillary's a talented person. I only hope that Obama is a sincere one. "I" am betting he is.

johnklotz.blogspot.com

Maybe I really am too old but the Bradley fighting vehicle is not, and never was a tank. It's an overgrown armored personnel carrier (APC).

The APCs were designed to carrier infantry into battle alongside tanks. That way the whole fighting force could be mobile and protected. Tanks were designed to carrier heavy canons. The tank crew remains in tyhe Tank and oesn't leave unless its destroyed. The soldiers carried in an APC, like the ones in the story, have the mission to get out and fight eventually.

That the Bradleys have more firepower than the older APC's was an evolutionary thing. The old APC's had .50 caliber machine gun mounted on top and that weapon has evolved into more firepower. BUT, it's not a canon like that carried by a tank.

In WWII terms, the Bradley is the lineal descendant of the hlaf-track you sometimes see in WWII films.

I sincerely doubt that anyone who has ever has actually worn a uniform with a crossed sabers and tank insignia would call a Bradley a tank.

And by the way, its procurement was a mess and boondoggle for which, as always, the steepest price is being paid by the GIs.

sincerely,

Old Armored Platoon Leader

alias johnklotz.blogspot.com