Thanks Michael for giving us some of the background of this story.

I am still curious though as to why someone from the so-called “smoke-filled backroom” would leak the email to the TNR. Also, who was that person. I guess time will tell.

I see nothing wrong with liberal bloggers getting together to discuss strategy. If the establishment Dems were doing their job, there would be no need for alternative voices.

The right-wingers have gotten their message machine down to a science. The liberal bloggers are simply trying to fill the void on the left to counter the lies and misinformation which emanates from that group.

Well, if the flag burning amendment passes, I guess I will just have to start burning copies of the Constitution instead.

The Constitution has been pretty much destroyed anyway under this administration so that burning it won't make too much of a difference.

I agreed with you Glenn. However, I would take it a few steps farther. I believe that as women, gays, minorities move to gain more power, the white male feels threatened as he loses some of that power. Males are have always been the leaders whether it be in politics or religion or whatever. As women begin to assert their power and assume some of these leadership positions, some men feel threatened because they are losing some of that power. Gays asserting their rights, is also intolerable to some men because gays are not considered “manly-men.” They are considerably girly-men. In some ways, the mere existence of gays tend to dilute the “manly man’s” own masculinity.

Also, as minorities assume power, white males feel threatened because now you have someone who you once considered your inferior gaining power over you.

The republican movement, IMO, is a force which is reacting out of fear - fear of losing their power and dominance to the very people they used to dominate. The image of the manly-man is important to them because it make them feel strong - strong enough to overcome the threats from "others."

I don’t know which the Republicans fear more - gay men or powerful women. It seems that their sense of manliness is threatened by both.

Just a hypothetical - Suppose a highly qualified Democratic woman who had been divorced twice and married three times became a presidential candidate. I can’t even think of the names she would be subjected to by her Republican opponents. However, it doesn’t seem to matter that two of the Republican candidates, Giuliani and McCain have had multiple marriages.

The way I see it is this: In the Republican Manly Man Club, multiple marriages or adulterous affairs are acceptable because these men have proven their virility or manliness by having sex with a woman. However, in the Republican Manly Man Club, a homosexual liaison is not acceptable because, in their eyes, the man is a girlie man and not a real man and, therefore, must be ostracized from their club.

I don’t understand the psychology behind their thinking. However, it seems that they are threatened by anyone who detracts from their own self-righteous concept of manliness.

Okay, I'll pile on a little bit more. I never, ever want to hear about $400 haircuts again. This is Republican rhetoric and has no place on a supposedly progressive site.

As for Obama, I didn't hear his speech nor see him with Russert. Doesn't matter. I have seen him many times before. He in young, he is fresh and he isn't part of the Washington "establishment." This country needs a real change and not another politician whose every word is scripted. As far as I am concerned, Obama fits that bill.

I watched Charlie Rose interview Jeff Bezos of Amazon on 11-19-07 when Jeff introduced Kindle. I was very impressed with Jeff's presentation and with the product.

One of the features I personally like about Kindle is that one can download books anywhere at any time. Also, about 90,000 books are available right now; Kindle contains a 250,000 word dictionery; has access to Wikipedia; one can highlight words/phrases, underline text and make margin notes.

I use public transportation and always take something to read. The light weight (11 ounces) of the Kindle would make it much lighter to carry than a heavier hardbound book.

My living space is very limited and right now it is cluttered with books. It would be nice to have books I read in one small portable devise. I could sure free up a lot of space in my apartment.

I checked Amazon's web site re availability. They are sold out right now. However, more Kindles will be available after the Holidays. Sounds like a lot of people would be getting Kindle in their Christmas stocking this year.

Many years ago I remember seeing Rockefeller being interviewed on the PBS News Hour. He came across as very meek, very weak, and very wishy-washy. Back then I had to go with my instincts about my perception of him. Now, my instincts have been validated and I know for a fact that he IS very meek, very weak and very wish-washy. And a traitor to the very ideals that have made this country great.

The problem now is how do we get rid of him? He is more than a disgrace to the Democratic party and to the country. He is part of the deadly virus that has infected this country. He needs to go.