"Mudcat Saunders" would be an excellent name for a rock band.

A Ron Paul convention that surely will change the American political scene forever obviously warrants more coverage than some minor Congressman introducing 35 impeachment charges at the same time Scott McClellan agrees to testify about White House involvement in exposing a CIA operative.

...this is ALMOST as bad as Samantha Power having to leave the campaign because she had the foresight - uh, I mean "gall" - to call Hillary Clinton a monster.

Perhaps I should have been as eloquent and succinct as Bermute:

"...I'm horrified that these idiotic media/blogging frenzies can drive away very bright, honest people." -- Bermute Wednesday, June 11, 2008 01:12 PM

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I guess I'm not attuned to the delicate sensibilities of those with a "sadly understandable belief" about Obama supporters, nor am I as perceptive as you in determining from one (possibly ill-considered) post that someone is a total asshole.

I stand by my statement of disgust at the treatment of Samantha Powers, an accomplished woman, for a minor transgression. If you think that makes me the equivalent of a sphincter, so be it.

Pardon my error (but what do you expect from a total a-hole?)

This story cites the Washington Times, which wants us to believe that we came from Moonies.

What about Powell as VP? Sure, it'd turn off some whites - who aren't racist enough to vote against ONE black guy but for whom two are one too many - but I think that would be offset by others who are concerned by Obama's "lack of experience" or foreign policy/military/security credentials and who see Powell as a good guy or even a hero.

"Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's startling call yesterday for a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops from his country has been slow to draw the kind of attention here that it deserves. Perhaps that's because his announcement was made in the context of complex negotiations over a temporary authorization for the continued U.S. presence in Iraq, and perhaps it's because the precise meaning of "timetable" isn't yet clear."

Or perhaps it's because:

1. The American media are generally incompetent and lazy, and much more concerned with "issues" such as imagined slurs on McCain's patriotism; or

2. The American media realize that Iraq's call for a withdrawal timetable makes their boy Johnny Mac look bad.

I think it's mostly the former, with a dash of the latter.

And here's an interesting update:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080708/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

"Iraq insists on withdrawal timetable

BAGHDAD - Iraq's national security adviser said Tuesday his country will not accept any security deal with the United States unless it contains specific dates for the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces."

I was surprised to see only one "Democrat" Nelson (Ben(?) of Nebraska) voting against Bingaman.

What happened to "my" senator, Spineless Bill Nelson (DINO, Florida)? Don't tell me this empty suit actually voted FOR Bingaman? He must have hit the wrong button.

I've been extremely disappointed in Obama since he flipped on FISA, but I don't have the luxury of casting a protest vote against him. And even though it's a disgusting rationale, I can tell myself that Obama's just doing it to mitigate the GOP's "soft on terror" BS.

But Spineless Bill has 4 years before he faces re-election - so what's his excuse?

"Given the pivotal role Florida played in the last two elections, John McCain may want to hop on the "Straight Talk Express" and head to Miami."

Good idea - he should start checking out retirement homes ASAP.

Thanks for the biggest laugh of the week:

"Maybe now journalists will try a little real reporting before they write their next wave of dubious campaign stories."

... that it's the McCain campaign that's saying Obama "would rather lose a war ... [than] an election"?

At first glance, the current headline seems to imply that it's quoting Obama.

"... a lot of people voted against Clinton for a lie."

-- jebldmm Thursday, August 7, 2008 07:49 PM

jeb, it's great that you realize that the oft-repeated Bosnian sniper story was a lie - or as Hillary called it during that ABC debate, an account "which I knew was not accurate".

Actually, I do worry - and am pissed off - about Obama's reversals on telecom immunity, domestic spying, etc. Sorry it doesn't fit your Obama-supporter caricature, but I've never believed he was without flaws. But he was, and still is, the best choice for the job.

BTW, thanks for the laugh - you, the diehard Hillary supporter, are telling me to "get over it"?

Specifically, all those above this one (except the two from marcparis!*).

I clicked on this article to post a note saying "WHO CARES?" and was glad to see, at last count, 9 others expressing essentially the same sentiment.

So please listen to your readers and cut this crap out.

*PS to marc: Here are two things I consider wrong with gossip:

1. There's too damn much of it, especially in places it has no business being (NPR, broadcast network "news", etc.); and

2. It's a distraction from a gazillion other things that matter (as has been stated by others much more eloquent than I am).

Also, in response to your statement "The number of people saying this story is unworthy of coverage makes me think there are just a lot of folks who love feeling superior for not enjoying gossip." I plead guilty as charged. After all, not only do people love gossip, they also love easy targets.

to hear the next GOP attack on Obama as too young and untested.

In case you ever need help falling asleep and you don't want to take some drug (especially whatever that radioactive butterfly is selling), Thompson and Lieberman should do the trick.