Former Senator John Edwards discusses his presidential candidacy yesterday in New Orleans.
** EDWARDS ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY IN NEW ORLEANS. John Edwards formally announced his campaign for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination today in New Orleans, hard hit by last year’s devastating Hurricane Katrina. Later in the day, he continues his announcement tour with a town hall in Iowa. On Friday, the 2004 Democratic vice presidential nominee has events and town halls in New Hampshire and Nevada. On Saturday, he journeys to South Carolina, then a homecoming event in North Carolina, which he served during his sole term in the U.S. Senate and where he became one of the country’s top trial lawyers.
Edwards has real strength in the early caucus and primary states of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. He’s the brightest dark horse in either party, but will struggle for media attention with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
** SCHWARZENEGGER CREATES PENSION COMMISSION. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today created by executive order the Public Employee Post-Employment Benefits Commission to study and make recommendations on the problem of vast unfunded pension and health care benefits for retirees and the otherwise “post-employed.” (Attention, Dept. of Buzzwords.) Both the problem for the state — estimated early in the year as $49 billion in terms of pensions and $40 to $70 billion in terms of health benefits for the “post-employed” and their families — and local governments around the state will be studied by the commission, which is to report back on January 1st, 2008. The commission will consist of 12 members, six appointed by Schwarzenegger, three appointed by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, and three appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata. Nunez has already put out a statement of support.
From a political standpoint, this is a good way to signal to the unions that there will not be a resumption of last year’s war over pension reform, at least this coming year. It also is a way to establish a bipartisan buy-in to the breadth and scale of the problem and provide a forum for work toward possible agreed-on solutions. Without, of course, actually moving on any in the current, somewhat troubled, fiscal year.
** JIHADISTS LOSE MOGADISHU, CONFOUNDING LAST WEEK’S FORECASTS ON THE RIGHT. Just a week after some on the right predicted that Al Qaeda was about to win Somalia as its new Afghanistan, Somali goverment forces retook the traditional capital city of Mogadishu. Ethiopia, as widely anticipated, had intervened in the war-torn country and quickly routed the militias of the Islamic Courts movement, aligned with but not directed by Al Qaeda. While there may well be a guerilla war, and there are threatened terrorist reprisals against Ethiopia, the picture is not all that bleak.
** Monitor computer memory prices on a daily basis. Prices are stable.
** Track global and national energy prices in near real time via Bloomberg. Crude oil prices are around $60 per barrel on continuing milder than normal weather through much of the US.
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He’s a good looking guy. Perky. lol
Very nice Susan Kennedy impression.
For the multitudes who don’t know, that is what Arnold’s chief of staff said about the ex-Assembly Republican leader on that tape ripped off of his computer system by the Angelides campaign.
He’s good. I’m getting in the New Year spirit. Where are the funny videos?
The holiday videos start again tomorrow, for four days in a row through New Year’s Day.
I like Edwards but do voters care much about poor people these days?
Talking about helping the poor is also a way to appeal to liberals, who are strong in Democratic caucuses and primaries. I think he’s also using Hurricane Katrina and the debacle around it as a metaphor for things going haywire in America.
Can you start the funny videos already?
“We will sell no wine before its time.”
Orson Welles
You have wine? Sharing? Please!!!
Jonas…This voter cares about poor people. Think it might be a little better place to live in more people did. But, then agian, I’m just a feeble minded old person…
It’s the old Gallo Wine slogan. Orson Welles shilled for them in his post-Citizen Kane days.
Bill…
Quit hoarading the wine by blaming it on Mr. Wells. If he won’t sell it to you, steal it!
Mr. Welles, as fate would have it, is dead.
I hope it wasn’t from consuming too much wine. Did you pry any of it from his hands?
Serious note, look forward to seeing how both Edwards and Obama do. Long way between down and ’08, but will make for interesting chatter.
News on the Old Soul front…still a couple weeks away from reopening.
Pry Gallo wine from his hands? Surely you jest.
Quit calling me Surely!
And why not pry it from his hands? If dead it was his time and he had no further use for it!
Ah, don’t you mean “Shirley?”
Don’t call me that either!
Time for me to go read the article on 100 big league ballplayers testing positvie for ‘roids in ’03.
Sorry, that line aabout wine and time was for Paul Masson Wines. If Ernie or Julio were alive today you might not have a happy New Year.
Well, I remember it was one of those jug wines.
Is/was Paul Masson part of Gallo?
The C-span Poll For The Day is :
“Would You Vote For John Edwards?”
at 9:48 am when I vote YES…the results were 55 percent yes …45 percent no…
I am so excited about tomorrow and I loved his “supporter e-mail” he sent….he has a wonderful and a very active, high energy and warm website…with so much there and going on (all these back to back town halls around the country!) it is not surprising they got a little carried away yesterday!
So, I’m out cruising the blogosphere – as I’m known to spend all of my time doing – and I come across this tantalizingly titled diary on MyDD.com:
John Edwards: Stealth Fascist?
This stuff is gold!!!
Nice and vague, huh? Fortunately Web 2.0 kicks in and the community slaps the guy around a little…
These people share the Time magazine person of the year title with Mr. Bradley? I love it!
In a post-Chirstmas spirit of giving, I give all of you here Ze Frank! Click on the link for “THE SHOW,” you’ll be glad you did. (Sorry to those here who are already “Sports Racers.”
I just love how these folks pick up this very knowing jargon …
Paul Masson is owned by the 2nd largest wine company,”Canandaigua Wine Company” which escapes public notice becuase it is impossible to pronounce, unlike the largest, Gallo. Canandaigua is in turn owned by the Brit’s Constellation Brands. Their most famous labels, besides Paul Masson, include Inglenook, Manischewitz, Cook’s Champaign, Vendange, Talus and Almaden. (There ae more labels but my palate is hurting too much to go on. In 2001 Constellation bought the bulk of the old Sebastiani Winery, which propelled former Caveman Assemblyman Don Sebastiani to start his own company which apparently is offering him more success than his political career ever did. “We serve no wine before its time, and its time! Its time!” — Johnny Carson as Orson Welles.
Can you name the last unsuccessful vice presidential nominee to be elected President? Extra credit: the last unsuccesful VP nominee to be nominated for President? (Mondale doesn’t count because before losing in 80 he won in 76).
I have no idea on teh first one, Dole on the second one.
It’s 11:45…
Would you consider voting for John Edwards for president?
60 % YES ….40 % No
Total Votes: 613
Eat your heart out Hilary and Obama
Go C-span devotees!
Great staged photos of Arnold in his hospital bed at LA Times Blog – http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/politicalmuscle/.
Doubt we will see any like these of Castro…
More staged hospital photos on Governor’s site — http://www.gov.ca.gov
Must give the Gov’s communications folks some props. I especially like the 65″ big screen in the room for a video conference.
Castro’s team must be envious.
Yeah, I know. I got the pictures from them, too.
That’s a Montblanc pen Arnold’s using, I believe.
John Edwards is a very handsome man.”pretty boy model type”. but his heart is just as pretty and caring. a person truly concerned about the well being of others, whos struggles are greater than most in what is now a more isloated world. he is a very emotional advanced leader. he recognizes that new orleans must be remembered and brought back to the forefront and the need to reawaken the consciousness of america to our major domestic challenges that are lost in the shadows of iraq.
Edwards
wants us as a country to not
forget our moral responsibility to help our fellow americans in their time of great need to recreate a new life.
He is reminding us of the continous social, economic and environmental injustice that americans are struggling with everyday as billions flow out to the war in iraq. this is a civil rights issue and gross violation of the human rights of the people of new orleans and the gulf coast. the bush adminstration is the father of injustice in new orleans and corruption in iraq.yet we remain silent.
it will take such a one as edwards with the moral courage to stop this suppression and oppression of our people by the current adminstration.
John Edwards is a very handsome man.”pretty boy model type”. but his heart is just as pretty and caring. a person truly concerned about the well being of others, whos struggles are greater than most in what is now a more isloated world. he is a very emotional advanced leader. he recognizes that new orleans must be remembered and brought back to the forefront and the need to reawaken the consciousness of america to our major domestic challenges that are lost in the shadows of iraq.
Edwards
wants us as a country to not
forget our moral responsibility to help our fellow americans in their time of great need to recreate a new life.
He is reminding us of the continous social, economic and environmental injustice that americans are struggling with everyday as billions flow out to the war in iraq. this is a civil rights issue and gross violation of the human rights of the people of new orleans and the gulf coast. the bush adminstration is the father of injustice in new orleans and corruption in iraq.yet we remain silent.
it will take such a one as edwards with the moral courage to stop this suppression and oppression of our people by the current adminstration.
HEY! Look at my C-span Alert! IT’s a JOHN EDWARDS NIGHT AT C-SPAN!!!!!Remember to subtract 3 hours for PST!!!
“C-SPAN Highlights
Tonight:
* Fmr. Sen. John Edwards Presidential Campaign Announcement (8pm)
* John Edwards Interview with Mike Allen (8:25pm)
* Fmr. Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) Profile (8:45pm)
That looks absolutely riveting.
It’s 1:44pm and all is well!
“Would you consider voting for John Edwards for president?
Yes
62%
No
38%
Total Votes: 749
“Changing our country means:
Providing moral leadership in the world — starting with Iraq, where we should begin drawing down troops, not escalating the war
Strengthening our middle class and ending the shame of poverty
Guaranteeing health care for every single American
Leading the fight against global warming
Getting America and the world to break our addiction to oil”
John Edwards says that (the above) is not his vision but that’s our vision ….and he is RIGHT!
Mr. Bradley:That looks absolutely riveting
I Know! I am going to leave work early go get a pizza at WHOLE FOODS and get home to watch it!
I just reviewed the pictures of AS in his hospital bed exercising his governor duties. whose pr idea is that? that person{s} should be placed on a 5250/72 hour hold for evaluation. this person{s} is dangerous. how insensitive and out of touch can you be? karl rove rapid response inhuman tatics alive and well in california.
This is so sad. it shows the true depth of their shallowness and people wellbeing truly donot matter.
Kandy Kid,
What you think of GAS actions this day on pensions?
Sorry but this is my last update…because I have to get home and catch John Edwards on C-span and Pack up for his Town Hall in Reno and a skiing weekend in solidarity with GUV ARNOLD!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE …Have fun and stay safe! Catch you next week! …or that is next year!!!!!….”Poll Of The Day”
Would you consider voting for John Edwards for president?
Yes
63%
No
37%
Total Votes: 884″
Oh Gosh I just found holiday greetings from Mayor AV sent to all his supporters of his school reform efforts and he says:
“The holidays are also a time for making resolutions for the New Year. Here’s mine: On the issue of education, I will not be deterred.”
GO Antonio! You’re The Best! Knock em’Dead!!!!Eli! write this guy a big check …let’s have a education revolution! I ‘m ready!…you know one of my old and favorite boyfriends said I would make a great General! Toodles!
I think the governor looks okay.
Babs…
I’m thinking of making the trip from LA to Reno for Senator Edwards, as well…
I hestitated and missed $77 each way from Bubank yesterday…have to be careful in the wake of my holiday spending!
I’ll look for you…we’ll find out if we’re real or just figments of Bradley’s imagination.
Mr Bradley! This is REALLY is my last post until next Tuesday …I just want to say this year with you has BEEN A GRAND RIDE! So Thank You!!!AND…”Ill tell you one thing….If you would leave it would be a crying shame!” NWN Forever!
Hey Tommy Boy! …it’s only only money! what better way to end the year then making a statement of support for the most deserving candidate for President in 08! Heck! besides the hotel I had to hire someone to dog sit! and if you really come …Look for the most adorable woman in the room!!!!!!That will be me!
Happy New Year to you and yours, Mr. Bradley!
I shall take leave with the my Signature Song!!!!
“Man its a hot one/Like seven inches from the midday sun
I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone/But you stay so cool
My mu equita my spanish harlem mona lisa/Your my reason for reason
The step in my groove/And if you say this life aint good enough
I would give my world to lift you up/I could change my life to better suit your mood
Cause youre so smooth/And just like the ocean under the moon
Well thats the same emotion that I get from you
You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth
Gimme your heart make it real/Or else forget about it/Ill tell you one thing
If you would leave it would be a crying shame/In every breath and every word I hear your name calling me out
Out from the barrio you hear my rhythm from your radio/You feel the turning of the world so soft and slow
Turning you round and round “….Santana SMOOTH
Isn’t that an incredible song? Happy New Year !
P.S. Commssion is a brilliant move…California Leads!
Ann is correct about Bob Dole: Ford’s VP nominee in 76, won the GOP nomination in 1996. The only defeated VP who was elected President was Franklin D. Roosevelt who lost with James M. Cox in 1920. Note that in between 1920 and 1932 FDR contracted polio and was elected Governor of New York, and that Bob Dole lost to Reagan in 1980 and became Majority Leader in Senate between 1976 and 1996. As appealing as Edwards is, one term in the Senate and losing with Kerry is an insufficient platform for a successful campaign.
Tommy Boy, this is all real.
All too real.
Incidentally, where am I going?
Sullihan, I’m very leary of using history to create hard and fast formulas for political outcomes.
I don’t recall being the womanizing, draft-evading governor of a small state as a historical launching pad to the presidency, for example.
Bill I thought the Guv looked good considering….Edwards intrigued me in 04 but I saw him on hardball the other night with his wife and it’s obvious who wears the pants in that family…Chris even commented on it and John did not respond…I don’t know how far he will go but he will make it interesting…can anyone from the NE get elected? the South and the West should play a big part in 08 but will that help Edwards?
Actually, I put that clip on NWN.
I didn’t read it that way, at all.
Mr. Edwards has a shot at the White House. He is intelligent, mediagenic, experienced, and still fresh. He will also avoid most of the big hits going to Clinton and Obama.
If his fundraising kicks in.