Canadian troops raid a Taliban compound at dawn in Afghanistan, video by
embedded journalist Scott Kesterson.
** PING PONGING AROUND THE WORLD. After the New York stock exchange followed the Chinese market in a plunge, the Nikkei average in Tokyo plunged over 700 points upon opening.
** TALIBAN EMBARRASS DICK CHENEY. The Taliban released a statement saying that today’s suicide bombing at the massive former Soviet Bagram air base in Afghanistan was targeted at Vice President Dick Cheney. The truth is, the bomber never really got close to Cheney. The earth-bound kamikaze detonated his explosives at the first checkpoint, a few concentric circles of security away from the VP. Nevertheless, the act caused Cheney to hurry into a bomb shelter, and caused a system-wide “red alert” on what is the largest military base in Central Asia. The attack also killed 23 members of coalition forces, including two Americans.
** SAN FRANCISCO’S “BLOOD ALLEY” APPROACH TO THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE NEEDS SOME BOND MONEY. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom held a press conference this morning at the former Army helicopter base in the Presidio to publicize the need for more Big Bang Bonds infrastructure money from the California Transportation Commission for safety improvements to the Doyle Drive approach to the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s very picturesque, it’s narrow, it’s from the 1950s, and it’s dangerous.
When LA officials screamed last week about insufficient funding coming from last year’s infrastructure package to deal with traffic congestion, they got some action. It didn’t hurt that the screaming was coming from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s friends, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who were quite helpful to him in the election last year. Newsom, who played more of the Democratic game backing the ill-fated nominee, Phil Angelides, is friendly with the governor but not nearly so helpful. But the Doyle Drive problem is very real. I’ve driven it a lot heading to the Golden Gate, and it is dangerous. The governor doesn’t drive much in San Francisco, of course. In fact, he doesn’t drive much anywhere. So he doesn’t have the first hand experience. Hopefully, the message gets through.
** EARLY CALIFORNIA PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY MOVING FORWARD. The early California presidential primary moved forward through the process again yesterday, passing the state Assembly Appropriations Committee on an 11-5 party-line vote. After zipping throught the Senate earlier on a 31-5 vote with heavy bipartisan support, it’s slowed down some in the Assembly, where there is more opposition among the more conservative Assembly Republican Caucusc, which doesn’t like to spend money and fears various nefarious scenarios which might occur in the context of an early presidential primary. (Too numerous and arcane to go into in the course of a short item, though they are not uncredible.) But top Assembly Republican leaders tell NWN on background that the bill will pass.
** U.S. TO FORMALLY MEET WITH IRAN AND SYRIA AS PART OF REGIONAL STABILIZATION TALKS ON IRAQ. According to the Washington Post, and to no surprise here, given the many reports of “back channel” discussions passed on here on NWN, the US is slated to meet in March with Iran and Syria in the context of regional discussions to stabilize the mess in Iraq.
** MAIN U.S. BASE IN AFGHANISTAN ATTACKED DURING CHENEY VISIT. An apparent Taliban suicide bomber attacked the main US base in Afghanistan, the former Soviet Bagram air base, during a visit there by Vice President Dick Cheney, killing from 14 to 23 individuals, whose nationalities are not yet entirely known, or at least reported.
The resurgent Taliban chose an opportune moment, with the visit of Cheney, leading warhawk vis a vis Iraq and Iran in the US government, to remind that the swiftly achieved US victory in Afgthanistan is in danger of unraveling. Some Afghans are not unmindful of the fact that the US has actually won not one but two wars in Afghanistan in the last 20 years. The first being the war that may well have shattered the Soviet Union, the covert war successfullly rolling back the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Islamic jihadists are particularly loathe to acknowledge the central role of the US in defeating the Soviets in Afghanistan.
Cheney, who reportedly took little note of the massive deadly blast going off in his vicinity, served as US secretary of defense in the administration of the current president’s father but never wore the uniform himself, receiving a series of deferments and telling the Washington Post in 1989: “I had other priorities in the ’60s than military service.”
** Monitor computer memory prices on a daily basis. Prices are relatively stable.
** Track global and national energy prices on a near real time basis via Bloomberg. Crude oil prices are in the $59 to $60 per barrel range. Fears of an attack on Iran disrupting the oil markets have subsided, for the moment.
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Is Cheney the worst leader since Vietnam?
Cheney said that. Pathetic.
That’s a lot of territory to cover …
Jesus Christ, now we could lose Afghanistan. I am beside myself.
“Other priorities in the ’60s than military service.” Classic killer quote on Cheney.
I report. You decide.
Quelle surprise!
NO French. The French are evil. Wait, I haven’t reported yet on the purloined ROMNEY strategy document.
Hmm.
Giuliani.
Romney.
Who does that leave out?
No, IRAN is EVIL. lol
Bob Sallady at La Times blog needs to get a job.
You’re right that McCain appears to be fading from view on the GOP side of the presidential run. I don’t know what it is, but I think part of his problem is that he has been trying too hard to be a bridge to the democratic side of the aisle, and they no longer need him as much now that they are in the majority, and the right is a little reluctant to embrace the prodigal son. I also think his age and health are an issue. He looks absolutely cadaverous these days, especially next to the hipper, vibrant Guliani
Actually, no.
What is really going on with McCain is that he is being nailed by the ongoing fiasco in Iraq and the “surge.”
It’s hurting him severely with moderate Republicans, who are deeply embarrassed by Bush.
And with independents.
Notice that Giuliani, for all his obvious attempts to appeal to the “tough” side on the Terror War, is actually quite reticent when it comes to the “surge.”
Independents and moderate reeps are undoubtedly embarrassed by Bush, but I disagree that McCain is suffering because of his support for the military and the surge. I think Guliani knows that he gets a pass on the war on terror, given his “mayor of America” role at 9/11, and thus is free to avoid the subject on the campaign. Yet it is so very early that I would not be surprised to see McCain and Rudy switch places in the polls between now and then.
Actually, you can disagree, since it is a free country, however, the numbers are very clear, Hap.
Is there still an LA Times blog?
I am sure the numbers are clear about McCain, but I think the confining nature of poll questions and analysis thereof make it difficult to pinpoint McCain’s current problems getting traction. Who cares about the polls?
I tend to believe that some of his biggest challenges stem from a perception that he is a political maneuverer above everything else.
Let’s see:
McCain leading candidate for “surge” in Iraq War.
Polls:
Iraq War down.
“Surge:’ Down.
McCain’s numbers with independents: Down.
McCain’s numbers with moderate and libereal Republicans: Down.
Warner: hates “surge”, endorses McCain.
So?
He doesn’t think Giuliani is a real Republican, he thinks Romney is an obvious flio-flopper, and MCain is a fellow senator and veteran. The only major one in the field, as it happens, and Warner was Secretary of the Navy back in the day.
Since you asked, here are my thoughts on “24.” The past two episodes since Mr. Bradley expressed his concern of possible “shark-jumping” have been solid, but not outstanding.
These epsiodes have moved the plot along nicely, but strain credibility, even in the Bauerverse. It was ri-flipping-diculous how east it was to smuggle those highlighters with the chemical components for the bowm used on Palmer. I half-expect the TSA will be outlawing Sharpies soon.
However, there have been some nice touches. I dig the references to Jack’s time in captivity, showing he may be out of touch with the times. Logan’s long look at the pic of he and wife was touching.
Speaking of touching, Jack was just a little too touchy-feely with his nephew (or is it his son?!).
I must admit, I watched “Heroes” live, and on the edge of my seat, and DVR’ed “24″ for later. Claire-bear did a move remincent of the Hulk in “The Incredible Hulk #397″ or Wolverine in “Wolverine vs. Havok: Meltdown.” (Comic nerds, unite!) Heck, the show even made Eric Roberts non-annoying. That’s a superpower in and of itself.
More on Heroes, later. “24″ is still good, but I doubt it will as good as it once was. It’s just the way TV works, folks. (See X-Files for reference).
Bieko “Speaking of touching, Jack was just a little too touchy-feely with his nephew (or is it his son?!).”
I was thinking he was his son too…I like the idea of “Jack” our anti terrorist fighter having a clandestine “love baby” …
Gospodin Bierko, I thought the last two episodes of 24 were quite good but not great, kind of like Arnold in early to mid 2006, as distinguished from the few before that, which were kind of like Arnold in 2005.
The aide who snuck the bomb in was so nervous and twitchy and suspicious looking I can’t believe, having been around those guys, that the SS would not have watched him extremely closely. “Sir, what did you just take from your jacket and place in the lectern. Sir! Halt!”
I think the kid is Jack’s son. The sister-in-law is the most beautiful and useless of the women Jack has been involved with, so of course he must have been very seriously involved with her.
With all the family stuff intersecting the plotline, 24, as you say, is now seriously into latter day X-Files terrritory. The “mythology” of the show is starting to get too involved.
I still watch Heroes after 24. It’s a good show and I enjoy it a lot, but it still seems more in the moment and weightless.
Mr. Bradley: I think the kid is Jack’s son.
Well if they decide to kill Jack off at some point …I hope he learns first that he has a son…that would be important… to know that he had a son with someone he loved before he died…
“There is more opposition among the more conservative Assembly Republican Caucus, which doesn’t like to spend money.” Where was the outrage and deficit hawkishness from this Caucus back in 2005 when local governments were being forced to spend $60 million on a special election that was little more than a thinly-veiled broadside against labor unions?
Well, Jack touches his sister-in-law’s face SO often — especially considering that his brother died about an hour and a half ago — I think he knows the boy is his son.
Mr. Bradley: Well, Jack touches his sister-in-law’s face SO often…
I KNOW it’s wonderful!…just like that moment when he kissed Audrey’s knee!…those guys that fight terrorists…they have away about them!
I think next season “24″ should be a prequel to Day 1. There are no flashback on teh show, a la “Lost,” so why not make the whole season a flashback? Then, they could bring back Henderson, Sen. Palmer, Sheri, Nina, Walsh, even Chappelle (and even Lou Diamond Phillips!). It could focus on how Jack brought down the dirty agents at CTU that was alluded to in the opening episodes of Day 1, Operation: Nightfall (and have Saunders there too!) and maybe even the affair with the woman that would become his sister-in-law.
I think it would be great TV and be rewarding for both old ways and make the rest of the seasons accessible for new fans would want to buy the box sets.
Please make checks payable to Bierko International.
Jack Bauer is a girlie man.
Kidding.
“Where was the outrage and deficit hawkishness from this Caucus back in 2005 when local governments were being forced to spend $60 million on a special election that was little more than a thinly-veiled broadside against labor unions?”
But that was different, because of…ummm…well…give me a minute. Oh yeah, the moving of the primary has the support of the republican governor, the democratic majority and probably a majority of voters. The Special didn’t have any of those things. So, its, um…well, different.
There has been a lot of back-and-forth with clerks the last few years: 2001 redistricting, HAVA, paper trail, Recall, Special. They always feel they are getting shortchanged, but the stuff happens anyway. Haven’t met a happy clerk yet. They would probably complain in a monarchy too.
I like the 24 prequel idea. With David Palmer, my favorite television politician. We can see what he and Jack did to get the Dennis Hopper character so upset he could never get his Serbian accent straight.
Why is going on with the stock market? Barbara? Anyone?
excuse…what is going on with the market?
Does leap-year affect this season’s 24? I would hate for fans to only get 23 episodes…
Spring forward Jack Bauer, you magnificent bastard.
Markets fluttered after the world’s 4th largest economy decided it’s stock market might be over-heated and MIGHT look to curtail investments on margin. Oracles are seeing bears again…next week it might be bulls.
Thanks, Please bring back the Bulls.
I’m pretty sure there’s a reason they call the show “24,” Senor Brasky.
Hi Carole,
There are a variety of things going on….I think there is a real possibility of some trouble down the line…there are some hidden structural problems that could turn ugly or they could not…if there do, it will be interesting to see which 08 candidate addresses this to the voters satisfaction.
“24″ does a great job leading you down an obvious path, then springing some goofy surprise on you. I’m hoping for a Chinatown type deal where Jack is wrong about being Josh’s father – that turns out to be grandpa Bauer. So Josh is Jack’s brother and nephew, not his son. Jack learns all this during a confusing chase scene with explosions and helicopters.
Thanks Barbara & Brasky,
Keep me updated on market/political connection. Please.
Barbara:
I don’t think we are looking at the edge of a cliff, just the crest of a hill.
But, if we start gathering downhill momentum, it would be bad news for any reep candidate. If “are you better off than 8 years ago?” becomes the election theme (economy, foreign affairs, healthcare, etc.), look out.
Ironically, I think almost any dem could run on Bill Clinton’s economic record in this scenario — except Hillary. Too many minefields.
In fact, in the unlikely doomsday scenario of an fast economic decline, I’d actually give Al Gore a shot at winning the presidency if dems can run both on the economy AND national defense in 2008.
Those Canucks are something else. The last three seconds make the video.
Bill Brasky,
I agree…that is why I said it is dependent on certain things turning ugly…
We have to wait for Thursday for this “construction ” report…that might prove helpful…I have been reading for the last few days econ stuff …I read something last night that took my breath away in regard to China …that they have a tremendous portfolio of both nonperforming and bad loans estimated at 40 percent of gross product. However, this highly respected policy think tank that I was reading put it at 60 percent!!!! Remember Japan in 1990…very similar…and we all remember the early 1990′s in California I am sure…I had just arrived and was living in LA …I went to many “Fire Sales” in Brentwood and Beverly Hills.
Bill Brasky:it would be bad news for any reep candidate
I was thinking that this just might be the window for Romney…not that I want a downturn or Romney…I just looked a little at him after my day in Los Altos…I have a feeling he will resort to bashing illegal immigrants to stir the base…which needless to say I do not approve of
Thank God for the Canadians!
Besides being immoral, tapping into anti-immigrant hysteria to move your campaign forward is like drinking from a firehose – you won’t go thirsty, but you might drown. There is just too much energy there to be controlled to move something forward. It will always get ugly and disintegrate before election day.
Personally. I think Romney is a presidential lightweight who can’t get out of the primaries and who would be crushed in the general against Edwards, Obama, Gore or even Clinton. But GWB ain’t no mensa member and he won twice, so what the hell do I know?
One more thing on the stock markets, I forgot that Greenspan added to the panic today by saying:
“When you get this far away from a recession invariably forces build up for the next recession, and indeed we are beginning to see that sign; for example in the U.S., profit margins … have begun to stabilize, which is an early sign we are in the later stages of a cycle.”
Greenspan translation: “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together – mass hysteria!”
Can’t believe this guy is still affecting the stock market. They’ll unearth some diary of his in 75 years and my son’s galactic spice shares will drop 20%. Jesus.
Bill Brasky:Besides being immoral, tapping into anti-immigrant hysteria to move your campaign forward is like drinking from a firehose – you won’t go thirsty, but you might drown
I agree. and thank you for saying the above…it will be very interesting to see WHAT the Reeps do…just politically speaking I think that is in someways the more interesting race to watch…I am a DTS but I could see myself easily voting for several of the DEMS…the Reep is more illusive and opague to me a sto what will happen there
MR BRADLEY WHERE ARE YOU
HAGEL IS IN THE PRESIDENTIAL FORUM AT THE BIG LABOR /CONSTRUCTION MEETING!!!! I WAS JUST CHECKING ON THIS ECON REPORT I AM WAITING FOR
AND THERE HE WAS!!!!!!
IF HE RUNS MR. BRADLEY I WANT A BLOG PRIZE!!!!!!
I AM SO HAPPY! I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL TONIGHT!!!!!!!
Carole, go to C-span and e-mail them that they MUST cover this event (below)”live”, I just did that! Thanks! Toodles Toodles Toodles!
“Building & Construction Trades 2007 Legislative Conference & Presidential Candidate Forum, March 26, 27, 28
FORMER SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS (D-SC) * SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON (D-NY)
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA (D-IL) * GOV. BILL RICHARDSON (D-NM)
SENATOR JOE BIDEN (D-DE) * SENATOR CHRIS DODD (D-CT)
SENATOR CHUCK HAGEL (R-NE)”
I wouldn’t get too excited.