Hillary Clinton uses Bill Clinton’s lines, unattributed, last night in Texas.
** IRAQ/IRAN/TURKEY MOVES. Some intriguing and positive developments with regard to Iraq and Iran. Radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has agreed to extend his Mahdi Army’s ceasefire with US and other forces for another six months, creating a bigger space in which to effect the needed political and security settlement in Iraq. Which are still notably lagging.
And Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who visits Iraq early next month, will hold a summit with Iraq’s top leaders in Baghdad. Which has already been reported and discussed. But what has not been noted is that Ahmadinejad’s security will be provided, in part, by the US military.
On the other hand, Turkish forces have moved across the border into Northern Iraq to seek out and destroy some safe havens for Kurdish separatist guerillas. The central government in Baghdad had promised Ankara that it would tamp down the Kurdish guerillas, but failed miserably.
** NORTH CAROLINA: BIG OBAMA LEAD OVER CLINTON. If the race gets that far, Barack Obama has moved out to a big lead in the May 6th North Carolina primary over Hillary Clinton. In the brand new poll for the News & Observer, it’s Obama 45%, Clinton 31%. Obama leads among all voter groups other than voters over the age of 65.
** CALIFORNIA QUICK HITS. Missed a few things around the longest day Game Day coverage package earlier this week. Nothing earth shattering, and all of a piece with predictable developments in California politics. … State Senate Republican leader Dick Ackerman was finally forced out. He was replaced not by George Runner, an early favorite — who stepped aside to help care for his wife, Assemblywoman Sharon Runner, who is seriously ill — but Central Valley legislator Dave Cogdill. He’s another member of the anti-government faction, except on infrastructure and water. Where he has bonded, if you will, with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, carrying his water storage/conservation package, so there is something in common there. … Big Republican donors, like Larry Dodge, who is owed $3 million and is willing to play ball if the state Republicans stop acting as if they want an ever smaller tree house, are pressuring the current California party leadership. Meanwhile, Flash Report proprietor/party official Jon Fleischman, author of the resolution to keep independents out of the presidential primary, has another to keep them out of all primaries. … The Legislative Analyst Office says the budget deficit for next year is even bigger. And says that new taxes will be required.
** NEW PODCAST. I talk about the road ahead after Wisconsin and Hawaii.
** GLASS HOUSES. Above you see video evidence of Hillary Clinton “plagiarizing” some of her husband’s best stuff in last night’s Texas debate. After attacking Barack Obama for using lines from and suggested by his national campaign co-chairman, Deval Patrick.
I’m told by Clinton insiders that this whole plagiarism attack, which has backfired in spectacular fashion, was devised by chief strategist and pollster Mark Penn and communications director Howard Wolfson, the fellow who has for days been trying to pound it home with the press. Penn is due a total of $10 million so far from the Clinton campaign for his consulting services and for polling. Wolfson was paid $266,000 last month.
Amazing.
** SAY WHAT? Incidentally, I’ve very belatedly become aware that many in the conservative blogosphere went ballistic over Barack Obama’s debate anecdote last night about the plight of an under-strength and under-equipped Army rifle platoon in Afghanistan, the upshot of which is that Afghanistan has been the forgotten war in comparison to the tunnel visioned focus on Iraq. I heard his story, and thought nothing of it, as it’s entirely consistent with everything I know. Actually, I thought it was a very effective moment for Obama, coupled with his touting of Fort Hood and the role of a Texas-based division. I text messaged a friend when he did that, remarking that it looked to me like Hillary was wishing she’d thought of it.
Suffice it to say, the bloggers were wrong, as has been demonstrated again since last night. I’m glad I didn’t read all that stuff. It would have been time-wasting and irritating.
** OBAMA CLOSING IN PENNSYLVANIA. The latest poll of the Pennsylvania Democratic presidential primary — and it’s not actually that new, as it was conducted over a 6-day period ending four days ago — shows Barack Obama cutting his big deficit there in half. A month ago, Hillary Clinton led by 20 points in the Franklin & Marshall College poll. Now, her lead is down to 44%-32%. The poll was conducted, in one of these leisurely Field-like way, February 13-18. Quite a few things have happened since February 13th.
** THE SUDDENLY HAPLESS NEW YORK TIMES RESPONDS TO ANGRY AND EMBARRASSED READERS ON ITS MCCAIN EXPOSE. New York Times editor Bill Keller sounds more than a little abashed by the reaction to his newspaper’s backfiring hit on presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
Personally, I was surprised by the volume of the reaction (including more than 2,400 reader comments posted on our Web site). I was surprised by how lopsided the opinion was against our decision, with readers who described themselves as independents and Democrats joining Republicans in defending Mr. McCain from what they saw as a cheap shot.
And, frankly, I was a little surprised by how few readers saw what was, to us, the larger point of the story. Perhaps here, at the outset of this conversation, is a good point to state as clearly as possible our purpose in publishing. … Clearly, many of you did not agree.
I’ll get more into this and another similar newspaper episode in the not terribly distant future.
Clearly, to borrow a word from current NYT editor Keller, they didn’t get what they were doing.
Hillary Clinton’s close at last night’s Democratic presidential debate
in Austin, Texas. Many analysts saw this as a possible valedictory.
** THE GREAT DEBATE. Or not. In one of her few remaining opportunities to derail a slowly but surely rising Barack Obama — it’s not a wave, it’s a tide — Hillary Clinton didn’t get it done. Which is not to say that she was bad at last night’s Texas debate on CNN. Just that he easily matched her performance. And that she landed few if any blows on him. One that she tried, a rehash of the “plagiarism” charge about him using some speech lines suggested by his national campaign co-chairman, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, fell very flat.
In the end, the candidate once acclaimed by nearly all media outlets — but not NWN — as the “inevitable” Democratic presidential nominee, scored best at the end. With a rather moving close you can view above. Which, as it happens, echoed in large measure remarks made by John Edwards and Bill Clinton.
Can a candidate plagiarize his national co-chairman? Can a candidate plagiarize her husband?
Rhetorical questions, to be sure, but actually more meaningful than the incredibly high-priced spin being produced for Hillary.
Said former Bill Clinton communications director-turned-ABC News analyst and anchor George Stephanopoulos of Hillary’s closing statement: “It almost seemed like the first draft of a concession speech.”
The campaign is hardly over, of course. There are many slips ‘twixt the cup and the lip.
Quick, who did I appropriate that from?
Seriously, there is another debate between the two on Tuesday in Ohio. That may be better turf for Hillary than Texas, where I have reports of a seriously disarrayed Clinton operation.
And there are always intervening events. Obama has developed very well since I began scouting him as a great skeptic of him more than a year ago. He could yet make a mistake, prodded by fatigue and illness. (His usually very impressive voice last night was clearly cold-ridden.)
Nevertheless, Clinton needs not only to win on March 4th, but win big. For she is now over 150 delegates behind Obama won in the primaries and caucuses to date. And with proportional representation, that is a big gap to make up.
Barack Obama discusses his change theme and the Clinton
attacks on it and his candidacy.
** WHERE THEY ARE TODAY.
Hillary Clinton has rallies and roundtables today, first in the Metroplex — Dallas and then Fort Worth, Texas — before continuing on to Columbus and Toledo, Ohio.
Barack Obama has rallies across Texas, in Edinburg, Corpus Christi, and Austin.
Bill Clinton has a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas. Given his comments last weekend in Texas, in which he boasted of drawing bigger crowds than Barack Obama to his speeches as president, it will be interesting to compare and contrast.
John McCain has an event in Indianapolis, Indiana (not Jones).
** CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN CONVENTION THIS WEEKEND. The embattled California Republican Party holds its first of two conventions this year this weekend in a very stormy San Francisco. The marquee speaker is South Dakota Senator John Thune. I’m credentialed, but undecided about attending.
Which means that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will not be on hand. He will be attending the National Governors Association conference in Washington, DC.
The convention is a bit on the underwhelming side, dominated by some congressmen and state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. I expected Poizner — who is very bright and super-rich, if a bit lacking in command presence — to begin emerging as a vivid public figure with his planned stewardship of the Southern California firestorm rebuilding effort.
But, aside from his contributions to defeat the term limits revision initiative, Prop 93 on the just-passed primary ballot, I’m not seeing much from Poizner. He’s certainly been missing in the aftermath of the big fires last fall. And Prop 93 was beaten by the antics of its legislative leadership sponsorship, God bless them, who thoughtfully provided all the easy ammunition needed to bring it down. In the end, it was actually closer than I expected, going down 47% to 53%. Maybe next time, her principals will give ace Democratic consultant Gale Kaufman better material to work with.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM RUSSIA TODAY. Russia has re-emerged as one of the world’s great powers. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer, bringing you English-language, jargon-free, fast-paced coverage of global and Russian news from the new Russia Today channel.
You probably already know about CNN International, BBC World, and Al Jazeera. Russia Today, which also features culture, entertainment, and sports, is based in Moscow and is owned and operated by the TV Novosti division of Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti.
While it’s quite foolish to expect to see, say, criticism of Vladimir Putin on Russia Today, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. The NWN live link to RT does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND U.S. ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Crude oil is trading in the $97 to $99 per barrel range after hitting a record $101 per barrel on Wednesday.
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| Comments (124) |
“under-strength and under-equipped Army rifle platoon in Afghanistan”
i know someone who has served there shuttling grunts. that’s his account too. Partisan bloggers are boneheads.
Consider what it takes to keep these new 17,000 slots online simultaneously, in the California desert. The parking, toilets, construction, golf courses, hotels, all that stuff. All built by the people among us who love the land. 36 freaking billion dollars. If you’re in the business of peddling slot machines, we have work for you!
The governor is excited about continuing this. He will not stop until HWY99 is a 300 mile long Las Vegas Blvd. Just watch.
>carole w :
Rumor has it , Mandalay Bay just laid off 200 employees. The trickle down effect of a bad economy equals less tourist spending and it is hurting everyone. I hope the new president can figure out ways to help the economy.
New video today or taking a break?
Ms. Clinton looks the fake and loser. Is true?
Hillary Clinton is a complete phoney.
Hillary Clinton is a complete phoney.
good, I see Bill took the day off!
Here is a great account of the Hawaii caucus: http://www.slate.com/id/2184795
have a great weekend all
Not exactly. We have weekend edition/holiday movies/Oscar weekend edition …
Keep hitting refresh on NWN front page.
Not exactly. We have weekend edition/holiday movies/Oscar weekend edition …
Keep hitting refresh on NWN front page.
Actually, that would be “phony” …
>Capitol Boy :
Hillary Clinton is a complete phoney.
Feb 23, 2008 07:40 AM
Much new video.
>Jonas Blane :
New video today or taking a break?
Feb 23, 2008 06:06 AM
Much new video.
>Jonas Blane :
New video today or taking a break?
Feb 23, 2008 06:06 AM
Are you against fun, Dr. Loomis?
>Sam Loomis :
Consider what it takes to keep these new 17,000 slots online simultaneously, in the California desert. The parking, toilets, construction, golf courses, hotels, all that stuff. All built by the people among us who love the land. 36 freaking billion dollars. If you’re in the business of peddling slot machines, we have work for you!
Guess how many of those wingers are vets?
>Brasky :
“under-strength and under-equipped Army rifle platoon in Afghanistan”
i know someone who has served there shuttling grunts. that’s his account too. Partisan bloggers are boneheads.
Feb 22, 2008 08:37 PM
Guess how many of those wingers are vets?
>Brasky :
“under-strength and under-equipped Army rifle platoon in Afghanistan”
i know someone who has served there shuttling grunts. that’s his account too. Partisan bloggers are boneheads.
Feb 22, 2008 08:37 PM
John McCain was hung by his thumbs in the Hanoi Hilton.
Plus, the stuff he went through as a plebe at Annapolis would shrivel every little netrootser around.
You do not out-tough/out-experience Johnny Mac.
Hillary and her acolytes are out of their tiny minds.
Not that it matters …
>Brasky :
“That’s right. Hillary would run against McCain as tougher, more experienced, a better commander-in-chief, better record of judgment?”
Clinton says she should be president because she has more experience and is “tougher” than Obama. But McCain is tougher and more experienced than Clinton…few politicos can beat McCain on those two metrics.
Feb 22, 2008 08:34 PM
Actually, Chris, the two are both connected.
The Mahdi Army’s newfound moderation is in no small measure due to its desire not to find death at the hands of the US Army and Marines.
You’re a very smart guy, but suffer from the usual syndrome of the American left.
>Chris M :
Which has made the bigger difference recently, the Surge or Al-Sadr’s transition from guerrilla leader to political leader.
Seems to me as though he’s just waiting us out and expects to prevail via the quasi-democratic institutions the USA is helping to establish.
Actually, Chris, the two are both connected.
The Mahdi Army’s newfound moderation is in no small measure due to its desire not to find death at the hands of the US Army and Marines.
You’re a very smart guy, but suffer from the usual syndrome of the American left.
>Chris M :
Which has made the bigger difference recently, the Surge or Al-Sadr’s transition from guerrilla leader to political leader.
Seems to me as though he’s just waiting us out and expects to prevail via the quasi-democratic institutions the USA is helping to establish.
Correct. Unfortunately.
>Jack Aubrey :
“Las Vegas” is cancelled. Implode the Montecito.
Feb 22, 2008 05:32 PM
Not on because the season, and series, is over.
Not unlike …
Seriously, although that was serious, Las Vegas should never have fired Nikki Cox. Hottest and sweetest woman on the show.
>carole w :
Vegas isn’t on tonight. Vegas has been similar to a well known presidential campaign…same old story and not working.
Cheryl Ladd was on last week. The new story line is Melinda Devine’s,(Sims) mother(Ladd) and father (Caan) are separated. Ladd was on without Caan. I miss Caan’s character.
Since the strike, my favorite shows are either gone or boring. I miss 30 Rock!
Maybe…Clinton’s campaign should hire Tina Fey, she is brilliant, successful and funny.
Feb 22, 2008 05:31 PM
You’re not missing much here in SF, Bill. It’s gloomy and rainy and quite boring. Good thing there’s a lot of other things to do around here. Hopefully, the Dems will have a much more interesting event up here next month.
“Guess how many of those wingers are vets?”
Somewhere between bubkiss and zilch?
“Guess how many of those wingers are vets?”
Somewhere between bubkiss and zilch?
Thanks so much for sharing this great post!
I found a youtube video about watching tv online that I would like to share: international Tv Online.
But seriously, great post and thanks so much !
I look ahead to your next article !
<3