In his new TV ad, Barack Obama says prosperity has not “trickled down, pain has trickled up.”
** NO WALL STREET BAIL-OUT YET. The White House meeting, naturally enough, did not result in a resolution of the nation’s financial crisis. My read is that John McCain’s presence actually exacerbated the situation, leading to House Minoriy Leader John Boehner, a McCain ally, digging in his heels and denying Republican votes for the package.
Nevertheless, I expect that McCain will have to show up for tomorrow night’s debate on geopolitics. The poll I cited below shows that his stance of avoiding a debate is a loser. The debate of course will include some economic questions. All this stuff is connected, as I point out in a forthcoming column setting up the debate.
** POIZNER LINES UP SUPPORT. While potential Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman, the ex-eBay CEO who is national co-chair of the John McCain campaign, keeps a surprisingly low profile in the present national economic crisis, state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, another super-rich Silicon Valley person, lines up more support for his prospective 2010 California governor’s race.
Poizner announced today that he has the backing of seven former state Republican Party chairs: Mike Schroeder, Truman Campbell, Tirso Del Junco, John Herrington (a former Reagan Cabinet member), John McGraw, Mike Montgomery and Frank Visco
** AN UNSUCCESSFUL GAMBIT. While we wait for the meeting with Bush, Obama, McCain, and congressional leaders in the White House to break up, we learn that John McCain’s gambit to postpone tomorrow night’s debate is not flying. According to the Marist Institute poll, US voters back Barack Obama’s insistence that the debate go forward, 53% to 42%.
** PALIN’. Incidentally, the word that Governor Palin is groping for, in the excerpt below, is “caricature.”
** PALIN DISCUSSES HER EXPERIENCE WITH RUSSIANS. From Katie Couric’s interview on tonight’s CBS Evening News:
COURIC: You’ve cited Alaska’s proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?
PALIN: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and on our other side, the land– boundary that we have with– Canada. It– it’s funny that a comment like that was– kind of made to– cari– I don’t know, you know? Reporters–
COURIC: Mock?
PALIN: Yeah, mocked, I guess that’s the word, yeah.
COURIC: Explain to me why that enhances your foreign policy credentials.
PALIN: Well, it certainly does because our– our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They’re in the state that I am the executive of. And there in Russia—
COURIC: Have you ever been involved with any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?
PALIN: We have trade missions back and forth. We– we do– it’s very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where– where do they go? It’s Alaska. It’s just right over the border. It is– from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to– to our state.
** NORTH CAROLINA POLL: OBAMA BY 2. The new Rasmussen poll of battleground North Carolina shows Barack Obama leading John McCain in the longtime red state, 49% to 47%. This is a 5-point reversal in a week. The big change comes from independents moving to Obama.
** MICHIGAN POLL: OBAMA BY 10. The new Detroit News poll of battleground Michigan shows Barack Obama opening up a big lead over John McCain, 48% to 38%. 80% of likely Michigan voters see the economy worsening. Only 2% see it improving.
** DODD SAYS: WE HAVE A DEAL, ER, “FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT,” ON THE FINANCIAL CRISIS. Read the details here.
Friday night’s presidential debate on foreign policy — read: geopolitics — is on. And McCain and Obama haven’t even had their grandstanding meeting with Bush yet. One potential sticking point. Democrats want to make it easier for homeowners to renegotiate their mortgages. Republicans don’t.
** CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK. If you want to watch the CGI meeting in Manhattan, the webcasts are available here.
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was interviewed last night by CBS News anchor Katie Couric.
** PALIN WITH COURIC. GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin did her third interview in this campaign last night, with CBS News anchor Katie Couric. It didn’t go that well. Palin repeated basic talking points throughout and proved unable to cite one past example of John McCain favoring regulation of financial markets. You can watch the video above.
** CALIFORNIA POLL: GAY MARRIAGE BAN GOING DOWN, REDISTRICTING REFORM IN BALLPARK, CAPITOL CHANGES WANTED. The new Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll shows the proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, Prop 8 on the November ballot, going down, 41% to 55%. Brad Pitt recently gave $100,000 to defeat it, as did Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw. (Incidentally, Pitt’s real name is William Bradley Pitt, so when you imdb me, you come up with that other guy first. Which is only the beginning of our tremendous similarities …) Prop 4, which would require parental notification for teenage abortion, is up 48% to 41%. The redistricting reform initiative, Prop 11, is ahead 38% to 33%. Ordinarily, that’s not a good number. But 70% of California voters say they want the redistricting system changed, which indicates room for growth in support with a good campaign. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be campaigning heavily for Prop 11 in coming weeks.
There’s tremendous dissatisfaction with the state Capitol scene in the wake of the record budget impasse. 76% say major changes are needed in the budget process. By a margin of 49% to 37%, voters say they want to change the two-thirds vote requirement for budget passage to a 55% majority of the Legislature. Last year, that idea had only a 2-point margin.
How do voters want to handle the chronic California budget crisis? 43% favor a mix of spending cuts and tax increases, while 7% favor tax increases alone. 36% want to do it mainly through cuts, while 5% want to borrow their way through.
The Legislature has a collective 21% approval rating. Governor Schwarzenegger is down to 38%. Which is only a little lower than House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at 40% and Senator Barbara Boxer at 44%. Senator Dianne Feinstein has a 48% job approval rating.
President Bush’s approval rating in California hit an all-time low in the PPIC poll of 23%. Barack Obama has a comfortable lead over John McCain, with Sarah Palin having no impact on women voters or independents.
** WHERE THEY ARE TODAY.
Barack Obama is in Clearwater, Florida and Washington, DC. Obama continues debate prep in Florida, addresses the Clinton Global Initiative by satellite, and meets in Washington on the financial crisis with President Bush, John McCain, and congressional leaders.
Joe Biden is in Greensburg and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
John McCain is in New York City and Washington, DC. He addresses the Clinton Global Initiative in Manhattan and meets in Washington on the financial crisis with President Bush, Barack Obama, and congressional leaders.
Sarah Palin is in New York City and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
** SCHWARZENEGGER LIVE WEBCAST THIS MORNING. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses the League of California Cities conference in Long Beach at 11 AM. The event will be webcast live at www.gov.ca.gov.
Schwarzenegger spends the rest of the day going through the hundreds of legislative bills he must accept or reject by the end of the month.
** BEHIND TEAM MCCAIN’S SUDDEN GAMBIT. … From yesterday’s column.
** 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, which I know as a former DemRussia advisor, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. With U.S. cable news chattering away as it does, this sort of respite can be informative. 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.
** SCHWARZENEGGER’S CALIFORNIA. Here is my series of five columns for the Los Angeles Times in debate with Pulitzer Prize-winning former Times reporter/editor Bill Boyarsky, whose columns are also included.
Among them is what I’m sure is the first piece examining Schwarzenegger’s legacy as governor of California. Since he will actually be governor of California until 2011. No technology known to be disruptive to the space/time continuum was used in its preparation.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND U.S. ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. After crashing over $147 for yet another record on July 11th, crude oil is trading in the $105 to $106 per barrel range. The global oil market is reacting to the proposed massive American move to stabilize Wall Street.
The drop of over $42 per barrel since the record high two months ago comes on acknowledgement that the weak US economy will cut future demand and the easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Russian war with Georgia, confounding much speculation and reporting to the contrary, actually decreased the geopolitical risk premium in the oil market.
Your posts are welcome in the Forum.
Read 
| Comments (102) |
“One potential sticking point. Democrats want to make it easier for homeowners to renegotiate their mortgages.”
Listen, we can’t reward bad decision making with billions of tax dollars…hey, wait a minute!
“Someone who goes to five colleges in six years. ”
Maybe she didn’t know that colleges will mail you a brochure if ask…
the bi-polar are often “whip smart.”
1 bi-polar is difficult. i can’t imagine the pain experienced in a relationship of 2.
“Someone who goes to five colleges in six years.”
so many good lines today!!
we need to keep Jack laughing!
There are four whole syllables in “caricature.” That’s a lot to have to remember all at once.
BTW, I believe the McCain campaign issued at least three new ads the day they “suspended” their campaign.
” US voters back Barack Obama’s insistence tha the debate go forward, 53% to 42%”
If you just look at independents, it’s a 13pt margin: 53% to 40%
I’m spending a few minutes on McCain’s website – their calendar shows that tomorrow’s debate and the VP debate are still scheduled events.
I remember Margot Kidder in the “Superman” movies. Sooo sexy. Are all the reporters like that?
Bill Bradley:
Do you remember Superman? A classic, and she was such a live wire in it.
>Dana:
Now that is a memoir I would buy!
“MK gave me a french kiss and then asked my dumbfounded wife if we were making a baby. Fortunately my wife’s girlfriend was there and she was so blown away that it became just this outrageous happening!”
Sep 25, 2008 – 12:12 pm
Sep 25, 2008 – 12:41 pm
McCain said in April that the response to an American recession is less regulation and less government spending, which seems to be the opposite of what he wants now.
“I don’t think anyone who wants to increase the burden of government regulation and higher taxes has any real understanding of economics and the economy and what is needed in order to ensure the future of this country [applause] . . . government spending has gotten out of control, it’s outrageous and it is one of the major factors in causing this economic recession that we are in today and I will stop it. I will stop it. [applause]”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1sLVAQE0L4
Frenched by M. Kidder! That is news. I got to make out with an Angel once. But I ain’t saying which one.
Road Scholar. That was funny.
That’s what he always said. That’s why we’re F-ed up now.
Brasky:
McCain said in April that the response to an American recession is less regulation and less government spending, which seems to be the opposite of what he wants now.
Which one? I bet it was Shelly Hack.
Pat Skipper:
Frenched by M. Kidder! That is news. I got to make out with an Angel once. But I ain’t saying which one.
Road Scholar. That was funny.
Sep 25, 2008 – 2:55 pm
Chuck Finley?
After watching that video again, I firmly believe that I could find a dozen more qualified VP candidates at the local mall.
How your foreign policy debate column?
Sorry, I meant “how’s?” I don’t want to sound like I was Sarah Palin’s classmate, or anything like that.
Jack – if you went to the right highschool and like cows, you might get to head the FDA under a Palin presidency.
Chuck Finley. I’m pretty sure Tawny Kitaen was never one of Charlie’s Angels.
<<Wilbur:
Chuck Finley?
Sep 25, 2008 – 4:01 pm
Okay, I admit Obama spoke eloquently today but, you guys are nasty!!!
Wally Joiner. LOL
Bill, you were part-owner of a football team? What was that like?
“Okay, I admit Obama spoke eloquently today but, you guys are nasty!!!”
Carole, i think we’re restrained… at least i am.
and really… have you watched or read the Couric interview at all?
she’s going to get devoured at the debate; they’ve got to be freakin’ out.
… uhmm Russia is just across the Bearing Sea, you know, and Canada is right next door and they fly their planes in our airspace and i have to, uhh, know that they are there…
“Jack – if you went to the right highschool and like cows, you might get to head the FDA under a Palin presidency.”
i believe that would also require a certain devotion, which up to this point, i don’t believe Jack has shown. (hence his lack of morning humor)
and he may or may not be protected from witchcraft…
Four waters,
No, I have not watched the Katie show. I have been busy watching the finance channels. If Barbara was doing her finance updates here….I would have time to watch the Katie chronicles:) I am reading all of your updates and your comments are good. Although, Sacto needs a spanking!…and William should not be kissing and telling.
I just watched the Road Scholar with Katie. Is it okay to begin drinking now??? Please. Please. PRETTY PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
USC – Oregon State in 5 minutes.
The Reps are going to end up with Poizner?
I love it!
CB…
Thanks…I almost forgot, USC-Oregon State. A huge Trojan victory will serve me just a well as several drinks!
whoops….
McCain’s riding in to fix the “bail out” did not go so well.
the House Republicans have just walked out.
The following is from a recently posted NY Times aritcle on the blow-up. If true, it doesn’t speak well of McCain…
“But once the doors closed, the smooth-talking House Republican leader, John A. Boehner of Ohio, surprised many in the room by declaring that his caucus could not support the plan to allow the government to buy distressed mortgage assets from ailing financial companies.
Mr. Boehner pressed an alternative that involved a smaller role for the government, and Mr. McCain, whose support of the deal is critical if fellow Republicans are to sign on, declined to take a stand. “
I’ve been a USC fan for over 50 years…write this as the trail Oregon State 21-7 in the 3rd quarter. Whatever happens from here: good on the Beavers. Make the vaunted Trojans work for it or kick their ass…it’s what makes college football such a great game to watch!
Now, back to the Giants!
More late breaking news…from the New York Times:
“The government on Thursday made the largest bank seizure in American history, taking over Washington Mutual and selling pieces of it to J.P. Morgan Chase”
As a depositor, I applaud the FDIC. I never liked their efforts not to look like a bank. Banks deal with money and cash, not something called “Wamoola”.
As a taxpayer who now owns WaMu, do I get a free toaster or something?
Sorry, times are tough…you get the crumb tray!
…at this point, I would have settled for two pieces of toast…
Sorry, but Serious Sid and Senseless Sarah claimed them fist. Be happy they left you the crumbs!!!!
USC lost! To Oregon State!
LOLOLOL!!!
Will there be the debate?
That’s the question.
What new video today?
Four Waters:
You find a lose by my beloved Trojans that funny??? Shocking…truly shocking!!!
Sarah Palin talks … Russia!
>Jonas Blane:
That’s the question.
What new video today?
Sep 26, 2008 – 7:11 am
Yes.
>sergei:
Will there be the debate?
Sep 26, 2008 – 5:09 am
A HUGE shocker. Though I have a theory …
>Capitol Boy:
USC lost! To Oregon State!
Sep 25, 2008 – 10:14 pm
More good news …
>Sacramento Solon:
More late breaking news…from the New York Times:
“The government on Thursday made the largest bank seizure in American history, taking over Washington Mutual and selling pieces of it to J.P. Morgan Chase”
Sep 25, 2008 – 8:31 pm
Undoubtedly …
>Brasky:
As a taxpayer who now owns WaMu, do I get a free toaster or something?
Sep 25, 2008 – 9:04 pm
They looked like a totally different team in that 0-21 first half.
>Sacramento Solon:
I’ve been a USC fan for over 50 years…write this as the trail Oregon State 21-7 in the 3rd quarter. Whatever happens from here: good on the Beavers. Make the vaunted Trojans work for it or kick their ass…it’s what makes college football such a great game to watch!
Now, back to the Giants!
Sep 25, 2008 – 8:16 pm