Following his very lengthy meeting with President Barack Obama, which left Obama late for his major address of the summit, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the Black Wolf motorcycle club.
** NEW COLUMN COMING UP … OBAMA DOES MOSCOW, AND VICE VERSA.
** QUICK HITS. President Barack Obama and family fly from Moscow to Rome tomorrow morning for the G-8 summit after a very interesting time with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. … No apparent major incidents around the Los Angeles tribute to the late pop star Michael Jackson today. The City of Los Angeles, under Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (who’s on vacation in Africa), is on the hook for a few million dollars for this event, and is attempting to raise it. … No apparent progress in California’s chronic-turned-chaotic budget crisis. With their other plans shot down, predictably, Democratic legislative leaders have proffered no new budget plans. … A significant blow to San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s hopes to establish the City by the Bay as a major biomedical hub came yesterday when pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced it is pulling out of the project, and its lease. Pfizer was to be the anchor tenant of the nascent hub. … Former Governor-turned-Attorney General Jerry Brown decided to return some $50,000 contributed by relatives and associates of two people he’s subpoenaed in an investigation of their roles in obtaining big investments for money management firms from public pension funds. … Republican-turned-Democratic Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania is proving to be a loyal Democrat, according to a Congressional Quarterly analysis of his votes since switching parties. Absent Specter’s switch, the Democrats would not have 60 votes in the US Senate.
Former Saturday Night Live star Al Franken, sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden, today became the 60th Democratic member of the United States Senate. Franken, author of the #1 bestseller “Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations,” prevailed after the Minnesota Supreme Court tossed aside a Republican challenge to his recount victory in last November’s election.
** OBAMA SHIFTS U.S. POLICY ON NATO EXPANSION. Following a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin that went overtime and caused a delay in the start of his heralded address on American/Russian relations, President Barack Obama altered US policy on NATO expansion.
The change comes around the 27-minute mark of the 31 minutes address playable below.
After defending the territorial sovereignty of Georgia and Ukraine, an implicit criticism of Russia, Obama then shifts gears and says that new members of NATO must meet two new criteria.
One, there must be popular support within the country for its accession to the NATO military alliance.
Two, the country must have demonstrated military capability such that it is able to operate with existing NATO forces.
Georgia and Ukraine almost certainly fail the test on both scores.
Putin has been very adamant for years against the policy of expanding NATO not only into Russia’s traditional sphere of influence, but to its borders.
** KYRGYZSTAN REVERSES COURSE AND APPROVES CONTINUED U.S. BASE. In an amazing coincidence, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev today signed an agreement allowing the US to continue using its existing base at Manas airport outside the capital city of Bishkek. (Which was named Frunze when mountainous Kyrgyzstan was a Soviet socialist republic, after one of the key founders of the Red Army.)
Manas air base is the central hub of aerial refueling for US and NATO aircraft operating over Afghanistan. It is also a hub for C-17 flights into Afghanistan.
For months, Kyrgyz leaders, apparently prompted by Vladimir Putin, had said that the US would be evicted. There were several incidents causing friction in Kyrgyzstan’s often tumultuous politics, but the main reason seemed to a Russian desire to get rid of the last US base left in Central Asia after 9/11, when Russia helped the US gain several bases there.
President Barack Obama delivered the commencement address today at the New Economic School in Moscow. This is the third major Obama address on America and its role in a new world framework, following on the speeches in Prague and Cairo.
** EXCERPTS: OBAMA’S COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS AT THE NEW ECONOMIC SCHOOL IN MOSCOW.
OBAMA ON RUSSIA’S HERITAGE
“I speak to you today with deep respect for Russia’s timeless heritage. Russian writers have helped us understand the complexities of the human experience, and recognize eternal truths.
“Indeed, Russia’s heritage has touched every corner of the world, and speaks to the humanity that we share. That includes my own country, which has been blessed with Russian immigrants, for decades we’ve been enriched by Russian culture, and enhanced by Russian cooperation.
ON RUSSIA’S FUTURE
“To begin with, let me be clear: America wants a strong, peaceful, and prosperous Russia.
“As President John Kennedy said, “no nation in the history of battle ever suffered more than the Soviet Union in the Second World War.”
“So as we honor this past, we also recognize the future benefit that will come from a strong and vibrant Russia.”
ON NUCLEAR ARMS PROLIFERATION
“In the short period since the end of the Cold War, we have already seen India, Pakistan and North Korea conduct nuclear tests. Without a fundamental change, do any of us truly believe that the next two decades will not bring about the further spread of these nuclear weapons?
“That is why America is committed to stopping nuclear proliferation, and ultimately seeking a world without nuclear weapons … And while I know this goal won’t be met soon, pursuing it provides the legal and moral foundation to prevent the proliferation and eventual use of nuclear weapons.
ON GREAT POWER STATUS, “RESET” IN TIES
“In 2009, a great power does not show strength by dominating or demonizing other countries. The days when empires could treat sovereign states as pieces on a chess board are over …
“Given our interdependence, any world order that tries to elevate one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. The pursuit of power is no longer a zero-sum game — progress must be shared.
“That is why I have called for a ‘reset’ in relations between the United States and Russia. This must be more than a fresh start between the Kremlin and the White House, though that is important.
“And I’ve had excellent discussions with both your president and prime minister.
“It must be a sustained effort among the American and Russian people to identify mutual interests, and to expand dialogue and cooperation that can pave the way to progress.
ON NORTH KOREA’S, IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS
“Neither America nor Russia would benefit from a nuclear arms race in East Asia or the Middle East. That is why we should be united in opposing North Korea’s efforts to become a nuclear power, and preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
“And I’m pleased that President Medvedev and I agreed upon a joint threat assessment of the ballistic missile challenges of the 21st Century, including from Iran and North Korea.
ON RUSSIA’S STANCE ON U.S. MISSILE SHIELD
“I know Russia opposes the planned configuration for missile defense in Europe. My Administration is reviewing these plans to enhance the security of America, Europe and the world. I have made it clear that this system is directed at preventing a potential attack from Iran, and has nothing to do with Russia.
“In fact, I want us to work together with Russia on a missile defense architecture that makes us all safer. But if the threat from Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs is eliminated, the driving force for missile defense in Europe will be eliminated and that is in our mutual interest.
ON VIOLENT EXTREMISM
“Now in addition to securing the world’s most dangerous weapons, a second area where America has a critical national interest is in isolating and defeating violent extremists.
“For years, al Qaeda and its affiliates have defiled a great religion of peace and justice, and ruthlessly murdered men, women and children of all nationalities and faiths. Indeed, above all, they have murdered Muslims.
“These extremists have killed in Amman and Bali; Islamabad and Kabul; and they have the blood of Americans and Russians on their hands.
“They are plotting to kill more of our people, and they benefit from safe-havens that allow them to train and operate — particularly along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
ON RUSSIA’S HELP ON AFGHANISTAN
“We seek no bases, nor do we want to control these nations. Instead, we want to work with international partners, including Russia, to help Afghans and Pakistanis advance their own security and prosperity.
“That is why I’m pleased that Russia has agreed to allow the United States to supply our coalition forces through your territory. Neither America nor Russia has an interest in an Afghanistan or Pakistan governed by the Taliban.
“It is time to work together on behalf of a different future — a future in which we leave behind the great game of the past and the conflict of the present; a future in which all of us contribute to the security of Central Asia.
ON THE MARKET AND THE GLOBAL CRISIS
“I believe that the market is the greatest force for creating and distributing wealth that the world has known. But wherever the market is allowed to run rampant — through excessive risk-taking, a lack of regulation, or corruption — then all are endangered, whether we live on the Mississippi or the Volga.
“In America, we are taking unprecedented steps to jumpstart our economy and reform our system of regulation. But just as no nation can wall itself off from the consequences of a global crisis, no one nation can serve as the sole engine of global growth.
“And while this crisis has shown us the risk that comes with change, that risk is overwhelmed by opportunity. Think of what’s possible today that was unthinkable two decades ago.
“A young woman with an Internet connection in Bangalore, India can compete with anyone, anywhere. An entrepreneur with a start-up company in Beijing can take his business global.”
ON RULE OF LAW, DEMOCRACY “Freedom of speech and assembly has allowed women, minorities, and workers to protest for full and equal rights at a time when we were denied the rule of law and equal administration of justice has busted monopolies, shut down political machines, and ended abuses of power.
“Independent media have exposed corruption at all levels of business and government. Competitive elections allow us to change course and hold our leaders accountable.
“If our democracy did not advance those rights, than I, as a person of African ancestry, wouldn’t be able to address you as an American citizen, much less a President.
“Because at the time of our founding, I had no rights, people who looked like me. But it is because of that process that I can stand before you as the President of the United States…
“The arc of history shows us that governments which serve their own people survive and thrive; governments which serve only their own power do not. Governments that represent the will of their people are far less likely to descend into failed states, to terrorize their citizens, or to wage war on others.”
ON CRISIS IN HONDURAS
“America cannot and should not seek to impose any system of government on any other country, nor would we presume to choose which party or individual should run a country.
“And we haven’t done as we should have on that front.
“Even as we meet here today, America supports the restoration of the democratically-elected President of Honduras, even though he has strongly opposed American policies. We do so not because we agree with him. We do so because we respect the universal principle that people should choose their own leaders, whether they are leaders we agree with or not.
ON RUSSIA’S YOUNGER GENERATION
“You get to decide what comes next. You get to choose where change will take us. Because the future does not belong to those who gather armies on a field of battle or bury missiles in the ground, the future belongs to young people with the education and imagination to create.
“That is the source of power in this century. And given all that has happened in your two decades on Earth, just imagine what you can create in the years to come …
“As you move this story forward, look to the future that can be built if we refuse to be burdened by the old obstacles and old suspicions; look to the future that can be built if we partner on behalf of the aspirations we hold in common. Together, we can build a world where people are protected, prosperity is enlarged, and our power truly serves progress.
“And it is all in your hands.”
President Barack Obama had a two hour-plus working breakfast with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at Putin’s sumptuous dacha outside Moscow.
** OBAMA TODAY. President Barack Obama is in Moscow for his summit with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Moscow time is 11 hours ahead of California time.
Obama has had another momentous day in the historic Russian capital.
After some harsh words between the two at long distance, Obama finally met Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. They had a two hour-plus working breakfast at Putin’s dacha in a forest outside Moscow. It’s not clear yet what was said in their meeting, though you can see footage of some of the breakfast on Putin’s veranda here.
While Dmitri Medvedev is the president of the Russian Federation, he served as Putin’s chief of staff and deputy prime minister, and Putin is chairman of United Russia, the ruling political party.
Likely topics included ballistic missile defense, and Russian dislike of America establishing bases in Poland and the Czech Republic, NATO expansion, and the question of containing Iran, Russia’s decades-long friend of a sort (and centuries-long rival).
Obama had a brief meeting with former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, who is highly regarded outside of Russia but inside the state is considered something of an irritant and reminder of the fall of the Soviet Union.
Obama then delivered the commencement address at ceremonies for the 2009 graduating class of the New Economic School at Gostinny Dvor.
You can watch the address above. This is Obama’s major address regarding his view of relations between America and Russia.
Obama then went over to the Kremlin for another one-on-one meeting with Medvedev, with whom he has established a clear rapport.
Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama then attended a reception and luncheon hosted by Medvedev at the Kremlin. After which, Obama and Medvedev participated in the Parallel Business Summit at the Manezh Exhibition Hall.
Obama then went on his own to the Parallel Civil Society Summit, a group of sedate reformers, at the Metropol Hotel.
Obama met with Russian opposition leaders at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Now he is at a glittering reception with Moscow elite at the Kremlin.
** FROM THE ARNOLD FILE. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger holds private meetings and discussions in and around the Capitol, focusing on California’s chronic-turned-chaotic budget crisis.
Talks were thrown into some disarray yesterday when Assembly Speaker Karen Bass refused to participate, for reasons discussed yesterday on NWN. But the direction of this situation is very clear, and talks will naturally resume.
Schwarzenegger will also be monitoring the situation around the memorial service for Michael Jackson in Los Angeles.
Given the media hysteria around Jackson’s death – with non-stop coverage on the cable nets, among other things – this may be a major security challenge for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
** OBAMA’S CONSEQUENTIAL FIRST 4TH: NOKO, AFPAK, IRAQ, RUSSIA, PALIN (PALIN?!) Quite a consequential first 4th of July as president for Barack Obama.
Not only did he have 20 of daughter Malia’s schoolgirl friends over for a Camp David sleepover in honor of her 11th birthday on the 4th of July — just wait till her “Independence Day,” Dad — he had a few other things on his plate, as well as the barbeque for military families and the fireworks show. Not counting his inherited worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
North Korea was to have been the drama of the day. But it turned into a major fizzle. … From my new column.
** THE GOP’S PALIN FOOD FIGHT: WHY NOW? You have to hand it to Sarah Palin. For a sideshow, she’s very good at being the center of attention. Even when she doesn’t want to be.
She had a few big controversies earlier this year — her on-again/off-again headlining of the big GOP congressional fundraiser, her pregnant teenage daughter, the usual Alaska stuff — but she’s hit the jackpot this week with a huge food fight among big name Republicans. What’s unexamined is this question: Why now? … From my July 2nd column.
** TRANSFORMATIVE: LE CINEMA DE MICHAEL BAY. I love the films of Michael Bay. In fact, they are so dramatic and compelling that …
Gotcha! I actually do not love the films of Michael Bay. I don’t hate them, either. And there are a couple that I like. But the fact that it is considered preposterous for a writer — a writer who writes about anything, even wallpaper — to not dismiss Bay’s work in the most vehement of terms points up a dramatic disconnect between the critical community and the movie-going audience.
Bay’s new flick, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, just took in an astounding $200.1 million at the domestic box office in its first five days of release. … From my June 29th essay.
** STAR TREK FIRSTS … 43 YEARS ON. … From my June 23rd essay.
** OBAMA AND THE AYATOLLAH. . … From my June 19th column.
** OBAMA’S CRISIS MANAGEMENT: NORTH KOREA, AGAIN. … From my June 12th column.
** REMEMBERING AMERICA: OBAMA’S D-DAY SPEECH AND TWO DAYS IN JUNE. … From my June 8th column.
** REPOSITIONING AMERICA: OBAMA’S CAIRO SPEECH AS THE ULTIMATE IN EVENT MARKETING. … From my June 4th column.
** TERMINATING THE DARKNESS: HOPE FLOATS, BUT ANXIETY ABIDES. … From my May 31st column.
** THE AVOIDABLE TRAGEDY OF CALIFORNIA’S PROP 8. … From my May 26th column.
** OBAMA: RIDING WITH HISTORY. (NOTE: As Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States, this column was the featured column on the top of the front page of the Huffington Post.) … From my January 19th Huffington Post 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.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM AL JAZEERA. With the US entangled in two wars in the region, it’s valuable to keep up with news and perspectives from the leading Middle Eastern-based TV news network. Based in the Gulf Arab state of Qatar, Al Jazeera is very influential and more than a bit controversial. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer. The NWN live link to AJ 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 on the governorship of Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Los Angeles Times in debate last fall, prior to the global economic meltdown, 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.
You can listen to my recent video webchat with Schwarzenegger here.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND NATIONAL ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Having crashed over $147 for yet another record last July 11th, crude oil is trading around $63 per barrel.
This is up about $29 from the low of $34 per barrel prior to enactment of the Obama economic recovery program. But oil has been slumping over the past week from recent highs on fears that the global economic recovery is happening too slowly.
Your posts are welcome in the Forum.
Read 
| Comments (50) |
Great news clip on Obama and Putin at Putin’s amazing estate.
That’s good footage of Obama and Putin. I’ll bet you’re glad of the relationship with Russia Today.
It seems Barack did very well with the spymaster.
That seems like another very good Obama speech.
That is a very good Barack speech in Moscow. The crowd sounds like they liked it. How is it being received?
They should just do it.
** FROM THE ARNOLD FILE. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger holds private meetings and discussions in and around the Capitol, focusing on California’s chronic-turned-chaotic budget crisis.
Talks were thrown into some disarray yesterday when Assembly Speaker Karen Bass refused to participate, for reasons discussed yesterday on NWN. But the direction of this situation is very clear, and talks will naturally resume.
“this may be a major security challenge for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.”
Too bad Mayor AV is out of the country…
http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2009/07/mayor_missing_the_party.php
KNX local newsradio is almost non-stop Jackson memorial service coverage. Breathless reports on the motorcade leaving Encino for Forest Lawn, etc.
Why are you showing the two most powerful men in the world having breakfast today in a Russian forest when you could be showing us Michael Jackson?
lol
I lost my copy of Thriller.
> Len says:
July 7, 2009 at 9:58 am (Edit)
Why are you showing the two most powerful men in the world having breakfast today in a Russian forest when you could be showing us Michael Jackson?
Yes, there is that.
Which one is Lu covering?
> Dana says:
July 7, 2009 at 9:56 am (Edit)
“this may be a major security challenge for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.”
Too bad Mayor AV is out of the country…
http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2009/07/mayor_missing_the_party.php
KNX local newsradio is almost non-stop Jackson memorial service coverage. Breathless reports on the motorcade leaving Encino for Forest Lawn, etc.
It is what it is.
> Capitol Boy says:
July 7, 2009 at 9:48 am (Edit)
They should just do it.
** FROM THE ARNOLD FILE. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger holds private meetings and discussions in and around the Capitol, focusing on California’s chronic-turned-chaotic budget crisis.
Talks were thrown into some disarray yesterday when Assembly Speaker Karen Bass refused to participate, for reasons discussed yesterday on NWN. But the direction of this situation is very clear, and talks will naturally resume.
It’s being well-received, but there is no Obama Mania in Russia.
> Capitol Boy says:
July 7, 2009 at 9:46 am (Edit)
That is a very good Barack speech in Moscow. The crowd sounds like they liked it. How is it being received?
Indeed.
> Capitol Boy says:
July 7, 2009 at 9:32 am (Edit)
That’s good footage of Obama and Putin. I’ll bet you’re glad of the relationship with Russia Today.
It seems Barack did very well with the spymaster.
Thanks.
> Jonas Blane says:
July 7, 2009 at 9:26 am (Edit)
Great news clip on Obama and Putin at Putin’s amazing estate.
“Which one is Lu covering?”
I don;t think it was ever confirmed that she joined AV on his vacation.
For political junkies: Daily News via Rick Orlov reports Jack Weiss skipped his last city council meeting and his colleagues didn’t sem too teary eyed at his absence. Mayor AV backed Weiss to become City Attorney–because of various factors (including a rude persona) the effort fell flat.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12759680
How long until someone starts a “Moonwalk Across America” relay-style fundraiser? I’ll sponsor Mister Bradley for $100 for every mile he moonwalks.
Does Vladimir Putin ever smile?
I like Obama’s latest big speech a lot. I wonder what he’s giving up in negotiation.
NATO expansion, for one. See NWN front page.
Only when he’s swallowed the canary.
> Jack Aubrey says:
July 7, 2009 at 11:33 am (Edit)
Does Vladimir Putin ever smile?
Damn, Rick Orlov gets all the best stuff.
> Dana says:
July 7, 2009 at 11:06 am (Edit)
For political junkies: Daily News via Rick Orlov reports Jack Weiss skipped his last city council meeting and his colleagues didn’t sem too teary eyed at his absence. Mayor AV backed Weiss to become City Attorney–because of various factors (including a rude persona) the effort fell flat.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12759680
That’s a hundred per mile in cash to me?
> Vladimir Bierko says:
July 7, 2009 at 11:15 am (Edit)
How long until someone starts a “Moonwalk Across America” relay-style fundraiser? I’ll sponsor Mister Bradley for $100 for every mile he moonwalks.
No, to the yet to be created “Moonwalk Across America” foundation. I need the tax break.
>Bill Bradley says:
July 7, 2009 at 12:07 pm
That’s a hundred per mile in cash to me?
> Vladimir Bierko says:
July 7, 2009 at 11:15 am (Edit)
How long until someone starts a “Moonwalk Across America” relay-style fundraiser? I’ll sponsor Mister Bradley for $100 for every mile he moonwalks.
Maybe if Michael Jackson’s kin and hangers on need some quick cash they can send his coat on a tour…
http://www.mediawhore.com/always_elvis/elvis_coat.html
Great satiric faux commercial on early SNL, back when it was funny…
Too much!!
BB:Former Saturday Night Live star Al Franken, sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden, today became the 60th Democratic member of the United States Senate. Franken, author of the #1 bestseller “Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations,” prevailed after the Minnesota Supreme Court tossed aside a Republican challenge to his recount victory in last November’s election.
$60 million is a bargain for a logistics hub in that key part of the world.
You can always send a donation to the city of L.A. (check or via paypal) to defry the cost of this memorial ceremony…
http://mayor.lacity.org/PressRoom/PressReleases/LACITYP_005598
You are no slouch: OBAMA SHIFTS U.S. POLICY ON NATO EXPANSION
>22.Bill Bradley says:
July 7, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Damn, Rick Orlov gets all the best stuff.
Good to hear Obama say this today from Moscow: “We can’t dictate to other countries what their security interests are.”
I dig Al. He is soo funny. One of my favorites was his talk at the Fairmont…Go Senator.
http://www.commonwealthclub.org/archive/03/03-10franken-qa.html
Can I turn on my TV yet and not see Michael Jackson?
The Russian footage of Putin and Obama is clever. Putin’s the master, gracious, showing Obama what real Russian power looks like. He holds him up so he’s late for his big speech.
It’s beautifully shot, too, more intimate than what we get on American TV news.
lol
Following his very lengthy meeting with President Barack Obama, which left Obama late for his major address of the summit, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the Black Wolf motorcycle club.
Indeed.
A Putin power play.
> marcos leon says:
July 7, 2009 at 3:46 pm (Edit)
The Russian footage of Putin and Obama is clever. Putin’s the master, gracious, showing Obama what real Russian power looks like. He holds him up so he’s late for his big speech.
It’s beautifully shot, too, more intimate than what we get on American TV news.
I doubt it.
> marcos leon says:
July 7, 2009 at 3:40 pm (Edit)
Can I turn on my TV yet and not see Michael Jackson?
What did he say?
> tom says:
July 7, 2009 at 3:19 pm (Edit)
I dig Al. He is soo funny. One of my favorites was his talk at the Fairmont…Go Senator.
http://www.commonwealthclub.org/archive/03/03-10franken-qa.html
Acknowledging the obvious.
> Hap Hazard says:
July 7, 2009 at 2:13 pm (Edit)
Good to hear Obama say this today from Moscow: “We can’t dictate to other countries what their security interests are.”
Thanks.
> Dana says:
July 7, 2009 at 12:23 pm (Edit)
You are no slouch: OBAMA SHIFTS U.S. POLICY ON NATO EXPANSION
>22.Bill Bradley says:
July 7, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Damn, Rick Orlov gets all the best stuff.
I think … not.
> Dana says:
July 7, 2009 at 12:09 pm (Edit)
Maybe if Michael Jackson’s kin and hangers on need some quick cash they can send his coat on a tour…
http://www.mediawhore.com/always_elvis/elvis_coat.html
Great satiric faux commercial on early SNL, back when it was funny…
Oh, well that’s no fun.
> Vladimir Bierko says:
July 7, 2009 at 12:09 pm (Edit)
No, to the yet to be created “Moonwalk Across America” foundation. I need the tax break.
>Bill Bradley says:
July 7, 2009 at 12:07 pm
That’s a hundred per mile in cash to me?
> Vladimir Bierko says:
July 7, 2009 at 11:15 am (Edit)
How long until someone
Yeah, there’s some other stuff, too, but it’s not replicable otherwise.
> Dana says:
July 7, 2009 at 12:14 pm (Edit)
$60 million is a bargain for a logistics hub in that key part of the world.
One would hope this is true after decades of military rule and neo-fascist dictatorships supported by the U.S. in Central America. But the oligarchies there are trying to slow the tide of truly progressive and socialist democracies taking root in Latin America. But isn’t it also the case that so far the US has not suspended financial aid to Honduras or withdrawn our ambassador, as every other nation in the western hemisphere and Europe has?
Obama: “Even as we meet here today, America supports the restoration of the democratically-elected President of Honduras, even though he has strongly opposed American policies.”
Re: NATO (non-)expansion
Let’s hope the White House continues to “negotiate” away awful ideas and plans bequeathed to it by the previous tenants. Next up…missile defense? Perhaps, although Obama seems to be holding out on that one for a while.
President Obama is making good decisions for America and America and Russia.
What new video today?
Obama at G-8, G-8 today, China riots.
We hope.
> sergei says:
July 8, 2009 at 1:15 am (Edit)
President Obama is making good decisions for America and America and Russia.
Poland for Iran.
> Clutch J says:
July 7, 2009 at 10:49 pm (Edit)
Re: NATO (non-)expansion
Let’s hope the White House continues to “negotiate” away awful ideas and plans bequeathed to it by the previous tenants. Next up…missile defense? Perhaps, although Obama seems to be holding out on that one for a while.