thank you all. i'm having a nice relaxing birthday. slept in, big breakfast, went for a walk. now i'm off with some friends to gorge myself on thai food.
Don't feel badly for Biden. He won many converts last night _ right Mary and Mike? I cooked him dinner and sat with him for a bit. Nice guy. So are his brothers.
He's a broke politician. The first thing he said is that Iowa should be first to caucus otherwise the white house will go to the highest bidder - aka Hillary/Obama. He's right about that.
In is answers you can see he has a logical solution to most problems. Such as health care reform. Obama and Hillary's plans call for heavy government mandates and oversight. The government can hardly run a DOT office or a school. How are they going to see to your health? Biden's plan is streamlined and purely optional for all. It provides the same benefits that he and all federal workers get. He says he will pay for by getting rid of the tax cuts for the wealthy. Cuts they didn't ask for nor should receive.
When he was first elected Senator he was the poorest Senator in office. Decades later he is the second poorest Senator. This would indicate to me he is making far fewer backroom deals for his own benefit.
Anyway, don't dismiss his viablity as a candidate just yet.
Hi, I could not go to the Biden rally at Sister Sarah's last night because I'm still a judge but Mom, Joe III, Mary Ellan & Mike and, of course, Tom were all there. When Mom, Mary Ellan and Mike got home they were enthusiastic and said they are going to caucus for him. They said there was a very big crowd at Sarah's and that Biden was very well received. I'm sure they will convey their own impressions to you. I read in today's paper that Bhutto called Biden when she went to Pakistan and asked him to call Mushareff to ask for better security, which he did. It also said that Mushareff has called him on several occasions. He sounds like the real thing so it appears the party has 2 very qualified candidates in Biden and Richardson but each of them is a long shot. The others are not worth going out in the cold for. Pat called yesterday. They were in Lake Worth and like their new home. There is a grassy area across the street and just beyond the grass is the inland waterway. They ate in a Jewish deli on the main street which Mom and I were in last year and the food was great. She will be flying back to St. Paul next Monday (the day we arrive in FL) to finish out her committment at Hamline and then she will drive their car back to FL, so we probably will be seeing them toward the end on January, although Josh is welcome to run up to Jupiter before then if it is convenient for him. Happy New Year!! Be moderate. Love, Dad
BIDEN time while Tom ate with Biden says... So Tom...you were snacking with Biden somewhere in Sarah's while we were waiting!!! I'm pissed, so now I'm back to Barack...this caucus caca will see the flakes fall where they may, right? I got an e-mail inviting me to meet Barack's sisters yesterday...it's Edwards today at 4:30...
just a note... Joey's brothers and sister were at Sarah's...listened to Val, and chatted with Frankie and Jimmy...VERY cool people...Frankie runs a non-profit and knew of Gerry Straub's San Damiano foundation...also, I chatted briefly with Biden about our assoc. with the Afghan teachers we housed and that program and mentioned how it's regressed for them, and that one of them has been killed by the Taliban...he knew of Gouitterre from UNO who runs the program.
I don't know if you are seriously pissed or not. But if you are...sorry. It was literally a last minute decision for them to eat here and they asked that it be kept on the "down low" because the poor guy has been on the road everyday starting at 5:30 since who knows when. They said he could use a break from the campaign if only long enough to have a meal.
As he puts it the lobbyists and special interests find him "difficult to work with". Therefore, he doesn't the the backing ($$$)the others get. I find that to be a good thing. He told us of some funny stories about flying around in these crop dusters while Hillary and Obama are in there jets that cost $4500 per hour to operate. He simply can't afford it. Tom
for my birthday the landord got me a broken furnace. stopped heating about 10 last night. i woke up and it was 51 degrees in my apt. it's fixed now, and slowly heating up...
When I picked Jude up from school I asked him what he did today. Usually I get, "I played outside, we sang songs, I colored, etc." Today he said, "I played guns and I shared my guns with Lily Grace."(the one girl in his class)
Last time Biden was here he was approached by one of my servers who relayed to him her story of woe. Her story is that she needs a kidney transplant and even though she is covered under her husband's health care plan (provided by his factory job) they are at risk of losing everything. Retirement gone. Investment house (rental) gone. Any hope for financial well being in the golden years gone.
She asked what his thoughts were on health care coverage. He briefly explained his idea then took her phone number. He said someone from his staff would call her to get her some help. That there are some foundations that he could put her in touch with. The call she eventually got was from some junior staffer who referred her to the American Kidney Foundation - which in her case is of little help because of her "covered" health care status she doesn't qualify for any help from them.
So after he was done eating last night I showed him a picture of my server and him looking at the Giant Cheeto when he was here last. I asked if he remembered the girl in the picture. He said, "She's that girl with the bad kidneys, Right? How's she doing?"
I explained that she wasn't doing too good. That she has a tube shoved into her jugular vein because she had to go on dialysis much more suddenly than anyone had thought. I also explained that the return call she got from the staffer wasn't much help.
He took her information again. Said HE would call her the next day. He did. He told her he was going to everything he could for her. She then got a follow up call from a senior staffer AND another call from some attorney who is well versed in Medicaid. The attorney told her he is pretty certain he can get her co-pays and other uncovered expenses put on Medicaid.
Biden called me just a bit ago to inform me of his conversation with my server and that other's as well would be calling her.
Impressive.
One other thing. Last night I had told Biden that I was trying to think of a fundraiser to help her thru some of the short term expenses that she will incur due to time missed from work. I asked him if he would be willing to have dinner again at Sarah's so I could raffle off chances to have dinner with him. He said absolutely. I asked if he was sure. Absolutely again was his reply.
Stevo's niece's wedding was delayed for about 15 minutes by a bomb scare in a nearby shopping mall that brought all traffic to a halt. She got married in one of those BIG non-denominal churches, very Bible-based, and the young preacher read from Paul's letter to the feminists - you know the one - and then he preached at length about how that was God's plan for family life: strong father, submissive wife, cheerfully obedient children. Mike Burke leaned over to Chris and asked her if she needed some oxygen. but when he asked Joe Zerza who gave this bride to be the groom's wife, Joe answered "Her mother and me." so I gotta hand it to him. Flying to Chicago tomorrow, driving to Pekin, and driving home to CB Wednesday. Happy New Year's, Y'all!
Last night on CSPAN they had Biden stumping in Indianola. One of the things he mentioned that I had not heard before was a report he had finished and submitted to whatever entity he had prepared it for. He submitted it the day before 9/11.
In the report he said our country was in imminent danger of attack and that the attack would come in the "belly of a plane."
Another thing I was not aware of: He also said that he met privately with Slobodan Milosvic because at the time our White House (Clinton) wouldn't. He said that the meeting was a clandestine one on one meeting late at night in Belgrade. After a 2 hour dicussion with "Slobo" the dictator asked Biden, "What do you think of me?" Biden's reply was, "I think you are one of the worst war criminals in history and I'm going to make it my top priority that you are tried and convicted."
Milosovic leaked this information to the former eastern block press in hopes of garnering simpathy. Of course later Biden was the leader in the Senate seeing to it that Milosovic was tried and convicted.
As is CSPAN's habit after Biden's speech they let the cameras continue to roll while he does the handshake thing with everyone who wants to meet him. I watched as at least a dozen people came up to him and said they had been undecided but were now going to back him.
It's too bad the press doesn't cover him and some of the others (such as Chris Dodd) because these are people with decades of experience in all areas of domestic and foreign matters.
I think Biden will do very well tomorrow in the Caucus. Joe3 has volunteered to be a precinct captain. Biden picked up a lot of undecideds when he spoke at Sarah's. Sometimes it can take as few as a dozen people to win a precinct.
I know I should know this, but can someone please explain how the caucus works. Can any registered voter caucus? I know you have to be affiliated with one partyor the other. Does each county have their own site?
You go to the place where you vote. You must be registered in the party holding the caucus.
You work together to develop the issues you want the candidates and party to address. This goes on to the platform committee for the county convention.
You declare your candicate in public. Your candidate needs to have a percentage of those attending the caucus in order to be considered viable in your preceinct. If there are not enough declaring for a candidate, they either join with those declared for another candidate or join the ranks of the undecided.
Also, at the caucus, registered Republicans can switch over to the Dem of their choice. The Democrats cannot do this...all the precincts in Algona are meeting at Algona Middle School...in Whittemore at the Community center...I'm a precinct co-chair for Obama...Joe Biden was a one night stand for me!
Also, at the caucus, registered Republicans can switch over to the Dem of their choice. The Democrats cannot do this...all the precincts in Algona are meeting at Algona Middle School...in Whittemore at the Community center...I'm a precinct co-chair for Obama...Joe Biden was a one night stand for me!
I think the Lloyd Bridges scuba show was "Sea Hunt". Sky King piloted a Cessna UC-78 "Bamboo Bomber". Happy Birthdays Frank and Deb! Mary-name one good thing Obama's done for you or someone you know.
I think more globally than most...he (Obama) will appeal to European and Middle East leaders more than any other candidate...I can't understand why Biden couldn't raise any money...does he polarize people???
Obama was probably more "poor" than Biden when he started his campaign (both he and Biden are "poor") He ended up raising more than any other candidiate... We need to beat the Republicans this time!!!Can you imagine 4 years of Huckabee??? OBAMA is the ONLY one who beats all of them in polling!!
m.e.
At Maggie B's straw poll Obama is WAY ahead of everyone (Edwards doesn't have one vote!)
If you are worried about what the world thinks of our president realize this: Biden = Instant Credibility. Obamo = who is this punk they sent over here?
I'm really disappointed that you gauge the viability of a candidate based on special interest/lobbyist/celebrity money raised.
Mary - You heard the guy speak. A smart SOB from a real family. Are you really going to believe the slogan campaign of Obama versus the real life solutions that Biden has provided? What's up with Obama's "A Change We Can Believe In?" It's all fluff. And so many democrats have fallen for it as opposed to a man like Biden or Dodd who has proven they know how to get stuff done.
If you don't think the republicans aren't going to chew up Obama and spit him out you are sorely mistaken. He won't be able to survive the general election even if he wins the nomination because of all the baggage the Clintons will hang on him.
Hello, Here's something you should do: multiply 111,111,111 by 111,111 111. Do not use a calculator because it probably does not show enough digits for you to get the full benefit of the answer, so you will have to fall back on your old multiplication skills. Dad
You guys are doing what the Democrats have done so well - tearing down the other guys, one of whom will probably be "our" guy in a few months. Who needs a Republican dirty tricks committee when we can self-destruct all on our own, limping into the national campaign mortally wounded to face Guiliani or whomever? There is not one Republican candidate who has proposed a real plan to get us out of Iraq, pay down our staggering deficit, shore up our still-floundering public schools, truly address the abortion genocide by supporting women in "problem" pregnancies (they'd all rather support laws that are sure to be struck down in courts than put their money where their mouths are), address the health care crisis, or save Social Security and Medicare. I say don't beat up on anyone who will be campaigning against them.
wtf? I'm wearing a hat inside right now. It got down to the thirties last night and we don't have a heater. I didn't move to Florida for this.... New Year's Resolution....to actually take advantage of some time off from work. Do things I always say I will but don't (museums etc.) Exercise regularly (like half the world will promise to do). How about you, Cathy? Also, what is Joe J's email address? pp
Here we go - tonight it's Bill Richardson all the way!
To those of you who are saying that he won't win: Remember at this level it's all about getting the name and message of your candidate out there. We need to let the democrats who think they can hand pick our choices for us know that we want to have our voice in this and that we need to have the views of the Richardsons of the world be considered when creating the platform, cabinets, etc.
Last night something about Andrew Jackson was on TV. For the most most part, it confirmed my view that he was probably a jerk... but he did do many important things, among them, he drew the chosing of presidental candidates out of the hands of political insiders and put it in the hands of the people. The Iowa Caucases are cool because they truely reflect that the people have a voice. At this point, if we rubber stamp whomever is handed to us, we are handing back to the political insiders so many of the rights that should make America unique.
Tom...you should have a Caucus Day Biden Special: Winter wheat pasta with just fresh ahi tuna flashed seared...no veggies 'cause Biden didn't plan ahead, and sorry, no tuna 'cause he forgot...this is Iowa :-(
Obama special: Hopefull corn chowder Fresh spinach salad (flown in cause he planned ahead) Filet wrapped in bacon from Eishen store (Caucus chair for Obama, Lotts Creek) Lots of veggies, cause he planned aheah and hired real campaign workers, not his lovely sister. Jello for dessert, cause Bill Cosby told him to.
Em - for voter caucus info, if you can't get through to your county elections office (the phone number should be on your voter registration card or in the phone book), try declareyourself.com for state by state voting info, or vote-smart.org. In Illinois you don't register under a party, so California may be different than Iowa as well. When we go to the Primaries we just tell them we want a Republican or Democrat ticket.
One thing to remember is that your caucus site is not necessarily where you vote. If you don't know your precinct number, call your Co. auditor's office and ask where you should go, based on your address. If you haven't registered to vote, you can do it at the Democratic caucus (the Republicans only allow registered Republicans in) but you better get there early; they close the doors at 6:30 sharp! Joe J, you should wander around the building - every TV network is there, maybe you could stand behind Tim Russert and wave to your mom. Or meet Joe Biden or Barack Obama, both nice guys. I'm wearing my Democratic Blue suit with my pink Barack the Vote button. Should I bring cookies?
Pat - so sorry about the weather. I heard it was 37 in Miami. Is that true? Did you guys bring it with you? How does your apartment look with all your furniture in it? Are you going to the beach today? Don't you wish you could go to a caucus, where things might get hot? Molly and Brian are going to the caucuses tonight and Stevo is going to babysit. He has games and movies lined up and has planned a menu of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches and veggies with dip. Iowa is the coolest state ever today.
OK. On my way to work I'll stand behind the CNN camera. Anderson Cooper is lucky he's not here. I'd like to kick that guy.
My street has been blocked off all week because ABC is doing their nightly news in front of my building. I can't wait to go out after work tonight and see all the campaign staffers and media letting off some steam. It should be fun.
I went to the "Raucous Before the Caucus" on New Year's Eve, a party for all the out-of-town media. No huge TV faces, but a lot of big names as far as producers, reporters and columnists. But it was a little reserved because everybody still had to work the next day.
My New Year's resolution: to get rid of any stuff that's holding me back, weighing me down, getting in my way. I told Stevo that doesn't include him, but it might include his van. Also to get up before 6:00 like I used to. This morning I got up at 5:40, put on coffee and watched an exercise program on TV.
A representative for the Steel Workers of America called and asked me if I was gonna caucus tonight. I said, "no," and before I could stumble and stammer my way through a list of excuses and the consolation that my husband would be there and was a precinct captain...they hung up on me.
I wasn't actually gonna give them a list of excuses...but, I was gonna say my husband would be there. It reminded me of the people that call and ask for a donation...they're super nice and ask you about your day and the minute you politely say, "no thank you...not at this time," they hang up on you. Tom and I are very generous and perhaps, we just gave or simply cannot help...most likely, next time around I would say, "Yah, sure." I think it's funny that someone calls MY house, asks ME for money and then hangs up on me.
Obama is way way ahead in the straw poll at Maggie B's today...surprising, cause the Hillary staffers eat there alot...It's gonna be a fun night...where are the afterparties?? m.e.
Nance...if you caucus for Obama they'll line up a sitter (however, you can bring kids to the caucus) but, I thought you were thinking of Hillary...I think she needs your help!
I'm having one! It's cold though...bring your hat.
So, does anyone have a good idea for musty smells? Our apartment is just great, except for the kitchen. It's old and it smells, and it feels dirty to me. I can't put the dishes away, even though all the cupboards have been wiped out. Advice, please. I'm going to spray everything with disinfectant, we've mopped and wiped everything, and then we are going to spray the (ancient) linoleum with pet deodorizer in case its from a former pet.
I have been chewed up and spat out, by my Mom and Sister, for even considering a vote for Hillary. :-<> I think I shant. :-) I told them that Mary Ellan supports my CHOICE, even though she's all for Obama. They didn't care and said I was CRAZY for liking Hillary. Now, I don't know that I, "like her," I just like her more than the other peeps...does that make me bad? No one answer...ha, ha. I should follow my hubby and go for Biden. No caucus tonight for me. Donny and I have been sick ALL week. Liam was sick over the weekend. Donny had it the worst with a fever, headache, cough and very sleepy. He's on the mend though, thankfully. Donny returns home on Saturday and tonight I promised him, "family game night," something he really enjoys and we haven't been able to do all week due to illness. Can't do, "game night," on Friday...'cuz Liam is going to a friends' house to celebrate his belated birthday. Re: Caucus-after-parties...I've heard that everyone who is anyone is going to Sarah's. I've heard that it's unamerican to go to any of the other bars...and, no one wants to be unamerican. :-)
Pat, I agree with Nancy on the bleach. A strong bleach-water mixture and some nice rubber gloves will help. As someone who has dealt with this, my advice is that you may even want to wear a face mask. Then clear out of the apartment for a couple of hours.
Yeah, I'm using bleach right now. It's a lysol bleach mildew and mold remover and it's strong. Let's hope it works. I know you are all as concerned as I am.
There might be a dead mouse in your walls. If so, don't worry, the smell will go away in about three weeks. I love bleach. It's cheap, it works and it smells clean. I keep trying to get our maintenance men to use it on the kitchen and bathroom floors in the hall, but they seem to prefer some $17-dollars-a-gallon cleaner they get from the janitorial supply catalog and the grout stays grubby. Men. The guy we have now is the third guy I've tried to get to use bleach and he looks like I'm suggesting arsenic or something. If he goes on vacation I'm going to go over there and use it in the ladies bathroom just to show him.
Pat, I like orange smelling cleaner. And get a reed defuser for the kitchen.
I still don't know who I am going to Caucas for, but have it narrowed down to two people. My caucas shirt says "I'm voting for Kids," and if I really did that I would be voting for the person no one here but Nance and I like. Mary, you still may be able to convince me to go with Obama in the next few hours. Try, I apparently need someone to make up my mind for me. Everyone, especially those of you still questioning who you like, should go to www.everychildmatters.org. It's a non-partisan organization. they sent surveys to every candidate. Those who care the most about children's issues returned them...I met the head of the org and he said none of the republican candidates returned the survey.
To quote the oldest, wisest person here...."so it appears the party has 2 very qualified candidates in Biden and Richardson but each of them is a long shot. The others are not worth going out in the cold for."
nance, stick to your guns on Hillary if she's your choice. If I listened to everything my husband said I might be a (shudder) republican! Though he's actually a very moderate republican and doesn't like any of his candidates except maybe Ron Paul.
Hi, Please check your emails. Our email address for the next 3 months is: josephstraub@bellsouth.net I don't think I'll be able to get mail sent to my rconnect address.
Have any of you multipled 111,111,111 by 111,111,111? The answer might surprise you. Dad
Ron Howard was at my caucus, with his whole family. They are campaigning for Hillary and stayed the whole night. I heard his son and wife first asking anyone if they wanted a Clinton sticker, then started asking if anyone was an "Arrested Development" fan to win over people, it was funny.
Anyway, my precinct was at a school and included 5 wards. In just the one democratic ward I was in, which was the largest, there were 400 people! It made me proud of Iowans and all the college students who turned out!
Mike Huckabee is such a goober. I don't hate him, and as Chris Matthews aptly puts it, he does have that folksy, Jimmy Stewart appeal, but come on! I thought Obama's victory speech was great and HIllary was very gracious, but Edwards not so much. Biden was gracious too, but looked very tired. I wonder who he'll support. I want to hear from all you caucus goers.
New topic: Headline in Omaha World Herald - Irish Eyes smiling with recruits. ND has 14 recruits playing in the All American bowl or whatever it's called.
I feel bad Hilary didn't come in second. Fine with Obama winning. Yesterday, the zoo here gave the gorillas blankets. They had it on the news and all the gorillas were hiding under their blankets. Some man put a space heater out next to his pet pig, but the pet pig knocked the heater over and started a house on fire. P
The Democrats had me on their register for one night. I'm going back to Independent. Many of my fellow Biden supporters were also Independents and even some Republicans. Foolish Democrats. Anyone of their top finishers are so unpalatable to most outside their party that they will never win the White House.
Toml, what if Hilary chooses Biden (and he accepts)as her running mate? I still don't know who I support, but it's not Edwards. The thing that gets me is all the votes for Fred Thompson. What's THAT about?
Obama won precisely because many Independents and even Republicans supported him, and will continue to win for that very reason. I hope he takes advantage of Biden's smarts, wisdom and experience when he does, and I hope Biden will accept. I'm beginning to think McCain might win the republican nod. He lost serious ground when he sold his soul to the White House but maybe he'll get it back.
Yes Tom, as Cathy said, Obama won over MANY independent voters and some republicans. I'm curious - why do you dislike him so? Did the Biden people opt for a second choice?
Our caucus site was so disorganized and confusing. There was no chairperson appointed to our pricinct so we didn't have proper paperwork and we don't really know if our votes were official. We were just writing our info on notebook paper. Brian and I decided to volunteer to be delegates though so that was exciting! On another note, bleach is often scary to use, especially on other peoples' property because you can easily damage carpets and other surfaces if you have it on your shoes or bucket.... Also, i wish the blog had spell-check!
Jarkko (finnish) Renault (swiss i don't how to spell it) Marco (german) Rico (mexican) Judd (south carolinian) Kelvin (south floridian)
Renault invited us over for fondue last night but we didn't go. WE're going to his place tomorrow though, for bbq. Josh found out he will be going to switzerland in April, so you should all come keep me company while he is gone. he is also being given french lessons two nights a week. I'm kind of jealous, now i need to get myself a life. P
Could you take French lessons with Josh? That might be fun! Are you going to Switzerland for a little while, too? Do they have a Sunset Tan in Florida? Maybe, you could work there and meet the Olly's and be on TV! Now, that would be cool...not. Ha! :-<> :-)
Did McCain sell his soul to the White House because he has always been critical of the administration for not having enough troops in Iraq? He was in favor af a "surge" before that word was employed to describe sending more troops. I think it was he who convinced the president to use the surge, which, by the way, seems to be successful. I'm the only person among my circle of friends who was against the war from the beginning because it did not meet the criteria for a "just war." But once we became engaged we had a responsibility to win the war with as few casualties on both sides, and among civilians, as possible. Because of Rumsfeld we could not do this and it was McCain who, once we were engaged, always was critical of the fact that we did not have enough personnel in Iraq. I don't believe that he ever kowtowed to the White House on that or any other issue and that is what caused him to fall back in the polls among Republicans for many months. There are certainly reasons why a person might not want to vote for McCain in a general election, but selling out to the White House is not one of them. Dad
Obama - I dislike his candadacy because there is no such thing as a Messiah in politics and that all he is just that at this point. The only Messiahs in history have proven by-and-large to be failures or worse (Hitler). I'm not saying he's Hitler or even a bad person. I just distrust his message of hope when I contrast it to his experience (none).
It's also possible that he's a one man sleeper-cell. Right Joe3?
I've got a problem with Obama. He's a smart young guy who certainly knows how to take a shot and make the most of it. His health plan stinks (leaves 15 million uninsured) but exit polling showed most caucus goers were condident he could do something on health care. That must make Hillary livid (I think she earned ownership of that issue) but it's an example of appearance versus reality. While I'm not a huge fan of Dodds, I respect his devotion to traditional Democratic constituencies and causes. Biden has proven through the decades his intelligence and competence. Together, they've spent more time gaining experience and expertise, skirmishing rear-guard actions during Newt and the "Reagan Revolution", pushing complicated legislation through reluctant Congreess, responding to constituents and making a demonstrable difference in public life than Obama has been alive. He's a baby and special interests (acting through their paid for congressmen) will eat him up. World leaders will smile, shake his hand and blow him off. He will manage to push through some changing legislation (prolly health care) on issues a slow-witted sea slug could have pushed through only because it is universally acknowledged some issues demand change. The reason He was able to raise gazillions is because donors expect he will be a pushover once elected. They will expect payback. I guess I'm sad about the devolution of the process (Kerry-same deal last time) to star-power and flavor of the month. Winston Churchill couldn't survive this process. While I'm proud America has matured to the point where a black person can actually have a shot at the White House Obama is the worst of the dem choices. I'd like to know haw many votes he missed while campaigning. I gotta go to the Courthouse and will continue this rant later. I challenge anyone to show me one really good, outstanding, smart thing Obama has ever done that really sets him apart. Because of Obama I will now have to support Hillary. Damn him forever.
I am NOT politically savvy. This being said, I feel like we have few choices...that's it's all pre-determined. I liken it to...going into a Fancy Restaurant and telling your kids to pick out whatever they want...just choose between a chicken nugget and a chicken strip.
Congrats to all the delegates!! Our family did very well last night! Mike and I also are delegates...Mike for Biden and me for Obama...the convention is March 15th.
Tom...we heard from some Biden people last night that they enjoyed sitting with you and Biden when you fixed he and his brothers dinner...(I wondered what you were doing when I brought that crock pot and gift into the kitchen)...oh well...I guarantee that not one of your Biden buddies will vote Republican!
Obama conveniently was campaigning when the Senate voted whether or not to lable Iran's Quds forcing a terrorist group. Biden voted against the resolution. Hillary voted for it.
The press (to my knowledge), also conveniently, never has questioned Obama about how he would have voted on this.
Hillary was the only Dem. to vote for it, I believe.
She can't win a general election... Edwards should be shot for dragging his sick wife around the country... It's Obama and he beats EVERY Republican in polling!
I've already got a Messiah, thank you very much. Obama is just a man, and I disagree with him on some issues (I think many of his plans are if anything too pragmatic and don't reach far enough) but I just think that right now we need a rational, thoughtful person who doesn't think in terms of "us" and "them", who isn't afraid to say that the nuclear option is darn near unthinkable for him and should be for everyone, who actually believes in negotiation and compromise instead of win/lose, who firmly believes in the separation of church and state but not the separation of politics and morality, who is not a starry-eyed dreamer but does believe in and behave with civility and respect, and I don't believe that political experience is the only valid and valuable experience for a leader. How about service and community/civic action? He's also sharp enough to take advantage of the situation if he should become a rock star in Africa, the sleeping giant of this century. You guys are so dismissive of anyone who shows a trace of idealism. You're underestimating this one. Biden is a smart, principled guy who caught my interest the first time he ran for president. He would make a great choice. He also never polled above 5%. Tough break.
Anyway, I feel a little sorry for whoever gets elected this time - he/she could be a one-term president because of the horrible mess they have to clean up.
McCain was adamantly opposed to the war and shut up about it too soon, I think possibly in exchange for some kind of promise of future support. I'm not going to gratuitously insult any more politicians (except the ones currently in office who make me gag.) But I think he's the best of the Republicans running, bearing in mind his loose-cannon potential.
I like the guys who, if they say something, you believe that's what they actually think, instead of the ones who seem to have polls running all the time in the backs of their heads. I hope we end up with Obama vs. McCain. The battle of the truth-blurters.
John Edwards needs to get out of the race. His wife looked terrible last night. Completely exhausted and I think she had lost weight. She and his family should be his number one priority. He'll someday regret doing this at this time in their lives.
Cathy...if you told Stevo that he didn't have to open doors for you anymore...do you think he would stop? Of course she told her husband to run, but he should have waited...they should all be at home helping her fight...instead we all have to watch her die! And don't we all feel SOOO sorry for him.
That really is Eli's resolution...he came up with it, totally, on his own. I wish he woulda said that he would eat veggie's and not argue about the PS2...oh well.
I agree with m.e on Edward's wife.Even if she urged him he's a cad for running. I'm not against idealism. I think Obama's better than most of the republicans.His positions are actually pretty similar to most of the dem candidates. It's just that Obama only gets elected in a world pre-occupied with Brittney Spears and E-Online and Celebrity overload. Having hope doesn't qualify one for office. Having solutions and ability does. Obama's act will wear thin over time.Look for Edwards to really start drilling him. He gets a stupid sounding tone in his voice when he's trying to sound tough, throws a little street jargon out now and then. OK 'bama-you go bust some caps on Putin.
I too agree with Cathy and Pat that you guys are too dismissive of anyone with a sense of idealism. I am utterly astounded that joe is going with HIllary over Obama. Not that I hate HIllary, it just surprises me. I hate to say it, but you guys are acting old and crusty - like McCain. Thinking that anyone outside of the establishment, anyone young, is incapable.
On another note, while reading Charlie wilson's war I am getting so upset I almost have to put it down. The way our gov't does business and with whom we do business is so short sighted and corrupt. The book is all about how we armed the Afghanis in their war agianst the soviets, turning a blind eye to the way the Afghanis treated women, etc, never mind the fact that they failed to see that these weopons would end up in the hands of radical jihadists. The Soviets would have self-destructed eventually anyway and this probably sounds harsh and ill informed, but while I"m reading I just keep thinking that we should have let the Afghanis wage thier own war against the Soviets, then maybe we'd have fewer radical Muslims on our hands today. We spent so much money and now look at the state we're in. Also, why do we have anything to do with the Saudis? I just caught a snipppet of a story on NPR about a Saudi woman who was raped by 7 men and when she accused them, she was arrested and she was supposed to get a lashing, but the only reason she didn't was becasue Bush asked the King to intervene. The king didn't reverse the fact that she was found guilty, but at least she didn't have to get whipped. The saudis have gross human rights violations and we need to sever our ties with them, which of course means alternative fuel sources.
Maybe Elizabeth Edwards should stay home in bed surrounded by her loving family and we wouldn't have to see her and feel bad. Instead she's out, getting tired doing what she wants to do, and their kids are with them getting an education you couldn't pay for, and nobody, but nobody, ever better make a decision for me "for my own good" instead of trusting me to say what I want or need like a grownup.
Well, I don't think I'm old and crusty, and I still haven't decided between Obama and Hilary. I like Obama better, but there's something to be said for having "ins" and connections already when you start the job. There's also something to be said for a fresh perspective, and someone not interested in playing the game. I don't know which way I'll go. Don't you think I should take a break from unpacking now?
I believe Elizabeth Edwards is trying to have as much life as she possibly can for as long as she possibly can.
When some people are dying, they go on a great vacation... others do like the new movie, "The Bucket" and others just stay at home are reserve their energy. Elizabeth has chosen to cram as much as she can into her life. She's homeschooling - her children will remember who she is all their lives. I don't know what I would do, but I believe I understand and respect her decision.
I believe this was Elizabeth's and John Edwards dream before she got sick. I really have a hard time believing it's her dream of how to live her life right now. It's just a job and he will have other jobs after she dies. She should be out doing what she wants and enjoying life. Not enjoying his life. He belongs with his family and not out campaigning. I have to say I did enjoy watching his son wipe his snotty nose on his sleeve during his dad's speech.
Let's say you are an NFL Football coach and you just made it to the Superbowl. You suddenly find out your starting quarterback can't play. Who are you going to start in his place? The crusty old back up veteran (Biden, et. al.) who knows the playbook inside and out and can read coverages with the best of them?
Or are you going to start your rookie? Maybe he was great in college and is a great guy. But, he is completely unproven. Do you risk it?
Tom...he's in his 40's!!! he carried the young and old, rich and poor.. He carried the crowd making over $100,000 and under $20,000...he has broad appeal.
Cathy I don't want Elizabeth in bed!!! Just at home in her brand new house she helped design...mabe he's keeping it fresh for the new wife!!!
If Edwards were to be elected, who would be home to care for those kids while Elizabeth is dead or dying? Not their father. He's the president. And that has to be his number one priority. The timing is wrong. Sometimes you just have to give up on your dreams for what's right for everyone not just you.
139 comments:
Happy Birthday, Frank
Take it to the bank
This year will be the best
Forget all the rest
T'was rectified spirits you drank!
happy birthday Frank,
feliz cumplianos francisco
mely
Happy birthday, Frank! The whole world celebrates with you!
Love,
lisa
Happy Brithday Frank! Hope it's a good one!
thank you all. i'm having a nice relaxing birthday. slept in, big breakfast, went for a walk. now i'm off with some friends to gorge myself on thai food.
In the words of Ed, Happy Brithday Frank!
Tom, I hope you get a decent turnout for Biden. It's really a shame that he is running THIS year. I really like him too.
Happy Birthday Frank! How was the Thai food? Yum.
Joe ane I went to No Country for Old Men last night. Pretty good.
Ends suddenly though.
Monica
Don't feel badly for Biden. He won many converts last night _ right Mary and Mike? I cooked him dinner and sat with him for a bit. Nice guy. So are his brothers.
He's a broke politician. The first thing he said is that Iowa should be first to caucus otherwise the white house will go to the highest bidder - aka Hillary/Obama. He's right about that.
In is answers you can see he has a logical solution to most problems. Such as health care reform. Obama and Hillary's plans call for heavy government mandates and oversight. The government can hardly run a DOT office or a school. How are they going to see to your health? Biden's plan is streamlined and purely optional for all. It provides the same benefits that he and all federal workers get. He says he will pay for by getting rid of the tax cuts for the wealthy. Cuts they didn't ask for nor should receive.
When he was first elected Senator he was the poorest Senator in office. Decades later he is the second poorest Senator. This would indicate to me he is making far fewer backroom deals for his own benefit.
Anyway, don't dismiss his viablity as a candidate just yet.
Tom
Hi, I could not go to the Biden rally at Sister Sarah's last night because I'm still a judge but Mom, Joe III, Mary Ellan & Mike and, of course, Tom were all there. When Mom, Mary Ellan and Mike got home they were enthusiastic and said they are going to caucus for him. They said there was a very big crowd at Sarah's and that Biden was very well received. I'm sure they will convey their own impressions to you. I read in today's paper that Bhutto called Biden when she went to Pakistan and asked him to call Mushareff to ask for better security, which he did. It also said that Mushareff has called him on several occasions. He sounds like the real thing so it appears the party has 2 very qualified candidates in Biden and Richardson but each of them is a long shot. The others are not worth going out in the cold for.
Pat called yesterday. They were in Lake Worth and like their new home. There is a grassy area across the street and just beyond the grass is the inland waterway. They ate in a Jewish deli on the main street which Mom and I were in last year and the food was great. She will be flying back to St. Paul next Monday (the day we arrive in FL) to finish out her committment at Hamline and then she will drive their car back to FL, so we probably will be seeing them toward the end on January, although Josh is welcome to run up to Jupiter before then if it is convenient for him. Happy New Year!! Be moderate. Love, Dad
Happy Birthday Frank!
Happy New Year Everyone!
What are your New Year's Resolutions?
Happy New Year, everyone!
Lisa
Maybe I should resolve to read more.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Lisa
Maybe I should resolve to read more.
BIDEN time while Tom ate with Biden says...
So Tom...you were snacking with Biden somewhere in Sarah's while we were waiting!!! I'm pissed, so now I'm back to Barack...this caucus caca will see the flakes fall where they may, right? I got an e-mail inviting me to meet Barack's sisters yesterday...it's Edwards today at 4:30...
m.e.
just a note...
Joey's brothers and sister were at Sarah's...listened to Val, and chatted with Frankie and Jimmy...VERY cool people...Frankie runs a non-profit and knew of Gerry Straub's San Damiano foundation...also, I chatted briefly with Biden about our assoc. with the Afghan teachers we housed and that program and mentioned how it's regressed for them, and that one of them has been killed by the Taliban...he knew of Gouitterre from UNO who runs the program.
m.e.
I don't know if you are seriously pissed or not. But if you are...sorry. It was literally a last minute decision for them to eat here and they asked that it be kept on the "down low" because the poor guy has been on the road everyday starting at 5:30 since who knows when. They said he could use a break from the campaign if only long enough to have a meal.
JK..LOL...what did you serve him???
I am a bit worried about a guy with his EXPERIENCE who can't raise a dime to run his campaign...what's with that?
m.e.
As he puts it the lobbyists and special interests find him "difficult to work with". Therefore, he doesn't the the backing ($$$)the others get. I find that to be a good thing. He told us of some funny stories about flying around in these crop dusters while Hillary and Obama are in there jets that cost $4500 per hour to operate. He simply can't afford it. Tom
sounds like Biden is a good choice.
for my birthday the landord got me a broken furnace. stopped heating about 10 last night. i woke up and it was 51 degrees in my apt. it's fixed now, and slowly heating up...
When I picked Jude up from school I asked him what he did today. Usually I get, "I played outside, we sang songs, I colored, etc." Today he said, "I played guns and I shared my guns with Lily Grace."(the one girl in his class)
Here's a story for you.
Last time Biden was here he was approached by one of my servers who relayed to him her story of woe. Her story is that she needs a kidney transplant and even though she is covered under her husband's health care plan (provided by his factory job) they are at risk of losing everything. Retirement gone. Investment house (rental) gone. Any hope for financial well being in the golden years gone.
She asked what his thoughts were on health care coverage. He briefly explained his idea then took her phone number. He said someone from his staff would call her to get her some help. That there are some foundations that he could put her in touch with. The call she eventually got was from some junior staffer who referred her to the American Kidney Foundation - which in her case is of little help because of her "covered" health care status she doesn't qualify for any help from them.
So after he was done eating last night I showed him a picture of my server and him looking at the Giant Cheeto when he was here last. I asked if he remembered the girl in the picture. He said, "She's that girl with the bad kidneys, Right? How's she doing?"
I explained that she wasn't doing too good. That she has a tube shoved into her jugular vein because she had to go on dialysis much more suddenly than anyone had thought. I also explained that the return call she got from the staffer wasn't much help.
He took her information again. Said HE would call her the next day. He did. He told her he was going to everything he could for her. She then got a follow up call from a senior staffer AND another call from some attorney who is well versed in Medicaid. The attorney told her he is pretty certain he can get her co-pays and other uncovered expenses put on Medicaid.
Biden called me just a bit ago to inform me of his conversation with my server and that other's as well would be calling her.
Impressive.
One other thing. Last night I had told Biden that I was trying to think of a fundraiser to help her thru some of the short term expenses that she will incur due to time missed from work. I asked him if he would be willing to have dinner again at Sarah's so I could raffle off chances to have dinner with him. He said absolutely. I asked if he was sure. Absolutely again was his reply.
Tom
Happy Birthday, Frank!
Stevo's niece's wedding was delayed for about 15 minutes by a bomb scare in a nearby shopping mall that brought all traffic to a halt. She got married in one of those BIG non-denominal churches, very Bible-based, and the young preacher read from Paul's letter to the feminists - you know the one - and then he preached at length about how that was God's plan for family life: strong father, submissive wife, cheerfully obedient children. Mike Burke leaned over to Chris and asked her if she needed some oxygen.
but when he asked Joe Zerza who gave this bride to be the groom's wife, Joe answered "Her mother and me." so I gotta hand it to him.
Flying to Chicago tomorrow, driving to Pekin, and driving home to CB Wednesday. Happy New Year's, Y'all!
I could be wrong, but I think it's Deb's birthday. If so, Happy b-day Deb.
Happy New YEar everyone! Hopefully some of you are having more fun than I am.
Happy birthday Frank! Happy birthday Deb!
happy 2008!
p
Pat, so you did get power, eh?
Today i resolve to eat this piece of carrot cake for breakfast.
happy birthday Deb.
happy birthday tank the frank. and happy new year everyone.
my cable just went out! stupid charter. how can i watch the bowl games? guess i'll just have to go on a terrorist watch at the nearest bar...
You will never have a better excuse to watch for terror. Besides, it's still your birthday, right?
Did Sarah's get a nice crowd for New Years?
Des or Mary or Mike, if you talk to Phelan, tell her to call me, please. I can't get through to her and flights are booking fast and fares going up.
you know, itsnot exactly warm here. its 45 egrees right now. whats up with that?
p
sorry, i was typing one handed while laying in bed.
now i've moved out to the couch.
p
Happy birthday, Deb. I guess this makes you the new years baby of the family!
Lisa
Jeez its cold! Negative 16 this morning. I felt like my lips were going to freeze off!
Happy Birthday Deb!
Happy Birthday Deb!!
Happy Birthday Frank!!
We had a fun New Year's Day...dancing at the Whittemore Pub from 10:30 a.m. till 6pm...they had free Bloody Mary's from 10-Noon, the place was packed.
Happy New Year's to all!
m.e.
Last night on CSPAN they had Biden stumping in Indianola. One of the things he mentioned that I had not heard before was a report he had finished and submitted to whatever entity he had prepared it for. He submitted it the day before 9/11.
In the report he said our country was in imminent danger of attack and that the attack would come in the "belly of a plane."
Another thing I was not aware of: He also said that he met privately with Slobodan Milosvic because at the time our White House (Clinton) wouldn't. He said that the meeting was a clandestine one on one meeting late at night in Belgrade. After a 2 hour dicussion with "Slobo" the dictator asked Biden, "What do you think of me?" Biden's reply was, "I think you are one of the worst war criminals in history and I'm going to make it my top priority that you are tried and convicted."
Milosovic leaked this information to the former eastern block press in hopes of garnering simpathy. Of course later Biden was the leader in the Senate seeing to it that Milosovic was tried and convicted.
As is CSPAN's habit after Biden's speech they let the cameras continue to roll while he does the handshake thing with everyone who wants to meet him. I watched as at least a dozen people came up to him and said they had been undecided but were now going to back him.
It's too bad the press doesn't cover him and some of the others (such as Chris Dodd) because these are people with decades of experience in all areas of domestic and foreign matters.
I think Biden will do very well tomorrow in the Caucus. Joe3 has volunteered to be a precinct captain. Biden picked up a lot of undecideds when he spoke at Sarah's. Sometimes it can take as few as a dozen people to win a precinct.
Tom
Tom - do you know how many delegates Algona's precinct sends to the state caucus?
I know I should know this, but can someone please explain how the caucus works. Can any registered voter caucus? I know you have to be affiliated with one partyor the other. Does each county have their own site?
You go to the place where you vote. You must be registered in the party holding the caucus.
You work together to develop the issues you want the candidates and party to address. This goes on to the platform committee for the county convention.
You declare your candicate in public. Your candidate needs to have a percentage of those attending the caucus in order to be considered viable in your preceinct. If there are not enough declaring for a candidate, they either join with those declared for another candidate or join the ranks of the undecided.
Has this helped or confused matters more?
Lisa
Also, at the caucus, registered Republicans can switch over to the Dem of their choice. The Democrats cannot do this...all the precincts in Algona are meeting at Algona Middle School...in Whittemore at the Community center...I'm a precinct co-chair for Obama...Joe Biden was a one night stand for me!
m.e.
Also, at the caucus, registered Republicans can switch over to the Dem of their choice. The Democrats cannot do this...all the precincts in Algona are meeting at Algona Middle School...in Whittemore at the Community center...I'm a precinct co-chair for Obama...Joe Biden was a one night stand for me!
m.e.
I think the Lloyd Bridges scuba show was "Sea Hunt". Sky King piloted a Cessna UC-78 "Bamboo Bomber".
Happy Birthdays Frank and Deb!
Mary-name one good thing Obama's done for you or someone you know.
He signed a poster for me.
I think more globally than most...he (Obama) will appeal to European and Middle East leaders more than any other candidate...I can't understand why Biden couldn't raise any money...does he polarize people???
Obama was probably more "poor" than Biden when he started his campaign (both he and Biden are "poor") He ended up raising more than any other candidiate...
We need to beat the Republicans this time!!!Can you imagine 4 years of Huckabee??? OBAMA is the ONLY one who beats all of them in polling!!
m.e.
At Maggie B's straw poll Obama is WAY ahead of everyone (Edwards doesn't have one vote!)
If you are worried about what the world thinks of our president realize this: Biden = Instant Credibility. Obamo = who is this punk they sent over here?
I'm really disappointed that you gauge the viability of a candidate based on special interest/lobbyist/celebrity money raised.
Mary - You heard the guy speak. A smart SOB from a real family. Are you really going to believe the slogan campaign of Obama versus the real life solutions that Biden has provided? What's up with Obama's "A Change We Can Believe In?" It's all fluff. And so many democrats have fallen for it as opposed to a man like Biden or Dodd who has proven they know how to get stuff done.
If you don't think the republicans aren't going to chew up Obama and spit him out you are sorely mistaken. He won't be able to survive the general election even if he wins the nomination because of all the baggage the Clintons will hang on him.
Tom
Plus he stole mom's crockpot.
Happy tank birthday Deb and Frank
(belated)...
ML
Hello, Here's something you should do: multiply 111,111,111 by 111,111 111. Do not use a calculator because it probably does not show enough digits for you to get the full benefit of the answer, so you will have to fall back on your old multiplication skills. Dad
You guys are doing what the Democrats have done so well - tearing down the other guys, one of whom will probably be "our" guy in a few months.
Who needs a Republican dirty tricks committee when we can self-destruct all on our own, limping into the national campaign mortally wounded to face Guiliani or whomever? There is not one Republican candidate who has proposed a real plan to get us out of Iraq, pay down our staggering deficit, shore up our still-floundering public schools, truly address the abortion genocide by supporting women in "problem" pregnancies (they'd all rather support laws that are sure to be struck down in courts than put their money where their mouths are), address the health care crisis, or save Social Security and Medicare. I say don't beat up on anyone who will be campaigning against them.
Happy birthday, Deb! Doing anything special?
OK - what are everyone's New Year's resolutions. Come on - I know you got'em.
i resolve to get jiggy wit it.
nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
nah nah nah nah nah nah
wtf? I'm wearing a hat inside right now. It got down to the thirties last night and we don't have a heater. I didn't move to Florida for this....
New Year's Resolution....to actually take advantage of some time off from work. Do things I always say I will but don't (museums etc.) Exercise regularly (like half the world will promise to do). How about you, Cathy? Also, what is Joe J's email address?
pp
Huckabee crossed a picket line to appear on Leno last night. Workers of the world beware.
Happy Birthday, Deb! Hope you had a great day! Whatcha do? :-)
BTW: No...my niece Alex did not write on the blog...I did that for her. :-)
Here we go - tonight it's Bill Richardson all the way!
To those of you who are saying that he won't win: Remember at this level it's all about getting the name and message of your candidate out there. We need to let the democrats who think they can hand pick our choices for us know that we want to have our voice in this and that we need to have the views of the Richardsons of the world be considered when creating the platform, cabinets, etc.
Last night something about Andrew Jackson was on TV. For the most most part, it confirmed my view that he was probably a jerk... but he did do many important things, among them, he drew the chosing of presidental candidates out of the hands of political insiders and put it in the hands of the people. The Iowa Caucases are cool because they truely reflect that the people have a voice. At this point, if we rubber stamp whomever is handed to us, we are handing back to the political insiders so many of the rights that should make America unique.
Lisa
Tom...you should have a Caucus Day Biden Special:
Winter wheat pasta with just fresh ahi tuna flashed seared...no veggies 'cause Biden didn't plan ahead, and sorry, no tuna 'cause he forgot...this is Iowa :-(
Obama special:
Hopefull corn chowder
Fresh spinach salad (flown in cause he planned ahead)
Filet wrapped in bacon from Eishen store (Caucus chair for Obama, Lotts Creek)
Lots of veggies, cause he planned aheah and hired real campaign workers, not his lovely sister.
Jello for dessert, cause Bill Cosby told him to.
m.e.
Happy Birthday, Deb!
Em - for voter caucus info, if you can't get through to your county elections office (the phone number should be on your voter registration card or in the phone book), try declareyourself.com for state by state voting info, or vote-smart.org. In Illinois you don't register under a party, so California may be different than Iowa as well. When we go to the Primaries we just tell them we want a Republican or Democrat ticket.
My e-mail is joe.jayjack@gmail.com.
Today should be exciting. Who's your darkhorse?
Follow the action online at DesMoinesRegister.com/caucus
One thing to remember is that your caucus site is not necessarily where you vote. If you don't know your precinct number, call your Co. auditor's office and ask where you should go, based on your address. If you haven't registered to vote, you can do it at the Democratic caucus (the Republicans only allow registered Republicans in) but you better get there early; they close the doors at 6:30 sharp!
Joe J, you should wander around the building - every TV network is there, maybe you could stand behind Tim Russert and wave to your mom. Or meet Joe Biden or Barack Obama, both nice guys. I'm wearing my Democratic Blue suit with my pink Barack the Vote button. Should I bring cookies?
Pat - so sorry about the weather. I heard it was 37 in Miami. Is that true? Did you guys bring it with you? How does your apartment look with all your furniture in it? Are you going to the beach today? Don't you wish you could go to a caucus, where things might get hot?
Molly and Brian are going to the caucuses tonight and Stevo is going to babysit. He has games and movies lined up and has planned a menu of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches and veggies with dip.
Iowa is the coolest state ever today.
OK. On my way to work I'll stand behind the CNN camera. Anderson Cooper is lucky he's not here. I'd like to kick that guy.
My street has been blocked off all week because ABC is doing their nightly news in front of my building. I can't wait to go out after work tonight and see all the campaign staffers and media letting off some steam. It should be fun.
I went to the "Raucous Before the Caucus" on New Year's Eve, a party for all the out-of-town media. No huge TV faces, but a lot of big names as far as producers, reporters and columnists. But it was a little reserved because everybody still had to work the next day.
My New Year's resolution: to get rid of any stuff that's holding me back, weighing me down, getting in my way. I told Stevo that doesn't include him, but it might include his van. Also to get up before 6:00 like I used to. This morning I got up at 5:40, put on coffee and watched an exercise program on TV.
A representative for the Steel Workers of America called and asked me if I was gonna caucus tonight. I said, "no," and before I could stumble and stammer my way through a list of excuses and the consolation that my husband would be there and was a precinct captain...they hung up on me.
I wasn't actually gonna give them a list of excuses...but, I was gonna say my husband would be there.
It reminded me of the people that call and ask for a donation...they're super nice and ask you about your day and the minute you politely say, "no thank you...not at this time," they hang up on you. Tom and I are very generous and perhaps, we just gave or simply cannot help...most likely, next time around I would say, "Yah, sure." I think it's funny that someone calls MY house, asks ME for money and then hangs up on me.
Stevo used to belong to the United Steelworkers of America, but he would never hang up on you.
Stevo's so nice. :-)
Obama is way way ahead in the straw poll at Maggie B's today...surprising, cause the Hillary staffers eat there alot...It's gonna be a fun night...where are the afterparties??
m.e.
Nance...if you caucus for Obama they'll line up a sitter (however, you can bring kids to the caucus) but, I thought you were thinking of Hillary...I think she needs your help!
m.e.
I'm having one! It's cold though...bring your hat.
So, does anyone have a good idea for musty smells? Our apartment is just great, except for the kitchen. It's old and it smells, and it feels dirty to me. I can't put the dishes away, even though all the cupboards have been wiped out. Advice, please. I'm going to spray everything with disinfectant, we've mopped and wiped everything, and then we are going to spray the (ancient) linoleum with pet deodorizer in case its from a former pet.
P
I have been chewed up and spat out, by my Mom and Sister, for even considering a vote for Hillary. :-<> I think I shant. :-) I told them that Mary Ellan supports my CHOICE, even though she's all for Obama. They didn't care and said I was CRAZY for liking Hillary. Now, I don't know that I, "like her," I just like her more than the other peeps...does that make me bad? No one answer...ha, ha. I should follow my hubby and go for Biden.
No caucus tonight for me. Donny and I have been sick ALL week. Liam was sick over the weekend. Donny had it the worst with a fever, headache, cough and very sleepy. He's on the mend though, thankfully. Donny returns home on Saturday and tonight I promised him, "family game night," something he really enjoys and we haven't been able to do all week due to illness. Can't do, "game night," on Friday...'cuz Liam is going to a friends' house to celebrate his belated birthday.
Re: Caucus-after-parties...I've heard that everyone who is anyone is going to Sarah's. I've heard that it's unamerican to go to any of the other bars...and, no one wants to be unamerican. :-)
Pat~ Bleach. :-)
Lisa says -
Pat,
I agree with Nancy on the bleach. A strong bleach-water mixture and some nice rubber gloves will help. As someone who has dealt with this, my advice is that you may even want to wear a face mask. Then clear out of the apartment for a couple of hours.
Yeah, I'm using bleach right now. It's a lysol bleach mildew and mold remover and it's strong.
Let's hope it works. I know you are all as concerned as I am.
There might be a dead mouse in your walls. If so, don't worry, the smell will go away in about three weeks.
I love bleach. It's cheap, it works and it smells clean. I keep trying to get our maintenance men to use it on the kitchen and bathroom floors in the hall, but they seem to prefer some $17-dollars-a-gallon cleaner they get from the janitorial supply catalog and the grout stays grubby. Men. The guy we have now is the third guy I've tried to get to use bleach and he looks like I'm suggesting arsenic or something. If he goes on vacation I'm going to go over there and use it in the ladies bathroom just to show him.
I love the smell of a laundromat in the spring.
Or in winter. Mmmm....bleachysteamy.
Pat, I like orange smelling cleaner. And get a reed defuser for the kitchen.
I still don't know who I am going to Caucas for, but have it narrowed down to two people. My caucas shirt says "I'm voting for Kids," and if I really did that I would be voting for the person no one here but Nance and I like. Mary, you still may be able to convince me to go with Obama in the next few hours. Try, I apparently need someone to make up my mind for me.
Everyone, especially those of you still questioning who you like, should go to www.everychildmatters.org. It's a non-partisan organization. they sent surveys to every candidate. Those who care the most about children's issues returned them...I met the head of the org and he said none of the republican candidates returned the survey.
To quote the oldest, wisest person here...."so it appears the party has 2 very qualified candidates in Biden and Richardson but each of them is a long shot. The others are not worth going out in the cold for."
Tom
To quote another really, super smart, good judge of character, thoughtful and wise, beyond her years, person..."Pat,
I agree with Nancy..."
nance, stick to your guns on Hillary if she's your choice. If I listened to everything my husband said I might be a (shudder) republican! Though he's actually a very moderate republican and doesn't like any of his candidates except maybe Ron Paul.
:-)
Hi, Please check your emails. Our email address for the next 3 months is: josephstraub@bellsouth.net
I don't think I'll be able to get mail sent to my rconnect address.
Have any of you multipled 111,111,111 by 111,111,111? The answer might surprise you. Dad
8:46PM: You gotta hand it to CSpan - they can make even the hotly contested Iowa Democratic Caucus look BO-O-R-R-INNGG.
Ron Howard was at my caucus, with his whole family. They are campaigning for Hillary and stayed the whole night. I heard his son and wife first asking anyone if they wanted a Clinton sticker, then started asking if anyone was an "Arrested Development" fan to win over people, it was funny.
Anyway, my precinct was at a school and included 5 wards. In just the one democratic ward I was in, which was the largest, there were 400 people! It made me proud of Iowans and all the college students who turned out!
Mike Huckabee is such a goober. I don't hate him, and as Chris Matthews aptly puts it, he does have that folksy, Jimmy Stewart appeal, but come on! I thought Obama's victory speech was great and HIllary was very gracious, but Edwards not so much. Biden was gracious too, but looked very tired. I wonder who he'll support. I want to hear from all you caucus goers.
New topic: Headline in Omaha World Herald - Irish Eyes smiling with recruits. ND has 14 recruits playing in the All American bowl or whatever it's called.
I feel bad Hilary didn't come in second. Fine with Obama winning.
Yesterday, the zoo here gave the gorillas blankets. They had it on the news and all the gorillas were hiding under their blankets.
Some man put a space heater out next to his pet pig, but the pet pig knocked the heater over and started a house on fire.
P
The Democrats had me on their register for one night. I'm going back to Independent. Many of my fellow Biden supporters were also Independents and even some Republicans. Foolish Democrats. Anyone of their top finishers are so unpalatable to most outside their party that they will never win the White House.
Tom
Toml, what if Hilary chooses Biden (and he accepts)as her running mate?
I still don't know who I support, but it's not Edwards. The thing that gets me is all the votes for Fred Thompson. What's THAT about?
P
Hillary asked me to run with her.
Obama won precisely because many Independents and even Republicans supported him, and will continue to win for that very reason. I hope he takes advantage of Biden's smarts, wisdom and experience when he does, and I hope Biden will accept. I'm beginning to think McCain might win the republican nod. He lost serious ground when he sold his soul to the White House but maybe he'll get it back.
Yes Tom, as Cathy said, Obama won over MANY independent voters and some republicans. I'm curious - why do you dislike him so? Did the Biden people opt for a second choice?
Yes, Richardson.
Our caucus site was so disorganized and confusing. There was no chairperson appointed to our pricinct so we didn't have proper paperwork and we don't really know if our votes were official. We were just writing our info on notebook paper. Brian and I decided to volunteer to be delegates though so that was exciting!
On another note, bleach is often scary to use, especially on other peoples' property because you can easily damage carpets and other surfaces if you have it on your shoes or bucket....
Also, i wish the blog had spell-check!
Here are josh's coworkers:
Jarkko (finnish)
Renault (swiss i don't how to spell it)
Marco (german)
Rico (mexican)
Judd (south carolinian)
Kelvin (south floridian)
Renault invited us over for fondue last night but we didn't go. WE're going to his place tomorrow though, for bbq. Josh found out he will be going to switzerland in April, so you should all come keep me company while he is gone. he is also being given french lessons two nights a week. I'm kind of jealous, now i need to get myself a life.
P
Man - I was all keyed up for Biden and now I won't even get the chance to vote for him.
Thanks Iowa.
Could you take French lessons with Josh? That might be fun! Are you going to Switzerland for a little while, too?
Do they have a Sunset Tan in Florida? Maybe, you could work there and meet the Olly's and be on TV! Now, that would be cool...not. Ha! :-<> :-)
Did McCain sell his soul to the White House because he has always been critical of the administration for not having enough troops in Iraq? He was in favor af a "surge" before that word was employed to describe sending more troops. I think it was he who convinced the president to use the surge, which, by the way, seems to be successful. I'm the only person among my circle of friends who was against the war from the beginning because it did not meet the criteria for a "just war." But once we became engaged we had a responsibility to win the war with as few casualties on both sides, and among civilians, as possible. Because of Rumsfeld we could not do this and it was McCain who, once we were engaged, always was critical of the fact that we did not have enough personnel in Iraq. I don't believe that he ever kowtowed to the White House on that or any other issue and that is what caused him to fall back in the polls among Republicans for many months. There are certainly reasons why a person might not want to vote for McCain in a general election, but selling out to the White House is not one of them.
Dad
Obama - I dislike his candadacy
because there is no such thing as a Messiah in politics and that all he is just that at this point. The only Messiahs in history have proven by-and-large to be failures or worse (Hitler). I'm not saying he's Hitler or even a bad person. I just distrust his message of hope when I contrast it to his experience (none).
It's also possible that he's a one man sleeper-cell. Right Joe3?
Tom
I've got a problem with Obama. He's a smart young guy who certainly knows how to take a shot and make the most of it. His health plan stinks (leaves 15 million uninsured) but exit polling showed most caucus goers were condident he could do something on health care. That must make Hillary livid (I think she earned ownership of that issue) but it's an example of appearance versus reality. While I'm not a huge fan of Dodds, I respect his devotion to traditional Democratic constituencies and causes. Biden has proven through the decades his intelligence and competence. Together, they've spent more time gaining experience and expertise, skirmishing rear-guard actions during Newt and the "Reagan Revolution", pushing complicated legislation through reluctant Congreess, responding to constituents and making a demonstrable difference in public life than Obama has been alive. He's a baby and special interests (acting through their paid for congressmen) will eat him up. World leaders will smile, shake his hand and blow him off. He will manage to push through some changing legislation (prolly health care) on issues a slow-witted sea slug could have pushed through only because it is universally acknowledged some issues demand change. The reason He was able to raise gazillions is because donors expect he will be a pushover once elected. They will expect payback.
I guess I'm sad about the devolution of the process (Kerry-same deal last time) to star-power and flavor of the month. Winston Churchill couldn't survive this process.
While I'm proud America has matured to the point where a black person can actually have a shot at the White House Obama is the worst of the dem choices. I'd like to know haw many votes he missed while campaigning.
I gotta go to the Courthouse and will continue this rant later. I challenge anyone to show me one really good, outstanding, smart thing Obama has ever done that really sets him apart. Because of Obama I will now have to support Hillary. Damn him forever.
Anyone can have hope, that doesn't take experience.
Let's see what McCain does in New Hampshire...
Tom..I think Biden would be very disappointed in your reaction to his poor showing....
You are SOOO wrong about the independant voters, exit polling indicated that Obama had MANY of their votes...
m.e.
I am NOT politically savvy. This being said, I feel like we have few choices...that's it's all pre-determined. I liken it to...going into a Fancy Restaurant and telling your kids to pick out whatever they want...just choose between a chicken nugget and a chicken strip.
Congrats to all the delegates!! Our family did very well last night!
Mike and I also are delegates...Mike for Biden and me for Obama...the convention is March 15th.
Tom...we heard from some Biden people last night that they enjoyed sitting with you and Biden when you fixed he and his brothers dinner...(I wondered what you were doing when I brought that crock pot and gift into the kitchen)...oh well...I guarantee that not one of your Biden buddies will vote Republican!
m.e.
Correction: ...that it's...
Obama conveniently was campaigning when the Senate voted whether or not to lable Iran's Quds forcing a terrorist group. Biden voted against the resolution. Hillary voted for it.
The press (to my knowledge), also conveniently, never has questioned Obama about how he would have voted on this.
He out-hillaried Hillary on this one.
Tom
Hillary was the only Dem. to vote for it, I believe.
She can't win a general election...
Edwards should be shot for dragging his sick wife around the country...
It's Obama and he beats EVERY Republican in polling!
m.e.
chuck norris is going to be running a puppet regime if huck can pull this one off.
The beautiful blonde, next to Chuck, was quite a distraction.
I've already got a Messiah, thank you very much. Obama is just a man, and I disagree with him on some issues (I think many of his plans are if anything too pragmatic and don't reach far enough) but I just think that right now we need a rational, thoughtful person who doesn't think in terms of "us" and "them", who isn't afraid to say that the nuclear option is darn near unthinkable for him and should be for everyone, who actually believes in negotiation and compromise instead of win/lose, who firmly believes in the separation of church and state but not the separation of politics and morality, who is not a starry-eyed dreamer but does believe in and behave with civility and respect, and I don't believe that political experience is the only valid and valuable experience for a leader. How about service and community/civic action? He's also sharp enough to take advantage of the situation if he should become a rock star in Africa, the sleeping giant of this century. You guys are so dismissive of anyone who shows a trace of idealism. You're underestimating this one. Biden is a smart, principled guy who caught my interest the first time he ran for president. He would make a great choice. He also never polled above 5%. Tough break.
I agree with Cathy on this statement:
"You guys are so dismissive of anyone who shows a trace of idealism."
Idealism does not have to equal naivete.
p
Anyway, I feel a little sorry for whoever gets elected this time - he/she could be a one-term president because of the horrible mess they have to clean up.
McCain was adamantly opposed to the war and shut up about it too soon, I think possibly in exchange for some kind of promise of future support. I'm not going to gratuitously insult any more politicians (except the ones currently in office who make me gag.) But I think he's the best of the Republicans running, bearing in mind his loose-cannon potential.
I like the guys who, if they say something, you believe that's what they actually think, instead of the ones who seem to have polls running all the time in the backs of their heads. I hope we end up with Obama vs. McCain. The battle of the truth-blurters.
I also think Elizabeth Edwards is right where she wants to be.
John Edwards needs to get out of the race. His wife looked terrible last night. Completely exhausted and I think she had lost weight. She and his family should be his number one priority. He'll someday regret doing this at this time in their lives.
Monica
Elizabeth Edwards is going to die. I think she told him she wants this, and I think he's respecting her decision.
Doesn't anyone else have any resolutions?
I resolve to only eat healthy cereal and have South Beach granola bars and fruit for snacks. Oh and to not blog while at school.
I also believe that John Edwards is where his wife wants him to be.
lisa
I resolve to eat more french fries and exercise less.
Cathy...if you told Stevo that he didn't have to open doors for you anymore...do you think he would stop? Of course she told her husband to run, but he should have waited...they should all be at home helping her fight...instead we all have to watch her die! And don't we all feel SOOO sorry for him.
m.e.
That really is Eli's resolution...he came up with it, totally, on his own. I wish he woulda said that he would eat veggie's and not argue about the PS2...oh well.
We used to get our kids a box of sugary cereal at Christmas.
I agree with m.e on Edward's wife.Even if she urged him he's a cad for running.
I'm not against idealism. I think Obama's better than most of the republicans.His positions are actually pretty similar to most of the dem candidates. It's just that Obama only gets elected in a world pre-occupied with Brittney Spears and E-Online and Celebrity overload. Having hope doesn't qualify one for office. Having solutions and ability does.
Obama's act will wear thin over time.Look for Edwards to really start drilling him. He gets a stupid sounding tone in his voice when he's trying to sound tough, throws a little street jargon out now and then. OK 'bama-you go bust some caps on Putin.
I too agree with Cathy and Pat that you guys are too dismissive of anyone with a sense of idealism. I am utterly astounded that joe is going with HIllary over Obama. Not that I hate HIllary, it just surprises me. I hate to say it, but you guys are acting old and crusty - like McCain. Thinking that anyone outside of the establishment, anyone young, is incapable.
On another note, while reading Charlie wilson's war I am getting so upset I almost have to put it down. The way our gov't does business and with whom we do business is so short sighted and corrupt. The book is all about how we armed the Afghanis in their war agianst the soviets, turning a blind eye to the way the Afghanis treated women, etc, never mind the fact that they failed to see that these weopons would end up in the hands of radical jihadists. The Soviets would have self-destructed eventually anyway and this probably sounds harsh and ill informed, but while I"m reading I just keep thinking that we should have let the Afghanis wage thier own war against the Soviets, then maybe we'd have fewer radical Muslims on our hands today. We spent so much money and now look at the state we're in. Also, why do we have anything to do with the Saudis? I just caught a snipppet of a story on NPR about a Saudi woman who was raped by 7 men and when she accused them, she was arrested and she was supposed to get a lashing, but the only reason she didn't was becasue Bush asked the King to intervene. The king didn't reverse the fact that she was found guilty, but at least she didn't have to get whipped. The saudis have gross human rights violations and we need to sever our ties with them, which of course means alternative fuel sources.
Maybe Elizabeth Edwards should stay home in bed surrounded by her loving family and we wouldn't have to see her and feel bad. Instead she's out, getting tired doing what she wants to do, and their kids are with them getting an education you couldn't pay for, and nobody, but nobody, ever better make a decision for me "for my own good" instead of trusting me to say what I want or need like a grownup.
Well, I don't think I'm old and crusty, and I still haven't decided between Obama and Hilary. I like Obama better, but there's something to be said for having "ins" and connections already when you start the job. There's also something to be said for a fresh perspective, and someone not interested in playing the game. I don't know which way I'll go.
Don't you think I should take a break from unpacking now?
P
I believe Elizabeth Edwards is trying to have as much life as she possibly can for as long as she possibly can.
When some people are dying, they go on a great vacation... others do like the new movie, "The Bucket" and others just stay at home are reserve their energy. Elizabeth has chosen to cram as much as she can into her life. She's homeschooling - her children will remember who she is all their lives. I don't know what I would do, but I believe I understand and respect her decision.
lisa
I think you should stop unpacking immediately, but only if you want to.
I don't know P., did you unpack your blankets and space heaters yet?
Just because you're pretty doesn't mean you got no brains.
Thank you, baby.
I believe this was Elizabeth's and John Edwards dream before she got sick. I really have a hard time believing it's her dream of how to live her life right now. It's just a job and he will have other jobs after she dies. She should be out doing what she wants and enjoying life. Not enjoying his life. He belongs with his family and not out campaigning. I have to say I did enjoy watching his son wipe his snotty nose on his sleeve during his dad's speech.
Monica
Re: Obama - Maybe an analogy would help.
Let's say you are an NFL Football coach and you just made it to the Superbowl. You suddenly find out your starting quarterback can't play. Who are you going to start in his place? The crusty old back up veteran (Biden, et. al.) who knows the playbook inside and out and can read coverages with the best of them?
Or are you going to start your rookie? Maybe he was great in college and is a great guy. But, he is completely unproven. Do you risk it?
Tom
The rookie is faster and more dynamic. The old guy may know the plays, but he can't execute if he's not nimble, etc.
I don't think Biden's crusty. But it's over for him now. Your guy lost, now try to find someone else to hang your hat on.
OLD AND CRUSTY! OLD AND CRUSTY!
Well now I really hope Obama gets the nomination so I can prove how wrong you are.
Tom
Correct me if I'm wrong:
JFK - one term senator
Lincoln - two years as senator
Washington - virtually no political experience
Tom...he's in his 40's!!!
he carried the young and old, rich and poor..
He carried the crowd making over $100,000 and under $20,000...he has broad appeal.
Cathy I don't want Elizabeth in bed!!! Just at home in her brand new house she helped design...mabe he's keeping it fresh for the new wife!!!
m.e.
em- I will give my rebuttal at another time. For now I will say Lincoln was older, more accomplished and wrote his own speeches.
Time to go cook some stuff.
Tom
Ok, get cookin. I hope your dinner rolls turn out crusty enough for you.
If Edwards were to be elected, who would be home to care for those kids while Elizabeth is dead or dying? Not their father. He's the president. And that has to be his number one priority. The timing is wrong. Sometimes you just have to give up on your dreams for what's right for everyone not just you.
I'm done.
Monica
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