McCain is poised to name his pick at any point. Definitely tomorrow, though word may trickle out at some tonight. Go ahead, upstage Obama :)
Anyway, here are my thoughts:
Romney is still my first choice. Executive experience, smart guy, could take on Biden. Still don't like that dog story.
Pawlenty is boring, but maybe he'd help the gop win Minnesota.
I would like to see the Dems lambast Kay Bailey Hutchinson, and Hillary to just silently or not so silently stew about it. But she's not pro-life enough.
Giuiliani? No.
Lieberman? No. Secretary of State, maybe.
Bloomberg: Definitely no.
I wish Fred Thompson was still in the running!
Huckabee I am not crazy about.
I am pretty sure Tom Ridge and Charlie Crist are out of the running, though Crist did name Canady to the FL Supreme Court today. To prove he's a conservative?
Bobby Jindal is too young, and Louisiana needs him. With the hurricane headed its way, maybe, the state needs him more than ever. Four years, or eight years from now.
Sarah Palin, too young. But in 2012 or 2016, perhaps a Jindal-Palin ticket? The new face of the Republican party.
John Kasich, Eric Cantor, Rob Portman--they've all been mentioned but not taken too seriously.
Sam Brownback. No.
Or someone else entirely?????
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hollywood for McCain:
Interesting list:
McCain, who has pulled even with Barack Obama due in part to his very effective attacks on Obama's "celebrity," spent the evening collecting checks from Hollywood stars or people who once might have fit that description. Among those attending: Dean Cain (Superman); James Caan (Godfather I and II, Bottle Rocket); Jon Voight (Midnight Cowboy, Deliverance); Robert Davi (License to Kill); Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk); Adam Carolla (The Man Show); Lacy Chabert (Party of Five); Angie Harmon (Law & Order); Victoria Jackson (Saturday Night Live); Gerald McRaney (Simon & Simon, Major Dad); Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men); Lorenzo Lamas (The Bold and the Beautiful, Renegade); Kevin Sorbo (Hercules); Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond); George Newbern (Father of the Bride); and Robert Duvall (The Godfather and The Godfather II, Apocalypse Now). The dinner co-chairman was Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of wildly popular television shows such as CSI, Cold Case, and Without a Trace, and films such as Pirates of the Caribbean.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Busy Weekend
We finally saw Batman. Both of us were underwhelmed. It was super-violent, went on too long, and almost too tragic. Heath Ledger was remarkable, eerie, frightening and alarming. His performance made the film. But one of the best of the year...no way.
I went to Coco Sala twice in the past week. Definitely liked the bacon mac and cheese, the cheese course, the beef slider. The cheese souffle was too small. Drinks were OK, but too pricey. The company was the best part! I walked to and from, to get in a 5 mile walk.
I am loving my latest book the Devil in the White City. I read way over 100+ pages yesterday. Looking forward to more tonight!
Also cooked some good meals...the spinach florentine pasta, the spicy shrimp pasta, crabcakes. Not sure what tonight's menu calls for!
We also went to Kathryn's party on Saturday. We are definitely getting old!
As for Joe Biden...well, I can hardly wait til he makes his next stupid comment. Now if only John McCain could get his act together!
I went to Coco Sala twice in the past week. Definitely liked the bacon mac and cheese, the cheese course, the beef slider. The cheese souffle was too small. Drinks were OK, but too pricey. The company was the best part! I walked to and from, to get in a 5 mile walk.
I am loving my latest book the Devil in the White City. I read way over 100+ pages yesterday. Looking forward to more tonight!
Also cooked some good meals...the spinach florentine pasta, the spicy shrimp pasta, crabcakes. Not sure what tonight's menu calls for!
We also went to Kathryn's party on Saturday. We are definitely getting old!
As for Joe Biden...well, I can hardly wait til he makes his next stupid comment. Now if only John McCain could get his act together!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Obama's tax plan: "tax the heck out of people"
Good lord:
“If you talk to Warren, he’ll tell you his preference is not to meddle in the economy at all — let the market work, however way it’s going to work, and then just tax the heck out of people at the end and just redistribute it,” Obama said. “That way you’re not impeding efficiency, and you’re achieving equity on the back end.” He continued by saying that he thought there was some merit in Buffett’s argument. But, he said: “I do think that what the argument may miss is the sense of control that we want individuals to have in determining their own career paths, making their own life choices and so forth. And I also think you want to instill that sense of self-reliance and that what you do will help determine outcomes.”
“If you talk to Warren, he’ll tell you his preference is not to meddle in the economy at all — let the market work, however way it’s going to work, and then just tax the heck out of people at the end and just redistribute it,” Obama said. “That way you’re not impeding efficiency, and you’re achieving equity on the back end.” He continued by saying that he thought there was some merit in Buffett’s argument. But, he said: “I do think that what the argument may miss is the sense of control that we want individuals to have in determining their own career paths, making their own life choices and so forth. And I also think you want to instill that sense of self-reliance and that what you do will help determine outcomes.”
No announcement yet
No announcement, but speculation is building that Obama would name his pick today. It would be something if it were Hillary...half of her supporters apparently arent' gung-ho yet on Obama, and McCain has nearly tied things up. Wouldn't it be something...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Veepstakes: Dem Edition
48 hours, give or take, until Obama picks his veep. My predictions/thoughts/guesses/wishlist:
I do think Evan Bayh is the best pick on paper. He's experienced, popular in Indiana (swing state!!), photogenic, bland enough not to overshadow Obama. Smart guy. Nice guy. No scandals as far as I know. He'd take it in a heartbeat.
Scandal pick: Joe Biden. I'd love to see him and his 35 years or so of inane, stupid remarks in McCain commercials. Bring it on. Delaware being a slave state and what not!
Screaming inexperience pick: Tim Kaine. The only other guy almost as revered as Obama with even less experience and fewer accomplishments. What is the guy going to do once Mark Warner (a better candidate) is elected to Senate? His career is over, unless Obama annoints him with a Cabinet spot.
Ain't Gonna Happen: Hillary. I'd be pretty floored if Senator Clinton were to become veep. She's scarcely speculated about, and no one wants Bill back anywhere the White House (and its interns).
The Other Woman: Kathleen Sebelius. Would she win Kansas? And woman voters disappointed about Hillary not being on the ticket?
Maybe too Conservative: Sam Nunn is a conservative Dem with lots of experience. Kind of like the Dick Cheney in the race?
Unlikely and Unknown: Jack Reed. Remember him from media class? Virtually an unknown Senator despite being pretty smart and principled (for a Dem at least). Maybe Obama wants someone who has been more vetted? Though the guy's up for election.
Dark horses: Caroline Kennedy, pro-lifer Robert Casey (maybe it would take care of Obama's abortion problems, though, and win over PA even more decisively), Al Gore, John Kerry, Janet Napolitano (the Dem governor of Arizona!! and a woman!!), Bill Richardson (clinton problems?), and whatever wild cards are left. Should be interesting!
I do think Evan Bayh is the best pick on paper. He's experienced, popular in Indiana (swing state!!), photogenic, bland enough not to overshadow Obama. Smart guy. Nice guy. No scandals as far as I know. He'd take it in a heartbeat.
Scandal pick: Joe Biden. I'd love to see him and his 35 years or so of inane, stupid remarks in McCain commercials. Bring it on. Delaware being a slave state and what not!
Screaming inexperience pick: Tim Kaine. The only other guy almost as revered as Obama with even less experience and fewer accomplishments. What is the guy going to do once Mark Warner (a better candidate) is elected to Senate? His career is over, unless Obama annoints him with a Cabinet spot.
Ain't Gonna Happen: Hillary. I'd be pretty floored if Senator Clinton were to become veep. She's scarcely speculated about, and no one wants Bill back anywhere the White House (and its interns).
The Other Woman: Kathleen Sebelius. Would she win Kansas? And woman voters disappointed about Hillary not being on the ticket?
Maybe too Conservative: Sam Nunn is a conservative Dem with lots of experience. Kind of like the Dick Cheney in the race?
Unlikely and Unknown: Jack Reed. Remember him from media class? Virtually an unknown Senator despite being pretty smart and principled (for a Dem at least). Maybe Obama wants someone who has been more vetted? Though the guy's up for election.
Dark horses: Caroline Kennedy, pro-lifer Robert Casey (maybe it would take care of Obama's abortion problems, though, and win over PA even more decisively), Al Gore, John Kerry, Janet Napolitano (the Dem governor of Arizona!! and a woman!!), Bill Richardson (clinton problems?), and whatever wild cards are left. Should be interesting!
Monday, August 18, 2008
McCain's Faith
Must-read. I was touched by his recollection of a Christmas service they attended:
McCain also recalls a Christmas service he orchestrated. A week before the holiday, McCain's guards let him out of his cell and gave him a pencil, a piece of paper and a King James Bible. He copied sections of Matthew, Mark and John describing the birth of Christ so he could read them aloud while other POWs sang "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and "Silent Night."
"I recall it as if it happened an hour ago," said McCain, sitting in a chair in a suite overlooking the Susquehanna River near the end of a day. "It was cold, the guards were looking through the windows at us, the room was dimly lit because of the light bulbs [that] were in each corner. These guys had beautiful voices, I'm telling you. One was a bass, one was a tenor. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I ever had."
The men became tearful. "It wasn't because they were sad," McCain added. "It was because they were so happy to be able to celebrate Christmas with fellow Americans."
Obama on CT, Life
Grr...these remarks just infuriate me. How dumb. When it comes to experience or lack thereof, shouldn't Obama just keep his mouth shut.
And then he goes and says this about the right to life:
Seriously, then whose pay grade it is? He is one of two men vying for the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. If he can't voice his views on when life begins, who can? A judge, because oh yes, judges can legislate. But just not Clarence Thomas.
Update...more here with several familiar folks quoted.
And then he goes and says this about the right to life:
Asked by Warren at what point in its development a baby gains "human rights," Obama said that such determinations were "above my pay grade" -- a silly answer to a sophisticated question. If Obama is genuinely unsure about this matter, he (and the law) should err in favor of protecting innocent life. If Obama believes that a baby in the womb lacks human rights, he should say so -- pro-choice men and women must affirm (as many sincerely do) that developing life has a lesser status. Here the professor failed the test of logic.
Seriously, then whose pay grade it is? He is one of two men vying for the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. If he can't voice his views on when life begins, who can? A judge, because oh yes, judges can legislate. But just not Clarence Thomas.
Update...more here with several familiar folks quoted.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Michael Phelps
What a remarkable athlete, with eight Gold medals. Michael Phelps in this NBC interview I am watching now also seems to be a pretty grounded person. He talked about all of the sudden friends popping up now that he is somebody, all the kids who taunted his swimming years ago. And he mentioned how this inspired him and drove him forward. I hope a lot of kids heard those words, and they let him inspire them. I have not been as into the Olympics this year, but he's a guy worth rooting for.
Friday, August 15, 2008
New Music
Loving this Amy MacDonald stuff...Mr. Rock and Roll is fantastic, and the CD is out on Tuesday.
Married!
The last two weeks have really been a blur, and I've meaning to come here and write about my thoughts and impressions from those days. Everything was so fantastic, and yes, parts of those days were a blur. I remember standing up at the altar and seeing the faces of friends, family, colleagues, and old neighbors and new....all of those who were there on August 2 to be with us and celebrate with us. Those who could not make it were missed, but I didn't think about that as much.
Lots of little things...
--listening to the Asian ladies and the British ladies getting my nails done.
--All of the food at Buca!
--Seeing my brothers in suits!
--Seeing mom's smile and her dancing moves!
--scrounging for food before getting our hair done.
--Taking a SMC chic picture.
--watching for the weather reports so anxiously, and having sunshine. Having it rain just as we were about to go for cocktails, and then brilliant sunshine coming out. Letting folks know the bride and groom wanted everyone out on the Patio!
--not getting much too eat. Two bites of cake, no coconut shrimp, and not much of an appetite for dinner.
--mom's gift of the frame and card.
--Never getting to make full rounds of all of the tables.
--T time with Margaritaville.
--Piano Man as the encore.
--So much photo coverage!
--My cowboy garter.
--The drunken toasts.
--Waiting to see Steve's face when he came up the Willard stairs.
--No longer caring about favors.
--Having the entree numbers work out perfectly.
--Father Fields talking about how hot I was!
So many details to remember...and then there was Antigua!
--our crappy room in the honeymoon garden of eden, whatever that is.
--Pulling bridezilla to upgrade.
--getting SO seasick.
--Jellyfish season.
--Breakfast buffets with fresh fruit, waffles, bacon and hashbrowns.
--Lunch at bayside.
--Kayaking amidst the crabs on the caribbean.
--Yummy dinners.
--the turquoise blue water.
--that nice bathtub.
--sea green bikini.
--Reading by the pool as steve played beach volleyball.
--Talking to Kay & Pete, Mary Lyn and Jeff (I think)...all of the 40 somethings.
--Losing luggage on the way back and silly duty free issues.
Lots of little things...
--listening to the Asian ladies and the British ladies getting my nails done.
--All of the food at Buca!
--Seeing my brothers in suits!
--Seeing mom's smile and her dancing moves!
--scrounging for food before getting our hair done.
--Taking a SMC chic picture.
--watching for the weather reports so anxiously, and having sunshine. Having it rain just as we were about to go for cocktails, and then brilliant sunshine coming out. Letting folks know the bride and groom wanted everyone out on the Patio!
--not getting much too eat. Two bites of cake, no coconut shrimp, and not much of an appetite for dinner.
--mom's gift of the frame and card.
--Never getting to make full rounds of all of the tables.
--T time with Margaritaville.
--Piano Man as the encore.
--So much photo coverage!
--My cowboy garter.
--The drunken toasts.
--Waiting to see Steve's face when he came up the Willard stairs.
--No longer caring about favors.
--Having the entree numbers work out perfectly.
--Father Fields talking about how hot I was!
So many details to remember...and then there was Antigua!
--our crappy room in the honeymoon garden of eden, whatever that is.
--Pulling bridezilla to upgrade.
--getting SO seasick.
--Jellyfish season.
--Breakfast buffets with fresh fruit, waffles, bacon and hashbrowns.
--Lunch at bayside.
--Kayaking amidst the crabs on the caribbean.
--Yummy dinners.
--the turquoise blue water.
--that nice bathtub.
--sea green bikini.
--Reading by the pool as steve played beach volleyball.
--Talking to Kay & Pete, Mary Lyn and Jeff (I think)...all of the 40 somethings.
--Losing luggage on the way back and silly duty free issues.
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