Archive for politics
what we’re reading
From the Wall Street Journal this week: a profile of three college super-delegates who have become important to the Obama and Clinton campaigns. Also, a look at hooking-up among campaign staffers – Amy Chozick’s article notes that Sen. Bill Bradley’s 2000 camaign resulted in at least five marriages and six babies.
pariah!
(photo credit: the new yorker)
Ah, the acrimony! As you all know, Eliot Spitzer’s well-documented escapades in downtown DC with “Kristen” have duly left him unemployed, for the time being, and perhaps quite awhile.
The New Yorker offers an interesting perspective on the scandal, juxtaposing the draconian ramifications for America’s libidinous politicians against those of their European counterparts, who find no reason (in the case of Nicolas Sarkozy for example) for punitive action towards their dissolute leaders. Another New Yorker correspondent laments that Spitzer has hoodwinked us all with his Barack Obama-esque rhetoric and promises. Remarkably, those New Yorker pieces are only one page – most I’ve encountered are an incredibly thorough 6+ pages.
We’re off on spring break. Watch this space.
NY Times Exposes McCain, Or Does it?
How about today’s NYT story on John McCain? The story, admittedly based off of anecdotal evidence from McCain’s former advisers, romantically links the Republican front-runner with a lobbyist. I find this especially intriguing as the Times had actually endorsed McCain earlier this year — yet this comes at an pivotal for McCain in securing the nomination. Could this be the white knight for a certain Mike Huckabee?
McCain’s camp calls the story dubious and brands it a mere attempt to beat the New Republic to a story (I did not know TNR was in direct competition with the NYT?). The New Republic ran its own story about the Times’ handling of the story–in lieu of their actual expose!
Update
We’re still alive. Sorry for the dearth of posts lately; school, after school activities, papers, and tests have caught up with us.
Expect posts in the coming days or next week. Here’s some news that should keep you busy until next time:
First an interesting, random tidbit from The Lede of the New York Times:
Iranian government officials, (not so much actual Iranians) already incensed by their portrayal in the film 300, have similarly taken umbradge to the new film Persepolis. Apparently an advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad trashed it as “U.S. psychological warfare.”
It’s a unique, animated film that has received critical acclaim worldwide. It follows the life of a young Iranian during the Islamic Revolution.
As for the grossly undercovered presidential primaries (kidding, of course), Obama swept Virginia, DC, MD, and the absolutely pivotal voting demographic of Calvert County. (Kidding, of course). Barring a remarkable comeback, it looks as if McCain and Obama will be the 2008 ticket. The two have already exchanged pleasantries. (Kidding, of course).
Finally, the English Premier League’s audacious (and vacuous to many) new plan to have an extra 39th regular season game has some fans and managers incredibly dismayed. Especially since they were not even consulted prior to the announcement! Under the plan, each team will play another regular round of fixtures – but in an international city, such as New York, Los Angeles, or Sydney. ESPN Soccernet’s Norman Hubbard and the Wall Street Journal comment.
Obama takes shots at Clinton, Edwards…Using Comedy!
Obama is the only one laughing today.
Who knew Barack Obama was funny?
While other candidates are turning to scathing television ads, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama employed a little-used tactic to woo support and sarcastically berate his challengers: humor.
Attacking earlier statements from John Edwards and Hillary Clinton about their weaknesses, Obama offered this gem, via CNN Politics, an EIC favorite:
Congratulations John McCain — err Mitt Romney
It was fairly clear who won the Republican vote in Michigan last night. Unless you were a member of the Michigan GOP.
The GOP inadvertently disseminated a press release congratulating John McCain for winning Michigan at 9 p.m. last night even after the votes had been tallied and Romney had been declared the winner.
GOP Spokesman Bill Nowling said congratulations statements were readied for both candidates and they “simply pushed the wrong button.”
No such opportunity for gaffe was really afforded to the Democratic party, where it was a race between Hillary Clinton and the “Uncommitted” – people who supported John Edwards or Barack Obama. The two did not even put their names on the ballot, as the Michigan primary vote was essentially meaningless. The national party stripped the state of its delegates because it held its contest too early in the election season, and Clinton was the only major Democratic contender whose name appeared on the ballot.
Despite her win, bad news actually permeated through the Clinton camp. 70% of Michigan’s black voters cast “uncommitted” instead of her. CNN reports on how Hilary lost the black vote.
Shaj Mathew
kahutzler
