From ESPN.com
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have acquired seventh-year veteran tailback Michael Bennett from the Kansas City Chiefs.The Chiefs received an undisclosed draft pick in the trade.
"We believe that the addition of Michael Bennett will strengthen our running back position," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said in a statement.
Although Bennett does not fit the model of the kind of running back that the club had been attempting to add in trade talks over the past week, the swap provides the Bucs a veteran back who was a starter in the league early in his career, and who was named to the 2002 Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,296 yards that season.
"It really caught me off-guard," Bennett told the Kansas City Star. "I heard the speculation for the past few days, but nobody from the Chiefs said anything to me, so I guessed it wasn't going to happen. I was wrong. It's a business. It's just one of those things that happen.
The departure of Bennett from the Chiefs could mean that Kansas City tailback Priest Holmes, who hasn't played in two years because of a neck condition, is ready to return to the practice field. Holmes is on the non-football injury list, and players on that reserve list are eligible to start practicing again on Tuesday, by league rule.
Kansas City coach Herm Edwards told local reporters Monday that Holmes would rejoin the team when it practiced on Wednesday in preparation for this week's game. Many felt that Holmes would retire in the offseason, but he surprised even Chiefs officials by reporting to training camp this summer.
"He's been here," Edwards said of Holmes. "I've been talking to him, about every other day or so. We talk about where he's at, how he's doing, what we're thinking. He knows what I expect and I know where he's at right now."
If Holmes does resume practice this week, the Chiefs, by NFL rule, would have a three-week window in which to evaluate him.
Tampa Bay has been beset by injuries in its backfield. The team lost veteran fullback Mike Alstott in the preseason and starting tailback Carnell "Cadillac" Williams suffered a torn patella tendon three weeks ago that ended his 2007 season. Most recently, Michael Pittman, who replaced Williams as the starter, sustained an ankle injury that could sideline him for two months, according to club officials.
Veteran free agent Zack Crockett was signed last week by the Bucs, but he is more of a short-yardage specialist. Tampa Bay, which is tied for the lead in the NFC South, used fourth-year veteran Earnest Graham as the starter last week, but he rushed for only 29 yards in the team's victory over the Tennessee Titans.
With the resurgent Bucs sensing a chance to steal the division, particularly given the struggles of the defending NFC South champion New Orleans Saints, many in the league felt that Tampa Bay general manager Bruce Allen would try hard to add a veteran tailback before the Tuesday 4 p.m. trade deadline. Allen was rebuffed in his attempts to acquire fourth-year veteran Mewelde Moore from the Minnesota Vikings, but was active in discussions on several fronts the past few days.
A Bucs officials said late Monday afternoon that the team was definitely pursuing a back and hoped to make a deal. Asked specifically about Bennett, who was being shopped by the Chiefs, the official noted that the club was looking for more of a physical runner. A former Olympic sprint candidate, Bennett is more noted for his speed than his power. But the Bucs almost had to make a move given their situation, and Bennett was the best option.
Bennett was the first-round pick of the Vikings in the 2001 draft. The former Wisconsin standout played his first five seasons in Minnesota (2001-2005), then signed with New Orleans to be the backup to Deuce McAllister in 2006. But the Saints then selected Reggie Bush in the 2006 draft, making Bennett expendable, and he was dealt to Kansas City last summer to fill the Chiefs' need for a backup to Larry Johnson.
He played sparingly in 2006, as Johnson established a league record with 416 carries. This season, Bennett carried 20 times for 52 yards and no touchdowns and had 10 receptions for 47 yards and no scores.
For his career, Bennett has 769 rushes for 3,426 yards and 12 touchdowns and 145 catches for 1,164 yards and five touchdowns. Since rushing for 1,296 yards in 2002, he has never gained more than 500 yards on the ground. Bennett has appeared in 81 games. He is in the final year of his contract, with a base salary of $1.2 million, and Tampa Bay will now be responsible for the prorated portion of that.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL reporter for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
"Seven Days" Barack Obama Letter Makes Zennie Abraham Famous In Vermont
Seven Days, the alternative weekly of Vermont, published my letter to the editor, which I wrote in response to an article on Barack Obama's fundraising efforts out there. This is what I wrote and Seven Days posted:
THE NOVEL PRIZE
I’m responding to your article on Senator Barack Obama’s fundraiser [“Obama’s Vermont Appearance Raises Hopes — and More Than $250,000,” August 15] . . . and the idea that some of your readers express of the “novelty of a minority candidate.”
First: Being President of the United States means understanding that, at times, the military is an option that must be employed, but only intelligently. Senator Obama knows this. Second: Senator Obama is running to be President of the United States, which means he’s working for all of us.
Some people are so fixated on skin color they can’t see logic or fact. Logic tells us to vote for the best candidate, period. And the fact is that Senator Obama comes from a black father and a white mother. Big deal! The reason why Barack Obama is so popular is for reasons unique to who he is as an individual. Intelligent Americans know this, and there are a lot of us.
Zennie Abraham, Jr.
OAKLAND, CA
Abraham recently visited Vermont on business.
THE NOVEL PRIZE
I’m responding to your article on Senator Barack Obama’s fundraiser [“Obama’s Vermont Appearance Raises Hopes — and More Than $250,000,” August 15] . . . and the idea that some of your readers express of the “novelty of a minority candidate.”
First: Being President of the United States means understanding that, at times, the military is an option that must be employed, but only intelligently. Senator Obama knows this. Second: Senator Obama is running to be President of the United States, which means he’s working for all of us.
Some people are so fixated on skin color they can’t see logic or fact. Logic tells us to vote for the best candidate, period. And the fact is that Senator Obama comes from a black father and a white mother. Big deal! The reason why Barack Obama is so popular is for reasons unique to who he is as an individual. Intelligent Americans know this, and there are a lot of us.
Zennie Abraham, Jr.
OAKLAND, CA
Abraham recently visited Vermont on business.
Brady Quinn's Private Big Bus
Apparently you can always tell when Brady Quinn comes to town because he's got this huge-ass bus. Have you ever seen a player with wheels like this? I haven't.
Google Acquires Jaiku, But What Are They Gonna Do With It?
Jaiku's like Twitter but a bit more flexible, they say. Still what's Google doing to do with a less popular version of Twitter? We'll see. To me, the idea is not to take over, but what you do after the take over that matters.
Hillary Clinton Is "Two-Faced" To National Black Chamber Of Commerce - Clinton Voted Against Bill To Help Blacks With AIDS
Is Hillary Clinton Flip-Flopping Blacks?
Hillary Clinton's painted as two-faced to African Americans.
In a letter that was totally ignored by the mainstream media, Harry Alford, President of The National Black Chamber of Commerce, wrote directly to Senator Hillary Clinton that he was "stunned" that she appeared at Howard University for a debate before an African American audience acting as the champion of approving funding for HIV / AIDS treatment in low income Black communities, when she herself voted against a bill that would have improved monies and help for HIV / AIDS treatment in those same communities.
This is the letter Mr. Alford wrote below. It's a hell of a damning read:
July 11, 2007
The Honorable Hillary Clinton
United States Senate
428 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Clinton:
I watched the June 28th Democratic presidential candidates’ debate at Howard University with great interest, and in particular I wanted to address your comments about HIV/AIDS.
I found it interesting that you chose a presidential debate, held before a largely African American audience, to speak out on the fact that HIV/AIDS funding does not fairly reach African Americans with HIV. I only wish you had voted the same way last year in the United States Senate, when we really needed you.
In fact, as was reported in the Washington Post on August 23, 2006, you led the effort to gut provisions in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (S. 2823) which would have fixed the increasingly unfair and outdated formulas that hurt African Americans, particularly in the rural South. The bipartisan remedy to this problem, which would have ensured funding would follow the caseload instead of short-changing African Americans, had been supported by 19 of the 20 Senators on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee – and you were the lone “no” vote.
I was stunned to see you, less than a year later, performing before a black audience as if you had led the fight for these changes instead of being the lone warrior against them. Indeed, due to your efforts, these desperately needed remedies had to be cut from the bill or you would not have allowed the Ryan White program to be renewed.
African Americans have overtaken every other ethnic group to become the face of HIV/AIDS in America, and we all have a duty to ensure that every black American living with HIV/AIDS has equal access to the care and support services needed from the federal Ryan White CARE Act to stay healthy and stay alive.
I am glad that at least now, unlike last year, you recognize that women of color in the South are 26 times more likely to be HIV-positive than white females. But thanks to your determined fight against reforms last year, a large portion of Ryan White CARE Act funding is still set aside for large metropolitan areas, and most of the states in the South will never qualify for it. African Americans make up 19% of the South’s population, but accounted for over 60% of all new AIDS cases in 2003. Eight southern states have had to treat the same number of people with HIV/AIDS as other states which have gotten more funding under the outdated formulas. You blocked the changes we needed to fix that.
In fact, as Congressional action dragged on without resolution last year, three people died in South Carolina among some 300 HIV/AIDS patients sitting on an AIDS Drug Assistance Program waiting list at the time because the state’s Ryan White funding had once again run out too early.
It is distressing to see the person who single-handedly defeated the most recent effort to get equitable HIV/AIDS funding formulas for African Americans appear today as if she is their greatest champion. Sadly, our community has seen far too much pandering in presidential campaigns and far too little getting delivered that will make a difference for all of us, no matter where we live.
African Americans with HIV/AIDS need visionary leaders with innovative ideas. We need someone who will finally win the fight to make health care funding follow the need in this country, instead of leaving entire communities out in the cold. We don’t need ever-changing candidates who know how to pander, but don’t know how to lead.
I respectfully ask that you bolster your newfound enthusiasm for correcting the growing disparities in HIV/AIDS funding by actively working to undo the damage of your efforts last year. If you’re truly seeking to lead, please introduce new legislation that would ensure that the Title I funding formulas in the Ryan White CARE Act follow the HIV/AIDS caseload with no more unfair set-asides and end the injustice that has cost lives and harmed the nation’s integrity.
Sincerely,
Harry Alford
President/CEO
cc: The Honorable Barack Obama
With all of this, one wonders why Senator Clinton gets as much support from the Black community as she does. Perhaps it's because people -- in general -- just don't know what's going on.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Barack Obama - The Journal Of Blacks In Higher Education Endorses Obama For President
The Journal Of Blacks In Higher Education Endorses Obama For President and in so doing Theodore Cross, representing The Journal, wrote an article that calls into question Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's genuine commitment to African Americans.
If you read it, it's damning of Clinton, for example..
In her campaign to lock up black support, there are no qualms about playing the race card. Senator Clinton scored with black voters when she declared in a June debate at Howard University that the country would be more worried about HIV/AIDS if the disease were disproportionately affecting whites instead of blacks. The powerful political impact of her statement was not diminished by the circumstance that her facts were incorrect. The annual federal budget for HIV research is $3 billion. This is more than the nation’s entire appropriation for research on either heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or breast cancer. But Clinton’s assertion that racism drives white-controlled government decisions on the allocations of disease research stoked anti-white anger and won her acclaim among black voters.
And if that's not enough, there's this....
Probably no one at the Howard University event, black or white, was aware of the fact that in August 2006 Hillary Clinton was the only one of 20 senators of the Republican-controlled Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee to vote to gut a plan that would have redirected more AIDS funds to heavily black communities in the South. Her vote prompted the National Black Chamber of Commerce to publish full-page newspaper advertisements denouncing Clinton as being “two-faced” on the issue.
And Cross points to Senator Obama's more clearly defined set of urban policies:
Here in more detail are the Obama proposals as outlined in his campaign position paper:
• Increased funding for the Community Development Block Grant program which provides housing, job training, and other services to impoverished urban areas.
• A $1 billion, five-year expansion in job and career training programs for low-income Americans.
• The creation of a series of “Promise Neighborhoods” across America patterned after the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York City. Low-income families in these promise neighborhoods will be offered parent counseling, childcare, job training, healthcare, financial advice, afterschool programs, technology training and other services to help them escape the cycle of poverty.
• An expansion of the Head Start program for preschool children in high-poverty areas.
• An increase in the maximum Pell Grant award for low-income college students.
• Expansion of the Nurse-Family Partnership where nurses visit low-income expectant mothers at home to ensure that they receive proper prenatal care.
• An increase in the earned income tax credit which will allow low-income working families to keep more of the money they earn.
• A proposal to increase funding for the Jobs Access and Reverse Commute program so that low-income workers can get to their jobs at a reduced cost and the children of these workers can receive free public transportation to childcare facilities.
• The establishment of an affordable housing trust fund that will produce 14,000 new units of affordable housing for low-income families each year.
• Increased access to capital for blacks and other minorities through Small Business Administration programs.
• Job training, substance abuse and mental health counseling, and employment opportunities for people who have been incarcerated. Since blacks are five times as likely as whites to have been in prison, these programs will disproportionately benefit African Americans.
• To further raise the minimum wage rate and the child tax credit.
Makes one wonder why Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums endorsed Clinton over Obama! Oh, I forgot, Clinton made a promise to Dellums! Excuse me!
Geez!
I could go on, but you should read what Cross has put together. It's a doozy!
If you read it, it's damning of Clinton, for example..
In her campaign to lock up black support, there are no qualms about playing the race card. Senator Clinton scored with black voters when she declared in a June debate at Howard University that the country would be more worried about HIV/AIDS if the disease were disproportionately affecting whites instead of blacks. The powerful political impact of her statement was not diminished by the circumstance that her facts were incorrect. The annual federal budget for HIV research is $3 billion. This is more than the nation’s entire appropriation for research on either heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or breast cancer. But Clinton’s assertion that racism drives white-controlled government decisions on the allocations of disease research stoked anti-white anger and won her acclaim among black voters.
And if that's not enough, there's this....
Probably no one at the Howard University event, black or white, was aware of the fact that in August 2006 Hillary Clinton was the only one of 20 senators of the Republican-controlled Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee to vote to gut a plan that would have redirected more AIDS funds to heavily black communities in the South. Her vote prompted the National Black Chamber of Commerce to publish full-page newspaper advertisements denouncing Clinton as being “two-faced” on the issue.
And Cross points to Senator Obama's more clearly defined set of urban policies:
Here in more detail are the Obama proposals as outlined in his campaign position paper:
• Increased funding for the Community Development Block Grant program which provides housing, job training, and other services to impoverished urban areas.
• A $1 billion, five-year expansion in job and career training programs for low-income Americans.
• The creation of a series of “Promise Neighborhoods” across America patterned after the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York City. Low-income families in these promise neighborhoods will be offered parent counseling, childcare, job training, healthcare, financial advice, afterschool programs, technology training and other services to help them escape the cycle of poverty.
• An expansion of the Head Start program for preschool children in high-poverty areas.
• An increase in the maximum Pell Grant award for low-income college students.
• Expansion of the Nurse-Family Partnership where nurses visit low-income expectant mothers at home to ensure that they receive proper prenatal care.
• An increase in the earned income tax credit which will allow low-income working families to keep more of the money they earn.
• A proposal to increase funding for the Jobs Access and Reverse Commute program so that low-income workers can get to their jobs at a reduced cost and the children of these workers can receive free public transportation to childcare facilities.
• The establishment of an affordable housing trust fund that will produce 14,000 new units of affordable housing for low-income families each year.
• Increased access to capital for blacks and other minorities through Small Business Administration programs.
• Job training, substance abuse and mental health counseling, and employment opportunities for people who have been incarcerated. Since blacks are five times as likely as whites to have been in prison, these programs will disproportionately benefit African Americans.
• To further raise the minimum wage rate and the child tax credit.
Makes one wonder why Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums endorsed Clinton over Obama! Oh, I forgot, Clinton made a promise to Dellums! Excuse me!
Geez!
I could go on, but you should read what Cross has put together. It's a doozy!
Bauer's SF Limo's Green Initiative - Blog Action Day
On Blog Action Day, we are all concerned about the environment. But the real heroes are those people and organizations that have actually made and effort to "Go Green."
Bauer's Transportation is one of those heroes.
On it's website, Bauer's explains...
What is Bauer's iCars division? -- As Limousine Digest "Operator of the Year", Bauer's has continually addressed the need to be an industry leader in looking to the future. Because of it's large fleet of over 120 vehicles, Bauer's takes its environmental impact very seriously and has always been conscientious in working with corporate America to provide solutions.
The Hybrid sedans are only one of many vehicles in the fleet that are environmentally friendly:
Bauer's has been in the clean air business since 1999 with its airport shuttle fleet of electric buses.
Bauer's partnered in 2005 with Google to add an additional 33 bio-diesel shuttles to the fleet to service Google employees.
Bauer's is the first limousine company to team up with community partners to address clean air issues with it's park enhancement initiative. A portion of every dollar goes back into local community park efforts to continue the Bauer's legacy of corporate responsibility.
The RX 400H SUV is the third generation of Lexus hybrids, which works by seamlessly integrating a gas engine, an electric motor and a high-powered battery. The battery provides power for the electric motor and is recharged by recapturing energy that would normally be lost when decelerating or coasting. This recapturing of energy is called regenerative braking. If needed, power from the hybrid's gas engine can be diverted to recharge the battery as well. Because of these charging strategies, hybrid cars never need to be plugged in.
But Bauer's is so serious about this initiative, it's President even owns a Lexus Hyrbid!
Nice work for the environment. To learn more, call Bauer's at 1-800-LIMO-OUT
Bauer's Transportation is one of those heroes.
On it's website, Bauer's explains...
What is Bauer's iCars division? -- As Limousine Digest "Operator of the Year", Bauer's has continually addressed the need to be an industry leader in looking to the future. Because of it's large fleet of over 120 vehicles, Bauer's takes its environmental impact very seriously and has always been conscientious in working with corporate America to provide solutions.
The Hybrid sedans are only one of many vehicles in the fleet that are environmentally friendly:
Bauer's has been in the clean air business since 1999 with its airport shuttle fleet of electric buses.
Bauer's partnered in 2005 with Google to add an additional 33 bio-diesel shuttles to the fleet to service Google employees.
Bauer's is the first limousine company to team up with community partners to address clean air issues with it's park enhancement initiative. A portion of every dollar goes back into local community park efforts to continue the Bauer's legacy of corporate responsibility.
The RX 400H SUV is the third generation of Lexus hybrids, which works by seamlessly integrating a gas engine, an electric motor and a high-powered battery. The battery provides power for the electric motor and is recharged by recapturing energy that would normally be lost when decelerating or coasting. This recapturing of energy is called regenerative braking. If needed, power from the hybrid's gas engine can be diverted to recharge the battery as well. Because of these charging strategies, hybrid cars never need to be plugged in.
But Bauer's is so serious about this initiative, it's President even owns a Lexus Hyrbid!
Nice work for the environment. To learn more, call Bauer's at 1-800-LIMO-OUT
Blog Action Day Is Today
This is the day where we're supposed to write something on the environment. Many blogger can make a big difference. I love it. Here' a look at the traffic for this effort.
Russian President Vladimir Putin Target Of Assassination Plot On Trip To Iran
From Aljazeera's english version
Putin to visit Iran despite threats
Putin is travelling to Iran for a summit of leaders from the five states around the Caspian Sea [AFP]
Russian special services have confirmed they received intelligence about a plot against President Vladimir Putin.
Citing an unnamed security service source, Interfax had reported on Sunday that Putin had been warned by his special services of a possible assassination plot during his visit to Tehran this week.
"The competent authorities are actively working with foreign partners on the information received yesterday about a terrorist threat in relation to Russia's head of state," the source was quoted on Monday as saying by RIA, Itar-Tass and Interfax news agencies in virtually identical reports.
Putin said he would not call off his trip but he acknowledged the intelligence reports, adding that the security services "must do their work".
"Of course I am going to Iran," Putin told a news conference after talks with Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor.
"If you react to various threats and recommendations of the security services, then you should sit at home".
Iran denial
But Tehran has described as "totally baseless" the report, which said Russian security services had been told suicide bombers and kidnappers were training to kill or capture Vladimir Putin.
The Russian president is travelling to Tehran to attend a summit of the five states that surround the Caspian Sea, and Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, said this would go ahead as planned.
"Reports published by some media are totally baseless and are in line with the psychological war launched by enemies who want to harm Iran and Russia's relationship," Hosseini said.
Putin is the first Kremlin leader to travel to Iran since Josef Stalin, the former Soviet leader, attended a wartime summit with Winston Churchill, former British prime minister, and Franklin Roosevelt, former US president, in 1943.
Fox Launches Business Channel Today
Rupert Murdock owns The Wall Street Journal, MySpace, and now has launched The Fox Business Channel today. It's only a matter of time before we see all three merged.
Vatican Monsignor Says He Was Pretending To Be Gay
From the Huffington Post
VATICAN CITY — A Vatican official suspended after being caught on hidden camera making advances to a young man said in an interview published Sunday that he is not gay and was only pretending to be gay as part of his work.
In an interview with La Repubblica newspaper, Monsignor Tommaso Stenico said he frequented online gay chat rooms and met with gay men as part of his work as a psychoanalyst. He said that he pretended to be gay in order to gather information about "those who damage the image of the Church with homosexual activity."
Vatican teaching holds that homosexual activity is a sin.
Vatican teaching holds that homosexual activity is a sin.
"It's all false; it was a trap. I was a victim of my own attempts to contribute to cleaning up the Church with my psychoanalyst work," La Repubblica quoted Stenico as saying.
The Vatican after acted Vatican officials recognized Stenico's office in the background of a television program on gay priests that was broadcast on Oct. 1 on La7, a private Italian TV network. Stenico was secretly filmed making advances to a young man and asserting that gay sex was not sinful.
VATICAN CITY — A Vatican official suspended after being caught on hidden camera making advances to a young man said in an interview published Sunday that he is not gay and was only pretending to be gay as part of his work.
In an interview with La Repubblica newspaper, Monsignor Tommaso Stenico said he frequented online gay chat rooms and met with gay men as part of his work as a psychoanalyst. He said that he pretended to be gay in order to gather information about "those who damage the image of the Church with homosexual activity."
Vatican teaching holds that homosexual activity is a sin.
Vatican teaching holds that homosexual activity is a sin.
"It's all false; it was a trap. I was a victim of my own attempts to contribute to cleaning up the Church with my psychoanalyst work," La Repubblica quoted Stenico as saying.
The Vatican after acted Vatican officials recognized Stenico's office in the background of a television program on gay priests that was broadcast on Oct. 1 on La7, a private Italian TV network. Stenico was secretly filmed making advances to a young man and asserting that gay sex was not sinful.
Rudy Giuliani - Giuliani To Protect Us From Aliens
According to this article, Republican Presidential Candidate Rudy Giuliani will make sure we're prepared to defend ourselves from an attack by alien beings.
Ok.
I guess that means we have a laser defense system.
The pure idea of this is interesting because 1) we have no freaking idea how we'll be attacked, and 2) it proves how we think -- some of us -- that because something's different, it's bad.
Geez.
Ok.
I guess that means we have a laser defense system.
The pure idea of this is interesting because 1) we have no freaking idea how we'll be attacked, and 2) it proves how we think -- some of us -- that because something's different, it's bad.
Geez.
Political television advertising to reach $3 billion
Isn't this discretionary spending wasteful and unnecessary?
By Mark Preston
CNN Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A wide-open presidential race and a willingness by candidates, interest groups, unions and corporations to buy TV time will lead to historic spending for political and issue-advocacy advertising in the 2008 election cycle, an analysis shows.
The cost to try to influence the 2008 election could exceed $3 billion, according to TNS Media Intelligence/Campaign Media Analysis Group, CNN's consultant on political television advertising.
This is nearly twice as much than what was spent in 2004 when political and issue-advocacy television advertising rang in at $1.7 billion. In 2006, $2.3 billion was spent on political and issue-advocacy TV commercials.
Just about every candidate running for an office from dogcatcher to president is spending the money, said Evan Tracey, CMAG's chief operating officer.
The costs to produce a TV commercial are no longer prohibitive for local and state candidates, who are turning more and more to the airwaves to reach voters. See how spending breaks down for this year »
And interest groups have spent $6.2 million on TV ads so far this year for state and local ballot measures.
On the national level, the cost of issue-advocacy television ad spending was $270 million in the first nine months of this year. Subjects ranged from the Iraq war to telecommunications reform. Television ads on health care alone total $60 million.
CMAG estimates more than $3 million of the $270 million spent to air issue-advocacy ads this year has gone for commercials in states and districts that are likely to have competitive House and Senate races in 2008.
Tracey said he thinks this is just the beginning of interest groups "pivoting from legislative advocacy mode to political mode."
"What we expect to see between now and the end of the primaries, and through the general election, is groups will take a more aggressive stance on their advertising and actually target candidates," he said.
With 17 Democratic and Republican candidates running for president, CMAG predicts that more than $800 million will be spent on TV ads in the battle for the White House.
Up to now, the political commercials have been largely focused on the early states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Voters in some of the 20-plus states holding nominating contests on February 5 will start seeing ads in the coming months.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leads all candidates in TV spending, having aired his commercials more than 11,000 times this year at a cost of nearly $8.6 million. This is a record for the number of airings at this point in a presidential election cycle. In contrast, one of Romney's chief rivals for the GOP nomination, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has spent nothing on television ads, but Giuliani leads in the national polls and is within striking distance of the lead in several state surveys.
Giuliani enjoys widespread national name recognition, while Romney does not.
In the race for the Democratic nomination, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has spent more than $2.3 million on television commercials, while New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has spent $1 million less and leads in both national and early state polls.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has probably benefited the most in the Democratic contest from the $2 million he has invested in his television commercials.
Richardson's humorous TV ads effectively stated his experience as a lawmaker, diplomat and executive, and positioned him as a solid second-tier candidate.
Romney used his $8.6 million in television ads to introduce himself as a social and fiscal conservative to Republican voters. These voters might otherwise not know much about him other than that he was the governor of the traditionally liberal Massachusetts.
Romney is leading polls in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.
Further evidence of how Romney's television commercials have helped is in South Carolina.
An American Research Group poll of South Carolina Republicans in August showed Romney registering at 9 percent with these influential primary voters. A month later, and with $350,000 worth of commercials aired in the two weeks leading up to the next poll, Romney was up 17 percentage points.
Romney's latest ad began airing Friday in Iowa, and in it he vows to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, to boost the military by 100,000 people, to strengthen U.S. intelligence capabilities and to monitor calls into the U.S. from al Qaeda.
All of these issues should play well with conservatives who participate in the Iowa caucuses.
While only a handful of Democratic candidates and Romney have used the airwaves until now, Tracey said he expects this to change.
"Before the end of October, I suspect all the frontrunner candidates will be on the air," Tracey said. "As we get closer to primary day, the frontrunners will be joined by all the candidates in the race who are taking their last, best shot."
In the fight for Congress, CMAG predicts that as much as $639 million could be spent on television advertising.
Democrats control the House and Senate.
Tracey noted that CMAG's 2008 election cycle forecast does not take into account unforeseen events such as former Florida Rep. Mark Foley's House page scandal or the September 11 terrorist attacks.
"Politics is completely beholden to events," he said. "Events will ultimately determine how much is spent, where and when."
What television advertising challenges do candidates and interest groups face in the coming months?
"Chances are, just as what happened in 2006, voters will be numb after watching hundred and hundreds of ads," said Stuart Rothenberg, editor of the non-partisan Rothenberg Political Report. "The sheer number of ads probably dilutes their importance. After a while, the ads just become lots of chatter and an ad will have to be really good to cut through the noise.''
By Mark Preston
CNN Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A wide-open presidential race and a willingness by candidates, interest groups, unions and corporations to buy TV time will lead to historic spending for political and issue-advocacy advertising in the 2008 election cycle, an analysis shows.
The cost to try to influence the 2008 election could exceed $3 billion, according to TNS Media Intelligence/Campaign Media Analysis Group, CNN's consultant on political television advertising.
This is nearly twice as much than what was spent in 2004 when political and issue-advocacy television advertising rang in at $1.7 billion. In 2006, $2.3 billion was spent on political and issue-advocacy TV commercials.
Just about every candidate running for an office from dogcatcher to president is spending the money, said Evan Tracey, CMAG's chief operating officer.
The costs to produce a TV commercial are no longer prohibitive for local and state candidates, who are turning more and more to the airwaves to reach voters. See how spending breaks down for this year »
And interest groups have spent $6.2 million on TV ads so far this year for state and local ballot measures.
On the national level, the cost of issue-advocacy television ad spending was $270 million in the first nine months of this year. Subjects ranged from the Iraq war to telecommunications reform. Television ads on health care alone total $60 million.
CMAG estimates more than $3 million of the $270 million spent to air issue-advocacy ads this year has gone for commercials in states and districts that are likely to have competitive House and Senate races in 2008.
Tracey said he thinks this is just the beginning of interest groups "pivoting from legislative advocacy mode to political mode."
"What we expect to see between now and the end of the primaries, and through the general election, is groups will take a more aggressive stance on their advertising and actually target candidates," he said.
With 17 Democratic and Republican candidates running for president, CMAG predicts that more than $800 million will be spent on TV ads in the battle for the White House.
Up to now, the political commercials have been largely focused on the early states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Voters in some of the 20-plus states holding nominating contests on February 5 will start seeing ads in the coming months.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leads all candidates in TV spending, having aired his commercials more than 11,000 times this year at a cost of nearly $8.6 million. This is a record for the number of airings at this point in a presidential election cycle. In contrast, one of Romney's chief rivals for the GOP nomination, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has spent nothing on television ads, but Giuliani leads in the national polls and is within striking distance of the lead in several state surveys.
Giuliani enjoys widespread national name recognition, while Romney does not.
In the race for the Democratic nomination, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has spent more than $2.3 million on television commercials, while New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has spent $1 million less and leads in both national and early state polls.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has probably benefited the most in the Democratic contest from the $2 million he has invested in his television commercials.
Richardson's humorous TV ads effectively stated his experience as a lawmaker, diplomat and executive, and positioned him as a solid second-tier candidate.
Romney used his $8.6 million in television ads to introduce himself as a social and fiscal conservative to Republican voters. These voters might otherwise not know much about him other than that he was the governor of the traditionally liberal Massachusetts.
Romney is leading polls in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.
Further evidence of how Romney's television commercials have helped is in South Carolina.
An American Research Group poll of South Carolina Republicans in August showed Romney registering at 9 percent with these influential primary voters. A month later, and with $350,000 worth of commercials aired in the two weeks leading up to the next poll, Romney was up 17 percentage points.
Romney's latest ad began airing Friday in Iowa, and in it he vows to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, to boost the military by 100,000 people, to strengthen U.S. intelligence capabilities and to monitor calls into the U.S. from al Qaeda.
All of these issues should play well with conservatives who participate in the Iowa caucuses.
While only a handful of Democratic candidates and Romney have used the airwaves until now, Tracey said he expects this to change.
"Before the end of October, I suspect all the frontrunner candidates will be on the air," Tracey said. "As we get closer to primary day, the frontrunners will be joined by all the candidates in the race who are taking their last, best shot."
In the fight for Congress, CMAG predicts that as much as $639 million could be spent on television advertising.
Democrats control the House and Senate.
Tracey noted that CMAG's 2008 election cycle forecast does not take into account unforeseen events such as former Florida Rep. Mark Foley's House page scandal or the September 11 terrorist attacks.
"Politics is completely beholden to events," he said. "Events will ultimately determine how much is spent, where and when."
What television advertising challenges do candidates and interest groups face in the coming months?
"Chances are, just as what happened in 2006, voters will be numb after watching hundred and hundreds of ads," said Stuart Rothenberg, editor of the non-partisan Rothenberg Political Report. "The sheer number of ads probably dilutes their importance. After a while, the ads just become lots of chatter and an ad will have to be really good to cut through the noise.''
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Poll: Clinton Has Large Lead in N.H.
But the poll has a huge problem. And Senator Obama's more popular than Clinton with voters under 45.
By The Associated Press
Sun Oct 14, 7:40 AM ET
Hillary Rodham Clinton is holding a commanding lead over Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination in New Hampshire, a poll released Sunday found.
Clinton had the support of 40 percent of those surveyed compared to 20 percent for Obama, Marist College Institute for Public Opinion said.
John Edwards was third (12 percent) and Bill Richardson fourth (7 percent).
On the Republican side, Mitt Romney held a slight edge over Rudy Giuliani (25 percent to 21 percent). John McCain was third (18 percent) and Fred Thompson fourth (10 percent).
Clinton was the overwhelming choice among those polled who want a strong leader or someone who will bring about change — 44 percent chose her compared with 20 percent for Obama and 11 percent for Edwards.
Clinton also drew the most support — 33 percent — from those questioned who ranked the Iraq war as their top issue. And the New York senator was seen as the most likely Democrat to win in November, getting the nod from 58 percent in the survey.
On the GOP side, when people were asked to pick a strong leader, Romney got 29 percent, compared with 23 percent for McCain and 22 percent for Giuliani.
Security against terrorism was the most important issue for GOP voters; on this issue, Romney was picked by 29 percent, and Giuliani and McCain by 21 percent each. Giuliani, the former New York mayor, was picked by more people in the survey as having the best chance of winning in November — 36 percent versus 30 percent for Romney.
The poll was conducted from Oct. 4-9 and involved telephone interviews with 1,512 registered voters and New Hampshire residents likely to register in time to vote in the presidential primary.
The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points for Democratic primary voters and 4.5 percentage points for Republican primary voters.
By The Associated Press
Sun Oct 14, 7:40 AM ET
Hillary Rodham Clinton is holding a commanding lead over Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination in New Hampshire, a poll released Sunday found.
Clinton had the support of 40 percent of those surveyed compared to 20 percent for Obama, Marist College Institute for Public Opinion said.
John Edwards was third (12 percent) and Bill Richardson fourth (7 percent).
On the Republican side, Mitt Romney held a slight edge over Rudy Giuliani (25 percent to 21 percent). John McCain was third (18 percent) and Fred Thompson fourth (10 percent).
Clinton was the overwhelming choice among those polled who want a strong leader or someone who will bring about change — 44 percent chose her compared with 20 percent for Obama and 11 percent for Edwards.
Clinton also drew the most support — 33 percent — from those questioned who ranked the Iraq war as their top issue. And the New York senator was seen as the most likely Democrat to win in November, getting the nod from 58 percent in the survey.
On the GOP side, when people were asked to pick a strong leader, Romney got 29 percent, compared with 23 percent for McCain and 22 percent for Giuliani.
Security against terrorism was the most important issue for GOP voters; on this issue, Romney was picked by 29 percent, and Giuliani and McCain by 21 percent each. Giuliani, the former New York mayor, was picked by more people in the survey as having the best chance of winning in November — 36 percent versus 30 percent for Romney.
The poll was conducted from Oct. 4-9 and involved telephone interviews with 1,512 registered voters and New Hampshire residents likely to register in time to vote in the presidential primary.
The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points for Democratic primary voters and 4.5 percentage points for Republican primary voters.
Barack Obama Leads In NH With Voters Under 45 Years Old - Pollster Mentions That In Fine Point
The so-called latest New Hampshire Poll says that Senator Hillary Clinton has a 20-point lead in that state.
But a look at the actual poll data that Marist College Institute for Public Opinion has released so far shows this -- in fine print:
Barack Obama does better among independents than Democrats. He receives the support of 29% of independents but just 14% of Democrats. Senator Obama is also more popular with younger voters than voters forty-five years of age or older. 29% of likely Democratic presidential primary voters under age forty-five support him compared with 15% of voters who are forty-five or older.
This opens a major-league can of worms for the credibility of reporting that Senator Clinton has any kind of real lead in New Hampshire.
The last NH poll also reported a Clinton lead, but only 17 percent of the people contacted bothered to respond, which means that a whopping 83 percent were undecided. Plus, there was no age breakdown given in the poll data released.
Still, the Clinton people, especially their campaign leaders , are acting like they're ahead, setting the stage for what could be a major surprise.
But a look at the actual poll data that Marist College Institute for Public Opinion has released so far shows this -- in fine print:
Barack Obama does better among independents than Democrats. He receives the support of 29% of independents but just 14% of Democrats. Senator Obama is also more popular with younger voters than voters forty-five years of age or older. 29% of likely Democratic presidential primary voters under age forty-five support him compared with 15% of voters who are forty-five or older.
This opens a major-league can of worms for the credibility of reporting that Senator Clinton has any kind of real lead in New Hampshire.
The last NH poll also reported a Clinton lead, but only 17 percent of the people contacted bothered to respond, which means that a whopping 83 percent were undecided. Plus, there was no age breakdown given in the poll data released.
Still, the Clinton people, especially their campaign leaders , are acting like they're ahead, setting the stage for what could be a major surprise.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Web 2.0 Summit Has "Web Bowl" - Tuesday Oct 16th.
This is from CMP and the Web 2.0 website
Sold Out Web 2.0 Summit Announces First Web Bowl: Challenges World to Stump the Luminaries
Competition Offers Everyone the Chance to Participate
SAN FRANCISCO -- September 25, 2007 -- O'Reilly Media, Inc. and CMP Technology, co-producers of the annual Web 2.0 Summit, today jointly announced the launch of the Web Bowl, a live trivia competition about the Internet, taking place during the sold out event this year. Conference organizers are reaching out to the general public and attendees to pool together the most challenging (and fun) questions about the World Wide Web for the first annual Web Bowl.
Web 2.0 Summit's Web Bowl asks people to match wits with Internet luminaries, bringing the toughest questions about the Web on stage. The biggest names of the Web community will be able to prove themselves in real time amidst the gunfire of questions on industry trivia, history, and personalities. Hosted by Web 2.0 Summit's chair, John Battelle, the Web Bowl was modeled on the Computer History Bowl to entertain, inform, and inspire the Web community.
"We are pleased to announce the first annual Web Bowl at the Summit," said John Battelle, Web 2.0 Summit's Program Chair. "The game show format will create an entertaining opportunity to both celebrate the history and future of the Web among the leading members of the Web community. Even those not able to make it will be able to participate virtually, in true 2.0 spirit."
Web Bowl is challenging the world to submit the toughest questions about the Internet to use in the Web Bowl. Questions could range from what the first instant messaging service was to who created the first blog, and more. Acknowledgement will go to the person who submits a question used on-stage at the event.
To sign up for this, click here.
Sold Out Web 2.0 Summit Announces First Web Bowl: Challenges World to Stump the Luminaries
Competition Offers Everyone the Chance to Participate
SAN FRANCISCO -- September 25, 2007 -- O'Reilly Media, Inc. and CMP Technology, co-producers of the annual Web 2.0 Summit, today jointly announced the launch of the Web Bowl, a live trivia competition about the Internet, taking place during the sold out event this year. Conference organizers are reaching out to the general public and attendees to pool together the most challenging (and fun) questions about the World Wide Web for the first annual Web Bowl.
Web 2.0 Summit's Web Bowl asks people to match wits with Internet luminaries, bringing the toughest questions about the Web on stage. The biggest names of the Web community will be able to prove themselves in real time amidst the gunfire of questions on industry trivia, history, and personalities. Hosted by Web 2.0 Summit's chair, John Battelle, the Web Bowl was modeled on the Computer History Bowl to entertain, inform, and inspire the Web community.
"We are pleased to announce the first annual Web Bowl at the Summit," said John Battelle, Web 2.0 Summit's Program Chair. "The game show format will create an entertaining opportunity to both celebrate the history and future of the Web among the leading members of the Web community. Even those not able to make it will be able to participate virtually, in true 2.0 spirit."
Web Bowl is challenging the world to submit the toughest questions about the Internet to use in the Web Bowl. Questions could range from what the first instant messaging service was to who created the first blog, and more. Acknowledgement will go to the person who submits a question used on-stage at the event.
To sign up for this, click here.
Amanda Congdon Supports Barack Obama
I just got a Facebook News Flash from my Facebook friend Amanda Congdon, who reports that she's behind Barack Obama for President!
Awesome!
I wonder if that has something to do with 1) his authetic politics, 2) the need for real change, and 3) the fact that Barack's, Amanda's, and my birthday are all the same day -- August 4th?
Hmmm..
Vimeo's HD Online Videos May Make Joost Days Numbered
Ok, here's an example of what TechCrunch's Shonfeld was writing about. Vimeo has high quality HD online videos on its site already.
Check it out. Watch out Joost!
Check it out. Watch out Joost!
TechCrunch's Schonfeld Thinks Joost Days Are Numbered
Eric Schonfeld of TechCrunch thinks Joost, the online video streaming site, may be seeing the end of a good run as more and more competitors crowd the field.
Anna Nicole Smith | Jerry Brown Suspects She May Have Been Killed
Former Governor and Oakland Mayor and now Attorney General Jerry Brown is all over the death of Anna Nicole Smith and released this statement, which I got from TMZ.com:
"Brown's Statement
Posted Oct 12th 2007 2:24PM by TMZ Staff
"The California Department of Justice today served search warrants at various doctors' offices, billing locations, and residences in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties, related to the death of Anna Nicole Smith. The locations searched today are related to doctors who provided medical treatment or prescribed drugs for Anna Nicole Smith or her associates.
On March 30, 2007, the California Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement commenced an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of Anna Nicole Smith, including the prescribing and dispensing practices of several California licensed doctors and pharmacies. To date, agents have reviewed over 100,000 computer images and files, analyzed patient profiles and pharmacy logs and interviewed witnesses throughout the country and abroad.
The California Department of Justice is spearheading this investigation with the cooperation of regulatory agencies, medical professionals and law enforcement agencies, including: The California Department of Insurance, the California Medical Board, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Seminole Tribal Police and the Royal Bahamian Police Force.
In view of the fact that the investigation is ongoing, we will not provide further details or report any findings at this time. The California Department of Justice will conduct a fair and thorough investigation and wishes to protect the identity of cooperating witnesses. When our investigation is complete, you will be provided as much information as possible about any suspects, arrests or criminal charges.
Beyond this statement, no one involved in this investigation will have further comment at this time. Thank you for your cooperation."
"Brown's Statement
Posted Oct 12th 2007 2:24PM by TMZ Staff
"The California Department of Justice today served search warrants at various doctors' offices, billing locations, and residences in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties, related to the death of Anna Nicole Smith. The locations searched today are related to doctors who provided medical treatment or prescribed drugs for Anna Nicole Smith or her associates.
On March 30, 2007, the California Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement commenced an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of Anna Nicole Smith, including the prescribing and dispensing practices of several California licensed doctors and pharmacies. To date, agents have reviewed over 100,000 computer images and files, analyzed patient profiles and pharmacy logs and interviewed witnesses throughout the country and abroad.
The California Department of Justice is spearheading this investigation with the cooperation of regulatory agencies, medical professionals and law enforcement agencies, including: The California Department of Insurance, the California Medical Board, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Seminole Tribal Police and the Royal Bahamian Police Force.
In view of the fact that the investigation is ongoing, we will not provide further details or report any findings at this time. The California Department of Justice will conduct a fair and thorough investigation and wishes to protect the identity of cooperating witnesses. When our investigation is complete, you will be provided as much information as possible about any suspects, arrests or criminal charges.
Beyond this statement, no one involved in this investigation will have further comment at this time. Thank you for your cooperation."
Barack Obama | Barack Obama Is Not Muslim | Clinton Backers Said To Spread Rumor
HAVE HILLARY CLINTON SUPPORTERS AND STAFFERS BEEN BEHIND THESE FALSE RUMORS? FOX NEWS SAYS "YES."
For some reason, some total nutcases out there who call themselves Americans no doubt are sending out emails that say Senator Barack Obama is Muslim. It's an effort to play what some call "The Muslim Phobia Card" (Everything has a card these days.)
There are also indications that people connected with Senator Hillary Clinton are spreading this rumor. That's the ultimate dirty pool tactic.
It's not true and also panders to the worst fears and bad aspects of America. Don't believe it - and do your own homework on this. The Politico.com did ...
Obama, in fact, is not a Muslim.
The assertion that he is one is based on his paternal ancestry from a Muslim family in Kenya, his living in Indonesia with a Muslim stepfather and, briefly, as a child, attending a public school there which reportedly offered some religious instruction to its predominantly Muslim study body.
But he was raised primarily by his mother, who eschewed organized religion.
He has written and spoken at length about his path to Christianity and the black church as a community organizer in Chicago.
In recent months, Obama has been talking more openly about his faith, especially in the South.
He has worshipped at three large South Carolina churches over the past two Sundays. Last weekend, he raised eyebrows at the Redemption World Outreach Center in Greenville by saying he was “confident that we can create a kingdom right here on Earth."
Indeed, on www.snopes.com — the site that fashions itself as the place where urban legends go to die — there is a lengthy page devoted to debunking the myth that Obama is a “radical, ideological Muslim” that includes a reference to a 2004 Chicago Sun-Times story where he talks of his “personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Obama’s aides are aware of the theme, but it’s far harder to respond to faceless whispers than to open assertions.
“We've got to be vigilant to knock down any untruth out there about us,” said spokesman Bill Burton.
Hey, evaluate Senator Obama on his merits and not untruths. Don't be stupid.
Quincy Carter Arrested For Drug Possession - Sad Story
This is someone I've been rooting for and it's sad to see that drugs have overtaken him. I hope he gets the real help he needs and sees the wake-up call. He was a real talent that -- for a while -- had the World on a string.
Here's the story...
Former Cowboys QB Arrested On Drug Charge
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter was arrested in Shreveport on a drug charge early Friday morning.
Carter was booked into the Shreveport City Jail at about 4 a.m. after being charged with possession of marijuana. Carter was later transferred to the Caddo Correctional Center.
In a news release, police said the incident began at about 1:30 a.m. when an officer stopped a silver car that was reported to have been involved in selling drugs at the Circle K convenience store at Youree and Southfield.
Here's the story...
Former Cowboys QB Arrested On Drug Charge
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter was arrested in Shreveport on a drug charge early Friday morning.
Carter was booked into the Shreveport City Jail at about 4 a.m. after being charged with possession of marijuana. Carter was later transferred to the Caddo Correctional Center.
In a news release, police said the incident began at about 1:30 a.m. when an officer stopped a silver car that was reported to have been involved in selling drugs at the Circle K convenience store at Youree and Southfield.
In Iowa, Hillary Clinton Backer Terry McAuliffe Says Clinton Iraq Vote Flip-Flop Due To Gender
Folks, I'm not making this up. It comes from the Iowa Independent newspaper. On August 30th, Clinton Campaign President Terry McAuliffe opened his mouth and stuck his foot deep in it, pissing off the people in attendance and possibly damaging the Clinton effort in Iowa.
On top of that, McAuliffe's act is upsetting other Iowans as well, and one person just plain wrote "I'm sick of Terry McAuliffe." Yes, the person who will stand in a photo with a Panda -- a costumed Panda -- for a vote, is proving to be a major liability in the state Clinton needs to prove she's unstoppable.
And what's so funny is he's the head of the campaign. He's walking around acting like they've got the election in the bag and thus not being affaid to make stupid statements, like this doozy of a running-off-at-the-mouth you're about to see below.
According to Chase Martyn, ....
Terry McAuliffe, who serves as Chair of Clinton's presidential campaign and was Chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005, helped shed light on why Clinton will not admit her vote was a mistake during an August 30 appearance at a coffee shop in Grinnell, IA. Abby Rapoport, editor-in-chief of Grinnell College's Scarlet & Black student newspaper, was the only reporter present for McAuliffe's candid conversation, and she quoted him this way in the September 7 issue of the paper:
McAuliffe declared that under no circumstances would she take back her vote. “A woman?” he almost yelled. “Can you imagine?”
Iowa Independent has verified from three other attendees of the event that McAuliffe was quoted accurately. Ironically, those attendees also told us that before discussing the connection between Clinton's position on her war vote and her gender, McAuliffe noted that he could only speak so candidly because there were no reporters present -- or so he thought.
Grinnell Coffee Company has a hip, artsy vibe with its black walls and its Venus Rising painting with a French coffee press. But I walked straight to the back, where a small beige room stands in stark contrast to the warm and friendly coffee shop. In the room, Grinnell community members talked in small clusters, awaiting the arrival of yet another politico to plead for their vote.
Suddenly a wholly alien force took over the room. Terry McAuliffe, former Democratic National Committee Chair and long time friend of the Clintons, arrived with an air of dominance, as all eyes focused on him.
McAuliffe is tall, with a booming voice and a slick, used-car-salesman type charm. His smiles and greetings, not to mention his slaps on the back of Wayne Moyer, Political Science, felt too self-congratulatory. You guys haven't won yet, I thought.
As if on command, we all sat down at once, waiting to hear what McAuliffe would say. Yet no one seemed more excited to hear him speak than McAuliffe himself. I guessed it would have something to do with voting for Hillary, given the posters taped to the wall and the stacks of lawn signs in the corner. But his tone was not quite what I imagined.
After asking who in the room would be supporting Hillary and finding only four of the twelve attendees to be loyal, McAuliffe began by emphasizing the campaign's currently successes, and its domination of the polls. He almost seemed to gloss over the nomination process, eager to talk about the general election.
"A lot of people ask me, `Can she win the general election?'" he boomed. The sweet older woman next to me seemed to perk up and nod at the question; presumably, she was asking it too. "Well," he continued, "that's the dumbest question I've ever heard." The woman seemed to stop nodding along.
McAuliffe spoke for almost forty-five minutes, focusing mainly on the general election, an election, he announced, that the Clinton campaign was already fundraising for.
"Anyone in the room who doesn't think this isn't going to be the most vicious campaign is nuts," he proclaimed. He seemed ready for the viciousness though. Later, he declared that "If you defame this woman … we will hit you back so hard your head will spin."
I kept trying to remind myself, undecided that I was, that in fact McAuliffe was not Hillary Clinton and his pushy, aggressive style did not necessarily discount his candidate. And at least he wasn't attacking other candidates, a trait I find particularly frustrating. Hear him all the way through, I thought. Give Hillary a chance.
And apparently Hillary needs my help. "Hillary is going to get elected," he proclaimed, "and I'll tell you why folks, because of women." 18 through 35 year-old women, he specified. ME.
But it was another 18 to 35 year old woman that caused a stir. McAuliffe asked those of us who were not supporters at the beginning of his little talk if any of us had changed out minds. When he found that none of us were swayed, he asked someone to come forward with their objections to his candidate, Jordan Levine '10 , one of the leaders of the Students for Hillary, pointed to Hannah Garden-Monheit '08, leader of Students for Obama. McAuliffe pushed her. "I don't mean to put you on the spot but…"
Garden-Monheit said she disliked Clinton's war vote. McAuliffe declared that under no circumstances would she take back her vote. "A woman?" he almost yelled. "Can you imagine?"
Carol Kramer, one of the four in the room supporting Clinton, echoed Garden-Monheit's concerns about Clinton's war vote.. "I want her to apologize," she explained.
"And I don't," McAuliffe retorted. Supporters could still incur his condescension. He reminded us that "[Republicans] are killers …. They're gonna lie, they're gonna steal-they're good at it."
But his parting words were more unifying. "We all come together in the end," he said. Fine, I thought. I'll vote for any of them-as long as I don't have to vote for you.
Whatever the reasons for Terry's behavior, it's clear he thinks the campaign's so far ahead it can survive his display of arrogance and stupidity.
Big mistake.
Friday, October 12, 2007
CNN.com readers sound off on Gore, Nobel Peace Prize
With a plethora of dissenting view points, this really calls into question the sanity of Americans.The objective of this award might be in question, but there's no questioning the outstanding work Gore has performed.
CNN) -- Former Vice President Al Gore and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their work to raise awareness about global warming.
CNN.com asked readers to share their thoughts on the Nobel Prize, global warming and Gore's selection. The response was overwhelming.
Many readers offered congratulations to the former vice president, while others expressed disdain for him. Some readers said it was a poor choice, while others flat out dismissed global warming as pseudoscience.
Below is a selection of those responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity:
Roy Woodcock of Rochester, Washington
What a disgraceful choice. Al Gore has promoted bad science and dishonesty, but done nothing to promote peace. I must conclude that his selection is based on pure politics.
George Burns of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
I can only imagine how upset Bill "looking for my legacy" Clinton is that he didn't win it. Mr. Clinton really thought he had a chance at it when he tried to broker piece between [Yasser] Arafat and [Ehud] Barak. Arafat, another Nobel Peace Prize winner, rejected Barak's offer of everything Arafat wanted. ... Jimmy Carter, another Nobel Peace Prize winner, got North Korea to "promise" to terminate their nuclear weapons program. How'd that work out?
Mr. Gore is in great company.
Subhojit Roy of Marietta, Georgia
This is as deserving an award as one can be. Al Gore is the undisputed champion of raising awareness about global warming and other environmental hazards. Visionary Al is always on the right side of issues from global warming to his opposition of the devastating Iraq war.
Rob Edwards of Woodbridge, Connecticut
It is a sad world in which we live when bad science (and even a lack of any data at all on many points) leads to so much hype or accolades, especially the award of the Nobel Peace Prize. The IPCC is a farce. View the CBC documentary from 2005, which is backed up by clear and reproducible science, to understand how wrong the IPCC and Al Gore actually are.
Wanting things to be so does not make them so. And with so many other deserving nominees once again it seems that politics is playing a role on too many fronts. When more science is actually researched on the [global warming] issue and it shows that Al was a buffoon, one would hope to see his gold medal stripped from him in a Marion Jones fashion. This is a disgrace.
Chris Smith of Bexley, Ohio
Al Gore? Nobel Peace Prize? Wow, that really degrades my image of that prize. Why not give it to Michael Moore while we're at it? How sad.
Robert Singleton of Wakefield, Massachusetts
I think it's a good thing Al Gore won the peace prize. People like my English teacher try to downplay the significance of global warming. Maybe this will help give him the respect he needs to push this issue.
John Gruber of Bremerton, Washington
There is going to be a lot of controversy over whether Al Gore should win the Nobel Peace Prize. Regardless of what the critics might say, or the political pundits trying to gauge whether he is going to run for president or not, he is still an extraordinary man.
He took the defeat of the 2000 election and rechanneled that energy into a cause that he feels passionately for. He has raised the awareness of a growing global issue, and regardless of whether those changes affect us in 50 years or 100 years, he has shown courage for pointing out things that others don't want to acknowledge.
Finally, I think that we as Americans should be proud of Al Gore. There is a certain national pride that should occur when someone wins the Nobel Peace Prize, and rather than condensing this award into a 30-second sound bite, and analyzing it, we should take a moment to reflect on ourselves and our nation.
Seung Kim of Fort Wayne, Indiana
What Mr. Gore achieved is noble and good for us, but I have to wonder if he is the right person for Nobel Peace Prize. Several past Nobel Peace Prize winners, such as ... Arafat from PLO, may not have been the best choices either.
Marla Adams of New Salisbury, Indiana
I am very pleased for Al Gore. I have been an admirer of his ever since I saw him speak at Lanesville, Indiana, during the Clinton/Gore bus tour before Clinton's first presidential victory. He has worked tirelessly to inform, not just the citizens of the U.S., but the citizens of the world of the environmental crisis. It is simply inexcusable for world leaders to not pay attention to the evidence of this crisis. Score one for Al Gore that Florida cannot take away.
Phillip Bernard of La Grange, Illinois
The peace prize should be reserved for furthering peace in our world. The work Mr. Gore has done is conjectured quasi-science. His research does not employ a scientific method, otherwise it would have been considered for the prize for science.
Robert Ellis of Columbus, Ohio
Well-deserved award. If Al Gore had been president, the world would be a far more peaceful place, and America would be admired. Instead we have oil wars and worldwide hatred of America. For more than 30 years, Gore has been one of the planet's truly enlightened thinkers. I hope he gives this country another chance by running for president again.
Matthew Joyce of New York
Regarding Al Gore's recent Nobel Peace Prize acquisition, I find this to be absolutely deplorable. First off, choosing an opportunistic politician who has damaged the good name of global climate research, and a man that is responsible in no small part for having further diminished the powers of the EPA during his term in office is downright absurd.
The Nobel Peace Prize used to mean something. As of today they are all now worthless. And I mourn the passing of this once great humanitarian honor. Watch as the Nobel committee chairman explains why Gore, U.N. panel won »
Reynolds Jones of Schenectady, New York
Political and religious ideology has never caused or stopped a natural disaster or plague. It won't do so now. There are serious problems with climate change going on, right now. The most dangerous possibility is that of run-away global warming -- while I don't think that will happen, I don't (nor does anyone else) know that it won't happen.
Al Gore is correct about climate change. We can only hope that conservative ideologues, both religious and political will stop obstructing reasonable efforts to save the planet, and thus to save the race that we belong to.
Sam Gibbs of Muncie, Indiana
Al Gore may use far more energy than the average U.S. citizen, but his impact, as one person, on raising awareness about, and fighting for legislation against, global warming far exceeds anything that most of the United States' 300 million citizens combined have ever done or will ever do.
Matthew Whitley of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Over the last decades, the Nobel Peace Prize has increasingly become a laughingstock. That Al Gore of all people should be honored this year is another nail in the Nobel Peace Prize's coffin of legitimacy and relevance. Much like the prize for literature, the peace prize is becoming nothing more than a political bauble awarded to some political insider advocating the cause of the week.
Al Gore has been "working" for climate change for an enormous period of four whole years, coincidentally discovering this new passion right when his political career was slouching to its end. The Nobel Committee actually expects us to believe that, out of all human organizations working for peace and the improvement of the human condition, Al Gore's paltry four-year media circus of climate change advocacy is the most significant achievement we have to show for ourselves?
How ridiculous. I'm embarrassed for the legacy of the Nobel Prizes, I'm embarrassed for my country, and, if I were Al Gore, I'd be embarrassed to stand in front of the world claiming to be a worthy, legitimate recipient of the peace prize.
Emily McGue of Columbus, Ohio
I think it is absurd that Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize for raising awareness about something that is not even true. Global warming may be happening, but is not because of us. There are many scientists out there who would love to agree with me. If you are going to give recognition to someone for promoting the awareness of something that isn't even true, you might as well just hand out a half-million dollars to some random person walking down the street, they would be more deserving.
Mark McCord of New Richmond, Wisconsin
This just means the Nobel Peace Prize no longer stands for peace, it stands for propaganda, fear and political agendas.
Linda Witt of Bemidji, Minnesota
It is wonderful Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize. I can only wonder how different our country would be now if he had been our president. I'm proud of him and his work and intelligence. He alone has done more for raising awareness of global warming than our current president has with all the power he has at his disposal. As Americans we should take his lead in fighting the global warming crisis.
Ryan Kiblinger of Temple, Texas
My heart just broke today. The Nobel Prize went to an individual who consumes many times more than the average person in the world, and more than the average person in the first world. Yet he wins an award for his propaganda with regards to global warming. Al Gore has no scientific expertise for his film and congressional testimony. He is a mere puppet and speculator. The Nobel Peace Prize has lost all credibility today, and for that my heart breaks.
Mark Green of High Point, North Carolina
How exactly does this pertain to world peace? From the very beginning of his "campaign" this has reeked of politics. The reasons for global warming are widely disputed as are Gore's data. His carbon credits program is a sham.
If his efforts had resulted in a sweeping policy change across the globe, then maybe -- maybe -- I could see it. Even then, isn't it more scientifically, or more precisely, environmentally oriented? Gore's role has been more of a spokesperson. Maybe the award should be the Nobel Prize for Most Prominent Politician as a
Spokesperson.
CNN) -- Former Vice President Al Gore and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their work to raise awareness about global warming.
CNN.com asked readers to share their thoughts on the Nobel Prize, global warming and Gore's selection. The response was overwhelming.
Many readers offered congratulations to the former vice president, while others expressed disdain for him. Some readers said it was a poor choice, while others flat out dismissed global warming as pseudoscience.
Below is a selection of those responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity:
Roy Woodcock of Rochester, Washington
What a disgraceful choice. Al Gore has promoted bad science and dishonesty, but done nothing to promote peace. I must conclude that his selection is based on pure politics.
George Burns of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
I can only imagine how upset Bill "looking for my legacy" Clinton is that he didn't win it. Mr. Clinton really thought he had a chance at it when he tried to broker piece between [Yasser] Arafat and [Ehud] Barak. Arafat, another Nobel Peace Prize winner, rejected Barak's offer of everything Arafat wanted. ... Jimmy Carter, another Nobel Peace Prize winner, got North Korea to "promise" to terminate their nuclear weapons program. How'd that work out?
Mr. Gore is in great company.
Subhojit Roy of Marietta, Georgia
This is as deserving an award as one can be. Al Gore is the undisputed champion of raising awareness about global warming and other environmental hazards. Visionary Al is always on the right side of issues from global warming to his opposition of the devastating Iraq war.
Rob Edwards of Woodbridge, Connecticut
It is a sad world in which we live when bad science (and even a lack of any data at all on many points) leads to so much hype or accolades, especially the award of the Nobel Peace Prize. The IPCC is a farce. View the CBC documentary from 2005, which is backed up by clear and reproducible science, to understand how wrong the IPCC and Al Gore actually are.
Wanting things to be so does not make them so. And with so many other deserving nominees once again it seems that politics is playing a role on too many fronts. When more science is actually researched on the [global warming] issue and it shows that Al was a buffoon, one would hope to see his gold medal stripped from him in a Marion Jones fashion. This is a disgrace.
Chris Smith of Bexley, Ohio
Al Gore? Nobel Peace Prize? Wow, that really degrades my image of that prize. Why not give it to Michael Moore while we're at it? How sad.
Robert Singleton of Wakefield, Massachusetts
I think it's a good thing Al Gore won the peace prize. People like my English teacher try to downplay the significance of global warming. Maybe this will help give him the respect he needs to push this issue.
John Gruber of Bremerton, Washington
There is going to be a lot of controversy over whether Al Gore should win the Nobel Peace Prize. Regardless of what the critics might say, or the political pundits trying to gauge whether he is going to run for president or not, he is still an extraordinary man.
He took the defeat of the 2000 election and rechanneled that energy into a cause that he feels passionately for. He has raised the awareness of a growing global issue, and regardless of whether those changes affect us in 50 years or 100 years, he has shown courage for pointing out things that others don't want to acknowledge.
Finally, I think that we as Americans should be proud of Al Gore. There is a certain national pride that should occur when someone wins the Nobel Peace Prize, and rather than condensing this award into a 30-second sound bite, and analyzing it, we should take a moment to reflect on ourselves and our nation.
Seung Kim of Fort Wayne, Indiana
What Mr. Gore achieved is noble and good for us, but I have to wonder if he is the right person for Nobel Peace Prize. Several past Nobel Peace Prize winners, such as ... Arafat from PLO, may not have been the best choices either.
Marla Adams of New Salisbury, Indiana
I am very pleased for Al Gore. I have been an admirer of his ever since I saw him speak at Lanesville, Indiana, during the Clinton/Gore bus tour before Clinton's first presidential victory. He has worked tirelessly to inform, not just the citizens of the U.S., but the citizens of the world of the environmental crisis. It is simply inexcusable for world leaders to not pay attention to the evidence of this crisis. Score one for Al Gore that Florida cannot take away.
Phillip Bernard of La Grange, Illinois
The peace prize should be reserved for furthering peace in our world. The work Mr. Gore has done is conjectured quasi-science. His research does not employ a scientific method, otherwise it would have been considered for the prize for science.
Robert Ellis of Columbus, Ohio
Well-deserved award. If Al Gore had been president, the world would be a far more peaceful place, and America would be admired. Instead we have oil wars and worldwide hatred of America. For more than 30 years, Gore has been one of the planet's truly enlightened thinkers. I hope he gives this country another chance by running for president again.
Matthew Joyce of New York
Regarding Al Gore's recent Nobel Peace Prize acquisition, I find this to be absolutely deplorable. First off, choosing an opportunistic politician who has damaged the good name of global climate research, and a man that is responsible in no small part for having further diminished the powers of the EPA during his term in office is downright absurd.
The Nobel Peace Prize used to mean something. As of today they are all now worthless. And I mourn the passing of this once great humanitarian honor. Watch as the Nobel committee chairman explains why Gore, U.N. panel won »
Reynolds Jones of Schenectady, New York
Political and religious ideology has never caused or stopped a natural disaster or plague. It won't do so now. There are serious problems with climate change going on, right now. The most dangerous possibility is that of run-away global warming -- while I don't think that will happen, I don't (nor does anyone else) know that it won't happen.
Al Gore is correct about climate change. We can only hope that conservative ideologues, both religious and political will stop obstructing reasonable efforts to save the planet, and thus to save the race that we belong to.
Sam Gibbs of Muncie, Indiana
Al Gore may use far more energy than the average U.S. citizen, but his impact, as one person, on raising awareness about, and fighting for legislation against, global warming far exceeds anything that most of the United States' 300 million citizens combined have ever done or will ever do.
Matthew Whitley of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Over the last decades, the Nobel Peace Prize has increasingly become a laughingstock. That Al Gore of all people should be honored this year is another nail in the Nobel Peace Prize's coffin of legitimacy and relevance. Much like the prize for literature, the peace prize is becoming nothing more than a political bauble awarded to some political insider advocating the cause of the week.
Al Gore has been "working" for climate change for an enormous period of four whole years, coincidentally discovering this new passion right when his political career was slouching to its end. The Nobel Committee actually expects us to believe that, out of all human organizations working for peace and the improvement of the human condition, Al Gore's paltry four-year media circus of climate change advocacy is the most significant achievement we have to show for ourselves?
How ridiculous. I'm embarrassed for the legacy of the Nobel Prizes, I'm embarrassed for my country, and, if I were Al Gore, I'd be embarrassed to stand in front of the world claiming to be a worthy, legitimate recipient of the peace prize.
Emily McGue of Columbus, Ohio
I think it is absurd that Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize for raising awareness about something that is not even true. Global warming may be happening, but is not because of us. There are many scientists out there who would love to agree with me. If you are going to give recognition to someone for promoting the awareness of something that isn't even true, you might as well just hand out a half-million dollars to some random person walking down the street, they would be more deserving.
Mark McCord of New Richmond, Wisconsin
This just means the Nobel Peace Prize no longer stands for peace, it stands for propaganda, fear and political agendas.
Linda Witt of Bemidji, Minnesota
It is wonderful Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize. I can only wonder how different our country would be now if he had been our president. I'm proud of him and his work and intelligence. He alone has done more for raising awareness of global warming than our current president has with all the power he has at his disposal. As Americans we should take his lead in fighting the global warming crisis.
Ryan Kiblinger of Temple, Texas
My heart just broke today. The Nobel Prize went to an individual who consumes many times more than the average person in the world, and more than the average person in the first world. Yet he wins an award for his propaganda with regards to global warming. Al Gore has no scientific expertise for his film and congressional testimony. He is a mere puppet and speculator. The Nobel Peace Prize has lost all credibility today, and for that my heart breaks.
Mark Green of High Point, North Carolina
How exactly does this pertain to world peace? From the very beginning of his "campaign" this has reeked of politics. The reasons for global warming are widely disputed as are Gore's data. His carbon credits program is a sham.
If his efforts had resulted in a sweeping policy change across the globe, then maybe -- maybe -- I could see it. Even then, isn't it more scientifically, or more precisely, environmentally oriented? Gore's role has been more of a spokesperson. Maybe the award should be the Nobel Prize for Most Prominent Politician as a
Spokesperson.
Al Gore Should Endorse Barack Obama If He's Not Going To Run For President
As you know unless you've crawled under a rock, Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize , and the media's immediately speculating on what his plans will be -- in other words, will he run for President?
Gore has stated several times that he will not run and that at some point in the future, he will endorse a candidate running for President.
Gore should endorse Barack Obama, and not just because Barack's the best candidate, but because Senator Obama -- of all the candidates -- is the only one who signed the Live Earth pledge, encourages his supporters to do so , and takes Gore's efforts so seriously he consistently refers to them and to the Global Climate problem on the campaign trail.
Moreover, Senator Obama's energy plan is specifically designed “to combat global warming and achieve energy security." In fact, the campaign website states...
"Global warming is real, is happening now and is the result of human activities. The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years. Glaciers are melting faster; the polar ice caps are shrinking; trees are blooming earlier; oceans are becoming more acidic, threatening marine life; people are dying in heat waves; species are migrating, and eventually many will become extinct. Scientists predict that absent major emission reductions, climate change will worsen famine and drought in some of the poorest places in the world and wreak havoc across the globe. In the U.S., sea-level rise threatens to cause massive economic and ecological damage to our populated coastal areas.:
By contrast, Senator Hillary Clinton did not have her supporters back the Live Earth pledge or give it attention on her website. And while she mentions her admiration for Gore, she does so with a caveat that she does not agree with all of his ideas -- like what?
She said ....
"You know, I have a great deal of respect for Vice President Gore. He has been beating the drums and sounding the alarm of global warming for many, many years. He has never given up on his mission to try and raise awareness and to get the country to take action. I may not agree with everything he proposes -- I don't agree 100 percent with anything that any one person proposes -- but I am certainly grateful to him for being such a public spokesman."
Well, now that spokesman is a Nobel Prize-winner. Gore should back Barack Obama.
Barack Obama On CNN's Situation Room Attacks Hillary Clinton - Video
Barack Obama comes out swinging in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer:
Steeler RB Charged for Domestic Incident in Cleveland
Article retrieved from www.myfoxcleveland.com
Last Edited: Thursday, 11 Oct 2007, 8:09 PM EDT
Created: Thursday, 11 Oct 2007, 8:09 PM EDT
After investigating an early October domestic incident involving 29-year-old Najeh Davenport, the Cleveland Police department announced today that charges have been brought against the Pittsburgh Steeler's running back.
According to Cleveland Police Lt. Thomas Stacho, Davenport has been charged with domestic violence, endangering children and unlawful restraint.
Davenport is not currently in custody and will be given a chance to surrender to police on the charges.
On Thursday, October 4th, at 8:52 p.m., Cleveland Police investigated a report of a domestic dispute at 1374 E.115 Street.
According to Stacho, the incident involved Davenport and the mother of his 5-year old child, Anita Person, 27, of Cleveland.
The dispute resulted from a custody matter involving Davenport's and Person's child.
Cleveland Police received three 9-1-1 calls between 8:45 p.m. and 9:02 p.m. from individuals at the house where the incident took place.
No arrests were initially made as officers were unable to determine the primary physical aggressor in the dispute.
If convicted Davenport could face more than 1 year in jail, 6 months for domestic violence, 6 months for endangering children and 60 days for unlawful restraint.
Last Edited: Thursday, 11 Oct 2007, 8:09 PM EDT
Created: Thursday, 11 Oct 2007, 8:09 PM EDT
After investigating an early October domestic incident involving 29-year-old Najeh Davenport, the Cleveland Police department announced today that charges have been brought against the Pittsburgh Steeler's running back.
According to Cleveland Police Lt. Thomas Stacho, Davenport has been charged with domestic violence, endangering children and unlawful restraint.
Davenport is not currently in custody and will be given a chance to surrender to police on the charges.
On Thursday, October 4th, at 8:52 p.m., Cleveland Police investigated a report of a domestic dispute at 1374 E.115 Street.
According to Stacho, the incident involved Davenport and the mother of his 5-year old child, Anita Person, 27, of Cleveland.
The dispute resulted from a custody matter involving Davenport's and Person's child.
Cleveland Police received three 9-1-1 calls between 8:45 p.m. and 9:02 p.m. from individuals at the house where the incident took place.
No arrests were initially made as officers were unable to determine the primary physical aggressor in the dispute.
If convicted Davenport could face more than 1 year in jail, 6 months for domestic violence, 6 months for endangering children and 60 days for unlawful restraint.
Coulter: We Want Jews To Be "Perfected"
Disgusting, simply disgusting. How dare a woman who is supportive of the right wing strategy that has failed the American people miserably echo this sentiment. If not for the first amendment, I'd love to have her silenced and at the very least she should take an extended leave of abscene in order to revise her thoughts.
To say that Jews should ''be perfected'' is laughable and completely racist. Unquestionably, Jews have made stupendous advances in the American culture and have set the standard that the rest of the world follows. It's not a coincidence that Jews are people of class, professionalism, wealth, hospitality and respect.
People associate Jews to be doctors, lawyers, accountants and overall extremely successful individuals who do not get into much trouble. It would be a major story if a rabbi was found on the first, second or third page of the newspaper for committing an offense, but it has become second nature to expect Christan's to be getting into a whirlwind of trouble on a consistent basis.
The standard of excellence that the Jewish religion has established is outstanding and to state that we need to be ''perfected'' is completely reprehensible.
Shame on Ann Coulter.
(CBS News) Ann Coulter is stirring up controversy again.
The conservative commentator said this week that the nation would be better off if all Americans were Christian and that she wants "Jews to be perfected, as they say."
Appearing on the CNBC show The Big Idea, Coulter was asked to give her version of a better America. She told the show's host, Donny Deutsch, that it would look like New York City during the 2004 Republican National Convention.
Pressed for details, Coulter said, "People were happy. They're Christian. They're tolerant. They defend America ..."
"Christian ... so we should be Christian?" Deutsch interrupted. "It would be better if we were all Christian?"
Coulter answered "Yes" once, and after being asked the same question again by an obviously surprised Deutsch, answered "Yes" a second time.
When Coulter tried to shift the conversation to the diverse congregations in Christian megachurches, the show's host brought the topic back to Coulter's statements about Jews.
Media Matters, the liberal media watchdog group which is publicizing the encounter, provided this transcript:
DEUTSCH: ... we should just throw Judaism away and we should all be Christians, then, or ...
COULTER: Yeah.
DEUTSCH: Really?
COULTER: Well, it's a lot easier. It's kind of a fast track.
DEUTSCH: Really?
COULTER: Yeah. You have to obey.
DEUTSCH: You can't possibly believe that.
COULTER: Yes.
"We just want Jews to be perfected, as they say," Coulter said later in the show. "That is what Christianity is. We believe the Old Testament, but ours is more like Federal Express."
"Candidly, I had her on not to talk about politics but to talk about her brand strategy," Deutsch later told AdWeek . "Whether you like her or not, her strategy is to be extreme and that's a way to make money. But because it's her, it drifted into politics."
"I simply asked her a question, something like, 'If the world was her way, what would it look like?' And she said something to the effect that everybody would be Christians," Deutsch told AdWeek. "I was somewhat baffled and asked if that meant there would be no Buddhists or Jews and I think her words were, 'perfected' Jews [would be OK]."
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
To say that Jews should ''be perfected'' is laughable and completely racist. Unquestionably, Jews have made stupendous advances in the American culture and have set the standard that the rest of the world follows. It's not a coincidence that Jews are people of class, professionalism, wealth, hospitality and respect.
People associate Jews to be doctors, lawyers, accountants and overall extremely successful individuals who do not get into much trouble. It would be a major story if a rabbi was found on the first, second or third page of the newspaper for committing an offense, but it has become second nature to expect Christan's to be getting into a whirlwind of trouble on a consistent basis.
The standard of excellence that the Jewish religion has established is outstanding and to state that we need to be ''perfected'' is completely reprehensible.
Shame on Ann Coulter.
(CBS News) Ann Coulter is stirring up controversy again.
The conservative commentator said this week that the nation would be better off if all Americans were Christian and that she wants "Jews to be perfected, as they say."
Appearing on the CNBC show The Big Idea, Coulter was asked to give her version of a better America. She told the show's host, Donny Deutsch, that it would look like New York City during the 2004 Republican National Convention.
Pressed for details, Coulter said, "People were happy. They're Christian. They're tolerant. They defend America ..."
"Christian ... so we should be Christian?" Deutsch interrupted. "It would be better if we were all Christian?"
Coulter answered "Yes" once, and after being asked the same question again by an obviously surprised Deutsch, answered "Yes" a second time.
When Coulter tried to shift the conversation to the diverse congregations in Christian megachurches, the show's host brought the topic back to Coulter's statements about Jews.
Media Matters, the liberal media watchdog group which is publicizing the encounter, provided this transcript:
DEUTSCH: ... we should just throw Judaism away and we should all be Christians, then, or ...
COULTER: Yeah.
DEUTSCH: Really?
COULTER: Well, it's a lot easier. It's kind of a fast track.
DEUTSCH: Really?
COULTER: Yeah. You have to obey.
DEUTSCH: You can't possibly believe that.
COULTER: Yes.
"We just want Jews to be perfected, as they say," Coulter said later in the show. "That is what Christianity is. We believe the Old Testament, but ours is more like Federal Express."
"Candidly, I had her on not to talk about politics but to talk about her brand strategy," Deutsch later told AdWeek . "Whether you like her or not, her strategy is to be extreme and that's a way to make money. But because it's her, it drifted into politics."
"I simply asked her a question, something like, 'If the world was her way, what would it look like?' And she said something to the effect that everybody would be Christians," Deutsch told AdWeek. "I was somewhat baffled and asked if that meant there would be no Buddhists or Jews and I think her words were, 'perfected' Jews [would be OK]."
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Al Gore Wins Nobel Peace Prize - BREAKING NEWS
Gore, U.N. Body Win Nobel Peace Prize
By Howard Schneider and Debbi Wilgoren
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 12, 2007; 5:52 AM
Former Vice President Al Gore Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today along with a United Nations panel that monitors climate change for their work educating the world about global warming and advocating for political action to stop it.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee characterized Gore as "the single individual" responsible for convincing world governments that climate change was real, caused by human activity, and posed a threat to society.
Gore has focused on the issue through books, promotional events and his Academy Award-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth." The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, incorporating the work of some 2,000 scientists, has been monitoring evidence of climate change and possible solutions since 1988. The panel is a joint project between the United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization.
Between the science showcased by the panel and Gore's advocacy, the two helped "build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change," the committee said.
"Whereas in the 1980s global warming seemed to be merely an interesting hypothesis, the 1990s produced clear scientific support."
As with last year's award to Bangladeshi banker Mohammad Yunus, whose pioneering use of small loans to the very poor helped contribute to the stability of developing nations, this year's prize focused on an issue not directly related to war and peace, but which was seen as critical to maintaining social stability.
The panel said that global warming "may induce large-scale migration and lead to greater competition for the earth's resources. Such changes will place particularly heavy burdens on the world's most vulnerable countries. There may be increased danger of violent conflicts and wars, within and between states."
Highlighting those risks, and the role of man in both creating and mitigating them, has defined public life for Gore, 59, since he lost the closely fought presidential election in 2000 to President Bush.
From that difficult race, in which he won the popular vote but lost the electoral college in a case ultimately decided by the Supreme Court, he emerged as a controversial figure -- ridiculed by opponents as an environmental extremist, and hailed by supporters as "the Gore-acle" for his foresight on issues like the Internet and climate change.
The Nobel is a vindication that could impact the upcoming presidential race: Gore's supporters have repeatedly urged him to enter the race, and the luster of the peace prize may add to that push.
But the former vice president, whose background includes a Harvard education and deep roots in Tennessee politics, has seemed disinclined to enter the fray. He has focused more on undertakings like last summer's "Live Earth" concerts, which promoted environmentalism in a series of star-studded rock and roll shows around the world.
John Edwards Affair? | Enquirer, Part-Owned By Clinton Backer Says John Edwards In An Affair In 2006?
UPDATE: JOHN EDWARDS CAUGHT VISITING RIELLE HUNTER AND CHILD JULY 21, 2008.
FLASH: Clinton Campaign head sticks foot in mouth in Iowa.
FLASH: Barack Obama and African American fear of success.
Video UPDATE:
This is one of those stories you aren't sure what to do with but figure you should cover to some extent. Apparently the National Enquirer is reporting that John Edwards had been cheating on his wife. It's all the more hurtful because his wife's battling breast cancer and doesn't need any more stress, even from the mere existence of the story itself.
Yikes.
The person who some are pointing fingers at is named Rielle Hunter. She's a video producer who was hired to cover Edwards for a period of time during the campaign and made a special set of videos. Here's one of them..
Hunter released the following statement through a spokesperson:
"The innuendoes and lies that have appeared on the internet and in the National Enquirer concerning John Edwards are not true, completely unfounded and ridiculous.
My video production company was hired by the Edwards camp on a 6 month contract, which we completed December 31, 2006.
When working for the Edwards camp, my conduct as well as the conduct of my entire team was completely professional.
This concocted story is just dirty politics and I want no part of it."
But how in hell did this get started and generate 1,363 blog posts, according to Technorati? We'll get to that, but it appears the National Enquirer is part owned by Clinton backer and former staffer Roger Altman , according to Pat Dollard.
But A spokesman for American Media, Richard Valvo, said in an email that Altman has “no involvement in editorial, ever.” He said that Evercore owns 20% of the company through an investment fund. Altman didn’t respond to an email seeking comment or to a message left with his secretary.
American Media has also published terrible and negative stories about the Clintons since its acquisition, so that may just be coincidence.
But how did this get started?
According to Sam Stein over at the Huffington Post , the two met at a New York Bar (!) and the idea for a set of videos was hatched there. What Sam doesn't report, but does come from Rielle's own website, is that in 2004 she was flat broke. In 2006, just two years later, she scored a six-figure deal with Edwards. But how?
What appears possible is that Edwards got involved with helping a woman in her early 40s remake her life. Indeed, the production company that made the film, Midline Groove Productions, was brand new in 2006, according to its website.
"Midline Groove is a full-service production company committed to projects that reveal truth -- the authentic aspects of humanity that are right here and most often overlooked. Creating short and feature length documentaries for the web, broadcast, and big screen, the company was established in 2006 by producing partners Rielle Hunter and Mimi Hockman."
So it seems that the Edward project was Midline Groove Productions' first work, period. Thus it seems as if Edwards created a job for the new production company. It came at the right time for Hunter. Hunter's other website sends the constant message that Hunter was searching for a new self at the time. Check this out..
Back in bed the thought arises: Funny, I would ask Ramana for help and not Gangaji who is here in a body. Yes, that would be too intimate. Intimate intimate intimate. And because I have learned to move towards my fear, I have learned that under the fear is where all the great juice is hidden, it naturally occurs to me to ask her: Gangaji, PLEASE help me wake up from this dream.
There's a lot of text like that.
NYMag has a great timeline which I've reproduced here:
January 2007. John Edwards's One America campaign debuts a series of Web videos about him, made by relatively unknown documentarian Rielle Hunter. The pair met at a bar, where she sold the future candidate on the idea. Hunter subsequently followed Edwards around the country, filming. Newsweek reporter Jonathan Darman, upon watching the final cuts, notes that "in the midst of a short theme sequence that begins each Webisode, the camera lingers over the former senator's behind as he tucks a starched white shirt into his pants."
August 27, 2007. The Post's "Page Six" runs the following blind item: "WHICH political candidate enjoys visiting New York because he has a girlfriend who lives downtown? The pol tells her he'll marry her when his current wife is out of the picture." This is later reprinted by commenters on the Huffington Post blog.
September 26, 2007. Young Huffington Post blogger Sam Stein writes about his efforts to track down the Web videos, which have disappeared from Edwards's Website. Stein writes an oddly detailed account of his chase of the videos and points out that both the Edwards campaign and Hunter's production company blame one another for their vanishing act. Stein even checks with the Screen Actor's Guild to get more information and tracks down production assistants on the project, none of whom will say much. Finally, Edwards's people let him see the videos while accompanied by a campaign minder and Stein sees nothing sinister in them.
September 27, 2007. Daily Kos contributor Ben Bang links to Stein's post and viciously berates the reporter. "Are we supposed to infer something from this non-ending, douchebag?" Ben Bang asks, going on to call him a him a "no-article-finishing, character-assassinating hack fuck."
October 10, 2007. The National Enquirer reports that Edwards is having an affair with a mystery woman who had traveled with the campaign and met the candidate at a bar. An Edwards rep calls the allegations "false, absolute nonsense."
October 10, 2007. That same day, Stein posts a follow-up to his original Huffington Post piece. He questions why the filmmaker, Rielle Hunter, was paid upwards of $100,000 for her work and points out that she used to be a party girl who dated writer Jay McInerney in the eighties and inspired the main character in his book Story of My Life.
October 10, 2007. Ann Coulter, late in the day, mentions the Enquirer story on Tucker Carlson's MSNBC talk show. Daily Kos once again picks up on it and lists the reasons why Stein and the Huffington Post are irresponsible journalists for digging into it.
October 11, 2007. Mickey Kaus on Slate writes a post headlined "Emerging Edwards Scandal?" in which he notes the previous coverage, mulls what would happen to Edwards's campaign if the story were true, especially since he's been "tacitly and effectively used Elizabeth and her struggle" with cancer (the struggle with cancer no doubt being a large part of why the "mainstream media seems to be strenuously trying to not report it"), and wonders who might benefit. Obama?
October 11, 2007. Jezebel.com doesn't mince words, with a headline that screams, "Is John Edwards Cheating on His Cancer-Stricken Wife?" "Who the fuck sleeps with a married man whose wife has terminal cancer and THE ENTIRE WORLD FUCKING KNOWS ABOUT IT?"
October 11, 2007. Washington, D.C., gossip blog Wonkette.com picks up on the Enquirer story, too. After Ann Coulter (who once called John Edwards a gay slur) mentions it, they query: "But, um, Ann? Why would Edwards have a lady-affair when he's a 'faggot'?"
October 11, 2007. New York Magazine's Daily Intelligencer dutifully compiles all of the coverage of the rumor, without adding any information or making conclusions of any kind.
The AP Picks Up The Story
The Associated Press just picked up the story as did the LA Times. In total, 70 news outlets are running with the yarn. Let's see where this takes us as it's not going away.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
9 children killed in U.S. raid in Iraq
When will the constant fighting and this errorneous behavior stop? Enough is enough and the killing of nine innocent children is disgraceful.
By STEVEN R. HURST, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD - A U.S. attack killed 19 insurgents and 15 civilians, including nine children, northwest of the capital Thursday — one of the heaviest civilian death tolls in an American operation in recent months. The military said it was targeting senior leaders of al-Qaida in Iraq.
American forces have applied fierce and determined pressure on militants, especially al-Qaida in Iraq, since the full contingent of additional U.S. troops arrived June 15. But Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has recently confronted top American commander Gen. David Petraeus about what he sees as overly aggressive U.S. tactics that harm innocent civilians, according to Iraqi officials.
The military statement detailing Thursday's air and ground assault said soldiers were acting on intelligence reports about an al-Qaida meeting in the Lake Tharthar region. The southern reaches of the big, man-made lake are about 50 miles northwest of the capital.
The American account said U.S. surveillance confirmed "activity consistent with the reports and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target." The first air attack killed "four terrorists," said the statement.
The military said it then tracked some of those who escaped the initial attack to a place south of Lake Tharthar. It said ground forces moved on the site and came under fire. Air support was called in.
"After securing the area, the ground force assessed 15 terrorists, six women and nine children were killed," the statement said. Two suspected al-Qaida members, a woman and three children were wounded, according to the military account.
The military said its troopers "were reviewing information from the scene (of Thursday's attack) as well as assessing the level of damage involved."
The statement also issued regret "that civilians are hurt or killed while Coalition forces search to rid Iraq of terrorism."
On Oct. 5, a pre-dawn U.S. raid on Khalis, a Shiite city north of Baghdad, killed 25 people when U.S. troops called in airstrikes after meeting a fierce barrage while hunting suspected smugglers of arms from Iran to Baghdad. Village leaders said the victims included civilians, but the military insisted the 25 killed were militants.
President Bush ordered the 30,000 American forces to Iraq to stanch sectarian violence and give the government breathing space to foster reconciliation among the country's warring Sunni and Shiite Muslims. U.S. forces have chalked up notable success against militants, but the government has become nearly deadlocked and made no progress on healing wounds among Iraq's sectarian and ethnic groups.
The U.S. military announced the combat death of a soldier Wednesday in eastern Baghdad.
At least 35 Iraqis were killed or found dead in attacks nationwide Thursday, as suicide car bombers struck a market in the northern city of Kirkuk and a cafe in eastern Baghdad.
Also Thursday, the U.S. military revealed that rockets fired from a nearby abandoned school struck Camp Victory, U.S. military headquarters near Baghdad Airport, killing two members of the U.S.-led coalition and wounding 40 other people on the sprawling headquarters for U.S. forces in Iraq.
Most troops stationed at the base are American but there are small contingents from other countries. The military said those wounded in Wednesday's attack included two "third-country nationals," meaning they were not Americans or Iraqis.
Petraeus said 107 mm rockets were used. A number of other rockets also were found at the launching site, he said, adding the military had strong leads about who was behind the attack. A U.S. military official said the rockets were fired from an abandoned school nearby.
Both the Iraqi officials and the U.S. military official spoke on condition of anonymity because they lacked authorization to release information.
U.S. bases in Iraq frequently face rocket or mortar attacks, but Camp Victory is well-entrenched on the capital's western outskirts and such heavy casualties are rare.
On Sept. 11, one person was killed and 11 were wounded in a rocket attack on the complex, which includes lakeside palaces formerly used by Saddam Hussein that now house the headquarters of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq. The U.S. military said a 240 mm rocket provided to Shiite extremists by Iran was used in that attack.
By contrast, the U.S.-protected Green Zone, which houses the American and British embassies and the Iraqi government headquarters in central Baghdad, is far more vulnerable and has faced a series of deadly strikes in recent months.
By STEVEN R. HURST, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD - A U.S. attack killed 19 insurgents and 15 civilians, including nine children, northwest of the capital Thursday — one of the heaviest civilian death tolls in an American operation in recent months. The military said it was targeting senior leaders of al-Qaida in Iraq.
American forces have applied fierce and determined pressure on militants, especially al-Qaida in Iraq, since the full contingent of additional U.S. troops arrived June 15. But Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has recently confronted top American commander Gen. David Petraeus about what he sees as overly aggressive U.S. tactics that harm innocent civilians, according to Iraqi officials.
The military statement detailing Thursday's air and ground assault said soldiers were acting on intelligence reports about an al-Qaida meeting in the Lake Tharthar region. The southern reaches of the big, man-made lake are about 50 miles northwest of the capital.
The American account said U.S. surveillance confirmed "activity consistent with the reports and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target." The first air attack killed "four terrorists," said the statement.
The military said it then tracked some of those who escaped the initial attack to a place south of Lake Tharthar. It said ground forces moved on the site and came under fire. Air support was called in.
"After securing the area, the ground force assessed 15 terrorists, six women and nine children were killed," the statement said. Two suspected al-Qaida members, a woman and three children were wounded, according to the military account.
The military said its troopers "were reviewing information from the scene (of Thursday's attack) as well as assessing the level of damage involved."
The statement also issued regret "that civilians are hurt or killed while Coalition forces search to rid Iraq of terrorism."
On Oct. 5, a pre-dawn U.S. raid on Khalis, a Shiite city north of Baghdad, killed 25 people when U.S. troops called in airstrikes after meeting a fierce barrage while hunting suspected smugglers of arms from Iran to Baghdad. Village leaders said the victims included civilians, but the military insisted the 25 killed were militants.
President Bush ordered the 30,000 American forces to Iraq to stanch sectarian violence and give the government breathing space to foster reconciliation among the country's warring Sunni and Shiite Muslims. U.S. forces have chalked up notable success against militants, but the government has become nearly deadlocked and made no progress on healing wounds among Iraq's sectarian and ethnic groups.
The U.S. military announced the combat death of a soldier Wednesday in eastern Baghdad.
At least 35 Iraqis were killed or found dead in attacks nationwide Thursday, as suicide car bombers struck a market in the northern city of Kirkuk and a cafe in eastern Baghdad.
Also Thursday, the U.S. military revealed that rockets fired from a nearby abandoned school struck Camp Victory, U.S. military headquarters near Baghdad Airport, killing two members of the U.S.-led coalition and wounding 40 other people on the sprawling headquarters for U.S. forces in Iraq.
Most troops stationed at the base are American but there are small contingents from other countries. The military said those wounded in Wednesday's attack included two "third-country nationals," meaning they were not Americans or Iraqis.
Petraeus said 107 mm rockets were used. A number of other rockets also were found at the launching site, he said, adding the military had strong leads about who was behind the attack. A U.S. military official said the rockets were fired from an abandoned school nearby.
Both the Iraqi officials and the U.S. military official spoke on condition of anonymity because they lacked authorization to release information.
U.S. bases in Iraq frequently face rocket or mortar attacks, but Camp Victory is well-entrenched on the capital's western outskirts and such heavy casualties are rare.
On Sept. 11, one person was killed and 11 were wounded in a rocket attack on the complex, which includes lakeside palaces formerly used by Saddam Hussein that now house the headquarters of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq. The U.S. military said a 240 mm rocket provided to Shiite extremists by Iran was used in that attack.
By contrast, the U.S.-protected Green Zone, which houses the American and British embassies and the Iraqi government headquarters in central Baghdad, is far more vulnerable and has faced a series of deadly strikes in recent months.
New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys | Tickets & News
Sunday, October 14th is the perfect setting for what promises to be an epic battle. The New England Patriots travel to play the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Tickets for this contest start at $300 on the market and go up to as much as $16,000 for a "crown suite." Check it out for yourself...
New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys Tickets 10/14
The matchup itself is a battle of 5-0 unbeatens, and two of the three undefeated teams. What do various news outlets have to say about the game?
ESPN:
It's a battle of unbeatens ... and a potential preview of Super Bowl XLII. It's T.O. vs. Moss, Romo vs. Brady. It's 5-0 New England vs. 5-0 Dallas on Sunday at Texas Stadium (4:15 p.m. ET).
On Sunday, the Patriots and Cowboys will meet in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Both teams enter the game undefeated, and many believe this early-season meeting could prove to be a preview of Super Bowl XLII.
So far this season the Cowboys have established themselves the class of the NFC, thanks to the play of Tony Romo and a very strong offense. While New England's potent start, largely a result of a brilliant Tom Brady and resurgent Randy Moss, has many people believing the Patriots could be the first team to go undefeated in a season, since the 1972 Dolphins.
Sports Ilustrated:
IRVING, Texas (AP) -Excuse Tom Brady and the New England Patriots for wondering what all the fuss is about.
Sure, they find it interesting their game Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys is just the fifth in NFL history between unbeaten teams with at least five wins. However, they were part of the last such meeting.
The Patriots also can appreciate all the star power that will be on display: Brady and Randy Moss on their side, Tony Romo and Terrell Owens on the other, both at the top of the NFL scoring list.
But, c'mon. This is October. The Red Sox play meaningful, historic games this time of year, not the Patriots. The only dates circled on New England's calendar are the trip to Indianapolis in three weeks and an expected trip to Arizona in February.
"It's another regular-season game for us and there have been a lot of big games around here,'' Brady said. "I don't think we're building this to anything more than it really is, which is another game on our schedule. It's another game that we're hoping to play our best and make improvements.''
That's certainly not the perspective in Dallas.
From players to fans, anyone aligned with the Cowboys sees this as a tantalizing matchup, a chance to show that "America's Team'' is headed back to the top. With Romo leading them to their best start since 1983, this game should show whether they're as good as they think they are.
Even impartial observers are calling this a possible Super Bowl preview. If nothing else, it will show how the NFC's best stacks up against one of the AFC's big boys.
"This is one of those games you dream about,'' Dallas linebacker Bradie James said. "To get to where those guys have been, we've got to beat these guys, the guys who are considered the best.''
This is easily the Cowboys' most anticipated regular-season game at Texas Stadium since 1995, when the San Francisco 49ers visited in a matchup of teams that had met in the previous three NFC title games and combined to win the last three Super Bowls. San Francisco won that game; Dallas went on to win that season's Super Bowl.
Cowboys home games are known for the hole in the roof and the cheerleaders, not for boisterous fans. But the parking lot will open six hours before kickoff and the turnstiles three hours early, obvious invitations for folks to get into the spirit - and into the liquid spirits - in plenty of time to create an atmosphere that lives up to the caliber of these teams.
"This is why you work so hard, why you do all the things you do in the offseason, to get to this point so you can play in big games,'' Romo said. "That's what makes it fun. It will be a really enjoyable experience either way.''
Romo and Brady are an interesting pair.
Draft-day afterthoughts who had to work their way up the pecking order, both ousted Drew Bledsoe to get their job and have never looked back. Both also will be marking statistical milestones Sunday: regular-season start No. 100 for Brady, No. 16 for Romo, marking the equivalent of his first full season.
Since Romo's ascent this time last year, he's thrown for the most yards in the NFL. He has the second-most TD passes, one behind Brady. Throw in the celebrity status that Brady has and Romo is fast approaching, and it's surprising they hardly know each other, having met briefly this past offseason.
"It wasn't a big thing,'' Romo said. "It was just normal, two guys talking.''
Another similarity is the defensive challenge the quarterbacks are about to face.
Knowing New England coach Bill Belichick's reputation for designing confusing schemes, Romo spent the week plotting how he can avoid getting fooled. Playing such mind games could be risky for a guy who threw five interceptions and lost a fumble in his last outing.
Brady is leery because he's struggled the two times he's faced a defense run by Cowboys coach Wade Phillips, completing only 54 percent of his passes with four interceptions and three touchdowns. Brady, however, still managed to lead the Pats past Phillips and the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs last season.
Phillips' unit isn't as ferocious as the one he left behind, but the Cowboys are getting there. The defense has given up only a field goal over the last two games and only one touchdown in three games.
The flip side is that Brady's supporting cast is better this season, starting with Moss - the guy Owens had in mind when he offered his version of "no comment'' about this game, a sign taped to his locker that mentioned "the original 81 and the other 81.''
T.O., of course, considers himself the original, and only partly because he wore the number first.
Owens leads Moss 2-1 in head-to-head meetings, but Moss had the most spectacular performance, a 172-yard, three-touchdown show for Minnesota in 2003 that left Owens muttering, "He's the best.'' Moss has plenty more highlight clips from games against the Cowboys, especially at Texas Stadium.
Moss is coming off his first game without a touchdown or 100 yards, but Owens has only five catches for 58 yards over the last two games. Owens has gone three straight without a touchdown. If the Cowboys hadn't pulled out an amazing finish Monday night in Buffalo, his drops of some key passes would be a bigger story this week.
"He's going to be very motivated,'' tight end Jason Witten said. "He wants to be the best on the field at all times. Obviously he's got a huge challenge this week. We're going to need him to play big and come alive.''
Slowing Moss will be especially tough for a banged-up Dallas secondary. Terence Newman has the speed, but he's nursing foot and knee injuries. Anthony Henry has the size, but he missed the last game with a high ankle sprain and isn't expected to play.
From quarterbacks to receivers, coaches to even the owners (Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft, each with three Super Bowls and hoping for a fourth this season), everyone has bragging rights on the line Sunday.
Oddsmakers are leaning toward New England. History leans toward Dallas, as the home team is 3-0-1 in previous matchups of teams 5-0 or better.
Like Owens said in the postscript on his sign, "Getcha popcorn ready.''
I'll have my popcorn ready, tickets too!
New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys Tickets 10/14
The matchup itself is a battle of 5-0 unbeatens, and two of the three undefeated teams. What do various news outlets have to say about the game?
ESPN:
It's a battle of unbeatens ... and a potential preview of Super Bowl XLII. It's T.O. vs. Moss, Romo vs. Brady. It's 5-0 New England vs. 5-0 Dallas on Sunday at Texas Stadium (4:15 p.m. ET).
On Sunday, the Patriots and Cowboys will meet in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Both teams enter the game undefeated, and many believe this early-season meeting could prove to be a preview of Super Bowl XLII.
So far this season the Cowboys have established themselves the class of the NFC, thanks to the play of Tony Romo and a very strong offense. While New England's potent start, largely a result of a brilliant Tom Brady and resurgent Randy Moss, has many people believing the Patriots could be the first team to go undefeated in a season, since the 1972 Dolphins.
Sports Ilustrated:
IRVING, Texas (AP) -Excuse Tom Brady and the New England Patriots for wondering what all the fuss is about.
Sure, they find it interesting their game Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys is just the fifth in NFL history between unbeaten teams with at least five wins. However, they were part of the last such meeting.
The Patriots also can appreciate all the star power that will be on display: Brady and Randy Moss on their side, Tony Romo and Terrell Owens on the other, both at the top of the NFL scoring list.
But, c'mon. This is October. The Red Sox play meaningful, historic games this time of year, not the Patriots. The only dates circled on New England's calendar are the trip to Indianapolis in three weeks and an expected trip to Arizona in February.
"It's another regular-season game for us and there have been a lot of big games around here,'' Brady said. "I don't think we're building this to anything more than it really is, which is another game on our schedule. It's another game that we're hoping to play our best and make improvements.''
That's certainly not the perspective in Dallas.
From players to fans, anyone aligned with the Cowboys sees this as a tantalizing matchup, a chance to show that "America's Team'' is headed back to the top. With Romo leading them to their best start since 1983, this game should show whether they're as good as they think they are.
Even impartial observers are calling this a possible Super Bowl preview. If nothing else, it will show how the NFC's best stacks up against one of the AFC's big boys.
"This is one of those games you dream about,'' Dallas linebacker Bradie James said. "To get to where those guys have been, we've got to beat these guys, the guys who are considered the best.''
This is easily the Cowboys' most anticipated regular-season game at Texas Stadium since 1995, when the San Francisco 49ers visited in a matchup of teams that had met in the previous three NFC title games and combined to win the last three Super Bowls. San Francisco won that game; Dallas went on to win that season's Super Bowl.
Cowboys home games are known for the hole in the roof and the cheerleaders, not for boisterous fans. But the parking lot will open six hours before kickoff and the turnstiles three hours early, obvious invitations for folks to get into the spirit - and into the liquid spirits - in plenty of time to create an atmosphere that lives up to the caliber of these teams.
"This is why you work so hard, why you do all the things you do in the offseason, to get to this point so you can play in big games,'' Romo said. "That's what makes it fun. It will be a really enjoyable experience either way.''
Romo and Brady are an interesting pair.
Draft-day afterthoughts who had to work their way up the pecking order, both ousted Drew Bledsoe to get their job and have never looked back. Both also will be marking statistical milestones Sunday: regular-season start No. 100 for Brady, No. 16 for Romo, marking the equivalent of his first full season.
Since Romo's ascent this time last year, he's thrown for the most yards in the NFL. He has the second-most TD passes, one behind Brady. Throw in the celebrity status that Brady has and Romo is fast approaching, and it's surprising they hardly know each other, having met briefly this past offseason.
"It wasn't a big thing,'' Romo said. "It was just normal, two guys talking.''
Another similarity is the defensive challenge the quarterbacks are about to face.
Knowing New England coach Bill Belichick's reputation for designing confusing schemes, Romo spent the week plotting how he can avoid getting fooled. Playing such mind games could be risky for a guy who threw five interceptions and lost a fumble in his last outing.
Brady is leery because he's struggled the two times he's faced a defense run by Cowboys coach Wade Phillips, completing only 54 percent of his passes with four interceptions and three touchdowns. Brady, however, still managed to lead the Pats past Phillips and the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs last season.
Phillips' unit isn't as ferocious as the one he left behind, but the Cowboys are getting there. The defense has given up only a field goal over the last two games and only one touchdown in three games.
The flip side is that Brady's supporting cast is better this season, starting with Moss - the guy Owens had in mind when he offered his version of "no comment'' about this game, a sign taped to his locker that mentioned "the original 81 and the other 81.''
T.O., of course, considers himself the original, and only partly because he wore the number first.
Owens leads Moss 2-1 in head-to-head meetings, but Moss had the most spectacular performance, a 172-yard, three-touchdown show for Minnesota in 2003 that left Owens muttering, "He's the best.'' Moss has plenty more highlight clips from games against the Cowboys, especially at Texas Stadium.
Moss is coming off his first game without a touchdown or 100 yards, but Owens has only five catches for 58 yards over the last two games. Owens has gone three straight without a touchdown. If the Cowboys hadn't pulled out an amazing finish Monday night in Buffalo, his drops of some key passes would be a bigger story this week.
"He's going to be very motivated,'' tight end Jason Witten said. "He wants to be the best on the field at all times. Obviously he's got a huge challenge this week. We're going to need him to play big and come alive.''
Slowing Moss will be especially tough for a banged-up Dallas secondary. Terence Newman has the speed, but he's nursing foot and knee injuries. Anthony Henry has the size, but he missed the last game with a high ankle sprain and isn't expected to play.
From quarterbacks to receivers, coaches to even the owners (Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft, each with three Super Bowls and hoping for a fourth this season), everyone has bragging rights on the line Sunday.
Oddsmakers are leaning toward New England. History leans toward Dallas, as the home team is 3-0-1 in previous matchups of teams 5-0 or better.
Like Owens said in the postscript on his sign, "Getcha popcorn ready.''
I'll have my popcorn ready, tickets too!
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