Free Republic

Last night, FOX News host Sean Hannity looked at Daren Briscoe, a Newsweek correspondent who just left the magazine to work at the Obama White House. Briscoe’s new title is Deputy Associate Director of Public Affairs for the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Briscoe was “embedded” with Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and penned Newsweek’s book about the historic event, entitled A Long Time Coming. Briscoe is only the latest mainstream journalist to make the switch from “hack” to “flack.”

Former governor to be honored as Great Westerner By The Associated Press Former Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr., who presided during the state's oil and gas boom years and left office after a stunning primary defeat, will be inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners in Oklahoma City next month. Briscoe, governor from 1973 to 1979, will be honored at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City on April 17. Others being inducted are Wina Rae Calhoon, a pioneer teacher and minister, and Thomas "Broken Hand" Fitzpatrick, a mountain man, guide and fur trader. Briscoe was elected...

USS Portland, Crew of 320 Returns Home By SONJA BARISIC .c The Associated Press VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Hundreds of families stood in the rain and fog Friday, cheering as the USS Portland became the first East Coast-based Navy ship to return home from the war in Iraq. During its three-month mission, the Portland and its crew of 320 delivered combat Marines and equipment to Kuwait. It came home a bit early because of a needed repair. ``This is an answered prayer,'' said Cheryl Douglas, 47, of Virginia Beach. She was anxiously waiting at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base...

A decision could soon be on the way for thousands of sailors in the USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group.Their return boils down to one question being debated at the highest levels of the military. The answer could mean an early homecoming...or four additional months at sea.WAVY News 10's Military Reporter Patty Culhane has learned there are two dates being debated right now. One brings the Theodore Roosevelt home in early June, which would be the news family members having been hoping to hear.The other - what the crew has been considering the "worst case" scenario - calls for the carrier...