Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread 4 February 2007

It was all scary! The fact that the "moderates" are obviously afraid of the radicals as much as anyone else. The libs aren't going to be happy until America is as fractured as the Middle East! I hope the Conservatives can stop this tide. Bottom line: E.D. did a good report!

I watched it again....and I so appreciate Fox News for having these specials.

However, it doesn't do any good for US to get the message, but wonder if our Congress has gotten "the message"...right??

I think there are quite a few who realize the dangers. However, we have got to get the media's attention. They are spreading their propaganda daily and the politicians are afraid that they won't get elected unless they go along. We have to make sure that OUR elected officials know what we expect of them. Democracy will work if we practice it....never forget that.

Jveritas, do you have any recollection of this from your work or contacts?

I posted this on the Sunday talk show thread

The Libyan nuclear program was staffed almost exclusively by Iraqi scientists.

and edpc replied

I have never heard about that. I'm not surprised the MSM hasn't detailed it. Do you have a source for the story? Not that I'm skeptical, I'd just like to read more about it.

I actually tried to find a source to link to before I did my post. I was confident of my recollection, but couldn't remember specifically where I'd found it or how long ago it was. Libya renounced all of their WMD stuff in 2003, so I resoned that many of the sources may be archived or behind pay access barriers, like the NY Times. After a few minutes I gave up.

Today I've done a bit more searching and have found a relatively recent source over at Powerline:

March 29, 2006

Iraq-Libya Nuclear Connection?

As we noted last night, one of the recently-released audio tapes from Saddam Hussein's office makes clear that by the mid 1990s, portions, at least, of Iraq's nuclear weapons program had been moved outside that country:
Sir, where was the Nuclear material transported to? A number of them were transported outside of Iraq.

The tape does not say where the nuclear materials went. But two readers have suggested that it was likely Libya. Norm Grant writes:
ISSA [International Strategic Studies Association] has been saying for years that Saddam's nuclear program was primarily located in Libya. You might want to go to strategicstudies.org and check out the January 30, 2004 Iraqi war report. I'm having a hard time pulling up a link.
ISSA has written that they have better human intel in Libya than our own CIA. ISSA believed that as many as 20,000 Iraqis were in Libya working on WMD and missile development.

Paul Linsay writes:
Regarding the nuclear program and the Iraqis who were working on it "somewhere." Remember when Quaddafi gave up his nuclear program in the aftermath of OIF? Initially, I was surprised to learn that Libya had a program and wondered how they could do it. They have a population of 6 million, a GDP of $30 billion, and a 75% literacy rate. For comparison, the state of Massachusetts also has a population of 6 million, a GDP of $120 billion, and the needed brainpower to build a nuclear weapon. But Massachusetts probably couldn't afford it since the cost is north of $20 billion and requires an industrial operation of at least 10,000 people. So where does Libya come by the needed people, knowledge, and money? Iraq! At the time Quadaffi said "Uncle", there were a few reports, which quickly disappeared, of large numbers of Iraqi nuclear scientists and technicians in Libya to run the program. This tape may be a link in the connection.

The ISSA analysis is accessible here, linked through "Libya Assessments" in the upper right-hand corner of the page. The ISSA analysis is too long to quote in detail, but this is the broad outline:
Given the billions of dollars which Saddam had invested in WMD, and the fact that WMD and associated delivery systems represented his only chance at strategic independence, it was inconceivable that he would not have engaged in massive strategic deception operations in the hope that, as partially demonstrated in 1991, once the US/West/UN had gone through Iraq as comprehensively as possible, he would then be free to re-import his strategic capacity, by that time at a proven and operational level. This option was lost, however, not because the US George W. Bush Administration was aware — at the White House level — of the specifics of the deception and re-deployment of WMD programs, but because of the intuitive belief by the White House that Pres. Saddam was engaged in a strategic-level build-up which threatened the region and Western interests.
Saddam utilized his best efforts and international contacts and alliances to limit the scope of debate and UN inspections to an extremely finite set of conditions, all of which focused solely on the Iraqi territory. In this, he was almost totally successful.
However, there were numerous failures to maintain the total secrecy of his actions at an operational intelligence level. This may have been inevitable, given the scope of the WMD programs being conducted in Libya, for example, where an estimated Iraqi workforce of up to 20,000 scientists, engineers and workers were engaged in WMD and missile development, and in other countries, such as Mauritania (intended as a launch site for ballistic missiles to threaten the US), where Iraqi intelligence officials were conducting aspects of the strategy.
What has emerged from the pattern of intelligence available is that Pres. Saddam took the opportunity, possibly shortly after the 1991 defeat of his Armed Forces in the first US-led Coalition war against Iraq in 1990-91, to move his WMD programs to one or more safe havens abroad. It was known, even at that point, that Iraq maintained extensive deployments of forces and some basing inside Sudan, and that Saddam and Libyan leader Mu’ammar al-Qadhafi were closely aligned in that they perceived threats from the same quarters: (a) the United States, and (b) radical Islamists. Equally, they increasingly came to the same view that they needed to work with the Islamists because the various Islamist groups — ranging from Osama bin Laden’s organization to the Iranian-led Shi’a groups — also felt threatened by, and hostile to, the United States.

It will be interesting to see whether additional documents to be released will confirm that Saddam continued his nuclear program in Libya, or perhaps elsewhere.

Posted by John at 11:40 AM

As is mentioned in the Paul Lindsey portion of the above post the original reports may well have been "cleansed" from the net. There's been a lot of that the last couple of years, particularly of reports that tend to support the reasons for going to war in Iraq. I'm thinking it's the "shadow government" types in the bureaucracy, particularly at State and CIA, who are so invested in defeating and destroying Bush.

Here is the slimmer me with the same tee shirt though apart from my face you cannot tell because the tee shirt is so big LOL

And so it was Superbowl Sunday 2007 and yet the brave political junkees gathered together on FreeRepublic, on THIS thread, to discuss, dissect and disseminate wisdom as required from the Sunday political talk show fare offered on 2/4/2007.

Phsstpok's, as always offered an excellent pre-show thread to get everyone up to snuff on what politico would be appearing where and when.

Now on to the top ten posts/posters of Sunday, 2/4/07, FreeRepublic's Sunday Talk Show Thread.

I am covering this assignment for beloved Rodguy who had to work. So you are all stuck with my opinion. Get over it. Heh.

#10-Malia

...in a surprise late thread entry, Malia gives a fine listing of quotes on Saddam's Weapons of Mass Destruction. Some surprising quotes and even more surprising quote sources in this listing.

#9-tarheelswamprat

Another late thread entry with some unique insight on McCain, Newt and the REAL threats we face in this country.

#8-Morgan in Denver

Our Colorado pundit comes in at number 8 with an intriguing analysis of the Dems and the Pubbies in 2008.

Also, check out this dissection of Newt before ruling him out of the 2008 presidential race.

#7-MNJohnnie

There's nothing that will spark an in-thread interest more than a rollicking debate. MNjohnnie debates the points raised on posts containing surprising revelations on Newt and Allen as well as a controversial post all about compromise.

Follow the in-thread debate HERE

#6-Snugs

Of course Snugs always comes through with great pics of the Cheneys and the grandkids.

But for the stuff of real importance, Snugs also comes through with a great recipe for southwestern dip.

#5-altura

Altura ranks right up there this week on Sunday talk show posters for nothing else but this inconvenient truth about Molly Ivens. I am a bit tired of this post-death adulation of an unabashed liberal as well.

And for great slams against presidential contender John Edwards, it doesn't get much better than this.

#4-Laverne

Cheers to Laverne for some great posts on the Libby trial this past week. Check out Laverne's posts HERE AND HERE.

#3-eeevil conservative

EC became part of the in-thread debate with MNJohnnie. Along with the debate posts, EC offered a great Hillary analysis and some Wbb versus Allen insights.

The in-thread debate begins here.

Check here to find additional posts on the debate.

#2-AliVeritas

We're pretty sure that some part of user name AliVeritas means TRUTH. So coming in at number two this week on the FreeRepublic top ten Sunday Talk Show posts/posters, AliVeritas beguiles with information on John Edwards that astonishes.

We begin with the inside tale of Edwards' wife's cancer. We move on to, heh, something called John Edwards' marriage profile. We round it all of with TEN things you never knew about John Edwards.

If that's not enough, check out this post on on Sandy Berglar and finish it all off with this post on the "Sanity Squad".

#1-edpc

Comin in at number UNO on the FreeRepublic Weekly Sunday Talk show thread we have a user with the cryptic name of EDPC.

EDPC participated readily throughout the thread and this user's posts included insights on all manner of topics.

We begin with this interesting Biden comparison. Next, move on to a

Webb slam beautiful for its artful sarcasm. Hold on, we've got some Obama sarcasm and how can you not love this?

Just when we think all EDPC has to offer is sarcasm, we get this great post on Weapons of Mass Destruction.

We end with a list of RINO Republicans to avoid like the plague

Wow! Thanx, Fishtalk. I never got an award before. Even #5 is a big thrill.

You like me....

Hey, thanks.....happy I could contribute. If I'm not around this week, it's because my head's still too swelled to fit into the room.

;-)

Incidentally, my screen handle is actually my initials....all four of them...no joke! How's that for cryptic?

~LOL~ you left Chuck Hagel off your list. I told my husband yesterday that someone must have told him the same thing they told Lincoln Chaffee -- you are a Republican, because they could have never decided on their own to be something they don't understand.

Thanks Fishtalk and congratulations to the winners. What started as a slow Sunday turned into a good discussion and many new ideas for people to consider.

You are welcome, (almost a week later from pensacola)

THanks fish much appreciated great job.

Thanks so much! It is a tough job to play judge!

Honorable Mention Awards for Sunday, February 11^th, 2007

An embarrassment of riches this week. We've been having a bit of a dry spell since the election compared to the level of stellar activity during the campaigns. We seem to have shaken that off with this last weeks show thread. Well done! In fact, I was getting to the point that I was going to simply point everyone to the thread itself for all of the posts because they were all excellent (except for one having something to do with King Arthur's Court... <g>)

Because of the sheer volume of what I consider notable posts I'm altering my normal pattern in posting the awards. Here is a list of the posts outside of the top 10 with only links to the posts that caught my eye, without any text from those posts. I'll also post the same list with the text of the posts after the top 10 is posted and will do the same type of double post with and without text of the top 10.

Sorry to be so late in posting this. The surge in posts coupled with a full week of business travel conspired to put a hitch in my giddyup. And now I've got to try to get the preview thread done!

Congratulations to all.

This list is alphabetical

A Citizen Reporter - #161; #185; #213; #271; #275; #315; #777;
altura - #575; #642;
Barset - #453;
BusterBear - #473;
Carolinamom - #196;
CFC__VRWC - #499;
chiller - #569;
Chgogal - #379; #406; #429;
debg - #573;
edpc - #60; #102; #208; #223; #239; #244; #280; #308; #350; #398;
fedupjohn - #306; #563;
Fishtalk - #34; #501;
Jeff Chandler - #254;
kabar - #470; #644;
maica - #81; #129; #199; #241; #224;
mainepatsfan - #181; #191; #194; #229; #238; #245; #248;
MHGinTN - #343;
norwaypinesavage - #354;
OESY - #140;
OldFriend - #5; #115;
oneofmany - #195;
PaRepub07 - #310;
shadeaud - #101;
snugs - #188;
SW6906 - #203;
syriacus - #45; #205; #293;
TakeChargeBob - #765;
ThreePuttinDude - #167;
windchime - #114;

Top 10 Awards for Sunday, February 11^th, 2007

no text

As with the entire thread we have an embarrassment of riches here. I could see awarding first place to any of these 10, along with a good many of those in the honorable mention list. It was that kind of week. Were I in a position to do this by points we'd be talking differences of thousands of a point on all ten of these posters this week. Truly an excellent thread.

Congratulations and I'm sorry for the delay.

10th place Bahbah - #63; #93; #148; #180; #190; #197; #246; #277; #281; #288; #299; #333; #358; #408; #430; #568; #598;

9th place eeevil conservative - #559; #585;

8th place Alas Babylon! - #87; #94; #434; #464; #486;

7th place rodguy911 - #174; #216; #243; #305; #322; #391; #402; #438; #587;

6th place samantha - #31; #182; #304; #377; #395; #564; #614; #620;

5th place anita - #6; #10; #25; #58; #189; #416;

4th place txradioguy - #424; #427; #449; #580;

3rd place Txsleuth - #294; #297; #302; #309; #314; #324; #330; #351; #357; #362; #370; #399; #405; #417; #463; #536; #606; #623;

Very good reporting for those who couldn't see some of the shows or for those who saw but didn't catch the important items she found for us. Add to that insight and analysis that explains what was being said as well as what was not, and you have a great showing this week.

2nd place Morgan in Denver - #276; #332; #421; #425; #452; #479; #529; #547; #551; #561; #577; #586; #691; #704;

Very strong and some important analysis of the topics being discussed this week. And it's not a brag if it's true.

1st place Laverne - #11; #15; #42; #84; #89; #110; #158; #173; #207; #219; #234; #264; #312; #338; #385; #423; #439;

Excellent observations of fact from the show and even better analysis. Oh, and a bit of very attractive wishful thinking as well.

Top 10 Awards for Sunday, February 11^th, 2007

As with the entire thread we have an embarrassment of riches here. I could see awarding first place to any of these 10, along with a good many of those in the honorable mention list. It was that kind of week. Were I in a position to do this by points we'd be talking differences of thousands of a point on all ten of these posters this week. Truly an excellent thread.

Congratulations and I'm sorry for the delay.

10th place Bahbah

#63; "Hoyer says the dems are backing off their promise to allow the Pubbies to offer alternates to the resolution the dems will prepose. ... Boehner is giving the big picture of failure in Iraq. Says the terrorists will follow us here. Victory is our only option."
#93; "Timmy lets Hoyer go on and on. ... Boehner jumps in. Why not allow pubbies bring a resolution to the floor. Steny says they will. When, when, when Steny asks Boehner. Does not let Hoyer off the hook. (Who put something in Boehner's coffee and where can we get some?)"
#148; "Broder is now going on about what an arresting figure Obama is. Compares to Kennedy but says pretty soon Obama's going to have to put some policy meat on the bones. ... Timmy plays Obama saying he'll serve his term as senator. I don't like Obama (obviously), but changing your mind because things change does not make you a liar. ... Oh, Timmy is impressed by the fact that Obama was not being coy and excuses what would be called a flip flop in someone else. It was a pro-Obama piece."
#180; "Howie Kurtz just spun what we are learning from the Libby trial as seeing that journalists are too cozy with the Bush administration and being used to get the admin position out to the public. ... Unbelievable."
#190; "Gwenn Ifill says that they are all worried that their bad handwriting will get them called into court, poor things."
#197; "No, it isn't, which is why they are so furiously reporting it incorrectly. You have to read Clarice Feldman and Andy McCarthy to understand it at all. I have to say that Firedoglake, which is way to the left, has been doing some accurate coverage as will, so kudos to her." (Note - reply to mainepatsfan's post #191 about the Libby trial)
#246; "I'm listening to Feith. ... We have a really bad problem with the CIA."
#277; "McConnell did very, very well. ... He refused to say whether we would go into Iran, as was appropriate. Wallace was dumb to press him on something like that."
#281; "'But Senator I think you are confusing the facts with the political perception of this' ... Sorry to say that is exactly what you heard, and doesn't that just perfectly illustrate our problem! The MSM creates a perception that then becomes the reality. As Feith pointed out, words have meaning and you should be careful with them. Of course when you are trying to manipulate public perception, you are careful to mislead with your words." (Note - reply to A Citizen Reporter's post #271)
#288; "Wallace uses Reed to recreate the picture that Feith and his people manipulated evidence to make the case for war in Iraq. Reed goes along willingly, of course. ... If Feith watched this part, I'll bet his fist went through his tv screen. He ought to find a way to call Wallace out on it."
#299; "'He let Hoyer get away with outright lying about the DOD IG report....' ... That was disappointing. I get the feeling that Boehner does not like hard work. But clearly he has had conversations about things that need to be done and is getting the message. He needs to work harder though."
#333; "... Could it be that some, even if they have no love lost for the Administration, are beginning to wake up to the fact of the bloodbath that will ensue if we are not successful in Iraq? There aren't going to be any impenetrable bubbles built around their family members if another big hit comes." (Note - reply to Txsleuth's post #330 regarding Trent Lott)
#358; "Oh no, John and Teresa are writing a book about global warming and energy independence.'
#408; "... (Senator Gregg) is a great spokesman, very intellectually agile, very smart. I would love to see more of him."
#430; "Duncan Hunter doing a fine job on CNN. Very clear spoken, coherent, and oh so right on the border issue."
#568; "The world is perfectly willing to pretend to like us when we are victims. If that's what it takes, I prefer not to be liked, I'd rather be feared if those are the choices."
#598; "The transcript of Feith's appearance has been posted." (Note - link to FR thread)

9th place eeevil conservative

#559; "Bush's War... This War is America's War. The people were behind it. Congress voted overwhelmingly for it. In fact- they WANTED the opportunity to go on record for the War. ... The Oil For Food Scandal revealed why the UN was not quite so supportive. They had too many packets being lined at the expense of Iraqi lives. ... The "We can't Win" mantra is a smoke screen and a lie. If we had found the WMD, these same people would be proudly touting their support. So- with this reality- I want to know- WHAT DOES WMD being found or NOT being found have to do with winning a military operation? What does being "duped" have to do with the abilities of the American Military? ... It is a false argument- built on lies and sound bites serving political purposes at the expense of our security- all for power and money- and not a DAMN thing to do with patriotism, right and wrong, or "support" of our troops."
#585; "oh-- and another million dollar question.. ... the next time I hear some pansy ars claim there were no WMD-- I have two words for them-- ... PROVE IT!"

8th place Alas Babylon!

#87; "... As Forrest Gump said, 'Stupid is as stupid does.' ... Many of the more widely known (so-called) journalists today are not the sharpest knives in the drawer. They were hired for their looks and voices, and rose to prominence on the same."
#94; "... Russert has become one of the most partisan of all the so-called journalists today. Dan Rather at least had a goofy, homespun charm about him. Russert's hunched-over, angry-at-Republicans; leaning-back, open-and-smiling-to-Democrats is so blatantly obvious... Here's hoping for him to meet some justice."
#434; "I think a lot of it is due to other journalists who no doubt berate the liberal journalists at Fox News for working at a "Right Wing" new organization. They feel a need to show they're not Right Wing. ... It kind of reminds me of my USAF days when we'd get a female commander who would try to prove her creds by "outmanning" the male commanders by being extra-tough. That was always a pain in the butt because it was just so unnecessary. We always admired commanders who would simply be themselves and not worry about how others perceived them. ... If you remember when Wallace interviewed Clinton last year, one of Clinton's verbal jabs at Chris was.... 'So you did Fox’s bidding on this show. You did your nice little conservative hit job on me. What I want to know is…' ... That's the attitude the dems and DBM have about Fox News. Straight from the "Head" man himself!"
#464; "You mean he now knows how it feels to be a Republican guest on Meet the Press? ... Tim Russert (hunched over, holding paper tightly in his pudgy hands, frowning, eyes glaring): 'Why do you Republicans want to kill old people and starve babies?' ... Republican Guest: (Startled look) 'What do you mean?' ... Russert: 'Just answer the question!!!!' ... Oh, and thinking of this, isn't that just the way Russert's MSNBC employee, Chris Matthews, operates? ... Yes, VERY ironic"
#486; "To the Left Wing, Netroots, Moveon.org, Michael Moore side of the democra-Tick party, the enemy is not the terrorists nor Islamic fundementalists, it is the United States, George Bush, evil Republicans, and Christians (not necessarily in that order). I kid you not. ... They and their spokesmen (such as John F'n) really do believe it is the US that is evil, not the thugs and tyrants of the world. Kerry's been making these type of stupid statements since Vietnam. That he came as close as he did to being President says a lot about the thinking powers of some of our citizenry!"

7th place rodguy911

#174; "... This just goes to show that Russert has an extremely selective memory. He seems to remember things the way it will help his rat buddies and hurt Scooter much differently than when he is chatting with an FBI supv. during a Sunday conversation. (a supervisor who reportedly met Russert during an NBC Washington, DC church tour--bizzarro?) ... The whole trial is becoming so convoluted how any prosecutor could expect to prove Scooter did anything on purpose much less revealing the name of a covert CIA spy who really wasn't a spy(try and figure that one out) when no one taking the stand can recall anything is beyond me. ... And to top it off seems like not allowing NBC's Andrea Mitchell's testimony that Armitage was the initial leaker to Novak's infamous piece is beyond bizarre as well, oh well. ..."
#216; "IMHO rather than invading Iran, the smartest thing we can do is destroy the terrorists they send to Iraq and if they commit any overt misdeeds anywhere, strike them hard and then wait until they do something stupid again. ... I fear an all out war in Iran will only inspire more terrorists,the sanctions are working, we should just let them take their course."
#243; "... nothing that happens is ever anything but an issue to the dem/rats. From the war to the border to the budget, none are important in reality, only as to their political value."
#305; "Obama is a typical rat politico. light on substance and huge on bluster. ... For someone who has virtually no experience in govt. he is way out of his league. ... I stand by my original prediction that he will be come Hillary's VP(gopher)and he and Bubba will Rock star their way to fame in the final few months of the election war (with the DBM frantically in tow opening doors and feeding their stars shrimp and baloney) while Hillary takes a long deserved vacation back to Alaska in search of someone else who will wear a pants suit while running for President."
#322; "They don't get it, they have become laughing stocks." (Note - reply to SW6906 post #203 on the MSM)
#391; "... The DBM do cover one another when it's in their interest. (Howard Kurtz, WaPost/CNN doesn't get more DBM/rat inclined than him) Sins of omission are often much more relevant than lies on the stand."
#402; "IMHO, Terrorism only exists as just another issue for the Demonrats. They could care less about the actuality of terrorism, only it's value as a political issue."
#438; "He's a brave guy (Duncan Hunter) to be interviewed by Woof Woof of CNN. He should know what to expect. He's defending the surge but Woof already has an agenda. (pull out! pull out!) ... What needs to be said is just how brilliant a plan the surge really is.! ... It's a lot more than just putting in more troops. From what I have seen and heard over the past few weeks, it even entails our guys going to live with some of their Iraqi counterparts. Really getting to know the neighborhoods and who is who. ... This is truly the only way to spot bad guys in the asymmetric war we are now waging in Iraq. When they do rear their ugly head and it will make the terror types think twice about pulling any shi.... Who ever thought up the surge is a military genius IMHO! That's probably why the rats are trying to kill it off so hard, they realize it has a good chance of working. ... The dems don't consider Iraq or the WOT their war. ... Once again neither war exists in reality only as issues for the Dems. And since it's not their issue they are not for it. ... If GW had been Bubba instead they would have been all for the surge and the war,but he' not. ... That is simply how they play the game,and to them it's all political all the time, forget reality."
#587; "From my standpoint every time the WMD argument comes up I point to all the US interviews Gen. Georges Sada(Sadaam's former Air Force Gen.) did shortly after he wrote his book. ... He documented time and again how two gutted planes, a 707 and 747, flew over 50 missions into Damascus from Iraq loaded with WMD's. They are today supposedly buried in Syria and Lebanon. ... Anyway to infer there were no WMD's is a true insult to what we know.Good to see you stop by EC!"

6th place samantha

#31; "Good Morning all. The diaper clad DBM misreports not just out of a partisan/bias mindset,but because they only went to Journalism School and then were hired by DBM organizations that do not hold them accountable. This is Rocket Science to their feeble minds, and they are not catching on like the Bloggers have. It is also about doing their homework, and not rushing to the nearest Cocktail Lounge or Bar to high five one another. They do a half arsed job and do not care as long as nobody calls them on it. Buffalo Butt Timmah was very sensitive to complaints about his reporting, and The Bloggers brought that out. Sounds like the New Media is going to have to use the sledge hammer to get them to pay attention, obviously their lowered ratings, or no ratings, lower Circulation, Lower Bond Status, Profits, etc do not concern them one iota."
#182; "When you look at the stories that are being reported on the most, you realize that the DBM has finally become what it criticized the most, Tabloid Journalism. They spent years knocking the National Enquirer, and all the real tabloids, but most of us began trusting the Honesty of the Tabloids at least 70 percent more than the DBM. They were lousy at Honest Journalism, and they are just as lousy at Tabloid Journalism." (Note - reply to mainepatsfan's post #191 about the Libby trial)
#304; "Hoyer is sitting back and watching Pelosi implode. He will sound moderate, and look like he has both feet on the ground, especially compared to her crazy "Queen Bee" of the world behavior. The rats are already uncomfortable with how their anointed is getting them unfavorable publicity because of her elitist "let them eat cake" attitude, and 2008 looms like "Godzilla" to their Tokyo hopes to keep their tiny Majority and win the Presidency. She looks and acts like a mean control freak with a shrewish manner second only to Hillary, even though she tries to portray herself as a sweet little old Granny. America likes tough women, but we do not want them to be the cup wearing kind. Ugh, did I say that? It is not just conservatives that are turned off by her, and her Buddies like Murtha, even Liberals frown upon that unholy alliance."
#377; "... Cronkite looked old and grandfatherly even when he was young, but most of the Media guys are all hat and no Cattle. Tom Brokaw was good looking , but always sounded like he needed to blow his nose. Rather was fairly good looking, Petah Jennings, Brian Williams. Most of the older Media Guys were seasoned reporters that just flat out got lazy and partisan. Today's reporters/Journalists have no real reporting background. It is voice and attractive appeal o mostly women viewers. Timmah is the exception very unattractive, and is not a Journalist, he is a ^&$%%^&^& Lawyer, who worked for Liberal Rats. We know where Stepphie came from. Schieffer is like another Cronkite, old Grandfatherly type that is trusted because you can just hear his bones creak. LOL!"
#395; "... (Murtha) is trying to save his own butt by threatening the Pentagon unless they give Nanzee the equivalent of AF2. Nanzee and he have these crooked deals that have been done for many years, and they both stand to lose if they tell on each other. I think that Murtha is tone deaf, and he really has delusions of Grandeur. I think the rats are really regretting some of the Whack Jobs like Murtha and Pelosi that they elevated in 2006 just to get their Power again. I think they are seeing it all go away, especially in light of the infighting for power, and the bad publicity they are getting with Jefferson, etal already so soon after they have assumed Power. I would love to be a fly on the wall in those Rat meetings."
#564; "I believe they would bite, kick, scratch each other's eyes out like the Girlie men they are for any Position in the White House except intern. They want to be rewarded, and even in a lousy Rat Administration it would be good enough to take on the road in the Pay for Speeches Circuit (like slick willie), or a Book, or pad their resume for future high paying jobs as consultants."
#614; "Dodd is running to be the "Fop" in Chief, he certainly could be nothing else. He always reminded me of the late Jack Cassidy, especially when Jack Cassidy would be cast as the Murderer on The Peter Falk Detective Drama Columbo. Nobody could do a girlie man sneer, and Guilty as sin look better than him. Of course Cassidy was not fat like Dodd, but Dodd does a pretty good self righteous, but guilty as Hell sneer himself. He never comes across as credible, maybe he should take acting lessons? Nah! Stack of Bibles, hand. Nah!"
#620; "Maybe it is like they are circling the wagons because if Timmah goes down, he might spill his guts about all the bad stuff they have done. There is no honor among thieves and DC DBM, same difference. It could also be a slippery slope for the DC DBM, once someone big is nailed their house of cards will come crashing down around them. They will really need to be the Diaper Clad DBM then, super sized for Helen Thomas and David Gregory of course."

5th place anita

#6; "Week & again, he proves that Russert is NOT an honest host. Now after clear proof of NBC's (especially Russert's) Connection in truth twisting, I think Republicans should Boycott MTP until it's democrat hack anchor is replaced."
#10; "When democrats are in Minority, MSM labelled them as senate democrat leader & house democrat leader. Now they gladly label republicans with minority labels."
#25; "On Mathews' show, Time's Joel Klein was predicting a little quake in the senate - with Lieberman switching party."
#58; "Here 's this sunday's Media Nuggets ..." (great stories, as usual - complete post at link - especially encouraging indicators of some backlash inside the DBM against the grotesque excesses this week)
#189; "... Even Imus won't buy his coming to the court with crutches. Imus said that he fell down in November and there is no way he need crutches now, other thn to buy sympathy of jurors. He said this on his show."
#416; "... DNC talking points or Terrorist talking points?."

4th place txradioguy

#424; "The problem with the Libtards is that no sooner than the election results were in back on Nov 7th...they totally forgot all of their "drain the swamp...new tone" rhetoric and reverted right back to type. ... To me they are acting like every person you see posting on DU. Spoiled eleteist and under the strange belief that control of the Government in the U.S. is their DIVINE RIGHT. ... In their minds they are the only ones who can take care of us cause in their superior minds only THEY know what's good for the country...blech! ... IMHO the Rats aren't regretting Stretch and ABSCAM John...they are reveling in their actions."
#427; "The only good thing about the Libtards that go off the reservations...is that it gives us an honest and truthful glance into how they view the U.S. and those of us that live in it."
#449; "Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry is the commander of Combined Forces Command - Afghanistan. ... Prior to his current assignment, he was the director for Strategic Planning and Policy for U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. ... His operational assignments include... " (Note - lot's more info, good basic biography for General Eikenberry)
#580; "Is it just me...or when you hear a Libtard talk about how it's not "their war"...is the first thought you have 'what country are you from?' ... The Rats saying this isn't "their war" is as stupid as the Republicans in WWII referring to that war as 'Mr. Roosevelts War' ... Last time I checked...below the superficialness of what political party you belong to...you're an American...this is a war that involves America and it's citizens...so therefore Libs...it IS your war because it's AMERICA'S WAR!!!!"

Third Place Txsleuth

Very good reporting for those who couldn't see some of the shows or for those who saw but didn't catch the important items she found for us. Add to that insight and analysis that explains what was being said as well as what was not, and you have a great showing this week.

#294; "LOL...On Face The Nation...Bob Schieffer decided to introduce Dodd by showing a 'commercial' for Obama."
#297; "Uh oh...Dodd said Obama is "attractive" and can "articulate" his position...hehe"
#302; "Dodd just said that Iraq "couldn't be any worse than it is today"...when asked what would happen if the USA were to withdraw from Iraq right now. ... Dodd said the will have to cut off spending in later bills and some of the Republicans will go along."
#309; "Being asked about the report coming out today about Iran's involvement. ... Dodd says we need to talk to Iran...and he doesn't believe the intel..because they just found out Feith 'was cooking the books'... Dodd is skeptical that Iran is involved with Iraq...and thinks that Bush is just trying to get us in Iran...especially the way that Bush uses "doctored" intelligence."
#314; "Boehner really disappointed me....never even tried to stop Hoyer's lies...and he looked mighty guilty when Timmy read that Times article about the 'new' way around the ethics and lobbying bill. ... He had pretty good answer, but he sat there looking guilty for too long, IMHO>"
#324; "Lott is denying that Bush is trying to make a case for invading Iran... Lott explaining to Bob that talking to Iran is a little more subtle than just what the dems say they should do. ... Being asked about the debate about debating Iraq... Lott "That is inside baseball....we want a debate, not a mandate". ... Saying he wants a debate...but Bob is saying all newspapers said that Rep. cuts off debate..and Lott has to explain to Bob that the newspapers were WRONG..LOL ... Saying how little has gotten accomplished in Senate ..hehe ... He is saying Americans want them to say that the will support the troops with funds, regardless if they like the way the war is going. ... Saying Dodd is honest...because he DOES want to say he wants to debate cutting off funding."
#330; "Oh..dear, Trent being asked why he is trying to 'save the White Houses bacon...when they didn't save your bacon in keeping you as Majority leader' ... Trent took the high road. ... Bob asking him about Warner saying he will add his resolution to any/all legislation. ... Lott says that Warner can do whatever he wants..as long as they also get a chance to give a resolution also. ... Lott read from the Baker-Hamilton report the part that said that THEY suggested a surge of troops to get Baghdad under control. ... Good appearance by Trent."
#351; "Oh...jeez, CNN's Iraq war reporter describing what Iran is doing in participating in the Iraq war...to exactly what the USA did in Afghanistan against Russia. ... He is making the report that came out today in Iraq about Iran's weapons...is OLD news, no big deal. ... America captured a leader of Al Qud's force...and that the unit in Iraq is being lead by Khameni and that Iran said the weapons that were found from Iran were for 'protection' ...hehe"
#357; "Wolf Blitzer just told Feith that the IG report substantiated that there was no 'operable' close relationship between Iraq and al-queda in the run up to 9/11. ... Feith said that HE never said there was...and that Wolf SHOULD have known better."
#362; "Wolf showed clip of Levin's remarks at the hearing. ... Feith said that what Levin said was about as WRONG as anything could be.. ... Wolf is trying SO hard to make Feith out to be a liar and STILL wants him to say that there never was any connection between al-queda and Iraq. ... Feith says that he hasn't seen anything thats says there WASN'T any connection..but that the CIA and Tenet spelled out many times they were in contact in the 10 years prior to the war."
#370; "Feith said that Rockefeller, Levin and others have been very critical of the CIA intelligence... Which is exactly what Feith did...but his criticism was called "inappropriate"....but it is okay for those Senators to be critical. ... He said that doesn't make sense.....and poor Wolf didn't like that very simple answer."
#399; "... There are TWO themes I have seen....the first is that the MSM and the DEMS are determined now to discount that there was EVER any relationship between al-queda and Iraq. (even though Zarqawi was al-queda, and did most of the damage a couple years ago)... The Second is that Bush has once again predetermined that he wants to go to war with Iran...but, he has no reason (according to the dems and MSM).... I think Dodd's remark today about what would happen if we pulled out of Iraq right now is INDICATIVE...of the wrongheaded approach that the DEMS/LIBS/MSM is taking towards this war... and one that is destined to fulfull their fantasy of Iraq being another Vietnam."
#405;"Wolf quoting an editorial written by a Gen. Wm. Odem.. saying that 'a win in Iraq is not an option'. ... Cornyn says that someone like Odem may need to present an alternative if he wants to write something like that while we are a war. ... BTW...this new phrase "we don't need a military surge, we need a diplomatic surge"...has been said by every DEM I have heard today....Blech"
#417; "... The Dems cannot think outside of the boundries set by Soros and gang... When they do wander off the reservation they get in trouble...see jon carry, Joe Biden, and today, Chris Dodd."
#463; "Wolf is displaying the increases in the number of attacks in Afghanistan... Lovely how these MSM like to point out the "wins" by the enemy...but never put up charts showing the "wins" by our forces. ... I did see on Gateway Pundit last night...a little tidbit that said that in the 8 years of Clinton's presidency there was an average of 939 military deaths per year. ... Under Pres. Bush's presidency there has been an average of 800 military deaths per year. ... I bet you won't see those statistics being waved around during the POTUS campaign by Hillary and gang."
#536; "I was going post what Terry McAuliffe is saying on CNN..but he is a ridiculous man...not worth my time. ... He will not answer ANY question about Hillary...and even admits that no one should even worry about whether Hillary voted for the war...because it was BUSH'S MISTAKE...no one else's."
#606; "It is amazing how fast the dems and MSM can re-write history, isn't it??? ... Yesterday I saw an example how even ONE PARTY can disagree about 'history' ... Osama Obama was in Springfield, Illinois, to give his announcement speech...and did so in Lincoln's hometown...so he could 'use' Lincoln and history to compare himself and today's world to. ... However, at the exact same time, Tavis Smiley was having a day long conference called 'Life in Black America' or something. ... When the audience and panel were told that Obama had called Tavis the night before, to send his regrets about not being able to attend, 'even though we had this date planned for a year' (Tavis Smiley)... Well....a lot of the audience jeered...Cornel West was very outspoken in his dislike of what Obama did...but did say he isn't going to NOT vote for Obama. ... On the same stage, was a man that supposedly has written about black history...and HE gave what he called the 'true account' of Abraham Lincoln...and it was not at all flattering or even close to what Obama said. ... In fact, he said that Lincoln not only did not want to free the slaves, he wanted them all shipped out of the country. ... SOOOOOOO.. on the subject of 'war history'....I think it has become a 'subjective' topic, rather than a 'factual' one in these United States."
#623; "... What is even more incredible is that NOW they want to tell the POTUS/CIC how to run the war...but, in the same speech they will tell him that it is still HIS war, no matter what. ... They can't have it both ways...if they want to take his power away as Commander in Chief, and run the war...they have to take ownership from then on. ... They aren't willing to do that. ... Notice Hillary said she would "stop the war" in Jan. 2009...NOT before then."

Second Place Morgan in Denver

Very strong and some important analysis of the topics being discussed this week. And it's not a brag if it's true.

#276; "Personal opinion, we have problems with the CIA, Energy Department, State and all the others where liberals have run amok for years. Getting rid of them is difficult too because of the government unions."
#332; "In their hatred for Republicans and President Bush, the MSM and Democrats simply do not see the forest for the trees. They have convinced themselves there is not a terrorist problem, and if there was, it's not their fault."
#421; "Democrats and the media have convinced themselves there is more to fear from Republicans than Al Qaeda or other terrorist organizations such as Hamas or Hezbolla. They would rather conspire with any of than any terrorist group than debate Republicans."
#425; "It's all part of their strategy: talk loudly but carry a small stick. ... The Democrats idea of a successful war is bombing aspirin factories and abandoned huts."
#452; "'The dems don't consider Iraq or the WOT their war. ... Once again neither war exists in reality only as issues for the Dems. And since it's not their issue they are not for it.' ... On every occasion this point should be made. Make the left buy the issue and stake it out as their position, for now and into the future. ... I would bet between now and November 2008 they will change their minds and claim they always supported defending America and were against terrorists. Democrats have a vested interest seeing us defeated in Afghanistan and Iraq. They want us to lose and they want the USA to fail so they can claim political power."
#479; "Dems opposed our efforts and predicted failure in Afghanistan even though they reserve 99% of their ire for Iraq. The Russian experience and predictions of body bags was repeated over and over until we did what they could not believe or understand was possible. Now that Afghanistan is a NATO operation for the most part, they are silent in their opposition, IMHO. ... The only difference I have heard in talking to Democrats is they do not want to appear to be opposed to all war, just Iraq, but the whole issue is really about politics and not about what is in our best interests."
#529; "Democrats and media arbitrarily changed a relationship between AQ and Iraq into operational support for 9/11. That was never said but this is one of the current items the left continues to claim. I am under no illusion the media and Democrats won't do anything they believe they can get away with for political gain. ... I agree with you on their not being able to oppose the war on terror, but it defies logic to me how then can then separate Iraq from the WOT. Yet they do. It is not inconceivable to me that the left will change on a dime to include Afghanistan. ... Notice too, there is virtually no mention over Kosovo coming from Democrats. Selective war is political for them and they are not adamant about protecting the USA."
#547; "Is this not a difference without a distinction? I agree with you in saying the Democrats are using Afghanistan as an example of how they are tough on terrorism. The problem is Democrats cannot be trusted to tell the truth on this, or other efforts in the WOT. ... Hillary & crew vote one way when it suits them and then vote opposite later on when that helps them. If Democrats can support and oppose the Iraqi war now, is there any indication they won't change their opinions on Afghanistan overnight? ... Remembering Democrat behavior causing the fall in Vietnam, there was no support for other countries in that region either. Once the pull out started it covered the entire region, if I remember correctly."
#551; "... The Democrats vocally favored more troops for Iraq too, until they decided to bow to their special interests and started demanding withdrawal. ... My point is, this is political for Democrats. They have shown no support for the military or US interests that I have seen. Carter and Clinton cut military spending as fast as they got into office, while Reagan and Bush then had to increase spending because the military was too underfunded."
#561; "I should not have brought Kosovo up. This is a real can of worms that needs its own thread. ... The only reason the Dems voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Iraq resolution, and then later on funding, was because they thought they had to appear in support. Once their special interests began the pressure and the polls started swaying, they jumped over to the other side faster than a NY minute. ... Considering all the contradictions, and I believe outright lies, coming from Hillary or Edwards along with so many other Democrats, there is no way I believe they would remain in support of our efforts in Afghanistan."
#577; "I hate hearing this even though it validates the opinion that Democrats tend to give aid and comfort to our enemies. ... I don't believe it's on purpose, but an unexpected consequence of their pacifism, anti-military positions and belief that the US is always the bad guy and to blame for bad things that happen."
#586; "I believe this is true for leftists in all democracies. The left truly opposes patriotism, capitalism, free markets and freedom. But, they cannot acknowledge that to voters because they would lose elections if voters knew they wanted to rule to obsession. ... By definition, capitalism and free markets oppose government control of citizens and business. The left can't have that happen because they lose the power they want."
#691; "Not to brag, but actually Newt is aligned with me/us. We conservatives have complained about this since Jimmy Carter. Little did we realize how bad it was. Political holdovers have undermined US interests for years. ... Now the method seems to be leaving the White House and going to Energy and State (and others) as a means of staying on a payroll as they undermine the administration. ... I would be willing to bet many leaks would almost disappear if these people were not transferring to these departments."
#704; "Personal opinion would be to ban them for a period of time and/or to exclude them from the safeguards of the civil service system for a probationary period. ... Civil servants who have been these departments for years know who is gaming the system for political reasons. Anonymous whistle blowers within these agencies should also be encouraged to learn who is or is not doing the jobs they are supposed to be doing. Another idea would be to have better congressional and executive oversight of these departments, with real powers of forcing resignations where necessary."

First Place Laverne

Excellent observations of fact from the show and even better analysis. Oh, and a bit of very attractive wishful thinking as well.

#11; "And here is another good take on NBC and Russert from the mainewebreport, who was liveblogging the trial last week, entitled: ... NBC's Big Black Kettle: Becoming Scooter Libby"
#15; "Well, hopefully they will be singing a different tune soon. Russert filed a false affidavit with the court, and should be in legal jeopardy as a result. Russert should be taken to task, and hopefully will be. But of course, he is a liberal icon in the MSM, so we will have to wait and see. If Russert is made to answer for his false affidavit, through sanctions by the court or whatever, I can't imagine the other media continuing to spike the story."
#42; "Between the mainstream media's ignorance and arrogance, and spiking the real LIbby trial keynotes (Russert filed false Affidavit), let us also recall the WAPO's front page article this week regarding the IG's intel report. The authors (Pincus for one, who is also involved in Plamegate) confirmed to all the collusion between the democrats and the WAPO by publishing Levin's talking points, attributing them to the IG, and then having to issue a correct afterwards. It was sad and funny at the same time...showing us the "investigative journalism" is a thing of the past, and that in its place they take, publish without review or edit, talking points received directly from democrats. We have long suspected that, but this fiasco by the WAPO, provided us proof certain of that collusion."
#84; "The best take on it is here, fishtalk, at floppingaces..." (Note - reference to AP and Washington Post false reporting on DOD Inspector General's report)
#89; "But Feith is taking Wallace to task and really knocking things right out of the park. He was terrific, should get out more, and hope he does. Puts Wallace right in his place, big time, talking about all the misreporting on the FACTS about what went down. Must see interview, imho." (Note - reply to maica's post #81)
#110; "McConnel is doing very well also, and poor Chris can't get it right today, no matter what. McConnel is also taking charge. So glad to see some backbone showed by the republicans on the air."
#158; "I figured that Russert would be on a leave of absence until any legal issues with his false affidavit have been resolved. Surprised he is on the air today; if I was his boss, I would send him to his room, and make him write on a blackboard: I will not lie to a Federal court" 100 times, and then tell him he is suspended until he makes the appropriate amends regarding the persecution of Libby, of which Russert is a key player."
#173; "Well, I don't watch the Dim one, he makes me too mad. He will be on with Howie Kurtz, I will be interested to learn if Kurtz brings up the false affidavit point (don't count on it). Please let me know. ... Also, I need to amend my point above regarding what I would do with Russert; in actuality, if I was his boss, I would fire him. You don't submit a false affidavit to the court, and then get to talk about the case you are involved in."
#207; "That was the point (Howie Kurtz) made last week on reliable source, I sent him a very nasty email about that, and asked him why he couldn't acknowledge that it is indeed Joe Wilson who had the close relationship with the media, and was using them to get his lies spewed!"
#219; "Reliable Sources is going to talk about the Astronut, the LIbby Trial and Russert taking the stand, and about Osama Obama. I will report on the LIbby/Russert conversation and see if he brings up the false affidavit. I wonder why he isn't reporting on the WAPOs false story. HA!"
#234; "Wouldn't it be a hoot if the judge dismisses the charges against Libby (as he should), and that Russert is indicted for perjury? I know it won't happen, but that would be the perfect close to this horrendous persecution of Scooter. FREE SCOOTER! :-)"
#264; "Obamarama up on Reliable Sources....Katy someone (the brit lady) says he is the man of hope, is original, and he looks different so may he can break out of thepack. Tummulty responds to a qeustion about Obama's "blackness" (as in not enough), Karen simply doesn't understand the whole conversation among the black community not jumping onto the Obamarama mania, and that many are rejecting him and don't consider him one of their own. Then she jumps onto the CLinton is the first black president, and so Hillary will benefit from that. Matthew Felling (whoever he is) jumps into the "are you black enough enough" versus the "he is not black enough" debate in order to weaken him. I guess they don't understand that Clinton team is behind all of this in order to weaken Obama. Or maybe they do know it, and simply won't acknowledge it."
#312; "Here is a recap of the Libby Discussion on Reliable Sources ... Guests: Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) and Arienna Huffington (HuffPo) ... Focus was on Tim Russert on the stand and how Team Libby played the IMUS clip where Russert was exuberant about the Libby indictment (it was like Christmas is what Russert said). ... " (Note - much more at link - excellent summary - I need to find a transcript if this show)
#338; "Another republican showing a backbone today? WOW, maybe they have been reading the emails to the RNC and others that tell them if they don't start standing up to the lieing liberal media, all funds will be cut off! ... Glad to hear about Lott."
#385; "Weydon is on now (I had to switch, just can't stand him), but just prior to switching, Weydon said essentially that evreything Feith said was a lie, and he (Weydon) didn't really think that is what Feith's team was doing (criticizing intel) even though that is what Feith said. I simply couldn't take it any longer."
#423; "That Weydon is talking about putting up a resolution DEMANDING the President gets the Senate approval BEFORE attacking Iran is beyond absurd. Who does he think the Senators are? 100 CINCs? What a stupid idiot he is. Egads, these people so hate Bush, they are willing to put at risk our national security and that of our allies. Weydon has lost any sense of perspective with this stupidity -- hmmm, sounds like a typical democrat to me."
#439; "I especially liked the point that Duncan made regarding PM Howard's comments about Barack; Duncan made the point that the kinds of comments that Obama is making here has an impact on the Aussies in the field, who are fighting side by side with our troops and are an integral and importatant part of our coalition. Howard has been such a strong ally in the War on Terror, he has earned to right to criticize those who are proposing a cut and run strategy that turns Iraq over to the terrorists. Good job by Hunter."

Honorable Mention Awards for Sunday, February 11^th, 2007

An embarrassment of riches this week. We've been having a bit of a dry spell since the election compared to the level of stellar activity during the campaigns. We seem to have shaken that off with this last weeks show thread. Well done! In fact, I was getting to the point that I was going to simply point everyone to the thread itself for all of the posts because they were all excellent (except for one having something to do with King Arthur's Court... <g>)

Because of the sheer volume of what I consider notable posts I'm altering my normal pattern in posting the awards. I have posted a list of the posts outside of the top 10 with only links to the posts that caught my eye, without any text from those posts. here is that same list with the text of the posts. I will do the same type of double post with and without text of the top 10.

Sorry to be so late in posting this. The surge in posts coupled with a full week of business travel conspired to put a hitch in my giddyup. And now I've got to try to get the preview thread done!

Congratulations to all.

This list is alphabetical

A Citizen Reporter

#161; "Too make matters worse, Fat Tim is going to report on the story, in which he is a part. ... That was teased with the last commercial."
#185; "This is laughable. Howie's concern is that journalists are appearing to the public as being too cozy and close to ..... wait for it.... The Bush Administration!"
#213; "Fat Tim was commenting on how frustrating it was to testify in this case. He was restricted to "Yes and No" answers, and cut off from further response. ... Takes your breath away, doesn't it?"
#271; "Tell me that I did NOT just hear Chris Wallace say to McConnell: ... 'But Senator I think you are confusing the facts with the political perception of this'"
#275; "It seemed to me that Tim was saying that testifying in court really restricted him from the editorializing and spinning that he is accustomed to doing on his program."
#315; "Roundtable on FNS ... Juan Williams BIG CONCERN is that Rudy is not pleasing the social conservatives and they are fractured. ... I note that once again, we have a big NPR liberal on FNC (earlier in the week it was Moira Liasson) articulating all of the "social conservative" issues, and why Rudy doesn't cut it."
#777; "... You make and excellent point. Wallace's hubris was absolutly breaktaking, and to be fair to McConnell, maybe he was as incredulous as I about what he'd heard Wallace say. If you'll note, I actually asked someone else to verify I'd heard what I heard, because frankly, as well as I know the media bias, I couldn't believe Wallace not only articulated the bias, but told McConnell that HE was now responsble for media lies."

altura

#575; "It's interesting, in a scary way, that the MSM, which has been shown time and again to have done poor investigation and little vetting of its stories, continues to deride the blogs as having no editorial control, even though most of them are far better researched than the Slimes, et al. ... Some pots just don't seem to worry at all about what they call the much cleaner kettles."
#642; "... whatever credentials Chris (Wallace) got for his mini-set to with Clinton are now past the sell by date."

Barset

#453; "'Russert is a true pro...he knows exactly what he is doing in every move; No surprise he too is a lawyer.' ... Russert, under oath, said that he didn't know that a witness cannot bring his lawyers into the grand jury. ... Wells (Libby attorney) looked incredulous. 'You are a lawyer, Mr. Russert, and you don't know that a witness can't have his attorneys with him during grand jury testimony?' ... Russert replied, 'I'm not practising.' ... Maybe he's so out of practice he was also unaware that you cannot submit a false affidavit to a judge, as he did trying to avoid testifying at the Libby trial. ... As someone at http://www.justoneminutetypepad.com said, "Russert is the only lawyer and one of the only nine people in America who don't know you can't bring your lawyer when appearing before a grand jury. ... What a crock!"

BusterBear

#473; "... Wyden is an ignoramus. He knows nothing about Russia. If he were more informed, he would know something about Putin's concerns about the US supporting groups unfriendly to Russia in the Ukraine and speculation about having the Ukraine joining NATO (without a friendly Ukraine, Russia is indefensible); US influence in Georgia and Central Asia; US plans to set up missile defense systems in Eastern European countries. Also, Putin wants to appeal to nationalist groups inside Russia who want to see Russia's influence in the world expanded; and to leftist groups around the world, such as the Dems, in order to counter US power. Of course Russia would like to expand its influence in the Middle East - but in order to use that as one more bargaining chip to cut the US down to size. ... Wyden is just falling in with Putin's line so that he can weaken Bush - just the way Putin intended that the Dems should do."

Carolinamom

#196; "You wouldn't know it from the DBM. I listened to Toobin, Gergin, and Cooper emote over how brilliant Fitzgerald is the other night....am still nauseous."

CFC__VRWC\

#499; "The Dims "support" for Afghanistan is a lie, like everything else they say is a lie. By pretending to support the mission in Afghanistan, they think they can hide the fact that they really are a bunch of whiny little cowards who do want to cut and run from everywhere, and that there is absolutely nothing that is ever worth fighting for, ever. ... But if they succeed in pulling our troops out of Iraq, you can be sure that the very first thing they will do is say that it's time to bring our troops home from Afghanistan, that Bush lied to get them into Afghanistan in the first place, and that what's going on in Afghanistan is just another civil war that we have no business being in the middle of. IOW, the same garbage they're now spewing about Iraq."

chiller

#569; "Old media has--virtually every day--taken the morning (Libby) prosecution testimony and reported that on the afternoon and evening shows, with total disregard to defense testimony that follows each afternoon. I'd be embarrassed if I were them. ... On MTP, Steny Hoyer was talking about 'political fundraising' and the golf/dinner perks, etc. and said: ... Hoyer: 'Well, you know Tim' (paraphrase): you've been to these things. ... Russert: 'Not political fundraisers...no, no, no' (shaking his finger) ... LOL...Tim got caught again. Please explain Mr. Russert at exactly what type of function does Steny Hoyer know you've been? Hmm? Do tell us, you former democrat operative."

Chgogal

#379; "Have I got a lovely post for you. You will enjoy it if you haven't heard it yet. Pass the word via a ping list if you really like it. ... Sen. Gregg's floor statement on Iraq Resolution 2/7/07 (Excellent Speech supporting our Troops) ... It really is quite good!" (Note - links to MP3 file, FR thread provide in post)
#406; "... Senator Gregg's speech should be all over the Sunday Morning Talk Shows. I think Senator Gregg should be one of the Senators the Republican Party pushes on to the Sunday Shows. Hagel should be forced to tow the Party line or not allowed to go on TV without switching parties (yeah I know the Senate numbers, bust I cannot stand Hagel)"
#429; "Wonder what Wyden thinks about Putin sending out assassins loaded with Polonium? Wonder what Wyden thinks about selling long range missiles and nuclear technology to Iran? Wonder what Wyden thinks about Putin illegally breaking all the UN/Iraq resolutions? Wyden and most other Dems can go and pound sand."

debg

#573; "There goes the trusty media again... The AP reports that Obama's spokesman criticized John Howard. ... Fox showed video of Obama himself making the statement."

edpc

#60; "Notice Hoyer says the House Resolution vote will be Friday. What a chicken-s move....hoping the story dies by Monday. Good luck with that....we'll be all over it." (Note - reference is to House Democrats vote on non-binding resolution condemning Iraq surge strategy)
#102; "Notice Hoyer tried to pin Boehner with his own non-binding vote on Kosovo. Boehner didn't let that go, stating it was before troops got in harm's way. ... Anyone will remember the Right wasn't exactly in favor of the Kosovo operation. However...once action was taken, there was none of this "support the troops, but not the mission" talk from the Right. They sucked it up and made sure the troops got what they needed and let it go."
#208; "... It's just like when people in NYC wonder how Bush got re-elected in 2004 when "they don't know anyone" who voted for them. Why is that suprising, considering the circles in which they travel?"
#223; "Lurch alert! Kerry on This Week says we need to ask tough questions about Iranian involvement in Iraq. Tough questions need to be asked of the Bush Admin.....not Iran. Please...."
#239; "Kerry admits Hamas and Hezbollah are more powerful, radical, and dangerous than before. Somehow, though, he believes we must engage Iran in talks not realizing the direct support and reason for Hamas and Hezbollah is Iran."
#244; "(Kerry) just said Global Warming is the most important issue he's ever faced. Thank God he lost in 2004. Even if that were not such a joke,I wonder how much CO2 and industrial waste production of ketchup and the containers have contributed to the 'problem.'"
#280; "Huckabee on This Week. This is the second time I've seen him on the national stage. I was impressed with his composure when he appeared on MTP. He has responded well to Steffi's questions today. He seems thoughtful and sensible, but I don't know if he has the weight to stand out in the race against the so-called frontrunners of Romney, McCain, and Giuliani."
#308; "Roundtable discussion on This Week. Robert Reich said the ecomony was good, but most people "cannot see" benefit in the current situation. Maybe he just means himself, since much is above his line of sight. George Will made a good point on income averages: Fourty people are drinkin in a bar.....Bill Gates walks in....the income average in the room jumps to over one billion....so what? It forced Reich to admit averages don't mean much since he and Shaquille O'Neal have an average height of 6' 2"."
#350; "I caught the show earlier. Huckabee made a pretty good appearance. As I stated in an earlier post, I like the way he presents himself, but I'm not sure he has enough to separate himself from the top three (anointed by the MSM) candidates on the Right, Romney, McCain, and Giuliani. ... missed the first part of the show, however. I was confused by the simultaneous airing of Stephanopolous's show and Lifetime Network's Gay, Straight, or Taken. I think it's an honest mistake most would have made."
#398; "Cokie does a great job of not moving her lips as she makes the ventriloquist dummy Robert (Reich) talk."

fedupjohn

#306; "'But Senator I think you are confusing the facts with the political perception of this' ... A correct answer to that would have been; 'No, creating and reporting a political perception instead if just reporting the facts is what the MSM has been doing'"
#563; "The truth is, my cousins' son was in Baghdad from May 2003 through June 2004, and he said that until December 2003 and the start of the Democratic Primaries for President that the soldiers didn't need to wear flak jackets, but once the criticisms of President Bush started all this crap really started."

Fishtalk

#34; "Man, I have been reading about Russert and here's a synopsis of my understanding of his testimony... " (long post but good synopsis of info so far, read at link)
#501; "Obama, what with all his wisdom, said in his speech that he would remove our troops by sometime in 2008 as I recall. ... John Howard remarked that it was dumb to commit to a date like that as, duh, all the terrorists have to do is wait until that date. ... Wyden I believe said that Howard has no right to interfere in our politics but as Cornyn corrected (I think I got these right but correct please if I am wrong) that Australia is our big ally in this war on terror and he most certainly has a right to comment on a possible President (gag with me with a spoon) Obama who is out and about declaring the date when we would be gone. .. None of the Dems have an answer...at least one not worth listening to. Whatever happened to that bogus Iraq Surrender Group headed by James Baker? ... They all are getting on my last damn nerve."

Jeff Chandler

#254; "Where's McCain? Where's Biden? ... The Universe is out of balance."

kabar

#470; "Clinton: Afghanistan Needs More Troops (Note - excerpt from article SNIP) ... Former President Bill Clinton said Tuesday the resurgence of the Taliban and growth of the poppy harvest in Afghanistan are signs there are insufficient coalition troops in the country. ... Clinton also said the global hunt for al-Qaida leaders must be intensified and warned that fighting terrorism through military methods alone carried a risk of encouraging people to turn to extremism. ... "There are not enough troops to serve the country (Afghanistan)," he told an audience at London's Royal Albert Hall. The United States has 21,000 troops in the country, and NATO has about 20,000 there. ... "I think it is important that the fight against terror secures a genuine Muslim democracy in Afghanistan and that we intensify the hunt for the leaders of al-Qaida, because they are still by far the most dangerous global network with global targets," Clinton said."
#644; "... They did the same to us in Vietnam. The enemy knows that they can't defeat us on the battlefield. Their only hope is the Dem Congress. The more casualties they can inflict, the greater the propanganda impact."

maica

#81; "Chris Wallace sounds like he is auditioning for a job in Fitzgerald's office. He is haranguing Feith as if he is on trial today. ... I guess we can estimate the Beltway view of Feith's report by Wallace's aggressive tone of voice." (Note - see Laverne's reply in post #89)
#129; "Notice the soft tone of voice and lack of interrupting follow-up questions to Reed. Wow. ... This show should be studied by folks in communications schools."
#199; "While so much attention is being given to Presidential candidates this soon in the cycle, I wish to submit this Very sobering list of Senators who are up for re-election in 2008. It is the reverse of the situation that brought us to the high of 55 Republicans a few years ago. ... Not very many of the Republicans on this list are even worth fighting for, and may lose to Dems. ... I post this in case anyone wants to start reassessing their retirement portfolios if we return to Dem supremacy. ... Senators of the 110th Congress up for election in 2008 ..." (Note - lengthy post with the list mentioned - important post)
#241; "Lefty journos do not want a position in a Dem White House. They want to SAVE the WORLD from Republican rule."
#224; "McConnell is one of our best Senators. He should have become the Majority Leader instead of Bill Frist. Many things might be different now."

mainepatsfan

#181; "It's sort of like how the communists didn't have a problem with the Nazis until after they invaded the USSR."
#191; "Man that trial is really not going well for the libs."
#194; "Next thing you know he'll tell us how the Iranian government is too close to the Zionists." (Note - reply to A Citizen Reporter's post #185 on Howie Kurtz)
#229; "In their minds some people are more equal than others." (Note - reply to SW6906 post #203 on the MSM)
#238; "... in Kerry's mind we can trust the Iranians."
#245; "That'd be like admitting in 1938 that the Nazi party is a big threat but we should still talk to the German chancellor."
#248; "That'd been like FDR announcing in 1942 that our greatest threat was the dust bowl."

MHGinTN

#343; "ABC is in full smear mode. George Steponallofus is spewing the spittlegeist in spades this morning, smearing Romney as 'a Mormon' to the Baptist Huckabee, setting Giuliani up as too pro-choice, etc. Yes, the spittlegeist is to smear and push the negatives on evryone EXCEPT the hatellary rodhamster whom georgie serves and worships ... georgie sees his future back in the white whore house when her lowness is annointed and his pal the degenerate is back in whorehouse form. Sickening little worm."

norwaypinesavage

#354; "'I don't doubt for one minute that he'd throw Pelosi under the bus if the opportunity ever presented itself.' ... What a totally inappropriate and offensive commend. ... Nancy doesn't DO buses. You should respect that, and say: "I don't doubt for one minute that he'd throw Pelosi under the wheels of the airplane if the opportunity ever presented itself."

OESY

#140; "Wallace thinks he's being fair & balanced by pushing Dem talking points. Instead, he comes across as not fully understanding the issues. His programs are often poll-driven when it is far to early for that sentiment tool to dominate. And, most disturbing, he wraps his questions in that stomach-wrenching smug-faced expression of his."

OldFriend

#5; "A very good day to ignore Snuffleupagas.......ugh! ... Seems the rest of the shows are getting the message that we want balance. ... McConnell has turned out to be quite the leader!"
#115; "If LIEberman switches, one of our esteemed (NOT) ladies from the NE will jump the other way. Will it be Collins or Snowe.....any guesses?"

oneofmany

#195; "MSM should be fearful of being exposed for the outright lies they print. Broders arrogance is astounding."

PaRepub07

#310; "Wallace let Clinton crap all over him. Then Wallace was aggressive with Feith. ... Wallace is not a conservative team player. And he is too wimpy."

shadeaud

#101; "Take away the teleprompter and I can almost guarantee that the anchors of all the network snooze will look like perky couric did the evening she just stood in front of her over sized desk with no script to read and over a minute of air time to fill. ( reminded me of first day of deer season)"

snugs

#188; "You do not think that Tim will let facts get in the way of what he wants to say do you?"

SW6906

#203; "Watching these journalists on Meet the Press, I can't get over how they have such a high opinion of themselves. They truly believe they are the Keepers of the Truth and everything in the free world depends upon them. It was almost comical watching them fret over journalists having to testify."

syriacus

#45; "... I was hoping someone would point out Obama's hypocrisy. ... Obama pretends he is following in the footsteps of the Great Emancipator, but, in reality, Obama prefers the 'compromise' route. (I wish I could think of a title for Obama that is an antonym for 'emancipator.' ) ... In 1861, Obama would have said, 'If the South wants Fort Sumter, let them keep it. We don't want to get into a 'dumb' civil war.' ... Obama is no modern day Moses who would go 'way down to Baghdad-land' to free millions of Shi'ites. ... To Obama's way of thinking Iraqis (especially Shi'ites) could just smile and submit to being slaughtered and raped and attacked by dogs. ... Obama says, in effect, 'Why get rid of a monstrous dictator who threatens his own people as well as the rest of the world?' I think it should be apparent that Obama does not have ancestors who were enslaved, raped, and attacked by dogs. He appears to be totally insensitive to the plight of people whose lives are controlled by a monster like Saddam, Uday, or Qusay."
#205; "... I made my statement the way I did so that lurking liberals who are gleefully dubbing Obama the "New Lincoln," will be forced to say how Lincoln's life has anything in common with Obama's. I'm from Illinois, but I'm not running around comparing myself to Abe. ... The libs should not be permitted to place Lincoln's mantle on Obama's shoulders without being forced to explain exactly what they are implying by the comparison. ... It's apparent that libs are attempting (big time) to take some of Lincoln's aura, so they can rub it off on Obama. ... When the libs refer to Lincoln, they do not take all the facts into account, as you did. They should be forced to explain what they mean. ... I'm not going to let libs get away with this."
#293; "Reed, paddling fast and furious to get his 'point' across. ... Did anyone tell Reed that there was full wartime censorship under Truman*?. ... War correspondents were placed under jurisdiction of the military; subject to courtmartial; forbidden to talk about casualties before official publication; not allowed to criticize Allies' conduct of the war; not allowed to publish material that would be demoralizing to the troops; (and much much more) ... We wouldn't want to go back to the old days of censorship, I know. But Truman had it a lot easier than Bush, with regard to news coming out of the war zone ... (* Link to newspaper article from January 9, 1951)"

TakeChargeBob

#765; "I was incredulous at the Wallace interview. In essence, Wallace is saying that Republicans are at fault for taking action that could be erroneously portrayed in the press. Where is the sense of outrage of the misreporting? Doesn't Wallace feel any embarrassment about his profession? ... Many think McConnell handled himself very well. This is true by the standards that we are used to. It is obvious he is far superior to Frist. McConnell was forceful in bolstering his argument referring to the NY Times Opinion. ... In reflecting on this interview, I feel that Republicans need a new strategy. Our responses have been too defensive. While McConnell did well as compared to others, a big opportunity was missed. We need to go on the offensive. The appropriate response would be to question the reporter. The appropriate response to Wallace would be. "Actually, we were the ones that wanted a full debate and the debate was cutoff by the majority leader. Why doesn't the incorrect reporting of this outrage you as a journalist? Instead you seem to blame the Republicans for this misreporting." If not replied, I would come back with "Are you accepting that journalism is so biased that you can't expect fair reporting?" I would not let the interviewer get away without responding. ... We have accepted too long as fact the rules of the ballgame that our positions will be misreported. As a first step, I would go after factual mischaracterizations that could easily be demonstrated. We need to pick off the low lying fruit first and challenge reporters. The challenge should be on journalistic standards and bias. We should just stick to demonstrable facts. This particular topic on cutting off debate should have been a slam dunk. It is time to stop playing victim. ... I appreciate any thoughts as to how we get this message out. ... This strategy is not without risk. If this card is played, the LSM will look for opportunities to apply these standards to the Republicans. If the Republicans act as they have done so in the past few Congresses, this strategy will backfire. Republicans will win if our message is gotten out fairly."

ThreePuttinDude

#167; "Chris Wallace seemed to start out OK, but turned to his liberal background really quick. I think maybe his dad might have given him a stern talking too, letting him know it wasn't nice to fool with the liberal line of thinking."

windchime

#114; "Wallace is going to need CPR after the Feith & McConnell interviews. Great job by both."

Wow. I'm truly honored and a bit humbled to be raated as high as I was by you.

Thank you Phsstopk.

Just to have a post even noted is a wower!

Honorable Mention Awards for Sunday, February 11th, 2007

Top 10 Awards for Sunday, February 11th, 2007

Top 10 Awards for Sunday, February 11th, 2007

Honorable Mention Awards for Sunday, February 11th, 2007

Honorable Mention Awards for Sunday, February 11^th, 2007

Top 10 Awards for Sunday, February 11^th, 2007

Top 10 Awards for Sunday, February 11^th, 2007

Honorable Mention Awards for Sunday, February 11^th, 2007