Free Republic

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, viewed as the leading 2008 Democratic alternative to Hillary Rodham Clinton, abruptly pulled the plug on a White House bid yesterday, citing his desire "to have a real life." Warner's surprising exit solidifies Clinton's standing as the Democrats' unrivaled presumptive front-runner for president - and opens the field for a moderate anti-Hillary replacement. Clinton now lords over the prospective Democratic presidential field, with a $22 million Senate re-election war chest that can be tapped for a White House run. Her spokesman, Howard Wolfson, declined comment on Warner's decision.

WELL, at least the Dixie Chicks have the Canadians on their side. After Tuesday's premiere of Barbara Koppel's documentary about the Chicks, "Shut Up and Sing" - which is about how their fans revolted after Natalie Maines bashed President Bush two years ago - Toronto Film Festival managing director Michelle Maheux said, "This country would never allow something like this to happen." While the Canadian crowd ate up the movie, conservatives were riled up again - specifically with lead singer Maines, who calls President Bush a "dumb [bleep]" in the film. "What a fascist little bee-atch!" said one angry post...

Film Title: Dixie Chicks - Shut Up and Sing Programme: GALA PRESENTATIONS Director: Barbara Kopple, Cecilia Peck Country: USA Year: 2006 Language: English Time: 99 minutes Film Types: Colour/HDCAM Rating: PG SCREENING TIMES: Tuesday, September 12 6:30 PM ROY THOMSON HALL Buy tickets now Wednesday, September 13 9:30 AM RYERSON Buy tickets now Production Company : Cabin Creek Films US Distribution : The Weinstein Company Producer: Barbara Kopple, Cecilia Peck, David Cassidy, Claude Davies Cinematographer: Chris Burrill, Joan Churchill, Gary Griffin, Luis Lopez, Seth Gordon Editor: Bob Eisenhardt, Jean Tsien, Emma Morris, Aaron Kuhn Sound: Giovanni DiSimone, Alan Barker Music:...