Free Republic

Much, presumably, to the posthumous chagrin of her hero, Geri Halliwell has revealed herself as a lady all too ready for turning. On Thursday the Spice Girl explained why she had deleted a tweet mourning the death of Margaret Thatcher – and indulged in some self-flagellation. When news of Thatcher's death broke on Monday, Halliwell tweeted: "Thinking of our 1st Lady of girl power, Margaret Thatcher, a greengrocer's daughter who taught me any thing is possible…x." However, when her tribute met with a hostile response online, the singer removed it and apologised for any offence it had caused. Three days...

In the increasingly testy and contentious Senate primary contest between Governor Charlie Crist and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, the plum endorsement is that of former Governor Jeb Bush. So far Mr. Bush has remained "neutral" in the race, much to the chagrin of conservatives who covet his endorsement for their guy, Mr. Rubio. But this week the Rubio camp is euphoric that Mr. Bush finally spoke out about the race in a media interview. Mr. Bush said on camera: "Governor Crist is a talented guy. He's about the nicest person I've ever met in politics." Then he lowered...

<p>FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON ON NOT CAPTURING BIN LADEN: 'At least I tried. That's the difference between me and some, including all the right wingers. They ridicule me for trying. They had eight months to try, they did not try. I tried. So I tried and failed'...</p>

Thune Says He'd Distance Himself From Bush Jul 19 1:06 PM US/Eastern By MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON Freshman Sen. John Thune, the Republican hero two years ago for ousting the Senate Democratic leader, said Wednesday that if he were running this year, he'd distance himself from President Bush and his agenda. In 2004, the White House political operation recruited Thune to challenge Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. He dealt the Democratic Party a major blow, edging Daschle in South Dakota as Bush captured a second term. Thune, a conservative who rarely breaks with the GOP or Bush,...