Open Thread

Seems to me that the only people who see an Obama-Clinton ticket as a "dream ticket" are 1) the media, and 2) Republicans. The former can keep harping on the Clintons, and latter can keep fundraising off the Clintons -- kos

Recommended diaries at 8 am, Thursday, May 08, 2008 :

A Few Words on the End of the Clinton Campaign by noweasels TIME: Obama Triumphant (awesome cover) by turneresq Bill Moyers on Democracy Now by pattisigh Plea from the bleach-whitest state in the union: Give us the inspirational black president! by steina Hillary plays the race card, again by alvernon90 To my fellow Obama supporters by bakabakaian The Bigotry Was Worth It - Updated by EntrWriter Breaking: A concession by zenbowl

•  Has anyone else noticed that...

  Clinton wins all of the states she is supposed to win...and Barack wins all the states he is supposed to win...with the exception of Missouri...which was EXTREMELY close...

  By that reasoning...I predict...

  Obama wins

  MT
  SD
  OR

  Clinton Wins...

  KY
  WV
  Puerto Rico

  by doctormatt06 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:17:12 AM PDT

  •  Is there any early polling? nt

    by Lava20 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:19:13 AM PDT

  •  New Hampshire?

    NH was a Clinton upset, wasn't it? Live Free or Die my ass. Yup. Still bitter at my former home state (from ages 5 - 11).

    by The Mort Man on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:48:31 AM PDT

    •  Exact same thing here; grew up there.

      by Phil S 33 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:53:27 AM PDT

    •  NH like TX

      NH like TX was a close race where Obama got more delegates.

      by Frank Palmer on Thu May 08, 2008 at 09:00:28 AM PDT

  •  expect about +30 for Hillary if she stays

    Although PR is more of a wild card than people are giving it credit for.

    Given that she'd down 160 or so in pledgeds, getting back 30 is not going to make a difference.  Nor will the +30 or so she's likely to get in the best (for her) available FL/MI deals.

    by djs on Thu May 08, 2008 at 08:54:36 AM PDT

•  Got it in one, kos.

  by khereva on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:17:22 AM PDT

  •  That kos guy...

    he seems kinda smart.  What's he do around here again?

    :-)

    by brillig on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:25:16 AM PDT

    •  Oh, comments here and there,

      occasionally indulges wild CT on the front page on primary nights, and something with Newsweek.

      Oh, and something about a blog.

      by khereva on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:28:18 AM PDT

      •  He can't be too important...

        his uid is only 3...

        by wry twinger on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:34:55 AM PDT

        •  True!

          I'm 36,650 times more important than he is!

          by JoeW on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:37:53 AM PDT

        •  ...

          Where can I find my uid?

          by jfarelli on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:46:19 AM PDT

          •  You're 116849.

            Just hover your mouse over your UID and it'll show up in your browser's status bar.

            by Phil N DeBlanc on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:47:28 AM PDT

            •  My mouse doesn't hover!

              If you please!

              by RevJoe on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:51:16 AM PDT

              •  You are 17194

                My current one is about 28,000 higher than my original one, that I could never remember had spaces, for some reason, so I just made a new one.

                by Annie Maim on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:53:57 AM PDT

              •  Your mouse doesn't hover!

                Get yourself to Circuit City and get yourself a Hover Mouse!

                by wry twinger on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:35:31 AM PDT

            •  Thanks - never knew

              what UID was :)

              by Deoliver47 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 09:50:00 AM PDT

          •  Just place your cursor over your ID name

            at the bottom of your posted comment in your posted comment. You are 116849.

            by RevJoe on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:50:03 AM PDT

            •  Wow, I must be Old Skool

              I'm 21518

              Man, those were the days.  Back then, Daily KOS was the kind of site where they would give you free cotton candy and dental floss, and if you asked real nice, they would pay your mortgage, and maybe give you a nice massage.

              Now it's all politics, all the time.

              It's all these newby PUNKS spoiling it for the rest of us!

              by mellowinman on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:53:15 AM PDT

•  Commenters on the Guardian UK agree...

  ...that an Obama/Clinton ticket would be a loser. I wish I had the link, but I remember the majority of the 158 posts (some from U.S. and Canadian locations, but many from UK/Ireland) viewed a Clinton vice-presidency as a contradiction to everything Obama stands for.

  Their basic argument was, how can Obama keep the promise of "turning the page" on the old ways of doing politics when one of the "old ways" icons is his running mate? Good point, I thought.

  by boofdah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:18:05 AM PDT

  •  Shamelessly

    plugging my diary on this very article.
    Please visit:
    http://www.dailykos.com/...
    Thanks.  BTW agreed.

    by paul94611 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:26:56 AM PDT

    •  Thanks! Went over there and tipped/rec'ed. :)

      by boofdah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:36:22 AM PDT

•  dream ticket

  You forgot the Clinton supporters. Oops, their dream ticket is Clinton-Obama.

  by Friar on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:18:27 AM PDT

  •  That's the "In Your Dreams!" ticket.

    by khereva on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:24:32 AM PDT

  •  Let's also remember that a nightmare is a dream.

    by Its the Supreme Court Stupid on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:27:04 AM PDT

    •  You took my comment

      but I rec'd you anyway.

      Remember when "wrecking" someone meant beating them up?

      Man, I miss those days.

      by mellowinman on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:53:58 AM PDT

  •  Actually, their dream ticket is

    Clinton-Clinton.

    by catnap1972 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:29:53 AM PDT

    •  Who'll raise money then?

      they need Obama for his fund raising abilities

      by Friar on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:32:11 AM PDT

  •  best ticket

    Obama/Edwards--although I admit I'd prefer it reversed.

    by melvynny on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:49:28 AM PDT

•  Dream ticket?

  

  by Phil N DeBlanc on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:18:45 AM PDT

  •  Love it--that's my new Trillian logo :)

    by boofdah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:19:17 AM PDT

  •  I LOVE this photoshop! n/t

    by juslikagrzly on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:23:56 AM PDT

    •  Me too.

      Wish I knew who did it so I could give a h/t to them.

      by Phil N DeBlanc on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:41:58 AM PDT

•  When Ford piped in about it, it seemed planned...

  scripted, even.

  ::::

  by nowheredesign on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:19:18 AM PDT

  •  yeah

    as soon as the network called NC for Obama, the rhetoric turned 180 degrees and the Clinton camp realized they were in deep d'oh. It was fascinating to see that Ford grabbed so quickly at the VP straw. He was the first guest on MSNBC after 8 PM Tuesday when it became clear that NC was a big win.

    by ekthesy on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:37:18 AM PDT

•  Obama's VP

  Will be either Wes Clark or Kathleen Sebelius, and my money is on the latter.

  by Wintermute on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:19:24 AM PDT

  •  I'm with you. n/t

    by Phil N DeBlanc on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:20:04 AM PDT

    •  me too! n/t

      by juslikagrzly on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:24:20 AM PDT

  •  Either of the two would be an excellent choice nt

    by boofdah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:20:19 AM PDT

  •  Clark I think is more likely.

    by notquitedelilah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:28:52 AM PDT

  •  I think that Wes Clark

    might not be a good fit.  A strong, take charge personality in what generally is a back seat role, just seems to be asking for problems

    I can see he might help bring in some Clinton supporters, and possibly give a boost to the security/military side of the ticket although he also has a number of detractors  - I can't say what impact he'd have.

    by wondering if on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:34:45 AM PDT

    •  I have heard Wes Clark quote Truman

      "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
      -- Harry S Truman

      And I think he would be just fine as vp but you would see the effects of his ideas appear from other places.

      by NCrefugee on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:47:58 AM PDT

    •  WHy?

      I like Clark, he's smart and he seems like a good military guy, but I don't get why people think he has any executive abilities at all. Also, I don't particularly care for his attachment to Hillary. What states will he bring with him? I don't think he is patricularly loved in the big military areas, like NC. prob. not a fundraiser either.

      I think Jim Webb is better, good on national security, he brings the military, and VA, and prob. NC along, too. Appeals to the 2nd Amendment people cause he carries a handgun around with him. Has been Sec. of Def., but now very anti Iraq war.  One more of the "new" type of politicians we need.

      by smeesq on Thu May 08, 2008 at 07:01:24 AM PDT

      •  perhaps Clark's time as

        Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, from 1997 to 2000 counts towards executive experience.  His time commanding the National Training Center won praise from a number of generals commanding American forces in Iraq and Kuwait during the Gulf War. Among other posts he was divisional command came with the 1st Cavalry Division, and commander of USSOUTHCOM.  You could argue that such military commands are significantly different from civilian executive positions, but then you limit yourself to governors as neither legislators nor business executives are that similar to civilian execs either.

        Clark wouldn't appeal to 2nd Amendment folk? How so?

        I agree he has no real regional pull.  Clark's ties with the Clinton's don't seem to be that tight; there seems to be some feeling of kinship as very bright guys between Clark and Bill, and Clinton appointed Clark to U.S. European Command, but they don't seem that wedded.  And I seem to remember that Clark endorsed Webb and campaigned for him.  

        I want Webb to stay in Congress, at least for a full term; I think he'd do more good there than as VP on this cycle.  And I think he'd have some of the personality clash problems as VP that Clark would.

        by wondering if on Thu May 08, 2008 at 02:07:58 PM PDT

  •  it won't be Wes Clark

    n/t

    by pollwatch on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:39:21 AM PDT

  •  Obama and Dodd.

    Otherwise, I think he should go for a military/defense-oriented veep--Maybe Clark, maybe Biden....there must be a few others.

    by Bush Bites on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:01:13 AM PDT

•  OMG - they are so

  clueless - in a field of clues, at the height of clue mating season!

  It's just amazing.

  Melissa
  Oh yes we CAN!
  (please let it be SOON!!!!)

  by mwjeepster on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:19:47 AM PDT

  •  love it

    in a field of clues, at the height of clue mating season!

    by JoeW on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:39:48 AM PDT

    •  :-)

      one can apply the idea to so many areas, it's truly scary!

      Melissa

      by mwjeepster on Thu May 08, 2008 at 08:11:55 AM PDT

•  Fantasy Hardball

  "Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Effort, Concentration, and Wisdom"

  by Dood Abides on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:20:00 AM PDT

  •  As in

    Chris Matthews?

    by Phil N DeBlanc on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:20:56 AM PDT

•  Hillary has a fatal attracation...

  by David Kroning on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:20:46 AM PDT

  •  Hillary IS a fatal attraction

    by TKH on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:35:42 AM PDT

    •  The Obamas don't have a pet rabbit by chance? n/t

      by catnap1972 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:44:09 AM PDT

•  Nightmare Ticket

  Stop. This. Now.

  by reef the dog on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:21:01 AM PDT

•  With all the election news yesterday,

  I overlooked this diary (and probably others) about Michigan's denial of partner benefits as a result of their gay marriage ban in 2004.  Now government and public institutions are not even allowed to offer the benefits.  Hideous.

  by lineatus on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:21:16 AM PDT

  •  I caught it.

    The diary was good, the subject sucks. Nothing like good old fashioned hate legislation.

    by Phil N DeBlanc on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:22:10 AM PDT

    •  our progressive state barely passed

      one of these disgusting laws last year and we're losing folks right and left from the major university where I work because they're denied partner benefits.  Stupid stupid stupid.

      by juslikagrzly on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:26:48 AM PDT

  •  That's a goddanmed disgrace.

    Sorry to hear it.

    by khereva on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:25:44 AM PDT

  •  People didn't even know they were voting for

    that part of it. It might not have stopped the issue from passing but I heard many people who voted for the gay marriage ban (catholic aunt's friends) who were very upset that it stopped those benefits.
    The few added words (or similar unions?) were certainly put in there for that purpose but voters did not understand the ramifications.

    by joynow on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:36:04 AM PDT

•  obama would never get his message across

  the campaign would still be about the clintons

  and if the ticket were successful, he would not be able to shape his own presidency. as vp, the clinton family would be a severe distraction.

  by tamandua on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:22:47 AM PDT

  •  and Bill would be wandering the halls

    of the west wing....looking for something to do.
    Scary!!

    by juslikagrzly on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:25:40 AM PDT

    •  something. someone. what you will.

      by khereva on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:26:06 AM PDT

      •  lol khereva

        took me a minute, not enough caffeine, but lol!

        by juslikagrzly on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:28:07 AM PDT

      •  You beat me to it. n/t

        by stonepier on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:28:14 AM PDT

    •  Put the interns on high alert n/t

      by CA Libertarian on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:31:17 AM PDT

•  Obama/Clinton = nightmare ticket

  it would really give all the Rethugs something to vote against
  It's time for the Clintons to disappear.

  by Lepanto on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:24:08 AM PDT

  •  = McDraft as Prez

    by DefendOurConstitution on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:31:27 AM PDT

  •  And it wouldn't help with independents and

    some who support her might not support Obama even with her on the ticket.
    Some might resent her having to take 2nd place.
    The anti-black man, anti-secret Muslim terrorist votes she got still won't go with him.

    And did people notice many of her voters won't go with her? In the exit polls they asked who they would vote for in November. Of those who chose McCain over Clinton 41% were Clinton voters in Indiana and 48% in NC!
    In McCain Obama match up of those who chose McCain it was 12% and 10% that were Obama voters.

    I don't know if that means those were naughty republicans or if a lot of her elderly voters just prefer McCain but I can't believe that isn't getting a lot more attention.

    I haven't heard the idea discussed on TV without someone on the panel saying something like "Who is going to volunteer to be Obama's taster"
    This is not like other hard campaigns. As far as I know no other campaign has had one candidate trying to make the country fearful of the other through her won words (Hamas, Farrakhan, 9/11, bombs, Ayers) but even more the active pushing of all the smears behind the scene by her campaign.
    I have heard other candidates say they are better than their opponent of course, that's called campaigning. I haven't heard them say the other party's nominee is also better than their same party opponent.

    NO!

    by joynow on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:55:07 AM PDT

•  If an Obama presidency will "turn the page"

  would a Clinton vice-presidency be a bookmark?

  I've wondered if Bill Clinton told her where to find that bridge he built to the 21st century.

  by Scova Notion on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:24:22 AM PDT

•  Re: Michigan and FL

  I want to protest (or more importantly) ensure that any seating of the Michigan and FL voters provides an equitable solution for both Clinton AND Obama.  Other than e-mailing the DNC to express my outrage should Michigan and FL delegates be seated in spite of their rule-breaking, is there any kind of website set up pulling together supporters of the current DNC rules?  Or a petition, perhaps, that's going to be presented to the DNC on behalf of those in the other 48 states that didn't break the rules?

  Thanks for any suggestions!

  by Briee on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:24:52 AM PDT

  •  I saw on CNN last night...

    A woman from MI (I don't remember her name) was saying that people there were pushing for a 69/59 delegate split between Hillary and Obama.  

    Though not 100% evenly split, I wouldn't mind... 59 delegates for Obama (he wasn't on the ballot) doesn't seem bad, and it would at the very least, shut Clinton up about "voter disenfranchisement."  

    by jfarelli on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:50:30 AM PDT

    •  Anything but 50/50

      gives legitimacy to their rogue primary.

      by Flyswatterbanjo on Thu May 08, 2008 at 07:06:14 AM PDT

•  Good Morning Kossacks.

  And what a beautiful morning it is.

  

  by notquitedelilah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:26:19 AM PDT

  •  gorgeous pic!

    is that where you live?  If so, I'm green with envy!

    by juslikagrzly on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:28:58 AM PDT

    •  Well you can return to normal your colour

      It's a pic I pilfered off the net because it reminded of an area I knew in Scotland.
      I live near a desert. :(

      by notquitedelilah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:32:21 AM PDT

      •  I meant your normal colour.... Sorry :/

        by notquitedelilah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:33:18 AM PDT

        •  it is still beautiful

          and I'm still green----wouldn't it be lovely to wake up to that?

          by juslikagrzly on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:35:32 AM PDT

          •  Yes it would be heaven.

            I wouldn't care who's president if I had that beauty around me every day.

            by notquitedelilah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:37:39 AM PDT

            •  Nah, don't say that -

              you'd care.  

              by stonepier on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:30:57 AM PDT

  •  ohhhhhhh

    That is an absolutely gorgeous picture. I want to be there, now...

    by brillig on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:30:26 AM PDT

  •  you really do miss the green, don't you? n/t

    by ninshubur on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:41:22 AM PDT

    •  Yep.

      by notquitedelilah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:49:02 AM PDT

•  Chuck Todd said basically, no chance.

  Obama doesn't want it and right now she doesn't have enough leverage to force it.

  There is (more realistic) talk that his VP should be someone like Wes Clark so the Clintons team is pacified.

  by ahania on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:26:25 AM PDT

  •  I do agree that HRC needs a pacifier. :) /nt

    by Alohilani on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:39:39 AM PDT

    •  The Clintons have $109 million +

      Surely they can afford to buy her a pacifier.

      Even one with diamonds on it.

      by catnap1972 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:45:22 AM PDT

  •  Clinton is in no position to demand

    Why should we take someone she wants and then loose the general election.  A Dem Gov would be a much better choice.  Get an A+ person for the job.

    by dan667 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:51:19 AM PDT

  •  What about Evan Bayh?

    That would be seen as similar to a Unity Ticket, and would make Indiana very much in play.

    by jeepdad on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:51:32 AM PDT

    •  That doesn't Bayh you much

      Clinton almost lost IN even with his endorsement. A Governor might be able to deliver a state not a Senator. Better choice along these lines will be Gov. Rendell.

      by organicdemocrat on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:39:03 AM PDT

  •  Last time that happened...

    The last time we had the 'unity is goodness for the Democratic party' we got Gore / Lieberman. I don't need to say anything how that worked out and the uncloaking of Lieberman through the years.

    No pacification, she has long lost hope of dropping out with any honor or integrity left.

    by dss on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:53:13 AM PDT

    •  Actually....they won.

      Gore/Lieberman.

      They just didn't fight for the result...

      by oldpro on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:06:02 AM PDT

      •  He did.

        Facts about FL'2K

        1. Gore fought for 35 days: link.

        2. The rightwing meme "Gore is/was cherry picking districts" is false. The Gore campaign asked the Bush campaign to join them in requesting a statewide recount which the latter refused. This link provides the details.

        3. This CNN poll shows that 79% of Americans wanted Gore to concede should the SC ruling go against him. link.

        4. After the verdict, likely signaling that the establishment was abandoning Gore, DNC Chair Rendell publicly called on Gore to concede: link.

        5. Daschle and other senate Democrats had a power-sharing agreement with senate Republicans which was the reason that no Democratic senator signed on to join the CBC in challenging the certification of Florida's electoral college votes (contrary to some impressions seemingly left by Fahrenheit 9/11 movie's opening scene). excerpt.

        6. Democrats.com analysis: Gore won Florida.

        Gore fought until no recourse was left.

        For further reading, please see: 2000 Election synopsis

        by NeuvoLiberal on Thu May 08, 2008 at 07:45:44 AM PDT

        •  Well, NL, we meet again!

          Still at it, I see...

          I wonder how much thought you've given to the Daschle 'involvement' in the Obama movement (re: see #5 on your list above).

          You might be interested to know that I am of the opinion that only Gore can (possibly) save the Democratic Party and the country from a disastrous election this fall...no guarantees, of course.

          I certainly hope Hil and Bill are talking to him about the likelihood of, probable necessity for, an August 'surprise.'

          by oldpro on Thu May 08, 2008 at 08:14:18 AM PDT

          •  asdf

            "I wonder how much thought you've given to the Daschle 'involvement' in the Obama movement (re: see #5 on your list above)."

            It wasn't Daschle alone. Honestly, I think they did the right thing with the senate power sharing deal; short of people hitting the streets, which was unlikely since 79% wanted Gore to concede, the matter was over when the SCOTUS gave its verdict. Why not be pragmatic and get something out of the situation?

            What annoys me is what the Dems did with that agreement (and the majority they gained when Jeffords became an indie my mid 2001): instead opposing Bush's misadventures, they caved in every step of the way including giving Bush the war authorization.

            In the absolute worst case, Gore can (and should be a back up option),  but I do think that, as things stand, Obama can unite the party (if HRC plays nice after dropping out) and win strongly in Nov, but it takes time to heal the party and that's why we need to see a quick resolution to this situation.

            by NeuvoLiberal on Thu May 08, 2008 at 08:32:57 AM PDT

            •  We may have arrived at

              the absolute worst case

              There is no "quick resolution to this situation." Neither candidate will drop out.  Nominating either one will split the party for many years to come, ending in bitterness and defeat this year.  If you think the party divide can be healed you have not been in touch with people like me.

              If the endgame is probable nomination of Obama, Democrats only chance to unite this party and win this fall is for Hillary to nominate Gore.

              I don't know if he will agree to it but I hope she is asking him to.

              Otherwise...we're doomed.  Again.

              by oldpro on Thu May 08, 2008 at 12:30:25 PM PDT

          •  ... and, nice to see ya, OP.

            by NeuvoLiberal on Thu May 08, 2008 at 08:36:23 AM PDT

            •  Nice to see you, too.

              I almost never stop by the old neighborhood any more.  Too many random drive-by killings and gang rapes...and in broad daylight, too.  Beating up old ladies and cussing out the neighbors...like fraternity row on a Friday night with a full moon.

              No high quite like righteousness, eh?  Doesn't work for me.  I left the church at age 11.  And if the believer people take over, looks like I'll be leaving my political party for independenceland.

              by oldpro on Thu May 08, 2008 at 12:38:52 PM PDT

•  Dream ticket?

  What do people keep calling it a "dream ticket". It is more like a "nightmare ticket" if she is on it.

  It is the same as when people kept saying that we have great candidates. It wasn't true either, since we only had one great candidate and one half Republican.

  by mnguy66 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:28:46 AM PDT

  •  You know those dreams...

    after you've taken too much Nyquil, or you're feverish? Those dreams? I figure those are the ones "people" are talking about.

    Me, I don't like those kinds of dreams...

    by brillig on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:32:00 AM PDT

  •  My idea of a "dream ticket"

    Obama and whoever the hell he chooses.

    by Clyde the Cat on Thu May 08, 2008 at 07:15:53 AM PDT

•  Media just wants a dream ticket so

  they can call Obama out on going back on his word and sticking to old politics and they can remind Hillary of every negative thing she said about Obama and use her words against him.  

  I also have yet to recover from primary night in terms of sleep.  

  by Into The Stars on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:29:01 AM PDT

•  Please help Myanmar cyclone victims

  The need is still great, while it no longer occupies the top news slot.

  These organizations are on the ground and working in Myanmar.

  Doctors without Borders - article, click "donate" at top of page

  Save the Children - home page w/Myanmar feature, click "donate" red button

  World Food Program - home page w/Myanmar feature, click "make an online donation"

  by CA Libertarian on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:29:28 AM PDT

  •  Donated to Doc's without Borders

    this morning (my time- evening now)

    They do fantastic work.

    by shiobhan on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:46:33 AM PDT

•  Please take a break from the all-primary format

  To read and rec majhula's diary humanizing the Iraqis who lost their lives over five years of U.S. aggression. It's a story we neglect at our peril.

  by ninshubur on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:30:34 AM PDT

•  Health Care Providers Lawsuit - CA

  http://www.californiahealthline.org/...

  EXCERPT

  May 06, 2008

  Health Care Providers' Lawsuit Aims To Halt Medi-Cal Pay Cuts

  On Monday, a coalition of health care groups and providers filed a lawsuit that seeks to block California from reducing reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal providers by 10% on July 1, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, and Denti-Cal is the branch of the program that provides dental care (Fernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 5/6).

  Officials said the $1.3 billion in cuts, including more than $500 million in federal matching funds, would push more physicians to stop participating in Medi-Cal, which has more than six million beneficiaries.

  The cuts were approved by the Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) in February as a way to help reduce a state budget deficit, currently projected at nearly $20 billion (Robertson, Sacramento Business Journal, 5/5).

  The Los Angeles Daily Journal reports that this is the second lawsuit challenging the Medi-Cal reimbursement cuts, coming after a case filed by a group of independent pharmacists and advocates for people with disabilities last month (George, Los Angeles Daily Journal, 5/6).

  by pollwatch on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:34:38 AM PDT

  •  Plaintiffs

    Plaintiffs
    Coalition members that filed the suit include the:

    California Association for Adult Day Services;
    California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems;
    California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians;
    California Dental Association;
    California Hospital Association;
    California Medical Association; and
    California Pharmacists Association (Sacramento Business Journal, 5/5)

    The case is California Medical Association v. Sandra Shewry (Los Angeles Daily Journal, 5/6). Shewry is the director of DHCS (California Healthline, 3/28).

    by pollwatch on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:36:44 AM PDT

    •  The governor of California...

      never has to worry about paying for his healthcare.  Too bad those 6+ million people under Medi-Cal won't have that same reassurance.

      by Alohilani on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:12:33 AM PDT

      •  Arnold

        office was run by Rovian picked official - who ran Ca budget set it up like neocon Texas ( where she was from ) to do the same thing to Ca that Bush is doing to US; run up historic deficits - - privatize profits and socialize debts - cut social programs;

        after she got the neocon kill the state program going nicely she moved on - it is on automatic - -
        slicing and dicing everything in the medical services - everything not just Medi-Cal

        by pollwatch on Thu May 08, 2008 at 10:34:51 AM PDT

•  Anyone know Obama's schedule for the day?

  OH and you're right about the dream ticket Kos. I think it's one of the reasons she's still in the race.
  What a nightmare!

  by notquitedelilah on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:35:37 AM PDT

•  Morning

  73 degrees in Houston this morning with temps reaching 90. Record highs expected tomorrow.

  Our little sink hole northeast of the city grew a bit but seems to be stabilizing.

  http://www.click2houston.com/...

  The sinkhole, which is the size of six football fields, is located in a rural area near FM 770, just north of Daisetta in Liberty County.

  [snip]

  It started as a crack in the road and grew into the sinkhole starting at about 10 a.m. Wednesday. It grew to at least 300 yards wide, 600 north to south and 150 feet deep.

  Construction equipment, tanks, trees and everything else in its path fell into the hole.

  Daisetta was built on salt domes and experts believe the oil taken from the wells caused the land to cave in.

  Oil gathered at the bottom of the sinkhole. The property it consumed was described as a disposal well.

  Have a great day everyone.

  "They're all crazy. They're all crazy except you and me. Sometimes I have me doubts about you." -- Garrett Fort

  by Spathiphyllum on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:36:31 AM PDT

  •  I heard on the radio

    on the way in this morning that it's now 200 feet deep.

    by Phil N DeBlanc on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:38:01 AM PDT

  •  That's an impressive sized sinkhole.

    by sweeper on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:28:29 AM PDT

  •  GWB's Iraq Exit Plan

    is down there somewhere.  

    by wonderful world on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:53:16 AM PDT

    •  So is our kid's future

      We've already spent the future.

      So much damage in 8 years.

      I wish the political discourse about "standard of living" and "the American way of life" would get real.

      There is absolutely no way that "always more" can go on. It is against the laws of physics and biology.

      The greatest challenge for the next administration (among many huge challenges) is going to be how to deliver this message without being blamed for it.

      Whatever you think about Chavez in Venezuela, he set the conditions for the people of his country to learn how to take care of themselves. We could use a dose of that.  

      by RichRandal on Thu May 08, 2008 at 07:12:36 AM PDT

•  Republicans are looking for Experience

  when the country needs vision and foresight.

  McCain understands 1952.  Does he have the vision to understand 2015?

  The printing press is responsible for far more pornography than the internet.

  by 88kathy on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:36:53 AM PDT

•  Dream ticket

  It seems to me that both the media and the GOP are irrelevant to settling who will be Obama's running mate. That will be Obama's decision alone. That's not to say he won't consult with various senior Democratic officials.

  Ultimately, Obama (like McCain) has to pick someone who will help him get elected. And, like it or not, that just could be HRC.

  by CCSDem on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:38:34 AM PDT

  •  yeah, and it could be Joe Lieberman

    they're running a campaign here, and they need a team player without high negatives.  HRC is the last person they'd want.

    by tamandua on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:42:09 AM PDT

    •  HRC @ VP = almost guaranteed LOSE in November n/t

      by catnap1972 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:46:26 AM PDT

      •  Not almost - it's as sure as the sunrise. /nt

        by Alohilani on Thu May 08, 2008 at 06:23:58 AM PDT

•  axelrod would not tolerate it

  since the successful campaign is based on the No Asshole rule

  by tamandua on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:39:47 AM PDT

  •  End of Discussion. n/t

    by Clyde the Cat on Thu May 08, 2008 at 07:13:15 AM PDT

•  ok, geniuses

  I can turn a good word, but when it comes to wireless networking, I'm like Paris Hilton at a Mensa conference.  

  I have a Vonage device, a Comcast modem, and an Apple Airport Extreme Base Station.  If anyone can clue me in on getting them all to play nice with each other, you've earned mojo for life.  Email is my info page.  Thanks!

  by georgia10 on Thu May 08, 2008 at 05:42:15 AM PDT

  •  google dd-wrt and those devices

    The wireless should be straight forward but is confusing if you have never configured a router.

    What os are you using and do you know if your comcast uses PPOE or PPOA or what to connect?

    Do you have the computer running now as the only device connected directly to the comcast modem?

    You need to add these devices one at a time usually so you can tell what is and is not working.

    getting the computer connected to the airport has to be first just to configure it. The add the airport router to the comcast modem. (the clone MAC address function might be useful since some comcast setups register the MAC address when you set up the computer and then refuse to work when you add the router because the MAC address has changed.

    If you get everything running and then have a problem with the VOIP/vonage, then you might need to look at the DD-WRT package for your router since it has QOS settings some other router firmwares lack.

    Remember, these each are relatively simple for some of us to set up but taken all together, unforeseen and damn near impossible to troubleshoot complexities can develop when trying to get all of them