When a Hero Comes Along...

CNN is now referring to a British citizen who assisted fellow bombing victims yesterday as a “hero.” (Their quotes, not mine). They also went out of their way to ask the man if he was a hero or “just a good Samaritan.” As if any reasonable person asked that question would say, “You know what, I’m a HERO!”

But I’m sure CNN had their Tina Turner penned Mad Max Beyond Thunder dome theme “We don’t need another hero” all queued up just in case.

[ 07/08/2005 04:04 PM ]

It Just Gets Better

I know my job is to report The Buzz, not to kvetch, but a personal item for Buzz readers -

Good news: The Crohn’s is cutting me some slack this afternoon. Many thanks to The Buzz readers who wrote in with their stories and thoughts.

Bad News: I was hit by a car while biking over to ABC News. No, honestly. But thankfully I wasn’t hurt. Just some jackass who decided to pull a U-turn at the intersection of New Hampshire and V St. for those of you familiar with the Washington area. The guy nearly hit about three other cars in addition to your pedestrian correspondent. Maybe I’ll start listening to all my friends who “suggest” I wear a helmet when taking my bicycle out for an afternoon jaunt. Nah…

Unfortunately, I was in a rush to make it over to ABC News in time, barely had time to share my familiarity with George Carlin’s seven words you can’t say on TV/radio.

[ 07/08/2005 03:51 PM ]

Will Rehnquist Resign Today @5pm?

On CNN today, Bob Novak repeated his claim that Chief Justice William Rehnquist will resign today. A very reliable source tells The Buzz that Novak believes the announcement will come at exactly 4:55pm EST today to coincide with President Bush’s landing back in Washington and to avoid impacting the markets. Keep your eyes on the tube around then.

[ 07/08/2005 03:13 PM ]

Judy Bloom

Buzz reader Steve writes in on Judith Miller:

Just a humorous thought here on Judith Miller (regardless of the propriety of her sentence, which I think is wrong.) Isn’t it ironic that the left leaning paper that extols the virtue of big government decries what would be, absent conservative counter forces?: A 7 x 10 room of the state’s choosing with meals all provided by the public. To each according to his needs, indeed! The only thing missing is the collective farm. Oh, well, perhaps she can work in the garden.

[ 07/08/2005 02:37 PM ]

Buzz Cut

I’m off to ABC News, but The Buzz will return around 2pm with a few more afternoon items. See you then.

[ 07/08/2005 12:57 PM ]

The Cheese Stands Alone

Following his appearance with Tennessee Democrats, Russ Feingold will speak at the 96th annual NAACP convention in Milwaukee Wisconsin on Sunday.

[ 07/08/2005 12:52 PM ]

Committment Issues

Russ Feingold’s office announced he will be the keynote speaker at the “Democracy for Tennessee” first annual convention tomorrow in Nashville. Feingold said in a statement: “I am committed to the effort of building the Democratic Party throughout America.”

[ 07/08/2005 12:51 PM ]

Soothing Their Tom "Jones"

The National Journal’s Hotline (subscription required) writes their spotlight today on Tom Tancredo’s visit to Iowa and a possible 2008 bid:

When Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) disavowed any interest in an '08 WH bid during a trip to NH, it was easy to accept. But his trip to IA has all the hallmarks of something bigger.


It's not what Tancredo talked about (immigration) it's who he talked to, and who's helping to connect him that piques interest. His sked sounds eerily similar to a caucus. Add to that interviews on Christian radio and a schedule coordinated by Bay Buchanan and it starts to sound more like a Pat Robertson/Pat Buchanan/Alan Keyes campaign.


We're not pretending to take Tancredo seriously as a potential '08 GOP nominee, but it's worth reminding folks of the amazing ability of conservative/one-issue candidates to over-perform in the IA caucuses, particularly if they latch on to a conservative populist issue like, well, immigration. His flirtation fills a large void in the GOP field on immigration. The candidates who think they are nominee material better take Tancredo seriously; his supporters could become veto voters.

[ 07/08/2005 12:22 PM ]

George on George

New York Governor and possible 2008 candidate George Pataki told Fox News Channel’s Fox and Friends today that President Bush is making the right moves in combating terrorism:

What is truly important is what the President's fighting for, and that's the rule of law, the ability of people to choose their own leaders, the concept of freedom, not just between Israel and the Palestinians but in Iraq, in Jordan, in Saudi Arabia, in Afghanistan, in Libya, around the globe. And when we have that peace, when we have that understanding and respect for human life and the rule of law, then these terrorists will have lost, and they are going to lose.

[ 07/08/2005 12:04 PM ]

Inside Job

Buzz reader IQVPart writes in on the media’s coverage of today’s job numbers:

I think the NY Times is downplaying the significance of the reporting of the numbers.

“The American economy added 146,000 jobs in June, significantly more than the previous month, but far short of the 200,000 jobs that most economists expected, the government reported today.”

The % error (error/prediction) seem to me to be: 54,000/200,000 = 27%

Then, there is this from later in the article:

“The Bureau of Labor Statistics also revised employment figures for May to 104,000 jobs created, up from 78,000.”

The % error here, seems to me, is: 26,000/78,000 = 33%

So, why is the first number "far short" and the later "far greater"?

[ 07/08/2005 11:57 AM ]

TV Eye

I’ll be appearing on ABC News Now and possibly ABC News radio today at around 1:35. I’ll be discussing the political fallout from yesterday’s terrorist attacks with Sam Donaldson. Please check it out if you can.

It might be worth watching simply to see if I keel over and die while the Crohn’s kicks my butt today.

[ 07/08/2005 11:50 AM ]

Miracle-Gro

Some positive economic numbers out today. The government released numbers showing 146,000 new jobs created in June. That means the economy has created 3.7 million new jobs since May 2003 – 25 straight months of job growth.

Conversely, the unemployment rate fell to 5.0 percent – the lowest point since September 2001. The GDP was revised up for last quarter and inflation was lowered. Profits as part of the GDP are at their highest level since 1967. In addition, consumer confidence is at its highest mark in three years.

As I’ve noted in the past, most mainstream outlets avoid reporting economic news when it’s good for this administration. If any particular headlines jump out in this regard, I’ll post them today. And if you see any I may have missed, please pass them along.

[ 07/08/2005 11:06 AM ]

Have They Made the Nobel Announcements Yet?

As the New York Times continues its self-righteous treatment of jailed reporter Judith Miller, they headline today’s coverage: “Jail Where Reporter Is Held: Modern, Maximum Security”

But anyone who reads the story’s first paragraph will find:

There are no bars in the 70-square-foot cell that Judith Miller, the New York Times reporter, is expected to call home for the next four months or so, as she serves her contempt-of-court sentence in the Alexandria Detention Center in Virginia.

But, gosh, it's kinda crowded. Find a way to carry on little trooper.

[ 07/08/2005 10:46 AM ]

You Must Choose Wisely

More on The Buzz's conversation with RNC Chair Ken Mehlman:

Even though he spends much of his time, and gets the most attention for attacking Republicans, DNC Chair Howard Dean claims to “admire” the grassroots organizing effort of the conservative movement the past three decades. I asked Mehlman to respond to Dean’s plan to emulate the RNC’s past success. Mehlman tells The Buzz:

“It’s very hard to recruit new voters without anything positive to offer. Name-calling is not an agenda. We are taking our agenda to the next step. In 2004 we recruited 3.2 million new voters. We have a plan in place and want 4 million new voters for the next election. In addition, we’re investing to build the party – new technology, infrastructure,” and the assorted tools needed for campaign success. “Give us a chance and we’ll give you a choice.”

[ 07/08/2005 10:14 AM ]

Ken Mehlman Talks to The Buzz

Yesterday I spoke with RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman to discuss Republican outreach efforts and getting ready for 2008. Mehlman has been leading the RNC’s “Conversations with the Community” effort, visiting minorities across the nation since the 2004 campaign ended. I began by asking Mehlman where the effort stands:

“We have today an agenda worthy of the party of Lincoln. African-Americans and Latinos are tired of tired of having one party that takes their vote for granted and another that hasn’t enough to reach out to them. This is about inclusion.”

Mehlman says the RNC is taking positive lessons learned from the 2004 campaign to build the party in preparation for the 2008 fight:

“We proved in 2004 that the belief you can’t recruit new voters and bring out the base is wrong. We are offering minority voters choice: you can have choice in your schools, choice in your health care,” Mehlman said.

[ 07/08/2005 10:06 AM ]

Tancredo Storms the Barn

The Rocky Mountain News reports Tom Tancredo began “barnstorming” through eastern Iowa this week, home to the first 2008 presidential primary:

Tancredo wants the big-name contenders to take up his crusade to stop illegal immigration. He's also thinking about a run himself.


"If you don't approach this thing as if you are completely serious, you can't accomplish any goal," he said.


Tancredo started speculation about his role in the 2008 race earlier this year, when he made a brief stop in the early presidential primary state of New Hampshire.

Tancredo has a series of meetings organized by the Iowa Christian Coalition and will appear on the state’s largest Christian radio program this week.

[ 07/08/2005 09:44 AM ]

Down but not Out

Sorry for the slow start today Buzz readers. I’m under the weather right in time for the weekend. But I’ll keep pushing through to bring you all the 2008 and related news today. Plus, I'll post my interview with RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman a little later this morning. Please stay tuned.

[ 07/08/2005 09:29 AM ]

Making Amends

The Mike DeWine emails have been pouring in to The Buzz fast and furious today. All are critical, but most are reasoned in their points regarding DeWine. And one reader asks if it will take the president himself to turn things around:

Can't say I'd probably like it any more then I did when he helped out Specter, but won't Bush be in Ohio next Fall on DeWine's behalf and isn't that gonna help turn those in the base who don’t much care for the guy?

Well, there’s no doubt a presidential visit can help a candidate’s base support. However, it seems it will take more than the president’s endorsement to sway disillusioned Republican primary voters. Most readers from Ohio today have indicated DeWine’s best hope is that Republicans vote to end judicial filibusters or that at least the president’s Supreme Court nominee is approved without a filibuster.

[ 07/07/2005 04:11 PM ]

Fallout

Blogger Dave Weigel writes in to The Buzz on DeWine’s challenge for 2006:

Anecdotal evidence suggests the GOP there could face trouble. Remember, Mike DeWine's son Pat, a county commissioner, was the leading candidate for the open OH-2 House seat when Rob Portman retired. He led the first polls and outraised all other candidates. On e-day he came in a pathetic fourth, no small thanks to his name. I don't know how easy it will be for Ohio Republicans to get their voters to turn out and pull the DeWine lever.


Also, it's worth considering what'll happen if the party's image in the coin scandal sticks with voters. I was living in Illinois in the 2002 elections, when Democrats ran a fairly mediocre candidate slate - two machine politicians for governor and attorney general, and first-term Sen. Durbin on top of the ticket. But Republicans were severely damaged by the corruption charges against retiring Gov. George Ryan, and never shook them.

[ 07/07/2005 03:01 PM ]

Rice on Terror

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice just spoke from the British embassy in Washington. Rice said:

The American people are in solidarity with and share concern for the people of London and Great Britain today. …


We have no better friend and ally in the struggle against terrorism than Great Britain. … This act will only strengthen the resolve of Great Britain and Tony Blair … to make sure terrorists know that … we remain resolved in our effort … to remove this scourge of humanity.”

[ 07/07/2005 01:57 PM ]

Just Browsing

The Manchester Union Leader reports Evan Bayh has a busy schedule in their state next week that “certainly suggests a campaign-style visit.”

[ 07/07/2005 01:16 PM ]

Can't Have All the Answers

The San Jose Mercury News (registration required) reports that during his speech in the city yesterday, Indiana Democrat Senator Evan Bayh criticized China for “manipulating its currency” to lower export costs and for violating international intellectual property right laws. Bayh also defended the U.S. for refusing to sign the Kyoto agreement because nations like China would not have to participate.

However, the paper notes with some bemusement:

What the Indiana Democrat wouldn't say at a Rotary Club of San Jose meeting Wednesday is whether he's running for president.


``I am thinking about it,'' he said. ``I haven't finally decided.''

[ 07/07/2005 01:06 PM ]

Living Will

George Will devotes his column today to examining the presidential prospects of George Allen. Seeing Allen work the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women annual meeting, Will finds:

He has the same name as his father, the late Hall of Fame head coach of the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins, who was, to say no more, tightly wound, as coaches tend to be. If the son is similarly driven -- and he must be to embark on this marathon -- he conceals it beneath a demeanor akin to Ronald Reagan's, which was once described as "Aw, shucks, I just stepped on my sneaker laces." Except there are no laces on Allen's cowboy boots, which go with the smokeless tobacco in the circular can in his pocket.

Will says the next GOP nominee must balance two constituencies that have seemingly been straining each other the past several years:

The ideal Republican candidate can meld two Republican tendencies that are in tension -- social conservatism and libertarianism. Social conservatives have no complaints with Allen, and libertarians vibrate like tuning forks to his invocations of "Mr. Jefferson," as Virginians refer to their saint of minimal government.

[ 07/07/2005 12:49 PM ]

Daly Dose

Gerry Daly of the Daly Thoughts blog writes in to The Buzz on my “Battleground Ohio” post:

Part of the reason DeWine is polling less strongly than he would probably like (even in a Democratic poll) has to be unhappiness from the most hard-core of Republicans over his involvement in the Gang of 14. While it is possible that this cohort will have depressed turnout, which would hurt him, it is extremely unlikely that they would ever end up pulling the lever for Brown. These are exactly the type of voters that one would anticipate seeing "come home" during an election campaign.


Some of the damage DeWine did to himself with Republicans, he will likely be able to mitigate in the coming Supreme Court battle, if the negotiated deal prevents a Democratic filibuster or if he votes to do away with filibusters in the face of one. It won't totally heal the wounds, but it would help.

Daly Thoughts takes a look at all of the upcoming Senate races here.

UPDATE:

And his look at my post is here.

[ 07/07/2005 12:25 PM ]

Bush's First Veto?

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reports the Senate is set to pass legislation increasing federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. In May 50 House Republicans broke with leadership to support additional federal funding as well.

However, there is no guarantee the Senate can achieve the 67 votes necessary to override a Bush veto. And even with 50 House Republicans splitting, getting enough votes for a House override seems even less likely. Still the WSJ reports:

Proponents say every strong display of support moves their goal closer to reality -- if not in this Congress, then in the one after 2006 elections.

The WSJ also has a handy comparative chart on presidential veto tallies, and how many have been overridden, throughout U.S. history.

[ 07/07/2005 12:12 PM ]

Battleground Ohio

Daily Kos writes that Republican Senator Mike DeWine's re-election is looking far from certain in Ohio. The liberal Feldman Group has a new poll showing Democrat Sherrod Brown trailing DeWine by six points.

Kos, who says he wants this race “something fierce” argues that Brown’s showing combined with DeWine’s low approval rating means Democrats can take the seat in 2006.

Needless to say, I’m not so sure. First and foremost, partisan polls showing their own preferred candidate losing by close to 10 points is not generally considered an illuminating indicator of future success. Second, all politicians tested in the Feldman poll have low approval ratings. With the exception of Governor Taft, this signals a more general lack of content with government than outrage over any one politician such as DeWine.

A strong Democrat like Brown could make a good challenger for DeWine, but the odds still favor the incumbent.

[ 07/07/2005 11:36 AM ]

Bringing Back the Draft

A few more points on Americans for Rice. Unlike some other draft websites, Americans for Rice is functioning much more as a full-fledged organization these days. They will be attending events in North Carolina, Las Vegas, and Florida in the coming months.

While the group is generating funds through the sale of t-shirts and other merchandise, all of the group’s expenses for travel and appearances are paid out of the volunteer’s pockets. The money they raise goes to paying for radio ads and other items promoting the draft Condi movement.

Americans for Rice co-chair Crystal Dueker has spent several thousand dollars of her own money traveling the country in support of the draft Condi movement. Dueker works in business out of North Dakota but has taken significant time off to work on the Americans for Rice effort. When I asked Dueker what drives her to spend her free time driving around in support of Rice she says, “Diplomancy. Her work in Iraq, Afghanistan and even Kuwait has made dramatic improvements already. Condi’s fingerprints are all over that.”

For individuals like Dueker, Rice presents the best opportunity for something akin to a third Bush term. “If Dick Cheney were running, I would support him. He has the most qualifications. But since he is not running, that leaves Condi as the most qualified candidate.”

[ 07/07/2005 11:20 AM ]

Making it Stick

Richard Mason acknowledges that Americans for Rice has received a number of questions regarding Dr. Rice’s experience, or lack thereof. However, Mason says that although Rice has not pursued elected office, she has a wealth of experience most potential 2008 candidates cannot match:

We need her in 2008. The value of her relationships with the bureaucracy in Washington and with foreign leaders is invaluable. And she’d be able to continue the foreign policy she has designed seamlessly.

Mason also believes Rice could help mend international tensions without forcing a change in U.S. policy:

This is really a chance for Republicans to change perceptions of the party both at home and globally. The Washington insider knows Republicans have a much more diverse roster than they get credit for. But for the casual political observer, this could change everything. People like Dr. Rice are the future of the party.

In the meantime, Americans for Rice is looking for more volunteers and advice, particularly in the legal realm. But so far, they are getting a great response to their efforts:

My wife and I were leaving Wal-Mart one day when we saw about a dozen people standing around our car. My wife pointed them out to me and my first thought was, ‘Oh no, what happened to the car?’ So, we got store security to escort us out. But when we got there, the group of people standing around my car wanted to know how they could get Condi 2008 bumper stickers. I don’t think you’d ever get that kind of response from a Bill Frist sticker.

[ 07/07/2005 10:26 AM ]

Rice is Nice

Even after repeated claims that she is not a candidate, speculation continues regarding the possibility that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will run for president in 2008. One such group is attempting to turn that speculation into reality.

I recently spoke with Richard Mason, the acting chair of Americans for Rice. The group has been around since shortly after the 2004 election, when Mason says he was having a water cooler discussion during his job working at an emergency room facility. In the months following that first water cooler chat, Americans for Rice has signed up 30-35 “core” members and about 3,000 registered supporters. They have raised nearly $20,000 to purchase t-shirts, bumper stickers and shift their effort from a start-up hobby to a full-time draft Rice movement. “We’re very lucky amateurs,” Mason says.

Mason admits the group started as more of a fun club than a political organization. “We’re only now really starting to look very seriously at this. We were all fans of Dr. Rice but some were not enamored at first with the idea of her running for president. It just didn’t seem realistic.”

While Rice continues her duties at Secretary of State, Americans for Rice are organizing to get her on the ballot of as many 2008 primary states as possible. “And as a Republican,” Mason adds. “To get her on as a Republican in primary states will show this is a serious draft effort.”

[ 07/07/2005 10:09 AM ]

License to Pill

The Massachusetts state House and Senate have now both approved legislation making the so-called “morning after pill” available without a prescription. Soon, Governor Mitt Romney will face the decision of whether to approve or veto the legislation. The Boston Globe notes:

Because both chambers approved it by veto-proof margins, the measure will become law no matter what Romney does. With the Republican governor considering a run for president, however, his decision on the emergency contraception legislation is being watched closely by activists on both sides.

Romney’s spokeswoman Julie Teer said, ''When the governor receives the emergency contraception legislation, he will review it carefully and measure whether or not it changes the status quo.”

[ 07/07/2005 09:42 AM ]

Warner Knocks Opportunity

The Washington Post has reports on Virginia Governor Mark Warner’s speech at the National Press Club in Washington yesterday. Warner says President Bush “missed an opportunity” after 9/11 to unite the country and push legislation that cut the deficit, increased energy independence and improved the educational system:

I wish and pray that it would have happened. Instead, what we got was that folks like me got a tax break. Most Americans are told to go about their daily lives. And, too often, the only people that were asked for sacrifice were the members and families of our active duty, Guard and Reserve.

Warner also told reporters his disagreements with President Bush were not over specific policy and that he will make a decision about running for president “at some future point.”

[ 07/07/2005 09:31 AM ]

Bush on London Attacks

From President Bush’s statement on this morning’s London terrorist attacks:

The contrast between what we've seen on the TV screens here, what's taken place in London and what's taking place here is incredibly vivid to me. On the one hand, we have people here who are working to alleviate poverty, to help rid the world of the pandemic of AIDS, working on ways to have a clean environment. And on the other hand, you've got people killing innocent people. And the contract couldn't be clearer between the intentions and the hearts of those of us who care deeply about human rights and human liberty, and those who kill -- those who have got such evil in their heart that they will take the lives of innocent folks.

[ 07/07/2005 09:16 AM ]

Some Friend You Are

While most Democrats march around Washington with their talking points claiming Sandra Day O’Conner is the “perfect model” President Bush should use in appointing his next justice, not all liberals are playing along. Senator Joe Biden said O’Conner “is more conservative than a lot of Democrats might want her to be,” and that the left is praising O’Conner because “this is a Republican president."

[ 07/07/2005 09:12 AM ]

Above the Law? - We Can't All Be Steven Segal

Credit to the New York Times for acknowledging that not all journalists believe the Times’ Judith Miller and Time Magazine’s Matt Cooper are above the law.

New York Post Editor in Chief Col Allen said, “I can understand the concern journalists would have. Somebody has lost their liberty. And in the eyes of many, no crime has been committed. The problem is, however, that we here at The Post believe that reporters are not above the law.”

CNN’s Frank Sesno added, “This is not a Pentagon Papers case. This is not the kind of case that, as a journalist, you'd want to go down for the count on.”

[ 07/07/2005 09:02 AM ]

Temp Agency

The Washington Post profiles Anne Patterson, the acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Needless to say, a number of unnamed U.N. officials are in “no rush” to see her replaced by John Bolton.

[ 07/07/2005 08:52 AM ]

Where the Action Is

More on Amend for Arnold:

Even though Governor Schwarzenegger’s poll numbers have slipped in California, his appeal nationwide remains vibrant. In addition to having volunteers in all 50 states, Amend for Arnold has received numerous requests about organizing in favor of a Schwarzenegger run. Some groups are even considering various Schwarzenegger rallies on his July 30th birthday.

Thaler-Jones admits support for amending the Constitution has been “all over the map.” But support for his re-election is less ambiguous. “My opinion is that he will run is Maria says yes,” Thaler-Jones said. “He has sacrificed his poll numbers for now,” in order to support his initiatives, “he let the unions have their fight. And now, everyone is tired. People thought this might be an easy year for both sides.”

According to Thaler-Jones, when Schwarzenegger takes his message directly to the public, he is more often than not successful. “I wish to heaven they would do what Reagan did. His citizen briefing talks were amazing. I think we had a more informed citizenry because of his ability to speak directly to the people. Arnold has that ability too.”

A successful initiative drive would also certainly ease Schwarzenegger’s path to re-election. And even if he technically cannot run for higher office now, a Republican winning re-election as governor in California is sure to draw massive attention and speculation. So, where does the drive stop? “He can do pretty much anything he wants,” Thaler-Jones says. “He is the fusion of red and blue. He is our champion.”

[ 07/06/2005 04:11 PM ]

Amend for Arnold

Just spoke with Lissa Morgan Thaler-Jones, the co-founder of Amend for Arnold. The group has been working across the nation to raise California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s profile in hopes of amending the Constitution to allow foreign-born citizens to run for president.

Most of the coverage surrounding Schwarzenegger concerns his recent drop in statewide polls. I asked Thaler-Jones where their effort stood in light of recent political setbacks for Schwarzenegger, “We are certainly content. We have volunteers in all 50 states. A lot of the work now is behind the scenes, with the statewide initiatives,” Thaler-Jones said.

Thaler-Jones and others have been working with officials to help raise money for the initiatives, “while the rest of the world is looking at polls.” And there have been recent victories such as the statewide budget agreement and near universal praise for Schwarzenegger’s approach to statewide judicial nominees.

[ 07/06/2005 03:57 PM ]

Bad Medicine

The Boston Globe’s war against Mitt Romney is starting to get ugly. Over the holiday weekend, the paper ran an article mostly focused on pro-abortion groups “demanding” Romney reiterate his views on abortion. Today, Globe columnist Eileen McNamara writes:

If the right to abortion is going to be a battleground, Governor Mitt Romney ought to at least make access to emergency contraception the common ground of his incipient campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination.


He could get his chance as early as today to prove to Massachusetts voters that his national ambitions are not dependent on pandering to ideologues who would play politics with the reproductive health of American women.

Properly presented, the contraception question is already being debated by the state Senate and House, where it is all but guaranteed success. McNamara’s demand is nothing more than a thinly veiled shot at Romney. The final two-thirds of the column literally become a rant on McNamara’s belief that the so-called “morning after pill” is not equivalent to an abortion.

[ 07/06/2005 01:27 PM ]

Just Happy to be Nominated

The Arkansas News Bureau reports that despite speculation to the contrary, Republican Governor Mike Huckabee has been in line to take over the National Governor’s Association since 2001. Huckabee said the move has nothing to do with presidential ambitions:

I've been in line to be NGA chair for the last four years so this is a natural progression of something that really started four years ago. It's more a fascination with the Beltway crowd, trying to speculate something that's going to happen in three years.

Still, Huckabee said he is “flattered” that his name is being mentioned as a potential 2008 player.

[ 07/06/2005 01:12 PM ]

Southern Hospitality

On Friday, Virginia Senator George Allen will make his third visit this year to the 2008 primary state of South Carolina. Allen will appear with his wife Susan, a South Carolina native. Graham will reportedly discuss education reform, energy policy and judicial matters.

[ 07/06/2005 01:02 PM ]

Alone in the Dark?

The Washington Times’ James Lakely reports on how Republicans in Congress are now taking the lead role in promoting Social Security reform. It’s a near 180 degree turn from a few months ago when President Bush was leading the daily fight as cover for Republicans in Congress worried about fallout back home.

However, what stands out in this piece is the accusation that President Bush was unaware his reform push was not making significant inroads:

When congressional leaders met with Mr. Bush last week, they were surprised that the president didn't know how much trouble his plan was in, said a source close to the meeting who requested anonymity.


"The more he talked about it, the worse it got," said the source, who worked in previous Republican administrations. "This White House does not encourage negative feedback. You know that Bush's legislative affairs office is dysfunctional because they weren't bringing any of the warning signs back to the White House."

[ 07/06/2005 11:51 AM ]

Can Gonzales "Flip It?"

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) writes that conservative opposition to Alberto Gonzales may actually improve his odds both of being nominated and of eventually being confirmed as a Supreme Court nominee:

Behind the scenes, a senior administration official said criticism from conservatives wouldn't pose a significant obstacle to Mr. Gonzales's prospects for nomination. And the opposition on the right actually might help the attorney general's chances of winning confirmation because it may make him appear more acceptable to those in the middle of the political spectrum, particularly the seven Democrats who cut a deal with seven Republican senators promising not to support a filibuster of judicial nominees except in "extraordinary circumstances."

[ 07/06/2005 11:33 AM ]

Arnold Uber Alles

In other Arnold Schwarzenegger news, the governor reached a compromise over the state’s budget with Democratic lawmakers. The compromise addresses Democrat concerns over school and road funding without resorting to deficit spending.

So, in the past week we’ve seen a slight improvement in Schwarzenegger’s polls followed by a strong compromise over the state budget. No doubt Governor Schwarzenegger’s aides are fixated on reversing course on his downward poll slide. But could it also be that news outlets are at least temporarily tiring of their “sink Arnold” campaign?

[ 07/06/2005 11:24 AM ]

Recess Isn't Always Fun and Games

It may not be nice, but the point is hard to refute. Here’s the latest from the Associated Press on the fight over John Bolton:

Hapless Senate Republicans. Emboldened Senate Democrats. And a second-term president facing nothing but politically risky choices. Those are the outcomes of a bruising, months-long battle over John Bolton's nomination to be United Nations ambassador and it's not over.

And the AP says that negotiations with Democrats continue. If a recess appointment happens, it’s not likely to materialize until August. Once again, this only proves George Allen was right in pushing for an early vote. Now, because Bill Frist allowed a floor vote to stall after Bolton was voted out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a likely recess appointment will only add more turmoil to the upcoming Supreme Court battle.

[ 07/06/2005 11:15 AM ]

Arnold Does it Again

In contrast to the emotional and rigidly partisan debate over the judiciary raging here in Washington, the Los Angeles Times reports Arnold Schwarzenegger is receiving near unanimous praise for his selection of justices to California’s lower courts over the past two years. And he’ll get his first shot at nominating a California Supreme Court justice in the near future as Janice Rogers Brown heads to the federal bench.

[ 07/06/2005 11:07 AM ]

Boys Keep Swinging

USA Today reports conservative groups are resisting pressure from President Bush and Republicans in the Senate to “cool down” their rhetoric against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and the upcoming Supreme Court fight.

[ 07/06/2005 11:00 AM ]

Bottled Message

Several media outlets, including The Buzz, reported yesterday on President Bush urging conservative activists to tone down their rhetoric over Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and a possible Supreme Court nomination.

Today comes news that aides to Senate Republicans are on point as well. The group includes aides to the Senate Republican Conference and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Frist Chief of Staff Eric Ueland said:

Every contact we have with these folks is “stay on message, stay on purpose." The extremism of language, if there is to be any, should be demonstrably on the other side. The hysteria and the foaming at the mouth ought to come from the left.

[ 07/06/2005 10:43 AM ]

A Natural Alliance

The New York Times reports House Democrats are taking out advertisements in newspapers that will attack six House Republicans over ethical allegations. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic National Committee are airing the ads against Randy Cunningham, Tom DeLay, Bob Ney, Richard Pombo, Rob Simmons and Charles Taylor.

The ads begin running in local papers at a cost of $36,000.

[ 07/06/2005 10:28 AM ]

Getting Stronger

Rasmussen Reports has a new poll up showing President Bush’s approval rating on a slow, steady climb since the end of June. In their latest numbers, Bush receives a 51 percent approval rating with 48 percent disapproving.

[ 07/06/2005 10:19 AM ]

Rice Asks for Patience

The Miami Herald reports Condoleezza Rice is turning her own negative experiencing with racial prejudice into a net positive as she visits foreign nations to promote democracy:

As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice preaches the gospel of democracy to Latin America, she reaches back to her Alabama roots in the Jim Crow South to make the case for patience with flawed governments. She hopes her rise from second-class citizenship to President Bush's confidant will connect with Latin Americans increasingly frustrated that their governments have brought the region scarce economic and social progress.

Rice told a meeting of the Organization of American States:

'Indeed, it was only in my own lifetime that the United States guaranteed the right to vote for all its citizens. So I personally understand the deep impatience with the pace of democratic reform that many people in this hemisphere express.'

[ 07/06/2005 10:04 AM ]

Sounds Good

What’s that sound you’re hearing? Don’t know if this is going to be a new trend in blogs or not, but Right Side Redux has unveiled their podcast blog. It’s a fun read, er, listen.

[ 07/06/2005 09:37 AM ]

Out of Order

The final statistic I’ll cite from this new Gallup poll: A full 86 percent of respondents believe Democrats will filibuster President Bush’s Supreme Court nominee for “inappropriate political reasons.”

That’s not a typo. Close to 9 in 10 respondents in a survey weighted against conservatives say that Democrats will make the wrong move for the wrong reasons when it comes to our nation’s highest court.

[ 07/06/2005 09:28 AM ]

Silver Lining

Presidential polls have been a relatively big story this past month. Both President Bush and Congress have seen a steady decline in their ratings. The president received a slight boost after his Iraq speech last week, but not enough to change the story’s dynamic.

However, even with their slanted polling sample, Gallup shows Condoleezza Rice is an exception to the trend. As President Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and other administration officials suffer from an onslaught of negative media coverage, Rice’s numbers continue to climb.

Starting with a base of 50 percent approval in March 2004, Rice has climbed up to a 61 percent approval rating in Gallup’s latest numbers. Not coincidentally, Rice has been receiving much more positive press coverage than other administration officials. It’s great to see Rice doing so well, especially as rumors of a possible presidential run continue to swell. However, it also goes to show that the press pushes and pulls on a public figure’s reputation as much if not more than actual events on the ground.

[ 07/06/2005 09:24 AM ]

See Dick Run?

Will Dick Cheney run for president in 2008? Going back to the 2000 campaign, as many times as he has been publicly asked, Cheney has refuted the question. But of course, that’s not going to stop the speculation entirely. To that end, I’ll just mention there are new Gallup poll numbers on Cheney’s favorability ratings.

Cheney’s rating comes out 48 percent favorable and 44 percent unfavorable. That’s down from his 51 percent approval rating in February.

However, keep in mind we already cited earlier waves of questions from this poll on President Bush’s personal ratings and other issues. I did the math, and the poll is weighted against Republicans, with both Democrats and so-called independents receiving more broad representation.

[ 07/06/2005 09:16 AM ]

Where's Rudy?

Maybe it’s a New York state of mind. Last month, I wrote that Hillary Clinton was standing behind the scenes as other Democrats lead the fight, and bore the brunt of criticism, on the major Senate of the day: John Bolton, judicial filibusters and Social Security.

However, Patrick Ruffini points out it’s not just Hillary:

We have a frontrunner, albeit tenuously, but do we have a candidate Increasingly, that's the question political operatives are asking about Rudy Giuliani – who narrowly leads John McCain in early polls on the 2008 GOP nomination – but who seems curiously removed from the national stage on fights from judges to immigration to Bolton.

[ 07/06/2005 08:54 AM ]

Village People

In his new book, "It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good," Senator Rick Santorum criticizes Hillary Clinton’s views on abortion. The Washington Post reports Santorum compares abortion to slavery. The Post says of Santorum’s effort:

It tackles subjects ranging from home schooling to welfare reform, and advocates family over what he describes as the big government village in Clinton's 1996 book, "It Takes a Village."

"The African proverb says, 'It takes a village to raise a child,'" Santorum writes. "The American version is 'It takes a village to raise a child _ if the village wants that child.'"

Santorum, chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, is sometimes touted as a possible 2008 presidential candidate. Books outlining a politician's philosophical views often precede campaign announcements.

[ 07/05/2005 08:34 PM ]

Case Closed

Could Joe Biden be the Democrats moderate face on the upcoming Supreme Court nominee fight? Leading Democrats are openly expressing their plans to question a nominee on a number of specific cases. However, Biden told CBS’s John Roberts on Sunday’s Face the Nation that Supreme Court nominees should not be asked to state their views on specific cases, “No, … I don’t think we should be talking about specific outcome of specific cases.”

Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer told the Los Angeles Times:

This is such an important position, the U.S. Supreme Court … With a flick of a pen they can change people’s lives. I think it’s a dereliction of our responsibilities if we don’t ask these kinds of questions.

And during a Friday press conference, Ted Kennedy said:

I will not vote for someone unless they demonstrate, before the judiciary committee, a core commitment to the fundamental constitutional values of the constitution, and they include a variety of different rights, including privacy.

[ 07/05/2005 02:11 PM ]

Back at 2pm

Attention Buzz readers, I’ll be out of the office for the next two hours doing some reporting for NRO. I’ll be back in the afternoon with more posts and news from around the Beltway. As always, send your tips, questions or comments to epfeiffer@nationalreview.com

[ 07/05/2005 12:08 PM ]

It's Not Easy Being Green

Red State takes John McCain, to task for criticizing President Bush’s policy on global warming. However, putting McCain’s comments in full context shows them to be less harsh than the “disgraceful” tagline the BBC uses to highlight them.

A few weeks ago I reported on The Buzz about McCain’s environment comments during his Meet the Press appearance. While McCain’s views certainly differ from the majority of Republicans today, they are rooted in the “Roosevelt Republican” philosophy that still has much appeal to some conservatives, particularly in the Western half of our country. What’s more, McCain has at least admitted it’s an “emotional” issue for him.

[ 07/05/2005 10:56 AM ]

It's a Hit

Patrick Ruffini is using Google search returns to measure a politician’s perceived influence. The measurement is far from an accurate measurement of an individual’s influence in Washington, but it is an interesting measure of public name ID levels.

In regards of 2008 players, Condoleezza Rice comes out on top, followed by John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. John McCain is the next Republican to register, after President Bush and Rice. Bill Frist edges out George Allen and Rudy Giuliani.

[ 07/05/2005 10:42 AM ]

"Behind the Laughter"

The Reverend Bill Graham said over the weekend he was joking and not endorsing Hillary Clinton when he said last weekend that Bill Clinton should become a evangelist and “let his wife run the country.”

[ 07/05/2005 10:29 AM ]

Not Playing Games

Like Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton has now made her own pitch for New York City to host the Olympic Games in 2012. Clinton said:

New York City exemplifies Olympic values every single day. Living in New York is like living in an Olympic village: every language from every corner of the globe, people who are striving every day to do their best.


As a young girl growing up, I just loved the Olympics and had dreams like so many children do throughout the world that someday they too, and I too, could be part of this extraordinary effort. Well, athletically, I couldn't. But my heart has always been with the Olympic movement.

[ 07/05/2005 10:17 AM ]

Gang of One

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) writes that although President Bush has said he will discuss his Supreme Court pick with Harry Reid, Bill Frist and the Judiciary Committee, he is not expected to give the Senate much say in who he actually picks. And when it comes to the influence of the so-called “Gang of 14” Senators who brokered the compromise on judicial filibusters:

Some Republicans say the Gang of 14 agreement may force Mr. Bush to be more conciliatory in his choice of a nominee. But moderate Sen. Arlen Specter (R., Pa.), chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said that he wouldn't presume to impose his opinions on the president. The agreement's vague language on consultation has some Democrats saying it's unlikely to spark a successful filibuster battle.

[ 07/05/2005 10:05 AM ]

Back From the Brink

Apologies to any frustrated readers. NRO server was apparently trying to make it a four day weekend for a while there. But we’re back online and posting…

[ 07/05/2005 09:53 AM ]

A Walking, Talking History Channel

Columnist Charles Krauthammer explains the tough historical decision facing President Bush as he prepares to pick a Supreme Court nominee:

This is a president who does historic stuff; I mean, a man who invades Iraq, starts a revolution in the Middle East, a man who wants to reform Social Security is a man who reaches high. I think he's going to do that in this appointment. He's either going to want to be historic in appointing the first Hispanic, or he's going to want to be historic in appointing a young conservative who will be a stalwart of conservatism for many decades on the court.

[ 07/05/2005 09:47 AM ]

Chill

USA Today reports President Bush has asked conservative activist groups to “tone down the rhetoric” of criticism surrounding Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ consideration as a Supreme Court nominee. Bush told USA Today, “Al Gonzales is a great friend of mine. When a friend gets attacked, I don't like it.”

[ 07/05/2005 09:45 AM ]

But What Will the Neighbors Say?

Lindsey Graham told Fox New Sunday that in the fight to replace Sandra Day O’Conner the Senate’s reputation is as much at stake as President Bush’s or the even the Supreme Court itself:

Can we have a confirmation process that will hold the Senate up to the world and the nation as a deliberative body made up of men and women who are serious about their job, or will it break down into some food fight? I really think the Senate's reputation is at stake as much as anything else.

[ 07/05/2005 08:58 AM ]

Surely Unsure

Joe Biden told CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday that he isn’t “planning” to filibuster a Supreme Court nominee, but he’s not ruling it out either, “I have no intention of filibustering, but he - it depends on who the president sends.”

[ 07/05/2005 08:54 AM ]

Seven Year Itch

The Washington Post’s Mike Allen reports House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has filed “delinquent” reports for three trips she accepted from outside sponsors to travel overseas. The trips were valued at $8,580 and occurred as long as seven years ago.

Pelosi said in a statement:

Although the current travel issue has focused on trips that have taken place since 2000, I have further reviewed my record of privately funded travel prior to becoming part of the Democratic Leadership.

However, House Republican Jack Kingston said Pelosi’s late disclosure shows the ethics question has been too heavily focused on Tom DeLay, “Democrats have just as many substantive questions.”

[ 07/05/2005 08:46 AM ]