Tag:Clinton | The Fireside Post Clinton | The Fireside Post
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All Posts Tagged With: "Clinton"

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Hillary found her voice, his name is Bill

Son, When Hillary Clinton choked with emotion on the eve of the New Hampshire Primary many people saw her humanity.  Some say that this very personal appeal, this letting down of her guard, this emerging humanity, was the deciding factor in the vote.  She won New Hampshire.  In her victory speech she claimed that, “I […]

28Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Hillary found her voice, his name is Bill | Continued
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Racism, just another campaign challenge

Son, The media is in a big toot about Racism.  Bill Clinton dismissed Obama’s victory in South Carolina by stating that Jesse Jackson won there in 1984 and 1988.  The implication was that Barack Obama is just another black man.  The media interprets this as an attempt to minimize Obama by Clinton. Well duh!  What […]

28Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Racism, just another campaign challenge | Continued
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Bloggers in the White House? What is that about?

Son, I’m not sure Hillary Clinton understands the narrative nature of blogging. But she does understand the value of interactive media – and the need for unedited content. She was asked a question recently – well, here is the video. Dad

28Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Bloggers in the White House? What is that about? | Continued
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Obama has the national Delegate lead

Son, This South Carolina primary election is really big.  The Obama campaign was hoping to win up to 20 of the 45 delegates available in South Carolina.  It looks like they will round up over 25 delegates.  Obama already had a couple of delegates lead over Clinton. This clearly puts Obama in the driver’s seat.  […]

27Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Obama has the national Delegate lead | Continued
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Obama Wins South Carolina- AP says Rout!

Son, This is a big day in American Politics. Barack Obama has won the South Carolina Democratic Primary. The Associated Press is calling this victory a rout. The white vote split three ways with Obama, Clinton, and Edwards. What can this mean? Obama continues to show strength. He seemed to lose some steam after Iowa […]

27Jan2008 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Democrats on speaking English as official language

Son, I am happy that these folks take these issues seriously.  Sometimes they sound like they are spinning the issue in their favor –  but I believe that they are not.  They are pointing out the necessary complications of making rash political decisions.  Wolf Blitzer asked the question because he knows it is a hot […]

27Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Democrats on speaking English as official language | Continued
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MSNBC Dumbs Down Demographics

Son, The constant harping on polls by demographics is wearing thin. Chris Matthews and Tim Russert have to be two of the worst. The suggestion is that people can only vote for people like themselves. Women vote for women. Blacks vote for blacks. Matthews votes for Russert. This denigration of masses of people based on […]

26Jan2008 | | Comments Off on MSNBC Dumbs Down Demographics | Continued
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Media Fails in Democratic Election News

Son, The economic crunch we are all feeling right now should highlight the disparity in media attention on the candidates. As I wrote in my post on economic stimulus politicians should be addressing the real human consequences of a recession. John Edwards does this with forceful resolve, with a passionate understanding of issues, and with […]

24Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Media Fails in Democratic Election News | Continued
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Looking back – Jon Stewart on Monica Lewinski

Son, Jon Stewart has been around for awhile – and while his brand of humor can be antagonistic – he continues to be respected. Virtually no one attacks Jon Stewart. Why is that? Is it because he is fundamentally correct in his reasoning process? Dad

23Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Looking back – Jon Stewart on Monica Lewinski | Continued
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Stewart on Nevada debate – know when to fold.

Son, Jon Stewart is a great political commentator. His use of humor to point out the obvious that seems to escape the rest of us is unparalleled. I think we see these things but it takes a Jon Stewart to articulate for us what is the source of our uneasiness. Dad

23Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Stewart on Nevada debate – know when to fold. | Continued
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Edwards brings dignity to debate, 1-21-08

Son, The democratic debate was a series of heated exchanges between Clinton and Obama.  John Edwards brought the debate back to the issues.  Chris Matthews would probably say that women and black folk don’t know how to talk civilly.   The reality is that Obama and Clinton see each other as the competition because the […]

23Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Edwards brings dignity to debate, 1-21-08 | Continued
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Grief – an Emotional Response to the Economy

Son, I am suffering the stock market drop. My portfolio for retirement has been devastated. The emotion is gripping. As I pondered my own reaction I realized that I am suffering a grief response. This is not an academic discussion – people across America are suffering the grief of real loss. So what is Grief? […]

22Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Grief – an Emotional Response to the Economy | Continued
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Democratic Debate – January 21, 2008

Son, These folks are working hard to distinguish themselves from the crowd.  They have similar position on a variety of issues – so what is left to distinguish.  Leadership, character, honesty, courage…  This sounds personal – but I think there is purpose. Obama has been doing well – and that attracts attention.  Clinton and Edwards […]

22Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Democratic Debate – January 21, 2008 | Continued
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Thinking about the Economy? Remember Bill Clinton

Son, The economy is at it’s worst in twenty years – who is in charge anyway?  Is anyone in Washington D.C. thinking about anything?  I can’t help but reflect on the Presidency of Bill Clinton. Eight years of the greatest economic growth in the history of this Great Country.  And you know what – President […]

22Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Thinking about the Economy? Remember Bill Clinton | Continued
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Meet the Press – Jan 20, 2008, on Obama

Son, Meet the Press has finally come around to having real journalist participating – rather than have Tim Russert looking for sound bites. This is actually a good discussion on the candidacy of Obama. [wp_youtube]wX7kTBqqpr0[/wp_youtube] Dad

22Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Meet the Press – Jan 20, 2008, on Obama | Continued
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Bill Clinton Supports Hillary

Son, Are you surprised?  Is anyone surprised?  What are the other spouses doing?  But this is Bill Clinton – former President of the United States.  Traditionally former presidents have not taken a position until their party nominee is selected – but this is just another example of the historical ramifications of a former First Lady […]

21Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Bill Clinton Supports Hillary | Continued
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Chris Matthews is under siege

Son, Chris Matthews is in trouble. He has been making bigoted statements about women in general and Hillary Clinton in particular. His racism flowed out of every sweat pore after the New Hampshire primary. Today he is under siege by the public and the management at MSNBC. The good old boys club of male reporters […]

20Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Chris Matthews is under siege | Continued
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Morning Joe defends Chris Matthews

Son, The MSNBC good old boys club has circled the wagons. Chris Matthews is under fire for his sexist and racist comments during the presidential primaries. Matthews offered a horrible apology on his Hardball show yesterday. Well, I guess he calls it an apology. Matthews said that everything he said was correct and that if […]

18Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Morning Joe defends Chris Matthews | Continued
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immigration, hate crime, gun control —

Son, The conservatives have lost their bearing.  And I must say that if not for the craziness I would be enjoying myself watching the circus. Here is the conservative philosophy – one which I cannot dispute: Less Government, fewer laws – generally better.  The philosophy goes to a level of foolishness.  Hate crime you say […]

16Jan2008 | | 1 comment | Continued
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The Nevada Debate, 1-15-08, Domestic Issues

Son, The final section of the debate is on domestic issues – but the first question is on support of the military at college and universities and whether ROTC should be offered and military recruiters should be allowed on campus. Clinton says “Yes, they should allow recruiters and not do anything to disrespect the military.” […]

16Jan2008 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, economy

Son, The debate continues. Williams, Many financial corporations are selling shares overseas, how does this strike you? ” Hillary, “I am very concerned, these are called sovereign wealth funds and they are controlled by governmental entities.  We’ve got to know more about them… But let’s look at how we got here – our institutions made […]

16Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, economy | Continued
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Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, beyond race

Son, The debate continues after addressing the issues of race.  Brian Williams, Tim Russert, and Natalie Morallis are the moderators. To Edwards – What  is a white male to do running against these candidacies. Edwards – “This says really good things about America.” Williams do you regret saying that Hillary is likable enough?  Obama, “Yes, […]

16Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, beyond race | Continued
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Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, On race

Son, The debate is on.  Brian William is giving the introduction of a Q & A format.  Time Russert is there – unfortunately.  But Brian Williams is a fair journalist and will moderate his colleague.    It begins with race. BW to Clinton: How did we get here? Clinton, “MLK’s dreams have been realized.  Senator […]

16Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, On race | Continued
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Charles Rangel on Hardball, 1-15-08

Son, Something exciting is happening in America.  Chris Matthews has Congressman Charles Rangel on his show and they are being civil.. Rangel is beside himself with joy over the prospects of an African-American President.  As should we all. Rangel, “We’ve had some terrible political setbacks and …I just hope that Barack Obama is a different […]

16Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Charles Rangel on Hardball, 1-15-08 | Continued
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James Clyburn, Charles Rangel, Hardball, 1-15-08

Son, There are some wonderful and competent black leaders in this country.  I am surprised that they have allowed Al Sharpton to have any voice.  These men, like James Clyburn and Charles Rangel, are extremely competent thoughtful men.  Ryburn is on Hardball right now. Of course, given the current political races, these men are asked […]

16Jan2008 | | 1 comment | Continued
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John Ridley on Morning Joe, 1-15-08

Son, John Ridley is a black man, a successful black man. Well, he makes a lot of money and follows his bliss as and NPR Contributor – successful. Joe Scarborough has Ridley on the show to talk about race in politics. Ridley, “I think this thing is really unfortunate. Race and gender has not really […]

15Jan2008 | | Comments Off on John Ridley on Morning Joe, 1-15-08 | Continued
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Optimism, realism, and leadership

Son, Martin Luther King, Jr. has returned to the news. A Christian Minister who actively used his ministry to engage social issues and the government – he dreamed about a future of peace and prosperity. His resonating dream was inspirational and people followed. Was that a fluke of history, or is that a standard that […]

15Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Optimism, realism, and leadership | Continued
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Tim Russert plays the gender card

Son, Tim Russert was ‘interviewing’ Hillary Clinton on Meet the Press this morning.  His line of questioning suggested his chauvinism rests just under the surface.  Russert asked of Hillary, “What was the moment of greatest adversity for you?”   Hillary’s answer, “We all know the answer to that.” Yes we do – and so did Russert.  […]

14Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Tim Russert plays the gender card | Continued
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Hillary Clinton with Tim Russert

Son, Tim Russert played his cards at the table of a master.  He came up short.  But that is why Hillary Clinton is busy running for President and Tim Russert is busy sucking up to his buddy Chris Matthews and the corporate bosses who manage the media.  One can almost see Russert thinking, “Oh Boy, […]

13Jan2008 | | 1 comment | Continued
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The value of political polls

Son, I have had my own telephone for about forty years. I all that time I have been contacted about two times by political pollsters. I either live in the wrong neighborhood or they don’t care about my demographic. Either way, they have not created many problems for me personally – except when they miscalled […]

12Jan2008 | | Comments Off on The value of political polls | Continued
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Responding to Pollsters

Son, I have had my own telephone for about forty years. I all that time I have been contacted about two times by political pollsters. I either live in the wrong neighborhood or they don’t care about my demographic. Either way, they have not created many problems for me personally – except when they miscalled […]

12Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Responding to Pollsters | Continued
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Chris Matthews, Racist, Chauvinist

Son, The star of Chris Matthews has risen. Now we can see who he really is. And it is not pretty. Clinton scored a huge comeback in New Hampshire. Matthews explanation – “…the New Hampshire voters lied to the pollsters. They lied about voting for a black man because they were embarrassed… Hillary did not […]

9Jan2008 | | 8 comments | Continued
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Hey Hillary – You go Girl!

Son, It is a great night for Democrats.  The pollsters and pundits, including me, guessed wrong on New Hampshire.  Hillary Clinton has pulled off a win that leaves the Democratic Party in a healthy position to continue this race. John Edwards is saying that he will continue through the convention.  Barack Obama has great strength.  […]

9Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Hey Hillary – You go Girl! | Continued
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Chris Matthews and Dee Dee Myers

Son, Chris Matthews has made a fool of himself again – he will never admit it – but that is what he does. Dee Dee Myers, the press secretary under Bill Clinton, said that one year ago Hillary Clinton was not billed as the front runner.  She claimed that the success of her campaign put […]

9Jan2008 | | 3 comments | Continued
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The Fresh Innocence of Obama

Son, What is it about Obama that has stirred the populace. Certainly he is young and handsome and well spoken. He is charming and he understands how to draw the crowd in. But the other candidates continue to point out his relative inexperience. My notion is that the other candidates inadvertently promote him in a […]

9Jan2008 | | Comments Off on The Fresh Innocence of Obama | Continued
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General Mood versus Individual Issues

Son, Statistics rule. The current political campaign for President highlights this truth. All of us pundits have been somewhat befuddled. But not as befuddled as the candidates themselves. Hillary Clinton has the most exhaustive list of issues and answers to the issues – yet she is struggling for support. Romney has taken traditional and well […]

7Jan2008 | | Comments Off on General Mood versus Individual Issues | Continued
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Prose and Poetry in Politics

Son, Art and science are different but compatible.   These two disciplines must each be mastered by presidential candidates.  There is a science to politics, but good politics rises to an art form.   The successful candidate will be the person who best masters the art.  The science can be hired out.  Art is a […]

7Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Prose and Poetry in Politics | Continued
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An American Revolution – 2008

Son, We are in a time of flux. This is a difficult time for statisticians. The Media Pundits are dissecting the Iowa statistics, trying to make sense of demographics and results. Some say Obama is about generational issues. Clinton is about gender. Edwards about populism. Huckabee about evangelism. This is not a time when these […]

4Jan2008 | | 3 comments | Continued
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NH Political Predictions of Ohg Rea Tone

Son, Some processes are all about momentum.  Momentum is not arbitrary – there are roots of rationale.  There is cause and purpose.  The forces at play in breaking the sled loose continue to propel – mass in motion is difficult to stop.  The block of votes gained in Iowa have gravitational pull that directly correlates […]

4Jan2008 | | Comments Off on NH Political Predictions of Ohg Rea Tone | Continued
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Obama Turns Out – MSNBC Reports

Son, It is 8:15 PM, CST, and MSNBC is reporting with 56% of the tally that Obama has 35%, Edwards has 32%, and Clinton has 31%.  This is a major shift in the political landscape of the Democratic Party.  Obama is going to present a stiff challenge to tradition. Adrea Mitchell is on now – […]

4Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Obama Turns Out – MSNBC Reports | Continued
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Iowa – Caucus Country

Dad, Before I moved to Iowa, I would have said that corn was the number one thing that I think of when someone mentions the state.  I now realize that Kansas has more corn than Iowa and that the caucus is more a defining characteristic of Iowa than the agriculture. I had never had the […]

29Dec2007 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Obama – do the same thing

Son, Barack Obama is on a toot. He is using an old line from self-help programs. Yesterday he said, “You keep doing the same thing expecting different results.” Some people call that the essence of insanity – I have a slightly different take on the old saying. Real insanity is in doing the same thing, […]

27Dec2007 | | Comments Off on Obama – do the same thing | Continued
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Challenging Sacred Cows of Politics

Son, I am one who attacks Sacred Cows. In that way Ron Paul and I are alike. There is something about the Ron Paul approach that unsettles me. It seems that he quotes obscure sources – fringe sources – sources of questionable repute. Are these sources questionable because they challenge old ideas or because they […]

27Dec2007 | | Comments Off on Challenging Sacred Cows of Politics | Continued
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Qualities of an American President?

Son, This is a redraft of a previous post.  The previous post focused on Ron Paul – but while writing that post I realized there are bigger issues at stake. Ron Paul is running for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. ON the surface it seems entirely remarkable that this man of […]

26Dec2007 | | Comments Off on Qualities of an American President? | Continued
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The Rise of Ron Paul

Son, Ron Paul is running for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.  ON the surface it seems entirely remarkable that this man of little logic is having so much success, both in admiring fans and his ability to raise money.  He is worth looking at – not because of his ideas – […]

26Dec2007 | | 3 comments | Continued
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Chris Matthews – arrogance personified

Son, I was once a fan of Chris Matthews. He is on Morning Joe again this morning and he is absolutely pathetic in his self promotion. They are discussing the 2008 election and Matthews just said, “If Obama winds in Iowa then Bill Clinton will be saying, ‘Matthews was right.’” Whooee – Does he think […]

26Dec2007 | | 1 comment | Continued
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The politics of admitting mistakes

Son, Several candidates for President have long histories.  Many of them have run for other offices like Senator, or Governor, or Mayor.  In the process of seeking those offices they necessarily catered to the limited population of their respective ambitions.  Romney and Giuliani were pro-choice.  Giuliani has been married three times.  Huckabee raised taxes.  Clinton […]

4Dec2007 | | Comments Off on The politics of admitting mistakes | Continued
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Media Hosts fail as Celebrities

Son, A tragedy has befallen American Journalism. Cable and satellite feeds have created monster celebrities in the field of journalism. Everyone wants to be Walter Cronkite. The problem is that hey have not earned the stature. Wolf Blitzer, Chris Matthews, Tim Russert, Bill O’Reilly, Shawn Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, to name a few. These people have […]

25Nov2007 | | Comments Off on Media Hosts fail as Celebrities | Continued