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More Photos from North Carolina

I hate to do this to you, but after these three photos, I am going to head downstairs and catch a bit of the State of the Union myself. So, the remainder of what I have just uploaded to my computer (mostly video, and a lot of it), will come after the address and subsequent conference call with Governor Dean this evening.

Governor Dean Introduction Video

I am torn betwen getting the rest of the photos/video taken care of right now for you, or going back downstairs to interview some individuals and watch the State of the Union. That said, here's a bit of a tease for you.

Either way, I'll have much more by the end of the evening, or by the time you wake up.

Governor Dean Just Got off the Stage

My pictures are uploading as I type, but I wanted to let you know how electric of an event this was at Satisfaction restaurant in North Carolina. From the moment Governor Dean was announced until he lept off the stage to head to the overflow location, the crowd rarely stopped cheering at a positive Democratic message to provide health care for all Americans, access to quality education, energy independence, cleaning out Republican corruption in Washington, D.C. and keeping American jobs in America.

What an amazing evening it has been so far. Hopefully I'll have the photos and video up by the start of the State of the Union so you have something to lift your spirits as the president addresses the nation.

Oh... Immediately after Governor Dean left the stage, the crowd attempted to pour out and head over to the overflow location across the street. Unfortunately for them, that place is filled to capacity already.

Keep checking in.

Watch Parties Getting Started

We've heard from a lot of hosts over the course of the day, and everyone seems excited to get going. I called one host this morning to see how her preperations were going, and she said that she was starting at 11am - before her Republican husband got home. She sent us a picture just a few minutes ago which pretty much sums up what you'll hear tonight...

What a Difference 30 Minutes Makes

The place is really filling up quickly and there is quite a line gathering out both doors into Satisfaction restaurant. There is a voter registration table, local Durham Democratic Party table and banners, and a consistent buzz filling the room. People are excited in North Carolina tonight. Here are some more photos:

Live at Satisfaction in North Carolina

I just arrived at Satisfaction restaurant in North Carolina for Governor Dean's State of the Union Watch Party. Much to my, ummm, satisfaction, there is wireless Internet here -- talk about truth in advertising. The place is already starting to fill up, although its tough to tell who is here for the event (2 and a half hours early) and who is here for dinner. So far I have overheard small groups asking about what time the Governor is due to arrive. I will talk to them in a bit... Until then, here are a few photos from the venue to tide you over.

Keep checking back in.

Satisfactions v. Signatures

I just landed in North Carolina ahead of Governor Dean's now fire marshall-notifying-sized watch party at Satisfactions restaurant in Durham, North Carolina.

No, not "Signatures," that's Jack Abramoff's restaurant in Washington, D.C. where democratic representation was sold down the river for as little as a filet and a bottle of wine -- We won't be perverting our democracy this evening, we'll be reclaiming it.

From everything I understand, not only has Satisfactions reached capacity already, but the overflow venue across the street where Governor Dean plans on dropping by is pretty close as well. Hopefully I can tap into a wireless connection somewhere and get up instant video/photos, but if not I promise some by the end of the night, and am sure Josh and Joe will hold down the fort in the interim. I'll have full updates as soon as possible -- keep checking back in.

Find an event near you.

Tuesday morning open thread

For your chatting pleasure.

January 30, 2006

Monday Night Open Thread

Enjoy!

Republicans Ask President to Come Clean on Abramoff

Maybe he'll include something in his State of the Union address tomorrow night detailing his connections with Jack Abramoff. An overwhelming number of Americans want to see the president pull back the curtain on the relationship, and now many Republicans are calling on him to do the same. From a CBS News piece appropriately titled, "GOP To Bush: Come Clean On Abramoff."

Some of President Bush's fellow Republicans in Congress are urging him to publicly disclose White House contacts with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Releasing records would help eliminate suspicions that Abramoff, who assisted in raising more than $100,000 for Mr. Bush's re-election campaign but has since pleaded guilty to felonies, had undue influence on the administration, they said in television interviews Sunday [...]

Some of President Bush's fellow Republicans in Congress are urging him to publicly disclose White House contacts with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Releasing records would help eliminate suspicions that Abramoff, who assisted in raising more than $100,000 for Mr. Bush's re-election campaign but has since pleaded guilty to felonies, had undue influence on the administration, they said in television interviews Sunday

The president has the ear of a nation tomorrow night; that would be a terrific time for a bit of transparency and an opportunity for him to take steps towards restoring the faith of the American people quite concerned by a Republican culture of corruption in Washington, D.C.

RNC Promotes a Grand Ole House Party

So, the RNC just sent out an email to individuals in and around Bloomington, Illinois promoting one of their State of the Union House Parties tomorrow night. The "party" features a Jesse Jackson pinata! Apparently this is "A OK" for the Republican National Committee; they sent it out, letterhead and all! Here's the image -- click to enlarge:

You can view more information about the party, or ask for an invitation, on the GOP's very own website. Just click here.

Broken Promises - Credibility Deficit - Lies

"President Bush's broken promises have left his credibility in tatters and American families struggling to deal with the consequences," said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney. "Americans are fed up with the Republican culture of corruption and Republican policies that only benefit special interests, and they are hungry for change. Democrats will continue to fight for hard-working American families and will provide honest leadership and open government."

Little Confidence in Effective Response to Terror/Disaster

We all saw it on our television screens and in newspapers during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was our president's first test responding to a disaster since 9/11; a real opportunity to find out just what Karl Rove meant when he talked about Republican "post 9/11 thinking." A recent poll conducted by MyDD & pollster Joel Wright asked the question few have asked lately:

Should a terrorist attack or some other man-made or natural disaster occur in your area, how confident are you that the federal government's emergency response will be timely and effective?

1= Highly Confident, 5 = Not confident at all

1: 13.2% 2: 13.2% 3: 27.7% 4: 17.1% 5: 28.8%

Katrina was a real wake-up call for all Americans. For all the talk about keeping us safe and basing entire election cycles on the Republican Party's ability to do the job better than Democrats, the memory of Katrina's aftermath is still fresh in our heads. Images of people stranded on rooftops for days, starving Americans outside the convention center, and tales about horror in the Superdome will stay with many of us forever.

Meanwhile, the Bush Adminstration is literally failing, miserably, at protecting the country from future devastation -- according to the 9/11 Commission:

The government earned five F's, 12 D's, two incompletes and only one high grade (an A-minus for blocking terrorist financing).

Even more unsettling were the emotions panelists displayed about the gaps in security precautions. "Are we crazy?" demanded Jim Thompson, former Republican governor of Illinois. "Why aren't our tax dollars being spent to protect our lives?"

There are other images we will never forget from Katrina.

That was President Bush, as New Orleans flooded, despite the fact that the White House received reports prior to Katrina's landfall that "New Orleans would likely be submerged by flooding for weeks, and even months."

An Upopular President Heading Into SOTU

A quick rundown of recent job approval ratings for the president heading into tomorrow's State of the Union address:

Time Poll. Jan. 24-26, 2006. N=1,002 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 3%

"In general, do you approve or disapprove of the way President Bush is handling his job as president?"

Approve: 41% (41)
Disapprove: 55% (53)
Unsure: 4% (5)

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Jan. 23-26, 2006. N=1,002 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 3%

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?"

Approve: 42% (46)
Disapprove: 56% (52)
Unsure: 2% (2)

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Jan. 24-25, 2006. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE +/- 3%

"Do you approve or disapprove of the job George W. Bush is doing as president?"

Approve: 41% (42)
Disapprove: 51% (49)
Unsure: 8% (9)

Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll. Jan. 22-25, 2006. N=1,555 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 3%

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?"

Approve: 43% (50)
Disapprove: 54% (47)
Unsure: 3% (3)

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 20-25, 2006. N=1,229 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 3%

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?"

Approve: 42% (41)
Disapprove: 51% (52)
Unsure: 7% (7)

In each and every one of those polls, the majority of Americans disapprove of the way President Bush is handling his job. And in all but one of them, his numbers have fallen since the last poll; that must be what the press means when they gleefully report on the "Bush Bounce."

Keep that in mind as the president addresses the nation tomorrow evening -- an extremely unpopular leader peddling even more unpopular plans for the country. It's no wonder an overwhelming majority of Americans want to see him change the course and follow the lead of the Democratic Party.

Start the Week Open Thread

Have at it.

January 29, 2006

3 Republicans Scramble to Demand Disclosure

On the heels of Governor Dean's call for full disclosure of criminal Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff's meetings and dealings with the Republican White House, the Sunday talk shows featured Members of Congress apparently facing the same crisis of confidence in Republican leadership as ordinary Americans.

Their names: Sen. John Thune, Republican of South Dakota; Rep. Mike Pence, Republican of Indiana; and Sen. Chuck Hagel, Republican of Nebraska.

Here's what Dean said this morning:

We need to know who Jack Abramoff met with in the White House and did he meet with the President in the White House? That's public information, and we're putting in a request to make sure the American people know to the extent of this lobbying scandal. Does it reach into the White House in addition to just the Republicans in Congress?

Or perhaps these legislators would rather attention were focused on Republican corruption in another branch of government for a while -- there's certainly enough to go around.

Excerpts of Dean on 'Fox News Sunday'

In case you missed it:

On the State of the Union

"I think most Americans think the state of the Union is in pretty difficult shape right now. We do need some new ideas on the economy. The Democrats have put forward a jobs plan that has to do with energy independence. We do need a healthcare system that works for everybody. And, frankly, I think we need a little better work on defense. We're worried about the troops not being taken care of properly in Iraq. We're worried about a lack of direction. I think the President is going to have a lot of explaining to do."

On President Bush’s Lack of Credibility

"So, you know, we all want the President to succeed, but the President hasn't succeeded. I think that's because he has a lack of vision and, frankly, he hasn't been truthful to the American people and people, frankly, just don't believe him anymore, and that's a real problem for him."

On the President's Domestic Spying Program

"I support spying on Al Qaeda. Every American thinks we ought to spy on Al Qaeda and do whatever we can do beat them. We have to do it within the law. We need a country that will need -- excuse me. We need a President that will lead the nation but a President that will follow the law. The law says that if the President thinks Al Qaeda is an imminent threat and he wants to spy on them, he can do that immediately, but he's got to get a warrant after the fact. In 2002, there was a memo from the Justice Department that suggested changing the law and the White House said, "No, we didn't need to do it." We are not asking the President not to spy on Al Qaeda. We are asking the President to follow the law when he does so. No one should be above the law. Not even the President of the United States."

On Jack Abramoff and the Republican Culture of Corruption

"Look, I think the President should release the information about when Jack Abramoff was at the White House. We know that he met now -- I think we believe -- I believe it's been confirmed that he's met with Karl Rove before in the White House. We need to know who Jack Abramoff met with in the White House and did he meet with the President in the White House? That's public information, and we're putting in a request to make sure the American people know to the extent of this lobbying scandal. Does it reach into the White House in addition to just the Republicans in Congress?"

On the Democratic Party's Honest Leadership Agenda

"Look, historically, we know that both Democrats and Republicans have done things they ought not to do. What we're saying in the Democratic Party, let's put a final stop to that. We're going to get rid of all corporate jet travel, get rid of all lobbying expenses and golf trips and lunches. One thing we're going to do that the Republicans haven't even talked about is we're going to stop people putting things in conference committee reports in the dead of night when nobody knows about it."

On the Cost of the Republican Culture of Corruption

"Here's the cost of this. It's not just dishonesty in government. The real cost is a couple weeks ago the Republicans stuck in a $22 billion tax money giveaway to HMOs. Nobody knew anything about it. That's the problem with corruption. It's not just dishonesty. It costs the American taxpayers billions and billions of dollars. That is the shame of this scandal."

The Country is Ready for Real Leadership Open Thread

The country overwhelmingly wishes President Bush would begin to follow the lead of the Democratic Party. From the Washington Post:

The Post-ABC News poll offers a revealing portrait of a restless electorate at the start of the campaign year. By 51 percent to 35 percent, Americans said they preferred to go in the direction outlined by congressional Democrats rather than the direction established by the president. On the eve of last year's State of the Union address, 45 percent said they preferred to follow the path of the president, compared with 39 percent who said they favored the Democrats' course.

By 54 percent to 38 percent, voters surveyed said they would vote for the Democratic candidate over the Republican candidate for the House in November. That is one of the largest margins favoring the Democrats in two decades, although the gerrymandered House districts mean that incumbents are safer today than they were in the past.

By 51 percent to 37 percent, Americans said they trust the Democrats more than the Republicans with the main problems facing the country over the next few years, the first time since spring 1992 that Democrats have gained more than 50 percent support on that question.

Change the course.

January 28, 2006

Weekend Open Thread

By popular demand.

January 27, 2006

*Shrug*

Facts, reality, public sentiment... *shrug*

Associated Press - 01/26/05

Bush shrugged off a recent Pentagon-contracted report which concluded the Army was overextended and the United States cannot sustain the pace of troop deployments to Iraq long enough to break the back of the insurgency there.

Associated Press - 01/07/06

Bush shrugged off a report showing weaker-than-expected job growth on Friday and declared that "the American economy heads into 2006 with a full head of steam."

Cox News - 10/05/05

Amid the increasing criticism and desperation, Bush shrugged off questions about a National Guard depleted by active duty in Iraq. The guard, said Bush, can fight a war and react to hurricane devastation simultaneously.

Knight Ridder - 11/04/05

The Post/ABC survey indicated that 58 percent of Americans have doubts about Bush's honesty, marking the first time in his presidency that more than half the country questioned his integrity.

Bush shrugged off the numbers, saying that if he works hard enough things will take care of themselves.

NewsMax - 03/15/05

Bush shrugged off a question about detainees being sent by the United States back to their home countries where they could be subject to torture.

Alternet - 04/01/03

What he failed to address were the Academy's central conclusions: That global warming is a real threat, that it has intensified in the past 20 years and that greenhouse gases like CO2 are the most likely cause. When the administration's own EPA fortified these facts in 2002, placing even clearer blame on power plant emissions for causing climate change, President Bush shrugged off the findings as a "report put out by the bureaucracy."

Associated Presss - 12/21/01

One of the couple's dogs, Spot, rolled across the carpet as Bush shrugged off suggestions that bin Laden slipped away from U.S. forces during cease fire talks in Afghanistan.

"I don't know where he is. I hadn't heard much from him recently, which means he could be in a cave that doesn't have an opening to it anymore; or could be in a cave where he can get out or may have tried to slither out into neighboring Pakistan. We don't know," the president said.

"But I will tell you this: We're going to find him."

"Come Clean on Culture of Corruption"

A new Washington Post/ABC News poll was just released and the results point to an American belief that honesty and ethics in the federal government has fallen under President Bush and its time for him to come clean.

Washington Post/ABC News (.pdf). 1,002 Adults. January 23-26, 2006. MoE +/- 3%

Do you think the overall level of ethics and honesty in the federal
government has risen, fallen or stayed the same with Bush as president?

Risen: 18%
Fallen: 43%
Same: 38%
No Opinion: 1%

Do you think the Bush administration should or should not provide a list of all meetings any White House officials may have had with Abramoff?

Should: 76%
Should Not: 18%
No Opinion: 5%

The poll goes on to suggest that Americans believe the Democratic Party is much better equipped to deal with the culture of corruption permeating the halls of a Republican Congress.

Which political party, the (Democrats) or the (Republicans), do you trust to do a better job - standing up to lobbyists and special interest groups?

Republicans: 27%
Democrats: 46%
Both: 1%
Neither: 20%
No Opinion: 5%

And we will. Just yesterday Senators Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for a special counsel to begin investigations into political corruption and Jack Abramoff. Democrats want answers, Republicans want to obstruct Americans from finding out the truth about the depths to which the Republican Party is controlled by and represents the interests of lobbyists. As the GOP continues its failed attempts to spin corruption as a bipartisan problem, if they had any desire to really pull back the curtain and let the American people find out the truth, they'd accept Schumer and Salazar's request... but I think we all know how this movie will end, with more obstructionism from the Republican Party.

The State of the Union

As fluff oozes from press releases sent out by the Republican National Committee, it should be no surprise that regular Americans see the direction of our country much differently than the good folks over at the RNC and inside the White House.

Gallup Poll. 1,006 Adults 18+. January 20-22, 2006. MoE +/- 3%.

"In general, do you think things have gotten better or gotten worse in this country in the last five years?"

Gotten Better: 28%
Gotten Worse: 64%
DK/No Answer: 8%

Here was Gallup's summary with which it opened up the sharing of the poll's findings:

President George W. Bush will face a mostly disgruntled public next Tuesday when he delivers his State of the Union address, in which he will reportedly focus on the positive regarding the economy, Iraq, and government spending. Most Americans are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country, have negative views of the economy, disapprove of the job Bush is doing as president -- both generally and on several major issues -- and believe the country is worse off than it was five years ago.

Much like their PR plan for Iraq, press conferences beating back reports of illegal spying on domestic citizens, and photo-ops in New Orleans, the State of the Union under this administration has unfortunately become an overtly political affair. Americans can no longer expect to truly glean anything informative about the direction of our country in the address before both branches of Congress next week. Even the White House isn't shy about admitting it:

The state of the union address will be directional for our party and our country, and visionary, Ms. Wallace said. That is not code for it lacking substance.

No surprise, it's always party first, country second with the current incarnation of the Republican Party in Washington, D.C.

Friday Morning Open Thread

A quick shot I snapped on my drive to work.

January 26, 2006

Open Thread

For the night, at Pam's request.

We Get Letters

From Geraldine in North Carolina:

I've hesitated about committing to a monthly contribution, but after hearing Governor Dean with Wolf Blitzer today, I can hesitate no more. Every time I hear him speak he makes me proud to be a Democrat again!

Thank you, Gov. Dean, for being such a clear, consistent messenger for the Democratic party and our values. Since I live in North Carolina, I'm especially pleased that you are committed to a 50 state strategy. We cannot afford to write off any voter -- our ideals are THEIR ideals, even if the Republican party has fooled them into believing otherwise. ...

Geraldine

Join Geraldine as a member of the growing Democracy Bonds Community.

Governor Dean on Domestic Spying Revelation

"Glenn Greenwald discovered that in 2002, Sen. Mike DeWine proposed loosening the standards for domestic surveillance in a significantly more modest way than the President's controversial program. DeWine's proposal would have lowered the standard for obtaining a warrant for surveillance of foreigners within the United States from "probable cause" to "reasonable suspicion." The administration (and Congress) rejected DeWine’s proposal as unnecessary and potentially unconstitutional." (Think Progress)

Governor Dean released the following statement this afternoon:

"Democrats believe that we should spy on terrorists and aggressively fight the War on Terror, and the President currently has the authority to do just that. So, why is it that on day four of the president’s PR campaign to defend his warrantless domestic spying program, he contradicted his own Justice Department’s position from just a few years ago?"

Tracking the Glenn Greenwald Story

"Glenn Greenwald discovered that in 2002, Sen. Mike DeWine proposed loosening the standards for domestic surveillance in a significantly more modest way than the President's controversial program. DeWine's proposal would have lowered the standard for obtaining a warrant for surveillance of foreigners within the United States from "probable cause" to "reasonable suspicion." The administration (and Congress) rejected DeWine’s proposal as unnecessary and potentially unconstitutional." (Think Progress)

Newspapers:

The Washington Post - "White House Dismissed '02 Surveillance Proposal"
L.A. Times - "Words, Deeds on Spying Differed"
Knight Ridder - "In 2002, Justice Department said eavesdropping law working well"
Boston Globe - "AG's memo raises questions on Patriot Act"
Cleveland Plain Dealer - "White House balked at DeWine spying bill"
San Jose Mercury News - "In 2002, Justice Department said eavesdropping law working well"
Salt Lake Tribune - "Bush team flip-flopped on spy standards"

Blogs:

Glenn Greenwald (original post)
Georgia 10 @ Daily Kos
Think Progress
Atrios
Atrios
Atrios
Crooks & Liars
America Blog
Daily Kos
Taylor Marsh

Official Statements:

Governor Dean

Governor Dean on Domestic Spying

Governor Dean:

"Democrats support the idea that we ought to spy on terrorists. And, we support the idea that we need to eavesdrop from time to time. But we also believe that the President ought to obey the law. The law says that if you have an emergency reason to spy on Americans, you can go ahead and do it. But you've got to justify it with the court afterwards. We don't think this President, who has a habit of putting himself above the law, ought to be able to do this when he is spying on American."

"We all believe that we ought to be spying on Al-Qaeda, but we don't believe you ought to spy on American citizens without some kind of third party looking at this. That's what makes the difference between America and other countries like Iran, where the government can do anything they damn well please. We need to obey the law."

More from Governor Dean on the Today Show this morning, here.

"When the President Does It, That Means That It it is Not Illegal"

Flashback:

Video at Crooks & Liars linked above.

Blowing up the Administration's "Greenwald Defense"

Two years ago the Bush Adminstration raised constitutional questions about legislation proposed by Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) that would have lowered standards by which the adminstration could obtain warrants through the FISA Court to eavesdrop on non U.S. citizens. And that was with non U.S. citizens. Glenn Greenwald broke the story two days ago and the press has swarmed all over it today.

Think Progress blows up the adminstrations first attempt at rebuffing the developing story:

Greenwald’s find has attracted the attention of the media and provoked a response from the administration. Here is Justice Department spokesperson Tasia Scolinos:

The FISA “probable cause” standard is essentially the same as the "reasonable basis” standard used in the terrorist surveillance program. The “reasonable suspicion" standard, which is lower than both of these, is not used in either program.

There are two fundamental problems with this argument:

1. It completely contradicts what the administration said earlier this week. Scolinos claims “reasonable basis” is pretty much the same as “probable cause.” On Monday, Michael Hayden – former NSA director and currently Deputy Director of National Intelligence – said that Bush’s warrantless domestic surveillance program was started precisely because it lowered the standard in a significant way.

2. The legal analysis is wrong. Scolinos falsely claims that "reasonable suspicion" is a "lower" standard than "reasonable basis." The term "reasonable basis" has no real meaning in 4th Amendment jurisprudence. To the extent that "reasonable basis" does have meaning, it's used interchangeably with "reasonable suspicion." For example, in the Supreme Court case of Florida v. L.J., Justice Ginsburg wrote: "The officers, prior to the frisks, had a reasonable basis for suspecting J. L. of engaging in unlawful conduct: The reasonableness of official suspicion must be measured by what the officers knew before they conducted their search."

The administration's effort to kill this story isn’t off to a good start.

The president looks awfully uncomfortable on television right now answering questions from the media on the issue of illegal domestic spying authorization coming from the White House.

Developing All Day: FISA Flip - Flop

Glenn Greenwald broke the story two days ago, and now Knight-Ridder and the Washington Post have piled on. First, WaPo:

The Bush administration rejected a 2002 Senate proposal that would have made it easier for FBI agents to obtain surveillance warrants in terrorism cases, concluding that the system was working well and that it would likely be unconstitutional to lower the legal standard.

The proposed legislation by Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) would have allowed the FBI to obtain surveillance warrants for non-U.S. citizens if they had a "reasonable suspicion" they were connected to terrorism -- a lower standard than the "probable cause" requirement in the statute that governs the warrants.

Knight Ridder piles on:

A July 2002 Justice Department statement to a Senate committee appears to contradict several key arguments that the Bush administration is making to defend its eavesdropping on U.S. citizens without court warrants.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the law governing such operations, was working well, the department said in 2002. A "significant review" would be needed to determine whether FISA's legal requirements for obtaining warrants should be loosened because they hampered counterterrorism efforts, the department said then.

President Bush, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and other top officials now argue that warrantless eavesdropping is necessary in part because complying with the FISA law is too burdensome and impedes the government's ability to rapidly track communications between suspected terrorists.

In its 2002 statement, the Justice Department said it opposed a legislative proposal to change FISA to make it easier to obtain warrants that would allow the super-secret National Security Agency to listen in on communications involving non-U.S. citizens inside the United States.

Today, senior U.S. officials complain that FISA prevents them from doing that.

So, three years ago, the Bush Adminstration publically rejected lowering the stnadard to obtain a warrant to eavesdrop on non-U.S. citizens because of constitutional questions. At the same time, they were privately spying on U.S. citizens without a warrant at all.

This story isn't going to go away. About three seconds ago, the president said at a press conference, "there's going to be a lot of investigation and a lot of discussion... about the legality of the program." He's right, there will be a lot of investigation, and for the first time in this administration, there will be a lot of accountability as well.

Thursday Morning Open Thread

We'll be monitoring the thread... with a warrant.

January 25, 2006

OH-18: Bob Ney as Lou Gherig

As Bob Ney announces the kick-off of his campaign later this week, I can only wonder if he will stand before the admiring handful of supporters and say, "Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

And despite the bad press Congressman Ney has received from outside his district, for what is actually a lot longer than the last two weeks, he really is the luckiest man on the face of this earth.

Take this story for example:

Ney had dinner during the trip at a posh London casino with FN Aviation Director Nigel Winfield, a convicted felon whose offenses have included tax evasion, and Fouad al-Zayat, a Syrian-born businessman known as a high-stakes casino gambler. Walsh has said Ney did not know about Winfield's background.

Ney returned to the same casino on a personal trip later in 2003 and reported on his financial disclosure form that he won $34,000. Walsh has said Ney parlayed a $100 bet into the large winning on two hands of a three-card game of chance.

I don't know how many three-card games of chance there are out there, but let's take a look at the two most popular.

1.) Baccarat:
In this game, you have the option to bet on the banker, in which a win gets you 95 cents on the dollar - yourself, which is an even money payout - or a "tie" which is an 8 to 1 windfall. Even the totally unlikely event that Ney stepped up and bet his entire roll two straight "ties" that would have yielded $800 and then $6,400 maximum. Impossible there.

2.) Let it Ride
In this game, its actually possible, but highly highly unlikely. At any rate, Ney would have had to find himself with either two straight flushes which he had a 40,000 to 1 chance of aquiring, or a combination of four of a kind or better on a maximum 100 bet, and then decided to wager the whole five-thousand dollrs in winnings in another wager, and then draw either a full-house, four of a kind, straight flush or royal flush. And because of the nature of the game (you have the option to pull back chips), in one of these instances, he was wagering at least $3,300 or 100% of his stack on a blind draw of 2 cards.

The absolute lowest probability of that happening in any combination, regardless of poor play, is 550 to 1 odds -- about the likelihood of his story being true.

The Thin Green Line

Associated Press:

Stretched by frequent troop rotations to Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army has become a "thin green line" that could snap unless relief comes soon, according to a study for the Pentagon.

Andrew Krepinevich, a retired Army officer who wrote the report under a Pentagon contract, concluded the Army cannot sustain the pace of deployments to Iraq long enough to break the back of the insurgency. He also suggested that the Pentagon's decision to begin reducing the force in Iraq this year was driven in part by a realization that the Army was overextended.

My head begins to spin when I think of the way the Republican Party viciously attacks anyone who dare question the current troop levels in Iraq. If anyone makes the apparently fact-based argument that it might be time to begin bringing some of those men and women home lest we completely break our ability to defend the nation, they are "giving aid and comfort to the terrorists" -- a rebuttal that essentially labels sensible opponents as treasonous.

It's shameful, and the public relations plan of stay the course is damaging our national security.

And by the way, what's the plan to increase troop recruitment? Raise the maximum age for recruits to 42 years old.

Governor Dean on Air America w/ Randi Rhodes

Audio Link (About 1/3 of way through)

Transcript provided by "Renee in Ohio"

Randi started the interview by saying "We've been playing your clip over and over again for like the last week, where you succinctly said 'There is no Abramoff Democratic money. He gave no money to Democrats.' She goes on to say that people in the media have continued to try to portray the Abramoff scandal as bipartisan in nature, and that Tim Russert had put up a pie chart saying that 34% of the money had gone to Democrats.

Howard: Well, you know, I like Tim Russert, but that's just not true.

Randi: I know that's not true.

Howard: The truth of the matter is, this is a Republican finance scandal. Exclusively. There is nobody implicated in this except for Republicans. Not one.

Randi: Do you know how he had to couch it to get away with this kind of lying--

Howard: You know, I'm surprised that Tim would do this because I know Tim and he's an ethical person, but that's just not true. You know, these guys have got to get off their butts and look at those numbers. Here's the deal, Randi, not one nickel from Abramoff ever went to a Democrat. Not one nickel, every dime of it went to Republicans. Secondly, there's no evidence whatsoever that any money was directed by Abramoff to any Democrat. So this is just crap, and it's the RNC, and it's disappointing at this late date after all this corruption exposed on the Republican side, that the mainstream press would fall for this. They've got to do better than this.

Randi: Well, you know, the mainstream press is cooked. Do you understand, they're as coroprate as anybody, and corporatism has--

Howard: --yeah, but I think Russert's a good guy. I really do.

Randi: Yeah, I like to think he's a decent guy from upstate New York too, I really do. You know, like how he honors his father, you see there's a certain warmness about him. But his willingness to lie was apparent to me on Sunday. Here's how he said it, Senator Reid, Senator Kennedy, Patty Murray, and a lot of prominent Democrats received money from--now check out what he had to say--from associate, clients of Jack Abramoff. Two to one Republican, but it's not fair to say that just Republicans took money.

Howard: Well, no! That's completely untrue. That's completely untrue and it's incredibly disappointing.

Randi: Isn't it? I'm telling you, I am grossed out by the way that they add words, and add clients, and add associates of--

Howard: Well, I'm disappointed with Tim. The truth is, what he said was false, and, you know, he's got to do better. He's my friend, but he's got to do better. It's just simply false.

Randi: Well, he asked it to Begala, who immediately said, it's misleading, this is a Republican scandal, Mr. Abramoff is a movement partisan Republican. There is no evidence in all the indictments, in all the emails, in all of the investigation that any of the money that went to Democrats from Indian tribes was directed by Abramoff. And then he neglects to say that not one Democrat received one dime from Jack Abramoff. But it is upsetting--it's really upsetting, and then people start calling and saying "Oh, you're lying!" No, I'm not lying--they're misrepresenting this entire thing. And for Mary Matalin to sit there and say--

Howard: Well, she's a propagandist, Randi, I mean, those folks do propaganda. These are the best propagandists since Vladimir Lenin--you can't believe a word they say. And it's a shame, because, you know, there were good Republicans in this country at one time.

Randi: Yes there were, I agree.

Howard: There still are a few, but they don't vote Republican any more.

Randi: No they don't. They vote for something other than THE Republic. They vote against this country. They vote against Americans constantly. (I think Randi and Howard and talking about entirely different groups here.) I'm sitting here explaining why the prescription drug benefit was SO bad. It's because the pharmaceutical companies got to write it!

Howard: And that's the danger of all this. What Abramoff and the Bush folks did was buy their way in so that they could do things--the Medicare bill wasn't for old people, it was for pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies. Because that's the way the Bush people are; they don't care about ordinary Americans--

Randi: And who wrote the bankruptcy bill?

Howard: Well, it certainly wasn't ordinary people who are struggling with their credit card bills--

Randi: It was the credit card companies. And who's writing all this legislation? It's special interests that pay--you know, I expect to see a backlash from CEOs at this point. Their going broke, people are losing their jobs in droves, and the CEOs are starting to make a little bit of noise at least, that they're being shaken down by this party. That not only do you have to give campaign contributions, but since there's a limit, they now have to buy advocacy ads. They have to support the Swiftboat ads. They have to do "Citizens for a More Just America", name it, and then fund it, and then advertise for this candidate or that candidate. I mean, this is crazy! And these CEOs are sick and tired of watching their employees lose their jobs in thousands at a time. Maybe they will say, "Enough already! We'll take our chances with a Democratic congress. This K Street Project, it was a nice idea, we've given you enough money. You guys have been exposed, you're worthless to us now, we're walking away." If not for principle and character, at least because it's not effective any more. The jig is up!

Howard: I think that's right. I would hope that Americans would be disappointed enough in these folks--but you know, we've got to have a positive agenda. And basically here it is...

First, the Democrats will restore honesty in government. You can't trust the Republicans. They can't balance the budget, they can't manage the finances of this country, they can't manage Iraq, they couldn't manage Katrina. It's time to have honesty in government with people we can trust again.

Randi: They can't tell the truth. They absolutely can't tell the truth. Did you see the president today?

Howard: No, I did not.

Randi: You didn't miss a thing. Listen to how odd this is. Two and one half hours, he was on the TV today at the University of Kansas, and he was selling his lawless, warrantless search idea--

Howard: He was selling what?

Randi: His warrantless spying on Americans.

Howard: Oh, right.

Randi: And, of course, Arlen Specter has said, "No, I don't think so." Mccain has said, "I don't see where there's authority to do this. I think it's illegal." You know, you've had many Republicans come forward and say--even Brownback from Kansas! So it was weird that it was in Kansas--

Howard: You know, Randi, what's a little more scary even than this? Over the weekend, there was a front page article in a lot of papers that said that they were trying now to try to get Google to let them know whatever you looked at. Supposedly it was about a child porn investigation, but the way the government wants it is that whatever you looked at, they get to see. This is the library provision of the Patriot Act on steroids. Whatever you looked at, they get to find out what you're looking at. It really does begin to look like McCarthyism and the Nixon-Agnew regime. They're using the IRS, for example, to persecute people out west who've given sermons against the war, saying that's partisan. Yet, you can go into a church and hear the priest say that it's a mortal sin to vote for John Kerry. I mean, this is very frightening what they're doing. It's bad for the country, and they're going to take the country down if they're allowed to continue in this way, and we're not going to put up with it.

Randi: Well, the Google story I had here on Friday, and we did a little bit on it today. But what's really creepy is how many emails I got from friends who switched their internet providers because Microsoft and Yahoo and AOL all said that they did turn over document.

Howard: That's right.

Randi: So the damage is done. And if they're looking for pornography, and child porn--they're just saying they want a million random web addresses, and records of web searches for an unspecified one week period.

Howard: So, let them get rid of the child pornographers, we don't like them. But let's not--whatever search you make. 'Cause what's going to happen, we'll we've seen what's going to happen. They've already started eavesdropping on people they don't agree with--

Randi: My phone clicks like crazy, I don't know about yours (Howard laughs). You know, I think I'm paranoid sometimes, and then I think just because somebody's tapping my phone doesn't mean I shouldn't be paranoid.

Howard: They went after some group that was protesting something, that wasn't doing anything, and it was sort of a joke--

Randi: The Lakeworth Quakers?

Howard: I don't know if it was the Quakers or what, but I mean this is serious stuff, and they're violating the Constitution and they're breaking the law. You know, the president could defend America, if he felt he had to listen in to a terrorist thing, without getting a warrant. That's legal, if he goes and gets a warrant after the fact. So this is just arrogance. Why not obey the law? Nobody objects to wiretapping terrorists, why not obey the law? But the president's refused to do that.

Randi: Which is--I was going to ask you, what do you think the president's motivation is. I mean everybody's briefed up, we all understand that the FISA court is a rubber stamp, if he asks, he'll get it. If he has a need for speed he can ask for it three days after, once he does whatever he wants to do. But why won't he leave a paper trail?

Howard: Because this president, and this Republican party, are plain arrogant. They think that the laws that are made for America are not made for anybody else. (Think he meant to say "not made for them" or "are made for everybody else".) And that's why there's a corruption scandal...they're just like crooks. Well, they are crooks, I guess. They never think they're going to be the ones to get caught. Duke Cunningham...imagine! What did he think was going to happen on a congressman's salary when he was driving around in a yacht and a Rolls Royce?

Randi: I want to know what a Louis Philippe toilet feels like.

Howard: What?!

Randi: I want to know what a Louis Philippe toilet feels like. (Howard laughs.) He apparently had one--I don't even know what that is!

Howard: Oh, god...

Randi: I'm just from Brooklyn, I don't know. All right, well stay in touch with me, and I just want to play you this sound bite, and I want you to remember this sound bite, and I want you to make commercials about this sound bite. I'm giving money like crazy, and I want to see something on the TV. Do you remember this one?

Bush's voice: So, I don't know where he is, you know, I just don't spend that much time on it...

Randi: Do something with that.

Howard: What was that, Osama?

Randi: That was him talking about Osama, and now he wants to eavesdrop on all of us because he needs to find Osama? Yeah, right. All right, well thank you.

Howard: Thanks, Randi.

Wednesday Morning Open Thread

Oh happy days.

January 24, 2006

Governor Dean: Alito Not Fit for Supreme Court

Governor Dean:

Today, an outside the mainstream nominee who refused to be forthcoming with the Senate moved one step closer to confirmation. Over the course of his confirmation hearings and through an evaluation of his writing and records, Americans learned that Judge Alito is committed to a radical agenda that threatens Americans’ individual rights and freedoms. Because Judge Alito simply must not be allowed to use a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court to advance that agenda, Democrats on the Judiciary Committee stood together to protect Americans' individual rights and freedoms in voting against this nomination.

While Judge Alito dodged legitimate questions about his judicial record and philosophy, his agenda is clear. His troubling support of unchecked executive power, in light of current scandals over the President's domestic spying program, should concern all Americans. He supports intrusive government power over individual liberties, and has failed to protect crucial Family Medical Leave protections. He used legal technicalities to excuse gross sexual harassment, and supported prosecutors who constructed all-white juries to try black defendants. Worse still, Judge Alito broke his promise to the Senate to recuse himself from cases in which he had a clear conflict of interest-a deeply troubling failure in light of the current Republican corruption scandals.

When the full Senate votes on this nomination, Judge Alito should be rejected.

Justices Take Gifts Too

You might remember Senator Feingold asking Chief Justice Roberts about members of the Supreme Court accepting gifts from organizations while they sit on the bench. Turns out, there was a good reason for that question.

At the historic swearing-in of John Roberts as the 17th chief justice of the United States last September, every member of the Supreme Court, except Antonin Scalia, was in attendance. ABC News has learned that Scalia instead was on the tennis court at one of the country's top resorts, the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Bachelor Gulch, Colo., during a trip to a legal seminar sponsored by the Federalist Society. [...]

According to the event's invitation, obtained by ABC News, the Federalist Society promised members who attended the seminar an exclusive and "rare opportunity to spend time, both socially and intellectually" with Scalia.

"I think Justice Scalia should not have gone on that trip for several reasons," Gillers commented. "They are a group with a decided political-slash-judicial profile."

One night at the resort, Scalia attended a cocktail reception, sponsored in part by the same lobbying and law firm where convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff once worked.

"Roberts, Scalia and Thomas declined comment and requests for interviews by ABC News. A spokesman for the Federalist Society also declined to comment."

DNC Vice Chair Mike Honda Canvasses in AZ

Your new DNC organizers in Arizona canvassed alongside Vice Chair Mike Honda and the Arizona Young Democrats this weekend. They were kind enough to send over a few photos that I wanted to share with you.

Unpopular President

For the 31st straight USA Today/Gallup poll a majority of Ameicans fail to approve of the way "George W. Bush is handling his job as president?"

CNN/USA Today/Gallup. 1,006 Adults. 1/20/06 - 1/22/06.

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?"

Approve: 43%
Disapprove: 54%
Unsure: 4%

Heckuva job.

USA Today Raises Questions About Alito

USA Today Editorial:

Obfuscating answers — and avoidance of answers — have been the habit of all recent nominees, making it impossible to say with certainty where a nominee will take the court. But a case decided by the court just last week hints at Alito's potential impact.

In dissent, three justices argued that the attorney general was free to punish physicians who might help terminally ill patients in pain end their lives, even under state regulation. Chief Justice John Roberts, Bush's first choice for a court vacancy, was one. Thomas and Antonin Scalia were the others.

In campaigning for president, Bush said repeatedly that he wanted more justices like Scalia and Thomas. Alito's record suggests he might soon have two — one vote short of a majority that could favor government intrusion in the most personal decisions.

Given this page's historic concerns, Alito would not have been on our short list for the court. But his presence reflects the political reality of the past two presidential elections and the balance of power in the Senate.

The Supreme Court is unquestionably getting a highly qualified legal technician. Whether it is also getting an empathetic justice who will maintain the vital protections the Founders and the court have accorded individual Americans — and the constitutional balance of power among the president, Congress and the courts — is still in doubt.

I don't know about you, but I am tired of listening to the talking heads (and even many elected officials) on television, radio, and in newspapers claiming that Samuel Alito wouldn't bring an agenda (or ideology) to the bench. The "just trust us" administration expects us to just trust nominees like Chief Justice Roberts and now Samuel Alito who avoid to answer questions. Apparently the U.S. Senate is the only job interview in the world where the burden of proof is on the employer, not the potential employee.

The GOP feigns outrage when anyone on the Democratic side of the aisle dares to question whether Samuel Alito has any designs on overturning Roe, weakening the congress in favor of a unitary executive, and his consistent siding against minorities in discrimination cases. Democrats are left to take a man at his word who has, charitably, a questionable history of providing forthright answers during previous "job interviews," and after getting burned by the last nominee, Chief Justice Roberts, on the issue of death with dignity.

And while we are left to cross our fingers and trust this is a "mainstream" jurist, Senator "up or down unless your last name rhymes with fires" Frist knows the score:

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist told Republican Party activists on Friday night that U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito was the "worst nightmare of liberal Democrats."

This pre-packaged and made for television Samuel Alito might not even be a reasonable facsimile of the Associate Justice Alito we would see on the bench of the Supreme Court. They know it, we know it, and most people paying attention know it as well.

White House Was Warned About Katrina

It's like getting the answers to the test of your life days in advance and still getting none of the answers right...

In the 48 hours before Hurricane Katrina hit, the White House received detailed warnings about the storm's likely impact, including eerily prescient predictions of breached levees, massive flooding, and major losses of life and property, documents show.

A 41-page assessment by the Department of Homeland Security's National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center (NISAC), was delivered by e-mail to the White House's "situation room," the nerve center where crises are handled, at 1:47 a.m. on Aug. 29, the day the storm hit, according to an e-mail cover sheet accompanying the document.

The NISAC paper warned that a storm of Katrina's size would "likely lead to severe flooding and/or levee breaching" and specifically noted the potential for levee failures along Lake Pontchartrain. It predicted economic losses in the tens of billions of dollars, including damage to public utilities and industry that would take years to fully repair. Initial response and rescue operations would be hampered by disruption of telecommunications networks and the loss of power to fire, police and emergency workers, it said.

In a second document, also obtained by The Washington Post, a computer slide presentation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, prepared for a 9 a.m. meeting on Aug. 27, two days before Katrina made landfall, compared Katrina's likely impact to that of "Hurricane Pam," a fictional Category 3 storm used in a series of FEMA disaster-preparedness exercises simulating the effects of a major hurricane striking New Orleans. But Katrina, the report warned, could be worse.

Who wants to take bets that there was a memo titled "Katrina Determined to Strike in US" circulated and ignored at some point?

UPDATE:

Tim reminded me of what George was doing as New Orleans flooded...

UPDATE AGAIN:

Tim also reminded me what Condoleeza Rice was up to (shoe shopping), and what the RNC was up to (sending emails about the estate tax).

Tuesday Morning Open Thread

Enjoy the comments.

January 23, 2006

It's Not About Friendship

There's seems to be some question about whether Georige Bush and Jack Abramoff are friends. Time Magazine is reporting that there are multiple photos of them together, and the Washingtonian says that Bush knows the names of Abramoff's children and would ask Jack about them.

Despite this, the White House is scrambling to deny a personal relationship:

"The president does not have a personal relationship with Mr. Abramoff." -- WH Counselor Dan Bartlett, pushing back on the photo story during a morning show blitz, "CBS Early Show," 1/23

By his own admission, we know that Abramoff raised over $120,000 for the Bush campaign in 2004.

We also know that Abramoff charged a client $25,000 to arrange a single meeting with Bush.

That's just the beginning, though. Over the years he received unknown sums from clients for representing their interests in an unknown number of exclusive staff-level meetings at the White House.

It doesn't take too many meetings at $25,000 a pop to make investing in the Republican money-for-influence machine a smart investment, as long as Republican leaders stand ready to deliver in exchange for dollars (and trips and lavish meals).

Now Abramoff has pleaded guilty to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials. Republican leaders have responded by scrambling to obfuscate and cover up their relationships with him, rather than coming clean and purging those in their party who created this mess.

Until Republican leaders are willing to come clean, it will be left to the legal process -- and our democratic process -- to examine all of the transactions that constitute the Republican culture of corruption.

Why Did President Bush Deliberately Choose to Break the Law?

Governor Dean:

"In our democracy no one, not even the President, is above the law. Democrats understand that we must take extraordinary measures to defend Americans, and existing laws were crafted to ensure that the President can legally listen to conversations when necessary. So the question remains: why did President Bush deliberately choose to break the law, as the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service has twice reported? The American people deserve an answer."

State of the Union Watch Parties

(An email that just went out from Democratic National Commitee Executive Director, Tom McMahon -- Tim)

In hundreds of communities across the country, people won't be sitting back when George Bush delivers his State of the Union address on January 31st. That's because in each of those communities someone decided to host a Watch Party -- a simple event to bring people together to get the facts and take action.

There's still time to invite people over to watch together, react together, and -- most importantly -- decide together what you will do to work for change on the ground in your community this year.

There will also be a Watch Party Conference Call immediately following the official Democratic response. You'll be able to join Governor Dean and other Democratic leaders for immediate reaction and opportunities for rapid response.

You can set up your own Watch Party and start sending invitations using this simple tool on our web site:

http://www.democrats.org/events/create

From Anchorage to Wichita to Brooklyn people have already created Watch Parties. Everyone attending will receive background information before the speech, and the opportunity to hear directly from our party's leaders immediately after.

You can search by zip code for an event in your area:

http://www.democrats.org/events/find

Where will you be next Tuesday night?

Tom

Tom McMahon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

An Unpopular President

American Research Group, Inc. 1,100 Adults. January 19-22, 2006. MoE +/- 3%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?

Approve: 36%
Disapprove: 58%
Undecided: 6%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling the economy?

Approive: 34%
Disapprove: 60%
Undecided: 6%

IL-Gov: Blagojevich Maintains Lead

St. Louis Post-Dispatch/KMOV-TV. 800 Likely Voters. 1/16/06 - 1/18/06. MoE +/- 3.5%

The poll showed slightly different numbers when likely voters were asked to choose between Blagojevich (D) and Topinka (R) "if the 2006 election for governor were held today." Forty-five percent said they would vote for Blagojevich, 37 percent said Topinka and 18 percent said they were undecided. [...]

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was popular with those polled, receiving a 62 percent approval rating.

The ongoing racketeering trial of former [Republican] Gov. George Ryan has the attention of 69 percent of respondents, and two-thirds of those who said they are following the trial said they believe Ryan is guilty. Ryan and lobbyist friend Larry Warner are charged in a federal indictment with racketeering, mail fraud and other offenses. Both have pleaded not guilty and say that nothing they did was illegal.

Start the Week Open Thread

Happy Monday!

January 22, 2006

Special Access: We've Seen This Movie Before

From Time Magazine:

Peppered for days with questions about Abramoff's visits to the White House, press secretary Scott McClellan said the now disgraced lobbyist had attended two huge holiday receptions and a few "staff-level meetings" that were not worth describing further. "The President does not know him, nor does the President recall ever meeting him," McClellan said.

The President's memory may soon be unhappily refreshed. TIME has seen five photographs of Abramoff and the President that suggest a level of contact between them that Bush's aides have downplayed.

It's amazing that people feign astonishment at the thought this president and his senior staff might grant special access to "Pioneers." What short memories; what was it, only six months ago?

According to emails released by Ohio Governor Bob Taft's office, Thomas Noe used his influence to obtain a coveted invitation to a White House ceremony honoring the Ohio State University football team. The emails also revealed that Noe attended an "Ohio political strategy session" with Ken Mehlman and Collister "Coddy" Johnson, Bush's campaign manager and field director. Karl Rove was also listed as a possible attendant of the meeting. [Toledo Blade, 7/7/05]

Or a year ago, the President personally thanking Tom Noe at a campaign rally:

THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank the grassroots activists. I want to thank my friend, Bernadette Noy [sic] and Tom Noy [sic] for their leadership in Lucas County. (Applause.) I remember our breakfast. She had me flipping pancakes. (Laughter.)

Ahhh, Bernadette Noe... She certainly did deserve praise.

At the time, Noe's wife Bernadette was an elections official in Lucas County Ohio, an area that experienced extreme voting difficulties during the 2004 election, causing Secretary of State Ken Blackwell to ask for her resignation. [Toledo Blade, 7/7/05]

Got that, so bad that Ken Blackwell asked her to resign. And more access:

Noe was Regional Chairman of Bush-Cheney Campaign and Frequently Spoke with Rove. As a regional chairman of the campaign, Mr. Noe had frequent contact with Karl Rove, the architect of the President's re-election. And Ohio, it turned out, was the pivotal state in the election, narrowly pushing President Bush to victory. [Toledo Blade, 4/28/05]

We've seen this movie before, and we'll unquestionably hear the details of special access for Jack Abramoff to White House senior staff and maybe even the president himself. But pictures? Yeah, we'll see them as well.

Photo found at Grow Ohio.

Sunday Open Thread

Conference championship games in football today, who are you rooting for?

Pittsburgh @ Denver
Chicago Carolina @ Seattle

I'll be watching the first one, just hoping for a good game. I am not so sure my little heart can take too much of watching the second game--I'm a big Bears fan. Oh well, pitchers and catchers report in about a month... Go Cubs!

January 20, 2006

They're Serving Their Country Again

While in Denver last week, the Governor met with a group of veterans who are working closely with the Colorado state party to get out the vote and get some more democrats elected across the state. What they had to say was pretty interesting and some of the work that they are doing is quite extraordinary. There were about 25 vets in the room and they ranged in service from Vietnam to the first Gulf war to officers who recently got back from tours in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

During this last election cycle, many of these men and women knocked on doors, helped organize precincts and registered a lot of state voters. (One vet told me as a group they registered a couple of thousand voters.) At least two of the men in the room were running for Congress – one of which was running in James Dobson's home base. That should make it interesting.

This veterans group is a model that the Governor would like to see organized in other states. He was eager to hear where they were targeting voters (mostly renters in the metro Denver area, many of whom are not registered to vote, but are believed to be democrats) and what their goals were for 2006 (helping candidates in rural parts of the state). And these tasks are something the vets are looking forward to doing. As one veteran put it: "How can the Republican Party say the Democratic Party doesn't support the troops? We are the troops!"

The Governor wrapped up the meeting by saying "you've already done one great thing for your country and now you're serving again. I appreciate it and I know the voters appreciate it as well."

Karl Rove Has Zero Cred on National Security

Governor Dean:

"Karl Rove only has a White House job and a security clearance because President Bush has refused to keep his promise to fire anyone involved in revealing the identity of an undercover CIA operative," said Dean. "Rove's political standing gets him an invitation to address Republicans in Washington, DC today, but it doesn't give him the credibility to question Democrats' commitment to national security. The truth is, Karl Rove breached our national security for partisan gain and that is both unpatriotic and wrong."

Lord of the Flies

Cincinnati Enquirer:

Ohio Republican Chairman Bob Bennett said Thursday that he'd ask Rep. Bob Ney to resign from Congress if he were indicted on felony charges. [...]

Asked if Ney planned to step down if Bennett urged him to do so, Ney said: "I would say if he asked me to step down that he'd better look in the mirror because glass houses break easily."

Tom Noe's attorney in Ohio made similar threats to Republican power-brokers who he felt sold him out during the coingate scandal earlier this year. And now we have the only convicted criminal serving as any state's chief executive officer, Republican Governor Bob Taft.

More Governor Dean at St. Stephen's Baptist Church

You might recall that Governor Dean attended a Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday celebration at St. Stephen's Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri earlier this week. I am just getting around to reading many of the articles from the tour, but wanted to share one with you, along with a picture.

KansasCity.Com:

Then Dean began his frank talk, pointing out state Auditor Claire McCaskill, now a candidate for U.S. Senate, sitting in the audience.

"If Claire McCaskill were in the Senate, there would be one less vote for Judge (Samuel) Alito," Dean said. "There would be one less vote for cutting children off school lunch programs. There would be one less vote for taking health care away from older people."

Dean, who was a freshman in college when King was killed in 1968, called the civil rights activist an extraordinary human being.

Dean cited a litany of problems the nation faces, from a lack of health insurance for everyone to the high cost of gasoline.

"It's discouraging because it seems so hard to make progress," Dean said. "People say, 'Where is the Democratic Party? Where is our message?'"

No matter how bad conditions become, Dean warned, pessimism is not an option.

"We have no right to be discouraged," Dean said. "Dr. King went to jail. He and his people were beaten. Think of what he felt in that Birmingham jail writing those letters. He was looking at a whole country that needed to be woken up."

Then Dean went back to politics, insisting he wants to see honesty and integrity restored to government.

"Soon we will have a majority in the House," Dean vowed. "We will have a strong national defense. But it will be based off telling the truth to our citizens, our soldiers and our allies. We will have American jobs that stay in America. And yes, we can balance the budget and have health care for every American."

Finally, Dean noted the diversity at the event.

"How proud Dr. King would be if he were in this church tonight," Dean said. "We are all in this together."

The crowd cheered. Dean had connected.

Photo Credit: Royal Photography LLC

Friday Morning Open Thread

Another work week, by the boards.

January 19, 2006

On The Road With Governor Dean (Recap)

Three days, four flights, two Democracy Bond rallies, a Baptist Church, the next step in reclaiming our government for the American people, and one heckuva time. In case you missed it, I have been on the road with Governor Dean this week, attending events in Kansas City, Missouri and Columbus Ohio. Here are the links from the trip -- almost all of them have pictures and video:

Monday: Celebrating the Martin Luther King holiday at St. Stephen's Baptist Church in Kansas City.
Tuesday: First Ever Meeting for Democracy Bond Holders With Governor Dean in Kansas City.
Tuesday: Meet Two Democracy Bond Holders in Kansas City - Justin & Chere
Tuesday: An Interesting Flight from Kansas City to Milwaukee
Wednesday: Honesty in Government Event at Ohio State House
Wednesday: Democracy Bond Event in Columbus, Ohio.
Wednesday: Meet Two Democracy Bond Holdes in Ohio - Carol & Jack

The trip was fantastic, and I can't wait to do it again! Thanks to everyone who has commented on their enjoyment of the coverage, both here and on other blogs.

Quick Clip Transcript: Dean on MSNBC

In a short interview this afternoon, Governor Dean took the Bush administration to task for diverting resources away from the hunt for bin Laden and his associates in favor of a war of choice in Iraq. He praised the recent action there and called for more focus on the hunt for the people who killed thousands of Americans on September 11th.

He also made a point about the priorities of the two parties generally when it comes to keeping America safe and acting in the public interest:

NORAH O'DONNELL: What should the Democratic and Republican parties be doing at a time when another Osama bin Laden tape has surfaced, rather than being divisive, shouldn't there be unity between the two parties?

DEAN: There is division because the president is running a corrupt administration. The president has admitted that Jack Abramoff met in the White House -- this person who financed all these trips and campaign contributions in return for favors. Now, we want to know from the White House: who has Jack Abramoff met with in the White House? How many times has he been there? The American people have a right to that information.

So, just because we are united in our fight on terrorism does not meet the Democratic Party is going to countenance corrupt Republicans running this country -- and that's exactly what's happening, it's happening in Ohio, in Washington, all over this country. We want a change, a fundamental change, a limit on this kind of money corrupting our government. The difference between the Republican Party they put their party first, before America. We think that's wrong. We think America comes first, not either political party.

Ohio Democracy Bond Event

Governor Howard Dean and freshly minted Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern have a whole lot in common. Both were recently elected to serve as chairman for their respective party organizations, and both believe in building the Democratic party, nationally and statewide, from the grassroots up.

About 100 people packed into the Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall in Columbus, Ohio yesterday to hear from the two chairmen during the second ever Democracy Bondholders meeting. Regular Americans, bloggers, candidates, and elected officials came together fresh off a successful event at the Ohio State House.

Here are some additional accounts from the Democracy Bond event provided by several Ohio bloggers:

Buckeye Senate Blog: Audio of Chairman Dean & Redfern's Speeches
Buckeye Senate Blog: Interview w/ Chris Redfern and Bloggers After Q&A
Buckeye Senate Blog: Commentary and More Audio
Howard Empowered People: Has a Long Take on Yesterday's Event
Live From Dayton: Promises to Have an Account Soon.

Chairman Redfern took the stage first and talked about the necessity to take the fight to each of Ohio's 88 counties.

After Chairman Redfern spoke, Governor Dean addressed the eager crowd and discussed the importance of the Democracy Bond program and how the DNC has placed organizers in each of the fifty states (the flip-side to the Democracy Bonds Program), along with a bit of information about those organizers.

Governor Dean continued to talk about what we have in common with many of those who didn't vote Democratic in 2004. All Americans understand that it is completely immoral to hear of so many children who go to bed hungry at night, record deficits, and poor stewardship of our enviroment -- these are things that everyone has in common, Republicans and Democrats.

All in all, the event was a tremendous success. The Democracy Bond Program is picking up steam with new investors joining the community each and every day. The two Democracy Bond events this week are the first of many over the coming year, so if you haven't yet signed on, there's no reason to wait a moment longer.

Thursday Morning Open Thread

I'm working on a piece about yesterday's Democracy Bonds event in Columbus, Ohio -- tons of video and pictures from the meeting. In the interim, Zogby/Wall Street Journal just released a slew of poll numbers for senate and gubernatorial races around the country. Take them with a grain of salt however, it's an Internet poll that has shown seriously skewed results in the past. Finally, here is another picture from the "Honesty in Government" event at the Ohio State House yesterday. It's of State Representative Jamey Healy of Canton (OH-52). Remember the name.

January 18, 2006

Wednesday Night Open Thread

Back home, and it feels good. For tonight, instead of filling this thread up with comments, take a look at some of the entries from the road this week and let us know what you think about this kind of reporting from Democracy Bond events and Governor Dean's travels. Thanks!

Ohio Democracy Bond Holders: Carol & Jack

The Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall held around 100 people for today's Democracy Bond holder meeting, and everyone was excited while looking ahead towards November 2006 when we reclaim the "Tom Noe & Friends Governor's Mansion" from the only convicted criminal currently holding any state's top executive office, Republican Governor Bob Taft. Of course, there are a number of other statewide races and full slate of local ones that have people fired up, but for today, the talk of the town was how national and statewide Democrats in Ohio are ready to rebuild the party, from the grassroots up.

To that end, investment in the Democracy Bond Community is the flipside of the 50 State Strategy, allowing the Democratic Party to invest in organizers for each of the 50 states. Those organizers are already in place in Ohio, and were actually one of the first on the scene during Paul Hackett's (another bond holder) impropable special election run earlier this year. That's your investment at work.

I'll have video and pictures of Governor Dean and State Party Chairman Chris Redfern's speeches from today, but first I want to introduce you to two Ohio Democracy Bond holders, Carol and Jack.

Honesty In Government Event (Columbus, Ohio)

This is my first few minutes with Internet access since this morning, but I wanted to tell you about an event newly elected Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern called, "the best Democratic event [he has] ever seen at the State House."

I arrived at the Ohio Capitol building a few minutes late, and was actually denied access through a side entrance into the Rotunda -- there were just entirely too many people and reporters crammed into the long, but narrow, hallway leading up to a stage erected earlier this morning. It would seem that a Columbus television news crew had the same problem, and we hustled around together, working our way to the front of the crowd just in time to hear Governor Dean discussing Democratic unity, both nationally and locally, when it comes to clearing corruption from capitol buildings across the country.

Today's event, of course, highlighted Governor Dean, Chairman Redfern, and a host of Ohio legislators "demanding the same honesty and accountability in a state where Republican officials have defrauded the public and infected everything from the budget to the voting process with cronyism and corruption." Before and after the speeches and questions, participants were asked to sign a petition, formalizing the demands.

Governor Dean and Chairman Redfern also took a host of questions from local and national press attending the event. One of the more entertaining portions of the Q&A was a reporter from Fox News asserting that Democrats in Ohio were tossed out of office years ago because of rampant corruption -- Chairman Redfern did a terrific job setting the reporter straight, while explaining that reapportionment took what is essentially a 50/50 state and gave it a dramatic red hue in the legislature. You can actually hear the reporter attempting to shout Chairman Redfern down in the clip:

Today's Ohio event wasn't the only location Democrats held forth to unveil a plan meant to restore honesty and in government. In Washington, D.C., leaders in the House and Senate unveiled the "Honest Leadership & Open Government Act." Governor Dean was asked about the legislation and discussed how on the issue of opening up government and returning it to the people, the Democratic Party stands united.

When the Q&A ended, reporters descended upon the local representatives and candidates in attendance. I had a chance to catch up with old friends made during one of my several stints in the Buckeye State. As you can see, there was a lot of activity in the Rotunda:

I also had a chance to talk with one of the most important candidates in the country during the 2006 election cycle, Jennifer Brunner. Jennifer is running for Secretary of State in Ohio, the position currently held by J. Kenneth Blackwell. Need I say more? She is running unopposed in the primary, and you can expect to see much more about her in the coming months on the DNC blog.

I am in a Columbus airport right now, about to catch a flight back into Washington, D.C. I have so many more pictures and videos from today's event AND the wildly successful Democracy Bond-Holder meeting that took place after the petition signing in the Capitol. Hopefully I can get more up tonight, but if not, tomorrow will be a busy day. Keep checking in!

Open Thread

I've talked to Tim a couple of times today and he said everything went well in Ohio. He'll have stories and pictures later. Things go back to normal tomorrow.

Letter from Governor Dean

The Petition: Sign Here The Democratic Proposal Governor Dean's Letter Read Ongoing Coverage

Governor Dean sent this letter to Democrats across the country asking everyone them to join the demand honest leadership.

Dear Friend,

Many Americans sense that our government has been bought and paid for by powerful interests with deep pockets. They sense that our government's priorities are being dictated by something other than the public interest.

They are right.

Republican leaders in Washington have deliberately and shamelessly built a money-for-influence machine unlike anything our democracy has ever endured. Many Democrats have spoken out about this Republican culture of corruption over the past months and years. But today our party takes a giant step forward -- with a single voice, we demand sweeping reform.

Right now in Washington our leaders in the House and Senate are unveiling the Honest Leadership & Open Government Act -- a set of specific reforms that will completely change business as usual in Washington. Democrats in the House and Senate are united behind this legislation, which aims to fulfill a specific promise: returning power to the American people.

Change in Washington requires more than the support of Democrats in Congress or Republicans scrambling to save face. Making real change will require an outpouring of support for that change by ordinary Americans. Democrats across the country and in the halls of Congress must speak with a single voice.

Please join the demand for honest leadership on this historic day:

www.democrats.org/honesty

It's not just Washington that needs a change.

I am writing to you from Ohio, where this morning I stood with Democratic state legislators demanding the same honesty and accountability in a state where Republican officials have defrauded the public and infected everything from the budget to the voting process with cronyism and corruption.

Our work together building the Democratic Party in all 50 states will ensure that we have a potent, organized political force making the case for clean government everywhere.

The first step is to get everyone you know who is ready to say, "Enough is enough" on board. Sign on to the demand for honest leadership and get the message out in your community:

www.democrats.org/honesty

This fight will not end today, and this demand will not go away. Every single Democrat in Congress will be pressing for this reform legislation, and everyone from governors to mayors to challengers running against incumbent Republicans will be carrying the banner of change.

Today Democrats across the country are united on the way forward. But as we head into this election year, there is one thing you should remember.

This legislation won't change anything for those elected leaders who have already demonstrated that they will break the law in their quest for money and power. One Republican leader has already pleaded guilty to bribery, another has been indicted for money laundering, and still more are under investigation.

We need a higher standard for all of our elected leaders. But when it comes to Republicans who have already broken the law, we need to clean house.

Let's do it together.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

January 17, 2006

Tuesday Night Open Thread

I'm safely in Columbus, Ohio for the evening, about to eat some pizza and rest up for another long day tomorrow. Consider this an open thread.

Trip Entries:
Celebrating the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (pics & video)
Democracy Bond Event in Kansas City this Morning (pics & video)
An Interesting Flight from Kansas City
Justin & Chere: Democracy Bond Holders (pics & video)

We'll have the "Honesty in Government" event tomorrow morning at the Ohio State House, followed by another Democracy Bonds event for Ohio bond-holders. I'll get updates up as often as I can.

Democracy Bond Owners in Kansas City

During today's Democracy Bond event in Kansas City, I had an opportunity to sit down with two bond-holders, Justin and Chere, and talk about why they decided it was so important to invest in the bond community.

Consider becoming part of the Democracy Bonds community today.

Surprise, Surprise

Ed. Note: Fred is with Governor Dean and sent this in over the weekened.

A few minutes of downtime in an otherwise packed schedule turned into an impromptu book signing last night in Palo Alto. The Gov and I dropped by a Borders bookstore because he wanted to find out if his book had come out in paperback yet. After browsing for a few minutes we came across two copies of "You Have the Power."

The Gov's eyes lit up like a mischievous little child, turned to me and said "hey, why don't I autograph a copy of one of these and put it back up on the shelf? I'm sure it'll come as a surprise to the person who buys it."

As I pulled it off the shelf and he opened the front flap, a store clerk who was nearby gazed at him and gave him a puzzled look. The Gov looked up and said "I'm the author - Howard Dean - I was thinking of signing this and putting it back." The clerk looked at him for a minute and said "Don't put it back on the shelf, I think I'll buy it!" The Gov personalized it and headed to the door. Well, we didn't get very far because the word was out in the store that the DNC Chairman was shopping. Another clerk came up to us and asked to shake the Gov's hand.

"If you want to buy my book, I'll sign it right now for you," the Gov said. He did and within minutes the Governor had managed to sell out the two copies of his paperback.

I gotta say, I wonder if John Grisham or Anne Rice do this? I'm sure the folks at Borders were happy with the small profit we made them.

Open Thread: Mid-Flight Edition

I just landed in Milwaukee for an hour layover before heading off towards Columbus, Ohio. Despite the fact that I continue to patiently wait for my ears to pop and head to clear, the flight in was a good one. I had about an hour long conversation with a terrific young lady named Joan from Boston, who happened to volunteer for the 2004 Democratic Convention in her hometown. If I am not mistaken, she is fluent in Spanish and offered her services before and during the convention as a liaison to the delegates from Puerto Rico.

Which goes to show you, it's more than just phone banking and wearing out the shoe leather walking blocks dropping lit and meeting voters -- There are many ways to get involved and if you have a specific skill-set, that's something we need to be working to make the most of.

If you are a first time visitor today, following Governor Dean around from St. Stephen's Baptist Church in Kansas City, to the Democracy Bonds event this morning, to tomorrow's "Honesty in Government" pledge alongside Chris Redfern and the Ohio Democratic Party, and concluding with tomorrow's Columbus Democracy Bonds event -- sign-up and leave us a message. Otherwise... the thread is open.

America's Party

For the 2004 Democratic Convention in Boston, the DNC ran a video contest. Democrats from across the country were asked to produce a video about the party and submit it, and the prize was to have the winning video played at the convention - and therefore on C-SPAN - and that was that. The video ran, it was on C-SPAN, and everything worked out as planned.

Well, we still have all the submissions, including the winner, which is just too good to let languish on some network drive at DNCHQ. So we're pulling it out of the archive to share with you again. The video is below, and it will live on the "Our Party" page from now on.

The winners of the contest - Jefferson Smith and Adam Klugman - have a website up that's dedicated to the video, so be sure to check that out as well: americasparty.tv.

Kansas City Democracy Bond Meeting

This morning at 8 AM, about seventy-five Democrats gathered for coffee, doughnuts, and a side of inspiration from Governor Dean at the first ever Democracy Bond-Holder meeting in Kansas City. The event lasted about an hour and a half, starting with local activists never connected before meeting and exchanging thoughts on national and community concerns.

The local county chairman kicked off the event and introduced Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, who in turn introduced Governor Dean for the second day in a row. After Governor Dean spoke, he mingled for about 45 minutes and talked to almost everyone at the event--more than the usual handshake and brief platitudes you get when meeting most politicians.

Here are some photos and video of Gov. Dean from the event:

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver Introduces Governor Dean

Governor Dean Meeting Bond-Holders

Video: Governor Dean Speaks About Democracy Bonds

I'm leaving for Columbus, Ohio right now, and will have more up this evening.

Open Thread

Been a while since I've had to post one of these. Tim's in Kansas City today, and will fly to Columbus, Ohio this afternoon. Keep checking in for updates from the road...

January 16, 2006

Celebrating the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Words would fail if I attempted to describe the atmosphere in St. Stephen's Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri on the evening of the Martin Luther King holiday. I entered having little idea what to expect, and left having witnessed a diverse crowd come together in prayer, song, and celebration without regard for the color of eachother's skin, but because of the content of their character and a message of unity.

The service had barely started when the gentleman pictured below stepped up to the microphone, thanked his mother and grandmother, and began signing. And when I say sing, I mean sing ... a sound you can tell was produced with the help of every last bone in his body.

The audience was packed, there were several overflow rooms set up inside the church where members of the congregation sat and watched on closed-circuit televisions. The service itself was a combination of inspirational music, speeches by clergy and politicians (Democrats and Republicans alike), and a 45 minute sermon built around the theme of "unity in the community." Governor Dean spoke about how it might be discouraging at times today, but we have no right to get down, only the right to keep fighting--Dr. King spent many days in jail, African-Americans were attacked by dogs and firehoses, people in his own community said he was moving to fast, but he never gave up.

Video: Congressman Emanuel Cleaver Introduces Governor Dean (.wmv)

Video: Governor Dean Speaking (.wmv)

For me, the music was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening -- and the different types of music played and sung were as diverse as the audience itself. From a children's choir, the SCLC Community Choir, a Korean church choir, a young man wowing the audience on his saxophone, and the former leader of the St. Stephen's Baptist Choir taking us back before "all this electronic music" started playing in the church, with some old spiritual-type songs made famous during the civil rights movement.

I am back at the hotel now after not knowing what to expect when I took off this morning for Kansas City. And although we don't see it all the time from our elected officials in Washington, D.C., what I saw tonight gives me hope that Dr. King's dream lives on, and there are a tremendous amount of people of all colors and creeds working to see that dream become a reality.

Photo: Congregation

Photo: Sermon by Dr. Myron McCoy

Photo: Korean Church Choir

Monday Open Thread

As I indicated below, I am in Kansas City tonight joining Governor Dean at St. Stephen's Baptist Church to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King; I'll have photos and a write-up late this evening. Tomorrow morning is the Democracy Bond-Holder meeting in KC and then I'm on my way to Columbus, Ohio for the "Honesty in Government" event tomorrow, followed by another Democracy Bond-Holder meeting -- then it's back to D.C. I'll post as often as possible, and expect a huge rundown come Thursday as well.

Letter From A Birmingham Jail

(Today, as we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am in Kansas City to join Governor Dean at St. Stephen's Baptist Church later this evening in recognizing the accomplishments of one of our country's greatest leaders, ever. Below is a re-post of Dr. King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" in its entirety. It's a tremendous read, and it helps us to recognize that we still have quite a way to go before Dr. King's "dream" is realized. -- Tim)

April 16, 1963

MY DEAR FELLOW CLERGYMEN:

While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statements in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

I think I should indicate why I am here In Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view which argues against "outsiders coming in." I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Frequently we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates. Several months ago the affiliate here in Birmingham asked us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct-action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promise. So I, along with several members of my staff, am here because I was invited here I am here because I have organizational ties here.

But more basically, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their "thus saith the Lord" far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco-Roman world, so am I. compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.

Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial "outside agitator" idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.

You deplore the demonstrations taking place In Birmingham. But your statement, I am sorry to say, fails to express a similar concern for the conditions that brought about the demonstrations. I am sure that none of you would want to rest content with the superficial kind of social analysis that deals merely with effects and does not grapple with underlying causes. It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham, but it is even more unfortunate that the city's white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative.

In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action. We have gone through an these steps in Birmingham. There can be no gainsaying the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community. Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of brutality is widely known. Negroes have experienced grossly unjust treatment in the courts. There have been more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham than in any other city in the nation. These are the hard, brutal facts of the case. On the basis of these conditions, Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers. But the latter consistently refused to engage in good-faith negotiation.

Then, last September, came the opportunity to talk with leaders of Birmingham's economic community. In the course of the negotiations, certain promises were made by the merchants --- for example, to remove the stores humiliating racial signs. On the basis of these promises, the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth and the leaders of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights agreed to a moratorium on all demonstrations. As the weeks and months went by, we realized that we were the victims of a broken promise. A few signs, briefly removed, returned; the others remained.

As in so many past experiences, our hopes bad been blasted, and the shadow of deep disappointment settled upon us. We had no alternative except to prepare for direct action, whereby we would present our very bodies as a means of laying our case before the conscience of the local and the national community. Mindful of the difficulties involved, we decided to undertake a process of self-purification. We began a series of workshops on nonviolence, and we repeatedly asked ourselves : "Are you able to accept blows without retaliating?" "Are you able to endure the ordeal of jail?" We decided to schedule our direct-action program for the Easter season, realizing that except for Christmas, this is the main shopping period of the year. Knowing that a strong economic with with-drawal program would be the by-product of direct action, we felt that this would be the best time to bring pressure to bear on the merchants for the needed change.

Then it occurred to us that Birmingham's mayoralty election was coming up in March, and we speedily decided to postpone action until after election day. When we discovered that the Commissioner of Public Safety, Eugene "Bull" Connor, had piled up enough votes to be in the run-oat we decided again to postpone action until the day after the run-off so that the demonstrations could not be used to cloud the issues. Like many others, we waited to see Mr. Connor defeated, and to this end we endured postponement after postponement. Having aided in this community need, we felt that our direct-action program could be delayed no longer.

You may well ask: "Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches and so forth? Isn't negotiation a better path?" You are quite right in calling, for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. My citing the creation of tension as part of the work of the nonviolent-resister may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word "tension." I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, we must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.

The purpose of our direct-action program is to create a situation so crisis-packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation. I therefore concur with you in your call for negotiation. Too long has our beloved Southland been bogged down in a tragic effort to live in monologue rather than dialogue.

One of the basic points in your statement is that the action that I and my associates have taken in Birmingham is untimely. Some have asked: "Why didn't you give the new city administration time to act?" The only answer that I can give to this query is that the new Birmingham administration must be prodded about as much as the outgoing one, before it will act. We are sadly mistaken if we feel that the election of Albert Boutwell as mayor will bring the millennium to Birmingham. While Mr. Boutwell is a much more gentle person than Mr. Connor, they are both segregationists, dedicated to maintenance of the status quo. I have hope that Mr. Boutwell will be reasonable enough to see the futility of massive resistance to desegregation. But he will not see this without pressure from devotees of civil rights. My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure. Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture; but, as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups tend to be more immoral than individuals.

We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct-action campaign that was "well timed" in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word "Wait!" It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This "Wait" has almost always meant 'Never." We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that "justice too long delayed is justice denied."

We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence, but we stiff creep at horse-and-buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging dark of segregation to say, "Wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-old son who is asking: "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?"; when you take a cross-county drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading "white" and "colored"; when your first name becomes "nigger," your middle name becomes "boy" (however old you are) and your last name becomes "John," and your wife and mother are never given the respected title "Mrs."; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you no forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodiness" then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience.

You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court's decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws. One may won ask: "How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?" The answer lies in the fact that there fire two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the Brat to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that "an unjust law is no law at all"

Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distort the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an "I-it" relationship for an "I-thou" relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Hence segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and awful. Paul Tillich said that sin is separation. Is not segregation an existential expression 'of man's tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? Thus it is that I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right; and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances, for they are morally wrong.

Let us consider a more concrete example of just and unjust laws. An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.

Let me give another explanation. A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up that state's segregation laws was democratically elected? Throughout Alabama all sorts of devious methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered. Can any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured?

Sometimes a law is just on its face and unjust in its application. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest.

I hope you are able to ace the distinction I am trying to point out. In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. That would lead to anarchy. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.

Of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was evidenced sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks rather than submit to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire. To a degree, academic freedom is a reality today because Socrates practiced civil disobedience. In our own nation, the Boston Tea Party represented a massive act of civil disobedience.

We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was "legal" and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was "illegal." It was "illegal" to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitler's Germany. Even so, I am sure that, had I lived in Germany at the time, I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers. If today I lived in a Communist country where certain principles dear to the Christian faith are suppressed, I would openly advocate disobeying that country's antireligious laws.

I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fan in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace, in which the Negro passively accepted his unjust plight, to a substantive and positive peace, in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with an its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured.

In your statement you assert that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But is this a logical assertion? Isn't this like condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery? Isn't this like condemning Socrates because his unswerving commitment to truth and his philosophical inquiries precipitated the act by the misguided populace in which they made him drink hemlock? Isn't this like condemning Jesus because his unique God-consciousness and never-ceasing devotion to God's will precipitated the evil act of crucifixion? We must come to see that, as the federal courts have consistently affirmed, it is wrong to urge an individual to cease his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the quest may precipitate violence. Society must protect the robbed and punish the robber.

I had also hoped that the white moderate would reject the myth concerning time in relation to the struggle for freedom. I have just received a letter from a white brother in Texas. He writes: "An Christians know that the colored people will receive equal rights eventually, but it is possible that you are in too great a religious hurry. It has taken Christianity almost two thousand years to accomplish what it has. The teachings of Christ take time to come to earth." Such an attitude stems from a tragic misconception of time, from the strangely rational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively. More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this 'hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transform our pending national elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to 6e solid rock of human dignity.

You speak of our activity in Birmingham as extreme. At fist I was rather disappointed that fellow clergymen would see my nonviolent efforts as those of an extremist. I began thinking about the fact that stand in the middle of two opposing forces in the Negro community. One is a force of complacency, made up in part of Negroes who, as a result of long years of oppression, are so drained of self-respect and a sense of "somebodiness" that they have adjusted to segregation; and in part of a few middle class Negroes who, because of a degree of academic and economic security and because in some ways they profit by segregation, have become insensitive to the problems of the masses. The other force is one of bitterness and hatred, and it comes perilously close to advocating violence. It is expressed in the various black nationalist groups that are springing up across the nation, the largest and best-known being Elijah Muhammad's Muslim movement. Nourished by the Negro's frustration over the continued existence of racial discrimination, this movement is made up of people who have lost faith in America, who have absolutely repudiated Christianity, and who have concluded that the white man is an incorrigible "devil."

I have tried to stand between these two forces, saying that we need emulate neither the "do-nothingism" of the complacent nor the hatred and despair of the black nationalist. For there is the more excellent way of love and nonviolent protest. I am grateful to God that, through the influence of the Negro church, the way of nonviolence became an integral part of our struggle.

If this philosophy had not emerged, by now many streets of the South would, I am convinced, be flowing with blood. And I am further convinced that if our white brothers dismiss as "rabble-rousers" and "outside agitators" those of us who employ nonviolent direct action, and if they refuse to support our nonviolent efforts, millions of Negroes will, out of frustration and despair, seek solace and security in black-nationalist ideologies a development that would inevitably lead to a frightening racial nightmare.

Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro. Something within has reminded him of his birthright of freedom, and something without has reminded him that it can be gained. Consciously or unconsciously, he has been caught up by the Zeitgeist, and with his black brothers of Africa and his brown and yellow brothers of Asia, South America and the Caribbean, the United States Negro is moving with a sense of great urgency toward the promised land of racial justice. If one recognizes this vital urge that has engulfed the Negro community, one should readily understand why public demonstrations are taking place. The Negro has many pent-up resentments and latent frustrations, and he must release them. So let him march; let him make prayer pilgrimages to the city hall; let him go on freedom rides-and try to understand why he must do so. If his repressed emotions are not released in nonviolent ways, they will seek expression through violence; this is not a threat but a fact of history. So I have not said to my people: "Get rid of your discontent." Rather, I have tried to say that this normal and healthy discontent can be channeled into the creative outlet of nonviolent direct action. And now this approach is being termed extremist.

But though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Was not Amos an extremist for justice: "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel: "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Was not Martin Luther an extremist: "Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God." And John Bunyan: "I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience." And Abraham Lincoln: "This nation cannot survive half slave and half free." And Thomas Jefferson: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that an men are created equal ..." So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we viii be. We we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremist for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary's hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime---the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jeans Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment. Perhaps the South, the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.

I had hoped that the white moderate would see this need. Perhaps I was too optimistic; perhaps I expected too much. I suppose I should have realized that few members of the oppressor race can understand the deep groans and passionate yearnings of the oppressed race, and still fewer have the vision to see that injustice must be rooted out by strong, persistent and determined action. I am thankful, however, that some of our white brothers in the South have grasped the meaning of this social revolution and committed themselves to it. They are still too few in quantity, but they are big in quality. Some-such as Ralph McGill, Lillian Smith, Harry Golden, James McBride Dabbs, Ann Braden and Sarah Patton Boyle---have written about our struggle in eloquent and prophetic terms. Others have marched with us down nameless streets of the South. They have languished in filthy, roach-infested jails, suffering the abuse and brutality of policemen who view them as "dirty nigger lovers." Unlike so many of their moderate brothers and sisters, they have recognized the urgency of the moment and sensed the need for powerful "action" antidotes to combat the disease of segregation.

Let me take note of my other major disappointment. I have been so greatly disappointed with the white church and its leadership. Of course, there are some notable exceptions. I am not unmindful of the fact that each of you has taken some significant stands on this issue. I commend you, Reverend Stallings, for your Christian stand on this past Sunday, in welcoming Negroes to your worship service on a non segregated basis. I commend the Catholic leaders of this state for integrating Spring Hill College several years ago.

But despite these notable exceptions, I must honestly reiterate that I have been disappointed with the church. I do not say this as one of those negative critics who can always find something wrong with the church. I say this as a minister of the gospel, who loves the church; who was nurtured in its bosom; who 'has been sustained by its spiritual blessings and who will remain true to it as long as the cord of Rio shall lengthen.

When I was suddenly catapulted into the leadership of the bus protest in Montgomery, Alabama, a few years ago, I felt we would be supported by the white church felt that the white ministers, priests and rabbis of the South would be among our strongest allies. Instead, some have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leader era; an too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained-glass windows.

In spite of my shattered dreams, I came to Birmingham with the hope that the white religious leadership of this community would see the justice of our cause and, with deep moral concern, would serve as the channel through which our just grievances could reach the power structure. I had hoped that each of you would understand. But again I have been disappointed.

I have heard numerous southern religious leaders admonish their worshipers to comply with a desegregation decision because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers declare: "Follow this decree because integration is morally right and because the Negro is your brother." In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon the Negro, I have watched white churchmen stand on the sideline and mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard many ministers say: "Those are social issues, with which the gospel has no real concern." And I have watched many churches commit themselves to a completely other worldly religion which makes a strange, on Biblical distinction between body and soul, between the sacred and the secular.

I have traveled the length and breadth of Alabama, Mississippi and all the other southern states. On sweltering summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at the South's beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing heavenward. I have beheld the impressive outlines of her massive religious-education buildings. Over and over I have found myself asking: "What kind of people worship here? Who is their God? Where were their voices when the lips of Governor Barnett dripped with words of interposition and nullification? Where were they when Governor Walleye gave a clarion call for defiance and hatred? Where were their voices of support when bruised and weary Negro men and women decided to rise from the dark dungeons of complacency to the bright hills of creative protest?"

Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? l am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great-grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists.

There was a time when the church was very powerful in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators"' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide. and gladiatorial contests.

Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Par from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent and often even vocal sanction of things as they are.

But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it vi lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.

Perhaps I have once again been too optimistic. Is organized religion too inextricably bound to the status quo to save our nation and the world? Perhaps I must turn my faith to the inner spiritual church, the church within the church, as the true ekklesia and the hope of the world. But again I am thankful to God that some noble souls from the ranks of organized religion have broken loose from the paralyzing chains of conformity and joined us as active partners in the struggle for freedom, They have left their secure congregations and walked the streets of Albany, Georgia, with us. They have gone down the highways of the South on tortuous rides for freedom. Yes, they have gone to jai with us. Some have been dismissed from their churches, have lost the support of their bishops and fellow ministers. But they have acted in the faith that right defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. Their witness has been the spiritual salt that has preserved the true meaning of the gospel in these troubled times. They have carved a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment.

I hope the church as a whole will meet the challenge of this decisive hour. But even if the church does not come to the aid of justice, I have no despair about the future. I have no fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham, even if our motives are at present misunderstood. We will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham, ham and all over the nation, because the goal of America k freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up with America's destiny. Before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth, we were here. Before the pen of Jefferson etched the majestic words of the Declaration of Independence across the pages of history, we were here. For more than two centuries our forebears labored in this country without wages; they made cotton king; they built the homes of their masters while suffering gross injustice and shameful humiliation-and yet out of a bottomless vitality they continued to thrive and develop. If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands.

Before closing I feel impelled to mention one other point in your statement that has troubled me profoundly. You warmly commended the Birmingham police force for keeping "order" and "preventing violence." I doubt that you would have so warmly commended the police force if you had seen its dogs sinking their teeth into unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. I doubt that you would so quickly commend the policemen if .you were to observe their ugly and inhumane treatment of Negroes here in the city jail; if you were to watch them push and curse old Negro women and young Negro girls; if you were to see them slap and kick old Negro men and young boys; if you were to observe them, as they did on two occasions, refuse to give us food because we wanted to sing our grace together. I cannot join you in your praise of the Birmingham police department.

It is true that the police have exercised a degree of discipline in handing the demonstrators. In this sense they have conducted themselves rather "nonviolently" in pubic. But for what purpose? To preserve the evil system of segregation. Over the past few years I have consistently preached that nonviolence demands that the means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek. I have tried to make clear that it is wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends. But now I must affirm that it is just as wrong, or perhaps even more so, to use moral means to preserve immoral ends. Perhaps Mr. Connor and his policemen have been rather nonviolent in public, as was Chief Pritchett in Albany, Georgia but they have used the moral means of nonviolence to maintain the immoral end of racial injustice. As T. S. Eliot has said: "The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason."

I wish you had commended the Negro sit-inners and demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer and their amazing discipline in the midst of great provocation. One day the South will recognize its real heroes. They will be the James Merediths, with the noble sense of purpose that enables them to face Jeering, and hostile mobs, and with the agonizing loneliness that characterizes the life of the pioneer. They will be old, oppressed, battered Negro women, symbolized in a seventy-two-year-old woman in Montgomery, Alabama, who rose up with a sense of dignity and with her people decided not to ride segregated buses, and who responded with ungrammatical profundity to one who inquired about her weariness: "My fleets is tired, but my soul is at rest." They will be the young high school and college students, the young ministers of the gospel and a host of their elders, courageously and nonviolently sitting in at lunch counters and willingly going to jail for conscience' sake. One day the South will know that when these disinherited children of God sat down at lunch counters, they were in reality standing up for what is best in the American dream and for the most sacred values in our Judaeo-Christian heritage, thereby bringing our nation back to those great wells of democracy which were dug deep by the founding fathers in their formulation of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Never before have I written so long a letter. I'm afraid it is much too long to take your precious time. I can assure you that it would have been much shorter if I had been writing from a comfortable desk, but what else can one do when he k alone in a narrow jail cell, other than write long letters, think long thoughts and pray long prayers?

If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and indicates an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything that understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows me to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.

I hope this letter finds you strong in the faith. I also hope that circumstances will soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as an integrationist or a civil rights leader but as a fellow clergyman and a Christian brother. Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.

Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood,

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

January 14, 2006

Weekend Open Thread

Back by popular demand.

January 13, 2006

GOP Point Person for Senate Ethics Reform

Rick Santorum:

"The K Street project is purely to make sure we have qualified applicants for positions that are in town," Mr. Santorum said. "From my perspective, it's a good government thing."

More Santorum - Today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Sen. Rick Santorum, who has been tapped by fellow Senate Republican leaders to draft legislation tightening restrictions on lobbyists, has received more money from lobbyists than any other congressional candidate so far in the 2006 election cycle.

Mr. Santorum, R-Pa., received $145,946 from lobbyists in the period from the start of the 2006 election cycle through Oct. 31, 2005, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics based on the most recent data the Federal Election Commission has published.

And more Santorum. From a 2003 Washington Monthly Piece:

But there's one confirmation hearing you won't hear much about. It's convened every Tuesday morning by Rick Santorum, the junior senator from Pennsylvania, in the privacy of a Capitol Hill conference room, for a handpicked group of two dozen or so Republican lobbyists. Occasionally, one or two other senators or a representative from the White House will attend. Democrats are not invited, and neither is the press.

The chief purpose of these gatherings is to discuss jobs--specifically, the top one or two positions at the biggest and most important industry trade associations and corporate offices centered around Washington's K Street, a canyon of nondescript office buildings a few blocks north of the White House that is to influence-peddling what Wall Street is to finance.

Host a State of the Union Watch Party

You shouldn't have to watch it alone... and now you won't have to.

On January 31st, Democrats from across the country will gather together and watch the State of the Union. At one of those parties, hosted by a Democracy Bond holder, Governor Dean will watch with them.

You can start planning your Watch Party in a few simple steps by visiting:

http://www.democrats.org/events/create

As an event host, you will be in a position to provide critical information to fellow Democrats in your community before the speech. Immediately following the address, there will be a nationwide conference call with Governor Dean and Democratic leaders.

If you have never hosted one of these events before, it's simple. One thousand individuals hosted parties for the national organizing kick-off, and it went off without a hitch. The DNC's online event tools takes care of a large portion of the planning and invitation process. As the big day draws near, you will receive the latest information and research about the president's speech so you and your guests are prepared to respond immediately.

If you are interested in hosting Governor Dean in your home that evening, you must be a Democracy Bond holder -- you can sign up for that here.

In one year, the president is going to give another State of the Union Address -- let's make sure that when he looks out over both branches of the new Congress, he sees more Democrats than Republicans.

Two Democracy Bonds Events Next Week

What's a Democracy Bonds event?

It's a chance for individuals who have invested in the Democracy Bonds program to meet with Governor Dean and discuss how their resources have been allocated during 2005 and the plan for victory in 2006. It's a chance to have a free exchange of ideas about the steps necessary to reclaim our country in 2006, 2008, and beyond.

The rapidly growing Democracy Bonds community is the core of a new Democratic Party -- a permanent operation dedicated to building our capacity to win elections not just this year but for a generation. We are building from the grassroots up, organizing in every state, and asking Americans from Main Street, and not K Street, to sustain the party via the Democracy Bonds program.

Kansas City Democracy Bond-Holder Meeting
When: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 8:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M.
Where: Uptown Theater
You Can Still Buy a Bond and Attend
RSVP If You Already Own a Bond

Ohio Democracy Bond-Holder Meeting
When: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - Noon to 1:30 P.M.
Where: Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall on Kinnear Road
You Can Still Buy a Bond and Attend
RSVP If You Already Own a Bond

We can't afford to have a boom-and-bust operation that pops up every two or four years in a few key states; Democracy Bonds make that possible. A Democracy Bond is your monthly commitment to the Democratic Party -- for as little as $10 a month you can become part of this community of people dedicated to building our party.

Taking a look at the people who have participated in the Democracy Bonds program can be inspirational at times: nurses, truck drivers, receptionists, flight attendants, teachers, students, and retirees -- in short, the average American looking to return the country to the American people.

And if you aren't from Kansas City or Ohio, you can still invest in a Democracy Bond:

These will not be the last two Democracy Bond events over the next year. Use this thread to talk about what other kinds of Democracy Bond-Holder events you would like to see in the future.

Senator Reid's Not So Subtle Message to Tom DeLay

This has always been one of my favorite stories about Senator Harry Reid and I never miss a chance to read more when it becomes available. So this morning, I was quite pleased to see he had an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle:

In 1977, I was appointed chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission. It was a difficult time for the gaming industry and Las Vegas, which were being overrun by organized crime. To that point in my life, I had served in the Nevada Assembly and even as lieutenant governor, but nothing prepared me for my fight with the mob.

Over the next few years, there would be threats on my life, bribes, FBI stings and even a car bomb placed in my family's station wagon. It was a terrifying experience, but at the end of the day, we cleaned up Las Vegas and ushered in a new era of responsibility.

My term on the gaming commission came to an end in 1981, and when it did, I thought I had seen such corruption for the last time. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. It is not quite the mafia of Las Vegas in the 1970s, but what is happening today in Washington is every bit as corrupt and the consequences for our country have been severe. [...]

If we could kick the mob out of Las Vegas in the 1970s, we can change the culture of Washington and give America a government as good and honest as the people it serves.

Interesting to note this piece ran in Houston, Texas, the same city Tom DeLay was booked on money laundering and conspiracy charges. Even the title of the op-ed is poignant, "If we can beat mob, we can fight DeLay-style politics."

Friday Morning Open Thread: Pigskin Edition

3rd and 7 yards to go... who are you cheering for this weekend?

Washington v. Seattle
Indianapolis v. Pittsburgh
Denver v. New England
Chicago Bears v. Carolina

January 12, 2006

Senator Reid Statement on Alito Hearings

Just released:

I have followed the Alito hearings closely. Democrats on the Committee did their jobs by asking tough questions about important issues: civil rights, privacy, environmental protections, the danger of unchecked presidential power and others. Unfortunately, Judge Alito's responses did little to address my serious concerns about his 15-year judicial record.

I have not forgotten that Judge Alito was only nominated after the radical right wing of the President's party forced Harriet Miers to withdraw. The right wing insisted that Justice O'Connor be replaced with a sure vote for their extreme agenda. Four days of hearings ave shown that Judge Alito is no Sandra Day O'Connor.

Time to Clean House - A Tale of Two Teams

The Democratic Team - From a Minority Leader Pelosi release:

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today announced the formation of the "Clean House Team," a Democratic task force to address the Republican culture of corruption and lead the charge in restoring honor and dignity to the House of Representatives.

The members of the Clean House Team are:

-- Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, the newly and unanimously elected Chairman of the Democratic Caucus who has lived his life with a commitment to a high ethical standard, will head the Clean House Team;

-- Congressman David Obey of Wisconsin, the Senior Democrat of the House Appropriations Committee and author of reform proposals to fight the growing lobbyist influence on Congress;

-- Congressman Henry Waxman of California, the Senior Democrat on the Government Affairs Committee who has served as a long-time watchdog over Republican waste and abuse;

-- Congresswoman Louise Slaughter of New York, the Senior Democrat on the Rules Committee who has long advocated a return to fair and democratic governance in the House;

-- Congressman Marty Meehan of Massachusetts, the leader of the fight to reform our campaign finance system and the fight to reform lobbyist influence on Congress.

The Republican Team - From the Hotline Blog:

Rep. John Shadegg (AZ):

"I think we need to clean up our act in the wake of the recent ethics scandals, and get back to the agenda that brought us the majority in the first place. I am concerned that the two members currently in the race, whom I have a great deal of respect for, will not move aggressively enough in that direction. I will continue to talk to Members to gauge how many share that concern."

And a .pdf of Roy Blunt's "Efforts on Behalf of Jack Abramoff"

On The Road Again

The Gov and I began 2006 just the way we ended 2005: traveling across the country talking about our 50-state strategy, energizing local democrats and meeting with local elected officials, candidates and interest groups.

We just kicked off a four-day trip encompassing West Virginia, California and Colorado and are currently - and literally - in the middle of it. I’m typing this from O’Hare in Chicago waiting for a connecting flight.

Last night proved the third time was a charm for West Virginia. The Gov has tried twice before to get to Charleston, but has been stymied by bad weather and airport delays. Speaking of airports, have you ever landed at Charleston? The airport is built on top of a hill and literally comes out of nowhere when you’re coming in for a landing. The plane we were on approached the runway and then landed with such a thud that several overhead bins popped open and passengers were jostled left and right. Very quickly after the touchdown, the plane hooked left and turned towards the gate.

When the Gov and I looked out the window we noticed the runway just ends a few hundred feet away from the edge of the cliff. “I wonder what would’ve happened if we didn’t stop?” the Gov said to me as we taxied to the gate.

We met with state labor leaders in the afternoon and attended state party events in the evening. The West Virginia legislature kicks off its session today so the night before is a traditional unity rally with all of the local electeds. And if you’re looking for an up and comer, take a good look at Governor Joe Manchin. He’s getting high marks in the state for his policies and many people remarked to me how he handled the Sago Mine tragedy with grace and strong leadership.

Gov Dean talking to a packed room of union leaders

Gov Dean, Gov Manchin and other state lawmakers

Thursday Morning Open Thread

For it's one... two... three strikes your out at the old, ball, game! Hey Hey!

RGA to Return $500,000 in Tainted Abramoff Cash

Unfortunately, Republican Governors Association is paying it down in installments -- otherwise they might not have enough money to elect candidates like Kenneth Blackwell, or the ethically challenged Jim Petro in Ohio. When you begin to put the national and statewide pieces of the puzzle together, the amount of corruption going on in the Republican Party is absolutely staggering. The Associated Press reports:

Days after calling on his party to exhibit higher ethical standards, Gov. Mitt Romney said the Republican Governors Association would donate to charity $500,000 in contributions it received from a donor entwined in the investigation of Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. [...]

And while the divestiture will take at least $250,000 out of RGA coffers this year in the run-up to those elections, Romney refused to swear off future contributions from lobbyists or their corporations to replace the lost funds.

He also said he would continue to travel occasionally on corporate aircraft, as he did in December when he flew to an RGA meeting in California on a Gulfstream jet owned by Pfizer Inc., the New York-based pharmaceutical firm. Massachusetts is currently debating a health care overhaul, although Romney said Pfizer is not a party to the deliberations.

The article goes on to claim that by returning the money, the RGA avoids questions about the source of the contributions, but that is simply not the case. Five hundred thousand dollars is a ton of money, and who knows how many governors have been elected and smear campaigns have been orchestrated with the dirty coin. Not to mention, because they are doing it over two years, how many will benefit from the Abramoff cash in 2006?

January 11, 2006

Libelous...

At the Washington Times, journalists with a history of twisting facts and sources to achieve partisan objectives isn't a hinderance -- it's something to include in a resume.

In a piece we discussed earlier today, journalist Jerry Seper intentionally misleads readers in a blatant attempt twist "Jack Abramoff" into a bi-partisan scandal. One problem... it isn't -- the Republican Party owns it "lock, stock, and barrel." And if I didn't see daily Republican attempts to muddy the waters, I wouldn't even feel like I had to repeat the fact that Abramoff has never ever, not once, given a single dime to a Democrat.

But back to Jerry Seper. In today's piece, Seper intentionally misleads the reader. When he names his sources, he fails to identify which sources told him about which lawmaker. Seper's law enforcement sources may be credible, but who are these "other" sources he refers to? Seper does not even identify them in the most general of terms anywhere in the article. By lumping these "other" sources in with the law-enforcement sources Seper is trying to give the impression that he has inside sources telling him that Senators Reid and Dorgan are under investigation.

According to the June 13, 1995 edition of Editor and Publisher, it looks like this isn't the first time Seper has played around with sources and statements to prove a point.

A FEDERAL JURY has awarded $500,000 each to two former heads of a federal anti-crime unit after finding that the Arizona Republic in Phoenix libeled them in a 1984 article.

Richard Crane and James Henderson alleged that their reputations were damaged after they were quoted in an August 1984 story on corruption.

The jury found in April that reporter Jerry Seper juxtaposed their comments to make the two seem to contradict each other when they were asked if there had been a congressional investigation into their affairs.

Daniel Barr, who represented the paper and Seper, said he would consider a motion for a new trial. Seper now reports for the Washington Times.

The article wrongly gave the impression "that these men are liars when confronted with the allegations, (and that) there is likely something to the allegations," said their attorney, Brian O'Neill.

The reporter actually spoke to Henderson several weeks before he talked with Crane, O'Neill said.

The Justice Department Organized Crime and Racketeering Section in Los Angeles coordinates federal, state and local efforts against organized crime. Crane headed the strike force from 1973 to 1975. Henderson was chief from 1975 to 1985.

Both were officially cleared in 1985 of any wrongdoing.

A political party and propaganda machine that have absolutely no problem dragging the entire establishment through the mud in an attempt temporarily save even the slightest bit of face. It's shameful.

Mine Safety

And to think Democrats and labor unions get mocked and vilified by the GOP when we go to bat for worker's rights in the form workplace safety protections. From a Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer piece aptly titled, "Under Bush, mine-safety enforcement eased:"

A Knight Ridder investigation shows the number of major fines has dropped and the dollar amounts have plunged. But deaths and injuries from accidents are near record-low levels in recent years.

Since the Bush administration took office in 2001, it has been more lenient than its predecessors toward mining companies facing serious safety violations, issuing fewer and smaller major fines and collecting less than half of the money that violators owed, a Knight Ridder investigation has found.

At one point last year, the Mine Safety and Health Administration fined a coal company $440 for a "significant and substantial" violation that ended in the death of a Kentucky man. The firm, International Coal Group Inc., is the same company that owns the Sago mine in West Virginia, where 12 workers died last week.

The $440 fine remains unpaid.

Relaxed mine-safety enforcement is widespread, according to a Knight Ridder analysis of federal records and interviews with former and current federal safety officials, while deaths and injuries from mining accidents have hovered near record-low levels in the last few years.

Think about that next time you hear someoe poo-pooing worker's rights -- There is a reason Democrats fight for these protections.

Republicans Own Abramoff Scandal

Despite the best attempts of the Republican Party and their good friends at the Washington Times, the Jack Abramoff scandal is owned, "lock, stock, and barrel" by the GOP. Jack Abramoff has never ever, not one single time, given even a penny to a Democrat. Period. We all remember Governor Dean having to remind Wolf Blitzer of this point on one of the Sunday shows this weekend:

BLITZER: Should Democrats who took money from Jack Abramoff, who has now pleaded guilty to bribery charges, among other charges, a Republican lobbyist in Washington, should the Democrat who took money from him give that money to charity or give it back?

DEAN: There are no Democrats who took money from Jack Abramoff, not one, not one single Democrat. Every person named in this scandal is a Republican. Every person under investigation is a Republican. Every person indicted is a Republican. This is a Republican finance scandal. There is no evidence that Jack Abramoff ever gave any Democrat any money. And we've looked through all of those FEC reports to make sure that's true.

BLITZER: But through various Abramoff-related organizations and outfits, a bunch of Democrats did take money that presumably originated with Jack Abramoff.

DEAN: That's not true either. There's no evidence for that either. There is no evidence...

But the same people who brought you the "ownership society" refuse to take responsibility for their role in dragging the public trust of government through the mud. And that's fine with them, they are after all the same people who created you the K-Street project; the group that wants to "shrink government to the size where we can drown it in a bathtub." It's also the reason they have no pause getting baseless stories planted in the Moonie Times, the paper of last resort when no credible news organization will carry the GOP's muck.

A Justice Department investigation into nfluence-peddling on Capitol Hill is focusing on a "first tier" of lawmakers and staffers, both Republicans and Democrats, say sources close to the probe that has netted guilty pleas from lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Law-enforcement authorities and others said the investigation's opening phase is scrutinizing Sens. Conrad Burns, Montana Republican; Byron L. Dorgan, North Dakota Democrat; and Minority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, along with Reps. J.D. Hayworth, Arizona Republican, and Bob Ney, Ohio Republican.

Note the blind source, yet again, a favorite tactic of those who have nothing of substance to sell. But unfortunately, it forces good Democrats like Harry Reid and Byron Dorgan to defend themselves -- as Senator Reid's spokesman did in the article:

Jim Manley, Mr. Reid's spokesman, said that no official acts were performed for Abramoff and that the senator has always opposed the expansion of off-reservation gambling, a stance favorable to Abramoff's clients.

"These kinds of wild and baseless rumors smack of desperation and is simply a desperate attempt by Republicans to drag Democrats into a scandal they own lock, stock and barrel," Mr. Manley said.

Now let's think for a second... is there any reason that Senator Reid (D-NV) might oppose the expansion of gambling sites in states other than his own? Hmmm... Maybe because he is the Senator from... wait for it... Nevada.

The Washington Times is no stranger to hit pieces on the Senate Minority Leader in times of Republican strife. It was only several months ago as the GOP was threatened to blow up the Constitution with the "nuclear option" that Charles Hurt, another Times columnist, launched a baseless and unfounded attack on Senator Reid. Many of us remember it well ... his claims were debunked completely and thoroughly before the article even went to print.

Charles Hurt Washington Times piece May 13, 2005:

Minority Leader Harry Reid strayed from his prepared remarks on the Senate floor yesterday and promised to continue opposing one of President Bush's judicial nominees based on "a problem" he said is in the nominee's "confidential report from the FBI."

Those highly confidential reports are filed on all judicial nominees, and severe sanctions apply to anyone who discloses their contents. Less clear is whether a senator could face sanctions for characterizing the content of such files.

The night before DavidNYC of Swing State Project found this June 4, 2004 article by the same Charles Hurt of the Washington Times:

From the moment Mr. Hatch began the meeting, he struggled to get the quorum required to vote on a nominee. As soon as a quorum gathered, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont Democrat, requested a private meeting to discuss accusations stemming from Judge Saad's FBI background check.

Though several Republicans noted privately that the routine check had been completed more than six months ago and that no questions had arisen, Mr. Hatch acquiesced and removed the public and reporters to hold a meeting. During that meeting, Judge Saad's hopes of getting out of committee faded.

Although the closed-door meeting succeeded in delaying Judge Saad's nomination one more week, it failed to remain secret. The hearing was broadcast over the Internet because of apparent inadvertence on the part of Republican staffers.

Basically, the Times tried to attack Senator Reid for information they made public a year earlier that was also broadcast over the Internet... an error made by Republican staffers.

Not one single cent of Jack Abramoff money went to a Democratic candidate, ever. The central figures involved in this case are all Republican Members of Congress, their spouses and their staffs, who received lavish personal gifts, trips and jobs from Abramoff. These attempts by the GOP and the Washington Times are simply stabs in the dark to distract the American public and drag honest representatives like Senators Reid and Dorgan into the middle of their own corruption scandal. This is all about people who were arrogant with power, thought they were above the law, and are now resorting to desperate measures. This has nothing to do with Harry Reid.

Interview With Eleanor Smeal on Samuel Alito

Chris Bowers and I had an opportunity yesterday evening to sit down with Feminist Majority Foundation President Eleanor Smeal. The Feminist Majority Foundation is an organization "dedicated to women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. In all spheres, FMF utilizes research and action to empower women economically, socially, and politically. [Feminist Majority Foundation] believes that feminists - both women and men, girls and boys - are the majority, but this majority must be empowered."

Eleanor Smeal on Samuel Alito and CAP (43 second .wmv)
Eleanor Smeal on Keeping All Options on the Table (47 second .wmv)

General Wes Clark & Lt. Col. Andrew Horne Conference Call

The DNC hosted a conference call with General Wesley Clark and Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Horne, a candidate for U.S. Congress in KY-3 against Republican incumbent Anne Northup. The call starts with a discussion of the NY Times revelation that 80% of Marines who have died in Iraq from wounds to the upper body could have been saved with the proper body armor; it concludes with a brief Q&A from local and national reporters.

LISTEN TO THE CONFERENCE CALL

Wednesday Morning Open Thread

Have at it.

January 10, 2006

Late Night Open Thread

Was quite an interesting day. Take a swing at the open thread.

Alito and CAP: No One Believes Him

Chris Bowers and I patrolled the interview area during the break and asked the thoughts of several advocacy group leaders and one United States Senator on Samuel Alito's forgetfullness regarding his involvement with the Concerned Alumni of Princeton.

"Do you believe Judge Alito is telling the truth about his association with Concerned Alumni for Princeton?"

I couldnt understand his answer. That they removed ROTC was the reason he belonged to this organization? I mean, it totally did not follow. I mean the only the thing you can argue is that somehow or another women and minorities were opposed to to ROTC. I mean, I can't, I don't understand it, and I'm going to ask him if I get chance. It just made no sense to me.

Chris Bowers has more quotes at MyDD.Com

Straight From the Hart (Senate Building)

Just wanted to set a bit of the scene before I head down to the interview room during the break.

A room they have reserved for various Democratic staffers and organizations in the Senate Hart Office Building. This is where I am working out of today

Vanguard: Then and Now

Alito's Nomination Hearing to the Third Circuit Court

I do not believe that conflicts of interest relating to my financial interests are likely to arise. I would, however, disqualify myself from any cases involving the Vanguard companies, the brokerage firm of Smith Barney, or the First Federal Savings & Loan of Rochester, New York.

Alito Today

I think that once the facts are set out, I think that everybody will realize that in this instance I not only complied with the ethical rules that are binding on federal judges -- and they're very strict -- but also that I did what I've tried to do throughout my career as a judge, and that is to go beyond the letter of the ethics rules and to avoid any situation where there might be an ethical question raised.

Of course, Alito didn't mention his own pledge until it was brought up later by Senator Ted Kennedy. It was only then we heard, "if I had it to do over again, I would have handled this case differently...I did not focus on the issue of recusal."

Before that, we heard a "computer glitch" was the reason Alito was responsible for his failure to recuse himself from a case involving Vanguard. Only in Alito's America do you need a computer to remind you that you own between $390,000 to $975,000 worth of stock in a corporation. After watching only a half day of hearings, it is very hard to believe much of what Samuel Alito is saying.

Your Witness Please

From Senator Specter’s Office – GOP Witness List:

Cathy Fleming - a Partner at Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, who served as a division chief when Alito was New Jersey U.S. Attorney. She is the president-elect of the National Association of Women Lawyers.

Ms. Fleming is the President-Elect of The National Association of Women Lawyers, the nation's oldest women's bar association devoted to the interests of women lawyers and their families, and is a partner at the law firm of Edwards & Angell in New York.

Unfortunately for Alito supporters, the National Association of Women Lawyers just released their evaluation of Sam Alito, and regard him as "not qualified."

The National Association of Women Lawyers ("NAWL"), Committee for the Evaluation of Supreme Court Nominees, has evaluated Judge Samuel Alito for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The Committee has determined that Judge Alito is not qualified to serve on the Court from the perspective of laws and decisions regarding women's rights or that have a special impact on women.

Here is a link to the full letter from the National Association of Women Lawyers (.pdf).

Can We Trust Judge Samuel Alito?

Watching the confirmation hearings, a few things stand out—many of which revolve around the issue of trust. Judge Alito almost gives the impression of a man who will say anything he can in a job interview to get that job; in this case, it’s a job interview for the United States Supreme Court. Senator Specter wasted no time bringing up the issue of a Constitutional right to choice. This is where the two-sides of Samuel Alito made its debut.

Today
“Senator, I do agree that the Constitution protects a right to privacy.”

1985 application to become deputy assistant to Attorney General Edwin Meese
“It has been an honor and source of personal satisfaction for me to serve in the office of the Solicitor General during President Reagan’s administration and to help advance legal positions in which I personally believe very strongly. I am particularly proud of my contributions in recent cases in which the government has argued in the Supreme Court that… the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion.”

And then there was the issue of expanding presidential power in light of a president spying on American citizens without a warrant.

Today
“[N]o person is above the law, and that includes the President and the Supreme Court.”

1984
In 1984, while working in the Solicitor General’s office, Judge Alito signed a brief in Mitchell v. Forsyth, 472 U.S. 511 (1985), arguing that the Attorney General should have absolute immunity for civil damages stemming from the authorization of wiretaps without a warrant – which would make the Attorney General immune even in the case of willful wrongdoing.

Perhaps the most embarrassing part of the hearings today for Samuel Alito was watching his stutter and stammer around the questions concerning his involvement with the Concerned Alumni of Princeton (CAP). For those who don’t know, CAP was an organization at Princeton that believed University standards were lowered when they accepted women and minority applications.

Today
Alito claims he has no recollection of his time spent with the Concerned Alumni of Princeton, and that he would have been uncomfortable participating in any group that espoused such sexist and racist views.

Washington Post
“In a 1985 job application letter in which he said the Constitution does not protect a right to abortion, he wrote that he was currently a member of "the Concerned Alumni of Princeton University, a conservative alumni group."

And when pressed on his current belief about “co-education,” all Alito could manage was some wisecrack about how much fun it was attending a school (Princeton) for the first time in his life that had male and female students learning and living together.

Tuesday Morning Open Thread

Heavy dose of Supreme Court coverage today. I am in the Hart Senate Building currently, waiting on Chris Bowers. If there is a specific Senator on the Judiciary Committee that you would like me to attempt to speak with later this afternoon, please indicate so in the comments. Otherwise, get ready for a long day.

Late Night Open Thread

My apologies for the lack of posts today, it was quite a busy one. I'll be in the Hart Senate Building tomorrow, writing about the Samuel Alito hearings with Chris Bowers of MyDD.com -- Chris will be handling a bit more of the "wonkery," while I plan on giving you a bit of a "behind-the-scenes" of the activity on "The Hill." Stay Tuned!

January 9, 2006

Howard Dean With Wolf Blitzer

In case you haven't seen it yet.

Video Link (Crooks & Liars)

Trascript (CNN):

BLITZER: Should Democrats who took money from Jack Abramoff, who has now pleaded guilty to bribery charges, among other charges, a Republican lobbyist in Washington, should the Democrat who took money from him give that money to charity or give it back?

DEAN: There are no Democrats who took money from Jack Abramoff, not one, not one single Democrat. Every person named in this scandal is a Republican. Every person under investigation is a Republican. Every person indicted is a Republican. This is a Republican finance scandal. There is no evidence that Jack Abramoff ever gave any Democrat any money. And we've looked through all of those FEC reports to make sure that's true.

BLITZER: But through various Abramoff-related organizations and outfits, a bunch of Democrats did take money that presumably originated with Jack Abramoff.

DEAN: That's not true either. There's no evidence for that either. There is no evidence...

BLITZER: What about Senator Byron Dorgan?

DEAN: Senator Byron Dorgan and some others took money from Indian tribes. They're not agents of Jack Abramoff. There's no evidence that I've seen that Jack Abramoff directed any contributions to Democrats. I know the Republican National Committee would like to get the Democrats involved in this. They're scared. They should be scared. They haven't told the truth. They have misled the American people. And now it appears they're stealing from Indian tribes. The Democrats are not involved in this.

BLITZER: Unfortunately Mr. Chairman, we got to leave it right there.

Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic Party, always speaking out bluntly, candidly.

Appreciate your joining us on "Late Edition."

DEAN: Thanks, Wolf. Safe flight back.

BLITZER: Thank you very much.

Monday Morning Open Thread

Alito hearings begin today in Washington, D.C. What's going on in your community?

January 8, 2006

Just Clearing Things Up

Governor Dean was on Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer this morning and stomped all over the RNC's talking points about Democrats taking Abramoff money. Fact is, none have. Not one. This is a Republican scandal, and there's nothing they'd like more than to drag Democrats into this.

You can see the video here. (From CanOFun via Eschaton).

January 7, 2006

Weekend Open Thread

Tom DeLay stepped down as Majority Leader this morning. New York Times:

Embattled Rep. Tom DeLay decided Saturday to give up his post as House majority leader, clearing the way for new leadership elections among House Republicans eager to shed the taint of scandal, two officials said.

These officials said DeLay, R-Texas, was preparing a letter informing fellow House Republicans of his decision. These officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they did not want to pre-empt the formal announcement.

Perhaps if DeLay did something bad enough to step down from his position as Majority Leader, he should consider stepping down from Congress completely.

January 6, 2006

GA-Lt. Gov: Corruption Comes Home to Roost

Access North Georgia:

The Gainesville man running for Lt. Governor against embattled former Christian Coalition head Ralph Reed scored higher than Reed in a new poll of likely voters.

State Senator Casey Cagle scored higher than Reed in matchups against an unnamed Democrat in the poll conducted for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The survey showed 35 percent of voters saying they prefer Cagle, while 30 percent said they would choose the Democrat.

In a similar choice between Reed and a Democrat, 36 percent chose the Democrat and 33 selected Reed.

Jesse Lee over at the Stakeholder has much more.

Gov Dean: President Bush Needs to Come Clean

Released moments ago:

Because President Bush has yet to return the more than $100,000 in money Jack Abramoff personally raised for him, and given reports of his extensive dealings with senior White House officials, the Administration has a responsibility to disclose their contacts and detail their relationship with this admitted felon.

As a Bush Pioneer, Abramoff bragged about the influence he held at the White House, as did his former lobbying partner who claimed that Abramoff had direct access to the President. Abramoff also arranged meetings with the President and members of the Bush Administration for his clients, who later received favorable treatment.

Until he was charged with committing three federal crimes, Abramoff used his Republican contacts, including his ties to the White House, to create an extensive pay-to-play system where political money was exchanged for policy outcomes. To begin to clear the growing ethical cloud over the White House, President Bush must disclose his Administration’s contacts and detail their relationship with this admitted felon. The American people deserve the truth.

Ahh, the memories:

Abramoff Fundraises For Bush
Jack Abramoff Was A Bush/Cheney '04 Pioneer; Boasted How Easy It Was To Be A Pioneer. Abramoff raised over $100,000 for the Bush/Cheney re-election campaign, and was designated a "Pioneer" for his fundraising efforts. A 2003 article profiled Abramoff"s work: "'Everyone in town is trying to be a Pioneer or Ranger,' said Jack Abramoff, a top Republican lobbyist here, using the campaign's terms for the most elite levels of money collectors. "But the only way to do it is to have contacts outside of D.C., which fortunately I do. So far I've raised about $120,000, and I haven't even really started making calls." [International Herald Tribune, 7/22/03]

Always a Phone Call Away
Abramoff Was A Republican Insider And Who Had Strong Pull With Bush White House. Abramoff's lobbying partner boasted that he is a phone call away from the President. "Jack has a relationship with the President," Abramoff's former spokesman and fellow lobbyist Michael Scanlon once said. "He doesn't have a bat phone or anything, but if he wanted an appointment, he would have one." [New Times Broward-Palm Beach, 2/22/01; Washington Post, 11/29/05]

Democracy Bonds Community Keeps Growing

Even over the holiday season, when giving to loved ones takes top priority, many Americans looking forward to 2006 decided that the time had come to join the Democracy Bonds community. A sampling of new bond holders who have joined just in the last two weeks:

Anthony in Fort Worth, Texas -- Substitute Teacher

Candence in Lakewood, Ohio -- Veterinary Technician

Natalie in Rockwood, Illinois -- Health Care Administrator

Eric in Phoenix, Arizona -- High School Teacher

Craig in Bronx, New York -- Sales Associate

Kenneth in Pahrump, Nevada -- Truck Driver

Michael in Nicholasville, Kentucky -- Self-employed/Disabled

Ian in Springboro, Pennsylvania -- Marine Corps Infantryman

Carol in Engelwood, Florida -- Administrative Assistant

Sandra in Wethersfield, Connecticut -- Registered Nurse

Gloria in Minneapolis, Minnesota -- Receptionist

Lezlie in Fountain Hills, Arizona -- Retired

Diana in Howell, Michigan -- Flight Attendant

Ewa in Elizabeth, New Jersey -- Bookkeeper

The Democracy Bonds community is the flip-side of the 50-state strategy; in order to put organizers on the ground in every state and build a permanent party infrastructure where there hasn't been one for decades, it takes sound financial planning and a sustained commitment of resources. We can't afford to have a boom-and-bust operation that pops up every two or four years in a few key states. We have to build a permanent presence everywhere, and Democracy Bonds make that possible.

What's more, by funding this unprecedented organizing strategy with small monthly donations from ordinary Americans, the Democracy Bonds community provides a sharp contrast to the the insidious Republican culture of corruption that has recently begun to unravel. We saw in court filings this week how Republican leaders raise money: in exchange for putting statements in the Congressional Record, or granting federal contracts, or expensive golf trips to Scotland.

If you haven't joined the community, here's all the information you need. If you have, share your story in the comments -- what made you decide to get your Democracy Bond?

Supporting The Troops In Kansas

This is what supporting the troops looks like -- actions, not just words.

Kansas has a long, proud military tradition, and taking care of Kansas' veterans is among Governor Kathleen Sebelius' continuing missions.

The Governor is taking several actions to improve the level of service veterans receive, including adding two new veteran services representatives and increasing financial support for the Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs.

"From the very founding of our state, service to country has been a core value for Kansans. I value the sacrifices made by our military men and women, and I want them to receive the respect and the assistance they deserve," said Sebelius.

The Governor's budget, to be released next week, will include funds for two new representatives to help veterans obtain benefits. It also includes additional training for all veteran services representatives.

Friday Morning Open Thread

3 balls 0 strikes -- you have the green light -- take a swing.

January 5, 2006

Thursday Night Open Thread

FYI: Governor Dean will be on 360 with Anderson Cooper this evening on CNN at 10 PM EsT. Enjoy!

Delivering The FOIA Requests

Shortly after the New York Times publicized the president's domestic-spying-without-a-warrant program, over 160,000 Americans signed a Freedom of Information Act Request along with Governor Dean in an attempt to determine just why President Bush believed he had the authority to undermine the Constitution. Earlier today Joe Sandler, DNC attorney, delivered each and every one of those FOIA requests to the Department of Justice. Here are some of the photos:

Governor Dean standing next to 160,000 signed Freedom of Information Act
requests at DNC Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Governor Dean adding his signature to one of 160,000 FOIA requests.




Outside of the Justice Department building in Washington, D.C.



DNC Attorney Joe Sandler inside the Department of Justice
about to drop of 160,000 Freedom of Information Act Requests.

FL-Sen: Rout...Again

No wonder Florida Republicans are so adamant about finding a replacement for Katherine Harris. This is supposed to be one of the most competitive races in the country during the 2006 election cycle, and the challenger is headed for a complete drubbing.

Rasumussen. Jan 3, 2005. 800 Likely Voters. MoE +/- 4.5%

Bill Nelson (D): 54%
Katherine Harris (R): 31%
Other: 7%
Not Sure: 8%

Governor Dean Op-Ed

(You may have noticed an op-ed in your paper this morning from Governor Dean on Samuel Alito. If not, here is the full text for your enjoyment -- Tim)

It's been widely acknowledged that President Bush had a bad year in 2005. One of the problems America faces as a result is the White House's willingness to make decisions based on what's good for the administration politically rather than what's right for America. The nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to replace Sandra Day O'Connor is an example of this. The president hopes to make up ground with his right-wing base, instead of appointing someone who will have the confidence of a wide range of Americans. Over the past few months, as we've learned more about Judge Alito's core beliefs and the kind of justice he would be, it has become clear why the Senate should reject his nomination.

Judge Alito's decisions, such as his attacks on the Family and Medical Leave protections and his willingness to excuse the grossest form of sexual harassment in the workplace based on technicalities, have harmed working people. Judge Alito has also attacked Americans' personal liberties by approving the inappropriate strip search of a 10-year-old and defending the construction of all-white juries by unscrupulous prosecutors trying black defendants. A Supreme Court justice must show impartiality and fairness. Judge Alito does not meet that test.

Further complicating Judge Alito's nomination is a lack of credibility that has emerged as he has tried to distance himself from his record and prior statements. He has supported government overreaching into women's personal lives. He has memory lapses regarding membership in the ultraconservative group Concerned Alumni of Princeton, and he failed to recuse himself from a major Vanguard mutual funds case, despite pledging -- under oath during confirmation hearings for his Third Circuit judgeship -- to do so.

On Nov. 3, The Boston Globe reported Judge Alito held $390,000 worth of Vanguard mutual funds during the time he ruled for the company in a civil case before him. These facts are not in dispute. When the chief administrative judge for the circuit reviewed the case on complaint, he vacated Judge Alito's decision and assigned the case to another panel. Judge Alito complained vigorously. He has since failed to offer a credible explanation about why he broke his promise to recuse himself from the case.

Every American should shudder at the prospect of an ethically tone-deaf judge sitting on the one institution in Washington not yet in the pocket of the extremists who comprise the right wing of the Republican Party.

A culture of corruption, arrogance of power and insensitivity to the appearance of conflict of interest has plagued key Republican officeholders for the past five years -- from Republican Senate leader Bill Frist's ownership of stock he falsely claimed was in a blind trust to the repeated evidence that Halliburton, formerly run by Vice President Dick Cheney, benefited from no-bid contracts in Iraq to revelations our government may be illegally spying on Americans and paying journalists for positive stories. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner has traveled the world, racking up $177,000 worth of lobbyist-funded trips. Rep. Tom DeLay has been indicted for money laundering. Republican super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to three federal criminal charges. Karl Rove still has a security clearance, despite his role in leaking the identity of a CIA agent during wartime. The vice president's chief of staff has been indicted for lying to a grand jury. We need honesty and backbone in Washington, most especially on the court.

I oppose Judge Alito's nomination. I want to be proud of our government again. That can only happen if the rule of law, and the integrity that it requires, are clearly foremost in the consideration of every decision made by the court. There are simply too many writings in Judge Alito's record currying favor with the extreme right that show a willingness to favor government power over individual liberties. How can we believe that he will put aside his personal beliefs and keep an open mind when he has already broken one promise made to the American people? America needs strength now, and America needs a Supreme Court where personal and political considerations do not appear to influence any decision at any time. Judge Alito's nomination must be rejected. And if President Bush could find it in his heart, he needs to nominate someone to the court who will bring us together, not continue to drive us apart.

Thursday Morning Open Thread

Have at it.

January 4, 2006

Wednesday Night Open Thread

Still can't stop thinking about the family of those miners in West Virginia. Consider this your open thread for the evening.

Americans Unsure of Alito

A Wall Street Journal/Harris Poll released earlier today.

Wall Street Journal/Harris Poll. December 8-14, 2005. 1,961 Adults. MoE +/- 2%

"President Bush has nominated Samuel Alito to be an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Do you believe he should be confirmed by the Senate?"

Should be confirmed: 34%
Should not be confirmed: 31%
Not sure: 34%

The woeful Washington Times from earlier today:

Despite a major coordinated campaign, liberal interest groups have failed to convince the American public that the Senate should reject Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito Jr.

Every major poll indicates that far more voters think Judge Alito should be confirmed than think he should be rejected. Though that support generally is lower than it was for John G. Roberts Jr. before his confirmation for chief justice in the fall, it is on par with the public support for Supreme Court nominees during the past 20 years.

And of course, the RNC picks right up on the shoddy reporting. And that's the two-step, folks.

West Virginia

From Governor Dean:

Today we join Americans all over the country in sending our thoughts and prayers out to the brave families and loved ones of the twelve coal miners who perished in the Sago coal mine in Tallmansville, West Virginia. Our hearts go out to this community which has suffered a tragic loss after a harrowing experience. The one blessing in this tragedy has been the rescue of a single miner.

Through it all, West Virginians have showed a tremendous sense of support and community. It is this same sense of community and togetherness that will help West Virginians through these tragic events.

How terribly tragic. Like so many Americans, when I finally laid my head to rest yesterday evening, I did so under the impression that all but one of the miners had miraculously survived. As I said my evening prayers, I let my thoughts drift to that one family whose loved one didn't make it, unable to even begin to comprehend what they were feeling at that moment. And then we all woke up together to the terrible news, that in fact only one had survived. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of loved ones lost in West Virginia.

A Record Fundraising Year For DNC

Was it only less than two months ago? Page A1 of the Washington Post, a piece criticizing the DNC's fundraising efforts since Governor Howard Dean took the helm nearly one year ago. That's what you get when the article includes more anonymous "aides," "critics," "several Washington Democrats," and "sources close to the DNC" than actual people and hard facts. And what a difference those pesky facts can make.

From yesterday's Hotline Blog:

The Democratic National Committee raised more than $51M in 2005, a record for an off-year and twenty percent higher than the comparable period in 2003.

It's a very easy story to tell, and reporters love to tell it: the one about the Governor from Vermont unable to generate the same kind of grassroots support that was the underpinning of his presidential campaign. Unfortunately, the stories that have played themselves out in beltway publications or on page A1 are more fitting of Grimm's fairy tales, or authored by Aesop, not writers like Cilliza (whose blog, The Fix, is a daily read of mine).

But here are the facts:

1.) The DNC raised more than $51 million in 2005 – a record for a non-election year and a 20% increase over the total raised in 2003.

2.) More than 30,000 Americans have invested in the future of the Democratic Party through the Democracy Bonds program. At an average contribution of $20 a month that's roughly $7 million a year in recurring small-dollar contributions.

3.) To date, the DNC has hired talented, experienced, diverse political professionals in 43 states. Thirty of those states have sent their staffers to Washington, DC for several days of training from top Democratic operatives about how to effectively organize Democrats in their communities.

4.) Governor Dean and the DNC invested more than $7 million to elect new Democratic governors Jon Corzine in New Jersey and Tim Kaine in Virginia. Democrats also reaped important ballot box victories at the local level in places like Mobile, Alabama, St. Paul, Minnesota and King County, Washington.

5.) Governor Dean has traveled to 34 states and territories during his first year as chairman to talk about Democratic values and raise money for the local parties. Those states, red, blue, and purple, include:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

So why is there so much misinformation and anonymous discontent out there? The truth is, much of it is not intentional. This is a new way of doing business, re-building the party from the grassroots up, organizing in every state, and asking Americans from Main Street, not K Street, to sustain the party via their small dollar contributions. Unfortunately, there will be the contingent of those who are threatened by the new shift in balance... and those are often the ones cited anonymously on page one of the Washington Post when inaccurate stories about DNC fundraising come out.

GOP Recruitment Woes

Actions speak louder than words, and even poorly produced RNC web videos. For all the rhetoric you hear from the other side about a party in dissaray, the fact remains that in state after state, Democrats are loading up the ballots while the GOP can't find Republicans to fill even the most coveted and supposedly contested of seats. In Illinois, Democrats will field candidates for each and every congressional seat, including districts where two top-tier candidates are running in a contested primary. In Texas, Democrats are running for every seat from Governor to Railroad Commissioner, and 31 of 32 congressional districts will have a Democrat on the stump.

Meanwhile, Senator Hillary Clinton finds her name in nearly every piece of direct mail and web ad the GOP produces, yet they can't find anyone to run against her. And it's a problem mirrored in state after state across the country. It's obviously not a good time to be a Republican. From a DSCC release:

WVA: Despite Pleas from NRSC, Capito Said NO to WV Senate Bid. This week, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito announced she will not challenge Sen. Robert Byrd next year, “dealing a major blow” to Republican recruitment efforts in West Virginia. Political analyst Larry Sabato said after Capito’s announcement, “The Republicans do not have another good option in West Virginia.” [Roll Call, 10/3/05; Charleston Gazette, 10/4/05]

- Capito Was Just the First of Many to Say They Wouldn’t Challenge Byrd. In October Secretary of State Betty Ireland announced that she would not challenge Senator Byrd in 2006. In November, former University of West Virginia basketball coach, Gale Catlett, declined to enter the race. Finally, just two days ago, West Virginia Republican Party Chairman, Robin Capehart, declined to challenge Senator Byrd. [Associated Press, 10/27/05; Associated Press, 11/11/05; Register-Herald, 12/6/05]

ND: Despite Personal Visit from Rove, Hoeven Said NO to Conrad Challenge. Last week, Governor John Hoeven announced he will not challenge Kent Conrad in 2006, “depriving Republicans of someone they considered their strongest candidate against the Democratic incumbent.” Just days earlier, Karl Rove visited North Dakota and met with Hoeven, and the Washington Times reported, “The White House has promised to give Mr. Hoeven its fullest support if he runs.” [AP, 9/30/05; Washington Times, 9/29/05]

VT: Despite Urging from Dole and White House, Vermont Governor Said NO to Senate Bid. In April, Senator Jim Jeffords announced that he would not be running for re-election. Immediately, Governor Jim Douglas was widely labeled as the strongest potential Republican candidate for the Senate seat, with one local paper noting that Douglas “is expected to face intense pressure from Republicans in Washington to enter the Senate race.” Douglas spoke to NRSC Chair Sen. Elizabeth Dole and to at least one White House official before announcing that he would not run for the Senate. [NPR, 4/20/05; AP, 4/20/05, 4/29/05; Burlington Free Press, 4/21/05]

MI: Despite Pleas From Bush, Michigan Rep. Miller Said NO to Senate Bid. Last December, President Bush publicly urged Congresswoman Candice Miller, telling her Chief of Staff, “You need to tell her she needs to run for the Senate,” before calling the Congresswoman personally. Described as “the party's top choice,” Miller announced in January that she would not run for Senate. As one Detroit columnist noted, “Top Republicans with safe jobs looked at this, and shook their heads. No, thank you.” [Detroit News, 12/9/04; AP, 1/11/05; Detroit Metro Times, Lessenberry column, 8/24/05]

FL: Despite Repeated Attempts, At Least Four Recruited Candidates Have Said NO to Florida Senate Bid. Since last November, Florida Republicans have been urged unsuccessfully to enter the 2006 Senate race, including Governor Jeb Bush. Even after Katherine Harris announced her candidacy for the seat, the White House and NRSC continued to speak to Republicans about getting into the race, with a huge focus on Florida House Speaker Allan Bense and former Congressman Joe Scarborough, both of whom subsequently decided not to enter the Senate race. [Jupiter Courier, 11/24/04; Gainesville Sun, 8/4/05; Pensacola News Journal, 8/17/05, 8/21/05]

WA: Despite Visit from Dole, Rossi Said NO to Washington Senate Bid. Labeled “Republicans' brightest star,” 2004 candidate for Governor Dino Rossi announced in July that he would not challenge Senator Maria Cantwell in 2006. The AP reported that Rossi’s decision process froze the field in place until he told the salivating national party that he was declining their call to duty. Polls had showed Rossi as the strongest Republican candidate. Rossi’s announcement came just one week after Sen. Elizabeth Dole was in Washington, personally urging Rossi to enter the race. [AP, 7/21/05; Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 7/26/05]

NE: Despite National Pleas, List of Prominent Republicans Saying NO to Nelson Challenge Keeps Growing. Republicans have failed to recruit a top-tier challenger for Senator Ben Nelson in Nebraska. When pressed to change his decision to run for reelection and instead challenge Nelson, Governor Dave Heineman said “that on a scale of zero to 100 his interest in the Senate race is ‘minus-1000 and dropping.’” Heineman joined former Governor and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, Rep. Tom Osborne, and NE Attorney General Jon Bruning as prominent Nebraska Republicans who have declined to challenge Nelson. Most recently, when the White House asked former Senator Dave Karnes to run for his old job, he too said no. [Roll Call, 5/10/05; Roll Call, 3/9/05; Omaha World-Herald, 8/2/05]

NY: Giuliani and Pataki Both Refused to Challenge Clinton. In New York, Republicans failed to draw a top-tier challenger to Sen. Hillary Clinton when Governor George Pataki and former New York City Mayor Rudi Giuliani both declined to run for the Senate. [AP, 4/18/05; Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 8/3/05]

WI: Despite Calls from State GOP Chair, Potential Wisconsin Candidate Said NO to Kohl Challenge. This week, it was reported that Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley will not run for Senate in Wisconsin against Sen. Herb Kohl. Apparently, the State Republican Party had already started polling, in conjunction with Finley, for an upcoming Senate bid, but, instead, Finley chose to take a job at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Finley’s announcement reportedly “blindsided Republican heavyweights.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Spivak & Bice column, 10/4/05]

EVEN REPUBLICANS ADMIT NRSC RECRUITING IS WEAK. “Nationally, overall, their recruiting has not been as strong as it was in 2002 and 2004…they have missed a lot of chances in recruitment,” Republican pollster David Johnson said of the NRSC. [The Hill, 10/4/05]

Wednesday Morning Open Thread

Shake a stick at it.

January 3, 2006

Tuesday Night Open Thread

Take a swing.

Join The One Million Americans Who Have Rejected Samuel Alito

(Governor Dean just sent out this email regarding Samuel Alito's upcoming confirmation hearings -- Tim)

We now know that George Bush personally ordered American intelligence services to spy on American citizens without the consent of any court and repeatedly directed officials to take actions that explicitly violated the law. Our courts are the last line of defense against abuses of power like this, and every judicial nominee must demonstrate that they will honor their most important responsibility: protecting our rights and freedoms.

Samuel Alito will not.

During the course of his judicial career, Samuel Alito has compiled a record of looking the other way when abuses of power threaten our basic freedoms. He has deferred to unscrupulous prosecutors who constructed all-white juries to try black defendants. He repeatedly failed to protect our right to privacy. He was even the lone judge voting to uphold the illegal strip-search of a 10-year old girl.

Next week Judge Alito's confirmation hearings will begin. Already over 750,000 people have signed a petition asking Senators to oppose Alito -- today I add my name. Please join me:

http://www.democrats.org/alito

A broad coalition of groups will deliver this petition to Senators in less than 48 hours. You and I have the chance to push the total over a million if we spread the word.

Moderate Republicans who have expressed concern about the domestic spying program also have serious questions about Judge Alito, and an outpouring from ordinary Americans could force them to do the right thing and vote against him.

Even before the domestic spying story broke, Senators in both parties had expressed concern about Judge Alito's credibility. On everything from his ideological streaks to his rulings in cases where he had a clear conflict of interest, Judge Alito seems to be willing to say whatever it takes to get confirmed. After bragging about his membership in an ultra-conservative group on his college campus to boost his right-wing credentials, he's now waffling on exactly what his relationship with the group was. And he explicitly broke a promise he made under oath to the Senate that he would recuse himself from cases where he had a personal financial interest.

Across the country more and more people are realizing that if Judge Alito is confirmed, the impact on our rights and our lives will be felt for generations. Join the drive for a million people calling on the Senate to reject the Alito nomination:

http://www.democrats.org/alito

Judge Alito's record of currying favor with the extreme right and favoring government power over individual liberties might make him qualified as a favorite speaker at conservative think tanks, but it does not qualify him to sit on the Supreme Court.

People who put politics over the rule of law cannot be trusted to guard our freedoms. Every American should shudder at the prospect of a judge with a history of ethical lapses and appeasing right-wing extremists getting a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land.

Send a message to Senators now and join the 750,000 Americans speaking out against this dangerous nomination:

http://www.democrats.org/alito

The Senate must reject Samuel Alito.

Thank you.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

P.S. -- For more information about Judge Alito's deeply concerning ethical lapses and ideological rulings, see these resources:

http://www.democrats.org/alitoresources

Texas Dems List Candidate Filings

The Texas Democratic Party has updated their website to include contact information for a full slate of candidates running for office in 2006. The page indicates Democrats have filed for every statewide office from Governor to Railroad Commissioner. Thirty-one of thirty-two elections to the U.S. House of Representatives will be contested by Democrats along with the vast majority of State House, State Senate, District Attorney, and Criminal Court Judgships.

http://www.txdemocrats.org/demswhohavefiled/

The Charges Against Jack Abramoff

United States of America v. Jack Abramoff (.pdf)

Count One: Conspiracy
Count Two: Honest Services Mail Fraud
Count Three: Tax Evasion

F. Defendant ABRAMOFF and others would offer and provide things of value to public officials, including trips, campaign contributions, meals and entertainment in exchange for agreements that the public officials would use their official positions and influence to benefit defendant ABRAMOFF's clients and defendant ABRAMOFF's businesses. [...]

22. From in or about 1999 through in or about April 2004, defendant ABRAMOFF, Scanlon and others, together and separately, provided a stream of things of value to a Member of the United States House of Representatives ("Representative #1") and members of his staff, includng but ot limited to a lavish trip to Scotland to play golf on world-famous courses, tickets to sporting events and other entertainment, regular meals at the defendant ABRAMOFF's upscale restaurant, and campaign contributions for Representative #1, his political action committee, and other political committees on behalf of Representative #1.

23. In In exchange for those things of value, from in or about March 2000 through in or about April 2004, defendant ABRAMOFF, Scanlon and others, together and separetely, sought and received Representative #1's agreement to perform a series of official acts to benefit defendant ABRAMOFF's businesses, clients and others, including but not limited to, agreements to support and pass legislation, agreements to place statements into the Congressional Record, meetings with defendant ABRAMOFF's clients, and advancing the application of a client of defendant ABRAMOFF for a license to install wireless telephone infrastructure in the House of Representatives.

Get Your Dialing Fingers Ready

From the Washington Times...

While we await word on whether members of Congress, their spouses, their staffs or other lobbyists are indicted in the Jack Abramoff affair, C-SPAN -- starting this evening -- will air a two-night live call-in program surrounding the ex-lobbyist. The program will use extensive clips from the Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearings to help explain charges of wire fraud and how money flowed from his clients to his personal projects.

Show time tonight and tomorrow is 8 p.m.

Samuel Alito Resource Page

We just created a handy resource page filled with links to additional information about Supreme Court nominee, Samuel Alito. The page includes links to lengthy .pdf documents detailing the nominee's judicial opinions, quick facts, and opportunities for meaningful participation.

www.democrats.org/alitoresources

Abramoff Plea Deal Reached

Preliminary report from the Associated Press:

Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors to plead guilty to two criminal charges stemming from the 2000 purchase of SunCruz Casinos, his attorney said Tuesday.

Abramoff will also agree to cooperate in any ongoing federal investigations in Washington, according to his Miami attorney Neal Sonnett. Prosecutors there are investigating several members of Congress who received favors from Abramoff or his clients.

Abramoff will plead guilty to two of the six charges in a federal indictment, Sonnett said. U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck has scheduled a telephone conference for later Tuesday to discuss the status.

"We'll be announcing that we have a plea agreement," Sonnett said in a telephone interview.

That announcement could come as early as 3:30 P.M. this afternoon.

Tuesday Morning Open Thread

Back in the office and ready to get into the swing of things again. One minor note about the comment bugginess going on: Seth emailed me and said he "thinks" he has the fix, as opposed to my claim yesterday that he "had" the fix. So, we'll see within the next few days if everything is straightened out. Thank you for your patience.

January 2, 2006

Enjoy It While It Lasts Open Thread

The last day before the country returns to work after either an extended weeked or long holiday break. How are you spending the day? Oh, one more thing, I got word from Seth over the weekend that he has the fix for the comment bugs; everything should be back to normal tomorrow or the day after. So please, make sure to thank him!