I'm pretty exhausted and annoyed with politics right now. I am scared of what Congress will do next. Even though the Dems control the House, Senate and in a little bit of time, the White House, I still get worried about what they might do with all of that power. 

"I was wondering how Bush could make his legacy even more toxic in the few weeks left to him. Some thought it impossible in the middle of two failed wars, $10 trillion in debt; $32 trillion in new entitlement liabilties, and a second Great Depression. But we are always misunderestimating him." The Conservative Andrew Sullivan

I've been surrounded by a great deal of people in my life whose politics are moderate and often times liberal, like mine. However, with my job that I had for several months this year, I spent most of my time at Republican town halls, rallies, conferences, etc., and so I got to hear all the right wing rhetoric (the gays will convert all the children to gayism, the illegals will take over our country, George W. Bush is God's chosen President for our country, Hillary and Obama are the anti-Christ, liberals are communists, etc), yet I still am amazed by how much right wing nuttery exists. And really amazed when it comes from so-called Christlike Christians.

I find it highly amusing when Republicans point to the election of Barack Obama as a sign that the Second Coming of Christ is near. As if the insane amount of damage Bush has wrought on our country and world wasn't a sign of the apocalypse, a man who hasn't even been sworn in has suddenly done more to bring about the end of the world. Give me a friggin' break.

The problem is that both parties try too hard to lead and guide by fear. Our country will become a communist country because of Obama, global warming will kill all of human kind in the next 20 years, Bush will invade Iran, Hillary cannot be elected because her and her husband are murderers. Whether or not any of the aforementioned are factual or not, it's becoming quite tiresome that we are so easily influenced by our fears.

Call me biased (I am), but it seems as though Republicans have perfected this technique. Remember how Al Qaeda was rooting for John Kerry to win? Or how we would have another 9/11 if Kerry was elected?). Republicans have really taken national security and turned it into some type of game of "how can we scare the American public enough?" It reminds me of this quote, "A ruler, to stay in power, must convince the people that the enemy is ever at the door." Nicollo Machiavelli.

Listen, I'm not asking for your unconditional support of President elect Obama, I'm just asking you to give him the benefit of the doubt. To maybe withhold judgment until you have something factual to back up your fearmongering and irrationality. Is that too much to ask?

I'm getting really tired of people, namely some Republicans, decrying our supposed move towards Socialism, or my personal favorite, Marxism. I taught several graduate level classes on Marxist theory and it's pretty heavy stuff and so I kindly ask that you not complain about Socialism or Marxism unless you can define what the aforementioned terms mean.

I mean, seriously, do we need to go over our "Socialist" Social Security system, Medicare, or Medicaid? How many of you were on Medicaid or WIC when you were pregnant? What about our Socialist fire and police departments? Let's just buy ginormous hoses and put out our own fires. Who needs them? Who needs the cops? Let the rapists, child molesters, and murderers police themselves.

Obama isn't even President yet and I am already getting bombarded with nutty emails crying apocalypse. Why do I have a feeling that Obama will be the scapegoat for everything? And the worst President in the history of the United States won't get the credit he deserves for SCREWING UP OUR COUNTRY by making a mockery of our Constitution, by allowing the torture of human beings, by reducing regulations that have led to the worst financial crisis we've faced since the Great Depression.

GWB got us into an endless unwinnable war, he has stripped many of our rights and liberties through the Patriot Act, he has put corporate interests ahead of regular people interests time and time again.

Far too many people still view GWB as some godsend, as some hero. I just don't get it. Do you not see what him, his cronies, and his policies have led to? Do you support torture? Do you support attacking a county that poses no immediate threat to us and invading them and staying there while 1,000,000 people die? Do you support the removal of our Constitutional rights through the Patriot Act and warrantless wiretapping and other illegal and immoral actions? Do you support the disenfranchisement of voters? Do you support the lack of regulations that have given us dirtier air and water, the recession we are now in, the hideous housing crisis? Aren't you tired of what has been taking place the last 8 years? Aren't you ready for something different?

Many Republicans sit there and decry "liberal" politics while they sat there and did nothing over the last 8 years. They throw out scary words like "liberal", "Marxism", "Socialism", "Communism" and most of them cannot even differentiate those terms and cannot even define them! They sit there and enjoy our roads, libraries, parks, public schools, public services, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, WIC and then whine about paying taxes and how we are becoming a Socialist country. Give me a freaking break. Give Obama a chance and get to know a little thing I like to call a dictionary.

Still think I'm a nut for thinking Republicans aren't hypocrites? Look at this:
If you can't read this, go here for the website.

This list comes from Andrew Sullivan (who is a Conservative) who has a brilliant blog:

The Daily Dish.

- She has lied about the Bridge To Nowhere. She ran for office favoring it, wore a sweatshirt defending it, and only gave it up when the federal congress, Senator McCain in particular, went ballistic. She kept the money anyway and favors funding Don Young's Way, at twice the cost of the original bridge.

- She has lied about her firing of the town librarian and police chief of Wasilla, Alaska.- She has lied about pressure on Alaska's public safety commissioner to fire her ex-brother-in-law.

- She has lied about her previous statements on climate change.

- She has lied about Alaska's contribution to America's oil and gas production.

- She has lied about when she asked her daughters for their permission for her to run for vice-president.

- She has lied about the actual progress in constructing a natural gas pipeline from Alaska.- She has lied about Obama's position on habeas corpus.

- She has lied about her alleged tolerance of homosexuality.

- She has lied about the use or non-use of a TelePrompter at the St Paul convention.

- She has lied about her alleged pay-cut as mayor of Wasilla.

- She has lied about what Alaska's state scientists concluded about the health of the polar bear population in Alaska.

More here.

Gov. Sarah Palin's favorable/unfavorable ratings have suffered a stunning 21 point collapse in just one week, according to Research 2000 polling. Last week, 52% approved and 35% disapproved of the GOP vice presidential nominee (+17 net). This week, 42% approved and 46% disapprove (-4 net).

Earlier this week, Newsweek also saw the drop in other polling. "Over the course of a single weekend... Palin went from being the most popular White House hopeful to the least."

Political Insider: Why Palin was ultimately a bad pick for McCain.

Hat tip: Political Wire.

So Sarah Palin...I was pretty surprised, but not horribly surprised. As soon as I heard the loud rumblings 2 days ago about Kay Bailey Hutchison, I knew McCain was looking for someone conventional yet different. 

A lot of friends and family members ask me my thoughts on who McCain and Obama will choose as VP running mates. I don't claim to be on the inside and have any special knowledge, I just claim to be a political junkie who knows a lot of the names bouncing around news articles. Of course McCain and Obama can do what many nominees do and pick someone people weren't expecting, so know that my list isn't exhaustive. I'll make this specific post about McCain VP choices and add some of my own commentary. (I'm writing this after waking up wide awake at 5am on 5 hours of sleep, so please excuse any grammar and spelling errors.)

McCain Potential Choices:

Mitt (Robomitt) Romney: He's been an option from day 1 but only because of his economic cred and the fact that the base isn't happy with McCain. Picking Romney is an attractive choice because a lot of the Repub base has come to love and miss Romney (apparently Romney flip-flopping in abortion, gay marriage, immigration and every other issue isn't a concern for Republicans). McCain needs to energize the base and appease them. Picking Romney could go far in this regard. Also, Romney would be able to beef up McCain's fundraising with both his own money and his large list of big money donors.

Rudy Giuliani: Slim chance he'll be chosen. McCain likes him, but Rudy's astronomical failure to do well in his run for the GOP nominee killed most of his chance of being chosen. He's a liar and a lot of people don't like "America's Mayor." Hell, even his own daughter wanted Obama to win. If he's chosen I'll cheer because it will assure an Obama victory.

Mike Huckabee: Small chance, slightly higher than Rudy's chances. Huck's retail politics are tremendous and he does well on the stump. Truly a decent guy who has a loyal following within the Republican base. The following would be larger except Huck is a bit of a Republican populist. Definitely more of a common man fighter than the corporate one we expect in a Republican candidate. Some of his extreme social views discount him heavily and I think Americans want a candidate who doesn't wear his religion on his sleeve as much as Huck does.

Lindsay Graham: Republican Senator from South Carolina. McCain loves his Lindsay Graham. If I had gaydar, Graham's readings would be off the charts. This guy is as gay as the day is long. Nothing wrong with that, but McCain can't choose him because he is boring as hell, from South Carolina, and has big problems with the GOP base.

Tom Ridge: Former Governor of Pennsylvania and Secretary of Homeland Security (also served in Congress). McCain would pick him in a split second if he didn't serve in the Bush Administration and if he was pro-life (Bush ties hurt him more than his pro-choice stance). He could potentially deliver Pennsylvania. He's pro-choice and highly connected with Bush, which significantly ruins his chances. But McCain can have a mind of his own and in a moment of rebellion, would choose him. He did endorse McCain before the NH Primary and McCain values his early endorsers who stuck with him during the lean times.

Gov. Bobby Jindal: Governor of Louisiana. I've seen Jindal in action and he can be a very persuasive and charismatic person. He has a great resume but he's too young and would be a risky choice. He'd help bring in some young swing voters and maybe some ethnic/racial minority voters, but I can say for sure that Obama will get huge majorities of most race and ethnic minorities.

Sarah Palin: Governor of the beautiful state of Alaska. I just don't like this one, but she's apparently seen by some as a Republican superstar. She just had a baby and is from Alaska. Small chance and a risky choice. But she is pretty popular in Alaska, so you never know.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty: Governor of Minnesota. I love this guy. I've seen him several times in person and he is a fantastic speaker. I'd love it if he were a Dem because he's so good on the stump. He'd be a decent choice because he is a good-looking, young Governor of Minnesota, which could swing to the Republicans (small small chance), and he has somewhat of a loyal following with the GOP base. Has a pretty good shot of being chosen. Endorsed McCain early and McCain likes the guy.

Gov. Charlie Crist: Governor of Florida. High approval ratings in Florida and is appealing to moderates and Independents. Tons and tons of gay rumors and then he is suddenly engaged....He found a beard in just the nick of time to be considered a strong viable VP choice. Could potentially deliver the state of Florida to McCain.

Colin Powell: Former General and Secretary of State. McCain likes Powell but Powell might endorse Obama, so he really isn't in the McCain camp yet. Too closely tied to Bush and his big asset is his military cred, which McCain already has the monopoly on. He's not much of a VP choice, but McCain would love his endorsement. Funny how his endorsement hasn't been delivered to McCain!!!

Rep. Rob Portman: Congressman in Ohio. Strong chance of being chosen because he hails from Ohio, a swing state. Has good econ cred, which McCain is severely lacking. Decent on the stump. Not a horrible choice, but pretty boring, but boring is a synonym of Republican VP choices.

John Thune: Senator of South Dakota. Repubs love them some John Thune. But he's from South Dakota and besides adding a tiny bit of excitement to the McCain candidacy, doesn't add much. A safe choice, but there are safer choices that could have bigger upsides.

Carly Fiorina: Former CEO of Hewlett Packard. Apparently she did a really shitty job as CEO, but still has the econ cred. Also a woman, which the moderates like. Decent on the stump, smart, a bit moderate, but she has no political experience.

Condoleeza Rice: Former National Security Advisor and current Secretary of State. She would maybe have a decent shot if she wasn't in love with George W. Bush and didn't serve in his Administration. Incredibly smart and African-American, but McCain will only get a small chunk of the black vote (chunk of black Republicans) and she won't really add onto that bloc.

Kay Bailey Hutchison: Senator from Texas. Woman, McCain likes her, and would ensure a Texas victory. She's a bit older and voters could be wary of another Texan in the White House. Isn't particularly charismatic. Nice lady, but I think other people have a much higher chance of being chosen.

Joe Lieberman: Senator from Connecticut. McCain would love to choose this guy. Would help get some of the Jewish vote and some Independents and moderates. But he is pro-choice and aside from the War and some other issues, leans Dem. This choice would alienate the Republican base and despite the upside of getting some moderate votes, McCain would lose just as many, if not more, of his GOP base votes. These voters would either sit out the election or vote a third-party choice.

Any other choices you'd like to add? Honorable mentions would go to: Elizabeth Dole, Fred Thompson, Rick Perry, Jeb Bush, and David Petraeus.

If I were a betting woman, I'd place my money on Mitt Romney right now. Other bets I might place would be on Pawlenty, Portman, and Crist.

UPDATE 3:18pm: Check comments for a comment by Ted who really wants Gov. Sarah Palin to be the VP choice. I'm tellin ya', lots of excitement for her.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the presumptive Republican nominee for President:

"...At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain's hair and said, 'You're getting a little thin up there.' McCain's face reddened, and he responded, 'At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you c%*t.' McCain's excuse was that it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days..."

More here.

EDITED: My mother has asked me to remove the c word. So...if you can't figure out what the c-word is, click the link above.

Having lived in Idaho for 7 years, I thought I had become used to living in one of the reddest states out there. I still miss the hunger of Democrats in Utah and Idaho and it is something I wish all Democrats had and it was awesome to see the Howard Dean 50 state strategy working from the front lines. But since I left Idaho and lived in Vegas (swing state), New Hampshire (swing state, but getting bluer by the day) and now Maryland (BLUE state), I'm not quite sure I could ever return to a Utah or Idaho again. A red state that votes for a Democratic governor, or Senator or Congressman or woman, sure, but a red state that is a Utah or Idaho, no, I don't think so (though Utah does have a Democratic Congressman).

I suppose this makes me part of the problem, but I'm just being honest. There is something wrong with a system and state when good and decent people who would be wonderful servents to the people can't win because the letter behind their name is a (D) and not an (R). Indeed, I would say the same thing goes for ultra blue states where corrupt Democrats can win again and again, but a good Republican doesn't stand a chance.

This all makes me think about JRE and how he should be our nominee, not Hillary or Barack. I can't help but feel we maybe let this election go because we are going to nominate someone who can't beat John McCain and the GOP. I thought Barack was pretty electable and then the media shit all over themselves with this blown out of proportion Reverend Wright story. Geez. Give me a break. We've got people dying from hunger, dying in an immoral war, and the media puts some of Wright's words on repeat to scare all the white folks. When did poverty, global warming, a recession, and war become non-stories???

And I know this may shock some of you, but not everyone has the white experience growing up and not everyone feels that this country is without blame or fault for everything ever done in its name or by its people. Some people are angry about their experiences growing up and RIGHTFULLY so. This is a country with some freedoms still left, including some freedom of speech, so if you don't like what Reverend Wright is saying, don't attend his Church. It's as simple as that.

I thought that Hillary possessed the strength and will to defeat McCain and the GOP, but now I'm wondering if her negatives will always be high and maybe people just won't be able to pull the lever for a woman who is as divisive as politicians come.

Will our nominee have what it takes to win in November? We can't afford another Republican administration, especially a McCain one which offers very few differences with the Bush Administration who has driven us into wars, further and further into a healthcare crisis, more people into poverty, and farther away from truly combatting global warming, as well as another recession, not to mention the largest terrorist attack on American soil.

No thanks, John McCain, we don't want the aforementioned (maybe an exception with global warming, since McCain thinks global warming is real) and war with Iran, 100 years in Iraq, a President who has admitted he doesn't know much about the economy. No, we don't want a third Bush term.

Me: "rush limbaugh is such a piece of crap."

Mama: "Tell me something i don't already know."

That's my mama.

I thought Mitty and Giu might start throwing some punches. I cannot stand Giu, but boy did I love him when he started talking about the sanctuary mansion in Mass (referring to the fact that illegal immigrants worked for Mitty).

I thought it was hilarious that Mr. Sexy (Andersoon Cooper) brought up the Politico breaking story about Giu billing obscure agencies for travel that very well could've been travel for Giu to visit his mistress at the time. Ok, really, is there any doubt he was using these trips to visit his mistress?

Tancredo and Hunter should just drop out. Ron Paul keeps receiving applause for advocating that our troops withdraw from Iraq (not surprising, a majority of Republicans favor a pullout within 6 months). McCain is serious and presidential and schooled Mitty for not taking a stand against torture in the form of waterboarding. I mean, the Mormon Church has spoken out against torture (they have basically said it is never okay) and yet Mitty can't agree?

Huck (Mike Huckabee) will continue his climb in the polls and could very well be an upset winner in Iowa and South Carolina and maybe more.

Thompson is half-dead but still provided some enjoyment with his ad going after Mitty and Huck and when the cartoon Dick Cheney asked a question, Thompson's response was AWESOME!!! Hmmm, can't find a youtube video of it.

So all in all, I would have to say this has been, by far, the best debate. Thank you, Republicans, for trying to eat eachother alive.

CNN/Youtube debate is starting in 44 minutes. Watch it. I will be. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

It seems like just yesterday that many of us in Idaho experienced political heartbreak. Political heartbreak in Idaho is certainly something we are used to, but each time it happens, it isn't any easier than the time before. But still, we had cause to celebrate. Democrats took control of the US House AND US Senate.

However, as happy as I was for the individual Democrats in other states who worked their asses off to win their respective races, I was devastated that people I personally knew and respected had lost in Idaho. Idaho voters elected a man barely qualified to be a janitor in a school as Superintendent of Public Instruction in Idaho (the ENTIRE STATE school system), only because he had an (R) after his name. Idaho voters elected a total loon as one of our Congressional representatives and Idaho voters didn't elect one of the finest men in this country.

As I mentioned above, voters elected a man who completely embarrasses the state of Idaho (but not as much as Larry Craig has). His opponent, Larry Grant, was an appealing Democrat who offered a message that spoke to Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. He only lost by a few percentage points but this loss has caused a lot of drama in the political world in Idaho.

Anonymous sources have claimed that Grant dropped the ball, so to speak. He didn't take good advice, he made bad decisions, he did this, he did that, he didn't do this, he didn't do that. I've remained an observer of this, mostly because Larry Grant ran for an office in the other congressional district, not the one I lived in. But with Grant recently posting a response on New West, I can't help but put in my two cents.

I know that Grant's campaign had flaws. Every campaign has flaws. First time campaigners make mistake after mistake-it just comes with the territory. But I do think what has happened is a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking. If Grant's campaign was as bad as it sounds, then it's pretty miraculous he came so close to winning. I happen to believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle of the two sides we are being presented with. I do wish to commend Larry Grant on facing the firing squad (see the comments to his article on New West) on New West. A lot of people would avoid exposing themselves like that.

Larry Grant is running for the same seat again but faces a tough primary with two formidable opponents, Rand Lewis and Walt Minnick. Without all of the drama surrounding the last election, I highly doubt two prime opponents would have entered the race, but you just never know. So....may the best man win and let's get the popcorn popped to see this exciting primary in Idaho!!!

Heard him speak today in Manchester at St. Anselm's College. His stump speech and answers to the town hall questions were frightening. However, he has some decent positions...for a Republican.

Forgive the picture with Rudy. I wasn't wearing any makeup and have on one of my infamous beanies.

I haven't been to DC since January of 2005 when I traveled there for the counter-inauguration events for George W. Bush. I only had a few days and my feet have never had such a workout so I didn't see all the sites I wanted to. When I leave on Thursday for DC it will be for training, but I am still hoping to visit the Lincoln Memorial, which I didn't get to before. I could physically see it, but my feet couldn't take me there. :(

My hotel will be only about 2 blocks from the White House, so I will be pretty close to a lot of neat things. Any suggestions would be appreciated, but keep in mind I have seen Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington Monument, the White House (just outside though!), the Holocaust Museum, and maybe some other places I have forgotten...? My free time might only be at night as well.

I have a post planned for later, hopefully. I met Rudy Giuliani today (oh the irony considering what I will be doing for my new job!) and got a picture with him and his beautiful wife. So expect that tonight or tomorrow, depending on when I can find the cord to connect my camera to my laptop.

And there is one in particular, who blogs, who really scares me, but I don't even want to link to her blog because she shouldn't get any publicity for the crap she spews.

Let me sum up her blog:

Barak (her spelling, not mine) is a Socialist and shouldn't be in this country.

Hillary is scary!

Mitt Romney will save the world because he is THAT great.

First of all, lady, don't criticize Obama if you can't friggin' spell his name. Second of all, how scary is a corporate centrist Democrat? I mean, really, come on! Last of all, Mitt Romney is a flip-flopping liar who will say anything to get a vote, and pay anything as well. How Mitty has managed to fool so many people into thinking there is anything genuine about him is really a feat, and he deserves some props for being such a good politician, but that isn't a compliment people should want.