Glenn Beck to Join FOX News

Oh, BIG surprise... Following Huckabee, Glenn joins the dark side. Maybe it was because his ratings were so low...

Politico:

Drudge teased this earlier, and Fox News has announced that conservative radio and television host Glenn Beck is joining the network, leaving behind CNN's Headline News. Beck will host a show at 5 p.m. on Fox beginning in the spring (Full release after the jump).

It hasn't yet been determined when Beck's last day will be, but I've heard from a network source that Headline News was already preparing to re-air "Lou Dobbs Tonight" at 9pm, instead of Beck's show (which first airs at 7pm). When Beck leaves, Dobbs show will be in the 9pm slot, but no decision on 7pm.

"Glenn has been a terrific employee and colleague to many of us at CNN," a network spokesperson said in a statement. "We wish him well.”

LINK: Glenn Beck joins Fox News

Yeah, yeah. I know I've not been posting. I'm sorry, I'm still on a break.

-Mr. Joseph

Huckabee rips Pat Robertson!

Referencing Pat Robertson's "ability" to predict and prevent storms from striking America, Mike Huckabee made quite a humorous dig at the aging TV evangelist.

Think Progress...

During his radio show today, conservative talker Rush Limbaugh asked former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR) how he believed the Republican party would respond if Hurricane Gustav makes landfall in New Orleans during the Republican National Convention. “I think they’ve called in Pat Robertson to pray it off the coast,” Huckabee jokingly responded.

LINK: Huckabee jokes that Republicans have ‘called in Pat Robertson to pray’ Hurricane Gustav ‘off the coast.’

You can listen to it here.

A couple of things strike me in this clip. First of all, when did Mike Huckabee and Rush Limbaugh become so friendly? Earlier in the primary season, Rush repeatedly bashed Huckabee. And Huckabee was not so gracious towards Rush, either. However, he did eventually rolled over and knelt at the feet of the talk show giant. This is also interesting about Huckabee because he has been called "the new Pat Robertson" regarding his influence in the evangelical movement and his upcoming TV show on FOX. So, is this his way of attempting to push Robertson out the door? Is this a sublte attempt to undermine Pat Robertson's credibility? Remember, Huckabee is no fan of Robertson, he implied that Robertson 'lost his way' here. Also, I thought this might be a subtle dig at Republicans who still support Robertson or perhaps an even sublter criticism or how the Republicans handled Hurricane Katrina. (Here's how John McCain handled it.)

To this day, Mike Huckabee is my favorite of the former GOP Presidential contenters, and altough I think he has become a parody of himself in sorts, I still think he's pretty cool. At least he has a sense of humor.

-Mr. Joseph

PT Update...

Hi all, as you can tell, I have take the better part of the Summer off from blogging. I have been paying close attention to politics and I am watching the Democratic National Convention as I write this, but I haven't updated this website since July. And for that, I'm sorry. I've been spending most of my time working, preparing for my second semester of college, and dealing with West Allis Public Access regarding my documentary (which I plan to release by the end of September).

I've also spend a lot of time going to classic rock concerts. Since the end of June, I've seen the Steve Miller Band, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Styx, Boston, Elvis Costello, The Police (currently on their final tour), Alice Cooper, REO Speedwagon, and I have tickets to see Bruce Springsteen on Saturday (my birthday!) and then the Eagles in September! I don't know about you, but I have learned that I LOVE live performances! But I digress.

As you know, I have skipped covering a lot of major news this summer -- most notably, the Edwards Sex Scandal. I am in a bit of a predicament with that -- I endorsed him and repeatedly announced good news from his campaign. I also was very proud that I was able to meet the man in person. So, given his admission to the affair and the obvious end of his career, I guess I will have to accept that he will never hold office again, which is dissappointing because he had more political potential than almost anyone in the country. But I what I will not accept is the idea that because he had an affair, he is no longer to be deemed credible. This is nonsense. Edwards's message is as important today as it always was. And that message of "Two Americas" must not be ignored simply because he cheated on his wife. Speaking off, I really feel just awful for Elizabeth. Her lifelong career of bringing important issues to the forefront of political discussion is now being sideswiped by the media's fascination with scandal. This is reprehensible -- Elizabeth has worked too hard to be overshadowed by John's poor decision. I am happy, by the way, that John did not drag Elizabeth for his Nightline interview. That is just so degrading and it just makes me furious when guys like Larry Craig or Elliot Spitzer bring their respective wives into the spotlight just to make it appear they have marital support.

Well, I'm done ranting and I'll close this post with saying that I will start posting more often, and I will have two essays entitled "The Case Against McCain" and "My Endorsement of Obama" that I will release soon.

So check back soon!

-Mr. Joseph

PS I will also review some political events I attended including a speech by David Horowitz, an Obama campaign rally, and a private Republican dinner with McCain that I worked at.

PT Presents Creedence Clearwater Revisited!

Obviously, I am taking a Summer break of blogging. And I'm sorry for the false promises, but I have been quite busy. I will pick it up again soon enough, but for now -- enjoy these two videos I took of Creedence Clearwater Revisited at Summerfest 2008 in Milwaukee!


LINK: Down on the Corner (Live)


LINK: Who'll Stop the Rain (Live)

-Mr. Joseph

PT presents the Steve Miller Band!

The Steve Miller Band performed live at Summerfest last night, and I was lucky enough to get tickets. I was also lucky enough to smuggle my video camera in and record one of my favorite Steve Miller songs.

So, for your listening pleasure, here's "Abracadabra"...

LINK: Abracadabra (Live) - The Steve Miller Band

-Mr. Joseph

Gore endorses Obama!

I know how quiet it has been around here -- my summer has been quite busy, but don't worry, after a few days I'll be able to start posting again.

Until then, here's an update from the campaign trail...

MyWayNews...

Al Gore is endorsing Barack Obama and promising to help the Democrat achieve what eluded him - the presidency.

In a letter to be e-mailed to Obama supporters, the former vice president and Nobel Prize winner wrote, "From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected president of the United States."

In 2000, Gore won the popular vote but lost the disputed 2000 election to George W. Bush, who captured Florida and its electoral votes after a divided Supreme Court ended the recount. Since then, Gore has made combatting global warming his signature issue, and has been recognized worldwide for his effort - from an Academy Award for a documentary for his effort to the Nobel prize.

"Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action," Gore wrote. "With the help of millions of supporters like you, Barack Obama will bring the change we so desperately need in order to solve our country's most pressing problems."

The former vice president also asked for donations to help fund Obama's effort - the first time he's asked members of his Web site AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign.

Gore is one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, but he kept a low profile in the primary campaign. He's planning to appear with Obama at a rally in Detroit Monday night.

LINK: Gore endorses Obama

Good to read...

Mr. Joseph

PS In addition to regular posting, I'll also have my videos of John Edwards, Howard Dean, Dennis Kucinich and others up soon. I'll also have video and summary of when David Horowiz visited UWM in late April.

Edwards Endorses Obama!

Well, this is it. I am now 100% behind Obama. Edwards finally announced his endorsement of Barack Obama. This is fantastic news. Hopefully, it will help bring an quicker end to this ridiculously long primary battle.

NY Times...

At a rally in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Wednesday evening, John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama, who was on the stage with him, to be the Democratic nominee for president.

Sounding a theme of a nation divided into parts by walls, Mr. Edwards said, “The reason I am here tonight is that Democratic voters in America have made their choice and so have I.”

Mr. Edwards then went on to say, “There is one man who knows in his heart that it is time to tear down that wall and make one America, Barack Obama.”

Mr. Obama, who had introduced Mr. Edwards as “one of the great leaders we have in the Democratic Party, ” responded by saying he was grateful to him for coming to Michigan and giving his endorsement.

Mr. Obama also noted how Mr. Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, had emphasized health care as an issue that is of primary concern, then said it would be a major issue in his administration.

The endorsement comes at a time when the appeal of Mr. Obama appears to be lagging among white, blue-collar voters, a group to which Mr. Edwards openly appealed.

Mr. Edwards’s endorsement also brings in tow 19 convention delegates he won in early party selections. He could certainly urge them to give their support to Mr. Obama, though they would not be obligated by party rules to do so.

Mr. Edwards had campaigned for the Democratic nomination for 13 months before dropping out of the race in January. He had been the first major Democrat to declare his candidacy.

Although Mr. Edwards had declined to endorse either of his rivals, there were signs that his political positions were more closely aligned with those of Mr. Obama than Mrs. Clinton. Most of Mr. Edwards’s former staff and advisers, including David E. Bonior, his former national campaign chairman, declared their support for Mr. Obama after Mr. Edwards left the race.

Mr. Edwards sought to make economic and social issues the center of his campaign and called for efforts to combat poverty in the United States. He announced his candidacy in New Orleans some 16 months after Hurricane Katrina struck and, echoed his 2004 bid for the Democratic nomination, by seeking to cast himself as the populist candidate and focusing on economic issues and job creation. He gained early support from a number of labor unions.

Mr. Edwards’s wife, Elizabeth, campaigned actively on his behalf, focusing on access to health care as her primary issue. Mrs. Edwards, who had been diagnosed with cancer during the 2004 campaign, said during this campaign that it had spread but had stopped.

Mr. Edwards alienated some supporters by abandoning his approach in the 2004 campaign in which he refused to criticize his rivals by name. After running unsuccessfully as John Kerry’s vice presidential running mate, Mr. Edwards began positioning himself for a second run at the presidency.

Early election results were disappointing for Mr. Edwards, who could not manage to gain headway against Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton. He came in third in the South Carolina primary, the state in which he was born and which he won during the 2004 presidential primary.

He announced his withdrawal from the race in the same place he began his campaign — against a backdrop of New Orleans houses damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Edwards did not make an endorsement at that time, but said both candidates had told him they would continue his theme of ending poverty as part of their campaigns.

The endorsement ended months of speculation over Mr. Edwards’s preference in the Democratic nominating contest, during which he mostly stayed silent and close to home in Chapel Hill with his wife, Elizabeth.

But in recent days, Mr. Edwards had made his choice all but obvious, giving a series of television interviews hinting that he was close to endorsing Mr. Obama, who last week he called “clearly the nominee at this point.”

And it was little surprise to close observers of Mr. Edwards on the campaign trail in the past year, when he regularly attacked so-called establishment politicians like Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and teamed with Mr. Obama against her in debates.

Throughout his second bid for the Democratic nomination, Mr. Edwards clashed repeatedly with Mrs. Clinton, criticizing her for accepting campaign contributions from lobbyists, a practice that he fiercely opposed.

And much of his campaign pitch centered on the notion that Washington politicians have become corrupted by the influence of lobbyists for drug companies, oil companies and other corporate interests.

“You can’t just trade corporate Republicans for corporate Democrats,” he told audiences frequently, an attack aimed at Mrs. Clinton.

But aides to Mr. Edwards said despite his personal admiration and respect for Mr. Obama, he was concerned about Mr. Obama’s experience and readiness for the job.

And he had another consideration: how to position himself for a job in the next president’s administration. As Mr. Edwards saw it, aides said, Mrs. Clinton seemed to be more likely than Mr. Obama to win the nomination.

That was before the nominating contests on Feb. 5, however, when Mr. Obama came out virtually tied with Mrs. Clinton; and the subsequent primaries and caucuses that Mr. Obama won decisively, giving him a significant advantage over Mrs. Clinton in the delegate count.

Mr. Edwards has carefully played down his aspirations for an administration role. In an interview in January, he said he would not accept a vice-presidential spot or Cabinet position. “No, absolutely not,” he said, shaking his head emphatically when asked.

But privately, he told aides that he would consider the role of vice president, and favored the position of attorney general, which would appeal to his experience of decades spent in courtrooms as a trial lawyer in North Carolina; and his desire to follow in the footsteps of Robert F. Kennedy, one of his heroes.

Not long after Mr. Edwards dropped out of the race, John C. Moylan, a close friend and adviser who ran his South Carolina campaign, said Mr. Edwards he would consider a Cabinet spot. “You don’t run for president unless you want to work in the administration,” Mr. Moylan said.

Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton have both heavily courted Mr. Edwards’s endorsement, calling him frequently and sending messages through surrogates. Mr. Edwards and Mrs. Clinton secretly met at his home in Chapel Hill in March; a meeting with Mr. Obama, scheduled several days later, was rescheduled because of intense media attention once news of the two meetings became known.

Since dropping out of the race, he has stressed his devotion to the issue of poverty, and promoted his new antipoverty initiative, Half in Ten. He extracted promises from both candidates to focus on poverty as president, and Mrs. Clinton, in a clear gesture to Mr. Edwards, said she would create a Cabinet-level “poverty czar” if she is elected president.

Even before Mr. Edwards withdrew from the presidential race, he began lengthy discussions with his advisers about whom he should endorse. His top aides were split: among them, Joe Trippi, a senior adviser, strongly favored Mr. Obama; Harrison Hickman, his longtime friend and pollster, argued for a Clinton endorsement.

But the kinship between the two campaigns has become most plain by the migration of most of Mr. Edwards’s former staff members and aides to the Obama campaign.

Terry McAuliffe, the Clinton campaign chairman, responded to the endorsement: "We respect John Edwards," he said in a statement, "but as the voters of West Virginia showed last night, this thing is far from over."

LINK: John Edwards Endorses Barack Obama

FLASHBACK: PT endorses John Edwards

-Mr. Joseph

Vintage O'Reilly Meltdown: "Fuck it! ...Fuckin' thing SUCKS!"

An recently released clip of Bill O'Reilly losing his temper on his old set at Inside Edition hit the internet this week, and it is just so hilarious that I had to download it.

O'Reilly explained it as "...just me practicing for my conversations with Geraldo."

Enjoy...



RELATED READING...

LINK: Top Ten Angry On-Camera Meltdowns

-Mr. Joseph

PS With summer beginning, you can expect me to start posting again quite regularly.

Colbert Report: "edWORDs"

This is probably the funniest thing I have seen in awhile. Edwards reminds me again why he was the candidate that I picked to support in this race. He also reminds me why he is one of my favorite politicians: a genuine sense of humor.

Crooks and Liars...

Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards took over the Wørd segment from Stephen Colbert to discuss the all important demographic in this election: white, male voters. And who better to talk about their values than Edwards?

You know, Stephen, you’re right about white males playing an important part in this election. Their votes are being courted as a demographic tiebreaker between these two tough candidates and no white male’s vote is being courted more vigorously than this one. [points to self]

It is no secret that both campaigns have sought my support. So far, I haven’t decided which of these excellent candidates I’m going to endorse. On the one hand, I don’t want to be seen as anti-hope. On the other hand, I don’t want James Carville to bite me. So who? Who am I going to vote for in the next to the last primary, North Carolina? Well, I’ll support whoever presents a platform that’s consistent with my values. I’ll support the candidate who’ll raise the federal minimum wage. Someone who’ll fight for the 37 million Americans who wake up in poverty every day. Somebody who’ll protect the interest of working families. Also, I’d like a jet-ski.

LINK: The Colbert Report: EdWørds!

Of course, to counter my favorite candidate of the 2008 race doing a very funny monologue, my least favorite candidate of the 2008 race did a very unfunny monologue. (But I have to give Mitt credit -- the "number one" reason was hilarious!)

-Mr. Joseph

"Six months at a time..."

Sorry I have not been posting much. I will return to more consistent news coverage soon.

Check out this new video by MoveOn.org...

LINK: Endless war on the installment plan

RELATED READING...

LINK: Straight Talk McCain

LINK: The Real McCain

-Mr. Joseph

Bay Buchanan at UWM!

Conservative pundit and sister of Pat Buchanan, Bay Buchanan, came to deliver a speech entitled "The Failure of Feminism". I, of course, decided to show up with the UWM feminists from VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood.

Less that thirty people showed up, which was too bad. But on the up side, I got to ask her a question. I also got to speak with her after the event. In addition, I got some good photos and a little bit of video. Hopefully, I'll get all my videos on this computer soon. I'm still working on it. I have video of John Edwards, Howard Dean, Dennis Kucinich, and Barack Obama.

Her speech on feminism were the usual complaints about abortion, divorce, and promiscuous sex. She spoke briefly on immigration, leadership, and the 2008 election, too. I was so happy when she declared that there was "no excitement in the Republican Party for John McCain". Eventually she got to answer questions. Several members of VOX challenged her abortion stance for the most part, she held her own. The questions got a little silly at times -- from a guy who asked the question twice about why being a "moderate" was the best political position, to even a Ron Paul fanatic!

The highlight of my night was when I asked her a question. I first asked how her brother (Pat Buchanan) was and if "he was going to run for president again?". She laughed and said that she "never knows" what he's up to. Then I brought the hammer down.

I then said, "In your speech, you said that you believe that abortion is the single most selfish act is abortion and that you couldn't thing of anything more selfish. Might I suggest that rape is?"

The room was silent and her tone changed immediately. She said that because rape is a criminal act that is wasn't comparable. She then gave the talking points about how terrible abortion is. But she acknowledged that I had a good point. And that was important because she stressed that everyone should acknowledge when their opponents have a good point.

After speaking to her for awhile afterwards, I remembered that I am not a complete partisan. There are some traditional conservative beliefs that I agree with (such as securing the border). And both Bay and Pat Buchanan hold some liberal beliefs (like Fair Trade). So it was really refreshing to see a conservative give a speech with some points that I could agree with.

Here's a photo from the event...
Yep, I'm also surprised she posed with me!

All in all, it was a good time. I got everything I hope for when I go see speakers. So now my list of political figures I have seen can now include Bay Buchanan.

-Mr. Joseph

Also, I found out that David "Democrats are worse than terrorists" Horowitz will becoming to UWM in late April. I plan to attend that, but I doubt I will enjoy it as much as this one.

Coulter's Credit Card: DENIED

This is hilarious.

NYPost...

Ann Coulter suffered a serious embarrassment over the weekend when her credit card was declined in Palm Beach. According to our spy, the nutty arch-conservative was caught at 9:45 p.m. Saturday night in the 10 Items or Less line at the local Publix when her card was rejected. "She was embarrassed but didn't make a scene," our witness said. "She just paid with cash and ran out of there. But at least she's eating."

LINK: STRICTLY CASH

RELATED READING...

LINK: Coulter’s Credit Card Denied at FL Supermarket

I know how embarrassing that is, but I'm not a millionaire like her. It looks like she needs to book a few more speeches, considering her book sales are suffering...

On a related note, this is funny, too.

-Mr. Joseph

Obama wins WI primary!

And by a huge margin! Congratulations to Sen. Obama! And to Christopher Larson, a local politician who won his primary for Milwaukee Country Supervisor. I was happy to vote for both.

NY Times reports....

Senator Barack Obama decisively beat Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Wisconsin primary and the Hawaii caucuses on Tuesday night, accelerating his momentum ahead of crucial primaries in Ohio and Texas and cutting into Mrs. Clinton’s support among women and union members.

With the two rivals now battling state by state over margins of victory and allotment of delegates, surveys of voters leaving the Wisconsin polls showed Mr. Obama, of Illinois, making new inroads with those two groups as well as middle-age voters and continuing to win support from white men and younger voters — a performance that yielded grim tidings for Mrs. Clinton, of New York.

On the Republican side, Senator John McCain of Arizona won a commanding victory over Mike Huckabee in the Wisconsin contest and led by a wide margin in Washington State. All but assured of his party’s nomination, Mr. McCain immediately went after Mr. Obama during a rally in Ohio, deriding “eloquent but empty” calls for change.

For Mr. Obama, Hawaii was his 10th consecutive victory, a streak in which he has not only run up big margins in many states but also pulled votes from once-stalwart supporters of Mrs. Clinton, like low- and middle-income people and women.

Mrs. Clinton wasted no time in signaling that she would now take a tougher line against Mr. Obama — a recognition, her advisers said, that she must act to alter the course of the campaign and define Mr. Obama on her terms.

In a speech in Ohio shortly after the polls closed in Wisconsin, she alluded to what her campaign considers Mr. Obama’s lack of experience, and his support for a health insurance plan that would not initially seek to cover all Americans.

“This is the choice we face: One of us is ready to be commander in chief in a dangerous world,” Mrs. Clinton said in the remarks, which she also planned to expand upon in a speech in New York City on Wednesday. “One of us has faced serious Republican opposition in the past — and one of us is ready to do it again.” Mrs. Clinton did not mention the Wisconsin results; she did, however, call Mr. Obama to congratulate him on the victory.

As Mrs. Clinton was speaking, Mr. Obama appeared on stage at a rally in Texas, effectively cutting her off as cable television networks dropped her in midsentence, a telling sign of the showmanship power of a front-runner.

“Houston, I think we achieved liftoff here,” Mr. Obama told a crowd of 20,000 people in that city as he hailed the voters of Wisconsin. “The change we seek is still months and miles away, and we need the good people of Texas to help us get there.”

With 90 percent of the electoral precincts in Wisconsin reporting, Mr. Obama had 58 percent of the vote to Mrs. Clinton’s 41 percent. On the Republican side, Mr. McCain had 55 percent to Mr. Huckabee’s 37 percent. And early returns in Washington State showed him with 48 percent of the vote to Mr. Huckabee’s 21 percent. In Hawaii, Mr. Obama had 75 percent of the vote, with 71 of precincts reporting, while Mrs. Clinton had 24 percent.

More...

LINK: Obama Extends Streak to 10 and Makes Inroads Among Women

I was able to see both Sen. Obama AND Sen. McCain the Saturday beforehand. In addition, my grandmother and aunt met Hillary Clinton, while Mike Huckabee campaigned within three miles of my house.

It was all very exciting. More on this later.

-Mr. Joseph

Wednesday Funnies

The latest "This Modern World" by Tom Tomorrow is quite funny...LINK: This Modern World

-Mr. Joseph

Al Gore voted for...

...someone we will not know...

The Politico...

Al Gore hasn't made an endorsement, but he has made his choice.

Gore's Smith County ballot was one of the 631,680 counted yesterday in Tennessee, where Clinton won the state by a 54% to 40% margin.

"He early voted," said Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider. "As a private citizens, neither of the Gores are releasing who they voted for."

LINK: Al Gore's vote

I'm surprised he did not endorse anyone. But, I can understand: it's a tough choice. However, I hope Edwards will choose to endorse.

-Mr. Joseph

Eastwood on Coulter: "very masochistic"

One of my favorite actors, Clint Eastwood made a great point about Ann Coulter and other conservatives (like Rush Limbaugh and James Dobson and Glenn Beck) in response to this...

Chicago Tribune...

Clint Eastwood, actor, film director and producer and himself a smalltown mayor, sees a sense of masochism in the Republicans -- like Ann Coulter -- who say they cannot support John McCain's bid for the White House.

And Coulter has a new line of her own.

Happy Chinese New Year.

In an interview with FOX Business Network’s Neil Cavuto live from Pebble Beach, Calif., at the site of the AT&T National Pro-Am Golf Tournament aired this evening, Eastwood talks politics.

Eastwood has this to say about Ann Coulter’s claim that she would vote for Hillary Clinton over John McCain: "Conservatives, often times, are very masochistic. They say, 'I’d rather not show up than have so-and-so. If it’s not my guy then I won’t show up’. You can’t be that way.”

Coulter, commentator and author of If Democrats Had Any Brains, They’d be Republicans, had said last week on FOX's Hannity and Colmes that she'd sooner campaign for Clinton than vote for McCain.

Tonight, on Cavuto's show, Coulter made a new offer: “If McCain weren’t a dunce, what he would do is take Mitt Romney as his vice president,'' she said on FOX. "That’s the only way, I think, you could get me to vote for him and that’s my final offer.”

Eastwood had this to say about the nomination of McCain, which was propelled today by the withdrawal of Mitt Romney: "If that’s the way it’s supposed to go then that’s the way it’s supposed to go. I like John McCain, personally, very much.”

“John McCain has talked about keeping down spending," Eastwood says, "and we’ve got to do that... IIt’s a surprise that Mitt Romney dropped out so soon, but it’s an expensive deal…and it’s an expensive deal emotionally on the family.”

Finally, sounding a bit like McCain on the campaign trail, the "Make my day" actor turned director has this to say about political spending: "Both parties and both houses seem to be spending like drunken sailors. No offense to the Navy, of course."

LINK: Clint Eastwood: Ann Coulter, others, 'masochistic'

Also, a humorous story from Think Progress...

Brian Faughnan from the Weekly Standard reports from CPAC that right-wing pundit Ann Coulter still has plenty of books to sell:

Curiously untouched: Ann Coulter books. There are plenty left if you need to complete your collection. Note to my family: you know what you’re getting for Christmas.

Coulter was not offered a speaking slot by this year’s CPAC organizers.

LINK: Coulter’s books ‘curiously untouched’ at CPAC.

Clint Eastwood just made my day.

-Mr. Joseph

ROMNEY'S OUT!

Victory! The Romneybot 3000 is out! He's done! Oh, what a relief. Easily the worst candidate from the start (besides Brownback). Now I can sleep easy.

MSNBC...

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney used this year's CPAC confab here as the venue to bring his presidential bid to a close.

"If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Sen. Clinton or Obama would win," Romney said in his remarks.

As the results were rolling in on Super Tuesday, the Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes correctly predicted on FOX that Romney would likely exit the presidential race during his CPAC appearance.

Several scenarios abounded regarding the road ahead should Romney have stayed in the race (including a situation the campaign explained to the New York Times that had the campaign hoping they could nab many of the delegates up for grabs in the event of a Huckabee concession), but too many prognosticators deemed the odds mathematically impossible.

Romney employed many of the same lines in his speech that he's used on the stump throughout his campaign. And he confirmed one obvious thing that he admitted in his book, Turnaround, following his failed 1994 Senate campaign: He hates to lose.

LINK: Romney Makes It Official; He's Out

RELATED READING...

LINK: Obama On Romney: An "Ineffective Candidate"

LINK: Huckabee vows to press on

LINK: Transcript of Romney’s Speech Withdrawing From the Race

Today is a good day.

-Mr. Joseph

UPDATE (2/25/08):

Oh, is he...?

Rev. Haggard exits "restoration" process early

I guess he realized you just can't "quit" being gay.

Colorado Springs Gazette...

New Life Church said Tuesday that former pastor Ted Haggard has prematurely ended a "spiritual restoration" process begun when he was fired for sexual misconduct.

Haggard was fired from New Life Church and resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals in November 2006 after a former male prostitute alleged they had a cash-for-sex relationship. The man also said he saw Haggard use methamphetamine.

Haggard confessed to undisclosed "sexual immorality" and said he bought meth but didn't use it.

New Life said in a written statement that "the process of restoring Ted Haggard is incomplete and (New Life) maintains its original stance that he should not return to vocational ministry."

Haggard and his family moved to Phoenix last year. As part of a severance package that paid Haggard through 2007, he agreed to leave Colorado Springs and not talk about the scandal publicly. But Haggard made public an e-mail asking for financial support, drawing a rebuke from the restoration team.

Haggard couldn't be reached.

He had agreed shortly after his dismissal to the restoration process, which was expected to include counseling and prayer and last five years or longer. New Life officials made it clear that restoration would not include a return to the pulpit.

On Tuesday, New Life said Haggard will maintain an undisclosed "accountability relationship" with Phoenix First Assembly of God and the Rev. Tommy Barnett.

Barnett was one of three evangelical elder statesmen who served on the restoration team.

No one answered the phone at Phoenix First Assembly after hours on Tuesday.

New Life's statement said Haggard's leadership of the church had been extraordinary "for many years" and wished him and his family well.

Haggard was replaced in August by Brady Boyd, who had been an associate senior pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

LINK: Haggard exits restoration process early

RELATED READING...

LINK: C&L: Ted Haggard Premature Ejection From “Restoration Therapy”

Wonderful...

-Mr. Joseph

Olbermann Promo: "Who will steal the Political Thunder?"

Last night, a promo for Countdown's pre-Super Tuesday coverage ended with the phrase, "Who will steal the 'political thunder?". That's awesome. An unintentional shout-out to my blog. And by my favorite anchor, Keith Olbermann. Well, I'll be watching his show tonight, for sure.

Anyway, guess who my "ideal candidate" on the Indecision 2008's quiz is. Yep, John Edwards.
In addition, I have been asked to do an interview for the radio show, "The Lake Effect" on WUWM. The interview is in regards to this article, in which I was mentioned.

Today has been good to me.

-Mr. Joseph

No Savage!

Robert Greenwald and Brave New Films have started yet another great campaign -- to get the Islmamophobe, Michael Savage off the air.

Check out this video and get involved!

LINK: Michael Savage Hates Muslims

Fight the bully at NoSavage.org!

-Mr. Joseph

UPDATE (2/11/08):

LINK: TP: Five More Advertisers Abandon Michael Savage’s Hate-Filled Radio Show

Russ Feingold on the new FISA legislation

I'm so proud he is from my state. He is right on every issue. Especially these important ones...

Video...

LINK: Russ Feingold on the New FISA Legislation

-Mr. Joseph

Ann Coulter endorses Hillary over McCain!

Wow, I'm sure Sen. Clinton really does not want this endorsement, but she's got it.

These two videos say all that needs to be said...

LINK: Coulter: I'll campaign for Hillary if McCain is the nominee

I love Alan Colmes's reaction near the end of that clip. I also like how it is impossible for Hannity to even acknowledge her point.


LINK: Coulter: No, I'm not kidding about backing Hillary

Just another reason for me to dislike Romney.

-Mr. Joseph

RELATED READING...

LINK: Ann Coulter endorses Hillary Clinton

UPDATE (2/7/08):
Apparently, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and James Dobson are also vehemently opposed to McCain.

However, Coulter has stated that "If McCain weren’t a dunce, what he would do is take Mitt Romney as his vice president... That’s the only way, I think, you could get me to vote for him and that’s my final offer."

John Edwards drops out...

Well, I was ever disappointed to get this news. Edwards was my candidate. And now I can't say that I met the man who might be President. Oh well, it was a long shot anyway and he gave it a good run. All this means is that Obama probably has a better chance of getting the nomination.

From JohnEdwards.com...

I began my presidential campaign here to remind the country that we, as citizens and as a government, have a moral responsibility to each other, and what we do together matters. We must do better, if we want to live up to the great promise of this country that we all love so much.

It is appropriate that I come here today. It's time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path. We do not know who will take the final steps to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but what we do know is that our Democratic Party will make history. We will be strong, we will be unified, and with our convictions and a little backbone we will take back the White House in November and we'll create hope and opportunity for this country.

More...

LINK: Remarks Of John Edwards Today In New Orleans

Video...

LINK: Thank you.

Best of luck to you, Senator...

-Mr. Joseph

PS Anyone remember this great story the Onion did of him?

Giuliani drops out, endorses McCain

Wow, this guy was at the top of the list this Summer, and McCain was all but out. What a turn of events. So his "Florida or bust" strategy went bust, and even Ron Paul lasted longer than "America's Mayor".

MSNBC...

At a very well attended press conference here just a few hours before he was scheduled to participate in yet another GOP debate, Rudy Giuliani announced his departure from the presidential race and his endorsement of John McCain.

"I'm fully aboard, 100%," Giuliani said, announcing that if McCain would have him, he plans on campaigning on the senator's behalf in Feb 5th states. "I don't do things half way. I do them 100%, and when I believe in a man ­– like I do John McCain – this will become, to me, as important as my own election was."

With Cindy McCain looking on adoringly, Giuliani added more evidence to the 'anti-Mitt Romney' story line, as GOP establishment becomes more content lining up behind McCain's candidacy.

"There will be a clear choice this November and I believe that my life has prepared me for a life of service and a life of dedication," McCain said. "My strong right arm and my partner and my friend in this effort will be the former mayor of New York City, all-American hero, Rudy Giuliani."

McCain explained that he and Giuliani were uniquely aware of the threat of 'radical Islamic extremism,' and when he talked about a "clear choice" in November he implied that the Democratic candidates were not up to what he often calls "the transcendent challenge of the twenty first century."

Less than an hour after McCain and Giuliani left the spin room virtually arm-in-arm, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger held his own press conference and openly hinted that his own endorsement of McCain could come as early as tomorrow. When asked specifically if he is planning an endorsement, Schwarzenegger said he had "no news today" on the topic.

But he said that Giuliani's departure from the race certainly indicates that "the dynamics have changed," and he went on to announce that he will be attending an event with McCain tomorrow that will focus on conservation and the environment.

Schwarzenegger's endorsement – if it does come – could have the same effect that Gov. Charlie Crist's endorsement had on McCain's campaign in Florida, providing an influential last-minute bump in a delegate-rich state.

LINK: RUDY DROPS OUT, THROWS SUPPORT TO MCCAIN

And then there were four...

-Mr. Joseph

Clinton, McCain win Florida...

In a repeat of New Hampshire, Sen. McCain and Sen. Clinton won each party's primary in the state of Florida...

Epoch Times...

With all but a few precincts reporting, the results of Florida's primary election are clear: Sen. John McCain and Sen. Hillary Clinton are the big winners in Florida.

Arizona Sen. McCain defeated former Massachusetts Governor Romney 36% to 31%, a healthy margin of victory in a state full of transplanted Northeasterners.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who had counted on scoring big in Florida to prove his campaign's viability before Super Tuesday, garnered less than 15% of the vote.

Some media are reporting that Giuliani will withdraw form the race and endorse McCain.

As for the Democrats, Hillary Clinton decisively defeated Barack Obama by 17 percentage points, 50% to 33%. John Edwards finished with 14.5%.

Some exit polls showed Obama as a clear favorite over Clinton. It remains to be seen exactly where Sen. Clinton drew her support, and where Sen. Obama will have to work harder if he is to remain an par with Sen. Clinton.

Florida used to hold its primary election in March, but switched to late January to give the state a greater voice in determining the fate of the Presidential candidates.

This switch angered both national parties. The Democratic national party actually has a rule which states that no Democratic primaries can take place before February 5 (Super Tuesday.) Because of this, democratic candidates were not allowed to campaign in Florida. Many feel that this gave the GOP a chance to convert some Floridians in this important swing state.

Because official campaign efforts were prohibited, the results of the democratic vote likely reflect the strength of the different candidates' grassroots campaign machines. With no official support form the candidates, the ability of the citizens' organizations probably made the difference.

Florida voters are also deciding to adopt or reject property tax reform measure Amendment One, which would raise the Florida Homestead Exemption, cap property tax increases for Florida residents buying new homes, and change the appraising methods for determining the value of some properties.

Many voters found the amendment confusing, while others resented the scare tactics used by its opponents, who claimed that if Amendment One passed, essential services such as police and fire protection would be cut.

Ultimately, the prospect of lower property taxes and transferable resident benefits won the day.

Because of an amendment passed in 2006, future amendments to the Florida State Constitution would require a sixty percent majority to pass into law. Amendment One earned nearly 65%.

LINK: McCain Beats Romney, Hillary Beats Obama in Florida Primary

I am absolutely stunned that McCain is doing as well as he is right now.

-Mr. Joseph

Obama wins SC Primary!

Congratulations to Barack Obama! Alas, John Edwards' campaign is in trouble, but hopefully his role as "kingmaker" will make Obama the nominee.

CNN...

Sen. Barack Obama claimed a significant victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary on Saturday, telling supporters "we are hungry for change."

The Illinois senator earned more than twice the vote that rival Sen. Hillary Clinton did, 55 percent to 27 percent, unofficial returns showed.

Former Sen. John Edwards was third with 18 percent.

"Tonight, the cynics who believed that what began in the snows of Iowa was just an illusion were told a different story by the good people of South Carolina," Obama said to supporters Saturday.

A win in South Carolina was considered crucial for Obama, who won Iowa but finished second to Clinton in New Hampshire and Nevada. See what the results mean »

"I did not travel around this state over the last year and see a white South Carolina or a black South Carolina. I saw South Carolina," he said.

"The choice in this election is not between regions or religions or genders," Obama said. "It's not about rich versus poor; young versus old; and it is not about black versus white.

"It's about the past versus the future."

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Obama had 55 percent of the vote. Clinton was second with 27 percent, followed by Edwards, with 18 percent. Obama's victory capped a heated contest in South Carolina, the first Democratic primary in the South and the first with a largely African-American electorate.

Obama, who is hoping to become the the nation's first African-American president, did well with black voters, who made up about half of Saturday's electorate, according to exit polls.

Black voters supported the Illinois senator by a margin of more than 4-to-1 over his nearest rival, exit polls indicate.

Among white voters, Obama took about a quarter of the vote, with Clinton and Edwards roughly splitting the remainder, according to exit polls.

Clinton congratulated Obama and said she was excited to move forward to the Super Tuesday contests on February 5.

"Millions and millions of Americans are going to have the chance to have their voices heard and their votes counted," she told supporters at Tennessee State University.

Edwards also looked ahead to the next contests.

"Now the three of us move on to February 5, where millions of Americans will cast their vote and help shape the future of this party and help shape the future of America," he said.

"Our campaign from the very beginning has been about one central thing, and that is to give voice to the millions of Americans who have absolutely no voice in this democracy."

More...

LINK: Obama claims big win in South Carolina

And as long as more Democrats are voting than Republicans, it can only be good news.

-Mr. Joseph

Sylvester Stallone endorses McCain!

Mike Huckabee has Chuck Norris, but McCain now has Stallone. I hope this being stuck in the back of my mind won't ruin the new Rambo movie for me. I'm seeing it tomorrow.

Crooks and Liars...

GOP presidential hopeful John McCain joined the Fox & Friends gang Thursday morning and they had a little surprise for him. Apparently, actor Sylvester Stallone is a big fan of the Senator and thinks he’s the right man for the job. McCain gets all fired up and does his best Rocky impression and Steve Doocy tells him to go pound a side of beef. Watch out, Governor Huckabee — your celebrity endorsement just got some competition. Oy…

LINK: Chuck Norris Hearts Huckabee, But McCain has RAMBO!

Priceless...

I wonder if this means that Stallone has to fight Chuck Norris...

-Mr. Joseph

Kucinich to drop out

I'm surprised by this news. In 2004, he continued to run after Kerry had been nominated. This will probably disappoint a few of my friends.

Alas, here is the scoop...

Cleveland.com...

Dennis Kucinich is staying home.

Two weeks after insisting he could run for Congress and president at the same time, his decision Thursday to drop his second bid for the White House suggests he is concerned about winning a seventh term in Congress.

He faces four candidates in the Democratic primary, including Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman, who has become his chief rival by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and winning media attention.

Kucinich, 61, who has easily won re-election, wouldn't say Thursday what influenced his contested congressional race had on his decision to drop out of the presidential contest. Kucinich will hold a news conference at noon today at a downtown union hall to explain his decision.

He cited his exclusion from national debates and the practical strains of running a national campaign as reasons for leaving.

"There is a point at which you just realize that you, look, you accept it, that it isn't going to happen and you move on," he said during a Congressional endorsement interview with The Plain Dealer editorial board and reporters. Kucinich stayed in the 2004 presidential race until late summer, when he had little competition for re-election back home.

Kucinich said he will not endorse another Democrat in the primary.

Kucinich is seeking a seventh term in Congress, but his long-shot bid for the White House has drawn four Democratic opponents.

When he kicked off his congressional re-election bid Jan. 9, he said he would focus on his local race, but then ratcheted up his presidential bid, campaigning in Michigan and Nevada and filing unsuccessful legal appeals to stay on the ballot in Texas and to win a spot on stage during presidential debates. He has fared poorly in early presidential contests.

More...

LINK: Kucinich drops presidential bid

Video...

For more coverage of Dennis Kucinich, go to the Openers blog.

It's just Hillary, Obama, and Edwards now... and Gravel.

-Mr. Joseph

PS Although I never totally supported his candidacy, I will always appreciate his stance on the SOA. And my favorite photo from the SOA Protest last fall was one of Kucinich's youngest supporters...

O'Reilly vs. Levin?

Even though he's got Scarborough, Imus, Snoop Dog, Al Franken, Olbermann, David Brock, and so many others ready to duke it out with him, I never thought I would hear about this feud...

OpEdNews.com...

Attack. Demonize. Divide and Deride.

It's the right wing Lords of Loud bread and butter. Ripping the opposition is as comforting to talk show hosts as Jessica Simpson is to a New York Giants fan.

Oh, they'll yell all day how the evil Left throws around the Nazi card. Meanwhile, Jonah Goldberg's newest tome, "Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning" is being pimped across the dial by right-minded Lords of Loud.

But this week the Right Wing whack attack took an even darker turn...inwards. And when I heard the light and lilting modulated tones of talk show host Mark Levin on his daily show throwing down the gauntlet at the feet of journalist Bill O'Reilly yesterday, I nearly fell off my No Spin Recliner.

Levin was royally annoyed that Bill had anointed himself chief oversight for talk radio standards of demeanor when he brought on six talk show hosts on the TV Factor to discuss what is the right or wrong behavior for radio hosts.

Though no names were bandied about on the Factor, Levin felt Bill was referring to Levin himself as an example of someone who had the temerity to mock politicians, physically and otherwise.

How upset was the normally calm and collected Levin? After saying that O'Reilly had no audience and would be off the air in a year, he said the worst thing you could say about the performance of a host, that O'Reilly "phones it in." In radio parlance, he basically just shows up and wings it.

But the real shot hit the fan when Levin reminded his audience that Bill was involved in a "porn"(Levin's word, not mine) scandal where he was taped sexually harassing a younger subordinate, one in which Bill had to pay millions to make it go away. Levin said that if Bill didn't stop taking on the mantel of talk radio's ombudsman, he would "do an hour on the porn" during his own show.

Yikes.

While Levin's show is syndicated by ABC and O'Reilly by Westwood One so there's no love lost there, but there are outlets, like KABC in Los Angeles, where both shows broadcast over the same station. Having one host going to war with another one in the same lineup should make for a bunch of tight sphincters in a number of program directors' offices.

Will Bill acquiesce to Levin's demands or will the Nospinster tell Levin to stick it where the AM signal is difficult to receive?

Will Levin allow O'Reilly to tell him how he should behave on his own show or will he end up broadcasting a show that would guarantee to draw Levin's largest audience?

We should know soon, but I can already feel the WWE verberations on the airwaves.

Levin vs O'Reilly.

Steel Cage Radio Match

No Loofas Barred

Vince McMahon, eat your heart out.

LINK: Right Wing Talk Wars! Mark Levin Threatens O'Reilly With Hour Exposing Bill's "Porn"

And by the way, yes, the Mark Levin mentioned here is the same one that was dubbed Sean Hannity's "Cabin Boy" by Alec Baldwin.

Oh, please let this escalate!

-Mr. Joseph

The 2008 Presidential Elections: A Closer Look at the Democratic Candidates

With the primaries heating up, I thought it would be a good idea to analyze the remaining Democratic candidates, given that I am a Democrat. I may analyze the Republican field later this week.

Hillary Clinton...

Senator Clinton is the obvious establishment candidate on Democratic aisle. She has been involved in politics for all her life and she is clearly an expert in the arena. I like Senator Clinton and I could vote for her in good conscience because she is an effective Democrat, a natural leader, and has lead a life full of political experiences. It seems to be an ignorant trend to whine and promise to "move to Canada" if she is elected, and unfortunately, that ignorance is heard quite a bit. But the bottom line is that we all know she would be a very effective President. She's Pro-Choice, pro-civil unions (believes states should decide on gay marriage), against CAFTA (despite her husband supporting NAFTA), pro-gun control, and claims she is the best to implement a "uniquely American" universal healthcare. In addition she has voted with Democrats 96.7% of the time and, although deeply spiritual, she has a near flawless voting record on supporting the separation of Church and State.

In short, like I said, she is an effective politician and reliable Democrat. However, for years she has been the target of some of the most vicious Right-Wing attacks, I would argue that she has endured the most vile smear campaign against of all recent politicians, so one has to admire her resolve.

My only criticism is that she is, in fact, the Washington Insider. She is the Establishment candidate in an election focused on change, and because of that, I personally cannot endorse or support her, unless she is nominated. And that is because, although the establishment candidate, she is definitely more qualified than ANY of the Republican candidates. I'll get to them later.

LINK: Hillary Clinton on the issues

Barack Obama...

Senator Obama has run a fantastic campaign that focuses on the theme of change. He claims that he can bring the honesty, integrity, and positive change that Washington so desperately needs. His campaign has focused on reaching out to others, rising above the petty politics of a campaign, and ending the culture of corruption this last administration has allowed and encouraged to flourish.

Although his record in national politics is limited, his campaign articulates that he is very much Pro-Choice, pro-civil unions (although against gay marriage), interested in amending NAFTA, very pro-gun control, supports comprehensive health care reform, and wholeheartedly supports the separation of Church and State.

I was overjoyed to see Obama win Iowa, and I really hope he will get the nomination, for it seems (at least at this point) he is the only Democrat who has a chance at defeating Hillary in the Democratic primary. His message is uplifting, his speeches are inspiring, and his campaign has been run very well. However, I am terribly upset set to see the topic of race being brought up. Clearly this country still has a problem with racism and I am ever disappointed in this part of the American public that still have issues with a black President.

LINK: Barack Obama on the issues

John Edwards...

Senator Edwards is my pick for President. The man is intelligent, compassionate, and capable of leading this country. He truly cares about the working class -- there is a reason so many major unions endorsed him early. Alas, the media has decided that the Democrats are in a two-person race and have unfairly counted Edwards out. Because of this, Edwards will probably end up taking the role of "kingmaker" by choosing to either endorse Hillary or Obama.

He is staunchly Pro-Choice, pro-civil unions (he still struggles on the issue of gay marriage), very pro-union, opposes NAFTA, has promised to end the Iraq War within his first year, pro-gun rights, and is for universal healthcare. Martin Luther King III and Ralph Nader have endorsed him, and Michael Moore hinted that he is the best choice on healthcare issues.

People like to crack jokes at Edwards because of the $400 haircut nonsense and the "Breck girl" comment, but the bottom line is that he is a man of integrity who cares deeply for those who are struggling in this country. His message has always been one about standing up for the little guy, and although cliche, I believe he means it. I don't agree with Edwards on everything, but I honestly believe he is the best choice for the Presidency.

LINK: John Edwards on the Issues

Dennis Kucinich...

I have not followed the Kucinich campaign as closely as perhaps I should have. His candidacy is, unfortunately, not one that is taken seriously (aside from those on the far Left). I saw him speak at the SOA Protest last November and it was very moving. He has a great message, but his attitude perplexes me. He consistently looks for ways to differ from those in his party on issues he should agree with -- from not boycotting a FOX News debate to refusing to sign a "loyalty pledge", Kucinich appears to be antagonistic when it comes to party loyalty. However, some see this as a good thing.

He's right (in my opinion) on all the issues -- Pro-Choice, pro-gay marriage, against NAFTA, he promised to end the War in Iraq immediately, he is pro-gun control, pro-universal healthcare, and is, apparently, deeply spiritual.

Alas, he will get few votes except from his die-hard supporters, which is too bad, because, even if I am not supporting him right now, I agree he deserves much more credit than he is given.

LINK: Dennis Kucinich on the Issues

Mike Gravel...

I did not know much about Mike Gravel at the beginning of the campaign and I still do not. I know he is to the Left on every position, which is good on some issues, but bad on others. Extremism is never good, and I believe Gravel pushes that on some issues.

His campaign is even less serious than Kucinich's. At his highest popularity, Gravel polled at 1%, and now his campaign stops include high schools. In addition, he has been shut out of more debates than he has been invited to.

Personally, I am not much of a fan of Gravel. I like most of his social positions, but his foreign policy seems a bit off, and his personal demeanor strikes me as odd. He seems to be, perhaps delusional.

Whatever the case, Gravel added something to this election and I am glad he still pursues his campaign even though it was over before it began.

LINK: Mike Gravel on the Issues

So that's my late analysis of the remaining Democrats. Like I said earlier, I hope to discuss the Republican field next. Also, please note, all the facts I listed can be verified at OnTheIssues.org.

-Mr. Joseph

Gore supports Same-Sex marriage

I'm not sure why he released this video, but it has a great message. Hopefully, this will prod the '08 Dems to step up and take this position too.

Video via Current TV...

LINK: Gay men and women should have the same rights

RELATED READING...

LINK: Gore for same-sex marriage

Global Warming, the War in Iraq, Healthcare, and now Same-Sex Marriage -- Al Gore is right about everything.

-Mr. Joseph

Still Lazy Like a Fox: Thompson is out!

Fred Thompson marks the first of the top-tier candidates to drop out. Alas, this will probably have little effect on the race. His campaign will be noted by his unfortunate endorsements, a reputation for being lazy, and Nixon's damning words...

Breitbart.com...

Republican Fred Thompson, the actor-politician who attracted more attention as a potential presidential candidate than as a real one, quit the race for the White House on Tuesday after a string of poor finishes in early primary and caucus states.

"Today, I have withdrawn my candidacy for president of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort," the former Tennessee senator said in a brief statement.

Thompson's fate was sealed last Saturday in the South Carolina primary, when he finished third in a state that he had said he needed to win.

In the statement, Thompson did not say whether he would endorse any of his former rivals. He was one of a handful of members of Congress who supported Arizona Sen. John McCain in 2000 in his unsuccessful race against George W. Bush for the party nomination.

Thompson, best known as the gruff district attorney on NBC's "Law & Order," placed third in Iowa and South Carolina, two states seemingly in line with his right-leaning pitch and laid-back style, and fared even worse in the four other states that have held contests thus far. Money already tight, he ran out of it altogether as the losses piled up.

Thompson, 65, exits the most wide open Republican race in half a century; three candidates each having won in the six states that have voted.

In Florida, McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani are battling for the lead ahead of its Jan. 29 primary, while former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee evaluates his next steps amid money troubles.

Thompson's withdrawal capped a turbulent 10 months that saw him go from hot to not in short order.

He began toying with a presidential run last March, emboldened by a fluid Republican nomination fight and a restive conservative GOP base. He also was charmed by resounding calls for him to get into the race—and his meteoric springtime rise to the top of national and state polls.

Fans trying to draft him as a candidate launched an online effort, seizing on his conservative Senate voting record as well as his lumbering 6-foot-5 frame and deep baritone as they argued that he was right out of central casting. They painted him as the second coming of Ronald Reagan and the would-be savior of a Republican Party demoralized after electoral losses in 2006 at all levels of government.

Expectations rose higher—and his standing in polls started to fall as he failed to meet them.

Thompson played coy about his intentions all the while taking steps to prepare for a formal entrance into the race with a flourish. He cut ties with NBC, visited early voting states and delivered high-profile speeches. And, he started raising money and set up a preliminary campaign organization.

He delayed his expected summertime entrance in the race until fall, perhaps missing an opening created by McCain's near campaign implosion.

As he prepared to officially join the race, Thompson was plagued by lackluster fundraising; high-profile staff departures, including some prompted by his wife Jeri's involvement in the campaign, and less- than-stellar performances on the stump. Thompson also endured repeated questions about his career as a lobbyist and his thin Senate record.

Thompson formally announced his bid in early September, but hit a rocky patch from the get-go.

His easygoing style and reputation for laziness translated into a light campaign schedule that raised questions about his desire to be president. A spate of inartful answers to campaign-trail questions—on everything from the Terri Schiavo case to Osama bin Laden—didn't help matters.

Though his star had faded, Thompson earned positive reviews for a series of debate performances last fall and earned an endorsement by the National Right to Life Committee.

More...

LINK: Fred Thompson Quits Presidential Race

-Mr. Joseph

FLASHBACK VIDEO...

LINK: Thompson: Applaud ME

MLK III endorses Edwards!

Crooks and Liars...

On Saturday afternoon, John Edwards met with Martin Luther King III, son of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the King Center in Atlanta. He received this note (.pdf) from him the following day:

…I appreciate that on the major issues of health care, the environment, and the economy, you have framed the issues for what they are - a struggle for justice. And, you have almost single-handedly made poverty an issue in this election.

You know as well as anyone that the 37 million people living in poverty have no voice in our system. They don’t have lobbyists in Washington and they don’t get to go to lunch with members of Congress. Speaking up for them is not politically convenient. But, it is the right thing to do.

I am disturbed by how little attention the topic of economic justice has received during this campaign. I want to challenge all candidates to follow your lead, and speak up loudly and forcefully on the issue of economic justice in America.[..]

I believe that now, more than ever, we need a leader who wakes up every morning with the knowledge of that injustice in the forefront of their minds, and who knows that when we commit ourselves to a cause as a nation, we can make major strides in our own lifetimes. My father was not driven by an illusory vision of a perfect society. He was driven by the certain knowledge that when people of good faith and strong principles commit to making things better, we can change hearts, we can change minds, and we can change lives.

So, I urge you: keep going. Ignore the pundits, who think this is a horserace, not a fight for justice. My dad was a fighter. As a friend and a believer in my father’s words that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, I say to you: keep going. Keep fighting. My father would be proud.

I don’t know about you, but if I got a letter like that, it would be framed and on my wall where every visitor could see it.

LINK: Martin Luther King III to John Edwards: I challenge all candidates to follow your lead

On a day that celebrates MLK's legacy, Edwards receives a wonderful complement from the man's son, and all the media does is declare that the Democrat are in a "two person" race.

-Mr. Joseph