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Or ask him about Israel. The Atlantic did just that, and he responded by calling it a “constant wound” that “infects all of our foreign policy”. Reading the full context, you can kind of get that Obama is actually talking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (not that it really explains how that conflict has anything to do with non-Middle Eastern foreign policy, but whatever). Given that most of Obama’s candidacy is built upon the hype he builds with his far-reaching oratory, the fact that he routinely commits gaffes in debates and interviews will start to add up.

Someone should remind voters that you don’t get to take a prepared speech when you negotiate with foreign heads of state.

I got a lot of grief from some quarters saying that the Republican Party must moderate and not be so extreme. I’d rather see us show a respect for the Constitution I swore to uphold and defend when I joined the Marine Corps in 1983. Having principles is not extreme, it is called sticking to your guns. Upholding the law is not extreme, or is it? Do I need a dose of nuance from the left? Wandering about the internet I have stumbled upon a kindred spirits in the issue of the Republicans ongoing leftward meandering in the name of Wir and Hawkins. Both present interesting views on the matters. From Wir:

Republicans are denied a “meaningful opportunity to participate” in the affairs of their own political party. If you are asked to join something, anything, you expect that joining means involvement and participation. People don’t join civic or political affairs just to receive barked orders.

This is something that rings true, and Wir goes on to write …

Turnover in leadership, changing of the guard from one generation to the next is being delayed because simply turning 65 no longer means one’s getting infirm.

The trouble with this is that as the leadership becomes entrenched it becomes self serving which is why we get bridges to nowhere, and other forms of runaway spending. Wir further notes:

The GOP once the party of reform, became the party of insiders. Access to power replaced the power of ideas.

We started to try to hold on to power by any means necessary, which narrowed the differences between us and the Democrats. This is lethal for Republicans for unlike the Democrats the Republican party does not have the old guard media carrying its water. With the scandals and spending excesses the Republicans may have consigned themselves to the wilderness for a generation.

Then comes part two of this disaster, the non-conservative Republicans. Spector, Graham, Bush et all, and of course … McCain. They have shown contempt for the constituency that propelled this party to power. The Conservatives are the mainstay of the Republican party. The trouble with the economy, Iraq etc all pale in comparison to the disenchantment of conservatives with the GOP. Hawkens states:

there is one overriding problem that dwarfs all the others, a problem that few people in the leadership of the Republican Party seem to have come to grips with. That problem is that conservatives, who are the heart and soul of the Republican Party, no longer believe that the GOP has their best interests at heart.

We do not see our selves being served. So we are staying home. We stayed home in 2006, we have seen nothing to fight for. Simply voting against Obama is not enough. People need something to vote for. Hawkins continues …

does the Republican Party adequately represent conservative interests? No. Do George Bush and John McCain’s values and beliefs match up well with those of the average conservative in the Party? No, they do not. Does the machinery of the Republican Party — the RNC, the NRCC, NSCC — treat conservatives fairly and do a good job of representing conservative interests? Not at all.

This is the heart of it. The McCain-Kennedy Amnesty bill was brought up and the elites tried to stuff it down the countries’ throat, that finally tore it. Sen Graham’s calling us bigots was not helpful either. The money dried up. The approval ratings dropped even more, and the conservatives walked; most have not returned, for nothing has been done to improve matters. Some will provide an anti-Obama vote, but face it, this is small potatoes when compared to the millions of votes that will be home Nov 4. Good luck fellas, you’ll miss us.

I hope everyone is OK.  My house backs up on Bull Run, and the flooding was tremendous.  I’d estimate that Bull Run was at least ten feet above normal, which was as high as I’ve ever seen it, by far.

Voting for Round 2 ends today and Round 3 starts tomorrow, so keep going back you political junkies!

Kaine is trying hard to find a legacy for himself as his time in office is rapidly dwindling.  He has accomplished very little except increased spending and more tax increase plans during his tenure in office. 

I can’t wait until next year so we can elect Bob McDonnell as our new Governor and restore competency to the Governor’s Office. 

I must start by congratulating the bridge and groom, as well as their families, for pulling off about as normal of a wedding as could be had for the daughter of the incumbent POTUS.  Jenna certainly showed the press she was smarter than they thought when she decided to marry a good Virginia boy.  I wish them both the best in their new life together.

One unanswered question, however, remains where the married couple will make their permanent home.  With the wedding behind them and Henry graduating this weekend from UVA’s Darden Business school, the possibilities are seemingly endless.  Certainly both have a variety of connections to the DC area, so that would seem a natural fit.  Then again, the Hagers are closely tied to the Richmond area as well.  Further, there is always the possibility of a relocation to Texas.

If they do decide to settle in Virginia and Henry’s dad is able to hold on to the Chairmanship of the Party, that would certainly make Henry a marked man in GOP circles for future political office (as if he wasn’t already).  Having a Father- and Grandfather-in-law who have occupied the Oval Office certainly doesn’t hurt either. 

So what do you think, dear readers? Will Henry Hager follow the Robb example and parlay his new family into a golden ticket into the political arena? Or will the understated example of this weekend’s wedding be a model for these two political offspring leading a much quieter life?

Sadly, this is the norm for Virginia now.  There is no forward thinking in government, nobody attempting to formulate a plan that fixes problems for good, not just until the next election.  I would be inclined to swallow some tax hikes if you could convince me that all the money we give for transportation, we get back.  Thats why I supported HB3202 despite everything wrong with it.  Tim Kaine can raise every tax from Fairfax to Franklin and it won't matter.  We'll come back two years later with another short fall and more transportation problems because the money meant for us and HR won't get here.  Part of me can't help but think its some kind of conspiracy, because its so simple I can't believe its not fixed yet.  Its like we keep raising taxes just to keep up with the money that isn't going to us from the previous hike.  Despite everything else, at its heart HB3202 was about keeping money where it belonged.

Tim Kaine is "next election" kind of politician, and his budget shows no vision and offers no long term solutions.  Its simply a bandage on a gunshot wound.  As Ben points out, many of the taxes looking to be raised will really hurt lower income folks who with rising gas prices simply cannot afford a tax hike , much less one on sales.

If John McCain wins the presidency – and gets to appoint one or more U.S. Supreme Court justices – America’s 220-year experiment as a democratic Republic living under the principle that “no man is above the law” may come to an end.

To put the matter differently, if a President McCain replaces one of the moderate justices with another Samuel Alito – as McCain has vowed to do – then Justice Department lawyer John Yoo’s extreme vision of an all-powerful Executive could well become the new law of the land.

Virginia’s future prosperity depends upon the Commonwealth having a 21st Century transportation system. Growing up in Fairfax County, and later representing Virginia Beach in the House of Delegates, I have seen firsthand the transportation challenges that we face. I believe it is imperative we modernize and improve the transportation system in the Commonwealth, and I know the Governor believes this as well. While I have worked closely and in agreement with the Governor on many important reforms for our citizens, I cannot support the Governor’s tax and spend philosophy as outlined in his transportation plan.

I seriously have no idea of what to do about the transportation crisis, and I thank God every morning that it’s not my problem.

The Governor did not make his transportation plan available to Republicans until today so I am still reviewing the details.

I am utterly unnecessary in this process.

Through all the conversations, negotiations, and debate of the past several years, the Governor has continued to rely on his belief in higher taxes with increased spending, going to the same government bureaucracies that have not delivered transportation services efficiently.

Governor Kaine thinks that we must make money to have money if we want to buy stuff. I disagree, for reasons that are really much too complex for me to explain right now, so you’ll have to trust me on this. But I’ll give you a hint: Alf Broaddus gave me his old key to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. I’ll say no more.

Further, it is unfortunate that the Governor’s plan relies on regressive taxes that place a disproportionate burden on lower and middle-class citizens.

We must raise taxes on the wealthy.

Wait. Did I say that out loud?

What has been absolutely ignored is last year’s historic increase in transportation funding. The General Assembly passed bipartisan legislation that provided for the largest infusion of new statewide funding for transportation in 22 years, and did so without a statewide tax increase.

There is no transportation crisis. I have no idea what you people are complaining about.

Why is there no discussion of increased use of public-private partnerships in the Governor’s plan? Since the revamping of the Virginia Public-Private Transportation Act in 1995, it has been woefully underutilized. Why not let willing private road contractors take more of the financial risk, and, equally, gain more of the financial rewards of building infrastructure in Virginia? Where is the vast new statewide money from last year going? Why does the Governor believe that voters will now trust that money raised by a sales tax increase in Hampton Roads, but sent to Richmond, will actually come back to them in full? With the maintenance deficit and cost overruns being such a concern, why is there no provision to improve the efficiency of VDOT? Why is there no focus on dedicating new revenues to projects with proven ability to relieve congestion? Why are congestion pricing, tolls, and other free-market solutions not being considered?

I am not aware of the most basic facts about the state’s budgeting process, and honestly, I basically slept through Mark Warner’s administration. So if somebody could refresh me here, I’d be grateful.

There is no justification for a statewide tax increase.

Oh. My. God. I am so glad I don’t have to come up with a plan of my own. Because I’ve got nothing here. We’re all keeping our fingers and toes crossed that Kaine licks this thing before the 2009 election season gets underway.

FROM THE DESK OF
Amy N. Frederick

An Open Letter To William Howell, Speaker Of The Virginia House Of Delegates

Dear Mr. Speaker:

I received your letter this morning. To say that I was shocked would be an understatement.

It takes some nerve for you to write me to outline all the reasons my husband should not be Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV). Worse, your letter to me was apparently timed to arrive the same day RPV (the organization our opponent currently oversees) leaked misleading documents intended to attack Jeff's integrity.

Can you imagine your reaction if Jeff sent a letter to your wife Cessie telling her -- in light of the House Republican Caucus losing 11 seats to the Democrats since you've become Speaker -- that you should not be Speaker any more? That the House GOP has gone from a very healthy governing majority to now a slim 3 seat majority under your leadership and therefore you're not best qualified to be Speaker?

Then, on the same day after such a letter, you were attacked for standing on the podium at the 1993 Virginia Republican Convention to ask Republicans to defeat a pro-life nominee for Lt. Governor with a pro-choice alternative?

I believe you'd demand an apology from Jeff immediately -- and while I can't demand anything, I do believe you owe me an apology.

I realize Jeff is a young go-getter, and that rubs the old guard the wrong way. Yet, just because you've known Jeff's opponent for over 20 years, as you stated in your letter, doesn't excuse this sort of conduct.

I do find one of your statements rather curious:

"As the Speaker of the House of Delegates, I've stood firm for our conservative values and John Hager has stood with me. I've known John Hager for two decades, and I've always been able to count on him."

Was it the time you were advocating the Party go with a pro-choice statewide candidate over a pro-life leader, or more recently when John Hager was working to advance the agenda of Democratic Governor Mark Warner, that you were counting on him?

True, Jeff was too young to vote two decades ago when you started working with John, but is the old guard really getting things done?

Republicans came to power on the backs of conservative, grassroots activists, and Jeff is a young leader who has shown he can motivate young voters to join those who have spent years doing the volunteer work necessary to elect conservatives.

Jeff is not going to march more in line with the establishment to earn their support; no thanks. It is amazing to me that the old guard has betrayed grassroots conservatives on so many issues, yet still feels it can dictate to the grassroots who they need to select as their Party leaders.

As you recall, John Hager lost his 1992 bid for RPV Chairman running as a moderate. Then the Party was able to get back to its conservative principles on life, taxes and the 2nd Amendment and the result was us winning control of both houses of the General Assembly and sweeping all statewide offices.

On May 31, I believe the Republicans who attend the convention will vote to get back to winning elections and governing as conservatives -- and will defy you and the rest of the old guard to elect Jeff Frederick as RPV Chairman.

Sincerely,
Amy Frederick

You know I met Amy Frederick last month and came away quite impressed.  If anything, this letter is cleverly written where she doesn't come of as sounding like Maude Flanders ("won't someone please think of the children").  There is just the right touch of sarcasm and snark in there to make it effective and entertaining. 

No, because of West Virginia we are blessed with assertions like Hillary Clinton’s:

Implying that the party could lose in November if he is the nominee, Clinton told patrons of Tudor’s Biscuit World in Charleston: “I keep telling people, no Democrat has won the White House since 1916 without winning West Virginia.”

So the question is, how long has Hillary been telling this to people, and when she does, do they give her any meds?  Maybe she needs a rubber biscuit.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Wearing a flag lapel pin, Sen. Barack Obama emphasized his patriotism and support for a strong and humane military Monday, while Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton implored West Virginians to sustain her hopes of somehow denying him the Democratic presidential nomination.

After the speech, Obama stopped at Schultzie's Billiards hall, where he showed greater skill at pool than he had at bowling last month in Pennsylvania. As a small crowd oohed and ahhed at his third consecutive good shot, Obama said his skill was "the sign of a misspent youth. I wasn't doing wholesome things like bowling."

-from the DNR

Personally, I plan to work my butt off helping Jeff. He obtained a job from the city because he was qualified. A judge then found him to be qualified to take over for a treasurer who couldn’t handle the responsibility. Unless he bungles things over the next several months…..I don’t care what Penny’s great-great grandaddy did 100 years ago…or whether Bill Ney thinks the treasurer invests the money for the city.

I do think Penny is qualified, but it looks like she using her connections, which she did nothing for, to get a job.

A new era is beginning in the career of Frank Sinatra even if the Chairman of the Board isn’t here to participate.

The iconic singer died May 14, 1998, and the 10th anniversary is being marked with a flurry of activity, including a new U.S. postage stamp with his likeness, lavish new CD and DVD collections, a major revival of his films on television and high-profile media appearances by his children.

This surge in all things Sinatra is more than just a fleeting commemoration, however — it’s more like the beginning of a corporate brand roll-out.

(…)

What Sinatra offers to any venture is that most elusive of auras: eternal cool. Like Elvis Presley, James Dean or Marilyn Monroe, Sinatra’s image has compass-point clarity in pop culture despite the passage of time. For advertisers, he could be an especially potent signifier of sophisticated standards and rakish elegance, and Warner executives sound like gamblers with winning hands when they talk about it.

“There’s a famous old saying that, ‘It’s Frank Sinatra’s world, we just live in it,’ and that’s kind of how we feel around here now,” said Jimmy Edwards, one of the executives at Warner’s Rhino Records who will be leading the day-to-day operations of Frank Sinatra Enterprises LLC. “Frank opens the door to a very exclusive club. . . . He crosses so many zones too; he’s working-class, but he also runs around with the country-club set.”

And it seems to be stronger than ever, even without Sinatra around.

Interestingly enough, he apparently had doubt about how long his legacy would last:

After decades in the spotlight, Frank Sinatra performed in front of a live audience for the last time in February 1995. The final song was “The Best Is Yet to Come,” but his health made a liar of the lyrics. Two years later, his body giving out, he sent daughter Nancy to accept a Congressional Gold Medal in his name.

In his final months, staring into the twilight, the music titan wondered how he would be remembered. During one late-night conversation, Tina Sinatra remembered, he said his legacy might be as fragile as vintage vinyl.

“He said he thought it depended on who held him close to their heart in their record collection and if they’d pass it all on,” she recalled. “He wasn’t certain. There was no arrogance. There was doubt in his voice.”

This month, Sinatra’s voice will be everywhere and his legacy difficult to ignore.

Appropriately so, I would say.

I’m sure there will be more over the next several days, but let’s start out with the music:

H/T: The Moderate Voice