RedState's Erick Erickson joins CNN: TWPNTOTV!!!*

By GottaLaff

When CNN had its old Sunday line-up, I used to post a regular feature that mocked them just as regularly.

They call themselves "The Best Political Team on Television." I referred to them as TBPNTOTV!!!... with three exclamation points to emphasize their emphasis on emphasizing their over-emphasized self-importance and self-congratulatory smugness.

I also tried to expose their not-exactly-fair-and-balanced approach.

And I used lots of snarky !!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots.

Just when I thought they couldn't get any worse:

Prominent conservative commentator and RedState.com editor Erick Erickson will join CNN as a political contributor, appearing primarily on CNN's new show John King, USA¸ the network announced Tuesday. [...]

"Joining CNN is like coming home, and being in Atlanta makes the decision right for me and my family," Erickson said in a statement.

Erick the Red feels as if he's "coming home" to CNN. That pretty much says it all.

Under Erickson's leadership, RedState.com has become the preeminent right of center community online. [...]

"Erick's a perfect fit for John King, USA, because not only is he an agenda-setter whose words are closely watched in Washington, but as a person who still lives in small-town America, Erick is in touch with the very people John hopes to reach," said Sam Feist, CNN political director and vice president of Washington-based programming.

So he's "in touch". That's the definition of "in touch": Erick the Red Erickson. That's how CNN's political director feels, that Erick is the "in touch" go-to guy.

Erick.

RedState.

Erickson.

Sam Feist, you are woefully out of touch.

And CNN has now hit bottom. Officially. Out of touch, out of mind.

CNN: TWPNTOTV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*



*The WORST Political News Team on Television, with unlimited exclamation points.

UPDATE: Joeyess reminds me of a post I did back in 2009. Here's a sample:

And this is the unit insignia of the RedState Army's Strike Force:

Like many chickenhawks who struggle with what it means to be a man in the modern era, Erickson and the "soldiers" in his budding "Strike Force" have again tried to imitate serving in the military without actually having to don a uniform, pick up a weapon, or sacrifice much of anything at all.

Could that be any more embarrassing? Or offensive? Or childish? Or presumptuous?

And here's a photo that should have been included, of a typical soldier:


There. Now you're all updated.

Shallow Thoughts: Overexposed Punditiot edition

By GottaLaff

Today's Shallow Thought:

If you are the president of the United States, you are beyond "high visibility". You are under the proverbial microscope. The media quote your every word and track your every move. The world demands that you share your views and explain your policies. The punditiots hyper-examine each and every possible motive, even ones that don't exist.

Constant communication between the president and the populace is not only mandatory, it is expected and should be welcomed.

So why was John King's first (and hackneyed) question to TBPNTOTV!!!* "Is President Obama in danger of becoming overexposed?"

Overexposed? John, he's the president, not Ryan Seacrest. Secrecy was so George Bush ago. Deal.

And if anyone is overexposed, it is TBPNTOTV!!!

That was today's Shallow Thought. Thank you for wading in.

*THE BEST POLITICAL NEWS TEAM ON TELEVISION!!! [sic]

TBPNTOTV!!! Final edition edition

By GottaLaff

Yes, it's true. TBPNTOTV!!!* posts will cease to exist as of today, and there will be countless exclamation points forced into retirement.... Unless! Unless Wolf Blitzer's successor, John King Bash King Bash King, hosts a show that proves to be worthy of my patented, award-winning, internationally acclaimed quick-notes. However, this remains to be seen. Mr. King Bash King, you are on notice.

With that, let's listen in on Wolf and his gang-o'-pundits: Gloria Borger, Candy Crowley, and yes, John Bash King Bash King Bash. King.

Wolf: Obama says he's open to new ideas.

Gloria: He got slapped a lot, by Democrats. Obama's saying "we're starting from zero, bring me your ideas." I'm not sure how many great ideas he's heard, but that's what he said.

Candy: They're going to move the figures around... but the figure you have to keep in mind: Obama's popularity. He'll get much of what he wants. He wants a quick discussion, "tell me ... and let's move on."

John: It's dramatic, a smart effort to lower expectations. He realizes he has a huge economic problem. It will take time, money, political capital from his other plans. He has great popularity, but now it will be his economy and it will be his baggage.

Gloria: He's saying it's good for all of us to pass this, with a lot of Republican votes. He wants a real bipartisan package to set the tone, so he's telling Dems to let this happen, stop resisting so much. [paraphrased]

Wolf: No earmarks, says Pelosi.

Candy: Did you ask her for a definition? Because that's where we're headed. There will be things in there that people question, but nobody will slip projects in in the middle of the night.

Wolf: The economy is dire. Unemployment is the highest in 16 years.

John: It could go higher, so Obama, with all his popularity, knows he's in for a minimum of a tough 6 months. He's trying to lower expectations.

Candy: He gets a longer honeymoon than most, the benefit of the doubt. He's buying time.

Gloria: Out of crisis comes opportunity. Go for it all. Do what we want to do on health care, energy, with the understanding that in 2-3 years, we'll have to pay for this. Everyone understands we don't have the money. We can't keep the entitlements [Medicare, Social Security] (!!).

Wolf: Pushes the new show, State of the Union, 9 am Sundays, starring John Bash King.

John: A 4-hour show. Big interviews. Analysis! Going international!! More exclamation points!!! And THE MAGIC WALL!!!! We'll use techonology and we'll get out of Washington sometimes. We'll go talk to other people and see what they think.

Gloria: And you'll be sleeping in, Wolf.

Wowzers! Self-promotion galore!!! 11 years of Wolf out the window, and with him, inane posts like these.

OVPICYMIS!!!**

Obama: We can fix the economy, but it will take time. We tried to explain where we are in the economy, put out a plan that is bold, swift... a jumpstart, to save 3 million jobs, and put a down payment on structural problems.

Bush 43: I'm proud of the accomplishments of this administration. I gave it my all. I did not sell my soul for the sake of popularity.

Bush 41: He was tested like no other president, with 9/11... He passed the test.

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Is this-- dun dun DUNNN-- the end of TBPNTOTV!!! posts?

By GottaLaff

Oh noes! No more Wolf Blitzer, no more Late Edition. It wasn't all a dream:

CNN announced Wednesday that its revamped Sunday public affairs show is titled “State of the Union with John King.”

The new program, hosted by CNN Chief National Correspondent John King, will air every Sunday from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m.

The show will launch January 18 the weekend before President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration.

No more roundtables with TBPNTOTV!!!*? No more OVPICYMIS!!!**?

What will I do with all my extra exclamation points?

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Shallow Thoughts: TOBPNTOTV!!!* edition

By GottaLaff

Today's Shallow Thought:

We might have never recognized what a tough, top notch interviewer David Gregory is without Chris Matthews reminding us.

That was today's Shallow Thought. Thank you for wading in.

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TBPNTOTV!!! Wolf Blitzer Farewell edition

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!* is monopolizing the airwaves as we speak! They have more insight than anyone!! Just ask Wolf Blitzer. Why, they're so wise and insightful that I post about them nearly every Sunday! Why? Because it gives me license to use all the exclamation points I want!!!!!!

See? !!!!!!! They're even italicized for extra crunchy emphasis!!!!!!!

!

Today's passle of profound pundits includes Amy Walter, Gloria Borger, and Ed Henry!!!!!

Wolf: (!!!!!) How does Obama deal with the Gaza crisis?

Ed: For now, he does nothing, for which he's getting criticism. He invoked his own daughters awhile back, when he said if his home had gotten hit by rockets, he'd want to respond. Israel is using that. Obama says there's only one president at a time, but he is speaking out on the economy, so there are some who look to him for more leadership. Critics want him to jump in sooner.

Gloria: How many more things on his plate can he have? He has Mumbai, the Middle East, the economy. It's very smart for him to say there's only one president. He can't intervene now. You can be sure Hillary is in touch with Bush's team. Obama can't say anything right now.

Wolf: Bush and Obama sound alike right now, on the Gaza situation.

Amy: There's only one president at a time. Domestically, he can talk to leaders, both Republican and Democratic, but why put himself in a no-win situation that can change by the time he's in office?

Wolf: Blagojevich named Burris as governor. There is opposition. How has the Obama team reacted?

Ed: Obama has reiterated his call for Blago to step down, but has tried to stay out of the back and forth. It's a headache for Reid and the Dems: The Blago leaks about Reid saying he didn't want any of the 3 African American house members in. Now he's blocking Burris. That's a big political headache. Reid says the phone call was distorted, but it could have been taped. It's a big headache for the Democrats.

Gloria: Reid says Blago is lying. If it's on tape, we'll hear it. It's a pickle, because consitutionally, Blago can appoint. We'll have drama when the Senate comes back.

Amy: There's nothing wrong with calling the governor, but they boxed themselves in by saying they won't seat Burris. They want to delay until they can impeach Blago and get someone else in as governor.

Wolf: Is there a racial problem? There are no African Americans in the Senate.

Ed: It's a very sensitive issue. A lot of Dems in DC think Blago did this intentionally, choosing a respected African American, making it harder to block Burris. Many Dems believe privately that Blago is playing to an African American jury pool in Chicago. It was not a mistake that Blago picked an African American.

Wolf: Caroline Kennedy, AP suggests, is a done deal.

Gloria: When you look at the choices, it probably is a done deal. It's about who can run in 2 years and raise the money. But her rollout has been so abysmal, so a lot of people are scratching their heads.

Amy: The question isn't her qualifications, but if she can be a good candidate, and she has to deal with the NY press. And go into retail politics. If she has the ability to make her case to voters, that can help her. She's a good candidate on paper, but how she translates in 2010 is something else.

Wolf: This is difficult for the Obama transition team.

Ed: They've said very little, keeping to the one president at a time mantra. Caroline's rollout has been abysmal. In the days ahead, Obama could be a strong advocate for her. She went to bat for him big time. He could return the favor in 2010. Eight years ago, Hillary had a bad rollout, etc. She went out there, went upstate, and worked hard. Caroline has time... if she follows the Clinton model.

Wolf: Coleman or Franken in Minnesota?

Amy: They'll say Franken won, but Coleman wants to go to court. It will be hard for him to overturn this.

Wolf: This week in Washington... what's coming up?

Gloria: Whether there's a different tone developing in Washington, and the stimulus package.

Amy: I agree. Will there be a change in the way Washington works? Obama says he wants to change things.

Ed: It feels good to come home, but I miss Hawaii. Tomorrow Obama meets with Republican leaders, there will be hurdles there. And we'll miss you on Sunday mornings. John King will knock it out of the park, though. [Laffy Note: Oy]

OVPICYMIS!!!**

Dick Cheney: We're concerned about the Palestinian people, they're the victims of Hamas. We can't go back to the status quo of a few weeks ago.

Harry Reid: Blago is corrupt. That's clear. The reason he's done what he's done is to divert attention from himself, which is why Obama agreed with us. Burris is tainted, not because of anything he has done. It's the appointee [sic]. [Laffy Note: He obviously meant "or"]

Bush 41: See this post.

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TBNTOTV!!! Winter solstice edition

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!* is back! Today and today only! Yours for only $19.99! And just in time for Winter Solstice Day! Brrrrrr.

Bill "MadCap" Schneider, Jessica Yellin, and Ed Henry are all over the breaking news, as it's breaking, after it breaks, and even magically anticipating further breakage!

Ed: The Obama administration fully understands the economic mess and how they have to hit the ground running. They get it. The dominant theme is pragmatism, from national security to the economy, because of the big, big challenge ahead of them.

Jessica: He's also angered a lot of his base. [The inauguration]: Rev. Rick is called homophobic. Womens' groups are upset that there are fewer women than President Clinton put in. His big tent approach is getting so big, he's letting down his base.

MadCap: Women are dissatsified-- activists-- thinking there should be more women. There is a lot of diversity. The most conspicuous thing is that he appointed people from INside the White House. This will be a very centralized administration.

Wolf: Rod Blagooiuqwpujkavich, the embattled governor of Illinois, won't leave any time soon. Obama will release information next week.

Jessica: That will be on Monday or Tuesday. There's not a lot of there there. The most shocking thing will be Rahm's colorful language. This won't devastate the Obama team.

Ed: It won't show criminal wrongdoing for Obama team, but in the longrun, a political headache for them. It connects them to seamy Chicago politics. As a lot of this stuff drips out, it will be a headache for them, but no criminal wrongdoing by anyone close to Obama.

MadCap: Fitz is not letting down. There could be a criminal indictment. But, there's no indication of improper involvement by anyone on the Obama team. There had to be discussions with Emanuel, but about money? If there is, and there's no evidence of that, there'd be an explosion.

Wolf: Caroline Kennedy wants to be Senator.

Jessica: You have to believe, Paterson couldn't let Caroline get this far out and not give her the seat. She's doing everything she can, despite a power struggle.

Ed: It's up to the governor, and Obama hasn't said anything, he's leaving it up to Paterson. Obama's fond of Caroline, and she was pivotal in his campaign, getting Ted to endorse at a pivotal stage of his race.

Wolf: Is there royalty in American government?

MadCap: Name recognition is important, so you get a boost. Unknowns have to spend more money. With a brand name, that's already accomplished.

Wolf: Is Chelsea Clinton waiting in the wings? She's still too young to run for Senate. She's not 30 yet. How big a deal is the Rick Warren controversy?

Jessica: It matters. The gay/lesbian is stung, I can't emphasize that enough. Obama is surprised.

Ed: Barney Frank can pick some fights with the left, and it can be helpful to him to move center like this on some things.

OVPICYMIS!!!**:

Cheney: We're justified in setting up terror surveillance programs... You can have a robust interrogation program of high valued detainees.

Biden: Is the middle class growing? Getting better? Left behind? ... The things that affect people's daily lives, I'll be honchoing that policy.

Condi: This Iraq, a friend of the U.S., democratic, will make the Middle East a fundamentally different place.

Oy. Somebody fetch the Pepto Bismol. Bleh.

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TBPNTOTV!!! Big Three edition

By GottaLaff

What's in store for us today from TBPNTOTV!!!*? Why, they'll dissect "the week in politics" like nobody's business. Today's nobody's businessmen/women are Gloria Borger, Bill "MadCap" Schneider, and Joe Johns. They're all "senior political analysts", so they know stuff we couldn't possibly know.

But first, a word from "no bias, no bull, no objectivity" Campbell Brown Senor! What a Sunday taste treat! But wait! Uh oh! She's going to continue her tirade about Obama's needling a reporter for a question he asked about the president-elect's pre-election remarks about Hillary Clinton.

Wolf Blitzer is giving her yet another soap box on which to chastise Obama over his "dismissiveness". Wolf is emphasizing the "tension" between Obama and Hilz, and defending Bias-Free Brown's relentless criticism. Let's just beat this one to death, okay, CNN? Okay.

Now, on to TBPNTOTV!!!

Wolf: The Big 3.

Gloria: They'll hold their noses and do something. Given the unemployment numbers, they say you can't let them fail.

MadCap: They're putting off government supervision until Obama's in. They're punting.

Wolf: [plays clip of Barney Frank saying Obama should be assertive] Is Obama doing enough?

Joe: It's a thin line. There's a fluid situation, with his not being able to convince members of Congress when you're not in power. And what if he steps in and fails? Remember McCain's big rush to Washington with his rescue plan?

Gloria: He intends to start on Day One. He's getting a consensus, even with conservatives. Barney Frank is looking for help.

Wolf: Why is the government spending billions to bail out these financial institutions, the public asks, but not the Big 3, pillars of manufacturing jobs?

MadCap: They don't like the word bailout, or rescue... They're bailing out big business, but the people who need help are those in foreclosure.

Joe: The Big 3 has a serious P.R. problem.

Gloria: The Big 3 guys were apologetic, but, people want mortgage relief, too. They can't just bail out Wall St. and the Big 3.

Wolf: There are huge unemployment numbers.

Joe: It's stunning. But Obama is looking to try to save or restore 2.5 million jobs. His economic team must have accounted for that 2.5 million number in lost jobs, so his rescue is really [compensation for about the same number of jobs lost].

Wolf: Caroline Kennedy for N.Y. Senator is in the cards.

MadCap: Family members support this, Ted Kennedy is encouraging it, making calls. But she has to run in 2010n and 2012. I pity anyone who runs against her.

Gloria: This is the Kennedy who was private, raising kids. She's now stepping into the public arena. She and Obama have become friends. There's a legacy there, it was Robert Kennedy's seat.

MadCap: She wants to become part of the Obama [unintelligible]...

Joe: It will make Gov. Paterson popular. Caroline Kennedy has the power to raise the money it takes.

Wolf: Louisana... Jefferson is out. History was made, he lost to a Vietnamese American, moderate Republican, Ahn Cao.

MadCap: Republicans are happy. They have a Republican governor, Indian-American Bobby Jindal, and now this. And they carried Georgia too.

Gloria: Ethics problems, people don't have time for them any more.

Joe: Dems knew Jefferson was a problem. The turnout was small. 15% of African Americans voted Republican.

OVPICYMIS!!!** re: Auto industry

Barack Obama: We have to provide the Big 3 with assistance, but conditioned on them making significant adjustments, restructure. Everyone has to. They don't have a sustainable business model now.

Chris Dodd: So many businesses are related to the auto industry. None of us like this, we're furious, but there's more at stake than Detroit.

Richard Shelby: This was 30 years in the making. They've got to compete, and they can't today.

Gettelfinger, President of the UAW: We need to shore up the industry with this emergency bridge loan; it's not a bailout. It's good for rural America...

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John King taking over for Wolf Blitzer on "Late Edition"

By GottaLaff

Substituting the perpetually constipated Wolf "Eats Hard Cheese and Drywall for Breakfast"* Blitzer with Mr. Dana Bash will give my Sunday morning posts a whole new dimension:

CNN is close to making a change of its own with its Sunday program “Late Edition,” installing John King, its chief national correspondent and longtime White House correspondent, in the host role that has been filled for 10 years by Wolf Blitzer.

CNN executives would not comment on the decision but they did not deny that the Sunday move to Mr. King had been discussed. At the same time, Mr. Blitzer is close to signing an extension of his CNN contract that would continue his role as the network’s chief anchor for breaking news and political coverage, an executive who has been briefed on the plans said. [...]

CNN has been considering a change on Sunday for some time, largely because of the extraordinary work load Mr. Blitzer has taken on over the last several years.

Despite his apparent popularity, especially among many womenfolk I've read about, I'm not a fan of King's. His repeated use of Republican talking points is one reason. His lulling me to sleep is another. But I guess John Bash's manipulation of the Big Magic Wall impressed CNN enough to appoint him as the next master of TBPNTOTV!!! I'm all a-quiver with anticipation (sarcasm).

We can only hope the Bash-Kings' relationship will survive such an elevation in status.

*Apologies to Stephanie Miller and the Mooks

TBPNTOTV!!! Part II: National security team edition

By GottaLaff

A double whammy TBNTOTV!!!* today! I can barely contain my ... indifference!!

Team II consists of Amy Walter, Ed Henry, and Cue Ball II, aka Bill "MacCap" Schneider!!! Their collective wisdom is absolutely, incontrovertibly... forgettable. Let's eavesdrop:

Wolf: Hillary Clinton, James Jones, and Robert Gates will be announced tomorrow, but now there are more.

Ed: Janet Napolitano will be DHS Secretary, Eric Holder as AG, and Susan Rice will be U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Warner, a Republican, thinks it's a very, very strong team. This from a Republican. He's struck by Obama's courage by bringing in high-powered people with no worries about being overshadowed. But, they're a pragmatic group. The left is nervous about Obama's original withdrawal plans from Iraq.

Wolf: [plays clip of Obama's remarks on his team and hitting the ground running]

Bill: Washington is relieved, but the left is critical. Where's the change? Obama said, "The vision for change will come from me."

Amy: There's the vision, and then there's the managing. Who is setting the pace, going on TV, making statements? Obama will have to keep his team in line. But the left's concern isn't bubbling to the surface, no real nervousness. The blogosphere, maybe, but not from high profile liberals. It's a wait and see attitude so far.

Wolf: The Georgia runoff, between Chambliss and Martin.

Bill: We still have two Senate races to go. Usually, in a runoff, the incumbent's in trouble, but not in this case. Chambliss was very close to the 50% mark, plus, Obama's not on the ballot. If he loses, the Rs will be even more demoralized, and it will show an Obama effect down ballot.

Amy: I agree. And, Chambliss is saying don't send Obama a blank check. Martin is isolated. Obama hasn't made his presence known, other than radio ads and recorded phone calls. He's trying to stay above the fray.

Ed: He hasn't come because, given the financial crisis and national security problems with India, he doesn't want to look like he's out politicking. Plus, they have to be careful about using his political capital this early. If a Dem loses, then they'd say he doesn't have a mandate. They want to focus on his national secruity team, not on national politics. But, every vote in the Senate will count when it comes to his future plans, so he may regret not going. Even 59 Dems in the Senate can make a difference.

Bill: Georgia voted for McCain, that's why it's risky for Obama to go.

OVPICYMIS!!!

Laura Bush: In Afghanistan, in certain parts, women are afraid. They said, this is our chance (in Parliament), if we don't succeed now, when can we? We have to continue to support them.

Richard Lugar: There's a good opportunity for the Indians and Pakistanis...The group that caused this could harm them both. Obama underlined the need for diplomacy.

Jack Reed: Increase intel. If both sides move together, and we can help, good, but we need building blocks in place. [paraphrased somewhat]

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TBPNTOTV!!! New cabinet appointments edition

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!* popped up in the first hour of Late Edition today. Quel surprise! This team consists of real heavyweights!! David Gergen!! Ed Rollins!! And none other than James "Cue Ball" Carville!!! Where's my fainting couch?

Wolf: There are, essentially, two presidents dealing with Mumbai, Bush and Obama...

Gergen: It's been handled smoothly, we should give them credit for that. Obama waited for Bush to talk to the Indian Prime Minister before he did. Tomorrow he'll announce his security team. By putting in heavyweights, he's reassuring us that the American foreign policy is in good, strong, experienced hands. The transition is more seamless than could have been imagined weeks ago.

Wolf: Secretary Clinton, National Security Advisor Jones, Secretary of Defense Gates: What message is Obama sending?

Ed Rollins: Great stability, keeping Gates is important. Our foreign policy historically is not partisan. Hillary has experience, you couldn't pick a better person. Jones is extraordinary. It's as strong a foreign policy team as I've seen in a long time.

Carville: It's as solid a team as anyone's put together. You can't please everyone. It's a dangerous world, and as Biden said, Obama will be tested. If they test this team, they'll find a pretty tough bunch.

Wolf: What about Bill Clinton? Any other things needed to be resolved?

Carville: No. Clinton removed any impediments for Hillary. It's on schedule for tomorrow.

Wolf: Will there be awkward moments between Obama and Hillary?

Gergen: There are some risks, but they're overstated. She's supported Obama, was enormously loyal and energetic, despite the hand-wringing. Same with Bill Clinton. The surprise will be on the up side. Plus: Bush brought in heavyweights who never gelled as a team, over policy. Obama's team: The policy differences are quite small. Gates agrees we should talk to Iran, etc. That's encouraging.

Wolf: Three additional announcements are expected tomorrow, in addition to Hillary, and the national security team: Holder, Napolitano and Susan Rice.

Rollins: Extraordinary talents and widely respected by Republicans on the Hill. They are not household words. He's put an extraordinary staff in the White House. Liberals who are worried, shouldn't be. They'll have their voices heard. They'll hit the ground running.

Carville: It's an awfully fast track, and they can run with anybody. They're getting the best.

Wolf: The global economic crisis, Mumbai plays into this. Obama wants a huge stimulus package immediately. Is it overly ambitious?

Gergen: He has a huge crisis on his hands. I've never heard of a president asking for this before he gets into office. He has to decide how it's structured, but also send signals on the auto bailout. He has a terrific team of heavyweights. There's a new pressure to have the plan structured in a sound way, not rushed. There will be pressure on Obama to show the kind of wisdom he's shown on appointment, on the substance.

Wolf: Obama has self-confidence if he brings these people in, he's not afraid of in-fighting.

Rollins: That's a huge compliment to him, that he's done this. [Gives him more accolades] He needs to let the Republicans voice concern, too.

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TBPNTOTV!!! Obama cabinet edition

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!* is frothing! There's a whole new administration to analyze! Hot dog, they hardly know what to do with themselves! They're hopping from foot to foot, clapping, grinning...

...a-a-a-and wondering how to fill 20 minutes now that the election is over.

Today's gang-o'-salivators includes Gloria Borger on bass, Joe Johns on mandolin, and Ed Henry on harmonica. Let's watch 'em jam:

Wolf: P.E. Obama will hold a news conference tomorrow.

Ed: Yes. Wall Street rallied on the news of Treasury Secretary Geithner. There's a power vacuum now, and Obama's talking about a bigger stimulus package.

Gloria: Paulson now has someone specific to deal with. Larry Summers will be there, too, inside the White House, so this smooths the transition from one administration to another.

Wolf: Obama unveiled his stimulus package, an even more ambitious plan than before.

Joe: Also, we have the automotive industry issue. One thing I've heard is that Obama will have to worry about getting the credit markets going again, even before the stimulus package.

Gloria: The Bush tax for the wealthiest may not end until 2010.

Wolf: In Lima, Peru is APEC, and here we see the leaders wearing funny outfits [on our monitor]. [laughter from panel as they scan the group wearing serapes, especially at Bush in his] It's Bush's last trip abroad, he has his hands full, but he has limited ability to do much.

Ed: Bush is a lame duck. He can't have much impact on all these crises. Next, Obama will hit hard with his national security team. Jim Jones is the likely pick for National Security Advisor and Gates may stay on, even briefly. Obama is pulling in high-powered players, but none are on the left of his party. There will be some push and pull on that, plus it's not only a team of rivals, but a team of egos.

Wolf: [Plays primary clips of Obama and Hillary sparring over diplomacy, talking to other countries] Now they're partners. ... That says a lot about him.

Gloria: Obama has brought in a rival who disagrees with him on certain things. In the end, he's the boss, and will come together. Hillary will be a team player, she has been in the Senate, and Obama is the boss AND... she has direct access to him, so they can form a relationship.

Joe: You always get drama/uncertainty with the Clintons. So there's always the possibility of a free agent... who may leak...That said, she may be marginilized if she did that, she'd be fired. On the other hand, if they want to leak, I'm on Facebook.

Wolf: The fact that he's considering Gates as Defense Secretary, and adding Jones as Security Advisor... this is a team that could irritate the left, but reassure a lot of the world.

Ed: He has a pragmatic approach on foreign policy, but he could face political pressure. He's sticking to a troop withdrawal from Iraq, but with Gates, that might be harder. And Biden? He thought he'd be the "big guy" in foreign policy. Where does that leave him?

OVPICYMIS!!!**

Nancy Pelosi: The heads of the auto companies didn't tell us what they'd use the money for. We need accountability.

Chuck Schumer: We need a big stimulus package. Congress will work with Obama, and have a package on his desk by Inauguration Day, between 500 and 700 billion dollars.

Richard Shelby: We don't just throw money at deals. Republicans will look at the details and will only support things that are meaningful for the economy.

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TBPNTOTV!!! President-elect Obama edition

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!* has to grapple with a new president!!! Can they cope? Will they crumble? John King is in charge today. Can he handle it? His team: Richard Stengel (of Time Magazine), Jessica Yellin, Gloria Borger, and a dash of Campbell Brown. Let's listen in:

Campbell "No Bias, No Bull (debatable)" Brown is still defending Sarah Palin, making charges of sexism and unfair, untrue stories being spread by Gramm-pa McCain's political operatives. That's so five minutes ago, Campbell. Move on.

Stengel: The Time Magazine with Obama on the cover is selling out... at $25 each. America can reboot itself now. It's historic, so people are collecting these things.

King: Will Obama use caution? Even though Rahm Emanuel says there is ambition, a desire for a new stimulus program, etc.?

Jessica: They will be paced. Obama is deliberate. The pressure and momentum will be to get items done quickly. He'll overturn torture, SCHIP, and stem cell vetoes.

Gloria: They do need a little time, but they've been planning this for 3-4 months. Are you better off using momentum, put all cards out on the table, they're asking... or focusing on the economy and SCHIP, and then waiting... without a big push?

King: Is Obama concerned with all the potential spending? That liberals will then spend, be out of control?

Jessica: Rahm will stand up to those liberals, and he'll say wait your turn. He's been in the White House, will avoid the Clinton transition problems. He knows how to focus a White House. There will be small steps on other key issues, aside from the stimulus.

King: Will Republicans be conciliatory?

Stengel: Yes. There's a spirit of kumbaya in the land right now. Obama will have a relentless bipartisan policy. People want Washington to do something that restores trust in government.

King: Iraq... What if Obama says we need more time and Reid says, they're coming home.

Jessica: They won't block him if he makes a strong case that he can't bring them home right now.

Gloria: Obama's promised, the Dems have promised, the country doesn't support the war, he'll bring them home. He may keep Gates for a year or longer. That will help bring Repubs along, not as if he needs them.

King: But he wants them.

Stengel: Gates may stay on. He's a pragmatist (Obama). America wants pragmatism. He won't likely select a traditional R as Treasury Secretary, but other posts may not matter as much... Environment for example.

Gloria: Obama and his emissaries will disagree publicly with Bush if they neede to. More his surrogates. Bush has been gracious. Obama will put forth his stimulus package.

And the pressing question-o'-the-day: Where is Wolf Blitzer? His daughter got married and he was at the wedding.

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TBPNTOTV!!! Two days to go edition with extra crispy exclamation points!!!

By GottaLaff

=

TBPNTOTV!!!* (aka TWPNTOTV!!!) is all over this election the way Gramm-pa McCain was all over Anna Nicole Smith. Today's team consists of Gloria Borger, Campbell Brown, and Howie Kurtz. Wowzers! That must mean this election is... important! And what does that mean to us? More exclamation points!!!!!

Wolf Blitzer is so full of questions, his beard hairs are standing on edge! This is it folks!

John King Bash and his Magic Wall are virtually glowing! Campbell Brown is full of (no) bull! And everyone is increasing their income potential by encouraging the sponsors. How? Why, by calling it a close race to increase ratings! That sounds suspiciously socialistic to me.

The whole gang is here! Let's start opining! Then let's start pulling our hair out.

Wolf: Cheney endorsed McCain.

Gloria: I don't think a public endorsement from him is what they were looking for right now. McCain doesn't want him out there.

Howie: When the opposing campaign uses him in an ad, you know he's not helpful.

Brown: He was doing what they'd hoped: Staying out of the limelight.

Howie: There hasn't been an Obama commercial out there that hasn't had a shot of George Bush. [Wolf shows Cheney ad]

Wolf: Irony is, there's no love lost between Cheney and McCain.

Brown: Right. But to act like this endorsement is a surprise is absurd.

Wolf: [shows SNL McCain clip]

Howie: It helps to laugh at himself, but no matter which show, Obama has had an easy time on pop culture shows, McCain has not. The pop culture shows reach different voters than Sunday morning TV.

Brown: In fairness. less has been made of Palin 2012 until recently. Give her credit for going rogue. Until it was clear that it wasn't working, she deferred. Then she took things in her own hands in the way any politician would. The McCain camp slandered her, calling her diva etc.

Gloria: Both sides were right. She strayed and they handled her badly. We don't know the real story about the $150,000 yet.

Wolf: They're keeping Biden under wraps too.

Brown: He's even joking about it.

Howie: We should make an issue out of that, as we did with Palin.

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TBPNTOTV!!! 9 days to go edition!!!

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!* is back! And boyoboy, is it exclamation pointy!!!! With only 9 days to go until the big President Obama celebration, will the gang try to create a closer race than actually exists? Hey! Ratings trump America First, right? But wait! I hear rumblings that Grammps has already lost the race! That deserves more of these: !!!!!

Today's super duper peck of pickled political pundits include Candy Crowley, John King Bash, and Campbell "No Bias-No Bull-Even-Though-I'm-Mrs. Dan Senor" Campbell:

Wolf Blitzer: Questions Campbell on her defense of expensive wardrobes for [my word] "professional" women, women in the spotlight.

Campbell: (Clarifying earlier statements) It was excessive for Palin, and doesn't help her image. But women are judged on appearance more than men, so it should be a legitimate campaign expense. Plus, the word "diva" only applies to women, and she's no more ambitious than any other politician... certainly not more than Biden or any other. It's low level name calling.

Wolf: Fingerpointing within Gramm-pa's campaign (quoting "diva" line about Palin).

John: There's a lot of fingerpointing. Dissatisfaction with Palin, looking out for her own political viability. Most McCain senior advisors think they are likely to lose. In losing campaigns, tensions are not unusual. It's not helpful.

Candy: John is right, it happens all the time. It happened with Hillary's campaign. The problem is, the veep candidates don't know the staff over them when they come in. It's not just that, but it does go back to the whole vetting... they tossed off TrooperGate... There are a lot of things that have come up... it goes back to vetting.

Wolf: Quotes David Frum's Washington Post piece saying McCain will lose.

Brown: Warning: There was a circular firing squad in Hillary's campaign, but she won New Hampshire. There's still a week left. Longterm problem for R's: The split, a real divide, negativity. How do they come back together to challenge Obama 4 years from now?

Wolf: McCain, in New Mexico, said Obama has already written his inaugural address. Palin said you have to win before you "start cuttin' down the [basketball] net."

John: Hillary tried to say he's arrogant too, but it won't win the election at this late date. Forget the fingerpointing. Why was he in New Mexico, Iowa and not in the battlegrounds? Pennsylvania? They're questioning the basic strategy.

Wolf: New Poll of Polls coming in. Georgia: McCain 50%, Obama 44%. Iowa: Obama 52-39. MO: 46 tied. New Hampshire 52-42, Obama. If McCain is so behind in these states, why go there?

Candy: The way to win is to pick up former Bush states. You have to keep going. He'll probably hold on to Georgia. You have to find a blue state to make up ground. You gotta go somewhere.

Wolf: Pennsylvania, without it, he'll lose, Tom Ridge said.

Brown: They don't have a lot of good options. They're betting a little bit on the lackluster primary support for Obama there. I don't think it's gonna work. There are very few directions they can go. They need a blue state.

Wolf: Electoral map, Obama's at 277. Thing will tighten, though.

John: Yes, they tighten. McCain has to win the tossups. But there's a reason this is happening... Obama's getting the suburbs, and white voters, and rural areas, better than previous Democratic candidates. That will shatter Reagan's Republican coalition. If he holds it together, he will shatter it.

Wolf: Obama's ground game?

Candy: His ground game has gone on since January. Plus, money. He has so much, which buys cars to get people to polls, and pays for staff. He has an enormous ground game now. What you need is energy, enthusiasm, which is on Obama's side. The money is a huge differential between the campaigns. Obama has money to spend.

OVPICYMIS!!!**

Jack Welch: [re: the economy] We'll see a sunny late '09-'10.

Gramm-pa McCain: I feel like Knute Rockne at half time, "get one for the Gipper". The polls are wrong. I trust my senses, as well as polls, and the enthusiasm is at a higher level than I've ever seen. I'm usually the warm up act.

Tim Kaine: If Virginia goes to Obama, I don't see how the math can go for McCain. Forget the polls, if we do the job here, Obama wins.

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TBPNTOTV!!! Colin Powell endorsement of Obama edition

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!* is back! Again! Yes, they keep showing up, despite my snarky posts!!! Today's stellar team consists of Gloria Borger, No Bias/No Bull Campbell Brown, Bill Schneider, and Joe Johns!!! And they deserve extra exclamation points because I'm all a-dither about what they'll say about Colin Powell's endorsement!!!!!

The fun is about to begin!!!!!!! Can Wolf Blitzer stump them? Will Campbell really have no bias and offer no bull? I liveblog, you decide:

Wolf: [shows clip of Colin Powell's effusive endorsement of Obama]

Brown: It's a huge deal. Endorsements usually don't matter much, but this is different. Obama's not prone to gaffe's, so that's out, but there could be a national security crisis, and Powell's endorsement goes a long way to reassure voters.

Wolf: It's a deal closer for some undecideds.

Gloria: But also the breadth of the endorsement... it spoke to McCain's judgment in crisis, his choice of veep, his temperament... and it spoke of the Republican party narrowing... he's a member of the big tent Republican party.

Wolf: It was scathing of his own party.

Joe: He used the words "transformational figure" and "generational change". He's a guy who doesn't agree with Obama on a lot of things, but still endorsed... saying this is what we need now.

Wolf: Is there likely to be a Colin Powell bounce?

Bill: There very well could be. His weakes area was always national security, military matters, commander in chief issue. This will reassure a lot of voters. Powell also said Obama would reassure the international community... so it will make a difference.

Wolf: You have a no bias/no bull segment in your show, Campbell. Obama raised $150 million dollars! Wow! You had a unique idea. [Self-serving much, Wolf?]

Brown: Negative ads are not working... It's about the economy right now... There's less money to spend on negative ads, too... The 2 candidates can spend $30 million a week... why not take that money and give it to charity? I'm trying to approach it from a rational perspective. Why subject us to negative, ineffectual ads?

Wolf: Here are some negative ads [shows clips].

Gloria: But the guy who's being attacked is Bush. No candidate will ever admit he's running a negative ad, just comparitive.

Wolf: McCain has to campaign in red states.

Joe: His possibilities are narrowing, looking at electoral map to get things done. He's risen from the ashes before. That's why Obama is literally carpet bombing the air waves.

Wolf: Robocalls are making the rounds in battleground states. [plays one]

Bill: They worked against McCain when Bush used them against him in S. Carolina. He denounced them, and now look who's doing it. It's still disgraceful... Today Powell specifically called attention to these divisive tactics, and it was a reason he couldn't endorse McCain.

Brown: They WERE effective, but the economy has affected this campaign, making them less important as compared to the economy.

Wolf: [Shows SNL clip of Palin, rap by Amy Poehler] Palin is showing some good moves. Obama has some, but Palin, who knew? I think it helps the campaigns.

Gloria: It helps, but I didn't hear a lot from Palin.. maybe the campaign was nervous about it.

OVPICYMIS!!!

John McCain: Are we behind? Sure. I'm the underdog... I'm very happy with the way the campaign's going.. my friend.

Colin Powell: I'm very troubled by what members of the party say: "You know Obama is a Muslim". He's not, but what if he is?

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TBPNTOTV!!! Ignore TrooperGate, preview debate edition

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!* is at it again. While we've been all abuzz about IWRC*** Palin's ethics lapse, everyone on CNN has swept it right under TBPNTOTV!!!'s carpet. Let's see if they touch on it today. Of course, the economy is the more pressing topic, but come on, IWRC is running for veep, incites bigotry, represents Gramm-pa McCain, all the while proving that she is seriously reality-challenged. Doesn't that count for something, Wolf?

The stellar cast of opiners include the incorrigible Gloria Borger, the irascible Candy Crowley, and the always-sassy Ed Henry. [UPDATE: Not a word about Troopergate was uttered]

Wolf Blitzer: [shows clip of Gramm-pa's town hall meeting where he corrected the lady for calling Obama an Arab, after which he was inappropriately lauded ad nauseam for something he should have done long ago]. Clear shift?

Candy: Most of the comments came at IWRC's rallies, not Grammps'. This was his trying to tamp down a big story.

Ed: There were broad attacks, until recently. On Friday, they crossed the line. McCain had to jump in. He got booed. He's between a rock and a hard place, his base vs. the midde/the media.

Gloria: They've both run negative ads. This is what you do to stir up the base. McCain thought this would be about character, but then came the global economic crisis. So the strategy seems old, but they'll still use it to get Independents.

Candy: No, to get the base. McCain will go after the I's. Sarah, the base.

Gloria: It gets out of hand at a certain point.

Wolf: John Lewis went after the hate talk of the McCain campaign.

Candy: They are strong words, and the Obama campaign went after the George Wallace part. But he doesn't like the negative tone. It was over the top.

Ed: That was over the line, the George Wallace part. Obama's caught in the middle too. He had to walk it back.

Wolf: There have been ugly comments at these rallies, Obama's security is a concern.

Gloria: When Lewis said that, Obama put a lid on it. It won't help him to inject race at this point. [Laffy Note: It won't help OBAMA to inject race? Gloria, Obama wasn't the one who injected race into this. What hate-filled speech have you been watching?]

Candy: There are lots of things that go on at rallies, booing, etc. Rallies are for rallying. 98% of the crowd are okay, but 1/2% say horrible things. Both sides need perspective.

Ed: WSJ said McCain has to get the anger down to win.

Candy: The anger is not of the same calliber as the Obama crowds.

Wolf: Michigan's Republican party say it's a turning point, a frustration. McCain's message isn't connecting.

Gloria: I wish he'd tell me what the message is. He needs one consistent message and stick with it. The way Obama has. The economic crisis is good for Obama, people want change.

Wolf: Obama says McCain is lurching, erratic.

Candy: McCain has helped that somewhat, re: these descriptions. They're saying he doesn't have the temperament. He never recovered from "the fundamentals of the economy is sound".

Wolf: The debate?

Ed: He could go nuclear, but that could backfire. Foreign policy would give him the upper hand. But it's all about the economy.

Wolf: What if Bin Laden makes another video?

Gloria: It will remind people we haven't caught him, so less impact.

Candy: I agree. Everything plays to Obama's arguments. If Bin Laden shows up on TV, it helps Obama... "We haven't been fighting the right war."

Gloria: It brings Bush front and center.

Wolf: Economy isn't his strong point (McCain).

Ed: McCain said it himself. But on paper, he has little experience on economy, but neither does Obama. But McCain got tarred with the Bush economy.

OVPICYMIS!!!

Rob Portman (McCain supporter): We can pull out of this relatively quickly. The housing market has been undermined. McCain is addressing this (mortgages).
John Corzine: People have lost protection of retirement savings, they'll spend less, that will hurt the economy, slow production.
Lawrence Summers: We've got to do something about the housing market, mortgage relief, while protecting the homeowner, not the banks.
David Axelrod: When you say he's been palling around with terrorists, that's not where we want to take politics in this country,.
Tom Davis: This is a legitimate question: What do we know about this man? What is his judgment?

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TBPNTOTV!!! Palin/debate edition

By GottaLaff

Will TBPNTOTV!!!** call out IWRC* Palin? Will all this pithy opining increase the number of exclamation points at the end of TBPNTOTV!!! to four? Will their political biases be revealed... again? Let's listen:

Wolf Blitzer: October surprise?

Candy: It's more mythology than anything. It was a September surprise: The economy. Nothing will change that storyline... maybe something overseas, but...

Wolf: Terrorist connections attack on Obama?

Gloria Borger: They have to turn the page. The economy helped Obama, McCain's losing. They have to create the question of whether Obama is safe enough. They're chipping away at his character. But others say McCain needs to prove himself on the economy, not attack Obama.

Wolf: Obama immediately came out with an ad responding to the attacks.

Ed Henry: They learned from the last election to respond, plus the It's The Economy Stupid one of '92. The McCain camp is sending Palin to Nebraska. They have to fight for states.

Wolf: Nebraska? This could be a close contest, electorally.

Candy: The polls gel at this point. McCain has to chip away, since the doubt about Obama is already created. He also has to argue "why him?" on the economy.

Gloria: The bailout had earmarks in it, and McCain didn't address that. They both try to approve the other candidate is riskier. "Erratic" is the new buzzword.

Ed: The McCain camps dismisses that word. Palin is a big deal in terms of her attacks. The "inexperience" went out the window on Obama, and she's using these attacks instead. Maybe that was a mistake. They took experience off the table.

Candy: Obama always said he'd be glad to debate judgment and temperament. That's out there, and McCain didn't help himself with the Des Moines Register interview. He knew he lost in 2000 because of his temperament. He has to be careful.

Wolf rolls tape of SNL's Palin debate spoof. How much does it hurt?

Gloria: Palin lost poll numbers. She did fine in the debate, didn't embarrass herself like she did with Katie Couric. Now she'll help rally the base.

Candy: Absolutely it hurts! Letterman, SNL, Leno, Jon Stewart all hurt.

Ed: I agree. There are people who connect and get angrier when they see it, some disconnect, some feel it's a pile on.

Wolf: It's a new media out there.

TVPICYMIS!!!***

Roy Blunt, on Obama ad: He was in contact with me every day. He came back and changed the discussion. He wasn't erratic, he was purposeful and selfless.

Tim Pawlenty: McCain is a maverick, populist. He can win in the upper midwest. Dems have the advantage, but he can win.

Ed Rendell: Pennsylvania focused on the issues, economy. Obama's plans are better for their families.

ADDENDUM: Commenter Ady (and Logan!) says hi from the OBAMA SPEECH today!

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TBPNTOTV!!! Debate edition

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!!** is all over the debates! I was only able to cover the last few minutes, but wow! What a few minutes they were! I'm getting the vapors just thinking about it!

Wolf Blitzer is relentless with his questioning! I can hardly contain myself:

Wolf: The debates: McCain hit Obama hard on experience:

John King: It's like 1980... Obama should he should win, but is he able and can he lead??? Did it work? Most people thought Obama held his own, but we're too close to this.

Gloria Borger: He held his own. McCain wasn't very subtle with his attacks, and sometimes that works

Jeffrey Toobin: Many were offended by Obama's agreement with McCain, but it was a way to show he wasn't a "weird outsider", but a mainstream politico willing to agree sometimes.

Wolf: [Re: V.P. debate, shows SNL clip of Tina Fey's portrayal of Palin. Then shows clip of the actual IWRC* Palin. Everyone laughs.] The parody used what was actually said, which was a first. A rough week for Palin.

King: The interview was a disaster, it is said privately. People vote for top of the ticket, but some might not support him if it's about McCain's judgment. If she can prove she's up to the task, then it's about Obama vs. McCain, and if not, it's about his judgment. She's still popular among the base, but they can't have further erosion because it reflects on him.

Gloria: The bar is on the floor for Palin, so it's about how will she go toe to toe with Biden? He has made his own gaffes...

Toobin: The bar is not on the floor. Who are we to say that? It's the same for her AND Biden. We create these expectations, that's not our job.

Jeffrey Toobin, thank you. Thank you for showing us that somebody in the media has a brain and recognizes what his/her job is... and is not.

*"In What Respect, Charlie?"
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TBPNTOTV!!! Sarah Palin edition!!!

By GottaLaff

TBPNTOTV!!! is back!!! Bill Schneider, Ed Henry, Dana Bash! Who could ask for more? What wisdom are they sharing today? Let's listen in, but please note: Compare the number of times Obama is mentioned vs. Palin/McCain (and yes, I placed her name at the top of the ticket):

Wolf Blitzer says Sarah Palin is a rising star who attacks Obama. Shows clip from the convention. "She was a huge hit! Will she be around the country?"

Dana: Boy, were they excited about her. The conservative base has been tracking her for years. Things have changed since the convention. The energy in the crowd was not to be believed.

Ed: He's rallied his base. But conversely, this complicates things... reaching out to independent, swing voters. She lit the conservative fire, which ignites the left. Long term, there could be bad news.

Schneider: In Wisconsin, Minnesota, they tilt toward Obama. He did very well in Wisconsin in the primaries. They worry about Palin, there and in Pennsylvania and Michigan, that she could open up the race. But these states are solidly Democrat.

Wolf: She'll put into play Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio... they're worried about that. We will have father and sister of Sarah Palin interviews on CNN.... Shows clip of Joe Biden. How will the debate go with Palin?

Schneider: Nobody in this race claims any responsibility for anything that's happened in the past 8 years! It's as if they're all re-self-invented out of whole cloth. Biden says nobody talked about the Bush administration. He's starting to talk about this.

Dana: They ran an entire video about 9/11 without a picture of Bush. They want to go back to maverick image that he gave up on in the primaries. The base doesn't like it. But now, a tactical change, keeping Palin on the trail... She was supposed to go out on her own, but they changed that, because she brings energy to his rallies, and they're going to rural areas... to attract Democrats... The debate will happen, but no news conference or talk shows for Palin. Nobody will say with a straight face, publicly or privately,that Palin is up to it re: foreign policy.

Wolf is showing the TV ratings of the conventions. [McCain's ratings were slightly higher]

Ed: That's because McCain is now the biggest celebrity in the world, Wolf. [joke] Now there is some energy, but that alone doesn't mean they'll win it.

OVPICYMIS!!

McCain: I took on the big spenders, reached across the aisle. I was unpopular with some parts of my own party... Iraq, campaign finance reform...

Obama: [Community organizer segment, among others, posted here.] Worked with churches, set up job training for the unemployed. I'd think that's what we'd want all our young people to do, that's where we'd agree. Why would they mock that?

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