Blue State

This morning I as well as other Illinois residents woke up to the news that our governor was taken into custody by FBI agents on charges of corruption. Information and rumors of what was going on in the Governor's office have been brewing for the past several years. Listening to U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald this morning I was shocked and baffled by the extent of what was happening and exactly who, what, where, when and why.Since the news broke, I have listened to talk radio and NPR to hear more about the charges as well as what will happen next.

I am not sure where to start in this blog, so I guess I'll just tell you my feelings on the whole thing. This was said this morning by someone else, I can't tell if Governor Blago is arrogant or ignorant. For a man who has been under investigation and was named several times during the Tony Rezko trial he should have known his head was on the chopping block. To listen to the press conference today with Patrick Fitzgerald I am shocked by the arrogance of a man who thought that he could sell the President elect Obama's senate seat to the highest bidder and then also try get himself AND his wife a better higher paying job either with the Obama administration or with a union. It's the audacity of this man that has me baffled. Not only was this man screwing with the senate seat he was also screwing with the well being of the United States!

Additionally, the allegations of trying to get Chicago Tribune editors fired over bad press that he was receiving in exchange for help selling the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field is mind blowing. Who thinks they have that much power?! Usually a way to get bad press to go away is to not do things like hmmm let's say sell US Senate seats!

I am glad that the federal government stepped in when they did rather than wait until the spring to bring charges against the governor. Unfortunately other than having his name plastered all over world as being charged in corruption that is all that will happen. He goes back to being Governor of Illinois until the Illinois Legislature takes measures to impeach him. I just hope that the State of Illinois can get it together before January 20th and find ourselves a good hard working Senator that will not have this looming over their head and won't be tainted by all that has happened.

Oh yeah, one last thing. Former Illinois Governor George Ryan is in prison, found guilty of corruption and sentenced to I think y7 1/2 ears in prison. Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of back and forth regarding asking President Bush to pardon or at least commute Govern Ryan's sentence due to his age (72) and the health of his ailing wife. Many politicians in Illinois have weighed in on the opinion of commuting Governor Ryan's sentence; asked a few weeks ago Governor Blagojavich stated that Governor Ryan should not have his sentence commuted and if he was convicted of the crime, he should do the time. Karma?

Update: I just finished reading the 76 page complaint against Governor Blagojavich and Chief of Staff, John Harris, it's official. Governor Blagojavich is delusional and definitely has a very big opinion of himself and the power/influence he may wield.

Strategy

I've been thinking about the President-elect- Obama's thoughts on placing Senator Hillary Clinton in his cabinet. It's not that I don't think it is a good idea; having the Senator as part of the cabinet and especially as Secretary of State is a very good choice. But for once I am thinking strategy for Senator Clinton.

If just IF Obama is a 2 term president (I know I am getting ahead of myself), I don't see Senator Biden running for president in 8 years, he will be 74 years old. Which leads to another election where there won't be an incumbent from either party. If Senator Clinton's "dream" is to be the President of the United States someday, taking a job in Obama's cabinet probably won't get her a step closer to being president, but rather father away. Yes, she still will be in the public eye and if selected as Secretary of State will continue to strengthen her foreign policy experience, but history is not on her side. The last Secretary of State to become president was Martin Van Buren in 1837. 1837! That was a long, long, long time ago when cabinet positions, and the office of the Vice President and President basically rotated around the good old boys of New York, Massachusetts and Virgina.

While there is news whirling around that there might be some issues if she does become Secretary of State; but I think what might be best for her and her ambition to become President of the United States . If she just stays in the Senate until her term is up, and then runs for her Senate seat again in 2012. She will be in a prime spot to have more foreign and domestic policy experience under her belt which would put her in a prime slot to win the Democratic nomination and go on to be President. Realistically, this seems like a much better plan of attack. Doesn't that seem like a better idea? Strategy, it's all strategy.

He is OUT!

Dear Mr. Lieberman:

It's official, our relationship is now over. At first I thought you were just being an independent and trying to work both sides of the aisle to make our country a better place. As a democrat, I saw your switch to an independent as a good and strategic move; but lately I have been thinking that maybe your motives were personal. Were you feeling slighted by the party that had you as their nominee for Vice President 4 years ago?

Now Mr. Lieberman, we are taking it personally. As an independent you are able to support whomever you would like during the campaign and you did. You stayed out of the public eye for most of the campaign until the very end when you were seen standing behind Senator McCain at many of his campaign rallies while also taking part and hanging out with the Democratic Caucus.

You can't have it both ways and I along with Senator Reid are slighted by your actions.

Maybe Senator McCain should have listened to his gut and picked you rather than Caribou Barbie, but I think again you would be in the same situation are you now. Please Mr. Lieberman, you've been given your hat, be gracious and respectful to others that you've let down.

Sincerely,

Realpolitik Mama

UPDATE: The Democrats voted. Senator Lieberman is still in. Read this letter to Senator Lieberman

Opposing Views

Several of my mom friends have mentioned that they need to start learning more about what the "other side" thinks about the issues, rather than continuing to read and listen to those who we agree with; some have chosen the Fox News Channel route while others haven't come up with a better alternative. I think I may have found that alternative and am sharing it with you.

Opposingviews.com is a debate site where experts go head-to-head on a variety of topics. With Election Day approaching, some of you might want to learn more about what the other side thinks and it may strengthen your own views on a particular topic, be it the war in Iraq, a national heath care system, reproductive rights, etc. or you may change your mind - who knows.
But I believe it is my duty to help you, my reader(s), to learn more about issues that you are interested or passionate about and hopefully strengthen your beliefs and ideals.

Yeah, I've got a question.

Realpolitik Mama had a few hours to herself yesterday morning. Not enough to finish all of my coffee or the Sunday paper but enough time to get through some of the paper as well as watch a few minutes of my favorite Sunday morning talk show. Now we've been listening to a lot or rhetoric from the McCain camp about shutting down the pork barrel spending that happens in the Congress and how dare Senator Obama look out for his own constituents and approve a bill that allowed the Adler Planetarium to purchase a new projector. Which by the way was incorrect, read the real story here.

Earmarks or pork barrel projects are where lawmakers insert money for special projects into congressional appropriations bills. These special projects are for the most part designed to happen and benefit the congressional district or state that said representative is from. I remember when I was in college there was a big to do over several federally funded projects that Loyola University of Chicago received because of former Congressman and Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Dan Rostenkowski's influence.

Now before I pose my question, don't get me wrong I am not saying that earmarks are a good thing. There are plenty of special projects out there that are unnecessary and probably shouldn't be funded and there is a way to weed those out.

So my question. Are we supposed to believe that John McCain has NEVER voted for a bill or asked to push an appropriations bill through to help his great state of Arizona? In his 24 + years as a Senator his has done NOTHING to help bring jobs and money to his constituents and his state?

I think I found my answer or answers.

Bitter State?

The political talk circuit has been a buzz with Former Secretary of State/Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell's endorsement of Senator Obama. When I first heard about the announcement I don't think I was as surprised as many others are about the endorsement. What else would a man who was thrown under the bus by the Bush Administration and then hung out to dry do?!

Ok, so he isn't making it personal and I am glad that General Powell kept to the issues. I am happy he raised the same concern as many of us have about the Sarah Palin; she isn't ready or qualified to be Vice President or for that matter President. For a man who has been so well respected in the Republican Party to come out and say what he says is huge, don't get me wrong, and I am glad that someone from "the other side" has come out and said it.

The pundits are right, this is a big nail in the coffin for the McCain campaign. A well respected conservative veteran, and former Secretary of State comes out and endorses the guy that people criticize for not having any foreign policy experience and crazy ideas on diplomacy. The General got it right. Very right.

Oh yeah, one more thing. The McCain camp's reaction? Well, that is great but we are still endorsed by over 300 retired generals and admirals + many other former Secretary of States. Alexander Haig is on that list! A man who didn't know the order of secession when President Regan was shot!

REGISTER

Just like when you were in school, to participate you have to register.

So, if you haven't yet done so, please register yourself to vote. Many states' deadlines are coming up in the next several weeks.

To find out the deadline for your state visit http://www.rockthevote.com/voting-is-easy/important-dates/.

I couldn't have said it any better.

After watching the Sarah Palin be paraded in front of the media and the McCain campaign doing everything in their power to protect Mrs. Palin from any rogue questions, I am glad someone else has come out and say what I've been thinking!

Taking it to the Kitchens

I've been a little out of it lately and haven't read, blogged or done much else for the past couple of weeks. Part of it is realpolitik toddler hasn't been napping, so I haven't had much time to sit and read and blog. But miraculously today, we are napping, so time to blog.

Women, women, women. Like 1996, 2000,and 2004, women, and specifically mothers will make the difference in this year's campaign. We moms have been courted time and time again and this year isn't any different and I am not sure how I feel about it. I understand the demographic that each campaign is trying to get to and introducing their candidate to this demographic, but I think I am insulted the way both have gone about it. Senator and Cindy McCain on Rachel Ray and Michelle Obama on Paula Deen's show , does this mean that this is the only type of television that mother's watch? Cooking shows? Now I understand that it is to show a different side to the candidates, actually just to Senator McCain, since Barack Obama wasn't on Deen's show, but I would be curious to see some numbers on if individuals that stay home, like mothers, that will actually base their opinions on who they will vote for by how the candidate or significant other of the candidate performed on a let's face it, a talk show. Again, I understand widening the base and it makes for riveting TV, to watch Senator McSame (McCain) make his rib recipe, but yet again I am a little bothered by the indication that is how I and other mothers get to know the candidates.

Executive Privilege

I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to economics I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer. My area of expertise goes as far as supply and demand and that is about it. As an avid fan of NPR, I do get a chance to listen to MarketPlace, so while I know what is going on, I won't say that I understand it completely.

Having said that, I've been doing some research on Secretary Paulson's bail out bill in front of Congress to get a better grip of what this means for me and the other 2 of you who read this blog. Of everything that I have read, what struck as the biggest slip under the rug move since, GITMO, is Section 8 of the bill that states "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency." What?! Huh? Got you've to be kidding me? I thought I remember something in my civics class from high school about checks and balances. Apparently, President Bush, once again believes that aren't any checks and balances and it's either his/the Secretary of the Treasury's way or the high way. Now, I know this doesn't mean that the Secretary can go and just do what he wants with our taxpayer dollars, but it seems pretty close to that.

Everything I have heard and read indicate that our financial stability is under a huge crisis - no argument there. I am sure Secretary Paulson is a very creditable person - for god sakes he is the Secretary of the Treasury - but to give him carte blanche to do what ever he wants?! That to me seems a little nerve wrecking. While I know the job isn't political, well maybe slightly, is this really such a good idea? To not have any knowledge of what the Secretary is doing? If it all goes horribly wrong, then what happens? We won't know what decisions have been made and what the basis for particular actions where, because what goes on in the Secretary's office, stays in the Secretary's office. I just hope he isn't using a dart board.

Mr Uncomfortable

I just finished watching Palin's speech at the RNC and here comes John McCain from behind the virtual curtain. Could the man look any more uncomfortable?!?! Is it just me or does it look like his head has been placed upon a box dressed up in a suit.

example #1

example #2

Ok, ok I know he spent 5 years in a Vietnamese prison where who knows what happened to him, but seriously. He has handlers and obviously speech writers, can someone give him some tips to loosen up?!

Bitter Unity?

Ok, so while on vacation I've given myself 15 minutes of surfing. After going to a few of my favorite blogs, I moved on to the news of the day (I have my priorities you know). Well I am not sure exactly what day yet, since an 8 hour time difference makes my days and nights all disconbobulated at the moment, but I digress.

My local paper not giving me all the information I was looking for - except to see that my beloved Chicago Cubs are winning on the road, I purused the New York Times, and came across an article of how the Obama and Clinton campaigns are trying to work together to bring unity to the party. So let's discuss blow by blow.

1. Harden Hillary supporters are still up in arms over Obama clinching the nomination and will not support Obama. my response.....get over yourselves! What are the reasons? Is it policy or experienced based? Or is it that you just don't like him. We, as democrats, need as much support and unity as we can get if we want to win in November. Let's all remember the end result.

2. This "symbolic" gesture of Obama writing a check to the Clinton campaign to help her out with her $+12 million debt. Seriously?! Like this woman and her husband don't have enough money to pay off their own debt. Didn't they start a website to ask people for money to help them with their Whitewater legal bills? Why not do the same now? Quick question, would she write him a check, symbolicly showing that she is behind him?

3. Obama hiring Clinton's people for his own campaign. One gripe Clinton supporters have is that " Mr. Obama’s campaign had made only a perfunctory effort to hire Clinton staff members; the Clinton campaign payroll is ending for most employees in less than a week." Don't we all know that when we work for a campaign that there is a 50/50 chance that you'll be out of a job? Isn't this the chance to take when working for a campaign. Surely they can't be claiming they are poor.

4. I am going to end with this, because I could go on and on and on about this article but this one struck me as a little off. "They are discussing whether Mr. Obama’s campaign will provide a plane and staff for Mrs. Clinton as she travels on his behalf." Does this sound like she wants to be paid off for endorcing Obama. To me it sounds as though she is thinking "well, if he wants me to go away and support him, then he is going to have to pay me for it" Who talks like that?! Do any other people who endorse a candidate get their own plane and staff? Hitch a ride with Obama?! I am sure the DNC has some money to help her out, but maybe it's beneath her to not only endorse the soon to be Democratic nominee, but also any other democrat that might be in that particular state, district, etc.

Obviously I have my own unity issues with Hillary Clinton and her supporters. Hey, if they want to have their own party- go ahead. They seem to know what's better anyway. But come November when we are still going to be stuck in this war, our gas is going to cost $6 a gallon and we aren't any better off, you'll see a "don't blame me my mam voted for Obama" bumpersticker on realpolitik toddler's Sit and Stroll.

Anyone read the NY Times today?

After realpolitik baby went to bed, rather than clean up all the toys off my living room floor, I decided to do a little Google News browsing. What to my surprise do I see? "Clinton Invokes 2000 Recount". Did it really take this long for the Clinton campaign to decide this. For as much as the Clintons and the Gores didn't get a long, did Hillary really not pay attention to the debacle of 2000? The war of words and the clinging on till the bitter end just continues to give the Democrats a bad name. John McCain was spot on during the Weekend Update on SNL,
,
let the Democrats continue to fight it out. As he just sits back works his campaign and watches the possible implosion of the Democratic party. We have another week, but I hope that after the May 31st Rules and By-Laws Committee, whatever the outcome is, doesn't continue to drag this out any further, otherwise I am going to have serious reservations, dare I say it, if the Dems can pull it off in November.

Didn't we learn our lesson the first time?

The subject brings two subjects to light. The first political and the second mom-ical.

1. In the past and specifically over the weekend, the Clinton campaign continues to bring up the fact that she has won the "popular vote", meaning that more people have voted for her than for Obama over the primary season, but he has more the the delegates. So, again I ask. Didn't we, the democratic party, learn our lesson 8 years ago? This is the same argument that the Gore campaign used in 2000, but it didn't change the outcome of the election. Why would it change the outcome of this primary?

2. The past couple of days I have caught realpolitik baby hanging off the side of his crib ready to take the plunge to freedom and the beyond. Today it happened. I was brushing my teeth and all of a sudden I heard a thump, and then cries. I rush to find my son on the floor, no bones broken but just a little freaked out. After a few minutes of consoling and explaining that hanging off the highest point of the crib wasn't such a good idea, he went back into the crib with a book and a little Micheal Jackson music for 5 more minutes. Well, as the title of this blog goes......didn't we learn our lesson the first time? Yet again on the floor, but this time a little less shocked. I knew this day would come.

Portrait of a Wanna Be President

After Tuesday's primaries, there has been much talk about Hillary Clinton and if it is mathematically possible for her to become the nominee for the Democratic Party. Senator Clinton has been very adamant that "it ain't over until it's over" and she is going to see this through to the end. I admire Senator Clinton and her determination, but why don't we look past the primaries and general election into the future when Senator Clinton is President. I think we look at the Senator's performance and attitudes during the election to get a good portrait of how she will be as the Commander in Chief.

What makes me nervous about this portrait is what I've seen so far from Hillary. I don’t believe she has painted a very good picture of herself and how she, as President, would bring this country together after 8 years of division. A big criticism of the current administration is that they do what they want and then ask questions later. I don't see this being any different in Hillary. The attitude of what will happen with the delegates from Michigan and Florida and the Clinton campaign crying “foul” after an agreement had been settled that those delegates wouldn’t count, gives a good snapshot of what may happen. She is very strong minded, which is needed to be President, but is also not willing to budge on issues or arguments – prime example, not exiting the race. While Clinton One (that would be Bill) I thought was very good to broker agreements and work with many to accomplish legislation and policy, I don't see that same characteristic in Hillary. Of course the same charisma of Clinton One is not there, and maybe that is where it all starts for me.

The Best Poll of the Campaign - so far

Yet again I've been out of commission the past week or so due to some family obligations, but I am hoping that after Sunday - Orthodox Easter- I'll have a little more time on my hands to get back to the 2 a week blogging. But in the meantime, this morning I came across the best and maybe what I thought was the craziest polls so far.

Tomorrow is the big Pennsylvania Democratic primary. This is it people, this should (hopefully) tell who the heir apparent will be! So with all this attention on Pennsylvania and deciphering who will win the primary before people in the state go to their polling places, MSNBC/McClatchy/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has done a recent poll to see exactly which way the tide is turning. This poll is a lot like the rest, but what gave me a really good laugh this morning were some of the specific demographics that were polled, specifically Hunters. Gun Owners, Beer drinkers and Bowlers. I am still a little baffled if I am more amused by the the stereotyping of Pennsylvania voters or is it just that I am amused that we've come to this. I guess if the candidates show up at any place, there will now be a poll on that! How about waffle eaters? Pittsburgh Pirate or Steeler fans? I'll admit it was 6am when I flipped on the news and heard about this poll while not firing on all my caffeinated cylinders. But this did give me a good laugh, while the rest of me was not happy to be up so early.

My name? Oakley, Annie Oakley

A very good friend of mine and I went to a baseball game last night, and in between a few beers, hot dogs and getting, hmmm let's say berated by a gentleman in front of us, we discussed everything under the sun. But that is what you do at games, watch a few home runs, talk, eat, etc.

So in our discussions we got on the topic of Hillary Clinton's newest comments and one of the biggest burns ever given during a Presidential campaign. Take it from a girl who once won the Annie Oakley award at YMCA camp in the summer of 1985; I don't claim to be pro gun, especially with all that has happened in my fine city the past several weeks, but here is another example of the Clinton campaign's "bringing it to streets" attitude. Just face it, Hillary isn't as charismatic as her husband and she is not coming off as sincere either. So maybe she does remember the days of her father taking her behind the cottage that her grandfather built to learn to shoot. But I am not sure you want to use the words "cottage". Personally, I think her word selection actually made things worse, and it shows how so not working class Hillary Clinton is. Can the people she is speaking to in Pennsylvania relate to having a cottage? Come on now!

The long of the short lists

I got a call from a friend of mine this afternoon and wanted to have a conversation about possible VP's. I was flattered someone thought of calling me and asking me for an opinion on what each ticket will look like, but then also horrified that I didn't have a more thoughtful answer of the possibilities. I am going to blame John McCain's Jedi mind tricks, which insured me that these are not the VP candidates I am looking for.

So while I am still in a bit of a VP daze at the moment, I decided to do some research and see what others have to say. I haven't heard or read anything yet that I totally agree with or believe that they have found the holy grail of vice presidential candidates; but here are some interesting thoughts:

Will Durst's suggestions are well thought out, especially his idea of countering the minority card, by listing several Republican party minority candidates. Personally, I wouldn't list George Clooney as "taking the woman thing out of play" maybe the hunk thing out of play- which wouldn't hurt McCain's chances.

On a more serious note, from a cohort blogher, this list is a little more concise and thoughtful. I like the safe bet of the young Republican governor from the Midwest, Tim Pawlenty. This would be the safe candidate that really wouldn't add too much drama for the Republicans, they have enough of that right now with Spitzer.

Lastly, a news article out of Reuters, focuses on McCain's age and like the above blog does pick some of the young Repub governors as possible running mates. Again, very thought provoking and does give some background on who is in and who is "ouft".

After reviewing these list and pontificating, Here is what I think. Taking into consideration this could all change dependent on what happens with the Dems in terms of Florida and Michigan and who the final nominee will be. But using today's knowledge, without looking into my crystal ball, here is my very short list.

1. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. A young Republican Governor that will do a very good job bringing out the vote in Florida, which may become a huge battleground state again. If the Democrats totally piss off the Democratic and Independent voters in that state, it will be an easier victory for the Republicans in Florida, since a lot of them probably won't show up in the general election. People are sick of election drama in Florida.

2. MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Like Governor Crist, with a lot to offer McCain in terms of delivering an important state to the red category.

3. Kay Bailey Hutchison: She has a reputation for not being particularly conservative on life and immigration issues, but she is more accomplished than Hillary (if she is the nominee) and could help McCain reach out to the women's vote.

The dark horse? Joe Lieberman. You can't have a discussion about VP's without adding Joe to the list. His age is bothersome, and while McCain is having problems winning many conservatives over, this wouldn't be a wise choice. But if you are looking for experience, and someone who would do a good job of wiping away any sort of Democratic momentum, Joe is the guy.

So there you go. To my friend and her aunt who called this morning to discuss, I am sorry for my delay in my response, I hope this helps. To those of you out there, who are wondering about my pontificating and if possibly I've drank the red Kool-Aid, there is nothing to worry about. When one of realpolitik baby's first 25 words is "O-bama" I don't think there is much to worry about. Not to mention, I would much rather think about the strategy Democrats can use against the Republican ticket, than listen to any more discussion about the Florida and Michigan primaries.