Congrats to Bristol Palin and the birth of her son, "Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on Sunday. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces."
08 Presidential Elections
- Thread starter Calihan
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happyharper13
Pathologist
According to NYT, Richardson just withdrew for commerce. ;(
Desertwind
Head of the Day Shift
I just heard this too on CNN> what the hell is going on now, I'm so disapointed I really liked Bill Richardson, according to sketchy reports he's being investigated by New Mexcio authorites:wtf:
Ay carumba. And so close to the big date...
Speaking of which, HOLY CRAP. It's almost time for the big switch. This is going to be one hell of an event!
Speaking of which, HOLY CRAP. It's almost time for the big switch. This is going to be one hell of an event!
happyharper13
Pathologist
I know! It's so exciting! I'm going to the inauguration and I can't wait!
starzsgirl
Captain
I'm also excited for the inauguration, this country needs change and a fresh perspective, both of with will be achieved with Obama. The end of the month cannot come quicker! 
^^^ Well, truthfully it's not like it could get any worse! :lol:
And you actually get to go to the inauguration, HappyHarper13? That's awesome. You're going to witness an historic event- I'm totally jealous! Please put your fist in the air and yell out "woooooo!" for me one time, will you?
And you actually get to go to the inauguration, HappyHarper13? That's awesome. You're going to witness an historic event- I'm totally jealous! Please put your fist in the air and yell out "woooooo!" for me one time, will you?
Desertwind
Head of the Day Shift
happyharper13
Pathologist
Hah I'm not one of the people paying 2,000. I don't have official seats, but anyone's allowed to just come and stand and watch, though only the people who pay get seats, I guess. It feels like most of the DC area is going out there to watch though. Most of us probably won't be able to see much, but it's the experience that counts. It's gonna be incredible just to be there. Reminds me of why I love living in DC.
Desertwind
Head of the Day Shift
Washington DC how fabulous, I've always wanted to visit DC and of course the White House, be sure you tell us every detail and have fun:thumbsup:
happyharper13
Pathologist
Hah. I've lived here my whole life, but have never visited the White House. Once Obama is in office, that might definitely change though
Btw, they just showed Hillary's SoS hearings on TV (don't remember which channel). She definitely kicked butt. That said, I am still so. freaking. pissed. about Richardson. I had such high hopes for him ;(
So what are you guys thinking about Burris right now? The Post's coverage of him, at least when it was front-page for the Senate swearing-in day, was decidedly negative and basically made him seem like a pompous jerk. The Times and the Hill (a wonk newspaper) were a lot more neutral though. Right now, though, I'm leaning toward the Post's opinion. Overall, I'm just really unimpressed that he still went to Capital Hill to try to get sworn in because it just serves to bring the Blagojevich scandal once again, IMO.
Btw, they just showed Hillary's SoS hearings on TV (don't remember which channel). She definitely kicked butt. That said, I am still so. freaking. pissed. about Richardson. I had such high hopes for him ;(
So what are you guys thinking about Burris right now? The Post's coverage of him, at least when it was front-page for the Senate swearing-in day, was decidedly negative and basically made him seem like a pompous jerk. The Times and the Hill (a wonk newspaper) were a lot more neutral though. Right now, though, I'm leaning toward the Post's opinion. Overall, I'm just really unimpressed that he still went to Capital Hill to try to get sworn in because it just serves to bring the Blagojevich scandal once again, IMO.
Desertwind
Head of the Day Shift
Yeah about Bill Richardson, I was as well bummed out, I had hoped Barack was going to choose him as VP.. He sure is keeping a low profile, and hope and wish him the best of luck:thumbsup: in our paper today is some *highlights* of our President and his accomplishments, or lack there of
President Bush infamously couldn't or more likely--wouldn't in 2004 indentify mistakes he'd made during his presidency. In a newly self-reflective mood in his twlight hours in the White House, Bush has opened up about what went wrong. At his final press conference, he said pursuing Social Security reform instead of immigration reform after the 2004 election was a "mistake" [ya think] as was hanging "missions accomplished" banner on the tower of the USS Abraham Lincoln. 10 more mistakes shaped his presidency
*Not getting congressional buy-in on detention policy after 9/11
Going to Congress would have forced more deliberation when administration was rushing into hasty improvisation of Gitmo and made it harder for Democrats to grandstand once it became controversial!
*An ineffective managment style
Bush the CSO president wisely wanted to delegate, alas, the quality of some of his Texas loyalists wasn't particulary high, and when people under Bush failed, his instinct was to stand by them stalwartly [Donald Rumsfeld] rather then holding them accountable!
*Not replacing George Tenet after 9/11
Someone should have taken responsibility after the attacks!
*Deferring to his generals
It wasn't until his generals had nearly lost the war in Iraq that Bush fully stepped up to his role as commander in chief, going around the brass to order the surge, the dismal intiative of his 2nd term!
*Not taking charge during KATRINA
As soon as the National Weather Service bullentins were warning the possible destruction of an American city, Bush should have rode herd on the tangled homeland security beaucracy and once the storm hit, federalized the response to save New Orleans [AMEN] but nothing so incompetent and the corruption that followed was shameful, at the expense of his own party's leaders, thus the ill fated GOP disaster!
*Too much accommodation of a GOP Congress
Bush got what he wanted out of Congress at the price of ignoring burgeoning earmarks and a creeping culture of corruption. More triangulation at the party!
*Not reading enough history before taking office
He'd have been and had a better grounding on making important decisions!
*Refusing to settle the internal war within his adminstration
The acrimony between the State Department and the CIA on one hand and the Defense Department and VP's office on the other was poisonous and debilitating!
*Underestimating the power of explanation
By temperament and ability Bush was more a "decider" that a "persuader" He's not naturally drawn to public argument, giving his adminstration it's unfortunate "my way or the highway" reptuation at home and abroad!
*Ignoring health care reform too long
By the time Bush unveiled serious and sensible reform in 2007, it was dead on arrival. Oddly enough for a president denounced as an executive monster by critics,[or moron] many of his mistakes involve not being active enough or taking a stronger hand. How that came to be so with a president who believed so strongly in leadership should long occupy Bush and fair-minded historians!
King Features Syndicate
President Bush infamously couldn't or more likely--wouldn't in 2004 indentify mistakes he'd made during his presidency. In a newly self-reflective mood in his twlight hours in the White House, Bush has opened up about what went wrong. At his final press conference, he said pursuing Social Security reform instead of immigration reform after the 2004 election was a "mistake" [ya think] as was hanging "missions accomplished" banner on the tower of the USS Abraham Lincoln. 10 more mistakes shaped his presidency
*Not getting congressional buy-in on detention policy after 9/11
Going to Congress would have forced more deliberation when administration was rushing into hasty improvisation of Gitmo and made it harder for Democrats to grandstand once it became controversial!
*An ineffective managment style
Bush the CSO president wisely wanted to delegate, alas, the quality of some of his Texas loyalists wasn't particulary high, and when people under Bush failed, his instinct was to stand by them stalwartly [Donald Rumsfeld] rather then holding them accountable!
*Not replacing George Tenet after 9/11
Someone should have taken responsibility after the attacks!
*Deferring to his generals
It wasn't until his generals had nearly lost the war in Iraq that Bush fully stepped up to his role as commander in chief, going around the brass to order the surge, the dismal intiative of his 2nd term!
*Not taking charge during KATRINA
As soon as the National Weather Service bullentins were warning the possible destruction of an American city, Bush should have rode herd on the tangled homeland security beaucracy and once the storm hit, federalized the response to save New Orleans [AMEN] but nothing so incompetent and the corruption that followed was shameful, at the expense of his own party's leaders, thus the ill fated GOP disaster!
*Too much accommodation of a GOP Congress
Bush got what he wanted out of Congress at the price of ignoring burgeoning earmarks and a creeping culture of corruption. More triangulation at the party!
*Not reading enough history before taking office
He'd have been and had a better grounding on making important decisions!
*Refusing to settle the internal war within his adminstration
The acrimony between the State Department and the CIA on one hand and the Defense Department and VP's office on the other was poisonous and debilitating!
*Underestimating the power of explanation
By temperament and ability Bush was more a "decider" that a "persuader" He's not naturally drawn to public argument, giving his adminstration it's unfortunate "my way or the highway" reptuation at home and abroad!
*Ignoring health care reform too long
By the time Bush unveiled serious and sensible reform in 2007, it was dead on arrival. Oddly enough for a president denounced as an executive monster by critics,[or moron] many of his mistakes involve not being active enough or taking a stronger hand. How that came to be so with a president who believed so strongly in leadership should long occupy Bush and fair-minded historians!
King Features Syndicate
That's an impressive list. And by impressive, I mean an impressive revelation (or revisiting) of the ineptitude of the soon to be former president. Yikes. What a marooooooon!
Kimbo08
CSI Level One
I just read on google.com that both Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel will be broadcasting parts of the inaguration. Plus, the Neighborhood Ball which will be broadcasted by the American Braodcast Company and it's parent company Disney. It's a ball where many young stars will be appearing. It will actually be one of President Obama's first stops of the night. Now, the channels Disney and Nickelodeon will not be showing it live, but there will be extended commercials broadcasting the events inbetween shows. It's the first time any of this has been done.
I think it is awesome that Barack cares so much about children and that he cares that they become interested in the voting process. Even though I am not a fan of the Jonas Brother, Miley Cyrus, or any of the other bubble gum, poppy sensations that will be attending, kudos to them for being a part of such a historic event.
I only hope that when I have children, and my children have children, that an outlet like this will be available for them to see, even if it is between commercials on TV. Something like this is truly refreshing in a time of such turmoil. It's amazing. I know that I will be watching!
Plus, artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey (Just to name a few) will be performing historical songs such as America (My Country Tis of Thee) and America the Beautiful in duets, trios, and ensembles at the inaguration. This truly will be ground breaking and I can't wait to see it!
I think it is awesome that Barack cares so much about children and that he cares that they become interested in the voting process. Even though I am not a fan of the Jonas Brother, Miley Cyrus, or any of the other bubble gum, poppy sensations that will be attending, kudos to them for being a part of such a historic event.
I only hope that when I have children, and my children have children, that an outlet like this will be available for them to see, even if it is between commercials on TV. Something like this is truly refreshing in a time of such turmoil. It's amazing. I know that I will be watching!
Plus, artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey (Just to name a few) will be performing historical songs such as America (My Country Tis of Thee) and America the Beautiful in duets, trios, and ensembles at the inaguration. This truly will be ground breaking and I can't wait to see it!
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Not sure where else to post this. Since it has to do with past inaugurations, I'll put it here. Here is some trivia about past presidential inaugurations.
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The shortest inauguration speech was delivered by George Washington at his second inauguration on March 4, 1793. The speech totaled 135 words.
***
There have been nine presidents sworn in on days other than inauguration day - eight following eight presidential deaths and one after Richard Nixon's resignation.
***
Former President Herbert Hoover was unable to fly into Washington National Airport due to the weather and missed the swearing-in ceremony. By sunrise, the snowfall had
ended and the skies cleared but the day remained bitterly cold. An army of men worked all night to clear Pennsylvania Avenue and despite the cold, a large crowd turned out for the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural parade.
***
Inauguration Day was originally set for March 4th in order to give members of the Electoral College from each State four months from election day to cast their ballots for president.
***
Weather's greatest impact on inauguration day came in 1841 when William Henry Harrison decided to brave the elements and deliver the longest inauguration speech ever, an oration lasting an hour, 40 minutes. Harrison wore no coat, and rode
a horse to and from the Capitol ceremony. He subsequently caught a cold that developed into pneumonia. A month later, Harrison died.
***
The warmest January 20th inauguration day came in 1981 when Ronald Reagan was sworn into office under mostly cloudy skies. The temperature at noon on this inauguration day was 55 degrees.
***
Thomas Jefferson was the only president to walk to and from his inaugural. He was also the first to be inaugurated at the Capitol. (1801)
***
The first inauguration to be photographed was James Buchanan's. (1857)
***
William Taft's wife was the first one to accompany her husband in the procession from the Capitol to the White House. (1909)
***
Warren G. Harding was the first president to ride to and from his inaugural in an automobile. (1921)
***
Calvin Coolidge's oath was administered by Chief Justice (and ex-president) William Taft. It was also the first inaugural address broadcast on the radio. (1925)
***
Lyndon Johnson was the first (and so far) only president to be sworn in by a woman, U.S. District Judge Sarah T. Hughes. (1963)
***********************************************************
The above is from Trivia Today, a free daily email newsletter from GopherCentral.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The shortest inauguration speech was delivered by George Washington at his second inauguration on March 4, 1793. The speech totaled 135 words.
***
There have been nine presidents sworn in on days other than inauguration day - eight following eight presidential deaths and one after Richard Nixon's resignation.
***
Former President Herbert Hoover was unable to fly into Washington National Airport due to the weather and missed the swearing-in ceremony. By sunrise, the snowfall had
ended and the skies cleared but the day remained bitterly cold. An army of men worked all night to clear Pennsylvania Avenue and despite the cold, a large crowd turned out for the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural parade.
***
Inauguration Day was originally set for March 4th in order to give members of the Electoral College from each State four months from election day to cast their ballots for president.
***
Weather's greatest impact on inauguration day came in 1841 when William Henry Harrison decided to brave the elements and deliver the longest inauguration speech ever, an oration lasting an hour, 40 minutes. Harrison wore no coat, and rode
a horse to and from the Capitol ceremony. He subsequently caught a cold that developed into pneumonia. A month later, Harrison died.
***
The warmest January 20th inauguration day came in 1981 when Ronald Reagan was sworn into office under mostly cloudy skies. The temperature at noon on this inauguration day was 55 degrees.
***
Thomas Jefferson was the only president to walk to and from his inaugural. He was also the first to be inaugurated at the Capitol. (1801)
***
The first inauguration to be photographed was James Buchanan's. (1857)
***
William Taft's wife was the first one to accompany her husband in the procession from the Capitol to the White House. (1909)
***
Warren G. Harding was the first president to ride to and from his inaugural in an automobile. (1921)
***
Calvin Coolidge's oath was administered by Chief Justice (and ex-president) William Taft. It was also the first inaugural address broadcast on the radio. (1925)
***
Lyndon Johnson was the first (and so far) only president to be sworn in by a woman, U.S. District Judge Sarah T. Hughes. (1963)
***********************************************************
The above is from Trivia Today, a free daily email newsletter from GopherCentral.com
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