Thursday night/Friday morning, on the eve of John McCain’s announcement of who his running mate would be, was an all-nighter for this scribe. I really was tired and sleepy, but I just couldn’t make myself go to bed. Instead I was following this thread of comments on the Draft Sarah Palin For Vice President website. Adam Brickley, who created the site in February of 2007, has faithfully and tirelessly promoted Gov. Palin for the vice presidency ever since. My own meager efforts in support of Palin consisted of a couple of journal entries (here and here), so they pale in comparison to those of Adam, Palin’s true web champion.

The thread was a fascinating thing to watch as it unfolded. The contributors tried to separate solid clues from rumor as each new comment was posted. Pawlenty was in Ohio. No he wasn’t; he was staying in Minnesota for the state fair. Palin was in Alaska. No, wait, she might be in Ohio. What really intrigued me were the reports taken from a site which tracks aircraft flights. There was a lot of activity with a couple of chartered bizjets, one which flew from Alaska to Arizona and back, and another which made its way from Alaska directly to Ohio. The dates and time were just too convenient to be coincidence, and it seemed like a troublesome and expensive way to misdirect attention away from any other potential nominee.

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Another thing the left hates Sarah Palin for is her fight against declaring polar bears an endangered species.

Polar bears are not endangered in Alaska. There is, however, a reason the left wants to declare the bears to be endangered. That reason is to stop the development of our Alaskan natural resources.

Here is Governor Palin’s article from earlier this year.

The lawsuit brought by Governor Palin has not been resolved, but it is important to note that this is a woman of action, not just words, who wants us to have affordable energy resources.

It’s night two. Mark Warner may have the keynote, but the networks aren’t covering it much. They are salivating for Hillary’s speech — particularly in light of Bill dissing Barack Obama today.

Have at it.

UPDATE: The DNC moved the keynote speech from Mark Warner up because Warner would not attack John McCain. What’s this? Politics as usual at the convention?

UPDATE: She’s here. I just don’t think the Obama camp really vetted this Hillary video. It’s just going to remind the PUMAs why they supported her.

Geez, who told her orange was a good idea? UPDATE My wife informs me that orange is across the color wheel from blue. Therefore, it’s a woman thang that works.

UPDATE: Wow. Michelle Obama just had a “die itchbay” look on her face. Holy cow!

One minute in and Hillary has not asked for help paying off the campaign debt. She also went through the litany of being a proud X, Y, and Z. “Wife of Bill” was not in the litany.

“No way, no how, no McCain.” Clever. No wonder she lost the primary.

Story of the night: MICHELLE OBAMA CANNOT HIDE HER CONTEMPT OF HILLARY. If looks could kill . . .

Well, Hillary is giving more of a substantive speech than anyone else so far. Advocates women’s right and gay rights. Subtly promotes expanded immigration.

Michelle Obama still wants to kill her.

Could she have mentioned Barack Obama any less? Geez. She’s mentioned McCain maybe twice. I think she’s only mentioned Obama four or five times.

This really is not a well delivered speech. But she’s boosting the number of references of Obama.

Hillary just reminded people of the Clinton years. Clinton sits back and beams ear to ear. The crowd goes nuts. Michelle Obama scowls.

“He’ll end the war” and “he’ll have a terrific partner in Michelle Obama.” Michelle visibly must remind herself to smile. Whoa. She really hates Hillary.

Could the applause for Joe Biden in Hillary’s speech have been any less enthusiastic?

It’s 11:04 p.m. and Hillary is on the 19th amendment and the right of women to vote, thereby sending code to the PUMAs to keep fighting.

Hillary Translator Fight on women. Fight on. Ignore the whole “elect Barack” stuff. Fight on for your rights.

Hillary is fired up now. “In America there is no chasm to great . . . no ceiling too high” [except for women who are being shut out of the White House].

Geez. She threw in the essentials for Obama. She knocked McCain. But the speech was littered with so many references to glass ceilings and women’s rights, I find it hard to believe she is really committed to Obama. And Michelle looked like she could kill Hillary the entire time.

what did Michelle Obama say at the end? Her lips looked like “I hate that . . . .” Holy cow! (I kid. Her looks killed. Her lips didn’t move . . . much. It did look like she said “I hate” something)

There was no real praise for Barack Obama in that speech, btw. There was nothing in there. She did not praise him at all. It was pro forma rhetoric.

So now we know the Democratic ticket: Obama-Biden. We have been promised John McCain’s running mate on Friday the 29th. With Joe Biden as the matchup, who among the plausible candidates should McCain take? And who is helped/hurt by the Biden pick?

Personally, I think I would disregard at least some of my own prior checklist and take Eric Cantor. Cantor’s young (but not too young), smart, conservative, telegenic, and from an important state that is a must-win for McCain (although Virginia seems less important with the news that Obama has suspended his TV ad campaign there, and there’s less need to counter a Virginia candidate than if Tim Kaine was the choice). He’s also Jewish; a Jewish Republican would be a bit of history, and as we have seen the Democrats may not handle that well. Some people have feared taking Cantor out of the running for House leadership, but this is a tight race for the White House, and that trumps everything in my view. The downside to Cantor is that he’s a Congressman: tied to an unpopular Congress, relatively light on experience (although with 8 years in Congress and 8 in the state legistature he has twice Obama’s federal experience, has been in a leadership position since Obama was a state Senator and has been in public office longer than George W. Bush) and without executive experience. But Cantor’s no lightweight, and Obama has a ticket with two Congressmen and no executive, military or business experience; the important thing is that Cantor would help balance McCain’s inconsistent profile on domestic policy and reassure the base.

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Several conservatives in the House tell me they are hacked off at National Review for a blurb that appears in the print edition of the magazine this week. Here is what National Review writes:

After the House adjourned for summer recess without voting on an energy bill, half a dozen Republicans stayed in the empty chamber, razzing the majority and calling for offshore drilling. Their number swelled to about 20 as word got out; tourists and aides were invited in; though the C-SPAN cameras were switched off, the Republicans sent reports of their doings via Twitter, and cellphone to Rush Limbaugh. Great fun was had by all, and scientists agree there may indeed be life in the House GOP caucus. But seriously, folks. Legislative bodies have rules for good reason: to maintain decorum, to see that business is done, to protect both majority and minority rights. The saving comedy of American politics allows us to write this off as a stunt — so long as everyone knows it was unseemly, and plans not to make a habit of it.

Congressman Tom Price has a post this morning about the protest on the House floor. Price, along with other conservative standard bearers in the House like Mike Pence, Jeb Hensarling, and Lynn Westmoreland organized, implemented, and led this effort.

Let’s go through the whole paragraph:

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Today, August 18th, marks the 88th anniversary of the amendment that ensured women’s right to vote. The struggle that culminated in the ratification of the19th Amendment in 1920 began at Seneca Falls in 1848 more than 70 years before. The Republican Party was the first major party to champion women’s suffrage and its role in that struggle is chronicled here.

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93 Days until Election Day

August 3, 2008

MORNING UPDATE:

SUNDAY’S TALK SHOW LINEUP…below.

OUTRAGE…America should remember that House Democrats shut down debate on energy policy that would have helped lower gas prices and took a 5 week vacation instead.  There IS a difference between Democrats and Republicans.

Please check out the article below from The Hill newspaper, as well as this article from Politico.

POWERLINE BLOG ON OBAMA’S ENERGY PLAN…TO KEEP US STUPID…see details below.

A TIME FOR CHOOSING… The WSJ reports…’the Republican Party is facing what Ronald Reagan called “a time for choosing.” A real argument is raging over how much it should turn its back on the bad habits that cost it control of Congress in 2006′.

BARACK OBAMA…THE ONE?!?…this is a video you have to see.  Again, in his own words…it should raise some “doubts” in your mind.

OBAMA…CELEBRITY #1…Beating out all the semi-porn videos and some Miley Cyrus riff, John McCain’s ‘Celeb’ ad was the most viewed video on YouTube this week.  The tally as of Saturday at 7:25 p.m. was 1,405,356 views.

OBAMA….he’ll say…and has said ANYTHING to get a vote.  Politics as usual…or even worse.  See, in his own words…how he will take any and every position he thinks will be politically expedient.

GOP TOOLBAR…download it, use it, it’s free…and every time you use the Yahoo search on a sponsored site, the Michigan Republicans pick up a contribution.  It’s easy and costs you nothing.  Please check it out.

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FOR THE LATEST NEWS, COMMENTARY & INFORMATION:

Check…out…our…online Articles of Interest………News…you…can…use………

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THE REST OF THE STORY:

SUNDAY’S TALK SHOW LINEUP…

ABC’s “This Week” – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and former Gov. Tom Ridge, R-Pa.; David Gergen, former White House adviser.

CBS’ “Face the Nation” – Former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin; Carly Fiorina, adviser to John McCain’s campaign.

NBC’s “Meet the Press” – Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.

CNN’s “Late Edition” – Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.; former Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio; Kenneth Blackwell, former Ohio secretary of state; Ron Kirk, former Dallas mayor; Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling, the commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq; Tzipi Livni, Israeli foreign minister; James K. Glassman, undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs; Laura Tyson, adviser to Barack Obama; Nancy Pfotenhauer, adviser to McCain.

“Fox News Sunday” – Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and former Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D.; Ashley Judd, actress.

POWERLINE BLOG…Barack Obama — fighting to keep us stupid…It’s unfortunate that, at least until this Friday, Barack Obama opposed off-shore drilling. Still, this is a policy issue on which reasonable minds probably can differ and certainly could before gasoline prices skyrocketed. But, as I set forth below, Obama has also led a one-man crusade to keep the American people ignorant about what’s at stake in the debate over off-shore drilling. This, it seems to me, is almost criminal.

Here’s the background. In 2005, Congress considered energy legislation that included an off-shore inventory. Obama voted to kill the off-shore inventory provision. So, unfortunately, did John McCain. However, the effort to kill the inventory failed, and the first inventory report was issued in February 2006.

Obama, though, did not give up in his efforts to keep the public ignorant. In January 2007, he proposed legislation to eliminate the authorization to conduct the inventory, as established in the 2005 law. Obama’s bill is S. 115. The key provision is section 101(a)(5). It provides that “Section 357 (42 U.S.C. 15912) (relating to comprehensive inventory of OCS oil and natural gas resources)” is “repealed as of the date of enactment of this act.”

Ironically, Obama called his legislation “The Oil SENSE Act.” How audacious a label for an act that would deprive the public of key information relevant to deciding whether off-shore drilling makes sense. As far as I know, Obama’s legislation is still pending.

It’s wonderful that Obama now thinks it might be ok to drill off-shore, provided that such drilling is part of an “overarching really thoughtful” energy package. Perhaps now, as part of the package, Obama will stop opposing an inventory of our off-shore energy assets. After all, if Obama is prepared to support drilling, he no longer needs to keep voters in the dark about what we are losing by not drilling.

Posted by Paul at 4:45 PM |

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

The following stories and more are available at my Articles of Interest online.

Renier and Schauer campaigns argue about Big Oil

Nick Schirripa • The Enquirer • August 3, 2008

“Last week, Tim Walberg received another check from big oil. It happened to be a $1,000 thank you check from Exxon Mobil’s political action committee,” Schauer said on the show. “I have never received a contribution from these folks.”

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis called Schauer out for the “I never” part of that statement.

“Mark Schauer flat-out lied to the public about receiving campaign contributions from the oil industry,” Anuzis said in a news release. “Although he has accepted tens of thousands of dollars in the past, he has the audacity to criticize his opponent for receiving far less. Schauer’s hypocrisy and dishonesty on this issue should raise serious questions for south-central Michigan voters as to what kind of congressman Schauer would be.”

Who’s winning in the MI-7: Schauer or Walberg?

Posted by Susan J. Demas | Capitol Chronicles | Analysis August 03, 2008 01:14AM

Who’s winning? Who knows?

That’s the real story in the 7th Congressional District, the hottest race in Michigan, not counting the U.S. Senate battle. (Will sacrificial lamb state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk (R-Kalamazoo) manage to break 40 percent against Carl Levin? Stay tuned.)

In an interesting development, both U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) and state Sen. Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) have released their internal polling.

Tough labor climate isn’t helping state

BY TOM WALSH • FREE PRESS COLUMNIST • August 3, 2008

BATTLE CREEK — From May 6-8, about 30 high-powered people from around the world, all involved in the secretive Project Polar Bear, gathered at the Yarrow Golf and Conference Resort.

Their mission: To hear and analyze the state of Michigan’s pitch for why German auto giant Volkswagen AG should locate a new auto assembly plant and 2,000 jobs in Marshall, a small town near Battle Creek.

Michigan had been competing against six southern states for the VW plant, code-named Project Polar Bear, and had made the cut as one of three finalists, along with Alabama and Tennessee.

Time offers a sad perspective on Kilpatrick’s words

BY RON DZWONKOWSKI • FREE PRESS COLUMNIST • August 3, 2008

That was Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick on Jan. 4, 2002, after being sworn in for his first term. Sounded good then. Sounds different now, since we know that “personal” apparently meant personal gain, personal power and personal privilege as this “Son of the City” started acting like its prince.

Many of Kilpatrick’s words take on a different meaning in the glare of the text message scandal that has engulfed the administration and led to eight felony charges against him.

On Debates, Obama Backs 3 With McCain

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 3, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) – Backing away from Senator John McCain’s challenge for several Lincoln-Douglas-style debates, Senator Barack Obama agreed Saturday to the three standard meetings proposed by the Commission on Presidential Debates.

In a letter to the commission, the Obama campaign manager, David Plouffe, said the short period between the Republican convention that ends Sept. 4 and the first proposed debate made it likely that the commission-sponsored debates would be the only ones.

“We’ve committed to the three debates on the table,” said Jen Psaki, a campaign spokeswoman for Mr. Obama. “It’s likely they will be the three appearances by the candidates this fall.”

McCain vetting Va. congressman as possible veep

BOB LEWIS
Originally published 12:39 a.m., August 3, 2008, updated 12:30 a.m., August 3, 2008

RICHMOND, VA. (AP) – John McCain’s campaign has asked Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor for personal documents as the Republican presidential candidate steps up his search for a running mate, The Associated Press has learned.

Cantor, 45, the chief deputy minority whip in the House, has been mentioned among several Republicans as a possible running mate for McCain. A Republican familiar with the conversations between Cantor and the McCain campaign said Cantor has been asked to turn over documents, but did not know specifically what records were sought.

The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because neither the McCain campaign nor Cantor’s office wishes to discuss the running mate selection process.

McCain chides Obama over school vouchers

BETH FOUHY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Originally published 12:40 a.m., August 2, 2008, updated 12:31 a.m., August 2, 2008

ORLANDO, FLA. (AP) – John McCain, the father of private school students, criticized Democratic rival Barack Obama on Friday for choosing private over public school for his kids.

The difference, according to the Arizona Republican, is that he _ not Obama _ favors vouchers that give parents more school choices.

“Everybody should have the same choice Cindy and I and Sen. Obama did,” McCain told the National Urban League, an influential black organization that Obama will address on Saturday.

Bush rips Democrats for opposing offshore drilling

Aug 2, 11:26 AM (ET)

By H. JOSEF HEBERT

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush chastised Democrats on Saturday for refusing to allow a vote on whether to lift the federal ban on offshore oil drilling before lawmakers departed for their summer recess.

“To reduce pressure on prices, we need to increase the supply of oil, especially oil produced here at home,” Bush said in his weekly radio address. It was the fourth time this week that he has called for Congress to end the drilling restrictions off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Some of the drilling moratoriums have been in place since 1981 for environmental reasons and concerns that energy development might harm coastal tourist industries.

Pelosi harms planet on drilling

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposes lifting the moratorium on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and on the Outer Continental Shelf. She won’t even allow it to come to a vote. With $4 gas having massively shifted public opinion in favor of domestic production, she wants to protect her Democratic members from having to cast an anti-drilling election-year vote. Moreover, given the public mood, she might even lose. This cannot be permitted. Why? Because as she explained to Politico: “I’m trying to save the planet; I’m trying to save the planet.”

A lovely sentiment. But has Pelosi actually thought through the moratorium’s actual effects on the planet?

Consider: 25 years ago, nearly 60 percent of U.S. petroleum was produced domestically. Today it’s 25 percent. From its peak in 1970, U.S. production has declined a staggering 47 percent. The world consumes 86 million barrels a day; the United States, roughly 20 million. We need the stuff to run our cars and planes and economy. Where does it come from?

A GOP Choice:

Tom Coburn or Ted Stevens
By JOHN FUND
August 2, 2008; Page A11

The Republican Party is facing what Ronald Reagan called “a time for choosing.” A real argument is raging over how much it should turn its back on the bad habits that cost it control of Congress in 2006.

Just after that debacle, Alaska’s Sen. Ted Stevens, the father of the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere,” encountered Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, the antipork crusader who had held up many of the projects so many members believe are the key to their re-election. Mr. Stevens said, “Well, Tom, I hope you’re satisfied for helping us lose the election.” Mr. Coburn replied, “No, Ted, you lost us this election.”