Entries for October 2007

The Republican candidates for president are throwing red meat to partisan audiences by denouncing Sen. Hillary Clinton at every opportunity. Of course, they are assuming she will be nominated and easy to defeat.

They may live to rue the day.

Clinton has high negatives, no doubt about it. She also must deal with the persistent questions of the role her husband would take in her presidency. And some Democrats are indeed fearful she can't win the general election.

At arguably the weakest point in his presidency, George W. Bush decided to beat the drums on Cuba and Fidel Castro—again.

The president may have pleased the dissidents in South Florida, many of whom thought we should have invaded Havana long ago. But the speech this week accomplished little else.

With about 15 months left in his presidency, George W. Bush has little time left to:

• Manage the war in Iraq beyond years of stubborn policy and now rattling sabers over Iran.
• Prove he is relevant beyond the use of his veto pen and arrogance toward Congress.
• Save vulnerable Republicans facing the voters next year when their necks are on the line and his isn't.

It is a shame Vice President Cheney is not running for president to test his ideas on democracy with Republicans as well as Democrats and independents. He would be a disaster as a candidate.

Forget Cheney's dismal poll numbers based on popularity alone. Far more important, and even dangerous, are how he regards the Constitution, Congress, and virtually anyone who disagrees with him.

The two political parties and their intrepid hucksters in the states are making a farce out of our presidential testing ground.

The candidates will now be spending most of the holiday season in Iowa and New Hampshire, with some added time in South Carolina and Florida.

Will voters be listening or watching? Chances are they will be more focus on Santa Claus, New Year's Eve party preparations, and college football bowl games.

Much has been written about the dissatisfaction among Republicans with their current presidential field. Witness the late entry of former Sen. Fred Thompson, who is already doing well in the polls. How about the Democrats?

Sen. Larry Craig, caught up in his own tragic comedy by changing his tune three times on resigning from Congress, is a shining example of why lawmakers are held in such low esteem.