Executive Privilege

The DEMOCRATS smell another Watergate over the firing of US Attorney's, thus the demand for documents. This is attempt to try and find anything illegal and Bush is right to state that he has Executive Privilege when it comes to internal discussions within the White House.

Blair Questioned 3rd Time

Tony Blair was questioned for a third time by the police in the cash for honours investigation. This is time for the new Prime Minister and the Attorney General to close down the investigation. All those involved have denied any wrong doing, it is time to finish this business. The new administration has Iraq to deal with, we have lost three soldiers today, time to move on from the past and deal with pressing problems that face the UK today.

CIA Secrets

The CIA has released its past secrets, depending on your point of view a great idea or a very bad idea. But if you take that away, a must read if you have an interest in the CIA ( PDF Required )

The above is all those operations that the Liberals go on about, Castro etc. The really interesting stuff is what the the CIA thought about the USSR ( Russia ) and China between 1953 and 1973.

Republican Poll - Iowa 2008

On the Republican side we have the following results. Strategic Vision Poll RCP Poll of Polls

Mitt Romney 23 %

Fred Thompson 17%

Rudy Giuliani 14 %

On Iraq we have a majority that want to get out but the there is a huge difference in the level between the Republicans and the Democrats. Here are the results: Yes 56% - No 38%. Also on the Republican side looking at the figures over 65% want a Reagan type figure to lead the Republicans. Thus Fred Thompson just might be the next " Reagan ".

New Polls for 2008 - Democrats

A new Poll is Iowa Strategic Vision Poll

Edwards 26 %

Obama 21 %

Clinton 20 %

It is interesting when you go in to the Poll how Iraq plays a Part in the process. Asked should the USA get out of Iraq in Six moths, Yes = 83% - No = 6%. Thus we have Edwards ahead in Iowa. Al Gore could of course still come in to the race.

Liberals and Power

Here are some interesting articles VIEWS has read. Recommended.

Slate, a article on Hillary Clinton and her weak spot, the lack of natural warmth. The question does it matter in the election process.

Time, a look at JFK and the International Politics of today. The past is yesterday, if you try to win today's war with the methods of the last war god help you if you want to win. From reading the article it seems to VIEWS that the old Kennedy hands are seeing JFK they want to see, it seems full of the old Liberal arguments, no Vietnam War under JFK, wanted to end the Cold War. In other words this is about Iraq and George W. Bush. One almost gets the impression that the Liberals would talk to Iran if they had the chance, have Liberals lost their backbone.

Brown's Day

After years of waiting Gordon Brown is the new Prime Minister, competence but lacking charisma will the British public take to him and give him a fourth election win or will the Tories have the last laugh!!

No Longer Man of the House?

It is reported that Tony Blair will give up being a MP if selected to be a peace envoy in the Middle East. This sounds like a good idea, lets be honest for most of his time as PM Tony Blair put with the House of Commons and early on used spin to get his policies out rather than a speech in the House. I don't think he would like being a backbench MP, having to follow the order from on High from Gordon Brown. At least Gordon Brown will know that unlike previous PM's he wont have a past leader in the tea rooms telling any one that will listen that the replacement is not up to much and will cost the party the next election. On the other hand our Tony will still be on the World Stage, that will annoy Gordon Brown. Politics as fun is back, and this political geek is very happy.

Freedom of Speech

The US Supreme Court has gutted the the McCain-Feingold Act in all but name, this is good, freedom of speech is what the USA is about, if you can afford to take part in the process that is good. An attempt to restrict the process is not very Democratic, this should help the Republicans and the Democrats. The President has made great choices for those he has put on the Supreme Court.

Bloomberg and 08 Election?

A new poll for CNN has Mayor Bloomberg on 17% in a three way race, Clinton 41 %, Giuliani 38%. Think he has not spent a penny of his Billions yet, with figures likes that it must be a temptation to the Mayor, he could come from behind and win. A Liberal on Social Issues but a conservative on money matters. If I was a Republican or Democrat consultant I would be hoping that he does not run, he could out spend any candidate, and Bloomberg 08 has a nice ring to it, Obama seems to have stalled in the Democratic Race he might come back in less he wants the Vice - Presidency under a President Clinton. Edwards has gone extreme left, it offends the bad politics in VIEWS, A. Dean in 04 any one, B. The American Left is not the USA.

On the Republican side, Fred Thompson seems the real challenge to Giuliani, McCain seems on the way out, Romney is getting the money in, but the national polls have him low but he leads in N.H. and Iowa. This paradox is interesting but makes politics fun.

If you support Mayor Bloomberg write or phone his office, let him know you support a fresh approach to American politics. If your an American became part of the process, support a new idea for a new America. Bloomberg wont have to pander to his base he is the base, billions work well in that area. It is about leadership and Bloomberg could be the fresh voice for the United States.

Tony Blair and the Middle East

It seems the New Era is going back pretty fast, it seems that Tony Blair will go from 10 Downing Street to the Middle East to try and solve the problems between Israel and the Palestinians. Is this really a good idea, what does Gordon Brown think about this, will he be happy to share the lime light with Blair. On the other hand Tony Blair has done a great job in Northern Ireland. If he can solve Northern Ireland why not the Middle East. Plus VIEWS just knows Gordon Brown will go up the wall, he just might smile and mean it,!! not holding my breath on that!!

The New Prime Minister as his first act should close down the cash for honours affair, clean slate, and say hello to the SNP in Scotland it seems no one has phoned to welcome them in to power. Also the new PM has to reminded the Welsh Assembly who holds the purse strings, so much pandering to their own bases, Wales deserves better, we always have from our suppose leaders.

GB Day - Gordon Brown Day!!

Well folks it has happened!! Gordon Brown is Labour leader and Prime Minister on Wednesday. Can we have a General Election please, three years or more if he wins the next election of a dour Scot as PM, come back Tony all is forgiven, Iraq, Cash for Honours, Spin, please come back!! Have watched a few interviews GB has given, my eyes closed and my hand was on the remote to change channel, three years or more of this, well need a few drinks on Saturday to recover!! Should I join the AA in Advance!!

Bloomberg and the General Election?

An interesting article in the New York Times on the effect of Mayor Bloomberg on the 2008 race for President. In essence the article argues that Bloomberg could be a King maker if he gained enough Electoral College votes and thus have some kind of European Deal to have his voters vote for his choice for President. I wish the New York Times would remember that this is the USA not Europe. Does the NYT want to destroy the American system?

NYT Article on Blair

A interesting opinion piece showing how poor Tony will be leaving 10 Downing Street Next Wednesday and people wont be sorry to see him go. As the article states he is good company, Churchill, Thatcher, but it should be noted Churchill came back and left on his own terms. On the whole as a NEO CON Views supports Tony Blair. We get a dour Scot, whens the next election?

Meet the Press

Have just seen Meet the Press panel discussion on Hillary Clinton. It seems from over the water here in the UK that the Main Stream Media; MSM; thinks this 1992 and Hillary Clinton is Bill Clinton. The Junior Senator is not the former President. VIEWS has been critical of Bill Clinton in the past but he is a natural political King. Hillary Clinton has many excellent qualities but natural warmth is not one of them, the panel seem to think this was 1992. Hillary Clinton's magic has worked in New York but New York is a Liberal State. VIEWS has great doubts that Hillary Clinton can peel off any Republican states she might even lose a few Democratic states to Giuliani or Fred Thompson. It can be argued that the road is long to the election, well about seven months, can you change the perceptions of a country of a woman they have known since 1992. Politics is about selling a candidate well at least compared to other products, but where from over the water the MSM and the Clinton campaign is going wrong is thinking you can change the wheel, they should play up to the Senator's qualities, clever more so than Bill, her Methodist background, her loyalty to a errant husband, not quite a feminist model. Humour should be left to Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton could come back from the scandal of early 1992, Hillary Clinton if she makes a major political mistake wont be able to do that, people knew Bill had his faults but cared about people and their problems. Simple lesson folks as Lincoln said, you cant fool the people all the time in this 24/7 news day. He would have said that if they had TV then, so the lesson for today, if your Liberal tell the Clinton Campaign don't try to change perceptions, is taken a long time to develop them, play to the + make your - an asset, hence not warm but competent, strong but willing to learn. VIEWS is a Neo Con but cant stand bad politics, if from left or right.

Reagan Library

If you have some time visit the Reagan Library Web Page. Very interesting and informative, highly recommended.

Bush and the Base!

President Bush has found a new hobby a Veto, lets hope it is in constant use, VIEWS might not agree with the President on the issue of Stem Cell research but at least he takes a stand. The Gipper would be proud.

Bloomberg Effect?

Here are some interesting articles on Mayor Bloomberg.

Time, a very interesting article on the the media and Bloomberg, he is a press baron of the modern age, also how he could effect the race, fun and informative read.

The Huffington Post, Bob Shrum looks at the prospects for Bloomberg and how he could effect the race.

Washington Post, an article that looks at how the Media is playing the Bloomberg effect.

Third Choice?

Are we seeing the development of a third choice for the American Presidency. Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York. He has quite the Republicans and thus is know a Independent, he has two advantages, he is the Mayor of New York, and yes he is a Billionaire yes folks a Capital B a real Billionaire. If he does run and can take the state of New York, this could really cause problems for former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton. He could fund the campaign out of his lose change, you get the idea. Trump with political ambitions. I will bet the Republicans and Democrats operatives are really hopping he does not run, neither Clinton or Giuliani could match him on the money front. How many would like to bet they are running opposition research on him already. If not they should be and if they aren't they don't deserve to be President.

The Gallup Poll for 2008

One of the best polling company's in the business has a new poll on who is leading in the Republican and Democratic races. As stated before I am not to keen on National Polls but Gallup is one of the best so here are the results.

Republican Race: Giuliani 28%, Thompson 19%, McCain 18%.

Democratic Race: Clinton 33%, Obama 21%, Gore 18%.

Libby Pardon?

The Politico, interesting article on the build up of pressure to Pardon Mr Libby. VIEWS states contact the White House let them know you support a full Pardon for Mr Libby.

George Tenet

Just started to read At the CENTRE of the STORM, My Years at the CIA by George Tenet. Should take a week to get through will review at the end.

Ronald Reagan Diaries

Views has just finished the Ronald Reagan Diaries, what a great read. If you want to understand a great American and a great President and you only buy one hardback book this year buy this book. If your from the 80s generation it is like being in the Oval Office and seeing the world through the eyes of Ronald Reagan. ONE WORD: BUY

NYT on Reagan Diaries

The Reagan Diaries are No 1 on the New York Times Bestseller list. Here is an interesting review, quite good but it does have some critical comments, Reagan after winning the Cold War was meant to deal with the problems of the 1990s and ours today. Give a guy a break, Bill Clinton and Al Gore needed something to do, but on the whole a good read. Just remember its the New York Times.

NYT out to get Obama?

It seems that the New York Times is out to get Senator Obama, it has a story concerning a friend of the Senator who is in some legal trouble. The NYT states that ' There is no sign that Mr. Obama, who declined to be interviewed for this article, did anything improper. ' On the whole it seems a non story so why print it, is the NYT so supportive of Hillary Clinton that it wants to remove her only real challenger from the political field.

Giuliani's Move to the Right?

It is reported that Rudy Giuliani has stated that he would increase troops to Iraq if the surge works. It can be argued this is more to do with politics, McCain looks like he is one the way out of the race, Fred Thompson is the coming man of the race. If Giuliani can move a bit the right, more troops for Iraq, take the supporters of McCain he could stop Thompson before he gets in to the race, interesting developments over the bond.

Libby Case and the Elite Media

Here are some interesting articles by the Elite Media on the Libby Case:

Huffington Post, an interesting article that argues that Libby is a minor player and Bush should Pardon as this would but Bush on the spot. The articles states the following, ' Bush will step forward and take the lead role. He will have to explain himself; he will have to answer questions. ' Interesting argument and worth a read even if you don't agree with its Liberal views of the case.

Richmond Times - Dispatch, in this article it is argued that Libby should face jail time but also Bill Clinton should have also, interesting article.

Libby Final Call?

The Judge today in the Libby Case will decided if Mr Libby can stay out of Jail while he appeals the case. If the Judge says he has to go to Jail this will place President Bush in a tight spot, the base want a Pardon but the Elite as in the Media want Jail time. They want Jail time because of Iraq not on the Merits of the case. If it is Jail time the President should take a third option. The President has the power to Substitute the Verdict to a fine and no jail time. Mr Libby has served the USA well over the years the President should either substitute or give Mr Libby a full Pardon. If in the USA call the White House and demand a full Pardon for Mr Libby.

Libby Pardon Article

National Review Article by William F. Buckley calling for a Pardon for Mr Libby. VIEWS supports this action by President Bush. Time to finish this mess and clear the decks for 2008.

Weekend News

Here are some of the weekend articles that caught my eye:

WSJ, interesting article by Robert McFarlane on the how the Liberal Press as it did in Vietnam has a different view based on its own opinions of the War and thus colours its reporting. A MUST READ.

Washington Post, a article on Richard Nixon and his Domestic Policies.

RCP , Ed Koch on the New York Times, a must read.

Ronald Reagan Diaries

If you see Bobby see last blog, you should buy the Ronald Reagan Diaries, half way through and great, Reagan was a great President and we see why in the Diaries, so for a weekend not drinking or having a good time, see Bobby and read the Ronald Reagan Diaries. There was only one Ronald Reagan and at the present the only real contender for the Reagan crown is Fred Thompson, can Thompson be Reagan only time will tell...

Bobby ( Film on Robert F. Kennedy )

Views has just seen the great film Bobby, directed and written by Emilo Estevez. If your going to see or buy a DVD get the film. As readers of this blog might have a guess VIEWS is a proud Neo Con, but can also see the greatness in other side, Bobby Kennedy, well lets factual he in real life preferred Bob, if you think about it you can see why, he was the Attorney General of the United States after all, a mature role by any one standards. Its a great film with a great cast, Mr Estevez has a great future and writer.

But as Views watched the film one can see why Mr Estevez look at Bobby as if looking through a half opened door. Bobby Kennedy it has been argued has two periods one as his Brother's Keeper and thus his protector and also he was after Castro as much as JFK. In other words we have the ruthless Bobby, the one that a threw a girlfriend of JFK back to Germany as to avoided problems and also allowed the FBI to place listening devices on the phones of Dr King. Then we have the Bobby of the left, but even that is up to debate. If you reads academic books on the argument between Bobby and LBJ, one finds that their methods of getting people out of poverty was different, LBJ wanted to spend money while Bobby want to give them the tools to help themselves. Also on Vietnam got real under JFK and if he had lived would he have gotten out in 1964, same team and it would have hurt RFK if had wanted to run for public office to get out of the Nam before the American people turned against the war, that was in 1968 after Tet.

Thus when you watch the film appreciate that it is a great film but it is not the whole story it does not claim to be, so start to read about RFK, RFK was a complex character and interesting. But and here is the but liberals have a great problem in understanding his full character a great American but also a man that protected his brother and was ruthless but could change that is the interesting part, the road taken but could not be finished, it is hard to say what the end would have been if 1968 had not happened. Another What ifs of History.

Iowa Default?

What is a Straw and does it matter? Even Views who is a complete political geek was new to this matter, it seems on the whole the idea is if you have the money, bus people in on a selected date and hope they vote for you. As by its name, a Straw it can mean a lot or not a lot. The main Iowa caucuses are in January 2008. Howard Dean any one, the Scream, yes that process again!! It seems that Giuliani, McCain and Thompson are saving their money for the main event in early 2008.

Here are some interesting articles on the Issue:

DesMoinesRegister.com, on the political process for the opt out and how it could help others in the field to break through.

The HorseRaceBlog, if the Straw Poll does not attract the main Candidates then it will give more air space to those on the 2nd level. Or of course the winner will have a hollow victory.

Election Round Up

Well its been a day since the Republican Debate, it seems that Giuliani and McCain did themselves some good, McCain was very impressive when talking about Iraq. The Senator supports the war but has major problems with the management. This is the Straight talking Senator of 2000, lets see if he can get his poll placement up, Giuliani heads the National Polls and Thompson who has just entered the race is moving up fast.

Libby and the Media

Washington Post, a very fair article by the Post on the issues. As stated in previous Blog, time for the President to Pardon Mr Libby. Lets be honest he is down in the polls any way, he wont lose his bedrock and the Media will throw a fit but so what, time for the President to act in the matter.

New York Times, quite fair, but wonder what they said about Democrats in Disgrace.

If your a Democrat and your on the right side of the issues does not matter what you do!! Time for the President to Pardon Mr Libby.

2008 Race

It seems that the 2008 race will be decided well before 2008, Xmas 2007 at this rate, what a way to run a country. Here are some interesting articles on the Race, the Democrats and Republicans. All polls are in percentages.

RealClearPolitics Blog, the best political site in the business has a new poll results from N.H, Clinton has extended her lead over Obama and Edwards. Clinton 38, Obama 16, Edwards 13.

RealClearPolitics Blog, Poll has Obama ahead of Clinton, my gut tells me to listen to the pundits on this, in other words don't bother, its June and what matters is the the race later in the year. Here are the results. Obama 30, Clinton 29.

RealClearPolitics Blog A New Rasmussen Poll has Thompson second in the race, in another Poll he is well down see above, recall my argument about National Polls this early. Gore could even come in on the Democratic side later on. Here are the Results, Giuliani 23, Thompson 17.

California Race has Thompson second with 21 also McCain, with Giuliani on 28. This is interesting as Primary Polls are more of a indicator for VIEWS.

Pardon Time?

Mr Libby faces 30 months in the Jail. This is time for the President to Pardon Mr Libby. Mr Libby has done great service for the USA in the past. Below are a few interesting links on the Libby Case.

Elite Washington's Letters to the Judge

Bush No Action, learned from Clinton mistake in 2001.

One Issue Party

An interesting article from ABC News, it shows what happens when a political party becomes a one issue party, in this case Iraq for the Democrats. As the article points out the loss support is due to the fact that on the whole the Democrats cant force the issue and thus after blowing their stack have to give in to the White House and what the President wants or face more political pressure. I have a feeling that against all the advice of the pundits the Republicans will re-take the House and Senate and Keep the Presidency.

Articles on 2nd Dem Debate

Here are some interesting articles on the 2nd Debate.

Union Leader, more of a debate but its a long road.

RealClearPolitics Blog, a look at the Press view, on the whole Edwards comes out quite well.

DesMoinesRegister.com , Edwards gets good press again, a trend here, interesting!!

Washington Post, Edwards again gets good press, Edwards is a trial lawyer and a very good one. Edwards might cause more problems for Hillary Clinton in Iowa and N.H.

2nd Democratic Debate

The Second Democratic Debate showed how left the Democratic Party has gone, so much pandering to the left wing, it is more easy to move to the Centre from the Right than it is from the left. It has to be asked if the Democrats talk to themselves so much they cant see beyond their own opinions. It can be argued the weakness on National Security will cause more problerms for Hillary Clinton. To get elected a woman has to show that she is a Iron Lady, not some weak Liberal. I ask readers to think of themselves as the Republican Opposition, if Clinton is the Nominee, one could do political spots on TV that would make her look worse than John Kerry and John Kerry had a War Record a rather good War Record at that it must be stated. If you are a Republican and have served in combat aka John McCain you can use your War Record 24/7 and also show that Clinton is out of step with her own husband. Hillary Clinton is not Bill Clinton, if she makes a a major mistake there is no come back, Obama and Edwards are ready to take over. Edwards looked like an interesting candidate but the book by Bob Shrum should raise questions in the Democratic voters. Obama needs better script writers, he could be the Democratic Ronald Reagan, Reagan used humour to destroy his political opposition. In 1984 his famous remark that he would not use Walter Mondale youth and lack of experience against him won him the election. If you look at Reagan in that Debate and that remark you see in his eyes that he going to cut Mondale off at the knees, pure steel but done with a smile. Mondale Smiled and the PRESS smiled, it was all over well before the voters voted. Obama needs some good one liners, humour is a great way to make the people like you but also finish off the opposition.