Republican Debate

Last night I graded Mike Huckabee the winner of the debate, lets have a look at how Time grades the Debate. Also Huckabee the winner, could Huckabee go all the way to the Oval Office.

Michelle Malkin Must Read on CNN

Michelle Malkin has more on the CNN dirty pool at the debate, more Democratic Questions.

Dirty Pool CNN Style !!

CNN: It seems that the once respected network set up the Republican Candidates. The use of Democratic Supporter of Hillary Clinton to ask a question that would never get a reply that would make Liberals Happy. THE QUESTION DID CNN KNOW, WHO KNEW THE CIRCUMSTANCE OF THE QUESTION AND WHO ELSE WAS TOLD.

Huckabee Win

Just finished watching the Republican Debate, Huckabee won the debate, he was funny, charming, spoke like Ronald Reagan. I see a bright future for Huckabee.

Nuclear Israel

NYT: The paper of record has an interesting article on the development of the bomb by Israel and the concern of the Nixon Administration at the time. This is really about Iran, how the NYT does not want a war and in its mind, Israel = Iran. Yes folks that is the mind set at the New York Times.

Iowa Poll

The respected pollster Rasmussen has a new Poll out on Iowa. This could be very interesting for the race in the long term,

Huckabee 28 %

Romney 25 %

If Huckabee can win in Iowa this can damage the Romney Campaign plan. The plan was to win Iowa and New Hampshire, if he only wins one of them it allows Giuliani time to win in later states. I wonder if Governor Huckabee is looking for the VP spot under Giuliani.

Senator Kennedy's Memoirs

Views was pleased to hear that Senator Edward Kennedy is to write his memoirs, just a piece of advice really, remember Bill Clinton's book, so in other words, do the main points and keep it under a thousand pages. Will buy when it comes out, bought the Clinton book, just be honest that's all I ask, honesty sells books.

Dirty Pool the American Way

The rumour the Hillary Clinton is a Lesbian comes from the dirty pool that is the race for the American Presidency. Views read the article in the UK Times was surprised that the article was written never mind printed but didn't blog on the issue. I have standards. But its not going away, its going from reporting dirty pool to reporting on the reaction, lets get it straight, this is a way for the American Elite Media to run the story without running the story, you follow the logic.

Simple answer, it does not matter what side of the bed Clinton gets out of, its none and repeat none of our business. The polices of Hillary Clinton are enough to make her a losing candidate. I call on the press report political news but don't get down and dirty, political reporting should be about Issues and character, not this dirty pool.

Billie Piper Back

The great news of the day, Billie Piper is back in Dr Who, she is the heart of Dr Who while David Tennant is the soul. It makes for perfect Drama, Saturday is as it should be, Dr Who with Rose saving the Universe every week and a bit of romance.

The Reagan Crown ?

Of the 2008 Republican candidates for President who is the heir to Ronald Reagan, Fred Thompson is a politician turned actor back to politician; Reagan wanted to be President does Thompson; Giuliani is Liberal Conservative who has discovered his Reagan side, McCain is not trusted by the base, Huckabee is a Conservative who is a realist a lot like Reagan. I think Reagan would have smiled on Huckabee.

Clinton the Loser ?

A new polls show that Hillary Clinton cant win against the front running Republicans, this is the time for Obama to point this out, she is the Howard Dean of 2008. Obama has the best chance of winning in 2008.

Not me Guv !!

The donations row goes on, latest developments, Brown, Benn turned down money from David Abrahams, while the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Commons Harriet Harman took money. The problem for Brown is that he cant sack Harman because she is the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, but he can sack her as Leader of the Commons. This story has a feel of more developments down the road...

Real World Iraq

FT: A interesting article in the FT, how the Democrats have to deal with the reality of Iraq and not allow themselves to pander or face the charge that that they don't want victory. On this Issue Hillary Clinton has the right policy. A must read of the day.

Labour Troubles!!

The BBC reports that the General Secretary of the Labour Party has resigned because he didn't disclose the full details of donations to the Labour Party, he didnt know the law it seems, Northern Rock, Benefits Details of 25 million go missing, donations in secret. Grow up Labour or you will go the way of the Major government.

The Twenties in Colour- Part 3

Why this great series is on BBC 4 is beyond me, episode 3 dealt with the Far East, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan and the Jewel in the Crown India. It looked at a lost world, all things change as is life, but change should always allow an aspect of the past to be present.

Reality and Democrats

New York Times: The paper of record points out that the Democratic Candidates for President have to deal with the Reality of success in Iraq. Thus as NYT as points out they have to move the goal posts to the political aspect. The general election is a year away, what happens if there is political movement in Iraq, what will the Democrats run on in 2008

2004 Presidential Race

A interesting article in the New York Times on the 2004 Presidential Race and the political relationship between Senator Kerry and Senator Edwards. Or how not to have a political relationship. Must Read of the day.

Clinton Fading in Race

A CNN poll in New Hampshire is showing cracks in the Clinton Campaign, her lead has declined. The Clinton now leads Obama by 14 points, what if she was to lose Iowa, could Obama win in New Hampshire.

CNN Poll Results:

Clinton 36 %

Obama 22 %

This is the chance for Obama to win the nomination, Hillary Clinton has feed in to negative views of her, but it must be stated that she is still favorite to win the nomination.

Iran and Liberals

USA Today: Looks at the problem of Iran, the article shows more about the paper than Iran. They are concerned about the reaction should the USA attack Iran by Air. The main worry should be a nuclear attack on Israel by Iran. The USA should diplomacy fail will have to attack Iran. Its a matter of when not if when it comes to Iran.

Obama and Iowa

Obama is starting to lead Hillary Clinton in Iowa, has the dirty pool of the past few days had an effect on the good people of Iowa. That they see the Clinton Machine for what It is, good on politics but morality is another matter.

ABC/Washington Post: Iowa ( January 3 Polling Date )

Obama 30 %

Clinton 26 %

RCP: The best for political news and polling still on average has Clinton ahead in Iowa.

More Good News out of Iraq

New York Times: More good news from Baghdad and its outskirts, nice to see a once great paper telling it as it is not what it wants, lets hope it keeps reporting the news not what is liberal base wants to hear in the USA.

The Twenties in Colour

The Archive Albert Kahn covered the development of the Middle East after the First World War, this was one of the best documentaries on the region I have ever seen, this is what the BBC should be doing with the tax payers money, not and I repeat not reality shows!! More like this BBC.

The Art of Political Dirt

The political dirt is being thrown but in a very subtle away, has Obama something to hide ?, it does not matter if not, the question has been placed out there in cyberspace, is the Clinton machine acting like Richard Nixon, does not matter if they are, its the Clinton's they have to prove their not; its out there in cyber land. The question why, who benefits, and who benefits in a tricky way. No Democrats you cant blame Karl Rove he is a Republican. The question has to be asked did Obama Campaign decided to be negative in a tricky way, plant a story as to make the Clinton's look bad, to risky, if your over 30 and a candidate for Sheriff or President there is a chance of some dirt so don't see Obama doing it, the Clinton's are they really that worried about Obama in Iowa, a good chance, so who does the arrow lead to, well in less they can proof a negative the Clinton Campaign they have track record, the Clinton Women. I hope the Democratic voters show their dislike of this tactic and support Obama in Iowa.

Clinton and Nixon

Fox News: Reports that Robert Novak stands by his story that the Clinton Campaign has dirt on Senator Obama but wont use it, this argument started on Saturday between Clinton and Obama, both want to come out ahead on this story. Today Novak has gone further, he has compared the Clinton Campaign to Richard Nixon. Clinton's and Nixon different side of the same coin, just Nixon was more clever when it came Foreign Policy.

Democrats on Iran

Robert Novak: Interesting article by Novak on the problem of Iran and its effect on the Democratic race. The American Left does not want a war with Iran, but the American left is not the the whole country. Both Obama and Clinton know that in the general election they can not be seen as weak on national security.

Iowa Election Race

USA Today: Interesting article on what Democratic Voters want, its simple, they want a winner. If the polls are right that has to be Obama.

Iraq News

New York Times: Even the Liberal NYT sees good news coming out of Iraq, the Times writes the following, " ....violence had diminished significantly since the United States reinforced troop levels in Iraq and adopted a new counterinsurgency strategy. " Thus the New York Times has seen the light, its about time the Democratic Leaders in Congress stop the pandering and acted as leaders in the United States Congress.

A Poem

The Time is coming

The Vote, The Vote

No More Speeches just pleading

Iowa Cold so Cold

Iowa VOTE for me in the Cold of Iowa

Iowa Meet in the cold

VOTE FOR ME is the cry in the Cold

Cold the Cold but Vote

Obama, Clinton in Iowa Cold

VOTE for me Cold Iowa

Iowa Cold, Iowa Vote

VOTE for me, leave the warmth for the Cold

Cold Iowa, Warm Iowa, VOTE

Cold Iowa, Cold Iowa VOTE

Blair and Brown and the Truth

BBC: Reports that Former Prime Minister Tony Blair admits that he had problems with Gordon Brown. The present Cabinet is starting to have problems with the PM.

Pakistan Update

The State Department No2 is in Pakistan, the Americans are placing pressure on the President of Pakistan to return to Democracy.


New York Times: This is a very interesting article that looks at what could happen, think UBL with the bomb. Makes you have nightmares of the different course Pakistan could take, a must read.

Iraq Praise

Washington Post: Praise for the Iraq troop surge and President Bush, but a worry that the success wont be matched on the ground on the political front. A very good article worth a read.

Obama on the attack ( About Time )

The Politico: Reports that Obama has come out on the attack over the Novak article, pointing the finger at the Clinton Campaign, clever move, make the Clinton Campaign look bad hope some of the mud sticks; its the Clinton's has to have some effect; make the history of the Clinton's a issue without going in to the history, the history is out there already. Bill Clinton never got over 50 % of the vote in two national campaigns.

Dirty Pool of Politics

Robert Novak: Is reporting that the Clinton Campaign has some dirt on Senator Obama but has decided not to use the information. Very sublet trick not a new but effective, give the impression that you are above the fight but give the impression that there is dirt on your opponent.

The Left and Iraq

The American left learn nothing and offer nothing, have just read the most ill conceived article on Iraq I have read in a long time. A article in the Washington Post states the following on Iraq and its regional neighbours, " If we clearly state our intent to leave, these states will have incentive to intervene constructively,.." The only action Iran will take away from the USA leaving is that it is weak and thus it can develop the bomb. Israel will attack and we will have a regional war. If this is the level of intelligence on the left god help the west.

More on Iran

Guardian ( UK ): Even the left wing British Guardian can see that a showdown is coming between the USA and Iran. The Showdown is coming, there will be air strikes it's just a matter of when, the Bush Administration will act before January 20 2009.

Iran Build Up to War ?

BBC: Reports that Iran is developing its nuclear build up, the BBC see some positives but then the BBC cant see the truth when it comes to Iran.

Vegas Debate

Bloomberg.com: A look at the Democratic Debate Friday Morning and how Hillary Clinton has run her Campaign, this is the time for her Democratic Opponents to over take her in Iowa.

New A.G on the Stage

CNN: Reports that the new Attorney General, Judge Mukasey has stated that he would advice the President to Veto new legislation from the Congress that would harm the National Security of the United States. Of course the legislation is coming from the Democrats.

Death in Afghanistan

BBC: Reports that a British Soldier has died due to an explosion incident in Afghanistan. More deaths will come, this war will take a long time, lets hope Pakistan calms down, we don't need unrest over the border feeding in to the military problem in Afghanistan. In Total British losses stand at 84, the deaths combine accidents and those that have died in combat.

Democrats and Bad Politics

CNN: Reports that the Democrats in the Senate will try again to get troops out of Iraq, and if the Bush White House wont go along with their scheme the Troops wont get their money till April. One major point to the plonker who thought this up, do you really want a issue of National Security to be played out during a Presidential Election. The one thing bar Hillary Clinton getting the nomination that could help the Republicans is the perceived weakness of Democrats on national security. VERY BAD POLITICS.

Pakistan Update

New York Times: The unrest in Pakistan know sees Benazir Bhutto the former Prime Minister stuck at her home with troops prevent her leaving to protest. The President should take a long holiday in the USA, at his own idea not with a mob at his back, honourable retirement always good for an Officer.

Elite Media and Iraq

New York Post: A look at how the elite media is dealing with the success in Iraq. That's a correction how they are not dealing with the success, is that a great surprise these days. Must Read of the Day.

The Democrats and Power and how not to use Power

Washington Post: Interesting article by E.J. Dionne how the Democrats are in office but its seems without the power. As Dionne states on the Democrats, "They are condemned for selling out to President Bush, and for failing to make compromises aimed at getting things done. " The problem is simple, the base is Liberal but the new majority that the Democrats have in the House are from Conservative districts, they cant end the war and win but the base wants to end the war at any cost.

Clinton Files in the Archive !

Washington Post: Interesting article that to be fair to the Clinton's shows that it would take years for the documents in the Clinton Library to come out, lets put it this way, don't hold your breath for the records to come out by next November.

Another Planted Question !!

CNN: The scandal that wont go away, it seems the Clinton Campaign has a strategy to plant questions so the Senator does not have to deal with hard questions, we know from the Debate she does not cope well with hard honest questions. Wake up Democratic Party she is not Bill, you might want him, but she is the candidate not him, Obama should get your support.

Democrats and the War

The Politico: Interesting article on the Democrats and the Iraq War. In 2006 the Democrats won Congress based on a War that was not going well, and the idea that they could change policy without the need to go through President George W. Bush. The Democrats have found they cant stop the War, they have to may Conservative Democrats elected in November of 2006 and President Bush has the power to Veto any Bills on the the war that they can produce. The Politico writes the following, " Indeed, the only war legislation passed during this Congress has been to give the president exactly what he wants, and exactly what he has had for the past five years: more money, with no limitations. " The one major change since November 2006 is Iraq, the surge is working, the Democrats have dug themselves a major hole, they need things to go in wrong in Iraq to win. Not good politics at all for the long term. Iraq and 2008 Election just might be a positive for the Republicans.

Meet the Press

Meet the Press: Senator Obama was on today, at first I though it was a disaster, so Liberal views on Foreign Policy, then I recalled this is Democratic Race not the General Election. I always thought the Democratic Party would support an African - American Candidate who can win the General Election for President. It odd that the Party of LBJ and civil rights is following the Conservative Line, and supporting the Wife of a former President. Hillary Clinton is able lawyer and Senator but lets be honest, if her name was Smith she would be lucky to be considered for the Vice - Presidency. Senator Obama has given the base what it wants when it comes to Foreign Policy I hope they have the nerve to support him NOW. In the General Election Obama could win, even old conservatives like VIEWS could support him, he has the same charisma as Ronald Reagan, you might not agree with all the things he might say but you trust him to be honest with the people.

Freedom of the Press

BBC: Reports that that Three Reports from the British Telegraph have been thrown out of Pakistan. The President does himself no favours this is the time for him to take a long holiday in the USA a very long holiday. Then Pakistan can take the road back to Democracy.

Another Question to Plant ?

Fox News: Reports that the Clinton Campaign tried to plant another question, it failed to come off then lied about the circumstances of the question. Is the arrogance of the Clinton Campaign not matching their competence.

Plant a Question with Regreat !!

CNN: Reports that the Clinton Campaign planted a question at Q/A session. The Clinton campaign is showing very bad politics, its an affront to good politics if nothing else. Its second rate at the Clinton Campaign just as we head in to the first Votes in Iowa. I thought on the whole Clinton would win the nomination but these blunders are mounting. If the Senators Democratic Opponents are going to win this is the time to stop Hillary Clinton and the place is Iowa. The good people of Iowa don't like to be conned or used by those they elect. This and her other blunders could cost Hillary Clinton Iowa.

U.S Deaths in Afghanistan

BBC: Reports that Six U.S soldiers have been killed in combat in Afghanistan. This is going to be a very long war, am not sure there is an end date for this war.

Oh Bill !!

CNN: Has an interesting report that Bill Clinton has take responsibility for the failure of Health Care Reform early in in his Administration. Advice Again, second time, Mr President will all due respect, keep quite your not helping your wife quite the reverse. The Junior Senator is running on her secret record as First Lady the good and bad outcomes. Mr President there is a time to be a gentleman, aka over Monica Lewinsky and tell the truth and there is a time to be quite. This is the time, one can see the Republicans, Democrat Opponents running on this every hour of every day. Bill Clinton has no discipline, thus Monica Lewinsky, does he really want his wife to win, or deep down does he want to be the only President in the family. Prediction, next Presidential Debate, this will question will come up, " Senator who is telling the truth, who ran the Health Care Reform, you or your husband. " Obama just might win.

New York Times and the New A.G

New York Times: The Times is not really happy that the Senate passed the nomination of Judge Mukasey to be the new Attorney General. The NYT writes the following on Democratic and its own view of the Judge, "..he had failed to take an unequivocal stance against the torture of terrorism detainees. " This shows that the new Attorney General is intelligent and thoughtful, events happen, just watch 24, events events New York Times.

What about Pakistan ?

Washington Post: Excellent article about Pakistan via American Foreign Policy and its context through the Cold War. Time for change, the President of Pakistan might like a long holiday in the United States. The President has been a great help to the Western Allies since 2001. The suspension of Democracy has not worked, time for fresh elections and for the President to retire to the United States.

Reagan and 1980 Campaign

New York Times: A very good article that attempts to correct the impression by those on the left that the Reagan Campaign played the race card in the 1980 Campaign. A excellent article and a pleasant surprise to see in the New York Times. There is hope for this once great paper.

New Attorney General

ABC News: The USA has a new Attorney General. The Senate passed the nomination by 53 -40. The American left did its usual dance of madness, Senator Kennedy went on about the rule of law, was he that interested when President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy his brothers had Cuba overthrow as a major policy aim and the removal of Castro. On the personal level what about Chappaquiddick Senator. This is a good solid victory for Bush, he should enjoy it, after Xmas and the real start of the 2008 race he will be a lame duck. Hope he does what Reagan did, make sure he gets his book deal done before leaving, early publish more money at the outset.

Twenties in Colour

The story of Albert Kahn goes in to the 1920s, Twenties in Colour on BBC 4 and his project to record the world through pictures and film. This is an excellent show on BBC4, brings the period to life, as a student of World War One, I haven't seen some of these pictures, Paris with the vanquished arms of the Germans is new. Colour brings you closer to the subject, black and white creates a distance. On the other hand if you saw the reality of World War One in Colour it would be to much, black and white allows it to seem distant from this period. I hope the new films gain a good audience and that they learn from the past.

The Great War

BBC: As we come up to Remembrance Day, a chance to read the story of the First British action of World War One. Must Read of the Day.

Polls Warning

CNN: A excellent article on taking Polls are a sure guide to election outcomes. I recall 1992 and the Labour victory, yes they lost. Must Read of the day.

Pressure on Iran

BBC: Reports that both the USA and France will work together to prevent Iran becoming a nuclear armed power. The point will come when diplomacy fails and it will fail, will France back up its words with military support should the USA, UK have to attack Iran by air next year.

Good News from Iraq ?

New York Times: Reports that Al Qaeda has been outed from Baghdad, but as with he NYT it is important to understand the context, the troops can come home, the political discussion in Iraq at national level is still not working, the fighting has left the Capital for the towns outside the surge. Thus even with good news the NYT can help itself has to go negative, if Christ come down in Iraq the NYT would recall the fact that he was from Israel.

New Iowa Poll

A new poll by the respected pollster, Zogby International in Iowa. This poll shows a very close race. What's very interesting about the Poll that Zogby does something very different that other polling groups so far haven't done, after the first round of the Iowa voting those under 15% are eliminated. The Second round votes are then given to other candidates. Zogby shows the first and second round votes and its close folks.

The First Round of Voting:

Clinton 28%

Obama 25%

Edwards 21%

The Second Round Voting:

Clinton 30 %

Obama 29 %

Edwards 27 %

If Obama and Edwards can over take Clinton and force her in to third place then Obama has a major chance of winning the nomination in 2008. Obama has to be in Iowa 24/7 for the next couple of weeks, he should cancel Xmas and New Year celebrations, this is his chance to win.

Advice to the Hillary Campaign

New York Times: Reports on the aftermath of the bad performance of Hillary Clinton at the previous Democratic Debate. Bill Clinton has come in to the battle, comparing the attacks on Hillary to the attacks on Senator Kerry a War Hero in the 2004 Presidential Election. This has gone down like a lead balloon with those running for the Democratic Nomination. Here is the advice to the Hillary Clinton Campaign, keep Bill out of it, does you no good, makes Hillary Clinton look weak, she will be the First Woman running for President during a time of War, a weak woman wont cut with those voting, harsh but true, politics is a harsh but in the end a truthful business. Thus Let Hillary Clinton fight her own battles, keep Bill in reserve for part of the country that's still loves him. I hate bad politics of any kind, so let Hillary be Hillary.

Prediction for the Republicans

Pat Robertson has endorsed Rudy Giuliani for President. As a leading Christian Social Conservative within the Republican Party, this could help Giuliani gain the Presidential Nomination in 2008.

Something in the Air !!

Sometimes you get a gut instinct, the bad performance debate of Hillary Clinton has been a running story for days now, there is something in the Air, could Hillary Clinton lose the nomination to Obama. I have tended to support Obama in this blog, but with doubts if he had the fire in the belly to win, but sometimes a candidate can win not because of his or her actions but due to the failures of the others in the race. As stated in previous posts Clinton has found herself in hole that she dug for herself, giving driving licences to illegal immigrants; the Republicans will use that every hour of every day; the refusal to release her papers as First Lady; dont run on previous experience if you cant show the files; and thirdly hiding behind her husband; think Lady Thatcher doing something like that; hell would have to freeze over and then she would not; Clinton cant afford any more mistakes or its over.

The effect or rot has started, The Politico reports on a new Rasmussen Poll in New Hampshire, Clinton had lead of 16 points before the debate its now down to 10. Clinton 34% and Obama on 24 %. Obama should move to Iowa and win, 24/7 Campaign every door every day. This could be the time for Obama to win the nomination in 2008.

Attorney General and Senate

New York Times: Reports that the Nominee for Attorney General, Judge Mukasey has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be voted on by the full Senate. The question how does one grade this in political terms, well a win for Bush, all the Democrats running for President can be expected to vote against him, but that is a given, so a victory before the election hits the floor running in Iowa in January.

What are the Clinton's Hiding ?

ABC News: Reports the following, "...another set of papers relevant to her political career at yet another Arkansas library will not be available to the public until well after election day 2008, despite earlier indications that the papers would have been released by now. " Hillary Clinton has made a mistake by running on part based on her experience as First Lady, if your running on this expect those running against you to demand that they and the country can see the advice you gave to the President. Clinton has two problems she has created for herself if she is nominated in 2008, Driving Licences for Illegal Immigrants and the Clinton habit of hiding bad news, as in taking a poll as if to tell the truth if you had an affair. The Republicans will demand every hour of every day that Clinton release her files as First Lady. The Democrats might not make an issue of it before Iowa but the Republicans will make it a great issue. The question they will ask " Is Hillary Hiding behind her Husband " that does not help with impressions when running as a hawk in a Presidential Election.

Iowa Again

New York Times: Looks at the campaign prospects of John Edwards. The Liberal New York Times if it had a choice would support the Edwards campaign but is realistic enough to know that its a two way race between Clinton and Obama.

More on Afghanistan

New York Times: Looks at the recent deaths and the growing problems and confusing reports out of Afghanistan. The USA and UK have a major problem in Pakistan and growing military difficulties in Afghanistan. Remembrance Day is coming up next Sunday, we shall remember those lost during Two World Wars and many conflicts afterwards but today our men and women are in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chief Justice of Pakistan

BBC: That the former of Chief Justice of Pakistan has called on the people to protest. Pakistan is a hard one for the West, we need the Government to support our efforts in Afghanistan. The problem is coming from the Border area of Afghanistan and Pakistan. An old Foreign Office view is that it is tricky to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. What the West states in public might be different or conditional when it comes to private talks, very tricky we can not afford for the extreme elements to take control of Pakistan or even worse get hold of the nuclear arsenal of Pakistan. MI6 and the CIA should have plans to take control of this arsenal, I hope they have plans on standby.

Afghanistan Deaths

BBC: Reports nearly a hundred civilian deaths in Afghanistan due to suicide bombing, Afghanistan getting worse, the trouble of Pakistan, Iran close to getting the bomb. Why does this feel like the decade before 1914.

New Left Old Idea

Slate: One of the best articles of the year, a must read, how the American left cant see the truth about a Revolution in this case Venezuela. Must Read of the Day.

Clinton another Dukakis ?

Newsday: Interesting article in Newsday on how Senator might have helped the Republicans with her debate performance. Her support of giving driving licences to Illegal Immigrants might work with the Liberal Left in the Democratic Party but the Democratic Left is not the the United States as pointed out in the article. The article goes to compare the Clinton with Dukakis in 1988. I would make one point, although Bush 41 was behind Dukakis and Dukakis helped him, Bush was the Vice -President to President Ronald Reagan. Reagan did lot more than Eisenhower to help his Vice - President, he lifted a finger to help Bush in 88, more than Eisenhower did for Nixon in 1960.

Iowa

Fox News: Dick Morris set's out the path for Obama and Edwards to stop Hillary Clinton in Iowa. Lets hope both Obama and Edwards take the time to read this very good article.

The Paper Trail

The Politico: Reports that the Clinton Library will release more documents on the role of Hillary Clinton in the Bill Clinton White House. Let me guess nothing damaging will be released and even the low grade negative stuff will get a release on Friday afternoon, taking out the rubbish!!

George Tenet Review

Have just finished At the Centre of the Storm, My years at the CIA by George Tenet with Bill Harlow. One fault that stands out is the opinion that intelligence gathers should gather intelligence and then leave the decision to policy makes. On the whole agree with the view but also like Intelligence providers to help with policy. But would recommend reading, very interesting book and if your a political geek fun to read between the lines, after all this is about Intelligence.

Bill Clinton and 2008

Bill Clinton should follow the example of President George H.W.Bush and keep out of Presidential Elections if the candidate is your son or your wife. The bad performance of Hillary Clinton at a recent debate is not helped if she is seen running for help from her husband. Bush 43 kept Bush 41 out of the public eye. The one thing that Hillary Clinton does not need is recall the bad memories of the 1990s. The impression that Hillary Clinton is using her husband to keep secret her advice to him will not help her with the public. Think Lady Thatcher and the same question, you get the idea. Bill Clinton is a master politician but that is not the point, Hillary Clinton is running, and if the impressions starts to gather followers that she is weak then she is finished as a Presidential Candidate.

Seattlepi.com: Click to see Bill Clinton as First Defender.

Elite Papers and Pakistan

IHT: A very interesting article in the Tribune, in many ways has the same arguments as mentioned is this blog, the Tribune states the following, " Musharraf's move to seize emergency powers and abandon the Constitution left Bush administration officials close to their nightmare: a U.S.-backed military dictator who is risking civil instability in a country with nuclear weapons and an increasingly alienated public. " The USA Foreign Policy is snookered to use a snooker term, a undemocratic government but a government needed for the War on Terror and more important has the bomb.

Washington Post: Does not have any real answer to the problem of Pakistan, the best it can come up with is this, " No one pretends that there are easy answers in Pakistan, where nuclear weapons and growing extremism could come together in the ultimate nightmare scenario. " The only answer they have is to have a go at President Bush, that is a lot of help at present.

No Elections in Pakistan ?

BBC: Reports that the planned elections in Pakistan could be on hold for over a year. This is not good, Democracy what ever its faults is still the best system, when a government tries to undermine the Democratic process it plays in to the hands of the extreme elements in society. As my previous Blog on this issue, temporary rule to get some peace is one thing, to block the Democratic Process is a bad idea. The problem is what next, Pakistan is a key Ally in the War on Terror. Thus sanctions are out, we need this government to work with us, there are British troops in Afghanistan. A very thorny issue over the next days, weeks, years for the West.

Provisional Constitution for Pakistan

Washington Post: Reports that a Provisional Constitution has been declared by the Government. This move does not look like a time limited move by the government. It would be interesting to know if in private the USA was that unhappy about the move, we shall see over the next few hours and days.

Further on Pakistan

New York Times: Reports that on the public front the USA thought than a decree of emergency rule was not a good idea and this could cause problems between Pakistan and the West. If the Emergency Rule can bring some peace to Pakistan and prevent terrorist attacks for a limited period it might be a good idea. No this is not a call for the suspension of Democracy but sometimes in drastic circumstances these orders have to be given. Pakistan has the bomb!!

Pakistan Emergency Rule

BBC: Reports that Emergency Rule had been announced in Pakistan. This is a problem for the Western Security, Pakistan is a very important ally in the War against Terror and also even more important it has the bomb. Should the Government fall and a Terrorist supporting Government come in to power Western Security would be under threat from that moment. There is a time for Democracy but sometimes under very exceptional circumstances one man rule is preferred.

NYT and Terror

New York Times: The paper is less than impressed that the nominee for Attorney General will in all likely hood get confirmation due in no small part that two Democrats who will vote for him. Reading between the lines the papers is not happy, that's so sad!

Liberal Madness

The Nation: The Bible of the American left wants to impeach the Bush Administration. Read this article and understand why the Republicans just might win the White House in 2008.

1970's

National Security Archive: A look at the relationship between the USA and the USSR. Has the latest declassified Files. A must read.

A.G and the Senate

New York Times: It appears that the nominee for Attorney General will pass the Senate Judiciary Committee then on to the Senate floor for one hell of fight if Liberals have their way.

Iron Lady or Not!!

New York Times: Simple questions folks can you see Lady Thatcher in a debate complain that all the men had her as the main target of the questions and negative comments. The simple answer is NO, hell would have to freeze over before Lady Thatcher would use the gender card. Another mistake by Clinton, you cant expect to get in to debate and not be attacked by those on the stage. THE REPUBLICANS WILL RUN THIS ARGUMENT OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

Obama and Iran

New York Times: Interesting interview with Senator Obama in the paper. The Senator is moving left, he needs to the Liberal base of the Democratic Party to support him in Iowa over Senator Edwards. The move to the left is a mistake, willing to talk to Iran with no conditions is a massive error in judgement. The NYT states the following, " The suggestion, which emerged as a flash point in the campaign, has prompted Mrs. Clinton to question whether such an approach would amount to little more than a propaganda victory for the United States’ adversaries and to question the experience of Mr. Obama,... " . The NYT is split, it supports Hillary because it thinks she can win but really in its hearts of hears supports Obama. Thus while pointing out problems with the Obama plan it less than critical. It points out all the old Clinton hands that are helping Obama. The 2008 race after the debate is a lot more interesting to political geeks.

HMS Illustrious v Iran

BBC: So HMS Illustrious will be near to Iran in the spring, wonder why? My nose is smelling air strikes what about you?

Iran Sanctions

BBC: Reports that the new sanctions have been agreed by the USA, UK, France, Germany, Russia, China on Iran. This is the time to be tough and avoid World War Three.

Further Debate Fallout!

LA Times: The Liberal LA Times has a point about the the debate performance of Senator Clinton, " An unseemly impatience also was evident in Clinton's reaction to jousts from her opponents on policy issues. " If Clinton is rattled by this how will she cope when the Republican attack machines starts to air adverts in important states.

Washington Post: Makes an important point the gloves are off in the Democratic race, the Post writes the following, "strategists for all the Democratic contenders agreed that the debate marked a turning point and would open a newly aggressive phase in the race. " A mistake does not mean a loss just in the next debate Clinton can not afford another disaster in debate performance. Thus look for the following topics to come up till the next debate, Iran, Liberals want to appease, Clinton is a realist, Immigration, want liberal polices this could cost them in the General Election. Then a very important issue that Clinton cant duck, the release of her papers as first lady, she cant have it both ways, if she is running on that she has to release her advice to the President if she gave advice on policy issues. The line that it has nothing to do with her wont stand with Obama and Edwards.

Reagan Time?

The Hill: Interesting article on the 2008 Congressional race. Did spot an interesting view, Senator Schumer's view that the Reagan Era was coming to and end. Lets see President Reagan left office in January 1989 and died in 2004. I think what the Senator does not realise is that in a way the Reagan Era will never end, if the Republicans win the White House in 2008, I would bet it will be a Republican who claims the Reagan mantle. The old liberals views of Senator Schumer ended a long time ago and will never come back.