Define The One or the O

The New York Times: A very interesting article how the McCain and the GOP are out to define Obama before he can define himself. The Tag, Weak ( over Iraq and Iran ), Liberal ( pandering to the left over Iraq and the surge ) and Arrogant ( he thinks he is President ) seem to be working at the present.

Negative Press Works

Politico: Looks at how Senator Obama has gone from post racial, transformational to The One by the McCain Camp or The O by this blog when he goes all Hollywood. How the tag of Liberal, Weak and Arrogant has been helped by the Obama Camp itself. As the Politico points out the Arrogance of Obama has started to be sent up, that should warm the Obama Camp, they are running for President they are not in the White House yet, people have to vote for you, its not some Liberal Wet Dream like the West Wing. The Obama Camp had smart politics to defeat the Clintons but this is a new game, smell the Coffee, move to the centre and dump this left wing racist crap.

The Race Card ?

CBS News: The McCain Camp has gone nuclear, it has accused Obama of using the race card. The Senator has stated that Bush and McCain will use as way to defeat him. This is a risky move by Obama, its easy to see why he is using this ploy, the trip to Europe was not on the whole a great success and he is seen as weak, arrogant, and Liberal. Thus Obama is using the trick that worked in the Democratic Race, closed down all attacks on Obama and accuse those that state differences as being racist, a very low move, it might work, but have my doubts, the US voter is not the left wing voters of the Democratic Race. It can be argued that they just might take offence at being called racist because they don't fawn over Obama. This could really hurt Obama if he is not careful, he is moving more to the left and not the centre, McCain just might be the next POTUS.

Ducking Edwards ?

NewsObserver: Senator Edwards is ducking reporters who want answers to the alleged and rumoured affair between him and a former Campaign worker. The more the Senator ducks the the press the more they will draw their own ideas, would a married man with a wife who has cancer have an affair that leads to a child. Also would an honourable man not stand up and admit or sue the press if the story was not true. I think the American people have the right to answers, the elite media cant cover for Edwards.

The O vs McCain

McCain is taking the gloves off, this is a hard hitting Ad, plays on the O as a STAR in Europe. The point being that is the old country, the USA is the new world. McCain has to define Obama as a Arrogant, Weak, Liberal. The ironic part is, the Obama Camp is helping, they are arrogant so is the candidate. The one man that can hand the Presidency to McCain is Obama.

The STAR

RCP Blog: Nice Memo from the McCain Campaign on the O, as Obama is a STAR, we drop all but that, the O is a STAR, therefore what ever he says must be true, and he can not be questioned. The O is beyond critics, he is the THE STAR. Read of the Day.

Obama on Israel and Iran

ABC News: Reports that Senator Obama, the Democratic Nominee has stated that Israel will attack Iran should Iran became a nuclear threat. Obama should start thinking if Israel hits Iran, Iran will hit Iraq, thus his policy of withdrawal will go through the window. As stated in previous post, the election in Israel will have profound results for the region.

Israel the Attack on Iran ?

JP: Reports on the news that Israeli PM Olmert will not run for re - election as leader of his Party and thus PM. The decision is interesting as his successor will have to choose between taking action over the nuclear planning of Iran or to accept a nuclear Iran. This internal election has massive external ramifications for the Middle East. Lets hope they choose a strong leader.

Death in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports on the death of a British Soldier in Afghanistan. The total number of those killed in Afghanistan now stands at 114. This will be not be the last such report, Afghanistan is a hell hole, it will cost more deaths to turn the place around in the near future.

David Miliband, Next Leader ?

Guardian: A article by David Miliband on the future for Labour. Its odd that he praises Lady Thatcher but cant seem to praise his own leader. Mr Miliband wants the top job, this article can be seen as a direct attack on Gordon Brown, his policies and his leadership style. Mr Miliband should expect a call with a Scottish accent asking him for a meet soon to look at his future prospects, in other words the sack, this is the only chance for PM Brown to stay as PM. Read of the Day.

The Next Labour PM ?

BBC News: Reports that the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, has set out his political stall to be the next Labour Leader and Prime Minister. PM Brown has a problem, this is fast becoming a drip by drip race to push him out, he has to take swift action, even sack Miliband and Harman. In less the PM takes firm action he might not get to the Labour Party Conference. The Blood is in the water, he either stops this hunt for his job or its over for PM Brown.

Labour Fight

BBC News: Harriet Harman has denied she is out to get PM Gordon Brown. The blood is in the water folks, when politicians start to say stories are not true its time to get the pop corn and watch to see when the men in boiler suites go and see PM Brown and tell him its time for him to spend more time with his family. My gut is telling me that Brown might not make it to the Party Conference, this political game is bad for the party and the country.

Is it over for Brown ?

The Times: Has breaking news, David Miliband, Harriet Harman are getting ready to run if PM Brown is overthrown. I do feel sorry for the PM in the way, the long wait and he will be lucky to spend Xmas in 10 Downing Street. If Labour want to win the next election they should get rid of Brown fast, it could be argued a new young face could change the impression that Labour is old and out of the running, this could lead to the leadership of David Miliband the Foreign Secretary.

Goodbye Hillary and Just Go Bill !

New York Times: Reports that the push by the Clintons to have Hillary Clinton as VP to Obama has not worked. Lets face it, the fundamental reason is Bill Clinton, did he really want his wife to President, have my doubts, Alpha Males don't change over night, and even more if your Bill Clinton.

New Poll - USA Today

USA Today: As a policy don't do individual polls but this is a rare one, McCain is ahead of Obama, so worth an investigation. The USA Today/Gallup polls finds McCain ahead by four percent. The poll finds the following among likely voters, McCain 49% - Obama 45%. On the whole this poll is the exception, in other polls Obama is ahead from around one percent to eight percent. It can be argued that this is a very close race. Obama need to move to the centre right to win, he has to dump the liberal left wing of his party, if does move to the centre what are the liberals going to do, vote for McCain don't see that, so it wont cost Obama to move, he then could become 44th POTUS.

Close Race of 08

Washington Post: Robert Novak looks as to why the Presidential Race is so close. At its core is the argument that Obama has not passed the Commander in Chief Test. The WP/ABC news had poll that showed that over seventy percent of voters saw McCain as a CinC while Obama was under the fifty percent mark. This comes down to Iraq, Obama is afraid of the Liberal base, he cant state that the Surge worked and that the USA should not have a timetable for Iraq. On the second one Obama has started to move, basing any withdraw on the conditions on the ground, the only thing he has to do now is state that he was wrong to oppose the surge and it worked. If Obama wants to be CinC he has to pass the the fifty percent threshold.

IHT: Looks at the problem Obama is having in getting over the fifty percent mark in national polls. The article makes a great point its early, no one should get their knickers in to a twist just yet, a long race is ahead in the 08 Race for President. Obama needs to get support of those that supported him early in the race, but lost with his support of his Pastor and throwing his grandmother under the bus for pure political reasons. The one man that could lose this race is Obama.

Death in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports on the 113 soldier to die in Afghanistan. The non secured border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is allowing the terrorists to strike and then get back to safety. The Badlands of the Afghanistan border are a perfect hiding we need to hit the Terrorists Camps in Pakistan, we have to chase these terrorists and kill them, not read them their rights, this is not Law and Order no matter what the New York Times thinks, we are losing to much troops, we have to hit hard and win on the border.

Edwards Scandal and the Elite Media

The Sunday Times: Its out there folks, the scandal the weak liberal elite media didn't want you to know about, yes the alleged and not confirmed affair of Senator Edwards. The UK paper of record has run the story, the rumoured affair and how the liberal media in the USA has tried to hide the story, just like the Bill Clinton Affair that lead to his Impeachment. Lets see how long it take for the Media and I mean the Elite Media to run with the story, the NYT was quick to run political hit piece on Senator McCain will they even mention the story, do they have the backbone.

The Badlands of the Afghanistan/Pakistan Border

Fox News: Reports on the terrorist threat in the badlands of the Afghanistan/ Pakistan border. How a mass of one hundred Terrorists attacked government buildings near the border. That the problem with the badlands, you need the ability to go after the terrorists over the border. The badlands are a haven for the terrorists, the USSR could not beat them, and we have Pakistan as an friend. The West should but pressure on the government of Pakistan to allow Western Troops to follow the terrorists over the border, even if its a secret deal.

The End of Brown ?

The Sunday Times: Reports on those that would replace PM Brown, Jack Straw, Harriet Harman and David Miliband. The first two are no hoppers, in fact Harriet Harman could give the Conservatives a thirty year majority. As a caretaker PM Jack Straw would be good, in less he wants the job full time, that would be a disaster, the country wants change, thus we have David Miliband, does recall a young Tony Blair. If the Labour Party wants a chance and the word is chance of winning the next election they should think about David Miliband the Foreign Secretary as their next leader and PM.

Next PM

BBC News: Reports on the speculation that PM Gordon Brown will be toppled due to the disaster in By - Elections, Council Elections and the Polls. PM Brown should start to worry, if the polls don't improve he will be out, Labour backbenchers are not going to take the fall for him. It should be noted that a majority of the Cabinet have never been in Opposition, they don't want a heavy General Election as in 1997, they could be out of power for twenty years.

McCain Time Table for Iraq

Fox News: Reports that Senator McCain has moved on his policy on Iraq, he is know supports the Obama plan based on conditions on the ground. This is a savvy move by McCain, he can now support a timetable for Iraq based on the success of the surge. This takes one of the arrows away from Obama. Also this policy moves breaks with a not very popular President, lets see what the polls say at the end of the week.

The World Tour of Obama

The Times: Reports that the World Education of Obama is not helping back in the good old USA. If your running for President of the World, Obama has done a great job, great PR, problem he is running for President of the United States of America. Lets take the first part of the World Tour Iraq, the Obama Policy was to see what he only wanted to see and hear, like a Virgin going in to a brothel and coming out a Virgin. Even the fawning Elite Media though he was speaking nonsense about Iraq. The Iraq Surge has worked, why do you think the Elite Media has not mentioned Iraq that much, its working, if it was going to hell in hand basket the press would be all over the story. Obam in German was even worse, he though he was a combination of Kennedy and Reagan, sorry Senator not yet, the arrogance of the Obama Camp is even getting to the Press, its long time before they election and the Obama Camp should recall that the press have another candidate that they can fall in love with, the ego of the press is more than Obama and his Campaign.

Brown in the Brown Stuff

The Times: Reports that the PM Gordon Brown has been given two months to get the polls up or he is out. All is possible in politics, but PM Brown is to Scottish and Dour. Blair was successful because he was a small c Conservative, you could have seen Blair as leader of the Conservative Party, Brown is Old Labour. The country needs a cheer up moment, can Brown arrange a Royal Wedding that would be good, anything really that will make the people happy and that does not count his resignation.

The Edwards Scandal?

The so called Edwards Scandal has it the TV, Fox was all over it last night, the Liberal Elite Media still has Edwards as a possible VP or Attorney General in a Obama Administration, thus they are being very quiet about the so called scandal, Edwards 's Mistress and Family is out there in the news cycle. Even if not true, would Senator Edwards really have an affair while his wife is ill with cancer, even the Liberal Media would have to run with the story, they cant be seen doing another Bill Clinton. Recall it was Drudge that broke the story while the Elite Media kept it under covers.

No Love, No More Love for Obama

The New Republic: Reports on how the press has fallen out of love with Obama, well some of the press, love can turn to proper investigation of a candidate, yes he still a candidate not POTUS.

MAD MEN

New York Times: Our lucky Colonial cousins have the second season MAD MEN, not fair, when do we get it over here in the UK. Its one of the few things I watch these days, come on BBC get your act together, MAD MEN is one of the best things on the box.

The Polls for Friday

Lets have a look at the polls after the World Tour of Obama.

Here are the Tracking Polls:

Gallup: Shows the the Grand Tour of Obama has not really effected this poll. Obama leads but its a narrow lead only two points. The Poll finds the following, Obama 45% - McCain 43%. As stated in previous posts, Obama has to get a bigger lead and he has to keep that lead. Obama will lose the election if he does not get a bigger lead in the polls.

Rasmussen: Reports on a bigger lead for Obama, 5 points over Obama. In pure political terms it can be argued this is still even, as stated when Obama is ahead by single digits you have to take in consideration are you being told the truth by the voters. The Poll finds the following, Obama 49% - McCain 44%. If you think of all the fawning press coverage the Senator has had over the past few days, you could argue that the lead should be in the double digits. Obama needs to pick a old gray beard as his VP. The VP has to be older, hawk, and would be nice if he or she had a military background.

Also lets have a look at the Fox Poll:

Fox News: Reports a narrow 1 point lead for Obama. The Poll finds the following, Obama 41% - McCain 40%. One has to ask if the World Tour on the whole was worth the effort. Obama is never going to overtake McCain in the Commander in Chief Test, McCain War Hero, POW in the Vietnam, Maverick in the Republican race. Obama has to stick to Democratic issues, the economy, and other domestic issues. On the whole would give the Obama tour just a C+ grade for politics.

The RCP Average of Polls has Obama leading by 4.2% over McCain. This is going to be a long race.

Glasgow By - Election

BBC News: Reports on the shock defeat for Labour in the Glasgow By - Election. I will predict if the Polls don't turn around by Mid 2009 Labour will have a new Leader, those Labour backbenchers will smaller majorities will worry more about their future than that of Gordon Brown. It should be noted that if the Conservatives win the next General Election with a majority more than Labour had in 1997, the Party could be out of power for a generation.

Death in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports on the death of another British Soldier in Afghanistan. The total now stands at 112. The War will cause more Deaths.

Good Advice for Obama

Fox News: Good Advice from Susan Estrich when it comes to the love affair between Obama and the Elite Media. It wont last and you will need a shower to feel clean after, that goes for the Campaign and the Media. Read of the Day.

Edwards Scandal Part Two ?

The Hill: Reports on the perceived John Edwards scandal, e.g the Mistress and Family. One has to ask would the former Senator, really have an affair while his wife has cancer and it has to be stressed that this alleged and that it has been denied. But as the article states one can forget Edwards for VP. It can be argued that there is plenty of perceived evidence, but as stated it has been denied by all, but its interesting why it has come out now, do I see the dark hand of the Clinton Camp. As stated in the past Obama needs help with white working class voters, Reagan Democrats, Edwards and his Two Americans was seen as a good choice, but this alleged and not proven scandal could make it harder for Obama to name him as VP. I would go for Governor Richardson for VP.

The Obama Speech in Berlin

The Times: Looks at the prospects for the Obama Speech. Has a look at the historical record of Presidential Speeches in Berlin. The Gipper was the best, the Wall came down two years later. Obama does not need the votes of Germany, he can not afford to lose votes at home. I will update when seen the speech and the reaction, correction, the Elite Media will say he is another JFK and Reagan and Sun King!

Update: To long a speech, tried to copy the giants of American Politics, JFK and Reagan. The arrogance before the fall, Obama could lose this election by himself.

Liberals and Terror

Newsweek: Reports on how the Democrats view the War on Terror. A interesting article on how the Democratic Party view the world post 9/11. The US Supreme Court has give the terrorists held in Cuba the same rights as American Citizens, the Bush Administration wants to prevent these terrorists from being released on the American Homeland. As the Liberal Left Wing of the Democratic Party now has power in Congress, they care more about the rights of the terrorist than of the voters in the United States. This could really be a good Issue for McCain, he has to point the finger at Obama, has to start real hard hitting Political Ads now, make Obama deal with the Issue, make him split from the Congress or if he does not show him to be weak when it comes to National Security.

Edwards Scandal ?

Slate: Reports on a alleged and so far not confirmed by the establish Media concerning a scandal that MIGHT and COULD if TRUE but NO proof at the present finish all talk of Senator Edwards as VP for Obama. As liberal laws are tougher in the UK please click story for full details.

The Sun King

BBC News: Reports on the arrival of Senator Obama in Germany. I have been surprised and glad that that the Elite Media as in the TV anchors have not given Obama a free pass, have seen CBS and ABC give Obama a hard time over his policy over Iraq and Israel. The Elite Media in their own mind are the stars, they did not take well to the arrogance of the Obama Campaign. The Staff for Obama think he is President, the Elite Media would like to elect him or elect McCain. The European part of the visit will see the European Press treat Obama as if he is the Sun King and Moses. This will come a shock to the Press but Europe does not elect an American President. The point of the Old and New World.

Obama/Clinton Ticket

The New Republic: The REAL point of this article is at the end, its a call for Obama to play safe and choose Hillary Clinton as his running mate, it does not name Hillary but the call for Obama to choose a VP that will help him in majority white working class states means picking Hillary Clinton.

Mr President

New York Times: Report on the World Tour by Obama. On the whole fair, it even states the following, " as if Mr. Obama believes that not only is his official nomination at the Democratic convention in August a mere formality, so is the November election. " As reporters have noticed the Obama Camp think they are in the White House already, they are treating the Press as if Obama was the PRESIDENT while the press core are their just to run with news. The Obama Camp has to be very careful, the press are the most arrogant people on the face of the earth, they like Obama but at end of the day the press is eternal and Candidates and Presidents come and go, and we have a long time before the election.

Death in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports on the death of another British Soldier in Afghanistan. The total of those killed in combat and other cases know stands at 111. This death will not be the last, the West does not really have a policy for winning in Afghanistan.

McCain on Obama and Iraq

I saw Senator John McCain in a Town Meeting in N.H. The Senator was scathing about Obama, he contrasted how he had been willing to sacrifice his political career to win in Iraq while stating that Obama was willing to lose Iraq to win a election. This was tough on Obama, but Obama's remarks in Jordan show that he more interested in pandering to the left wing of the Democratic Party than winning the War on Terror. Obama stated he would cut money for Defence in a time of War to fund Democratic Programmes. The historic nature of 9/11 seems to beyond Obama, we are in dangerous times, you cant send in the FBI to the Pakistan border to find UBL. The FBI cant be on the border with Iran. The Security of the USA is in the Middle East, Obama's policy would weaken the security of the West.

British Policy in Iraq

BBC News: Reports no change of British Troop levels in Iraq. I wonder if the Elite Media in the United States will challenge Obama with this policy or will they just act as if they are his press Department.

The McCain Article

CNN: Prints the Article in full, this shows class by CNN. Click Here.

NYT and McCain

Fox News: Reports how the LIBERAL New York Times refused to print an article by the McCain Campaign as did not follow the lead of Obama. What a disgrace to journalism, can you even call the Appeasers of the LIBERAL New York Times a newspaper any more, shame on once a great paper, would not use it for toilet roll.

WE LOVE OBAMA

The Times: On how McCain has dealt with the love affair between the Elite Media and Obama. Having seen the Elite Media coverage was please to see that they allowed McCain to comment on the Old World Tour of Obama. The problem with the Obama tour is like going to a brothel a virgin and coming out a virgin, he wont change his mind about Iraq, he cant as the left wing of the Democratic Party is more interested is losing Iraq than winning. The Revered Jackson it seems wanted to weaken Obama, he was to late, the left wing of the Democratic Party had done it early, depends if the American people want a weak leader as President.

More on McCain's VP

Politico: More speculation of the VP for McCain. Its the Olympics that is the problem, to go before or after the games with the news. I would go the day after the Democratic Convention, force the Elite Media to at least cover the story.

Novak on McCain and his VP

Human Events: Robert Novak reports that McCain will pick his VP this week. A excellent political move, take the shine off the Obama trip, also place pressure on him to name his VP. The Clinton supporters will want Hillary Clinton, have my doubts, Obama needs a respected and old Foreign Policy hand, a safe pair of hands, even better someone who has military experience, what about Colin Powell.

McCain on Obama and the War on Terror

This is hard hitting Ad by McCain on Obama. The McCain Campaign are trying to define Obama before he can define himself. This get a A grade, needs more of these Ads, really go after Obama that he is weak on National Security.

The Press Fog for Obama

CNN News: Reports that the Iraqi government has denied a Timetable Plan. That the problem when you have internal politics, the USA Election and International Politics mix. As last post the Democrats thought the Iraqi PM had give them a nice present, a get out of Iraq clause, but International Politics does not work like that, lets postulate that the Government of Iraq wants a timetable of about two years for Western Troops to leave, but its one thing to have a private plan its another for that plan to become public, there are two reasons, one the terrorists can just wait for two years or if McCain wins he will want to wait longer. The second reason is the Government of Iraq does not want to be seen as supporting either candidate, they have to work with either who wins. This takes me back to Nixon in 1968 and Vietnam. LBJ tried to help Hubert Humphrey at the last hour, it nearly worked, thus the Obama Camp should be careful when mixing internal politics with external politics.

The Democrats and Iraq

Politico: Reports that the Democrats are using the call by the Iraqi PM for a Timetable for their own political benefit. The Issue of a timetable is political for the USA and Iraq, as both sides face up and coming elections, the Government of Iraq will need the security of American forces for many years to come as their Army is not yet ready to secure the security of all of Iraq.

Iran vs The West

BBC News: Reports that Iran has not given an answer to the attractive package offered by the West to halt its nuclear programme. Iran is playing games, its playing out the clock, it hopes that Obama Administration will allow it to develop the bomb and prevent Israel from attacking its nuclear facilities. This is the time for Israel to attack Iran, Iran will not give up its nuclear programme and its better to attack while Bush is President, McCain will support the move and this will force Obama to support the policy. The outcome of such attack will change the Foreign Policy Board before the election, and its Foreign Policy that is seen as a weakness of Obama.

The Politics of Iraq for Bush and Obama

New York Times: Reports on a interesting political and national security development, the move by the Bush Administration to see an end at some time of American presence in Iraq. This development is interesting as it kind of works both for McCain and Obama at first, for McCain the success of the surge has allowed for the government of Iraq to take over while for Obama it fits his call for a timetable for withdraw of troops. But when you think about it long term it hurts Obama, you can see McCain will use the past weakness of Obama against him, the ads have started already, how Obama was against the surge and how it would not work, now of course it would work, and many other change of policy by Obama. The Bush Administration is also talking to Iran, another aspect of the Obama plan, of course Iran wont budge thus it helps show that the policy of Obama is weak. The Obama Camp should recall 1968 and 1976, a lame duck President is still President of the United States of America and has the biggest Microphone.

Target Iran

Fox News: Reports that Iran has stated it will not budge on its nuclear planning. It could be argued this is what the USA and Israel want, Bush can now state he has tried to talk but has meet a brick wall, he can give the green light to Israel to attack Iran and snookers Obama. If Israel does attack, Obama will have to support the move and this of course would ruin his Foreign Policy Planning. If he wins he would be fighting a war against Iran not talking!!

The Education of Obama Part Two!

BBC News: Reports that Obama is in Afghanistan. The trips to Afghanistan and Iraq are the test for Obama, will he pass the Commander in Chief test. Also the trip to Israel and the region will see if he can stop Campaigning and act like a statesman. The trip to Europe is pure PR.

No Timetable

BBC News: Reports on the visit of PM Gordon Brown to Iraq. The two main points to come out of the visit are that the UK is looking forward to the reduction of troops on Iraq but no Timetable for that reduction. The timing of this trip does not help Senator Obama, if the press are at least going to try and give the impression of neutral reporting they should ask him if he disagrees with the USA main military ally in Iraq and Afghanistan. Don't count of them asking, they are in the tank for Obama, three anchors on his trip, none for McCain, give me a break!

The Education of Obama

The Times: Reports on the forthcoming trip of Obama to Europe and the Middle East and its main target audience the American Voter. This trip has two outcomes, Obama passes the Commander in Chief threshold or he flunks. Obama is not yet President, some of his Camp need to smell the coffee, arrogance comes before the fall, and the Obama Crowd are getting arrogant. Obama is no Kennedy or Reagan, in time if he gets elected he might reach those heights, but he wont get the Oval Office if he does change his mind on Iraq, if he comes back from his visit with the same pandering speech he wont win the election. This is the time for Obama to show political courage and refine his Iraq policy, because as noted on this blog he has not answered the simple question what happens if he removes the troops and the terrorists come back and Iran became a major player in Iraq while becoming a nuclear power. Does Obama have the backbone to be tough, is he another JFK or Reagan or is he another Carter.

Agatha Christie, 1930s Omnibus

As a bit of change from politics, have just started to read Agatha Christie, 1930s Omnibus, a intelligent and fun read. At present reading AND THEN THERE WERE NONE murder mystery story. Have seen the two Film versions, have a fondness for the 1970s one.

The Two sides of Obama

A McCain political Ad that shows the two sides of Senator Obama when it comes to Iraq.

Friday Polls

Lets see how the Polls are for the end of the week.

Gallup: Reports that Obama leads by a narrow margin, two percent over McCain. The poll finds the following, Obama 46% - McCain 44%. As stated in past comments on polls, Obama needs to get a larger lead and he needs to keep it over the weeks. The Trip to Europe and the Middle East should give him a bounce in the polls. The TV Media is in the tank for Obama so they will give him Presidential coverage. If Obama does not get a bounce that will be interesting and what he states Iraq could define the race in the long term.

Rasmussen: Reports a tie in the race, Obama 46% - McCain 46%. Given all the bad news that faces the Republican brand its curious that McCain is level or just behind. This takes me back to 1968, the Vietnam War was still going on and the public wanted out, the President that had lost his public appeal. The result was close in the public vote if not in the Electoral College. McCain has slim chance of winning but he still has a chance, its up to Obama to lose this election.

Bush and Iran

The Times: Reports on the talks between the USA and Iran. I am cynical, if I was Bush would have the talks, see them fail and then allow Israel to attack Iran. This allows Bush to state that he has done all that he could do on the diplomatic front.

Obama NOT FUN !

St Petersburg Times: How the political correct thought police has made Obama beyond critical review or even laughter. The Gipper could laugh at himself and he was great, if Obama's have no sense of humour time to move to Cuba!!

The Fog of Politics!

Fox News: A very on the ball article by Susan Estrich, Fox Commentator and former Campaign Manger for Governor Dukakis. Estrich writes the following, " It should be a Democratic year, but that is no guarantee that it will be one. " The article looks at how close Obama and McCain are in the polls, with all good press Elite Media is giving Obama should he not be way ahead, and of course as stated in the article and on this blog, people lie to pollsters. Its the Issue no one wants to deal with, because if you bring it up some on the left call you a racist, the issue is will the majority white voters in the USA vote for minority ethnic candidate, Obama is a intelligent candidate, he knows the polls don't give the whole picture, so his move to the centre and right on various issues, even if still following the left wing line on Iraq. Obama and his Campaign knows it will be a close race, and polls in July don't give you the Oval Office. Read of the Day.

Iraq

Lets have a look at what the Elite Media is saying about Iraq and Obama.

New York Times: When the Liberal Times does not have an Agenda, it does good reporting, in this article it looks at how the people of Iraq view a Obam Administration and his policy towards Iraq. As Times supports Obama it finds on the whole the people it talked to are in support of Obama but for his policy on Iraq. The Times writes the following, " ..for many middle-class Iraqis, affection for Mr. Obama is tempered by worry that his proposal could lead to chaos in a nation already devastated by war. Many Iraqis also acknowledge that security gains in recent months were achieved partly by the buildup of American troops, which Mr. Obama opposed and his presumptive Republican opponent, Senator John McCain, supported. " The problem for Obama if he goes to Iraq and starts to say he has a Timetable no matter what, and that is not the view of the military or the Iraqi government, Obama can not be seen as soft on Iraq, in the real world you cant on the whole pick your wars ( yes Iraq was different, but getting in is different from getting out with honour ) Obama has to stand up to his left wing base or he will lose the election.

New York Post: The Master of winning in politics, Dick Morris goes for the Achilles heel of the Obama Campaign, his pandering to the left wing of the Democratic Party. As has been pointed out on this blog and others and in this article by Morris, what happens if the troops are taken out by Obam and the Terrorists come back, back to square one, what about the influence of Iran. The success of the surge helped McCain win the nomination now its time to go after Obama, make him look like all the Democratic LOSERS, Carter Mondale, Gore, Kerry. This is the time for McCain to define Obama, after the Conventions Obama will have more money as he is taking private money while McCain is taking public money. If McCain does not define Obama as a weak liberal now then Obama will use his money to define McCain and win November.

New York Times: The Liberal Times showing why the WP is a better paper if you want to understand the real world of National Security, just because Obama showed not backbone when he tried to refine his Iraq policy and moved back to the left the Times is all over him like a bad rash, and the Times is a bad rash for a Democratic Politician. Read and Wonder how a great Paper fell from the heights.

Next POTUS ?

Obama did not have a good speech yesterday, he did not look comfortable when discussing National Security, even the Liberal Washington Post is telling him that he is wrong about his Iraq Policy. Also what is the point of going to Iraq if he had decided on a TIMETABLE to withdraw the troops. Obama really needs to get his act to together if he is going to win the Presidency. He needs to pick a VP who is seen as a hawk on Foreign Policy, he cant pick someone who was anti surge and anti Iraq from the start, he is not running against Hillary Clinton. The Ad gets a C grade, polished but no beef!! Does not inspire confidence for that 3am call.

Washington Post vs Obama

Washington Post: A very good Editorial form the WP, Obama's policy on Iraq is a massive National Security mistake, the Post writes the following, " Whether or not the war was a mistake, Iraq's future is a vital U.S. security interest. If he is elected president, Mr. Obama sooner or later will have to tailor his Iraq strategy to that reality. " Obama had the chance to show some backbone yesterday but he failed, he can not not win if he is seen as weak on National Security, and if he does win he will have to change policy, what will the left think then, this is the time for the Senator to change his mind, when he goes to Iraq he will have a chance to refine his policy, should he stay with his timetable he will lose the election, its that simple folks.

Leak Case!

CNN: Reports that the Bush Administration has evoked the classic cover up tool in the view of the Elite Media, Executive Privilege to prevent the interview between the Vice - President and Prosecutors on the Plame Case, from seeing the light of day. The left will argue this is another example of the Bush Administration above the law, the right will argue that there was no case to answer. It comes down to your political point of view and judgement.

West Attacks Pakistan Badlands

New York Times: Reports that Western Forces have attacked terrorist bases in Pakistan, but not with land forces. Afghanistan is a double edge sword for Obama, he has stressed Afghanistan as the real front of the War, but over the last two months Afghanistan has taken more in Western Troops Deaths than Iraq. The success of the surge in Iraq and the low level troop deaths has helped the McCain Campaign. If Obama wins and places more troops in Afghanistan it would show that he has not learnt form History. The might of the USSR was forced out of Afghanistan and helped with the downfall of the Soviet Empire. A Obama Presidency could be held hostage to Afghanistan. On the other hand a McCain Presidency would allow for victory in both countries.

Elite Media and Obama

New York Times: Are the Elite Media worried if Obama gets elected, that their audience and their pay masters, wont allow any critical or fun remarks about a Obama Administration. Ms Dowd gives that impression, she writes the following, " ....if Obama gets elected and there is nothing funny about him, it won’t be the economy that’s depressed. It will be the rest of us. " This argument has two aspects, one as noticed by Left Wing Bloggers trying to shut down blogs that are critical of Obama. The left cant not take argument, if you challenge them you are anti green, a racist, a warmonger, that is the lack of brain you are dealing with when you deal if you have to with off beam left wing bloggers and voters. On the other hand there is white guilt, if your an elite media type and white you feel you are to blame for the slavery and the Civil War. That the failure of the Civil Rights movement on the home front is a white guilt issue. Thus you can not attack Obama. One word folks, bollocks, it easy to attack Obama on policy, depending on which policy he has changed, you deal with him as a politician. That is showing respect, colour does not matter, he's wrong about Iraq, does not matter if he was white, black or French. Obama given the polls could be the next POTUS but he is a man and a politician, to treat him otherwise would show a lack of respect, to take notice of his colour and therefore refine from stating a view that is opposed to his is a form of paternal racism. All politicians who stand deserve to be examined and laughed at, if you don't think so look at the present state of the world.

Obama and Iraq Redux

Have just seen the speech by Obama on what a Obama Administration would follow as its Foreign Policy, have to say my estimation of Obama has gone down, he did not look that comfortable giving the speech. Also the speech will help Senator McCain, Iraq is working and what does Obama want to do, remove that success, the question he has not answered is what happens if the troops are removed and the terrorists come back, Iran has greater influence and Oil goes up to three hundred dollars a barrel because Iran develops the bomb and the USA has to react, not talk, use military means, will Obama put troops back in to Iraq, will he allow a Nuclear Iran to became a threat to Israel and the region. This was the chance for Obama to show some backbone but he failed, he could not stand up to his left wing base, he came under heavy criticism from the left when he looked like he was going to refine his Iraq policy. This speech was pandering to the left, not the American People.

The Obama Camp has made a political mistake, the American people as polled by the WP/ABC News are split on the policy on Iraq, half want to stay the other half support Obama. Also McCain is seen more as a leader. The Problem for Obama is what if Israel reacts to the speech and hits Iran, Iran causes havoc in the region, what then of the fine words of Obama. Senator Obama might be Jimmy Carter, win the nomination against the odds but lose the general election.

USA Polls

As a policy I tend to check the tracking polls on Friday at the end of the week. I have found that sometimes you have polls that are just outriders and are not relevant for the long term race. Also I trust only a few pollsters, don't want to be in the same boat as Newsweek of 1984 which had Mondale winning.

Reagan, Carter and Obama vs The War on Terror

The New Republic: A article that will look at how a Obama Administration would fight the War on Terror. An interesting argument, that Obama will use the Reagan and Carter doctrines for Foreign Policy, as in Reagan the use of local government or NGOs to fight the cause of USA interests and the Carter Policy of benefits as in money and support if these NGOs and governments follow some American rules of conduct. A good article makes you think, lets postulate that Obama wins, with a healthy majority in both Chambers of Congress, lets recall that will be a lot of Liberals, do you think they will allow Obama a free hand in Foreign Policy, the Liberal Left wing of the Democratic Party have a pre 9/11 mind set, they watch to much Law and Order, thus have a police mind set to terrorism. All the reforms that the Bush Administration has created to prevent another terrorist attack would be seen through the eyes of San Francisco Liberals, UBL should be read his rights before being either shot or arrested, no harsh treatment of terrorists, all calls or email outside the USA would require a warrant, the terrorist would have more rights that the American Citizen. The success of the President is seen in what he can get done on the Hill, Obama will need the Congress to pass his Agenda. The cost will be the National Security of the USA and the West. Read of the Day.

Update: Non Government Organisations. In the Reagan Time it was the Freedom fighters of Nicaragua, the Contras.

Obama and Iraq

The New York Times: Interesting article by Senator Obama on his policy in Iraq. On the one hand he sees the success in Iraq but still wants to take the troops out based on a timetable and then wants to send them to Afghanistan. That a problem when you have a good politician but young, he makes this kind of mistakes, he wants to send more troops and Afghanistan, does he read the news in between watching the Polls. Obama writes the following, " We should seize this moment to begin the phased redeployment of combat troops that I have long advocated,........I would pursue a new strategy, and begin by providing at least two additional combat brigades to support our effort in Afghanistan. We need more troops, more helicopters, better intelligence-gathering and more nonmilitary assistance to accomplish the mission there..." Afghanistan can never be won with more troops, its a long low level War, the trick is not to lose troops, its not to be all macho and send in more troops, the West cant win that kind of war, the USSR who did not play by Western Rules got their backside hit all the way back to the border. Obama has been caught in between the base and Moderate Republicans and Independents. The Elite Media has given him a free ride on the whole, minus is Pastor problem, Obama has to decided does he want to win or keep his base happy, Iraq could be a good issue for him but he has to change policy or it will be Senator McCain who will be the 44th POTUS.

Lieberman and the GOP

IHT: Reports on the growing distance between Senator Lieberman and the Democrats in the Senate. They will play nice for now, they need his vote to keep control of the body, once they gain more Seats Lieberman will be out in the cold. The Democrats have no sense of loyalty when it comes to their Agenda.

Deaths in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports on the death of nine U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan. Obama Campaign should be careful about its stressing of Afghanistan as the main battlefield and not Iraq. The Terrorists have regrouped, they have the border with Pakistan which allows them to come and go without much that the West or the government of Pakistan can do to stop them, Afghanistan can not become another Vietnam, the West can not afford to lose this fight.

UK Troops Out by 2009

The Sunday Times: Reports that the majority of the UK Troops should be out of Iraq by end of 2009. The surge and the presence of Western Forces has allowed Iraq to govern itself, this is good news after a long time of bad news. The troops from the USA and the UK are needed in Afghanistan. On the political front this should help PM Brown, he can announce an honourable departure. The one condition is always Israel and Iran.

WAR OF WORDS

New York Times: The President Ahmadinejad of Iran has made a statement that can be seen as making a threat to take action before his country is attacked. If in Israel and the USA one could take the statement as a reason to attack Iran now, just in case they launch an attack, also Ahmadinejad has placed himself in the USA Presidential context, he has offered to have direct talks with the Bush Administration, this is of course the policy of Obama, Obama has to be careful he does not place himself on the same page as Iran, he is even in the polls.

Iraq and the Troops

Fox News: Reports based on a lead in the NYT that due to the success of the surge in Iraq and downward trend of attacks on the USA, the USA could remove troops from Iraq and move them to Afghanistan. I see a problem with this move, what if and its a big if, Israel attacks Iran, Iran will cause havoc in Iraq. Thus before any troops are removed the Bush Administration will have to be happy that Israel will not attack Iran. If Israel does not attack, and Iraq becomes peaceful then surge will be seen as a success, this will be bad for Obama, his weak policy on Iraq could come back to haunt him and McCain will be seen as a leader when others had weak backbones, e.g the Democratic Party. Iraq in way could decide the election in November.

The Left and Obama Redux

New York Times: Interesting article how the new and improved Obama if your in the centre and the right is not going down well the Liberal Voters that got him the nomination. In other words the Obama Camp doing the right thing on the political front, the left of the Democratic Party is not America.

Bush and the War on Terror

New York Times: A article that attacks the Bush Administration and its conduct of the War on Terror. The problem with the LIBERAL Times is that it does not have any answers, all it does whine and release state secrets.

Bush on Iran and Israel

The Sunday Times: Reports that Bush 43 has told Israel to get ready to attack Iran. It should be noted planning does not mean War. The Israeli government has to look at the costs of attacking and waiting, what if McCain wins the Presidential Election, less reason for an attack, as it could be postulated that McCain would attack Iran. On the other hand what if Obama wins, and this if one looks at the long term trend of the polls is the likely outcome, will a Obama Administration really hit Iran and will it allow a the government of Israel to attack. Lets get real, Israel will have to look at the polls in mid Ocotber in the USA, if it look like Obama will win then Israel should hit Iran hard, Obama would have no choice but to support them, the left will go mad with Obama and McCain could just win.

Threat to the USA by Iran

New York Times: Reports that Iran has made a direct threat on the military bases of the USA in the region if its attacked by Israel. The more Iran heats the row up, more a chance of an accident, a USA ship mistaking a move by a ship from Iran as a threat and attacking, this is the time for Iran to cool the water or WAR could be the end result.

Obama v Clinton

Time: Article on how Clinton supporters do not worship at the feet of Obama, and how they should if they want to win. The problem is that Clinton could have won the General Election and Obama on the whole has a good chance but its not a absolute. Time is long in a Campaign.

Newsweek and Polls

Newsweek: Ironic article, Newsweek are trying to explain why one of their polls had Obama leading by 15%, now down 3%. Read and understand why the Liberal Elite Media is in the toilet for Obama. God forbid that McCain should win, the staff at Newsweek would have take a year off to recover, perhaps McCain should throw them off the press plane, why bother to have them if they are a wing of the DNC and the Obama Camp.

New Polls and the 08 Race

Lets have a look at the weekend Polls folks, who is up and who is down and who needs to watch the West Wing more, season 6 and 7.

Newsweek: A new poll from the Liberal Newsweek, well it seems that their last poll which had Obama in double point lead over McCain was very much an outrider. A new Poll has the following results, Obama 44% - McCain 41%. Thus another 3% margin between the candidates. As stated this is going to be a very close race, if you want a feel for the Campaigns watch the last season of the West Wing, the closes they ever got to real politics and very accurate.

Gallup: Reports that Obama has taken a six point lead over McCain. As from their last tracking poll period Obama is ahead by an extra three percent. The poll finds the following, Obama 48% - McCain 42%. It can be postulated that the Obama Camp should be quite happy, their candidate had never been behind McCain and he has on the whole not fallen below 45%, but as stated a few times, the race is still to close and Obama needs to make his big leads last. On the other hand McCain is still in the race, but has a problem getting over the 45% mark. McCain needs to keep on message and make sure his supporters can keep to the Campaign message.

Rasmussen Reports: Reports a tied race between Obama and McCain. The poll finds the following, Obama 47% - McCain 46%. It can be postulated with the tensions with Iran and the economy in the toilet that the folks are looking for someone with a safe pair of hands to lead the USA. This view if develops could help McCain more than Obama. In a rather ironic way, the worse things look, people will turn to the older guy, that being McCain. Lets see the polls at the end of the week.

Drudge On Iran Test

Drudge Report: Has more on the Iran Missile Test. In one word it was a con, and on the whole not a very good con. Iran should learn from the mistakes of Iraq, you don't con this President and more important you don't con Israel. This type of illusion could have caused a War in the Middle East.

Update: Con = Confidence Trick

The Polls for the 08 Race

Lets have a look at the polls folks.

Gallup: Reports that Obama holds a narrow 3% lead over McCain. In a match up the poll finds the following, Obama 46% - McCain 43%. As argued before in a close race Obama will lose, you have to take in to consideration those that lie when asked who they will vote for in November. Obama needs to get a bigger lead and to keep it, if this is the race going in to Election Day, Obama will lose the election. McCain is doing well even with all the negatives against the Republicans.

Rasmussen: Also shows a Obama lead over McCain by 3%. The poll finds the following, Obama 48% - McCain 45%. It can postulated that the move by Obama to the centre could have upset his base but also showed he just another politician on the make, this could have hurt him with Moderate Republicans and Independents. The next big call for Obama is his VP, perhaps he will have to take Hillary Clinton, he needs her voters and her money. The question would the Liberal base take such a move, would the change candidate became the Establishment candidate and what about Bill Clinton. This is a race for Obama to lose, this will be a long race for Obama.

The Left and Reality

RCP: Interesting article by Bob Beckel on how Obama has moved to the centre and how his fan base is not happy. It can be argued that the move has been fast, recent polls have shows Obama even with McCain. The move to the centre and right on some Issues had to happen as Obama wants to get elected President, but his fans bought the hype, he is from Chicago, that is tough politics, winning is all that matters, and that is a lesson that Obama has learnt perhaps to well but its good politics.

Wiretapping and the LA Times

LA Times: The Liberal LA Times is up in arms over the new Wiretapping Law. If its good enough for Obama its should be good enough for the Times.

Wiretapping, the LEFT and Obama

The Nation: The bible for Liberals has a go at Obama for supporting Wiretapping of terrorists. This is a good move by Obama, the crackpots on the left care more about the rights of terrorists than the rights of the folks. Good move Obama.

If and When a WAR ?

Newsweek: Looks at the prospects of War between Iran on one side and Israel and USA on the other. It can stated that the train is leaving the station for WAR, the question is not how it can be stopped but should a War be better now than with a nuclear armed Iran.

Metro v Caveman

The Times: How to chat up a woman, what do they want, how can you get lucky. Simple answer be a caddish gentleman, worked for me in half an hour.

A Game ?

New York Times: Interesting article by the Times, it seems that Iran could be going down the road of Iraq pre invasion, it seems that they could be bluffing on the amount of missiles they have to attack the USA and the Israel. Lets get this clear, if Iran is not close to the bomb and is bluffing it should be warned by its friends, it must have friends, that this is not the kind of issue to bluff on with this President. If the USA and Israel do attack lets be sure the intelligence is about 70% correct, not interested in a war over a bluff, we have had one of those its called Iraq.

War ?

BBC News: Reports that the Defence Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak, also former PM has given the strongest hint yet that Israel will attack Iran if the Western Powers can not get Iran to back down over its nuclear ambitions. At the end of the day Israel will not allow Iran to threaten the State of Israel, it seems Israel will have to do the dirty work of the West.

Afghanistan not Iraq

New York Times: This is the type of story the NYT should report on, not some agenda. Looks how the Western success in Iraq has forced the terrorists to go back to their former havens of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Read of the Day.

Appeasement and the NYT

New York Times: It did not take long for the Liberal Times to be critical of the new wiretapping law, the Times states the following, " ...it was distressing — and depressing — to watch Congress wrench Americans’ civil liberties back to where they were in the days before Watergate, when the United States government listened to our phone calls whenever it wanted. " The NYT seems to have forgotten about 9/11, and that although Terrorists might work outside the USA, most Internet connections go through the USA. Thus we are in a new day, the government needs this new law, if a terrorist is talking to a fellow terrorist outside the USA but the connection goes through the USA why should the Government need a warrant. The first people I would bug would be the Times, they seem to place their right to publish state secret above the security of the USA. Also they have a go at Senator Obama as he voted for the new law, well he must be doing something right if the Times is on his back, the security of the USA comes first, the Senator voted for the USA, its about time the Times though more about the USA and not the terrorist.

Wiretapping

Washington Post: Reports on another success by the lame duck Bush Administration in getting the Democratic Congress to pass its version of a new wiretapping law after getting money for the War on Terrorism. What is interesting as the WP notes is that Obama supported the Bill after stating he would block it in the Senate. The reason is simple if he wins in November and some act of Terrorism was to happen and it came out that it could have been avoided if the Bill had passed a Obama Administration would be finished before it got started on its agenda.

NUTS !!

New York Post: Reports on the nutty comments by the Reverend Jesse Jackson on his views of Senator Obama. Reverend Jackson has dropped the ball on this, the Obama Camp might have to cut off his speaking access to Obama for a time. The comments which are direct to the point and are ball shattering, shows the different generation view point between Obama and Jackson. These comments in a way help Obama, they show a difference between Obama and past African - American leaders, Jackson does not have universal appeal, Obama has got all his balls in order, as in policy views stressed to the public. The ball is in the air for Obama to hit all the way in to the White House, as long as he does not lose the balls in the air or they are cut off from the left.

The West v Iran

BBC News: Reports that the West is not happy with the sabre rattling of Iran. Talk is cheap, Iran is playing for time, its waiting for a Obama Administration. Iran is counting that Obama will want direct talks, they will play this out, over months and years if they cant get away with such a ploy then they will announce they have the bomb. A Obama Administration facing re - election would be snookered. Then the world will face military and diplomatic tensions, this is the time to act, hit Iran hard now and give the West a few years to breath before having to deal with Iran and its nuclear ambitions.

Obama Attack Ad - Negative WAR

The First negative ad by Obama, lot of spin not a lot of substance, the folks want help now with their fuel costs, not in 10 0r 20 years. It seems Obama is just another politician on the make, spinning without real truth.

Love of Country - McCain

A great ad by the McCain Camp, must stress the heroic nature of McCain but also needs a strong Domestic and Economic Platform.

Iran and the USA Election

The Times: Interesting article on why the USA and Israel wont attack Iran, political and military negatives, also its all tied up with the result of the USA Presidential Election. This view you would have found before the USA attacked Iraq, does not mean it wont happen, still would have money on attack before the November Election, just a feeling on this side of the water.

Get Lost Clinton ?

IHT: Reports that the Obama Wallet is creaky to say the least when it comes to helping out Hillary Clinton and her debt. Although supported Clinton I don't see why Obama's supporters should bail her out, if you consider the remarks of her husband, the race card, etc. According to reports the Clintons are worth over a hundred million, well I am sure they can take the loss the Obama Camp needs the money for the General Election.

Threat to Israel

BBC News: Reports that Iran has tested a new missile that can reach Israel. The message is clear to Israel, if you attack then Iran will attack Israel. Israel should consider taking out these new missiles as prelude to a attack on the nuclear buildings of Iran. The time is getting close for Israel to take action to protect its security.

Bill Clinton attacks McCain

ABC News: Reports on a attack on Senator McCain by former President Bill Clinton. In an interview Clinton gives the impression that the American People should be worried that McCain would have a flash back to when he was a POW should he as President have a difficult period to deal with while in office. This coming from a man who avoided the draft, who used race in this wife's Presidential Bid, has the man no shame, well simple answer to that is no, this is why Obama does not need Hillary Clinton as his VP. Bill Clinton can not keep his mouth shut, what a poor state of affairs.

NYT v Obama

New York Times: Poor Liberal Times they are not happy, their candidate has moved to the centre even the right on some issues, wiretapping, Supreme Court. If the NYT is not happy then Obama is doing well, the Times will support him no matter what, so Obama has the freedom to move and to win in November.

Obama and Iraq

Washington Post: Even the elite media is telling Obama to change his plan for Iraq, the Post writes the following on his planned Europe and Middle East Trip, " That will offer an opportunity for him to lay out a new position on the war that both distinguishes him from Mr. McCain and gives him the freedom to be an effective commander in chief. " In other words don't change victory in to defeat in Iraq. The Obama Camp has stated that he wants to send more troops to Afghanistan, slight problem, over the past two months the West has lost more troops in in Afghanistan. The bad lands of the Afghanistan and Pakistan border is helping the terrorists build up their structure, the West cant go over the border as this would damage the foundations of the new government. The Obama Camp has to careful that it does not create its own Vietnam, that's why Obama needs a experienced VP in Foreign Policy.

No Attack on Iran ?

The Atlantic: Interesting article that argues that the success of the USA in Iraq might mean that the USA would veto an air attack on Iran by Israel, as it would cause it more problems as Iraq is starting to look like a net positive after so many years of War. Its an interesting argument, but Bush is a bold President what ever you think about him, he will not want to leave Iran out there, he might not trust his successor to deal with Iran. Does Bush 43 want to be seen as the President that allowed Iran to become a Nuclear Power. Lets face it, the Bush Polls are in the tank any way, why not take out Iran.

Iran threat to the USA and Israel

BBC News: Reports on the threat to the USA and Israel from Iran should Iran be the target of an attack due to its nuclear ambitions. This be seen as a direct threat to Western interest in the region, the USA should build up its force structure in Iraq, in other words more troops, also battlefield nuclear weapons should be moved to Iraq as a warning to Iran. The USA should not tolerate any troops coming over the border from Iran should Israel attack, the USA should through diplomatic channels make it known that the USA will not play about with Iran, if Iran uses if massive armed forces then the USA will wont give them chance, battlefield nuclear weapons should be an option for the Commander on the ground. The USA Navy should build up its fleet in the region, more aircraft carriers, as to hit Iran hard should it attack, this is not the time to look weak.

WAR WITH IRAN ?

Telegraph: Reports that Iran is moving forward for the building blocks for the development of a bomb. A war with Iran cant be far away, Israel will not allow Iran to become a Nuclear Power, it will not even wait for a threat to develop. It could be argued that Israel would wait for the American Presidential Election but time might not be on their side, don't be surprised if attack happens before November.

RNC and McCain

New York Times: The Liberal New York Times is shocked the Republican National Committee has gone after Obama. Their real worry is that DNC does not have the money. It should be noted that Obama had decided to run his campaign with private money.

Very Effective Ad, The Truth always hurts. The Dems wont be happy.

Nuclear Iran

New York Times: Reports on the reaction of Iran to the Western Demand that it stop its nuclear build up, Iran states its for non military use, the West sees the developments in Iran as a threat. Iran in essence is telling the Powers to get stuffed, its playing games, wants more talks, gives the impression that it wants to talk but at the end of the day its a lie, the government of Iran are in your face liars. The Government of Israel should get its fighters ready to attack Iran before the end of the year, it time to act, it will be Israel that will have to do the dirty work of the West.

Obama another Reagan ?

National Post: Looks at how the Reagan victory in 1980 changed the United States and how a Obama and Democratic victory could change the body politic for years if they get their policies right or if they do not how it could hand power back to the Republicans. On the whole I think the folks will split their vote, the Democrats should increase their majorities in Congress but McCain will win the Presidency.

Emperor Hadrain

The Sunday Times: Interesting article on the Emperor that gave us Hadrian's Wall. The one thing I don't agree with the article is that you can see modern leaders in the context of past in this case Hadrian, the Emperor was not Bill Clinton or Tony Blair. A small thing called Democracy. Read of the Day.

Iraq WIN ?

The Sunday Times: Reports on the success of USA and Iraqi troops in fighting the terrorists in Iraq. This is a problem for Obama, when he comes to Iraq and he can see success, he will be faced with a choice, see the reality of the success or pander to his base. If he becomes President, Obama he can not afford to lose Iraq to the terrorists no matter what his base thinks, they are wrong most of the time anyway! This is a political and moral test for Obama.

Obama and the 08 Race

The Sunday Times: Interesting article by Andrew Sullivan on how Obama has moved to the centre and how he can win in November. I think Mr Sullivan is rushing to judgement, this is July, Obama if you look at the respected polls is about four to five points a ahead of McCain. This if you look at past examples it is a low lead, Dukakis had a bigger lead in 1988. Also if you look at the CNN poll that I mentioned bellow, Obama is losing Clinton voters and the base is not happy that he had moved to the centre. This is early folks, one of the most effective aspects of the Clinton Campaign was that it bought Obama down to earth, they made look like any other politician. One can guess that when Obama comes to Europe before the election the left wing elite media will go mad for him, Obama should be careful, these same elites would have supported Carter, Mondale, Gore, Kerry. They all lost in the election, Europe is the old world when it comes to American politics. The race is not over yet, the Obama's should not get a new carpet for the Oval Office yet, its long time before November.

Obama's Base

CNN: A very interesting poll, shows problems for Obama with Clinton supporters and the Democratic Base. Clinton supporters are not rushing to the colours, the poll shows they might stay home and because Obama has moved to the centre he is starting to lose the left wing of the Democratic Base. Obama at the end of the day might have to pick Hillary Clinton just to win, its pure politics, its better winning than losing. On the other hand Obama cant afford to move to the left, he needs the centre, so will need to get Independents to support him in the General Election. Why this poll now by CNN, are they pushing Hillary Clinton to be the VP, also do they want Obama to move to the left.

Jesus Christ

IHT: Reports that a stone with writing from before the time of Jesus is causing interest in Historical circles, the IHT writes the following " a rare example of a stone with ink writings from that era — in essence, a Dead Sea Scroll on stone. " Although interesting I think people are missing the point, its not if you can find a footnote to the bible, its a matter of faith, as they say its a leap of faith, its the message, christian values, turning the other cheek etc. On the historical side the stone is very interesting as the foundations of Christian Faith would have its foundations in the Jewish Faith, but at the end of the day its about faith.

Journey's End - Dr Who Review

The Doctor Who News Page: Reports the good Doctor was the top programme for Saturday. Lets be honest it was a must watch. As to the Final, WOW! it had it all, dramatic, fun, sad, and an end for Rose in a way. It can be asked for Rose, is it the man or the title! Poor Donna what a heroic way to go, still convinced there is a sub plot to that story line. As to the Doctor what an actor DT is, he allowed us to see the two sides of the Doctor, and had us rooting for both to win, the question for the Doctor is he more human or Time Lord, lets recall Romana was in E - Space and she built her own Tardis. Come on Xmas and that Special.

Dr Who Day

Well its been a week folks and no leaks, unlike the UK government and our state secrets, so what will happen in the final show of the season, have no clue, three hours and forty minutes to go, odd a week wait was okay but these last hours just want to see the The Doctor. I think therefore I am, comes to mind, we know DT is doing the specials next year and has filmed the Xmas special already in Newport. Are we getting a Two Doctors Special, DT and a new Doctor, but WHO? Any one got a Tardis that can travel a few hours in TIME?

Pompeii

BBC News: Reports on a worrying development in Italy, the Classical City of Pompeii has been declared to be in a State of Emergency. The lack of investment to preserve the site has seen a decline in its structure. The EU should do something with its money and make over what ever money is needed to preserve this great historical site.

Senator Jesse Helms

New York Times: Reports on the death of Senator Jesse Helms, a tough Conservative who helped in the Reagan Revolution. Although one might not agree with a lot of his policies, his early support for Reagan shows that he could see a great leader for the Republicans and the United States. The Democrats have Kennedy the Republicans had Helms.

Dr Who - A Poem

Doctor don't leave

We need you

Earth and All

The Doctor and Tardis

Time Past and the Present

History Back and Forward

Cleo to Harriet

The Brig to Pompeii

The there is Rose

Love from beyond Time

Bad Wolf to Love

Doctor and the Tardis

McCain, Obama and Iraq

The New York Times: Interesting article that looks at how Iraq will affect the Campaigns of Obama and McCain. On the Obama side how the success in Iraq means that he has to change policy to win the centre while McCain who won has supported the War from the start but was critical of the management has to make the issue work for him during the next few weeks and months. This is a very fair article by the Liberal New York Times, but also shows how Iraq is working, they might left wing crackpots but they are not stupid. The politics is simple, if McCain can define Obama as weak on National Security and not willing to change, thus Iraq, he will win the election, the intelligent liberal left, as represented by the Times wants to give Obama a get out clause, change the rules thus move to the centre and remove one of the pillars of the McCain Campaign.

Obama and the NYT

The New York Times: Is not happy, Obama has moved to centre as fast as he can, from Iraq to the Supreme Court. The Obama Camp take note, what makes the Liberal New York Times unhappy gets you closer to the White House. After Obama has been to Iraq have him change his policy, the troops stay, the Liberal New York Times will go through the roof, good, and Obama will be in the Oval Office.

Obama on Iraq Redux

Fox News: Reports on the confusing messages send out by Obama, Fox reports that Obama has to have a second news conference to clear up the impression that he was changing views on Iraq. But if he has a deadline for leaving Iraq why bother going to the country, why listen to the Commanders on the ground. As with wiretapping Obama has to stand up to the liberal left of his party, he has to become a hawk on national security if he wants to win the election. The Liberal Left have not had a great idea about Foreign Policy since JFK. If Obama moves on Iraq then he would regain the previous support he had from the right even from this page.

Obama and Iraq

Politico: Reports as predicted by others and this blog that Obama is moving on his plan for Iraq. In other words on the policy that got him the nomination is out of the window. The Liberal Left wants out of Iraq now, so Obama went along with this idea, but now he has the nomination and he faces a basic problem, Iraq is working, the surge is working. The country that Obama wants to emphasise, Afghanistan is getting hotter, in fact as reported here yesterday Afghanistan over the past two months has seen more Western losses of troops that Iraq.

If Obama wins he is not going to quit Iraq when it is working, what happens if starts to withdraw troops and the civil war breaks out, Iran comes in and he is forced back in to Iraq, his Presidency would be over, he does not want to be a one term President. Thus Obama will change his policy, he will become a hawk on Iraq. To keep the Liberal wing happy he should state that he will support gay weddings at the White House and tougher gun control. He needs to be JFK, tough on Foreign Policy but liberal on Domestic Policy.

Iran Attack ?

BBC News: Reports on the opposition by the USA military to a military option for the nuclear problem of Iran. The BBC of course does not want to see military action they want to appease Iran. On the other hand its nice to see that they are covering the problem, the USA media seems to be on the ball to a future strike by Israel on Iran.

Deaths in Afghanistan

The Times: Reports that in the past two months, the West has lost more troops in Afghanistan than in Iraq. Afghanistan was the base for those that attacked the USA on 9/11 and Pakistan was the base for those that attacked London on 7/7. The history of dealing with Afghanistan and Pakistan in the border areas is not good, even at the height of the British Empire both places had troubling hot spots. The policy makers need to come up with a new policy, the terrorists in Afghanistan have learned from their fellow terrorists in Iraq, they changed their tactics thus we have more bombs and suicide bombers. Is the West ready to make a thirty or forty year commitment to Afghanistan, I have my doubts, we need new ideas and policies we cant give up, what happened on 9/11 and 7/7 shows the failure not to take an interest in the area after forcing the USSR out in 1988. This is going to be a long and bloody war.