Media Gaga For ObamaRama

The Skinny: White House Toe-Dip By Illinois Senator Gets Oodles Of Ink In Nation's Top Newspapers

(CBS)  The Skinny is Hillary Profita's take on the top news of the day and the best of the Internet.

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There's "a troubling development that could foreshadow an anti-satellite arms race" filling the front pages today, as the New York Times describes it. (Happy Friday!!) "It" is the Chinese military's successful test last week of a ground-based missile that hit and destroyed one of China's own satellites that was orbiting more than 500 miles in space.
You could also refer to it, as the Washington Post does, as "a high-stakes test demonstrating China's ability to target regions of space that are home to U.S. spy satellites and space-based missile defense systems."
The test was greeted with formal protests from the U.S. and several other nations. The U.S. last performed a similar test in 1985, but ended such testing because the leftover debris can "seriously damage" other satellites and even spacecraft.
Security expert Michael Krepon wins quote of the day, explaining the genesis of the test this way to the Post: "The Chinese are telling the Pentagon that they don't own space. We can play this game, too, and we can play it dirtier than you."
The test "was expected to send tremors through the U.S. satellite industry," says the LA Times, because, um, they have satellites floating around in space that control all of those fun daily activities like going to the ATM and paying at the pump.
But it was the Pentagon that was particularly irked by the test, because the US military "is especially dependent on satellites for navigation, communications and missile guidance," writes the Post. However, the Chinese target was 537 miles into space and according to U.S. officials, "many sensitive communications satellites are much higher, at about 22,000 miles above Earth," and the Chinese test "does not prove that China has the capability to disrupt those systems."
Anyway, be sure to hug your ATM machine today.
Congressional Ethics Reforms: So Hot Right Now

Ethics are very trendy these days in Congress and yesterday the Senate passed its ethics overhaul in a 96-2 vote (Republicans Orrin Hatch and Tom Coburn were the stragglers.) From a public relations perspective, it's the "most significant ethics reform since Watergate," writes the Post. (The New York Times called it "a watershed moment in the history of K Street and Capitol Hill.")

But otherwise it’s a real downer for Senators. No more lobbyist-funded gifts, meals and travel. No more cheap rates on corporate jets – they've got to pay those damn charter rates just like the rest of us. And Senators can't put into bills earmarks that would benefit their immediate families. (Which, apparently, was cool to do before.)

What everyone really freaked out about was the provision that would "require for the first time that lobbyists disclose the most valuable favors they do for lawmakers: holding campaign fund-raisers, soliciting campaign contributions and bundling checks from clients and friends." It was the check-bundling disclosures that really irked everyone, because that would "make it harder for incumbent lawmakers to tap K Street lobbyists as surrogate fund-raisers," writes the NYT.

"An Owlish, Cigar-Chomping Extrovert"

Three papers put Pulitzer-prize winning columnist Art Buchwald's obituary on their front pages this morning (the Wall Street Journal includes it in the newsbox.) Buchwald died at 81, of kidney failure, for which he refused dialysis treatment and "continued to write his column, reflecting on his mortality while keeping his humor even as he lost a leg," writes the New York Times, which calls him "the most widely read newspaper humorist of his time" and describes his as "an amiable and wry brand of wit."

The Washington Post invokes the best adjectives, however, describing Buchwald as "an owlish, cigar-chomping extrovert." The LA Times writes that Buchwald "built deceptively simple spoofs of modern life on foundations of indignation."

Former Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee put it this way to the NYT last February: “The joy of his column was not that it was side-splitting humor, but that he made you smile.”

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[processor2]

It will be interesting to see how the Clinton(s) politically destroy Barack Obama while simultaneously proclaiming to "feel the pain" of black people.

.......

[Trishalee]

I think the United States of America needs some change in Washington DC and I think..Barack Obama..would be a great President...I am for Obama.

TY

[bretlorie200]

Are you kidding me? The best the democratic party has to offer is a nut case flip flopping pander to the audience Hillary and a guy named
Burak Husen Obama? I wouldnt vote for him just because of his name for peat sake, what must the world think for us to even consider a guy named Husen Obama - incredible.

[processor2]

I think "Obamagasms" would be a proper term for the liberals and their accomplices in the media.

............

[wsjreader]

Please note this ERROR in the article: Contrary to the reporter's comment that "And every front page (except for the Wall Street Journal's, save a brief mention somewhere in the middle of the newsbox) takes note of the momentous occasion. "

So not true. The WSJ devoted a half-page story to Obama's announcement. (If you look again at the "news box" short, you'll see the directions on where to find the long story.)

[mrmoonbeam]

It will be interesting to see how the Clinton(s) politically destroy Barack Obama while simultaneously proclaiming to "feel the pain" of black people.

Interesting to see how people such as yourself will make racial comments as though Obama represents every black person in the country.
It will be difficult to separate the man from the race factor involved, but I will surely vote on who is is, what he can do for us, and what his ideals represent, rather than the color of his skin, or what he can do for "the pain" of black people.

[tweedledee6]

Does Obama's political resumi qualify him to be president? Since when is that an issue? Does the current "national CEO" have any job qualifications?

[w9cw]

I don't believe any talking head on television has considered the impact of a Hillary Clinton presidency. The possibility of 28 years of presidential rule by two families?? I certainly hope not, as we will have already have endured 20 years of Bush-Clinton-Bush administrations by 2008.

I wonder what the world thinks of the possibility of only two families controlling the presidency for nearly 3 decades? It's almost a pseudo monarchy . . ., and certainly not a good image to project to the rest of the world.

The only reason Hillary stayed with Bill is power, and, of course, later leading to a carpetbagging Senatorship in NY. It's all about power, nothing more, and nothing less. Although inexperienced, Obama will give Hillary some serious competition, as the majority of this country has had it with the historical power brokers in Washington. It's time for serious change.

[kjchambers]

I believe Obama is the hope we have been looking for in this nation. As I have watched this country decline in the eyes of the world, I finally believe there are politicians out there that still have the enthusiasm, and strength to lead us in a new direction. This country needs to heal, and I believe Obama is the one to do this for us.

[randalds]

I think he is unstoppable, by Hilliary and certainly by any republican. He has the touch, the magical undefinable "it" that makes for a great world leader. Comparisons to JFK, RFK and MLK are correct in that sense. I think it's ridiculous that some say he hasn't enough experience. Just as a genius needs less teaching and experience to better a mental midget who studies all of their lives, Obama is already light years ahead of the monkey sitting in the Oval office now. I just hope he gets the very best of Secret Service protection, because I have little doubt that those who are threatened by him on the right, including I'm sure some in the current administration, will do their level best to take him out if they see him winning. They really are that low, that evil and that dangerous.

[notblue]

So is the media biased left or what?!!!! The truth is still glaringly obvious!

[randalds]

I see in the other blog about Obama on this site that the right wingers are all ready creating websites full of lies and half-truths about him, hoping their garbage will leak into the mainstream press. Classic republican, childish reaction. You don't understand something or someone, so out of gutless fear you attack them. Well real Americans are sick of your "swift-boating" tactics. You've lied just a few times too many and no most people don't believe your lies any longer. So lie your little as*ses off if you like, but more then enough Americans are onto your games now and we're going to elect an honest person for a change. In spite of your lies to try to get people to vote for another republican!

[processor2]

It will be interesting to see how the Clinton(s) politically destroy Barack Obama while simultaneously proclaiming to "feel the pain" of black people.

.......

[processor2]

I think "Obamagasms" would be a proper term for the liberals and their accomplices in the media.

............

[notblue]

Randalids, nobody "swiftboats" more politicians and programs than the left wing media. If your not in "goose step" with the left wing mainstream media the attacks are relentless. On the other hand if you are a politician that adheres to the liberal biased ideology of the media you have nothing to fear whether you have committed improprieties or actually broken laws. The media has done more damge to this country in the name of political ideology thant an other entity. It would not be able do this damge if the genral public wasn't so eager to accept what they report as the "whole truth".

[processor2]

A REPOST WITH ONLY A FEW WORDS CHANGES AND EQUALLY VALID

I see in the other blog about Bush on this site that the left wingers are all ready creating websites full of lies and half-truths about him, hoping their garbage will leak into the mainstream press. Classic Democrat, childish reaction. You don't understand something or someone, so out of gutless fear you attack them. Well real Americans are sick of your "Politics of personal destruction" tactics. You've lied just a few times too many and no most people don't believe your lies any longer. So lie your little as*ses off if you like, but more then enough Americans are onto your games now and we're going to elect an honest person for a change. In spite of your lies to try to get people to vote for another Democrat!

Posted by RandalDS at 11:48 AM : Jan 17, 2007

........

[randalds]

Randalids, nobody "swiftboats" more politicians and programs than the left wing media. If your not in "goose step" with the left wing mainstream media the attacks are relentless. On the other hand if you are a politician that adheres to the liberal biased ideology of the media you have nothing to fear whether you have committed improprieties or actually broken laws. The media has done more damge to this country in the name of political ideology thant an other entity. It would not be able do this damge if the genral public wasn't so eager to accept what they report as the "whole truth".
Posted by notblue at 12:02 PM : Jan 17, 2007


I have re-read this post several times and am absolutely amazed you could fit so much cr*ap into so few words. You must be a republican speechwriter. Ask anyone who went up against Tom Delay what "Marching goose-step" was like when you disagreed with Bush. The comparisons of him the Goebbels were right on! The republican party claims to be the big tent, but if you look inside it's run by rich white racists and tele-evangelists, which come to think of it are the same. There are a few tokens thrown around, like Condi, but only to stand up in front of the media while getting their puppet strings pulled. Or to "service" the big guy Bush.

[randalds]

A REPOST WITH ONLY A FEW WORDS CHANGES AND EQUALLY VALID

Posted by processor2 at 12:04 PM : Jan 17, 2007

Can't think of anything original on your own to say? Not surprising as you are republican and I've read some of your other posts...when I needed a chuckle.

[processor2]

A REPOST BY randalDS W/ ONLY A FEW WORD CHANGES & EQUALLY VALID

I see in the other blog about Bush on this site that the left wingers are all ready creating websites full of lies and half-truths about him, hoping their garbage will leak into the mainstream press. Classic Democrat, childish reaction. You don't understand something or someone, so out of gutless fear you attack them. Well real Americans are sick of your "Politics of personal destruction" tactics. You've lied just a few times too many and no most people don't believe your lies any longer. So lie your little as*ses off if you like, but more then enough Americans are onto your games now and we're going to elect an honest person for a change. In spite of your lies to try to get people to vote for another Democrat!

POSTED BY RANDALDS AT 11:48 AM : JAN 17, 2007

........

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO randalDs MAKING FUN OF HIS OWN WORDS

[gunnerv1]

Why not call him what Sen. Kennedy called him, Osama Obama. He was raised by a Muslim Stepfather and attended Muslim schools while with him. The facts do have a way of coming out of the woodwork. Has anybody found out what his middle name is?

[randalds]

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO randalDs MAKING FUN OF HIS OWN WORDS
Posted by processor2 at 12:13 PM : Jan 17, 2007

Why in the world would I make fun of my own words? I happen to like what I say. Changing a few of my words around (besides being quite childish) means they are not my words any longer. What's next? "I know you are, hbut what am I?" Or maybe the classic "I'm rubber and you're glue!" one? Haven't heard that since the 3rd grade.

[hungry1968]

It will be interesting to see how the Clinton(s) politically destroy Barack Obama while simultaneously proclaiming to "feel the pain" of black people.
Posted by processor2 at 12:00 PM : Jan 17, 2007

How many times will you copy and paste the same stupid statement?

[gunnerv1]

Sorry, got to go back to work and make some more money for the welfare folks. See ya about 3pm

[randalds]

It will be interesting to see how the Clinton(s) politically destroy Barack Obama while simultaneously proclaiming to "feel the pain" of black people.
Posted by processor2 at 12:00 PM : Jan 17, 2007

How many times will you copy and paste the same stupid statement?
Posted by hungry1968 at 12:19 PM : Jan 17, 2007

What can you expect? He's a republican and might not have tuned in FOX News for today's talking points yet. You know, on the small TV that works sitting on the Big TV that doesn't on the front porch of his trailer or cabin.

[ademeyer]

Most importantly, is Obama qualified to be commander-in-chief? I say yes because I'd sooner elect a man who can listen to folks across the aisle, military commanders and allies, and then synthesize divergent opinions vs. a "strong man" who makes unilateral decisions then can't muster support to implement them.

[randalds]

Posted by ademeyer at 12:46 PM : Jan 17, 2007

You know that's what I never understood about Bush supporters. In the first place I never saw him as "strong". Stubborn and pig-headed (and not real swift) yes, but never strong. Time after time you'd see his supporters say on TV things like "Well at least you know where he stands!". But what the he*ll good does that do when where he stood was so obviously wrong? Why support someone who's completely wrong and is too "strong" to admit it and change to what's right?

[gunnerv1]

Well, let's see, I subscribe to the three largest Weekly News Mags., Nat'l Geo., Playboy (Since I was 17 (now 59) I watch Headline CNN (I think N. Grace Sucks big time) (G. Beck Is and Indi. in my eyes as he'll go after anybody) Looks like I pretty well read/watch just about all Liberal, Want to know why?........ Know your Enemy! I also live in a 320K log home on five ac. drive a 7 year old Kia with 120k, all of my children (7 of 'em) are over 21 and out of the house. I would like to keep what I have so there's no voteing for the Liberals!

[sharncedar]

"It will be interesting to see how the Clinton(s) politically destroy Barack Obama while simultaneously proclaiming to "feel the pain" of black people."

Interesting. you have a good understanding of the Clintons, but miss the strategy points. I think the Clintons are very happy with Obama. Elections are all about manipulating voters by splitting them into the right groups. Obama is part of Hillary's strategy, because he blocks a viable candidate from rising to the "left" of her, especially on the war issue where she is vunerable. Those voters will get excited behind Obama, not allowing some other more electable person to get the media atteniton that it takes to be taken seriously. The media will do its part by talking about the "front-runners" Hillary and Obama, thereby preventing support for other folks. Then Hillary gets the nomination as she is more "electable" just as John Kerry was "electable" or sold himself to th caucuses that way. Then she says nice things about Obama.

The Clintons are either beihnd Obama's move or are happy about it, in my estimation. Hillary really is very much like the devil. sad that such people are respected and we all paly along with their contemptuous manipulation.

[jimfinster]

RandalDS:

I think it was Bill Clinton who said Americans will vote for "strong & wrong" rather than "weak & right."

Bush does project as a strong leader, unfortunately he is wrong most of the time. He is the kinda guy that leads his followers right over the cliff....

[hungry1968]

He's not strong. He came to town not too long ago and they wouldn't let anyone within a 1/4 mile of his motorcade. Why? Because he doesn't want to see the protesters.
Another point - his carefully "crafted" interview on 60 minutes the other day with the pre-screened questions. You want strong - sit him down in an open question and answer forum with Keith Olberman, Bob Woodward, and the chief political correspondent for the NY Times for about 2 hours. He'd come out crying.

[Syndicate]

I don't know why but I like this guy.

[j-whitman]

b18451,,, What do dems have to offer ?? - How about actual plans that work & Actual Support For Our Troops instead of just mouthing the words - Is that good enough for you

They also offer restoration of our National Security

[jimfinster]

b48151:

I am not a Democrat, but I oppose Bush & 99% of his agenda. There is a better, smarter way to do things, and it has nothing to do with defeatism.

[j-whitman]

b18451,,, How about TRUTH instead of lying to our Nation & Troops ??

[annd2302]

Not even wet behind the ears. Where are his strong points, his weak points, or any points for that matter?

[changeit4]

"Two years in the U.S. Senate. Seven years in the Illinois Senate. One loss in a primary election for the U.S. House of Representatives. One stirring keynote address at a Democratic National Convention. Two best-selling books. That's Barack Obama's political risumi. Is it enough to qualify him to be president?"

What was "enough" to qualify Reagan?

[changeit4]

"You don't understand something or someone, so out of gutless fear you attack them."

Classic Democrat? Isn't that a summary of the Republicans and Iraq?

[tibu987]

Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.
'Nuff said.

[randalds]

"You don't understand something or someone, so out of gutless fear you attack them."

Classic Democrat? Isn't that a summary of the Republicans and Iraq?
Posted by changeit4 at 02:44 PM : Jan 17, 2007

Actually that was something I posted about republicans, but a troll here changes some of my words around in a very lame and childish attempt to draw me into an argument. What can I say, his neck is as red as Cheney's will be when he's hauled off to prison. To say nothing of how red his as*s will end up being while he's there.

[annd2302]

Evaluate what is potentially available NOW. No one said a word about Reagan, leave the past where the past is.

What is a " risumi ?"

[jimfinster]

Fact of the matter, the Repubs appear to be jealous. They just wish they could find a fresh untainted candidate that does not stink of the last 6 years.

[jimfinster]

Ha! Now there is a true stinker!

[jimfinster]

Newt is a great example of how little the Repubs have to offer in 2008.

I would love to see Newt as the candidate. Remember his "Contract with America" and the corrupt Congress that followed? Newt is the father of that debacle...

[annd2302]

changeit4

Let me assist you just a little. I asked you What is a " risumi " remember?

"Risumi"
The document that might not get you hired. Each "i" turns into an "i" when sent through an Internet mailer that uses a common ASCII character set (ISO-8859-1/14) - so your risumi hits your prospective boss's inbox as a "risumi".


One should always be careful if they are unsure how their words will be interpreted. You should always check your Internet mailer to ensure it uses the correct character set. "DUMMY"

[oxmyx-2009]

Rave on neocon morons. Blithering bush is playing right into the democrats' hands. Any democrat will be elected in '08 because bush and his coterie of spineless liars will continue to ignore the will of THE VAST MAJORITY OF AMERICANS.Iraq will stay in the dumper, nothing will improve and the people's resentment will continue to build. Unfortunately many more Americans and many thousands of Iraquis will lose their lives while this plays out over here. Does anyone remember the mid-term elections or has Fox news spun those results well enough to erase any memory of cause and effect.

[elgraz]

OBAMA BIN LADEN IS BACK. WE ARE ALL SO BLESSED, AND OF COURSE HILLARY, IS IT CLINTON ? I DON'T THINK SHE OR BILL KNOWS WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING. THOSE TWO WEDDED NITWITS JUST WANDER AROUND WITHOUT PURPOSE AND JUST KEEP EMANATING BULLSHAVINGS....ONLY IN AMERICA.....GOD HELP US ALL.

[elgraz]

I REALLY BELIEVE THAT ALL YOU NITWITS ON THIS WEBSITE WHO COMMENT WITHOUT ANY INTELLIGENCE OR FACTS NEED TO GET A JOB. I DON'T NEED ONE AND HOPEFULLY YOU ALL WILL GET ONE.

[elgraz]

LET THE FOOLS SPEAK.................WE ARE WAITING.

[hungry1968]

LET THE FOOLS SPEAK.................WE ARE WAITING.
Posted by elgraz at 05:12 PM : Jan 17, 2007

Hurry fellow democrats! The great 'elgraz' has permitted us to speak! Oh thank you lord and master! By the way - can you turn your caps lock off?

[randalds]

Hurry fellow democrats! The great 'elgraz' has permitted us to speak! Oh thank you lord and master! By the way - can you turn your caps lock off?
Posted by hungry1968 at 05:19 PM : Jan 17, 2007

He doesn't know how. He missed that lesson on FOX News called "The Internets, they're sorta like a bunch of tubes and things".