The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

So Elena Kagan Has About The Same Notion Of Integrity As Eric Holder

Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 2 Comments

by Smitty

CNSNews reports:

Internal Justice Department email communications made just days before the House of Representatives passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act show that then-Solicitor General Elena Kagan was brought into the loop as DOJ began preparing to respond to an anticipated legal complaint that Mark Levin and the Landmark Legal Foundation were planning to file against the act if the House used a procedural rule to “deem” the bill passed even if members never directly voted on it.
In another internal DOJ email communication that same week, Kagan alerted the chief of DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel to the constitutional argument that a former U.S. Appeals Court judge was making against the use of this rule.

Read the whole thing, which goes on to describe redacted emails and enough detail to really make you wonder whether that woman can tell the difference between the Constitution and a horoscope.

Via Michelle Malkin, we have Eric Holder attempting to describe the Obama Administration of lying:I guess that, in the Postmodern emotional realm in which Obama and his chums operate, it’s only lying if you felt naughty while you did it, notwithstanding sex, where naughtiness is considered erotic.

I hope that Kagan understands that ObamaCare is going to dog the rest of her professional life, and that her honorable course is to retire quietly.

Category: Corruption, Democrats, Eric Holder, Health Care, Politics, Supreme Court

BREAKING: Team Romney Snubs Conservative Media in Anti-Newt Call UPDATE: Team Romney Denies

Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 46 Comments

UPDATE (8:50 p.m. ET): Both Da Tech Guy and Hot Air have received e-mails from the Romney campaign denying that there was any bias in the operation of the conference call. However, I have received an e-mail from Matt Lewis saying he sticks by his story.

So: Accusation or denial — which do you believe?

** PREVIOUSLY (3:21 p.m. ET) **

Mitt Romney’s campaign organized a media conference call Thursday on which two Romney surrogates — Missouri Sen. Jim Talent and New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu — took turns bashing Newt Gingrich.

Matt Lewis at Daily Caller points out that although they took questions from left-wing outfits like Talking Points Memo and Mother Jones, the Romneyites couldn’t find time for any conservative media.

UPDATE: Just to give you a small sample of the many mainstream media headlines that conference call generated:

Romney seeks high ground
as allies attack Gingrich
— Associated Press

Newt’s nastiness comes back to haunt him
— Washington Post

First Thoughts: Newt’s moment of truth
— MSNBC

And I emphasize that this is a small sample — a teaspoon from the ocean — of anti-Gingrich coverage generated by that phone call, in which it seems a “No Conservatives Need Ask Questions” policy was enforced.

While I have zero love for Gingrich, there are ways to fight that are fair and honorable, and ways that are unfair and dishonorable. Team Romney did themselves no favors by their choice of weapons and tactics.

UPDATE II: Da Tech Guy says this isn’t going to win Mittens no love, and Ed Morrissey — also not invited to the conference call — has this video in which Romney lays the knife into Newt’s spleen:

You know who’s smart to stay out of this ugly infighting among Republicans? The next President of the United States, that’s who!

UPDATE III: Alana Goodman at Commentary:

Something that may resonate with Iowa Tea Partiers even more than the Romney ad is this devastating Rand Paul column in the Des Moines Register attacking Gingrich as a phony conservative “establishment” figure.

Ron Paul fans will want to frame Goodman’s post –probably the only time you’ll see favorable notice for someone named “Paul” at Commentary.

Category: Election 2012, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich

Holder Delenda Est, Rep. Adams Edition

Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 12 Comments

by Smitty

Eric Holder gives worms a bad name. Watch as the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’ become too simple, transparent, and understandable for him. Worst. Attorney. General. Ever.

via The Shark Tank

A late Friday resignation? That would be the most useful thing Holder has done, at least during this administration.

Category: Democrats, Eric Holder

The National Popular Vote Is A Fine Way To Ferret Out Progressive Idiots

Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 39 Comments

by Smitty

Senator Mitch McConnell swings by Heritage for a quick interview on current topics.

Screw these National Popular Vote fools. McConnell points out that the Electoral College, while perhaps not perfect, is the Constitutional mechanism in place. It provides a final sanity check. In the Information Age, where there is an increasing gut feeling that the Democrat Party is as capable of participating honestly elections as it is capable of getting a budget passed in the Senate, that Electoral College looks increasingly prescient.

The same people that tell you that establishing the validity of a vote via a photo ID is raaaaacism are trying to argue that a historically working system, the Electoral College, must be replaced by something with fewer checks for fraud. And the ‘arguably’ best example they’ve got of why this recreational change should be rammed through, Saint Albert of Gore in 2000, is a bloated pile of Nobel/Academy/Scientific fraud.

And the means employed to enact the NPV, a state-level end-around of Article V of the Constitution, further underscores the doublethink involved in the discussion. Do this correctly, or do it not at all.

Furthermore, look at who wants it. If the value of an idea isn’t clearly good or bad, then check its supporters. When you look at the States that have bought this NPV line of hooey, you note that they are all Blue. This is just another brick in the wall of the mausoleum of our Republic. The moocher States are setting out to suck more from the producer States.

Rather than pass this, we need to let the SCOTUS know on no uncertain terms that ObamaCare must go, and start rolling back every false, crypto-Marxist, anti-liberty, Progressive piece of poo passed into law in the last century. Anyone in favor of NPV is either on the wrong side or hasn’t thought it through fully. And that’s how I feel about NPV.


I don’t agree entirely that this election is about Barack Obama himself. #OccupyResoluteDesk is the culminating point of the Progressive project. We could maintain this general course toward a bureaucratic state, where liberty is a fond memory, you pick your patron early and find your way to claw out some existence within the body of Leviathan.

Or, as I think is going to occur, we will review history outside of what the Media Overlords want us to hear, realize we’ve been rooked, and painfully set about improving matters. It won’t happen quickly. Progressives have counter-attacked liberty successfully in Ohio, and are trying in Wisconsin. But liberty and God are on the side of Americans, and not these Union thugs.

Update: linked at Legal Insurrection.

Category: Barack Obama, Democrats

Santorum Surge Gets Boost From Endorsements by Anti-Jihad Blogger, Conservative Billionaire and Iowa Secretary of State, But Mainly …

Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 37 Comments

. . . it was Zilla of the Resistance whose support proved to be decisive:

Rick Santorum is widely seen as the underdog in the race for the Republican nomination to top the GOP ticket against Obama, and the MSM wants you to think he doesn’t have a chance, but if you are reading this then chances are you are not interested in letting the MSM do your thinking for you and decide our country’s future anyway, right? . . .
You might say it would take a miracle for Rick Santorum to win the GOP nomination, but primary voting hasn’t even started yet, and . . . Miracles Keep Happening Every Day.

Go read the whole thing because, while the big names and big dollars make a difference in political warfare, sometimes the crucial turning point in a battle involves the actions of “minor” people whose names never make it into the history books, but whose individual decisions and tireless efforts are essential elements of a decisive trend.

Although he has not yet hit my tip jar, I’ve decided to forgive Foster Friess for giving money to Tucker Carlson, now that the conservative billionaire has endorsed the next President of the United States:

Rick Santorum is willing to put country ahead of himself and bear the political consequences. . . .
Recent kind comments by Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck affirm his ability to ignite the all important voters who believe our country is facing a decision between being governed by rules and regulations or inspired by values and virtues.
The energy and enthusiasm and dedication he exhibits can best be demonstrated by his visiting all 99 Iowa counties and moving his entire family to Iowa for seven weeks to let people assess who he really is and to see him up close and personal rather than through the gloss of television messaging. . . .
I like the guy. I like his wife. I like his kids. I like everything about him.

Read the whole thing because, you know, I can forgive a hell of a lot to a guy who assists my campaign to become the first U.S. Ambassador to Vanuatu. And speaking of gratitude, a diplomatic thank-you is owed to some guy you probably never heard of , but who is definitely somebody kind of important:

Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz will endorse Rick Santorum for president on Friday, he told The Des Moines Register . . .
Santorum promoted this coup [Thursday] by saying he’d have “a major announcement” during a campaign stop in the Des Moines area at 6 p.m. Friday. . . .
Schultz, who backed Mitt Romney four years ago, is one of the only statewide elected officials in Iowa to publicly back a GOP candidate this election cycle. . . .
Schultz, a 32-year-old Council Bluffs Republican, stayed neutral through the early stages of this presidential selection process because he supervised the ballots for this year’s Republican straw poll on Aug. 13 in Ames.

And — miracles do happen! — there’s already a Memeorandum thread with linkage by influential bloggers Da Tech Guy and Lisa Graas.

Every time a blogger endorses Rick Santorum, an angel gets his wings. Also, it makes Charles Johnson cry.

Isn’t it just amazing how these coincidences keep happening, as if orchestrated according to the unseen design of an intelligent being?

Ever since that earthquake in Vanuatu . . .

UPDATE: Guess I’d better include this:




Just in case Mr. Friess reads this, eh? But while we’re waiting, y’all should feel free to hit the tip jar for $10 or $20 to tide me over.

UPDATE II: Meanwhile, another Memeorandum thread as The Hill and ABC News report on the Schultz endorsement and the Santorum campaign has issued a “media advisory” informing us that, among other things, the next President of the United States will appear tonight on Sean Hannity’s Fox News program, which should be enough to send Charles Johnson into fits of apoplectic rage.

Ladd Ehlinger just called and said, “Where are you, man?”

To which I answered, “In my mind, I’m relaxing beside a pool beneath the swaying palm trees in Vanuatu.”

UPDATE III: Press release from the Santorum campaign:

Schultz Stands With Santorum!
Urbandale, IA – Today Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum received the endorsement of Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz. Schultz is the first Iowa statewide elected official to endorse a Republican presidential hopeful. In 2008, Schultz endorsed Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for President.
Senator Santorum said: “I am honored to receive Secretary of State Schultz’s endorsement today. Matt is a rising conservative star, not just in Iowa but for the entire nation. Matt built his own campaign for Secretary of State through grassroots campaigning and exciting activists – not through TV ads and occasional rallies in Des Moines. Matt went door-to-door, coffee shop to coffee shop and won over the people of Iowa. I learned from Matt Schultz how Iowa campaigns are run, and I am thrilled to have his vote of confidence today. I am excited to work with Matt over the next month as we execute our plan to win the Iowa caucuses.”
Matt Schultz was elected in 2008 to Iowa’s Secretary of State. Prior to his election in 2008, Schultz served on the Council Bluffs City Council from 2005 – 2008. Schultz has been committed to public service his entire life, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and a twoyear Mormon mission to Argentina. Schultz holds an Associates Degree from BYU-Idaho, Bachelors Degree from the University of Iowa, and a Law Degree from Creighton University. Schultz and his wife Zola are the proud parents of three children: Levi, Hyrum, and Kendra.

Helpful reminder: It is a neutral objective fact that you can click here to contribute to Rick Santorum’s presidential campaign.

Category: Election 2012, Iowa, Rick Santorum

LIVE AT FIVETEN – 12.09.11

Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 6 Comments

— compiled by Wombat-socho


TOP NEWS
Gunman’s Motive Still Unclear After Virginia Tech Policeman Slain In Campus Ambush

Police secure the Virginia Tech campus after yesterday's shooting

Shooter committed suicide shortly after slaying policeman

UK Vetoes EU Treaty Change, Most Other EU Nations Sign On
Cameron says treaty changes not in UK’s interests


Death Toll Rises To 88 In Indian Hospital Fire
Kolkata hospital owners surrender to police after fire sweeps through building



POLITICS
Deadline Passes For Occupy Boston, But No Eviction

Occupy Boston: time's up

Deadline passed at midnight, but mayor set no time for actual eviction, police superintendent says

Ron Paul’s Strength May Help Romney In Iowa

Walmart Pepper Spray Suspect Won’t Face Felony Charges


Obama, GOP Continue Skirmishing On Payroll Tax Cut

EPA Report Links Fracking To Tainted Water; Inhofe Blasts Report For Lack Of Peer Review

Obama: “We Never Need An Excuse For A Good Party”

Senate GOP Blocks Cordray Nomination to CFPB



THE ECONOMY, STUPID
Stock Futures Advance After Euro Agreeement
Euro Leaders Agree On Austerity, Leave Details To ECB
French Banks’ Ratings Cut By Moody’s
Corzine Distances Himself For MF Global Collapse
CME Will Stay In Chicago
Australian Court Lifts Injunction, Clears Way For Samsung Galaxy Tab Sales
Twitter Redesigns Itself To Take On Facebook
Motorola Score Injunction Against iPhone/iPad In Germany
Google Debuts Digital Magazine For Mobile Devices



SPORTS
NBA Nixes Chris Paul Trade (Video)

NBA Commissioner talks to press after ratification of CBA

League nixes three-team trade that would have sent Paul from league-owned Hornets to the Lakers

Steelers March On Behind Gritty Roethlisberger

How Albert Pujols Became An Angel

Packers Sell 185,000 Shares Of Stock

Moore Leads Lightning To Victory

Astros Introduce Jeff Luhnow As New GM

Indycar Won’t Return To Vegas In 2012


Three And Out: Lions Try To Exploit Battered Vikings

Maple Leafs Close To Sale To Rogers

Red Sox Cautious About Yu Darvish Interest

Nationals’ Plans Dashed As Marlins Sign Buehrle



FAMOUS FOR BEING FAMOUS
Michelle Duggar Miscarries

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Routine checkup for child #20 indicates second trimester miscarriage

“America’s Next Top Model” Finale Ends In Controversy

Matt Damon On Paparrazzi Showdowns, Karaoke Dates

Dianna Agron, Sebastian Stan Split

Overweight K-Fed Collapses During Weight Loss Show

Lionsgate To Re-Make “American Psycho”


Angelina Jolie And “Kung Fu Panda 2”

Ice Cube: It’s Official, I’m Bringing “Friday” Back

Uma Thurman Joins NBC’s “Smash”

Guy Ritchie, Lionel Wigram Join “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”



FOREIGNERS
Tensions Rise At EU Summit
Russians Fight Facebook, Twitter Battles Over Putin Election
Iran Shows Off Captured US Drone
Gaza Rocket Fire Continues
Pakistan Boosts Air Defenses Along Afghan Border
Turkey “Can’t Stand By” If Syrian Repression Threatens Regional Stability
Japan Whalers Take Sea Shepherd To Court
Muslim Brotherhood Withdraws From Egyptian Military’s Advisory Council



BLOGS & STUFF
Rand Paul: GOP Would Take Giant Step Backward By Choosing Gingrich
Legal Insurrection: Romney’s Strategy Of Crazy
Michelle Malkin: Holder, Blago, Richardson – Triangle Of Sleaze
Lonely Conservative: Obama Claims Payroll Tax Cut, Unemployment Benefits Better For Economy Than Keystone XL Project
Power Line: A Fast & Furious State Of Mind
Gateway Pundit: Obama Celebrates Hanukkah Two Weeks Early, Lights All The Candles
Ed Driscoll: Sky Captain And The Self-Hating Yuppies Trapped In Yesterday
Troglopundit: Well, Doesn’t This Sheikh Think Highly Of Himself


SOTD: Hand Of Fate

Category: Live at Five

If You Can’t Take the Pain …

Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 4 Comments

. . . stay out of the damned blogosphere.

That thought crossed my mind this morning when I learned why Your Friendly Neighborhood Wombat was late today with his daily “Live at Five” headline roundup: Complete exhaustion.

Wombat’s been doing this gig since last fall, when I sketched out the cocktail-napkin concept for “Live at Five” over lunch beers at the first BlogCon where I wasn’t invited to speak (a description necessary to distinguish the 2010 event in Virginia from this year’s decisive “Not Good Enough for BlogCon” event in Denver). And like Smitty, Wombat’s brilliant and valuable efforts have been uncompensated, although certainly not unappreciated.

There is no justice in this world, or else my loyal colleagues would be paid six figures annually for putting up with my ridiculous nonsense. As it is, their indispensible efforts go toward the sustaining a project begun by the man now known (thanks to Tabitha Hale) as America’s Least-Respected Conservative Blogger.

Unlike myself, both these guys have what are known as “Real Lives,” so that their contributions to The Other McCain are labors of love, evidently considering it their patriotic duty to make this blog a success.

One of these days, perhaps, our Underpants Gnome business model will result in an avalanche of wealth from the 1%, but in the meantime, I’m gonna have to try to find some way to put something under their Christmas trees, so please: Hit the freaking tip jar!

 




 

UPDATE: Today’s “Live at Ten” is the beau ideal of excellence in aggregation, once more demonstrating the superiority of our personnel, who consistently outperform the overpaid “professional” contributors at other blogs. While I would like to take credit for Wombat’s work — having spotted him as an unheralded genius of the ‘sphere — I must be content to bask in the reflection of the glory that is uniquely his.

All hail the Wombat!

Category: Blogging, Live at Five

Iowa or Bust: Rick Perry Campaign Compelled to Try ‘Last Ditch’ Strategy

Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 6 Comments

It’s been a while since we’ve updated you on the tragic fate of The Smilin’ Texan whom I first dubbed the “Phantom Menace” back in August, when he was running TV ads in Iowa even while planning to announce his candidacy in South Carolina. (“Howdy. Thank You, Erick.”) And now we find the former front-runner facing dire straits in the Hawkeye State:

Wednesday, Perry began airing an Iowa ad in which he promises to “end Obama’s war on religion” and “fight against liberal attacks on our religious heritage.” That ad sparked controversy because Perry mentions the recent repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, saying: “You don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there’s something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can’t openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school.” Yet Perry’s spokesman blunted the potential impact of that ad by disclaiming any intention by the candidate to reinstate the policy prohibiting open homosexuality in the armed services.
Michael O’Brien of NBC News described the Perry ads as “part of an emergent strategy … a last-ditch effort to revive his campaign,” and quoted Sarah Huckabee Sanders saying “that’s probably the only path he has left, to be honest.” Sanders is the daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who won the Iowa caucuses during his 2008 Republican presidential campaign. . . .

Read the whole thing at The American Spectator.
 
 

 
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Category: Election 2012, Iowa, Rick Perry
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