Josh Marshall's 'Evolving' Position on Dean

Josh Marshall is losing a lot of credibility with me right now.

In defending Clark's against the 'war waffling' charge, he says:

"[L]et's drop this idea that support for war under some circumstances and not others is some sort of waffling or dodge. Because if it is, then Dean isn't in the clear either."

OK fine Josh, if you want to muddy the waters about Dean's anti-war stance to help soften the 'Clark is waffling' charge, go ahead and try (I doubt people will buy it but that's your choice). But if you want your spin to appear credible you should really put a little more space between this post and your post two spots down which you put up only ten hours before.

"The idea seems to be that there are really only two positions on the war, the Dean position and the Bush position.

"Either you were against the war from the beginning, against even threatening force under any and all circumstances, soup-to-nuts, or you were for it, more or less under the same range of conceivable circumstances. If you have a position that falls between these two monochromatic options, you're indecisive, a waffler or a trimmer."

So which is it Josh? Is Dean against the war 'soup-to-nuts' or is he a waffler? Seems Dean may not be the only one with and 'evolving' position, Josh.

Bush's Igor on the Economy: Could Be Worse
Mood:  d'oh
Bush reminds me more and more of Igor in the Mel Brooks' film, Young Frankenstein.
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Dr. Frankenstein: What a filthy, disgusting job!

Igor: Could be worse.

Dr. Frankenstein: How?

Igor: Could be raining.

Bush on the Economy:
"Had we not taken action, this economy would have been in a deeper recession. It would have been longer, and as many as 1.5 million Americans who went to work this morning would have been out of a job." NYT - 09/05/03 - Bush Offers Six-Point Plan for an Economic Recovery

Cue thunderclap and downpour.
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On the Deficit:

"The White House serenely brushed off a detailed caution from the Congressional Budget Office last week that the growth in the deficit is more likely to roar than retreat across the next decade, fed by the three Bush tax cuts and other debt-fattening indulgences. If that warning was not enough, how about the concern reported at the International Monetary Fund that the administration has no credible plan to restore budget balance? Yes, the I.M.F., which must lecture the profligates of the globe, is worried that a structural deficit will push up interest rates and restrain growth as America ceaselessly borrows to steer red ink from imbalanced budgets onto future taxpayers." NYT Editorial, 'Deficit? What Deficit?' - 09/02/03

Bush: What Hump?

New Democracy Corps Poll
There's a new Democracy Corps Poll (PDF) out today confirming falling approval numbers for Bush. The numbers I like best, however, are on Congressional approval. They show that in a generic ballot test the Dems (45%) out poll the GOP (39%) by six points, this is a big switch from last month: Dem (44%) - GOP (45%). So, even with all the gerrymandering that went on in 2000, there might still be a chance for some coat tails next year. Here's hoping.

The Great Debate
I enjoyed the Democratic debate in New Mexico last night very much. If you look at the overall picture, the candidate pool is a fairly good representation of the entire party (an Hispanic candidate would have been nice last night though). They are all well spoken, respectable and together give an impression of true compassion. The Dems should run these debates as often as possible because people need to see what a party with thoughtful discussions about real issues looks like.

I like Howard and have since January. I'm right with him on almost every issue (except the death penalty), and he's got the base going like I've never seen - pouring dollars in like they will be worthless tommorow (which may well be given the current state of affairs). Internet fundraising and organizing is important of course, but the key to Howard's success is his willingness to let the energy bubble up around him and not try to control too much from the top. Rigid discipline is the GOP way. Dems need a more Zen approach to corral all the cats.

My ticket is Dean/Graham. Although the Florida Senator/former Governor hasn't really inspired too many of the red meat crowd; demographically, politically, and temperamentally I think he's the perfect complement. (I get the impression from the debate that he may already be schmoozing Howard for the job.)

Howard, though, wasn't at his best last night. He played it too safe - perhaps expecting a tougher fight, and is still getting used to the cameras which is natural at this point in his experience. Still, there's plenty of time to get over a bit of stagefright.

I'm not sure what Joltin' Joe is trying to accomplish unless he thinks he can win the nomination by alienating everyone. The current gossip seems to be that he's trying to torpedo Dean to clear the field for Hillary in 2008. Really hope that's not true. Even so, I think having a Republican-lite sparring partner in the ring is good for Dean. A Dem love fest may be good for the party, but it won't prepare Dean for the big time the way someone taking a few right-handed shots will.

Gephardt gets points for pulling out his trademark, union rabble-rousing schtick, but he went over the top by repeating the 'miserable failure' line again and again and fillibustering over his time. Trying too hard.

Kerry is droning big time. Poor guy, he really looks like a deer caught in the headlights. Unfortunately for him, the Viet Nam vet angle simply has no traction within a party base that thinks military matters are overemphasized to begin with. If Clark (is he even a Democrat?) gets into this I think he'll discover the same thing.

Edwards did himself a favor last night. Man . . . he sounds like Billy sometimes. Nice story about Dad and a good punch line. He's still weak on policy however, and it shows. Why didn't he wait a few years? Also, he really should be trying this from the NC governor's chair.

Kucinich has that wacky, Naderite fringe thing down. He's confident and well spoken. He's juvenile though. The WTO shot at Howard was potentially a good left hook, but ending it with 'DUH!' meant it didn't need to be answered. He's kinda looks like the Chess Club guy running for Student Council President. It's good that he's there though, WITHIN the party fold. The Dems should make damn sure he doesn't get carried away with all the attention and pull a greenie/independent move after he loses.

Believe it or not, Carol Mosely-Braun actually performed the best last night. She really knows her stuff on health care and took on all comers. She also made some very important points on womens' and minority issues. Her time as ambassador has really groomed her. I was pleasantly surprised. Secretary of HHS might be the spot for her in a Dean Administration.

Finally, where was Al?

Welcome to Night Owl
Hello and Welcome to Night Owl.

I should probably now include a pretentious declaration of principles, followed by a long sermon about the evils of the current political system . . . but I'm just not into that kinda thing.

I just hope you enjoy some of my musings about the current state of affairs.

Thanks