Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Being President While Black

With his family by his side, Barack Obama is s...Image via Wikipedia
Being President While Black


by Gerald A. McIntosh

I don't think anyone was under some real illusion that the election of Barack Obama actually meant the end of racism in America . I'm pretty sure that the president-elect knew it better than anyone. After all, he saw it every day, from the moment he announced his candidacy. To some degree, he saw it within his own party during the primaries. And he saw it in all ugliness during the general election. For half of this country, he was "That One". No matter how big and clear his victory was. No matter how smart he is. No matter how decent he is. No matter what a true patriot he is. No matter how optimistic and positive his vision for America was. All that didn't matter. Because at the end of the day, he was still black.

I'm quite old. I remember, vaguely, where my parents were on November 22, 1963. I've seen so many presidents. Some were feared, some were hated, some were adored, some popular and some not. But all of them, without exception, were treated with the highest respect deserving the office of the president of the United States .

That is until a black man won the right to occupy this office. It's been 13 months now, and in the eyes of so many, Barack Obama is still that one. He is being disrespected and at the same time being held to the highest standard of any president I've ever seen – and not just by the Republican side! He has to perform three times better than any president in history, and even that may not be enough.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

'‘Sarah Palin's Alaska' on TLC: A Multimillion-Dollar Campaign Ad - The Daily Beast

This is an alternate crop of an image already ...Image via Wikipedia
The upcoming TV show "Sarah Palin's Alaska" is a paid political ad for her upcoming run for president in 2012.  If you think there's no connection, think again. You probably will also believe that Bristol Palin's stint on DWTS is not connected to Palin's 2012 presidential run either.  Wake up, open your eyes, and read these articles while you drink your morning coffee.

If you want to see how the media is treating our president in contrast to the soft coverage on Aunt Sarah, look at the articles written on Barack  Obama, i.e. King Obama's $2 billion Indian vacation, Obama's G-20 Misfire, Obama Charms Indonesia-Why Not Us?, etc. It's as if they are saying "Let's make Sarah Palin More Acceptable" and "Let's Tear Down Barack Obama in any way we can".

People stay focused.  The fight for 2012 is on!

'‘Sarah Palin's Alaska' on TLC: A Multimillion-Dollar Campaign Ad - The Daily Beast
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Monday, November 8, 2010

President Obama - Political Commentary - Humor - Senior Living Magazine


Just in case you missed the article below, I'll share it with you.  I thought it was worth reading.

President Obama - Political Commentary - Humor - Senior Living Magazine
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Welcome Back Keith!



MSNBC says Keith Olbermann will be back on the air Tuesday, ending his suspension for violating NBC's rules against making political donations after two shows. MSNBC's chief executive Phil Griffin said late Sunday that after several days of deliberation, he had determined that two days off the air was "an appropriate punishment for his violation of our policy."

It was probably his supporters that prompted the comeback. Olbermann received more than 280,000 signatures on a petition asking for his return.



Related articles
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First Lady Tours India


First Lady Michele Obama strolled with 15 schoolgirls and took turns holding each one's hand during a field trip Monday through a museum of Indian craft work. She delivered a strong message to the girls, telling them to study hard and be educated. She also said she likes to exercise because "women have to stay strong."
After the tour, the group sat under a canopy of trees and shared mango juice while Mrs. Obama entertained their questions, some of which were probing.

Mrs. Obama also toured India's  National Craft Museum and visited classrooms with President Obama.

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A look at who's on tap to lead House committees under the new GOP majority

Citizens registered as an Independent, Democra...Image via Wikipedia
A look at who's on tap to lead House committees under the new GOP majority

Are you wondering who will lead key House committees now that the GOP has the House majority?  Take a look at the possible upcoming chairmen and then you can weep. Mitch McConnell proclaims the GOP's number one goal is to unseat President Obama.  The party of NO has been successful in hindering key legislation, so what would you expect.  "No Compromise"? You're probably right. Wonder how the folks that are registered and didn't vote feel?  Well, we'll check back in two years.
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Political Books Best-Seller List - NYTimes.com


Political Books Best-Seller List - NYTimes.com

Take a look at what's on the best-sellers list.  The conservative agenda is being well served.  You'll also see how folks get rich and stay rich while trashing President Obama, his poliices, and his administration. The books assure them of T. V. time pushing the conservative agenda and puts them in the commentary role of talk show pundits.

It might interest you to review the 20 best selling politicans through the link below, as well as the best sellers written by the presidents.

I thought it was interesting.
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Mitch McConnell's Agenda



Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) says the American people "didn't fall in love" with the GOP on Tuesday, and that new Republican lawmakers have "very clear marching orders" from voters after the midterm elections. More importantly, he puts "making sure Obama is a one term president" at the top of his sgenda. The Republicans are quick to let it be known that they come to the table under the flag of "NO Compromise".

This tells me that the GOP misread the message from the 2010 midterm elections. John Wright  of Yubanet.com wrote about Negotisting with Nutjobs.

"There was tactical genius behind the Republican victory, rooted in outright lies, distortion, and the co-option of widespread, irrational, and racist hatred for Obama. Right-wingers swayed rational voters by systematically misrepresenting Obama's policies (death panels, government takeover) and reducing everything into simplistic bumper sticker slogans like "End Obamacare" and "Stop Socialism." The Obama-hating rhetoric is non-stop: he's "the Antichrist," "a Muslim," a "socialist," a "fascist," a "communist," "anti-American," and even "racist.
This mendacity has leeched into the national debate. Respected pollsters have found that across the nation, 57 percent of Republicans believe Obama is a Muslim, 58 percent doubt whether Obama was born in the United States, and 63 percent call him a "socialist." Only 32 percent oppose his impeachment. The Republicans' new-found House majority will grant power and influence to those who gush the most egregious lies against Obama, including Michele "prom queen" Bachmann and Joe "You Lie!" Wilson.

Don't forget Joe Barton, the guy who apologized to BP after the Gulf oil spill. He's slated to chair the Energy Committee in Congress. Wow, what a reward!

With their eyes to regaining the White House in 2012, the party of "No" is back! The beauty of it all is that the leader is a guy who looks like and acts like "Wormtail" of Harry Potter fame


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Friday, November 5, 2010

Keith Olbermann - Donation To Democrats | MSNBC | Politico | Mediaite

Cropped headshot of Keith OlbermannImage via Wikipedia



Keith Olbermann - Donation To Democrats MSNBC Politico Mediaite

MSNBC host Keith Olbermann has been suspended indefinitely without pay after POLITICO reported that he made three campaign contributions to Democratic candidates.

Hey Keith, you should be at FOX News where you coan do or say anything.

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Republicans take aim at cost of Obama’s trip to India | The Upshot Yahoo! News

Michele Bachmann, MN-06Image via Wikipedia



Republicans take aim at cost of Obama’s trip to India The Upshot Yahoo! News

Is President Obama's trip to India really going to cost $200 million a day?

That's the number making the rounds among the president's conservative critics, including potential 2012 Obama challenger Mike Huckabee and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), as the president takes off Friday for a 10-day trip to Asia.

On Wednesday, Bachmann repeated the claim on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360." "Within a day or so the president of the United States will be taking a trip over to India that is expected to cost the taxpayers $200 million a day," Bachmann told Cooper. "He's taking 2,000 people with him. He'll be renting out over 870 rooms in India. And these are five-star hotel rooms at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. This is the kind of over-the-top spending. It's a very small example, Anderson."


The only problem: The claims appear to be wrong.

The nonpartisan FactCheck.org took up the issue, too, saying that even though the administration won't release a price tag, there is "simply no evidence to support" a claim of $200 million a day. One reason to doubt the report, according to the group: The entire war in Afghanistan costs $190 million a day.

It tells me something about our citizens when people try and pass such preposterous information to them as fact.  Keep listening to FOX "News" for further fairy tales posing as truth.



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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

E.J. Dionne Jr. - And now for the next battle

Here's an interesting  article about the coming political battles now that the Republicans have the majority in the House of Representatives and the Democrats will hold the Senate.
E.J. Dionne Jr. - And now for the next battle

1. Rush Limbaugh - Newsweek


According to Newsweek, the most influential political figures are generally the ones who make the most money peddling their perspectives. Accordingly, the magazine compiled a list of the 50 highest-earning political figures of 2010. Included in the rankings are politicians, ex-politicians, media personalities, and political consultants who hawk their personal brands in the public marketplace—and influence American political discourse in the process.


Here's a quick look at spots number 1 to 10:
#1 Rush Limbaugh, #2 Glenn Beck ($33 million), #3 Sean Hannity ($22 million), #4 Bill O'Reilly ($20 million), #5 Jon Stewart ($15 million), #6 Sarah Palin ($14 million), #7 Don Imus ($11 million), #8 Bill Clinton ($7.7 million), #9 Kieth Olbermann ($7.5 million) and #10 Rudy Giuliani ($7 million).
Just a point of information, Former President George W. Bush ranked # 18 with $4.2 million and President Obama came in at #20 with $4 million.

Remember to follow the money when listening to all these influential personalities. There's a way to make money and each one has found his niche. Sell books, give lectures, create controversy, get media time- it'll fill your coffers.

1. Rush Limbaugh - Newsweek

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Big Money Can't Buy Some Political Seats

Meg WhitmanImage via Wikipedia
If nothing else, the results of the 2010 midterm election show that Americans are less willing to let wealthy candidates golden parachute their way in from the private sector and buy their way into office.

Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay, spent a staggering $142 million on her California gubernatorial campaign, most of it her own money. Whitman, whose personal fortune is estimated at $1.3 billion, lost to veteran politician Jerry Brown, despite her record-breaking expenditures.

In her bid to unseat Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Calif. Democrat, Republican challenger Carly Fiorina felt California's distrust of big business on Nov. 2. Fiorina, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, hoped California voters would want someone with business experience in the Senate, but Sen. Boxer held onto her seat for another term.

In the race for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut, Linda McMahon, the former CEO of Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment, spent an estimated $45 million on her campaign to succeed the retiring Sen. Chris Dodd.
Despite her personal fortune and business background, Democratic challenger Richard Blumenthal pinned her to the mat with a 54 percent to 44 percent win in Connecticut.



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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Make Way for 2012

President Barack Obama speaks to a joint sessi...Image via Wikipedia
Well, today's Election Day and everyone is waiting to see the outcome of America's vote.  The press says that the GOP will take the House of Representatives, but may lose their bid to take the Senate. Everyone has an opinion about the performance of Obama's administration and facts and truth don't necessarily come into play.  Personally, I'm glad the campaign ads and phone calls will cease.

I've watched politics very closely over the past few years and what I've seen makes me almost ill. It seems that most folks worry most about their own personal interest.  Politicans want to keep their seat.  Pundits want to sell their books and ensure contracts to appear on T.V. and sell a point of view. Media, both print and video, want to increase their following and care little for how they do it. None of these folks care about the truth.

Then there's the voters and non-voters, most of whom get their information from thirty second sound bytes. Most won't research an issue themselves because it's easier to listen to someone else tell you what to think, say, and do.  They like catchy phrases like "Man up" and "How's that working for you".  They don't require a concrete strategy or information on what you'll do if or when you are elected. All we need is a bland, nondescript "Promise to America" that says expect the same failed policy.

When the ads and phone calls go away, we can look forward to the greatest pissing match in history.  If you thought the "party of no" hampered progress during the past two years, just wait for the next two years leading to the 2012 Election. It's enough to frighten most thoughtful people.  If your agenda is making sure that Barack Obama is a one term president, you can be sure that the vote won't support the needs of the American people.  If your greatest worry is making sure that the rich have their tax cuts extended and add trillions to the deficit in doing so, how can the country even begin to get out of debt.

Never mind the successful leadership of Nancy Pelosi who's demonized without recognition of her achievements. Forget the brave leadership of Harry Reid and his success in getting major legislation finalized.  Do not mention  all the major policy changes implemented under the current administration of Barack Obama. Just return to the past and elect the George W. Bush clones who mouth support of small government, reducing the deficit, and returning the country to the pockets of the rich and powerful. Let's elect those bought and paid for by the wealthy so that the interest of the middle class will not matter.

It should be quite painful to watch the nation in gridlock, but it's our choice.
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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Pelosi Takes the Heat: 'If I Were Not Effective They Wouldn't Care About Me'

John Boehner, Nancy Pelosi, George Walker Bush.Image via Wikipedia
The world's worst criminals don't get the hatred that the current Speaker of the House is getting in political ads leading to the mid-term elections. If you don't know much about all that Nancy Pelosi has accomplished during her term as Speaker, read the articles below.  Personally, I think Nancy Pelosi did one hell of a job.

How any one could sleep at night thinking about John Boehner becoming Speaker of the House is beyond me. As Aunt Sarah says "good luck with that".




Pelosi Takes the Heat: 'If I Were Not Effective They Wouldn't Care About Me'
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What’s Really Behind the Frustration With President Obama - BLACK ENTERPRISE

"Dr. Coburn and Senator Obama look over t...Image via Wikipedia


Interesting article in Black Enterprise. I thought you might want to check it out.

On the Daily Show recently when asked how his Presidential term is going Obama had this to say, “I am feeling great about where the American people are, considering what we have gone through,” the Commander-in-Chief said. “We have gone through two of the toughest years of any time since the Great Depression … . There is still a lot of good stuff happening, but people are frustrated.”




Closing the interview the President encouraged Americans to get out a vote on Tuesday, “Go out there and vote Nov. 2,” he said. “A lot of you have early voting in your states make sure…to make use of it.”





What’s Really Behind the Frustration With President Obama - BLACK ENTERPRISE
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Now You Get Mad?

President George W. Bush addresses an audience...Image via Wikipedia
After The 8 Years Of The Bush/Cheney Disaster, Now You Get Mad?



You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.

You didn't get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate Energy policy and push us to invade Iraq.

You didn't get mad when a covert CIA operative got outed.

You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.

You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us.

You didn't get mad when we spent over 800 billion (and counting) on said illegal war.

You didn't get mad when Bush borrowed more money from foreign sources than the previous 42 Presidents combined.

You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars in cash just disappeared in Iraq.

You didn't get mad when you found out we were torturing people.


You didn't get mad when Bush embraced trade and outsourcing policies that shipped 6 million American jobs out of the country.

You didn't get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping Americans.

You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden. You didn't get mad when Bush rang up 10 trillion dollars in combined budget and current account deficits.

You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed.

You didn't get mad when we let a major US city, New Orleans, drown.

You didn't get mad when we gave people who had more money than they could spend, the filthy rich, over a trillion dollars in tax breaks.

You didn't get mad with the worst 8 years of job creations in several decades.

You didn't get mad when over 200,000 US Citizens lost their lives because they had no health insurance.

You didn't get mad when lack of oversight and regulations from the Bush Administration caused US Citizens to lose 12 trillion dollars in investments, retirement, and home values.

You finally got mad when a black man was elected President and decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick. Yes, illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, job losses by the millions, stealing your tax dollars to make the rich richer, and the worst economic disaster since 1929 are all okay with you, but helping fellow Americans who are sick...Oh, Hell No!!

Source: Email Post




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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

AskMen's List: Most Influential Men

Jon Stewart, host of Comedy Central's "Th...Image via Wikipedia
"The man who tops AskMen's list of the Top 49 Most Influential Men of 2010 is one of our youth's most trusted sources of information and a voice of both reason and hope in these economically and politically turbulent times."

Well, if you said the President of the United States you'd be dead wrong. (He's number 21.) Jon Stewart of "the Daily Show" heads the list at number one.

"This year's top five — (Stewart), Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, and Kanye West — all found success in their fields . . . by breaking the rules of their industries."

I'll leave you to your thoughts about AskMen's choices and their criteria.  I personally thought it was a joke that gained the desired moment of fame and controversy for the men's lifestyle website.  Life goes on.

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Britain - Saudi Prince Gets 20 Years in Servant’s Killing - NYTimes.com

Need a break from our country's mid-term elections? Do you wonder what's happening in the rest of the world. Take a look at this breaking news story.

Britain - Saudi Prince Gets 20 Years in Servant’s Killing - NYTimes.com
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U.S. Advances Saudi Arabia Arms Deal - WSJ.com

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. (2002 photo)Image via Wikipedia
While we focus on whether Christine O'Donnell is a witch or not, our government is selling mega arms to Saudi Arabia. This issue will miss a national discussion while we keep our eye on toxic political ads and colorful candidates. Wonder if this decision will pass Congress. Wonder what the long term effects will be on Israel and Iran.

U.S. Advances Saudi Arabia Arms Deal - WSJ.com
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NPR fires Juan Williams for Muslim remarks on Fox | The Upshot Yahoo! News - Yahoo! News

Journalist and correspondent Juan Williams spe...Image via Wikipedia
Another case of foot in mouth disease. What was he thinking?  Wonder why Bill O'Reilly is still working despite his comments on The View.
NPR fires Juan Williams for Muslim remarks on Fox The Upshot Yahoo! News - Yahoo! News
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Voters Low Expectations Support Tea Party Ignorance

Insane Clown Posse 2Image by bobster855 via Flickr


During the Delaware debate Christine O’Donnell was asked to name what recent Supreme Court decision did she disagree with. She was unable to answer the question. When Sarah Palin was interview by Katie Couric she was asked what magazines did she read and she was unable to respond. In a second interview, Christine O'Donnell asked her opinion where was the separation of church and state outlined in the Constitution. Most recently, Sharon Angle, Nevada Republican party candidate for Senate, debated Democrat Harry Reid.  Her most famous lines from the debate were "man up Harry Reid" and her inquiry about how Harry Reid got rich during his time as a Senator. Reporters say Sharron Angle "won" the debate.

Here's what Nevada reporter Jon Ralston said about the debate:
Let's get the easy part out of the way first:


Sharron Angle won The Big Debate.

Angle won because she looked relatively credible, appearing not to be the Wicked Witch of the West (Christine O'Donnell is the good witch of the Tea Party) and scoring many more rhetorical points. And she won because Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid looked as if he could barely stay on a linear argument, abruptly switching gears and failing to effectively parry or thrust.

Whether the debate affects the outcome - I believe very few Nevadans are undecided - it also perfectly encapsulated the race: An aging senator who has mastered the inside political game but fundamentally does not seem to care about his public role (and is terrible at it) versus an ever-smiling political climber who can deliver message points but sometimes changes her message or denies a previous one even existed.


It seems that Republican legislators and candidates can reveal their ignorance while avoiding the issues. They spout catchy phrases like Mama Bear Sarah Palin but not explain their extreme stance on abolishing Social Security, Depts. of Energy and Education, and the Veterans Administration.  They can run from the press and reinvent themselves in political ads sponsored by the millions of dollars provided by corporations and the rich. They can make racists statements and share racists emails, i.e. Carl Pallidino, etc. They never answer what the plan is to address issues after the election. but, why should they when voters are just plain mad and seem ready to throw the bums out. They can trash the unemployed as "lazy" and withhold their approval of unemployment benefits.

Low expectations support Tea Party ignorance and will give us just what we ask for in the coming election.
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Church, State and the First Amendment: What O’Donnell needs to know - Yahoo! News

"I am not a witch."

Tea Party Candidate Christine O'Donnell got a lesson from her Democratic opponent Chris Coons during their recent debate. She asked him where in the Constitution does it state "separation of Church and State".
Well, you might know the answer? Can you also name five freedoms outlined in the first amendment? Obviously, you don't have to know the answers to these questions to run for Senator.

Church, State and the First Amendment: What O’Donnell needs to know - Yahoo! News
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Did You Know???

President Barack Obama shakes hands with Senat...Image via Wikipedia
Voters are poised to vote against Democrats due to their dislike of the stimulus, health-care and TARP.  The prevailing opinion is that Dems are spending far too much and voters look for a change by flipping back to Republicans.

Did you know the Bush/GOP Medicare prescription-drug law will cost more over the next 10 years than the stimulus, health-care law, and TARP combined?... And did you know taxpayers received a $25 billion return on TARP?...Did you know two-thirds of the TARP money has been paid back...

Voters are ignoring the facts and voting from their anger at the current economic situation.  here in Nevada, voters vow to dump Harry Reid and elect extremeist Sharron Angle dispite her position on abolishing Social Security, the Veterans Administration and the Department of Education.

The beauty about a democracy is that voters get what they ask for when they cast their votes (or don't vote). I hope we can live with the results of casting a vote in anger and voting for the same old George Bush agenda that we threw out in 2008.  Sharron Angle, Chistine O'Donnell, Rand Paul, Carl Palladino...God bless us all everyone!

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Thomas" Wife Asks Apology from Anita Hill

Clarence Thomas, an alumnus of Holy Cross, for...Image via Wikipedia
Anita Hill is refusing to apologize for accusing then-Supreme Court justice nominee Clarence Thomas of sexually harassing her, in an issue that Thomas' wife has reopened 19 years after his confirmation hearings.


"I have no intention of apologizing because I testified truthfully about my experience and I stand by that testimony," Hill, now a Brandeis University professor, said in a statement released Tuesday night.

Thomas' wife, Virginia, had left a voicemail message on Hill's phone on Oct. 9 asking her to say she was sorry for the allegations that surfaced at Thomas' confirmation hearings for a seat on the high court bench in 1991.
Source; Yahoo! News

I believed Anita Hill then, and I believe her now.
She was credible then, and she is credible now.  Virginia Thomas should wake up and admit the truth about her husband.



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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Nikki Haley Hits a Snag South Carolina Governor Race - The Daily Beast

Affair accusations that won’t die, tax mishaps, powerful conservatives coming out in opposition—all are threatening one of Palin’s favored Mama Grizzlies. John Avlon reports on the strange twist in South Carolina’s gubernatorial race.

Nikki Haley Hits a Snag South Carolina Governor Race - The Daily Beast
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Sharron Angle's Huge War Chest

Insane Clown Posse 2Image by bobster855 via Flickr
Former Nevada state Assemblywoman Sharron Angle raised $14 million over the last three months for her race against Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. That is the largest amonut ever raised during any similiar 3 month period in history. Reid hasn't reported his third-quarter fundraising numbers yet. So far this election cycle, Reid has raised $18 million,

There's no word about where the money came from, but it's clear that Republicans intend to give Angle enough money to remake her image and mollify some of the disturbing positions she's taken in the past. It no secret that the GOP is taking advantage of its ties to big business interest and the super wealthy to raise money in an effort to win seats in Congress to support their interest. We'll see if the money from the fat cats talks louder than all other considerations.
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