The Texas Blue: News
Abramoff Sentenced To Four Years
Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:17pm
Disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff was sentenced to four years in Federal prison this afternoon after pleading guilty to charges of tax evasion, fraud and conspiracy.
Abramoff has already served 22 months in prison for crimes associated with his lobbying activities with regards to Indian casinos in Florida.
The Only Thing You Need To Know About Sarah Palin's Gender
Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:58pm
You know, I'd say I was starting to detect a trend in the accusations Alaska governor Sarah Palin is leveling against the "liberal media," but I can't take credit for this one — Jon Stewart practically handed it to me.
Oh, what is that trend, you ask? That of complaining of the same tactics — whether they're actually being used or not — that they themselves used against Democrats just a few short months ago. I believe psychologists call that "projection." Most other Americans probably call that "hypocrisy."
Video of Jon Stewart's compilation of how they did this very thing with the gender issue, after the jump.
Palin: More Of The Same, 1994 Edition
Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:00pm
Many Americans on both sides — or neither side — of the political debate have grown weary of the flame-throwing extremist "culture war" attitude that the Republicans have been running campaigns on for the past few years. But don't tell the Republican Party that, because they're not buying. Politico.com explores how Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican convention yesterday is a return to the tired "culture war" playbook — understandable, as that's the only way Republicans know how to win anymore.
Is This Thing On?
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 3:20pm
You'd think experienced politicos and media personalities like Republican strategist Mike Murphy and conservative columnist Peggy Noonan would be savvy enough to know when they're being recorded and when they're not.
Oops.
Hop over to Talking Points Memo and find out how Murphy and Noonan really feel about Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's VP nod, courtesy of MSNBC B-roll footage.
Texas Leads Nation In Number Of Uninsured
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 3:00pm
Last Tuesday, the U.S. Census Bureau released a report on income, poverty and health insurance in the United States in 2005-2007 (PDF). Unfortunately, Texas took first place in the percentage of state population that does not have health insurance: In the three year period from 2005 to 2007, an astounding 24.4% of Texas residents did not have health insurance.
Obama on O'Reilly
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 1:36pm
I think the last time I willfully watched an episode of The O'Reilly Factor was when Stephen Colbert was scheduled to appear, followed shortly by O'Reilly appearing on Colbert's show. But tomorrow, I'll be watching again — as, run against McCain's acceptance speech tomorrow, senator and Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama will be appearing on The Factor. I'm hoping for a Bill Clinton-esque beatdown, though I imagine that may not be befitting a presidential candidate — even when dealing with someone like Bill O'Reilly. Nevertheless, I'll be watching.
Betting on Sarah Palin's Withdrawal?
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 7:15am
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's family issues have, for better or for worse, been dissected by the media over the past few days, despite Senator Barack Obama's urging that such issues should not be part of a campaign. But one interesting side issue that has arisen from that has been the rumor that Sarah Palin will be declining the vice presidential nomination due to "family reasons." What? You say you wouldn't bet on it? Apparently, others disagree. Intrade, an online predictions market (think of it as buying a share in your presidential candidate, for example), has been tracking the chances that Sarah Palin would withdraw, and just about every news outlet in America has picked up on it.
McCain Pulls A VP Deke
Fri, 08/29/2008 - 7:36am
Looks like McCain's running mate won't be who you think it is. EDIT: But it looks like we know who that will be.
Democratic National Convention 2008 Recap: Video of Best Speeches
Fri, 08/29/2008 - 6:45am
We here at the Blue have spent this week eating, breathing, and sleeping the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. The event's over, Senator Obama has accepted the nomination, and it's time for a recap — so, here for your viewing pleasure, are the five most important speeches of this year's historic convention, as judged by yours truly, in chronological order.
We Have A Nominee
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 6:58am
Senator Barack Obama was officially declared the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party yesterday, when his former rival in the primaries, Senator Hillary Clinton, called for Sen. Obama's nomination by acclamation.