Friday, June 27, 2008

 

Red State Update: How Freedom Sounds

Our friends Jackie and Dunlap announced earlier today that their first album can now be pre-ordered. You know this might be the disc that knocks Bruce Springsteen out of my CD player...



You can click on the ad in the left sidebar her at VOLCon to order what will certainly go down with Michael Jackson's "Thriller," Sir Mix-a-lot's "Mack Daddy," and Milli Vanilli's "All or Nothing" as albums that changed music as we know it.

I'd order it just for Jackie's version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man." No joke.

I certainly hope that their recording careers won't get in the way of a possible trip to the Republican National Convention in September. Ah, the price of fame...

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Thursday, June 26, 2008

 

TN GOP Hits Obama on Lack of Workable Energy Policy

Here's the latest video from the Tennessee Republican Party focusing on Barack Obama's lack of vision on our looming energy problem:



Strange musical choices might override the message that Obama has no energy policy, which makes him more like four more years of George W. Bush than John McCain.

Here's the presser that accompanied the video:

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Republican Party has released Yes We Can, a new web video looking at Barack Obama’s just-say-no response to plans to make America less dependent on hostile sources of oil.

“Sen. Obama is fond of leading large crowds to parrot his catch phrase, ‘Yes we can,’ but when it comes to increasing America’s oil supplies and declaring independence from unstable Middle East oil producers and hostile foreign regimes, Sen. Obama lately has been saying ‘No’ quite a lot,” said Robin Smith , chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

Drill for more oil in the United States and off our coastlines? No we can’t, says Obama, even though all the evidence and experience shows we can do it without harming the environment.

In the latest Rasmussen poll, 66 percent of Tennesseans said they support resuming offshore oil drilling, but Obama says ‘No we can’t,’ even though Cuba recently signed agreements with oil companies from Spain, Norway, India, Canada, Malaysia and Venezuela to drill for oil off Cuba’s coasts as close as 50 miles to America..

Obama even opposes importing more oil from Canada ’s oil-rich Alberta oil sands region, and opposes building more nuclear plants.

No, we can’t, says Obama.

“Like it or not, oil currently is the lifeblood of our economy. It is how Tennesseans get to work, how Tennessee farmers till their fields and harvest their crops, how Tennessee businesses get their products to market, and how Tennessee families get their children to school and soccer practice,” said Bill Hobbs, communications director for the Tennessee GOP. “Windmills and solar panels are great, but Sen. Obama is fooling himself and his supporters by claiming they are the solution to today’s high gas prices, high energy costs and dependence on oil from the Middle East and hostile regimes like the one in Venezuela .”

“When Tennesseans - Republicans and Democrats – overwhelmingly believe we should drill offshore but Sen. Obama says ‘no' because it won’t lower gas prices right away, it shows once again just how out of touch Obama is out of touch with the views of the average Tennessean,” Smith said.

Hobbs said Obama’s plan to slap huge new taxes on oil companies to fund research into alternative energy will cost Americans more at the pump immediately – even as oil companies from six other countries begin drilling for oil just 50 miles from our coast.

President Jimmy Carter tried Obama’s windfall profits tax idea back in 1980. The Congressional Research Service later concluded that the tax significantly reduced domestic oil production and raised oil imports.

Obama’s opposition to drilling for more oil in America also costs Tennessee jobs:

A 1991 economic study by Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates project that opening up 2,000 acres of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling would generate up to 735,000 new jobs in America, including more than 13,000 right here in Tennessee in construction, service, manufacturing, and engineering jobs related to oil development.

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Thursday, June 19, 2008

 

Red State Update: Al Gore's Extra-Pasty Tanning Bed

Jackie and Dunlap give a shout out to Drew and Trent over at Tennessee Center for Policy Research and their skewering of Al Gore and his extra-large, extra-pasty carbon imprint.



I love the preview of the song from the soon-to-be-released Red State Update album, too. Nice touch using the song to advertise Jackie's truck, too. Drew and Trent may have beaten me to Jackie's portrait of Fred Thompson, but they better think twice if they think they're getting Jackie's truck - or, as I like to call it, my future campaign vehicle.

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Obama Meets with Hezbollah?

Hard to say that you're a friend of Israel when you're meeting with a group that desires nothing more on earth than to destroy every living man, woman, and child of Jewish faith.

Oatney has the story.

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Constitution Party Nominee Hits YouTube

I was e-mailed a short campaign video highlighting Chuck Baldwin, presidential nominee from the Constitution Party. It's not exactly flash and glitz, but it's not a bad start for a candidate who lags far behind McCain, Obama, and Barr in name recognition.

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Political Humor

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Friday, June 13, 2008

 

Tim Russert Dead at 58



Political analyst Tim Russert is dead this afternoon as the result of an apparent heart attack.

Russert was one of the few network analysts that commanded my respect. His moderating of debates was always top notch.

He will be missed, and our prayers go out to his family.

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David Davis for Sale?

Demarcationville has the dust-up.

I'm not sure what is more concerning to me as someone who (rightly or wrongly) has been labeled as a "grassroots conservative activist." (Again, whatever that means...)

Obviously, the thought of an elected official taking money - even for campaign purposes - and then reciprocating with a bill that helps the source of that money is troublesome.

On a whole different level, though, is a political staff that deals so ineffectively with the media. First, it was the Wikigate incident. Now Davis' staff is getting into a pissing contest with one of the only legitimate media outlets in the 1st District?

One of my issues with David Davis' 2006 campaign was the repeated lack of ethics by some on his campaign staff. It appears that some of that juvenile behavior may have accompanied David to Washington. I know David's Chief of Staff in D.C., Brenda Otterson, and I'm surprised that she hasn't swung the axe to reign this type of behavior in. Brenda's a no-nonsense COS, one of the best on The Hill, and the power that she had in the office during her service with Bill Jenkins would have cut any behavior like this off at the knees. Has her power within the office been limited under the new Member? I have no clue, but I'm starting to wonder. I know that Brenda is retiring come the end of the year, and perhaps that has something to do with it.

David Davis has a good conservative voting record and is strong on social issues (when he's not supporting dogfighting). However, it's stuff like this that makes him vulnerable when facing a serious primary challenge from a fellow conservative like Phil Roe.

(Hat tip: Michael Silence)

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Laura Ingraham Yanked Off the Air?


This is somewhat disconcerting, because it is highly unlikely that popular conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham wasn't delivering the audiences that sponsors desire. If the reason wasn't financial, one has to venture a guess that some form of viewpoint discrimination is at work here.

From an e-mail I received from RedState.com:

Popular radio talk show host Laura Ingraham has been taken off the air with no explanation.

Laura's show is one of the top five most popular talk radio shows in the nation. Laura is a solid conservative voice on the air.

She is gone with no explanation. All anyone knows is that it is not her choice.

If radio networks can yank a conservative voice who is that popular, they can do it to Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity or anyone else.

Liberals are again agitating to shut down conservative talk radio. They have been pushing "diversity" regulations through the FCC to do just that. Taking out Laura Ingraham is just a step along the way toward shutting down conservative talk radio totally.

Here is a station guide for Laura Ingraham. Please call your local affiliate and tell the station you want Laura Ingraham back on the Laura Ingraham show.

You can stop liberals from shutting down talk radio by standing up for Laura Ingraham.

Sincerely yours,

Erick Erickson
Editor, RedState.com

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Friday, June 06, 2008

 

Is There Anybody Alive Out There?



I try to keep my support and money heading towards entertainment options that fit my ideology. You can see that in my choice of movies, bands, and even venues.

However, there are a few exceptions - and one of them for me is Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Anyone who has been in my truck over the past 8 months or so knows that I am addicted to Sirius 10 - E Street Radio.

I feel a bit better about my weakness for Bruce, though. Even if he is a liberal, he can't be all that bad since Condi Rice admitted in a recent piece by the AP that she was a big fan.

The video above was shot in Stockholm on the Magic Tour. I know that it's not for everyone, but I can't imagine life without moments like having seats that close to a Hall of Fame band while they crank out such a driving, biting song.

At the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007 in Munich, Germany, when asked by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl which song he wished he had written, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe cited "Radio Nowhere". I concur. "Radio Nowhere" gets at least a dozen plays during all-night sessions (like tonight's) at the office.

Is there anybody alive out there?

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Thursday, June 05, 2008

 

The Guilt Trip Continues...

OK, maybe that's a little strong...

Thomas Sowell - the respected conservative columnist - has a piece on NRO that lays out the pragmatic reasons that conservatives should support McCain. Basically, he's won't placate those who want to kill us like Obama would.

Point taken, Thomas. But if this isn't the place to draw the line in the sand, where do you suggest is that place?

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Wednesday, June 04, 2008

 

The Habitat of the 'Hood?

This strange story regarding Habitat for Humanity apparently supporting a new abortion clinic for Planned Parenthood comes from Family Research Council:

Habitat for Humanity is known for housing the poor, but Floridians want to know why one of America's most respected Christian ministries would help build a home for Planned Parenthood. The unusual partnership evolved in Sarasota, when the nation's largest abortion merchant applied to build a new clinic. Because of the city's zoning policy, which requires that a multi-family housing unit exist on the back of the lot, Planned Parenthood's request was denied. To solve the problem, Planned Parenthood sold the property to Habitat for $10 in exchange for the ministry's agreement to build the housing unit. After striking the deal, Planned Parenthood resubmitted the request to construct a new clinic with these adjustments to the city commission. It was approved by a 3-2 vote. When pro-lifers started to get wind of the alliance, emails and phone calls of protest started flooding Habitat's offices. The decision on whether or not to go through with the plan now sits with the board of directors for approval. Join FRC in respectfully asking the board to reconsider its affiliation with the organization responsible for killing more unborn babies than any other abortion merchant in the world. Urge them to uphold their biblical standards by calling the Sarasota office at 941-365-0700.

Talk about strange bedfellows...

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Tuesday, June 03, 2008

 

AP Parties Like It's 2000

Earlier this morning, the AP cited anonymous sources in a story that laid out how Hillary Clinton was to drop out of the race tonight. This while the polls were open in the last two primaries for this presidential campaign.

As the Clinton campaign denied the reports, the AP apparently needed a new way to depress Clinton voter turnout today. They needed to reach into their bag of tricks, ala Florida in 2000.

Viola - the race is over, and Obama won.

Go home, South Dakota and Montana residents. No need to vote today.

Where did the 30 delegates come from that Obama needed to reach the magic number for the nomination? Who knows? The AP is made up of geniuses who took the path of least resistance to a college degree - ask them.

MORE: Yes, I'm steamed. No, I'm not directly hurt by this because I'm not a Democrat. I just hate it when anything - especially a biased media - inserts itself in a manner that undercuts the right to vote. That position knows no party.

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Could Low-Turnout Spell Disaster for Lautenberg?

Americans who believe in the Second Amendment and prize freedom have no friend in Frank Lautenberg, Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey. Today may be a day that could surprise many and leave those Americans with smiles on their faces.

Lautenberg is facing a primary challenge today from Rep. Rob Andrews, who is 34 years his junior. Many Democrats and Republicans alike have questioned Lautenberg's vitality and ability to withstand the rigors of life as a U.S. Senator.

Early reports are of low turnout, which often hurts incumbents who win so many races on name recognition alone. Could we see the end of Lautenberg's political career today?

Of course, one has to wonder which Democrat the Republicans want to challenge in November. Lautenberg is the incumbent and has all of the advantages that go along with that, but he is also vulnerable on the issue of age and votes that don't sit well with New Jersey's working class.

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Whatchu Talkin' 'bout, Willis?

I'm bumming for my college friend, former All-American golfer Garrett Willis, who failed to qualify for the U.S. Open after shooting a 140 yesterday for the two rounds of qualifying at the Sectional in Cordova, Tennessee.

I follow Garrett's results every week, and I was optimistic that he would make the Open after he won the local qualifying tournament in Palm Harbor, Florida, a few weeks back. Garrett previously won the PGA's Tucson Open in 2001, and he played in both the 1998 and 1999 U.S. Open.

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Is David Davis Safe in the 1st District?

As y'all know, David Oatney and I are friends. Get us at a Lincoln Day Dinner together and we'll close the place down talkin' shop. So many people have been held hostage due to our long-winded conservative political analysis, including both of our wives, Rep. Stacey Campfield, Bill Jenkins, GOP Chairman Robin Smith, and Terry Frank, just to name a few.

However, when it comes down to the 1st District race this time around, David and I are not on the same team. No hard feelings, of course, but we are riding different horses in this rodeo.

David posted over at The Davy Crockett Newsstand about the 1st District race. I agree with David that no Democrat has a chance of winning the general election there anytime in the near future. However, I'm not so quick to dismiss Dr. Phil Roe, who is challenging Congressman David Davis in the Republican Primary.

Roe was impressive in 2006, and there's no telling how much damage was done by the rumors at the time (which, I have been told by multiple sources, were started by David Davis' campaign) that Dr. Roe - a former OB who has delivered thousands of babies - was pro-abortion. I know that other candidates from 2006 were offended at the rumor tactic against Dr. Roe, and while there's no telling if Davis authorized the tactic, it appeared to many that it came from his campaign staff.

David Oatney is confident in his man, and experience tells us pundits that it's a safe bet that the incumbent will win. However, my sources have told me that Roe has been an effective fundraiser, having brought in six-figures on one night early on in the campaign. Plus, Roe has excellent campaign staff, such as veteran political players Danny Price and Bill Snodgrass (Bill Jenkins' former Chief of Staff).

I do have two small issues with Oatney's post. First, I agree with Angelia about Davis' lack of exposure this election cycle. He was nowhere to be seen - nor did he have a surrogate - at several of the early Lincoln Day Dinners in the 1st District. Second, I think the dogfighting vote acknowledged by Oatney - the vote where Davis appeared to take the untenable position of being pro-dogfighting - could be bigger than the other votes that Davis has cast in the last two years. In the wake of Michael Vick, public sentiment was on the side of those who wanted to come out stronger against interstate dogfighting. To be the only Tennessean voting against the dogfighting bill could be portrayed as being out-of-touch with Tennessee voters.

Only time will tell if this becomes the race I think it could. However, Davis should not rest on his laurels, because 78% of Republican voters in 2006 didn't pick him in the primary.

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How Not to Ask for Help

The accounts of yesterday's McCain rally in Nashville are baffling.

Half of the stories deal with McCain acknowledging that he needs energized conservatives supporting him in Tennessee to have the Volunteer State in the red column come November.

The other half of the stories deal with McCain criticizing U.S. Senator Bob Corker, Tennessee's most conservative senator and one of the only Members of Congress who has shown any sort of fiscal discipline in the past year, and criticizing the Tennessee Republican Party, which is headed by conservative Robin Smith and staffed with conservatives like Bill Hobbs.

Seems to me like the two are incongruent. One does not ask for help by showing how polar one is from your own views. Quite strange.

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Monday, June 02, 2008

 

Red State Update: An Inconvenient Opera

Jackie and Dunlap sure do like opera - especially when it's about Al Gore:

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