lets look at the 09 pre-midterms- The two Gubenetorial races:
Toss up- Tilt R -
New Jersey (D)- for a while things looked pretty bad for Corzine. He suffered a bit of the New Jersey Democrats "Summertime blues". For some reason for New Jersey Things always look bleak for democrats in august and September (See Menendez '06, Kerry '04, and even a little bit Obama '08) but things always seem to turn around. This time I'm not so sure. Corzine is unpopular and corrupt. He was down by as much as 14 in the summer but has seemed to come back to being down just 5ish to Christie. This election is a referendum on Corzine. It's going to be a 2 point election not a 12 point election.
Virginia (D)- this race has tightened significantly over the last few days. Right now McDonell (R) holds a 4.67 lead (Averaging the last 3 polls). In Virginia, as in the rest of the country, there was a major swing to the right, and unlike New Jersey we are not accustom to it. McDonnel at one point held a 12.33 point lead, this lead has been cut in half. Momentum is on Deeds side at the moment. Unlike New Jersey this is not a referendum on the currant governor (Seeing as Tim Kane is not running) . in 2008 it hugged the national trend line going 53-46 in Obama's favor, so it will be an interesting indicator of the midterms, but still a year and a half is a long time. I have this as tilting republican at the moment because if the election were today McDonnel would win, but the election isn't today and I think at the end of the day this one will end up as a Deed's victory.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Top 10 Most Influential First Ladies Part 2
And now, for the top five.
5. Lady Bird Johnson
My personal favorite, Lady Bird Johnson, wife of Democratic President Lyndon Baines Johnson, was extremely influential in her husband's presidency, and indeed in his life in general. Lady Bird was a counselor and senior advisor (unofficially) and helped to improve her husband's image as well as undertake the duties of First Lady and push the boundaries. She was a well-known advocate and fighter for women's rights and for conservation and wildlife, with the Highway Beautification Act, a bill designed to limit billboards and other junk and to increase flowers and other plantings to improve scenery and help promote conservation efforts, being called "Lady Bird's Bill". She was also a strong supporter and advocate for the Head Start program, which provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. She campaigned in the South, by herself, for her husband's 1964 campaign, and she was with him every step of the way. She also has the distinction of having been protected the longest by the Secret Service - 44 years.
4. Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter, wife of Democratic President Jimmy Carter, is in many ways a lot like Pat Nixon, only more so. Rosalynn Carter was her husband's closest advisor, and had been since being married. She helped to advocate for mental health, a cause that she had championed for years, and was named Honorary Chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health. Furthermore, she was his personal envoy to Latin America during a state visit. She even sat in on Cabinet meetings, and was essentially his campaign manager for all of his elections. She was also, along with Lady Bird Johnson and Betty Ford, a vigorous campaigner for the Equal Rights Amendment.
3. Betty Ford
One of the most open and frank First Ladies and public officials, Betty Ford, wife of Republican President Gerald Ford, was known to be very influential in advising her husband, as well as in regards to social issues of the day. In fact, a study taken by historians in 1982 listed her as the third most influential First Lady (after Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt). She wasn't afraid to voice her opinion on drugs, premarital sex, marijuana, and women's rights, to name a few. As with Lady Bird Johnson and Rosalynn Carter, Betty campaigned vigorously for the Equal Rights Amendment. Despite her positions (pro-choice, pro-ERA, not anti-marijuana, and unafraid to speak her mind) she remained extremely popular. Her biggest influence, however, was in helping to spread the word about breast cancer, both the disease itself and treatment, and in addiction, both the disease itself and the recovery. 2 months into Gerald Ford's presidency, she discovered she had breast cancer, and talked about getting a mastectomy and other aspects of breast cancer in the hopes of raising awareness and helping other survivors. And she had been suffering with an addiction to painkillers and alcohol for years, and she finally managed to get treatment for it. Determined to help others with similar problems, she opened the Betty Ford Clinic, and remains involved in its affairs to this day.
2. Eleanor Roosevelt
Another one of my personal favorites (in fact, the top 5 are all my favorites) is Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She is considered to have set the standard for First Lady activism and broke precedents. She was a savvy political operator, and acted as her husband's "eyes and ears" and traveled the country and saw things for him. She wrote her own newspaper column, and was a key advisor to her husband. FDR's Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins once commented that FDR was an insecure person and, if you were careful, could influence him and make him do things. She also noted that Eleanor was able to do this. She held her own press conferences and worked hard for civil and equal rights. After FDR died, she continued her activism, and was appointed as the United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, and was the first chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and helped to write the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She was appointed by President Kennedy to the National Advisory Committee of the Peace Corps and was the Chair of the President's Commission of the Status on Women.
And, the number one most influential First Lady is...
1. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you guessed it. Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, wife of Democratic President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton, was truly the most influential First Lady. Ever since marriage, they have been a "partnership", with Bill campaigning at one point on the slogan "two for the price of one". Her influence was first seen during her husband's terms as Governor of Arkansas, where she was named Chair of the Arkansas Educational Standards Committee, which reformed the Arkansas education system, and earlier she had been appointed Chair of the Rural Health Advisory Committee. She was also appointed, by President Carter, to the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation, eventually becoming the first woman chair of the corporation. Her most well-known role, prior to becoming a Senator and Secretary of State, was her being named the Chair of the President's Task Force on National Health Care Reform. While most First Ladies had been named to commissions or were honorary chairs, this was the first time a First Lady had been given a serious, hands-on, policy-making position, and she became the target for all of the attacks and criticisms. That, however, did not stop her from remaining, in many cases, the "court of final appeal" on many decisions. After the health care debacle, she continued to remain involved in policy. She helped sponsor and promote the SCHIP bill, which passed with bipartisan support. She helped create the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice, and broke Pat Nixon's record on world travel. One of her most famous and powerful speeches is her address the the United Nation's Fourth World Conference on Women, held in China, where she spoke forcefully and directly about the various human rights violations, and stated that "Women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights". She created an organization called "Vital Voices", which worked and still works to promote women's rights and empowerment of women globally. It is for all of these that Hillary is number one. And it is a testament to the women of America that ten incredible women had such influence on the United States.
But, what about Michelle Obama? Tune in to my next piece. Same duck time, same duck place.
5. Lady Bird Johnson
My personal favorite, Lady Bird Johnson, wife of Democratic President Lyndon Baines Johnson, was extremely influential in her husband's presidency, and indeed in his life in general. Lady Bird was a counselor and senior advisor (unofficially) and helped to improve her husband's image as well as undertake the duties of First Lady and push the boundaries. She was a well-known advocate and fighter for women's rights and for conservation and wildlife, with the Highway Beautification Act, a bill designed to limit billboards and other junk and to increase flowers and other plantings to improve scenery and help promote conservation efforts, being called "Lady Bird's Bill". She was also a strong supporter and advocate for the Head Start program, which provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. She campaigned in the South, by herself, for her husband's 1964 campaign, and she was with him every step of the way. She also has the distinction of having been protected the longest by the Secret Service - 44 years.
4. Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter, wife of Democratic President Jimmy Carter, is in many ways a lot like Pat Nixon, only more so. Rosalynn Carter was her husband's closest advisor, and had been since being married. She helped to advocate for mental health, a cause that she had championed for years, and was named Honorary Chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health. Furthermore, she was his personal envoy to Latin America during a state visit. She even sat in on Cabinet meetings, and was essentially his campaign manager for all of his elections. She was also, along with Lady Bird Johnson and Betty Ford, a vigorous campaigner for the Equal Rights Amendment.
3. Betty Ford
One of the most open and frank First Ladies and public officials, Betty Ford, wife of Republican President Gerald Ford, was known to be very influential in advising her husband, as well as in regards to social issues of the day. In fact, a study taken by historians in 1982 listed her as the third most influential First Lady (after Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt). She wasn't afraid to voice her opinion on drugs, premarital sex, marijuana, and women's rights, to name a few. As with Lady Bird Johnson and Rosalynn Carter, Betty campaigned vigorously for the Equal Rights Amendment. Despite her positions (pro-choice, pro-ERA, not anti-marijuana, and unafraid to speak her mind) she remained extremely popular. Her biggest influence, however, was in helping to spread the word about breast cancer, both the disease itself and treatment, and in addiction, both the disease itself and the recovery. 2 months into Gerald Ford's presidency, she discovered she had breast cancer, and talked about getting a mastectomy and other aspects of breast cancer in the hopes of raising awareness and helping other survivors. And she had been suffering with an addiction to painkillers and alcohol for years, and she finally managed to get treatment for it. Determined to help others with similar problems, she opened the Betty Ford Clinic, and remains involved in its affairs to this day.
2. Eleanor Roosevelt
Another one of my personal favorites (in fact, the top 5 are all my favorites) is Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She is considered to have set the standard for First Lady activism and broke precedents. She was a savvy political operator, and acted as her husband's "eyes and ears" and traveled the country and saw things for him. She wrote her own newspaper column, and was a key advisor to her husband. FDR's Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins once commented that FDR was an insecure person and, if you were careful, could influence him and make him do things. She also noted that Eleanor was able to do this. She held her own press conferences and worked hard for civil and equal rights. After FDR died, she continued her activism, and was appointed as the United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, and was the first chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and helped to write the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She was appointed by President Kennedy to the National Advisory Committee of the Peace Corps and was the Chair of the President's Commission of the Status on Women.
And, the number one most influential First Lady is...
1. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you guessed it. Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, wife of Democratic President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton, was truly the most influential First Lady. Ever since marriage, they have been a "partnership", with Bill campaigning at one point on the slogan "two for the price of one". Her influence was first seen during her husband's terms as Governor of Arkansas, where she was named Chair of the Arkansas Educational Standards Committee, which reformed the Arkansas education system, and earlier she had been appointed Chair of the Rural Health Advisory Committee. She was also appointed, by President Carter, to the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation, eventually becoming the first woman chair of the corporation. Her most well-known role, prior to becoming a Senator and Secretary of State, was her being named the Chair of the President's Task Force on National Health Care Reform. While most First Ladies had been named to commissions or were honorary chairs, this was the first time a First Lady had been given a serious, hands-on, policy-making position, and she became the target for all of the attacks and criticisms. That, however, did not stop her from remaining, in many cases, the "court of final appeal" on many decisions. After the health care debacle, she continued to remain involved in policy. She helped sponsor and promote the SCHIP bill, which passed with bipartisan support. She helped create the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice, and broke Pat Nixon's record on world travel. One of her most famous and powerful speeches is her address the the United Nation's Fourth World Conference on Women, held in China, where she spoke forcefully and directly about the various human rights violations, and stated that "Women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights". She created an organization called "Vital Voices", which worked and still works to promote women's rights and empowerment of women globally. It is for all of these that Hillary is number one. And it is a testament to the women of America that ten incredible women had such influence on the United States.
But, what about Michelle Obama? Tune in to my next piece. Same duck time, same duck place.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Top Ten Most Influential First Ladies Part 1
There's no mention of them in the Constitution. They don't have any official powers or duties, yet they have unparalleled access and are often used as a sounding board. They are close and trusted advisors. They are...the First Ladies. I will present the top ten most influential First Ladies. It is a bipartisan, three part entry. Part One will deal with those I ranked from 10-6. The next entry will be 5-1, and the final entry will deal with Michelle Obama, and what her term as First Lady will be like.
So, let's get down to it.
10. Lucy Webb Hayes
Given the nickname "Lemonade Lucy", Mrs. Hayes, wife of Republican President Rutherford B. Hayes, was a woman who had strong beliefs and enforced them. She helped her husband decide to leave the Whig Party and join the Republican Party. She helped veterans of the Civil War. But perhaps her biggest claim to fame is being an ardent supporter of temperance and enforcing it. Thus the nickname "Lemonade Lucy". She and her husband were known to be devoted to each other, as shown with their 25th wedding anniversary, where they repeated their vows in a ceremony similar to their wedding, only in the White House.
9. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson
Derisively considered the "first female President", Edith Wilson, wife of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson, was a traditional hostess and First Lady, who observed strict rationing during World War I to set an example. She even went so far as to have sheep mow the White House lawns! However, she is best known for essentially taking over after her husband suffered a stroke during his campaign to get the Senate to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. Although there is some doubt as to how influential she was, Mrs. Wilson acknowledged her role as steward or gatekeeper, and merely limited her "decisionmaking" to determining what information Woodrow would receive. However, it is known that she resisted allowing the Vice President to take over, and many believe (they use "know") that she made decisions for her husband and gave orders.
8. Dolley Madison
Perhaps one of the better known First Ladies, Dolley Madison, wife of Democratic-Republican President James Madison, is known for saving the seal of the United States, important papers of state, the Presidential silver, the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, and other historical and governmental pieces. She is described as being the face of American courage in respect to hardship and attacks by others, and when she died flags all across the country were lowered to half-mast in respect for one of the most revered Americans.
7. Pat Nixon
One of the First Ladies who spoke softly and is rarely thought about but was of great help and importance to her husband is Pat Nixon, wife of Republican President Richard Nixon. Graceful and understated, Pat Nixon was remarkable. She decided to initiate what she termed "personal diplomacy", meaning traveling and visiting people in other states and countries face-t0-face. She was often an unofficial Secretary of State or Ambassador for her husband's administration, and championed volunteerism and helping others. She personally went to disaster areas like Peru, which was struck by a massive earthquake, and war zones like Vietnam, being the first First Lady to do both. She became the most traveled First Lady until Hillary Rodham Clinton, visiting 80 countries (Hillary visited 93). And she had been privately fighting to keep her husband from resigning and giving up the tapes.
6. Nancy Reagan
Derisively called "Queen Nancy" and regarded as "out-of-touch", Nancy Reagan, wife of Republican President Ronald Reagan, was highly influential and a close advisor. Known for being the founder of "Just Say No", which aims and aimed to teach mostly children about drugs and drug abuse, she also became her husband's "chief protector" after his assassination attempt in 1981. She went so far as to consult an astrologer in order to determine which days were "safe" or good or "neutral" or "bad". And she managed to take down "Prime Minister" (the term used for the manner of working) Don Regan, White House Chief of Staff and former Secretary of the Treasury under her husband.
So, let's get down to it.
10. Lucy Webb Hayes
Given the nickname "Lemonade Lucy", Mrs. Hayes, wife of Republican President Rutherford B. Hayes, was a woman who had strong beliefs and enforced them. She helped her husband decide to leave the Whig Party and join the Republican Party. She helped veterans of the Civil War. But perhaps her biggest claim to fame is being an ardent supporter of temperance and enforcing it. Thus the nickname "Lemonade Lucy". She and her husband were known to be devoted to each other, as shown with their 25th wedding anniversary, where they repeated their vows in a ceremony similar to their wedding, only in the White House.
9. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson
Derisively considered the "first female President", Edith Wilson, wife of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson, was a traditional hostess and First Lady, who observed strict rationing during World War I to set an example. She even went so far as to have sheep mow the White House lawns! However, she is best known for essentially taking over after her husband suffered a stroke during his campaign to get the Senate to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. Although there is some doubt as to how influential she was, Mrs. Wilson acknowledged her role as steward or gatekeeper, and merely limited her "decisionmaking" to determining what information Woodrow would receive. However, it is known that she resisted allowing the Vice President to take over, and many believe (they use "know") that she made decisions for her husband and gave orders.
8. Dolley Madison
Perhaps one of the better known First Ladies, Dolley Madison, wife of Democratic-Republican President James Madison, is known for saving the seal of the United States, important papers of state, the Presidential silver, the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, and other historical and governmental pieces. She is described as being the face of American courage in respect to hardship and attacks by others, and when she died flags all across the country were lowered to half-mast in respect for one of the most revered Americans.
7. Pat Nixon
One of the First Ladies who spoke softly and is rarely thought about but was of great help and importance to her husband is Pat Nixon, wife of Republican President Richard Nixon. Graceful and understated, Pat Nixon was remarkable. She decided to initiate what she termed "personal diplomacy", meaning traveling and visiting people in other states and countries face-t0-face. She was often an unofficial Secretary of State or Ambassador for her husband's administration, and championed volunteerism and helping others. She personally went to disaster areas like Peru, which was struck by a massive earthquake, and war zones like Vietnam, being the first First Lady to do both. She became the most traveled First Lady until Hillary Rodham Clinton, visiting 80 countries (Hillary visited 93). And she had been privately fighting to keep her husband from resigning and giving up the tapes.
6. Nancy Reagan
Derisively called "Queen Nancy" and regarded as "out-of-touch", Nancy Reagan, wife of Republican President Ronald Reagan, was highly influential and a close advisor. Known for being the founder of "Just Say No", which aims and aimed to teach mostly children about drugs and drug abuse, she also became her husband's "chief protector" after his assassination attempt in 1981. She went so far as to consult an astrologer in order to determine which days were "safe" or good or "neutral" or "bad". And she managed to take down "Prime Minister" (the term used for the manner of working) Don Regan, White House Chief of Staff and former Secretary of the Treasury under her husband.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Giannoulias?!
To vast majority of America, Alexi Giannoulias (juh--NEW--lee-us) isn't a house hold name. But he might be one day, and Giannoulias might be a name you will hear a lot next year. He is the current state treasurer of Illinois as well as a Democrat. So you are probably wondering why I am mentioning this guy... Maybe it's because as his first official act as Treasurer, Giannoulias signed his own executive order to enact the most comprehensive, widest-ranging ethics package of any elected official in the state. Maybe it's because Last summer, Giannoulias launched the "Green Rewards" program, the nation's largest state-funded rebate for hybrid vehicles which gives $1,000 cash back to Illinois residents who purchase a new hybrid or other fuel-efficient vehicle. Or it could be that he's running for Burris's Senate seat (Obama's seat) and he could have a good shot.
Giannoulias a young attractive greek man (33) who's an excellent speaker. On July 26, 2009, he officially announced his candidacy for the United States Senate at the Hilton Chicago, the same place then-Senator Barack Obama endorsed Giannoulias for State Treasurer in 2006. What makes Giannoulias different from your average Senate candidate is he openly supports gay marriage which is something you don't hear every day. And while Giannoulias said individual states should be able to decide for themselves whether they allow same-sex couples to marry, but that all states should be required to afford legal recognition to same-sex marriages performed in states where they are sanctioned. Giannoulias also would require the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages, now prohibited by the Defense of Marriage Act he wants repealed. Not to mention this guy wants to get rid of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Yeah, it's risky, and he knows it, but in a primary race in Illinois, to the left is where you want to be, and let's get real, a Republican isn't winning Obama's seat. Keep an eye out for this guy because even if he doesn't get the nomination, expect to hear his name in the MSM because of his stance on gay rights and expect him to have some roll as a progressive leader in the future
Giannoulias a young attractive greek man (33) who's an excellent speaker. On July 26, 2009, he officially announced his candidacy for the United States Senate at the Hilton Chicago, the same place then-Senator Barack Obama endorsed Giannoulias for State Treasurer in 2006. What makes Giannoulias different from your average Senate candidate is he openly supports gay marriage which is something you don't hear every day. And while Giannoulias said individual states should be able to decide for themselves whether they allow same-sex couples to marry, but that all states should be required to afford legal recognition to same-sex marriages performed in states where they are sanctioned. Giannoulias also would require the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages, now prohibited by the Defense of Marriage Act he wants repealed. Not to mention this guy wants to get rid of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Yeah, it's risky, and he knows it, but in a primary race in Illinois, to the left is where you want to be, and let's get real, a Republican isn't winning Obama's seat. Keep an eye out for this guy because even if he doesn't get the nomination, expect to hear his name in the MSM because of his stance on gay rights and expect him to have some roll as a progressive leader in the future
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