With the end of the political season upon us [read session is out (thank God)] so it seemed like the commentator playoffs this week with 7 people at the table. And before we get into this week's show and topics, I just want to throw out a couple of not so pithy comments about the commentators that were persona non grata but are regulars. First example being Robert Novak - wouldn't make the playoffs - old and irrelavant. He rendered himself that way with his conduct in Valerie Plame matter. Until now, he had acted as though he were a part of every Republican Administration for the last 50 years. Then the heat came and they tossed him aside. This is the adminstration's protocal when it comes to the enablers, with the except of Gonzo. More about him later.
Another is David Broder... not in the playoffs this year either. He's got the experience without a doubt... He's the Gordy Howe, but I find that now his opinions don't pack the same punch as they used to. I can barely make it through his written column and sometimes I just can not.
Lastly, there's David Brooks... the New York Times conversative conscious, or unconscious as the case maybe. He strikes me as having been that kid in school who everyone knew was smart and would have been asked for help if he weren't such a dick about it. Then being smart, he felt that he achieved a different plane of thinking - beyond everyone else - but it was just extremely off base, sort of like a William Krystol light. He would have gone far in the playoffs, but overconfidence got him swept in the first round.
Which brings us to this week's show.
At this point, there is no avoiding discussion about the presidential campaign, but MTP has been beating it to death. Yes, there was news this week with Obama and Clinton but it wasn't until 20 minutes into show that another candidate was even mentioned. Obama calling Clinton Bush-Cheney light is minorly astounding. There is no one in that league - too much to get into here, but take it as not good.
The LA Times, should thank their lucky stars to have Ron Brownstein on staff. I live in Los Angeles and that paper is completely suspect as a decent paper. Brownstein keeps them ligit. And his comment on the two candidates being on the different tracts is somewhat accurate, but it was almost like he was patting down the fire.
Through the analysis, you can always count on Chuck Todd to supply the catchy analogy - Obama has gotten his 'sea legs' and the 'punching the champ..' He was a damn good blogger. I am not one.
John Harwood's comment that Hillary Clinton's neckline on the floor of the Senate was contrived was ridiculous and completely cynical. He invalidated himself right there for the rest of the hour. By that rationale, Andrea Mitchell should have worn a low neckline if she wanted to be heard.
Simply, Dan Balz is usually too busy to be on these types of shows and take that as good.
Lastly, I read Eugene Robinson's column all the time and he's always on MTP. He always states things that are obvious and completely lucid and filled with common sense. It just seems like no one within the beltway seems to understand this language. Whereas David Brooks thinks he's ahead of the curve, Eugene Robinson actually is.
When the commentary switched to the Democratic primaries, specifically in Iowa and New Hampshire, all felt that if Obama finished third in one of those, then he would be in trouble.
He is going to finish third in Iowa and maybe New Hampshire (despite polling well) and this is what is going to be his problem - winning primaries. Maybe in New York, California, Illinois, Michigan (possibly), but those first two (IA & NH) - third. Definitely. Based on the primary tallies, he won't get the nomination. Dan Balz threw out the possibility of Clinton finishing third in Iowa - no way.
With regard to the Republican nominees, I really have trouble taking any of them seriously. Having lived in New York many years (and during the entire Guiliani administration), Rudy isn't an option. Isn't obvious that he's not equipped to be POTUS? And that he leads in South Carolina says one of two things - either the choices are incredibly poor or the median IQ in South Carolina is suspect. Like Bush, Guiliani talks out his ass. And George Bush does - "Heck of a job Brownie." Enough said.
Fred Thompson says he's been testing the waters and they're feeling warm. News for him, that's where many tiger sharks swim so he best beware - caveat em-presiden-tor.
Then lastly we come full circle to Gonzo. At this point what else can we possibly say? By now, I would make a better Attorney General than Lil' Al. He's completely perjured himself and has got to go. When you're AG breaks the law.... hello?
Some final comments for this week:
All the poll figures on the show this week drove me nuts.
Next week - get a politician and talk about Iraq. People are still dying there.
I don't do the Take Two online after the show. Love the Podcast but I'm not that crazy.
Signing Through -
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