CrackerDog

What the hell happened to our pass rush? Rex, off his back foot... No poise... Glad this is his last year. Hope Orton is back next week. Ran out of Tums watching Rex today.

Elections have consequences. Thank GOD! Link Obama Positioned to Quickly Reverse Bush Actions Stem Cell, Climate Rules Among Targets of President-Elect's Team Transition advisers to President-elect Barack Obama have compiled a list of about 200 Bush administration actions and executive orders that could be swiftly undone to reverse White House policies on climate change, stem cell research, reproductive rights and other issues, according to congressional Democrats, campaign aides and experts working with the transition team. A team of four dozen advisers, working for months in virtual solitude, set out to identify regulatory and policy changes Obama could implement soon after his inauguration. The team is now consulting with liberal advocacy groups, Capitol Hill staffers and potential agency chiefs to prioritize those they regard as the most onerous or ideologically offensive, said a top transition official who was not permitted to speak on the record about the inner workings of the transition. In some instances, Obama would be quickly delivering on promises he made during his two-year campaign, while in others he would be embracing Clinton-era policies upended by President Bush during his eight years in office. "The kind of regulations they are looking at" are those imposed by Bush for "overtly political" reasons, in pursuit of what Democrats say was a partisan Republican agenda, said Dan Mendelson, a former associate administrator for health in the Clinton administration's Office of Management and Budget. The list of executive orders targeted by Obama's team could well get longer in the coming days, as Bush's appointees rush to enact a number of last-minute policies in an effort to extend his legacy. A spokeswoman said yesterday that no plans for regulatory changes had been finalized. "Before he makes any decisions on potential executive or legislative actions, he will be conferring with congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle, as well as interested groups," Obama transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said. "Any decisions would need to be discussed with his Cabinet nominees, none of whom have been selected yet." Still, the preelection transition team, comprising mainly lawyers, has positioned the incoming president to move fast on high-priority items without waiting for Congress. Obama himself has signaled, for example, that he intends to reverse Bush's controversial limit on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, a decision that scientists say has restrained research into some of the most promising avenues for defeating a wide array of diseases, such as Parkinson's. Bush's August 2001 decision pleased religious conservatives who have moral objections to the use of cells from days-old human embryos, which are destroyed in the process. But Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) said that during Obama's final swing through her state in October, she reminded him that because the restrictions were never included in legislation, Obama "can simply reverse them by executive order." Obama, she said, "was very receptive to that." Opponents of the restrictions have already drafted an executive order he could sign. The new president is also expected to lift a so-called global gag rule barring international family planning groups that receive U.S. aid from counseling women about the availability of abortion, even in countries where the procedure is legal, said Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. When Bill Clinton took office in 1993, he rescinded the Reagan-era regulation, known as the Mexico City policy, but Bush reimposed it. "We have been communicating with his transition staff" almost daily, Richards said. "We expect to see a real change." While Obama said at a news conference last week that his top priority would be to stimulate the economy and create jobs, his advisers say that focus will not delay key shifts in social and regulatory policies, including some -- such as the embrace of new environmental safeguards -- that Obama has said will have long-term, beneficial impacts on the economy. The president-elect has said, for example, that he intends to quickly reverse the Bush administration's decision last December to deny California the authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles. "Effectively tackling global warming demands bold and innovative solutions, and given the failure of this administration to act, California should be allowed to pioneer," Obama said in January. California had sought permission from the Environmental Protection Agency to require that greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles be cut by 30 percent between 2009 and 2016, effectively mandating that cars achieve a fuel economy standard of at least 36 miles per gallon within eight years. Seventeen other states had promised to adopt California's rules, representing in total 45 percent of the nation's automobile market. Environmentalists cheered the California initiative because it would stoke innovation that would potentially benefit the entire country. "An early move by the Obama administration to sign the California waiver would signal the seriousness of intent to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil and build a future for the domestic auto market," said Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Before the election, Obama told others that he favors declaring that carbon dioxide emissions are endangering human welfare, following an EPA task force recommendation last December that Bush and his aides shunned in order to protect the utility and auto industries. Robert Sussman, who was the EPA's deputy administrator during the Clinton administration and is now overseeing EPA transition planning for Obama, wrote a paper last spring strongly recommending such a finding. Others in the campaign have depicted it as an issue on which Obama is keen to show that politics must not interfere with scientific advice. Some related reforms embraced by Obama's transition advisers would alter procedures for decision-making on climate issues. A book titled "Change for America," being published next week by the Center for American Progress, an influential liberal think tank, will recommend, for example, that Obama rapidly create a National Energy Council to coordinate all policymaking related to global climate change. The center's influence with Obama is substantial: It was created by former Clinton White House official John D. Podesta, a co-chairman of the transition effort, and much of its staff has been swept into planning for Obama's first 100 days in office. The National Energy Council would be a counterpart to the White House National Economic Council that Clinton created in a 1993 executive order. "It would make sure all the oars are rowing in the right direction" and ensure that climate change policy "gets lots of attention inside the White House," said Daniel J. Weiss, a former Sierra Club official and senior fellow with the Center for American Progress Action Fund. The center's new book will also urge Obama to sign an executive order requiring that greenhouse gas emissions be considered whenever the federal government examines the environmental impact of its actions under the existing National Environmental Policy Act. Several key members of Obama's transition team have already embraced the idea. Other early Obama initiatives may address the need for improved food and drug regulation and chart a new course for immigration enforcement, some Obama advisers say. But they add that only a portion of his early efforts will be aimed at undoing Bush initiatives. Despite enormous pent-up Democratic frustration, Obama and his team realize they must strike a balance between undoing Bush actions and setting their own course, said Winnie Stachelberg, the center's senior vice president for external affairs. "It took eight years to get into this mess, and it will take a long time to get out of it," she said. "The next administration needs to look ahead. This transition team and the incoming administration gets that in a big way." Staff writers Juliet Eilperin, Spencer S. Hsu and Carol D. Leonnig and staff researcher Madonna Lebling contributed to this report.

That's fine. Since McCain said multiple times during the campaign that he knows how to get Bin Laden, I expect he'll share those details with the new President as soon as possible. Otherwise, I expect he'll be charged with treason for protecting an enemy of the state.

I don't feel sorry for him at all. This article says it better than anything I could write myself: He made his bed and now he's sleeping in it. He made these choices. I'm not sure the McCain of 2000 isn't completely gone. Odd things happen to people as they age. Although, I found out my grandmother was happy about Obama! I'm so proud of her! My aunt who lives with her said "She's not a liberal but she's a Chicago Democrat and she's sick of what the Republicans have done to this country." Bravo Grandma! John McCain could learn a thing or two from her about aging gracefully.

1.) George W. Bush lost this election for McCain. Sure, McCain made errors along the way. Examples: Saying the economy was fundamentally sound the day before it completely cratered; picking Sarah Palin; and "suspending his campaign" were all big blunders, among others. But this election wasn't really won or lost on those snafus. People saw through the bullshit and knew deep down we couldn't live with another 4 years of these bad Bush policies. 2.) The American People have rejected Republicanism roundly. At least the modern version of it. It's time for fiscal conservatives to wrestle back control over that party. Social conservatism, blending of religion and politics, isn't an effective way to run our government. Separation of church and state needs to become a plank in the Republican Party. If it isn't, Republicans will continue to see their party shrink and become a regional, rural, mostly racist, southern party only. Look at the map. The West and Northwest are rejecting this brand of Republicanism already and Democrats are forging into territories even I have a hard time believing. Sarah Palin must be marginalized immediately. If she takes control of the Party of Lincoln, Republicans will be worse off in the short and long run. 3.) Dirty politics didn't work. Pennsylvania saw the worst of all the "Obama = Terrorist" ads. Absolutely disgusting stuff. And he won by 600,000 votes there. Liz Dole went deep into the mud for the N. Carolina Senate seat and... she got her ass kicked. People have rejected this slime. Let's hope politicians get the memo. Issues based campaigns about what YOU stand for, not how terrible the other guy is, will win the day most of the time, going forward. Karl Rove's brand of politics took a huge beating yesterday. Bravo! 4.) As predicted, McCain proved himself last night. In a good way and a bad. The man that gave the concession speech about civil rights and people taking pride in Obama's election was the John McCain we all knew from the year 2000 and earlier. It's unfortunate that this speech also proved what a hypocrite he was during the election. If Obama was a "terrorist commie" yesterday morning, he wasn't an honorable, good man by the evening!!! In other words, all that slime he and Sarah Palin were spewing, for months, red meat for dopes like Drunk Bomber, it was all bullshit. It was him saying basically anything and everything he needed to say in order that he get elected. It failed. It's pathetic and I hope future candidates see how you can handle yourself with grace, run an honorable campaign, and still win, like Obama did. 5.) The Dems not getting to 60 in the Senate is a GREAT thing. We've had enough or arrogant governing. I've always believed Obama will govern from the center and now that will be proven (or disproven if I'm wrong.) There are enough moderate Republicans, I hope, in the Senate, to forge a coalition to get things done. I know for sure, after the Republicans have gotten their asses kicked in two straight elections, they know well that the American People won't stand for pure obstructionism. I expect Obama will appoint a very bipartisan and diverse cabinet and he'll find ways to work with Congress that the current President could not. This isn't meant to be gloating. I'm VERY happy about the results yesterday but I see it as an opportunity to accomplish great things, nothing more. If this devolves into the same partisan circle-jerk we've seen for decades now, we're all doomed..

Even Joe the "Plumber" is proud of Drunk Bomber today.

God bless America!

I guess that's why he's got the word "Duh" right in his title. Duh coach! I still love the guy and will buy his products and go to his restaurant, etc. He's good man, regardless of his politics.

I agree. But Rex also needs to get over the "trying to be a hero" thing and take the shorter stuff. Damn man, how many times did he have a first down and decide instead to go deep only to miss his receiver by 5 yards? It was like he wanted to win his job back with the half of football he had available to him. That said, I'm glad we were playing the Lions today. We could've beaten them with Urlacher at QB.

Both are very cool.

Lamest thread ever.

A Canadian comedy duo called The Masked Avengers from CKOI 96.9 FM in Montreal, Quebec pranked Sarah Palin, convincing her (and her team) they were receiving a call from French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Dan Quayle wasn't even this gullible!

OH NOOOOOOOEEESSSSS!!!! The Obama campaign gleefully sends over an announcement of a major endorsement.... for John McCain... by Dick Cheney. "In three days we'll choose a new steward for the presidency and begin a new chapter in our history," the Vice President said Saturday morning. "It's the biggest decision that we make together as Americans. A lot turns on the outcome. I believe the right leader for this moment in history is Senator John McCain." This isn't, perhaps, the story that McCain headquarters wants in the news, though the press is undoubtedly going to play it up. Cheney is, after all, the Vice President. If there was one GOP official less liked than George Bush it is Cheney. His popularity remains only among the rabidly conservative base who - a year ago - chanted "four more years" when he spoke at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference in Washington D.C. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111111 HEY DICK, HOW'S YOUR HALIBURTON STOCK DOING?!?!?!

There's that projection thing, again.

You really are THAT dumb. Wow.

I've got a number of friends who were in Iraq as well. One who is voting for McCain who point blank told me he was disappointed in the Republican's support for veterans but he couldn't bring himself to vote for a Democrat. We agreed to disagree. He's a patriot and volunteered. He served through various forms of enlistment over time and when it came time for him to retire to the private sector, before this whole stop loss thing started, he was denied his legal rights to come home. He literally had to sue his way out. But, he's still with the Republicans so you've got that going for your side. He's a great guy. I have another friend in Texas who's been back to Iraq so many times I've lost count. His comment to me that will live on forever... We're lighting up so many friendly's here we'll never win their hearts and minds. Now, I admit, this was before the "surge" so things could've changed. I haven't spoken with him in a while. I've seen polling and other evidence that suggests the boots on the ground are looking forward to an Obama Presidency. I disagree with you, based on the things I mention above and lots of other things that we're manufacturing friends over there. And I know most Republicans like to blame Clinton for pretty much everything so I understand your comment about him. I know ACORN, Clinton and Carter created the current financial crisis. Those are things Fox News tells us every day. All BS if you ask me. 9/11 wouldn't have happened if W. hadn't taken a month and an half long vacation while his national security team was running around with their "hair on fire". But I refuse to re-argue the Kerry election talking points. Your team has had 8 years and the evidence is in. You're right, it's a dangerous world. That's why I want the smartest guy running things. We tried it the other way and... well...

OK, so my last word on the election wasn't my last word... But this is HUGE! Even Reaganites are behind Obama! http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/...endorses-obama/ (CNN) — Former Reagan chief of staff Ken Duberstein told CNN's Fareed Zakaria this week he intends to vote for Democrat Barack Obama on Tuesday. Duberstein said he was influenced by another prominent Reagan official - Colin Powell - in his decision. "Well let's put it this way - I think Colin Powell's decision is in fact the good housekeeping seal of approval on Barack Obama." Powell served as national security advisor to Reagan during Duberstein's tenure as chief of staff.

I'll leave the "getting along" part to you. I'll stay on offense until Tuesday. CHARGE!!!!

I think this is older news. I'm pretty sure Lovie mentioned this a few weeks ago too. And as of right this minute, I don't need any of your wealth. I'm doing fine. But if you're a millionaire, I won't mind your top tax rate going up 3% to help pay back the American People for the massive give-away to the weatlhy we've seen over the last 8 years. That top rate, by the way, the same as under Clinton and Reagan, to my knowledge. I guess they were "commies" too.

You betcha!

And I've already said I don't suffer fools very well. So there's that. Sorry man, I can't sit back and let chumps like this ruin the next 4 to 8 years for my country and my son. I want someone in office who doesn't deliberately manufacture a war for my kid to die in. I want someone with an eye toward future technologies and who creates jobs in this country through innovation, so my son can have the opportunities I've had. And when someone comes in here and spews Sean Hannity / Rush Limbaugh talking points into threads and then has the audacity to claim "he's learned by having his eyes open" when he hasn't even taken the time to educate himself and develop an authentic opinion of his own... Yeah, I get a little nutty. These people have very nearly destroyed our country and they don't deserve my respect. They're a nation of DITTOHEADS parroting the party line. They're sheep being led by corporate interests bought and paid for by lobbyists. There isn't anyone in this country making less than $200,000 who if they voted their own best interest should vote for McCain. That means Obama would win by 90% at the polls. But they've been fooled for years! What actually got better under Bush? Point proven. On the other hand, I've been quoting endorsements from respected Republicans. I've noted many times that I have a real respect for fiscal conservatives. But that isn't today's Republican Party! I've been posting links to Obama's actual agenda so people can make an educated decision, not crap from some spin site like Junior here has with BarkingMadCowSomething.com. I mean, compared to them, DrudgeReport is the New York FRICKEN Times!

Who in god's name watches MTV anymore? If I watched a music video channel, which I don't, I'm probably more the age group for VH1. Isn't MTV all stupid reality TV now anyway? Here's the deal Skippy, you haven't learned shit by "keeping your eyes open." You're all buffoonery like your idol Joe "the unlicensed plumber" and nothing more. Only he's getting his 15 minutes and you... You're the one that made the bold prediction and now you haven't got the nads to hang in there. How's that make you feel, knowing you're turning tail like this? I mean, if your man wins, I'm sure you'll be chirping. Connor has already exposed you. In my book, you won't have a right to chirp if McCain wins. See son, the time for bravery isn't when the soldiers in front of you have already wiped out the enemy. Maybe with a little more growing up and a few more hard times, you'll understand why those that are hurting in this economy and those that want to help them, like me, aren't seeing things the way you do. So... Here's a direct question for you I bet you won't answer: Did you vote for Bush twice and are you proud of what he's accomplished?

Hence why I said: But I do think it's funny as hell you're shaking in your boots. PS. Connor has more class in his pinkie than you have in your entire family tree.

Things in the polls look good. But I have little faith. I have almost no faith in an electorate and an electoral process that twice sent George W. Bush to the White House. I fear what the election of John McCain will mean to this country. I can't imagine four more years of ineffective governance. But, as you know, I see things differently than some others here. I have no intention of gloating or sulking on Wednesday. Regardless of the way this goes, all we can do is move ahead. If McCain wins, I hope the John McCain of 2000 re-emerges. This country deserves at least that. If Obama wins, I pray he's as smart and as energized as he's convinced me he is. We need every bit of the campaign enthusiasm to be transferred directly into policy and action in our government. There's no time for petty grave-dancing. May the best man... and our country, win.

Dude, you're the gawd damn voice of reason here!