Are people really this afraid?

On September 8, President Obama is scheduled to directly address students at school. According to the Department of Education:

During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation’s children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.

This sounds like a good thing, right? Not to some people, apparently. These people are organizing a "Keep Your Kid Home From School" Day on the day of the address as a protest against the President's message of staying in school and working hard to achieve your goals. They're calling it "the beginning of the Socialist Indoctrination of Americas (sic) children". Sigh. Really? Why must everything be politicized? Can't the President of the United States convey an important and simple message to our nation's children with him having some sinister ulterior motive?

Are people really that afraid of him? My dislike of GWB was all-consuming, but I know that I would have had absolutely no objection to him delivering a similar address to kids.

You can read a copy of an e-mail that has been circulating over at Daily KOS, and some commentary on the subject at CNN.

This crap gives me a stomach ache.

What the?

Did you see this? Really? They want him fired??

This "Fire David Letterman" campaign seems to be the work of someone named Michael Patrick Leahy, a self-described "Conservative Radical" who is getting ready to launch his "Bill of Federalism Debates Tour" on July 23 and his "Conservative Radical University", which his website says offers "certification and training in conservative radical techniques for political activists," on July 26. Uh-huh.

I've been away for a few days and so I missed the Letterman/Palin hubbub and haven't had the chance to form an opinion about it yet, but I really can't help but wonder if perhaps Mr. Leahy could really use some free publicity right about now.

A reflective, thoughtful President.

I can't explain it, but he makes me feel safer than I ever did during the entire Bush administration.

Found Him!

You know how I was just wondering where George Bush disappeared to? I found him.

He's been in Canada.

George W. Bush takes on his most daunting challenge yet: his own legacy:

He swaggers onto the stage of the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, looking as psyched and proud as the day of “Mission Accomplished.” He’s wearing a blue suit, American-flag pin, green tie—a tanned and fit 62-year-old version of the Yale frat boy they used to call “Gin and Tonic.”

For a man whose approval rating was among the lowest of any president upon leaving office, whose appearance at the inauguration of his successor was booed by many in the crowd, who, just a few nights before, was lampooned by the comedian Will Ferrell in an enthusiastically reviewed HBO special (You’re Welcome America), which even made light of the size of his manhood, George W. Bush shows no signs of concern, regret, or wear and tear. He’s relaxed and smiling, seemingly at peace with the world, which, some would argue, he left so much worse off.

At the sight of him, this Canada oil-country crowd jumps to its feet, erupting in thunderous applause. Here in Calgary, Bush is widely thought to be underappreciated and unfairly judged.

In my opinion, if Mr. Bush really wants to preserve his legacy, the best way to do that is to do exactly what he failed to do for his 8 years in office: serve people. He should be championing causes and relief efforts the way former Presidents like Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and his own father do; instead he chooses to perpetuate the ongoing ideological war in Washington and surrounds himself with the usual good old boy cronies. I guess some things never change.

Um, where's 'W'?

Cheney Expresses Concern Over Economy, New Administration's Terrorism Approach

First 100 Days: Cheney vs. Obama

Cheney hints waterboarding prevented terrorist attack on Los Angeles

Clinton says Cheney not a "reliable source"

Cheney enters 'torture' memos row

Dick Cheney: Showdown with Obama

It appears he may have finally found a brain cell and is keeping his mouth shut. I can smell the flop sweat from here.

People actually notice this stuff?

"Michelle Obama Goes Sleeveless, Again"

That is actually the subject of a post in a New York Times political blog. That Michelle Obama has great arms and likes to show them off? And they make it sound like a criticism. What is wrong with that blogger?

I have to say, however, that the stupid article was worth this fantastic comment by someone named "TJ":

It’s enshrined in the second amendment that Michelle Obama has the right to bare arms.

Ha! Good one!

poll by twiigs.com

Moments from Yesterday.

I just wanted to share with you some of the images from yesterday's festivities that I really liked.  All pictures have been stolen borrowed from the Associated Press.  Thanks, AP!

The President and his wife share a moment on the dance floor:

I wonder what he's thinking here:

Michelle Obama was a stunner in that dress, I thought:

And here Mister Potter arrives for the ceremony:

President Obama's Inaurguration speech was inspiring, thoughtful, confident and commanding.  I was moved by not only his words, but by the effect they had on everyone watching; and by the sheer number of people (1.5 million!) who congregated on that Mall peacefully; and by the international response.

I hope all of this good will lasts longer than it usually does.

Sasha certainly approves:

Hail to the Chief

I'm not sure what I am more happy about: That Barack Obama will be our president, or that George Bush will not. I do know that I feel proud and hopeful that this really is a new beginning for us.

For more information about tomorrow's events, you can go to The Inauguration Committee website for a full schedule and links to sites where you can watch it live. We are going to have a viewing lunch party tomorrow at the office. I'm going to set up a computer in the conference room and we'll order food in and watch it live on Hulu. I'll embed the code here in case you want to bookmark it:

Live Feed Removed

Cat-like reflexes - who knew?

An Iraqi reporter acts as a conduit for 8 years of the American press' collective frustration:



It's a shame his mind isn't as quick.

I blame Linderman.

What Rahm Emanuel doesn't yet realize is that he's another long-lost Petrelli brother! He'll become aware of his true identity when, a few months from now, the stress of being Chief of Staff causes his super power to manifest itself. Hopefully it's something cool and useful, like mind-reading. And hopefully he won't take after his younger brother in the brains department.

One more thing, and I feel kind of weird saying it, but...the White House is going to be kind of a sexy place to work for the next four years. Look at these guys:



There hasn't been this much hotness in the halls of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue since, well, has there ever been?

The end of cynicism, the return of hope.

That's the case for me, at least. I have never felt really, truly good about a President, until now. Or as hopeful for our future.



Just a few thoughts about the election and then I'll leave the politics out of it for a while...

I thought that John McCain's concession speech was gracious, thoughtful and heartfelt. It's unfortunate that we didn't see more of that John McCain during the campaign. (and less of his running mate, who I hope I never have to mention here again!) I hope that when he returns to Washington he is able to mend fences with Obama and they can work together to get stuff done. If anyone knows how to work both sides of a room, it's John McCain.

I am by no means a fan of Jesse Jackson's, but I cannot deny that I was extremely moved by the sight of tears pouring down his face after it was announced that Obama had won. On his face I thought I could see joy, relief and shock at what was accomplished, grief for those who did not live to see this day and maybe even some regret over not initially supporting Obama. I can't pretend to know what he was feeling, but I can't deny that it was for real. If you're interested, there is a fantastic article at Salon about the reaction shot of Jackson from that night.

Finally, I just wanted to say how amazing it is that Lily's first President is a black man. For her, and for all of the children of her generation, this will be no big deal. And for that I am so thankful.

President Barack Obama

I am very proud of my country tonight. Very proud.

If you do nothing else today, please make sure you VOTE!

I effin' LOVE the Internet sometimes.

http://view.break.com/592648 - Watch more free videos

A message from Opie, Andy, Richie and The Fonz.

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

So you think your vote doesn't count?

Look at what could happen if I don't:

Sorry, I had to take the video down because it would load automatically and I know how annoying that is!

Caught on Tape!

A woman stealing an Obama sign:



OK, how pathetic is that?? For all of you McCain supporters out there, it would be just as pathetic if it was someone stealing a McCain sign. And in the interest of equal time, if someone is caught on tape doing just that, I will make sure it gets posted here!

I love how she tries to be all nonchalant about it, tying her shoes and all. Like someone is going to stop their car and get out in order to tie their shoes. Someone should dub in some "don't mind me, just mindin' my own business" whistling - it would be perfect!

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program for this important political message.

While I've got your attention...I found this great site that has downloadable PDF Obama/Biden signs that are free. If you're an Obama supporter, this is a great way to spread the word. I downloaded a couple, brought them to a copy store and had a bunch printed up today. I can't wait to hang them up!

If the world could vote.

If the entire world could vote for President of the United States, who would win the coming election?



What I'd like to know: Why is McCain so popular in Macedonia and Burkina Faso? Ha!

Go to iftheworldcouldvote.com to cast your ballot.

Palin's SNL Report Card

I cannot sit through an entire SNL show (I laugh more at the dentist than I do when I watch this show), so I am really not one to judge, but I will anyway.

I thought Governor Palin, while not the most engaging or funny guest, was at the very least a good sport for appearing on the show Saturday night. Personally, I think she was much funnier dancing along to Amy Poehler's Palin Rap than she was in the show's cold opening. Here, judge for yourself:





How you feel Eskimos? ICE COLD!