This morning’s editorial cartoon in the Arizona Republic showed the new president’s desk in the West Wing of the White House inundated with suggestions for things to do during your administration. I would like to add to the pile by suggesting we make a bet on the upcoming Super Bowl (more political stuff to follow).
It’s in the public record that you favor the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Arizona Cardinals. Well, sir, as a resident of Arizona, I say you’ve picked the wrong team in this game on Sunday.
I know why you picked the Steelers, by the way, and it has nothing to do with the players, coaches, and game plans. You won Pennsylvania and lost in Arizona to home state favorite John McCain. So, you want to win once more over the old man of politics.
However, I thought maybe you might want to change your mind. Aferall, the Steelers are a huge part of the old ways of playing football while the Cardinals are the new way and in the past two years have embraced change, a clarion call of yours during the presidential election. The Cardinals started their change with a new coach just last season who isn’t afraid to think outside the box. He brought in new players for the heart of the offense, the offensive linemen. He brought in new rookies for the defense who bought into his defensive schemes. Together, the two units made change happen in Arizona.
So, while football is only a boys’ game that men get paid to play, there can be some lessons learned for politics through sports. One is, change is not only possible but a good thing. Two, new people can really make a difference in the outcome. Three, being willing to try new thinking, good results can happen. Sound familiar, Mr. President?
Best wishes to you, Mr. President, in the game of your life and the life of the United States of America. Go Cardinals!
The BackChannel Blog 
thanks for the smile and the levity my friend! Well done…..I wonder if he would make a best with you?
Morning peeps,
Could someone explain to me what the hell eprof is talking about, Cardinals, Steelers, Super Bowl?
🙂
Well Brian, it involves chips, chili, and hotdogs…..oh! and a lot of people drinking beer and sitting on tailgates…. Ok? 😉
….there’s also a special group who get to dress up in really funny outfits….they get kind of scary, so maybe Halloween is mixed up with Superbowl
Well I’m not a beer drinker, and not really fond of sitting on tailgates, guess that leaves me out!
I don’t know for sure yet, but you can bet I’m gonna be doing sliders and such.
Wait…is it this weekend?
You’re asking me?
😆
Sheila – Sunday
eprof2,
nice work. made me smile. I too am thinking the Cards. Mostly for the NFC relationship.
thanks Doots…..Maybe they are going to the club….cool
No, it’s not the weekend, but I had to give the president at least a day or two to take me up on any bet he proposes. Are you listening Mr. President?
RNC Chair Candidate Steele Attacked By Social Conservative
The letter, written by James Bopp Jr., an Indiana Republican and counsel at the National Right to Life Committee, was sent to RNC Conservative Steering Committee members just days before the RNC members vote on the next head of the committee. In a missive of over 2,500 words, Bopp picks apart Steele’s previous work on the Republican Leadership Council — a centrist organization — and makes the argument that it is disqualifying for his candidacy.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/rnc-chair-candidate-steel_n_161165.html
eprof why don’t you text him on his blackberry?
Great post eprof2. I’m reminded of the saying: sports doesn’t build character, it reveals it. Same could be said of politics 😉
Do you have his number?
Yes, but I’m not allowed to give it out, sorry pal.
Obama Signals New Tone in Relations With Islamic World
If you didn’t see this interview you should, Obama was brilliant in it, making mention of the fact that he has Muslim family members was extremely clever.
No wonder its so cold. Its 50 here in the desert and its going to get up to a whopping 63.
…I’m so glad I’m here….
Spare us Sheila!
It’s 5F here. Didn’t get out of the teens yesterday.
There are two kinds of people who watch the Superbowl: those who watch for the game, and those who watch for the creative commercials.
The hype has already started.
BTW, Obama will be interviewed on during the pre-game.
…I hate to say it, I haven’t enjoyed the commercials in the last 10 years..
I’ll flip back and forth this Sunday 🙂 Ya…thats the ticket!
Sen. Boxer just said on MSNBC regarding the stimulus package and the repugs, “we want them on board, but we’ll do it without them if we have to” You go girl!
Meant to say Obama will be interviewed on NBC during the pre-game.
This president is presidential, not your average guy
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2009/01/27/this_president_is_presidential_not_your_average_guy/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+–+2008+campaign+news
I was just watching boxer…..how sensible and calming she came across…
I want all of this to work, of course, because of saving our collective behinds. But also to once and for all, put to rest the idea that these neanderthals know how to economise.
Way to go Eprof2 – outstanding deduction as to why he picked the Steelers. Here’s hoping this will be a BIG mistake for him – have you purchased all your Cardinal gear yet?
Obama Officials Tells Citibank To Ditch Plans For $50 Million Private Jet
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/obama-officials-tells-cit_n_161202.html
eprof: with your permission, I would like to put the text and link to your post today on John Cole’s Balloon Juice blog. JC is an avid Steelers fans (his parents’ new Jack Russell pups and JC’s obese cat sport Steelers collars).
Plus Balloon Juice is centrist/slightly right of center, with dozens of highly intelligent commenters.
Think JC would enjoy reading your post, and maybe some Juicers will visit BC blog, since we’re somewhat kindred spirits. (Our blog might skew slightly more liberal.)
May I do so?
Here’s Juice link. It’s a favorite blog, although I have not had much time to read it lately.
Here’s a link to the puppies in action; think they’re wearing Steelers collars.
http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=15525
Obviously, if you want to bring up the current day’s link, stop at .com
I love JC’s categories for various posts: assholes, clown shoes, etc.
Bev: we’ve got a winter wonderland outside today. Might get 4 inches, which is a blizzard for this southern state.
Took some beautiful pics of upstate New York with fresh snow previous weekend.
Will share them soon. Snapped them with you and your warm dry weather in mind!!
Where’s nanny!! Miss her. Wondering if her power might be out, or if she is chaperoning a ski trip in an actual blizzard.
bev, the wife bought two tee shirts with Super Bowl stuff on them. I’ll also be wearing my “Phoenix Cardinals” sweat shirt so people won’t think of me as a late-comer to the big show. Yes, the Arizona Cardinals were originally the Phoenix Cardinals when they came out here in 1988.
dnd, sure, send over the link to ballon juice. Let’s see what kind of reaction we’ll get out of him.
Sorry, dog’s eye, that was you asking for permission. You, and all others, can send this post wherever you like. I don’t copyright any of my posts here or over at my own blog. They’re just not that worthy!
dnd, you can send it wherever you like too. Are Bronco fans up there in Denver supporting the Steelers as an AFC team?
AP story with update on Bill Richardson.
Big Dreams Over, NM Gov Back to Nitty-Gritty
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/01/27/us/AP-Richardsons-Return.html
Interesting post, eprof2. Like Brian I’m not a football fan. I’ll be right here at my PC while hubby watches the game. If he’s nice to me, I’ll make the snacks. LOL
Sheila, I just got a chance to read your post from yesterday. It is a touching tale of all that is wrong today. I hope you will either be able to find a buyer or get a loan modification that will allow you to avoid foreclosure. It is unconscionable that you and so many like you are in this predicament while banks redecorate and buy new jets.
Dog’s Eye, no blackout or blizzard, although we are expecting a storm tonight and tomorrow. Spent much of the day with my ophthalmologist yesterday. Tests, tests, and more tests. By the end of the day my eyes ached so much I could barely keep them open never mind read. Thank the Lord that is over for another year!!!
dnd, did you say teens? Why that’s a freakin HEAT WAVE!
I woke up to -29 yesterday. Today is good though, single digits and sunny.
You and me nanny, we can have our own version of a super bowl party!
eprof2 – I haven’t bought any yet. I’ll definitely get one when they win! Did you see the article in the AZ Rep about what would have happened it the East Valley had built the stadium 10 years ago like so many wanted? Too bad so many people voted against it. Oh well, I have memories. I volunteered when the Super Bowl XXX was held as ASU stadium. Lots of fun!
My hubby and I are both AZ natives, so we knew about the Phx Cards. We even drove to Flagstaff the first year Bugel was coach to watch them practice.
I suggested a bet with Steve (killerdognasty) on the blog since he said he was a devoted Steeler’s fan. I bet a jar of Goldwater’s salsa – we’ll see if he comes up with anything since he lives in Georgia. All in fun.
Works for me, Brian!
I’ll bring the males strippers, you bring the munchies.
Maybe I’ll catch a plane and come to your party!
and bring you son and his partner too Bev
Sounds better by the minute!
What is wrong with John Boehner and the House repugs? Do they think it’s wise to announce that they will oppose the economic stimulus plan BEFORE their meeting with Obama today? Is this their idea of bipartisanship? Of working together to solve this crisis?
Why on God’s green earth does anyone listen to these buffoons? They are responsible for getting us into this mess. And STILL their ONLY answer is MORE tax cuts??? Someone needs to just pull the plug here and announce that Dems can’t deal with repugs until they get serious and accept that tax cuts are not going to get us out of this recession. They never were and never will be the answer to what ails us. Channeling Reagan, someone needs to tell them, “Tax cuts are not the solution. Tax cuts are the problem.”
He’s on TV right now singing a different tune! LOL
Nah, they would pass – probably have their own party to attend.
The Author John Updike Has Died at 76
John Updike, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, has died at
76, according to his publisher.
Bob Herbert makes the point far better than I in his column today.
What’s up with the Republicans? Have they no sense that their policies have sent the country hurtling down the road to ruin? Are they so divorced from reality that in their delusionary state they honestly believe we need more of their tax cuts for the rich and their other forms of plutocratic irresponsibility, the very things that got us to this deplorable state?
Nanny they are still trying to use the word liberal as some form of grand insult. They truly are unable to see the forest for the trees!
If you like dogs and aren’t into the Super Bowl on Sunday, I have a suggestion. “Puppy Bowl V” is being broadcast on Animal Planet at the same time as the SB. If you’ve never seen it, it’s hysterical. Give it a try during lame commercials.
Sounds fun Bev, thanks for the tip, I love animal planet.
SarahPAC: Palin Sets Up Political Action Committee… In Virginia
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin launched a political action committee on Tuesday, a move meant to secure firmer roots within the Republican community but one that will undoubtedly spur talk of another run for national office.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/sarahpac-palin-sets-up-po_n_161293.html
http://www.sarahpac.com/
Sarah Palin’s Official PAC
Dedicated to building America’s future, supporting fresh ideas and candidates who share our vision for reform and innovation.
SarahPAC believes America’s best days are ahead. Our country, founded on conservative principles and the fight for freedom, must confront the challenges of the 21st century with integrity, innovation, and determination.
SarahPAC believes energy independence is a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves.
SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of an historic renaissance that will build a better future for all. Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals. Join us today!
Ok, everyone who spit out their coffee after reading my last two posts raise your hand!
eprof2,
Most Bronco fans here are still too baffled about Shanahan’s firing to care much about who to root for.
“SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of an historic renaissance that will build a better future for all. Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals. Join us today!”
Sounds like they stole that from Obama.
After having one of the most incompetent presidents in history, it’s amazing that anyone would want to promote someone who can only charitably be described as a “bimbo.”
I think the boner and Mitch McChinless just feel their lust for minority leadership would be diminished were they see as bipartisan.
do mention SarahPAC on Trail Mix. She’s got some supporters there.
Oh I signed up for her mailing list, I wouldn’t miss it!
me too! gotta keep an eye on the competition. 😀
Brian, I not only spit out my coffee but I damn near gagged to death reading about SarahPAC. The woman has gall and we haven’t seen the last of her on the national scene.
It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it?
Oh please let her get the nomination! Just imagine her and Obama debating, priceless!
Wow, Bev, even a trip to Flagstaff to see the Cards way back when? Now, that’s dedication. Glendale won out over both Tempe and the Gila River location for the new stadium. I supported the Gila River location as another Native enterprise. I still laugh at the naming rights, University of Phoenix, on the stadium even though UoP doesn’t field any sports teams much less football.
No, I haven’t heard from the president on a potential bet yet.
That gal has more baggage than a cruise ship…
LOL @ dnd!
dnd, you must certainly get the line of the day award with “that gal has more baggage than a cruise ship.” LOL!
And only a sexist would refer to her as a “gal”.
👿
Maybe SarahPAC is why her and her family’s donor bought wardrobe hasn’t been given to charity like they promised and is reportedly squirreled away in some undisclosed RNC location.
I just call her a moron. Or Moose Mouth.
LOL@dnd. You are on a roll today, my dear.!
I wonder why they didn’t use this picture of the gov.:
Brian, all women in Colorado under the age of 90 are referred to as “gals.” It’s politically incorrect to do otherwise 😉
What do you call the ones over the age of 90?
My guess is that SarahPAC is predominantly being funded by oil & gas companies who want to drill in AK. Either that or SNL 😉
SNL!
Hey, maybe Brian has the right idea, If Palin were to become the GOP nominee in 2012, watching her and Obama debate, not to mention all the new SNL skits, would be awesome entertainment. Maybe we should all contribute to her PAC. 👿
Bailout Recipients Hosted Call To Defeat Key Labor Bill
Three days after receiving $25 billion in federal bailout funds, Bank of America Corp. hosted a conference call with conservative activists and business officials to organize opposition to the U.S. labor community’s top legislative priority.
Participants on the October 17 call — including at least one representative from another bailout recipient, AIG — were urged to persuade their clients to send “large contributions” to groups working against the Employee Free Trade Act (EFCA), as well as to vulnerable Senate Republicans, who could help block passage of the bill.
“This is the demise of a civilization,” said Marcus. “This is how a civilization disappears. I am sitting here as an elder statesman and I’m watching this happen and I don’t believe it.”
Donations of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars to Republican senatorial campaigns were needed, they argued, to prevent America from turning “into France.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/bank-of-america-hosted-an_n_161248.html
You first nanny, I’ll match your donation!
France would be nice!
The right’s obsession with France is down right weird. And yes, France would be nice.
I did a who.is domain name lookup on sarahpac.com. It’s registered by “Campaign Solutions” whoever they are. They also own sarahpac.net and sarahpac.org.
Good to know they have covered all bases!
You’re on, Brian. As soon as I make that donation, you’ll be the first to know. 😉
I’m not going to hold my breath!
Good idea!
The House is discussing the Lily Ledbetter wage discrimination act now.
That seems to have been a particularly boneheaded Supreme Court decision.
C-Span 1 now.
Dallas man files Texas’ 1st same-sex divorce case
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_10498.php
Do you think it’s occurred to Rush that having him in the forefront of the conservative movement is in Obama’s best interest?
Mike Pense and John Ensign on Hardball complaining the “Democrat party” in congress is not listening to the President’s message of bipartisanship WRT to the stimulus bill. Oh, NOW they want bipartisanship.
p.s., calling the Democratic party the “Democrat party” is either a sign of disrespect or ignorance. I never attribute to malice what can be ascribed to ignorance, so I’ll assume the latter. Or maybe they just listen to Rush Limbaugh, which would then indicate both…
Do you think the GOPers on the hill have any idea just how bad they are coming off. downright peevish.
it is a mystery. Perhaps some are playing to their own safe districts.
Lardass had an interesting comment yesterday, how there is upwards of 40% a chance the eventual stimulus programs will not work; that perhaps the GOP is playing to that chance.
Still, they do look like less educated Herbert Hoovers, don’t they?
Did anybody read much of John Updike? I did not, but liked what short stories, etc. I saw. He wrote so well.
I wasn’t a great fan to be honest dog.
He might have been a tiny bit before our time. Wondering if he will be the Dickens of 1950s/60s lit.
Jayne Anne Phillips has a new book out, Lark and Termite. I think Machine Dreams — from 1984? — is one of my favorite books ever. Might be time to reread it and do a blogpost.
Esquire published, in its annual fiction issue, maybe 1985, an outtake from the novel that stood by itself as a really lovely and evocative story.
Here’s what I don’t understand about the GOP’s smackdown on the dems stimulus plan and by inference, though they are tap dancing around this, the President. It’s not just Democrats that are losing their jobs. Focusing solely on business tax breaks as a means to jobs creation is faulty economics, and must be viewed as obstructionist by all who are out of work or who have their jobs in jeopardy.
The Democrats aren’t completely without guilt, but if these people don’t get busy working together for a solution, they’re all gonna be looking for work after the next election. Out of work people have plenty of time to vote…
It’s the knee jerk quality to their statements that bother me.
it’s an insane strategy, if it can be called that, to be sure.
Most of the nitwits in congress know nothing about economics. But they do have a good feel for their own self interests. Obama has assembled probably the greatest economic team ever.
So my suggestion to Obama is to have his team come up with a plan then sit down with the congressional players, and in a way a 6th grader could understand explain the plan, and most importantly why it will benefit all of them.
Wait till they start whining about him giving his first interview to an arab tv station!
This model is anorexic looking. Attractive face, but this is beyond slender.
LATimes fashion spread; check out this woman’s arms and shoulders.
For shame.
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-notebook25-2009jan25,0,807247.story
Wow……this has been most entertaining thread!
lol 😆 Sorry I missed it!
Yes, we’ve been chatty today! It’s been the effect of eProf’s thread!
RNC Chair Candidate Chip Saltsman Unapologetic For Sending Around “Barack The Magic Negro” Song (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/rnc-chair-candidate-chip_n_161383.html
House GOP member to Rush: Back off
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18049.html
Prof and Bev
Check out the icon. Thats the sybol of 5 Super Bowl Championships. There’s going to be a 6th.
The Cardinals have never even SEEN a Lombardi trophy.
If this Cardinal stuff keeps up I am going to turn this board into a GORDO-fest. Its going to look like TM in here. It will be WAR!!!!!
Politics is one thing…football is serious business.
🙂
I’m very pleased with Obama’s willingness to LISTEN to both sides in the latest Israeli-Palestinian madness. I think George Mitchell is the right guy to send over there.
The Chip Saltsman thing—they still dont get it do they? Can the GOP take big losses in the next elections? History says they can go a lot lower in numbers. I hope to see it happen.
dnd: I’m with you. I dont understand why the GOP continues the slash and burn stuff even as the President extends his hand to work with them. In the mid-70’s and at times before, they always managed to get some of what they wanted in budgest. thats going back to the old Mike Mansfield and Gerald Ford days.
Nan
Your 2:30 PM remarks
I believe Palin would be an easy win for the Democrats but she isnt smart enough to go low profile for a while. She reminds me a bit of Zsa Zsa Gabor.
Last message-
Sheila
Send me a recipe for roasted bird
There’s going to be 53 dead Cardinals come Sunday night at 10 PM EST.
Sheila cannot SLEEP! ;(
LOL I’ll send a marinade (A La Pickled) too
Oops: ‘Friendly’ Coleman Witnesses Backfire
On the second day of the Minnesota election trial, Norm Coleman’s team had a select group of rejected absentee voters to call as witnesses.
And everything was going fine — that is, until two of the Coleman witnesses admitted to serious problems with their ballots.
From TPM
Gibbs: We’re Mulling Rove Subpoena
By Zachary Roth – January 27, 2009, 4:21PM
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was just asked at a briefing about Congress’s subpoena, issued yesterday to Karl Rove, seeking his testimony on the US Attorneys firings.
Gibbs replied that the White House counsel’s office “is studying those issues and will advise us when they have a recommendation.”
As we reported earlier, the ball is now largely in President Obama’s court as to whether Rove can continue to defy Congress’s subpoena.
We’ll keep you posted.
Senator Sherod Brown…..who dresses him and who does his hair? he looks like a throw back to the 70’s
This might be live footage from the Bocuse D’Or cooking competition.
Brush up on your French!
http://sirha.get-live.tv/evenement/Bocuse-dOr/1
OK, we’ve got the fish plate from Canada up.
Voila la plate poisson du Canade…
I am hoping seriously I did not just hear some commentary about le mongoose.
Team USA just presented a plate.
Morning peeps
Regardez le poisson, Brian.
Mexico’s fish dish has a mini Aztec temple in glass adorning the platter.
France had a snow globe looking center to their plate.
Relief Seen for Jobless and States in Health Care Plan
With little notice and no public hearings, House Democrats would create a temporary new entitlement allowing workers getting unemployment checks to qualify for Medicaid, the health program for low-income people. Spouses and children could also receive benefits, no matter how much money the family had.
NEW THREAD
les truffles Perigord.
French is such a perfect language for cuisine. Say that in Korean, eh?