August 23, 2006

8/23: Where Nothing Ever Dies

One of the problems Debunking 9/11 Myths: Why Conspiracy Theories Can't Stand Up to the Facts authors David Dunbar and Brad Reaganidentified when refuting 9/11 conspiracies on the internet is that once posted on the internet, stories keep returning in different places no matter how many times they are refuted. The Blogometer's top two stories 8/23 share a similar theme. "Macaca" may or may not have been as big a story without blogger help, but Sen. George Allen (R-VA) campaign manager Dick Wadhams gave bloggers fodder for at least one more day with the leak of a memo on a "tough week" that began with Allen's 8/11 macaca statement. Also on that day, a conference call between Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Iraq war veteran Patrick Murphy (D-PA) turned ugly twice when; first it was crashed by Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) CoS Mike Conallen and now audio posted by bloggers has surfaced of a contentious exchange between Kerry and The Hill reporter Jonathan Kaplan. The fall out from the second exchange has been limited so far, but the Blogometer doesn't expect the issue to die anytime soon.

BLOGGERS VS. MSM: That Must've Been Some Conference Call

The highlight reel from 8/11's conference call between Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Iraq war veteran Patrick Murphy (D-PA) continues to grow with the release of more confrontational audio, this time between Kerry and The Hill reporter Jonathan Kaplan. The latest excitement began when Kaplan asked Murphy: "Do you think Ned Lamont's victory in Connecticut hurts or helps your chances of defeating the GOP incumbent?" Not satisfied with Murphy response Kaplan pushed the question again and after Murphy answered Kerry lectured Kaplan that the press: ""should not allow them [the GOP] to be able to try to transform failure into an offensive policy to suggest that someone is weak because they have an alternative that works."

Kaplan was not amused by Kerry's tone and shot back: "Isn't that your job not ours?" Kerry did not back down: ""We communicate through you ... We need to invite you to hold them accountable ... We speak but if it doesn't get out there, the American people don't hear it."

The fun didn't stop there. Kaplan later asked bloggers on the conference the call "Hey if you're going to blog about it and rip Fitzpatrick, why don't you rip Kerry for blaming the media for how he can't communicate with the American people." When a blogger responded "the media does not put the Kerry message out" Kaplan shot back: "Screw that and Screw him!! For Him to criticize us, it's his own fault." The call breaks down from there but Kaplan can be heard saying: "Actually i shouldn't have even said that because I'm going to get in trouble."

VA SEN: Macaca Day 9

Lefty bloggers gleefully picked up Sen. George Allen (R-VA) campaign manager Dick Wadhams' leaked campaign memo "Notes on a tough week." Reactions include:

• John in DC at AMERICAblog: "Particularly interesting is that the campaign manager claims Allen apologized to the guy he attacked. In fact, Allen has yet to talk to the student.
• Matt Stoller at MyDD: "Reading this memo, it's become clear that George Allen isn't sorry for his racist comment. Allen put out some soft words to appease those who are uncomfortable with racism, but is also allowing his campaign manager to embrace the full-throated repudiation of that fake apology. As long as Wadhams is George Allen's campaign manager, we'll know that Allen stands behind his racist quip."
• Michael Crowley at TNR: "This is a real classic of the conservative-damage-control genre. Media-bashing/conspiracism. "The race card." Name-dropping MoveOn. The only things missing are Jane Fonda and the word "chardonnay." (P.S. Truly shocking omission: blog-bashing!)"

VA SEN II: Army Officers On A Train

Todd Smyth at pro-Webb Raising Kaine reports from the metro:

"I was wearing a Webb brochure in my shirt pocket on the Metro coming home from DC to Virginia and struck up a conversation with a quiet fellow Democratic passenger. There was an army officer in front of us and we were talking softly about the drain our country is now circling and how we need people like Jim Webb in office to help stop the disaster. Eventually the Army officer turned around and asked me "Yea, but what's he gonna do about Iraq?" He said it like he just pulled it off the official GOP teletype of talking points; certain he had delivered the final word. Without even thinking, I softly blurted out: "He's gonna tell the truth." ... You could have heard a pin drop and the look on the guys face was like I just informed him there was no Santa Claus."

Also at Raising Kainephriendlyjaime wants to import the Lieberman "kiss float" idea to VA: "Think of what it could look like! George Bush and George Allen, both in cowboy boots and hats, with a big 97% sign hanging between them to show the voting record. We could put a noose on a tree on the float, and we could adorn it with confederate flags and of course, pictures of monkeys."

Raising Kaine also links to Webb's new internet ad and Webb Netroots Coordinator Lowell Feld picks up on a Hotline On Call report that Team Allen is looking to employ a conservative blogger "who can blunt future attacks and help rally conservatives in the state and elsewhere behind Allen's campaign." Feld comments: "Seems to me that Chris LaCivita and Company should be able to pick someone up at this weekend's blogger conference in Martinsville."

Conservatives also picked up on the O.C.'s item, Captain's Quarters writes: "Bloggers have to write quickly and effectively about breaking news stories, the same kinds of skills needed to succeed in political damage control. The more successful bloggers have influence with a number of other bloggers, gaining at least enough credibility for their positions for a fair hearing. ... Will a blogger help Allen recover from the "macaca" gaffe? It might be a chicken-soup solution: it certainly wouldn't hurt. In the best possible relationship, a well-connected blogger would have consulted on the response to ensure it didn't make matters worse."

CLINTON: Well It Is A Big Decision

Arianna Huffington at her own Huffington Post links to Time's Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) cover story and comments: "On top of 32 full-time employees and 10 Senate staffers partially assigned to it, Clinton's "political operation" now includes 13 political consultants. That seems like quite a bit of input for someone the article describes as "genuinely undecided" about running for president. ... But it is very much in keeping with the political profile that has emerged since Hillary transformed herself from First Lady to Presumptive Presidential Frontrunner. And that profile is unmistakably of a politician more comfortable following than leading."

EDWARDS: How Many Americas Are There?

Kate O'Beirne at National Review Online is buzy keeping an eye on John Edwards (D) so her conservative readers don't have to:

The former senator has been in Connecticut raising money for Lamont, says Lieberman should get out of the race, and all his senior aides from the '04 campaign have signed on for '08. He has campaign organizations set up in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. The Democratic party has scheduled the South Carolina primary just a week after New Hampshire in 2008. Unlike in 2004, Edwards's native state won't be sharing the spotlight with a handful of others. His political PAC's website (confusingly called "One America") offers podcasts of his conversation with Jimmy Carter and has a special appeal to "citizen journalists." His children remain adorable. John "Two Americas" Edwards, who wants to be president of both of them, is working it hard - he bears watching even if we can't bear watching.

GIULIANI: Hawkeye Doldrums

The unofficial Giuliani Blog pumps Victory Enterprises numbers showing NY mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) leading the GOP field, and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) by 13 points, among IA caucus growers.

The Caucus Cooler was less impressed: "Seriously if we have to post any more polls that have Rudy, McCain or Condi in the lead and everyone else at 3%- with maybe a Newt wildcard- we're going to die of boredom. It's all name ID. The only thing this shows you is that Rudy will a contender if he jumps in."

HAGEL: Alex Trebek Loves Him

Mark Kilmer at RedState fingers Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) as the next MSM darling:

As has been pointed out this morning, Chuck Hagel has now "officially" supplanted John McCain, at least in the eyes of this WashPost book reviewer, as the straight talkin', outsider, maverick, martyr for his belief in what's right. John McCain has been reduced to "administration booster," while Chuck Hagel has fallen out of favor with the rightwing, GOP establishment for "repeatedly challenging the Republican leadership on Capitol Hill and leveling bruising critiques of President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq and domestic policy."

ROMNEY: Will GOPers Buy Evolution Story?

Kathryn Jean Lopez at National Review Online looks at Hotline On Call reports of Campaign for Michigan Families chairman Gary Glenn recent anti-Romney fatwa and responds:

I, ahem, know a few folks partial to Romney. Among them, I don't think I know anyone who has not raised questions. For one thing, there's no denying he is a born-again pro-lifer. (I rather that direction than the other - popular with many a pol.) Do you buy his evolution or not? That's a question....
It'd be pretty silly to not question and know what you're dealing with this far out. That's in part what 2006 is for."

LANDSCAPE: How Big Of A Deal Is This?

Rob Autry at GOP pollster hangout crosstabs sees good news in USA Today/Gallup's latest numbers showing generic GOPers within two points of Dems (45%-47%) but wonders how permanent it is: "How big of a deal is this? Well, we should wait and see if other polls follow this trend, but should it hold, this is very big deal. Whether this is a temporary tilt or a more permanent shift, only time will tell. Fortunately for Republicans, Americans do change their mind."

If, however, the trend does not continue, ShopFloor.org looks at the National Association of Manufacturers vote ratings for the would be Dem committee chairs should Dems retake the house. [ed note: NAM rankings aren't kind to Dem leadership].

AZ SEN: MS 13 Ain't Exactly The Boy Scouts

Greg Sargent at TPM Cafe is not impressed with Sen. Jon Kyl's (R-AZ) newest TV ad: "GOP incumbent Senator Jon Kyl -- who's facing a challenge from Dem Jim Pederson -- equates Mexican immigration with terrorism in his latest TV ad. The whole spot is about terrorism, featuring pictures of terrorists and planes taking off. At one point, the ad's narrator says, "Jon Kyl wrote the law that now allows search and intercept of terrorists like Moussaoui." For about a second during the narration of that line, the screen presents a picture of Kyl standing near what appears to be the Mexican border -- a clear effort by the Kyl campaign to link Mexican immigration with terrorism."

CT SEN: WW III

Greg Sargent at TPM Cafe had his tape recorder on for Sen. Joe Lieberman's (I-CT) appearance on the "ultra-conservative" Glenn Beck radio show. Sargent transcribes some highlights and summarizes: "Lieberman agreed with virtually everything Beck said, and claimed he was "proud" of the conservative host. Lieberman agreed with Beck that we're in the middle of World War III. Lieberman agreed with Beck when he said that there was a risk that the "entire Middle East will be on fire." And Lieberman agreed with Beck when he said that the real reason we invaded Iraq wasn't over WMD but because we wanted to "pop the head of the snake in Iran."

ARG's latest poll showing Lieberman with a two point lead over cable exec Ned Lamont (D-CT), 44%-42%, pleased progressive bloggers. Chris Bowers at MyDD comments on the poll: "It also has too many Republicans ... I am liking our chances more and more."

Bill Cullo at GOP pollster hangout crosstabs comments on the polls undecideds: " The really interesting part of ARG's CT Statewide is the undecided voters. ARG shows the undecided portion at 11%. While Lieberman is well known and largely viewed favorably by undecided voters (57% fav/43% unfav), Lamont faces real trouble with this crowd. Specifically among the undecided voters, Lamont is pretty much a blank slate (55% i.e. 6% total) have no impression of him - how that's possible is beyond me. Still, that's a problem/opportunity certainly. However, the balance of the undecided largely views Lamont unfavorably.

MD SEN: She Said, He Said

Rachel Weiner at TPM Cafe notices something missing from LG Michael Steele's latest TV ad: "It never once mentions the GOP, whose logo is nowhere to be seen. "Instead of the spin, I'll talk straight about what's wrong in both parties," Steele says. Watch the ad here."

Leon H Wolf at RedState responds: "Of course, the fact that Steele is running against a partisan tilt of at least 15 points has nothing to do with his failure to trumpet his party affiliation at all. Nossir."

PA SEN: Santorum A New One?

DailyKos' founder Markos Moulitsas looks at a Hotline On Call (go team!) report that Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) recent rise in some polls coincided with a $5 mil ad buy while Treas. Bob Casey (D) did nothing: "Ahh, this explains Santorum's surge ...Casey's "sit on my ass" strategy at work."

Mark Kilmer at RedState picked up on kos' griping: "It is apparent that Kos has never seen Casey junior campaigning against a worthy opponent by doing something other than sitting on his junior rear. Ask current Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell about it. Casey was leading Ed in the '02 gubernatorial primary by double digits until Junior opened his mouth."

TN SEN: Is Ford Built Tough?

Following up on lefty blogger criticism of LG Michael Steele's (R-MD) non-mention of the GOP, Leon H Wolf at RedState peruses Rep. Harold Ford Jr.'s (D-09) ads and points out that Ford neglects to mention his Dem affiliation: "Ford's ads, by the way, are a study in intellectual and ideological vapidity. Tennessee is filled with conservatives first and libertarians second, so anywhere east of Jackson the ideas popular with modern Democrats (socialized medicine, abortion-on-demand, hating Bush) are the political death knell for a candidate. Accordingly, Ford has had to resort to some rather interesting campaign messages in order to say literally anything at all."

Ryan Sager at RCP Blog also links to a YouTube video of Ford "ranting against globalization."

CA GOV: Arnold Schwarzenegger: Equinologist

John J. Pixley at National Review Online looks at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) recent deal to raise the minimum wage in CA and comments: "It was a classic horse trade. Schwarzenegger agreed to a higher increase than he had offered, and Democratic leaders gave up their demand that the law index the minimum wage to inflation. ... If Democratic leaders had stonewalled on indexing, Phil Angelides would have been able to use the minimum wage issue against the governor in the fall campaign. They probably think that Schwarzenegger will win, however, so they grabbed the best deal they could."

PRIMARIES: Porker Of The Month

Few GOP tears were shed for Gov. Frank Murkowski (R-AK) defeat in the GOP primary 8/22. Kathryn Jean Lopez at National Review Online reports: "Here's what the Alaska governor is facing today, via the Washington Post.One Republican Senate staffer sending the article around today uses the subject line, "PORK DOESN'T PAY AT THE BALLOT BOX" - Frank Murkowski was Citizen Against Government Waste's "Porker of the Month" in January."

Moving south and west Greg Pollowitz at National Review Online looks at results from WY: "

In Wyoming, Republican Barbara Cubin (and the state's lone House member) won her primary 61%-39%.
Cubin will take on Democrat Gary Trauner, who has been big news in Democratic circles for some time. Howard Dean would love to pull an upset in Wyoming, as it would validate his 50 state strategy right quick. Cubin won in 2004 with only 55% of the vote and is considered vulnerable by the DNC.
Trauner is an internet entrepreneur and seems to be a tougher challenge than Cubin's 2004 opponent. He's not the usual Democrat, that's for sure. For example, when's the last time a Democrat used an image of a child shooting a rifle in their campaign material to hammer home the point that he or she is pro guns?

BLOGGERS VS. BLOGGERS: Dog Days Decline

Chris Bowers at MyDD and DailyKos' founder Markos Moulitsas celebrated National Journal Tech Daily's (go team!) detailing of conservative blogger traffic woes. Kos and Bowers both pointed out that liberal blog traffic was headed in the opposite direction. Bowers writes:

Go MyDD--way to buck the trend! Our traffic has indeed been fantastic of late. The information on the official websites is also particularly interesting. Democrats just seem to be doing better. Apart from knowing that the progressive netroots are larger and more advanced than the conservative netroots, which we already knew, I do not know if this forecasts anything. If nothing else, it is nice to se people turning away from conservative media. The more that happens the better off this country will be.

Over at RedState, Erick Erickson kicked off a 50 state right wing blogger search: "RedState gets contacted all the time by people looking for bloggers in various states. We know of a few, but we also know there are a lot more out there that we don't know about. ... RedState is going to compile a list, state by state, of the right of center political bloggers in each state. We're not going to list every blog -- just the politically oriented blogs that focus on the politics in a particular state or location within a state. ... You can see the list here.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Everybody And Nobody Can't Be Wrong

Patrick at firedoglake looks at Sen. Joe Lieberman's (I-CT) fate and authors some lessons learned for all incumbents, including these two:

• Do not speak to the voters (or on the record with media) about blogs. You may as well talk to the public about astrology or hieroglyphics. Nobody reads blogs.
• Do not talk privately to the media and pundits as if blogs don't exist, because they are all reading them. Everybody reads blogs.

LEST WE FORGET: The Literary Virgin

Ezra Klein at TAPPED isn't buying Pres. Bush's new found love for the written word:

Chalk me up as one of those skeptics who don't buy, not even for a second, the spin that George W. Bush has read more than sixty books this year (via Steve Benen). C-SPAN claims to have a partial catalog of his reading list, but none of it makes any sense. While I'm pleased Bush is trying to accrue some intellectual credibility, the boast reminds me of nothing so much as Steve Carell in The 40-Year-Old Virgin recounting how "her" breasts felt like big bags full of sand! Right guys!?

NOTES AND ERRATA: Team Hotline Needs You!

The Hotline is looking for a Virtual Intern (three hours, five days a week) to assist in daily compilation of Blogometer updates and assist on special projects. Applicants must consider themselves regular consumers of blogs, be familiar with nationally read blogs from across the spectrum; know how to use blog search engines/aggregators (such as Technorati and Memeorandum); be able to quickly analyze and synthesize developments in the news as well as summarize ongoing blog activity with brevity, clarity and accuracy. Excellent writing and time-management skills are also a must.

This is a "virtual" position, so as long as you have always-on Internet access, Firefox, a plain text editor, and a pulse (i.e. actual presence in DC not necessary) you can apply. As with every Hotline position, we don't expect our writers to not have an opinion, we just expect them to keep it out of their work. Interested applicants should send their resumes to ccarroll@nationaljournal.com

Posted by Conn Carroll at August 23, 2006 12:19 PM