This should be interesting. Why is John Edwards willing to get on the same stage as Karl Rove?

"It’s actually good for the Democratic process,” he [Joshua Dyck, assistant professor of political science at UB] said. “People vote because politics is a lot like sports. Rooting for your team probably doesn’t affect the outcome much, but people can say ‘I was there.’ ”

Clash of the titans?

H/T Archcrone

They have a profile on the sheriff's race between J.J. Jones and Randy Tyree. This time could be even more interesting than last time, when Tyree almost beat Hutchison.

Election day is Aug. 7th, and features local races to elect temporarily permanent replacements for the replacements who replaced the Black Wednesday term limit replacements. Oh, and there are also state and federal primaries.

Early voting starts in less than two weeks, on Jan. 18. The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, July 8th. Better do it in person if you haven't already.

Here's the sample ballot. Here are financial disclosures for local candidates.

Here's the KnoxViews database/directory of all local candidates. Here's the TennViews database/directory of all state and federal primary candidates.

McCain in Columbia:

"The free trade is an important issue, not only for Colombia but I believe for the economy of the world and, as you know, for the United States economy."

George W Bush is perhaps the worst American president who has ever served. To this day it is a mystery to me how the man was able to gain the Republican nomination, steal the election, start two wars, get re-elected and then drag on a failed war for five years and drive the economy into the ground without getting impeached. Although the light is fading on the Presidency of Bush, it is not too late to impeach the man who lied to us about weapons of mass destruction. As of result of the President's deception, over four thousand American soldiers have died in Iraq and tens of thousands have been wounded, not to mention the one million or so Iraqis who have died directly or indirectly due to Bush's interference in their country.

McCain: "Without privatization, I don't see how you can possibly, over time, make sure that young Americans are able to receive Social Security benefits."

Here's the video, courtesy of the DNC.

(Memo to the GOP: We already have "voluntary private retirement savings accounts." They're called 401Ks, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, etc. Why not raise limits so people can put away meaningful tax-deferred savings for retirement?)

As a veteran (Desert Storm) myself, I get cranky when Democrats tuck tail on issues related to the military. As Brandon Friedman states eloquently on the Vote Vets blog, there is no reason to cede authority on military matters just because of John McCain's service during Vietnam. Republicans sure didn't respect John Kerry's service during Vietnam. Wes Clark came home from Vietnam wounded, too. Let's respect his view, not only as a wounded vet, but also as a senior commander who handled the Balkans and Kosovo.

more from votevets: votevets.org blog, vetvoice.: (sorry, can't make links into the specific blog post work.)

Brandon Friedman:
We've heard from the pundits, the "strategists," and the politicians all day long on Wesley Clark's recent comments.
That said, I've been terribly disappointed by the Democratic "strategists" who've fallen all over themselves in order to talk about how sacred military service is--specifically John McCain's--and how awful General Wesley Clark's comments were, even though not one "strategist" that I've listened to today has ever served a minute in uniform. These ignorant, knee-jerking consultants on TV have been in an apparent race to concede ultimate authority on military matters to John McCain and the Republican Party since Sunday night. It's disgusting. And these concessions have been so over-the-top destructive to our long-term plans for running the country, that I'm not even sure where to begin.

The bottom line is this: If Democrats tuck tail and run from Republicans in this instance, we run the risk of ceding authority on military issues to John McCain for the rest of the campaign. Whether you like Clark or not, everyone has an interest in defending him vigorously in this case. We cannot allow the Right and the media to get away with trashing the first guy to come out in prime time to slam McCain's military "expertise." If our organizations don't defend Clark as being right in this case, we give in to the idea that Republicans are the parents in terms of national defense, and Democrats are the children--something those on the Right will be more than happy to reinforce.

This idea that we can't question someone's expertise on military matters simply because they served could very easily become the next "whoever is against the war is unpatriotic" mantra. And that's not something I'm prepared to accept.

more after the flip.

We're all thrilled with the surge in voter turnout during the Democratic primary, and all the new registrations and young voters coming out.

But keep in mind that Obama got 18 million votes. More than 121 million people voted int he 2004 general election, which Bush won 62 million to Kerry's 59 million. Even if you add in Clinton's primary votes and all the others, we're still only looking at about 37 million votes.

There's lots of work to be done. Now is not the time to get cocky.

OK, then. Carry on.

Are Democrats like perpetual hippies? Like, wow, man, we're holding a convention. Let's get it together.

According to an analysis by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, St. Paul and the Republicans are better organized and have a better plan in 5 out of 8 categories. The Democrats are good when it comes to Volunteers, Environmental Friendliness, and, of course, Star Power. We got the Hollywood types. Can we win an election though?

Speaking of Environmental Friendliness, one other thing the Democrats are doing is promoting healthy eating. There will be no fried food available through the convention. This doesn't seem very hospitable to us Southerners. I mean, what are you going to serve us? Tomatoes?

Big brother is watching you and his name is AT&T. Sometimes he goes by the name of BellSouth and at other times he is known as AOL-Time-Warner. Big brother goes by a lot of names. He is listening to you while you talk and watching you while you type and everything you say could be recorded so he can look at it somewhere down the line. Now everyone knows that it is not polite to intrude on people in their private moments. The problem is that big brother doesn't seem to know that peeking into people's private communication is wrong and it should be illegal. Unfortunately President Bush wants to continue to grant immunity to telecommunications companies in the name of the so called 'war on terror' which in actuality is a war on the American people and the telecommunications infrastructure is the front line in the gradual diminishment of civil rights that Congress has permitted in recent years.

Obama will participate in an open forum dialogue with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Convention at the Washington D.C. Hilton on July 8th.

Sen. Obama said "Families across America, particularly in Hispanic communities, are feeling the affects of an economy that has not been kind to the middle class. I look forward to meeting the members of LULAC and working with them to change the direction of this country and fight for policies that will put the American Dream within reach of every family in this country."

McCain, will address conference-goers Tuesday, July 8th at a Diversity Luncheon.

The League of United Latin American Citizens is the largest and oldest Hispanic Organization in the United States with thousands of volunteer members providing community-based programs through more than 700 local LULAC councils nationwide.

More information about the LULAC convention.

The California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee has endorsed Obama.

The 80,000-member organization, which has members in all 50 states, cited "a stark distinction between Sen. Obama and Sen. John McCain on major fundamental issues facing the American people today, especially in reforming our broken healthcare system, repairing our collapsing economy, and restoring workplace protections and rights for American workers."

They note, however, that Obama's plan alone is not enough, and that "the only effective solution is a fundamental transformation with a single-payer, improved Medicare-for-all system." They also cite McCain's poor record on health care and labor issues.

(The Tennessee chapter recently issued a report on why Frist is "not fit to be governor of Tennessee.")

Read the CNA/NNOC's full Obama endorsement after the jump...

From On the Issues:

McCain favors outlawing cheaply made handguns called Saturday night specials, and favors mandating safety locks on certain guns. (Source: Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press Aug 17, 1999)

McCain said he was open to voting for an assault weapon ban, depending on the details. (Source: Los Angeles Times, Aug 17, 1999)

In Congress, McCain pressured his colleagues to require background checks for buyers at guns shows, and he supported a requirement that trigger locks be sold with handguns. (Source: Todd S. Purdum, New York Times, p. A14 Aug 17, 1999)

RNC press release: "The Supreme Court Rules Against Obama's Anti-Gun Views On D.C. Gun Ban, Further Demonstrating Obama Is Most Anti-Gun Presidential Candidate In History"

That didn't take long. When did Hobbs go to work for the RNC?

UPDATE: Obama corrects inaccurate Chicago Tribune reporting of his statements on D.C. Gun Law

When Obama has been asked on multiple occasions to weigh in on the D.C. gun case he has regularly maintained that the Second Amendment provides an individual right while at the same time saying that right is not absolute and that the Constitution does not prevent local governments from enacting what Obama calls "common sense laws."

Which is exactly what the Supreme Court said.

A caller on an Orlando talk radio this afternoon said that the Everglades conservation purchase was a quid pro quo between McCain and FL Gov. Charlie Crist.

According to the caller, who said he is related to principals in the deal and has known about it since January, McCain contacted Crist and told him he needed to do "something big" if he wanted to be considered for the VP spot.

That's about as unsubstantiated as it gets, but it wouldn't surprise me. At least Crist did something beneficial for the State of Florida. There was some discussion, however, that it was also a bail out for the sugar company, which is in a financial squeeze and facing some costly environmental issues.

Joe Powell has an excellent interview with Rob Russell, the Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in the Tennessee First Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. David Davis.

There's a lot of talk about whether a Democrat can compete in this district, which Republicans have controlled since 1881. Davis is finishing up his first term, but faces a credible Republican primary challenger, Phil Rowe, who has raised a lot of money.

(See here for a list of all the candidates.)

Davis hasn't accomplished much, and he has a lot of ties to special interests, including the pharmaceutical industry. Last year, his office was caught "scrubbing" Davis' Wikipedia page to remove information about his ties to King Pharmaceuticals. And now there are accusations that the staffer got a bonus for his efforts.

King Pharmaceuticals was involved in a 2005 $124 million settlement with the DOJ regarding "allegations that it underpaid rebates owed under the Medicaid program [including TennCare] and overcharged various federal and state governmental entities for its drug products." There is also controversy surrounding campaign contributions and PACs operated by the company's CEO.

Davis also came under fire for voting in support of dog fighting.

According to GovTrac.us, "David Davis has sponsored 18 bills since Jan 4, 2007, of which 16 haven't made it out of committee." None were successfully enacted. Among the bills Davis sponsored are designation of "American Eagle Day" and expressing support of "National Carriage Driving Month." His first bill, "To enhance the integrity of the United States against the threat of terrorism," would have provided Homeland Security funds to state and local law enforcement for immigration enforcement. The rest of his bills appear to be related to import duties on chemicals used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Davis is endorsed by the National Right to Life and gets an "A" rating from the NRA.

While it's conceivable that Davis could be kicked out in the primary, it will be a tough row to hoe for Democrats in the general. But go read Joe Powell's interview with Rob Russell, and ask yourself, why not a Democrat, and why not now? That's the question for voters in the Tennessee 1st Congressional District. Do they want more of the same, or is it time to try something different?

Arapahoe County, just south of Denver, has decided to prevent protesters from carrying big sticks, projectile launchers and gas masks. They have not yet included OveGloves.

Denver has announced the designated "protest zone", "within view and earshot of delegates and others entering and leaving the Pepsi Center".

Some protesters-to-be are unhappy with scheduled availability to the DNC parade route saying, "the times it will be open for use—11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—guarantee protesters won't be seen by delegates, who arrive daily at the Pepsi Center at 4 p.m."

Man, I tell ya. Is it really a protest when every little thing is controlled? Not that I want any violence or anything like that. It's just like, wow, man, why is everyone so angry? When are we going to start working together to get something done? Why even have a convention? To create a platform for the campaign? Does anything from the platforms every come to fruition? I'm just sayin.

Campfield: Anchor babies and state laws

The amendment to the constitution that is so confusing was put in place for descendants of slaves so they could become US citizens. Not to say the slave trade was good, but the slaves were brought in the country under legal (at the time) means. They were under our jurisdiction so they and their descendants could become citizens. Not so for illegals, they are similar to an invading military and are not, and in my opinion should not, be given the same rights and privileges as citizens or visitors. In many cases their rights are already restricted.

Interesting. Does this stuff actually sell in the 18th TN House district?

Speaking of the fightin' 18th, did you see Georgiana Vines' recent column re. the contest? Sounds like the grownup Republicans are throwing Campfield under the bus. It's a lot like what's going on over here in Blount Co. with Sen. Raymond Finney v. challenger Rep. Doug Overbey. Apparently the local GOP establishments are looking to push some loose cannons overboard.

Here are two places I found out about this weekend that sound really good -- they're sort of at opposite ends of the spectrum:

Link...

This one was featured on (and recommended by) The Splendid Table Sunday. Interesting organic food place where people just pay what they choose.

Link...

You can spend the dough that you save by eating at So All May Eat at the Broadmoor's killer Sunday brunch.
Wish I were there.

So I'm sipping my coffee and minding my own bidness this morning, reading my e-mail and listening to classical music out on my back deck. It's sunny and a light breeze is wafting the fragrance of my Casablanca lily across the yard. Then I come upon this mass-forwarded email from somebody named Lowdog:

Meet Dr. Barack and Fast Eddie Obama

Link...

I quit being idealistic about politics about 30 years ago, so I'm glad to see that Obama is a street fighter. Yet again I say -- Obambi?
Not hardly.

Again, I'm glad. Job One is getting elected, and the stakes are too damn high to fail.

Obama has opted out of the public campaign finance system.

Who says McCain's not funny?

Link...

Link...

...or, "Rocks are Hard, Water is Wet, and the Texas Republican Party Doesn't Even Bother With Dog Whistles Anymore."

Vile.

(via: Link...)

I'm just not feeling the warmth here. The city has lots of bucks given to them for security during the convention. They're stocking up on pepper spray guns, launchers of some sort, maybe heavy duty Tasers and more. Denver is not yet divulging what all they are doing to prepare for hundreds, maybe thousands of liberal progressive political wonks.

Will they also be handing out leaflets on how to survive if you get caught in the middle of whatever Denver police are expecting to happen? What do you think? Always carry a wet washcloth? Carry a white flag? Have the name and phone number of your attorney in your pocket at all times?

Post Politics has an exclusive sitdown with Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam at Saturday's Davidson GOP picnic.

Haslam sure makes noise like he's running for Governor -- unless it would involve challenging Bill Frist in a primary. Read the whole thing here.

In a related item, Bill Frist won the Davidson GOP straw poll, racking up 59% v. Bill Haslam's 5%. Marsha Blackburn came in second with 25%. Zack Wamp scored a big fat zero.

The last day to register to vote in the August 7th county general and state primary elections is July 8th. Early voting starts July 18th and continues through August 2nd.

• Knox County 2008 election schedule
• Knox County general election candidates
• State primary candidates

'Obambi' may be the most inaccurate political nickname of all time. This is one tough mofo. I love the way the Repubs are whining about gun control in response to this.

Link...

From WhitesCreek Steve over at TennViews, Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee member Fred Hobbs says Obama "...may be terrorist connected for all I can tell. It sounds kind of like he may be."

Wow. With friends like that... Maybe the other Hobbs could use an assistant over at the TNGOP.

UPDATE: By way of ACK, the TNDP rejects and renounces the remarks:

“The Tennessee Democratic Party is united behind our party’s nominee, Senator Barack Obama. Mr. [Fred] Hobbs is obviously misinformed, and his statement highlights the perpetual efforts of the Republican Party, especially here in Tennessee, to turn internet smears and highly offensive gossip into their party’s message against Senator Barack Obama as we head into the General Election. Instead of debating the issues, the Tennessee Republican Party continues to rely upon slanderous and salacious tall tales. They are borrowing from the playbook first written by Richard Nixon and employed in the race against Congressman Harold Ford Jr. Tennesseans of every political persuasion are tired of these tactics.”

That was quick.

Poliltico: Obama moves DNC operations to Chicago

The DNC's key role in coordinating political operations with state parties is expected to largely be taken over and overseen by Obama's senior staff in Chicago, state party officials said.

[..]

People familiar with the plan said that state party staffers paid for under Howard Dean's 50 State Program would be shifted to working for the presidential campaign, at least in targeted battleground states.

The move reflects Obama's desire to maintain an unusually streamlined campaign, as well as his swift and complete takeover of a Democratic Party that isn't always known for its unity. The move may also save the campaign money...