Spin Control 2.0
A critical eye on the 2008 election season
I-1,000 makes ballot
Initiative 1,000 -- known in some circles as the Death With Dignity Initiative and in others as the Assisted Suicide Initiative -- will be on the November ballot.
The Secretary of State's office announced Thursday afternoon that it has more than the required 224,880 valid voter signatures required to qualify for the ballot. Not a huge surprise, considering they submitted more than 317,000 signatures.
That's the second initiative to make the ballot. The first I-985, deals with transportation issues. One more is pending, I-1029, which requires certification for long-term care aides.
The last one has some controversy over language. Petitions said it was an initiative to the Legislature, when in reality it's an initiative to the People.
Thursday's quickie political briefing
Today's videos: Two takes on Obama's international tour
Here's an MSNBC clip on his Berlin stop
Here's the Daily Show's take on his Middle East swing. (We're guessing this will get more hits.)
Here are today's headlines in the presidential race from the Associated PressObama tells enormous Berlin crowd there are more walls to be torn down in fighting extremism
With Obama in Berlin, McCain visits German restaurant in Ohio
Hagel calls on candidates to focus on Iraq’s future over past war strategy
Rice not worried by Obama’s foreign policy forays overseas
Poll: Obama builds support among Hispanic voters
Police seek to soften protesters’ disruptions at GOP convention
For the stories behind these headlines, click here and scroll down.———
THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Barack Obama spoke at the Victory Column in Berlin. John McCain holds a town-hall meeting on cancer with Lance Armstrong in Columbus, Ohio.
In Washington state: Gov. Chris Gregoire makes campaign stops around the Puget Sound to talk about cleanup
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“We are a people of improbable hope. With an eye towards the future, with resolve in our heart, let us remember this history, and answer our destiny, and remake the world once again.” — Democrat Barack Obama, in a speech at Berlin’s Victory Column.
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STAT OF THE DAY
Liberals are three times likelier than conservatives to be more excited about the presidential campaign than they were last fall, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll conducted in June. The poll has been measuring the political sentiments of the same 2,000 adults since November.
One of these things is not like the others
The old Sesame Street song came to mind after opening this photo, which was sent out by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers' offce with a press release about her signing on to a new piece of legislation on energy.
The bill has some things she's been talking about for a while, such as drilling in the Arctic and off the coasts, tax incentives for fuel conservation and promoting alternative energy.
But one can't help but notice the photo, which might be titled 8 White Guys in Dark Suits and Cathy, or Was there a dress code memo I missed?
Wednesday's quickie political briefing
Today's video: The McCain campaign vid saying the media's in the tank for Obama
Waddya think? Are they right, or are they whining? Click here to comment.
Here are today's headlines in the presidential campaign from The Associated Press
Obama praises US ties with Israel, promises to push for Palestinian state if president
McCain credits Bush for drop in oil prices
People Magazine: Obama girls offer irreverence, boundless energy
To read the stories behind the headlines, click here and scroll down.
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THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Barack Obama visits Jerusalem and Ramallah, West Bank. John McCain meets with voters in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., then travels to New Orleans.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I also want to get his recipe for looking as good he does.” — Democrat Barack Obama, in complimenting Israeli President Shimon Peres, who is 84.
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STAT OF THE DAY
Independents are more bored with the campaign than any other group of people — 28 percent of them say so — according to an AP-Yahoo News survey conducted in June.
More expensive the second time around
Maybe it's inflation. Or maybe inflated interest.
But the two candidates in the gubernatorial race -- Gregoire vs. Rossi, the Sequel -- have already raised more for this race than they did in 2004.
Dino Rossi's campaign sent out a press release this week announcing that they'd passed their 2004 take of $6.25 million on Friday. Rossi suggested as much when he stopped in Spokane to open his local headquarters that evening.
Gregoire topped her 2004 total of $6.36 million sometime before June 11, but the campaign didn't make as big of a deal out of it.
As with most Hollywood productions, the sequels are more expensive.
On the attack: The latest prez ads
Some of the hardest hitting and most innovative ads in the presidential campaign are being run by outsiders right now.
Here's one from the Service Employees union that tries to take on McCain by taking advantage of the debut of "Mama Mia" (which, probably to their chagrin, was dwarfed by the new Batman movie this weekend...so fewer people might get it.)
This anti-Obama ad is by a group calling itself Let Freedom Ring. It's shorter, and hits harder.
Tuesday's quickie political briefing
Obama says there has been security progress in Iraq but now a political solution is needed
Today's video 1: If he had it to do over, he still wouldn't back the surge.
McCain says he was right, Obama wrong on Iraq.
Today's video 2: McCain visits former President Bush in Kennebunkport:
Obama vows to work for breakthrough in Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations
To read the stories behind these headlines from the Associated Press, click here and scroll down.
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It's in the mail (or will be soon)
The Washington state Voter's Pamphlet for the Aug. 19 primary will be mailed out this week, Secretary of State Sam Reed said. About 3 million are headed to the Post Office, and some are being printed in Chinese or Spanish for areas of the state that have significant numbers of voters who have one of those as their primary language. If you can't wait, you can read the Voter's Pamphlet online by clicking here.
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THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Barack Obama, traveling in the Middle East, has no public schedule. John McCain meets with voters in Rochester, N.H.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“America has a strategic opportunity to build a new kind of partnership with Iraq and to refocus our foreign policy on the many other pressing challenges around the world, starting with the resurgence of al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” — A joint statement by Sens. Barack Obama, Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel on their visit to Iraq.
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STAT OF THE DAY
Whites who say they are not excited by the presidential campaign back Republican John McCain by a 2-to-1 margin, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll conducted in June. Whites who say the election is exciting lean toward Democrat Barack Obama, by 2-to-1.
League forums on TV
The League of Women Voters held a series of forums recently for congressional, judicial and legislative candidates, and they plan on showing them on cable television.
Over and over.
So if you miss them one day, chances are you'll have another shot at seeing them before the Aug. 19 primary.
They're on Cable Channel 5, and if you click here, you can see the schedule.
Monday's quickie political briefing
Here are the headlines in the presidential campaign from The Associated Press:
McCain ad blames Obama for high gas prices, cites opposition to drilling
Iraq welcomes Obama with common goal: hope of US troops pullout by 2010
GOP counting on convention planning, venue to lift McCain’s prospects in November
Obama cuts back on spending in June as he builds up cash reserves
League of Conservation Voters latest environmental group to endorse Obama
For the stories behind these headlines, click here and scroll down.———
READER'S DISCUSSION TOPIC: Are there any incumbents worth keeping? Click here to weigh in——
THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Barack Obama visits Iraq. John McCain campaigns in Maine.
In Spokane: A campaign forum at Aunties Bookstore features four candidates for Eastern Washington's 5th Congressional District, plus judicial candidates Dave Stevens and Harvey Dunham, and Insurance Commissioner Candidate Curt Fackler. Sponsored by Campaign for Liberty, it starts at 6:30 p.m. at the store at Main and Washington.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Well, I hope that the people will have a better focus on the fact that we have succeeded in our strategy in Iraq, we are winning the war and Sen. Obama was wrong.” — Republican John McCain, speaking on CBS’ “The Early Show” about Democratic rival Barack Obama’s trip to the Middle East.
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STAT OF THE DAY
Democrat Barack Obama has raised $349.8 million during his presidential run to Republican John McCain’s $144 million.
Help a reader out: Is anyone worth your vote?
A concerned (or maybe angry? perplexed? disgusted?) reader writes:
Can you give any good reason to vote for any of our present congressmen(women). They, not the president have failed the country. just what have they done in congress to solve the problem. After all they make the laws not the President of the United States. My advice is to can them all and let a new bunch have a shot at making progress. Who's president does not matter it is the congress that matters. Can the bums -- donh
Maybe he's a bit more frustrated than usual. Maybe Congress did something last week -- or failed to do something last week -- that set him off.
Spin Control 2.0 is not in the habit of defending members of Congress, although we have reported on the noteworthy things that many of them have done over time. And considering this is election season, a kind word might show up as an endorsement in an incumbent's direct mail ad, and a nasty one could end up in the opponent's hit piece.
But if you could answer him, what would you say? Can anyone out there make a case for returning any or all members of Congress to their jobs in November? Or do you agree with the "Throw the bums out" sentiment?
Murray to Bush: About those gas prices
Sen. Patty Murray is giving the Democratic response to President Bush's weekly radio address on Saturday morning.
While this is a big honor, it's not one that gets much traction here in the Inland Northwest, because radio stations rarely play the president's address, or the response from the loyal opposition.
Spin Control 2.0 has very good sources that say Murray will be questioning Bush's priorities for drilling for oil, might be pointing out that gasoline was a lot cheaper when he took office, versus the price of gas now.
(The speech is embargoed until it's delivered, so if anyone asks before Saturday morning, you didn't hear it from us.)
After 8:06 a.m. Saturday, Murray's speech will be available online here.
The president's address will be available online here.
Clothes maketh the event?
Spokane County Commissioner Todd Mielke showed up at two different press conferences this week in very different attire.
On Wednesday, he was present when the U.S. attorney, federal and local law enforcement agencies announced a big bust of drugs and guns, the result of an 18-month investigation called Operation Hybris. (If you missed it, read about it here.)
On Thursday, he was there for a press conference to announce the county officially owns a racetrack, with props including race cars that may be using the track. (If you missed it, read about it here.)
The above photos, taken at each press event, show he came to one in a Hawaiian shirt, and to the other in a suit and tie.
Today's pop quiz: which of the photos is from the drug bust announcement, and which is from the raceway announcement?
Friday's quickie political briefing
Today's fun video: "Please Don't Vote for a Democrat" isn't from the GOP, but it is a bid for country voters. (We'd give it an 85, it's got a good beat, but the guitar is a bit overdone in a few spots.)
Here are today's headlines in the presidential campaign from The Associated Press:
Poll: Excitement over presidential race grows, but McCain’s backers less fired up than Obama’s
McCain tells auto workers that the electric car is a key to freedom from foreign oil
Germany’s Merkel to meet Obama at Berlin chancellery next week
For the stories behind these headlines, click here and scroll down.
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DAILY TRACK
Democrat Barack Obama is running about even nationally with Republican John McCain — 45 percent to 44 percent — among registered voters in the presidential race, according to the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking update.
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ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
John McCain talked to auto workers in Warren, Mich. Barack Obama has no scheduled public events.
In Spokane: GOP gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi opens his campaign headquarters at 5 p.m. Friday at 402 W. Boone.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I don’t feel I have a choice I can really get behind.” — Carol Hall, 63, a Republican from Yorktown, Va., who prefers Republican John McCain but said he isn’t conservative enough.
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STAT OF THE DAY
Only 10 percent of white evangelical Christians say they are excited by the presidential election, compared with 20 percent of Americans overall, according to an ongoing AP-Yahoo News survey.
Some yapping in the gov campaign
Everyone knows that the governor's race is getting heated. The two main protagonists don't much like each other, and their staffs shouldn't be allowed in the same room without a pass through the metal detector and armed guards to separate them.
But now the campaign may be going to the dogs. Or at least, one dog.
Rossi's.
Rossi campaign opening HQ
Republican Dino Rossi will be opening his Spokane campaign headquarters at 5 p.m. Friday. The office is at 402 W. Boone, which is across from the Arena . . . and not all that far from the Democrat's coordinated campaign offices at 1009 N. Washington.
More on Michelle Obama in Seattle
Michelle Obama and Chris Gregoire, and about 1,600 of their supporters, raised an estimated $320,000 at the WaMu Theater at Safeco Field, the Associated Press reports.
As would be expected, Michelle Obama complimented Gregoire, who complimented Barack Obama, so everyone was pretty much in sync.
Shortly afterwards, the Gregoire campaign issued a statement denouncing the Republicans for their latest video (as seen here in an earlier Spin Control 2.0 post).
Click to read what the governor thought of the video.
From the (Michelle) Obama campaign trail
Here is the pool report from this morning's fundraising breakfast with Michelle Obama and Chris Gregoire, filed by Emily Heffter of the Seattle Times
July 17, 2008
Bellevue, WA
Michelle Obama spoke to a group of about 150 of her husband's supporters Thursday morning at a fundraising breakfast in a Bellevue hotel.
She told the story of how she met Barack Obama when the two worked for the same law firm in Chicago 20 years ago. She was drawn to him, she said, because of what she called "the mission of his life" to close the gap between "the world as it is and the world as it should be." She spoke of a community organizing event she attended in a Chicago church basement with Obama when the two were law students, at which she was impressed "that he could transition so easily from corporate to church basement."
She said Obama continues his quest to work toward his vision of the world as it should be, which includes an opportunity for all Americans to be able to work jobs with a living wage and depend on a decent education for their children. She also said the government should investing in a good energy policy and end the war in Iraq. The supporters applauded when she called the war one that "should have never been authorized and never been waged."
"It's the world that we're not living in today, but we can if we work hard," she said.
In contrast, she said McCain believes the world as it is "is OK" and wouldn't change much.
In introducing Michelle Obama, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire compared her to Jackie Kennedy and said she would make Americans proud as first lady. "I do feel that spirit in Michelle Obama," she said.
After her speech, Michelle Obama planned to go to each table and speak individually with supporters. She was in town to do a fundraiser for Gregoire.
What's a pool report?
Counterprogramming Michelle Obama
Washington State Republicans our trying to smack Michelle Obama around online as she makes a campaign stop today in Seattle.
They decided to take out after her "really proud of this country" comment from a few months ago -- yes, that is a way back in the campaign, so they'd have to consider it an oldie but goodie -- and offer their own take on what makes them proud.
They enlisted several Republican women, including King County Chairwoman Lori Sotelo and state Sen. Val Stevens, to talk about what makes the feel great about America.
For good measure, they end with the group doing a medley of the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quote from Ronald Reagan about freedom.
If it doesn't turn your blood red, white and blue, you must be some kind of commie pinko.
Thursday's quickie political briefing
Posted by Jim at 10:47 AM on Jul 17
Comments (0)Filed under: Presidential, News & Notes, Obama, McCain
Today's video: Probably not the last word on The New Yorker cartoon, but maybe the best
Mark your calendars
Four of Eastern Washington's 5th Congressional District candidates -- Republicans Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Kurt Erickson, Libertarian John Beck and Constitutionalist Randall Yearout -- will attend a forum on Monday evening at Auntie's Bookstore. Also on tap for the evening, sponsored by Campaign for Liberty, a group of Ron Paul supporters, are judicial candidates Dave Stevens and Harvey Dunham, and state Insurance Commissioner Curt Fackler.
Here are the headlines in the presidential campaign from The Associated Press:
Obama campaign raised $52 million last month, has $92.3 million in bank with DNC
Evangelicals quietly worry about McCain, may not drive voter turnout like they did for Bush
Gore challenges nation to produce all electricity with clean fuels within 10 years
For the stories behind these headlines, click here and scroll down
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THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
John McCain talks to voters in Kansas City, Mo.
Barack Obama is in Chicago and has no scheduled public events. Michelle Obama campaigns with Gov. Chris Gregoire in Seattle at Safeco Field.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I don’t think either candidate has really spelled out how they would get us out of the mess we’re in,” said Rea S. Hederman Jr., who tracks the economy and campaign for the conservative Heritage Foundation.
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STAT OF THE DAY
People are divided over whether they like Michelle Obama, Democrat Barack Obama’s wife. Thirty percent see her favorably and 35 percent unfavorably, according to a recent Associated Press-Yahoo News.
Warning: Deadline approaching
The deadline for registering to vote in Washington the easy way -- that is, filling out a form you get at a government office or off the Internet, and mailing it in -- is fast approaching.
Those registration forms must be postmarked by Saturday to be valid.
It's still possible to register for two weeks after that. But you'd have to go down to the Elections Office in person and fill out the forms.
So clearly, Saturday is important for the sake of convenience.
If you want to register, click here for an application on the Secretary of State's Web site
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