Alarm bells went off earlier today when we heard about presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's desire to amend the U.S. Constitution.
Speaking last night in Michigan, Huckabee said the nation's most important foundational document reflects man's standards, but should be changed to fit God's standards—or at least Rev. Huckabee's particular version of God's standards.
Huckabee's Constitution-tampering idea apparently seems from his wish to ban abortion as well as same-sex marriage, something that is already outlawed almost everywhere.
Whatever Huckabee's intentions, we are extremely suspicious of any politician who claims to have a direct pipeline to God or a God-like infallibility about political matters.
Huckabee's proposal may please his base, the Christian fundamentalists and their allies, but this is a dangerous and slippery slope. Politicians—even devout politicians—have no lock on the truth.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Michigan GOP Voters Turn Against Bush
One of the biggest losers in today's Republican primary in Michigan is President George W. Bush.
No, he's not on the ballot. But MSNBC is reporting tonight that Republican primary voters expressed great dissatisfaction with the president's job performance.
Michigan, of course, is home to much of the nation's auto industry and has suffered huge job losses in recent years.
It's just a guess, but we suspect that economic woes and high unemployment are a major part of Bush's problems in Michigan.
No, he's not on the ballot. But MSNBC is reporting tonight that Republican primary voters expressed great dissatisfaction with the president's job performance.
Michigan, of course, is home to much of the nation's auto industry and has suffered huge job losses in recent years.
It's just a guess, but we suspect that economic woes and high unemployment are a major part of Bush's problems in Michigan.
Huckabee Divides Christian Conservatives
Republican presidential candidate and former Southern Baptist minister Mike Huckabee is causing new concerns within the Christian Right.
The rising popularity of Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, has alarmed some traditional conservative leaders as well as leaders of the what the New York Times has termed the movement's "old guard."
Here's how the Times summed up the evangelical split: "Much of the national leadership of the Christian conservative movement has turned a cold shoulder to the Republican presidential campaign of Mike Huckabee, wary of his populist approach to economic issues and his criticism of the Bush administration's foreign policy."
The conservative split is also evident in the Sooner state, where Huckabee has a strong evangelical base among Republicans. Yet the state's senior Republican, Sen. Jim Inhofe, is supporting former Sen. Fred Thompson. Tulsa Rep. John Sullivan has also endorsed Thompson.
We predict Huckabee will win Oklahoma's Republican primary, despite such endorsements. But Huckabee's road to the White House will be rougher in other states, where his religious views and conservative charm will be a much tougher sell.
The rising popularity of Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, has alarmed some traditional conservative leaders as well as leaders of the what the New York Times has termed the movement's "old guard."
Here's how the Times summed up the evangelical split: "Much of the national leadership of the Christian conservative movement has turned a cold shoulder to the Republican presidential campaign of Mike Huckabee, wary of his populist approach to economic issues and his criticism of the Bush administration's foreign policy."
The conservative split is also evident in the Sooner state, where Huckabee has a strong evangelical base among Republicans. Yet the state's senior Republican, Sen. Jim Inhofe, is supporting former Sen. Fred Thompson. Tulsa Rep. John Sullivan has also endorsed Thompson.
We predict Huckabee will win Oklahoma's Republican primary, despite such endorsements. But Huckabee's road to the White House will be rougher in other states, where his religious views and conservative charm will be a much tougher sell.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
UTW Pats Itself on the Back
Tulsa's self-styled "independent newsweekly," better known as Urban Tulsa Weekly, published its Hot 100 cover story last week, a list that included both hits and misses.
Some of the hits were worthy choices. We were pleased to see Barbara Santee, progressive activist, on the list. Another strong choice: Rep. Andrew Rice, Democrat, who plans a run this fall against the official state dinosaur, Sen. Jim Inhofe.
On the miss side of the ledger were two self-congratulatory names, including the Tulsa blogger and UTW columnist Michael Bates. Bates writes a weekly column for the paper, so his inclusion on the list seems, well, a bit too convenient.
Even worse, the UTW staff named its own publisher, Keith Skrzypczak, to the list. Didn't they do this last year? And wasn't this a self-serving conflict of interest then and now?
We think so. We also think Skrzypzcak, Bates and the UTW staff would be the first to point out this kind of self-congratulation if it happened at another local publication, say, for example, the Tulsa World.
Some of the hits were worthy choices. We were pleased to see Barbara Santee, progressive activist, on the list. Another strong choice: Rep. Andrew Rice, Democrat, who plans a run this fall against the official state dinosaur, Sen. Jim Inhofe.
On the miss side of the ledger were two self-congratulatory names, including the Tulsa blogger and UTW columnist Michael Bates. Bates writes a weekly column for the paper, so his inclusion on the list seems, well, a bit too convenient.
Even worse, the UTW staff named its own publisher, Keith Skrzypczak, to the list. Didn't they do this last year? And wasn't this a self-serving conflict of interest then and now?
We think so. We also think Skrzypzcak, Bates and the UTW staff would be the first to point out this kind of self-congratulation if it happened at another local publication, say, for example, the Tulsa World.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Huckabee Fundraiser Raises Eyebrows
News from the Bad Judgment Department, courtesy of today's Tulsa World:
State Democrats are going to feast off of this report. And Speaker Cargill has some explaining to do.
Several Republican House members, including Speaker Lance Cargill, attended a fundraiser recently in the home of Texas businessman Gene Phillips, who has been linked to0 convicted former insurance commissioner Carroll Fisher.
State Democrats are going to feast off of this report. And Speaker Cargill has some explaining to do.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Florida Poll: Huckabee Up, Thompson Down
A Florida poll we spotted today shows very different fortunes for the Republican candidates likely to be a factor in the Oklahoma presidential primary.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee came out on top in the Sunshine state, with 33 percent of GOP voters indicating support. Huckabee appears to have considerable support in Oklahoma, where his Baptist connection is likely to pay political dividends among conservative Sooner state Republicans.
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, on the other hand, garnered only 5 percent support in the Florida poll, another sign of his flagging campaign. Earlier Florida polls had shown Thompson among the leaders in Florida.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee came out on top in the Sunshine state, with 33 percent of GOP voters indicating support. Huckabee appears to have considerable support in Oklahoma, where his Baptist connection is likely to pay political dividends among conservative Sooner state Republicans.
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, on the other hand, garnered only 5 percent support in the Florida poll, another sign of his flagging campaign. Earlier Florida polls had shown Thompson among the leaders in Florida.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
News Flash: Richardson Bows Out
The Associated Press is reporting tonight that New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is quitting the Democratic race for the presidency.
Richardson, the only Hispanic in the presidential contest, finished fourth in yesterday's New Hampshire primary. He also finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses last week.
According to earlier press reports, Richardson is likely to support Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who, with Sen. Hillary Clinton, is leading the Democratic field.
UPDATE: A Richardson spokesman is now denying the AP report, so maybe Richardson's not out after all.
Richardson, the only Hispanic in the presidential contest, finished fourth in yesterday's New Hampshire primary. He also finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses last week.
According to earlier press reports, Richardson is likely to support Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who, with Sen. Hillary Clinton, is leading the Democratic field.
UPDATE: A Richardson spokesman is now denying the AP report, so maybe Richardson's not out after all.
Hillary and the Dems Rack Up Big Votes, But GOP Sen. Fred Thompson Doesn't
Sen. Hillary Clinton stunned most observers Tuesday night when New Hampshire voters turned out to give her a surprise win over Democratic rival Sen. Barack Obama.
Despite her strong showing, some on the right have downplayed Clinton's win. Oklahoma City's Mike McCarville, for instance, put the win down as a "narrow" victory.
Perhaps. Clinton received 110,550 votes, not that much more than Obama's 102,883.
Consider, however, that both Clinton and Obama were well ahead of the top Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain, who received 86,802 votes.
And what about actor and former Sen. Fred Thompson, a favorite of McCarville and other Oklahoma Republicans? Fred left New Hampshire with measly 2,808 votes, a thousand less than the anti-war Democrat Rep. Dennis Kucinich.
Even the gadfly Republican Rep. Ron Paul was light years ahead of Thompson, racking up nearly 18,000 Granite State votes, more than six times Thompson's total.
Thompson will have a much better chance in South Carolina, but we expect that former Baptist minister and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will beat Thompson there as well.
Our take: Thompson and his candidacy continue to fizzle. We could be wrong, but we don't see Fred beating any major candidate in any state in the near future.
Despite her strong showing, some on the right have downplayed Clinton's win. Oklahoma City's Mike McCarville, for instance, put the win down as a "narrow" victory.
Perhaps. Clinton received 110,550 votes, not that much more than Obama's 102,883.
Consider, however, that both Clinton and Obama were well ahead of the top Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain, who received 86,802 votes.
And what about actor and former Sen. Fred Thompson, a favorite of McCarville and other Oklahoma Republicans? Fred left New Hampshire with measly 2,808 votes, a thousand less than the anti-war Democrat Rep. Dennis Kucinich.
Even the gadfly Republican Rep. Ron Paul was light years ahead of Thompson, racking up nearly 18,000 Granite State votes, more than six times Thompson's total.
Thompson will have a much better chance in South Carolina, but we expect that former Baptist minister and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will beat Thompson there as well.
Our take: Thompson and his candidacy continue to fizzle. We could be wrong, but we don't see Fred beating any major candidate in any state in the near future.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
How 'Bout That Hillary? Clinton Proves The Pundits Wrong
Just when nearly everyone in the chattering class was writing off Hillary and her supposedly faltering campaign, Sen. Clinton wins in New Hampshire.
Only yesterday, the polls showed a widening Obama surge. The voters were telling the pollsters that the Illinois senator was their man. Political blogs said Hillary and her campaign were in a panic mode, ready to concede New Hampshire and try again elsewhere.
What a difference an actual election makes. Against all odds, Hillary pulled out a big win.
We have no insight into the minds of New Hampshire voters, but we like it when the citizens defy expectations. Stand by, folks: this could get interesting.
Only yesterday, the polls showed a widening Obama surge. The voters were telling the pollsters that the Illinois senator was their man. Political blogs said Hillary and her campaign were in a panic mode, ready to concede New Hampshire and try again elsewhere.
What a difference an actual election makes. Against all odds, Hillary pulled out a big win.
We have no insight into the minds of New Hampshire voters, but we like it when the citizens defy expectations. Stand by, folks: this could get interesting.
Thompson's New Hampshire Finish: Tennessee Senator Gets 1 Percent 'Mandate'
Television star and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson was supposed to be the new Ronald Reagan, the man who would unify the Republican Party and usher in a new era of conservative leadership.
But if tonight's New Hampshire vote is any indication, Thompson is no Ronald Reagan. The results we've seen tonight from the GOP primary show Thompson with a meager 1 percent of the vote.
As we keep pointing out, some leading Oklahoma Republicans have backed Thompson's campaign, including two Tulsa politicos, Sen. Jim Inhofe and Rep. John Sullivan.
Thompson's fortunes may improve in conservative South Carolina, but he certainly won't be bringing any momentum from his underwhelming Granite State finish.
But if tonight's New Hampshire vote is any indication, Thompson is no Ronald Reagan. The results we've seen tonight from the GOP primary show Thompson with a meager 1 percent of the vote.
As we keep pointing out, some leading Oklahoma Republicans have backed Thompson's campaign, including two Tulsa politicos, Sen. Jim Inhofe and Rep. John Sullivan.
Thompson's fortunes may improve in conservative South Carolina, but he certainly won't be bringing any momentum from his underwhelming Granite State finish.
Political Headlines We Wish We'd See
We ran across some punchy political headlines recently in the satirical weekly newspaper known as The Onion.
Here is one of our favorites:
McCain To Send Self Back To Vietnamese POW Camp To Revitalize Campaign
Also, there was this op-ed column supposedly written by Sen. Fred Thompson:
If Elected, I Will Have The Hottest First Lady In U.S. History
If you like these headlines and the fake stories behind the headlines, check out The Onion on-line by clicking here.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Neocon Columnist Bill Kristol Blows It (Again)
Bill Kristol, the pro-war conservative writer whose track record in punditry is checkered at best, has continued his error-filled ways. Here's a web headline we found today concerning Kristol's debut column in the New York Times:
Whoopsie! Kristol's First New York Times Column Attributes Quote To Wrong Author
Whoopsie! Kristol's First New York Times Column Attributes Quote To Wrong Author
After a Break, AltTulsa Returns
The AltTulsa team likes to make at least one post per day, a goal we have recently failed to attain.
After a short break, we're pleased to report that we are back on the job. Look for new postings this week.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
How 'Bout Those Sooners?
Unfortunately for the Sooners and their fans, the Tulsa World's headline got it right:
FIESTA FIASCO
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Thompson Going South: Fred's Faltering Campaign May Pull the Plug
The Great Republican Savior of 2007, actor and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, may end his fizzling campaign sooner rather than later.
On the eve of the first-in-the-nation Iowa political sideshow, reports from the Thompson campaign say that Thompson is likely to end his campaign if he doesn't finish well in the Hawkeye state.
The latest polls in Iowa show Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee leading the GOP race.
Thompson has picked up some notable support in Oklahoma, where he has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and Rep. John Sullivan. Thompson has also been a favorite of several prominent conservative Oklahoma bloggers.
If Thompson does drop out (and we predict he will), who will Sooner Republicans support? Our guess: Rev. Mike from Arkansas. Stay tuned.
On the eve of the first-in-the-nation Iowa political sideshow, reports from the Thompson campaign say that Thompson is likely to end his campaign if he doesn't finish well in the Hawkeye state.
The latest polls in Iowa show Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee leading the GOP race.
Thompson has picked up some notable support in Oklahoma, where he has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and Rep. John Sullivan. Thompson has also been a favorite of several prominent conservative Oklahoma bloggers.
If Thompson does drop out (and we predict he will), who will Sooner Republicans support? Our guess: Rev. Mike from Arkansas. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: If Thompson withdraws from the presidential race, news accounts indicate that he will endorse Arizona Sen. John McCain, whose campaign has found new life in recent weeks. That endorsement is not likely to play well in the Sooner State, where McCain's position on immigration reform is highly unpopular.
2007's Best Goodbye: Karl Rove
Political Headline of the Day, courtesy of The Huffington Post:
Unfortunately, we still have to wait a a year for a new president.
Bush Benefits from Rove-less White House
Unfortunately, we still have to wait a a year for a new president.
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