I rarely mark the passing of a public figure, especially one that I never met. Red Auerbach is an exception. Seldom does a man so clearly distinguish himself as the best at what he did. He lived a full life by any one's measure, but I feel a sense of loss.
No, I'm not from Boston nor am I a Celtics fan, but I am a fan of the game of basketball.
Where to start, great coach, 8 consecutive NBA championships, 11 overall. Great basketball executive. When he retired from coaching he named his star player, Bill Russell, to succeed him as coach. Oh by the way, Mr. Russell just happened to be the first African-American hired to coach a team in professional sports. Russell was named by Auerbach in 1966. It's worth mentioning that this was long before professional sports franchises were shamed into interviewing let alone hiring qualified candidates of color. Naming Russell occurred more than 20 years before Al Campanis, then the LA Dodgers GM, uttered on national tv that the dearth of black coaches was because they "may not have some of the necessities.." required to coach. In Russell first three years of coaching he lead his team to two championships. Red wasn't just smarter, he had the guts to make the right decision irrespective of what the other guys thought.
Moreover, he was a brilliant judge of talent. He drafted a slow white guy from French Lick even though the kid already committed to returning for his last year of college eligibility. That player, Larry Bird, became the cornerstone of more championships for the Celtics. He subsequently engineered the most one-sided trade in NBA history, trading the first pick in the 1980 draft for Robert "The Chief" Parrish and the third pick in the draft. Oh yeah, he used the third pick to obtain Kevin McHale. The counter party in that trade, the Golden State Warriors got Joe Barry Carroll, a center out of Purdue. These are two prominent tales, but the examples of his basketball acumen are legion.
These items are merely intended to illustrate the foresight and insight this man possessed. He also was brash and opinionated. He considered Bill Russell the greatest player ever and as much as I love Michael Jordan (and as a lifelong Bulls fan, I do), I have to defer to Red. (BTW, for those of you that have never had the pleasure - I strongly advise you to douse yourself in a Russell retrospective - he was simply unbelievable, 11 Championships in 13 seasons, that after leading his team to 2 consecutive NCAA championships).
All that said, I loved what Red did for me. I learned more about basketball from Red Auerbach than from all the coaches I played for or against. In the late 70's/early 80's he hosted a half-time feature on the NBA game of the week on ABC. On that segment, he illustrated fundamentals of the game and drills he believed made you a better basketball player. More importantly, he also explained the why behind these fundamentals and drills.
I absolutely lived for that segment. I was in third or fourth grade when I started watching and I'd stare intently at the screen shushing my siblings, unwilling to miss any pearl Red was willing to toss my way. The segment, unknown to me at the time was based on Red's book, Basketball for the Player, the Fan and Coach. I saw it in paperback about that time and bought with my own money. It was my basketball bible, I read it frequently and practiced every drill contained in the book. I lived for basketball then and for many years thereafter. It remains the best book on basketball I have ever read.
My eldest son, 11, shares my passion for the game. I've been able to pass along some of the knowledge I gleaned from Red. I looked for that book recently, eager to see if I might witness the same magic I experienced manifested in my son's eyes, but I couldn't find the book. I think I'll try a little harder.
Red Auerbach gave me a gift, yet he never met me - light that cigar Red, rest in peace.
Addendum: Since I posted this I read the excellent obit in the NYT, but for definitive coverage go to the Boston Globe website. They even have a link to the 1980 story regarding the trade that resulted in the Celtics getting Parrish and McHale, precious.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
New Jersey Special - Menendez V. Kean Jr.
A few quick thoughts on NJ Senate race that constitutes a true toss-up. The closeness of this campaign is more a result of Menendez being a poor candidate and a worse campaigner than it is about Kean Jr. being a quality opponent. The Democrats choose to go with Menendez as a replacement for Jon Corzine when he took his Goldman Sachs millions to Trenton as Governor.
Menendez in many respects was the natural choice as the senior democrat in the NJ congressional delegation. The only real option to Menendez was Richard Codey, the man who replaced "Meet me at the Parkway Rest Stop" McGreevy when he resigned in disgrace. Codey is a long-time "old school" Essex county democrat without apparent significant warts. That said, he ain't sexy, he's white and his relationship with Corzine appears to be pretty distant if not somewhat hostile. While Menendez would have had a hissy fit, a case could have made that not giving up his position in the House minority leadership was in NJ's best interests. It also would have generated considerable noise within a significant segment of the NJ democratic party.
[Side Note: For those unfamiliar with NJ politics, NJ has a very significant latino population and latino voters in NJ have remained almost exclusively democratic. Moreover, Latino leaders have complained bitterly in recent years regarding the lack of latino appointments to the NJ Supreme Court and within the party generally. This issue is probably worthy of a post of its own, 'cause there's lots of material.]
The fact is, however, that Codey likely would have won against Kean Jr. in a walk. Kean Jr. is summarily unimpressive. He's young, his list of accomplishments as a state senator are unimpressive, he isn't charismatic, he looks squirelly, I don't think he's ever had a real job and he's got a painfully obvious speech impediment. On the the positive side he's the scion of the Kean family - the equivalent of NJ royalty. Moreover, he's run a very effective campaign in a difficult national environment for republicans.
Kean Jr. if you listen close distances himself from Bush as much as possible. If you don't listen real close all you'll hear are slams against Menendez. It's effective because Menendez ain't a paragon of personal or professional ethics. It is unlikely he's technically a crook, but he does know quite a few and his judgement leaves more than a bit to be desired.
A few quick thoughts, who I am trying to kid - I'm only halfway done, I'll add more tomorrow....
Menendez in many respects was the natural choice as the senior democrat in the NJ congressional delegation. The only real option to Menendez was Richard Codey, the man who replaced "Meet me at the Parkway Rest Stop" McGreevy when he resigned in disgrace. Codey is a long-time "old school" Essex county democrat without apparent significant warts. That said, he ain't sexy, he's white and his relationship with Corzine appears to be pretty distant if not somewhat hostile. While Menendez would have had a hissy fit, a case could have made that not giving up his position in the House minority leadership was in NJ's best interests. It also would have generated considerable noise within a significant segment of the NJ democratic party.
[Side Note: For those unfamiliar with NJ politics, NJ has a very significant latino population and latino voters in NJ have remained almost exclusively democratic. Moreover, Latino leaders have complained bitterly in recent years regarding the lack of latino appointments to the NJ Supreme Court and within the party generally. This issue is probably worthy of a post of its own, 'cause there's lots of material.]
The fact is, however, that Codey likely would have won against Kean Jr. in a walk. Kean Jr. is summarily unimpressive. He's young, his list of accomplishments as a state senator are unimpressive, he isn't charismatic, he looks squirelly, I don't think he's ever had a real job and he's got a painfully obvious speech impediment. On the the positive side he's the scion of the Kean family - the equivalent of NJ royalty. Moreover, he's run a very effective campaign in a difficult national environment for republicans.
Kean Jr. if you listen close distances himself from Bush as much as possible. If you don't listen real close all you'll hear are slams against Menendez. It's effective because Menendez ain't a paragon of personal or professional ethics. It is unlikely he's technically a crook, but he does know quite a few and his judgement leaves more than a bit to be desired.
A few quick thoughts, who I am trying to kid - I'm only halfway done, I'll add more tomorrow....
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Hubris - Initial Thoughts
I'm 150 pages into Isikoff & Corm's book on the run up to the Iraq war, Hubris. On the heels of Woodard's book, differences in style and depth are readily apparent. Hubris is thick with reporting. While I think Woodward's book is a must read for a US policy wonk like me due to his unique access to Administration leadership and the careful sourcing of his reporting, Isikoff and Corn get their hands dirty in the details and it's fascinating. I have some empathy for Isikoff's comments at a press event following the publishing of Woodward's book where he bemoaned all the attention given to State of Denial. Reports had it that Isikoff scoffed at Woodward's book, essentially calling it tired drivel and almost unreadable(he later sought to render those (alcohol-induced?) comments off-the-record with a phone call the next day to no avail).
Based on my reading of Hubris thus far, I have to agree with him. It is a much more detailed account. I'll render a highlight blog on it when I'm done, but q couple of quick hits. In October, 2002 just prior to the vote to authorize force against Iraq, polls showed 52% of Americans supported the notion of going to war against Iraq. I must be developing Alzheimer's, I simply don't recall such a narrow split amongst the populace. It might be that my recollection is influenced by the circles I run in. Morris County, New Jersey bleeds Republican red so there was little doubt regarding the Administration's case for the seriousness of the Iraqi threat. Moreover, my memory also might be dulled because I'm more conscious of the ease with which the authorization passed in Congress. While there was Democratic opposition to the authorization, such opposition was more ceremonial than it was a serious threat. Bully politics - propose divisive, yet often consequential legislation just prior to elections - was effectively utilized to minimize debate and intimidate feckless politicians who stand for little more than job security - their own!
Secondly, Dick Armey, former Congressman from Texas and number two at the time in the House leadership, is apparently a primary source as to the political machinations of the Administration. He is quoted as being deeply troubled regarding his role - effectively silently assenting to an ill-conceived policy constructed upon intel that was far less substantive than the Administration (and the CIA) was leading the public to believe. His mea culpa is that, I should've known better, a position shared by many of the contributors to this book. More to follow.
Based on my reading of Hubris thus far, I have to agree with him. It is a much more detailed account. I'll render a highlight blog on it when I'm done, but q couple of quick hits. In October, 2002 just prior to the vote to authorize force against Iraq, polls showed 52% of Americans supported the notion of going to war against Iraq. I must be developing Alzheimer's, I simply don't recall such a narrow split amongst the populace. It might be that my recollection is influenced by the circles I run in. Morris County, New Jersey bleeds Republican red so there was little doubt regarding the Administration's case for the seriousness of the Iraqi threat. Moreover, my memory also might be dulled because I'm more conscious of the ease with which the authorization passed in Congress. While there was Democratic opposition to the authorization, such opposition was more ceremonial than it was a serious threat. Bully politics - propose divisive, yet often consequential legislation just prior to elections - was effectively utilized to minimize debate and intimidate feckless politicians who stand for little more than job security - their own!
Secondly, Dick Armey, former Congressman from Texas and number two at the time in the House leadership, is apparently a primary source as to the political machinations of the Administration. He is quoted as being deeply troubled regarding his role - effectively silently assenting to an ill-conceived policy constructed upon intel that was far less substantive than the Administration (and the CIA) was leading the public to believe. His mea culpa is that, I should've known better, a position shared by many of the contributors to this book. More to follow.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Obama Mania?
Oodles of press for the current golden child of US politics Barack Obama, the junior Senator from Illinois. Covers of GQ, Newsweek and Time. What gives? Why now? Aesthetically, this guy has a resume to die for: son of an Kenyan immigrant and a Kansas mom, editor of Harvard Law Review.
Truth is I've reworked an initial Obama post for so long its hardly relevant. Anyway, he's as hot as he can be right now and while pundits can claim he lacks the gravitas necessary for the position (hey, wait I thought GWB extinguished that prerequisite for good already) given a mere two years on the national scene, this time may be his single best shot. Firstly, if you're hot now don't think that 4 more years of refinement guarantees you anything, grab lightening when it's stormin'.
Just ask Mario Cuomo who probably had the '92 democratic nomination for the asking but was scared away by Poppy Bush's sky-high poll numbers following the vanquishing of Saddam in Kuwait. He demurred, intending to grab the brass ring at a more politically opportune moment. The only problem was a bulbous-nosed politician from Arkansas, who came form nowhere while Mario ended up where Bill started - no where.
Obama's lack of a senate record is a distinct advantage, legislative records are difficult to explain. Tonight he's in NYC with big money folks trying to figure out who's going to pony up. My guess is that plenty are willing to give plenty at this point, but it is far too early to discount Senator Clinton.
Truth is I've reworked an initial Obama post for so long its hardly relevant. Anyway, he's as hot as he can be right now and while pundits can claim he lacks the gravitas necessary for the position (hey, wait I thought GWB extinguished that prerequisite for good already) given a mere two years on the national scene, this time may be his single best shot. Firstly, if you're hot now don't think that 4 more years of refinement guarantees you anything, grab lightening when it's stormin'.
Just ask Mario Cuomo who probably had the '92 democratic nomination for the asking but was scared away by Poppy Bush's sky-high poll numbers following the vanquishing of Saddam in Kuwait. He demurred, intending to grab the brass ring at a more politically opportune moment. The only problem was a bulbous-nosed politician from Arkansas, who came form nowhere while Mario ended up where Bill started - no where.
Obama's lack of a senate record is a distinct advantage, legislative records are difficult to explain. Tonight he's in NYC with big money folks trying to figure out who's going to pony up. My guess is that plenty are willing to give plenty at this point, but it is far too early to discount Senator Clinton.
Say It and Make It So or Shock and Befuddle
Karl Rove, Ken Mehlman and the RNC are understandably in full court press mode with regard to the upcoming midterm elections. Much of the press appears stunned when the Team rolled out a coordinated effort, spearheaded by the President, two weeks ago claiming that not only would the Republicans retain the Senate, but the House as well. Flummoxed press members respond by saying that the polls seem to indicate otherwise. The Rove machine undeterred, pushes forward, smirking knowingly as if they know something the rest of us do not.
The responses of the press and the Democrats are interesting. I believe I've detected a pattern of sorts. First, visceral response is smug bemusement - what are these guys smokin'? Next, facts are cited (read, poll data) that suggest differently. That reaction is countered by what appear to be RNC talking points; claims of more detailed polling data and mention of the abundant cash that's going to be spent before the campaign is through. That is followed by a fear concussion grenade of quick mentions of increased taxes, S.F. Nancy and terrorism.
The reaction of the press/Democrat at that point is stunned self-doubt, is that SOB going to do it again. You can almost hear them muttering at the end of the discussion. PSYCH!! You can be sure that there's a ton of towel snapping and giddy spider barkin' goin' on in the White House locker room watching the reaction to this posturing.
Let's look at this intelligently. Rove and the RNC do have more detailed polling data including internal polls that aren't readily available to the public, so do the Democrats. That said, the fact is the races that are in play are being polled to death right now by multiple organizations. Those polls taken collectively along with the trend data tell a story. The numbers are the numbers. That is not to say the the House is a fait acompli. Even if you ain't a fan of the Rove show he deserves some credit for innovation. Tsunami, what stinking tsunami - it's just low tide.....
The responses of the press and the Democrats are interesting. I believe I've detected a pattern of sorts. First, visceral response is smug bemusement - what are these guys smokin'? Next, facts are cited (read, poll data) that suggest differently. That reaction is countered by what appear to be RNC talking points; claims of more detailed polling data and mention of the abundant cash that's going to be spent before the campaign is through. That is followed by a fear concussion grenade of quick mentions of increased taxes, S.F. Nancy and terrorism.
The reaction of the press/Democrat at that point is stunned self-doubt, is that SOB going to do it again. You can almost hear them muttering at the end of the discussion. PSYCH!! You can be sure that there's a ton of towel snapping and giddy spider barkin' goin' on in the White House locker room watching the reaction to this posturing.
Let's look at this intelligently. Rove and the RNC do have more detailed polling data including internal polls that aren't readily available to the public, so do the Democrats. That said, the fact is the races that are in play are being polled to death right now by multiple organizations. Those polls taken collectively along with the trend data tell a story. The numbers are the numbers. That is not to say the the House is a fait acompli. Even if you ain't a fan of the Rove show he deserves some credit for innovation. Tsunami, what stinking tsunami - it's just low tide.....
Monday, October 23, 2006
November Bump For Republicans?
I'm not sure whether it will have a measurable impact. but a verdict is expected to be rendered soon in Saddam's current trial (for killing 148 Shi'ite villagers in the 1980s). It would be the first time anything in that circus came off on time and I'm sure the timing is mere happenstance, but it would give a (lame) rallying cry for the otherwise desperate Republicans.
Hey, that reminds me, what exactly was the basis for removing the previous judge in Saddam's trial. My recollection was that he contradicted a witness that claimed Saddam was a dictator and said, no, Saddam was elected (technically, true and probably as competitive as any election held for mayor in the city of Chicago during the 60's and early 70's).
Saddam earnestly thanked him. Shockingly, the judge was removed from the case the next week, although the basis for the removal was a bit fuzzy - funny how that works. What is frankly more amazing is that the judge was allowed to preside in the first place as he was initially named to the bench by Saddam himself. Ain't this Iraq stuff a hoot.
Hey, that reminds me, what exactly was the basis for removing the previous judge in Saddam's trial. My recollection was that he contradicted a witness that claimed Saddam was a dictator and said, no, Saddam was elected (technically, true and probably as competitive as any election held for mayor in the city of Chicago during the 60's and early 70's).
Saddam earnestly thanked him. Shockingly, the judge was removed from the case the next week, although the basis for the removal was a bit fuzzy - funny how that works. What is frankly more amazing is that the judge was allowed to preside in the first place as he was initially named to the bench by Saddam himself. Ain't this Iraq stuff a hoot.
Update on My Bill O'Reilly Post
Initially, I somehow missed the portion of the interview with President Bush where Bill first laments that he is the most attacked individual on the planet after Bush. Wow, great men bonding! But "Loofah Bill" wasn't done, he went on to shamelessly plug his book Culture Warrior to the President strenuously encouraging the President to "read the free copy I sent you." Bush was stunned - I honestly can't blame him.
I was embarrassed and I was watching a clip on TV. This guy is certifiable, he is like watching the proverbial train wreck - you want to avert your eyes but you're drawn to the carnage. BTW the reviews of the book echoed my assessment, that O'Reilly is a paranoid megalomaniac. In one interview hawking the book he even claimed to having been told by the FBI that he was on an al Queda hit list (YES, I AM SERIOUS, Fox staffers said they were unaware of any such threat). The man is simply just too much.
I was embarrassed and I was watching a clip on TV. This guy is certifiable, he is like watching the proverbial train wreck - you want to avert your eyes but you're drawn to the carnage. BTW the reviews of the book echoed my assessment, that O'Reilly is a paranoid megalomaniac. In one interview hawking the book he even claimed to having been told by the FBI that he was on an al Queda hit list (YES, I AM SERIOUS, Fox staffers said they were unaware of any such threat). The man is simply just too much.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Steven A.Smith Pays Homage to Brother
From Phil Mushnck's column in today's NY Post.
Two weeks ago, ESPN 1050's Stephen A. Smith said he never celebrates
> his birthday because it's the anniversary of his brother's death.
> We're not sure why he'd choose to bring up such a sad, personal thing,
> but OK, he did.
>
> This past week, Smith spoke of how he's hung over, having spent the
> weekend drinking, clubbing and partying - in celebration of his birthday.
>
> Remarkable.
>
> An instant classic
Note, I also forwarded this on to Deadspin.com, a sports blog that is one of the Gawker family of blog sites. The host hadn't seen it loved it, I then requested a precious invite to become a Gawker contributor (I actually blogged about my desire to get one awhile ago) and I got one. I know it's ridiculous but I'm thrilled. Maybe the item will get mentioned on their site tomorrow. They are huge anti-fan of the chees doodle eating megalomanical Steven A.
If I'm able to figure out how to effectively link, I might actually generate a bit of traffic(I really mean any - not including my sister - a shout-out to you Mar!) to this self-indulgent blog.
UPDATE
Deadspin posted my tip! http://www.deadspin.com/sports/espn/stephen-a-loves-his-birthday-apparently-209475.php
Two weeks ago, ESPN 1050's Stephen A. Smith said he never celebrates
> his birthday because it's the anniversary of his brother's death.
> We're not sure why he'd choose to bring up such a sad, personal thing,
> but OK, he did.
>
> This past week, Smith spoke of how he's hung over, having spent the
> weekend drinking, clubbing and partying - in celebration of his birthday.
>
> Remarkable.
>
> An instant classic
Note, I also forwarded this on to Deadspin.com, a sports blog that is one of the Gawker family of blog sites. The host hadn't seen it loved it, I then requested a precious invite to become a Gawker contributor (I actually blogged about my desire to get one awhile ago) and I got one. I know it's ridiculous but I'm thrilled. Maybe the item will get mentioned on their site tomorrow. They are huge anti-fan of the chees doodle eating megalomanical Steven A.
If I'm able to figure out how to effectively link, I might actually generate a bit of traffic(I really mean any - not including my sister - a shout-out to you Mar!) to this self-indulgent blog.
UPDATE
Deadspin posted my tip! http://www.deadspin.com/sports/espn/stephen-a-loves-his-birthday-apparently-209475.php
New Course in Iraq Regardless of Midterms
If the statements of Republicans on the campaign trail and the Sunday talk shows is any indication the Administration will have to alter its playbook vis a vis Iraq. Kay Baily Hutchinson (Texas Sen (R))said this week that a plan similar to that offered by Joe Biden (Del Sen. (D)) to pratition Iraq into 3 semi-autonomous regions made sense. Arlen Specter (PA Sen. (R))on CNN's Late Edition stated Iraq is already in a state of civil war.
The status quo is no longer acceptable. The body politic is speaking too loudly to be ignored. "Stay the Course" is working far more effectively as a knock against the Administration and its supporters than "Cut and Run" is working against the Administration's opponents. It appears that the much anticpated tipping point has been reached in Iraq, what exactly that means is anyone's guess at this point. The only thing inevitable is change.
BTW NYT Select has an op-ed by David Brooks today that skewers Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity as fools willing to completely undermine the Republican party by excoriating any Republican that doesn't abide their strict orthodoxy. It appears even the Democrats aren't the only onesthat know how to self-destruct. Republicans are now the party that seems to be able to maintain party discipline. I guess they do miss the Hammer.
The status quo is no longer acceptable. The body politic is speaking too loudly to be ignored. "Stay the Course" is working far more effectively as a knock against the Administration and its supporters than "Cut and Run" is working against the Administration's opponents. It appears that the much anticpated tipping point has been reached in Iraq, what exactly that means is anyone's guess at this point. The only thing inevitable is change.
BTW NYT Select has an op-ed by David Brooks today that skewers Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity as fools willing to completely undermine the Republican party by excoriating any Republican that doesn't abide their strict orthodoxy. It appears even the Democrats aren't the only onesthat know how to self-destruct. Republicans are now the party that seems to be able to maintain party discipline. I guess they do miss the Hammer.
Drudge Report Disinformation
The man with the omnipresent siren lead for much of the morning with a exclusive of a Barron's article that opined based "on a state-by-state, district-by-district analysis", the GOP was going to retain both houses. A shocking headline given what I've benn reading on either side of the political spectrum. I quickly clicked through to the breathy exclusive. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that there was a lot more sizzle to his story than steak. Apparently, the primary basis for the article's analysis was who had more money to spend. UGH. There was no "there there."
Saturday, October 21, 2006
State of Denial - Random Thoughts
I'm down to the last fifty pages of Woodward's latest. I think it's overly cynical (even for Washington) to dismiss this book as a feeble attempt to for Bob to get back on the "right side" of Washington. It's well researched and no one, despite feverish attempts,has been able to poke any serious holes into Woodward's reporting. It's readable, though frequently humdrum. Woodward in this book, as in others, has the tendency to seemingly randomly toss in stories that don't seem to fit neatly in the narrative, but give rise to quotable items for book reviews and/or talking heads book discussions (i.e.; Bush and Rove's predilection for fart jokes).
That said, I found the chapter discussing the 2004 election day compelling (okay,I admit I'm a loser). Much to my surprise, Rove and the troops were sweating it out like the rest of the political junkies. Apparently, while they have extremely detailed voter results and polling coming in that allows them to assess trends, they actually utilize information very similar to the info publicly available to the networks and over the internets(intentional inside reference to that national treasure, the architect of the bridge to nowhere, the Senior Senator from Alaska, Ted Stevens - who by the way takes the time to pile on Donny Rumsfeld in the book).
No surprise that virtually anyone that deals or has dealt with SECDEF Rumsfeld thinks he's an asshole, although often this characterization is made with grudging respect. He's a consummate bureaucratic infighter and a zen master at Hot Potato, the potato is never in his hands when the music stops - just like the responsibility for missteps in Iraq.
VP "Shoot'em Up" Dick Cheney gets short shrift. We know he did speak to Woodward extensively regarding the previous book, Plan of Attack as well as for a book Woodward is working on now. Those discussions lead to the disclosure that Henry Kissinger has met regularly with Cheney and Bush regarding Iraq. According to a recent tv interview with Woodward, Cheney called him regarding that disclosure pissed off, claiming that the disclosure was purely on background and not for attribution. Woodward disagreed and said that Cheney mentioned it in a rather off-hand fashion at the start of a recent interview regarding the new book (Woodward claims emphatically that the tapes of that interview support his position). At that point, according to Woodward the VP said "Bullshit" and hung up. Class act. You half expect Big Dick to send over a couple of guys from Balck Ops to poison Woodward's goldfish or something.
Otherwise, Cheney sits silently in meetings with the President and principals that are used to one-on-one sessions with the President (i.e.: Sec of State Powell) with a Darth Vader-like presence. He appears to relish the reputation he has built and everybody around him treds very softly and avoids fights with him at all costs.
Sec. of State Rice is skewered as too weak for the task and too interested in cheerleading for GWB to tell him what he really needs to hear. Throughout the book military and policy professionals complain that the truth is sugarcoated for easy digestion for a President that lacks intellectual curiousity and doesn't fancy internal dissent.
Oh sure there's ample discussion of the Administration keeping disturbing facts from timely entering the public domain, particularly at politically inopportune moments, but that's no shock to anyone that pays attention. Overall, I've found it interesting and informative. People in positions of power in large part are willing to tell their side of the story to Woodward.
That said, I found the chapter discussing the 2004 election day compelling (okay,I admit I'm a loser). Much to my surprise, Rove and the troops were sweating it out like the rest of the political junkies. Apparently, while they have extremely detailed voter results and polling coming in that allows them to assess trends, they actually utilize information very similar to the info publicly available to the networks and over the internets(intentional inside reference to that national treasure, the architect of the bridge to nowhere, the Senior Senator from Alaska, Ted Stevens - who by the way takes the time to pile on Donny Rumsfeld in the book).
No surprise that virtually anyone that deals or has dealt with SECDEF Rumsfeld thinks he's an asshole, although often this characterization is made with grudging respect. He's a consummate bureaucratic infighter and a zen master at Hot Potato, the potato is never in his hands when the music stops - just like the responsibility for missteps in Iraq.
VP "Shoot'em Up" Dick Cheney gets short shrift. We know he did speak to Woodward extensively regarding the previous book, Plan of Attack as well as for a book Woodward is working on now. Those discussions lead to the disclosure that Henry Kissinger has met regularly with Cheney and Bush regarding Iraq. According to a recent tv interview with Woodward, Cheney called him regarding that disclosure pissed off, claiming that the disclosure was purely on background and not for attribution. Woodward disagreed and said that Cheney mentioned it in a rather off-hand fashion at the start of a recent interview regarding the new book (Woodward claims emphatically that the tapes of that interview support his position). At that point, according to Woodward the VP said "Bullshit" and hung up. Class act. You half expect Big Dick to send over a couple of guys from Balck Ops to poison Woodward's goldfish or something.
Otherwise, Cheney sits silently in meetings with the President and principals that are used to one-on-one sessions with the President (i.e.: Sec of State Powell) with a Darth Vader-like presence. He appears to relish the reputation he has built and everybody around him treds very softly and avoids fights with him at all costs.
Sec. of State Rice is skewered as too weak for the task and too interested in cheerleading for GWB to tell him what he really needs to hear. Throughout the book military and policy professionals complain that the truth is sugarcoated for easy digestion for a President that lacks intellectual curiousity and doesn't fancy internal dissent.
Oh sure there's ample discussion of the Administration keeping disturbing facts from timely entering the public domain, particularly at politically inopportune moments, but that's no shock to anyone that pays attention. Overall, I've found it interesting and informative. People in positions of power in large part are willing to tell their side of the story to Woodward.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Nuance is Clearly Beyond O'Reilly's Ken
I'm a regular viewer of The O'Reilly Factor. I'm not exactly sure why, he does frequently get good guests, including, as last night, an exclusve interview with the President. Unfortunately, Big Bill rarely delves deeply into substantive issues. His interview was Larry Kingesque - almost fawning. He followed it up, to his credit, with an interview with Bob Woodward. He asked Woodward good questions, but gave me the dstinct impression that he wasn't listening to the answers offered to the questions he posed. Woodward stated, based upon his reporting, that the policies in Iraq weren't wotking. Bill responded that Woodward was claiming the efforts in Iraq therefore, were for a "lost cause." Woodward disagreed with Bill's characterizaton, to which Bill said, "well same thing." Come on Bill,are you even trying to make an effort? There is a substantive difference, why can't Bill get that. He's savy enough to host a show that dominates Cable news talk - lookin' out for the folks, but he seems intellectually lazy if not outright dim.
Intelligent people can disagree regarding our efforts in Iraq, but the "we just need to tough it out a little longer" line (Bill) rings hollow without some substantive changes in approach. Recent polling in Iraq seems to confirm what many have feared for quite some time, that we have lost the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. Overcoming an insurgency without the support of the people strikes me as a losing battle. That said, complete withdrawl from Iraq is a nonstarter at this point because of the political vacuum it would create and the more dangerous situation it would create for U.S. interests.
Maybe Bill should just focus on more important issues that he can get his hands around like the liberal bias on the Oprah show that keeps him off her guest list (much to Bill's obvious consternation) and shamelessly hawking his books and "Factor" gear by cherry-picking reader e-mails. Does anyone else find the huckster a bit of a joke? I welcome viewpoints from across the political spectrum, but I expect a little thought and fact-checking.
Intelligent people can disagree regarding our efforts in Iraq, but the "we just need to tough it out a little longer" line (Bill) rings hollow without some substantive changes in approach. Recent polling in Iraq seems to confirm what many have feared for quite some time, that we have lost the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. Overcoming an insurgency without the support of the people strikes me as a losing battle. That said, complete withdrawl from Iraq is a nonstarter at this point because of the political vacuum it would create and the more dangerous situation it would create for U.S. interests.
Maybe Bill should just focus on more important issues that he can get his hands around like the liberal bias on the Oprah show that keeps him off her guest list (much to Bill's obvious consternation) and shamelessly hawking his books and "Factor" gear by cherry-picking reader e-mails. Does anyone else find the huckster a bit of a joke? I welcome viewpoints from across the political spectrum, but I expect a little thought and fact-checking.
Poor Poor Buzzsaw
What can you say [fill in sports cliche here]. Bears lucky? Yes. Bears defense impressive? Emphatically, yes. Rex Grossman putrid? No, worse. The Bears won a game that they simply had no business winning.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Indiana Steals, I Mean Lands Top Recruit
Eric Gordon's supposed to be the real deal, just ask Bruce Weber and those mildly dejected (alright, really pissed) Ilini fans.
Bear Down Chicago Bears put up the fight for the right to...
Victory.
Note, the picture at left is Urlacher look-a-like getting trimmed up before tonight's big game - he looks ready to me!
At this point of the season the Bears are the class of the NFL. Tonight they go into the Pink Taco that houses that NFL buzzsaw, the Arizona Cardinals. I, for one, don't envision a Dan Marino moment like the 1985 Bears experienced against the Dolphins on a Monday night that season.
For those who follow such thing, it is interesting to note that the betting line in the game moved 3 points since yesterday. The Bears are now favored by 14. I guess the upsets yesterday have more than a few degenerate gamblers are tryin' to recoup those losses tonight. Gambling lore suggests that the bookies make more money on Monday night than they do all weekend. Do you buy it? Anyway, I hope the Bears (read, recently deified Rex Grossman) doesn't poop the bed.
Prediction: Bears 27 The Buzzsaw 6
October Surprise?
With polling in key districts seeming to indicate an almost certain shift to the Democrats in the House as well as gains in the Senate , the question the Dems have to be asking is: Does Karl have a Hail Mary pass play that can change the outcome? The talking heads on both sides of the political spectrum appear dubious that such a gambit is imminent. Maybe Karl will find a bug behind a picture in his office placed by the Dems or al Queda (same diff, right?). Oh no, that already happened once before in Texas (pity I'm too lazy to look for a link).
I note that very little has been said regarding apparently faulty polling in '04, '02 and '00 that seemed to underestimate the Republican turnout, although Karl said as much to someone at WaPo and to Freddie "Beatle: Barnes. On the other hand, wary pundits do keep referringto the superior turnout efforts of the RNC. That view was reinforced by the amazing resuscitation of the moribund campaign of Lincoln Chaffee in this summer's Republican primary in Rhode Island.
Political junkies like me just live for times like this, stay tuned.
I note that very little has been said regarding apparently faulty polling in '04, '02 and '00 that seemed to underestimate the Republican turnout, although Karl said as much to someone at WaPo and to Freddie "Beatle: Barnes. On the other hand, wary pundits do keep referringto the superior turnout efforts of the RNC. That view was reinforced by the amazing resuscitation of the moribund campaign of Lincoln Chaffee in this summer's Republican primary in Rhode Island.
Political junkies like me just live for times like this, stay tuned.
I'm Not Dead
Despite suspicions, I have not yet passed from this realm. I found out today that someone other than me actually checks this so I will commit to at least a short term burst of activity and try and come up with something relevant. Furthermore, I pledge to spice up this site with something more than mere prose by learning how to upgrade my blog. Onward and upward.
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