tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53664458338512449842024-03-20T19:27:26.926-04:00Full ChatPolitics, fitness, nutrition, running, Guinness, and whatever else comes to mind...Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-54787956040276299642008-09-06T19:12:00.006-04:002008-09-07T16:38:49.959-04:00TrifurcationMany thanks to those of y'all who have encouraged me to resume writing: I have decided to split the blogs into <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">separate</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">entities</span> based on subject matter.<br /><br />Current events can now be found at <a href="http://newzisland.blogspot.com/">News from the Island</a>, which has gone live and will have content up shortly.<br /><br />Fitness, running, and nutrition topics will soon have their own home--the working title is "<a href="http://ftwitch.blogspot.com/">Fast Twitch</a>".<br /><br />Stay tuned, and thanks for your encouragement.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-10529554040455572832008-02-28T21:41:00.002-05:002008-02-28T21:45:28.822-05:00We're all in JailI don't what, if anything, to make of it, but...<br /><br /> More Americans are in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/28/recordhigh-ratio-of-amer_n_89068.html">jail</a> than anytime in history. We also appear to be the world leader in locking people up, with more people per capita behind bars than anyplace else on the planet.<br /><br /> I don't have any problem with locking away lawbreakers. However, if we're going to do so we'd best be prepared to pony up the cash for it.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-71728012862671988412008-02-28T15:42:00.001-05:002008-02-28T15:44:14.649-05:00Marathon<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-hCuYjvw2I">The Day After.</a><br /><br /> No exaggeration.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-38300979615568980422008-02-25T22:11:00.004-05:002008-02-28T17:51:52.541-05:00Mardi Gras Marathon<strong>UPDATE 2: </strong>How bad did it hurt? <a href="http://www.marathonfoto.com/view_watermark.cfm?CustomerNumber=J21V83&NegsNumber=45963700&Orientation=P">This</a> much.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>UPDATED:</strong> <a href="http://www.marathonfoto.com/order_my_photos.cfm?RaceOID=07022008W1&LastName=DRENNON&BibNumber=1605&Language=en&Mailing=9967&BFI=cf4dl3ds5j&Frames=true&Flash=true&FlashVersion=8&Height=768&Width=1024&Index2Home=true">Pics.</a><br /><br />Humbling.<br /><br />5:19---an hour slower than I had hoped for. First half in 2:18, second half in 3:01.<br /><br />Arrived Friday morning and spent the day doing touristy stuff (my first trip there).Did you know that New Orleans has drive-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">thru</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">daiquiri</span> bars? For a person who enjoys drinking, this city is damn near heaven. Friday evening took a cab into town and sampled some of the abundant nightlife. Partied hard, but finished early--in bed at 11:30.<br /><br />Saturday full rest. Did nothing except the expo and registration--which was well-organized, staffed, and smooth. Expo was nice. T-shirt was the best ever: Long-sleeve technical fabric by Under Armor. (5K runners got the same in short sleeves).Pasta dinner at my hosts' home Sat night---in bed and asleep at 10:30.<br /><br />Up at 5, light breakfast (I was just too nervous to eat much), NO COFFEE this time, couple a bottles of water, and into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Superdome</span> for the 7am start.Start line was a bit crowded: Total of almost 6000 runners. 5K runners started only 10 minutes after us so they were all in the area as well. Of course, there were not enough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">porta</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">jons</span> (are there ever enough? I mean, has anybody ever run in a race and come home saying "Boy, that would have been a terrific event if only they didn't so many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">porta</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">jons</span>"? For a time we had access to the lower level Dome restrooms but security got worried and asked us to leave...but I had already done the deed at that point.<br /><br />There were no corrals or seeding as far as I could tell. Since I planned on being slow I just hung out at the back. Start temp was in the 50s and a bit foggy, with the promise of plenty of sun and weather in the 70s by noon.<br /><br />Start was smooth, but before long we're running into the Quarter and up Bourbon St. Neat, but damn narrow. The resulting bottleneck might have frustrated somebody who wanted a quick pace out of the gate. (Not me, as I had planned on going slow). Up Bourbon St (yes, there were drunk people out--either still up from the night before or up early drinking already--I saw several Bloody Mary drinkers), over a block, then back down to Lee Circle, where after only 3 miles I had to take a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">porta</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">jon</span> break. But, I decided that if I felt the urge, then I was going to stop whenever needed. Goal was to finish. First 3 miles were all at a 10 minute pace, which was just where I wanted to be. I felt great.<br /><br />Off the circle and down St Charles, all the way out to Audubon Park. Nice run...beautiful street, plenty of super crowd support. Still running an easy 10-minute pace, having a good time. At mile 8 in Audubon Park felt a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">twing</span> in my right leg and thought "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ruh</span>-oh". Concerned, I dialed it back a bit...maybe a 10:30 pace. Slow, but I wanted to finish.<br /><br />The Audubon Park entrance (and exit) featured a Dixieland band. (One of three on the course---or maybe one band moved from the front to the back---couldn't tell). Also had a themed aid station where everybody wore Western costumes and they offered more than just water and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">gatorade</span>---these people had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">pb</span>&j sandwich bites, crackers, cookies, pretzels, etc. ...and plenty of encouragement. We were also offered beer, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">cocquetails</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cigarattes</span>, and condoms. These people were <strong>READY</strong><br /><br />Aid stations note: They were plentiful, well-staffed, and lavishly stocked. The second half they offered all the GU you could want, orange slices, etc. Neat thing--some volunteers would appear in random places on the course to offer pretzels and a word of encouragement. One aid station had the entire staff dressed in drag (red dresses, of course).Back down St Charles and to the Dome where the half people peeled off to their finish. The half was in 2:18, which was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ok</span>---I knew was running mid-10s and had taken 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">porta</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">jon</span> breaks in the first half. I found <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">myslef</span> jealous of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">halfers</span> as they turned.<br /><br />I also knew I was in trouble. I was getting increasing levels of discomfort in both legs, specially the right one. I tried running on the grass to soften the impact but that actually made the pain MUCH WORSE. At mile 15 I had to pull up and walk. Maybe 60 secs, then ran slowly to the 16-mile aid station---walked through that one, then another half mile before I had to stop and walk again.<br /><br />And that was the pattern for the rest of the race. Through City Park, and finally turned for home. Run a bit...I use the term "run" loosely as that really is not a good description of what I was doing...and walk a bit. I tried to grit my teeth and drive through it, but my legs just-would-not-comply.<br /><br />I was struggling badly---but...I was not alone. In every race I've ever been in I have always found myself running with a group of folks of similar ability. Now I found myself with others who were fighting to make to the finish line, looking for each mile marker, and trying to keep putting one foot in front of the other.<br /><br />These people are the most wonderful folks I've ever met. Thorough their pain, they offered each other (and me) support and strength. We cheered each other on, and it MADE the difference for me. I was hurting pretty bad at this point---pain shooting up both legs with each stride.<br /><br />I finally staggered into the finish area, and here's the weird thing: I managed to suck it up and RUN the last 75 yards at my usual 5K-pace, and it didn't hurt a bit. Of course, as soon as I finished, I could barely walk, but...I had my medal.<br /><br />Finish line victuals were red beans and rice with plenty of beer. Nice.<br /><br />Dine in NOLA at <a href="http://www.portofcallneworleans.com/" target="_blank">Port of Call</a> or <a href="http://www.cooterbrowns.com/" target="_blank"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Cooter</span> Browns</a>Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-84204690678150402132008-02-21T17:51:00.002-05:002008-02-21T17:54:03.844-05:00I'm voting for Hillary...no, not really.<br /><br />But anybody who can spend $1300 a month at <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8619.html">Dunkin Donuts </a>can't be all bad.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-36317940088645136912008-02-20T10:17:00.002-05:002008-02-20T10:22:04.020-05:0010 in a rowObama wins Wisconsiin and Hawaii.<br /><br /> The margin was not close. I guess that "going negative" tactic didn't work out so well for Hillary, eh? Even so, look for more of the same 'tween now and March 4th.<br /><br /> In the meantime, I expect an Edwards endorsement any day now: Obama's vicotry speech was filled with rhetoric was signalled an impending announcement.<br /><br /> If Clinton is unable to break through with solid wins March 4th in TX <strong><em>and</em></strong> OH, that will just about do it. VT and RI vote the same day and she really needs to pick up one of them as well.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-10180120436690085022008-02-20T10:04:00.004-05:002008-02-20T10:14:25.887-05:00Birthday blogging 2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3dx4ceuaCyhrEHvndlUobrKGQ4CChudmQB8Q_68S_JlMpChTjbLISd7XGGhLDJ6CW2gMgMW1Vu_k_RffGIukrbYp3N3XFvg6yKRRuhSb1nlkSgx3uSVWH6ZYnvbAYWD7mvMev291m23G/s1600-h/pic1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169080323072729650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3dx4ceuaCyhrEHvndlUobrKGQ4CChudmQB8Q_68S_JlMpChTjbLISd7XGGhLDJ6CW2gMgMW1Vu_k_RffGIukrbYp3N3XFvg6yKRRuhSb1nlkSgx3uSVWH6ZYnvbAYWD7mvMev291m23G/s200/pic1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfn03B0YJlup54FlfaOX-mNwwjzrec6_jmYmDD7GudOFa1jbshumC1soHlefaoTJ1eP32rcoWf26CSZQtKTORoNuhaO-EWIw2Ka2Z6639GRKUf4ngX_DOOijCeS7H8Rbc2SZ51rs7DjuE/s1600-h/pic2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169080327367696962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfn03B0YJlup54FlfaOX-mNwwjzrec6_jmYmDD7GudOFa1jbshumC1soHlefaoTJ1eP32rcoWf26CSZQtKTORoNuhaO-EWIw2Ka2Z6639GRKUf4ngX_DOOijCeS7H8Rbc2SZ51rs7DjuE/s200/pic2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiJU7-4yeddHraWV6ZAsHpeNC4l2oCDRSX026ur9__kSj_zyCBM2RlyfphfzMh4ir995QWB_sZtLxVyDtcV9Er3ctwKHkF1cZvrxAUPao8bgaHwzeEC8PlSduFvmMv6Hyc7ZD5_CmTHf7/s1600-h/pic3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169080331662664274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiJU7-4yeddHraWV6ZAsHpeNC4l2oCDRSX026ur9__kSj_zyCBM2RlyfphfzMh4ir995QWB_sZtLxVyDtcV9Er3ctwKHkF1cZvrxAUPao8bgaHwzeEC8PlSduFvmMv6Hyc7ZD5_CmTHf7/s200/pic3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am officially the parent of two teenaged girls. Yesterday, my oldest turned 16 and today her sister is 13.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am not emotionally prepared for this.</div><br /><div></div><div>But...I take some solace in the fact that in spite of all they have endured (plenty), my girls are as well-adjusted and intelligent as any kids out there. Heck, I've met other kids their age, and there's just no comparison: My girls are <strong><em>razors</em></strong>.</div><br /><div></div><div>That sentiment can be dismissed as parental pride, but then again, if you'd met them you'd know what I mean. And yeah...I am so very proud of them.</div><br /><div></div><div>They deserve so much more than I can ever possibily give, and their presence in my life is a blessing beyond words.</div><br /><div></div><div>Happy birthday, girls.</div><br /><div></div><div>love,</div><br /><div></div><div>Daddio</div>Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-21459276090885283082008-02-14T21:41:00.000-05:002008-02-14T21:44:01.990-05:00Hillary: The EndgameAs the primaries in WI/HI/OH/TX and VT grow closer Team Clinton has rolled out their strategy: Go negative,redefine the debate, and continue to leverage the Supers and lobby for MI & FL delegates to be seated.<br /><br /> The first salvo in the latest skirmish was fired by former Ambassador Joe Wilson. His Baltimore Sun article excerpted into a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joe-wilson/battletested_b_86355.html" target="_blank">Huffpo broadside</a>-applauded in Hillaryland and blasted in Obamadom-- essentially painted a picture of Obama as too weak to stand up to the VRWC in general and John McCain in particular.<br /> <br /> Wilson singles out Obama's "vapid rhetoric" and dismisses him as "inexperienced", holding up Sen. Clinton as "a fighter" who "never flinches".<br /> <br />The Ambassador has been taken to task at length in in great detail for being a shill for Team Clinton. I have no idea what his motives are, but suggest instead that to select our candidate based on fear of what the Big Bad GOP attack machine might do is the REAL capitulation.<br /> I think Wilson gives the Rove style politics of personal destruction more power than it deserves: Magnifying the ability of the right to smear into mythic proportions. To combat this dread foe we need a "gladiator" who is "battle tested".<br /><br /> Well...Wilson does have first-hand experience: He and his wife were targets of Team Rove for taking a public stand against the Bush con-job that is the Iraq war. It would also be unwise to underestimate the GOP and their surrogates in the dirty tricks department.<br /><br /> But, when we let fear dominate OUR selection process, it seems to me that the Right has already won. Must we tremble in the face of those would lie, malign, distort, and cheat to win? To do so permits THEM to make our selection for us.<br /><br /> Moreover, Wilson gives far too little credit to Barack Obama. I think the man is made of sterner stuff than many of his critics realize. The underlying evidence Wilson cites as Obama's weakness--an exchange of letters over ethics reform--makes Obama look calm and statesmanlike. McCain looks like a hothead who is throwing something of a temper-tantrum.<br /><br /> Compared side-by-side, I think Obama matches up quite favorably with John "100 years of war" McCain. As for a national security c.v., he observes quite correctly that the current Administration had a resume' heavy team in place: Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, and Powell. How'd that work out?<br /><br /> Experience is no substitute for judgement.<br /><br /> During the Overland Campaign in 1864 General Ulysses S. Grant overheard some of his officers talking about how R.E. Lee would counter their move and wind up--as he so often did-- coming down on their flank. Fed up, Grant thundered "You need to stop thinking aboout what HE is going to do to YOU and start thinking about what YOU are going to do to HIM."<br /><br /> We need to emulate General GrantDon Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-85222165478007046662008-02-12T22:45:00.003-05:002008-02-13T11:04:43.774-05:00How bad was it?...for Hillary?<br /><br /><br /><br />The only demographic she seems to have won is older white women...and that margin was not overwhelming.<br /><br />Nice slogan--"Old White women for Hillary!"--I know, sexism and ageism all rolled into one. Still. Hardly heartening for Hillary.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now 2 more of her senior staff are sacked....or left for greener pastures, or "reassigned".Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-9435761417212952782008-02-12T22:19:00.002-05:002008-02-12T22:23:23.440-05:00Game OverObama wins in DC, VA, and MD by blow-out margins.<br /><br /> Wins among women. Wins among white voters. Wins among Latinos.<br /><br /> I 'spose Hillary will hang around until March 4th, but by then Wisconsin will be in the bag as well. Obama has already begun his campaign against McCain.<br /><br /> ...who also scored a sweep tonight. Less convincing, to be sure---but it should put the doubters to rest. His delegate lead should now be well-nigh insurmountable.<br /><br /> The real contest begins.<br /><br /> ...as soon as somebody breaks the news to Hillary Clinton. I wonder who that lucky soul will be?Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-24800498872193229102008-02-12T10:32:00.000-05:002008-02-12T10:39:33.809-05:00Stretch run...some folks are saying the Democratic contest will go all the way to Denver, but there is a scenario which brings closure in March.<br /><br /> Obama can seize victory before spring if:<br /><br /><ul><li>Predictions of huge margins of victory in DC/VA/MD today prove true.</li><li>He wins in Wisconsin.</li><li>Pulls off the upset wins in OH and TX March 4th.</li></ul><p> The way things are playing out March 4th might just be Hillary's last stand: By then she may have likely lost 8 straight contests (9 if you add in the Virgin Islands). On the eve of the Potomac primaries her support is <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/11/some-top-clinton-backers-_n_86028.html">wavering</a>.</p><p> Obama still well behind in TX and OH, but working hard in both states, and has lots of money to spend. He can seal the deal before the snows melt.</p><p> </p>Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-13558631020075620592008-02-11T20:55:00.000-05:002008-02-11T21:02:53.393-05:00Clinton AgonistesA loss in Maine, where they were 'sposed to be running well.<br /><br />A campaign staff shakeup: Depends on who you believe, but her campaign manager was replaced.<br /><br />Now, a story coming out in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/11/nyt-clinton-aides-fear-e_n_86028.html">The Paper</a> that says her supporters see it slipping away.<br /><br />Tomorrow--maybe three more losses in VA/MD/DC---some of them by whopping margins. The polls have been wrong before (specially this year, specially on margin of victory) but the Potomac primaries could be South Carolina writ large.<br /><br />Coming up: Maybe another loss--this time in Wisconsin.<br /><br />Will she reach her March 4th firewall in TX and OH with her chances intact?Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-64057673223132030692008-02-09T21:20:00.000-05:002008-02-09T21:42:44.903-05:00ResultsObama wins easily in Wasington and Nebraska.<br /><br />Huge results in both places: Washinton has a long history of supporting women, and Hillary had secured the endorsement of both US Senators (also, both women). Result---not close, it would seem.<br /><br />Nebraska: Not only a win for Obama, but a blowout. Clinton got stomped in a lilly-white state.<br /><br />Louisiana: Still counting. Reports of irregularities. Big shock---just a way of life down there it would seem.<br /><br />UPDATE: Louisiana results tricling in--Obama pulling away.<br /><br />UPDATE: Huckabee trounces McCain in Kansas. Did Johnny Mac take it for granted? To be sure, Kansas is fertile ground for a Baptist who doesn't believe in evolution, but McCain is the presumptive nominee. He still holds a commanding nationwide lead, but The Huck just-will-not-go-away.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-25329620775742084662008-02-08T19:40:00.000-05:002008-02-08T20:00:22.616-05:00The next round<strong>Saturday, Feb 9</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Louisiana: </strong>Hillary enjoys the support of popular Sen. John Breaux, but the state has a large black voter base which should turn out in large numbers. Advantage: Obama.<br /><br /><strong>Nebraska: </strong>A red state: Hillary has lined up Bob Kerrey (who may be in line for a VP nod in her administration). Obama counters with support from Sen Ben Nelson and the mayor of Omaha--he also ran up a crushing win in neighboring Kansas. Advantage-Obama.<br /><br /><strong>Washington: </strong>A long history of supporting women--both senators and the Gov. are women. Hillary has been endorsed by both Senators but Obama picked up the Gov. endorsement today. The usually reliable SUSA has Obama up by +10, and it is a caucus state, but I'll buck the trend. Advanage: Push<br /><br /><strong>Sunday Feb 10:</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Maine:</strong> Hillary has the state party apparatus behind her, and the demographics do not favor Obama. Only thing in his favor is that Maine is a caucus state and his team has done well in that format. Advantage: Hillary<br /><br />Then we move on to the Potomac primaries (MD/VA/DC) and Wisconsin. There's a high probability that Obama will sweep.<br /><br />But...Hillary will rack up some delegates, even in states where she loses by a big margin. As she pointed out after SC: It's all about delegates.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-22492945893662278692008-02-08T15:46:00.000-05:002008-02-08T18:33:08.145-05:00Pro-Hillary outrageI get the impression that Team Hillary is growing impatient.<br /><br />The tone has become increasingly <a href="http://www.taylormarsh.com/archives_view.php?id=26969">strident</a>: That pesky Obama fellow just will-not-get-out of the way.<br /><br />Obama supporters are blasted for being worshippers in a cult of personality, or worse. Oddly echoing the Right-wing noise machine, news outlets are taken to task for pro-Obama or anti-Hillary spin.<br /><br />Part of the "problem" is that Obama is an unusually telegenic candidate. It's easy for the news outlets to paint a rosy picture of his campaign because the guy just looks and sounds terrific on camera. But..there's much more.<br /><br />Mitt Romney has the same qualities and it didn't work out so well for him. Obama has energized legions of voters who had given up on the system and brought in a horde of young voters who feel they can identify with him. Can most of them describe Obama's positions on energy, foreign policy, or the economy? Probably not. Does this then mean they should be disenfranchised or that their support should be devalued?<br /><br />In 2000 and 2004 Democrats ran two strong candidates who had clearly thought out positions on all the issues of the day. In both cases they lost to a candidate they should have beaten like a drum. Maybe we should give the voters a choice they can connect with on an emotional level.<br /><br />I've looked at the Obama <a href="http://www.barackobama.com/">website</a> and frankly there's not that much difference between the America he envisions and that of Clinton or John Edwards.<br /><br />I think Obama will be a more effective leader, will be able to accomplish more--yes, on Day One--and will be a much stronger candidate down-ticket than Hillary.<br /><br />The Republicans know this. She is the one they want to run against. They NEED her on the ticket to motivate their voters.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-61115968954947835082008-02-07T15:17:00.000-05:002008-02-07T15:18:01.824-05:00Gore to endorse?Not likely, but the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-clemons/gore-endorsement-rumor-ki_b_85516.html">rumor</a> is out there.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-44783100866675524252008-02-07T14:50:00.000-05:002008-02-07T14:51:59.238-05:00Romney out<a href="http://thepage.time.com/2008/02/07/sources-romney-to-quit-race/"> No more Mitt</a>.<br /><br /> McCain should have it locked up: What does the Huckster do?Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-4185153803387906922008-02-07T13:45:00.000-05:002008-02-07T14:14:29.853-05:00The shifting narrativeI'm not certain if the Super Tuesday results can be characterised as an Obama victory, but as the final results are tabulated it is clear that the verdict is at worst a draw. There are some who argue that the net impact is effectively a loss for Hillary--here's why:<br /><br /><ul><li>Hillary won the most populous states (NY/NJ/MA/CA) but not by impressive margins. These states all award delegates in proportion to the popular vote, so Obama gleaned a fair number in each.</li><li>As expected, Obama won by fat margins in IL,GA, DE, and AL.</li><li>In what must have come as a rude shock at Hillary HQ, Obama won in KS, ID, MN, CO, ND, and CT. Black voters played no role whatsoever in these contests.</li><li>While various tabulations differ, most show Hillary with a small edge in the overall total of delegates so far. One shows Obama ahead.</li></ul><p>This was not the result that Clinton needed: They wanted to sew it up on Feb 5 and turn the rest of the primary season into a victory lap. Now they find themselves in the thick of a neck-and-neck contest with a surging Obama.</p><p>Clinton's woes are compounded by the fact she is low on funds (some staff have agreed to work <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23037431/">without pay</a> and she is tapping her own wealth to the tune of $5 million) while over at Obama HQ they are rolling in funds---and do not seem to have come anywhere near to exhausting their donors.</p><p>Worse still, the upcoming round of contests (LA,VA,DC,MD,WI,HI) all favor Obama: There is a real chance he could go on a tear of victories which would leave Team Hillary too far behind to catch up. Already there is talk of the Clinton campaign building a "firewall" March 4th at the TX and OH primaries--where she still enjoys substantial leads. Wins in those two states, and later in PA could--they hope--turn things around. The talk is of Clinton "surviving" February.</p><p>I don't think they can afford to lose that much momentum. They need to pick a couple of places where they can make a stand and pick up a win--for morale, for delegates, for news spin, and for the impact on potential donors.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-77701924878621000892008-02-06T09:50:00.000-05:002008-02-06T10:01:32.404-05:00PrognosticationI guess I did ok.<br /><br /> As predicted, Clinton carries slightly more delegates and popular vote...but by a very narrow margin.<br /><br /> Both sides spin the result as "victory". Hillary's team actually behaves as if it is all over and looks ahead to November---a good tactic. Team Clinton in full gloat mode about winning MA despite Kennedy/Kerry support for Obama.<br /><br /> Obama: Massachusetts was a bit of a let down--they would have liked to pull off the upset there. California was close enough--no win, but they collected some delegates. On the upside, the wins in Deleware, Missouri, and Connecticut (Hillary's turf) were a plus: In fact he won 13 states to Clinton's 9.<br /><br /> Next round: Louisiana and the Potomac primary (MD/VA/DC). Should be favorable to Obama, but he needs a big day.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-46659282875227329212008-02-05T10:17:00.000-05:002008-02-05T10:20:24.606-05:00PollsWrong in New Hampshire.<br /><br />Wrong in SC, in the sense that they underestimated the margin by a country mile.<br /><br />Now...in California...somebody's going to have <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/5/2921/03211/473/450068">egg on their face </a>in the morning.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-47745690045555738622008-02-04T22:14:00.000-05:002008-02-04T22:15:50.327-05:00HillaryspinThey expect the bout to go the<a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/02/04/clinton-camp-expects-nomination-fight-to-go-on/"> full 15 rounds</a>.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-78190502467863979462008-02-04T22:10:00.000-05:002008-02-04T22:13:16.812-05:00SpinobamaAhhh.<br /><br />Not losing big is <a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/obama_campaign_memo_if_hillary.php">winning</a>.<br /><br />Doesn't sound like they expect to win California, then.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-16360622726466225252008-02-04T20:31:00.000-05:002008-02-04T20:34:30.088-05:00Super BowlOK. I'll comment.<br /><br /> I didn't have a dog in this fight: To the extent I care about stick-and-ball sports at all I'm a Packers fan. But...<br /><br /> Eli and the Giants made the plays. In Dallas, Green Bay, and in the Super Bowl. Give them full credit.<br /><br /> However...did anybody else notice how close Brady came to completing that desperation pass to Randy Moss? He had the defenders beaten...Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-6367836765786242142008-02-04T20:27:00.000-05:002008-02-04T20:31:04.740-05:00Show me the moneyMaybe <a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/02/04/clinton_makes_january_haul_pub.html">this</a> is why the Obama people are so confident: They raised about 2-1/2 times the amount of money that Clinton did...with their biggest one-day haul coming after the New Hampshire 2nd-place.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366445833851244984.post-8375488449428370542008-02-04T19:46:00.000-05:002008-02-04T20:15:11.131-05:00Super Tuesday predictionsI think Hillary's nationwide lead will hold up and she'll claim victory.<br /><br />The margin will be so narrow overall that Obama will claim victory.<br /><br />Both sides will go into overdrive spin mode.<br /><br />The big prize is California: Even though it is not a winner-take-all state, being a "winner" there can translate into momentum for the stretch run.<br /><br />And it seems we're in for a long haul here. Barring an unforeseen Obama collapse or Hillary implosion, the campaign will continue at full speed for at least another month. The delegate counts on Wednesday morning will not be that far apart, and--as Hillary observed after SC--it is all about delegates.<br /><br />Neither side is playing the "diminshed expectations" game the night before, and I find that interesting. The Clinton camp expects to win...but I'd think the Obama campaign would be playing down the results.<br /><br />Do they expect to win? If Obama pulls off an upset in California, the media buzz will add to what had already been a less-than-positive news cycle for Team Hillary. She could conceivably carry the day in terms of delegate count and still come out looking like a loser.<br /><br />And the next round of primaries and caucuses (only next week!) is on turf more friendly to Obama.Don Drennonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06127946403352914580noreply@blogger.com0