Open Intelligencer

President-Elect Intelligencer 2009 January 9

2009-01-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

Climate Change
Some have interpreted Obama’s picks for top environmental positions as a signal that he will be supporting climate change policies and tougher emissions standards (Zabarenko).

Feminism
Women’s groups, particularly the National Organization for Women, are complaining that Obama has not appointed enough women to cabinet-level positions (Yellin).

Nominations
Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Commerce, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, has withdrawn from consideration. Federal investigators are looking into state transportation contracts that were awarded to Richardson supporters (Pickler).

Apparently, Hillary Clinton is ineligible for appointment to Secretary of State because the position received a raise while she served in Congress (Judicial Watch announces). This does not seem to be putting the breaks on her appointment any more than her husband’s foreign connections through his charitable foundation. The group making this claim against Clinton also calls for an investigation of Obama’s connections to ACORN and Tony Rezko.

Other nominations include
Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—Jane Lubchenco of Oregon State University
Assitant to the President for Science and Technology, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Co-Chair of President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology—John Holdren, the Teresa and John Heinz Professor of Environmental Policy and Director of the Program on Science, Technology and Public Policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government
Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology—Harold Varmus was Director of the National Institutes of Health during the Clinton administration
Director of Central Intelligence—Leon Panetta, served as Chief of Staff to President Clinton and former congressman (McGrath; Miller & Parsons).

Sources
Judicial Watch announces list of Washington’s “10 Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians” for 2008. (2008 Dec. 31). MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28449789/, accessed 2009 Jan. 9.

McGrath, D. (2008 Dec. 22). Obama names science and technology team. EE Times. http://www.eetimes.com/news/design/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212501677, accessed 2009 Jan. 9.

Miller, G., & Parsons, C. (2009 Jan. 5). Obama taps Leon Panetta to run CIA. Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-010508-obama-panetta-cia-jan06,0,7789770.story, accessed 2009 Jan. 9.

Pickler, N. (2009 Jan. 5). Richardson drops secretary bid. Associate Press on AOL. http://news.aol.com/article/bill-richardson-drops-secretary-bid/292771?icid=200100397x1215670284x1201083147, accessed 2009 Jan 5.

Yellin, J. (2008 Dec. 22). Why some women’s groups are miffed at Obama. CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/22/women.cabinet/, accessed 2009 Jan. 9.

Zabarenko, D. (2008 Dec. 22). Obama team primed to push climate change agenda. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed2/idUSN22505340, accessed 2008 Jan. 9.

Putin Intelligencer 2009 January 6

2009-01-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Culture & Socialist Economy
Putin has announced he will personally oversee initiatives to develop Russia’s domestic film industry (Holdsworth).

Economic Bailout
Putin has promised government aid to 1,500 companies effected by the economic downturn (Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid).

Presidency
Legislation that would extend the Russian presidential term has taken another step toward approval. Speculation continues that this could open the door for Putin to return to the presidency, possibly for 12 years (Levy).

Sources
Holdsworth, N. (2008 Dec. 15). Putin takes charge of local film industry. Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997388.html?categoryId=19&cs=1, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 22). Is Putin getting an opening to return as president? International Herald-Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/22/europe/russia.php, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid. (2008 Dec. 16). Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1009/42/373182.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Russia Intelligencer 2009 January 6

2009-01-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

Banking & Financial Crisis
State-controlled Sberbank will offer payment deferrals to individual borrowers who experience income disruption (Meeting with Putin).

Culture
Hundreds of items are missing from the Hermitage museum, apparently from theft, though the institution’s director says many of the artifacts were of little value or have been missing since World War II (100s items missing).

Military & Nuclear Weapons
Russian officials announced they will be commissioning 70 strategic nuclear missiles in addition to other military equipment (Russian to get 70 nuclear missiles).

Nationalism
Immigration into Russia has sparked activity by nationalist groups, with little opposition from the government, though members of a skinhead group were recently convicted of racially-motivated, violent crimes (Clark).

Opposition Parties, Trade and Censorship
Russian democratic parties met earlier this month in St. Petersburg. Loosely unified under the title of Solidarity, the organizations still differ in their opinions on participation in elections and opposition to nationalism (Chernov).

Though not a party, drivers in Primorye region took to the streets—in cars—to protest tariffs on foreign cars put in place by the Putin government. The protest did not sway the government. Riot police arrested over 100 people. In much of the world this would be news, but it wasn’t covered by the state-owned television stations (Abdullaev & Mereu; Malpas & Antonova).

Socialist Economy
Even though the government cleared mining company Uralkali in a mining accident that created a sinkhole, but caused now injuries, it may still levy heavy fines on the company and attempt to take it over (Levy).

Sources
100s items missing from Russia’s Hermitage. (2008 Dec. 8). Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2008482841_apeurussiamissingart.html, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Abdullaev, N., & Mereu, F. (2008 Dec. 16). Far east drivers get leaders to listen. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/373168.htm, accessed 2008 Jan. 6.

Chernov, S. (2008 Dec. 9). Democrats meet to form joint program. St. Petersburg Times. http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=27788, accessed 2008 Dec. 11.

Clark, T. (2008 Dec. 15). Russian skinheads get up to 20 years in jail for 19 murders. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aAyge8hOY0PE&refer=europe, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 8). Russia my use accident inquiry to take over mine. Austin American-Statesman. http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/world/12/08/1208russia.html, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Malpas, A., & Antonova, M. (2008 Dec. 22). Primorye protests don’t sway putin. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/373322.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Meeting with Putin, CEO says Sberbank to give a break on loans. (2008 Dec. 22). PRIME-TASS. http://www.prime-tass.com/news/show.asp?topicid=60&id=449592, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Russian to get 70 nuclear missiles in 3 years. (2008 Dec. 22). Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hE_-OiPRaNN8o4Pov7KcF87YZtgwD957TOS80, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Palin Intelligencer 2008 January 5

2009-01-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

2012?
Some Palin fans look forward to supporting her for a presidential run in 2012 (Altimari).

Popularity
A poll taken in December found Palin to be the second most admired woman in America (Palin second among most-admired women).

Sources
Altimari, D. (2008 Dec. 22). Sarah Palin fans in Connecticut hold on to hope. Hartford Courant. http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/hc-teamsarah1222.artdec22,0,6015743.story, accessed 2009 Jan. 5.

Palin second among most-admired women. (2008 Dec. 29). Juneau Empire. http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/122908/reg_372018135.shtml, accessed 2009 Jan. 5.

Vice President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 January 5

2009-01-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

Economy & Staff
Biden has selected economist and author Jared Bernstein to serve in the newly created position of Chief Economist and Economic Policy Director to the Vice President.

Foreign Affairs
It’s anticipated that Sen. John Kerry will take the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations committed that is being vacated by Biden (Cirmaldi).

Sources
Crimaldi, L. (2008 Nov. 20). John Kerry to replace Joe Biden on board. Boston Herald. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/2008_11_20_John_Kerry_to_replace_Joe_Biden_on_board/srvc=home&position=recent, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 December 18

2008-12-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

Economic Stimulus
Earlier this month, at a meeting of the National Governors Association, governors solicited Obama’s support for over $136 billion in projects. The governors’ proposal includes a lot of infrastructure improvements, which they say they can get started quickly and will create jobs (Obama pledges to work with governors on economy). The announcement of Obama’s support for the program sparked a rally in the price of some commodities (Shenk).

Foreign Affairs: Bolivia, Cuba
The advent of new administration is spurring many to push for a new approach to Cuba. Many are seeking to normalize relations with America’s Caribbean neighbor and see a potential for change under Obama (Chang, Richter).

Bolivian’s are also hoping Obama and their own new chief executive may be able to strike a friendlier pose. Bolivia is a source of coca (from which we get cocaine), a traditional crop of native Bolivians that has been a source of tension with the U.S. (Keane).

Nominations
Ambassador to the United Nations—Susan Rice
“Climate Czar”—Carol Browner, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator
Council of Environmental Quality Head—Nancy Sutley, deputy mayor of Los Angeles
EPA Administrator—Lisa Jackson, chief of staff for New Jersey Governor John Corzine
Secretary of Defence—Robert Gates, currently serving in this role
Secretary of Energy—Steven Chu, head of Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
Secretary of Health and Human Services—Tom Daschle, former Senate majority leader (Beale; Muskal; Obama names environmental team; Obama names national security team; Raffaele).

War in Afghanistan
Obama is continuing his plan to refocus military efforts on Afghanistan, and reducing the American presence in Iraq, by adding 10,000 troops in the nation where the counterinsurgency effort has carried on for seven years. This addition is not expected to be as effective as the surge Iraq because Afghanistan has a less developed infrastructure, more rugged landscape, and insurgents receive support for groups in neighboring Pakistan (Gordon).

Sources
Beale, J. (2008 Dec. 7). US health reform gains momentum. BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7768608.stm, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Chang, J. (2008 Dec. 14). Shift in Cuba policy anticipated under Obama. Miami Herald. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/812398.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Gordon, M. (2008 Dec. 1). Afghan strategy poses stiff challenge for Obama. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/world/asia/02strategy.html?_r=1&ref=us, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Keane, D. (2008 Dec. 15). Bolivians hope Obama, an outsider, heals US rift. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hK5_rh7E38XaUgK-_mwkeYCxyIrQD952M6LG0, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Muskal, M. (2008 Dec. 15). Obama announces choices for key environmental and energy posts. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-obama16-2008dec16,0,2027165.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Obama names environmental team. (2008 Dec. 16). E-Mainstream. http://www.awwa.org/publications/MainStreamArticle.cfm?itemnumber=43696, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Obama names national security team including Clinton, Gates (2008 Dec. 2). Dallas Morning News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-cabinet_02nat.ART.State.Edition2.298e736.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Obama pledges to work with governors on economy. (2008 Dec. 2). CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/02/transition.wrap/, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Raffaele, R. (2008 Dec. 8). Obama taps Susan Rice for UN ambassador position. Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-08-voa20.cfm, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Richter, P. (2008 Dec. 13). Obama presidency could change the rules on Cuba. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-fg-uscuba13-2008dec13,0,5895951.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Shenk, M. (2008 Dec. 8). Oil, copper rise for first time in seven days on Obama stimulus. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=axxZdToCmBQU&refer=australia, accessed 2008 Dec. 19.

Blogspeak 2008 December 18

2008-12-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojavich
Obama: Review Finds No ‘Inappropriate’ Contacts With Blagojevich (Zeleny, J., The Caucus, New York Times, 2008 Dec. 15)

Infrastructure & Environment
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Energy Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Environmental Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Transportation Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Emanuel States Support for Infrastructure Spending (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 11)
Governors Call for Federal Infrastructure Investment (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)

United Nations Intelligencer 2008 December 18

2008-12-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

Obama Names Choice for U.N. Abassador
President-elect Barack Obama has nominated Susan Rice to serve as Ambassador to the U.N. (Obama names national security team).

Web Security & Anonymity
A U.N. agency is working on standards, proposed by China, to trace back the sources of internet communication. While there may be legitimate reasons to track such communications to prevent or investigate crime and terrorism, some are concerned about potential abuse (U.N. agency eyes).

OI Comment: Let’s not whitewash the issue. Some governments will abuse this power if they achieve it. Totalitarian governments, like China’s, will absolutely abuse it.

Sources
Obama names national security team including Clinton, Gates (2008 Dec. 2). Dallas Morning News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-cabinet_02nat.ART.State.Edition2.298e736.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

U.N. agency eyes web anonymity controls. (2008 Sept. 12). CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/12/tech/cnettechnews/main4443738.shtml?source=RSSattr=SciTech_4443738, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 December 11

2008-12-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

Appointments-Announced
Chief of Staff—Rahm Emanuel, former congressman from Chicago area
Deputy Budget Director—Rob Nabors
Secretary of State—Hillary Clinton, senator from New York and former first lady
Social Secretary—Desiree Rogers (West).

Appointments-Anticipated
Attorney General—Eric Holder
National Security Advisor—James Jones
Secretary of Commerce—Bill Richardson, governor of New Mexico
Secretary of Homeland Security—Janet Napolitano, governor of Arizona
Secretary of Veterans Affairs—Anthony Brown, lieutenant governor of Maryland (West).

Foreign Affairs: Cuba
Speculation continues that an Obama administration will seek to improve relations with Cuba (Williams).

Sources
West, P. (2008 Nov. 30). Obama’s picks mirror his multicultural background. Baltimore Sun. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.west30nov30,0,6641011.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 9.

Williams, M. (2008 Nov. 3). Obama to ease Cuba policy? Austin American-Statesman. http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/world/11/30/1130obamacuba.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 9.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 December 3

2008-12-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Defense and Foreign Affairs: United States, Venezuela
Russian and Venezuelan naval vessels will be participating in join war games the Caribbean Sea. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will also be visiting Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba. There is speculation that Russia may establish a naval base in Cuba as a response to U.S. support for a missile defense system in Europe (Halpin).

Energy and Foreign Affairs: India
India is approaching Russia on coordinated energy development (Deora aims to open door).

Sources
Deora aims to open doors to Russian oil. (2008 Nov. 25). Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Business/Deora_aims_to_open_doors_to_Russian_oil/articleshow/3752968.cms, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Halpin, T. (2008 Nov. 24). Russia challenges US dominance with Venezuelan wargames. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5225275.ece, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 December 3

2008-12-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Defense and Foreign Affairs: United States
Putin hinted that Russian missiles in Kaliningrad could “disappear” if the U.S. dropped support for a missile shield in Europe. The subject could come into play in negotiations over a nuclear arms treated that will expire next year (Putin offers to end stand-off). Putin continues to express his opposition to NATO expansion (Putin voice 3 principles).

Energy
Putin order commencement of construction of a pipeline to the Baltic Sea (Russia’s Putin orders launch; Russian PM Putin signs order).

Financial Crisis
Putin blamed the weakness in stock prices of Russian companies on unfairness in foreign markets. He pledges to develop an investing class within Russia (Current quotes are abnormal; Putin labels markets “unfair”).

Foreign Affairs: Switzerland
Putin met with Swiss Defense Minister Samuel Schmid (Defence minister meets Putin).

Sources
Current quotes are abnormal, Putin said (2008 Dec. 1). Kommersant. http://www.kommersant.com/p-13664/Quote_abnormal/, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Defence minister meets Putin. (2008 Nov. 24). SwissInfo. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news_digest/Putin_meets_Swiss_defence_minister.html?siteSect=104&sid=10009693&cKey=1227555455000&ty=nd, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Putin labels markets “unfair.” (2008 Dec. 2). Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/372795.htm, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Putin offers to end stand-off over missiles in Eastern Europe. (2008 Nov. 24). Deutsche Welle. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3817848,00.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Putin voiced 3 principles of Europe’s security. (2008 Nov. 24). Kommersant. http://www.kommersant.com/p-13631/r_527/Putin_security/, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Russia’s Putin orders launch of Baltic oil pipeline project. (2008 Dec. 1). EasyBourse. http://www.easybourse.com/bourse-actualite/marches/russia-s-putin-orders-launch-of-baltic-oil-pipeline-project-571386, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Russian PM Putin signs order to build Baltic Pipeline System-2. (2008 Dec. 1). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081201/118633533.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 December 3

2008-12-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Family Affairs
The Obama girls will be attending Sidwell Friends, a private school associated with the Quakers. Other children of presidents who attended the school include Chelsea Clinton, Amy Carter and Tricia Nixon (Leiby).

Meeting with Governors
Obama met with the National Governors Association. The governors are calling for economic stimulus, particularly through a large federal investment in infrastructure, which they claim will create jobs (Viser).

Sources
Leiby, R. (2008 Nov. 22). Obama girls will go to Sidwell Friends. Washington Post, p. C01. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/21/AR2008112103248.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Viser, M. (2008 Nov. 26). Patrick, other governors to see Obama. Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/11/26/patrick_other_governors_to_see_obama/, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Blogspeak 2008 December 3

2008-12-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

Defense and Foreign Affairs: Europe, Russia
Russians Again Signal to Obama They Want to End Disagreement Over Missile Defense Shield (Tapper, J., Political Punch, ABC News, 2008 Nov. 24)

Vice President-Elect Joe Biden
A Low Profile Birthday for Joe Biden (Cook, D., The Vote Blog, Christian Science Monitor, 2008 Nov. 20)

Policy & Food Updates 2008 November

2008-12-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

Policy & Food Update 2008 November 3
Policy & Food Update 2008 November 4
Policy & Food Update 2008 November 11
Policy & Food Update 2008 November 17
Policy & Food Update 2008 November 19
Policy & Food Update 2008 November 25
Policy & Food Update 2008 November 26
Policy & Food Update 2008 November 29

Palin Intelligencer 2008 December 3

2008-12-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Endorsements
Palin is using her political capital to support Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia in a runoff election (McAffrey; Steinhauser; Tharpe & Sheinin).

Potential Book Deal
After her run for the vice presidency, the Alaska governor has caught the eye of publishers and literary agents and can potentially make millions for a book deal (Palin no loser).

Pro-Life Groups Encouraged by Palin Example
Pro-life legislators and groups have taken courage from the example of Governor Palin in her choosing to bear her son, Trig, who was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome before birth. An estimated 90 percent of such children are aborted (Wood).

Unusual
Palin is in demand in the media (Blood). A wrestling-entertainment organization has invited her to attend one of their events, promising to pay $50,000 to a charity of her choice if she makes an appearance. The offer included a chance for her to be an ostensible—maybe ex officio—member of a female wrestling team (Verzub).

OI Comment: I love America. Palin probably shouldn’t make a spectacle of herself in this manner. However, it might be fun to see elected officials settling lesser disputes in inflatable sumo suits. Its safer than the guns and swords our representatives used on each other in our nation’s early days.

Sources
Blood, M. R. (2008 Nov. 22). Oprah, Leno, Letterman: What’s Palin to do next? Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iQ6mzZ4_GHxu-nRBQzapi0zy4aKAD94K1N500, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

McAffrey, S. (2008 Dec. 2). Palin urges Ga. voters to back Chambliss in runoff. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hHW-ZJ03DLcUGUM9z9p2nkbRAG-QD94Q92T00, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Palin no loser with “$11m book deal.” (2008 Nov. 17). Canberra Times. http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/world/world/general/palins-no-loser-with-11m-book-deal/1362216.aspx, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.

Steinhauser, P. (2008 Dec. 1). Palin makes a Peach State sweep for GOP senator. CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/01/palin.chambliss/, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Tharpe, J., & Sheinin, A. G. (2008 Dec. 1). Runoff vote today will end fast, furious Senate campaign. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/stories/2008/12/01/palin_chambliss_runoff.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Verzub, R. (2008 Nov. 24). Palin to participate in wrestling event. Cauldron. http://media.www.csucauldron.com/media/storage/paper516/news/2008/11/24/News/Palin.To.Participate.In.Wrestling.Event-3559907.shtml, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Wood, E. (2008 Nov. 24). Palin encourages special needs families. Baptist Press. http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=29399, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 November 29

2008-11-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

Kasparov Predicts Quick End to Medvedev Presidency
Opposition leader Garry Kasparov has predicted that the financial crisis will bring about unrest that will end the presidency of Dmitry Medvedev within 18 months (Kasparov predicts).

Opposition Leaders Meet
Notable opposition leaders met to coordinate their efforts to prevent changes to the Russian constitution, including extension of presidential terms, and to bring down the present regime (Wendle).

Presidential Term Extended to Six Years
The Duma approved a bill to extend presidential terms to 6 years. Interestingly, all Communist Party members in the Duma voted against the bill on its first reading of three. The bill would also extend terms of Duma members to 5 years (Malpas, Nowak, Wendle).

Sources
Kasparov predicts short Medvedev presidency, mass protests (2008 Nov. 17). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081117/118358740.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Malpas, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Duma backs 6-year presidential term. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/372406.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Nowak, D. (2008 Nov. 14). Russian lawmakers back extending presidential term. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jPsRzMy3_geQb7l75K7KZ6iNTizQD94EUGQ80, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Wendle, J. (2008 Nov. 24). Big names miss Solidarity meeting. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1010/42/372566.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Blogspeak 2008 November 29

2008-11-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

Energy
Obama pushes alternative energy as a jobs issue (McClure, R., Dateline Earth, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 2008 Nov. 23)

Infrastructure & Environment
Water Infrastructure News (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Nov. 24)
Water Resources News Nov. 24, 2008 (Infrastructure Watch)

Obama & McCain Meet
Why Barack Obama needs John McCain (Goldstein, Y., Full Comment, National Post, 2008 Nov. 17)

Some Still Question Obama’s Eligibility
Obama’s Birth Certificate Challenger Keeps Going (Serchuk, D., Trailwatch, Forbes)

Putin Intelligencer 2008 November 29

2008-11-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

Defense and Foreign Affairs: United States
Putin called on the United States to abandon plans for a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe. The Bush administration has pushed or the project, but Russian President Dmitry Medvedev seems to thing Obama may be less attached to it (Russian PM urges Obama to scrap missile shield). The Russians hope Obama will be more receptive to them on many issues (Levy).

Energy
Putin continues to say Russia is not interested in joining an OPEC-style cartel because it will retain its sovereignty. He says he is interest in coordination that would ensure continuous energy supplies (Putin denies plan), which seems to back off his previous statements of an interest in sustaining oil prices.

Possible Return to Presidency
There is speculation that Putin would like to return to the presidency, possibly for a 12 year stretch (Malpas, Nowak, Wingate-Hayes). Even as prime minister, Putin is very powerful in the Russian government and recognized as leader of the ruling clique.

Sources
Levy, C. (2008 Nov. 24). Putin and Medvedev hope for a brighter future with Obama. International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/24/europe/russia.php, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Malpas, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Duma backs 6-year presidential term. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/372406.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Nowak, D. (2008 Nov. 14). Russian lawmakers back extending presidential term. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jPsRzMy3_geQb7l75K7KZ6iNTizQD94EUGQ80, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Putin denies plan for OPEC-style gas cartel. (2008 Nov.17). New Europe. http://www.neurope.eu/articles/90618.php, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Russian PM urges Obama to scrap missile shield. (2008 Nov. 24). Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-11-24-voa82.cfm, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Wingate-Hayes, R. (2008 Nov. 14). What is Putin’s game? BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7730179.stm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 November 25

2008-11-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

Foreign Affairs: China
As Obama take the reigns of America’s foreign policy, he’ll face a challenge of a China that is more equal to U.S. power than ever before. China’s economy is still relatively strong and they own more than a half-trillion dollars in U.S. government bonds (Bodeen).

Meeting with McCain
Obama met with formal rival Sen. John McCain. They promised to work together to solve the nation’s problems (MacAskill; Mason & Bohan).

Radical and Socialist Connections
Now that the election is over the previously quiet is making many public appearances, sometimes addressing his relationship to Obama and sometimes promoting the new edition of his book, Fugitive Days (Ayres says relationship; Hutton; Overby).

Staff; Scrutinizing Bill and Hillary Clinton
In preparing to name Sen. Hillary Clinton as nominee for Secretary of State, the Obama transition team carefully look into the background of her husband and former president Bill Clinton. Since leaving office, the 42nd president has developed complicated finances from books and other deals and many relationships, especially abroad, through the charitable foundation he runs (Mason & Bohan; Reid).

Other staff announcements include:
Deputy Director of Communications—Dan Pfeiffer, communications director for Obama’s transition team
Director of Communications—Ellen Moran, executive director of EMILY’S List, an organization of black female candidates who support abortion rights
Director, Domestic Policy Council—Melody Barnes, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Center for American Progress
Director, National Economic Council—Lawrence Summers formerly held posts in the Treasury Department
Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors—Christina Romer, an economic historian
Secretary of Treasury—Timothy Geithner from the New York Federal Reserve Bank
Press Secretary—Robert Gibbs, served as communication’s director on Obama’s senate staff (Obama announces economic team; Obama fills out White House communications team).

Unusual
J. Crew is enjoying a bounce and arranged its online advertising to take advantage of Michelle Obama’s appearance in their clothes (Clifford).

The Secret Service codenames for the new first family have been revealed:
President Barack Obama—Renegade,
First Lady Michelle Obama—Renaissance,
Malia—Radiance,
Sasha—Rosebud (Huppke).

War in Iraq
Some are preparing to put pressure on Obama to keep his promise to withdraw troops from Iraq (Clary; Thrush & Grim).

Sources
Ayers says relationship with Obama “exaggerated.” (2008 Nov. 20). Associated Press in Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-williamayers-monm,0,1689248.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Clary, M. (2008 Nov. 23). South Floridians intend to hold Barack Obama to Iraq pullout pledge. South Florida Sun-Sentinel. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbobamawar1123sbnov23,0,5706554.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Clifford, S. (2008 Nov. 16). J. Crew benefits as Mrs. Obama wears the brand. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/media/17crew.html?_r=1, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.

Bodeen, C. (2008 Nov. 22). Economy, not rights, rule the new China-U.S. world. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j2ZxyVtR_dPyd75yfIAMpV4QNXOgD94K3EE00, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Huppke, R. (2008 Nov. 10). “Renegade” joins “Twinkle,” “Rawhide,” “Lancer” on list of Secret Service code names. Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-secret-service-code-names-obama,0,2687400.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.

Hutton, M. (2008 Nov. 21). Ayers speaks at Monmouth College. Galesburg Register-Mail. http://www.galesburg.com/news/x1720662768/William-Ayers-speaks-at-Monmouth-College, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

MacAskill, E. (2008 Nov. 17). Obama and McCain meet for the first time since the election. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/barack-obama-john-mccain-meeting, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Mason, J., & Bohan, C. (2008 Nov. 17). Obama, McCain pledge to work together. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AG5MW20081117, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Obama announces economic team. (2008 Nov. 24). New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/us/politics/24text-obama.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Obama fills out White House communications team. (2008 Nov. 22). Associate Press in Globe & Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081122.wobama1122/BNStory/Front, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Overby, P. (2008 Nov. 18). As election spotlight dims, Ayers the author speaks out. Morning Edition. NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97124808, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Reid, T. (2008 Nov. 18). Barack Obama’s vetters study Bill Clinton’s foreign ties. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5175364.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Thrush, G., & Grim, R. (2008 Nov. 21). Left cuts Obama slack for now. Politico on CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/21/politics/politico/main4624733.shtml, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 November 24

2008-11-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Assassination, Chechnya & Russian Criminal Justice
Some have called for Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov to testify in the trial of those accuse of killing journalist Anna Politovskaya. He has been implicated in trial documents. On the up side, Judge Yevgeny Zubov of the Moscow District Military Court has declared the trial will be public. There was some fear the trial would be secret because one of the accused is a former FSB agent (Halpin).

Foreign Affairs: Libya, United States
It appears Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi gave Russian leaders the slip, winning the forgiveness of Libyan debt held by Russia, but not promising anything solid in return. Consideration of a Russian naval base in Libya continues, but it’s not certain Russia has the ships to make use of it (Baev).

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is hoping to meet with Barack Obama when he takes office to establish a new tone in relations with the U.S. European Union leaders are also calling for a new approach with Russia, which has taken on a less friendly note because it is angered with U.S.-supported plans for NATO expansion and western aid to Georgia (Berry, Keleman, Medetsky).

Sources
Baev, P. (2008 Nov. 3). Qaddafi and Zyazikov: Reality checks for Russia’s petro-politics. Eurasia Daily Monitor. http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2373498, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Berry, L. (2008 Nov. 15). Russia’s Medvedev calls for talks with Obama. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jfS6y-A7WF82KotI6KMN41IA3M4QD94FQCH81, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Halpin, T. (2008 Nov. 17). Chechen leader “should testify” at Politkovskaya trial. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5173093.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Keleman, M. (2008 Nov. 17). Analysts, EU leaders urge new approach to Russia. All Things Considered. NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97100969, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Medetsky, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Medvedev signs tariff deal in U.S. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/600/42/372393.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Foreign Affairs Intelligencer 2008 November 24

2008-11-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

G20 Agrees to Hiatus on New Tariffs
The G20 nations, representing 90 percent of the world economy, agreed to impose no new trade restrictions over the next 12 months. This is a response to the global credit crunch (Medetsky).

Georgia
Vice-presidential candidate and Delaware Senator Joe Biden met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Milwaukee (Borowski). Russian leaders have not welcomed American assistance to their neighbor.

Sources
Borowoski, G. (2008 Sept. 26). Joe Biden to meet Georgian President Saakashvili at Phister Hotel. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/32483519.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Medetsky, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Medvedev signs tariff deal in U.S. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/600/42/372393.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Blogspeak 2008 November 19

2008-11-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

Infrastructure
Transportation News (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Nov. 18)

Governor Sarah Palin
Why Palin in 2012 Needs Sen. Stevens to Win (Brown, P., Political Perceptions, Wall Street Journal, 2008 Nov. 17) (Stevens lost)

Vice-President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 November 18

2008-11-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Biden and Cheney Meet
Vice-President-elect Joe Biden has met with Vice-President Dick Cheney in preparation for the change in administration (Cheney set to meet).

“First Passenger” May Signal Good News for Rail System
Much was made during the campaign of Biden’s use of Amtrak to commute from Delaware to D.C. Amtrak gets 41 percent of its funding from the federal government and is already on track to see this jump to 48 percent. During a campaign speech in Milwaukee, Biden called for a first class passenger rail system. His son, Hunter, sits on the Amtrak board of directors (Hughes & Keane).

Staff
Ron Klain is expected to serve as Biden’s chief of staff. He has had an extensive career in government and the Democratic Party (Connolly).

Sources
Cheney set to meet with his successor Joe Biden. (2008 Nov. 13). Associate Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gifxAq1aLq5fkE0CH8uSfjxUmgQwD94E0J000, accessed 2008 Nov. 18.

Connolly, C. (2008 Nov. 13). Ron Klain tapped as Joe Biden’s chief of staff. Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/11/13/ron_klain_tapped_as_joe_bidens.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 18.

Hughes, J., & Keane, A. (2008 Nov. 13). Amtrak rider Joe Biden promises “first class” railroad. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=assL3T6BC1pk&refer=us, accessed 2008 Nov. 18.

President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 November 17

2008-11-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

Financial Crisis
Obama has called on Congress to swiftly pass an economic stimulus package (Harper).

Foreign Affairs: Cuba
Fidel Castro has said he expects there to be little change in the relationship between the United States and Cuba when Obama takes office (Castro expects little change).

Socialist Connections
William Ayers has begun to speak about his relationship with Obama, calling him a family friend, but not describing their relationship as close. Ayers is hawking a new edition of his memoir, Fugitive Days, in which he describes his time with the Weathermen, a 1960s terrorist group that opposed the Viet Nam war. The Weathermen carried out bombings that killed several police and security guards (news stories disagree on this point) as such targets as the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon (Ayers says “secret link”, William Ayers describes).

Sources
Ayers says “secret link” with Obama is a “myth.” (2008 Nov. 14). CNN. http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/14/ayers.interview/?iref=mpstoryview, accessed 2008 Nov. 17.

Castro expects little change under Obama. (2008 Nov. 16). Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-11-16-voa1.cfm, accessed 2008 Nov. 17.

Harper, T. (2008 Nov. 8). Obama vows to act swiftly on economy. Toronto Star. http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/533274, accessed 2008 Nov. 15.

William Ayers describes President-elect Obama as “family friend.” (2008 Nov. 15). Boston Herald. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/2008/view.bg?articleid=1132516&srvc=2008campnews&position=2, accessed 2008 Nov. 17.

Blogspeak 2008 November 17

2008-11-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Campaign Wrap-up and Fallout
McCain's verdict on Palin: more trouble than a pitbull (Watt, N., Political Blog, Guardian, 2008 Nov. 5)
Wondering What Sarah Palin's Future Holds... (Geraghty, J., The Campaign Spot, National Review Online, 2008 Nov. 5)

Environment & Infrastructure
Water Resources News (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Nov. 13)

Shout-Out 2008 November 17

2008-11-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your links to OI.

Clean Water Affordability Act (Open Congress)
Long-Term Energy Assurance and Security Enhancement Act of 2008 (Open Congress)

Palin Intelligencer 2008 November 15

2008-11-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

Campaign Wrap-up and Rumors
All kind of rumors about Palin have surface, apparently from sources in the McCain campaign. Palin is not impressed with anonymous rumors (Mac Cormaic, Marinucci, Shipman).

Both because of and aside from rumors, some feel that the selection Palin cost McCain the race, though there is some thought that the campaign did not use her well and a recognition that she energized the Republican base (Analysis: Palin rocked; Into the wilderness).

Back home in Alask, Governor Palin faces a rougher landscape than she left. Oil prices are down, the national economy is down and her hot language may have put off state Democrats who had previously worked beside her (Rosen).

Obama’s Socialist Connections; Unusual
During the campaign, Palin referenced Obama’s connections to radicals, particularly William Ayres. Some have suggested that this encouraged white supremacists who might try to assassinate the president-elect (Shipman).

OI Comment: White supremacists probably are stirred up by the election of America’s first black president. OI hopes the Secret Service is particularly vigilant. Race is an issue in the US, and openly so. Unfortunately, racism is rampant worldwide, though more subtly in many places. Extremists, though, are ubiquitous, but, thankfully, a minority in most places.

Sources
Analysis: Palin rocked campaign, for good and bad. (2008 Nov. 6). CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/05/palin.campaign.anatomy/, accessed 2008 Nov. 15.

Into the wilderness. (2008 Nov. 10). Economist. http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12585033, accessed 2008 Nov. 15.

Mac Cormaic, R. (2008 Nov. 10). Palin denounces remarks by McCain aides as cruel and mean-spirited. Irish Times. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2008/1110/1225925618738.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 15.

Marinucci, C. (2008 Nov. 7). Palin gone, anything but forgotten. San Francisco Times. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/07/MN8L13VKU9.DTL, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Rosen, Y. (2008 Nov. 9). Palin returns to a changed Alaska. Christian Science Monitor. http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/11/09/palin-returns-to-a-changed-alaska/, accessed 2008 Nov. 15.

Shipman, T. (2008 Nov. 10). Sarah Palin blamed by the US Secret Service over death threats against Barack Obama. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/sarahpalin/3405336/Sarah-Palin-blamed-by-the-US-Secret-Service-for-death-threats-against-Barack-Obama.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 November 13

2008-11-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Environment and Foreign Affairs: Canada, Cuba, Iran, Israel, Russia
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon announced that, with the coming of the Obama administration, his government will place a renewed emphasis on reaching a climate and emissions deal with the U.S. The agreement would focus on creating a common carbon market (Canada eyes climate deal with Obama). American environmentalists hope Obama will act as check against movements in Congress to ease the way for drilling in what are now protected areas (Rascoe).

Some have speculated that Obama’s promise to ease relations with Cuba could weaken the position of its Communist dictator, Raul Castro. Much of the Castro regime’s power and influence, beginning with Castro’s brother and predecessor, Fidel, has been fueled by its defiant stance toward the U.S. (Snow).

Israeli leaders have expressed concern over Obama’s suggestion that he will open relations with Iran. Israel was one of the few countries where McCain was viewed more favorably during the campaign (Defner).

Russia is carefully eyeing an Obama presidency. There aren’t signals of major policy changes toward Russia, but Obama’s worldwide popularity could signal a more sympathetic reception of America’s opinion on issues of interest to Russia (Cornwell).

Unusual
Fanciers of the Peruvian Hairless, Peru’s national dog, have offered a pup to the Obamas. One of the president-elect’s daughters is allergic to dogs, so the hairless (and sometimes toothless) dog, may be a good fit (Wade). The Obama’s have expressed an interest in adopting a shelter dog if they can find one that is suitable.

Sources
Canada eyes climate deal with Obama. (2008 Nov. 6). Associated Press on CBS. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/tech/livinggreen/main4577673.shtml?source=RSSattr=SciTech_4577673, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Cornwell, S. (2008 Nov. 10). Obama careful in response to mixed Kremlin signals. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSTRE4A97PN20081110, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Defner, L. (2008 Nov. 7). In Israel, some anxious about Obama. U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/world/2008/11/07/in-israel-some-anxieties-about-obama.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Rascoe, A. (2008 Nov. 10). Environmentalists look to Obama to limit drilling. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE4A97OB20081110, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Snow, A. (2008 Nov. 9). Analysis: Obama changes could test Castros' grip. Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j5E57Ht_Oz6aUvha4i_xGwM_HbDgD94ASGMO2, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Wade, T. (2008 Nov. 10). Peru offers bald dog of Incas to Obama family. Reuters UK. http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKTRE4A97H820081110, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Policy and Food Updates 2008 September-October

2008-11-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Policy & Food Update 2008 September 8
Policy & Food Update 2008 September 15
Policy & Food Update 2008 September 16
Policy & Food Update 2008 September 26
Policy & Food Update 2008 October 6
Policy & Food Update 2008 October 27
Policy & Food Update 2008 October 28

Older Posts:
Policy & Food Updates 2008 August
Policy & Food Updates 2008 July

Putin Intelligencer 2008 November 12

2008-11-12T09:31:00.001-08:00

Energy Policy
Putin has said he thinks Russia, a major oil exporter should develop strategies to manage oil prices. This could include cooperation with other oil producing nations, though Russia has traditionally been cool toward OPEC and is likely to want retain control of its production levels. He has begun to meet with heads of Russian oil companies (Putin says Russia should act; Putin urges greater Russian role; Russia must develop).

Financial Crisis
Putin says Russia has the cash reserves to weather the global financial crisis and continue its development. He claims they were not caught unawares as other nations were. He apparently did not share this wisdom with Russia’s oligarchs, who have taken heavy losses, at least on paper (Halpin; Shchedrov; Weir).

The oligarchs are not faring to badly under the bailout plan. One has received financing for his companies above the level set by rules for the program, though the deal isn’t finalized. The aluminum company is owned by a one-time allie of Putin, Oleg Deripaska, but President Medvedev has questioned the deal. The bailout may lead to the nationalization of some companies presently in the hands of oligarchs (Wall).

Foreign Affairs: China, Cuba, India
Putin and other Russian officials met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao over the last few day of October (Chinese Premier).

Putin met with Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora to discuss energy cooperation in advance of a summit between Russia and India scheduled for next month (Deora to talk with Putin). Putin also recently met with Cuban Foreign Minister Filipe Perez Roque (Putin receives Cuban FM).

Unusual
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov recently renamed the main street of the province’s capital, Grozny, Putin Avenue. Putin apparently does not encourage street names, statues and similar honors for himself (Bloomfield; No more streets in my name).

Putins beefcake photos have garnered him some possibly unwanted attention. Openly gay Italian TV host, Alfoso Signorini, has declared the Russian prime minister to be one of the sexiest men (Italian TV star).

Sources
Bloomfield, A. (2008 Oct. 6). Chechen capital's main street renamed Putin Avenue after man who bombarded the city. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/3147078/Chechen-capitals-main-street-renamed-Putin-Avenue-after-man-who-bombarded-the-city.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrives in Moscow. (2008 Oct. 27). China View. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/27/content_10262686.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Deora to talk with Putin. (2008 Nov. 3). Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Deora_to_talk_energy_with_Putin/articleshow/3669000.cms, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Halpin, T. (2008 Oct. 20). Russia is well prepared to survive financial crisis says Putin. Times. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/russia/article4981200.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Italian TV star has gay crush on Vladimir Putin. (2008 Oct. 20). Gawker. http://gawker.com/5066016/italian-tv-star-has-gay-crush-on-vladimir-putin, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

No more street in my name, pleads Russia’s Putin. (2008 Oct. 6). Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE4955KV20081006, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Putin receives Cuban FM. (2008 Nov. 10). Prensa Latina. http://www.plenglish.com/Article.asp?ID=%7B6363AA3E-7E2E-42C8-A50A-6E99E6E59C45%7D&language=EN, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Putin says Russia should act to influence oil prices. (2008 Nov. 11). AFP. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hSQVeceh8JWPShe0-WZ6Oe1ZbamQ, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Putin urges greater Russian role in oil prices. (2008 Nov. 11). Associate Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hbwFTPWY5qEIHE37E65bYT576kzwD94C872O0, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Shchedrov, O. (2008 Oct. 20). Russia ready to withstand global crisis-Putin. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/forexNews/idUSLK56756620081020, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Russian must develop ways to influence world oil prices—Putin. (2008 Nov. 11). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081110/118230972.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Wall, T. (2008 Nov. 2). Oleg Deripaska receives state bailout almost twice the size allowed in Russia. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/3368710/Oleg-Deripaska-receives-state-bailout-almost-twice-the-size-allowed-in-Russia.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Weir, F. (2008 Oct. 21). Crisis spares Russia’s “average Joe.” Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1021/p06s02-wogn.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 November 11

2008-11-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Financial Crisis & Censorship
Russian shares were clobbered in the London and Russian stock markets, losing some 70 percent of their value, in spite of the government’s interventions (Halpin; Vorobieva & Zhdannikov; Weir “Crisis spares”).

Russian media is prohibited from using the words “crisis” and “collapse” in relation to the…events in economy (Bloomfield).

Foreign Affairs: Libya
Colonel Muammar Qaddafi visited with Dimitri Medvedev to discuss the possible placement of a Russian naval base Libya, ostensibly as a shield against attack from the U.S. Russia recently wrote off about $4.6 billion in Libyan debt in exchange for lucrative contracts, including a major rail project (Libya “ready to host Russian naval base”).

Nationalization, especially Energy
The Russian government has been expanding its takeover of major industries and squeezing out foreign companies. Gazprom, the energy conglomerate in which the Russian government holds a majority share, is the appears to be the center of the program and has been awarded exclusive rights to export oil (Weir “Gazprom”).

Opposition Parties
Several opposition parties and figures, including Garry Kasparov, are working to form a group that would seek to protect the Russian constitution (Russian opposition figures).

Russian Justice
A trial of suspects in the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya was set to begin. The primary suspect, Chechen native Rustam Makhmudav, is on the lam in Western Europe. Those being tried a conspirators include Makhmudav’s brothers and FSB agent Pavel Ryaguzav. Because Ryaguzav is in the FSB, all the trials will be in secret military courts, though protestors have called for open trials. Politkovskaya was known for reporting on human rights violations in Chechnya (Murder of Russian journalist remembered).

On a related note, the lawyer who once represented Politkovskaya, Karina Moskalenko, found mercury in the car she and her family used after experiencing a sudden decline in health. She has represented several Russian opposition figures. It looks like political assassination is all to common in Russia (Schwirtz & Cowell; Stack; Zarakhovich).

Sources
Bloomfield, A. (2008 Oct. 27). Bans, tough talk can’t hide the trouble Russia is in. Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/bans-tough-talk-cant-hide-the-trouble-russia-is-in/2008/10/26/1224955853364.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Halpin, T. (2008 Oct. 20). Russia is well prepared to survive financial crisis says Putin. Times. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/russia/article4981200.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Libya “ready to host Russian naval base.” (2008 Oct. 31). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/world/20081031/118052964.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Murder of Russian journalist remembered. (2008 Oct. 7). Agence France-Presse in Inquirer. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20081007-165159/Murder-of-Russian-journalist-remembered, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Russian opposition figures for movement to support constituion. (2008 Nov. 6). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081106/118162025.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Schwirtz, M., & Cowell, A. (2008 Oct. 15). Toxins found in Russian rights lawyer’s car. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/world/europe/16russia.html?_r=1&oref=slogin, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Stack, M. (2008 Oct. 16). Lawyer for Russian dissidents may have been poisened. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-poison16-2008oct16,0,5763910.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Vorbieva, P., & Zhdannikov, D. (2008 Oct. 13). Russian shares loose gain, await state money. Reuters. http://www.forbes.com/reuters/feeds/reuters/2008/10/13/2008-10-13T165251Z_01_LD209760_RTRIDST_0_RUSSIA-MARKETS-UPDATE-3.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Weir, F. (2008 Oct. 21). Crisis spares Russia’s “average Joe.” Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1021/p06s02-wogn.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Weir, F. (2007 Jan. 23). Gazprom: Rising star in new Kremlin capitalism. Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0123/p01s03-woeu.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Zarakhovich, Y. (2008 Oct. 19). Murder, Russian style: Political assassination. Time. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1851854,00.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Blogspeak 2008 Nov. 3 (Nov. 4 is Election Day)

2008-11-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

Polls
Final Pew Poll: McCain Closes but Obama Still Leads (Davis, S., Washington Wire, Wall Street Journal, 2008 Nov. 2)
Landslide or close race? (2008 Presidential Election Blog, 2008 Nov.2)
Yes, I've Seen the SurveyUSA Minnesota Poll (Geraght, J., The Campaign Spot, National Review Online, 2008 Nov. 3)

Swing States
McCain plans swing state barnstorming for Monday (You Decide 2008, 2008 Nov. 3)

McCain Intelligencer 2008 Nov. 3 (Nov. 4 is Election Day)

2008-11-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

Polls
McCain has a slight lead in Ohio (Harnden & Spillius).

Swing States & Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sarah Palin
McCain is campaigning in swing states in the final days of the election including Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Mexico and Nevada. He’ll close his campaign in his home state of Arizona. Palin is campaigning in swing states in the final days of the election including Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, Colorado and Nevada. She’ll close the campaign in her home state of Alaska (Fireman).

Sources
Fireman, K. (2008 Nov. 2). Obama and McCain campaign in swing states as race nears close. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=as.wTY1nJKPI&refer=home, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Harnden, T., & Spillius, A. (2008 Nov. 3). Poll gives John McCain glimmer of hope. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/johnmccain/3368308/Poll-gives-John-McCain-glimmer-of-hope.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 Nov. 3 (Nov. 4 is election day)

2008-11-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

Polls
Obama leads a in a recent poll in New Hampshire (Poll: Obama with slight lead). Their even, as far as can be determined, in North Dakota, one of several western state with the minimum three electors (Obama, McCain in dead heat). Nationally, an average of recent polls shows Obama as about a 6 percentage point lead (Salant & Sobzcyk).

Swing States & Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden
Obama is campaigning in swing states in the final days of the election including Florida, North Carolina and Virginia. Biden is campaigning in swing states in the final days of the election including Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania (Fireman).

Sources
Fireman, K. (2008 Nov. 2). Obama and McCain campaign in swing states as race nears close. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=as.wTY1nJKPI&refer=home, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Obama, McCain in dead heat in North Dakota, poll says. (2008 Oct. 13). Associate Press in Minneapolis Star Journal. http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/30891024.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:U0ckkD:aEyKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Poll: Obama with slight lead over McCain in NH. (2008 Oct. 27). Associated Press in Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/10/27/poll_obama_with_slight_lead_over_mccain_in_nh/, accessed 2008 Oct. 30.

Salant, J., & Sobzcyk, J. (2008 Nov. 2). Obama holds 6-point average lead over McCain in polls. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aUHtmMRfe.BU&refer=home, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Presidential Election Maps

2008-11-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

For the visually oriented, here is a list of links to maps parsing the presidential election.

Associated Press (on Boston Globe site), http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/specials/2008_electoral_map/

Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-votemap,0,7581942.htmlstory

http://electoralmap.net/index.php

http://maps.google.com/maps/mpl?moduleurl=http:%2F%2Fmapmash.googlepages.com%2Felectionmap_mapplet.xml&ie=UTF8&ll=39,-96&spn=33.011854,78.75&z=4

Biden Intelligencer 2008 November 1

2008-11-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

Foreign Affairs
Biden met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Milwaukee (Borowski).

Marriage
Biden reported said in an interview on the Ellen DeGeneres Show that he and Obama do not support California Proposition 8, which would define marriage as being between one man and one woman, even though they do not support what some have called “marriage equality” (Melloy).

Unusual
Biden is like Wikipedia, at least according to CNET readers (Fried).

War in Iraq
Biden’s son, Beau, is being deployed to Iraq with his Army National Guard unit. The younger Biden is Attorney General of Delaware (Finnegan).

Sources
Borowoski, G. (2008 Sept. 26). Joe Biden to meet Georgian President Saakashvili at Phister Hotel. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/32483519.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Finnegan, M. (2008 Oct. 4). Joe Biden bids farewell to son Beau Biden, headed to Iraq. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/iraq/complete/la-na-trailbiden4-2008oct04,0,4715264.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Fried, A. (2008 Oct. 10). Friday poll: Which tech product is Joe Biden? CNET. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10063395-1.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Melloy, K. (2008 Oct. 20). Palin supports, Biden opposes marriage equality ban. EDGEBoston. http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=82166, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 October 30

2008-10-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

Censorship
Russian authorities considering pulling the license of 2x2, a cartoon network, for broadcasting the American cartoons The Simpsons, Family Guy and South Park. The action could be authorized under laws to prohibit extremism (Bloomfield). Action against opposition websites and blogs has also begun under the guise of opposing extremism (Gee).

Nuclear Development: Venezuela
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has stated his interest in working with Russia to develop nuclear power (Chavez interested). The two countries have been practicing joint military operations.

Sources
Bloomfield, A. (2008 Sept. 25). Russian to ban Simpsons and South Park. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/3074454/Russia-to-ban-Simpsons-and-South-Park.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Chavez interested in nuclear help from Russia. (2008 Sept. 28). CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/28/venezuela.russia/, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Gee, A. (2008 Sept. 30). Russia’s dissident bloggers fear for their lives. U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/world/2008/09/30/russias-dissident-bloggers-fear-for-their-lives.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Blogspeak 2008 October 30

2008-10-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Cloward-Piven Strategy
Barack Obama and the Strategy of Manufactured Crisis (Simpson, J., American Thinker, 2008 Sept. 28)

Environment & Infrastructure & McCain
Agreement Reached on Total Coliform Rule Revisions (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Oct. 30)
Federal Activity on Water Issues (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Sept. 26)
McCain's environmental pluses more numerous than thought? (McClure, R., Dateline Earth, Seattle PI, 2008 Oct. 20)

Obama’s Questionable, Radical and Socialist Connections
Obama About to Be Hit on Questionable Associates (Tapper, J., Political Punch, ABC News, 2008 Oct. 4)
Palin Goes After Obama-Ayers Connection (Delawala, I., Political Radar, ABC News, 2008 Oct.4)
Subversives for Obama (Phillips, M., The Spectator, 2008 Sept. 26)
Who is Barack Obama, and what does he stand for? (Fiano, Wizbang, 2008 Oct. 11)

Philanthropy
Biden and Obama: Charity Cheapskates (Ellis, B., Dakota Voice, 2008 Oct. 5)

Swing States: Virginia
Several Thoughts To Keep in Mind in Virginia (Campaign Spot, National Review Online, 2008 Sept. 29)

McCain Intelligencer 2008 October 30

2008-10-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Abortion and Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sarah Palin
Palin attacked Obama for his stance on abortion, pointing out his opposition to born-alive protection laws in the Illinois Senate. Palin is opposed to abortion except when it threatens the life of the mother (Nephin).

Debates
Republicans thought McCain was great. They thought Obama sucked (Walsh).

Financial Market & Housing Crisis
McCain decried the prospect of rescuing financiers from their folly, but said the government intervention was necessary (“Barack Obama”). Instead of buying out the banks, he thinks half the money should be put into buying mortgages directly and renegotiating terms with the lenders (Pickler).

Obama’s Socialist Connections
Some in the Republican party have been disappointed that McCain has not made more of Obama’s long association with Rev. Jeremiah Wright (Bailey, Holmes & Shear).

Swing States: Virginia
McCain’s brother, Joe, may have alienated some in Northern Virginia when he referred to the region as “Communist country” (Ohlemacher).

Sources
Bailey, H. (2008 Oct. 18). Do the Wright thing. Newsweek. http://www.newsweek.com/id/164504, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Barack Obama. (2008 Sept. 30). Herald Sun. http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24420898-663,00.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Holmes, S., & Shear, M. (2008 Oct. 11). McCain mum on former pastor. Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/10/AR2008101002897.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Nephin, D. (2008 Oct. 11). Palin criticizes Obama on abortion at Pa. rally. Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h21ZbzgPbTVRftcJPT5vkHkonY5QD93OGKAG0, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Ohlemacher, S. (2008 Oct. 5). McCain’s brother says N. Va. “Communist country.” Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hby_5Pku5ywmfC_rEtEV5BcYKR5gD93KFH4O0, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Pickler, N. (2008 Oct. 27). Fact Check: Obama charges against McCain debatable. Associate Press in Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/27/AR2008102702374.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 30.

Walsh, K. (2008 Sept. 29). Barack Obama and John McCain spin debate performances. U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/09/29/barack-obama-and-john-mccain-spin-debate-performances.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Palin Intelligencer 2008 October 29

2008-10-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Accusations of Gubernatorial Power Abuse
Palin has been accused in abusing her power as governor to manipulate Alaska’s public safety department and remove that departments director along with other bullying behavior. As one might expect, a lot of politicians are weighing in on the issue (Apuzzo).

Debates
Some think Palin winks too much, and the LA Times seems fascinated by it (Fiore).

Foreign Policy and the War on Terror
Palin stated she would support attacks on militant targets in Pakistan even after McCain took Obama to task for making similar statements (Palin makes Pakistan terror gaffe).

Marriage
In an interview with CBN, Palin stated her support for a federal marriage amendment that would define marriage as being between one man and one woman (Palin signals support).

Sources
Appuzo, M. (2008 Oct. 6). Republicans to high court: Stop Palin ethics probe. Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jOTk11gvqDAgD0cY3i4WjI_2YOxwD93L5SVO1, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Fiore, F. (2008 Oct. 14). Sarah Palin stirs up controversy with the wink of an eye. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-et-wink14-2008oct14,0,2337629.story, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Palin makes Pakistan terror gaffe. (2008 Sept. 30). Sky News. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Republican-Sarah-Palin-Makes-Pakistan-Gaffe-Saying-She-Would-Support-Terror-Strikes-On-Country/Article/200809415109630?lpos=World_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15109630_Republican_Sarah_Palin_Makes_Pakistan_Gaffe%2C_Saying_She_Would_Support_Terror_Strikes_On_Country, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Palin signals support for federal marriage amendment. (2008 Oct. 20). CBN. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/467179.aspx, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 October 28

2008-10-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

Assassination Plot
Police have arrested a pair of white supremacists for plotting to kill the black presidential candidate. Former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro is amazed someone hasn’t assassinated Obama because he believes the U.S. to be a very racist nation (Obama under threat).

Debates
Democrats thought Obama was great. They thought McCain sucked (Walsh).

Eligibility
A case questioning Obama’s citizenship has been dismissed from a federal court in Philadelphia (Puchas).

Endorsements
Obama has receive the endorsement of the Stockton Record (Choice is clear). Colin Powell has also endorsed the candidate who says he’d like to bring the former general and Secretary of State into the White House as an advisor (Obama would give Powell new role).

Financial Market Crisis
Obama decried the prospect of rescuing financiers from their folly, but said the government intervention was necessary (“Barack Obama”).

Polls and Swing States
A poll shows Obama holds a slight lead in Nevada (Wangsness). He also shows leads in other swing states (Cornwell). A poll of Ohio voters shows Obama leading McCain 49 percent to 46 percent (Naymik).

Socialist Connections
A mainstream newspaper has finally looked into Obama’s connection to William Ayers. They found that, though Obama has downplayed his association with Ayers, the two are not close and Ayers has probably had little influence on the candidate (Shane).

Sources
Barack Obama. (2008 Sept. 30). Herald Sun. http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24420898-663,00.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Choice is clear: Obama for president. (2008 Sept. 28). Stockton Record. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080928/A_OPINION01/809280301, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Cornwell, R. (2008 Oct. 26). McCain can still win (and maybe pigs will fly). Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mccain-can-still-win-and-maybe-pigs-will-fly-973830.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Naymik, M. (2008 Oct. 25). Obama leads McCain 49% to 46% in Ohio newspaper poll. Plain Dealer. http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2008/10/ohio_poll.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Obama under threat, Castro says (2008 Oct.12). Sky News. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Fidel-Castro-Says-Its-Miracle-Barack-Obama-Not-Assassinated/Article/200810215118725?lpos=World_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15118725_Fidel_Castro_Says_Its_Miracle_Barack_Obama_Not_Assassinated, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Obama would give Powell new role (2008 Oct. 20). Press Association. http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gH7W22-4I8L-DizOf2XuzwTQM1MQ, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Puchas, K. (2008 Oct. 28). Citizenship challenge to Obama dismissed. Philadelphia Times Herald. http://www.timesherald.com/articles/2008/10/28/news/doc49069c804a906934513448.txt, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Shane, S. (2008 Oct. 3). Obama and ‘60s bomber: A look into crossed paths. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/04/us/politics/04ayers.html?_r=1&bl&ex=1223265600&en=80352c05b6d4b135&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Walsh, K. (2008 Sept. 29). Barack Obama and John McCain spin debate performances. U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/09/29/barack-obama-and-john-mccain-spin-debate-performances.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Wangsness, L. (2008 Oct. 5). As economy craters, Nevadans say they’ll gamble on “change.” Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/10/05/as_economy_craters_nevadans_say_theyll_gamble_on_change/, accessed 2008 Oct. 28.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 Sepember 26

2008-09-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Kasparov Warns Against Investment in Russia
In a recent Wall Street Journal piece, Garry Kasparov warns in Russia, where the real law is Vladimir Putin, it’s a great risk for investors to put money into the faux democracy.

International Trade & Nuclear Materials
A committee of the Australian Parliament has recommended not proceeding with a planned sale of uranium to Russia (Aussie committee). (Previously mentioned on OI.)

Sources
Aussie committee opposes Russian uranium sales. (2008 Sept. 18). Star. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/18/apworld/20080918141159&sec=apworld, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

Kasparov, G. (2008 Sept. 19). Putin is ruining Russia’s economy. Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178456456654879.html?mod=googlenews_wsj, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

Blogspeak 2008 September 26

2008-09-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Economy
McCain: Obama Has "Not Provided" Leadership on Economic Crisis (Bentley, J., From the Road, CBS News, 2008 Sept. 22)

Obama Endorsement
Obama gets early endorsement (Rhee, F., Political Intelligence, Boston Globe, 2008 Sept. 22)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden
Biden’s Case Against McCain (And Sarah Palin) (Bruns, A., Embedded Producers, Fox News, 2008 Sept. 15)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sarah Palin
Gov. Palin on Wall Street (Wright et al, Political Radar, ABC News, 2008 Sept. 15)

Obama Intelligencer 2008 September 26

2008-09-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Campaign Spending and Fundraising
Obama’s campaign raised $66 million in August and has $77 million in the bank, but this is little compared to the goal of $200 million. From a funding point and party coordination point of view, Obama was hurt by the long battle for the Democratic nomination (Cummings, Groppe).

Financial Markets
In light of recent concerns over the financial markets, Obama has called for increased oversight of banks and streamlining of federal regulations over financial institutions (Schroeder).

Sources
Cummings, J. (2008 Sept. 14). Obama needs more cash to reach goals. Politico on CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/15/politics/politico/main4448530.shtml, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Groppe, M. (2008 Sept. 22). August tops for McCain, Obama fundraising. Indianapolis Star. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080922/NEWS05/80922039, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

Schroeder, R. (2008 Sept. 15). Wall Street crisis spurs talk on campaign trail. Market Watch. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mccain-obama-urge-reform-wall/story.aspx?guid=%7BEB116219-02C3-4C44-9C94-34BF5B366A4A%7D&dist=msr_1, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 September 26

2008-09-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Abortion and Health Care)
Supporters and opponents of embryonic stem cell research are concerned about McCain’s position. Opponents of the activity are concerned he may support it based on his voting record in the Senate. Proponents fear he may drop his support based on his selection of Palin and the strong plank to ban it in the Republican Party platform (Gaudiano).

Financial Markets
McCain said it was good that the government decided not to bail out Lehman Brothers and called for reform of disjointed federal financial regulation (Schroeder).

Fundraising
August has been the best month yet for McCain fundraising (Groppe).

Polls
A recent poll by the Siena Research Institute found that McCain is gaining in New York, but Obama still leads there (McCain gaining on Obama in New York). Another poll shows McCain leading in Ohio (Fargen). It’s a tie in Minnesota (Von Sternberg). For what its worth, he holds a lead among the Israeli Jewish population (Rosenfelder).

Social Security
McCain proposes to put place Social Security contributions into accounts that could be invested in the stock market. Obama calls the plan gambling (Acosta).

OI Comment: What McCain proposes is similar to what many people have now in their 401(k). Like other uninsured investments, this involves risk. It seems better to OI than Congress doing whatever it wants with the money with a shaky promise that it will pay the promised benefits somehow. It bears a strong resemblance to a Ponzi scheme; OI suspects it’s exactly that. Why not just drop the social security tax and let us do with the money as we will?

Sources
Acosta, J. (2008 Sept. 22). Obama: McCain wants to “gamble” with Social Security. CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/22/social.security.candidates/, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

Fargen, J. (2008 Sept. 15). Suffolk poll shows McCain leading Obama in Ohio. Boston Herald. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/politics/2008/view/2008_09_15_Suffolk_poll_shows_McCain_leading_Obama_in_Ohio/srvc=home&position=recent, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Gaudiano, N. (2008 Sept. 13). Advocates worry McCain support for embryonic research may waver. USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-12-stem-cells-mccain_N.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

Groppe, M. (2008 Sept. 22). August tops for McCain, Obama fundraising. Indianapolis Star. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080922/NEWS05/80922039, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

McCain gaining on Obama in New York. (2008 Sept. 15). Buffalo Business First. http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2008/09/15/daily6.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Rosenfelder, S. (2008 Sept. 15). JPost.com readers favor McCain over Obama. Jerusalem Post. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1221467181669&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Schroeder, R. (2008 Sept. 15). Wall Street crisis spurs talk on campaign trail. Market Watch. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mccain-obama-urge-reform-wall/story.aspx?guid=%7BEB116219-02C3-4C44-9C94-34BF5B366A4A%7D&dist=msr_1, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Von Sternberg, B. (2008 Sept. 15). Minnesota poll: Obama, McCain are dead even in state. Minneapolis Star-Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/28353589.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUoaK7D_V_eDc87DUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

Blogspeak 2008 September 16

2008-09-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

Financial Markets
Wall Street crisis: this should be Barack Obama's moment (Martin, I. Telegraph, Eagle Eye, 2008 Sept. 15)

Infrastructure
Homeland Security Secretary Draws Attention to State of Infrastructure (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Sept. 11)
New Orleans Still At Risk Post-Katrina Even as Public Concern Fades (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Sept. 11)

John McCain
McCain playing it safe (The Presidential Election Blog 2008, 2008 Sept. 5)

Obama Campaign on the Attack
Obama Questions McCain’s ‘Honor’ (Timiraos, N., Wall Street Journal, Washington Wire, 2008 Sept. 15)

Russo-Georgian Conflict
Russia beaten by little Georgia (Bookman, J., Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2008 Sept. 15)
Russians React to Putin’s ‘08 Remark (Shirwitz, M., New York Times, The Lede, 2008 Sept. 15)

Swing States
Turnaround in Virginia? SurveyUSA finds Obama lead (On Politics, USA Today, 2008 Sept. 15)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden
Biden delivering major speech attacking McCain as “Bush 44” (You Decide 2008, 2008 Sept. 15)
Biden ramps up attack dog role in Obama campaign (Reuters, Tales from the Trail, 2008 Sept. 15)
Press Section of Biden's Plane Is 'Totally Deserted' (National Review Online, The Campaign Spot, 2008 Sept. 15)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sarah Palin
Palin Outlines Four-Point Focus In McCain Administration (Conroy, S., On the Road, CBS News, 2008 Sept. 15)
Vice Presidential Candidate Gov. Sarah Palin (AK) Full Speech at the RNC (Presidential Election 2008, 2008 Sept. 9)

Policy and Food 2008 August

2008-09-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Policy & Food Update 2008 August 4
Policy & Food Update 2008 August 5
Policy & Food Update 2008 August 12
Policy & Food Update 2008 August 18
Policy & Food Update 2008 August 20
Policy & Food Update 2008 August 25

Putin Intelligencer 2008 September 16

2008-09-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

Aviation Industry
Putin recently approved a plan to integrate the Uzbekistan and Ukraine aviation enterprises into the Russian United Aircraft company and called for a focus on successful lines of aircraft. Russia will continue tariffs on western aircraft, providing relief only on small models (Karnozov).

Media, Russian Aggression in Georgia and Financial Markets
Putin called to task Russian journalists over their coverage of the Russo-Georgian Conflict, particularly the editor of one of the few national radio stations that airs opposition views. The station has apparently responded by pulling at least one guest and journalist off the air for their views and reporting that were critical of the government (Pan). Russian media are apparently so nervous that even a TV psychic can’t risk offending the prime minister (Krainova).

Putin continues to blame the U.S. for stirring the pot in Georgia (Radyuhin). He also said the dip in Russian financial markets were due to a reduction of liquidity (which the Russian government will cover if needed) partly affected slumps in the U.S. market, and clearly stated that it had nothing to do with action in Georgia (Wall).

The Thug Czar
The October 2008 issue of Vanity Fair contains a profile of Putin by Masha Gessen. Get it. Read it. Clip it (not from the library’s copy). Save it.

Unusual
Putin will be giving judo lessons to French President Nicolas Sarkozy (Vladimir Putin to teach Nicolas Sarkozy judo).

OI anticipates lots of unusual news about Putin. There is so little to mitigate the whims of dictators.

Sources
Gessen, M. (2008 Oct.). Dead soul. Vanity Fair, pp. 336-338, 380-386.

Karnozov, V. (2008 Sept. 9). Putin tells Russian industry to face reality. Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/09/15/315927/putin-tells-russian-industry-to-face-reality.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Krainova, N. (2008 Sept. 15). Knife, Munich, Putin on state TV. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/370906.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Pan, P. (2008 Sept. 15). In wake of Georgian war, Russian media feel heat. Washington Post, p. A14. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/14/AR2008091402249.html?hpid=moreheadlines, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Radyuhin, V. (2008 Sept. 15). Putin: U.S. spurred on Georgian offensive. Hindu. http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/15/stories/2008091555661400.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Vladimir Putin to teach Nicolas Sarkozy judo. (2008 Sept. 15). Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2963460/Vladimir-Putin-to-teach-Nicolas-Sarkozy-judo.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 16

Wall, T. (2008 Sept. 15). Putin and Medvedev differ on market ills. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/370909.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 September 16

2008-09-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Chess Champ Calls for Economic Sanctions Against Russia for Aggression in Georgia, Medvedev Sees Injustices in Western Response
Garry Kasparov has called for economic sanctions to reign in Russian power, though some analysts think it is improbable given the economic links between the U.S. and Russia (US has few economic levers against Russia).

In a recent speech, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called responses of NATO and western nations to Russia’s incursion into Georgia unfair. He sticks to the line that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili had gone “nuts” (Abdullaev).

OI Comment: The Russian line has been that it is protecting its citizens in South Ossetia from Georgian aggression. Russia previously offered citizenship to South Ossetians which was widely accepted. Nationalist movements in the region have been agitating to break from Georgia, and Georgian officials say their military moves in the region—still officially part of the country—has been to quell the rebellion and reestablish stability there. Somehow the Russian leaders see no similarity between this and their actions in Chechnya.

One of Medvedevs comments was that the west should stop seeing the Russian government as the successor of the Soviet Union. This is partly true. The Communists of the Soviet era felt the need to maintain the pretense of a republic serving its people. The currently Russian government is simply a dictatorship, nearly a Putin dictatorship, and saves its pretensions for foreign affairs.

Recent posts and articles related to Russia:
Khodorkovsky's [former oil magnate] Parole Request Denied (Popova, N., Moscow Times, 2008 Aug. 28)
In Lieu of Public Debate, Opposition Disagrees Over War (Chernov, S., St. Petersburg Times, 2008 Sept. 2)
Russian hackers continue attacks on Georgian sites (Svensson, P., Associated Press, 2008 Aug. 12)

Sources
Ablullaev, N. (2008 Sept. 15). Medvedev guests take tough message home. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/370908.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

US has few economic levers against Russia. (2008 Aug. 16). Economic Times. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/US_has_few_economic_levers_against_Russia/articleshow/3370126.cms, accessed 2008 Sept. 11.

September 11 Memorials (2008 September 11)

2008-09-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

9/11 remembrance ceremonies in central New York, WSYR-TV
9/11 Remembrance Events, WLNS-TV
Dispatches from 9/11 memorials around the area, Fort Meyers News-Press
Events mark the 7th anniversary of 9/11, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Firefighters remember fallen brothers, Bangor Daily News
Flags at half-staff in Va. for 9/11 remembrance, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Motorcyclists hope to create a lasting 9/11 tribute in Troy, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Presidential candidates to join 9/11 remembrance, Associate Press on KYTX-TV
Scott County Commission plans Sept. 11 tribute, Southeast Missourian
Sept. 11 memories still fresh, Naperville Sun
Solemn remembrance: Ceremonies, prayer to mark 9/11 milestone, Laconia Citizen
Somerset County [NJ] officials and citizens gather in remembrance of 9/11
Walks slated in remembrance of 9-11, Canton Repository

Obama Intelligencer 2008 September 11

2008-09-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Taxes
Obama has suggested he would delay reversing what are called the “Bush tax cuts” because it might somehow be harmful to the economy, though he has no plans to extend them beyond their scheduled expiration (Barack Obama says he would delay rescinding Bush tax cuts if economy slips into recession).

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden, Comments on Israel
Biden affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and self-governance, saying it needed no permission from the U.S. to take action against nuclear facilities in Iran. (US Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden says Israel free to attack).

Sources
Barack Obama says he would delay rescinding Bush tax cuts if economy slips into recession. (2008 Sept. 7). Associated Press in Minneapolis Star-Times. http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/27970719.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUJ, accessed 2008 Sept. 11.

US Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden says Israel free to attack. (2008 Sept.6). Pakistan Daily. http://www.daily.pk/world/worldnews/7160-us-democratic-vice-presidential-candidate-joe-biden-says-israel-free-to-attack-iran.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 11.

Blogspeak 2008 September 11

2008-09-11T08:05:00.001-07:00

Back to School
Obama Takes His Daughters Back to School (Political Radar, ABC, 2008 Sept. 8)

McCain Up in Polls
New Poll Shows McCain Up; Palin To Give First Interview (Ververs, V., Horserace, CBS News, 2008 Sept. 8)

Obama’s Faith
Oops! Barack Obama says 'my Muslim faith' in interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos (Nickerson, M., Chicago Sun-Times, 2008 Sept. 8)

Palin and Feminism
Feminists Flip Out Over Palin (Newmark, B., Fox Forum, 2008 Sept. 8)

Palin’s Reception Among Republican Leaders
Rice Offers Less-Than-Hearty Palin Endorsement (Political Radar, ABC, 2008 Sept. 8)

President Bill Clinton
Barack Obama and Bill Clinton To Do Lunch Thursday (Chozik, A., Washington Wire, Wall Street Journal, 2008 Sept. 8)

Stupid Posts
Obama Military Service Claim Defies Credibility (“MCCAIN”, Right Pundits, 2008 Sept. 7)
OI Comments: Obama’s mention of signing up for Selective Service as a teenager is hardly a claim of military service. Every male American born since 1959 has been required to register upon reaching a certain age. Obama may have been stretching to find a way to connect to or communicate respect for military service, but he was hardly claiming to have served.

Incidentally, previous military service is not required to be a supporter of the military or commander-in-chief. Reagan broke the Soviets with a combination of military strength and economic pressure, but never served in the military. John Adams was not a military man, but he valued a strong military and his efforts in the Continental Congress helped keep George Washington’s little army going.

In contrast, great military officers don’t necessarily make great presidents. U.S. Grant was the great general of the civil war, but he was largely a flop as a political leader and businessman. Jimmy Carter was a successful Naval officer and in recent years made a name for himself as an author and peacemaker; his presidency might be seen as the low point in his career.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 September 11

2008-09-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Endorsements
The New York Post has endorsed McCain. The Post endorsement contrasts the major candidates differences on national security (including their responses to terrorism and events in Iraq, Iran and Georgia), taxes, trade and energy (Post endorses John McCain).

Influencers
Some of those closest to McCain include Mark Salter, a speech writer who has helped shape the candidate’s image, Charles Black, a former lobbyist, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Orson Swindle, who was a POW with McCain in Viet Nam (Halloran).

Polls: McCain Takes Lead
In a recent USA Today/Gallup poll, Mcain took a lead over Obama 50 percent to 46 percent (Baldwin & Booth, Page). A CNN/Time poll showed the candidates to be tied (McCain, Obama tied).

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sarah Palin
Some public relations experts think Palin presents an appealing story and image, but it doesn’t solve all of McCain’s image problems (Sunnucks). Pollsters found that about half of Americans had a favorable impressions of Palin, though this was higher among independents and much higher among Republicans. Even though a majority of those polled thought she was a good pick, fewer than half thought she had the experience for the job (Langer).

Sources
Baldwin, T., & Booth, J. (2008 Sept. 8). John McCain overtakes Barack Obama in opinion polls. The Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article4703189.ece, accessed 2008 Sept. 9.

Halloran, L. (2008 Sept. 8). McCain relies on tight-knit circle of confidants to guide his campaign. U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/09/08/mccain-relies-on-a-tight-knit-circle-of-confidants-to-guide-his-campaign.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 10.

Langer, G. (2008 Sept. 5). Highly partisan reception greets Palin as V.P. pick. ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/story?id=5725793&page=1, accessed 2008 Sept. 9.

McCain, Obama tied in U.S. opinion polls. (2009 Sept. 9). Reuters India. http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-35378820080908, accessed 2008 Sept. 10.

Page, S. (2008 Sept. 8). Poll: Convention lifts McCain over Obama. USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-07-poll_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip, accessed 2008 Sept. 9.

Post endorsed John McCain. (2008 Sept. 8). New York Post. http://www.nypost.com/seven/09082008/postopinion/editorials/post_endorses_john_mccain_128044.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 10.

Sunnucks, M. (2008 Sept. 5). Palin’s brand shakes up presidential race. Phoenix Business Journal. http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/09/01/daily50.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 9.

Courts Intelligencer 2008 September 11

2008-09-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Recent posts and articles on activities in the courts:

Court rulings could settle water war (Shelton, S., Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2008 August 21)
Water Resources News (Infrastructure Watch Blog, 2008 Aug. 27)

Blogspeak 2008 September 4

2008-09-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

McCain’s Comments on Western Water Resources Compact
McCain in hot water out west (Plenty, 2008 Aug. 22)
On the Eve of the Convention, an Opening for Obama in Colorado? (Romano, A., Stumper, Newsweek, 2008 Aug. 21)

Republican National Convention
How a Curtailed Convention Helps McCain (Romano, A., Stumper, Newsweek, 2008 Sept. 1)

Vice Presidential Candidates: Joe Biden and Sarah Palin
“Gorgeous” Joe Biden Praises “Good Looking” GOP VP (Bruns, A., Embeded Producers, Fox News, 2008 Aug. 31)

Obama Intelligencer 2008 September 4

2008-09-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Accusations of Socialist Connections and Opposition Advertising
American Issues Project ads that attempt to link Obama to William Ayers have begun running in Virginia. The Obama campaign has answered with ads of its own and taken legal action to stop the ads (Farnum, Sizemore).

Endorsements: Foreign Socialist
Francois Hollande, leader of France’s Socialist Party, has endorsed Obama (France).

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence praised the selection of Biden as Obama’s running mate based on the senator’s history of support for gun control laws (Senator Obama’s choice).

Sources
Farnum, T. W. (2008 Aug. 29). Legal controversy erupts over TV ads linking Obama to ‘60s radical. Wall Street Journal, p. A5. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121996889132881757.html?mod=googlenews_wsj, accessed 2008 Sept. 3.

France: Socialist chief endorses Obama. (2008 Aug. 31). Associated Press in International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/31/america/France-Socialists-Obama.php, accessed 2008 Sept. 3.

Senator Obama’s choice, Joe Biden, a good one for gun violence reduction. [News Release]. (2008 Aug. 25). Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. http://www.bradycampaign.org/media/release.php?release=1001, accessed 2008 Aug. 27.

Sizemore, B. (2008 Aug. 31). Fight for Virginians’ votes spills over into airwaves. Virginian-Pilot. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/fight-virginians-votes-spills-over-airwaves, accessed 2008 Sept 3.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 September 4

2008-09-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

International Trade & Nuclear Materials
Putin has announced that Russia will be withdrawing from some agreements it made during negotiations to join the World Trade Organization, saying they are no longer in Russia’s interest. This could signal an intent to reverse some reforms made when Putin handed the presidency to Medvedev (Shuster).

Australia has balked at ratifying a deal to sell uranium to Russia after its recent aggressions in Georgia. Russian officials have pushed back, saying the uranium deal and the Russo-Georgian war are unrelated and that backing out of the deal could be harmful to Australia’s economy (Flitton & Nicholson).

Unusual: Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Putin visited a wildlife reserve to view a rare tiger that had been captured. The tiger escaped and the Russion Prime Minister snatched up a rifle and shot the beast with a tranquilizer dart, saving a television crew. (Putin wields tranquilizer gun).

OI isn’t generally cynical, but we wouldn’t put anything past Putin. What tiger is he planning to tame next? I can almost see already the mural of triumphant Putin, lovingly kissing the vanquished tiger the way he lovingly watches over the nations he has brought under Russian protection, 50 feet high on the side of some new public building in the USSR—um, Russian Federation.

Sources
Flitton, D., & Nicholson, B. (2008 Sept. 2). Putin’s ultimatum to Rudd over uranium deal. The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/national/putins-ultimatum-to-rudd-over-uranium-deal-20080901-4770.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 4.

Putin wields tranquilizer gun at escaped tiger. (2008 Sept. 3). NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94223446, accessed 2008 Sept. 4.

Shuster, S. (2008 Aug. 25). Putin says no advantages for Russia from WTO. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7750592, accessed 2008 Aug. 25.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 September 4

2008-09-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Environment
McCain drew fire for comments indicating support for a renegotiation of the multi-state compact that governs water use on the Colorado River. McCain says his comments were misunderstood and he does not support a change of the agreement (Wyatt).

Vice-Presidential Selection
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be the Republican vice-presidential candidate. Some have suggested that she is a double portion of appeal, being attractive to both evangelicals who have previously supported Republicans and blue collar families that had supported Hillary Clinton’s run for the presidency (McCain’s secret woman business).

Sources
McCain’s secret woman business. (2008 September 1). Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/mccain146s-secret-woman-business/2008/09/01/1220121053338.html, accessed 2008 September 4.

Wyatt, K. (2008 August 20). McCain now says Western water pact should stand. Associated Press in National Examiner. http://www.examiner.com/a-1546777~McCain_now_says_Western_water_pact_should_stand.html, accessed 2008 August 21.

Blogspeak 2008 August 27

2008-08-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Democratic National Convention
DNC Convention Speeches Day 2 - Including Keynote Mark Warner, Hillary Clinton, and Eleanor Holmes Norton (2008 Central, 2008 Aug. 26)

Sen. Hillary Clinton
Clinton says election isn't about her (Presidential Election 2008, 2008 Aug. 27)
Hillary's Speech (2008 Presidential Election Blog, 2008 Aug. 26)
Michelle Obama Meets With Hillary Clinton In Denver (Gavrilovic, M., From the Road, CBS News, 2008 Aug. 26)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden
Joe Biden loves RIAA, DRM; hates encryption, George Bush (Nusca, A., Toy Box, ZDNet, 2008 Aug. 25)
Joe Biden: Loves to Talk, Hates to ‘Ask’ (Cooper, C., Washington Wire, Wall Street Journal, 2008 Aug. 25)
The Mess in Mississippi, Redux: The Joe Biden Connection? (Slater, D., Law Blog, Wall Street Journal, 2008 Aug. 24)

Blogspeak 2008 August 25

2008-08-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Democratic Party
2008 Democratic Convention Schedule, Aug 25-28 (You Decide 2008, 2008 August 20)

Obama’s European Tour
Reflections on Obama’s Tour (Communist Part USA, ’08 Elections, 2008 July 31)

Obama’s Position on Abortion
'The doctor continues to think that it's nonviable but there's, let's say, movement..' (National Review Online, The Campaign Spot, 2008 August 21)

Senator Hillary Clinton
FIRST THOUGHTS: ALL ABOUT HILLARY (MSNBC, FirstRead, 2008 August 21)
McCain hunts Clinton supporters (2008 Hopefuls, 2008 June 28)
What Not To Read Into: Pronoun Edition (2008 Central, 2008 August 19)

Vice-Presidential Speculation, Selection & Commentary
The Early Word: Running Mates, of All Sorts (New York Times, The Caucus, 2008 August 23)
What Not To Read Into: Pronoun Edition (2008 Central, 2008 August 19)

Obama Intelligencer 2008 August 25

2008-08-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

Accusations of Socialist Connections and Opposition Advertising
Harold Simmons, a Dallas billionaire who previously funded attack ads against John Kerry, will be funding ads raising questions about Obama’s connections to William Ayers (Slater & Jeffers).

Vice-Presidential Selection
U.S. Senator Joe Biden has been selected as Obama’s running mate. New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine has picked as his favorite (Corzine likes Biden).

Sources
Corzine likes Biden for Obama’s VP. (2008 August 20). Newsday. http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--xgr-corzine-veeps0820aug20,0,2222585.story, accessed 2008 August 20.

Slater, W., & Jeffers, G. (2008 August 23). Dallas billionaire Harold Simmons finances anti-Obama ad. Dallas Morning News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/national/stories/082408dnpolobamaad.69811d3.html, accessed 2008 August 25.

Congressional Intelligencer 2008 August 25

2008-08-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Recent Posts and Articles on Congressional Activity:

Activity in U.S. Congress (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 August 18)
Science Tracer Bullet: Wind Power (Library of Congress)

Book Reviews

2008-08-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

46 Pages by Scott Liell
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Government, Politics and Public Administration Book Reviews
Reading Room: God Wants You to Be Rich by Paul Zane Pilzer
Recommended Reading: F.A. Hayek's Road to Serfdom

McCain Intelligencer 2008 August 21

2008-08-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Israel
In a recent visit to Jerusalem, former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee stated that McCain has a stronger vision of Israeli self-defense than his opponent (Lefkovits).

Polls
McCain has slipped passed Obama, gaining a 5 point lead, according to a recent Reuters/Zogby poll. When asked who was better prepared to lead the country, McCain’s lead jumped to 9 points (McCain takes lead over Obama). A Los Angeles Times-Bloomberg poll should the two major candidates to be statistically even (Harnden).

Sources
Harnden, T. (2008 August 20). John McCain topples Barack Obama’s poll lead. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/johnmccain/2592093/John-McCain-topples-Barack-Obamas-poll-lead.html, accessed 2008 August 20.

Lefkovits, E. (2008 August 18). Huckabee: McCain stronger on Israeli security. Jerusalem Post. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1218710395015&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull, accessed 2008 August 20.

McCain takes lead over Obama. (2008 August 20). AOL News. http://news.aol.com/elections/article/mccain-takes-lead-over-obama/141577?icid=200100397x1207639031x1200429890, accessed 2008 August 20.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 August 20

2008-08-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

War in Georgia
Georgians fleeing the South Ossetia region claim Russian soldiers told them to flee or be killed, indicating Putin had given orders to clear the region of Georgians (Halpin).

Real Power in Russia
Though Putin is now premier, he still acts like president. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has been relatively quiet on the action in Georgia and diplomacy with the west. In contrast, Putin has been to visit refugees who fled to Russian, leaving the Olympic games (where he spoke to U.S. President George Bush) to do so, and sat in on Medvedev’s negotiations with the French-led coalition to end the Russo-Georgian conflict (Kolesnichenko).

Sources
Halpin, T. (2008 August 18). Putin has given us an order that everyone must leave or be shot. London Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4553499.ece, accessed 2008 August 19.

Kolesnichenko, A. (2008 August 18). Best supporting actor in a lead role. Transitions Online. http://www.tol.cz/look/TOL/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrIssue=282&NrSection=4&NrArticle=19864, accessed 2008 August 20.

Courts Intelligencer 2008 August 20

2008-08-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Recent posts and articles on activities in the courts:

Water Resources News (2008 August 19)
Question of right to water central in Lanier case (Stacy Shelton, Atlanta Journal-Consitution, Aug. 12, 2008)

Policy and Food Updates 2008 July

2008-08-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Policy & Food Update 2008 July 31
Policy & Food Update 2008 July 28
Policy & Food Update 2008 July 21
Policy & Food Update 2008 July 14
Policy & Food Update 2008 July 10
Policy & Food Update 2008 July 7

Democratic Party Intelligencer 2008 August 13

2008-08-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Convention News
Sen. Hillary Clinton is expected to headline the Democratic Convention on August 26 (Pickler). This may be in spite of plans of Clinton supporters to hold rallies at the convention and President Bill Clinton’s reluctance to actively support Obama (Walsh).

Resources
Pickler, N. (2008 August 10). Clinton to headline second night of convention. Associated Press. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080810/ap_on_el_pr/democratic_convention, accessed 2008 August 12.

Walsh, K. T. (2008 August 7). Despite Obama’s efforts, Clinton supporters won’t fade away. U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/08/07/despite-obamas-efforts-clinton-supporters-wont-fade-away.html, accessed 2008 August 12.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 August 13

2008-08-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

War in Georgia
America has begun to airlift Georgian troops, returning them home where they have been recalled. Putin said this move would hamper efforts to solve the Russo-Georgian conflict over South Ossetia (Putin assails US). Speaking on state television, the Russian Prime Minister, and former President, claimed that Russian actions in Georgia were a logical extension of the peace-keeping mission in South Ossetia and accused western nations of cynicism and having a cold war mentality (Russian PM criticizes US, Putin criticizes US).

Some have reported that Russia is calling for the democratically-elected president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, to step down (Abromowitz & Lynch). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed this claim, but in the same speech accused Saakashvili of war crimes (Champion, Osborn & McKinnon).

Georgia is situated between Russia and the Black Sea. It has an oil pipeline and is the only serious competition to Russian control of oil in the Caspian Sea region.

Resources
Abramowitz, M., & Lynch, C. (2008 August 11). Bush, Cheney increasingly critical of Russia over aggression in Georgia. Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081002311.html, accessed 2008 August 12.

Champion, M., Osborn, A., & McKinnon, J.D. (2008 August 11). Russia widens attack on Georgia. Wall Street Journal, p. A1. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121834170757727521.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news, accessed 2008 August 12.

Putin assails US over conflict with Georgia. (2008 August 11). Associate Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hV2N6fVKS5slf10A13Dj_uIdaZ4QD92G1R5O0, accessed 2008 August 12.

Putin criticizes US over South Ossetia. (2008 August 11). Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLB34651, accessed 2008 August 12.

Russian PM criticizes US, West. (2008 August 11). TVNZ. http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1996622, accessed 2008 August 12.

Presidential Intelligencer 2008 August 13

2008-08-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

War in Georgia
President Bush has condemned Russian military action in Georgia, calling it unacceptable and disproportionate (Putin: US impedes Georgian military ops).

Links to various articles and posts covering recent Presidential activity:
Bill Action: At the President's Desk: H.R. 3221: Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008

Resources
Putin: US impedes Georgian military ops. (2008 August 11). Press TV. http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=66262&sectionid=351020602, accessed 2008 August 12.

Congressional Intelligencer 2008 August 13

2008-08-13T13:10:00.001-07:00

Links to various articles and posts covering recent activity in Congress:

Bill Action: Introduced: H.R. 6630: To prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from granting authority to a motor carrier...
Bill Action: Introduced: H.R. 6670: To open areas of the Outer Continental Shelf to oil and gas leasing, to direct the...
Bill Action: Introduced: H.R. 6679: To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 to provide for reimbursement for...
Bill Action: Introduced: S. 3319: A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to require corrosion mitigation and...
Bill Action: Introduced: S. 3443: A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to update a program to provide...
Bill Action: Introduced: S. 3366: A bill to protect, conserve, and restore native fish, wildlife, and their natural...
Bill Action: Introduced: S.Res. 631: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Senate has lost confidence...
Bill Action: Passed House: H.R. 3999: National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act of 2007
Bill Action: Passed Senate: H.R. 2095: Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007 (Passed Both Chambers)
Bill Action: Scheduled for Debate: H.R. 6658: Disaster Response, Recovery, and Mitigation Enhancement Act of 2008
Bridge Corrosion Bill Introduced
Clean Water Affordability Act Introduced to Senate
Geosequestration of Carbon Dioxide Faces Opposition
House Passes National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act
Long-Term Energy Assurance and Security Act Introduced in House
Recent Federal Activity

Obama Intelligencer 2008 August 5

2008-08-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Endorsements
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has endorsed Obama (Dawar, Swaine).

Energy and Environment
Obama has reverse his position and proposed to allow some offshore drilling (Chozik, Obama’s drill bit).

Polls
Obama has a large lead over McCain among low income workers according to a poll conducted by the Washington Post, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard University. They also found that most of these workers thought their financial situation would not be changed by the outcome of the election (Obama leads McCain).

Resources
Chozik, A. (2008 August 4). Obama offers support for offshore drilling. Wall Street Journal, p. A4. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121769917863707497.html?mod=special_page_campaign2008_topbox, accessed 2008 August 5.

Dawar, A. (2008 August 4). Gwyneth Paltrow urges US expats to vote for Barack Obama. The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/04/uselections2008.usa, accessed 2008 August 5.

Obama leads McCain among low-income workers: poll. (2008 August 4). Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0339387820080804, accessed 2008 August 5.

Obama’s drill bit. (2008 August 4). Wall Street Journal, p. A12. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121780648308808375.html?mod=googlenews_wsj, accessed 2008 August 5.

Swaine, J. (2008 August 4). Gwyneth Paltrow films ad for Barack Obama. The Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/barackobama/2497142/Gwyneth-Paltrow-films-ad-for-Barack-Obama.html, accessed 2008 August 5.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 August 5

2008-08-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

China
China spoke out against McCain when he recent met with the Dalai Lama when the Tibetan leader was visiting the United States. McCain has been a critic of China’s human rights record in Tibet (China says concerned, China swipes).

Polls and Israel
Some recent polls show McCain running almost even with Obama in several states. McCain was seen as stronger in leadership skills (Marinnuci). While Obama is favored in many foreign nations, one where McCain is favored is Israel (Keinon).

Vice-Presidential Speculation
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is still spoken of as a potential running mate (Kranish).

Resources
China says concerned by McCain, Dalai Lama meeting. (2008 July 28). SwissInfo. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news/international/China_says_concerned_by_McCain_Dalai_Lama_meeting.html?siteSect=143&sid=9383566&cKey=1217230685000&ty=ti, accessed 2008 August 4.

China swipes at McCain over Dalai Lama visit. (2008 July 27). AFP. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j8R7rtB4yRRAO2yLlURjw407Am9Q, accessed 2008 August 4.

Keinon, H. (2008 August 4). McCain still leads Obama…in Israel. Jerusalem Post. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331181183&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull, accessed 2008 August 5.

Kranish, M. (2008 July 28). Minn. governor rides his rapport with McCain. Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/07/28/minn_governor_rides_his_rapport_with_mccain/, accessed 2008 August 4.

Marinnuci, C. (2008 July 28). McCain has reason to smile as he visits state. San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/28/MN4111VKKQ.DTL&type=politics, accessed 2008 August 4.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn Passes 2008 August 3

2008-08-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn died on August 3, 2008. He was Nobel Prize-winning author of novels and nonfiction and an opponent of Soviet oppression. Though he opposed the Stalinist government, he was a reformer in the Russian mold and not an advocate of the Western-style democracy or capitalism. Articles and obituaries are linked below.

Nobel Prize-Winning Russian Author Dies
Solzhenitsyn, chronicler of Soviet gulag, dies

Obama Intelligencer 2008 July 24

2008-07-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

Fundraising
Obama’s fundraising efforts are seriously outpacing McCain’s. He will be the first candidate to run a privately financed presidential campaign since 1976 (Morain, Salant).

Poll
Though Americans considered him to be a riskier choice, Obama led the race in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll (Murray).

War in Iraq, Afghanistan
After visiting Iraq and Afghanistan, among other places, Obama persists in calling for a scheduled withdrawal from Iraq and shift of resources to Afghanistan (Nichols and Faiez).

Resources
Morain, D. (2008 July 21). McCain in a race to raise and spend money by Labor Day. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-money21-2008jul21,0,1399269.story, accessed 2008 July 21.

Murray, M. (2008 July 23). NBC/WSJ poll: Obama keeps lead over McCain. MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25816799/, accessed 2008 July 24.

Nichols, M., & Faiez, M. K. (2008 July 21). Obama sticks to his goal of swift Iraq withdrawal. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-fg-obama21-2008jul21,0,3927730.story, accessed 2008 July 24.

Salant, J. (2008 July 21). Obama raised more than McCain, didn’t outspend him (update 3). Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aQwcbLtdxwH0&refer=home, accessed 2008 July 24.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 July 24

2008-07-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Fundraising
Obama’s fundraising efforts are seriously outpacing McCain’s. Recent reports reveal that some of McCain’s major supporters are from financial services, gambling and energy. McCain intends to accept federal funding of his general election campaign; he must spend his funds from the primaries before his official nomination at the Republican convention (Morain, Salant).

Poll
McCain lagged in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, even though people considered Obama to be a riskier choice for president. McCain faired worse when third party candidates Bob Barr and Ralph Nader were included (Murray).

Staff
Phil Gramm stepped down as co-chair of the McCain campaign. His resignation was prompted by his statements regarding the economy in which he said that the U.S. was in a “mental recession” and a “nation of whiners.” McCain refuted the remarks (Rohter, Cooper).

Resources
Cooper, M. (2008 July 11). McCain advisor refers to “nation of whiners.” New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/us/politics/11campaign.html?fta=y, accessed 2008 July 21.

Morain, D. (2008 July 21). McCain in a race to raise and spend money by Labor Day. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-money21-2008jul21,0,1399269.story, accessed 2008 July 21.

Murray, M. (2008 July 23). NBC/WSJ poll: Obama keeps lead over McCain. MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25816799/, accessed 2008 July 24.

Rohter, L. (2008 July 19). McCain co-chairman, under fire, steps aside. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/us/politics/19mccain.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=us&adxnnlx=1216673967-zW3zVG876NOQMCpJagpn9g, accessed 2008 July 21.

Salant, J. (2008 July 21). Obama raised more than McCain, didn’t outspend him (update 3). Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aQwcbLtdxwH0&refer=home, accessed 2008 July 24.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 July 15

2008-07-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Poll: Opinion of McCain shifts from “about right” toward “too conservative”
A Gallup poll show that from February to June, opinions of McCain have shifted more toward that he is too conservative (Morales).

Social Security
McCain called the present state of affair in the Social Security program, in which younger workers are paying the benefits of retirees, a “disgrace.” He suggested he might approve of other funding mechanisms, including individual accounts (Wallsten).

Resources
Morales, L. (2008 July 11). Fewer Americans See McCain, Obama Views as “About Right.” Gallup. http://www.gallup.com/poll/108775/Fewer-Americans-See-McCain-Obama-Views-About-Right.aspx, accessed 2008 July 15.

Walsten, P. (2008 July 14). McCain takes a Social Security risk. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-na-mccainsocial14-2008jul14,1,3491915.story, accessed 2008 July 14.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 July 15

2008-07-15T08:01:00.001-07:00

Afghanistan, Iraq and War on Terror
Obama criticized the Karzai government of Afghanistan for not doing enough to implement the basic functions of government and stabilize the nation. He also criticized the Bush administration for dividing its efforts, diverting resources to Iraq and allowing al-Queda and the Taliban to regroup in Afghanistan (Obama says he would execute bin-Laden). The candidate has long opposed the war in Iraq, having made it an issue in the primaries. He has proposed reducing forces in a Iraq, leaving enough to help fight al-Queda, within 16 months and adding as many as 10,000 troops to Afghanistan (Hall & Nichols).

Health Care
Obama proposed a tax credit for small businesses for up to 50 percent of the premiums they pay on behalf of their employees (Roug).

Poll: Opinion of Obama shifts from “about right” to “too liberal”
A Gallup poll show that from February to June, opinions of Obama have shifted more toward that he is too liberal. Still, the most common response was “about right” (43 percent in June) (Morales).

Resources
Morales, L. (2008 July 11). Fewer Americans See McCain, Obama Views as “About Right.” Gallup. http://www.gallup.com/poll/108775/Fewer-Americans-See-McCain-Obama-Views-About-Right.aspx, accessed 2008 July 15.

Hall, C., & Nichols, H. (2008 July 14). Obama Urges Shifting Focus From Iraq to Afghanistan (Update1). Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aE6JSzRJpiw0&refer=home, accessed 2008 July 15.

Obama says he would execute bin-Laden. (2008 July 12). Birmingham Star. http://story.birminghamstar.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/420d9e49bcaa69d0/id/381452/cs/1/, accessed 2008 July 14.

Roug, L. (2008 July 14). Obama proposes health care tax credits for small businesses. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign14-2008jul14,0,7130939.story, accessed 2008 July 15.

Policy and Politics Blogs and Websites

2008-07-08T11:33:00.001-07:00

Inclusion of links does not constitute an endorsement or claim by OI. The content of these other sites is the responsibility of their writers, editors or operators. OI hopes to update this list from time to time, but you may still find broken or misdirected links on the list.

Amended 2008 August 13

Aguanomics
American Water Resources Association Blog
American Water Works Association’s President’s Blog
The Campaign Spot
Common Agricultural Policy
Congressional Budget Office Director’s Blog
Congressional Budget Office Publications
Crazy for Liberty
Environmental Law Professor Blog
Evolution of Security (Transportation Security Administration blog)
First Read
Farm Aid: Around the Kitchen Table
Food & Water Watch
Food Law Prof Blog
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa
From The Road: CBSNews.com
The Gavel (Speaker of the House blog)
Government Accountability Office Reports
GovTrack
Green Issues
Greenversations (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency blog)
Hydro-Logic
Infrastructure Watch
Mera Bharat Mahan
PA Editors Blog
People's Weekly World Blog
Political Buzz
Politics and Food (Rachel C. Dechenne)
Policy and Food
Public Works Solutions
Open Intelligencer
Rhetorica
Secretary of Health and Humans Services blog
Texas Water Resources Institute
TradeAgreements.gov
U.S. Food Policy
Water and Wastewater Blog
Water for the Ages
Water News Update
Water Wired
WaterSISWEB
Welcome to the Fast Lane (Secretary of Transportation blog)
World Socialist Web Site (International Committee of the Fourth International)

Capitalist Quotations

2008-07-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.
-Winston Churchill

There is simply no other choice than this: either to abstain from interference in the free play of the market, or to delegate the entire management of production and distribution to the government. Either capitalism or socialism: there exists no middle way.
-Ludwig von Mises, Liberalism

McCain Intellegencer 2008 July 7

2008-07-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Endorsements
Senator Joseph Lieberman, former Democrat and now independent from Connecticut, supports McCain (Lieberman says McCain ready to lead). Jeffrey T. Kuhner made the case for McCain in his Washington Times column based on his stands on the war in Iraq and opposition to abortion.

Polls: People Think McCain is Old
The answer most volunteered when people were asked about McCain was “old” (Poll…).

The word the first comes to OI’s mind when seeing polls like this is “fruitless.”

Vice-Presidential Speculation
Possible running mates for McCain include Sen. Joseph Lieberman, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney and Sen. John Thune (McManus).

Resources
Kuhner, J. (2008 July 6). The case for McCain. Washington Times. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/06/the-case-for-mccain-97682785/, accessed 2008 July 7.

Lieberman says McCain ready to lead. (2008 June 29). United Press International. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/06/29/Lieberman_says_McCain_ready_to_lead/UPI-94841214781601/, accessed 2008 June 30.

McManus, D. (2008 June 29). Obama and McCain search for running mates. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-veepstakes30-2008jun30,0,7191880.story, accessed 2008 June 30.

Poll: Old used most for McCain, change for Obama. (2008 July 7). Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jPRCDqOiUhGhI2rO9u2DftwSikDQD91OUN100, accessed 2008 June 7.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 July 7

2008-07-07T14:07:00.001-07:00

Eligibility
Questions persist about Obama’s birth and whether it might disqualify him to hold the office of president (As Obama stonewalls…).

Vice-Presidential Speculation
Possible running mates for Obama include Sen. Jim Webb, Sam Nunn, Sen. Joseph Biden and Sen. Evan Bayh (McManus).

Resources
As Obama stonewall on uncertified birth certificate, official doubts mount. (2009 June 28). Israeli Insider. http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Politics/12944.htm, accessed 2008 June 30.

McManus, D. (2008 June 29). Obama and McCain search for running mates. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-veepstakes30-2008jun30,0,7191880.story, accessed 2008 June 30.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 June 24

2008-06-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Vice-Presidential Speculation

Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney have been mentioned as potential veeps (Campbell). Florida Governor Charlie Crist has also drawn speculation about his vice-presidential aspirations (Bender).

Resources

Bender, M. (2008 June 21). Crist risks gree, bipartisan monikers with drilling stance. Palm Beach Post. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/state/epaper/2008/06/21/m1a_oil_0622.html, accessed 2008 June 24.

Campbell, B. (2008, June 15). McCain reschedules Midland visit with $1.5 million already collected. Midland Reporter-Telegram. http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2008/06/15/news/top_stories/doc4855134f3c4c5977465576.txt, accessed June 23, 2008.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 June 24

2008-06-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Endorsements
Several Florida mayors recently endorsed Obama: Frank Ortis, Pembroke Pines; Joy Cooper, Hallandale Beach; Lori Moseley, Miramar; and John Marks, Tallahassee. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, California, also stated his endorsement of Obama at a conference in Florida (Reinhart).

Endorsements: Unusual
Donna Versace dedicated her spring/summer 2008 line to Obama (Venkataraman).

Socialist Connections
RNC officials have openly spoke of questioning some of Obama’s associations during the campaign (Thomma).

Most of the information on this topic appears in the blogs and on editorial pages. OI prefers not to use these sources, particularly obviously partisan blogs. OI is looking into how we may appropriately treat such sources.

Resources
Reinhart, B. (2008 June 22). Obama meets with U.S. mayors, touts housing bill. Miami Herald. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/579132.html, accessed 2008 June 24.

Thomma, S. (2008, June 12). GOP chief scrutinizes Obama’s relationship with controversial figures. Boston Herald. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/politics/2008/view/2008_06_12_GOP_chief_scrutinizes_Obama_s_relationship_with_controversial_figures/srvc=home&position=recent, accessed June 15, 2008.

Venkataraman, N. (2008 June 23). Political radar: Versace dedicates fashion line to Obama. ABC News. http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/06/versace-dedicat.html, accessed 2008 June 24.

Major Candidate Comparison

2008-06-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

(Updated 2008 Oct. 30)

Abortion

McCain
-Opposes with limited exceptions.

Obama
-Favors.

Energy

McCain
-Generally opposes subsidy and tax credit programs, seeing them mainly as favors to special interests
-Favors allowing market solutions to energy problems
-Favors development of nuclear power
--Called for construction of 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030
--Favors Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage plan
-Has supported allowing new offshore drilling for oil, but has not been consistent in this position

Obama
-Favors federal government investment in alternative fuels and energy technologies
--Has close ties to ethanol producers, particularly corn ethanol
-Proposes funding of alternative fuels programs
-Favors development of nuclear power contingent on development of safer ways to dispose of waste
--Opposes Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage plan
-Initally opposed offshore drilling for oil, but later made provisions for it in energy plan

Environment

McCain
-Air & Climate
--Long supported climate change measures
--Favors 60 percent reduction in emissions by 2050
--Supports nuclear power development as part of climate change response
--Favors incentives for development of hybrid and other low-emissions automobiles

Obama
-Air & Climate
--Favors 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2050
--Favors cap and trade proposals
--Favors incentives for development of hybrid and other low-emissions automobiles

Health Care

McCain
-Proposes tax credit for health care for individuals and families.

Obama
-Aims for universal coverage through employer supplemented programs providing benefits similar to those received by federal employees.
-Proposes a tax credit for small businesses for up to 50 percent of the premiums they pay on behalf of their employees.

Iran

McCain:
-Opposes direct talks.
-Supports sanctions.

Obama:
-Supports direct diplomatic contact; scaled back from early position of face-to-face talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Taxes

McCain
-Previously opposed Bush tax cuts, now proposes to make them permanent.
-Calls for 25 percent cut in corporate taxes.
-Calls for balanced federal budget.

Obama
-Calls for increased taxes for some, tax breaks for others.

Trade

McCain
-Free trade supporter.
-Supports free trade agreement with Colombia.

Obama
-Proposes to renegotiate NAFTA to include environmental and labor standards.
-Opposes proposed free trade agreement with Colombia,

War in Iraq

McCain:
-Supported war.
-Critical of Bush handling.
-Opposes troop withdrawal.
-Early proponent of surge.
-Anticipates long-term American presence in Iraq, eventually as peacekeepers.

Obama:
-Consistently opposed war.
-Opposed surge.
-Calls for withdrawal by end of 2009.

Resources
Bender, M. (2008 June 21). Crist risks gree, bipartisan monikers with drilling stance. Palm Beach Post. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/state/epaper/2008/06/21/m1a_oil_0622.html, accessed 2008 June 24.

Chozik, A. (2008 August 4). Obama offers support for offshore drilling. Wall Street Journal, p. A4. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121769917863707497.html?mod=special_page_campaign2008_topbox, accessed 2008 August 5.

Fahys, J. (2008 Oct. 17). McCain and Obama’s environmental policy differences a matter of degree. Salt Lake Tribune. http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_10710346, accessed 2008 Oct. 30.

Hertsgaard, M. (2008, June 8). Taking climate change seriously—finally. CBS News (The Nation). http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/06/opinion/main4160120.shtml, accessed June 9, 2008.

How do McCain and Obama match up? (2008, June 9). Dallas Morning News (Trail blazers blog). http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/06/how-do-mccain-and-obama-match.html, accessed June 9, 2008.

Nasaw, D. (2008 June 23). U.S. elections: McCain plugs in to electric cars. The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/23/johnmccain.uselections2008, accessed 2008 June 24.

Nasaw, D. (2008 June 23). U.S. elections: Where McCain and Obama stand on environmental issues. The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/23/johnmccain.barackobama, accessed 2008 June 24.

Power, S. (2008, June 9). In energy policy, McCain, Obama, differ on role of government. Wall Street Journal, p. A2. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121296676181055711.html?mod=googlenews_wsj, accessed June 9, 2008.

Rescue the trade deal. (2008 June 5). [Editorial]. Palm Beach Post. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/07/05/a10a_colombia_edit_0705.html, accessed 2008 June 7.

Rhee, F. (2008, June 23). Obama, McCain go after each other on energy. Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/06/obama_mccain_go.html, accessed 2008 June 24.

Rohter, L. (2008 June 23). Obama camp closely linked with ethanol. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/23/us/politics/23ethanol.html?_r=2&th=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&emc=th&adxnnlx=1214215415-yB7fDlhMP0kFgLEGHZ7f8Q&oref=slogin, accessed 2008 June 24.

Rosetta, L. (2008 Oct. 18). Health care: Utahns see good, bad and risky in McCain and Obama plans. Salt Lake Tribune. http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_10710537, accessed 2008 Oct. 30.

Roug, L. (2008 July 14). Obama proposes health care tax credits for small businesses. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign14-2008jul14,0,7130939.story, accessed 2008 July 15.

Watt, N. (2008, June 9). Globalization needs America. America needs globalization. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/09/economics.useconomy, accessed June 9, 2008.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 June 12

2008-06-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

Endorsements: Rejected
McCain has rejected endorsements from Rev. John Hagee and Rev. Rod Parsley due to controversial statements made by the pastors (Luo). Though popular ministers, they hold views that are not necessarily representative of mainstream and evangelical Christians.

Voter Groups: Conservative Christians
McCain has been reaching out to conservative Christian groups, which strongly supported Bush in 2004 but have not warmed up to the senator. He has taken stands on issues important to these voters that sometimes agreed with them and sometimes didn’t (Luo)

War in Iraq
The “surge” in Iraq appears to be having good results: fewer American casualties and greater stability of the government. McCain has long been a promoter of the surge and the results would seem to support his policy and his potential to handle the war in the White House. Even so, a view that things are going badly in Iraq persists, including among independents (Baram).

Resources
Baram, M. (2008, June 9). Will good news in Iraq affect Obama vs. McCain? ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=5017532&page=1, accessed June 9, 2008.

Luo, M. (2008, June 9). McCain extends his outreach, but Evangelicals are still wary. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/us/politics/09mccain.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin, accessed June 9, 2008.

Obama Intellegencer 2008 June 12

2008-06-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

Clinton Effect and Endorsements
Senator Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign and officially endorsed Obama on June 7, 2008. There is speculation about what level of support, if any, Clinton supporters will provide to Obama (Political bulletin).

Swing States: Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania; Economic Policy and Health Care
Obama launched a tour of 17 swing states on June 9, 2008. He was expected to speak about economic issues including the price of health care and gas prices (Ward & Luce).

Vice-Presidential Speculation
Montana Governor Napolitano and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sibelius have been mentioned as potential running mates for Obama (Bigger battles ahead).

Vote Groups: Moderate and Evangelical Christians
Obama’s campaign plans to add a full-time staffer to concentration on evangelicals. They hope to draw moderates by addressing some of the newer issues of concern to these groups (Luo).

War in Iraq
The “surge” in Iraq appears to be having good results: fewer American casualties and greater stability of the government. This would seem to improve the standing of McCain, who supported the surge. However, it is expected that Obama will emphasize the lack of political progress, even in light of the military successes (Baram).

Obama has consistently opposed the war in Iraq. He made this an issue in the Democratic primaries and caucuses, particularly in contrasting himself with Clinton.

Resources
Baram, M. (2008, June 9). Will good news in Iraq affect Obama vs. McCain? ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=5017532&page=1, accessed June 9, 2008.

Bigger battles ahead. (2008, June 9). Economist. http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11524787, accessed June 9, 2008.

Luo, M. (2008, June 9). McCain extends his outreach, but Evangelicals are still wary. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/us/politics/09mccain.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin, accessed June 9, 2008.

Political bulletin. (2008, June 9). U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080609.htm, accessed June 9, 2008.

Ward, A., & Luce, E. (2008, June 8). Obama embarks on tour of swing states. Financial Times. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2950b7b4-358d-11dd-998d-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1, accessed June 9, 2008.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 June 9

2008-06-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Clinton Factor
Senator Hillary Clinton may be out of the presidential race, but her influence may continue. She fiercely campaigned against Obama for the Democratic nomination, and her observations on his shortcomings will be themes the McCain campaign can now pick up. It may also be that Obama can’t rally the Democrats around himself without Clintons active assistance because of her popularity and influence in the party (Esler).

Democratic Party
Obama has called for the Democratic National Committee to stop accepting contributions from federally-registered lobbyists and political action committees. This is an extension of the policy he established for his own campaign during the primaries (Henderson).

Swing States: Michigan
Michigan may not be a lock for Obama in the general election, though there are still factors at play in his favor in this traditionally Democratic state. Obama’s chances in the state may depend on the African-American turn-out, and his campaign is organizing voter registration in communities with large African-American populations (Trowbridge).

Vice-President Speculation
One of the names tossed around for a running mate for Obama, besides the rampant speculation on Sen. Hillary Clinton, is Virginia governor Tim Kaine (Doyle).

Resources
Doyle, L. (2008, June 6). Obama heads for Virginia in attempt to storm Republican stronghold. Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/obama-heads-for-virginia-in-attempt-to-storm-republican-stronghold-841404.html, accessed June 6, 2008.

Esler, G. (2008, June 6). Why Obama can’t become president without Clinton…and McCain needs her just as much. Daily Mail (online). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1024591/Why-Obama-President-Clinton--McCain-needs-just-much.html, accessed June 8, 2006.

Henderson, N. (2008, June 6). Obama starts his race for the White House. Newsday. http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/nation/ny-usobam065715709jun06,0,3988649.story, accessed June 6, 2008.
Trowbridge, G. (2008, June 6). Obama, McCain vie for Michigan swing vote. Detroit News. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080606/POLITICS01/806060372, accessed June 6, 2008.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 June 9

2008-06-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Endorsements
McCain has been endorsed by Florida governor Charlie Crist (Stratton).

Environmental Policy
McCain has recently been leading the polls in Florida, where he stated his commitment to preserving the Everglades on a trip to Orlando. He previously voted a against a federal Everglades protection measure because it was part of a bill he found to be too full of projects he could not support (Stratton).

Swing State: Michigan
Traditionally a state that supports Democratic presidential candidates, Michigan, with its large number of electors, has been identified as state that may go Republican this year. McCain’s strengths in the state include his favorable standing with independent voters and his opponent’s weakness among white workers (Trowbridge).

Resources
Stratton, J. (2008, June 6). John McCain visits Orlando—says he is “committed” to saving Everglades. Orlando Sentinal. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/community/news/lakebuenavista/orl-mmcain0608jun06,0,1925050.story, accessed June 6, 2008.

Trowbridge, G. (2008, June 6). Obama, McCain vie for Michigan swing vote. Detroit News. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080606/POLITICS01/806060372, accessed June 6, 2008.