Why?? …. And why not?? ....

Today’s Buzz ...

from Friday’s Anderson Cooper 360°:
Clinton on the ropes?: The program started out with a Candy Crowley report about post-debate “spin” for both Democratic camps and about possible dwindling funds for the Clinton campaign.

Friday’s political panel (Candy, Paul Begala, Jamal Simmons and Jose Antonio Vargas [Washington Post]) discussed how crucial momentum – and the perception of momentum – is in these races. They also discussed that the best way (obviously) to circumvent Clinton’s perceived downward trajectory is to win in both Texas and Ohio. I think that the most interesting discussion involved the fact that Hillary still hasn’t been able to communicate a solid connection with voters. IMHO – she sounds preachy, and when she tries to use one of the best words available – “we” – it simply doesn’t resonate. If you buy into the “35 years of experience” tag line, there’s a potentially negative aspect to that amount of time as well, and perhaps that’s been underestimated – big time – within “Camp Clinton”.



McCain vs. NY Times: Dana Bash reported from the McCain campaign; it appears to have been a smart move to turn the tables on the NY Times and make them seem to be the villain when they ran their “smear” article. “Smear”, of course, according to McCain and his new best friends, the GOP Party conservatives.




Drew Griffin also interviewed Dan Schnur, former communications director during McCain’s 2000 Presidential bid. He stated unequivocally that he was never aware of any improper relationship that McCain had with lobbyist Vicki Iseman, as well as finding that no inappropriate action took place by McCain on behalf of Iseman’s client, Paxson Communications. All I’m going to add is that if the absolute denials about all aspects of this story don’t turn out to be airtight, be prepared for a feeding frenzy.



Voting Rights Stalled: Thelma Gutierrez reported on a too-large number of legal Latino immigrants who have applied for US Citizenship in – normally – enough time to allow them to vote in November. But due to all-too-familiar “bureaucratic delays”, many of these applicants will be denied that fundamental right. And the head of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Emilio Gonzalez, has – IMHO – nothing but weak excuses to offer, and no apparent solutions.




Coverage denied – and vindicated: Patsy Bates won a $9 million dollar arbitration decision against Health Net, who had cancelled her medical insurance shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer. Health Net based its decision on a pre-existing condition that was unrelated to the cancer. Good for Patsy – and here’s to a very long, cancer-free life!! Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen also explained how common it is for insurance companies to pay bonuses to employees who rescind policies upon notification of illnesses.




Drew Peterson update: A pathologist has officially determined that Peterson’s third wife, Kathleen Savio, was killed – refuting Peterson’s original claim that she accidentally drowned in the bathtub. David Mattingly also added that Peterson has not (yet) been named a suspect in Savio’s murder. It’s amazing, in a very horrible way, that this creep is still walking around free. And no one seems to be concerned about the safety of his young children. Let’s hope that apparent lack of concern is well-founded – for their sakes.



Other News and Notes:

Anderson on “60 Minutes”: With a report about the murder of Oakland Post reporter Chauncey Bailey, who was investigating potential criminal activity involving a local business called “Your Black Muslim Bakery”. Video link is below:



Back to the first question – “Why”?: Why is Ralph Nader running for President again? Especially after four failed attempts, each with a diminishing number of votes. Is he really that much of an egomaniac? The only “poll” he’s going to “win” is the one that shows that even MORE people will ignore his campaign than ever before ...



Back to the second question – “Why not?”: In a somewhat similar vein, why isn’t Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel running for President? I know what he said in his news conference earlier this year, but if there was ever a truly viable third party candidate to be found, he would have been it. Seantor Hagel was interviewed by John King yesterday on Late Edition, and I have yet to hear an interview with him where I’m left with anything but significant agreement with whatever he’s said. And I have yet in my adult life to vote for a GOP Presidential candidate. Some things defy logical explanation ...



tonight on Anderson Cooper 360°:


Thanks so much for visiting – updates posted as needed – have a terrific Monday!!