The Political Chase

Bush’s new surveillance program

Does Bush’s new surveillance program help explain the subtle retreat on FISA by the Republicans in Congress?

The Bush administration said yesterday that it plans to start using the nation’s most advanced spy technology for domestic purposes soon, rebuffing challenges by House Democrats over the idea’s legal authority.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said his department will activate his department’s new domestic satellite surveillance office in stages, starting as soon as possible with traditional scientific and homeland security activities — such as tracking hurricane damage, monitoring climate change and creating terrain maps.

Quote of the Month

"Strange how the Clinton approach to strengthening the Democratic Party is remarkably similar to the GOP’s approach to strengthening the Democratic Party."

- - Noam Scheiber at TNR’s "The Stump"

Terre Haute Journalist’s Revealing Piece on Clinton

Good journalists are rare and Arthur Foulkes of Terre Haute’s Tribune Star appears to be one of the few that are left. He actually reports what a candidate or surrogate espouses in a stump speech and contrasts the spin with reality. Really. You’ll be amazed when you read his reporting.

Mr. Foulkes’ piece today on Bill Clinton’s remarks at a Hillary Clinton rally yesterday in Indiana is literally the first piece I have read, and there have been many, where the journalist actually analyzes the full spectrum of the surrogate or candidate’s remarks and reports on the validity or accuracy of the remarks.

I have heard rumors that the Clinton’s have, at times perhaps, taken extraordinary measures to segregate the press from the Clintons and supporters. It appears to be true, but the circumstances are worse than I imagined.

Mr. Foulkes provides a shocking account of how the segregation is accomplished, at least in Clinton, Indiana. It’s quite effective. Today, Mr. Foulkes and other members of the press were put in a cage, locked in, and denied release (in spite of requests) until an official authorized their release. Kidnapping is a serious offense.

I have copied Mr. Foulkes’ entire article, which I would not even consider doing under normal circumstances. I do so only because I believe, quite seriously, this needs exposure and serves the public’s needs and interests. I will email Mr. Foulkes and request his permission. Hopefully, he will approve.

You can read Mr. Foulkes’ piece after the jump or at his publisher’s Web site.

Continue reading ‘Terre Haute Journalist’s Revealing Piece on Clinton’

Obama responds to Clinton and McCain

This is a video of Barack Obama in Terre Haute, Indiana responding to criticism from Hillary Clinton and John McCain on Obama’s “bitter” comment.

A full transcript is after the jump.

Continue reading ‘Obama responds to Clinton and McCain’