Friday, July 30, 2004Bandar Bush and Saudi Influence0 comments on this post
"I want an America that relies on its own ingenuity and innovation - not the Saudi royal family." John Kerry 2004 Democratic National Convention talking about America's need for energy independence 
By Kyle - 7/30/2004
Kerry's Night6 comments on this post
"My fellow citizens, elections are about choices. And choices are about values. In the end, it's not just policies and programs that matter; the president who sits at that desk must be guided by principle." "For four years, we've heard a lot of talk about values. But values spoken without actions taken are just slogans. Values are not just words. They're what we live by. They're about the causes we champion and the people we fight for. And it is time for those who talk about family values to start valuing families." "You don't value families by kicking kids out of after school programs and taking cops off our streets, so that Enron can get another tax break."
By Kyle - 7/30/2004
Exceeding Expectations0 comments on this post
In a week where we had Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards all gave excellent speeches, the pressure was on for John Kerry. John Kerry did what few politicians are able to do by living up to the hype of his acceptance speech. The speech laid out in some detail what the Kerry Edwards ticket will deliver if elected in November. I thought it was awesome. I don't expect the poll numbers to do much because it is still early. Still, it felt good to be a Democrat last night.
Ohio was also well represented on the stage after Kerry's speech. Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell was right behind Kerry and Edwards for most of the balloon drop. My favorite moment was when Al Sharpton reached into the crowd to take a hand made sign from a delegate that read "Boot Bush." Sharpton was grinning from ear to ear and it was pretty funny. He held it over his head right behind Kerry and Edwards. In their post speech coverage, Fox News criticized the "tempo" of Kerry's speech saying that it seemed rushed. I couldn't help but laugh. If that's the best criticism they have after a 50 minute speech, then we're in good shape. I think that Republicans made the same mistake that Democrats did with George W. Bush in the debates of 2000. The expectation for Kerry going into Thursday night was that he was a stiff who is about as "motivating as Nyquil." (not my analogy) Democrats have to be careful in their criticism of President Bush's ability to give his convention speech. We need to keep the bar high for Bush as Republicans attempt to lower it for their convention. Overall the Democratic Convention was a huge success. Looking at the role out of Vice-Presidential Candidate John Edwards and the Democratic convention, it is clear that the Kerry/Edwards campaign team knows how to run a political campaign.
By Kyle - 7/30/2004
Thursday, July 29, 2004Wednesday, July 28, 2004Barack Obama - Real Diversity4 comments on this post
By Kyle - 7/28/2004
Monday, July 26, 2004Democratic Convention, Day 11 comments on this post
As the Democratic Convention kicks off tonight, we Democrats get to be reminded of how things used to be. Tonight is all about firing up the base with my personal favorite Bill Clinton. You may recall in 2000 the long camera shot of Clinton walking through the halls of the arena to the podium and the crowd going nuts. It will be a great speech.
Conventions are the campaigns opportunity to define their candidates on a national stage and a long standing tradition in our democratic process. There is a seedy side to the conventions and that is where the corporate and special interests buy their access. Both parties do it and it is unfortunate. Click here to see all the events where Democrat politicians can whore themselves out, I mean thank donors for their support in this critical race. Here is the itinerary Congressman Kutuchief would follow today: I begin the day with some minority outreach with Russell Simmons. We politicians love celebrities and it will help my street cred with voters in my district. I hear there will be lots of famous people here and I promised my brother I would try to get him a Kayne West autograph. Simmons will probably only contribute about $2,500, but the pictures for my campaign website will be priceless. Boston Hip Hop Summit 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center, Roxbury Community College, 1350 Tremont St., Roxbury Host: Russell Simmons and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network After lunch I'm off to industry to pick up a check and shake some hands. The good people at Edison Electric are grateful because they were going to be fined by OSHA for some workers safety violations. My old chief of staff is now with OSHA. I was able to be helpful in this area and am counting on a $15,000 check to the Ohio Democratic Party to help get out the vote in my district. This will be a quick stop and boring. Edison Electric Institute Luncheon Noon-3 p.m. Location: Odyssey Boat Cruise, Waterfront, Boston Host: Edison Electric Institute Turns out Edison Electric was a boat cruise for 3 dam hours. Absolute hell and my staff heard about it for for about 45 minutes of the cruise. It was rough waters and I'm kind of motion sick. I'm finally off the boat and off to visit my good friends at Alabama Power. I don't know much about power issues, but the CEO Randy Barbour told me that I had to get here at 5:00 for the "Alabama Power, Power Hour." He said they will contribute $100 for every minute I'm there from 5:00 - 6:00. I could use $6,000 and a glass of bourbon. Alabama Power Reception 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Location: Locke Ober, 3 Winter Place, Boston Host: Alabama Power Finally got a buzz, I'm now talking with a slight southern accent and I'm starving. I've got this Rail Road thing to go to for Union Pacific. They've got some thing about transporting some "industrial waste" through my district to Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Blah blah blah. They assure me that it is safe and they need a friend on this issue. I plan to say "show me the money" (because I'm buzzed) and boy will they. My staff tells me that we can expect $20,000 bundled from the employees at Union Pacific. Choo-Choo! Union Pacific Reception 6:30 p.m.-Midnight Location: Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston Host: Union Pacific Well, it is about 8:30 and I finally got some food in me an thus lost my buzz. I'm now heading to the Verizon event which is supposed to be very nice. I always hit one event open to the public about this time of night because as a Congressman I'm like a celebrity at these things. They announce my entry when I come in the party and my staff tells me that there is a large delegation of Ohio Young Democrats who will be here. I'll probably only get like $2,500 for the stop, but I'm ready to talk to the ladies. Verizon Late night Reception 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Location: Boston Open to The Public, Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston Host: Verizon Good news. I managed to pick up this smoking hot girl I met earlier in the day at the Russell Simmons hip-hop summit. It turns out that she was an extra in a recent Jadakiss video, whoever the hell that is. She's a graduate from Boston University and looking to come to Washington and I said I could be very helpful. (wink wink) I managed to convince my staff that I was done for the night and heading home. I told Jessica, girl from the Jadakiss video, to meet me outside. It was the perfect plan and now we are off to discuss her resume. Check back tomorrow for an update. Monday Fundraising Total: $46,000
By Kyle - 7/26/2004
Thursday, July 22, 2004Welcome Keeler Report Readers12 comments on this post
A Note From Our Staff
Thank you for taking a look at our site. Ben Keeler has been a good friend of several staff members for a long time and we have always talked politics. We always enjoy and respect his opinion. Our editor is proud of the fact that he was one of the first people to receive the first draft of The Keeler Report when it was in its infancy. "It has come a long way and Ben does an excellent job. It is our hope that this website will live up to the standard that Ben has set. I had to suck it up in 2001 when Ben and I went to George W. Bush's inauguration. It was quite an impressive event and we all had a good time. I hope we can make it for Kerry's this January," Kutuchief said. Just so you know, you can post comments on each of the items that are on this site. Your comments will post on a separate page which can be viewed by clicking "comments." We look forward to all of your thoughts and hope that you will stop back from time to time. If you have no idea what we're talking about we strongly suggest you check out Ben's website and sign up for the Keeler Report by clicking here. You are missing out. 103 Days and Counting, The Chief Source Staff
By Kyle - 7/22/2004
Wednesday, July 21, 2004Uncle Sam Will Staple Your Stomach1 comments on this post
Obesity is about to pass cigarette smoking as the number one killer in America. The cost that people who cannot control their weight place on the rest of us is increasing faster than you can say, "can I have the 2 Big Mac Extra Value Meal Supersized with a Coke." To give you some idea, Medicare is considering paying for a $30,000 surgery for people with the hopes that it will save money. Hum "Proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood while you read this portion of the article.
Akron Beacon Journal July 21, 2004 "A Medicare advisory commission will take the first step in November when it considers the effectiveness of stomach-bypass surgery, which has soared in popularity over the past five years. More than 100,000 morbidly obese people had the surgery in 2003, up from 25,000 in 1998, according to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Costing $30,000, the surgery is intended for people who are at least 100 pounds above their ideal body weight and who have failed at other attempts at weight loss. Many insurance carriers have started to cover the procedure, finding it cheaper to pay for the surgery than long-term treatments of obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure."
By Kyle - 7/21/2004
Go Duke!1 comments on this post
Duke Landis owned the house behind my parents and I grew up with his daughter Jen. I used to help them get their cars out of the driveway when it snowed. Great family. While Mr. Landis and I may not be voting for the same candidate in November, I agree with his point that too much was made of the Cheney episode. It is amazing to me that issues like cursing get so much press. I mean shit. Things are pretty fucked up. Don't we have better things to talk about? Maybe more politicians should be using four-letter words to emphasize how bad things are. I respectfully disagree with the Clinton point. None the less, Give'em hell Duke.
Bad language trumps behavior? Let me remind high-school teacher Jeff Fry (``Cheney sets bad example for kids,'' Voice of the People, July 5) of the conduct and moral leadership by our former president, Bill Clinton. Is actual moral irresponsibility not greater and far more lasting on our children than a four-letter word that kids use every day? Perhaps Fry should stand behind the bench area of a high school football or basketball game if he thinks our children don't use such language. Would he then suspend the whole team? We appreciate Fry's efforts to educate our children, but he should use a level playing field, and keep personal biases to himself. Duke Landis Akron
By Kyle - 7/21/2004
Friday, July 16, 2004Cheney Will Stay On The Ticket5 comments on this post
Yesterday's New York Times article that amplified the washington buzz over whether the Bush campaign will replace Vice-President Cheney was all over the press. I have to say that it was entertaining to see an incumbent vice-president have to do an interview on C-SPAN to confirm that he will still be on the ticket in July of an election year. There has been lots of speculation as to whether Rudolph Guliani, Colin Powell, or John McCain would make better candidates and help the Republican party win in a landslide. It is my opinion that any change at vice-president would be the end of the Bush presidency.
If you think back to 2000, Cheney was put on the ticket to help fill the massive experience defecit of a 1 1/2 term governor from Texas. It was a very effective nomination. This year Cheney serves as reassurance to the Republican base that the ticket is still conservative. It may be unbelieveable that people would not be conviced of this administration's conservative agenda, but the base is sensitive and the powers that be in Washington know this. I think the republican base is worried. This year's Republican Convention will feature and all star line-up that includes Rudolph Guliani (pro-gay rights), John McCain (pain in the ass of the administration in so many ways) and Arnold Schwartzenagger (pro-gay, pro-environment). These men do not represent the core Republican party. Cheney does and that is why he is on the ticket.
By Kyle - 7/16/2004
Sad Times1 comments on this post
Sad news for moderate Republicans...
By Kyle - 7/16/2004
Thursday, July 15, 2004Cost of a War of Choice0 comments on this post
To get some perspective, here are some real-life comparisons about what $87 billion means:
$87 Billion is more than the combined total of all State budget deficitsin the United States. The Bush administration proposed absolutely zero funds to help states deal with these deficits, despite the fact thattheir tax cuts drove down state revenues. [Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]. $87 Billion is enough to pay the 3.3 million people who have lost jobsunder George W. Bush $26,363.00 each! The unemployment benefits extension passed by Congress at the beginning of this year provides zero benefits to workers who exhausted their regular, state unemployment benefits and cannot find work [Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]. $87 Billion is more than double the total amount the government spends on Homeland Security. The U.S. spends about $36 billion on homeland security. Yet, Sen. Warren Rudman (R- N.H.) wrote, America will fall approximately $98.4 billion short of meeting critical emergency responder needs for homeland security without a funding increase. [Source: Council on Foreign Relations]. $87 Billion is 87 times the amount the Federal Government spends on After School Programs. George W. Bush proposed a budget that reduces the $1 billion for after-school programs to $600 million cutting off about475,000 children from the program. [Source: The Republican-dominated House Appropriations Committee]. $87 Billion is more that 10 times what the Government spends on all environmental Protection. The Bush administration requested just $7.6 billion for the entire Environmental Protection Agency. This included a 32 percent cut to water quality grants, a 6 percent reduction in enforcement staff, and a 50 percent cut to land acquisition and conservation. [Source: Natural Resources Defense Council]. There you go. In black and white. A few million of you will receive this letter. Please share the above with at least a half-dozen people today and tomorrow. I, like you, do not want to see another approval rating over 50 percent. Yours, Michael Moore Filmmaker
By Kyle - 7/15/2004
Wednesday, July 14, 2004My "First Choice"0 comments on this post
Sen. McCain recently said at a rally:
It’s a big thing this war. It’s a fight between right and wrong, good and evil. And should our enemies acquire for their arsenal the chemical, biological and nuclear weapons they seek, this war will become an even bigger thing. It will become a fight for our survival. America is under attack by depraved enemies who oppose our every interest and hate every value we hold dear. It is the great test of our generation and he has led with great moral clarity and firm resolve. He has not wavered, he has not flinched from the hard choices, he was determined and remains determined to make this world a better, safer, freer place. He deserves not only our support but our admiration. That’s why I am honored to introduce to you Ron Saccone, Jr.
By Kyle - 7/14/2004
Rush Says Don't Read0 comments on this post
In my experience listening to Mr. Limbaugh, I give him credit for doing an excellent job of articulating the conservative perspective. While I disagree with most of what he says, I always enjoy his program. If you want to know what the conservative media (Fox, Hannity aka Rush Light.. ect) will be saying tomorrow, then you should listen to Rush today.
Rush has been taking calls lately from Republicans who are concerned about the Bush camaign. In a recent rant on the EIB network, El-Rushbo advised his listening audience that, "I'm going to have to warn you people about something. If you're feeling down in the dumps and pessimistic now, you may -- and this may not be a bad idea for some of you -- just turn it off. Just turn off the TV, don't read anything. Just listen to this program for three hours every day and be done with it, and go to my website." For Full Audio Click Here Don't read the paper. All reporters are out to get the President. Don't watch TV. The liberal media just focuses on the bad stuff. Just close your eyes and ears. Don't think, Just vote... Bush/Cheney '04.
By Kyle - 7/14/2004
Monday, July 12, 2004Edwards - Targeting Terrorism Before 9/110 comments on this post
Tagreting Terrorism
by Senator John Edwards of North Carolina August 2001 "As a member of the Senate Intelligence committee, I've become convinced that terrorism is the most important national security challenge our country will face over the next decade. That is why I am working on new ways to address the threat of terrorism." "The spread of chemical and biological weapons combined with the growth of hostile terrorist groups is a recipe for disaster. The reality is that we face terrorism not only abroad, but also right here at home." To Read The Full Text Click Here According to the Washington Post (July 9, 2004 A01), the only newspaper that would print this article at the time was the Littleton Observer which has a circulation of 2,230.
By Kyle - 7/12/2004
Liberal Edwards?0 comments on this post
As Media Matters for America previously noted, although National Journal's 2003 vote ratings of senators placed Edwards fourth, that rating was based on only 40 of Edwards's Senate votes during 2003 and is not representative of his more moderate lifetime Senate voting record. In fact, as National Journal congressional reporter Richard E. Cohen pointed out in a July 9 article, Edwards's average National Journal "liberal score" during his five years in the Senate (1999-2003) is 75.7 percent, "a number that puts him in the moderate wing of his party," and is almost 20 points lower than the 2003 rating that Republicans are touting with the help of the conservative media.
National Journal's Cohen also noted that in 1999, Edwards's National Journal "liberal score" placed him as the 31st most liberal senator, in 2000, Edwards ranked 19th, in 2001, he ranked 35th, and in 2002, he ranked as the 40th most liberal among all senators -- 15 to 36 spots lower than "the fourth most liberal senator" label that Republicans and the conservative media are pushing. As Cohen wrote, "From 1999 to 2002, Edwards had ranked among the more conservative Democratic senators. In 2002, only 11 of the 50 Senate Democrats voted more conservatively." - Full Text -www.mediamatters.org
By Kyle - 7/12/2004
Baseball Bush2 comments on this post While John Edwards was fighting for kids in court and John Kerry was serving as a Senator, President Bush was watching baseball games.
By Kyle - 7/12/2004
Compare VPs0 comments on this post
This is link to a nonpartisan assessment of the candidates for Vice-President: Vice Presidents Link
By Kyle - 7/12/2004
Thursday, July 08, 2004Stuck With Cheney3 comments on this post
I had a bumper sticker on my car during the primary that read John Edwards for President. I saw him speak at Cleveland State and he was awesome on the stump. I voted for him. Since, John Kerry has really grown on me and has proven to be an excellent candidate for President. I got a John Kerry bumper sticker for my car and put it above the John Edwards sticker. Given what our county will have to go through over the next 4 years, it is nice to have John Kerry’s experience at the top of the ticket. I didn’t give up on Edwards though, and took a Sharpe marker and made it an “Edwards for Vice-President” sticker. The Kerry/Edwards ticket made this Democrat very happy. With all this talk about stickers, I got to thinking about how frustrating it must be for Republicans who are stuck with Vice-President Cheney as a candidate.
The Republican attack machine, I mean optimism express, has already started barking about what John Edwards did for a living prior to running for office. While Mr. Cheney was fighting for Halliburton before becoming vice-president, John Edwards was fighting for kids in court. I look forward to the comparison of where these men come from and how they made their money. I think the choice for Vice-President is almost as clear as the one at the top of the ticket.
By Kyle - 7/08/2004
Milo Wedding2 comments on this post Citizens concerned about the current state of affairs.
By Kyle - 7/08/2004
The O'Franken Factor2 comments on this post
For those of you who sit at a desk anytime from 12-3 during the work day, I suggest you take some time to listen to Al Franken's Radio Show on Air America Radio. It is only available on the internet in most markets. It streams live and is very funny. You can click the link below to go to the homepage and click "listen live."
Iraqi Independence Day - Real Funny Link to Al Franken Radio
By Kyle - 7/08/2004
|
