Let’s call it the unitary executive: Liberals pretend that only President Bush is preventing the U.S. from adopting some global warming “solution.” But occasionally their mask slips. As Barack Obama’s energy adviser has now made clear, the would-be President intends to blackmail — or rather, greenmail — Congress into falling in line with his climate agenda. [Review & Outlook] AP Jason Grumet is currently executive director of an outfit called

Let’s call it, oh, I dunno: SPEAKERGATE? Apparently, on Obama’s released tax records, he discloses income from speaking fees. The problem? Accepting payment for speaking fees when you’re a legislator is against Illinois state law. Apparently, as an Illinois state legislator through 2004, Barack was prohibited from taking honoraria for speaking under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. But what about Barack Obama’s 2000 and 2002 tax returns? 2000: On his

Because nobody gets their news here — and because, at this stage of the game, GOP stalwart blogs are busy stroking each other like cyber swingers at a John Updike key party — I am free, as a party outsider, to take time off today to do nothing. On other hand, Darleen, Dan, et al are still giving “making a difference” a go over at the Pub. Enjoy.

Finally! Some real “digging” into a prominent figure not named Sarah Palin. Or Todd Palin. Or Bristol Palin. Or Trig Palin. Or Bristol Palin’s Baby Daddy. — But don’t get too excited. The NYT’s Jodi Kantor wasn’t interested in vetting Barack Obama — or even John McCain, for that matter. No, in this instance the target of “inquiry” was far more crucial: Cindy McCain. And Ms Kantor sought the help

Charles W. Calomiris, a professor at Columbia Business School and the author of “U.S. Bank Deregulation in Historical Perspective” (Cambridge 2006), writing in the WSJ: It’s grind-your-favorite-axe day on the network news shows. The financial crisis is all the fault of dreaded “deregulation,” shout some pundits; others blame the “small government” mentality of the Bush administration and Republicans in Congress. But haven’t federal and state tax revenues been growing even

Now that SCOTUS has shot down Repubs for lacking standing to sue over voter fraud in Ohio, efforts such as this one are increasingly likely. Cheat first, let it get sorted out later, is the strategy, it seems — because no one will force the recall of an elected President. At least, that’s the underlying assumption. And the ends, as we know, justify the means. Of course, the added long-term

     “So. You’re eating a sandwich,” Kenny said, sitting down in the chair across from mine.      I barely looked up. “Yes, Kenny. I’m eating a sandwich. That I made this morning. And brought with me to work. For my lunch.”      Kenny smiled, grabbing one of my napkins. “Cool,” he said. “I’ll take my half now, then. I’m freakin’ starving!” ~finis~

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer blog: Sen. George Voinovich, what do you really think of Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for president? “He is left of Teddy Kennedy. With all due respect, the man is a socialist.” Ohio’s senior senator, a Republican, made his comments Thursday to a reporter for The Daily Sentinel in Pomeroy, Ohio. He was visiting the Meigs County Republican Party. Voinovich said he felt that John

The best part about this “job”? Is that when your heart just ain’t in it one day, you can call in sick — and the boss is generally very accomodating.

(tie) Black Russian / “Pride (In the Name of Love)” – U2 “In the Air Tonight” – Phil Collins Cuba Libre “Every Breath You Take (I’ll be watching you)” – The Police “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey” – Sly and the Family Stone Banana Daiquiri (tie) Chopin potato vodka (chilled, straight) / “Allentown” – Billy Joel “Imagine” – John Lennon “Constant Sorrow” – Soggy Bottom Boys **** related; and a