Iraq War Czar?

President Bush has just announced that Lt. General Douglas Lute will serve as the Iraq War Czar. Huh? I thought Bush was Commander-in-Chief!! With all due respect to General Lute, my guess is that he will be as successful as the Drug Czars have been in the War on Drugs.

Fantasy Headline

This graphic ran briefly on CNN International yesterday. I'm sure it was greeted with a cry of relief from the international audience!!

Poll: Democratic Nomination

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Iraqi Parliament to US: Get Out!

For the first time a majority of the Iraqi Parliament has gone on record as demanding a U.S. withdrawal from their country. Though the resolution is non-binding, there may soon be an effort to make it an official declaration. ThinkProgress has more on the story. It is also interesting, as the article points out, that the American media has largely been silent on this development. Surely another example of left-wing media bias. Yea.. right.

Too Much Information

The Associated Press asked the current crop of Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, "What time is sleeping in?". Dennis Kucinich's wife gave the following response:

"Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich: 8:30 a.m., according to his wife, Elizabeth. But she said this is how they really like to sleep in: up for brunch and then back to bed until 4:30 p.m., John Lennon-and-Yoko Ono style." Emphasis Added

A Wink and a Glare

These are pictures from yesterday's presidential ceremony welcoming Queen Elizabeth II to the White House. President Bush again played the role of Moron-in-Chief when he tried to remind the audience that the Queen had visited the US on the occasion of our nation's Bicentennial in "17 ..... 1976". Catching himself in mid-gaffe, Bush then turned and winked at the monarch. As you can see, the Queen was not amused. Yet another day at the Bush White House!!

My Early Line

Even though we are about 8 months from the first votes, my predictions for the nominations are as follows: Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney. Despite some unease among Democrats, there are many structural advantages that Hillary enjoys -- loads of money, high name recognition, frontloaded primary season, and the popularity/campaign skills of her husband. Hillary, as evidenced by her races in New York, is also a formidable campaigner in her own right. Obama and Edwards will make strong challenges, but I think Hillary will prevail.

As far as the Republicans are concerned, I think Romney is most likely at this point. McCain is distrusted by the base, though his unwavering support of Bush's war has probably earned him a few points among party activists. Giuliani's position on social issues make him an unlikely choice for Republicans. Though Romney has changed his positions on some social issues to match party regulars, he has done it in a way that I believe the base will forgive. Of course, the expected candidacy of Fred Thompson could pose a serious threat to Romney. I don't believe the potential candidacy of Newt Gingrich will gather much traction, as Republicans will not see him as a viable general election candidate.