Barack Obama...touches down in San Francisco! Don't Ask! Don't tell!

The beleaguered President is touching down in San Francisco tomorrow - and expected to perform a few perfunctory political duties - before he jets off in Air Force One the following Friday morning.

Essentially, the trip is an over-nighter!

A stiff night cap. Fresh towels. Nourishing breakfast on-the-go courtesy of room service!

And, a plea for big bucks!

Speaking of which - handlers have noted that Mr. Obama is a headline speaker at fundraising events for the Democratic National Committee and a political candidate by the name of Kamala Harris who is running for the office of California Attorney General.

Obama's visit falls in the shadow of a recent poll which rated his job performance as just so-so.

According to pollsters - 49% of the voters disapproved of the job President Obama is apparently "not doing" - while 45% were inclined to give the Commander-in-Chief a nod.
 
The trip out West is viewed - by many - as a sly attempt to swing public favor in his direction.
 
If he stalls a lot of traffic over the next couple of days in the picturesque Bay area, it is doubtful he'll be able to bootstrap his image up at all.

The riots he nearly caused in Hancock Park (Los Angeles) over gridlock last summer are a surefire   indication of that.

If 'ya don't ask, I won't tell!
 
San Francisco is a quaint provincial two-wheel town, after all!
 
Big city slickers are generally frowned upon when they breeze into town with their nose out of joint whack.
 
In Obama's case, time will tell.
 
News at 11!
 
http://www.thetattler.biz

Barack Obama...letter to moi touts accomplishments! DCCC seeks funds...

What do they say about foolin' the people?

When I trotted to the mailbox today, I was startled by an envelope which fell out of the box into my hands, with the name of President Barack Obama emblazoned on the front left corner.

Barack who?

Oh, that guy.

Was I being invited to the White House for an elegant formal dinner - and the opportuunity to hob-nob with the rich and powerful - just like those gate-crashers who wandered in under a blanket of twinkling stars as the moon hung ripe with promise in the night sky?

Naw!

Barack was just peddling for bucks!

But, I confess, he did some fancy pitching first - enough so - that I just about slipped a fiver into the return envlope with a hasty "Good luck, Barack" penned in an elegant scroll.

You never know where these precious scraps end up, after all.

Soft-soaping people (as my gramma would say) will go a long way to put folks in a right generous mood, so he started off with an affectionate pat on the back.

"Through your hard work, irrepressible voice and unflinching courage (!) we have put America firmly on the path to a brighter, more prosperous future."

Then, Barack moved on to heighten the stakes a tad.

In the first few well-written (persuasive) paragraphs, the President managed to cover a lot of ground.
"After years of struggle, every American is now guaranteed affordable health insurane that cannot be taken away when they get sick. Every American is covered by the toughest consumer protections in history, and every American will benefit from lower costs for care."

Sounds great to moi!

Then, Barack took a shot at the biggie!

"Our economy has begun to recover after the worst financial crisis in 75 years. Companies are beginning to hire, our neighbours are finding jobs,  and entrepreneurs are starting businesses to provide new goods and services."

Heh, Mr. President, do you expect that the portents are good for landing an executive-level post in development at one of the major studios right about now?

Maybe you could throw some seed money Hollywood's way to nurse it along?

Arnold would be forever grateful, 'ya know!

In addition, the Prez boasted about his achievements in the education arena.

"We have lowered the cost of college education, so that more Americans can gain the training and education they need to live happier, more productive and fulfilling lives."

So, that's what it takes to find peace of mind!

At this point, if I was uncertain about what Barack Obama was talking about when he spoke of "Change" on the campaign trail, he decided to enlighten me.

"When I talked about change in my presidential campaign, this is what I was talking about: coming together on behalf of the American people to solve problems and build a stronger more hopeful future for all."

Now, he moved in for the kill.

"However, the 2010 election season is upon us.  In less than six months, the American people will go to the polls for the Congressional midterm elections. Republicans leaders are campaigning (you don't say!) on a pledge to repeal these  accomplishments (those dirty basta**s!) and many others, if they gain majority control of Congress in November."

"We can't let that happen," he continued in a forthright manner.

"We have come too far. We have worked too hard to return to the failed Republican policies that created this mess in the first place"

The President proceeded to underscore that special interests have shaped the status quo in Washington, and that they are strong, and they are fighting tooth and nail to protect their privileged positions.

For this reason, the President urgeed that I and others join the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"The DCCC has the technical expertise, political experience, and strategic perspective to lead the campaign to defend House Democrats. They also have an impressive record of success."

I trust none of the celebrated members weren't involved in any capacity in the BP oil debacle, then?

"With a strong Democratic majority in the House, we will continue to enact new initiatives and reforms to defend the middle class - to create millions of jobs, support small businesses, and drive  up wages. We will step up investments in the educaiton of our children and develop the clean energy technology that must power our future; and we will take the steps necessary to protect the economy from reckless Wall Street abuses."

Barack summed up with a directive right out of the Latin books:

"Let's seize this moment - to start anew, to carry the dream forward (which dream is that?). Stand with me, Speaker Pelosi, and the courageous Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives."

"Please support thier campaign with a generous contribution today."

Do you suppose they DCCC will take an IOU until I see how things pan out?

The Democrats Queen of the Tea Party!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Bill Clinton...fundraising for Democrats! Fighting Tea Party extremist battle...

Didn't I spy another sawbuck in that wallet?

The Democrats have put Bill Clinton's considerable skills for rustling up money (the Bill Clinton Foundation is proof of the pudding boy's capabilities in that arena) to good use this week.

For example, this morning when I checked my snail mail, I stumbled across a fundraising letter with the former President's John Henry on its face, tucked neatly amidst a handful of bills screaming out to be paid.

Bill prefaced his bid for big buck donations by noting that the American people - faced with challenging times and a tough republican party - have to win victories.

"That's exactly what our Democrats in the House of Representatives have been doing - winning progress - for you and your family."

Mr. Clinton cited the passing of the economic stimulus package as a shining example.

"According to the Congressional Budget Office, it created new jobs, boosted the economy, and won the largest increase in College Aid in History," he noted smugly.

In addition, slick Willy boasted that the Democrats also won "comprehensive financial reform" to rein in Wall Street and protect consumers.

"And, they passed a health care reform plan that lowers costs, expands access, and protects consumers from delayed or denied coverage."

Jumping the gun a bit?

The Washington swashbuckler moved on.

"The upcoming 2010 mid-term election will be one of the most challenging and most expensive contests in  History. The Republicans are already in the field spending millions of dollars on attack ads ($60 million provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce &  "60 Plus" - a phony Senior Group - designed to mislead the public and misrepresent votes cast by courageous Democrats in support of President Obama's agenda for change)."

At this juncture, Mr.  Clinton noted that in order to push back the Republicans, funds were urgently needed for the Democrats' own full-frontal attack.


"The last thing we want is to let the Republican Party - a party that has been hijacked by "Tea Party" extremists - to gain seats in November. That means we have to defend every threatened Democratic seat and take away a few more Republican ones as well."

Why does money matter?

Bill gets to the point.

"Money matters because (the Democrats) have to protect an unprecedented number of seats in a mid-term election when, historically, the party in power loses seats."

"Money matters because we (the Democrats) are faced with a highly motivated opposition that seeks to demonize President Obama and everything for which the Democratic party stands for."

"Money matters because Republican special interests have a financial and ideological stake in preventing reforms that benefit the American people and will put their immense wealth behind Republicans who vote against reforms and try to depress Democratic turnout by aruging that , as the President says, we haven't cleaned up the mess they (Republicans) made fast enough."

On that note, Clinton urges that Democrats plop the cash down to:

*Help the DCCC provide urgently needed resources for Democrats who voted for your interests.

*Help the DCCC back candidates to challenge vulnerable Republicans who need to be held accountable.

*Help the DCCC deploy more field workers to refute every lie and distortion uttered by the opposition.

 Powerfully potent political stuff, eh?

Par-tay party!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Chelsea Clinton...trotted out to sell t-shirts! No shame?

Just as a bunch of us were getting ready to don nifty party hats, click the heels of our dazzlin' Ruby Red slippers, and mirthfully break into a raucous rendition of Oz's - "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" - I received a curious e-mail from Hillary's pride and ultimate joy, the lovely Chelsea Clinton.

The e-mail, personally addressed to me, noted Hillary and Chelsea needed my help in making a critical decision!

At the precise moment I perused the heartfelt message, my inclination was to zip off an emotionally-charged e-mail myself.

"Get out while you can. Gracefully, if it's a possibility at this stage of the game."

But alas, Chelsea - like her parents - was inclined to flag a dead horse.

She was writing to ask that I vote on a t-shirt they'd like to put into commission for the next phase of their presidential campaign.

Yeah, that thump you heard was my jaw falling with a thud to the floor.

Chelsea proceeded with the kind of zest and enthusiasm only she could muster up,

"We recently launched a contest to design a campaign t-shirt and I couldn't believe the incredible response (nor could I). We got thousands of great entries (from the political pundits, I expect). They were creative (2 primary colors), inspirational (stump for Hillary. Hump for Bill), funny (We don't have no stinking papers), and beautiful (latest publicity stills of Hillary's derriere, no doubt). It was amazing to see the devotion to my mom's campaign come through in each t-shirt (one size fits all)."

Suffice to say, I was not aware there was any hipster fashion focus underway in the waning political dynasty realms.

I guess little things like putting gas in the car, paying the mortgage, and trotting off to the mailbox to see if my rebate check had arrived yet, have kept my thoughts focused elsewhere!

Chelsea (she is a sweet gal, isn't she?) continued with her snake-oil pitch,

"It wasn't easy to narrow it down, but we've chosen five we think are particularly great, and now we need your help in making our final decision. Please vote for your favorite design. The winning shirt will go on sale in our online campaign store."

Well, if the t-shirt offering is a cute way to raise much-needed cash, then God be with her.

However, if the purpose of the selection is to select a "t" for the next rally, I'd say, cut the losses and spring for lunch for the volunteers, instead

After all, Chelsea, the red carpet has been yanked out from under your Mother's sensible shoes - and if you hadn't noticed - the parade is chasing after the great white (and black) hope - Barack Obama - intoxicated with the idea of change, not casual outerwear!

To humor Ms. Clinton, I offered up some suggestions to chew on.

I kinda' like the the one that shows the four faces of Eve - um - Hillary.

While Clinton supporters would argue that the "t" depicts the many facets of Hillary's capabilities, others might stridently zero in on the image - and astutely note - it hones in on the duplicity of her character (doubled, for good measure).

The one about being knocked up - er - down is catchy. Yeah, we all know how Hillary came up from the school of hard knocks and what a feisty pit bull she can be when push comes to shove. I'm inclined to lean on a vote this way, myself.

But, the pant suit statement said it best.

The subtle inference - and a lesson well-learned - from a lady trying to crash the Old Boys' Network? When in a man's world, play hardball. Tease him with the fact you look better in a smart suit than the "suits" themselves.

They're sure to exclude 'ya, alright.