Alaska! Is it because you're tucked so far away from the rest of the U.S.? The long days? The long nights? Because we know all this non-conformity with laws and regulations isn't just politics as usual.
For starters, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens is all but sunk now in his trial on corruption charges that he accepted a quarter of a million dollars in gifts and services from Bill Allen, an oil services millionaire. See, Allen was working with the FBI when he asked Stevens -- over the phone, people! -- whether they could get in trouble for what they were doing. Stevens said they might have to pay a fine or do a little time in jail. A guilty feeling Allen also told Stevens on tape that he loved him (so sweet!).
The other Alaskan, Sarah Palin, is facing criticism ... from tax experts. Seems in their recently released tax returns, she and Todd didn't claim as income all the state-paid travel expenses they received for the kids (and that's a lot of kids!). They need to quick write a $6,000 + interest check to make this latest thing go away.
With that, a small avalanche of Daily Palin tidbits:
Katie Couric says Palin was given many opportunities to tell viewers where she gets her daily information. You'll recall, Couric's persistent asking of questions in an interview (which, by definition, is an agreed upon situation for the asking of questions) wound up annoying Ms. Palin.
Later, Palin told Fox News she reads the New York Times and the Economist. Don't we all, Sarah, don't we all.
Reporters in Tampa Bay were kept from interviewing Palin supporters at a rally since, in the past, negative things have been said. Wha ...? By the candidate?
Oh, PS: The actual Mavericks ... that is, the maverick-y family whose name is synonymous with bucking convention ... want McCain and Palin to stop using their name. Ahhhh, if only such things could be copyrighted.
One reason to hope for an Obama win? A full-on Elisabeth Hasselbeck meltdown. She's more than half-way there.
Certain to come up today are charges that Obama awarded grants to family members back when we was a state senator in Illinois.
Also quite deliciously newsy: Republican Senator Chuck Hagel's wife (love her name: Lilibet), will endorse Obama. The outspoken senator has yet to endorse but ... um ... we can't wait to hear who he picks?
Henry Waxman ... how can you not love this guy? He laid into those sad sack Lehman Bros. execs for, among other things, arranging for millions in bonuses for all the higher-ups while begging the federal government for a bailout.
Look for much pre-debate nastiness today, followed by opening comments tonight from the candidates on wanting to avoid nastiness.
Europe and Asia and, well, let's just say the world, continues to meltdown financially. Huh. Instead of spreading democracy these past six years, the U.S. spread financial ruin. Was that part of Cheney's plan?
Finally, want to help your tween/teen lose weight? Read them a book. This book.
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Photo: NYTimes.com
