Strollerderby : political nanny

Sarah Palin Makes Repeat SNL Appearance!

Madeline Holler — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Tina Fey reprised her role as Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live last night. This time, Amy Poehler channeled Katie Couric and the two sat down for an interview.

The saddest part? Some of Fey's lines were lifted straight from Palin's actual supercringe interview.

Political Nanny: Breaking News -- Lawmakers Reach a Rescue Deal

Madeline Holler — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:18:00 GMT

Lawmakers are expected to bring the details of a rescue deal agreement to Bush administration officials later today. They hammered out most details on the fundamentals and approach and the bailout of Wall Street is moving forward. A vote is expected as early as Monday.

From MSNBC:

Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said a “fundamental agreement” on the principles of a bailout have been reached and said he hopes Congress can act within the next few days. Separately, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said a bailout bill is “on track” for passage.

Earlier, Paul Kanjorski, D-Pa., chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, told CNBC that negotiations over a proposed $700 billion rescue for Wall Street have gone well and a plan could be in place before financial markets open on Monday morning.

No specifics just yet. [UPDATE]: Debate still uncertain.

Also, President Bush has called Barack Obama and John McCain to Washington for a meeting.

Plus, on news that an agreement had been reached, stocks jumped.

Does this make you feel better? Or does this feel crazy distant from you and your family?

Photo: CNN.com

Political Nanny: Failed HP Chief Declares Palin Unfit to Run a Company

Madeline Holler — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:32:00 GMT

Carly Fiorina told a St. Louis radio talkshow host that Sarah Palin does not have the experience needed to run a major company.Really? Well, Fiorina is just being a sexist liberal McCain-Palin basher.

Oh, wait ... Fiorina is one of the most trusted advisors on John McCain's campaign and a person once thought to be in consideration for the job Palin now has. Whoops!

She went on to clarify that CEO of Hewlett-Packard is not the job Palin is running for. (Pop quiz: which is more important/difficult: running a major company or running a major economy? Answer appears upside down at the bottom of this page.)

She then said this:

"I find it quite stunning actually that the Barack Obama campaign is questioning Sarah Palin's experience," she said. "She has more executive experience than he does and she is the vice presidential nominee and he is the presidential nominee."

Does Fiorina have a point? What are your thoughts?

Morning News: Tina and Sarah and Cindy -- Oh My!

Political Nanny: McCain Gets Grilled on 'The View'

Morning News: Sarah P. Soothes Some, Induces Spit-Takes in Others

Photo: itjungle.com

Political Nanny: McCain Gets Grilled on 'The View'

Madeline Holler — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:25:00 GMT

The women of ABC's The View grilled John McCain in a way we haven't seen before (which, for many, is rather depressing). They did let him redirect the conversations more than once.

For example, Joy had him going on having approved the ad accusing Obama of wanting Kindergartners to take part in comprehensive sex education and suddenly Barbara's talking "lipstick on a pig." But at least some of those questions have been put out there to the Senator himself.

Watch a collection of the videos via Huffington Post (sorry, ABC makes it a painful to link and you have to watch commericals).

Think this made a difference to undecideds? Wish they would have pushed it just a bit more -- the veins in his head were starting to pop -- to get some of that famous temper flaring? Or did he handle this with ease?

Morning News: Sarah P. Soothes Some, Induces Spit-Takes in Others

Morning News: More Sex, Some Drugs, and Rockin' Oil

Morning News: The Daily Grind of Sex and Politics ... and Lipstick on Pigs

Morning News: Fully Caffeinated With a Hint of Sarah Palin

Photo: huffingtonpost

Political Nanny: Election Spoiler Alert! Ron and Ralph Join Forces

Madeline Holler — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:01:00 GMT

The day after Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul turned down an endorsement request from John McCain's camp, he urged his supporters to vote for any of the third-party candidates who are also still in the race.

Two of the four candidates he named were himself and independent candidate Ralph Nader. Wow! Are we going to see a Republican election spoiler or will the two cancel each other out?

Paul disparaged the two-party system in the U.S. today speaking before the Washington Press Club. He said neither party was different from the other and no way would they bring about change.

Still, it looks like McCain really wants Paul's support(ers). The request for a McCain endorsement came from Phil Gramm, who left the campaign after belittling American concerns about an economic recession. Interestingly, Paul reports Gramm's argument for helping to get McCain elected was damning with the faintest of praise:

According to Paul, Gramm asked him back to McCain, arguing that the Republican was closer to his positions than Obama.

''The idea was that he would do less harm than the other candidate,'' Paul said.

Well then!

Does Paul have the ability to skim votes away from McCain? Or will Nader match him with votes taken away from Obama? Is this good? Bad? Comment with your insights!

Judge Raps Palin for Child Abuse? This Is Getting Ugly

Morning News: Fully Caffeinated With a Hint of Sarah Palin

So – who ya voting for?

Photo: CNN.com

Political Nanny: That Sarah's a Total Doll

Madeline Holler — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:01:00 GMT

Election 2008 is fun for all ages! Check out this series Sarah Palin action figures.

They are a fairly decent likeness (as opposed to her running mate's ... is McCain really that cut?) or her opponent's (the Obama doll actually resembles Al Roper, right?).

But what could this action figure release all mean? For starters, at $27.95, they mean someone is trying to cash in. That's putting country first!

Photo: herobuilders.com

Political Nanny: Obama Talks to Bill O'Reilly

Madeline Holler — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:01:00 GMT

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama made good on a nine-month-old promise and sat down with Fox News star Bill O'Reilly Thursday night. Looks like he held his own and even got a word in edgewise -- an accomplishment for any O'Reilly interviewee.

The full interview will be broken up over several days. Here's Part I, where they talk the Surge, Iran, Pakistan and diplomacy. What do you think? How's Obama going to do in debates with John McCain? And don't you think Bill could use some hugging? He seems to want Obama's approval.

Video: FoxNews

Political Nanny: McCain's No Pitbull in Lipstick

Madeline Holler — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:32:00 GMT

Okay. Okay ... okay, so John McCain gave his acceptance speech. It had the people on the floor of the convention on their feet. There were cheers. There were chants. Eventually, balloons. But not a lot of ... you know, umph ... nothing to really sink your teeth into or make you cringe or weep (with hope, fear, anger -- you pick). Nothing like the night before.

I'll leave it to the readers to tell us whether his speech was (1) as fun/frustrating to watch as Sarah Palin's, (2) whether that matters and (3) whether it sealed the dealed for your vote or pushed you into the arms of Barack Obama. Obama supporters -- what did you think? Did this convention energize you to do more this election?

Sidenote: Piper Palin and the rest of the Palin kids (except for the baby) may have reached their limit on these late nights. They're looking a little bored, burned out and/or bewildered.

So convention season is over and now the beginning of the end before the next beginning ... uh, begins. Election 2008 is more than half-way around the track. Could this be more exciting?

Cindy McCain introducing Sen. McCain

Sarah Palin and daughter Piper

The McCains

Palin's Children: The Best Part of the RNC

The very mellow Republican 4 month old

Political Nanny: Oops! Conservative Pundits Call Palin Pick 'Gimmicky,' 'Bull**it'

'Palin Should Go Back to the Kitchen' and 4 More WTF Comments About the VP Pick

Sarah Palin's Teen Daughter is Pregnant! We've Got Pics!

Levi (aka: Mr. Bristol Palin) Meets McCain ... With (Even More) Pics!

McCain, Palin oppose teen pregnancy aid and sex education

Photos: MSNBC, Reuters

Levi (aka: Mr. Bristol Palin) Meets McCain ... With (Even More) Pics!

Madeline Holler — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:15:00 GMT

Levi Johnston met Sen. John McCain today in St. Paul, Minn. Johnston, VP candidate Sarah Palin's eventual son-in-law and the father of her soon-to-be grandchild, was flown into the Twin Cities, site of the GOP convention. Why? Well, somehow McCain's going to get his arms around this spiraling family saga and use it to his advantage.

Not to mention, Sarah Palin makes her acceptance speech tonight.

While the McCain camp works out the details, let's enjoy this latest edition to the Election 2008 scrapbook. Levi, American conservatives are your new family now.

John McCain fusses over expanding Palin family (Levi and Bristol, at last reunited)

The happy couple (plus bump!)

And the rest ...

Now, really this time ... evvvvverybody! (Including Bridget McCain on the far right ... we never see her!)

Introducing Young Mr. Bristol Palin

Sarah Palin's Teen Daughter is Pregnant! We've Got Pics!

McCain, Palin oppose teen pregnancy aid and sex education

Palin’s Daughter’s Redneck Baby Daddy: “I Don’t Want Kids!”

'Palin Should Go Back to the Kitchen' and 4 More WTF Comments About the VP Pick

Photos: Reuters.com , Getty Images [via NY Mag]

Political Nanny: Obama Offended by Implied Link to Palin Family Rumors

Madeline Holler — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:34:00 GMT

Obama is offended that he and his campaign have been tied to the rumors that Alaska Governor/GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin faked a pregnancy.

Reuters reported this weekend that an unnamed McCain advisor, while admonishing "liberal blogs" for writing about the alleged cover-up, said Barack Obama's name could be attached to some of the rumors.

Not at all, according to the Democratic nominee himself.

From Time, The Page:

I am offended by that statement, there is no evidence at all that any of this involved us. I hope I am as clear as I can be. So in case I am not, let me repeat, we don’t go after people’s families, we don’t get them involved in the politics, it is not appropriate and it is not relevant. Our people were not involved in any way in this and they will not be. And if I ever thought it was somebody in the campaign that was involved in something like that they would be fired. Ok. Alright guys. Thank you.

Pictured above is Sarah Palin this spring with baby Trig in the sling. She had just signed a bill into Alaska state law.

Photo: stevemalony.blogspot.com

Political Nanny: Obama Tells Reporters to 'Back Off' Palin's Pregnant Daughter

Madeline Holler — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:23:00 GMT

Barack Obama told reporters in Michigan on Monday to back off the story about Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin's teen daughter. Palin announced her 17-year-old, Bristol, is five months pregnant.

He said he thinks families are off limits and reminded everyone of his own story, that his mother was 18 years old when she had him.

When asked to comment on the announcement, here's what Obama said:

I have heard some of the news on this and so let me be as clear as possible. I have said before and I will repeat again, I think people’s families are off limits, and people’s children are especially off limits. This shouldn’t be part of our politics, it has no relevance to governor Palin’s performance as a governor or her potential performance as a vice president. And so I would strongly urge people to back off these kinds of stories. You know my mother had me when she was 18. And how family deals with issues and teenage children that shouldn’t be the topic of our politics and I hope that anybody who is supporting me understands that is off limits.

Sarah Palin's Teen Daughter is Pregnant! We've Got Pics!

Photo: Time.com

Political Nanny: Is Sarah Palin a New and Improved Cindy McCain?

Madeline Holler — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:01:00 GMT

After the first night of the Democratic convention last week, even the least-rabid Obama supporters wanted -- in addition to ending the war in Iraq, funding education and alternative energy sources, and improving the economy -- to just hang out with Michelle and the girls. That's how appealing Michelle Obama is. That's how influential a political spouse can be.

Think that'll happen after Cindy McCain speaks at the Republican convention this week? Prooooobably not. No offense to Mrs. McCain, but she's not quite the big sister/fellow mom/woman-in-my-shoes that Michelle has presented herself as. Instead, when Cindy McCain talks she winds up sounding mean and/or pitiable.

Not to worry though. Her husband, Republican candidate John McCain, went and picked him another First Lady. Not technically, of course. He's not dumping Cindy from his life. Just from the stage. Now he gets to play one half of a happy, lively, relatable couple with Sarah Palin, Alaska's governor.

Gross notion? Yeah, kind of. But let's go beyond Palin's anti-choice, pro-intelligent design, drill-for-oil-until-the last-polar-ice-cap melts positions, and look behind Door No. 3 -- independent/undecided voter focus groups. Don't you just know the participants responded more favorably to the slides of John McCain after they were shown pictures of pretty, open, smiling Sarah Palin than when they were shown pictures of painstakingly groomed, distant, grimacing Cindy? Just look at the pictures and hear Palin's voice! So warm! So eloquent! So strong! So Michelle!

For all the talk of Palin guaranteeing McCain the evangelical vote and the likelihood of her scraping up a number of the flattened Hillary PUMAs, Political Nanny also suspects (quite cynically) that McCain's overnight decision -- after only a single meeting with Palin! -- has everything to do with focus group results. Let's see, Palin soothes pro-life evangelicals's souls and heartens at least a few disgruntled lady PUMAs. Heck, maybe even disappointed Ron Paul supporters have found a reason to love politics again. Though if they were going to vote, it would have been for McCain anyway.

Still, there's that group of voters who cast their ballots for all sorts of non-policy/non-ideological reasons and only Karl Rove knows how huge that voting population is. These people look at things like spouses. "I respect Laura/Maria/Michelle so I voted for George W. Bush/Arnold Schwarzenegger, California governor/Barack Obama." In close elections, every vote counts and there are plenty of voters who are very influenced by how much they like a candidate's wife (one reason why Michelle Obama's speech was so important). You don't start liking McCain because of Cindy -- she wasn't doing John any favors. One has to wonder if Palin -- who until November will be the person by his side in pictures, at rallies, on signs, on the news -- mitigates some of that.

Hey, Political Nanny is hardly saying pretty, warm, eloquent, strong women aren't qualified to lead nations (or play understudy to national leaders). But since national politics -- particularly presidential races -- are focus-grouped to the nth degree (granted, we're pretty sure Michelle's speech was too! Not to mention how Joe Biden and Obama looked together vis-a-vis height, age, all those hidden yet influential factors), it's just natural to wonder what about Sarah Palin put her over the top.

The Happy Couple!

One big happy family!

Photo: LATimes.com; mccainblogette.com

Political Nanny: Don't ... Stop ... Thinking About the 90s

Madeline Holler — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:34:00 GMT

Now THAT was a night at the convention! Fleetwood Mac thinking about tomorrow. Bill Clinton talking about yesterday. Joe Biden's son making us cry. A "surprise" appearance by Barack Obama (and the delightful surprise: a full-mouth kiss he gave Biden's wife ... did you catch that?). Whew! Surely Political Nanny wasn't the only one thinking we, the U.S., might actually move out of these dark, dark years and into something more fun! More exciting! More 1992!

The first two nights of the convention, well, they were kind of ehn. Michelle was fab but rushed. Hillary Clinton's speech was fine, great really. But also sounded rushed. Plus, the tension. Did she say enough? Did she mention his name? It was just nice to get it over with.

But then last night, Bill ... President Bill Clinton ... got pissy. Yes, yes, he praised Obama, said the young senator was ready, called on all Democrats to come together and vote and to ignore anybody who calls him "inexperienced" or "not ready to be commander in chief." We'll ignore for a moment that his wife said those things. And riffing on Fleetwood Mac, we'll think about five tomorrows to the Republican Covention where this will be a mantra. However! Clinton argued the same was said about him, back in the day, back in 1992 (ahhhh, '92 ...).

Since anger at the Bush administration can be so moving, and since no one does anger like Joe Biden, Political Nanny couldn't help but enjoy the senator/VP nominee from Delaware (or Scranton, Penn., or, as CNBC had him listed, from Maryland!). Of course, his son's intro to the Senator got everybody juiced up on love and agony (Biden's first wife and daughter were killed in a car wreck just after he won his first election ...).

Finally, Biden was unleashed. He upbraided the Bush administration and its supporters (ahem! McCain). Oh, and praised his super old mom for raising him to punch back. Yow! We're looking forward to lots of Joe in the near future (clearing the calendar for VP debates for sure).

We all kind of knew Barack Obama would show up at the end. Nice touch and apparently unprecedented. A few too many shots of John Kerry (who had to have been thinking of his own lackluster convention ... except for that one super shining moment when that one junior Senator from Illinois brought down the house). But that's history.

Back to thinking about tomorrow (or the 90s ... same difference, perhaps?).

Photo: CNN

Political Nanny: Paris Hilton Strikes Back at McCain

Madeline Holler — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:27:00 GMT

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Have you been following the celebrity meme in the campaign? Well, there's more, and it involves the celebrity, whose name McCain invoked to illustrate his point.

First, some background: Last week, John McCain called his opponent Barack Obama nothing more than a celebrity, just like Paris Hilton. Obama's reaction, according to some, was to play the race card ("I may not look like those guys on the twenty and five dollar bills.") From the Hilton camp, mama Hilton steps in to protect her daughter's good (actually, rather forgotten) name. ("It's a complete waste of money," nearly 5K of which she donated to McCain's campaign. Uh, whoops!)

McCain's camp responded to the outrage saying, we're paraphrasing here, "lighten up, she's just your stupid brat." Actually, just as harsh, they said, "We think it's got a lot of humor in it, we're having fun and enjoying it." As long as someone is laughing.

All caught up? OK, so Funny or Die has released the latest ad starring the celebrity herself, Paris Hilton, who calls Obama by name but refers to McCain as that "white-haired wrinkly guy." Ouch. Later, with much concentration on cue cards and rehearsed hand gestures, Paris outlines her solution to the energy crisis.

McCain camp reaction to the ad:

“It sounds like Paris Hilton supports John McCain’s ‘all of the above’ approach to America’s energy crisis - -including both alternatives and drilling. In reality, Paris Hilton may have a more substantive energy policy than Barack Obama,” spokesman Tucker Bounds said.

Video: Funny or Die (actually, Political Nanny picks die on this one. Not so funny.)

Magazine Releases Photos of Edwards and Alleged 'Love Child'

Madeline Holler — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:01:00 GMT

The National Enquirer has released photos of what appear to be John Edwards holding a baby at a Beverly Hills hotel. The magazine, which made a fortune creating stories and running photos about alien babies and a frazzled Liz Taylor, respectively, says their spy photos are irrefutable proof that the once Democratic presidential candidate and Political Nanny alumn has fathered a child out of wedlock.

The Enquirer ads these photos to its growing list of speculations that the former senator from North Carolina has cheated on his wife Elizabeth, who is fighting cancer.

Says the magazine's website:

“These photos are damning proof,” said a source close to the situation.

“He’s been caught lying about his affair with Rielle and their love child for many months – and now the proof against him is piling up.

“His elaborate coverup is unraveling at the seams.”

Political Nanny: Did John Edwards Father a Love Child?

Image: National Enquirer

Political Nanny: No Gifts from Mom and Dad for the Obama Girls

Madeline Holler — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:58:00 GMT

Santa still makes his rounds with presents for all. And Sasha and Malia get to have blow-out slumber birthday parties. But according to People magazine (here, via Politico), Barack and Michelle Obama don't give their girls Christmas or birthday presents. (Let the false Muslim rumors reignite!)

The maybe-First Family is featured in this week's People in a 7-page spread, where Michelle tells the reporters that, as parents, they want to teach limits.

The article also includes the 7 Obama House Rules:

Here are the seven “Obama House Rules” listed by the magazine:

1) “No whining, arguing or annoying teasing,” says Michelle Obama.

2) Make the bed. “Doesn’t have to look good—just throw the sheet over it,” says Mom.

3) Set your own alarm clock. “They get themselves up, get their own clothes,” says Sasha and Malia’s grandmother Marian Robinson. “They’re very easy to take care of; there’s not much left for me to do!”

4) Keep playroom toy closet clean.

5) Allowance from Dad for doing chores: $1 per week. “I’m out of town all the time,” says Barack, “so Malia will say, ‘Hey, you owe me 10 weeks!’ ”

6) No birthday or Christmas presents from Mom and Dad, who spend “hundreds” on birthday slumber parties and, as Barack puts it, “want to teach some limits.” Says Michelle: “Malia says, ‘I know there is a Santa because there’s no way you’d buy me all that stuff.’ ”

7) Lights out at 8:30. “They got an extra half hour when they were ready to read on their own,” says Michelle.

Question: Do kids in the White House have to make their own bed and clean the toy closet? Just wondering.

Photo: Politico

Political Nanny: Bush Bans Officials From Today's Obama Rally

Madeline Holler — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:05:00 GMT

That First Amendment of the Constitution and its freedom to assemble. What a load! Thankfully, George W. Bush and the State Department's Undersecretary Patrick Kennedy get it. They've banned all state department officials from attending Democratic candidate Barack Obama's speech tonight in Berlin.

You know, wouldn't want the citizens of Germany to think American officials are engaged in partisan political activities. Just THINK of what that would do to the reputation of the U.S.

Now, in fairness, "partisan political activity" is prohibited under the department's regulations for overseas service. But a columnist at HuffPo points out this is a rather strict interpretation of this regulation. Even Kennedy would agree with that.

From the Washington Post:

In the interview, Kennedy described the regulation as "a standing policy," although he acknowledged that "I don't believe we've ever had to interpret this before. None of us thinking about this could come up with a precedent" for the Obama campaign rally.

What do you think? Expected? Fair? Giving you that creepy "this is what it must have felt like in East Germany in the 70s"?

Photo: salon.com

Political Nanny: Did John Edwards Father a Love Child?

Madeline Holler — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:34:00 GMT

Although it pains Political Nanny a bit to jump in on rumors about politicians' illicit affairs, she's interested to see where this one goes.

The National Enquirer is reporting (grain of salt, grain of salt) that they've finally uncovered evidence that the only plausible white, male Democratic candidate for the 2008 election -- John Edwards -- has been cheating on his dying wife with a sort of member of his now defunct campaign, Rielle Hunter. Not only that, the two made a little baby together. Awwww. Wait, ewwwww. Political Nanny is confused.

From Gawker:

Vice Presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards was caught visiting his mistress and secret love child at 2:40 this morning in a Los Angeles hotel by the NATIONAL ENQUIRER.

The married ex-senator from North Carolina - whose wife Elizabeth continues to battle cancer — met with his mistress, blonde divorcee Rielle Hunter, at the Beverly Hilton on Monday night July 21 - and the NATIONAL ENQUIRER was there! He didn't leave until early the next morning.

From the Enquirer:

Edwards denied the affair and that he was the father, and in a bizarre twist, a close friend of his, Andrew Young, said he was the father. Young, 41, was married at the time with three children. The NATIONAL ENQUIRER has learned he still is married.

Will the allegations stick? The last 2008 candidate accused of an affair was John McCain. Seems a press conference, a cozy relationship with reporters, a little distraction called "the Democratic Primary" and, maybe even, the truth took care of that.

Political Nanny will keep you posted. (She knows, you feel sick in your stomach right now, huh?)

Photo: Gawker

Political Nanny Cam: Long John McCain Wants to be Firm

Madeline Holler — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:02:00 GMT

The latest in campaign videos from Barely Political casts John McCain in a (hardcore) sexy light.

He tells you himself, he wants to be firm. Oh, come on, it's a joke!

Here's the latest (lamest?) Obama Girl video. A touch too self-referential for Political Nanny -- and that's saying something.

Video: Barely Political

Political Nanny: Cat Ladies Don't Trust Obama

Madeline Holler — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:01:00 GMT

If Obama expects to move into the White House, he had better pack up the kids and, quick, head to the nearest animal shelter. Seems pet owners feel a bigger connection with John McCain and are supporting him over his Democratic opponent.

Obama has said in the past his family fully intends to get a pet -- a dog. But that's just not good enough, it would appear. Here's one former dog owner in mourning (Yahoo!):

Richard Powell, 79, of Spokane, Wash., whose dog passed away last fall, said if a person owns a pet that "tells you that they're responsible at least for something, for the care of something."

Seems a little general (and kids count, right?), but you know how intense pet people can be. Anyway, here's how it breaks down (from Yahoo!):

— All pet owners: McCain, 42 percent; Obama 37 percent; Nader, 3 percent; other, 3 percent; undecided, 14 percent. Margin of error, plus or minus 2.9 points.

— Do not own a pet: Obama, 48 percent; McCain, 34 percent; Nader, 3 percent; other, 3 percent; undecided, 12 percent. Margin of error, 4.1 points.

— Dog owners: McCain, 43 percent; Obama, 34 percent; Nader, 3 percent; other, 3 percent, undecided, 12 percent. Margin of error, 3.6 points.

— Cat owners: McCain, 41 percent; Obama, 38 percent; Nader, 3 percent; other, 4 percent; undecided, 14 percent. Margin of error 3.9 points.

While Obama doesn't yet know the pleasure of cleaning the litter box, McCain is no stranger to it.

He has a veritable menagerie, including Sam the English springer spaniel, Coco the mutt, turtles Cuff and Link, Oreo the black and white cat, a ferret, three parakeets and a bunch of saltwater fish.

What about you? Would you trust a president who doesn't even own a goldfish?

Barack is a Soccer Mom (Complete With Dorky Chair!)

Boobs for Obama and (Un)Covering the Body Politic

Photo: cbsnews.com

Political Nanny: Barack is a Soccer Mom (Complete With Dorky Chair!)

Madeline Holler — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:09:00 GMT

Never has a kid soccer game been so exciting! Barack Obama was spotted and filmed at his daughter's soccer game in Chicago recently. Michelle is there, too, looking her soccer-mom best with pedal pushers and a sweater wrapped around her shoulders (in the summer? In Chicago?). Best of all, they both have the best of soccer parent accoutrements -- the dorky camping chair.

Oh, how the middle class will flourish if Obama is elected -- a Sports Authority fold-up chair in every two-car garage! A cellphone clipped to ever pair of khakis!

How to Get Obama to Kiss Your Baby

Obama Gives MoveOn a Stern Talking To

White Talk, Blackface ... Barf

Video: AP, via Wonkette

Political Nanny: Boobs for Obama and (Un)Covering the Body Politic

Madeline Holler — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:01:00 GMT

The good news: this year's election -- and the Internet -- have attracted gobs of new voters and political supporters.

The quirky news: selfsame election and Internet have spawned some rather unconventional (or maybe conventional, but never before so easily disseminated) ways of expressing enthusiasm for one candidate or another.

Hence, Boobs4Barack (NSFW, NSFW, once again, Not Safe For Work!), a Web site featuring boobs, all plumped, fondled, adorned and pierced or sometimes simply displayed, we guess?, in an effort to show support for Obama as president.

The site is NOT endorsed by the Obama campaign (nor, for what it's worth, Political Nanny -- so many more meaningful ways to instigate a regime change, but then Political Nanny is, perhaps to a fault, old-fashioned).

Observation: a name with so many vowels has certainly been a boon for creators of neologisms and, as some of the more chesty Barack enthusiasts show, campaign body artists. You can't do that with M-c-C-a-i-n.

Obama Gives MoveOn a Stern Talking To

White Talk, Blackface ... Barf

[via Shine.yahoo.com]

Photo: BoobsforBarack.com

Political Nanny: How to Get Obama to Kiss Your Baby

Madeline Holler — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:21:00 GMT

You watched the videos. You bought the shirt. Yet your support for Democrat Barack Obama feels incomplete.

Since you didn't actually make it to any of his arena events -- and even if you did, you didn't likely make it up front -- there's a hole in your campaign supporter portfolio. What Political Nanny is trying to say is that Barack Obama, perhaps the next president of the United States and quite possibly your favorite candidate ever in a political contest, has yet to kiss your baby.

Take matters into your own hands. It'll be easier than you think.

In three easy steps, you can send Barack your baby. There's even a website with detailed instructions: sendbarackyourbaby.com

1. Pack baby in a well-padded box.

2. Baby accepts kiss.

3. Baby returned in self-address box within 14 business days.

Campaign complete!

Hey, it's gotta be safer than passing the baby over the mosh pit as has become the case (see pic!).

Photo: obamamessiah.blogspot.com

Political Nanny: White Talk, Blackface ... Barf

Madeline Holler — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:06:00 GMT

All that sexist energy Hillary Clinton revved up seems to have been poured into going after Barack Obama's minority status. Seriously, can't pundits and politicians get past the fact that great leadership doesn't have to come in a white guy package?

A couple of examples from this last week:

(1) This is just heartbreaking. Ralph Nader, defender of the voiceless, smart guy, articulate guy (!) sums up Obama's positions this way: "he's talking white." Huh? What does that even mean? Here's what he said more fully (from the Rocky Mountain News):

"There's only one thing different about Barack Obama when it comes to being a Democratic presidential candidate. He's half African-American," Nader said. "Whether that will make any difference, I don't know. I haven't heard him have a strong crackdown on economic exploitation in the ghettos. Payday loans, predatory lending, asbestos, lead. What's keeping him from doing that? Is it because he wants to talk white? He doesn't want to appear like Jesse Jackson? We'll see all that play out in the next few months and if he gets elected afterwards."

Obama hit back later saying it was Nader's attempt to draw attention to his third-party. Nader's got an arsenal of real things to say, so why go there, Ralph, why?

(2) Speaking to the LA Times, conservative agent provocateur Grover Norquist described Barack Obama as "John Kerry with a tan." How ever did he keep himself from invoking "blackface"? Norquist's director of communication called to do damage control.

Chris Rock could be Barack Obama's running mate

Photo: mistupid.com

Political Nanny: John McCain Strikes a Pose

Madeline Holler — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:32:00 GMT

Public service provider Stephen Colbert continues his series of artistic re-interpretations of candidate John McCain. The purpose?

Making McCain interesting.

The latest has McCain swept up in the late-90s Madonna -- he "vogues" while giving short descriptions of campaign promises.

Videos: Colbertnation.com and YouTube