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End of the '08 Hopefuls
2007-07-19 19:31:00
Essentially, the '08 hopefuls has already ended, but I officially declare it over.

The '08 Hopefuls, Part 4: Duncan Hunter
2007-06-29 03:23:00
The '08 Hopefuls continues now with Duncan Hunt er , the congressman from California's 52nd district.NO DOUBT A CONSERVATIVEYou know what America? I actually like Duncan Hunter and the policies he advocates, except for a select few. The first impression one gets of him is that he is a bit arrogant, but that is quickly replaced with the realization that he is a strong, traditional conservative. While this is true, Hunter doesn't seem or come off like a champion of the people, but instead as a politician brainwashed by Washington.NOT A LEADERSadly, Hunter doesn't seem capable of being President of the United States because he's far more congressional than he is Presidential. He lacks the drive, or "fire in the belly," which is needed for a nominee and therefore for a President. Don't get me wrong - he's a smart congressman - but down the road lost, or never got in the first place, the skills and qualities needed to be President.EXPERIENCE... SORTACongressman Hunter has spent a qu...
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The '08 Hopefuls, Part 3: Tommy Thompson
2007-06-29 02:39:00
The '08 Hopefuls continues now with a view of Tommy Thompson , who served as the 42nd governor of Wisconsin and Bush's Secretary of Health and Human Services.EXPERIENCED AND QUALIFIEDTommy Thompson immediately struck me as someone who is experienced, qualified and capable of leading the nation in a better direction. For 13 years he served the people of Wisconsin well, being re-elected 3 times and occasionally slipping up, but for the most part doing a good job. Later, he went on to become the 7th Secretary of Health and Human services under George W. Bush, which I think gave him a feel of how things work in the Federal government.TIED TO A BAD PRESIDENTHowever, his service and loyalty to President Bush is something that makes me uneasy and possibly frightened at the prospect of having more of the same. I have repeatedly stated my views about George Bush, who I think will go down as a terrible leader, and the fact that Thompson served in his Cabinet for his entire first term makes m...
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Definitely a lame duck: George W. Bush
2007-06-28 22:52:00
President George W . Bush , following the defeat of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill, is undoubtedly a lame duck and has no political capital or clout left.INFLUENTIAL? I THINK NOT.Proving that our President is a lame duck, the Senate today blocked the Immigration bill for a second time, which tells me that George Bush has lost all the political capital, political clout, and influence he had left. Barely changing any minds, the President must now realize that the GOP is abandoning his leadership because of his tremendous unpopularity and his astounding incompetence. Throughout history it has been said that the President's real power was the influence he dutifully carried, but now that seems not to be the case.WHY HAS HE LOST HIS INFLUENCE?President Bush has totally lost his influence because of his unwillingness to listen and his poor job performance. Finally, the American people have come to their senses and realized that we can make America better if we ask our leaders to ...
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The '08 Hopefuls, Part 2: Chris Dodd
2007-06-28 20:09:00
The '08 Hopefuls continues now with Chris Dodd , the Democratic Senior Senator from Connecticut.CAN HE LEAD?No one can argue that Senator Dodd is inexperienced, because in fact he spent 6 years in the House and 25 in the Senate. Evidently, Dodd is a person who loves his country and has served it well through his long, impressive political career. Well liked among Democrats, Dodd is considered a stanch liberal and has solidified that view through his words and voting records.However, Chris Dodd strikes me as someone who is not capable or fit to lead a nation. Catering to special interest groups, as many other politicians do, I get a feeling that he would willingly neglect the interests and welfare of the American people, as George Bush has infamously done. Although he is a brilliant, bright and bold individual, he lacks the "Presidential" aura, and sadly comes off too much as a Senator.TOO POLITICALDodd is way too much of a politician to become President. Undoubtedly, Dodd has unfair...
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The '08 Hopefuls, Part 1: Mike Gravel
2007-06-27 23:13:00
Welcome to The '08 Hopefuls, our new series here at Washington in the Spotlight. In this series, we will examine, analyze and take a close look at the people that have a chance to lead our nation.TOO OLD?Kicking off our series is Mike Gravel , who was a Democratic Senator from Alaska... in the 1970's! He's in his 70's as well, making him the oldest person, Republican or Democrat, seeking the Presidency right now. Can this long shot who's been out of politics for almost 3 decades and is quite old be President of the United States?Simply, no. Mike Gravel has common sense and many of the qualities needed for the job, but he plainly is too old, too rusty and too out of touch to connect with the average American. Although he is uniquely funny, he lacks the freshness I feel the country needs to move forward. I genuinely like Gravel because he seems to have common sense, but let's face it - he won't become president.BRAVERYMike Gravel was an outstanding senator, someone who I would h...
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Poll: Thompson is front runner
2007-06-27 20:54:00
Fred Thompson , who isn't even really running yet, has somehow managed to capture 27% of the GOP in a new national poll. Even the former front runner, Rudy Giuliani, has the support of a mere 23% of the party, the drop in his numbers being caused by Thompson. Although Mr. Thompson has a strong showing right now, I would guess that eventually the hype will disappear and that another candidate will win over the party.WHY WE WON'T SEE THOMPSON NOMINATEDIt is almost certain that Fred Thompson will not be nominated by the Republican party in 2008. The image that has been projected by the media, of Thompson as the perfect compromise, is far from real. After a quick Google search, one can actually discover that:Thompson is not as conservative as has been portrayedMany of the policies he advocates are unpopular among both moderates and conservativesIf the GOP wants to choose a person who is likable, seemingly strong and moderate enough to appeal to the American people, it will go with Rudy.
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A Feverish America, Part 6: A Congressional Nightmare
2007-06-27 02:47:00
A Feverish America concludes with the lack of action taken by the 110th Congress.The Leglislative Branch was largely considered the most powerful branch of the Federal Government throughout our history, but it has, since 2001, fallen under the shadow of a President who claims the power.DOING NOTHING AND GETTING NOWHEREIgnoring it's constitutional responsibilities, Congress has chosen to no longer serve as a meaningful body and in doing so has worsened the fever that we have. Instead of serving as checks to the Executive Branch, the 107th, 108th, 109th and 110th Congresses have been a mere supplement to the Presidency, because they have steadfastly refused to operate independently of George W. Bush. In the previous 3 Congresses, hardly any hearings were held on what I believe to be the crimes of the Administration, and in the present one, those hearings aren't meaningful or even important. Congress has not taken, or even had an interest in taking, any real action in what seems li...
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Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill: Will it pass?
2007-06-26 17:34:00
Actually, it does seem set to go forward to debate in the Senate, after weeks of intense, fiery debate. As you know, two weeks ago the bill failed to pass a pivotal vote, but has since been revived by President Bush and Senator Ted Kennedy. Striving for it's passage, Bush personally visited Capitol Hill in an attempt to change minds and garner support for the bill. I happen to be in favor of the bill, but the hearts and minds of those opposed to it have proven difficult to change.Now, the bill seems set to pass the procedural vote which so easily defeated it before, White House experts and Sen. Kennedy say. It has high chances of passing the Senate, but after that happens the House will be engaged in the fierce debate and we may see more lobbying than ever before. Hopefully (for me) the bill will make it through the Senate and House, and we can finally see a solution to this issue.This bill seems set to pass the procedural vote and the Senate, and then the cycle begins again.F...
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A Feverish America, Part 5: President George W. Bush
2007-06-26 02:01:00
A Feverish America continues with the incompetence of the current President .NOT THE PEOPLE'S PRESIDENTBetraying the people has become all too common in the Administration of President George W . Bush , who may simply be one of the most ignorant Chief Executives in history. For example, Bush led the country into a war that was unnecessary, to attack and pursue an enemy that did not threaten us. Bush has also betrayed the middle class by playing to the needs and interests of the rich, who are the only ones benefitting from the President's policies.Constantly and consistently, President Bush has chosen to listen to companies and special interests over people, to business over Americans. Our laughable, incapable-of-leading President has turned his back on us, his employers. He is advised by the gas people on global warming, by chemical manufacturers on chemicals, and by pharmacutical companies on perscription drugs. There's no ounce of common sense in this guy. Not one. I wonder how he...
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A Feverish America, Part 4: Dividing Ourselves
2007-06-24 18:27:00
A Feverish America continues with a look at how politics, political correctness and fear are tearing our nation apart. A DIVIDED AMERICAI'm deeply sorry to say that We the People are being betrayed by our politicians and in that process our politicians have torn the nation apart. Our representatives have been so partisan that they force their supporters to follow their example, leaving us with a torn and split America. The division caused by our leaders has become so strong that we can barely have a civil conversation about an issue nowadays, leading to a disability in our democracy.A real, civil discussion about the problems facing our nation is the cornerstone of democracy as a whole. When there is no discussion the people don't actually get involved, causing America to become a "false" democracy. Politicians have found a way to, for the most part, limit and restrict the conversation between America and it's leaders. And because of that fact, our system is the one ultimately th...
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The New Presidential Campaign Fundraising Totals: What to expect
2007-06-24 06:04:00
Any day now, the Presidental candidates' fundraising totals are set to be released and revealed. Here's what to expect, what too look out for, and why it matters: Kicking off with the Democrats, we find that the totals generally resemble the first quarter's in terms of who's ahead and who's behind, albeit for one "disruption." We hear from insiders that Clinton is set to once again be first in the fundraising race, with Obama a few million dollars behind, since his momentum is slowing down. Expect edly, the real shakeup deals with John Edwards, who plans to get $9 million this quarter , $5 million less than what he garnered from January - March. Should Bill Richardson exceeds his $6.2 million total from last quarter, he could theoretically effectively challenge Edwards financially. The Republicans' new totals are in the same areas as they were last quarter, except for the former frontrunner, John McCain. McCain is expected by analysts and aides alike to drop in dollars raise...
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A Feverish America, Part 3: We the People? Not Anymore.
2007-06-23 07:49:00
A Feverish America continues with a look at how the well-being of the nation is less important to politicians than the welfare of corporations and special interests. A BROKEN SYSTEMOur Constitution is based on the simple phrase "We the People ," a phrase now purposely ignored and not respected by the Federal Government.America's leaders have bravely but terribly placed less worth on the People's interests and more on their own, creating an environment dangerously reminiscent of the Soviet Union. The real issues facing the nation never get addressed as Congressmen, Senators and even the President spend too much time campaigning. Corporations now have a bigger say in Congress than minorities and virtually control the entire executive branch. Who would have thought?While this goes on, however, politicians want to make it seem as if they actually give a **** about us, by presenting political theatre to an audience wanting something entirely different. Remember the non-binding resolutio...
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A Feverish America, Part 2: The Unmeaningful Rules Supreme
2007-06-23 06:51:00
A Feverish America continues with a look at how the uninterested electorate and lack of communication has impacted the way Washington operates.DEMOCRACY NOT AT WORKAmerica has long been proud of it's democracy. From the moment 55 men signed the Constitution up until 2002, it operated healthily, as it should. Our republic has once again been threatened by powerful dangers, though this time not from outside powers like the Soviet Union, but from it's own people!I hope and know you're aware that 43% of eligible voters refused to participate in the most recent Presidential election. Quite sadly, this fact and the lack of attention important issues seem to be receiving is disabling our very system, which is one that hundreds of thousands gave their lives for.Think about it. 2 weeks ago we were fixated on Paris Hilton, 4 months ago on Anna Nicole, and a couple of years ago on Michael Jackson. Each of these events overshadowed important political news and updates, but people still decid...
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Bill Richardson: Poised to win?
2007-06-23 01:04:00
Among the Presidential candidates on the Democratic side, Bill Richards on seems to be the sole person who is experienced, likable and who has the qualities needed in a chief executive. Bill Richardson, unlike many of the others running for the highest office, seems to relate and seem like the average American. The Democratic party will need an easily electable nominee in 2008, and as more than half of the country "disfavours" Hillary Clinton, the party is having a lapse of faith in her. Richardson also seems to relate to the average American more than the other candidates do. The New Mexico Governor, if he makes his moves wisely, could follow in Bill Clinton's footsteps. If you can remember, this time in the 1992 election season Bill Clinton  had 2% support among his fellow Democrats, and eventually went on to be elected and chosen President. Becoming more and more popular by the day, Richardson must soon give it all he's got and by doing so may end up in the top tier. I'd ...
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Surgeon replaces deceased Senator
2007-06-22 22:48:00
Tragically, Senat or Craig Thomas, a Republican from Wyoming, died nearly 3 weeks ago after being diagnosed with leukemia. Today, Governor Freudenthal temporarily appointed orthopedic surgeon John Barrasso to fill the vacant Senate seat and has today done so. Since both the late Senator and the newly appointed Senator belong to the Republican party, the fragile, delicate balance of power in the Senate has been preserved.A CLASSIC CONSERVATIVEBarrasso has said that he believes "in limited government, lower taxes, less spending, traditional family values, local control and a strong national defense." That's good news for me and other conservatives, although he could very well be alienated from the American people, like many in Washington already are. He also seems poised to respect the wishes of the residents of Wyoming, with a long list of contributions to the state under his name.AN UNEXPECTED ELECTION A special election has been scheduled and set for November 2008 to determine who...
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Can the Republicans win in '08?
2007-06-22 20:11:00
The short answer is yes, the Republicans have the ability to win the White House and Congress in 2008. Although this is true, the Republican image has been scarred by an incompetent President, one that the party must carefully distance themselves from. The GOP must once again convince a public reluctant to elect them that security, smaller government and common sense is the way to the future.A PARTY IN NEEDPresident Bush, as many of you are aware, has deliberately turned his back on the American people time and time again, and is badly damaging the Republican Party's credibility. I do favor the GOP, but I believe that the way forward is through common sense, something this Republican President and Democratic Congress do not have. So how does the Party plan to win if it's perception is being shaped by a man who is disliked among the vast majority of the population?Most importantly, the Party must condemn the actions of the current President and must seek to split his image and ...

The Lives of the Unborn are Valuable
2007-06-21 22:04:00
The lives of the unborn are valuable, and deserve to be protected. God Bless President Bush for vetoing the stem cell bill.I think that the carelessness scientists and lack of respect Democrats have for the unborn is appalling. As well, I'm having a hard time supporting Giuliani for his pro-life stance so really, I have no candidate that will support what I do.
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A Feverish America, Part 1: Motivating the Betrayers
2007-06-21 19:38:00
Welcome to a 6-part series entitled "A Feverish America ." In this series, we take a look at the big hurdles in our collective path as a people and examine the solutions we can uses to get past them.BETRAYEDThere are two things that drive and motivate politicians: Money and Fear. Money, because it motivates virtually everyone, and fear because politicians are frightful of the prospect of losing their elected positions.MoneyI am a conservative, as I have pointed out multiple times, but I am deeply disappointed with the administration of George W. Bush. It seems that he and everyone else in Washington has sold us out in favor of corporations and the dollar.For example, President Bush refused to secure America's ports even after numerous federal agencies advised him to do so! You see, the businesses involved with the ports didn't want the added expense of fighting terrorism and protecting the homeland, so the President left things as they were - insecure.The value of money over morals...
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Who will save the Democratic Party?
2007-06-21 18:59:00
Out of the 8 candidates for President on the Democratic Side, only 1 of them seems qualified enough or likable enough to be elected President.WHY 7 OF THE 8 OF THE CANDIDATES CANNOT BE ELECTEDHillary Clinton: Half the country hates her. No really, 51% of the population find her "unfavourable," and that's why she will never be elected.Barack Obama: He has 2 years of Senate experience. Yeah, that's it. In a time of war 2 years isn't enough. We might as well elect Paris Hilton.Joe Biden: He has more than enough experience, but is too unlikeable to be elected President.Chris Dodd: Have you seen this guys voting record? He's one of the biggest liars in the Senate.John Edwards: Very likable, although he seems out of touch with the average American. ($400!!! Haircut)Mike Gravel: He's 77 and has been out of politics for decades. Extremely entertaining and certainly likable, but look again.Dennis Kucinich: He simply seems too much of a congressman to be a President. He, although smart, ...
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Hillary Clinton is a horrible actress
2007-06-21 07:31:00
This video was posted on Hillary Clinton 's website (It's a spoof of the horrible Soprano's Finale):I thought it was a decent attempt to garner more votes, but If I were you I'd stick with the Sopranos.
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Book of the Month: The Assault on Reason
2007-06-21 06:18:00
Al Gore's The Assault on Reason was released last month, but I only recently decided to pick it up and read it.AN EYE OPENERTo set the record straight, I am a conservative and strongly disagree with many of the policies advocated by Al Gore. But, I found this book to be eye opening and an outstanding reflection of the problems in our society.Gore has excellently managed to shine light on the declining role of reason and common sense in our society. It begins with how television has almost prohibited the voice's of ordinary citizens from being heard, a topic I find highly interesting, and later goes on to attack the President, the Congress and the system.THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PUBLICIn an age when companies and the impact of money largely outweigh the average American's views, the public needs to speak out against this unfair and unreasonable system. I believe that through new and emerging technologies and an increased awareness of the issues among the general population, this actu...
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Not even running
2007-06-20 17:31:00
Rudy Giuliani, who has long been the Republican frontrunner, is feeling the heat from someone that isn't even running.MR. "RIGHT?"Although the politician-turned-actor Fred Thompson has yet to announce his candidacy, he already averages 2nd place among the Republican contenders. Conservatives are looking for a contender on the right side as most of the 10 already declared candidates are too moderate for their liking. I don't believe that even with his Reaganesque, acting credentials and more "conservative" views, he would be able to win the nomination.WHY WE WON'T HAVE A PRESIDENT THOMPSONThe likely Democratic Nominee is Hillary Clinton, and the Republicans need someone moderate enough to defeat her.The media, after Thompson announces his candidacy, will start attacking him as they do every republican and will by doing so bring his numbers down.Thompson has said in the past that he is pro-life, but wouldn't support legislation which would criminalize abortion. Simply not good en...
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Welcome to Washington in the Spotlight
2007-06-19 22:25:00
After months of intense labour and birth pangs, Washing ton in the Spotlight , this site, has been born. We will aspire to bring you and the rest of our readers an unconventional, bizzare and frankly weird side to Washington.