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Chris Christie for VP?

By Tabish Talib on August 20th, 2010

The MSNBC’s First Read blog has an interesting post on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. And I agree with what they say. He seems like a genuine conservative independent and since he’s a governor and not a senator, he actually does balance the budget instead of saying we should.

Christie recently came out in support of the Mosque being built near Ground Zero stating,

it would be wrong to so overreact to that, that we paint Islam with a brush of radical Muslim extremists that just want to kill Americans because we are Americans. But beyond that … I am not going to get into it, because I would be guilty of candidly what I think some Republicans are guilty of, and the president is now, the president is guilty of, of playing politics with this issue, and I simply am not going to do it.

The Governor believed the President was also playing games with the issue and that the President should have stayed above the fray, adding:

All people in our country suffer when those kind of things happen.

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey

Image via Wikipedia

Christie beat out unpopular governor Corzine in the 2009 elections which the Republicans touted as a defeat for Obama and his policies (most prominently Obamacare, even though neither candidate issued a strong response on the issue).

The governor has a positive approval rating, but with more budget cuts coming next year, the future of his popularity seems in danger. However, if and when the Tea Party Movement fails this election, Christie would be a great leader for the future of the Republican party.

He would bring back real old-school conservative thought, stuff we haven’t seen in a long time from the GOP. That is why some people are thinking he’s a shoe-in for the VP slot

in the 2012 election. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t seriously consider voting for that ticket (granted Palin wasn’t on it).

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Manchester United: Match 1

By Michael Jaskot on August 17th, 2010

Manchester United opened the Barclay’s Premier League season with a reassuring victory over newly promoted Newcastle. Coming off a summer filled with lackluster performances by some players at the national level, the Red Devils quickly fired back at doubters that claim Chelsea are England’s finest club.

The opening minutes were filled with chances on both sides of the pitch. Newcastle striker Andy Carroll proved to be the most menacing magpie for most of the game, including an open header within the first quarter of an hour that sailed wide past the goal. The Red Devils’ experience and pace proved to be their most important asset as they continually beat Newcastle down the pitch with the likes of Valencia and Nani leading the charge. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when the magpies failed to clear the ball from their zone. Jonas Gutierrez attempted to sprint up the pitch for a counterattack, but winger Valencia pick-pocketed him and restarted United’s assault. With the ball atop the box, Scholes shoveled a pass in to Berbatov, who rifled the ball into the opposite side of the net while drifting to his right. 1 nil.

The second goal proved to be a product of speed on the wing, with Evra dashing outside and getting chalk on his boots. Cutting his run into the box, the Frenchman whippe

d a cross to Rooney, who missed the shot, but set up Fletcher for an easy tap-in.

At halftime the score read 2-0, but an undercurrent of worry was sweeping through United’s fans. Once again, Wayne Rooney failed not only to score, but to make an impact on the match. With only a few touches to his name, Berbatov, Valenica and Nani were the offensive leaders of the half, leading me to wonder when Wazza was to be pulled.

That time came in the 63rd minute, but the United faithful were not bothered, as new fan favorite Chicar

ito replaced the struggling striker and joined Berbatov up top.

The match drifted on, with the Red Devils dominating possession a

nd sealing off any hope of a Newcastle comeback. At this point, there was very little competition.

As expected, Ryan Giggs made yet another appearance (841st to be precise) and

Wayne Rooney - Manchester United

Image via Wikipedia

showed the world why he is one of the greatest ever. The age-old combination of Scholes/Giggs proved once again why experience if often as valuable as pure skill. With a lofting ball originating from atop the box, Scholes set up the Welshman for a beautiful volley that nipped the far corner of the goal. Newcastle keeper Steve Harper had no chance. But then again, the team as a whole stood no match for Europe’s most decorated club.

We learned a few things from this fixture, including: United can survive without Wayne Rooney performing at a world-class level. Second, the Red Devils function best with speed on the wings. Valencia and Nani will be critical to United’s success as their pace can create opportunities without throwing the entire team into the box.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Evra, Vidic, O’Shea, Evans, Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Valencia, Berbatov, Rooney.

63’ – Hernandez for Rooney, 71’ – Giggs for Nani, 87’ – Rafael for Evra

Cards: Yellow: Scholes (52’), Fletcher (56’)

Newcastle United : Harper, Coloccini, Enrique, Williamson, Perch, Nolan, Barton, Routledge, Smith, Gutierrez, Carroll.

71’ – Ameobi for Nolan, 81’ – Xisco for Gutierrez

Cards: Yellow: Barton (18’), Perch (22’)

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The Cup, in all its Glory

By Michael Jaskot on July 11th, 2010

The 2010 FIFA World Cup concluded this afternoon with a rousing Spanish victory over the Netherlands in extra-time. The tournament as a whole was entirely watchable and enjoyable, although many pundits pointed out the lack of goals (the lowest since 1990) took away from the excitement of the event. Regardless, this World Cup will stay fresh in my mind for many years to come, especially since the USA provided us with a courageous and inspiring effort through the Round of 16. Many of you may remember the special edition podcast EnvisionMore conducted prior to the start of the tournament and the predictions we made.

Let’s review:

Group Stage: 10 of the 16 nations I chose to advance did so.

Knockout Stage: Let’s say I didn’t do too well… Only three of the teams I predicted to win in the Round of 16 did so, Spain, Brazil and Netherlandss… I did have Brazil over Chile (actually happened), Argentina and Mexico (although I predicted Mexico would prevail) correctly aligned in the bracket though… England v Netherlands and USA v Italy were my semifinals and, yes, I did have England over the USA in the Finals… wow, what was I thinking…

My Players to watch:

Tim Cahill: He had a goal, and a redcard. Socceroos didn’t advance though…

Guiseppie Rossi: Didn’t even make the squad… Maybe that’s why Italy stunk so bad…

Ribery and Henry: Well, France as a whole just didn’t show up. Literally.

Klas Jan Huntelaar: Barely got off the bench, but got a goal…

Wayne Rooney: Let’s just say he’ll be ready in 2014.

The players that did do well this year:

Golden Boot: Thomas Muller (Germany)

Golden Ball: Diego Forlan (Uruguay). What a tournament he had. Single-handedly guided Uruguay (with some help from Suarez) to fourth place.

Best Young Player: Thomas Muller. Four years ago, another German won this award, a mister Lukas Podolski.

If I had to choose my top players, I would include Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski (made some terrific passes from the wing), Mesut Ozil, Wesley Sneijder, Keisuke Honda (a master of set pieces), Diego Forlan, Kevin Prince Boateng, David Villa, Xavi, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Robert Vittek, Robinho, Gonzalo Higuain, Iker Casillas and Tim Howard. Hope I didn’t miss anyone.

Best Goal: Von Bronckhorst (Netherlands). His strike from atleast 30 yards curled past the keeper and bounced off the woodwork. Splendid indeed.

And what’s with that Nike ‘Write the Future’ curse, kinda scary.

So, as I write this from South Africa (ok, New Jersey) I thank the Heavens for such a wonderful month of footy. Although I don’t wish time to pass quickly, I will be eagerly awaiting the next ‘Copa Mundial’ in Brazil. Until then, Euro2012 (In Poland, yeah Eastern Europe) will be next on the docket. My EnvisionMore press pass will be up for auction shortly on the internet… Congratulations Spain…The power of football is wonderful, isn’t it?

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A Match Made in Heaven

By Michael Jaskot on June 14th, 2010

Saturday’s US-England match was probably the most exciting game of footy I’ve ever seen. All the build-up and hype was worth it: America, the land of the free, the guardian liberty, and the protector of peace battled their best friend and former colonial overlord, England. Miraculously, this game could some up the ‘special relationship’ that Churchill described decades ago. Although the American public rallied in support of their team, they understood it to be a mild-mannered match celebrating the excitement of football. There was little sparring or rough-housing during the match, certainly expected when the two most advanced nations on Earth compete against one another. You see, the British gave us civilization. From our beautiful language, to colonialism/globalisation, to the modern financial system  and to David Beckham, we must thank the British for everything they have given us. Now, America’s role is to protect and expand the blessings that the British bestowed upon us. We are the carriers of the torch. First, Britain developed society, now we must advance it the world over. Our special relationship is something I will never take for granted. Western democracy and hegemony must live on, for the sake of the world, and for the sake of football.  America and England are a match made in Heaven.

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Drone-ing On

By Michael Jaskot on May 30th, 2010

The New York Times published an interesting article the other day concerning the increased use of CIA drones in Pakistan.

If I may opine here, the current state of civilization in Northern Pakistan warrants use of drones to locate and neutralize insurgents. In many cases, drones are operated by the US military. However, there has been outrage in Pakistan because the CIA, a non-military agency, is using unmanned aircraft to conduct their duties. Believe me, I understand that many people see the CIA as an organization that is not subject to the international ‘rules of war’ and therefore they cannot be counted on to act appropriately, but let’s get something straight: the lawless regions of Northern Pakistan are a breeding ground for Islamic extremists, plain and simple. The fact that Pakistan is doing nothing to ameliorate the issue only adds to motivate the terrorists. If Pakistan won’t contribute to the global war on terror, even when it is in their own backyard, then it is only just that the US and its allies keep the world safe by launching drone attacks in these uncivilized regions. It is our duty to protect the world, as no one else seems fit for the task. As far as I’m concerned, we’re doing Pakistan a favor.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/28/world/asia/28drones.html?scp=2&sq=&st=nyt

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Hot Air: North Korea Severs Ties, Communication with South

By Alex Fitzsimmons on May 25th, 2010

I’ll let our resident Korean, Jin Woo Chung, weigh in on this. Ed Morrisseey writes:

The diplomatic situation on the Korean peninsula continues to deteriorate, although for now not the military situation.  In retaliation for Seoul cutting off aid to Pyongyang after the sinking of its naval vessel two months ago, North Korea has declared that it will cut all ties with the South, including communications.  It will also expel South Korean workers from a joint project intended to bring closer economic ties:

http://hotair.com/archives/2010/05/25/north-korea-severs-ties-communications-with-south/

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Rand Paul’s Backwards Views on Civil Rights

By Zeyad Assaf on May 20th, 2010

Much hot air has been blown around concerning the freshly-nominated Senate candidate from Kentucky – already – and it’s no surprise why. Rand Paul’s views, the most notorious of which deals with his interpretation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – are just plain unsound.

So Mr. Paul insists that the federal government ought not to legislate such restrictions on private enterprises. Fine. But when these restrictions amount to allowing discrimination on the basis of race, things start to smell fishy. Not only would such ideals run afoul of existing federal laws, but they would stray from Supreme Court precedent.

It’s an example of idealism being taken to an unpalatable extreme. Mr. Paul will stick to his guns in this case and in many others, but he lacks the requisite empathy and practical understanding that will make him a successful politician.

His response to criticism leaves much to be desired:

I believe we should work to end all racism in American society and staunchly defend the inherent rights of every person. I have clearly stated in prior interviews that I abhor racial discrimination and would have worked to end segregation. Even though this matter was settled when I was 2, and no serious people are seeking to revisit it except to score cheap political points, I unequivocally state that I will not support any efforts to repeal the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Too bad we’re not talking about the repeal of the Act, but rather Mr. Paul’s blatant disregard of it.

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HOT AIR: New Palin scandal: Leno might have piped in some laughter for her jokes

By Alex Fitzsimmons on March 6th, 2010

http://hotair.com/archives/2010/03/05/new-palin-scandal-leno-might-have-piped-in-some-laughter-for-her-jokes/

Keep in mind, this is the Daily Kos we’re talking about.

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Rep. Pence: Spending limit amendment stops the cycle of broken promises

By Alex Fitzsimmons on March 4th, 2010

Too bad this will never happen anytime soon, because it’s exactly what this country needs right now.

http://dailycaller.com/2010/03/04/spending-limit-amendment-stops-the-cycle-of-broken-promises/

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THE HILL: Dems plan ‘pain’ for GOP if they drag out health debate

By Alex Fitzsimmons on March 4th, 2010

Are we talking about pain or pain? Guess we’ll have to wait and see ;-)

By Michael O’Brien - 03/04/10 07:15 AM ET

Democrats plan “pain” for Republicans who seek to slow or block passage of healthcare legislation, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said Wednesday night.

Brown said that if Republicans try to offer amendments and use parliamentary maneuvers to grind out the legislative process, Democrats would retaliate with all-night sessions and other methods of fighting back.

“I think they’re going to try to do amendments, as many as they can get away with,” Brown said Wednesday evening during an appearance on MSNBC. “I think we keep them here all night — tonight, the next night, the next night, the next night.”

“If they’re going to try to filibuster in the traditional sense or the more modern sense that they do, they’re going to have pain, too,” Brown added.

Democrats are hoping to move forward soon with healthcare legislation, though Republicans like Sen. John Thune (S.D.) have said the GOP is drawing up a number of plays to try to slow down or halt passage of the healthcare bill.

The Senate is expected to take up a series of fixes to its original healthcare bill under the budget reconciliation rules, which sidesteps the 60-vote threshold needed to end a filibuster and allows the majority to pass an item with a simple majority.

By proceeding with those rules, Republicans’ ability to slow down orblog the legislation would be limited.

Still, Brown said that Democrats planned their own hardball tactics if the GOP were to try to force a prolonged debate on the final stages of health reform.

“They’re going to have to stay, too,” he said. “We’re going to have to have quorum calls, and we’re going to do whatever we need to do to get this passed within Senate rules and within fair play.”

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/84893-dems-plan-pain-for-gop-if-they-drag-out-health-debate