Why is Reid not skeptical of Bush's demand for telecom immunity?

Front paged at Booman Tribune and ePluribus Media

I’ll start right at the outset of this by pointing out that when Tom Daschle lost his election, Chris Dodd lost to Harry Reid by one vote to become the Senate Minority Leader. Both drational and booman have excellent posts up about Reid screwing over Dodd and the rest of the country on the FISA bill with respect to telecom immunity. With this, instead of asking what could have been if Dodd had one more vote, let’s use this to push for what will be (if Dodd doesn’t win the Presidency, of course).

While their diaries are excellent, I want to take a different angle here, and I have action items directly from Dodd himself at the bottom of this post. What I want to know is, if Bush is pushing so hard for retroactive immunity for the telecom companies in their illegal acts, then why is Reid (and Sen. Jay Rockefeller) so hell bent on going against his own party, including many of the Presidential candidates in order to accommodate this?

Some say that it is because they received money from the telecom companies. While that may be a contributing factor, there are many other ways to not have the telecom companies be completely and totally liable for their illegal actions. There are also a number of ways to do this without also accommodating Mister Bush’s demands with no compromise from him.

Back in August, the Washington Post had an article titled, NSA Spying Part of Broader Effort, which confirmed a number of things that were pretty damning to Bush (emphasis mine):

The Bush administration's chief intelligence official said yesterday that President Bush authorized a series of secret surveillance activities under a single executive order in late 2001. The disclosure makes clear that a controversial National Security Agency program was part of a much broader operation than the president previously described.

The disclosure by Mike McConnell, the director of national intelligence, appears to be the first time that the administration has publicly acknowledged that Bush's order included undisclosed activities beyond the warrantless surveillance of e-mails and phone calls that Bush confirmed in December 2005.

---snip---

News reports over the past 20 months have detailed a range of activities linked to the program, including the use of data mining to identify surveillance targets and the participation of telecommunication companies in turning over millions of phone records. The administration has not publicly confirmed such reports.

We know from this, as well as other articles that were released and written about since then that the NSA was collecting data and phone records using the help of the telecom companies as well as Bush’s involvement in this and that this was pretty much unprecedented.

On his website, Senator Feingold has a copy of the letter sent to Reid about adopting a version of the FISA bill that does not include retroactive immunity. And a few months back, a number of articles indicated that the White House “cut a deal with the Senate Intelligence Committee for it to review documents not available to anyone else in exchange for providing retroactive immunity:

Senate Judiciary Committee members yesterday angrily accused the White House of allowing the Senate Intelligence Committee to review documents on its warrantless surveillance program in return for agreeing that telecommunications companies should get immunity from lawsuits.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) and Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.), the ranking Republican, said any such agreement would be "unacceptable," signaling that legislation granting immunity to certain telecom carriers could run into trouble. Leahy and Specter demanded that the documents, which were provided only to the Intelligence Committee, be turned over to the Judiciary Committee as well.

The White House didn’t even really deny this allegation at the time:

Tony Fratto, a White House spokesman, said yesterday that what the White House did was "not exactly" a quid pro quo but that the intelligence panel "expected to legislate on the liability" and so "we've been accommodative on sharing information."

A week or so back, Troutfishing wrote a diary about secret directives and secret memos that Bush himself signed authorizing torture. Similarly, there are documents that are at least being withheld from the Senate Judiciary Committee. The same committee whose FISA legislation will be railroaded by Reid for the Senate Intelligence Committee bill that gives immunity to the telecom companies.

But if the Senate Intelligence Committee can review these documents and come to the conclusion that retroactive immunity is necessary, then why can’t the Senate Judiciary Committee see those documents as well?

And more importantly, what is in those secret documents that (1) Bush doesn’t want anyone to see unless they promise not to hold anyone responsible for illegal data mining and wiretapping, (2) does it in fact, lead right back to a directive by Bush himself for the telecom companies to break the law and (3) won’t this shelter Bush from being held directly accountable for not only breaking the law, but authorizing (or forcing) others to break it as well?

We need to know what Bush is hiding, what he ordered and told the telecom companies to do and if he directed them to break the law. We also need to know why Harry Reid is allowing this to happen against the will of his party and the American people, and why he is covering for Bush’s potential criminal acts.

*****Action Items From Dodd*****

Here is the link to Chris Dodd’s website link for action items, and here is the text from his site:

Today, that FISA fight we've all been waiting for begins.

In a few hours, Majority Leader Harry Reid will ask for something called a "motion to proceed" on FISA, effectively disregarding Chris Dodd's "hold" on the bill.

Remember when this all started playing out? A lot of people rushed to send out strongly worded press releases about how committed they were to "supporting a filibuster."

Call or email the Senators that pledged to support a filibuster and ask them to be there when it happens to pick up the ball after Chris Dodd can go no longer.

Leadership is demonstrated through action.

***************************************

Let's see what we can do. And while we are at it, ask what secret Executive Orders and other documents Mister Bush is hiding from what he says is a "legal" program.

FrameWork: Environmental Cents-ibilities

With Global Warming and the environment becoming increasingly prominent political topics, the FrameWork crew talks politics. How do you address environmental issues to a general audience, and what can Democrats do to better position themselves on the issue?

Click Here to stream or podcast!

Rudy Sees Benito

A tale of three countries

With us or against us.

If we take a look at three countries that are in the news and tied to the “WarOnTerror™”, there are some very interesting contrasts between “Country A”, “Country B” and “Country C” and it really creates another stark example of the farce of our foreign policy, and the damage that has been done to our reputation. Oh yeah, and the extreme danger that these reckless decisions and actions have put our country, the Middle East and parts of Asia in.

So, I figured that I would take a look at these three countries and do a little write up on each, just to see how “with us” or “against us” they really are – and to shed some light on the precarious situation that we have put ourselves in.

Country A

Country A had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks. In fact, this country pretty much hated Saddam, hates al Qaeda and wanted to help the US after the attacks when it came to Afghanistan. This reaching out after 9/11 was one of three separate occasions that an offer was made to have some level of diplomatic dialogue after a long period of no relations whatsoever. Country A also helped the US with respect to rounding up some suspected terrorists, and helped with logistical issues when we took military action against Afghanistan. This country has a long history with the United States, including some times when relations were pretty good.

This country has a fairly progressive population that has decent promise in terms of furthering relations in the future and shaping the future of the country’s political direction. In fact, it elected a President – who served as recently as 2005 (in elections that are more Democratic than in either Country B or Country C) who pushed for more social freedoms, over the objections of the more conservative religious leaders. Of course, this President was ridiculed as not having any power over the religious leaders in the country.

Partially as a result of the US rebuffing any calls for diplomacy, a confrontational President was elected, and whose confrontational rhetoric was also rebuffed by the former moderate President. Now, of course, this confrontational President (whose words are frequently “clarified” or contradicted by the same religious leaders) is labeled as too dangerous and has too much power. This is despite his losing the support of many people who voted for him, the religious leaders and a waning influence on the local political scene. He is not in control of the country’s armed forces and while he isn’t a figurehead, his actual power is far exceeded by the perceived power that he has (despite insinuations that his predecessor not having any power).

This country has no nuclear weapons, and by all accounts will not have any (if at all) for at least 3-5 years. This country has no reason to attack the US, and certainly is not a threat to our economy or security. Despite this country not having similar interests or goals as the US, it is unlikely that Country A would seek to inflame or incite any global conflict. This country can be a major player in the global economy and has decent relations with a number of other countries with strong economies or potentially strong and complimentary sectors of the economy.

*********************************

George W. Bush – 11/21/2001: We fight the terrorists and we fight all of those who give them aid. America has a message for the nations of the world: If you harbor terrorists, you are terrorists. If you train or arm a terrorist, you are a terrorist. If you feed a terrorist or fund a terrorist, you're a terrorist, and you will be held accountable by the United States and our friends.

Which brings us to Country B

Country B also has a long relationship with the United States, although it is more of one that is based on convenience for the US. We have alternately shunned and supported this country, although we have also supported its “enemies”. Country B was one of only three countries who recognized the Taliban as legitimate before abruptly changing its mind after 9/11.

Country B’s leader seized power in a coup, and has, at times, suspended the Constitution, held positions as President and leader of the country’s military, looked the other way as terrorists set up in his country. Country B had no ties to Saddam or to 9/11, however, it has been sympathetic to extremists that have caused death and destruction within the country – including against political leaders. On the other hand, there were ties between the country and the Taliban in the months leading up to 9/11.

Country B’s population is not sympathetic to the United States; rather it is fairly hostile or apathetic at best. Not only does the Taliban and al Qaeda have large membership in the country, but many of its citizens in certain regions had been harboring them and therefore letting them roam free – recently, its leader was less popular than bin Laden according to polls. Last year, Country B’s leader said that he wouldn’t go after bin Laden if bin Laden agreed to live a peaceful citizen.

Country B also has nuclear weapons, and was dangerously close to a nuclear conflict with its neighbor a few years ago. The high level official in Country B’s government who was responsible for its nuclear weapons program sold nuclear secrets to a number of other countries, and is basically a free citizen (not totally but certainly not being punished). Most recently, it was uncovered that Country B’s leader really has no interest in cracking down on extremists and terrorist groups and was accused last year of looking the other way while the Taliban and al Qaeda were launching attacks over its border against US and NATO troops.

*********************************

George W. Bush - November 6, 2001: "Over time it's going to be important for nations to know they will be held accountable for inactivity," he said. "You're either with us or against us in the fight against terror."

The case of Country C is a bit more complex, yet still important to discuss. Country C is where bin Laden came from, and where much of his family is now. It is also the country where most of the 9/11 hijackers came from. Country C really has no military to speak of, and its human rights record is more than a bit spotty, with both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch having numerous and repeated concerns.

Most of the “foreign fighters” in Iraq come from Country C, and while it has no nuclear weapons program (or probably any ambitions), its record on terrorism is far from clean. The population is akin to a welfare state, with a huge dichotomy between the ruling family/class and the vast majority of the population. This leads to concerns about the population being sympathetic to extremism and extremist causes.

Last year, it was reported that a number of very wealthy citizens were funneling money to the Sunni insurgents in Iraq, including money used for shoulder rocket launchers used against our troops and helicopters. Country C’s leaders are aware of this, but have done little if anything to stop it from continuing.

Also late last year, it was reported that Cheney was warned that if the US were to withdraw from Iraq, it would side with the Sunni insurgents. Shortly thereafter, the US started to side with Sunnis against Shiites (also who conveniently were more aligned with Country A) – and amazingly the US even started to arm the same Sunni insurgents that were fighting against and killing our troops.

Country C also has a number of “charities” that have been linked to suspected terrorist groups but it has been slow to crack down on them as well.

*********************************

Now, it would seem as though Country A would be the least of our troubles, with Country B being the one to keep our eye on the most, and Country C as a “thorn in our side”. Yet, as I am sure you figured out by now, Country A is Iran and is public enemy number one, despite no evidence that they are a threat to us. Of course, Iran isn’t the most innocent or pure of nations by a long shot, but it clearly is way down on the list of “threats to our national security”.

Country B (Pakistan) has been making the US look the damn fool time and time again, whether it is intentional or not, but clearly would represent the biggest potential disaster as it already harbors terrorists, has a military dictator who just suspended the Constitution and has nuclear weapons.

Country C (Saudi Arabia) has all of the ties to the Bush family and is hardly the “model of democracy”. Of course, the threats and blackmail related to our staying in Iraq and the funding of those same insurgents who were killing our troops gets little notice as compared to Iran’s purported and specious ties to weapons that are used against our troops in Iraq.

It’s no wonder that the world is in the shape it is in, and that the US is the laughingstock.

Don't Hijack My Thread! - November 7

Join Adam Lambert (clammyc) and welcome back David Atkins (thereisnospoon) tonight at 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific for another edition of Don't Hijack My Thread!.

This week's topics are as follows:

• What's up with our "best friend" Pakistan?
  
• Getting behind the decreasing violence in Iraq
  
• Big Dog making lame excuses for Hillary's recent missteps
  
• Election Day 2007 recap
  
• Rep. Kucinich and his "Cheney impeachment" bill
  
• The "Ron Paul" factor - is he for real or just a "fad"?

The link to the show is here.

The call in number is 718-508-9410

Why Are You Running?

What motivates our current field of Presidential candidates and why should we care? We explore the framing of motivation on both the Left and the Right.

Join hosts theKK, clammyc and thereisnospoon for another edition of FrameWork this Monday at 8pm EST/5pm PST.


For Podcast or Download Click Here

Or click below to play:

Don't Hijack My Thread! - Tonight at 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific

Join Adam Lambert (clammyc) and welcome back David Atkins (thereisnospoon) tonight at 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific for a Halloweek edition edition of Don't Hijack My Thread!.

This week's topics are as follows:

• Romney vs. Rudy
  
• Bush's proposed "end run" around Congress
  
• AG nominee Mukasey and waterboarding
  
• The mess at DoJ
  
• Healthcare and kicking our veterans to the curb
  

The link to the show is here.

The call in number is 718-508-9410

Don't Hijack My Thread! - Wednesday October 24

Join Adam Lambert (clammyc) and Dante Atkins (hekebolos) tonight at 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific for another edition of Don't Hijack My Thread!.

This week's topics are as follows:

• CA wildfires and "hating America"
  
• Dodd's filibuster of the FISA bill
  
• Talking turkey about Turkey
  
• Could criminal prosecution for Gonzo be a reality?
  

The link to the show is here.

The call in number is 718-508-9410

Penguin Cartoon number 14

Don't Hijack My Thread! - Thursday October 18

Join Adam Lambert (clammyc) and David Atkins (thereisnospoon) tonight at 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific for another edition of Don't Hijack My Thread!.

This week's topics are as follows:

• FISA redux - what's with retroactive immunity for the telecom companies?
• Republicans in disarray - campaign spending, congressional retirements and splintering of the party
• Blackwater's special status
• Gore's Nobel Peace Prize and the right wing's conniption
• Rudy's suspicious FDNY radio deal with Motorola before 9/11
• Congress acting like turkeys about Turkey

The link to the show is here.

The call in number is 718-508-9410

Don't Hijack My Thread!

Join the blogging brothers David Atkins (Thereisnospoon) and Dante Atkins (Hekebolos) for a special family edition of Don’t Hijack My Thread! Adam Lambert (Clammyc) is out this week but don’t think he won’t notice if you don’t call in! Wednesday October 10 at 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific.

This week’s topics are as follows:

* S-Chip: Rethugs Bully a 12 Year old
* Blackwater and the cult of privatization

The call in number is 718-508-9410
Listen live at our blogtalkradio page:

www.blogtalkradio.com/epradio

Waiting For Goredot

Don't Hijack My Thread! - October 3

Join Calitics front page contributing editor David Dayen as special guest co-host of Don't Hijack My Thread! on Wednesday October 3 at 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific.

David not only was our very first caller, but has been a regular co-host and caller on prior shows. He is also a very nice guy and devilishly handsome...

This week's topics are as follows:

• Last week's republican debate
• The coalition of the "leaving" - UK and others withdrawing their troops
• "no more funding" - Congress not listening to the now 70% of people who want Iraq funding cut
• "Shut up and legislate!" - we don't need resolutions condemning free speech.
• Court is back in session - what can we expect from the Supreme Court?
• John Edwards and public campaign financing

The call in number is 718-508-9410

Click here to listen!!!

A Very. Serious. Penguin.

FrameWork - October 2. Talking "betrayal"

Join Political Nexus and Heading Left hosts Adam Lambert (clammyc) and David Atkins (thereisnospoon) at 8PM for the latest episode of "FrameWork".

Adam and David talk about the term "betrayal" as well as the framing and use of this term as it relates to the recent controversy over MoveOn.org's advertisement. Hear how the word has been twisted by the right to paint those who are against the occupation of Iraq as "Betraying the troops and the country", when in fact, it is the republicans in Congress and those who support a "more of the same" policy that ignores our troops need for armor, equipment and rest who are betraying the troops and the trust of We the People.

Click below (or above) to listen LIVE.

IN-06: A Little Help From Our Friends

Cross posted from DailyKos by Joh Padgett

The response to the announcement that Barry Welsh's Green Night event was being postponed these past few days from our friends in the Netroots has been nothing short of amazing. Markos has been extremely supportive and we are humbled that he would take the time to help Barry's campaign in a difficult time.

Brian Keeler, aka NYBri from DailyKos, has been nothing short of a hero these last few days. When I told him about the situation with Barry's sister and the event being postponed, he immediately sprang to action to spread the word to a number of friends and allies and is even going to help us with what I have to announce today.

In order to help the campaign make up for the lost Green Night event, some friends of Barry and the campaign are going to host a telethon this Sunday night on BlogTalkRadio show "Candidates' Corner", hosted by the new blogmaster of Heading Left, the famous clammyc and his partner David "ThereIsNoSpoon" of Political Nexus.

The telethon will stream live starting at 7pm EDT, will feature Barry, and will include special guests such as Brian Keeler, Jane Hamsher and more guests TBA. We'll also be live blogging the event on DailyKos and on Barry's Blog, the official campaign blog on BarryWelsh.org.

We're going to auction off some Democratic memorabilia and other stuff, we'll be selling the new Barry Welsh campaign T-Shirts, hats, mugs and a line of stuffed animals called Barry's Bears. Jane has also pledged a copy of Charlie Savage's new book Takeover which will be featured this Sunday during the FDL Book Salon and hosted by Glenn Greenwald. We hope you will join us Sunday on Blog Talk Radio at 7pm EDT/4pm PDT!

The call in number is 646-716-9103. Please click here for the direct link to the show, or click the button below to go to the Candidates' Corner main page.

Political Nexus hosts political blogger/journalist Mickey Kaus

As noted by Blog Talk Radio's Hilary Leewong, Adam Lambert (clammyc) and David Atkins (thereisnospoon) hosted political journalist Mickey Kaus, who writes for Slate.com for a spirited discussion and debate.

On our show, On Topic, Adam, David and Mickey debate the "surge" in Iraq as well as the difference between centrists and moderates and how they fit into the Democratic Party.

Kaus is a journalist whose writing has appeared in Newsweek and The New Republic. He is the author of The End of Equality, and you can read his work at Kausfiles.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN or download as an iTunes podcast.

Don't Hijack My Thread! - September 20

Join clammyc and thereisnospoon on this week's Don't Hijack My Thread! at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT TONIGHT!!!

This week's juicy list of topics includes:

• Webb's troop rest amendment
• Dodd's restoring habeas corpus bill
• Cornyn's asinine resolution condemning MoveOn
• Alan Greenspan's condemnation of the Bush administration
• Dirty election tricks in California
• Obama's progressive tax plan released

Call in number is 718-508-9410

Click here to listen LIVE!

Rovencrantz & Gonzostern are Dead

On Topic with OPOL (One Pissed Off Liberal) - Iraq Moratorium Day and 9/11

You've seen his incredible art. You've felt the passion of his posts. You have heard his cries for impeachment.

And now, you can hear One Pissed Off Liberal talk about the issues that are near and dear to him. Tonight at 8PM Eastern, hear clammyc and thereisnospoon host On Topic with OPOL to talk about Iraq Moratorium Day, 9/11 and other reflections.

Click the link above to listen live.

On Topic with nyceve - talking healthcare (or lack thereof)

We recently had the honor of talking to Eve Gittleson, whom many of you know as nyceve at Daily Kos, about the growing healthcare crisis in our country.

In a one hour passionate discussion, clammyc, thereisnospoon and nyceve talk about the failed American for-profit healthcare system. Among the issues we touched on include:

• Personal stories from nyceve's professional experiences in medicine
• nyceve's panel at YearlyKos 2007 in Chicago
• Michael Moore's Sicko
• recent actions by the American Cancer Society
• SCHIP
• the benefits and drawbacks of various solutions to the growing healthcare crisis in America

This is truly a must hear (as all of our On Topic shows tend to be), and you can click here to download a podcast, or listen below.

Taking Apart the Tape: 9/11 Surprise

Join the FrameWork crew for a discussion of Bin Laden's recent reappearance and what it all means.

To podcast or download, Click Here

clammyc makes the blog talk radio rounds....

In addition to our upcoming *big* announcement about Blog Talk Radio, I am happy to say that I have been quite the busy beaver lately when it comes to Blog Talk Radio.

You may have seen our post or listened to our interview with Joh Padgett, who, in addition to being Barry Welsh's (IN-6th) Communications Coordinator, hosts a show on Blog Talk Radio every Sunday at noon Eastern called Meet the Bloggers.

Well, this past Sunday, I had the honor of being a guest on Meet the Bloggers (around 20 minutes in). Joh, K. Paul Mallish and I discussed social networking and the rise of citizen journalism as it relates to Presidential and Congressional campaigns, and the impact of this increase in use of technology on the Democratic and Republican parties.

Additionally, I was invited to be a guest on Ed Morrissey's (Captain's Quarters) radio show, Heading Right. Ed, in addition to being a super nice guy (despite his political views being conservative...) is the Political Director for Blog Talk Radio, and we talked about the left's "infatuation" with Ron Paul, as well as raising the level of discourse and punditry through Blog Talk Radio and its "Debate Central" show format.

Take a listen and we would love to hear suggestions or volunteers to debate our conservative counterparts.

Hope you enjoy, and that I didn't come off too stupid.....

Don't Hijack My Thread! - September 5

Join clammyc and thereisnospoon on this week's Don't Hijack My Thread! at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT TONIGHT!!!

This week's juicy list of topics include:

• Republican hypocrisy - the case of Senators Craig and Vitter
  
• Bill Richardson's spectacular implosion
  
• Iraq spending - another $200 Billion?
  
• Bush and media figures' Iraq visits vs. the reality of ethnic cleansing and the GAO/NIE reports
  
• "Manly" Bush admits to crying alot - is he cracking up?

Click here to listen



Call in number is 718-508-9410.

Getting to know Barry Welsh (IN-6) and his campaign

Over the past month or so, we here at Political Nexus have had the pleasure of spending some time talking to the Barry Welsh for Congress campaign. As some of you may know, Barry is a long time member of the Daily Kos community and is running for Congress in Indiana's sixth district against extremist republican Mike Pence.

Barry, as well as Joh Padgett, who is Barry's Communications Director, spent time at Fire Dog Lake yesterday to talk about his campaign. Additionally, Joh hosts a show on Blog Talk Radio called Meet The Bloggers.

At Yearly Kos, we had the opportunity to interview Barry (click to download the interview) and discuss his campaign in 2006, where he was able to get 40% of the vote with only $50,000 in funding, the challenges and opportunities this election cycle and why he feels that Indiana's 6th district is ripe for change, given Pence's far right extremist views.

Additionally, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joh earlier this week (click the link to download or listen). Joh talks about the exciting opportunities in Indiana's 6th District, how the demographics have changed and are welcoming Barry's campaign, his involvement with Blue Indiana, and of course, his Meet the Bloggers show (which I will be featured on today, September 2, at noon EDT).

These are two great interviews, with two great people - motivated, energetic and progressive voices that are sorely needed in this country. We are proud to have had the opportunity to spend time with Barry and Joh, and look forward to more discussions in the future.

After all, Barry did promise that we would be his first "alternative media" interview after he sends Mike Pence packing!

Penguin Cartoon #13

Don't Hijack My Thread! - Wednesday August 29

Join clammyc and thereisnospoon on this week's Don't Hijack My Thread! at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT TONIGHT!!!

This week's juicy list of topics include:

• Hillary Clinton - new polls show gains in "red states", but is she good for the progressive movement?
• Katrina - 2 years later and still a disaster on all fronts
• Buh-bye Gonzo - what does this mean and who may replace him?
• What's up with the sexually repressed angry chest thumping hypocritical republicans?

Click here to listen

Call in number is 718-508-9410.

The New War: Ending A Pernicious Frame

Clammyc leads the charge against Hillary's use of the term ,"The New War." What exactly does this phrase mean and why is such rhetoric detrimental to Democratic chances in '08? Plus, thereisnospoon and theKK weigh in.

For Podcast or Download Click Here

Don't Hijack My Thread! - Wednesday August 23

Join clammyc and thereisnospoon on this week's Don't Hijack My Thread! at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT TONIGHT!!!

This week's juicy list of topics include:

• Not "mining" our business. Declining mine safety and lack of consequences under Bush administration
• Note to Democrats - exactly what "progress" is being made in Iraq?
  
• "Americans United for Change". Republicans changing the facts about Iraq and pressuring other republicans to do the same
  
• Iraq is NOT Vietnam. Except when Bush wants it to be.
  
• "How to Silence Protesters" - a White House manual released

Click here to listen

Call in number is 718-508-9410.

FrameWork: Framing the 4th through the 2nd

How do you get a right-winger to care about Government intrusion into our privacy? Take something they really do care about (Guns) and extend that concern to the larger issue of Government abuse of power.

Join hosts theKK, clammyc and thereisnospoon on using the 2nd amendment to save the 4th, and beyond.

For Podcast or Download Click Here

Candidates' Corner--a "double shot" of John Laesch (IL-14)

In our posting last week introducing our new show, "Candidates' Corner", we highlighted three Democratic Congressional candidates who we had the opportunity to speak with at the 2007 Yearly Kos Convention in Chicago. One of those three, John Laesch, was right in his backyard as he is running for the Congressional seat in Illinois' 14th District.

I have the good fortune of knowing John for well over a year now, first through Daily Kos, then by a chance meeting at the first Yearly Kos Convention last year, and by staying in touch throughout his campaign last year - where he received a higher vote percentage than anyone else who ran against former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert in a good number of years.

We are proud to have spoken to John and thank him for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk to the Political Nexus team. you can download or listen to the Yearly Kos interview by clicking here.

John talks about the things he learned from his 2006 run, some of the issues that made him decide to run for Congress, and how we in the netroots can help John in his campaign. It is a must hear interview.

But to top all of this off, Dennis Hastert recently announced that, after serving in Congress since 1986, he would not be seeking another term in 2008. And in a follow up discussion with John Laesch today (Sunday August 19), we talk about John's reaction and thoughts on Hastert's announcement, the issues he is most concerned with, the differences in strategy running against an entrenched incumbent as opposed to an open seat, as well as the recent inflammatory rhetoric by this Administration towards Iran.

***********
Click here to listen to our discussion from Sunday August 19:

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We are very excited about this new series and hope you enjoy the interviews.

Don't Hijack My Thread! - Wednesday August 15

Join clammyc and thereisnospoon on this week's Don't Hijack My Thread! at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT TONIGHT!!!

Thanks to our callers: Jeff Huber, AnotherMassachusettsLiberal, PsiFighter37, Major Danby and Shockwave, and to all our listeners.

This week's juicy list of topics include:

• Buh-bye Rove. Or is it just a smokescreen?
• Hastert's retirement - another one bites the dust.
• The "Petraeus" Report. Edited and rewritten by the White House.
• Bush declares Iran military "special terrorists"
  
• FISA - Dems backtracking on new law and govt. plans to use spy satellites on Americans
• Not mining" their business. Declining mine safety and lack of consequences under Bush administration (note: as we didn't get to this, we will tackle it next week)

Click Here to Listen (will be up around 10PM EDT)



Click here to download

Call in number is 718-508-9410.

FrameWork: Centrists v. Moderates

With the Markos Moulitsas/Harold Ford debate behind us, there is still confusion about the fundamental difference between the Lamonts, Liebermans, Ben Nelsons and Jim Webbs of the world. Riffing on thereisnospoon's Daily Kos diary from Monday, spoon, dday and hekebolos talk about the distinctions between moderates and centrists--and why it is important to keep the two separate in our minds.

Click below to listen:



For Podcast or Download Click Here

Introducing: "Voices From the Military"

Earlier this week, we announced the first of our two new segments, Candidates' Corner, which are short interviews with various candidates for public office.

We are proud to announce the launch of our sixth segment, Voices From the Military, which will give you a first hand account and discussion with current and former members of the United States Military.

Our first interview, with Daily Kos and current member of the military Peter Laesch, brother of IL-14 Congressional Candidate John Laesch. Peter joins us from Germany and talks about his prior service in the 1990s, some of his observations of military life then as compared to now, his brother's Congressional run and his views on the number of contractors in Iraq, stop/loss and the impact that military life has on military families.

Truly a must-hear interview.

Look for future interviews with Admiral and ePluribus Media community member Jeff Huber as well as author and Daily Kos member The Angry Rakkasan (Brandon Friedman).

Click below to listen:

For Podcast or Download Click Here

Introducing "Candidates' Corner"

We here at Political Nexus are proud to announce two new show formats that we will be rolling out. The first one, Candidates' Corner, will feature interviews with local and national candidates for office.

We hope that some of the very candidates we are featuring now (and in the future) will be Congressmen, Congresswomen, Senators or local officeholders by the time we speak with them again. To kick things off, we are featuring three interviews that we were able to get at this past Yearly Kos - three most excellent candidates who ran for Congress in 2006 and are running again in 2008. These three candidates ran in districts that they had no business even coming remotely close in due to money constraints or the demographic makeup, and each of these three had excellent showings.

The first candidate, Lt. Colonel, Air Force (Retired) Charlie Brown is running in CA-4 against the very corrupt John Doolittle.

Our second candidate, long time Daily Kos member Barry Welsh is running in IN-6 against Mike Pence, a man who is best known for accompanying Senator John McCain, 200 soldiers, 2 military copters and other protection in their "leisurely stroll" through a Baghdad market in early 2007.

Our third candidate is veteran and fellow Daily Kos member John Laesch, who is running in IL-14, home of former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.

Look out for links for podcast and streaming interviews from these three most excellent candidates, as well as future interviews with other Democratic candidates for Congress. We hope you enjoy them.

Don't Hijack My Thread! Wed, August 8th

It's time for DHMT! And you just missed us...but don't worry, the show should be up for streaming and podcasting within the hour. Please be sure to check back and tune in every Wednesday at 5pm PST/8pm EST.

This Week--Hosts clammyc, thereisnospoon and theKK take calls from Jeff Huber and Greyhawk of ePluribusMedia and discuss the hot topics of the day:

• FISA bill - how can we give MORE power to Alberto Gonzales?
• "Kneel before....Dodd". Why Chris Dodd should be taken more seriously
• Tom Tancredo - a republican Congressman and presidential candidate calling for bombing Mecca, "just because".
• Young. Republican. President. Rapes. Man. Who says republicans aren't all about "family values"?
• Mitt Romney's military age family - supporting the troops by campaigning for dad

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Call in number is 718-508-9410.

FrameWork Talks FISA: Monday August, 6th @ 5PM PST

FISA: Why Democrats Caved and How to Fix It

Clammyc, thereisnospoon and theKK talk about the recent capitulation of Democrats on FISA in the House and Senate and the rhetorical environment in which they took place.

For Podcast or Download Click Here

Bill O'Reilly Gets An Earful From Some Buddies Back Home

What is the NEXUS?

New to Political Nexus? Maybe you met us at Yearly Kos or the Netroots Candidates Celebration. Either way, welcome!

Political Nexus is all about taking new media to the next level, with Netroots Radio programming and some of the blogosphere's most intriguing bloggers and personalities and candidates. We also have fabulous cartoons and artwork from DavetheRave.

Hosts clammyc, thereisnospoon and theKK explore a variety of topics on our four shows, with a number of guest bloggers and voices:

FrameWork
Don't Hijack My Thread
On Topic
10 Minutes With

We're off for the week but will be resuming our broadcast schedule August 6th. Please check the site for updated times and call in information.

And be sure to explore our already recorded shows and interviews, accessible here on the site and for older shows at our blog talk radio pages. And tune in for an exciting line-up of interviews, rollicking in-depth discussions and LIVE! call in shows.

Political Nexus: Yearly Kos Edition!

It's been an exciting week here at Yearly Kos but don't think we've been slacking--we recorded a live Don't Hijack My Thread here from the exhibit hall with the folks from Blog Talk Radio.

This show features clammyc, thereisnospoon and special guest Occams Hatchet. Topics include:

The Minnesota Bridge Collapse
Imports from China: The Toy Recall
Petraeus' September "Progress" Report in Iraq
Selling Arms to the Saudis

You won't want to miss this show--it's our best yet! But you have to do a little work: Just click here and download the listing for the 11:30am Epluribus Media show for August 3.

Penguin Cartoon #3 (a non-political political cartoon)

Check Out "On topic". hear Digby, MSOC and BTD go off!!

Today, we are profiling the crown jewel of our shows here at Political Nexus, On Topic.

On Topic is a 40 - 60 minute in depth discussion on a specific topic that is making the news, or is being discussed and debated on the blogs. We have recorded three shows to date, and they have been, by far, our best received shows.

On our first show, thereisnospoon and clammyc have My Left Wing's Maryscott O'Connor on to talk about the framing of the abortion debate and discuss why "choice" is a poor way for the left to frame the debate.

Our second show featured Talk Left's Big Tent Democrat (also known as "Armando") in a 60 minute discussion about the occupation in Iraq and what Congress' options are with respect to bringing an end to this debacle. Hear thereisnospoon, clammyc and Big Tent Democrat discuss defunding, funding the occupation to a specified date and debate the merits and drawbacks of calling for a withdrawal timeline.

On our third show, thereisnospoon and clammyc host the incomparable Digby to discuss her thoughts on impeachment as well as delve into the impeachment cases that could be brought against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Vice President Cheney and President Bush. We leave no stone unturned, including the political ramifications, the impact on future administrations and Congress, and potential remedies from impeaching certain Administration members.

We are incredibly proud of these shows, and thank Maryscott, Armando and Digby immensely for their intellect, insight and interesting points.

We hope you enjoy these shows.

Don't Hijack My Thread - Wednesday July 25: with hekebolos and cskendrick

Join hekebolos and cskendrick as special guest co-hosts with clammyc on this week's Don't Hijack My Thread! at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT.

This week's juicy list of topics are as follows:

• An al Qaeda resurgence in Pakistan
• A congressional campaign of and by the netroots
• The merits of Senator Feingold's censure motion
• Alberto Gonzales' latest congressional "testimony"
• Contempt of Congress for Bush officials
• Bill O'reilly's "fatwa" against Yearly (and Daily) Kos

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Call in number is 718-508-9410.

FrameWork: Are We Losing the War in Iraq?

Or does the question itself betray a fundamental problem with the commonly held understanding of the situation on the ground? Join hosts clammyc and thereisnospoon or yet another look at Iraq--and why we have to stop calling it a war and put the more appropriate term "occupation" into practice.

What's Nancy's Response....? You Be the Decider.

On Topic with Digby!

We're not just writing about impeachment anymore--we're talking about it with one of the blogosphere's brightest stars and most brilliant luminaries to date--the incomparable Digby, author of the award-winning blog Hullabaloo. Plus, a special call in from Armando/BigTentDemocrat!

Join hosts clammyc and thereisnospoon for a full hour-long conversation.

The Congressional Pelvic Exam

Note: This political cartoon is from a concept originally suggested by Maryscott O'Connor, while on a live radio-blog show right here at Political Nexus.
If you listen to the audio of the show, she mentions an idea that kept popping into her head, involving a visit to her gynecologist, and joining them in the examining room is all of Congress -- taking notes, offering advice. So when clammy and thereisnospoon suggested that I illustrate her concept, I took the bait ! I took Maryscott's basic concept and flipped it around; somehow I felt it was an even more scathing indictment of Congressional intrusion into the intracacies of what ought to be confined to the doctor-patient relationship, by having it not in the Doctor's office, but in Congress itself.

The Limits of Privatitization

Why Police and Street Lights Fall Under Government Domain.

Conservatives love to turn to the free market as the solution for all ails--but even they acknowledge some services should fall under government domain. As the issue of health care and money in politics are poised to play an increasingly larger roll in the presidential primary, we'll talk about why certain services, like street lights and police, are off limits when it comes to privatization, and how understanding why can help democrats move forward on other issues.

Click below to listen

We The Powder

Don't Hijack My Thread - Thursday July 5

Join clammyc, thereisnospoon and theKK tonight at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT. Tonight's topics are as follows:

• Libby's "non-pardon" and the rule of law

• Democrats' Q2 fundraising numbers

• Moving past fear

• Fred Thompson and his connection to Nixon and Watergate

• The ever increasing and powerful "independent voter"
  

• Why do the republicans love Rudy?

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Call in number is 718-508-9410.

FrameWork: How to Talk About Health Care

With all the talk about health care and the buzz generated by SiCKO, how can Democrats take charge of the debate and deliver on an issue voters rank as one of the most important? We talk linguistic framing on the exact words to use when talking about progressive health coverage.

For Podcast or Download Click Here

Click Below To Listen:

Political Nexus: Show Recap

We here at Political Nexus have been on break this week so it's the perfect opportunity to catch up on some of the shows you might have missed:

FrameWork

Don't Hijack My Thread

On Topic

10 Minutes With

It's also an opportunity for us to look back on how far we've come in only a few short months. Currently there are four shows up and running, two of which are produced on a weekly basis. And we've covered a range of topics, from the Occupation Meme to Gonzales, Abortion framing to Iraq funding and of course interviews with some great guests, including MSOC, Armando/Big Tent Democrat and NyBri just to name a few. Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, callers and supporters! We appreciate all the help and encouragement you have given us over the last few months and look forward to seeing you next week for fresh installments of your favorite shows and, of course, a few surprise and currently still top secret interviews we have in the works.

Dick Cheney, a.k.a. The Grafter

King Karma

10 Minutes With: UnConventional's Raven Brooks!

June 22, 2007 @ 6:30pm PST/ 9:30pm EST
Listen Live.

Raven Brooks stops by to chat about the new print edition of UnConventional, YearlyKos: Citizens, Focus and Action, a project which chronicles the best of the blogosphere from last year's Yearly Kos.

The in-depth book covers the first YearlyKos convention. A team of four brilliant photographers led by Mona Brooks along with an editorial staff led by Hunter of Daily Kos fame, documented every aspect of the convention, from caucuses to keynote speeches, from volunteers to political heavy-hitters, so many Kos bloggers, and more.

The 292 page book combines complete convention coverage with personal essays about what being a progressive means, including submissions from Political Nexus hosts clammyc and thereisnospoon. All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to funding future YearlyKos conventions. The book is also available in ebook format.

The book is available here.

CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN

Don't Hijack My Thread! - June 20. With guest co-host dday

Join guest host dday (David Dayen), clammyc and theKK tonight at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT (please note the new time for tonight).

We will be discussing the following topics:

• Pace's firing as Joint Chiefs of Staff
• Bloomberg's (re)awakening
• Our healthcare system is SiCKO
• The Taliban's "spring offensive" is here
• Moving past fear

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Call in number is 718-508-9410.

FrameWork - June 18: An American Capacity for Evil: Apathy in the face of Bush foreign policy

Listen in on a very interesting (warning: adults only - bad words used) conversation between thereisnospoon and clammyc and hosted by theKK. We discuss the fact that many American's can't understand or fathom that our country's administration can commit atrocities towards others or our citizens without justifying it as "noble"...

Spoon and clammy refer to recent Daily Kos diaries they wrote and debate what it will take for someone strong enough to wake America up to the acts done in their name, and if the country is ready to hear and accept that.


Click HERE for a podcast.

OR Listen here:

The Firing Squad

Don't Hijack My Thread - Wednesday June 13

Join thereisnospoon, clammyc and theKK tonight at 9PM EDT/6PM PDT (please note the new time for tonight).

We will be discussing the following topics:

• Hans off our voting rights - Hans von Spakovsky's Senate hearing for the Federal Election Commission
• Evolution revolution - 70% of republicans don't believe in evolution
• Moving past a culture of fear
• Iran: funding the Taliban now; helping the US defeat them in 2001. What gives?
• The many faces of Joe Lieberman

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Call in number is 718-508-9410.

OnTopic with Armando/Big Tent Democrat: Funding the Occupation--Where Do We Go From Here?

Join clammyc and thereisnospoon for an interview with the netroots blogging force that is Armando/Big Tent Democrat, former front pager at Daily Kos and current contributor at Talk Left.

We'll talk Iraq funding and what Dems need to do to get out in front on this issue, hold Republican feet to the fire and deliver on an issue on which the public demands action. Armando navigates the tricky and often murky waters of what dems can, can't and should do on the issue voters identify as their largest concern going into the primary season.

Click HERE for a podcast.

OR Listen here:

FrameWork: Iraq and Immigration--Democrats Doing Poorly On Both Issues

Join theKK with thereisnospoon and clammyc. We'll discuss how capitulating to Bush on Iraq hasn't helped Dems and how the GOP has gained in public trust on the immigration issue by painting the Dems as amnesty promoters.

Click HERE for a podcast.

Hey folks. Dave the Rave here. Much gratitude to the Almighty Clamster, who has kindly invited me to post occasional political cartoons here at this burgeoning website. I'll mostly refrain from posting any commentary, as (hopefully) the political cartoons ought to speak for themselves. But I just wanted to introduce myself here to everyone, as this is my first contribution. I'll try to keep things lively. For future reference, I'll be more than happy to answer comments on given pieces; if someone feels anything presented here is too controversial, feel free to call me on it.

Three cheers to clammyc, thereisnospoon, hekebolos, and theKK for getting something like this started. It feels invigorating to be affiliated with something that, to my eyes, looks to be a veritable fountain for thirsty progressive-minded fellow travelers, lost in the wilderness of our current crisis. I hope this can genuinely become their nexus.

Don't Hijack My Thread - Wednesday June 6

Join thereisnospoon, clammyc and theKK, with special guest host cskendrick tonight at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT.

Bonus - calls from dday, keirdubois, lipris, GreyHawk and others.

We discussed the following topics:

• Pardon me? Libby gets 30 months
• Rolling back the praetorian presidency
• US Attorney purge - The scandal the culprits "do not recall" anything about
• The GOP debates - a new actor enters the ring

The following 2 topics will be held over for next week as we had so much fun with the others that we couldn't get to all of the topics....

• Third time not a charm - Bush's latest in a string of activist judicial nominees
• Moving past a world of "fear"

CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN




CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR FOR OTHER SHOWS

Call in number is 718-508-9410.

FrameWork - June 4: Right Wing Domestic Terrorism

We discuss the history of domestic terrorism, deconstruct the "fighting them over there so we don't fight them over here" lie and talk about how domestic terrorism and violence always seems to come from those groups affiliated with right wing extremists.


CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN

For download or podcast CLICK HERE

Don't Hijack My Thread! - May 30

clammyc, thereisnospoon and theKK take your calls and discuss the following topics tonight:

• Al Gore's new book
• The World Bank - meet the new boss....same as the old boss
• The Iraq War vs. "moral values"
• No confidence in a "no confidence vote"
• Cheney's order to destroy visitor logs - what is he hiding?
• Fighting AGAINST mandatory testing for mad cow disease?

Please join us HERE at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT by calling into (718) 508-9410.

FrameWork

Send in the adults! This week's show is, Responsible Adults and Spoiled Brats: Moving Beyond Lakoff's Strong Fathers and Nurturing Mothers.


thereisnospoon and clammyc talk about an alternative construct in light of current political realities.


CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN

Tonight (May 23)...on a "very special" Don't Hijack My Thread!....

In light of the recent/latest Iraq funding bill, thereisnospoon and clammyc are going to devote a substantial portion of tonight's show to Iraq and the next steps.

Please join us HERE at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT by calling into (718) 508-9410.

We will be discussing the new bill, the next steps, the portrayal by the media, the outrage by those on the left and a number of other related issues.

Don't Hijack My Thread - Wednesday May 16

clammyc and thereisnospoon cover all the bases:

• NSA Spying Program - willfully recertified illegally by Bush
• The Fort Dix Six and "fighting them over here"
• Iran's hardliners - are they in full panic mode?
• US Soldiers missing or captured in Iraq
• Refugee crisis in the Middle East
• Iraqi Parliament's summer vacation

CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN



For download or podcast CLICK HERE

FrameWork: The Biggest Tax Lie in History

We deconstruct the Republican lie about Bush's expiring tax cuts. Will he ride off into the sunset provisions, or will Democrats force him to keep his word? TheKK hosts clammyc and thereisnospoon in this 20 minute discussion of Republican machinations and good Democratic framing responses.

For download or podcast CLICK HERE

ON TOPIC: Ditching "Choice" & Changing the Abortion Frame, featuring MyLeftWing's Maryscott O'Connor

Join clammyc, thereisnospoon, and special guest Maryscott O'Connor, proprietor of MyLeftWing.com in a discussion on the framing of abortion. We explore why "choice" is a harmful and ineffective frame on the issue for progressives, and ways that Democrats can take back the honest ground in the debate and reverse the tide of setbacks befalling us.




CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN

For download or podcast CLICK HERE

"10 Minutes With..." Kossacks Under 35 Founder kath25

The Kossacks Under 35 Diary series has been one of the more successful and visible series on Daily Kos-attracting attention from the over 35 set as well as the whipper snappers.

Join theKK in conversation with kath25 to explore how the series got started and her evolving experiences in using the series to reach out to younger voters by creating a community focused on their specific needs and challenges.

Kossacks Under 35 posts every Thursday at 6 pm PST on Daily Kos

***Tonight's Diary is written by theKK and is Kossacks Under 35 Getting a Job: Beating the "Experience" Catch-22


CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

For download or podcast CLICK HERE

Don't Hijack My Thread! - May 9

• Diplomacy Hypocrisy
• Chevron/Condi/Oil for Food
• Global warming - it's worse that previously thought
• National Guard in Iraq – the impact on Homeland Security
• The French election results and what it means

thereisnospoon and clammyc talk shop with dday and hekebolos, and have a little "dust up" with an overzealous caller who thinks that all Congressmen (and women) who negotiate with foreign countries should be jailed.

Take a listen - it's a real hoot!!!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR PODCAST

Lots of cool stuff to announce

Wow. Things have gotten off to a pretty cool start. At least I think so. We have recorded five FrameWork shows and will be recording our fifth Don't Hijack My Thread! this Wednesday at 8PM EDT/5PM PDT. And to think we were hoping to have one or two recorded by the time we all got to YKos in August.

Last week we introduced our third "series", 10 Minutes With..., which are short interviews with some of the most interesting voices in progressive politics. Our first one is with Brian Keeler (NYBri), who was a founder of three community blogs (including The Albany Project and ePluribus Media) and also ran for NY State Senate in 2006.

We are happy to also tell you about some of the cool stuff that we have in store, as we hope to update the site with new content at least 3-4 times each week.

Dave the Rave will be bringing his very excellent original political cartoons to our humble site, so look for them over the next few weeks. And definitely check out Dave's stuff because it is top notch.

We plan to record at least two more segments of "10 Minutes With..." over the next couple weeks, featuring Juan Melli (founder of Blue Jersey and NJ's 2006 Politician of the Year), and "kath25" who founded the "kossacks under 35" series at Daily Kos. There will be more coming over the next few weeks too, so check back in.

We will also be recording the first segment of our fourth show, "On Topic", which is a 30 minute discussion on an important topic with guest voices. Our first segment will feature My Left Wing's own Maryscott O'Connor along with clammyc and thereisnospoon to discuss abortion and the incredibly inaccurate "pro choice".

Leftism and Rightism: Why Naming Matters and What's in a Name, Anyway?

Today we're taking names and kicking frames. Join hosts clammyc and thereisnospoon for a discussion of what's Leftist, what's Rightist and what's in the middle.

Read the Diary, More Proof of Media Bias: The Terrible Scourge of "Leftism" HERE

For download or podcast CLICK HERE