Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:””; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} John McCain’s campaign is now confirming that his running mate will be Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, according to practically every news organization covering the campaign. Surprised? I am. I hadn’t seen her name, even among the long-shots, until Thursday. And if you were reading this blog, you know that I thought … Read More »

Well, it looks like Pawlenty is out, so I’m 0-2 on running mate picks. But it appears as if McCain the Maverick may be ready to pull a surprise and pick someone no one predicted. All attention has suddenly turned to little-known Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. Palin, 44, has served as governor for less than two years. She is the first woman governor in the history of … Read More »

What did you think of Obama’s speech? My initial reaction is that the best line of the night did not belong to Obama. It belonged to Barney Smith, a manufacturing worker from Marion, Ind., whose job was shipped overseas. He said he planned to vote for Obama although he has been a “loyal Republican” before now. He told the audience, “America can’t stand more of the … Read More »

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:””; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Last month, I wrote an editorial (“Paying less”) supporting a bill in Sacramento that would allow auto insurance companies to offer pay-as-you-go insurance to drivers willing to verify their mileage. The policies, already available in 34 other states, offer people a chance to pay less if they drive less – and … Read More »

Well, before I make my guess, let me start with who I don’t think will be Sen. John McCain’s choice for running mate. For example, Paris Hilton is out of the question. She would bring the youth and the financing he needs, but she would have to stop referring to him as “that wrinkly white-haired dude” and refrain from rolling her eyes every … Read More »

John McCain may and may not be naming his running mate on Friday in Dayton, Ohio. That setting has been expected for more than a week, but on Thursday the presumptive Republican nominee told a Pittsburgh radio audience that he hasn’t made up his mind. Something tells me his mind will be made up by Friday. Last week, I guessed right that Barack Obama would choose Joe Biden as his running mate. Everyone knows that a … Read More »

My favorite headline from today’s political coverage is this one: “Latest poll reveals 430 new demographics that will decide election.”And this one: “America needs to have a superficial conversation about race.” And this breaking story: “Cheney to speak at Republican Convention from Section 109, Row 56, Seat 3″Yes, they’re all from the same source, the Onion, which is offering special coverage of the Democratic National Convention in Denver … Read More »

Hillary Clinton’s speech fired up the party faithful at the Democratic convention in Denver — and probably pleased the Barack Obama campaign immensely. The convention opened with fears that unhappy Clinton supporters might spoil Obama’s party. But her speech is likely to contribute to a post-convention bump that should last at least until the Republicans wrap up their convention next week. Clinton weaved endorsements throughout a 30-minute speech, starting with the first … Read More »

“So far, it’s been inspiring and predictable.” That’s an assessment of the DNC from Stephen Gale, the newly elected chair of the Sonoma County Democratic Party. When I talked to Gale, a Santa Rosa resident, today, he said, “Nothing really happened on the first day that I didn’t expect. The appearance of Kennedy was exceptional,” but Democrats had been told that was a … Read More »

Sen. Ted Kennedy’s unscheduled appearance tonight was certainly the emotional highlight of the first day of the convention, surpassing Michelle Obama’s eloquent address. (In case you missed it, click here for a video. To see a photo gallery, click here.) But who cared? Also, how can Sen. Hillary Clinton hope to top this on Tuesday night? Kennedy looked and sounded pretty good for someone … Read More »