For the first time this year, Rasmussen's projections have President Bush leading John Kerry in the electoral college. The current standings: 200 for Bush, 190 for Kerry, and 148 votes in the toss-up catagory. Additionally, for the second day in the last three, Bush leads Kerry 47% to 46% among those surveyed.

Favorability Ratings

From Drudge:

Kerry’s favorability rating is at to 44% favorable and 33% unfavorable, down from 53% favorable and 29% unfavorable in early August. Bush’s favorability rating is at to 46% favorable and 39% unfavorable. More than half (53%) have a favorable opinion of Laura Bush, while 25% have a favorable opinion of Teresa Heinz Kerry .

More Kerry Fibs?

Wow, this is pretty crazy. The former Secretary of the Navy is claiming he never wrote the glowing praise on John Kerry's Silver Star citation, nor did he sign the document. This is getting ridiculous. http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-lips28.html

A Disgrace: Team USA Basketball and Baseball

Since the beginning of time, we Americans have always been able to say this to the rest of the world: "We can kick your ass in basketball and baseball." Today, however, the men's basketball team lost its third game of this Olympics (surpassing the total number of losses for the men's hoops team in the entirity of US men's Olympic basketball history) and can win at best the bronze metal. The men's US baseball team is even more of an embarassment. After winning the gold in 2000, they didn't even make the Olympics! I guess we can still be sort of proud to say: "We can kick your ass in WOMEN'S basketball and baseball."

Anyway, this will all be forgotten when the US soccer team wins its first World Cup (and they eventually will). We have the best athletes on earth. Although hoops didn't work out, we are again dominating the overall Olympic standings. As more young athletes take up soccer, our team gets stronger and stronger. We will win one of the next three cups and all of Latin America and Europe will declare war on us. What's going to be really sweet about it is that the American people as a whole won't even care that we won it, while the rest of the world will simmer in jealousy. Nothing's better than laughing at the misery of others.

P.S. If we had brought our A team instead of our C+ team in men's hoops, we would have easily dominated. Which Argentinian is gonna gaurd the Diesel?

Read About Baseball's Best Franchise

Here's a good article about the Atlanta Braves: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=rogers_phil&id=1867531

The Governator's Yard Sale

This is what I'm talking about! Arnold has promised to eliminate California's deficit, and he's doing simple things to get it done. This weekend, the State of California is holding a yard sale on the lawn of the state capitol (no, I'm not joking). California, like all states, has acquired a bunch of excess junk over the years. Instead of letting it rot or go to waste, Arnold is selling it all off. Items include cars, computers, furniture, and over 30,000 pairs of scissors. The sale is predicted to raise millions of dollars. What a great idea! If more politicians were willing to take Arnold's no nonesense approach, the government would be able to use our money more efficiently and we'd all pay lower taxes. I want W to have a national yard sale on the White House lawn ASAP.

Good New Band

I saw a pretty cool new band play last night called Something for Rockets. They've got a rock sound similar to the Hives mixed with electronica beats. I don't know if you can download or stream songs off their website, but I like the song, "Take It Slow". Check 'em out. Apparently they play around LA often, and have a CD at Amoeba (sp?) Records.

Who Are You People?

So in this blog's short life, I've gotten way more hits than I ever anticipated. Who are you people, and how are you finding my blog?

If You DO Like Kerry...

If you like Kerry, check out this website. These T-shirts are really cool. www.politipunk.com

You'll Only Like This If You Like Heavy Metal

This link is hilarious! The whole site is great, but I especially like this top ten list: http://ruthlessreviews.com/top10/10blackmetal.html

Also, see Glen Danzig get his ass kicked! This is awesome. To see it, go half way down the page to where it says, "AZ Punk Video Exclusive". I still love Danzig, though. http://azpunk.com/

A Rant Against the Government

As a Libertarian, I am constantly upset by the amount the government intrudes into our lives. Yesterday, I got a ticket when I picked my cousin up at the airport in front of a red curb. I was stopped for less than 30 seconds, but the officer insisted on giving me a ticket. This is insane! I harmed no one. If the officer really didn't want me to stop there, he wouldn't have made me sit there for an additional 5 minutes while he filled out the ticket. Its all a scam so that the government can extort money from us. Its just like with speeding tickets. If the government really wanted us to stop speeding, they would raise the fine to $10,000. No one would ever speed. They set the fine just low enough so that people WILL speed and they can continue to steal from us. Its an absolute joke.

A Negative Word on Bush

I realize I have spent the majority of this blog bashing Kerry. In the spirit of fairness, I would like to point out that I have heard absolutely nothing from George Bush in regards to what he plans to do with the next four years (although, for the most part, the same can be said for Kerry). My wishlist for Bush's next term:
1) Comprehensive tax reform and/or the adoption of a national retail sales tax.
2) Drastic, across the board spending cuts.
3) Social Security reform (namely, allowing me to invest my own damn money!)

Kerry's Connection to 527's

So a Bush lawyer resigned yesterday because he had advised the swift boat vets. Kerry is convinced the group is a "front" for the Bush campaign. Here is a list of Kerry campaign members and their links to 527's: http://georgewbush.com/KerryMediaCenter/Read.aspx?ID=3367

Link to My Blog!

If you have a website or a blog, feel free to link to me! I will link to you, also.

John

Anarchists at the Convention

Read this article: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/story/225855p-193988c.html. These people are total idiots. I'm all for freedom of speech and expression, but what the hell is vandalizing a McDonalds or Starbucks going to solve. I don't even really understand the connection between McDonalds and Starbucks and the RNC. If I'm not mistaken, the owner of Starbucks is a major Democratic donor (but I may be mistaken on that one).

Additionally, one group wants to throw molitov cocktails at military recruiting offices. I certainly hope the soldiers inside open fire on these morons as soon as anything like that begins.

This kind of extremism certainly doesn't reflect the left as a whole, but just as the KKK and other right wing groups make the right look ridiculous, this hurts the image of the left. Most of these "anarchists" are probably punk kids that dropped out of high school, but weren't talented or ambitious enough to start a band. They probably have very little knowledge of the actual issues at hand.

My Opinion on 527's

I heard an interesting piece on NPR regarding the 527 ads, and I agreed with what the reporter had to say. His belief is that, since 527 groups are acting outside the grasp of the parties, they are able to make more ridiculous and outlandish claims. The ads sponsored by the parties have a tendancy to be more tame because they want to appeal to a broad range of voters. Additionally, party sponsored ads are more accurate than 527 ads. It seems that the campaign finance regulations have exacerbated some of the problems they were attempting to fix.

The reporter also believed that extreme 527 ads on both sides have the effect of pushing voters away from the candidate they are trying to help because most viewers hold more moderate views than the advertisements. I don't know if this is true or not.

New Swift Boat Ad

If you're interested in seeing the next swiftboat ad (the don't air here in California because its not a "swing state"), click here: http://www.swiftvets.com/

Momentum

It seems that Bush is really building momentum as we move towards convention time. If the convention is a slam dunk, Bush could leave with a sizeable advantage in the polls. It will be interesting to see whether or not Kerry's lack of post-convention bounce was due to a lack of interest on the part of the American people towards Kerry, or if it is a refelection of the closeness of the race. I believe it is the latter, but I'll be proven wrong if Bush gets a big bounce.

More Posititve Polling News For Bush

From http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Presidential_Tracking_Poll.htm

Thursday August 26, 2004--The latest Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll shows President George W. Bush attracting 47% of the vote while Senator John Kerry earns 46%. The Tracking Poll is updated daily by noon Eastern.

This is the first time since August 9 that Bush has had an advantage over Kerry in the Rasmussen Reports Tracking Poll. He has not been ahead by more than a single percentage point since July 20. The President has been at 46% or 47% of the vote for fourteen consecutive days.

Today is also the first time in three weeks that Kerry has slipped to the 46% level. Kerry has now been at 46% or 47% for five consecutive days. Before that, he was at 48% of 49% for ten out of eleven days.

Our latest Florida poll from Tuesday night shows Bush at 49% and Kerry at 47%. Earlier in the month, Kerry was ahead, 47% to 45%.

Also, a survey conducted Monday and Tuesday night found that 45% of voters nationally say Bush is more honest and trustworthy than Kerry. Thirty-nine percent (39%) take the opposite view.

While debate has raged about past military service of the candidates, 46% of voters say that Bush has a better vision for the future of Iraq than Kerry. Thirty-eight percent (38%) say Kerry has a better vision for Iraq

Bush Leads Kerry in LA Times Poll

Here's a snippet from the LA Times:

For the first time this year in a Times survey, Bush led Kerry in the presidential race, drawing 49% among registered voters, compared with 46% for the Democrat. In a Times poll just before the Democratic convention last month, Kerry held a 2-percentage-point advantage over Bush.

For more click here: http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/timespoll/la-na-poll26aug26,1,891368.story?coll=la-home-headlines

More Kerry Tall Tales

On numerous occasions, Kerry claimed to be in Cambodia on Christmas. He now admits that this wasn't the case. In similar news, Kerry previously stated that he remembers recieving the news of the assasination of Dr. Martin Luther King while in Vietnam. The problem: King as murdered on April 4, 1968. Kerry didn't get to Vietnam until November 1968 according to Kerry's own website! What a liar!

Two nights ago on Hardball, Chris Matthews called these inconsistencies "creative liscence". I call them repeated, blatant lies that serve to show Kerry in a more heroic light. I guarantee that if Bush was proven to have told similar lies, Matthews would crucify him and so would the rest of the media.

I don't even understand why Kerry feels the need to lie like this. He served our country with heroism. Piling lies on top of what was already an honorable record only taints the good things he did do.

Tom Brady to Speak at RNC?

Just as I predicted Tom Brady would win a third Superbowl MVP this year, I read that he might be a speaker at the RNC. Although I admit he probably knows about as much about politics as Ben Affleck, he is very popular with young people in Boston. He could swing a few votes Bush's way, especially in Michigan where Brady played his college ball. I knew there was some reason I liked this guy!

Here's the link: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/scorecard/

Bush Takes the Lead in FL

According to the latest Gallup poll, Bush has taken the lead in Florida, although the 2% lead is still within the survey's margin for error. Previously, Kerry had led by 1%. This is great news for Bush, who continues to build momentum in battleground states as he leads up to the RNC. For more on how the race is shaking out, check out this site: http://www.electoral-vote.com/

2004 Football Prediction

OK, since the college and pro football seasons are about to start, I figured I would throw my predictions out there.

College: UGA beats Oklahoma in a close championship game, 24-20. Jason White of Oklahoma repeats as Heisman Trophy winner. The disappointment of the year is USC, who drops at least two regular season games, despite an easy Pac-10 schedule.

Pro: New England Patriots crush the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl. Tom Brady guarantees himself a place in the Hall of Fame by winning his third Super Bowl MVP Award. Michael Vick secures the first of many NFL MVP awards.

Care to argue?

Kerry continues to complain

It gets more and more amazing. John Kerry continues to complain about the 527 ads. Max Clealand wants Bush to order the Swift Boat ads off the air. There are two major problems here: First, it would be illegal under the most recent campaign laws for Bush to tamper with any 527 ads. Candidates are not allowed to collude with 527's. Although Kerry doesn't have a case when he asks Bush to remove the ads, he WOULD have a case if Bush actually had them removed because that would take some form of collusion between the Bush campaign and the 527's. Second, Pro-Kerry 527's have spent $60 million in advertising so far without a peep from the Bush camp. How much have pro-Bush 527's spent (including the swifties)? $3 million! That's it. A 20 to 1 ratio and Kerry is whining.

The only reason Kerry is making such a big deal out of this is because the ads are hurting him badly...especially in key battleground states. By continuing to focus on it, Kerry is only keeping the story alive. He hasn't been able to do anything but refute these charges for the last two weeks. I love it.

Finally, a rock star that gets it!

I'm tired of hearing from these stupid rock stars and celebrities who use their bully pulpit to forcefeed us their political opinions. Apparently, so is one rock star. Here are the wise words of Alice Cooper:

"If you're listening to a rock star in order to get your information on who to vote for, you're a bigger moron than they are. Why are we rock stars? Because we're morons. We sleep all day, we play music at night and very rarely do we sit around reading the Washington Journal."

That's awesome!

Al-Sadr Ready to Negotiate AGAIN

OK, this is getting ridiculous. Every time we're about to capture, or better yet, kill Al-Sadr, he suddenly wants to negotiate. As soon as we back off, he starts up his war machine again. I thought it was official US policy NOT to negotiate with terrorists; and there's not doubt about it, this guy IS a terrorist.

The coalition is stuck between a rock and a hard place here. We can't damage the mosque for fear of hurting local public opinion. At the same time, these guys are using the mosque as fortress (which in my mind nullifies it as a "holy" place, but that's beside the point). I heard a solution to this problem on TV yesterday. We set up a perimeter around the mosque. No one goes in or out. Any plane that flies overhead attempting to bring supplies is shot down. Without food or water these guys have to surrender or die. The mosque is unharmed, and the bad guys are arrested. What do you think?

People in Florida Is Smart

I got this off http://www.newsoftheweird.com. This site rules. Definitely check it out. Anyway, being from GA, I can't help but poke fun at our neighbors down south.

Recurring Themes
Games Floridians Play: Shannon Kramer, 35, was hospitalized with serious burns after (according to police) trying to toss a lighted firework at his girlfriend from his car during an argument; however, he overestimated the burn time, and it went off in his hands (Jacksonville, Fla., March). And Aravis Walker, 23, was killed when his car exploded during a session in which he would light fireworks and toss them out the window at passersby; one of the fireworks didn't clear the window but ricocheted to the back seat, where it ignited the rest of Walker's fireworks. [WKMG-TV (Orlando), 3-29-04] [WKMG-TV, 6-29-04]

Kerry Contacts Swifty Foe

On Sunday night, John Kerry personally contacted Robert Brant, a swift boat veteran that worked closely with Kerry in Vietnam and now strongly opposes his campaign for presidency. When I first saw the headline, I was prepared to be impressed. It takes a big person to call and ask forgiveness from someone after so man years. Kerry didn't offer an apology, however, and what he said instead seems even more insulting. Here's an exerpt of the conversation:

KERRY: "Why are all these swift boat guys opposed to me?"
BRANT: "You should know what you said when you came back, the impact it had on the young sailors and how it was disrespectful of our guys that were killed over there." [Brant had two men killed in battle.]
KERRY: "When we dedicated swift boat one in '92, I said to all the swift guys that I wasn't talking about the swifties, I was talking about all the rest of the veterans."

ALL THE REST OF THE VETERANS!!!! If I was a veteran I would be seriously pissed. Apparently his comments accusing US soldiers of war crimes was pointed at EVERYONE in the military except swiftboat veterans. I seriously doubt those that served in 'Nam are going to like this.

Additionally, the quote shows how out of touch Kerry is with the common veteran. "Why are all these swift boat guys opposed to me?" Don't be ridiculous John. Maybe its because you pointed a finger of blame at every soldier that ever served in Vietnam as soon as you came home. The quote shows that Kerry can't even grasp why veterans would dislike him. AND ITS SO OBVIOUS! There is no reason to vote for this guy for President.

For more, check out Drudge: http://www.drudgereport.com/dnc98.htm

More Proof that Raising the Minimum Wage Hurts Employment

Do you believe that raising the minimum wage is good for employment? Then you're obviously not familiar with the concept of supply and demand. A new study offers even more proof of the harmful effects of raising the minimum wage. Not only does it raise unemployment levels overall, it even raises the likelihood of unemployment for those making minimum wage (the very group such raises are supposed to help). An increase in the minimum wage is a key to the Kerry-Edwards platform, and a horrible idea.

Here's the study: http://www.epionline.org/study_detail.cfm?sid=75

Office Max Commercial

I don't know if you've seen the Office Max commercial with the dude that dances. I love this commercial. This dude totally rules. Check it out: http://officemax.secureportal.com/

Put up or shut up: Kerry vs. O'Neill

John O'Neill, author of the best selling book, "Unfit for Command", has issued a challenge to John Kerry. If ANYTHING in his book is false, O'Neill thinks Kerry should sue him. Kerry has repeatedly threatened suit against TV stations that air the ads propogating O'Neill's claims, although the ads continues to be shown.

If O'Neill is lying, I think he should be prosecuted. Although I would never vote for Kerry, he seems like a pretty decent guy. I have a hard time believing he would lie about his Vietnam service to such a great extent. At the same time, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of veterans that refute Kerry's claims. Could they all be lying? That's tough to believe also. It will be interesting to see how this thing shakes out.

For more on O'Neill's challenge, click here: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=40096

Hangover's Cost UK Economy $5 Billion

A new study in the UK has found that hungover employees cost the country's economy over $5 Billion. I know a couple of guys in the UK that personally contribute about $2 Billion of that loss. For more click here: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/page.cfm?objectid=14561370&method=full&siteid=50143

Bush Denounces Ads

So Kerry has been whining about the swift boat ads claiming the organization, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, is a "front" for the Bush campaign. Repeatedly, Kerry has asked Bush to denounce ads from the group that criticize Kerry's military service and his ability to lead our country. Today, Bush denounced ads from special interest groups from both sides, including those from the Swift Boat Veterans.

I don't think Kerry was expecting Bush to actually apologize, and now that Bush has, I'm sure Kerry wishes he hadn't asked for an apology from the President. Kerry is currently relying on 157 organizations to provide almost all of his TV advertising so that he can save money for the end of the campaign. Additionally, Kerry is backed by dozens of such organizations that have raised far more money than the Swift Boat Veterans. The Swift Boat Veterans have currently raised about $160,000 for their campaign against Kerry's military record. Pro-Kerry groups, Media Fund, America Coming Together, and Moveon.org have combined to raise almost $60 Million! Does Kerry have to come out and denounce these groups now? It seems only fair.

The Return of Nipplegate

So, now Janet Jackson is claiming the Bush Administration used her "wardrobe malfunction" in order to distract the American people from Iraq. Totally ridiculous! Janet is certainly milking the nipple incident for all the PR its worth (no pun intended). For more, check out Drudge Report: http://www.drudgereport.com/flash5.htm

Hot British Chicks!

Wow! These three British chicks are triplets and they're all going to college together. You're doing yourself a diservice if you don't click on this link. That dorm is gonna rule.

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-13197334,00.html

Welcome to the Straight Scoop!

My name is John Minnix. Thanks for stopping by my weblog! I've always got a lot to say about the world situation, but everyone gets tired of hearing it, so I figured that I might as well start a blog. I will try to keep this blog up to date with interesting and current news from around the globe.