• You’re not on the list. [Fishbowl/GQ] • Everyone’s a consultant: “[Y]ou’ve got to stop – excuse me for being blunt – you’ve got to stop getting involved in the way people are fighting each other, chewing you up a little more.” [AP] • I’m shocked, shocked: “The host committees of 2008′s biggest political gatherings [...]

Giuliani’s comment that he, basically, was also a 9/11 rescue worker threatens to bring back with a vengeance memories of Rudy’s pre-9/11 personality. Immediately his pronouncement, the firefighters shot back, memorably: “On 9/11 all he did was run. He got that soot on him, and I don’t think he’s taken a shower since.” And today [...]

After the Rove news, the story that grabbed my attention this morning was the Washington Post‘s exposé on the constellation of organizations controlled by right-wing luminary Linda Chavez and her husband Christopher Gersten. Matthew Mosk reports that the foundations and PACs operated by the couple and their immediate family have raised tens of millions over [...]

Paul Mirengoff has an interesting assessment of why the Tommy Thompson campaign failed. It’s certainly true that Thompson (a) had real, valuable and creative governing experience but was (b) charismatically challenged to the point of near-paralysis. But there were two other factors in Thompson’s demise as well: First, being a governor isn’t as important as [...]

• Romney pet’s “airtight” carrier was totally humane… except if it really was “airtight,” right? [C&L] • I think an intervention is warranted: Chris Matthews told CNBC’s Erin Burnett: “[Y]ou’re beautiful” and “[y]ou’re a knockout,” before closing the interview by saying, “It’s all right getting bad news from you.” [Media Matters] • And then there’s [...]

Well, this is a surprise. I thought Karl would be there to turn out the lights and write naughty graffiti on the walls to greet the new administration in 2009. Some hints about why Rove is actually leaving can be found in this excellent piece in The Atlantic by Josh Green, in which it is [...]

Karl Rove is leaving the White House to spend more time orchestrating a whispering campaign against his family. UPDATE: Sure, it’s tempting to speculate that Rove is leaving because, finally, there’s some kind of investigation (just reach into the Congressional Record and pick one) that’s made his stay at the White House untenable. Here’s a [...]

The Governor, Secretary of State and Democratic Party chairman in Iowa decide it’s time to stop the madness, though it still looks like Iowa voters will be going to the caucuses about the time they are taking their Christmas trees to the curb: Governor Chet Culver and IDP Chair Scott Brennan Certify Friday, August 10, [...]

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