James Kotecki, that super-witty and super-quick political commenter (I know, but I don't know what other word to use to describe his special brand of political journalism), has a special "Softball" version of his usual online show. In this three minute clip, Kotecki is out-thought, out-maneuvered, and out-hit at every turn by his own guest!

Watch as he gives Emma Thompson a run for her horror money.

History catches up with the GOP

What happens to the loser?

George Stephanopoulos reviews Obama's informercial: "A virtuoso performance"

American "socialism" explained

"Don't Let Up!"
and "Don't Speak for Me, Sarah Palin!" (to "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina!")

Here is Obama's informercial. Andrew Sullivan said, "I'm sorry but I cannot even begin to watch the Obama infomercial tonight. I can't take any more." Election fatigue has hit everyone, not just Whoopi. Did you see her on The View yesterday? Even Elisabeth looked politically spent. I managed to, but after it was over I wasn't quite sure why it had been produced. There was nothing new mentioned, but I suppose if you have the cash you might as well spend it . . . .

Nick Anderson, copyright 2008 Universal Press Syndicate

The mother of Aeryn Gilleran (the gay man who has been missing for a year) returns to Austria to find out what happened to him.

Crist declares voting state of emergency


Elizabeth Dole is getting her ass kicked by Kay Hagan. So this is Dole's hysterical sucker punch. This could be my favorite political commercial. "There is no Go-ud!"

Interactive map of early voting results

Obama informercial a good idea?

Dianne Feinstein speaks out against Prop 8. Finally.

Gay City News interviews with Dave Noble, who left his post as public policy and government affairs director at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, to join Obama's campaign. From the interview:

Asked specifically if Obama would reiterate his calls for action on key gay issues early in 2009, Noble was circumspect.

"I wouldn't speak for what bills he would push for in which months, and I believe there will be movement in Congress in the near future as well," he said. "With larger majorities, we will see a lot of progressive legislation on issues across the board."

. . . Obama, of course, is not a supporter of marriage for same-sex couples, but he has adopted an otherwise ambitious position that would give federal recognition to whatever legal rights and benefits couples enjoy in their home states. He also supports repeal of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. In a nation that does not even have a fair employment law, that's a tall order.

. . . Even as Noble talks about all these issues in his drive to crank up the gay vote in two weeks, he acknowledges the cynicism that often undermines LGBT confidence in the political process.

"I think it makes sense for some LGBT voters to be concerned," he said. "The fact that we are just passing ten years since Matthew Shepard's murder without a hate crimes bill is discouraging to lots of LGBT voters."

He was quick to add, however, that at no time during that decade did Democrats hold both the presidency and Congress, which will certainly be the case if Obama is elected.

Read the full interview at Gay City News.

Possible roles for David Axelrod in an Obama administration

A letter to the President-elect: "This is a sobering moment in American history. You begin with a good deal of popular support, but mandates must be replenished. I suggest you think of the Oval Office as a classroom, and explain to the American people what we need to accomplish and what it will require."

McCain out of ideas

McCain aides take a swipe at Palin: "She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," this McCain adviser said. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else. Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom."

Obama responds to McCain's Meet The Press interview