As far as I know Chris Dodd has yet to be given a speaking spot at the Democratic National Convention, which makes me wonder if he is going to end up being the choice for VP.
He has been a supporter of Obama since February. Will bring the "experience" the media keeps saying Obama needs. The Obama people have put him through the vetting process. Can speak Spanish and was once in the peace corps. Was also part of the U.S. Army Reserves and Army National Guard. Has been quite of late.
I know there are some negatives. Questions about the loan he got being a big one.
He's not my first choice, but I'm starting to wonder if he is going to end up being the choice.

Sorry, guys, this was just too good to pass up:

As he left his house for the second time today, he had a load of wood in the back of his pickup and told the assembled reporters, "Don't get hit (by the traffic), guys, I'm just going to the dump."

Upon his return from disposing of the logs, Biden pulled up in his pickup, saying he had nothing to report, but "I had a successful dump."

"I had a successful dump. I dropped everything at the dump. It all worked out and by the way I got a second load, guys, coming and if anyone wants to help me unload let me know, those stumps weigh about 150 pounds."

Yes, I'm still laughing. No, my sense of humor has not progressed beyond that of your average 12-year-old boy.

Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones is either dead or in critical condition after suffering a brain hemorrhage (there are both reports out there).  Tubbs Jones is one of the leading black women in the US House and was a high-profile supporter of Hillary Clinton during the primaries.

Jones was also dedicated to electing African Americans to the Congress, helping early on make sure Andre Carson would succeed to his grandmother's Indianapolis seat.  She also was a prominent supporter of racist Democrat Nikki Tinker in her race against Tennessee congressman Steve Cohen.

My thoughts are with her and her family today.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?do cID=news-000002939497

The following press release just hit my mailbox a few minutes ago.

Today the Obama Campaign and the Democratic National Committee announced a proposal to establish a special commission to recommend changes to the Democratic Party's rules for delegate selection and presidential primary timing for future presidential cycles. The proposal will be presented to the Convention Rules Committee on Saturday in Denver.

The 'Democratic Change Commission' will address three issues 1) changes to the opening of the window and pre-window, 2) reducing the number of superdelegates and 3) changes to the caucus system. The goal of the commission will be to ensure that no primary or caucus is held prior to the first Tuesday in March of 2012, with the exception of the approved pre-window states, whose contests would be held during February 2012.

"After the 56 contests in this historic primary season, our party is stronger and more energized than ever before -- with millions of new voters participating.  As we look to the future, we must continue to strengthen the process and ensure a fair process in which the diverse voices in our party and our nation have a chance to be heard.  That is the essential role that the Democratic Change Commission can and will play, and we look forward to their recommendations," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean.

"Senator Obama is committed to working towards growing our party, improving our nominating process and ensuring as many people as possible participate in the process. Obama believes the Democratic Change Commission is an important and necessary step to achieving these goals," said Obama Campaign Chairman David Plouffe.

The Democratic Change Commission will be appointed by the new DNC Chairman and will consist of 35 members and two co-chairs. Membership will be divided between men and women and will be geographically and demographically diverse. The Commission shall issue its report and recommendations to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee no later than January 1, 2010. The Commission will be established no later than 60 days after the date of the next election of the DNC National Chair.

Crossposted from MY LEFT WING

Keith Olbermann is very good at soundbite polemic; the rise in popularity of Countdown has as least as much to do with his inarguably charming personality as with Olbermann's ability to transform complex issues of modern political science into televised Reader's Digest versions both palatable and comprehensible to today's harried and confused American citizen.

Olbermann's genuinely outraged Special Comments -- the ones he aimed at Bush when he first started offering them on Countdown -- were things of beauty.

Lately, however, they've lost their impact. It started with the one he aimed at Hillary Clinton. They have become, successively, less effective with each attempt.

If he wishes to preserve the power of this particular element in his arsenal, if indeed it remains salvageable, Keith Olbermann ought to retire the "Special Comment." He must reserve its use for the truly heinous, the truly momentous, the truly "Special" -- or risk its becoming yet another Countdown number, no more nor less notable or effective a propaganda tool than the "Worst Persons" or "Bushed."

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Now they're saying she isn't dead?? In critical condition? CNN is confused.

Five term Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones just died. The Ohio congresswoman suffered a brain aneurysm yesterday while driving and was rushed to the hospital. Report just came in from CNN.

She was a superdelegate and one of Hillary Clinton's biggest supporters.

Updates coming shortly.

Cross-posted at Blue Jersey.

Josh Zeitz is the Democratic nominee in New Jersey's Fourth Congressional district. He is running against Republican Chris Smith, who has backed George Bush's economic and foreign policies and who serves as the chair of the anti-choice caucus in the House.

Chris Smith says that he wants to run on his record in Congress. Unfortunately, there are parts of his record that voters may find less than appealing. We are going to tell voters about some things Chris Smith doesn't want you to know about his record, like his vote against giving consumers all the information they need to make the right choices when buying food.

Salmonella in our vegetables is only the latest consumer safety crisis families have faced in recent years. From problems with drugs like Vioxx, Vytorin, and Avandia to poison in lead paint used in our children's toys and toxic substances in our toothpaste, our consumer safety protections have failed us. Consumer groups have been pushing for years to require all food imports to contain Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). One would think this is a fairly simple concept on which people in both parties could agree.

Incredibly, in 2005, Smith Opposed Country of Origin Labeling on Meat Products. The vote blocked the government from requiring labels that would tell shoppers from what country their meat comes. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) of food benefits American consumers and farmers. COOL provides U.S. raised products with a competitive advantage over foreign products because U.S. consumers, if offered a clear choice, choose fresh foods of domestic origin over foods of foreign origin.  

Origin information is essential to protecting consumers whenever specific health and safety problems arise that may be linked to imported foods. Risks include  diseases like mad cow disease in Canada and Europe.
(Associated Press, 6/8/05; Americans for Country of Origin Labeling, "Reasons for Labeling," (link) ; CRS Report for Congress, "Country-of-Origin Labeling for Foods: Current Law and Proposed Changes," 03/27/01; (link)) Smith, Christopher  (NJ/R) Y  2005 231 HR 2744 Failed 187-240

"Why did Chris Smith vote against protecting our food supply by requiring the labeling foreign food products clearly for consumers. Americans who prefer to buy American should be given that option, and Chris Smith's opposition to this measure is senseless," said Josh Zeitz Campaign Manager Steve D'Amico.

The campaign is entering a critical phase and we need your support. You can contribute at Josh's ActBlue page. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact ian_at_joshzeitz_dot_com. Please visit Josh's website to learn more about why we need to elect Josh to Congress.