The Hollywood Liberal

Deep Bench

In 2004, I could plausibly do a “Veepstakes Handicapping” because the list of possibilities was limited.

Now, the list of plausible swing-state governors, respected Senators, intriguing fresh faces and elder statesmen in the Democratic party is so long, there’s no way to do it with any confidence.

It’s a sign of a deep bench, and a healthy party.

First Lady admires Hillary Clinton
First lady Laura Bush said Monday she admired the “grit and strength” Hillary Rodham Clinton demonstrated in the Democratic Party’s long, hard-fought primaries, but said she would want to see a Republican woman as president. She also came to the defense of Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle, who’s been harshly criticized by Republicans for saying last February in a Wisconsin campaign appearance that for the first time in her adult life she’s proud of the United States.

Gates hints at Cold War redux
Defense Sec: US nuke arsenal needs to compete with Russia’s stockpile.

Medal Of Honor Recipient?s Father: Bush Must Sign The GI Bill If He Wants To Show Appreciation For Troops
Last week, President Bush presented Tom and Romayne McGinnis with a posthumous Medal of Honor for their son, Private First Class Ross Andrew McGinnis. Ross was killed in Iraq in December 2004 when he threw his body in front of a grenade to protect four of his fellow soldiers, saving their lives. Bush praised Ross’s […]

Last week, President Bush presented Tom and Romayne McGinnis with a posthumous Medal of Honor for their son, Private First Class Ross Andrew McGinnis. Ross was killed in Iraq in December 2004 when he threw his body in front of a grenade to protect four of his fellow soldiers, saving their lives. Bush praised Ross’s heroism, and pledged to “never forget” the soldiers “who came forward to bear the battle” for “freedom and security” in Iraq:

The day will come when the mission he served has been completed and the fighting is over, and freedom and security have prevailed. America will never forget those who came forward to bear the battle. America will always honor the name of this brave soldier who gave all for his country, and was taken to rest at age 19.

Ross’s father, Tom McGinnis, is holding Bush to his word. The next day, McGinnis called on Bush to sign the 21st Century GI bill, while speaking at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes induction:

Our troops when they get home also need our support. … They need to be able to continue their education where they left off. And so I say thank you to the Senate and House who have helped to pass the new GI bill. Now this GI bill only needs the signature of the President of the United States to become law. And I think it’s time that George Bush can sign this bill and make it law to show his appreciation for the support these loyal youth have given him.

Watch it:

McGinnis told the Army Times that he felt he had to seize the opportunity to speak out about the bill while in Washington: “If I didn’t do it when I was down there at the Pentagon or the White House, one of the two, when will I ever have the chance to make an impact?”

Both Bush and the Pentagon oppose Webb’s GI bill. A Pentagon spokesman said it was inappropriate to award educational benefits “after only” two years of service. Opponents of the bill misleadingly cite a Congressional Budget Office report to claim that the bill would harm retention rates, ignoring the report’s finding that the bill would encourage 30,000 new recruits every year.

In threatening to veto the bill, Bush is ignoring the substantial majority of both houses of Congress, along with an overwhelming majority of American citizens. Will Bush also ignore the father of one of America’s greatest heroes?

Transcript: (more…)

Bush Delivers Remarks Before Departure to Europe
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: Good morning. I’m just about to leave for Europe. I’m looking forward to my trip.

The Trail
RALEIGH, N.C. — Barack Obama launched a two-week economic tour Monday by blasting John McCain’s platform as akin to a third term for President Bush.

‘Bush Lied’? If Only It Were That Simple
Fred Hiatt, Washington Post

When Dems Are Against the War, They Win
John Nichols, The Nation