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Daily News Roundup: Obama’s Leaky Transition Team

Friday, November 21st, 2008

Obama’s cabinet picks continue to be leaked. Hill’s almost certain as Secretary of State, and now, rumors are floating that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson —after being rumored to be in conention for Sec. of State—is being tapped for Commerce Secretary. Meanwhile, Arizona Governor, Janet Napolitano is being tapped for Homeland Security.

Just as we were beginning to breathe a bit more easily…We hear that the stock market’s falling again, the credit crisis worsening and the recession set to become a likely mainstay in our lives for a longer, more difficult period of time than most had expected…

But there’s a silver…er gold…er whatever color it is…lining in gas prices we’ve witnessed finally come down slightly from their frightening heights in the $4 range to a more approachable $2.

Iraq remains a hotbed of chaos and discontent as today’s uproar centers around a George Bush effigy, located where Saddam Hussein’s statue once did, a thousands-strong crowd burned to protest the more than likely continuation of an American presence in the country until 2011.

Political junkies still hankering for an election fix can count their lucky stars for the Minnesota recount. Norm Coleman’s lead has been whittled down to less than 100 over Al Franken. However, there are still 800-plus challenged ballots, and more than 49% of precincts to be counted. Sure to be a nail-biter.

Angelina doesn’t simply have Brad whipped, she’s got the media under her thumb, too. Lara Croft’s got news outlets and tabloids doing her bidding. A saavy auto-PR maven, she’s become the uber-star at regulating her image. Seems if mags like People want photos of her nestlings, they can’t simply pay up with cash (which ends up in charity), they have to write about the causes Ms. Jolie supports. While it’s admirable to use popularity for a good cause, but if this rumor’s true, then how else can the media—and journalistic standards—be manipulated toward an infotainment end?

Daily News Roundup: Economy & Election Dominate Headlines

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

Is it a recession? The stock market went south this morning after Wachovia reported its big quarterly loss. The global markets have also tumbled down. Mortgage rates are at an 8-year low. And 41 states reported job losses in September. Plus, the U.S. had the highest level of mass layoffs, when employers let go of 50+ employees, since 9/11. Even tech giant, Yahoo is expected to layoff at least 1,500 employees.

The good news: credit markets improved as bank-to-bank lending rates declined. And there is a possibility of a second economic stimulus package after the presidential election.

Early voting rates is leading many election officials to forecast 2008 as record turnout year. And in many states, African Americans are “turning out in disproportionate numbers.”

However, an Albuquerque woman was recently turned away from the polls because she wore an Obama t-shirt. Apparently, New Mexico’s law prevents any campaign paraphernalia, including good ole tees, from appearing at the polls (but allows intoxicated people to vote). Hmm… So word to the wise, don’t wear your favorite Obama or McCain shirt to the polls.

With only two weeks left until Election Day, the most recent Pew poll has Obama leading McCain by 14 points. And the Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released today has Obama up by 10 points.

Palin’s in the hot seat big time now. In addition to “Troopergate”, Ms. Governor of Alaska has been accused of using the state’s money to fund her children’s travel to the tune of over $21,000. And to keep Palin looking her best on the campaign trail, the Republican Party has reportedly spent more than $150,000 on her wardrobe.

Although she has been called a role model for women, the owners of this web site are calling Palin an idiot. Ouch!

And speaking of potential role models (not!), Britney Spears case ends in a mistrial. The jurors simply couldn’t agree on whether Spears was driving without her license. Meanwhile, her song “Womanizer” is at the top of the Billboard music charts.