Will.i.am Reveals Part Two

Will.i.am, Jessica Alba, George Lopez, and Theodore Huxtable!

These are powerful!

3am ad remix: Part one and two

Thanks to RedState:

Thanks to the Obama camp:

Famous Five [DC Brunch]

The 5 Best Places for Brunch in D.C.

Tabard Inn (downtown)

This place feels like home. Once you walk in you’ll never believe you’re in the middle of the city. It is warm, cozy, and the food is great. The service is fast and courteous - but this place gets packed! Call ahead before you go.

Tunnicliffs (capitol hill)

This hill haunt is PERFECT for a weekend brunch. Their house Bloody Mary can help you take back Sunday and their omelets can’t be beat. You’re bound to see tons of hill staffers and other locals - tourists haven’t discovered this place yet. Also, limit yourself to two Mimosas, otherwise you’ll walk out and buy some crazy piece of art or a table shaped like a fish from Eastern Market. It has happened before.

Crème (U Street)

Bottomless Mimosas, good southern brunch food and the meal is about $20. Never too crowded and this is a great place to take a big group. There are plenty of bars in the neighborhood for day-drinking afterwards.

Martin’s Tavern (g-town)

Martin’s Tavern is a Georgetown tradition like no other. The place is always packed, but you can usually find a seat at the bar. This is a fun place to take an out of town guest who wants that Washington experience.

Merkado (logan circle)

This place rocks, but be prepared to take back Sunday. Lots of energy, lots of light - cool, hip and GREAT food.

Touche’

From the Politico: Another 3 a.m. call

My colleague Carrie Budoff Brown e-mails from an Obama campaign conference call (big day for conference calls):

A reporter asked whether Clinton should drop out after Ohio and Texas. Obama adviser Richard Danzig responded:

“I would encourage you on March 5 to call Sen. Clinton at 3 a.m. and ask that question.”

*Danzing was refering to this ad Team Clinton just dropped:
 

I’m not a player I just crush a lot

Pershing’s Player of the week: Mitch McConnell [always about the Senate]

San Fran reporter and his hate-filled predictions

In a move that will send shockwaves through the left-leaning main stream media and its credibility - a SF Gate columnist has penned what he thinks the GOP’s playbook will be for Obama - if nominated. [sarcasm]

Right now, deep in the GOP dungeons, they’re planning their racist, disgraceful assault. Whatever will it be?

Mark Morford, a huge fan of the GOP, is mostly known for his satiric and often times unpredictable writing nature.  And while he may come off as an ultra-progressive, most, if not all of the time, his latest column goes beyond the pale.  Yet, to no one’s surprise.

Here’s Morford eloquently popping McCain for his lack of having a true internal strategist:

What’s more, he has yet to hire one. There’s no true genius hate artist like Karl Rove around anymore to attempt to unify the racists and the white evangelicals and the Latinos and the war-lovers into one giant, seething, Obama-fearing voting bloc.

…Pockets of racist hate in this nation that have never really been tested, pockets of such vehement intolerance and power that it’s impossible to know what demons lurk, what sort of outrage will erupt. After all, there is simply no historical precedent for what we are about to get into. No one with Obama’s uniquely appealing makeup has ever made it this close to the White House.

Perhaps Mark’s looking to start a few fires [shocker] and increase is name ID.  Perhaps his google alerts have slowed down - whatever the case, if he’s slapped on the wrist for his words, it won’t be the first time.

In 2001 he was suspended for his comments on a sexual relationship between a teenage male student and an older female teacher. In 2003 he was suspended again, this time without acknowledgement from management, for violating Chronicle guidelines by including a curse word in his email newsletter, The Morning Fix (see below), without express permission [wikipedia]

In graph seven, Mark wishes his GOP friends “luck.”  I offer the same, Mark.  And this google alert, that is sure to find your inbox.

We’re All Famous DC

From your parent’s basement to K St., according to the Wall Street Journal,  in “New-Media World,” everyone sounds like an inside beltway wonk [and everyone’s got a blog].

WSJ looks into the tip sheets and web sites that drive the politically plugged in chattering class - from Mark Halperin to JoMa to Rick Klein - and all the stops inbetween.

Speaker Pelosi, poster child for confidence

Regardless of whether influential members of her party agree with her or not, Speaker Pelosi is sticking to her guns - a move that might prove detrimental if the FISA saga drags on any longer.

Pelosi, today during her press briefing, was asked: “Can you say today that you are 100 percent confident that the inability of Congress to pass the [Protect America Act] or an updated version of FISA is not placing the country at greater risk?”

The Speaker’s response: Yes, I can, 100 percent, or else we would have taken a different course of action.”

Only problem: Even her fellow Democrats say failure to pass Senate FISA bill “could place our national security at undue risk.”

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee: “Let me say something more. What people have to understand around here, that the quality of the intelligence that we are going to be receiving is going to be degraded. Is going to be degraded. It’s already going to be degraded.” (Senate Floor Remarks, 2/14/08)

To make her matters worse, the Blue Dog coalition of Democrats had this to say in a letter to House Leadership:

“We have it within our ability to replace the expiring Protect America Act by passing strong, bipartisan FISA modernization legislation that can be signed into law and we should do so - the consequences of not passing such a measure could place our national security at undue risk.”

It seems as if Speaker Nancy is confident that she knows what’s in the best interest of the United States. 

Time will certainly tell if perhaps she was overconfident.

Perez Politics: Republican spotted in Hollywood

According to the “Queen of all media,” Texas native Angie Harmon has announced that she’s backing Sen. John McCain for the White House.

Perez Hilton: The TV actress also claims that there’s a lot of McCain support in LA and that there’s an underground Republican party in the city of Angels. “There are a lot more people in L.A. voting for McCain than you think,” Harmon says.

Perez then begs the question: “Why go underground?” 

“Stand up and speak out for what you believe in, we say!”

Because they need future employment, that’s why.

More than just a (really) pretty face…

Angelina Jolie pens op-ed to the Washington Post, says we should STAY in Iraq

Latest Links

MSM blames Rove, again [shock then awed]
Nader picks running mate [cart before horse]
House full of feces may be leveled [pooh dive]
Just because [Fark]
Note: never store fireworks in oven [they’ll go boom]
When campaigning gets ugly [insert David Duke]

BREAKING: Third in line to throne fighting Taliban

As only Drudge could break and report… [”inspiration to all of Briton”]

Clinton patronizes the patrons

What does a presidential campaign looking for an edge do?  Answer: Make a crack about your “plan B.”

Hillary’s plan B, incase her team is unable to pull it off next Tuesday - look for employment at Bob Evans restaurant.

From the Trail Blog:  ”I’ll take your order,” Clinton joked with patrons on stools. “In case this other endeavor doesn’t work out, I know I can come back to Bob Evans.”

Unclear as to whether this cute move will offend hard working Americans who dine and/or work at the family owned chain - but time will tell.

And, incase she was actually curious - screen shot of available openings below:

Barack attempts a “pick up game” in Afghanistan

Shortly after Sen. Clinton flexed her foreign policy muscle at the Democratic debate in Ohio, her camp realized that it might be time to tout Obama’s foreign policy record - or lack there of.

Yesterday, CNN reported that the Clinton campaign “pounced” on Obama’s acknowledgement that he’d yet to hold a hearing since becoming chairman of the Senate subcommittee on Europe. Yet, it’s uncertain as to why it’s taken so long for them to ”pounce” on Obama, and his failed chairmanship. It’s almost as if they didn’t notice until it was right in their kitchen, served up on a platter- perhaps delivered by the RNC.

Or is this all part of their “strategy?”

Regardless, the Clinton Machine quickly cranked out calls emails to reporters:

Obama “did not hold a single oversight hearing because he was too busy running for president; the Barack Obama who spends his time talking about change you can believe in instead of change you actually can count on,” the e-mail stated.

This is the same Barack Obama who claimed the administration and John McCain “took their eye off the ball with regard to Afghanistan.”  A bold claim for someone whose committee has jurisdiction over NATO-related matters - which means being involved in Afghanistan.  But who’s counting.

“The reality is this man for 13 months has had a responsibility to hold oversight hearings on Afghanistan and the conduct of that war and has not done so.” (CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” 2/27/08)

Team Obama’s defense: “the senator has visited Iraq.” True.  But during that trip - he failed to visit Afghanistan. 

Who’s got their eye on the ball now?

Washington Prom: Round two

If your tux or dress is still at the cleaners, you best hustle to get it because the second prom event of the season is tonight.  [NPF dinner]

No worries if you’re late - Tony Snow and his band don’t perform until the after party.

Note: Watch which reporters and press flacks are dragging their feet tomorrow to see who had the most fun tonight.

Latest Links

Drudge Strikes Again [Kurtz Me One Time]
Daylight-Saving Time Actually Increases Energy Use [Best Laid Plans…]
Facebook redesign coming soon [poke me harder]
Rove: Don’t “Hussein” Obama [a wise man once said]
Myspace and TMZ form web channel [together at last]
Vice President Bloomberg? [aw shucks]
Boehner to undergo back surgery Friday [my neck, my back…]

Superdelegate musical chairs [Update: Need more chairs]

UPDATE: Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston, as defected from Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and joined the growing list on Sen. Obama’s side.

Strangely enough, up until about 3 minutes ago, Rep. Thompson had previously endorsed Clinton and spoke about her endorsement on camera. 

Although she even seems confused as who she supports when asked the question.

*Note to Clinton webmaster: This will need tweaking as well.

According to CNN, Rep. John Lewis has now officially [although reports of this were leaked weeks ago] flip-flopped on his support of Clinton to Sen. Barack Obama in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“The respected voice on civil rights was one of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s most prominent African-American supporters.”

Sources say Lewis has apparently not told Hillary.  Perhaps he’s nervous about confronting her, or perhaps he doesn’t want to overload their web vendor with more work [see below].

Which superduper-awesome delegate will partake in musical chairs next?  It’s bound to happen, because the press coverage is outstanding.

I had a dream, so I blogged about it

The 24 hour news cycle covering the presidential race - fine, I can handle that.

The 234,000 blogs covering each candidate and their every move, guilty as charged.

The radio ads as I hear as I drive into work - whatever, I’ve got a CD player.

The TV ads - TIVO takes care of those, so not a problem.

But this … this is going to far: A blog that covers people’s dreams about Barack and Hillary.  [creepy]  

Reps send letter to Justice Department re: Clemens perjury

Just when Clemens was heading to spring training to toss a little BP, now he’s got this to deal with.

Letter to Attorney General after the jump… Read more

Agent Zero is practicing again

…And in perhaps even bigger news — his shoes sold out in New Orleans.From Gilbert’s blog:

… I Wasn’t in New Orleans, But My Shoes Were

My GilIIZeros sold out. Thirteen of the 20 pairs sold out at All-Star weekend. They haven’t been selling well because they’re underground and people are lazy. People only want to go to Foot Locker and the big athletic stores to find them, they don’t want to go to underground stores to find shoes. But my shoes were made for sneakerheads this year.

What exactly is an underground store?  Is that like a mall with a basement that only “sneakerheads” are able to find?

“Expectations game” catching on

“The Fix” has a new column up entitled “For Clinton, what defines a “win” on March 4?”  In his column he approaches the subject of where and what team Clinton must do in order to push on towards Pennsylvania.

Not everyone was so down on Clinton’s prospects. Nick Baldick, a senior party strategist and campaign manager for Edwards’s 2004 race, said that if Clinton can manage to win Ohio and Texas, she would effectively overturn the expectations game played by the media — a turnabout that would dramatically reshape the race and greatly increase her chances.

“Considering the expectations the press has set for her, if Senator Clinton wins both it will shock them and then the game is back on and everyone heads to Pennsylvania,” said Baldick.

Speaking of expectations and heading to PA, glad to see people may be reading our work.

Sad News [RIP]

From the AP: “An assistant says author and editor William F. Buckley Jr. has died.”

UPDATE: They’ve turned off comments at the Huffington Post, because they know what will happen: William F. Buckley Dead At 82 - Politics on The Huffington Post. h/t LGF

Mark Penn’s Port-a-potty problem

Leave it up to the New York Post for such wildly entertaining news:

“Hillary Rodham Clinton’s pit-bull pollster and chief strategist Mark Penn has his Washington, DC, neighborhood in an uproar. He recently started multimillion-dollar renovations on his house on O Street in Georgetown, but didn’t alert anyone beforehand, said one local.”

According to the Post, Penn is putting in an underground garage (smart) and a home office (might need that sooner than later).

So why are neighbors chapped.

” His yard is an ugly, huge gaping hole that looks like the descent into hell. Then he put a Port-a-Potty on the lawn.”

Clinton’s camp was called for comment, but surprisingly passed.

The Dems super “secret” stall tactics

The Democrats have decided the only way to do business these days, is if they do it secretly - and that means holding important FISA sessions behind “closed doors.”

“They believe that the more members know about it, the less likely they will be to support Bush’s wish to make it permanent.” [The Hill]

Boehner’s flack, Kevin Smith, claims the move is meant to slow the process down:

“There are clear rules and procedures for how Congress handles classified information,” Smith said. ”This nonsense is nothing more than another stalling tactic from a bunch of liberals who don’t want to give our intelligence officials all the tools they need to keep America safe.”

According to the Hill article, theses super duper “secret sessions” are very rare. Since 1830, the House has met behind doors only three times; 1979, 1980 and 1983.

While we await the verdict on these “closed door” meetings - it’s important to note that FISA expired 11 days ago.

Hillary flexes her foreign policy muscle [debate]

When asked who Putin’s successor is - Senator Clinton, well, needed a little help from Tim Russert … [whatever]

Clinton lashes out, loses control at debate [pillow talk]

It’s unclear as to what was going through Hillary’s head tonight during the final Democratic debate, but one thing was made certain … Senator Clinton needs more sleep.

After a lengthy and lively 16 minute discussion on healthcare, Brian Williams decided it was time to turn the discussion to NAFTA.

Hillary, unable to control her ramblings, decided to talk right through Williams’ transition [Note: Williams looked visibly upset with Clinton].

Then, when the Junior Senator from NY was asked the next question, she snaps - claims that she’s always asked the questions first, whines a bit more, tosses in a ill-timed Saturday Night Live reference and finishes off her bout of temporary insanity by suggesting that perhaps Obama needed another pillow.

The audience reaction [or lack thereof] … priceless. 

Oh hell, just watch it for yourself:

The latest links

Underestimating Obama [false sense of security?]
Captain Ed jumps ship for a “Hot Air” ride [solid]
The Rocket reports to camp [to throw BP?]
Not quite sure why this is news at all [hooptastic]
Biatches get stuff done [Fey on Hill]
One more debate [thank.goodness]
Richardson - still holding out on endorsement [the drama]
Big, tall Rocket out for season [Yaosers]
Lawrence Lessig: Why I Am Not Running [Change Congress]

MSM: Careful what you wish for

Dear MSM,

Over the past week alone you have made it more than abundantly clear that both Texas and Ohio are “must wins” for Hillary. 

Every media outlet from the Huffington Post to Canada.com has used the phrase “must win” - and guess what, that’s exactly how Camp Clinton wants the story to read.

Matter of fact, if you don’t believe us, click here and see for yourself.  Notice that a quick Google News search yields 3,736 records for the terms “Hillary Clinton and ‘must win’” just in the past week.

It’s clear that the Clinton Machine and surrogates have gotten to the MSM and done a great job spinning her chances.  Even Chelsea and Bill have alluded to Texas and Ohio being “must wins.”

The Clinton Camp has done a great job painting Obama as the odds on favorite - which does one of two things.  One, it let’s Camp Clinton play the “expectations” game - so if she does lose, it looked foreseeable, and two, it clearly demonstrates her campaign’s ability use this as a huge springboard if she is to win.  Because inevitably, headlines next Wednesday if she does win will read, “Clinton Upset - Have the tides turned?”

Now, Hillary’s last hope may be that voters in Ohio and Texas will be in a contrarian mood. Perhaps, after hearing for the next week that it is now Barack Obama who is inevitable, and Hillary who is doomed, they will feel the same sympathy that New Hampshire did, and hand the Clintons one last reprieve. For old time’s sake. [StopHerNow.com]

Yet how many people at this point believe that the media is piling on poor Hillary- perhaps beating a dead horse?  Ever stop to think this is exactly how they drew it up knowing the race would tightened towards the end? 

Never doubt the power of the Clinton Machine. [They don’t]

*Note: The Houston Chronicle did not use the phrase “must win” - instead they chose the phrase, “must do very well.”

Respectably submitted,

The Famous Editors

10 days and counting…

According to tipsters on Capitol Hill, House Republicans will convene at 1:30pm in an attempt to force a parlimentary vote, known as a previous question, to make Dems vote on the FISA legislation the Senate sent over nearly two weeks ago.  

…As in the legislation that fixed the loophole that allowed terrorists to have rights under the Constitution that Dems let lapse 10 days ago…

New Nats park sure to serve up gas

The Washington Nationals have finally made the most important announcement of the preseason - which vendors will be serving up the food at the new stadium.  The Nats announced that they have partnered with 11 local food service vendors at the new Nationals Park.

Drum roll please…

Included are the following vendors:

Ben’s Chili Bowl
Boardwalk Fries
Cantina Marina
Gifford’s Ice Cream
Krazee Ice
Kosher Sports
Hard Times Café
La Piccola Gelateria
Mayorga Coffee
Noah’s Pretzels
Red Hot and Blue

Unsure as to why so many chili options at a ballgame, but even if the game sucks, at least the food won’t. [gassy]

Note: The Editors here at FamousDC are a little pissed that Nancy’s new cafeteria didn’t make the list, but, there’s always next time.

They may be somber, but they’re not sober

The NY Times is reporting that Team Clinton has finally begun to see the inevitable writing on the wall - and for 700 dedicated staffers around the country, that means the end is nearing.

There is a widespread feeling among donors and some advisers, though, that a comeback this time may be improbable. Her advisers said internal polls showed a very tough race to win the Texas primary - a contest that no less than Mr. Clinton has said is a “must win.” And while advisers are drawing some hope from Mrs. Clinton’s indefatigable nature, some are burning out. [somber Clinton]

And if that’s not proof enough, perhaps this quote is:

“Morale is low. After 13 months of dawn-to-dark seven-day weeks, the staff is exhausted. Some have taken to going home early - 9 p.m. - turning off their BlackBerrys, and polishing off bottles of wine, several senior staff members said.”

Is the fairytale over for Clinton?  Perhaps the empty wine bottles know best.

2/25/2008

This won’t help the career [DUI]
Looks like Hillary spent the early years learning how to defend Bill. [court appointed]
Nancy loves fat cat lobbyists [cozy]
The Senator is sleeping with a lobbyist [breaking]
Top this wedding announcement [farting]
Obama photo causing problems [thanks Drudge]
Former Boehner flack gets responsible [Kennedy]
ESPN dude hates bloggers [why?]

Dance with the one who brung you

In perhaps the boldest move in congressional campaigning history, Rep. Bob Inglis has released a web video that highlights his complete inability to dance.

The “Get Down with Bob” video invitation is a must watch. [oh. my. goodness.]

It’s unclear as to whether Rep. Inglis staffers were reluctant to appear in this video, but regardless, it’s clever and refreshing.

Huck adds bullet point to resume

Presidential hopeful and fulltime funny man Mike Huckabee once again charmed millions, as he poked fun at himself and his inability recognize his long shot campaign is over.

On Saturday night, Huck added a crucial bullet point to his resume as he appeared on SNL and had this classic exchange with Seth Myers during the Weekend Update:  h/t JoMa

“But if that miracle doesn’t happen, let me assure the American people that Mike Huckabee does not overstay his welcome,” he said. “When it’s time for me to go, I’ll know and I’ll exit out with class and grace.”

And then he didn’t leave the “Weekend Update” set.

“It was great having you,” Myers reminded him, adding to applause, “GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE, everyone.”

Huck remained in his seat.

Looking off stage, Myers said, “Um, Gov. Huckabee, I think we’re done now sir.” 

“Oh right,” Huckabee replied.  “You know, normally I pick up on those things, sorry.”

The website Queen Nancy doesn’t want you seeing

House Minority Leader John Boehner is defying direct orders from the wildly popular Chief Administration Officer Dan Beard, and refusing to take down his earmark reform website.

According to Roll Call, the website URL was approved back in August, but now that the site has thousands of views, and has become bookmarked by pork busting constituents, Queen Nancy wants the site yanked.

Boehner flack Michael Steel had this to say, “Now, as the site is attracting attention … they say it is against House rules.”

According to Heritage blogger Robert Bluey, the call to action by the CAO reeks of hypocrisy: 

Boehner is protesting Beard’s decision. The earmark site, he argues, is no different in nature from globalwarming.house.gov, a Democrat-run Web site that has been operating — without objection — since last year. 

While the timing by Nancy and her crew is certainly suspect, it seems that this site’s days might be doomed - unless of course the right-leaning blogosphere launches another successful revolution. [Operation Sunlight]

Clinton staff fires up the email machine

With a week to go until Texas and Ohio decide which Democrat candidate most likely moves on - the Clinton campaign, in what seems like an act of desperation, has begun to circulate a picture of Barack Obama fitted as a Somali Edler.

The campaign’s rationale for circulating the picture:

“Wouldn’t we be seeing this on the cover of every magazine if it were HRC?” questioned one campaign staffer, in an email obtained by the DRUDGE REPORT.

Hold on tight - there’s seven days to go…
UPDATE on Photogate: From Ambinder [denial]

Hey fatty, have some cake, then walk it off

Maryland lawmakers aren’t making much sense these days. After admitting that their state is comprised of too many fat people, and talking about perhaps making “walking” the official state exercise [better make it speed walking], they are now in the midst of heavy debate as to whether or not they should have a “state dessert.” [WHAT?]

Read more

Famous Five [political videos]

5 best political videos on youtube

President George W. Bush on Global Warming [Scientific Data]
Obama’s “Yes We Can” Speech Remix [will.i.am]
Chris Farley as Newt Gingrich [Don’t Kill Big Bird]
Rahm for Vice President [Words That Start With F]
Vote Different - [ParkRidge47] (added 3/5/07)

Terrorism never expires [video]

Mo Money - Mo Problems

Kucinich, a fundraising machine

$689K in 7 weeks

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