Election 2008 is just getting started

Some people think that Hilary Clinton or Barack Obama have sealed up the presidency. I beg to differ and think that the election cycle has not even started. Sure, some candidates have well established infrastructures and money but there are two new entries into the race.

No Senator has gone straight to the presidency since JFK and he barely got in. This election is shaping up to be different from all others in modern history but don't count out precedence just yet. Governor Bill Richardson has perhaps the most impressive resume of all of the leading democratic nominees and his trump card is that he is the only governor. He has experience as a former Congressman, Energy Secretary, Ambassador to the UN, and now Governor of New Mexico. He has just entered the race so he has nowhere near the amount of money or resources of Obama or Clinton but watch out for this guy. Senators have the luxury of changing their position on an issue without needing to be tied to it. John Kerry's statement "I voted for it before I voted against it" doomed him in 2004 and the American public has a way of spotting the strengths of somebody who has executive experience. The electorate admires somebody who has to make a decision on a policy and stick with it.

Fred Thompson is in the early stages of filing for candidacy. Right now the GOP is in disarray while candidates compete for the heart and soul of the electorate. The evangelical base that got Bush into office in 2004 has yet to get behind one candidate. Although the base may not identify with Thompson the way they did under George W. Bush, he may prove to be the least objectionable candidate. Both paries need to win some states in the south and Fred Thompson from Tennessee has the potential to capture all of it.

Robert Zoellick to World Bank

President Bush formally announced the nomination of former US Trade Representative, Robert Zoellick to the World Bank. Politically astute Hank Paulson headed the search for the new institution head which has been traditionally held by an American. The Bush Administration has made the right move to nominate an individual whose competence is not questioned while is also in good international standing. Mr. Zoellick comes with an established resume as former Dputy Scretary of Sate, US Trade Representative, head of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and senior official at Goldman Sachs. Unfortunately, it took the Bush Administration too long to understand the importance of picking people who are not only politically loyal, but also competent and widely respected. Paul Wolfowitz had a long resume that seemed perfect for the World Bank however the Bush Administration miscalculated on his ability to navigate the political sensibilities of the institution. The Bush Administration learned the hard way that the nomination of cronies like Harriet Myers to the Supreme Court, Alberto Gonzalez at Justice, and Scott McClellan as Press Secretary would come back to haunt them. The Administration has finally understood the importance of quality in its recent personnel decisions with Hank Paulson at Treasury, Robert Gates as Defense Secretary, Robert Zoellick at the World Bank, Eliot Cohen as Senior Advisor at State, and Tony Snow as White House Press Secretary. Why did it take so long?

Article of the Day - The Frayed Knot

Here is a great article on the effects of marriage and/or divorce. Hopefully you have access to the Economist.

The Frayed Knot

Proud to be a Bruin

This week, the UCLA women's water polo team clinched the National Championship. Kudos to my fellow UCLA Bruins who can celebrate our 100th national sports championship. But what does that mean? Jeff Miller of the Orange County Register looks for the answer but I think he is asking the wrong question. This national championship continues a tradition of excellence in Westwood which permeates the entire University in athletics, academics, and research. Do not forget that these are student athletes. The average GPA of incoming freshmen is 4.2. The UCLA Medical Center is widely accepted as the best hospital in the West and their graduate programs are almost always in the top 20 nationally. So you say UCLA is not a football powerhouse? Okay, but do not miss out on the big picture. The basketball team has made it to the Final Four the last two years and they are primed to be a national powerhouse for years to come under Ben Howland. That is quite a boast since under modern competition no school will ever repeat a John Wooden-like era. This commitment to excellence is UCLA's contribution to young adults that they will take with them for the rest of their lives. As a life-long Bruin and graduate of the school I say thank you. A lot of other universities may encourage excellence but at UCLA there is a reason why they only hang championship banners in Pauley Pavilion.

Article for the Day - Missionaries in Northern Virginia

Former Bush Administration speechwriter Michael Gerson is right on target in today's article. This time, we need the Africans coming to save us. (Subscription required)

Missionaries in Northern Virginia

By Michael GersonWednesday, May 16, 2007; Page A15

Article for the Day 2 - Stripped

Viva las repentence? Sin city's religious makeover

Pastor shares all in "Stripped: Uncensored Grace on the Streets of Vegas"

Light in what you may think is the darkest of places.

Article for the Day - Latino Catholics

In U.S., Hispanics bring Catholicism to its feet

Church offers livelier services for a growing constituency of charismatics

Can you explain this?

Article for the Day - Angels

This is how you build a baseball team.

Old Rag Mountain

Waging War Through the Rearview Mirror

It is true that if we do not learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. In today's article we learn that we can draw the incorrect lesson from history and make matters even worse. Shankar Vedantamb applies Yuen Foong Khong's "Analogies at War" to the present situation in Iraq.

We see how the public utilizes analog analysis to try to gain an understanding of new case studies. It takes a keen eye and understanding to recognize when our politicians are doing this. The High Ground is to individually analyze a case study for what it is. If you have an opportunity to read "Analogies at War", it is essential reading for anybody in the policy arena. Click Here

Video of the Day - Sailor Comes Home

This one might make you cry. Click here

Video of the Week - Sunday's Comin'

I posted this last year but it is a favorite. It is that time of year again to remember that when it feels like Friday, it is important to know that Sunday's Comin'.

NCAA Tournament

You may have noticed that I have not been blogging. I have been too busy watching my UCLA Bruins' run to the Final Four. Once again Ben Howland beat a Kansas team that many considered to be far superior in talent. The Bruins did it with grit, hustle, discipline, and defense. You cannot accuse these guys of being soft. It also helped that Aaron Aflallo snapped out of his slump. Ben Howland is proving to be the best thing to happen to Westwood since the Wizard left. Hopefully we will hang on to this guy for a long time as I would not be surprised if several NBA teams come knocking on his door.

Article of the Day - Genius or the Gut?

Lou Piniella is considered one of the best managers in baseball. Today's article analyzes the intellect of great baseball managers and reveals a few secrets. Communication is more important than tactics. A sense of humor makes communication easier. Strategic gains in the long run require a willingness to accept a strong likelihood of tactical losses in the short run. Click Here

Quote of the Day - Seth Davis

SI.com: Well, we have a Final Four now. What do you think?

Seth Davis: Powerhouses, big time. You can't ask for anything more. We've been talking about Cinderellas being nice, but what we have left is nothing but the big, ugly stepsisters.

State Department hires Eliot Cohen

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice just named my old professor as her top advisor.

Article for the Day - Mike Scioscia

Angels Manager Mike Scioscia has a unique leadership and managerial style. He notes that team chemistry is important and is initiated from the top down. His methods for building team chemistry have little do with baseball. Click here.

Article of the Day - British abolition's faith-based roots

British abolition's faith-based roots

William Wilberforce relied on his deeply held religious beliefs for inspiration in fighting the slave trade.

By Joseph Loconte

Video of the Week - The Colbert Report

Steven Colbert interviewed Tony Campolo on the Colbert Report. You may or may not agree with Tony Campolo but you cannot ignore what he has to say.

Video of the Week - That's my King!

Do you know him?