It's well known that John McCain has a sense of humor. It's also well know that sometimes that humor does not go over very well. Today is one of those moments.

I thought my parents were a lost cause, but tonight I can report a mall victory in the presidential election: My dad in Michigan will vote for Barack Obama.

There is never any doubt in my mind that the Bush 2004 campaign quietly hoped for another terrirst attack ala 9/11. Hoever, the difference between Karl Rove and many other consulatants is that he was never dumb enough to admit it. Well, it looks like McCain hack Charlie Black may not be the sharpest tool in the shed as he tipped his hand with regard to the politics of terror.

There has been a lot of discussion about offshore oil drilling the past few days and even suggestions that we compromise (some might say "roll over") and allow drilling off the coasts of the country. While I don't like the idea, I will defer to the experts who say we should do it as part of an overall energy strategy. But I have several conditions that must be attached to any package if I am to agree on lifting the moratorium that George Bush supported to help his brother Jeb some years ago.

Forgive the shoerness of this diary. I don't even know what to say about this remark by Republican Congressman Mark Kirk of Illinois.

Several polls taken right over the weeks after the North Carolina primary show that the race for the senate has reached the top tier. now is as good a time as any to help me raise the maximum single donation for Kay Hagan on my Turn Carolina Blue page.

Like many folks, I am in the process of building a stock portfolio to help invest in me, my family and my son's future. But I also want to invest in my country. I am building a portfolio of five House districts to cotribute $50 each month (or $25 if I change my find). The district are based on the following criteria:

1. It is currently occupied by a Republican.
   
2. One district per region.
   
3. Rated tossup by the Cook Political Report, a typically conservative analystical piece.
   
4. Must be a true tossup. VA-11 is not one of them.
   
5. Must be in a relatively inexpensive district. I will leave NY-13 to the big boys.
   
6. Must have a nominee or very likely nominee.
   

If we're going to talk about polls, we'll have to talk about this one. According to the latest Survey USA poll, Barack Obama leads John McCain by nine points.