The Moving Hand, Having Writ, Moves On...

Paul Krugman
Mikhail Gorbachev
Ian Williams

“I heard such speeches by Bush more than once. There is nothing new in Obama’s speech.”

This speech was to satisfy the naïve Arabs who delude themselves with such narcotic doses.”

“I wish Arab leaders were educated and attractive like Obama”.

“I hope America will not leave Iraq with problems, like its situation now,” Abu Bashar said after the speech. “They could push our political leaders to reconcile and make the situation better.”

Barack Obama moved on to Germany to visit Dresden and Buchenwald, and got a chance to talk to Chancellor Merkel and repair some of their relationship. Meanwhile, there was much reaction to Obama's speech given in Cairo. Other than the usual cynicism that talk is cheap, the reaction was positive, and appreciative that he spoke honestly and respectfully. No other world leader has had the cojones to pull off what he just did.

The NY Times reports that : "The anti-American Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr issued a statement shortly after the speech echoing a common sentiment in Iraq, that Mr. Obama, no matter what he says, cannot forge the change in American policy that he promises.

“Obama has no power to change American policy because there are people who specialize in drawing these policies, which have been and still are hostile towards Islam,” the statement read. “These soft-spoken and elegant speeches represent nothing but that America wants to use a new and different strategy to conquer the world and put it under its control and globalization. " Especially when there are people like Moktada al-Sadr who will obstruck any efforts being made towards a peaceful settlement of Iraq, all because he sees himself as the next tinhorn dictator of Iraq. more along the lines of a Khomeni than a Saddam...

The Reaction from Hamas comes from an interview in Foreign Policy: "Of course I listened to the speech. The words are different from those used by Bush. The speech was cleverly written in the way it addressed the Muslim world-- using phrases from the Holy Kor'an, and referring to some historical events. And also, in the way it showed respect to the Muslim heritage. But I think it's not enough!

...We want to see practical steps by the United States such as ending Israel's settlement activity, putting an end to Israel's confiscation of Palestinian land and its campaign to Judaize Jerusalem; an end to its demolitions of Palestinian homes; and the removal of the 600 checkpoints that are stifling normal life in the West Bank.

Rather than sweet words from President Obama on democratization, we'd rather see the United States start to respect the results of democratic elections that have already been held. And rather than talk about democratization and human rights in the Arab world, we'd rather see the removal of General Dayton, who's building a police state there in the West Bank."

And, more in retaliation than celebration, settlers in the West Bank began rebuilding the outpost that was torn down Wednesday by Israeli authorities. A wooden hut was specially named the Obama Hut, as reported by the Jerusalem Post: "One of the activists said of Obama, "He's an Arab Muslim and a gentile, he is fighting against the Jewish people and has declared that he will continue to do so. We already stated our intention to continue to build, no matter who is fighting us - Egypt, Germany or the US."

Among the 200 activists that gathered at the Maoz Esther site was Hebron-Kiryat Arba Chief Rabbi Dov Lior, who explained why peace was impossible in the Middle East.

"It's all illusions. With these savages, there was never peace, there is no peace and there will not be peace," he said. "It's not because we don't want it, but because they are enemies of peace. We just have to hope that our entire country is cleared of terrorists, their supporters, their backers and their camels. They should all be sent to Saudi Arabia." Or Jordan, or Lebanon, or, well, you get the picture... Scary stuff, this ethnic cleansing.

Obama's speech seemed to resonate most among Arab women, and their reactions were included in the Arab News: “God bless him,” said Asya Al-Ashaikh, founder and CEO of the Jeddah-based Tamkeen Development and Management Consulting. “He is a courageous man. It was a fascinating speech. He said all the right things. I am sure he will be able to translate all that he has spoken in Cairo into real action. His words will open a new chapter in our relationship with the US. He touched almost all the issues that concern us. What struck a chord within me was his focus on education and the empowering of women through education. ‘Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.’ I will always remember that line forever. It is so true.” As an aside, the next Egyptian cabinet will be 11% women, up from 0% in the past.

The Middle East was still the number one topic while Obama was in Germany, according to der Spiegal: "Another topic defined the discussions and, in particular, the questions from US journalists -- Obama's Cairo address and the Middle East peace process. "Yesterday was just one speech," the president said. "It doesn't replace all the hard work that's going to have to be done." In the coming weeks, George Mitchell, his Middle East envoy, will travel to the region again. Merkel offered Germany's help during the next steps because of the country's special relationship to Israel and its commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state."

Mark McKinnon was a strategist for John McCain and is a moderate with a good sense of humor. In the Daily Beast he handicaps the upcoming Republican Presidential Candidates: "The fun thing about politics is how often conventional wisdom gets thrown out the window (African-American president, never!) and how often we are surprised at the turn of events.
Mid-term in the presidency of George H.W. Bush, he looked unbeatable. Favorability ratings after the liberation of Kuwait in the high 80s. Everyone thought he would be a two-term president, including heavyweight potential opponents like Lloyd Bentsen and Dick Gephardt, who never suited up. But, as Woody Allen said, 90 percent of the game is just showing up, and Bill Clinton did.
Think about all the people who told Barack Obama to wait.
Whatever the political dynamics may be two years from now, it is my view that any Republican who wants to run for president in 2012 or 2016 would be wise to start cranking up the machine now.
First we’ll assume that most of the candidates who ran in 2008 will run again. It’s like sex—once you do it, it’s pretty hard to stop.

Handicapper Corner’s Top 10, Plus One Longshot:

1. Mitt Romney. Republicans like orderly succession, and he’s got the $$.
2. Tim Pawlenty. Reformer, populist elected in a blue state.
3. John Thune. Central casting and liked by all factions.
4. Mike Huckabee. A national show and evangelical base.
5. Sarah Palin. The juice and interest level of an American Idol finalist.
6. Mark Sanford. Pork-busting fiscal conservative from key state (South Carolina).
7. Bobby Jindal. He seems to be saying, “Wait,” and may be one of the few who can.
8. Newt Gingrich. No one understands better how to start a revolution.
9. Jon Huntsman. Brilliant move by Obama keeping his friends close and his enemies in China. But if he solves an early crisis and comes home, look out.
10. John Ensign. A U.S senator spending time in Iowa. ’Nuff said.
Longshot: Jeb Bush. Never count out a Bush out of GOP politics (George P.’s nickname is “47”).

yea, late night jokes:

"Did everyone see Brian Williams' special with President Obama that was on? Yeah? Anyway, there's this big NBC News special with Brian Williams, and in the special, President Obama showed Brian Williams what tricks his new puppy, Bo, could do. Isn't that cool? Yeah, in fact, Bo has already learned to sit up and beg for federal bailout money." --Conan O'Brien

"Speaking of President Obama, a new book is coming out; hasn't been out yet, I think. But it's coming out. And it claims that President Obama and his wife went through a rough patch in their marriage, where their relationship was somewhat frosty. Yeah. After hearing this, Bill Clinton said, 'I'd kill for somewhat frosty.'" --Conan O'Brien

"I'm learning a lot about Los Angeles. This is cool. When Los Angeles was founded its original name was El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles del Rio de Porciuncula. That's true. Luckily for us, that name was changed before Arnold Schwarzenegger moved here." --Conan O'Brien

"Have you been following this North Korea situation with Kim Jong-Il? You know Kim Jong-Il? The guy is nuts. And he's apparently threatening nuclear missiles and so on and so forth. And he's getting to be a little older, so now he's appointed his son to take over for him when he steps down. And his son's name is Kim Jong-Un. That's his name, Kim Jong-Un. And I think the son is weird also, because he's already announcing plans that he's going to turn North Korea into a disco." --David Letterman

"Talk about a guy who won't go away. How about Osama bin Laden? I mean, come on. Come on with this guy. And there's another one of those aggravating tapes that he sends out from time to time and they put them on the Al Jazeera network. There's a new tape and people say, 'Well, how do we know this is a current tape?' Well I'll tell you how you can tell that this is a current tape. At the end of the tape, he wishes Jay luck on the new 10 p.m. show." --David Letterman

"And in the new tape, it's a long, crazy man, lunatic rant condemning President Obama. Oh no, wait a minute, that's Cheney. That was Cheney doing that." --David Letterman

"Very strange tape from Osama bin Laden. He claims that 'American Idol' was fixed, number one. And then he demands the release of Phil Spector." --David Letterman

"But now -- and this could be pivotal -- President Obama is in Saudi Arabia. Were you aware of that? Yep, he's in Saudi Arabia. He spent the night at King Abdullah's ranch. He has a ranch there. It's the Lazy Camel." --David Letterman

"And Obama, you know, when he travels, it's a big deal. He arrived at the Saudi Arabia airport there with a plane load of staff, a plane load of press. I'm telling you, this is costing more than a date with his wife Michelle." --David Letterman

"Rush Limbaugh said today he might change his mind about something. I'm like, what?! He said he might support President Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court. Wow! Sounds like someone got a new prescription." --Craig Ferguson

"President Obama used the word shukran, the Arabic word for thank you, in response to a compliment from the king today. The compliment, 'I appreciate that you didn't bring Joe Biden.'" --Jimmy Fallon

"Actually, Vice President Biden was here in New York yesterday and bought a designer suit at Barney's for $2,400. I know. It's a lot but it's high quality material, made from the same fabric as his hair." --Jimmy Fallon

"A new poll shows that Americans have a more negative view of Muslim countries now than back in 2002. That's because the media never reports any of the good bombings." --Jimmy Fallon

"Today in New Hampshire, the state Senate approved a bill that would help legalize same-sex marriage. Yeah. Their new state motto is 'Live Free or Bi.'" --Jimmy Fallon

"As part of their restructuring plan, General Motors is selling off an entire division to a Chinese company. The new division will be called General Tso's Motors." --Jimmy Fallon

"Have any of you been watching this show, 'Inside the Obama White House'? It's a reality show, set in the White House. Twenty five women and Brian Williams compete for Barack Obama's love. And Congress votes them out one by one." --Jimmy Kimmel

David Letterman's Top Ten Signs It's Time For Kim Jong-Il to Retire

10. Recently spent 11 hours interrogating a coat rack.
9. Instead of "dear leader" now insists on being called "Petey."
8. Hasn't stopped sobbing since Susan Boyle lost.
7. Plans to spend summer following Coldplay.
6. Eager to appear in new reality show, "I'm a murderous dictator...get me out of here!"
5. Hardly ever updates his erotic blog.
4. Spends all day watching classic episodes of "Miami Vice" on Hulu.
3. Hinting he wants to play quarterback for the Vikings.
2. Republic already named his successor, Conan Jong-il.
1. Having trouble getting his missile off the ground, if you know what I'm sayin'