Centerblog

Not a Proud Moment for Pelosi

2008-09-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

Although the Republicans look whiny when they cite her floor speech as a reason for the Bailout's failure. More details here.

The Debate

2008-09-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Both these guys strike me as consummate politicians (and no, I don't mean that as a compliment). Both dodged the issue about cutting spending in light of lower tax revenues and the economic slowdown. Meanwhile, Obama's attempt t0 out-tough McCain on foreign policy seems forced. But McCain's attempt to claim that Obama is as stubborn as Bush is even weirder.

Republican Opposition to the Bailout

2008-09-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

The conventional wisdom is that Democrats benefit when the conversation turns to the economy. You might think that the opposition of conservative Republican House members to the bailout could provide a boost to McCain's campaign insofar as it distances him from Bush, who is pushing the plan. But to make that work, I think McCain would have to be (far) more comfortable discussing economic issues than he is. So I think McCain still loses on this.

Buck Naked Politics has a good summary.

The Debate Should Go On

2008-09-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

At least, that's what most Americans think.

Paulson's Bio

2008-09-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

Turns out he's a nature-loving Christian Scientist. (Or at least was). Who knew?

Funky Intrade Contracts

2008-09-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

Nate Silver thinks someone is gaming Obama and McCain contracts at Intrade.

Right now, Obama is trading at 52.3 points. That is, Intrade implies that he has a 52.3 percent chance to become the next President.

Now, I happen to think that is a patently absurd price. But you don't have to take my word for it. Over at BetFair, another large UK-based gambling and futures site, you can also buy an Obama contract. But the price there is 1.62, which implies a 61.7 percent chance that Obama will become the next President.

I agree that Obama has a better than 52% chance of winning. Worth a look.