Patrick Leahy has been in the US Senate since 1975. Before that he State's Attorney for Chittenden County VT and before that he got his law degree from Georgetown U. Back in 1974 Leahy stunned Vermont's political establishment by becoming the first (and only) Democrat elected to the Senate from VT (as well as his political inexperience). Leahy is a native of VT and did his undergrad work at St Michael's College in Burlington. To this day, Leahy is VT to the core. He and his wife Marcelle live on a tree farm in Middlesex VT and Leahy makes sure to spend as much as he reasonably can in VT.
Since 1975 Leahy has been one of the most liberal members of the Senate. His true progressive stance puts many of the numerous pretend liberals who serve Congress to shame and he is a model of how a true progressive should be when given power. Of all the issues, the only one where he is not a progressive is the gun issue, where he takes a centrist approach (but hey, he's from Vermont, so we'll forgive him). And even though Leahy is one of the most liberal members of Congress, he even has a good working relationship with many Republicans.
During the disgrace that will be known as the Bush years, Leahy was one of the first (and often the first) to scream wake and smell what the Bush and his cronies are doing. Unfortunately, with the Democrats out of power in both Houses, Leahy could only protest and watch the disaster unfold. On issue after issue, it was Leahy who had the courage to stand up to the Bush White House, whether it was voting against the Iraq Invasion, voting against the PATROIT Act Extension, or asking tough questions to the Judicial Department about its infamous rendition program. In 2004, when Leahy asked Vice President Satan (sorry, I mean Dick Cheney, to this day I'm always confusing the two) about Halliburton and its shady activity in Iraq (as well as Cheney's ties to the infamous corporation) Cheney shot back very arrogantly told Leahy to "fuck yourself". That's right the Vice President of the United States told a US Senator to go f*** himself. Leahy is also a strong supporter of same sex marriage - so strong that Leahy is considered by most gay rights activists to be one the most gay friendly members of either House of Congress. Leahy is also opposed to the Death Penalty, in favor of strict separation of Religion and State, in favor (and a fighter for) universal health care, and spending money to create cleaner sources of energy including wind and solar.
Since 2006, when Democrats won control of the Senate, Leahy was rewarded by the Party by getting one of the most powerful jobs in the nation, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. All Federal judicial nominee's and all legal matters get to be reviewed by Leahy. This is not Leahy's first time running the Judiciary Committee; before that he ran it when the Democrats ran the Senate from 2001-2003. Leahy also spent the late 1980's and early 1990's running the Senate's Agricultural Committee.
So I'm sure you're currently saying to yourself "Well Danny K Davis has almost the same positions in Congress (though Dick Cheney never told him to go f*** himself) and look what's he doing outside the House of Reps, palling around with the Moonies and the Tamil Tigers, I'm sure Leahy must have at least a strange side" well the answer is no. This is man like I said is Vermont to the core and as such, he is a man you want to know and hang out with.
First of all there is Senator Leahy's favorite band in the Universe, The Greatful Dead. Leahy has been a mega Dead Head since the late 1960's when he first discovered the Dead. When Leahy was elected to the Senate in 1974, Jerry Garcia and the rest of the Greatful Dead soon became occasional visitors to Capital Hill as Leahy was always inviting them to stop by his office.
(In the halls of Congress it is said that Leahy actually had the balls to introduce Jerry Garcia to super Rightist Strom Thurmond during one of Garcia's visits). Senator Leahy has since getting elected to the Senate Leahy has made it a tradition to play "Truckin" every Election Night at his headquarters (though Leahy has stated that his favorite song is "Black Muddy River"). Leahy often shows up to the Senate Floor wearing ties designed by Jerry. Since the 1990's, both Bob Weir and Micky Hary are regulars at Leahy's fundraisers. Here is a picture of Leahy on stage with surviving members of Bob Weir taken a couple of years ago:
Then we come to Senator Leahy's other love, Batman, that's right, Batman. Since the 1960's Leahy has been a huge fan of the comic series and even lists Batman as his favorite Superhero on his website (and from what I know, the only Senator to even list a favorite Superhero). In the 1990's Leahy did an episode of the Batman animated series and even was an entra in a scene in Batman and Robin and he also wrote the Introduction to a Batman commemorative book. Later in 2005 brought a child's toy Batman for his grandson, well for some reason it was delivered to Leahy's Senate office and Leahy was seen by fellow Senators driving around in it before giving it to his grandson. But Leahy's proudest Batman moment came in 2007 when after years of lobbying he got a speaking role in The Dark Knight. Leahy was the man Heath Leager threatened at the fundraiser at Bruce Wayne's estate.
Finally, we come to Leahy's final love, the Internet. Senator Leahy is a huge technology buff and back in 1995 was the second Senator to establish a web page. Leahy has also written for computer and technology magazines about how technology and the Internet has changed the way he has worked as a Senator. To this day, Leahy has remained one of the most techno savy members of Congress, always be a step ahead of the rest of Congress (and even many Americans) in using the latest technology on a day to day basis.
One of the worst Presidents in history, Hoover started out in 1929 inheriting a booming economy from fellow Republican Calvin Coolidge. However, that fall, the stock market crashed and the Great Depression began; by the time Hoover left office, one out of four Americans was unemployed. Though Hoover was a self made multi millionaire (he actually refused any salary when he was first Coolidge's Secretary of Commerce and later as President) and had become famous as a humanitarian leader in the 1910's, Hoover did NOTHING to deal with the Great Depression. Hoover believed that government must stay out of economics no matter how bad the situation was - Hoover and most of Wall Street believed that as long as the market was left alone, it would correct itself and the problems would go away. He actually kept saying "Prosperity is right around the corner" Well as more workers lost jobs, and more investors got screwed, most people (even Republicans) realized that doing nothing was probably not the right thing to do. But Hoover stuck to his principles and when Republicans in Congress forced Hoover's hand, he would only support relief for businesses, and not for the investors and workers. AND he drastically reduced the amount of money given out (most of which ended up in the pockets of corrupt bureaucrats).
One of the most dumbest Presidents (he probably ties with George W Bush in all out stupidity), Harding oversaw one of the most conservative and corrupt administrations in US history. Harding, who started out as a small town journalist, was really a puppet of his wife Florance Kling, a member of a wealthy family from rural Ohio. Florence had huge ambitions, and began to associate with a group of politicians later known nationally as the "Ohio Gang". Their leader, Harry Daugherty, was a leader in the Ohio Republican Party, and he and Florence both realized they could make a great political team by being the brains behind Harding. After turning his mediocre newspaper into a success, Florence and Daugherty pushed Harding into politics, first getting him elected into the Ohio State Legislature, later Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, and finally they made him a US Senator. While in the Senate, Daugherty and Florence ran Harding's life. They told him what do to, what to say, how to say it and where to go to be seen. The only thing Florence and Daugherty didn't control was Harding's sex life. Harding (who rarely showed up to the Senate) was a sex addict, and fathered at least one illegitimate child while serving in the Senate.
Though he may have won the Civil War for the Union, Grant was disaster as President. When the War ended, Grant wanted to return to civilian life in rural Illinois, but conflict with President Andrew Johnson over how to deal with the South kept him in the military and because of this dispute with Johnson Grant became a hero to most Republicans. Though Grant had no political experience, the Republican Party talked him into running in 1868, knowing he would win (which he did). As President, Grant, who knew his political shortcomings, wanted the best political minds working for him, but it seemed everyone he hired turned out to corrupt. Among the more famous corrupt members of the Grant Administration were both of his Vice Presidents (Grant had to dump one when it was clear he was too corrupt), 3 members of his Cabinet, his personal secretary, and his own brother in law.
Andrew Johnson became President after Lincoln's assassination. Before that he was a Senator representing Tennessee, where he had become a hero to Northerners for his refusal to go along with his home state's succession (he would be the only Southern Senator to stay in Washington). Before that he was Governor of Tennessee. Johnson was from East Tennessee, a region where slaves were few and hatred of the elites was very strong (during the Civil War, men from East Tennessee signed up by the thousands to support the Union). Lincoln picked him to be his VP as a show of unity, though they were of different political parties. When Johnson was sworn in as VP, he was clearly wasted drunk and he went on to shock everyone in attendance by giving a long rambling speech where he said some very nasty stuff about many of those in attendance. (Johnson defended his heavy drinking by stating it helped the pain go away from his numerous illnesses).
Buchanan is considered by almost every historian and political scholar as the worst President ever. In 1856, the Democratic Party was evenly divided between pro Slavery Southerners and pro immigrant Northerners. Buchanan (who was our only unmarried President) had spent most of the 1850's in Europe where he worked as Ambassador to Britain, became the compromise candidate as he had no real opinions of the major domestic issues of the time as well as a serious lack of enemies. Buchanan had a long resume, before serving in Britain he was Ambassador to Russia and before that he had spent almost 19 years in both Houses of Congress representing his native Pennsylvania (where he got his start serving the state legislature in the 1810's).
Nguema quickly turned into one of the most brutal dictators in world history. He quickly made himself President for Life, and executed most of the politicians in the nation. Fishing was banned and almost all the boats in the nation were rounded up and destroyed. Suddenly, the population lost a huge portion of its diet. The word "intellectual" was also banned as Nguema's speeches turned long winded nasty attacks at Spain and all things European. All churches were closed and the clergy was expelled. All of EG's school's were next to be closed. The cocoa plantations the Spanish had built to make EG profitable were destroyed and with them went the economy. Then, in the mainland part of the nation, the very few roads leading out of EG were mined. As the 1970's continued, political executions grew more common as people were jailed, tortured, and sometime even killed on trumped up charges. One Christmas Day in the mid 1970's, over 100 people were executed, and hundreds more tortured in the national stadium, located in the capital city of Malabo. So that the locals couldn't hear the screams of the victims, Nguema had a 1960's British pop song "Those were the days" played on loudspeakers put up throughout the city. Nguema also gave himself fancy titles, the best known one being "Grand Master of Education, Science, and Culture". He also spoke much about having supernatural powers, and it made people even more afraid of him. By 1979, over one third of the population of EG had fled the nation- including Nguema's own wife.
Though Obaing began his Presidency by releasing all political prisoners (who numbered in the thousands), reopening all churches, and reopening all schools, it was soon clear that Obinag was only a mild version of his uncle. Nothing was (or has) been done to rebuild the destroyed fishing industry. Throughout the 1980's, thousands were arrested on trumped up political crimes, and a cult of personality rose up around Obaing. He also staffed nearly all government posts with relatives of his (as well as relatives of his wife). Following the precedent made by other African dictators (including Uncle Francisco), Obaing allowed rumors to spread that he was a cannibal. Throughout EG, it was whispered that Obaing ate the testicles of his enemies. One opposition leader, Severo Moto (a Catholic priest) actually accused Obinag of wanting to eat his testicles while being interviewed in Spain - where he lives in exile - by a local radio station. As for EG's media, there was only 1 radio station (currently, where are 2), and there is a TV station, but most people in EG were (and still are) too poor to afford their own television. By the 1990, the vast majority of the population was living on a 2 dollars a day, while the nation's infrastructure continued to crumble (example, the only hotel in Malabo had no electricity). The World Bank the IMF actually ended all deals with EG because Obiang did nothing to end the rampant corruption (and most of the money the two groups gave EG usually ended up in the hands of Obaing and his cronies). Very few people even visited EG, and it looked like EG was going to remain perhaps the most unknown part of Africa.
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Another Blue Collar state, Michigan is home of some of the most industrial parts of the country. The Blue Collar culture runs deep here, but lately, more and more factories (particularly auto) are shut down, and the legions of Industrial workers who call Michigan home have been getting angry with both parties (Michael Moore is from this group of people, and remember he has been tough on both parties). Lately, Michigan has been in the Democratic camp, but usually with razor thin margins. Like their brethren in OH and PA, Michigan Blue Collar workers are Reagan Democrats, who love their guns and are for God (though it should be pointed out most Regan Democrats are Catholic) and country. However, Michigan, like Ohio, has been one of the hardest hit areas in the economic downturn, and the unions still have some sway. Though Michigan's primary results were disqualified for being held to early, many in Michigan feel another Republican President will be an economic disaster for the state (plus many didn't like it when McCain said some lost jobs weren't coming back). Michigan also has a large African American population centered in Detroit, and expect a huge get out the vote drive there.
Florida, the state whose stolen electoral votes gave Bush the victory he needed in 2000 is again in play. With so many different demographics, both parties have a hard time in getting large majorities, though the current demographics do favor Republicans. However, most Floridians are opposed to off shore drilling, considering that many of these wells that everyone is talking about will be drilled in Florida waters and in Florida, the locals of both parties are terrified of losing millions of tourist dollars should drilling commence at the rate many Republicans want it to. Wildly popular Republican Governor Charlie Crist was until recently a major opponent to off shore drilling, and many suspect his recent change of heart has more to with orders from above rather than through personal conviction. Democrats are also trying to get the large Cuban community based in Miami. Traditionally one of most staunchly Republican groups in the country, the younger generation of Cuban Americans are being turned off by what they view as racism in the national Republican Party, and also feel that the embargo on their parents and grandparents home island is way to harsh. Also, Florida has large communities of Haitians, Puetro Ricans, and Dominicans, all of whom are loyal Democrats. And don't forget the large number of Northerners who have moved to Florida, taking their more liberal ways with them. However, the northern half of Florida is still a Republican stronghold, with the legions of the Christian Right ready to vote the way their pastors tell them to. Watch the fight for Florida get nasty in the coming weeks.
Colorado has four main demographics. First we have the legions of the Christian Right who are identical to their Southern and Plains counterparts, and in many ways, more fanatical (In fact, many of your political organizations of the Christian Right are based in Colorado). Next we have the growing community of progressives in the Denver area and in the ski areas, many of whom are West Coast transplants who brought their West Coast values with them. Then we have the even faster growing Hispanic community. Finally, we have your traditional libertarian Republicans living in the more rural areas. In 2006, Democrat Bill Ritter was elected Governor by a landslide and the Democrats also picked up a congressional seat. The Hispanic coumminity is very loyal to the Democratic Party, in part because Tom Tancredo, one of the major opponents of illegal immigration and legal immigration (and one of the most racist in his attacks on Hispanic immigratns), happens to represent Colorado's 6th district in the House of Reps. The Democrats hosted their convention in Denver this year in aprt to bring Colorado into the Democratic camp for the first time 1992. Watch for a large get out the vote drive as well as a firece fight for the liberatian Republicans and some of the surbanites.
Nevada is really 2 separate places, Las Vegas, and the rest of the state. Vegas is home to a large Hispanic popualtion (about 20% of the total population), many of whom are employed by the casinos in the service sector. These legions of Hispanic (many of whom are Mexican) waiters, busboys, dishwashers, maids, cleaners, gardeners, and contruction workers are what makes your visit to Vegas confortable and convenient. If it wasn't for these hard working immigrants (many of whom are working for crappy wages), Vegas wouldn't be the great destination it is today. While the casino bosses and owners tend to vote Republican, the Hispanic community tends to vote for the Democrats. Though Hillary won this group by a landslide, many were quick to jump on the Obama bandwagon once it was clear who was going to win the nomination. It is the rest of the state that is in play. This is the old school Nevada, home of libertarian ranchers and mine owners living in small towns and with the odd bordello or 2, a holdover from the frontier era. While many are very conservative, many are disgusted with the recent behavor of the Republican Party and many are open to voting Democratic. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is from Nevada, and he is wildly popular there, winning by a landslide back in 2004. The Republican Govenor, Jim Gibbons, however, is even more unpopular than Bush is and is embrolled in quite a few scandals, ranging from bribery to employing an illegal immigrant to sexual assult. Watch these 2 factors come into play as both parties try to woo the more rural parts of the state.
