Tell ya at this rate, if I'm given $5 for every apology issued, I'll soon be able to buy an ounce of gold. Price $915. today's close

Well, "You can't vote for war and disown the results"

The whole non-discussion about health insurance/care/whatever is like U.S. persons trying to reinvent the wheel. Very embarrassing There are so many examples of universal coverage and everything approaching it to any degree in Canada (right, in N. America, north of the border) and all over Europe it's impossible to understand what the disagreements are all about. Refer to an existing system, examine the pros and cons, and come up with an alternative. There is so much experience available it's impossible to believe that anyone could come up with a presently non-existent formula. In the Netherlands, where I live, everyone is REQUIRED to be insured. The rich pay for private insurance, employees above a certain yearly salary also have to insure themselves, everyone else falls somewhere inbetween: but everyone pays into the system, even people on welfars. The state negotiates, keeps the prices under control (doctors, dentists, medicine, etc.). The free for all in the U.S. is stupid and backwards. It is such crap that in the so-called biggest, most liberal economy in the world the pharmaceutical companies and much medical staff can demand whatever the wish and get it. The situation is disgusting, revolting, and everyone goes on discussing something that has been completely solved elsewhere. Why are U.S. persons so reluctant to recognize that people elsewhere in the world might do things better?

Wonder if he'll use them in Missouri.  I don't think I've gotten any direct mail from either candidate (other than fundraising requests).

It's interesting that the Democrats have all picked up the Republican habit of naming something by what it's not.  Universal Coverage.  Clean Air.  We're going to be living with this trend for a long time, no matter the party.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.--February 1, 2008) - Len Nichols, Director of New America's Health Policy Program, stated, "For nearly 17 years I have worked tirelessly to reform our nation's struggling health system.  Today my passion overwhelmed me.  I chose an analogy that was wholly inappropriate. I am deeply sorry for any offense that my unfortunate comments may have caused. I made unfortunate comments that do not accurately reflect my bipartisan conviction, political philosophy, or most importantly, my opinions about Senator Obama and his historic campaign for the United States presidency."

"While I have consulted with seven former and current presidential candidates, I am not affiliated nor a surrogate for the Clinton campaign, or any other campaign."

"I wholeheartedly appreciate Senator Obama's concern for Americans struggling to afford health insurance and I admire his amazing ability to inspire the nation.  In fact, it is my own moral and religious convictions that lead me to believe that it is necessary for our country to guarantee quality, affordable health insurance for all Americans. My foremost priority is to advance the health reform debate by protecting a fact-based discussion."

"The New America Foundation is a non-partisan think tank, that does not endorse or advise any campaign in an official capacity " said Steve Coll, New America's President and CEO. "Len's decision to participate in the call and his comments on the mailer are regrettable. Len is passionate and committed to reforming health care in America, and I know that he sincerely regrets these unfortunate remarks."

1. It is three pages.  That means that there are some pages missing or that an odd page has been added.

2. There is no acknowledgment that it is from the Obama campaign--you know, the little fine print at the bottom that would say "Produced by Illinois Citizens for Obama" or "Obama for President 2008" or similar wording.

3. There is no union label.  Typically Democrats have their material printed at union shops.

4. The design is not consistent with the Obama for President branding.

THE FALSE CONTRITION STRATEGY

Apologies mean little when the original offense was part of a calculated plan, and the strategy behind this technique is to level charges -- which has an effect, since most people won't check while many more will only remember the accusation -- and then back away in fake contrition. This is often followed by entreaties for forgiveness, which then place the burden of forgiveness on the offended party -- oddly.

THE ATTACK DOG STRATEGY -- & righteous indignation

Another common variant of this strategy is the Good Cop/Bad Cop game (attack dog), in which the candidate himself or herself engages in dirty politics while disavowing any knowledge of the attack. Complaints about the attack by the injured party are responded to with righteous indignation and the status of offended party is inverted in Orwellian fashion.

We've seen examples of these strategies in use by the Clinton campaign in numerous incidents recently. And protests about being falsely accused are merely part of the Clinton strategy. Establishing oneself as the injured party works well when there are polarizing pressures in play. This is when cognitive dissonance becomes pronounced. The confusion created by the storm of charges and counter-charges makes it difficult for voters to decide an issue objectively. They then fall back on traditional loyalties, such as gender or race. In effect, since dissonance prevents them from deciding the question objectively, they must rely on a simpler heuristic -- i.e., who do you trust -- in order to steer through the paradoxical nature of the problem.

THE TWO-FACED STRATEGY - the social butterfly game

Presenting oneself as the offended party -- even while conducting dirty attacks -- is at the core of these strategies. Every opportunity is used to present oneself as the conciliator, thus overly gracious displays are used excessively, just as social butterflies are prone to overdo their displays of friendliness. Inauthentic displays of affection are hallmark of this strategy. The purpose behind the offered handshake is not to show affection, but rather, to force the recipient to abide by social mores regarding reciprocity. This technique is known as the "foot-in-the-door" technique, and has been quite effectively by Hare Krishnas in airports, who offer a "free gift" to passing strangers only to ask for donation in return once the 'gift' has been accepted.

"..the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. .. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked.." - Goering

The attack on the photo is overdone, but I can see the point that this is kind of a 'dog whistle' for Clinton due to the health care debacle in 1993-1994. I don't think the Harry and Louise theme is very overt, but it's probably intentional.

As far as attack mailers go, this is about a 2/10.