Bill Manzi.com

Former Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, a co-chair of the McCain Campaign and a top economic advisor to that campaign, created a stir yesterday by saying that the United States was a “nation of whiners” that were in a “mental recession”, McCain could not distance himself quickly enough from the Gramm remarks. From MSNBC:

“I strongly disagree” with Phil Gramm’s remarks, McCain told reporters in what amounted to nothing short of a smackdown against one of his top surrogates and longtime friends. “Phil Gramm does not speak for me. I speak for me.”

McCain also held out a future role for Gramm in a McCain Administration as ambassador to Belarus.

Obama did not waste much time going on the offensive:

“It’s not just a figment of your imagination,” Obama said at a town-hall event focused on helping women advance economically. “Let’s be clear. This economic downturn is not in your head.” “It isn’t whining to ask government to step in and give families some relief,” he said, drawing a standing ovation from the nearly 3,000 people in a high school gymnasium. “And I think it’s time we had a president who doesn’t deny our problems or blame the American people for them but takes responsibility and provides the leadership to solve them.”

And so in one day we have both candidates having supporters trip up in outside remarks, but the day, in my opinion, goes strongly towards Obama. And Phil Gramm gets a one way ticket to Minsk.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/25626820#25626820

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, in comments inadvertently picked up by a live mic, made disparaging remarks about Barack Obama and has spent today doing the “profusely apologize” routine. Jackson’s comments were spurred by his perception that Obama is somewhat condescending in his remarks, and has not focused on issues of import to the black community. From MSNBC:

During a break from taping “Fox & Friends” on Sunday, a fellow guest asked Jackson about speeches on morality Obama has given at black churches. Jackson said at a news conference Wednesday that he responded that Obama’s speeches can come off as speaking down to black people and that there were other important issues to be addressed, such as unemployment, the mortgage crisis and the number of blacks in prison.

The Reverend Jackson took some of his heaviest incoming fire from his son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

His divisive and demeaning comments about the presumptive Democratic nominee — and I believe the next president of the United States — contradict his inspiring and courageous career,” the younger Jackson said.

The younger Jackson serves as a national co-chair of the Obama campaign. Well, with all of the controversy surrounding these comments did Rev. Jackson actually do Senator Obama a favor here? With Obama tacking center this cannot help but re-inforce the mainstreaming of Barack Obama. What do you think? I see it as a blessing in disguise for Obama. Keep that cutting instrument in your pocket Reverend Jackson.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/25613699#25613699

Senator Ted Kennedy returned to Capitol Hill today to cast a vote on an important Medicare Bill. The Boston Globe reported that Kennedy flew to Washington immediately after receiving treatment in Boston, and then flew home right after the vote. A brief return, but one that came while Kennedy is leading conversations amongst key people in Washington about the shape of health care reform after January. Ted Kennedy, even in adversity, continues to work for the American people. Thank you, Ted Kennedy!