Meg Whitman in moderation. Plus: Obama's surge communication.
WITH MODERATION With rumors swirling that her mentor and former colleague
at Bain Capital, ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt
Romney, intends to mount his 2012 presidential
race running as the moderate he has always been, prospective
California gubernatorial candidateMeg
Whitmanseems to making no bones about her
political instincts.
First, she was caught on video touting the intelligence and
efforts of disgraced Obama Administration adviser Van
Jones. Now Whitman's campaign book is due for
release and its co-author,Joan O'C
Hamilton, is revealed to be the co-author of a
book written with leftist California District Attorney candidate
-- and current San Francisco DA --Kamala
Harris. Harris was an early backer ofBarack Obama, and was
mentioned for a number of senior Obama White House
positions.
Whitman, who has never run for public office, has built a
large and impressive campaign team, many of whom worked for
Romney's presidential campaign.
Hamilton, is a well-known business journalist, who has
co-authored a number of books for business executives and
thought leaders. "If you've worked
in Silicon Valley, as Meg has, Joan is probably one of
two or three writers you'd want to work with, particularly on a
business or leadership book," says a Washington-based
Whitman adviser. "There is no political connection there;
it's just about finding the best person to work with."
SLOW SURGE Some Republicans on Capitol Hill are wondering how it's
possible for President Barack Obamato
call a joint session of Congress to tout his economic plans, but
not his plans for the war in Afghanistan. "It's a set of policies
with far greater immediate implications," says a Senate
Republican leadership aide. "But the White House seems to think
it's worthy of a teleprompter speech and a lot of spinning by
White House officials. We'd prefer that he come up here and make
his case before the American people."
The White House has not indicated how it will roll out the
Afghanistan surge policies, though a major rollout is no doubt in
the works, from morning shows to late night spinning. Rumors have
had an announcement taking place any time from days before
Thanksgiving, to the more likely post-Thanksgiving week lull.
Meg and Mitt - a 'marriage' to scare the H*LL out of anyone who
embraces conservatism. Mitt was an absolute failure as Governor
in Mass. leaving the Republican party an even bigger joke than it
was before. He has been a successful businessman, he is neither a
leader nor a conservative. Meg appears to be a political
opportunist - I wouldn't trust ANY Silicone (sic) Valley
'Techie-Wonder' in a position of political power.
Tim| 11.24.09 @ 11:59AM
I agree, Romney's tenure in Massachusetts was a political one
night stand: he got serviced and he walked away.
loulou| 11.24.09 @ 8:26PM
I agree. Romney couldn't even win a primary--even with the
fortune he spent. He's a RINO.
Derek Leaberry| 11.24.09 @ 8:50AM
Conservatives are better off foisting the responsibility of the
California government onto Jerry Brown's capricious shoulders and
pounce on him when he inevitably fails. California is currently
ungovernable. It needs to collapse before it can be reborn.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.24.09 @ 9:06AM
Derek
I am afraid you are precisely correct. The problem is that Obama
and Pelosi NEED California. They will take everyone else's tax
dollars and prop them up.
...Cocaine, free to a hopeless addict. Food and shelter as
well.
There are some other States just about as bad off
proportionately, same deal.
Man! talk about redistributing the wealth...whew!
I do believe I have discovered yet another reason to absolutely
despise eBay. But then Whitman runs that like Obama runs (sic)
the administration - deceit and lies. Refuse to allow sellers to
take payment in any form they wish? Must use (eBay owned) PayPal?
No - I don't think so.
Margie| 11.24.09 @ 11:06AM
I'm a seller myself. Here's the deal. You can accept payment
other than thru Paypal, but the trick is you're not allowed to
advertise it on your listings. It makes it nearly impossible
because buyers want to pay quickly and right after the auction is
up they just click on over. You have to contact them immediately
after the auction ends to ask them if they wouldn't mind sending
a check, m.o., etc. I have seen some power sellers who DO still
advertise this on their listings. I guess it's just a matter of
time before they get booted. The problem is you can say you
accept other forms of payment on your invoice, but most pay asap
and don't even wait for the invoice.
So yes indeed they have made things ridiculously unfair for us
because they "tax" us twice. They take both an ebay fee, and then
a Paypal fee, which is owned by ebay.
I've just raised my selling prices mucho, and I do just
fine.
Sounds like the former (?) CEO of ebay, Meg Whitman will bring
the same PC insanity to Calif. that she brought to ebay. Ugh.
Ryan| 11.24.09 @ 11:23AM
I'm pretty much the same way, but in recent months it looks like
Ebay has actually ceded a little more to the small seller. I like
the idea of paypal, and haven't gotten messed over like some
horror stories that I've heard (FAR too buyer-centric). I just
bump my shipping prices up to cover the fees (just a couple
bucks) and became a near-expert on shipping via USPS.
I wasn't crazy about Whitman's term at ebay - I think she catered
a little too much to big-business interests and pushed to be
Amazon-lite and started leaving the small seller behind. If you
know how to play it, you can still make a little money on the
side.
Margie| 11.24.09 @ 12:38PM
Hey fellow ebayer! Been buying & selling since 2001. Vintage
things mostly. Ebay has been a life saver for us. My husband has
become the expert shipper, prints it all out from home, the whole
9 yards, like you. I do the collecting & selling,
mostly.
I'm all for "big business" it's the PC nonsense that ruins it.
But yes, I see that they've changed some things for the good.
It's funny.. I got that Top Seller ribbon thingy now on my
listings, and ever since then I get all kinds of inquiries from
people, and I believe it's helped with sales.
Paypal is definately a good thing, but the "double taxation" is
just plain mean.
As for horror stories, you wouldn't even believe some I've
experienced. Like the guy from the UK who sold me an antique
paperweight. It had a huge scratch. He refunded me partially so I
went thru my bank to get the money back. He then proceeded to
threaten my life, and my husband's life in repeated e mails. But
99% of my experiences have been great and I've met some friends
as well.
I think the newest thing now is that we can't charge the customer
for insurance anymore. So we have to incorporate it into the
selling price. Another dumb move. But hey~~ I still really can't
complain. Honestly, I have to thank God for ebay.
Ryan| 11.24.09 @ 2:10PM
The only time I ran into an insurance issue is when a customer
asked for it, but I rarely sell anything worth insuring. Mostly
toys and stuff I snag at garage sales that I know has value.
Stephen Zierak| 11.24.09 @ 10:33AM
Another California RINO, just like la fiorina (or maybe even
worse!). If Republicans run such candidates in 2010 it will
totally undermine any chance to reform the government and rebuild
the stupid party's brand. And as for Romney, he's just like his
dad, a total opportunist. If he "moderates" (read, levels about
his liberal views), will his "National Review" lackeys still
support him even so as "the best we can expect". My goodness,
Rich, you must come to eventually understand that Romney's crap
really does stink.
Adam Smith| 11.24.09 @ 3:35PM
Meg had to take down the forum on her site because it was so
swamped with issues she refused to address, all the time pushing
her gender as the main selling point. It was very funny to read
and the plants from the campaign were painfully obvious. Her
campaign is a clone of the woman's who looted HP...can't remember
her name now Catty something or other..
We don't need more of the cult of personality types pushing
identity politics and pandering to special interest groups.
Go run as a democrat Meg and take Catty Carly with you. Both of
you were complete failures as ceo's and are running out of vanity
now, not some burning desire to contribute your suspect skillset.
Have not both of you enough ill gotten gains to keep you happy?
And the public trough seems occupied to capacity right now
anyway...
Alan Brooks| 11.24.09 @ 4:41PM
I will definitely vote for Obama in '12, as the GOP is now an
anti-conservative party; they do not conserve much at all.
They have to please so many factions today that it negates the
purpose of republicanism. You don't buy it that the GOP has any
intention of doing anything substantial about the Mexican border,
do you? Basically, many or most Republicans are simply clueless.
But, you fight your own wars and dig your own graves. And should
you not like the future? then go to church-- that's all that's
left for you and yours. Guaranteed.
Adam Smith| 11.24.09 @ 6:03PM
Frustrating isn't it?
Alan Brooks| 11.24.09 @ 8:09PM
no. Hopeless.
the Cold War has been over for 18- 20 years, and the Grand Old
Potatoheads are more out of touch than the Dems.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.24.09 @ 7:42PM
Alan, hello you communist lying squirt-bag.
We finally sniffed you out in your own words. Any jerk voting for
Obama in 2012 is my enemy.
Did you hear that, squirt-bag?
Any well-meaning idiot could vote for him last time.
Hopey changey idiots can be forgiven.
Let's read Alan's words again:
""I will definitely vote for Obama in '12, as the GOP is now an
anti-conservative party; they do not conserve much at all.
They have to please so many factions today that it negates the
purpose of republicanism. You don't buy it that the GOP has any
intention of doing anything substantial about the Mexican border,
do you? Basically, many or most Republicans are simply clueless.
But, you fight your own wars and dig your own graves. And should
you not like the future? then go to church-- that's all that's
left for you and yours. Guaranteed. ""
WELL GOLLLLLEEE!
Alan, I am not a very good church goer. I am a Christian, though,
and you simply do not know what you have helped get on the
newswires. Heh!
Good versus evil folks...you just read it in their own words.
These cowardly little squirrels have removed their masks now.
They think we just go quietly into the night..
WRONG!
Alan, you cowardly little dousche-bag, we will never quite
identify you in mommie's basement, you cowardly little
skank.
We shall break your heart though.
We Christians now understand that we might very well be in the
"end time".
If our Creator thinks we have "lost" we believe He brings down
the curtain on history.
(uh...and you and yours go to an eternal darkness.)
So whatever happens...you lose...ONCE AGAIN!!!
SEEK LIFE VERY CAREFULLY IN THESE DAYS.
THEY MAY BE YOUR LAST.
Margie| 11.24.09 @ 9:23PM
Jeremiah said "Here am I, send me!" to God. He wanted to serve
Him.
"Choose this day whom you will serve.. But as for me and my
house, we will serve the Lord." (Josh. 24:15).
Looks like some have chosen.
The GOP isn't an anti-conservative party. But there are those who
wish to destroy it.
Who's side are you on? The RinoWhiners are the destroyers. The
complainers are the destroyers.
Either you're building up or you're tearing down.
Part of the problem~or part of the solution.
Choose this day!
I choose to work to build up and not to tear down.
Alan Brooks| 11.24.09 @ 8:13PM
You did a HEAVENLY job with Dole and McCain.
Hope you are proud.
Too bad Kemp is gone-- but only the good die young.
Roy| 11.25.09 @ 2:59AM
Dole and McCain a) weren't our choices; and b) beat the living,
pustulating crap out of Clinton and Obama.
Margie| 11.27.09 @ 12:32PM
And your vote for Obama, the brother to him who destroys? (Prov.
18:9).
Conservatives are better off foisting the responsibility of the
California government onto Jerry Brown's capricious shoulders and
pounce on him when he inevitably fails. California is currently
ungovernable. It needs to collapse before it can be reborn.
karen kelly| 11.24.09 @ 8:56PM
Mitt is my worst nightmare as president after Obama. His
MittneyCare is a disaster - and he keeps insisting it's working!
However, I do think if someone who is an actual conservative runs
that person will win over Mittney.
Rich in NH| 11.24.09 @ 7:08AM
Meg and Mitt - a 'marriage' to scare the H*LL out of anyone who embraces conservatism. Mitt was an absolute failure as Governor in Mass. leaving the Republican party an even bigger joke than it was before. He has been a successful businessman, he is neither a leader nor a conservative. Meg appears to be a political opportunist - I wouldn't trust ANY Silicone (sic) Valley 'Techie-Wonder' in a position of political power.
Tim| 11.24.09 @ 11:59AM
I agree, Romney's tenure in Massachusetts was a political one night stand: he got serviced and he walked away.
loulou| 11.24.09 @ 8:26PM
I agree. Romney couldn't even win a primary--even with the fortune he spent. He's a RINO.
Derek Leaberry| 11.24.09 @ 8:50AM
Conservatives are better off foisting the responsibility of the California government onto Jerry Brown's capricious shoulders and pounce on him when he inevitably fails. California is currently ungovernable. It needs to collapse before it can be reborn.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.24.09 @ 9:06AM
Derek
I am afraid you are precisely correct. The problem is that Obama and Pelosi NEED California. They will take everyone else's tax dollars and prop them up.
...Cocaine, free to a hopeless addict. Food and shelter as well.
There are some other States just about as bad off proportionately, same deal.
Man! talk about redistributing the wealth...whew!
Bruce| 11.24.09 @ 10:31AM
Meg Whitman, Van Jones, Obama.
I do believe I have discovered yet another reason to absolutely despise eBay. But then Whitman runs that like Obama runs (sic) the administration - deceit and lies. Refuse to allow sellers to take payment in any form they wish? Must use (eBay owned) PayPal?
No - I don't think so.
Margie| 11.24.09 @ 11:06AM
I'm a seller myself. Here's the deal. You can accept payment other than thru Paypal, but the trick is you're not allowed to advertise it on your listings. It makes it nearly impossible because buyers want to pay quickly and right after the auction is up they just click on over. You have to contact them immediately after the auction ends to ask them if they wouldn't mind sending a check, m.o., etc. I have seen some power sellers who DO still advertise this on their listings. I guess it's just a matter of time before they get booted. The problem is you can say you accept other forms of payment on your invoice, but most pay asap and don't even wait for the invoice.
So yes indeed they have made things ridiculously unfair for us because they "tax" us twice. They take both an ebay fee, and then a Paypal fee, which is owned by ebay.
I've just raised my selling prices mucho, and I do just fine.
Sounds like the former (?) CEO of ebay, Meg Whitman will bring the same PC insanity to Calif. that she brought to ebay. Ugh.
Ryan| 11.24.09 @ 11:23AM
I'm pretty much the same way, but in recent months it looks like Ebay has actually ceded a little more to the small seller. I like the idea of paypal, and haven't gotten messed over like some horror stories that I've heard (FAR too buyer-centric). I just bump my shipping prices up to cover the fees (just a couple bucks) and became a near-expert on shipping via USPS.
I wasn't crazy about Whitman's term at ebay - I think she catered a little too much to big-business interests and pushed to be Amazon-lite and started leaving the small seller behind. If you know how to play it, you can still make a little money on the side.
Margie| 11.24.09 @ 12:38PM
Hey fellow ebayer! Been buying & selling since 2001. Vintage things mostly. Ebay has been a life saver for us. My husband has become the expert shipper, prints it all out from home, the whole 9 yards, like you. I do the collecting & selling, mostly.
I'm all for "big business" it's the PC nonsense that ruins it. But yes, I see that they've changed some things for the good. It's funny.. I got that Top Seller ribbon thingy now on my listings, and ever since then I get all kinds of inquiries from people, and I believe it's helped with sales.
Paypal is definately a good thing, but the "double taxation" is just plain mean.
As for horror stories, you wouldn't even believe some I've experienced. Like the guy from the UK who sold me an antique paperweight. It had a huge scratch. He refunded me partially so I went thru my bank to get the money back. He then proceeded to threaten my life, and my husband's life in repeated e mails. But 99% of my experiences have been great and I've met some friends as well.
I think the newest thing now is that we can't charge the customer for insurance anymore. So we have to incorporate it into the selling price. Another dumb move. But hey~~ I still really can't complain. Honestly, I have to thank God for ebay.
Ryan| 11.24.09 @ 2:10PM
The only time I ran into an insurance issue is when a customer asked for it, but I rarely sell anything worth insuring. Mostly toys and stuff I snag at garage sales that I know has value.
Stephen Zierak| 11.24.09 @ 10:33AM
Another California RINO, just like la fiorina (or maybe even worse!). If Republicans run such candidates in 2010 it will totally undermine any chance to reform the government and rebuild the stupid party's brand. And as for Romney, he's just like his dad, a total opportunist. If he "moderates" (read, levels about his liberal views), will his "National Review" lackeys still support him even so as "the best we can expect". My goodness, Rich, you must come to eventually understand that Romney's crap really does stink.
Adam Smith| 11.24.09 @ 3:35PM
Meg had to take down the forum on her site because it was so swamped with issues she refused to address, all the time pushing her gender as the main selling point. It was very funny to read and the plants from the campaign were painfully obvious. Her campaign is a clone of the woman's who looted HP...can't remember her name now Catty something or other..
We don't need more of the cult of personality types pushing identity politics and pandering to special interest groups.
Go run as a democrat Meg and take Catty Carly with you. Both of you were complete failures as ceo's and are running out of vanity now, not some burning desire to contribute your suspect skillset.
Have not both of you enough ill gotten gains to keep you happy?
And the public trough seems occupied to capacity right now anyway...
Alan Brooks| 11.24.09 @ 4:41PM
I will definitely vote for Obama in '12, as the GOP is now an anti-conservative party; they do not conserve much at all.
They have to please so many factions today that it negates the purpose of republicanism. You don't buy it that the GOP has any intention of doing anything substantial about the Mexican border, do you? Basically, many or most Republicans are simply clueless.
But, you fight your own wars and dig your own graves. And should you not like the future? then go to church-- that's all that's left for you and yours. Guaranteed.
Adam Smith| 11.24.09 @ 6:03PM
Frustrating isn't it?
Alan Brooks| 11.24.09 @ 8:09PM
no. Hopeless.
the Cold War has been over for 18- 20 years, and the Grand Old Potatoheads are more out of touch than the Dems.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.24.09 @ 7:42PM
Alan, hello you communist lying squirt-bag.
We finally sniffed you out in your own words. Any jerk voting for Obama in 2012 is my enemy.
Did you hear that, squirt-bag?
Any well-meaning idiot could vote for him last time.
Hopey changey idiots can be forgiven.
Let's read Alan's words again:
""I will definitely vote for Obama in '12, as the GOP is now an anti-conservative party; they do not conserve much at all.
They have to please so many factions today that it negates the purpose of republicanism. You don't buy it that the GOP has any intention of doing anything substantial about the Mexican border, do you? Basically, many or most Republicans are simply clueless.
But, you fight your own wars and dig your own graves. And should you not like the future? then go to church-- that's all that's left for you and yours. Guaranteed. ""
WELL GOLLLLLEEE!
Alan, I am not a very good church goer. I am a Christian, though, and you simply do not know what you have helped get on the newswires. Heh!
Good versus evil folks...you just read it in their own words. These cowardly little squirrels have removed their masks now. They think we just go quietly into the night..
WRONG!
Alan, you cowardly little dousche-bag, we will never quite identify you in mommie's basement, you cowardly little skank.
We shall break your heart though.
We Christians now understand that we might very well be in the "end time".
If our Creator thinks we have "lost" we believe He brings down the curtain on history.
(uh...and you and yours go to an eternal darkness.)
So whatever happens...you lose...ONCE AGAIN!!!
SEEK LIFE VERY CAREFULLY IN THESE DAYS.
THEY MAY BE YOUR LAST.
Margie| 11.24.09 @ 9:23PM
Jeremiah said "Here am I, send me!" to God. He wanted to serve Him.
"Choose this day whom you will serve.. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Josh. 24:15).
Looks like some have chosen.
The GOP isn't an anti-conservative party. But there are those who wish to destroy it.
Who's side are you on? The RinoWhiners are the destroyers. The complainers are the destroyers.
Either you're building up or you're tearing down.
Part of the problem~or part of the solution.
Choose this day!
I choose to work to build up and not to tear down.
Alan Brooks| 11.24.09 @ 8:13PM
You did a HEAVENLY job with Dole and McCain.
Hope you are proud.
Too bad Kemp is gone-- but only the good die young.
Roy| 11.25.09 @ 2:59AM
Dole and McCain a) weren't our choices; and b) beat the living, pustulating crap out of Clinton and Obama.
Margie| 11.27.09 @ 12:32PM
And your vote for Obama, the brother to him who destroys? (Prov. 18:9).
fallen earth chips| 11.24.09 @ 8:54PM
Conservatives are better off foisting the responsibility of the California government onto Jerry Brown's capricious shoulders and pounce on him when he inevitably fails. California is currently ungovernable. It needs to collapse before it can be reborn.
karen kelly| 11.24.09 @ 8:56PM
Mitt is my worst nightmare as president after Obama. His MittneyCare is a disaster - and he keeps insisting it's working! However, I do think if someone who is an actual conservative runs that person will win over Mittney.
Mandarin Chinese Online| 11.28.09 @ 5:07AM
nothing is impossible to a willing heart!
electronic| 11.30.09 @ 4:18AM
nothing is impossible to a willing heart!
www.us-bapeoutlet.com| 4.2.10 @ 10:33PM
www.us-bapeoutlet.com