by Dante Atkins (hekebolos) [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Or something.

I'm still trying to make heads and tails of Bob Drogin's narrative in Thursday's L.A. Times regarding John McCain's campaign strategy, which seems to be treating the entire country like one giant New Hampshire:

CINCINNATI -- When John McCain campaigned here last week, he relied on his signature event, an unscripted town hall meeting, to sway undecided voters in this crucial swing state.

The presumed Republican presidential nominee paced with a microphone at Xavier University, taking questions about energy, the economy and other issues from about 150 people.

Problem is, it doesn't work.

(see extended...)

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Mary Lyon

I guess this is proof, after a fashion, that the war has indeed followed us home. Some of our leading veterans-turned-political-warriors, from John McCain to Wesley Clark and Jim Webb, and even a fresh-outta-mothballs Swiftboater seem to have decided that – never mind “fighting ‘em over there” - the order of the day really is to “fight ‘em here” after all.

It starts, as it always does anymore, with Republican presidential hopeful John McCain’s prisoner-of-war status. It’s the single most distinctive thing most Americans know about him. Shot down during the Vietnam War and taken up residence, the hard way, in the so-called “Hanoi Hilton.” There isn’t a politician, pundit, or voter alive, from liberal to conservative, military or civilian, campaign ally or competitor, who hasn’t acknowledged that – in a positive and respectful way. And despite his and his supporters’ protestations, nobody is taking its name in vain. Unlike so many other Republican leading lights, McCain actually did wear his country’s uniform, see combat, and shed blood and even those many millions of us who won’t be voting for him still honor that.

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

John McCainis facing difficulties garnering support, reports the LA Times. Only45% of McCain backers are "very" or "somewhat" enthusiastic about theman, compared to 81% of Obama supporters for the Democratic nominee.And individuals who had contributed to President Bush's re-electioncampaign are balking at funding McCain's campaign.

The state Legislature has given approval to a billthat would increase the chance that children who are suspected victimsof abuse at home will be present at court. The bill, pushed byAssemblyman Dave Jones (D-Sacramento), passed the Assembly 76-0.

Barack Obama has spoken out in opposition to the ballot measurethat would ban same-sex marriages in California. Obama said that hesupports extending "fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couplesunder both state and federal law."

There's more... 

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

If you're looking for more evidence of John McCain being out of step with California,look no further than his own supporter, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whotold Meet the Press this morning he opposes the proposed gay marriageban, while McCain recently voiced his support for it. This also comeson the heels of a high profile disagreement between the two overoffshore oil drilling.

Schwarzenegger also told Tom Brokow this morning that he is disappointed by the gridlock in Washington and wants to see the parties work together, the Associated Press reports, advice they could probably use in Sacramento as well.

In case you missed, we're back to the 1-10 series for ballot measures,as Secretary of State Debra Bowen recently assigned number to thepropositions, Capitol Alert reports. Some highlights: Proposition 1 onhigh speed rail funding, Proposition 2 on the treatment of farmanimals, Proposition 4 on parental consent for abortion (the thirdattempt), Proposition 8 banning gay marriage and Proposition 11 onredistricting.

There's more... 

by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

From another chapter of the "Arnold and McCain Feud", McCain officially endorses the end of marriage equality. Today the Destroy Marriage propaganda operation released this statement from McCain (h/t CapAlert):

"I support the efforts of the people of California to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman, just as we did in my home state of Arizona. I do not believe judges should be making these decisions."

How very "Maverick" of him.  He's really taking it to those "agents of intolerance" by, um, supporting their agenda. That will show them!