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"timestamp": "2009-12-09_17:46:58", "remote_domain": "", "page": 1, "is_moderator": false, "display_username": "", "points": null, "subscribe_on_post": 2, "moderator_can_edit": false, "is_remote": false, "is_verified": false, "missing_perm": "login"}, "realtime_paused": false, "posts": {"4787542": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is Venus vs Serena when they think no one is looking and they REALLY wanna beat the other one. This is great.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:54:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787462, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789255": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Oh yeah, you had Loudmouth Ferraro getting up on the news claiming that Paterson needs to appoint any of the 6 female Dem. congresswomen to Hillary's seat, you have people blathering that any other woman would be more qualified than Caroline up to and including JLo.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:48:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787735, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791305": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Just because you feel that Blago did something wrong a few weeks ago doesn't mean he can't make a good decision this week. Does that mean he won't do any good deeds for the rest of his life? Have you ever heard of repentence? <br>1) Don't hold anything against Burris because of Pat Buchanan.<br>2)Blago didn't say F U to Obama in public. Obama cursed Lieberman out after a senate meeting. In private, people curse at each other all the time.<br>3)If you say anyone who Blago appoint is tainted, you are being very prejudice.<br>4)Burris should take the seat and bring his impeccable record?<br>5)The world we live in is full of favors. You wash my back and I wash yours. Nothing new.<br>6) Don't worry about trying to obstruct the CBC from saving face. Obama has promised to work WITH all administrations.<br>7)Burris being appointed by Blago doesn't mean he'll be underming Obama.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:21:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "d3807f11b26fc6b1cf8ad05b419f8a33", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791049, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791306": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Your post is SNARK...right?", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:20:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789009, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788236": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hillary made it clear she wanted her replacement to be a woman. Other prominent NY dems concurred. According to reports, that is. But in the reporting, there was no criticism of the sentiment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:50:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787735, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790290": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "got it. thanks.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:34:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790243, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788243": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm sorry but Bobby Rush ? lol This is a joke right? The lynching comment is just a bit over the top and race baiting. As for Mr. Burris, I have no idea who he is or what he has done so I can't just it. I'd like to know more about the race that you speak of. There is no posted information to back up the claim that he lost the race because he was black. I'd apprichiate that in a follow up post or here some time :)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:50:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "245857794a8d4da90a73fbb64352b916", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787732": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I have a problem with it.  It is complete horseshit.  I'm not from Chicago, so I don't know about Rush's history of performance like others may have.  But I do remember about Obama losing to Rush, and how Rush pulled that--you are too elite, I don't have time to teach you about the civil rights movement crap.  So for him to come up with this lynching stuff is complete bull.  Black seat my butt---check this nytimes article:  <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=3\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/0...</a>.  When Rush had a chance to back a Black man for the US Senate--Obama, low and behold, he backed the White candidate, Blair Hull, out of spite for Obama challenging his seat.  For him to now, lightweight threaten anybody that challenges Burris' appointment on the basis that he is Black, is beyond hypocrisy.  I am so angry about this buffoonery, I can barely type.  Obama is a better one then me, because I wouldn't be able to put up with such foolishness.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:07:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787228, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4797461": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I have to co-sign with you, CPL.  <br><br>From my vantage point, the circumstances of Mr. Burris' appointment appear designed to serve very narrow PERSONAL interests, namely Blagos.  <br><br>I understand the objective to keep an AA in the Senate (which I fully support ), but there's other stuff in play here that I'm not feeling.  <br><br>Blago definitely is, as my grandmother used to say, \"as slick as a <br>goddamn eel.\"  I'll concede that much!  But he's also reckless, and for that reason alone, I wouldn't mess with him.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_09:25:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "bb90730b238bd2c1f318bc1437a3fc1e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791266, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4798998": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Maybe Burris is using Blago...........", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_11:32:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790973, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787735": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Really? I had not realized there was talk of Hilary Clinton's seat being a \"woman's seat\".  Is this Joan Walsh over at the Salon stirring things up?<br>But don't forget Craig, this last year on the campaign was nothing but a double standard. <br><br>To be honest with you, I have cut back alot of my political coverage so I may have missed some things. I know there is the big brouhaha  over Caroline Kennedy's possible appointment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:07:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "Honey01", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787349, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791320": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Rush never forgave Obama for actually having the audacity to challenge him for his Congressional seat a few years back.<br><br>Talk about holding GRUDGES....Dayum.<br><br>And Rush is a sell out.  Read about it here:<br><a href=\"http://www.blackcommentator.com/181/181_cbc_monitor_bobby_rush_pf.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.blackcommentator.com/181/181_cbc_mon...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:22:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789308, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790298": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign.  Really, <i>double</i> co-sign.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:34:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789196, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787228": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"Do not lynch the appointee\"<br><br>Does anyone else have a problem with statements like this?  Don't get me wrong.  I'm sure the press has every intention to \"lynch\" the appointee.  That's not the issue.<br><br>I guess it rubs me the wrong way to see Blago hide behind two elder statesmen from the black community with threats of \"don't lynch the appointee.\"  And, yes, that seemed to be a deliberately crafted choice of words at this press conference.<br><br>I don't know anything about Mr. Burris.  I wouldn't be surprised to find that he is a man of admirable character and competence.  I have no reason to assume otherwise.  However . . . <br><br>Why hitch black history to Blago's sinking ship???<br><br>I don't know.  It's stuff like this that allows the Rush Limbaugh's of the world to say \"See . . .I told you so . . . it's all about race/affirmative action/etc.\"  <br><br>So when the Dems refuse to seat Mr. Burris, Blago's gonna hide behind black history and call them a bunch of racists.  Of course, there are racists in both parties. .  .but stuff like this sets up a very predictable turn of events.<br><br>I hope all works well for Mr. Burris.  But, at face value, it looks like Blago just got himself a buffer.<br><br>I hope I'm wrong.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:31:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "B_Serious", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788253": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "the \"next generation' - Jesse Jackson Jr.-got caught with his pants down. He was IT.<br><br>You might not like Rush and what he said - he's MY Congressman, and I've NEVER voted for him - but, I understand what he's attempting to do. Might not be pretty, but that Irish gang was trying to muscle in, and they're making a stand.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:51:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 9, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788093, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787745": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Transcript of Blago Conference<br>Blagojevich Names Burris to Fill Obama's Vacant Senate Seat<br><br>CQ Transcripts Wire<br>Tuesday, December 30, 2008; 3:18 PM<br><br><br><br>GOV. ROD BLAGOJEVICH (ILL.): The people of Illinois are entitled to have two United States senators represent them in Washington, D.C.<br><br>As governor, I am required to make this appointment. If I don't make this appointment, then the people of Illinois will be deprived of their appropriate voice and vote in the United States Senate.<br><br>Therefore, I am here to announce my intention to appoint an individual who has unquestioned integrity, extensive experience, and is a wise and distinguished senior statesman of Illinois. This man actually once was an opponent of mine for governor. <br><br>(LAUGHTER)<br><br>So I'm here today to announce that I am appointing Roland Burris as the next United States senator from the Illinois. <br><br>Roland Burris is no stranger to the people of our state. Between 1979 and 1992 he served the people of Illinois as the state's comptroller and the state's attorney general. He has had a long and distinguished career serving the people of Illinois. He will be a great United States senator. <br><br>And now I'd like to ask everyone to do one last thing. Please don't allow the allegations against me to taint this good and honest man. <br><br>Ladies and gentlemen, Roland Burris. <br><br>ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL ROLAND BURRIS: I will have a brief formal statement, and I will respond to a few questions. <br><br>Thank you, Governor. <br><br>As a nation, we face a convergence of unparalleled crises. Our nation is locked in an economic crisis not felt since the Great Depression three-quarters of a century ago. <br><br><br><br>Our nation stared down the triple-barreled threat of war in the Middle East, festering conflict in Iraq, and continued threats of terrorist breeding grounds in Afghanistan.<br><br><br>As the greatest nation in the history of the world, the United States is confronted with a crisis of faith in our own leadership capability and in our ability to bring understanding to nations who look to us for peace and prosperity. <br><br><br>And the people of our great nation have told us, in no uncertain terms, that we are at a crossroads of confidence in our ability to return the ideals that make the United States the greatest nation in the world. <br><br><br>Faced with these challenges, and challenged with these crises, it is incomprehensible that the the people of the great state of Illinois will enter the 111th Congress short-handed. <br><br><br>To fight a choking recession and return our economy to a level of vitality and strength, we need leadership in Washington. Illinois is blessed to have an intelligent and dedicated congressional caucus led by our senior United States senator Dick Durbin. <br><br><br>Moreover, President-elect Barack Obama has (inaudible) and ready to hit the ground running on January 20th. If ever there is a man with the talent to succeed against the long odds, it is he.<br><br><br>I welcome the challenges that await us in the 111th Congress, I have faith in the record that I have forged over the past four decades, and I am proud of my accomplishments as a public servant. <br><br>I accept this appointment to fill the unexpired term of President-elect Barack Obama. I ask the people of Illinois to place the same faith and trust in me that they have in the past when they elected me three times as their state controller, and one term as their attorney general.<br><br><br>I am humbled to have the opportunity, and promise the citizens that I will dedicate my utmost effort as their United States senator, and I will uphold the integrity of the office and ask for their continued confidence in me.<br><br><br>Thank you all very much, and I will respond to a few questions.<br><br><br>QUESTION: Why do you believe -- why do you believe that your appointment will not be tainted by the prevalent charges that are now hanging over the governor?<br><br><br>BURRIS: This is an appointment done by the governor of the state. And based on that, I have no relationship with that situation. I'm accepting an appointment by the governor to go to the United States Senate.<br><br><br>That's it.<br><br><br>QUESTION: The House -- the Senate Democratic leadership (inaudible) they won't (inaudible) -- won't certify the appointment. Why do you think they'll ever (inaudible)?<br><br><br>BURRIS: That's the process that we must look forward to, and this is one process, I'm honored, that I have been appointed. And we will deal with the next step in the process.<br><br><br>QUESTION: How long have you been in discussions about this Senate seat? Was it before or after the charges came down?<br><br><br>BURRIS: Well, I had talked with the governor on Sunday night, when he asked if he were to appoint me, would I accept, and my answer was yes. <br><br><br>QUESTION: Mr. Burris, up until now, virtually every elected official in the state of Illinois has weighed in on the problems of the last few weeks. Do you believe Governor Blagojevich should continue in office, or would you feel that he should resign?<br><br><a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/30/AR2008123001927_pf.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:08:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787235": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Saw it, Craig.  And say it again:  \"Do not lynch the appointee.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:32:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787051, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790821": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thanks for your response in Update II Rikyrah.<br><br>I wonder though, if this is a \"gain\" for Black folks in Chicago, it seems short-term.  Are there other good Black politicians on the rise in your opinion?  Burris is 71.  Has he mentored any Black men or women on the rise?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:29:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791336": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Chuck Todd stated on Rachel Maddow the Senate can delay the Burris appointment  & Harry Reid has the ability to delay it until...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:26:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789291": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "From what I understand, the Senate Dems can't block Burris nor can the Senate itself really shut Burris down.  They can try, but they'll ultimately fail.  They couldn't do it with Ted Stevens and he was actually convicted of something.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:52:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791343": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "There are always problems when Unca Ruckus plays the Race Card.  Rush's statement does EXACTLY THAT.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:26:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787228, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789298": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Statement from President-Elect Obama:<br><br>\"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy,\" <br><br><a href=\"http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/obama_i_agree_with_senate_dems.php\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:54:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "fd35c4322b63b2dab06baea3e23047cf", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790324": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Reid's been a weakass long before Obama became the head of the party.     Hillary got more testicular fortitude than him.   Maybe Obama did want Lieberman to stick around but you ain't NEVAH seen Reid react with the STRENFF he's summoning up for this Burris situation.<br><br>And somebody's going to point that out as well.  All of a sudden ALL of the Senate Democrats are in lock step with keeping Burris out when they haven't been in lockstep or agreement about anything else before?  They were all tepid on \"warning\" Lieberman but they want to make a STRAWNG show of force against Burris?  Um, ok.<br><br>Should Burris have accepted the appointment?  Maybe, maybe not.  That's between him and the people of IL.  LEGALLY Harry Reid and the Senate doesn't have a leg to stand on.  They CAN NOT keep Burris out and Blago knows it. That's why Harry Reid is talking loud and saying nothing.  Blago done pulled a shank out from underneath his perfectly coiffed hair and cut all them mofos and there's not a damn thing any of them can do about it except put a Hello Kitty band-aid on the situation and call it a day.  Blago is singing \"No one on the corner got swagga like us\" and all anyone can do about it is whine.<br><br>Even if Obama himself came down and said \"Roland Burris has gots to go\" there's pretty much nothing anyone can do about it.  All Burris has to do is say \"I, Roland Burris swear to uphold the Constitution blah blah blah\" next week (Tuesday, I think?) and keep it moving.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:37:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 16, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790182, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791134": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Blago is out on bail? I didn't know he was even indicted yet.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:07:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790927, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787254": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I just read about that over at Al Giordiano's The Field.<br><br>He called what Bobby Rush did a \"game-changer\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:34:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "fd35c4322b63b2dab06baea3e23047cf", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787051, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791864": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The Senate Dems betta come up with something QUICK because I believe everyone gets sworn in NEXT WEEK.<br><br>I have no hopes for that though because the Dems have been weaker than watered down Pepsi on everything from the war on down to superdelegates to Lieberman.  So I expect they'll cave per usual.  But if they don't, my question would be<br><br>WHERE WAS THIS STRENFF on the war, on the economy, on Lieberman, on Bush, on Rove, etc?  Why you getting SKRONG on Burris?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:13:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791506, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791988": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Um, how was Obama's response bullshit?  It is the exact same thing that he said before Burris was appointed by Blago.  If he did an about face and said the appointment was A-OK with him, that would be bullshit--but he didn't.  But since I brought up about faces, I find it interesting that not many on this site have commented on the fact that just a few weeks ago Burris was calling on Blago to resign and was shocked and appalled by his alleged conduct, but today he is winks and grins about the appointment to the Senate ----puleeze.  <br><br>It is not about Burris' qualifications--Obama hasn't said that, and neither has anyone in the Dem Senate.  It is about the circumstances surrounding the Governor.  Burris knows it and Blago knows it.  <br>And when did Obama say he wanted a placeholder?  From all accounts, he gave Blago's office a list of names and kept out of the process, as he should have.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:24:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791789, "depth": 7, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790331": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As someone on the outside looking in, hell...I was offended by the way Chicago was portrayed as if it has some sort of monopoly on \"pay to play\" politics...whatever...every single state has a machine within it, lets not fall for the okey-doke. There are small towns in Alabama and Mississippi where the same damn family has produced  the mayor, sherriff and county judge for a century or more and wield all sorts of power over people in a much more personal way than the governor of IL ever could in appointing somebody who curried some favors to the US Senate. The media wanted to portray Chicago in a certain \"hollywood\" light because it makes for a cinematic story line...all that's missing is the zoot suits. But lets not get it twisted, Chicago is no worse than many a place throughout this country.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:38:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789688, "depth": 5, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789308": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "If this Burris is such a great guy, why is he allowing himself to be used by a crook like Blago and stand beside Rush as he recklessly drops lynching references?  Educate me, because it sure looks like the bitter \"Old Guard\" hating on the \"New Guard\" yet again.  <br><br>And didn't I read that Rush endorsed Blair Hull vs. Obama for the Senate?  I'm sorry, but it seems like this is all about Rush and Burrell sticking it to that \"upstart\" Obama.   I don't believe they will respect him as President of the United States - just an upstart that \"took their spot.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:55:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788355, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792381": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Justice58:    TRUE DAT!!!   :&gt;)     :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:58:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4792310, "depth": 9, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787262": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Roland Burris seems like a pretty stand up guy. Already the comments are beginning that this seat is a \"black seat'.  The Chicago Tribune (online) has a comment from a reader to this affect. It was definitely not a compliment, but rather a criticism. Actually, the Trib had the comment on the front page for a short while which was not cool. Hmmph.<br><a href=\"http://www.chicagotribune.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.chicagotribune.com/</a><br><br>On the one hand, I recognize the significance in respect to the current African-American representation in the US Senate. However, on the other I resent the implication that African Americans have some type of \"claim\" to this seat. <br><br>I recall being particularly annoyed a few weeks ago when a group of Black ministers held a press conference urging the Governor to appoint an African American. I forgot exactly who, it might have been Bobby Rush or Burris.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:35:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "Honey01", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791872": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>(7) Our incoming POTUS is a former Constitutional Lawyer - that means if anyone knows what's constitutional, IT'S OBAMA...</i><br><br>I think that Barack will regret \"rushing to judgment\" on Blago.  Barack knew better.  He should have allowed the processes to play out (impeachment, special election, etc.) rather than calling for Blago's resignation without due process.  Barack's advisors probably pressured him on this issue.  <br><br><i>Obama has to be in power and not undermined from DAY ONE.</i><br><br>The only way that Barack can be undermined is if he starts governing the US like Blago governed Illinois...it's not gonna happen.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:14:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "Webb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791049, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789828": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hey Guys,<br><br>I'm trying to catch up!  All this drama going on! lol", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:47:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791365": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "They need more snitches like JJJ. Maybe we wouldn't be in this present situation if there were. Many don't like Blago but they are glad he got exposed. How quickly we forget that he was exposed by the snitch.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:29:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "d3807f11b26fc6b1cf8ad05b419f8a33", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791281, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791369": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Blago done pulled a shank out from underneath his perfectly coiffed hair and cut all them mofos and there's not a damn thing any of them can do about it except put a Hello Kitty band-aid on the situation and call it a day.</i><br><br>You know how to turn a phrase, Town.<br><br>BWA HA HA HA HA HA", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:29:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790324, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791883": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hey I admire people who are bold with it.<br><br>Madoff didn't \"embezzle\" $500, or $5000.  He straight jacked us for $50 BILLION dollars.<br><br>Blago's not going out with a whimper, he is straight pulling his pants down and saying kiss ALL MY of ASS, bitches!<br><br>Hey, if you're going to be an asshole, be the biggest and best asshole you can be.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:16:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790400, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790867": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I have a BIG problem with it.<br><br>Thank you, TRW.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:32:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788314, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789846": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "EVENING THREAD IS UP", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:48:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787287": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Oh man, this thing is going to be real, real messy.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:36:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "73a5775a552f6736efc7af126682589a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790361": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Well, I wouldn't throw the entire CBC off the island, but frankly, that whole press conference was an F-U aimed straight at Obama. He should have checked that.  It's past time for him to use the heavy guns and he's running out of time.  Burris should have never gone for it, he must be <I>that</i> desperate for <i>a legacy</i> not to listen to reason, no matter good a guy or clean a politician he might be.</I>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:41:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789145, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788314": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thanks, TRW. I was too caught up in the tennis match to see straight.<br><br>Yeah. I have a problem with it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:55:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787732, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788315": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "He's an Illinois politician. They're always being ' investigated'. Until you're charged, nobody was going to challenge him. He had a huge warchest, so nobody had the money to challenge him.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:53:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787322, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791482": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Right place.<br><br>Wrong time.<br><br>--Dr. John, the Night Tripper", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:38:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4786244, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788838": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Wasn't that a 3 way race? Didn't the black vote get split?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:11:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "2ede8d6fffe5afd0d5f5a83c88c4c6a1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788355, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788326": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Is there another one?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:55:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788138, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789009": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "It has come to my attention that Black people are NEVER AGAIN supposed to use words like lynching and slavery.  Barack Obama has won and now it is time to STFU.<br><br>Also, please do not have the temerity to mention that there are ZERO black people in the Senate.  That is playing the \"race card.\"  The hypocrisy of all of this caterwauling by so called \"progressives\" is TOO RICH!  Good Job Bobby! <br><br>We here in Chicago SALUTE YOU!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:24:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "f448a8936c8430e9850c14c823343f00", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790973": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "rikyrah<br><br>I remember when Roland Burris was elected Attorney General; I worked for the Attorney General's Office at that time and cried from happiness as though he was my father.<br><br>I don't know how I feel about Blago appointing him though.  I'll have to really give it some thought seems like he's being used.<br><br>Have you read any of his writings about the blatant racism he faced in law firms in Chicago after he served as Attorney General?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:49:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787827": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Beware the brown-skinned assassins.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:13:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787447, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790393": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "that presser was STRAIGHT UP OLD SCHOOL CHICAGO.<br><br>Blago has made a mockery of the Illinois Democratic Machine.  First off, no special election unless the GOVERNOR signs off on it.  And I don't put much in these impeachment procedures because they need the same folks Fitzy is lining up for his legal case, meaning Fitzy not giving out ANY IMMUNITY to anyone if they speak/testify to the IL legislature.<br><br>This is straight up comedy at its best.<br><br>This is also hardball, street fight politics from Ilinois.<br><br>All these folks, Obama too, can give pressers, put out paper statements but the fact is that the Lilttle Napoleon is still running it in Illinois.  And don't think Our Lil Napoleon will not go to court to get Burris seated, HE WILL.  Now we have Reid and Company having to deal with this bullshit and this is going to continue to dog Obama until Blago is REMOVED from office.  Because that is what will have to happen.<br><br>Here is <a href=\"http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/2008/12/il-lt-governor-pat-quinn-on-blagos.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">LT Pat Quinn</a> presser, he is pissed.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:45:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "icebergslim", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787322": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You might be right, but what we just saw was an old wise Black man tell the truth.<br><br>I guess I don't have a problem with it in this context. <br><br>Democrats, including Barack, stood by Blago in his reelection, even though he was under investigation. Maybe rikyrah can tell us why.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:39:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787228, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790400": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Blago done pulled a shank out from underneath his perfectly coiffed hair and cut all them mofos </i><br><br><br><br>You're killing me, Town! lol", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:45:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790324, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792450": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Why in the world would the CBC help Reid block Burris?  The Senate sat on their hands and didn't block Bush in 2000.  If Bush wasn't blocked after 2000 and 2004 the Senate shouldn't be talking about blocking anybody and the CBC certainly shouldn't be helping them.  What goes around......", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:06:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "433750d0273d77ef844693caf65f19b8", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791049, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791427": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Obama cursed out Lieberman; so what?  Lieberman still has his privileges in the Senate, and essentially was REWARDED for campaigning against Obama during the National Election.  What planet are you setting on not to notice this?<br><br>Blago did just tell Obama to go screw himself - he even told the U. S. Senate that as well.  If you can't see that, I have beachfront property in Arizona for sale.<br><br>Blago is an ELECTED OFFICIAL UNDER FEDERAL INDICTMENT FOR TRYING TO EXTORT THE INCOMING POTUS.  Anyone he appoints while sitting under SAID INDICTMENT is tainted by ASSOCIATION.  Burris has a clean record but his ambition to be a U. S. Senator probably just tainted it.<br><br>The CBC trying to save face with Obama is a positive, considering they slung him under the bus in favor of Hillary Clinton.  Re-read that again; I listed it as a positive, not a negative.<br><br>How do you know Burris' appointment won't undermine Obama?  Blago's expecting favors by appointing this guy and they may serve to undermine the POTUS.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:34:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791305, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791429": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I use to live down the street from this man, in Chatham, I dunno if he still lives in that neighborhood, but I don't really know much about his politics. He seems okay, I think we need to investigate first before throwing the man to the wolves.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:34:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "noelani", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788363": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Then there's that.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:58:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788253, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792460": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "It is good.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:07:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791163, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791949": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Town is hilarious!  Just good comedy! <br><br>Town needs to get paid!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:21:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791369, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787343": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "YEP! That's the one! LOL", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:40:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4786960, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787857": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Agree.  After reading that transcript, I broke out my shades and sun visor.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:16:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787462, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792978": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "1) All I said was he was out on bail. That was the point of my response. The indictment itself will probably be official next week, and if it comes before they confirm Burris, well things will get really interesting.<br><br>2) Really? Maybe they would, maybe they wouldn't Sometimes things are just too political, and the Courts choose to stay out of them, which may be the case here. They didn't say that he was FIT, they decided not to even hear the case which really suggests they didn't want to get involved. <br><br>3) On Nov. 5th, he was still trying to cut deals, he may not have started doing that until Nov. 5th, we don't know the details. Also, it's one thing for the PEOPLE to challenge, but I think it's a completely different animal for the Senate to actually refuse to seat someone. Also, you have the fact that Blago is also facing impeachment hearings, so if Burris isn't seated by the time he's impeached and kicked out of office, they will have a strong argument that the appointment is unconstitutional, so the tactic for now seems to be \"stall.\"<br><br>There are a lot of different things going on right now, all of which affect the situation differently. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. I don't think Obama would have signed on with the Dems if he thought they had no chance in hell of at the very least delaying the seating until the Blago mess is sorted out.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:54:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4792794, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788163": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "so what are we going to do about it? Let these guys keep running the show? We faced down ( and smacked down ) Travis, jesse snr and Sharpton when they wanted to mess with Obama; these guys are messing things up. You've hit the nail on the head, now we need a plan", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:43:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "d69cc9c6381e7dcc18bb876916690a5a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788093, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788372": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hear, hear.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:59:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788315, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787349": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No one seems to have any problem with Hillary Clinton's seat being a \"woman's seat.\"<br><br>Can we say double standard?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:40:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787262, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789911": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "'Cause Obama wanted him. <br><br>Unfortunately.<br><br>If it had been me, I'dda thrown him so far under the bus, he'd be kiss the devil's ass by now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:55:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 20, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789552, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790426": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "AGREED.<br><br>Remember all, IL GOP is in shatters and tatters right now.  If they had a STRONG candidate in 2006 and the money, they could have beaten the Little Napoleon who is runnin' IL right now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:48:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "icebergslim", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790243, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4793499": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "1) Doesn't matter \"if/when in the future\" Blago is indicted, he has not been indicted as of Dec. 30, 2008 which is when he made a legal appointment to the US Senate.  <br><br>2) But the court didn't say he was UNFIT, and the IL Legislature has not made any swift moves to impeach Blago. They've whined about it but they've not done anything about it.  As of TODAY, Dec. 31, 2008 Blago has NOT been indicted, has NOT been charged, has NOT been convicted, has NOT been impeached, censured, stripped, etc. and thus has the legal right to appoint someone to the US Senate.<br><br>Furthermore, the person in question has NOT been charged, has NOT been indicted, has NOT been accused meets all of the qualifications for being a Senator and was appointed to the US Senate in a legal manner.<br><br><br>3) The Democrats are known for sticking their finger up in the wind and seeing which way the wind blows before they take action.  Already just from looking at various blogs, it seems that more people actually FROM IL have less of a problem with the Burris appointment than people outside of IL.  So if IL people are like \"Well Blago's a crook but Burris is alright, give him a shot\" the Senate is REALLY going to overturn the will of the people of IL?  REALLY?  The Senate caves in and flip flops on everything else (FISA, Bush, War, Lieberman, etc) but chooses THIS issue to GET STRONG?  REALLY?  The Senate cheers Ted Stevens and Larry Craig but decides if they HAVE to let Burris in they will shun him?  REALLY?  Lieberman runs around the country talking bad about Obama & the Democrats to the point of shuffle dancing at the Republican Convention and they'll let him caucus with them but they won't let Burris caucus with them if they \"hafta\" let him in?  REALLY?<br><br>No, what's REALLY gonna happen is Reid & Co. will flap their lips and shake their sticks but in the end Burris will end up getting sworn in and serving.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_01:48:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4792978, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789530": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "That's about what I was thinking Town, but then I thought \"What do i know?\"......... He is still governor right??????", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:18:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 8, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789291, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787358": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Um, yeah. Two thoughts I have. One, I'm amazed that Obama came up through the political ranks in Chicago apparently unscathed. Two, I'm very glad he decided to run for Prez now and not wait.<br><br>(And I'm not trying to pick on IL, I live in TN, home to a particularly dumb ass wing of the GOP, I have no room to judge).", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:41:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "b45f45c3d16eaa32e1783c1d1798a893", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787287, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790431": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Blago sent a big FU to everybody!  Straight up Gangsta! lol", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:49:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792794": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "1)  Don't matter whether he's out on bail or not, he hasn't been charged or indicted, only named in a criminal complaint.<br><br>2) If the IL Supreme Court thought Blago was unfit, they would have ruled that way. They didn't, therefore it's his perogative [/bobby brown] to name anyone he wants to the Senate seat as it is his responsibility to do as governor.<br><br>3) They really don't have much standing to deny Burris, who has not been charged, accused or indicted of anything.  What's the difference between Blago appointing somebody on Nov. 5th vs today?  Wasn't he crooked back on Nov. 5th?  Wasn't he being \"watched\" by the Feds prior to Obama's election?  If people can still have lawsuits trying to block Obama from being POTUS on the basis that his daddy was a British subject, therefore Obama is not an American citizen and have that be brought before the SCOTUS, it is not out of the realm of possibility that the DE and NY Senate appointments could be challenged as well --- since none of those seats would have been \"elected by the people.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:36:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4792282, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4785828": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "If the Ilinois Senate Dems don't manage to block the appointment, it's reported that Burris will only serve the remainder of Obama's term and will not seek re-election. <br><br>Uhm, okay....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_14:51:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "Ladyvenoms", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787367": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "If he allows himself to be used (  and that is what is happening here), then he is no stand up guy and deserves all the cr*p he gets from everyone. Why are these guys doing this to shame the whole community? Shi o!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:41:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "d69cc9c6381e7dcc18bb876916690a5a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4793000": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah. Blago stepped in it & stirred it up! It's hair pulling shyt!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:55:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4792110, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790441": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "LOL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:49:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790387, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790445": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Barack said he agrees with the Senate leaders", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:48:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789639, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4786352": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "HA! But it SO is....whatta move.....niiiiiiiiiice......Blago pulled that card from so far under the deck nobody saw it coming.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_15:28:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4786083, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787378": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As political moves go........this is certainly hovering around the top 5 for 2008....whatta play. I'm sorry...a move this authentically shrewd just makes me smile, regardless of Blagodick being a ...well...I think the name I gave him speaks for itself.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:42:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790387": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Ya know....I really gotta get duplicates for each purse...and get them laminated...you really can't leave home without it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:43:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790251, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792500": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "If Obama can forgive Lieberman for campaigning against him and have Rick Warren deliver the invocation at his inaugeration he can get over the Burris appointment.  If Obama can dish out a dissinge can take a dissing.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:10:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "e9e4415ec669c0d6a571855a775ea53c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791427, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791994": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Blago is an ELECTED OFFICIAL UNDER FEDERAL INDICTMENT FOR TRYING TO EXTORT THE INCOMING POTUS.</i><br><br>Has he been convicted? No.<br><br><i>The CBC trying to save face with Obama is a positive, considering they slung him under the bus in favor of Hillary Clinton.</i><br><br>Seriously CPL, is the CBC anything more than a relic these days?  Is Kwame Kilpatrick's mama still running this show?  The \"CBC Obama Traitors\" will be slowly \"taken-out\" one-by-one as we get better candidates and funding.  Some got by in 2008...but will they make it to 2010,2012,...,infiinity with the stain of being a Hillary Supporter?  I thinks not.  That shyt's written forever and ever on their souls.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:24:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "Webb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791427, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789948": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I feel like I am in a parallel universe right now. Did I just hear Pat Buchannan on MSNBC saying that (1) Burris should be appointed as the Gov is legally obligated to carry out his Constitutional duties and (2) that his race should be considered in the selection process on the basis of the negligible African-American representation in the US Senate (although Blacks overwhelmingly support Dems)?!<br><br>That did not just happen did it? I need a witness. It must be a trap.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:00:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "Honey01", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790461": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Rush disgusted me and turned me off to him AND Burris.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:50:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789966, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792009": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Town,<br><br>You got me screaming with laughter!  You're d#mn good at comedy!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:26:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791883, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792524": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  A WORD from Mr. Roland:<br><br><a href=\"http://essence.typepad.com/news/2008/12/making-sense-of.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Making sense of why Blago chose Burris</a><br><br><i>You gotta give Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich some credit, he sure knows how to make some news!<br><br>Three weeks after being arrested by federal officials for trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama, Blagojevich has thumbed his nose at the political establishment by going forward and naming former state attorney general Roland Burris as his choice to fill the remaining two years of Obama's term.<br><br>Talk about chutzpah.<br><br>Members of the Illinois General Assembly have already said they will not seat the person Blagojevich chose, but he didn't care one lick. He now has put them in a position to deny an African American political legend in the state the senatorial position.<br><br>A number of African Americans in the state were making lots of noise that someone who looks like them should replace Obama. Now that he is gone, there are no African Americans serving in the U.S. Senate.<br><br>Blagojevich is now forcing the Illinois senate and the state's secretary of state to deny Burris the seat, thus taking the heat off of him and putting it on them.<br><br>For instance, Secretary of State Jesse White has said he won't certify the selection of Burris. OK, fine. Does he have a legal leg to stand on? If he blocks Burris, he is risking a lawsuit that could get messy.<br><br><b>The Senate can say no to Burris, but then are putting themselves in a position of catching lots of heat from African Americans, who are a HUGE constituency in the state. If they say no to Burris and yes to a white candidate, you can bank on black folks being in an uproar.</b>**<br><br>Blagojevich has made a shrewd move with the pick. Let's now see who will blink first.</i><br><br>**He ain't neva lied!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:12:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790477": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "lol", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:53:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790387, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789966": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I beg to differ.<br><br>Bobby Rush was embarrassing.  This is his putting his two cents worth against Obama from <i>way</i> back.  Again, it's the \"who is blacker than whom\" controversy coming up.  Support the brother no matter what, and if you ain't, you ain't black.<br><br>Rush looks bad since his cancer bout.  His ears look bigger than Obama's.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:01:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789198, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789969": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hoey01, thanks.  Keep checking yourself.  It helps us to check ourselves.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:02:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789688, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789458": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I just noticed this after I commented on another post but - you're really okay with this?  Burris seems tainted by the whole Blago mess.  The \"Irish gang\" as you call them may not like it - but how will other Chicagoans feel?  Won't this only empower them in 2012?  <br><br>You know me - I certainly respect your local perspective, but this whole thing just seems so... <i>ugh...</i>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:10:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788253, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790483": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Burris has a huge ego problem.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:53:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789308, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789460": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Roland Burris is on 1600 right now. Since when did Michele Bernard start conducting interviews/interrogations? <br><br>Is it when a Black guest is on and MSNBC has to be sensitive?<br><br><br>Oh yeah, Mika is on too. They really seem to be taking it personal.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:09:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "Honey01", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790222": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Well, hindsight is always 20-20, re Burris <i>couldda</i> been governor instead of Blago.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:26:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789198, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788951": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well Valerie Jarrett and Jesse Jackson Jr. would be the two people that come immediately to mind as known to have been considered for this position before Burris.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:20:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "0800a8f74d23d39eb9819b1330390f07", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788326, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787419": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "No, its not allowed.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:45:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787349, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790492": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "AMEN, but I think it is too late.  The Little Napoleon is on a rampage.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:53:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "icebergslim", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789196, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787431": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It definitle was not Bpbby Rush.  He has no chance of getting any statewide office.  He is borderline incompetent and a former Black Panther (unacceptable to downstate whites).   Congressman Danny Davis was recommeded by west side preachers before Blago was arrested.  Congressman JJ jr is southside rep with strong case.  Emil Jones was being considered as caretaker appointee,  Of course, Valerie Jarret was also on the Blago shortlist before the arrest.<br><br>No other balcks were ever mentioned.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:44:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787262, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790506": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I didn't see them either! And I don't do drugs so I know I am not tripping on anything.<br><br><br>Definitely up to something.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:55:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "Honey01", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790192, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791506": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Town you are too funny!<br><br>I thought Obama's little press blurb was weak: <br><br>Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy.\u201d <br><br>Well, if he's a decent guy then why should it matter that it was Blago who appointed him? Bobby Rush made some good points today.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:40:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790324, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788093": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm sorry but I've got to say this.  This is another case of a member of the Old Guard not wanting to surrender power to the next generation of Black leaders. Period. This cat is straight out of The Daly camp of politics. It was just a few weeks ago that Burris himself called for Blagovich to step down. And for Bobby Rush to throw out the Lynching comment was just stupid. These guys are in their 70s and instead of embracing the next generation and prepping them for greatest, they are still trying to hold power. And why would one African American accept an appointment that is tainted to fill the seat of the first African American President and carry that taint into the administration of said president? And remember Obama called for Blagovich to step down. This is counterproductive and only will fuel the Republican spin machine and possibly cost Democrats and yes Blacks a senate seat in 2010.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:37:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "2ede8d6fffe5afd0d5f5a83c88c4c6a1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4785904": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Who is saying that he would not seek re-election?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_14:57:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4785828, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790513": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Or if they have to seat him, he will be essentially blacklisted. They don't HAVE to let him caucus with them, and it's sounding like they won't. How effective would he be if no one in the Senate was willing to work with him?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:56:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787546, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790515": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "100% co-sign.  This is the face of politics.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:55:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790331, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787447": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm guessing Rep. Rush is still a bit peeved from his dances with Obama back in the day.  Now we got him doing the bojangle and making race a factor where it shouldn't be.<br><br>These punks are playing games while we grapple with real problems.  This is shameful.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:47:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "73a5775a552f6736efc7af126682589a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790011": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "co-sign", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:07:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "faba19c60bc49948a7a5801b50c79fe1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789966, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791038": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Girl you are a fool! RAOTFLMBAO!!!!!!!!!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:56:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790324, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792576": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah! Slick!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:16:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4792460, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790529": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It's definitely been very amusing. I was supposed to go buy my books for next semester today and I've been so caught up in watching this. The first press conference and then the one with the Lt. Gov (I actually liked him) a little bit after that were both highly entertaining. <br><br>They should do a reality show of nothing but Chicago/Illinois politics, it'd be better than any other reality show they have out there, AND they wouldn't even have to script it. LOL", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:58:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787378, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787462": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Politics has always been theater.<br><br>This tops the charts.<br><br>I'll have to take B-Serious's comment more seriously, but for now, I feel like I'm watching a good tennis match.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:48:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787378, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791049": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "There's several things WRONG with this appointment, and a few things that could actually block it, if they're done properly.  Forgive me, Rikyrah, since you're from Chi-town and are more in the know about the Chicago political machine, but Burris appointment wouldn't be leaving a bad taste in my mouth if another governor had done the appointing, but since it's Blago, here's what I'm concerned about for the incoming POTUS and the impact it has on his Administration:<br><br>(1) Pat Buchanan's APPROVAL.  Even though Burris is squeaky clean, if Buchanan's approving of Blagojevich appointing him to Obama's old seat, ITA with Justice58 - this is smelling LIKE A SET UP.<br><br>(2) The big EFF-U Blagojevich just gave Obama on National TV.  If nothing else, y'all might admire Blago's going \"South Side\", but he just DISSED the incoming POTUS, which is NOT COOL AT ALL.<br><br>(3) Burris might be a clean guy but he now has a <i>connection to Blagojevich</i> and it's not a good one.  THIS APPOINTMENT IS TAINTED.  PERIOD. Because the Governor appointing him is probably on his way to jail and has already been caught on tape by the FBI trying to shakedown the POTUS for money - it's called EXTORTION. How do we know the Fibbies don't have a case against Burris.  You can bet ANYONE connected to Blago is being investigated by the Feds as I type this.<br><br>(4) If I'm Burris, I would not want to be appointed to this seat if I'm going to be facing opposition from every corner there is and the only ones supporting me are ReThug officials.  Again, this smells like a SET UP and I hope Burris doesn't get himself BURNED.<br><br>(5) Burris will owe Blagojevich - BIG TIME.  He will assume that Senate seat looking compromised from the start, because he will owe Blagojevich BIG FAVORS, and since Blago's in a lot of shyt, don't think for two seconds that he won't capitalize on Burris' appointment, even though Burris will be the lowest ranked Senator in the Senate.<br><br>(6) This appointment provides CBC members a way to save face and curry favor with Obama by helping Reid block this appointment.  I'd have to do my research as to how Reid can actually have a case to take to court, but all he needs is five Supremes to rule his way (and they might not have a lot of arm-twisting to get Unca Clarence on board, even though he usually leads the charge to dog out a brotha from the bench).  Remember, the Supremes are looking to redeem themselves from looking as partisan as they did when they ignored their own legal precedent and appointed Bush back in 2000 (the constitution clearly states that when there is a dispute in the Electoral College, both houses of Congress are to convene and take a vote.  Bush hollered his civil rights were violated (14th Amendment) and that's the only way it got before the  Supremes in the first place.<br><br>(7) Our incoming POTUS is a former Constitutional Lawyer - that means if anyone knows what's constitutional, IT'S OBAMA.  Don't think for two seconds he hasn't had Eric Holder doing his homework to figure out how to stop Blago from screwing him over before he takes the White House.  Additionally, if Obama does nothing to stop this appointment, Blago makes him look WEAK, and Burris' presence on Capitol Hill will continue to REINFORCE THAT.  <br><br>Obama has to be in power and not undermined from DAY ONE.  I think Roland Burris may very well be a likeable and respected man; his age not withstanding because at 71, he's younger than Charlie Rangel (79) and John Conyers (80 in May), so I don't hold his age against him - I hold what his presence means to Obama in his administration, and if this is allowed to go through, look for the ReThugs to pull all kinds of shyt to undermine the POTUS.<br><br>I'd rather see Obama succeed or fail on his own MERITS and not be undermined coming into office by the Illinois political machine.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:56:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 13, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790028": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Oh, Ferraro. You mean she is not in a home yet?<br><br>Oh well. I hope when I am old and senile my family has the sense to keep me away from cameras.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:08:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "Honey01", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789255, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4786960": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As my mother would say the \"hip pocket card\"! LOL", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:12:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4786352, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792593": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Burris handed them their panties.  I like Burris.  He sounds like my kind of people.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:19:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "e9e4415ec669c0d6a571855a775ea53c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789460, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789891": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "That's great - but this appointment is still tainted since Blago is accused of selling this very seat as Obama said in his statement. <br><br>I think Town is right. He's 71 and he's going for his...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:53:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789728, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792085": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The CBC will be under Barbara Lee's leadership, so we'll see where it goes.  Kwame's mama should have never been in charge, but Lee was undermined by other members of the CBC who were in favor of Kwame's Mama and didn't want to buck the \"system\".<br><br>Extortion is Extortion, and unless Blago can convince a court he was entrapped by the Feds and his rights violated, I think it's a safe bet he will be convicted if he doesn't cop a plea and turn state's evidence.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:33:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791994, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790554": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I saw him. I heard him. But I can't believe it. Something is up..", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:58:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789948, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790557": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Exactly.  Sorry, but I am done.  I'm not from Illinois, so I don't have a dog in this fight, but Burris is an idiot.  Why would he do this?  Granted, Blago hasn't been indicted for anything, but this whole controversy should have made everybody check themselves--this is not 05, or 06--now everybody knows what has been going on with the Gov yet Burris still sought this seat.  That's stupid.  <br><br>And Rush, please don't get me started with Rush. What he said was beyond the pale and about the dumbest thing I have ever heard--my Mom was so shocked she said that they should throw him out of office for his stupidity.  This is 2008--if people aren't willing to stand up and say that something isn't right, when will they?  This isn't right and if it goes down, the Illinois Dems will pay for it dearly in the future.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:59:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790461, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789027": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah, thanks for educating us on the Chi-town political players.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:26:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788637, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791592": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You make a good case there, CPL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:48:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791049, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789639": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Maybe it's time for Barack indeed to say SOMETHING definitive, Solomon-like. I mean, he is like the dude at the end of \"Dune\" so why not speak from Mt. Olympus?<br><br>Hey, I blogged on Bell's \"episode;\" any comments from JJP on Jena 6's posterchild being utterly lost and directionless?<br><br>Between the 2 stories, Hannity  and O'Reilley must be dancing!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:28:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "dcf2c9ce3819616f8ba0ca48c54519c4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792110": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Someone black so that Obama would be faced with a dilemma and if not, maybe backlash from some of the voters who supported him.<br><br>I'm with Miranda - Blago shanked them.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:35:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791648, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789552": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Interesting set of comments on DAILYKOS:<br><br>from poster lgcap:  above makes it look like Burris will be unwelcome in the Democratic Caucus. It doesn't get more ironic than that, since he must be seated in the Senate.<br><br>The Democrats reward Lieberman, and punish a real Democrat. They need cover for their failure to cause real reform.<br><br><br><br>Interesting how the Senate Dems are shouting down the appointment of Burris and promising action but sat there like deaf mutes when it came to Lieberman.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:19:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 22, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789046": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I love the local perspectives.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:29:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788637, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4785977": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Random MSNBC talking head. I want to say Nora O'Donnell. They were interviewing Lynn Sweet and I believe she mentioned it as well.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_15:02:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "Ladyvenoms", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4785904, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789594": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The Senate could try to expel Burris after he's seated but somehow I don't think the Republicans will sign on for that.<br><br>I think unless dude steps down, he's going to be the new Senator from IL.  I'm trying to understand why the Senate is catching the vapors and falling out over Burris but none of this over the top reaction occurred with the re-election of Ted Stevens and Bathroom Guy Larry Craig is still a senator as well.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:23:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789530, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4786494": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Lord. And they Louisiana's got the cageyest pols. Blago's a trip.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_15:38:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "dcf2c9ce3819616f8ba0ca48c54519c4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4785995": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Dang. I hate to miss this discussion but I have a Dr.'s appointment! <br><br>I can't wait to hear what Gangsta Blago has to say at the press conference!<br><br>Someone, please put up a link?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_15:04:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4794189": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "In all seriousness, you've gotta give it Blago! This was one shrewd move! He basically told everybody: Go F yourselves! I like that....I am starting to like this who Chi-Town politics stuff", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_03:08:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "f9aaa8acc43fd7620185ff90cef3c05a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791648, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792143": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "1) Blago has not been indicted, only arrested.  He's named in a criminal complaint but has not been formally indicted.<br><br>2) I believe the IL Supreme Court either refused to rule that Blago was unfit or straight up said that he was NOT unfit to serve as governor.  That can only work in Blago's favor, not against it.<br><br>3)  If the Senate refuses to seat Burris on the grounds that he was \"appointed\" and not elected then I can see SOMEBODY challenging the new NY and DE senators b/c they would be appointed and not elected, either.<br><br>IMO Burris will be sworn in next week.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:36:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790927, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791121": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>The Democrats reward Lieberman, and punish a real Democrat. They need cover for their failure to cause real reform.</i><br><br>Word UP, Town.  If the Dems want to be taken seriously, they need to explain rewarding Lieberman, now that it looks like they might well have 58 senators with the addition of Al Franken (cause he's going to get that seat in Minnesota), but trying to run another brotha out the Senate before he gets there.<br><br>My objection to Burris is that by Blago appointing him as an INDICTED governor, Burris shows up in DC as tainted as Monica's Blue Dress.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:05:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789552, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790099": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Harry Reid would have kept Lieberman on regardless of what Obama wanted.  Harry Reid would have caved regardless of what Obama wanted.  Lieberman had been out there causing trouble long before Election Day and all Harry Reid did was clean his glasses and clear his throat.<br><br>But all of a sudden today Harry Reid is full of vim and vigor?  Please.  Unless Burris steps aside he'll probably be the next Sen. from IL because<br><br>A) he's qualified: over 30 years old, a US citizen for 9 years and an IL resident<br><br>B) he hasn't been charged with any crime<br><br>C) Like it or not, BlahBlah is still the Gov. of IL and has the right to appoint anyone he wants.  The IL Supreme Ct recently ruled that he was not UNFIT to serve, as I understand.  He hasn't been impeached and technically he hasn't been indicted.<br><br>The Senate really can't not seat him.  They \"could\" try to expel him but <br><br>1) Why would the Republicans sign on for that when they could make hay out of this Burris/Blago situation until 2010?  Plus the Senate GOP didn't really try to expel Larry Craig or Ted Stevens so they can't really lead the charge against corruption or tainted politicians (although they will try lol).<br><br>2) The Senate wasn't doing the shuffle dance on Larry Craig or Ted Stevens, both of whom were either arrested and/or convicted, but they're going to do the moonwalk on Burris, who hasn't been charged with anything or accused of anything?  <br><br>3) The fact that Burris is black and Harry Reid & Co. is doing the Single Ladies dance trying to block him from entering the door when they pretty much yawned on Lieberman shuts them down from that argument.<br><br>Ultimately I think Burris will be seated, serve out the rest of Obama's term and get to put \"Senator\" as a feather in his cap, while Harry Reid does nothing because in the end Harry Reid is talking loud and saying nothing and that's got nothing to do with what Obama wants or not.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:16:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 18, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789911, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790102": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "ah,umm, yes, Buchklanan is up to no good.  Did you see the split screen with he and Lawrence O'Donnell .  Ole Pat was salivating and grinning from ear to ear.  <br><br>He knows if Burris gets that Senate seat, appointed by blago, the Rehugs have a chance of gaining the seat in 2010.  IMO", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:17:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789948, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789081": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "But neither was actually appointed. As of right now, Burris is the ONLY African American senate appointee, which is what I wrote.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:32:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788951, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787546": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I think that the Senate may refuse to seat him", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:54:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "TariqNelson", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790107": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Girl, you know this is BS <i>par excellence.</i><br><br>(Hehehehehehheheheh.)<br><br>The GOP is exulting over this, hoping that Blago brings down the Illinois Democratic Party and also harms Obama politically.  No doubt, they need some serious  house-cleaning, but this is the most inopportune time to accomplish <i>spring cleaning.</i><br><br>Bay Buchanan, his sister and a GOP apologist, was talking this BS this p.m. on CNN while I was on break in the company lunch room.  You'd think she was looking out for black interests, too.  Like the Buchanans (and the GOP) care.  <br><br>They care that Blago wants to take as many Dems down with him as possible.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:17:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789948, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790620": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is too much! It's so embarrassing!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:07:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790513, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789598": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "What does he have to lose? Dude is 71.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:24:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789308, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791648": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Obama cursed out Lieberman; so what? Lieberman still has his privileges in the Senate, and essentially was REWARDED for campaigning against Obama during the National Election.</i><br><br><br>Hell yeah!<br><br><br><br><i>Blago did just tell Obama to go screw himself - he even told the U. S. Senate that as well.</i><br><br><br><br>Sure he did! Obama asked him to resign & Blago in turn appointed someone to the Senate anyway. That's a big FU!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:52:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791427, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788067": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I think anyone saying he won't seek re-election is just speculating. <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/us/politics/30text-blagojevich.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Here is what Burris himself actually said during the press conference:</a><br><br><blockquote>QUESTION: Will you run again if you get the seat?<br><br>BURRIS: Well, we'll have to determine that when we get to that point.</blockquote><br><br>Sounds to me like he is, at the least, trying to keep the door open.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:35:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "0800a8f74d23d39eb9819b1330390f07", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4785904, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790632": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'm watching Burris on CNN now, and he's full of sh*t.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:07:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787051": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Did y'all just see that shit????<br><br>I've never seen a press conference like that before in MY LIFE.<br><br>Bobby Rush just stepped forward and called EVERYBODY'S bluff. <br><br>He challenged Durbin, Reid, and everybody else to deny the ONLY African American senate appointee.<br><br>If anybody can get the YouTube of this later, it would be worth it.<br><br>\"Do not lynch the appointee.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:18:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787567": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Nobody is going to be pushed into anything by Bobby Rush.  Rep. Bobby Rush has no credibility outside his district.  If Burris and Rush make this a Black thing in the age of Obama they will get little support.  Reid and the Senate have spoken.  Obama the PE has spoken.  Burris finished third in the Dem primary to Blago.  Blago thanked him for pulling Black votes from the second place contestant, a Black man at  the time.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:55:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4786032": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Laugh like jack nicholson as the joker, Blego.<br>This smells like a deal form Rahm Emanuel. You have the vote in the Senate, a relatively clean guy and every Democrat watching the Prosecutor sqirm. He has to bring his case soon or he will definitely be charged w/ playing politics as he was the one busting the case open. Impeachment will be argued in the Ill statehouse till the cows come home. If this weren't so serious it would be ROTFLMAO", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_15:06:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "c7c5298c11cf68984e34fcff38a1349a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791163": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "HA! niiiiiiiiiice............Obama is contemplating very thoroughly the next move - cuz that one by Blago was a doozy!!........this game is gettin gooooooood.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:10:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789298, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792554": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co sign rikyrah.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:14:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "e9e4415ec669c0d6a571855a775ea53c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790243, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787583": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "B-Serious, your point is well taken.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:57:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787228, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792194": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This, I believe, is precisely why Blago appointed Burris.  Two-fold - he's going to have his appointment (and not Obama's) one way or another and make Obama and", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:42:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791864, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4786244": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I am glad to see the seat going to a respected public servant. The fact that he happens to be black is refreshing.     <br><br>Hmmmmmmmmmmm.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_15:22:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "bb90730b238bd2c1f318bc1437a3fc1e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791165": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "And because Obama wanted Lieberman, that might come back to burn him, which I'm actually hoping for, so Obama gets the lesson about being burned early enough in his Administration he can actually be a two-term POTUS, because he grows a pair and jacks up Lieberman to the point Droopy Dog switches sides.<br><br>I honestly think Reid wanted to toss Lieberman's ass out of the Caucus and probably would have if Obama had publicly stated what a dog Lieberman was.  Campaigning for McCain should have earned him an EJECTION from the Democratic side of the Senate Caucus, and I think if it was TOTALLY left up to Reid, he might have pulled the trigger, but Obama tied his hands by publicly supporting Senator Droopy Dog.<br><br>Lieberman will come back to bite Obama in the ass and at a time when he will really need all 58 Senators and a few Republicans to neutralize Lieberman to get shyt passed.  Mark the day I called this: DECEMBER 30, 2008.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:08:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789911, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787594": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I don't think I ever really knew what that meant (as I am not much of a card player) til now. My sisters and I always mocked her for saying that but........ :-)", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_16:57:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787343, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790756": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign.  <br><br>I know I am in the minority here, but this episode will set the groundwork for the defeat of the Illinois Dems in two years, whether black or white.  I don't care if it is the mark of an Irish gang in Chicago/Springfield politics moving in on what has been seen as a \"black\" sinecure.  Bobby Rush overplayed his hand here.  Burris is an old man who probably does want to go out on a good note and with the best intentions, but brother, <i>this is not the way to go</i> and especially with whom.<br><br>As I said to a co-worker who watched this mess unfold this p.m., <i>this is a monkey wrench in the machinery.</i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:22:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790557, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788110": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Crabs in a barrel as usual.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:40:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "2ede8d6fffe5afd0d5f5a83c88c4c6a1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787827, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792722": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  Annnnnnnd, Mr. 538 \"chimes in\":<br><br><a href=\"http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/12/reid-has-few-ways-to-block-burris.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Reid Has Few Ways to Block Burris Appointment</a><br><br><i>I'm going to be repeating myself here, but as the reporting on this story has been poor (save for the Huffington Post and a couple of other outlets), it appears to be necessary.<br><br>The notion that the Democrats can refuse to seat Roland Burris out of hand is, at best, constitutionally dodgy. This is because of the Supreme Court's 1967 Powell v McCormack decision, in which it ruled that the Congress's power to judge the qualifications of its members is expressly limited to the conditions mentioned in the Constitution (e.g. age, residency, and U.S. Citizenship). If the Congress wants to deny membership for any other reason, it has another power, which is expulsion. Although the power of expulsion is much broader than the power of exclusion, it comes with a higher price tag: two-thirds of the Senate must vote to expel one of its members rather than a simple majority.<br><br><b>Given this, Reid and the Democrats have essentially three strategies they could pursue if and when Burris's name comes before the Senate Chamber:<br><br>1) Attempt to exclude Burris by majority vote, almost certainly inviting a court challenge.<br>2) Attempt to expel Burris after seating him.<br>3) Bluff at either of the above, but with the ultimate expectation that Burris will be seated.</b><br><br><b>1) Attempt to exclude Burris by majority vote, almost certainly inviting a court challenge.</b><br><br>Reid's language about refusing to seat Burris seems to be an invocation of Article 1, Section 5 of the Constitution, which holds that \"Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members.\" In the case of Burris, however, there was no election in play (rather, he was appointed), so there are no questions about elections or returns - and McCormack holds that the Congress's ability to judge the qualifications of its members is limited to circumstances that don't pertain in the case of Burris.<br><br>Still, the Senate could hold a vote and decline to seat Burris, and take their chances in court. Then, Burris (or Blagojevich?) would sue, probably also seeking an injunction that required the Senate to seat Burris until a ruling by th court.<br><br>Reid would seem to be a longshot to win such a lawsuit, since McCormack speaks fairly explicitly to the issue at hand, but it's possible that he could find some sort of clever argument or that the Court would refuse to take the case -- it's a different court than it was in 1967. Or Burris, embarrassed by the whole thing, could stand down, although that seems unlikely since Burris has lost more elections than Lyndon LaRouche and doesn't seem the type to be easily deterred.<br><br>More likely, though, this would succeed only in delaying the inevitable for several weeks.<br><br><b>2) Attempt to expel Burris after seating him.</b><br><br>Here, the Senate would be on much firmer Constitutional ground. But the power of expulsion has been used very judiciously -- no Senator has been expelled since the Civil War, although several (such as Bob Packwood) have resigned in the face of possible expulsion. And Burris himself has not been accused of any misconduct; the Senate has never before attempted to expel a member under such circumstances. Achieving a two-thirds majority, therefore, might not be easy. There is also a decent chance that an expulsion could trigger a court challenge, although the courts have interpreted the Senate's powers of expulsion to be very broad.<br><br><b>3) Bluff at either of the above, but with the ultimate expectation that Burris will be seated.</b><br><br>The difference here is that Reid would make a show of trying to exclude Burris for the cameras, but would not really try and whip votes. Perhaps the Senate Democrats could thereafter vote to exclude Burris from their caucus, something they have complete discretion over, but which wouldn't have much impact with the Democrats firmly in control of the floor.<br><br>*-*<br><br><b>Of these choices, it seems like the first is probably the Democrats' best bet. This way, Reid and the Senate Democrats won't appear to have broken their promise to exclude Burris; instead they'll claim that their hands have been tied by the courts. But, they'll still get their 58th (or 59th) Democratic senator.</b><br><br>-- Nate Silver at 6:15 PM </i><br><br>Just droppin' THIS OFF!     :&gt;)    :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_00:28:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790675": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<b>The Senate Can Block Blago's Appointment</b><br><br><a href=\"http://www.jedreport.com/2008/12/the-senate-can-block-blagos-ap.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.jedreport.com/2008/12/the-senate-can...</a><br><br><i>There's some debate about whether or not the Senate has the power to block Blago's appointment. But Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution (<a href=\"http://www.house.gov/house/Constitution/Constitution.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.house.gov/house/Constitution/Constit...</a>) is crystal clear:<br><br>    Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.<br><br>Even if Blago's appointment is seated, he'll be immediately expelled on the very next motion to hit the floor, because both Democrats and Republicans agree that he should not serve in the Senate.<br><br>(Update, 4:26PM: Theoretically, Republicans could decide to support Blago's appointment, but that would be a political disaster for them.)<br><br>One might feel bad for the guy, but then again, he probably should have had the good judgment not to accept Blago's appointment in the first place.</i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:12:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789145": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "If I was Obama, I would fly straight from Hawaii to DC and have someone pack up my stuff and send it to avoid the foolishness that is Chicago like the plague.  This whole fiasco today was ridiculous. Burris may be a great man but no man with honor would stand side by side with Blago. As for Bobby Rush.... the entire CBC should be dismantled and all them should be thrown off the island. I appreciate the Old Guard, but the sun has set on their day.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:39:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "14ab1e674d7f902b4d88668a1db28012", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790927": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Jeff Toobin on  CNN made a good point. Blago is out on BAIL, which means he's unfit to serve as governor. If it goes to court because the Senate refuses to seat Burris, there's a good chance the Senate will win because the case people keep talking about is actually about someone who was ELECTED, and Burris is NOT elected, he would be appointed.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_21:42:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790675, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788637": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I see this through local eyes. Black folks haven't been feeling this entire process. The word on the street is that Blago was arrested the day that he was supposed to appoint Jesse Jackson, Jr. Sorry if the Black folk wear the tinfoil hat and believe it. It rubs folks the wrong way. <br><br>Lisa Madigan - Irish - got a job she wasn't remotely qualified because of her Daddy.<br><br>Michael Madigan - Irish - sensible Black folk hate his racist ass with a passion.<br><br>Pat Quinn - don't trust him because he's Irish too. <br><br>So, Black folk are saying - you wanted clean - Ain't no Negro cleaner than Roland Burris. <br><br>Of course, Black folk have serious problems with Blago's arrest....they wanna know....'what did he do?'<br><br>You have a hard time convincing Black folk who live under King Richard Daley II, that Blago is such a horrible guy.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:04:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788363, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792222": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Justice58:   Ima B    4 REAL!   Ima ante up <b>$2000 :VIRTUAL DOLLA'S</b>  for TOWN!    :&gt;)<br><br>***extending my arm annnnd handing a bag****<br><br>:&gt;)     :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:45:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791949, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4786083": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Rev. Al just called Blago's move with Burris - GANGSTA. <br><br>Hilarious hearing that on the radio.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_15:10:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790182": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Obama is the head of the party.  <br><br>You can't just blame Reid.  If Obama wanted something, Reid would suddenly grow a spine and do something.  Obama could lean on other prominent Dems, too.   It's just that simple.  There is enough blame to go around in this case as well.  Everyone is acting like, <i> well, it ain't touching me,</i> when in the end, it will.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:24:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 17, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790099, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791281": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "to me, it's a stop gap measure. A stop gap to prevent the Irish from solidifying anymore. And, to give others the chance to get themselves together. I'm not kidding when I said it was Jesse Jackson, Jr., and he shot himself in the foot. But, 2 years of preparation, plus more detailing of his snitching, might put him in good position.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:18:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790821, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788138": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"He challenged Durbin, Reid, and everybody else to deny the ONLY African American senate appointee.\"<br><br>...the <i>only</i> one?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:40:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "0800a8f74d23d39eb9819b1330390f07", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4787051, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792237": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "TOWN:   Di'ja GET THAT BAG??   :&gt;)   :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:45:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790324, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790192": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "hmmm......I don't SEE any pigs flying.....wonder what ole Pat's up too?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:25:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789948, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791222": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Actually, Town, the Senate Dems didn't really need to do anything about Ted Stevens cause he's going to jail and another Dem might be appointed to his seat.  A convicted felon, if he's convicted while in office, under the Constitution, can't continue serving - plus I think the Dems realized Stevens was probably going to be convicted, so as a result of Alaska changing it's own Constitution that forbade the governor from appointing someone to the seat, they now have to hold a Special Election to replace Stevens' ass, and it's a good chance Mark Begich, the Democratic mayor from Anchorage, might get the seat, cause he's the front runner.<br><br>I expect the Senate to expel Stevens, if he's not locked up on January 5th.  If Reid's pushing for Burris not to be seated, trust me, as the leader of the Democratic Party, that charge is coming from Obama, just like backing off Lieberman essentially came from Obama.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:15:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789291, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789688": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Another local checking in.<br><br>\"Of course, Black folk have serious problems with Blago's arrest....they wanna know....'what did he do?'<br><br>You have a hard time convincing Black folk who live under King Richard Daley II, that Blago is such a horrible guy.\"<br><br><br>See this is this me. I keep checking myself. I have wondered these last few weeks have I become so desentisized to Chicago style politics or \"pay to play\" that I am more outraged from the way Chicago was potrayed in the national media than from the actual alleged crimes?<br><br>.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:31:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "Honey01", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788637, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791227": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Brilliant!<br><br>CO-SIGN.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:15:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791049, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4793788": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "enter Oprama...http://www.lamasletterstoamerica.blogspot.com/2008/12/dear-opramists.html", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_02:22:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "64dc0e154cf6420499b80f76e8f1e6fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791235": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Honey01:  <i>tripping</i>??    Wasn't HE born on Sunday??    :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:16:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790506, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789704": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah, I guess he figures it's his last shot...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:33:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789598, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789196": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Barack needs to shut this shit down. He doesn't owe Blago or Rush an damn thing. Blago has tried to drag his staff into his crap and Rush ran against Barack saying he wasn't black enough. And it won't hurt him to say he can't support the appointment. The Dems said they would not seat anyone appointed by Blago and Burris should have heeded that and turned it down. They are all relying on the fear that Dems will have of being called racist and upseting the black community and that shit has got to stop. This is not a situation that calls for it. It's exactly the kind of cynical bullshit that Obama ran againts. He and the deems need to stick to their guns. Tell Blago and anyone who's lined up with him to go phuck themselves. Hell, just let Dick Durbin vote twice. Anyone who really wanted to be the Senator from Illinios should've had enough good sense to steer clear of Blago and his shenanigans and tomfoolishness.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:44:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "6372c638ff9832d03003d31ecf2d916f", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789198": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "rikyrah,<br><br>Thanks for speaking up from a local perspective. I will take it back even farther than 2002. If people - and that includes a bunch of black preachers in Chicago - would have supported Burris back when he ran against George Ryan we could have spared ourselves the stench of TWO raggedy governors embarrassing our state. Blago was elected to fill Dan Rostenkowski's House seat, stayed there long enough to win over the Chicago hospitality unions by advocateingfor some bill favorable to them, then used their support to steamroll his way to the gubnuh's mansion.  We could have had Burris running our state a long time ago. Instead we're stuck with Blago's Flying Circus.<br><br>I'm glad Bobby Rush went Black Panther on the progressive hypocrites. Unfortunately it isn't stopping them from trying to smear Burris by claiming he was trying to pay Blago to appoint him long before Obama was even elected.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:44:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792282": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "1) Blago is out on bail. <a href=\"http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois.governor/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois...</a> <br>Where did I say he was indicted?<br><br>2) The didn't say that Blago wasn't unfit, they simply refused to hear the case. I don't think that makes a strong case in Blago's favor, it just says the court didn't want to get involved. <br><br>3) Perhaps, but they probably won't have standing to do that. The only person who would have standing if the senate refused to seat Burris would be Burris.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:48:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4792143, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791260": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Justice58:   Me   2!  :&gt;)   Been away ALL DAY!  :&gt;)", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:18:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789828, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789728": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Obama supported Burris against Blago when he ran in the Democratic Primary.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:37:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789308, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791266": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Because at the time those mofos got caught with their slips showing, the majority in the Senate was only two seats, and not the sixteen seat margin the Democrats now have.<br><br>Larry Craig is not seeking re-election because of his \"bathroom breaks\", and although Ted Stevens was re-elected, he'll probably be expelled from the Senate because he was convicted of bribery and wouldn't be able to effectively serve in the Senate and he's already 84 years old - his old ass needs to go home and wonder how much time he's going to get in Da Joynt.<br><br>If I'm Roland Burris, I'd wait for Blago's replacement to appoint me, so I could be seated in the Senate without any speculation hanging over me, and Blago's connection to his appointment gives speculation GALORE.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:19:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789594, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790243": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "actually, that's not true. <br>IF the Rethugs get a Special Election NOW - they can probably win it.<br><br>But, 2010?<br><br>No. it'll be settled down by then, and the Democratic machine will be able to get anyone through in a couple of years.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:29:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790102, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4788355": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "He was obviously the most qualified. He had won STATEWIDE election - TWICE. He was known all over the state. <br><br>Blago was a Congressman from a district on the North Side of Chicago-- that's all he was. <br><br>Burris could control the money, and run law enforcement of the state with no problem, but suddenly, when it came to him being Governor, he was unqualified? <br><br>Come on, now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:58:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 9, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788243, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791269": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "He was actually arrested I believe", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:19:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791134, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790251": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "..lipstick, tampon, ....where's that....damn, .......put it there, just the other day,...wait,,,got..nope, two tone ball pen.....pic of my cat....shit here it is....no, geez....flashlght....can't seem to...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:31:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790091, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791789": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "H&F,<br><br>it really was a pitch outta nowhere. Nobody can say JACK about Burris' credentials. They can't cast aspersions on him. Only man in Illinois who has been as involved with politics that is as clean as Burris is Abner Mikva.  - Period. <br><br>Obama's bullshit response was trying to once again straddle the fence, cause he knows damn well Burris is more than qualified for the position. If he wanted a placeholder, he should have put Emil Jones in there to begin with, but he tried to play it safe.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:06:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4791506, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789744": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Black folk didn't know ' boo' about Blago, except for that he was Dick ' Vrydolyak 29' Mell's BOY. Not exactly sterling credentials in the Black community.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_19:39:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4788838, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4787697": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'll tell you what this whole fiasco should do.  It should finally have people believing that Obama and Blago had nothing to do with the other.<br><br>Why would Obama who seems like a smart guy want to involve himself in this circus.  It's embarassing yes, but I would say it's more embarassing for Blago and certain African American pols from Illinois", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_17:05:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "fd35c4322b63b2dab06baea3e23047cf", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 3, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4789331": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<a href=\"http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/obama_i_agree_with_senate_dems.php\" rel=\"nofollow\">Obama releases statement</a> praising Roland Burris but agreeing with Senate Dems that the Senate should not accept any appointment made by Blagojevich right now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_18:56:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "0800a8f74d23d39eb9819b1330390f07", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4792310": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Town can break it down!  He/she is just good at comedy.  It's a gift!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_23:53:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4792222, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791287": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Town!   Town!   Town!!    LOL!!!    :&gt;)    :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:19:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790324, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4790091": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Now where did I put it.... I know I had it somewhere....where did I put that darn card....let me check my other purse....gotta be here somewhere.....wait...no...driver's license....social security card...library card.......Quizno's punch card for free sub.....darn it...where is it?<br><br>Gimme a minute Town..I know I have it somewhere!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_20:14:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4789594, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4791293": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Y'all need to remember that Bobby Rush is still riding on his rep as a former Panther - even though he sold out to big Telecom for major payola and you also have him to thank for anything Telecom that damages you and me as well as invasion of our privacy.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-30_22:20:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4790557, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}}, "integration": {"receiver_url": "", "theme": 4, "reply_position": true, "disqus_logo": false}, "timer": {"timer_url": "http://localhost:8005", "thread_id": "9138071", "user_id": "anonymous", "forum_id": "21630", "hash": 6491481907902045040}, "thread": {"days_alive": 0, "slug": "blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat", "paginate": false, "num_pages": 1, "num_posts": 186, "per_page": 0, "total_posts": 0, "realtime_paused": true, "id": 9138071, "queued": false}, "reactions_limit": 10, "context": {"show_reply": true, "use_fb_connect": true, "forum_facebook_key": "bd6a8bc56f8eb204984f34b6fefe228d", "use_yahoo": false, "subscribed": false, "use_twitter_signin": true, "use_openid": false, "realtime_speed": 5000}, "reactions_start": 0, "settings": {"debug": false, "disqus_url": "http://disqus.com", "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"}, "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"};
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	this.frames = {};
};

var disqus_popup_reference = null;

if(typeof DsqLocal == 'undefined') {
	DsqLocal = {};
}



/**
 * Dsq.Strings: UI strings
 */
Dsq.Strings = new function() {
	this.ADD_NEW_COMMENT = "Add New Comment";
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	this.SHARING_OPTIONS = "Sharing options";
	this.SHARE_ON = "Share on";
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	this.REPLY = "Reply";
	this.EDIT = "Edit";
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	this.CANCEL = "Cancel";
	this.REPLYING_TO = "Replying to";
	this.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS = "Report missing reactions";
	this.POST_A_COMMENT = "Post a comment";
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	this.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION = "This will flag comments for moderators to take action";
	this.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN = "To rate, please log in";
	this.JUST_A_MOMENT = "Just a moment...";
	this.GUEST = "Guest";
	this.NAME = "Name";
	this.EMAIL = "Email";
  this.WEBSITE = "Website";
  this.SETTINGS = "Settings";
  this.MODERATOR_OPTIONS = "Moderator options: ";
};
// Dsq.Strings

/**
 * Dsq.FmtStrings: functions that return interpolated UI strings
 */
Dsq.FmtStrings = new function() {
	// Seems we have to use named interpolation for Django to translate. Investigate more.
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			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comment", {num:num, total:total});
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			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comments", {num:num, total:total});
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	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION = function(num) {
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			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comment", {num:num});
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			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comments", {num:num});
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	this.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS = function(num) {
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			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s comment'
				: '%(num)s comments'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_LIKES = function(num) {
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			(num == 1
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				: '%(num)s likes'
			), {num:num});
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	this.NUMBER_OF_POINTS = function(num) {
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			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s point'
				: '%(num)s points'
			), {num:num});
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};
// Dsq.FmtStrings





Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN = '3a1994e3330279e78957da82fb64f754';
Dsq.COMMENTS_RE = /(<li.*?id="?dsq-comment-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/li>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_RE = /(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-header-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/div>)\s*(<div.*?class="?dsq-comment-body"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_BODY_RE = /\s*(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-message-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
// HACK: Safari ends with "-->" while other browsers end with "--&gt;" as expected.
Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE = /&lt;!--\[(.*?)\]--(?:>|&gt;)/gim;



var FragmentPacket = function(reader, writer, writer_url, is_child, receiveCallback) {
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	this.MAX_DATA_LEN	= 1024;

	this.WAIT_TIME		= 10;

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	this.FIN		= 0x4;
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};

FragmentPacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;
	var listener = function() {
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	return window.setInterval(listener, 10);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.log = function(msg) {



};

FragmentPacket.prototype.recv = function() {
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		this.log(' flags: ' + flags);
		this.log(' seqno: ' + seqno + ' len: ' + hash.substring(4, 24).length + ' (' + hash.substring(4, 24) + ')');
		this.log(' data: ' + data + ' len: ' + data.length);

		this._lastSeqno = seqno;

		if (flags & this.WRITING) {
			this._accumMsg += data;
			this.sendFlag(this.ACK, seqno);
			if (flags & this.FIN) {
				this.log('recv finished: ' + decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));
				this.receiveCallback(decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));

				this._accumMsg = '';

				this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
			}
		}
	}

	return {
		flags: flags,
		seqno: seqno,
		data: data
	};
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendRawPacket = function(packet) {
	if (/MSIE/.test(navigator.userAgent)) {
		this.writer.name = packet;
	} else {

		this.writer.location.href = this.writer_url + '#' + packet;
	}

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendFlag = function(flag, seqno) {
	this.sendRawPacket(this._zerofill(flag, 4) + this._zerofill(seqno, 20));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {
	this._send(0, encodeURIComponent(msg));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._send = function(packetNum, msg) {
	var that = this;
	var recvBuf = this.recv();

	if (packetNum === 0) {

		if (!(recvBuf.flags & this.READY)) {
			this.log('client is not ready, waiting...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		}
	} else {

		if (!( (recvBuf.flags & this.ACK) && (recvBuf.seqno === this._lastSeqno) )) {
			this.log('waiting for ack from client...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		} else {
			this.log('received ack: ' + this._lastSeqno + ' ' + recvBuf.seqno);
		}
	}

	var flags = this.WRITING;
	var num_packets = Math.ceil(msg.length / this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	this.log('num_packets: ' + num_packets);

	if (num_packets === packetNum) {

		this.log('message successfully sent!');
		this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
		return true;
	}

	this._lastSeqno++;

	if (packetNum == num_packets-1) {
		flags |= this.FIN;
	}

	var data = msg.substring(packetNum * this.MAX_DATA_LEN, (packetNum+1) * this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	var packet = this._zerofill(flags, 4) + this._zerofill(this._lastSeqno, 20) + data;

	this.log('sending raw packet: ' + packet);
	this.sendRawPacket(packet);

	return this._send(packetNum + 1, msg);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._zerofill = function(num, width) {
	var retval = num.toString();
	var retval_len = retval.length;
	for (var i = 0; i < width - retval_len; i++) {
		retval = '0' + retval;
	}
	return retval;
};

var PostMessagePacket = function(receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId) {
	var that = this;
	this.receiver = receiver;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;
	this.id = id;


	this.receiverId = receiverId;
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;

	var listener = function(e) {

		if (!that.id) {
			that.id = e.data;
			return;
		}


		var id = e.data.split(';')[0];
		if (id !== that.id) {
			return;
		}
		var data = e.data.substring(e.data.indexOf(';') + 1);

		that.receiveCallback(data);
	};

	if (typeof window.attachEvent == 'function') {
		window.attachEvent('onmessage', listener);
	} else if (typeof window.addEventListener == 'function') {
		window.addEventListener('message', listener, false);
	} else {
		throw new Error('No method found to create event listener for PostMessagePacket.');
	}
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {



	var needs_reget = false;
	try {
		if (typeof this.receiver.id == 'undefined' || typeof this.receiver.postMessage == 'undefined') {
			needs_reget = true;
		}
	} catch(e) {


	}
	if (needs_reget && typeof this.receiverId != 'undefined') {
		this.receiver = document.getElementById(this.receiverId).contentWindow;
	}

	var packet;
	if (!msg) {

		packet = this.id;
	} else {
		packet = this.id + ';' + msg;
	}
	this.receiver.postMessage(packet, '*');
};

PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = null;
PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id = function() {
	var id = (new Date()).getTime();
	if (id == PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id) {
		id++;
	}
	PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = id;
	return id.toString();
};

var JsonRpc = function() {

	this.ids = {};

	this.objectToJSON = function(obj) {
		var json = '';
		var results = [];

		if (obj === undefined || obj === null) {
			return 'null';
		}

		switch (obj.constructor) {
			case Object:
				for (var property in obj) {
					if (obj.hasOwnProperty(property)) {
						results.push(this.objectToJSON(property) + ': ' + this.objectToJSON(obj[property]));
					}
				}
				json = '{' + results.join(', ') + '}';
				break;
			case Array:
				for (var i = 0; i < obj.length; i++) {
					results.push(this.objectToJSON(obj[i]));
				}
				json = '[' + results.join(', ') + ']';
				break;
			case Number:
			case Boolean:
				json = obj.toString();
				break;
			case String:

				var specialChars = {'\b': '\\b', '\t': '\\t', '\n': '\\n', '\f': '\\f', '\r': '\\r', '\\': '\\\\'};

				json = obj.replace(/[\x00-\x1f\\]/g, function(match) {
					var ch = specialChars[match];
					return ch ? ch : '\\u00' + match.charCodeAt().toPaddedString(2, 16);
				});

				json = '"' + json.replace(/"/g, '\\"') + '"';
				break;
			default:

				json = 'null';
				break;
		}

		return json;
	};

	this.createHandler = function(send_func, registered_funcs) {
		var that = this;
		var handler = function(message) {

			try {
				var rpc = eval('(' + message + ')');
			} catch(e) {
				alert('bad JSON: ' + message);
				return;
			}
			if (rpc.method) {

				if (!registered_funcs[rpc.method]) {
					return;
				}

				var retval = registered_funcs[rpc.method].apply(null, rpc.params);
				if (rpc.id) {
					var response = {
						result: retval,
						error: null,	// TODO
						id: rpc.id
					};
					send_func(that.objectToJSON(response));
				}
			} else if(rpc.result) {

				if (!that.ids[rpc.id]) {
					return;
				}

				that.ids[rpc.id](rpc.result);
				delete that.ids[rpc.id];
			}
		};
		return handler;
	};

	this.execute = function(send_func, method, params, response_callback) {
		response_callback = response_callback || null;
		var id = (response_callback) ? (new Date()).getTime() : null;

		var request = {
			method: method,
			params: params,
			id: id
		};

		send_func(this.objectToJSON(request));

		if (id) {
			this.ids[id] = response_callback;
		}
	};
};
JsonRpc = new JsonRpc();

var ParentMessenger = function(childUrl, receiverUrl, container, receiveCallback) {


	if (navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Safari') >= 0 && parseInt(navigator.userAgent.substring(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Version/') + 8), 10) == 3) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	} else if (window.opera) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}



	if (!receiverUrl &&
		navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Gecko') >= 0 &&
		parseFloat(navigator.userAgent.slice(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 3, navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 6)) < 1.9) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}


	if (/msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent)) {


		if (document.domain == window.location.hostname) {
			receiverUrl = '';
		}
	}

	var that = this;
	this.childUrl = childUrl;
	this.receiverUrl = receiverUrl;
	this.container = container || document.body;

	this.packetHandler = null;


	this._ready = false;
	this._error = false;


	var _createReceiverForFragmentPacket = function() {

		that.receiver = document.createElement('iframe');
		that.receiver.src = receiverUrl;
		that.receiver.id = 'receiver_' + (new Date()).getTime();
		that.receiver.name = that.receiver.id;

		that.receiver.frameBorder = '0';
		that.receiver.frameSpacing = '0';
		that.receiver.style.borderStyle = 'none';

		var receiver_onload = function() {
			var receiver = document.getElementById(that.receiver.id).contentWindow;

			try {
				receiver.document.body.innerHTML = '';
			} catch(e) {

				that._error = true;
			}
			receiver.document.body.style.padding = '0px';
			receiver.document.body.style.margin = '0px';

			var child = receiver.document.createElement('iframe');
			child.id = 'child';
			child.name = 'child';
			child.src = that.childUrl;

			child.frameBorder = '0';
			child.frameSpacing = '0';
			child.style.borderStyle = 'none';
			child.style.width = '100%';
			child.style.height = '100%';
			receiver.document.body.appendChild(child);

			that.child = receiver.document.getElementById('child').contentWindow;
			that.receiver = receiver;

			that.packetHandler = new FragmentPacket(that.receiver, that.child, that.childUrl, false, receiveCallback);

			that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();

			that.packetHandler.sendFlag(that.packetHandler.READY, 0);

			that._ready = true;
		};

		that.receiver.onreadystatechange = function() {
			if (this.readyState == 'complete') {
				receiver_onload();
			}
		};

		that.receiver.onload = receiver_onload;







		if (Dsq.Utils.ie) {
			if (that.container.clientWidth === 0) {

				var _waitForWidth = function() {
					if (that.container.clientWidth > 0) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					} else {
						window.setTimeout(_waitForWidth, 100);
					}
				};
				_waitForWidth();

				that._once = false;
				that.receiver.onresize = function() {
					if (!that._once) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					}
					that._once = true;
				};
			}
		}

		that.container.appendChild(that.receiver);
	};


	var _createReceiverForPostMessage = function() {

		var receiver_onload = function() {

			that.packetHandler.send();
			that._ready = true;
		};

		var id = PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id();
		var receiverId = 'child_' + id;


		ParentMessenger['_receiver_onload_' + receiverId] = receiver_onload;

		that.container.innerHTML += '<iframe ' +
			'src="' + childUrl + '" ' +
			'id="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'name="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'onload="ParentMessenger._receiver_onload_' + receiverId +'();" ' +
			'></iframe>';

		that.receiver = document.getElementById(receiverId).contentWindow;
		that.packetHandler = new PostMessagePacket(that.receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId);
		that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();
	};

	if (typeof window.postMessage == 'function') {
		_createReceiverForPostMessage();
	} else {
		_createReceiverForFragmentPacket();
	}

};

ParentMessenger.prototype.sendMessage = function(message) {
	var that = this;
	if (!this._ready) {

		window.setTimeout(function() { that.sendMessage(message); }, 10);
		return;
	}
	this.packetHandler.send(message);
	return true;
};

Dsq.NewFrames = function(url) {
	this.url = url;
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype.init = function(onFailure) {
	var that = this;

	try {
		this.messenger = new ParentMessenger(this.url, Dsq.jsonData.integration.receiver_url, this.container, this.receive_callback);
	} catch(e) {
		if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
			onFailure();
		}
	}

	if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
		var iId = window.setInterval(function() {
			if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				return;
			}
			if (that.messenger._ready) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
			} else if (that.messenger._error) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				onFailure();
			}
		}, 10);
	}
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype._execute = function(method, args, callback) {
	var that = this;
	if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
		return false;
	}
	JsonRpc.execute(
		function(msg) { that.messenger.sendMessage(msg); },
		method,
		args || [],
		callback);
	return true;
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame = function(container, parent_post_id) {
	var that = this;
	this.container = container;
	this.parent_post_id = parent_post_id;

	var sendFunc = function(msg) {

		Dsq.Debug.log('Dsq.ReplyFrame.sendFunc');
		that.messenger.sendMessage(msg);
	};


	var postComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		Dsq.jsonData.posts[response.message.id] = response.message.post_meta;
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key]) {
			Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key] = response.message.user_meta;
		}


		var reply_position = (typeof(disqus_insert_wrt_sort) == 'undefined' 
			? (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reply_position ? -1 : null) 
			: (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? null : -1));
		
		if (response.message.post_meta.approved) {
			Dsq.Post.insert(response.message.post_meta.parent_post_id || reply_position, response.message.id, response.message.post_meta.message);
		}

		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onSuccess(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var postComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(response.message, 'Error');
		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onFailure(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var editComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);
		
		message.innerHTML = response.message;
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
	
	var editComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('Sorry, there was an error editing this comment.', 'Edit Error');
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	var getUserByEmail_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var msg = response.message;
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(parent_post_id);

		if (msg.username) {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'login', {
				'username': msg.username,
				'display_name': msg.display_name,
				'avatar_url': msg.avatar_url,
				'verified': msg.verified,
				'email': fields.email.value
			});
		} else {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'register');
		}
	};

	var validateAuth_onSuccess = function(response, auth_choice) {
		Dsq.Templates.postComment(parent_post_id, null, true, auth_choice);
	};

	var validateAuth_onFailure = function(response, auth_choice) {
		var pid = parent_post_id ? '-' + parent_post_id : '';
		var msg = response.message;

		if (auth_choice == 'register') {
			var fields = ['email', 'username', 'password'];

			for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; i++) {
				var field = fields[i];
				var errorDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-' + field + '-errors' + pid);

				if (msg[field]) {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = msg[field];
				} else {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = '';
				}
			}
		} else if (auth_choice == 'login') {
			Dsq.$('dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid).innerHTML = '<p>We couldn\'t log you in. Please verify your login.</p>';
		}
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.receive_callback = JsonRpc.createHandler(sendFunc, {
		'postComment.onSuccess': postComment_onSuccess,
		'postComment.onFailure': postComment_onFailure,
		'editComment.onSuccess': editComment_onSuccess,
		'editComment.onFailure': editComment_onFailure,		
		'getUserByEmail.onSuccess': getUserByEmail_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onSuccess': validateAuth_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onFailure': validateAuth_onFailure,
		'reload': function() { window.location.reload(); }
	});

	this.url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY +
		'?' + (new Date()).getTime() +
		'&f=jackandjillpolitics' +
		'&t=blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat' +
		'&ff=' + Dsq.Thread.ff +
		'&default_text=' + disqus_default_text +
		'&ifrs=' + encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css);
	if (this.parent_post_id) {
		this.url += '&parent_post=' + this.parent_post_id;
	}
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype = new Dsq.NewFrames(Dsq.ReplyFrame.url);

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.post = function(author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe) {
	this._execute('postComment', [author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.edit = function(post_id, message) {
	this._execute('editComment', [post_id, message]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.setState = function(parent_post_id, depth) {
	this._execute('setState', [parent_post_id, depth]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.getUserByEmail = function(email) {
	this._execute('getUserByEmail', [email]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.validateAuth = function(auth_choice, email, username, password) {
	this._execute('validateAuth', [auth_choice, email, username, password]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.authenticateFacebook = function(session, forum_url) {
	this._execute('authenticateFacebook', [session, forum_url]);
};

	Dsq.Facebook = function() {
	var that = this;

	var handleSessionData = function(session) {

		var forum_url = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;




		if (typeof disqus_facebook_forum != 'undefined') {
			forum_url = disqus_facebook_forum;
		}
		Dsq.frames.reply_0.authenticateFacebook(session, forum_url);
	};

	var onLogin = function() {
		FB.Connect.getSignedPublicSessionData(handleSessionData);
	};

	this.login = function() {
		FB.Connect.requireSession(onLogin, true);
	};
};
Dsq.Facebook = new Dsq.Facebook();


	






Dsq.Themes = {};

Dsq.Themes.narcissus = new function() {
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-form-area';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-textarea-wrapper';



	
	this.header = function() {
		var comments_count, total_posts, num_posts;
		var html = '';
		var missing_perm_tmpl;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.missing_perm) {
			missing_perm_tmpl = Dsq.Templates.missingPermissions();
			if (missing_perm_tmpl) {
				html += '<div class="dsq-missing-permissions">' + missing_perm_tmpl + '</div>';
			}
		}

		total_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.total_posts;
		num_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_posts;

		if (total_posts) {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL(total_posts, num_posts);
		} else {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION(num_posts);
		}

		html += ' \
		<div id="dsq-comments-title"> \
			<h3>' + comments_count + '</h3> \
		</div> \
		';

		html += ' \
		<div class="dsq-options"> \
			<span class="dsq-item-sort">'
				+ Dsq.Strings.SORT_BY + ' \
				<select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);"> \
					<option value="hot" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 4 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.POPULAR_NOW + '</option> \
					<option value="best" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 3 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.BEST_RATING + '</option> \
					<option value="newest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.NEWEST_FIRST + '</option> \
					<option value="oldest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 1 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.OLDEST_FIRST + '</option> \
				</select> \
				&nbsp; \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<span id="dsq-subscribe">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.subscribed
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.UNSUBSCRIBE + '</a>'
						: '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL + '</a>')
				+ '</span> \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-rss" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png" alt="" /> \
				<a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat/latest.rss">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS + '</a> \
			</span> \
		</div> \
		';

		
		

		return html;

	};
	
	this.footer = function() {
		var html = '';

		html += Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
		
			html += Dsq.Templates.realtime();
			html += Dsq.Templates.showThreadSettings();
			html += Dsq.Templates.postBox();

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.trackbacks();
		


		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) {
 			html += ' \
				<div class="dsq-global-moderator-extras">'
					+ '<strong>shortname:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url
					+ '<strong>thread id:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.id
					+ '<strong>thread slug:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.slug
				+ '</div> \
			';
		}

		return html;
	};
	
	this.realtime = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			html += '<div id="dsq-realtime-options" class="dsq-options">'
					 + Dsq.Strings.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS + ' <strong id="dsq-realtime-status" style="text-transform: lowercase">' + Dsq.Strings.ENABLED + '</strong>. \
					 <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-toggle" style="text-transform: capitalize"></a> \
					</div>';
		}

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
			html += ' \
				<div style="display: none" id="dsq-realtime-alert" class="dsq-realtime-alert"><span id="dsq-realtime-queued"></span> <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-show"></a></div> \
			';
		}
		
		return html;
	};

	this.showThreadSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '<div id="dsq-thread-settings" class="dsq-thread-settings">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATOR_OPTIONS;
		html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.showSettings(); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.SETTINGS + '</a>';
		if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled && Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.reportMissingReactions(); return false;">'
						+ Dsq.Strings.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS
						+ '</a>';
		}
		html +='</div>';

		return html;
	};

	this.postBox = function(post_id, use_fallback_iframe) {


		var html;
		var display_sharing_options = Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated;

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post) {
			return '';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.hasOwnProperty(Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain)) {
				display_sharing_options = false;
			}
		}
		
		if (post_id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];				
		}
		
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		var _requestUserInfo = function() {
			var html;



			var user_has_email = false;

			html = '<div class="dsq-request-user-info"> <!-- // If authenticated --> \
				<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT + '?ctkn=' + Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN + '" class="dsq-request-user-logout">' + Dsq.Strings.LOGOUT + '</a> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td rowspan="2">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '')
								+ '<img src="' + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR + '" width="48" height="48" class="dsq-request-user-avatar">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-name">'
								+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
									 ? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '">' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '</span>'
									 : (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_verified
											? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span>'
											: '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span>'))
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '') 
								+ Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username 
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
							+  (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && user_has_email ? ' <small>(<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.remoteAccountSettings(); return false;">change settings</a>)</small>' : '')
							+  (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <small>(<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/info/" target="_blank">change name</a> or <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/avatar/" target="_blank">picture</a>)</small>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-stats"> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count == 1 ? 'comment' : 'comments') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count == 1 ? 'like' : 'likes') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.points + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.points == 1 ? 'point' : 'points') + '</span> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		var _loginOptions = function() {
			var html;
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-authenticate"> \
				<p class="dsq-autheneticate-copy">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
					? Dsq.Strings.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A + ' <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. ' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.LOGIN_BELOW + '.'
					: Dsq.Strings.REQUIRED + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT + '.')
				+ '</p> \
				<ul class="dsq-login-buttons">'
					+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-disqus.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Facebook.login(); return false;"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-facebook.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-twitter.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL(); return false" ><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-openid.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_yahoo ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Yahoo.startYahooConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-yahoo.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
				+ '</ul> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {



				return '<div id="dsq-form-area" style="display:none"><div id="dsq-textarea-wrapper"></div></div>' + _loginOptions();
			} else {
				return '';
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<div id="' + (post_id 
			? 'dsq-reply-post-' + post_id
			: 'dsq-new-post')
		 	+ '" class="dsq-post-area"> \
			<div class="dsq-dc-logo"> \
				<a href="http://disqus.com/comments" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/disqus-logo.png"></a> \
			</div>'
			+ (post_id 
				? '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.REPLYING_TO + ' ' + userData.display_name + '</h3>'
				: '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT + '</h3>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated 
				? _requestUserInfo()
				: _loginOptions() )
			+ '<div id="dsq-form-area' + pid + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-textarea"> \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper" id="dsq-textarea-wrapper' + pid + '"></div> \
			</div>'
			+ (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated
			? ' \
			<div class="dsq-post-fields"> \
				<form action="." method="GET" onsubmit="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false); return false;"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-name' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_name ? disqus_def_name : (Dsq.jsonData.session.name ? Dsq.jsonData.session.name : Dsq.Strings.NAME + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-website' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (Dsq.jsonData.session.url ? Dsq.jsonData.session.url : Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')" class="dsq-placeholder') + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" /></div></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-email' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_email ? disqus_def_email : (Dsq.jsonData.session.email ? Dsq.jsonData.session.email : Dsq.Strings.EMAIL + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"> \
							<div class="dsq-subscribe"> \
								<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.chooseSubscribe(' + post_id + '); return false" class="dsq-subscribe-menu"><span id="dsq-subscribe-select' + pid + '">' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post ? Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL : Dsq.Strings.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS) + '</span> <small>&#9660;</small></a> \
								<ul class="dsq-panel" id="dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid + '"> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(2, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Subscribe to all comments by email</a></li> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(0, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Do not subscribe to comments</a></li> \
								</ul> \
								<input id="dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid + '" type="hidden" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post + '" /> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
				</form> \
			</div>'
			: '')
			+ '<div class="dsq-post-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-sharing-options" ' + (!display_sharing_options ? 'style="display:none;"' : '') + '> \
					<button class="dsq-button-small" onfocus="document.getElementById(\'dsq-post-button' + pid + '\').focus();"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.SHARING_OPTIONS + ' <small>&#9660;</small></span></button> \
					<div class="dsq-panel"> '
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '"'
								  + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Twitter</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook
								&& (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.enabled === true ||
										(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'facebook'))
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Facebook</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Yahoo!</label> \
								</div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Tumblr</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Wordpress</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Movable Type</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
								  <label for="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' TypePad</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ '<div><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections/" target="_blank" class="dsq-configure-options">' + Dsq.Strings.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS + '</a></div>'
					+ '</div> \
				</div>'
				+ '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-post-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.POST_AS + ' '
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					? Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					: Dsq.Strings.GUEST)
				+ '</span></button>'
				+ (post_id
					? '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-cancel-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.CANCEL + '</span></button>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
			+ '</div>' // end dsq-form-area
		+ '</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};




	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-append-post-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		html = ' \
		<table> \
			<tr> \
				<td id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-avatar" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
					<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
					? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
					: '')
				+ '</a> \
				</td> \
				<td class="dsq-comment-header-meta"> \
		';

		
		return html;
	};
	
	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var html;
		var parent_display_name = '';
		
		if(_meta.parent_post_id) {

			var _parent_meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[_meta.parent_post_id];

			if (_parent_meta) {
				var parentUserData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_parent_meta.user_key];
				parent_display_name = parentUserData.display_name;
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/moderator.png" class="dsq-moderator-star" title="Moderator" /> \
		<span class="dsq-comment-header-time"><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')" title="Permalink">' + (_meta.is_realtime ? Dsq.Strings.JUST_NOW : _meta.date) + '</a></span> '
		+ (_meta.parent_post_id && parent_display_name
			? '<a href="#comment-' + _meta.parent_post_id + '" title="Jump to comment">in reply to ' + parent_display_name + '</a>'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		<td id="dsq-like-pts-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-comment-header-likes">'
		+ (_meta.points
			? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		</tr> \
		</table> \
		';
		return html;
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		var html = '';
		return html;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed || !_meta.approved) { return ''; }
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
					? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.moderateOptions(' + post_id+ '); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATE + '</a>'
					: '')
				+ '<a href="#" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG + '</a> \
			</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right">'
				+ (_meta.votable 
					? '<span id="dsq-like-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-like">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1)" >Like</button>'
						: 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;')
					+ '</span>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-post-edit" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + ')" >' + Dsq.Strings.EDIT + '</button>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<span class="dsq-comment-footer-reply" id="dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button> \
						<button class="dsq-comment-footer-reply-tab">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button><span></span> \
					</span>'
					: '')
			+ '</div> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};



	
	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		var item = '<li class="dsq-comment dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-header"> \
			<table> \
			<tr> \
			<td class="dsq-header-avatar"> \
			';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'" class="dsq-avatar">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {

			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar92.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== ''
				? '</a>'
				: '')
			+ '</td>'
			+ '<td><cite class="dsq-comment-cite">' + reaction.author_name + '</cite> <span class="dsq-comment-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</span></td>'
			+ '<td class="dsq-comment-header-likes"></td>'
			+ '</tr></table></div>' // end dsq-comment-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header" \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-reaction-header-left">'
							+ '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png" />'
							+ ' From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
							+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
						+ '</td>'
						+ '<td class="dsq-reaction-header-right">';
			
			if(reaction.retweets) {
				var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
				if (num_retweets > 0) {
					if (num_retweets == 1) {
						item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
					} else {
						item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');
						item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
						var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 3) ? 3 : num_retweets;
						item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);
						if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
							item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
								+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
						}
					}
				}
			}	
			item += '</td></tr> \
			</table> \
			</div>' // end dsq-reaction-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-body"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left"> \
				</div>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator 
					? ' \
					<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-hide-reaction" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + ')">Hide</button> \
					</div>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 id="dsq-reactions-title" class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-container"> \
			<table> \
				<tbody> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-tl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-tr"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-body"> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
								<div class="dsq-popup-title"> \
									<button class="dsq-button-small" style="float:right" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)">Close</button>' 
									+ content['header'] 
								+ '</div>'
								+ content['body']
							+ '</div> \
							<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
						</td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-bl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-br"></td> \
					</tr> \
				</tbody> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
	};



	
	this.chooseSubscribe = function(post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		menu.style.display = menu.style.display == 'block' ? 'none' : 'block';
		
	};
	
	this.setSubscribe = function(value, el, post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var input = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid);
		var select = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-select' + pid);
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		select.innerHTML = el.innerHTML;
		input.value = value;
		this.chooseSubscribe(post_id);
	};
	
	this.getFormFields = function(post_id) {

		var fields = {};
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var name = Dsq.$('dsq-field-name' + pid);
		var email = Dsq.$('dsq-field-email' + pid);
		var website = Dsq.$('dsq-field-website' + pid);
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid);
		var password = Dsq.$('dsq-field-password' + pid);

		fields = {
			'name': name,
			'email': email,
			'website': website,
			'username': username,
			'password': password
		}
		
		return fields;
	}
	
	this.validateFields = function(post_id) {
		
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) { return true; }
		
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		
		var nameField = fields.name;
		var websiteField = fields.website;
		var emailField = fields.email;
		
		websiteField.value = (websiteField.value == Dsq.Templates.placeholder['website']) ? '' : websiteField.value;
		
		var v = [{

			validator: Dsq.Validators.name,
			value: nameField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.email,
			value: emailField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.url,
			value: websiteField.value
		}];
		
		return Dsq.Validators.validate(v, function(e) { Dsq.Popup.popModal(e, 'Oops...') } );
	};
	
	this.checkExistingUser = function(post_id) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);		
		Dsq.Popup.loading(post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		}
	};

	this.validateAuth = function(el_clicked, post_id, auth_choice) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		var email = fields.email ? fields.email.value : '';
		var username = fields.username ? fields.username.value : '';
		var password = fields.password ? fields.password.value : '';
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		}
	};

	this.lightboxUpdateEmail = function(post_id, new_email) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		fields.email.value = new_email;
	};

	this.lightboxAuthenticate = function(post_id, auth_choice, auth_data) {
		var title, body;
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		if(typeof(auth_data) == 'undefined') {
			var auth_data = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		}

		d = auth_data;

		switch(auth_choice) {
			case 'register':
				var suggestedUsername = d.name.value.replace(/[^a-zA-Z0-9-]/g,'').toLowerCase();
			
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Register a <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';

				body = ' \
				<ul class="dsq-lightbox-register-reasons"> \
				<li>Verify your comments</li> \
				<li>Edit and delete comments</li> \
				<li>Manage comments and replies</li> \
				</ul> \
				';

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Email</td> \
							<td><input type="text" value="' + d.email.value + '" onchange="Dsq.Templates.lightboxUpdateEmail(' + post_id + ', this.value)" /><div id="dsq-email-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + suggestedUsername + '"/><div id="dsq-username-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /><div id="dsq-password-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'login\'); return false">Login instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Register and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			case 'login':
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Login to your <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';
				body = '';
				
				if(d.avatar_url) {
					body += '<div class="dsq-lightbox-recognized"><table><tr>';
					body += '<td><img src="' + d.avatar_url + '" alt="" /></td>';
					body += '<td><span class="dsq-badge ' + (d.verified ? 'dsq-badge-verified' : 'dsq-badge-registered') + '">' + (d.verified ? 'Verified' : 'Registered') + '</span></td>';
					body += '<td>Hey <strong>' + d.display_name + '</strong>, is that you? Login below to claim this comment.';
					body += '</tr></table></div>';
				}

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username or Email</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (d.avatar_url ? d.username : '') + '" /></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password <a href="http://disqus.com/forgot" target="_blank">(cannot log in?)</a></td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'register\'); return false">Register instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Login and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
		Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid).focus();
	};
	
	this.buttonsToRestore = [];
	this.setLoadingButton = function(btn, post_id) {
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		if (btn) {

			var loadingBtn = document.createElement('button');
			loadingBtn.id = btn.id + '-loading';
			loadingBtn.innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-lite.gif" alt="" /> Just a moment...';
			loadingBtn.className = btn.className + ' dsq-post-loading';
			btn.parentNode.appendChild(loadingBtn);
			btn.style.display = 'none';
			var cancelBtn = Dsq.$('dsq-cancel-button' + pid);
			if(cancelBtn) { cancelBtn.style.display = 'none'; this.buttonsToRestore.push(cancelBtn); }
			this.buttonsToRestore.push(btn);
		} else {

			var buttons = this.buttonsToRestore;
			for(var i = 0; i < buttons.length; i++) {
				buttons[i].style.display = 'inline';
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$(buttons[i].id + '-loading'));
			}
		}
		
	};

	this.postComment = function(post_id, el_clicked, force, auth_choice) {
		var append_id = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);

		if (Dsq.Templates.validateFields(post_id)) {

			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && !force &&
				((!Dsq.Utils.readCookie('skipped_auth') && !disqus_skip_auth && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled) || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post)) {
				Dsq.Templates.checkExistingUser(post_id);
				return false;
			}
			var params = [];
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
				params.push(fields.name.value,
					fields.email.value,
					fields.website.value);

				if (auth_choice == 'login' || auth_choice == 'register') {
					params.push({
						auth_choice: auth_choice,
						username: fields.username.value,
						password: fields.password.value,
						email: fields.email.value
					});
				} else {
					params.push(null);
				}

				params.push(null /* sharing options */, Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + append_id).value);
			} else {
				var service_checked = function(name) {
					var el = Dsq.$('dsq-sharing-' + name + append_id);
					return (el !== null && el.checked === true) ? '1' : '0';
				};
				params.push(null, null, null, null, {
					tw: service_checked('twitter'),
					fb: service_checked('facebook'),
					tr: service_checked('tumblr'),
					wp: service_checked('wordpress'),
					mt: service_checked('movabletype'),
					tp: service_checked('typepad'),
					yh: service_checked('yahoo')
				});
			}

			var frame = Dsq.frames['reply_' + (post_id ? post_id : 0)];
			frame.post.apply(frame, params);

			if (el_clicked) {
				Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
			}
			
			if (force) {
				Dsq.Utils.createCookie('skipped_auth', true);	
			}
			
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	};

	this.editComment = function(el_clicked, post_id) {
		var edited_message = Dsq.$('dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id).value;

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].edit(post_id, edited_message);
	};

	this.toggleEdit = function(post_id) {
		var body = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-body-' + post_id);
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);

		if (!Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id]) {


			message.style.display = 'none';
			if (Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {

				var edit_area = document.createElement('div');
				edit_area.id = 'dsq-edit-' + post_id;
				edit_area.className = 'dsq-edit dsq-textarea';
				edit_area.innerHTML = ' \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper"> \
					<textarea class="dsq-edit-textarea" id="dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id + '">' + message.innerHTML + '</textarea> \
				</div> \
				<div class="dsq-save-edit"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Templates.editComment(this, ' + post_id + ')" class="dsq-button-small">Save Edit</button> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id + '" style="display: none"></div> \
				';

				body.appendChild(edit_area);

				if (!Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id), post_id);
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].init();
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
		} else {

			message.style.display = 'block';
			Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id] = !Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id];
	};
	
	this.edit = function(el, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(post_id, button) {
		
		if(!this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

			if (Dsq.$('dsq-reply-post-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id);
				var container = Dsq.$('dsq-textarea-wrapper-' + post_id);
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] && container) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(container, post_id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].init(function() {

						Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id, true);
						Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id).innerHTML = '';

						var theme = (typeof disqus_frame_theme == 'undefined') ? 'default' : disqus_frame_theme;
						Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id), post_id, {theme: theme});

					});
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-append-post';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply-active';
			
		} else {

			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = '';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply';
		}
		
		this.stateReplyToggled[post_id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[post_id];

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie && this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

		}

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: post_id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]
		});
	};
	
	this.moderateOptions = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		if(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) { return false; }

		var html;
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-moderate-options"> \
		<table>'
		+ (_meta.email ? '<tr><td>Email</td><td>' + _meta.email + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ (_meta.ip ? '<tr><td>IP address</td><td>' + _meta.ip + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ '<tr> \
			<td>Actions</td> \
			<td><ul>'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
				? '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
				: '')
			+ '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Delete Comment</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li> \
			</ul></td> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		html += '<p>Go to the full <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/moderate/" target="_blank">moderate panel</a> for more options.</p>';
		
		return Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Moderate Options', post_id);
	};
	
	this.placeholder = {
		'class': 'dsq-placeholder',
		'name': Dsq.Strings.NAME,
		'email': Dsq.Strings.EMAIL,
		'website': Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')'
	};
	
	this.handlePlaceholder = function(evt, el, key) {
		var placeholder = Dsq.Templates.placeholder[key];
		var className = Dsq.Templates.placeholder['class'];
		
		switch(evt.type) {
			case 'focus':
				if(el.value == placeholder) {
					el.value = '';
					el.className = '';
				}
				break;

			case 'blur':
				if(el.value == '') {
					el.value = placeholder;
					el.className = className;
				}
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
	};
	
	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked) {

		var extra_params = '';

		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked);
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};
	
	
	this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {


		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
			}
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/vote.js'
				+ '?post_id='    + id
				+ '&vote='        + vote);
		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login('To rate, please log in');
		}
	};

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {

		Dsq.$('dsq-like-pts-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.';

		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;';
		}
	};




	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {
		var approved = response.message.post_meta.approved;

		if (parent_post_id) {
			Dsq.Post.toggleReply(parent_post_id);
		}

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
		
		if (approved) {
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		} else {			
			var unapproved_msg = 'Thanks for posting!\
	 Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.\
			';
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(unapproved_msg, 'Comment awaiting approval', post_id);
		}

		var sharing_results = response.message.sharing_results;
		var sharing_errors = '';
		for (var service in sharing_results) {
			if (sharing_results.hasOwnProperty(service) === true) {
				if (sharing_results[service].error === true) {
					sharing_errors += service + ', ';
				}
			}
		}

		if (sharing_results.facebook && sharing_results.facebook.callback) {
			FB.ensureInit(function() {
				FB.Connect.streamPublish('', sharing_results.facebook.attachment);
			});
		}

		if (sharing_errors !== '') {
			var message = 'Your comment was posted, but there were errors sharing with the following connections: ';
			message += sharing_errors.replace(/,\s$/, '');
			message += '<p><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections" target="_blank">Configure your connections here</a></p>'
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sharing options');
		}

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.postComment_onFailure = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
};




// TODO: It might be faster to use string methods to find all <li (...) </li> blocks and pass to Dsq.PostHandler manually.
Dsq.CommentsHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_post = Dsq.Templates.prependPost(post_id);
	var append_post = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(post_id);

	content = content.replace(Dsq.POST_RE, Dsq.PostHandler);
	Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter++;
	head = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContainer(post_id, head);
	return prepend_post + head + content + tail + append_post;
};

Dsq.PostHandler = function(str, h_head, post_id, h_content, h_tail, b_head, b_content, b_tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_header = Dsq.Templates.postPrependHeader(post_id);
	var append_header = Dsq.Templates.postAppendHeader(post_id);
	var prepend_body = Dsq.Templates.preBody(post_id);
	var append_body = Dsq.Templates.postBody(post_id);
	var append_footer = Dsq.Templates.postFooter(post_id);

	b_content = b_content.replace(Dsq.POST_BODY_RE, Dsq.PostBodyHandler);
	return h_head + prepend_header + h_content + append_header + h_tail + b_head + prepend_body + b_content + append_body + b_tail + append_footer;
};

Dsq.PostBodyHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	content = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContent(post_id, content);
	return head + content + tail;
};

Dsq.MediaPostHandler = function(str, args, offset, s) {
	args = args.split(' ');
	if(args[0] == 'seesmic') {
		return '<br />' + Dsq.Templates.mediaSeesmic(args[1], args[2]);
	}
	return '';
};


/**
 * Shorcuts
 */
Dsq.$ = function(element) { return document.getElementById(element); };
Dsq.$b = document.body || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0];


/**
 * Dsq.Debug: Logging functions.
 */

Dsq.Debug = new function() {this.log=function(s){};this.profile=function(f){if(typeof f == 'function')return f();else return eval(f);};};


/**
 * Dsq.Urls: URL paths
 */
Dsq.Urls = new function() {
	this.LOGIN = '/profile/login/';
	this.LOGOUT = '/logout/';
	this.REPLY = 'http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat/reply.html';
	this.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE = '/AnonymousUser/';
	this.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR = 'http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar92.png';
};
// Dsq.Urls

/**
 * Dsq.Validators: Validation for form fields
 */
Dsq.Validators = new function() {
	this.VALID_EMAIL_RE = /^[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*\@(([a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*)+\.[a-z]{2,}|([0-9]+\.){3}[0-9]+)$/i;
	this.name = function(name) {
		var error = false;

		if(typeof Dsq.Templates.placeholder !== 'undefined' &&
		   name == Dsq.Templates.placeholder.name) {
			error = true;
		}
		if(name.length <= 1) {
			error = true;
		}

		if(error) {
			return "Please enter a name to comment.";
		} else {
			return true;
		}
	};
	this.email = function(addr) {
		if(Dsq.Validators.VALID_EMAIL_RE.test(addr)) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please enter a valid email to comment.";
		}
	};
	this.url = function(addr) {
		if(!addr || addr.indexOf('.') != -1) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please check your website URL (this field is optional).";
		}
	};

	this.validate = function(bulk_validation, failure_callback) {
		failure_callback = failure_callback || function(e){ alert(e); };

		for(var i = 0; i < bulk_validation.length; i++) {
			v = bulk_validation[i];
			ret = v.validator(v.value);
			if(ret !== true) {
				failure_callback(ret);
				return false;
			}
		}
		return true;
	};
};

/**
 * Dsq.Utils: Generic utility functions.
 */
Dsq.Utils = new function() {
	this.ie = /msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent);
	this.ie7 = (document.all && !window.opera && window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true : false;
	this.ie6 = (!window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true: false;
	this.webkit = navigator.userAgent.indexOf('AppleWebKit/') >= 0;
	this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache = {};
	this._styleSheet = null;

	this.gebiFromElement = function(el, id, tag) {
		// This only method only helps IE.
		if(!this.ie) {
			return Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var cacheKey = el.id + '-' + tag;
			tag = tag || 'div';
			if(typeof this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] != 'undefined') {
				collection = this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey];
			} else {
				collection = el.getElementsByTagName(tag);
				this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] = collection;
			}

			for(var i = 0; i < collection.length; i++) {
				if(collection[i].id == id) {
					return collection[i];
				}
			}
			return null;
		}
	};

	this.execOnReady = function(func) {
		var node = document.createElement('document:ready');
		try {
			node.doScroll('left');
			func();
			node = null;
		} catch(err) {
			setTimeout(function() { Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(func); }, 10);
		}
	};


	// Courtesy of http://www.quirksmode.org/js/cookies.html
	this.createCookie = function(name,value,days) {
		if (days) {
			var date = new Date();
			date.setTime(date.getTime()+(days*24*60*60*1000));
			var expires = "; expires="+date.toGMTString();
		}
		else var expires = "";
		document.cookie = name+"="+value+expires+"; path=/";
	};

	this.readCookie = function(name) {
		var nameEQ = name + "=";
		var ca = document.cookie.split(';');
		for(var i=0;i < ca.length;i++) {
			var c = ca[i];
			while (c.charAt(0)==' ') c = c.substring(1,c.length);
			if (c.indexOf(nameEQ) == 0) return c.substring(nameEQ.length,c.length);
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.eraseCookie = function(name) {
		Dsq.Utils.createCookie(name,"",-1);
	};

	this.deleteNode = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			this.deleteChildren(node);
			if(typeof node.outerHTML != 'undefined') { node.outerHTML = ''; }
			else if(node.parentNode) { node.parentNode.removeChild(node); }
			delete node;
		}
	};

	this.deleteChildren = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			for(var x = node.childNodes.length-1; x >= 0; x--) {
				var childNode = node.childNodes[x];
				if(childNode.hasChildNodes()) { this.deleteChildren(childNode); }
				if(typeof childNode.outerHTML != 'undefined') { childNode.outerHTML = ''; }
				else node.removeChild(childNode);
				delete childNode;
			}
		}
	};

	this.findPos = function(obj) {
		var curleft = 0;
		var curtop = 0;
		if (obj.offsetParent) {
			do {
				curleft += obj.offsetLeft;
				curtop += obj.offsetTop;
			} while (obj = obj.offsetParent);
		}
		return [curleft,curtop];
	};

	this.getWindowSize = function() {
		var windowWidth = -1;
		var windowHeight = -1;

		if(typeof(window.innerWidth) == 'number') { //Non-IE
			windowWidth = window.innerWidth;
			windowHeight = window.innerHeight;
		} else if(document.documentElement) { // IE 6+ in 'standards compliant mode'
			windowWidth = document.documentElement.clientWidth || document.body.clientWidth;
			windowHeight = document.documentElement.clientHeight || document.body.clientHeight;
		}

		return [windowWidth, windowHeight];
	}

	this.getScrollPos = function() {
		var scrollWidth, scrollTop;

		if(document.documentElement && (document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.documentElement.scrollWidth)) {
			scrollWidth = document.documentElement.scrollWidth;
			// IE is weird here.  If no doctype is provided, document.body.scrollTop is 0,
			// otherwise document.documentElement.scrollTop is 0.
			scrollTop = document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.body.scrollTop;
		} else if(document.body.scrollTop && document.body.scrollWidth) {
			scrollWidth = document.body.scrollWidth;
			scrollTop = document.body.scrollTop;
		}

		return [scrollWidth, scrollTop];
	}

	this.addEventListener = function(instance, eventName, listener) {
		var listenerFn = listener;
		if (instance.addEventListener) {
			instance.addEventListener(eventName, listenerFn, false);
		} else if (instance.attachEvent) {
			listenerFn = function() {
				listener(window.event);
			};
			instance.attachEvent("on" + eventName, listenerFn);
		} else {
			throw new Error("Event registration not supported");
		}
		return {
			instance: instance,
			name: eventName,
			listener: listenerFn
		};
	};

	this.removeEventListener = function(event) {
		var instance = event.instance;
		if (instance.removeEventListener) {
			instance.removeEventListener(event.name, event.listener, false);
		} else if (instance.detachEvent) {
			instance.detachEvent("on" + event.name, event.listener);
		}
	};

	this.fixIframesIE = function(id) {
		var disqusThread = Dsq.$(disqus_container_id);
		var iframes = disqusThread.getElementsByTagName('iframe');

		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-content');
		}

		for(i = 0; i < iframes.length; i++) {
			if (container) {
				iframes[i].style.width = container.offsetWidth;
			}
		}
	};

	this.getElementsByClassName = function(oElm, strTagName, strClassName) {
	/* Credit: Jonathan Snook [http://www.snook.ca/jonathan], Robert Nyman [http://www.robertnyman.com] */
		var arrElements = (strTagName == "*" && oElm.all)? oElm.all : oElm.getElementsByTagName(strTagName);
		var arrReturnElements = new Array();
		strClassName = strClassName.replace(/\-/g, "\\-");
		var oRegExp = new RegExp("(^|\\s)" + strClassName + "(\\s|$)");
		var oElement;
		for(var i = 0; i < arrElements.length; i++) {
			oElement = arrElements[i];
			if(oRegExp.test(oElement.className)) {
				arrReturnElements.push(oElement);
			}
		}
		return (arrReturnElements);
	};

	this.postToUrl = function(url, post_data, opt_redirect) {
		var form = document.createElement('form');
		var iframe_container = document.createElement('div');
		var id = 'dsq-temp-iframe-' + (new Date()).getTime();

		form.method = 'POST';
		form.action = url;
		if (!opt_redirect) {
			form.target = id;
		}
		iframe_container.innerHTML = '<iframe style="display:none" name="' + id + '" id="' + id + '"></iframe>';

		for(var key in post_data) {
			if(post_data.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var input = document.createElement('input');
				input.name = key;
				input.type = 'hidden';
				input.value = post_data[key];

				form.appendChild(input);
			}
		}

		Dsq.$b.appendChild(iframe_container);
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(form);
		form.submit();
	};

	// Strips integer id from id of element in the form ('some-id-###')
	this.extractId = function(e) {
		var chunks = e.id.split('-');
		if(chunks.length <= 1) {
			return 0;
		} else {
			return parseInt(chunks[chunks.length-1]);
		}
	};

	this.getStyle = function(el, styleProp) {
		if(el.currentStyle) {
			var y = el.currentStyle[styleProp];
		} else if(window.getComputedStyle) {
			var y = document.defaultView.getComputedStyle(el, null).getPropertyValue(styleProp);
		}

		if(y == 'transparent' || y == '') {
			this.getStyle(el.parentNode, styleProp);
		} else {
			return y;
		}
	};

	this.execScript = function(url, append_qs, container) {
		var script = document.createElement('script');
		append_qs = typeof append_qs == 'undefined' ? true : append_qs;
		container = container || Dsq.container;

		if(append_qs) {
			var j = (url.indexOf('?') >= 0) ? '&' : '?';
			url += j + (new Date()).getTime();
		}
		script.type = 'text/javascript';
		script.charset = 'UTF-8';
		script.src = url;
		container.appendChild(script);
		return script;
	};

	this.pluralize = function(num, singular, plural) {
		return (num != 1) ? plural || 's' : singular || '';
	};

	this.getRequestParams = function(queryString /* optional */) {
		var pairs, tuple;
		var params = {};

		queryString = queryString || window.location.search.substring(1);
		pairs = queryString.split('&');

		for (var i = 0, pair; pair = pairs[i]; i++) {
			tuple = pair.split('=');
			params[tuple[0]] = (tuple[1] || true);
		}

		return params;
	};

	this.addCssRule = function(selector, styleText, index) {
		var stylesheet;
		index = index || 0;

		if(!this._styleSheet) {
			var styleEl = document.createElement('style');
			document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(styleEl);
			this._styleSheet = styleEl.sheet;
			if(!this._styleSheet) {
				// IE does not like our newly created stylesheet.
				this._styleSheet = document.styleSheets[document.styleSheets.length-1];
			}
		}
		stylesheet = this._styleSheet;

		if(stylesheet.insertRule) {
			var ruleText = selector + ' { ' + styleText + ' }';
			if(index == -1) {
				index = stylesheet.cssRules.length;
			}
			stylesheet.insertRule(ruleText, index);
		} else if(stylesheet.addRule) {
			stylesheet.addRule(selector, styleText, index);
		}
	};

	this.forEachIn = function(obj, callback) {
		for(var key in obj) {
			if(obj.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				callback(key, obj[key]);
			}
		}
	};

	this._interpolateGlobalContext = {
		// values that get used a lot and are global to the request
		'profile_url': Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE,

		'disqus_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url,
		'media_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url,
		'request_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.username,
		'request_display_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username,
		'forum_name': Dsq.jsonData.forum.name
	};

	this.renderFromContextStack = function(key, contexts) {
		// Returns the first instance of `key` in the array of objects `contexts` or else ''
		for (var i=0; i<contexts.length; i++) {
			if (contexts[i][key] !== undefined) {
				return String(contexts[i][key]);
			}
		}
		throw new Error('key ' + key + ' not found in context');
	};

	var that = this;
	this.interpolate = function(fmt, opt_localContext) {
		// Interpolate `fmt` named-format string with an assumed global context.
		// Based on `interpolate` in django.views.i18n
		var contextStack = [opt_localContext || {}, that._interpolateGlobalContext];
		return fmt.replace(/%\(\w+\)s/g, function(match){
			return that.renderFromContextStack(match.slice(2,-2), contextStack);
		});
	};

	this.stripTags = function(s) {
		// Removes HTML tags from `s`
		return s.replace(/(<([^>]+)>)/g,"");

	};

	this.assert = function(b) {
		if (!b) {
			throw new Error('Assertion error.');
		}
	};

};
// Dsq.Utils

/**
 * Dsq.Popup: Popup helper functions.
 */
Dsq.Popup = new function() {
	this.timeHide = new Array();
	this.timeShow = new Array();
	this.activePopup = {};
	this.profileCache = {};
	this.statusCache = {};

	this.showTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the hide timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeHide[post_id]);

		// start the timer
		if(!Dsq.Popup.profileIsOn && !Dsq.Thread.adminIsOn) {
			this.timeShow[post_id] = setTimeout("Dsq.Popup.popProfile(\"" + post_id + "\")", 400);
		}
	};

	this.hideTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the show timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeShow[post_id]);
	};

	this.updateProfile = function(username) {
		// Callback from /embed/profile.js
		if (this.statusCache[username]) {
			var statusEl = Dsq.$('dsq-profile-status-' + username);
			statusEl.innerHTML = this.statusCache[username];
			statusEl.style.display = 'block';
		}

		if (this.profileCache[username]) {
			var _cache = this.profileCache[username];

			var _genhtml = function(text) { return '<span><big>' + text + '</big></span>'; };
			var _no_comments = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS(_cache.comments_count));
			var _no_likes = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_LIKES(_cache.likes_count));
			var _no_points = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_POINTS(_cache.points));

			var statsEl = Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + username);
			statsEl.innerHTML = '';

			if (Dsq.jsonData.users[username].registered) {
				statsEl.innerHTML = _no_comments + _no_likes;
			}
			statsEl.innerHTML += _no_points;

			var activeSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.active_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.active_sites[i];
				activeSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (activeSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = activeSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = 'This site.';
			}

			var moderatedSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.moderated_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.moderated_sites[i];
				moderatedSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (moderatedSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + username).innerHTML = moderatedSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + username).innerHTML = '';
			}
		}

		// Reposition popup after full HTML is rendered
		if(Dsq.Popup.activePopup && Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el) {
			Dsq.Popup.initPopup(Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.type);
		}

	};

	this.showCookieMsgs = function() {
		var title = '';
		var message = '';
		var numAlerts = 0;

		Dsq.Utils.forEachIn(Dsq.jsonData.cookie_messages, function(k, v) {
			if (!v) return;

			switch(k) {
				// Cookie: Twitter
				case 'post_twitter':
					if (v === 'error') {
						title = 'Twitter Error!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-error">Oops, we couldn\'t tweet this comment. Please check your <a href="http://disqus.com/account/services">account settings</a>.</li>';
					} else {
						var _msg = v.split(':');
						title = 'Tweeted!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-success">Your comment was successfully tweeted. <a href="http://twitter.com/' + _msg[0] + '/status/' + _msg[1] + '">Click here to view the tweet</a>.</li>';
					}
					break;
				// Cookie: Unapproved Post
				case 'post_not_approved':
					title = 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-not-approved">Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.</li>';
					break;
				// Cookie: Profile Found
				case 'post_has_profile':
					title = 'Use your existing commenter profile';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-has-profile">You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a></li>';
					break;
				case 'user_created':
					var _data = v.split(':');
					title = 'Profile created!';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-user-created">You have just created a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, the best way to claim, manage, and track your comments all over the web. \
					<br /><br />A confirmation is being sent to <strong>' + _data[1] + '</strong>. Please check for this email in order to verify your profile. \
					<ul class="dsq-list-tick"> \
						<li>Your username is <strong>' + _data[0] +'</strong>. <a href="http://disqus.com/people/' + _data[0] + '/" target="_blank">Click here to view your public profile</a>.</li> \
						<li>Be sure to set your profile picture, as well as connect your <span class="dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> and <span class="dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> accounts. <a href="http://disqus.com/account/" target="_blank">Click here for account settings</a>.</li> \
					</ul> \
					</li>'
					break;
				default:
					break;
			}
			numAlerts++;
		});

		if(numAlerts > 1) {
			message = '<ul class="dsq-list-bluebullet">' + message;
			message += '</ul>';
			title = 'Thanks for posting!';
		}
		if(numAlerts > 0) {
			if(typeof(disqus_cookie_msgs) == 'function') {
				disqus_cookie_msgs(message, title);
			} else {
				Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
			}
		}
	};

	this.helpBadges = function(post_id) {
		var html = ' \
			<ul class="dsq-popup-help"> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile with a confirmed email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, but has not yet confirmed his or her email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span> is not logged in with any account and has not claimed his or her comments.</li> \
				<li class="dsq-help-otheraccts">Other accounts</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> is using his or her Facebook profile via Facebook Connect.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> is using his or her Twitter profile via Twitter Sign-in.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-openid">OpenID</span> is using his or her OpenID.</li> \
			</ul> \
		';

		this.popModal(html, 'Help: Types of Commenters', post_id);
		return;
	};

	this.permalink = function(post_id) {
		var header = 'Link to this comment';
		var body = '<strong>You are anchored to</strong>:<br />' + document.location.protocol + '//' + document.location.host + document.location.pathname + document.location.search + '#comment-' + post_id;

		this.popModal(body, header, post_id);
	};

	this.login = function(header, body) {
		var h = header || 'Login or Register';
		var b = body || '';
		b += Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: 'dsq-popup-login'});
		b += '</iframe>'; // HACK: Sometimes there is something funky with the IFRAME SRC that causes no end tag
		this.popModal(b, h, null, true, 'dsq-popup-login');
	};

	this.blacklist = function(id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		var title = 'Add to Blacklist';
		var message = ' \
		Adding this person to the blacklist will block him or her from commenting on this site. Check the following types that you would like to add to the blacklist:'
		+ (userData['registered'] ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-username" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-username"><strong>Username</strong>: ' + userData['username'] + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ (_meta.email ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-email" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-email"><strong>Email address</strong>: ' + _meta.email + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ '<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
			<input id="dsq-blacklist-ip" type="checkbox" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-blacklist-ip-warning\').style.display=\'block\'"> \
			<label for="dsq-blacklist-ip"><strong>IP address</strong>: ' + _meta.ip + '</label> \
		</div> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p id="dsq-blacklist-ip-warning" style="display:none">	\
				Note: Blocking this person\'s IP address may also unintentionally prevent others, who share his/her IP address, from commenting on this site. \
				This may include people who are sharing the same computer, living in the same house, or using the same Internet provider. Only block an IP address as a last resort. \
			</p> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p style="text-align:center"><button onclick="Dsq.Post.blockUser(' + id + '); this.disabled=true; this.innerHTML=\'Just one moment...\'">Add to Blacklist</button></p> \
		';

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
	};

	this.remoteAccountSettings = function() {
		var body = '';
		// Set up IFrame.
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/_auth/embed/remote_settings/';
		var attributes = {id: 'dsq-popup-account-settings'};
		if (typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}

		body = Dsq.Templates._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
		this.popModal(body, 'Account Settings', null, true, 'dsq-popup-account-settings');
	};

	this.popModal = function(message, title, post_id, use_listener, extra_classes) {
		var container = document.createElement('div');
		var header, body;

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);

		if(typeof(title) == 'undefined') { title = ''; }
		if(typeof(use_listener) == 'undefined') { use_listener = true; }

		if(post_id) {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message-' + post_id;
		} else {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message';
		}

		header = title;
		body = message;

		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupModal(header, body);
		Dsq.Popup.initPopup(container, post_id, 'message', extra_classes);
		if(use_listener) {
			Dsq.Popup.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', Dsq.Popup._closePopup);
		}
	};

	this.popAlert = this.popModal;

	this.loading = function(post_id) {
		var title = Dsq.Strings.JUST_A_MOMENT;
		var body = '<div style="text-align:center; padding: 5px 0 10px 0"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif" alt="" /></div>'
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
	};

	this.lightbox = function(message, title, post_id) {
		// Wraps Dsq.Popup.popModal

		var overlay = document.createElement('div');
		overlay.id = 'dsq-overlay';
		overlay.className = 'dsq-overlay';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(overlay);
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, post_id, false, 'dsq-lightbox');
	};

	this.popProfile = function(post_id, userKey) {
		var post = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id];
		if (post && post.has_been_anonymized) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('This message was anonymized by its previous owner.', 'Anonymized', post_id);
			return;
		}

		if(post_id) {
			userKey = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id].user_key;	
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][userKey];
		var elId = 'dsq-popup-profile-' + userKey;
		var container = document.createElement('div');

		if(this.activePopup.el) {
			this._closePopup(null, true);
			if(this.activePopup.linkClicked) {
				this.activePopup.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		container.id = elId;
		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupProfile(userKey);

		this.initPopup(container, post_id, 'profile');
		this.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._closePopup);

		if(!this.profileCache[userKey]) {
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/embed/profile.js'
				+ '?username=' + userKey
				+ '&anon=' + (userData['registered'] ? 0 : 1)
				+ '&f=' + Dsq.jsonData['request'].forum);
		} else {
			this.updateProfile(userKey);
		}
	};

	this._closePopup = function(e, force) {
		var activePopup = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el;
		var id = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id;
		var link = 'dsq-avatar-' + id; // HACK: Specific to profile toggle target

		// HACK: This event should be gone if there is no active popup.
		if(!activePopup) {
			return;
		}
		if(force || !Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, activePopup.id)) {
			// TODO: This is breaking iE?
			if(Dsq.Popup.popupListener) {
				Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Popup.popupListener);
			}
			
			// Kill overlay
			var overlay = Dsq.$('dsq-overlay');
			if(overlay) { Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(overlay); }
			
			try {
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(activePopup);
			} catch(e) {
				// HACK: IE6 throws an error when using deleteNode() with a node containing a <table> in the html.
				activePopup.parentNode.removeChild(activePopup);
			}
			Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {};
		}

		if(!force && Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Popup.activePopup.linkClicked = true;
		}

	};

	this.initPopup = function(popup, post_id, type, extra_classes) {
		popup.className = 'dsq-popup dsq-popup-' + type + ' ' + (extra_classes ? extra_classes : '');
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6 || Dsq.Utils.ie7) {
			// HACK: We can't modify the body before it's ready, so we need
			//       to use an IE-safe "DOMReady" workaround before loading
			//       our popup.
			Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(function() {Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup); });
		} else {
			Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup);
		}

		popup.style.display = 'block';

		var xPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[0] - popup.offsetWidth) / 2;
		var yPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[1] - popup.offsetHeight) / 2;

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
			yPos += Dsq.Utils.getScrollPos()[1];
		}

		popup.style.left = xPos + 'px';
		popup.style.top = yPos + 'px';

		Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {
			'el' : popup,
			'id' : post_id,
			'type': type,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};
	};

	this.isClicked = function(e, id) {
		var t = e.target || e.srcElement;
		while(t && t.parentNode) {
			if(t.id == id) {
				return true;
			}

			t = t.parentNode;
		}
		return false;
	};
};
// Dsq.Popup

/**
 * Dsq.Templates
 */
Dsq.Templates = new function() {
	/*
	 * Counter keeping track of the number of posts iterated over.
	 */
	this.postLoopCounter = 0;
	this.filters = {};
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-post-add';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-post-add';

	this.registerTemplate = function(name, func) {
		this['$$_' + name] = func;

		if(typeof DsqLocal.Filters != 'undefined'
		&& typeof DsqLocal.Filters[name] == 'function') {
			// Push filters to this.filters to unify code.
			this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
			this.filters[name].push(DsqLocal.Filters[name]);
		}

		this[name] = function() {
			var ret;

			if(typeof DsqLocal.Templates != 'undefined'
			&& typeof DsqLocal.Templates[name] == 'function') {
				ret = DsqLocal.Templates[name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(ret === undefined) {
				ret = this['$$_' + name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(this.filters[name]) {
				var args = [ret];

				args.push.apply(args, arguments);
				for(var i = 0; i < this.filters[name].length; i++) {
					ret = this.filters[name][i].apply(this, args);
				}
			}

			return ret;
		};
	};

	this.registerFilter = function(name, func) {
		this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
		this.filters[name].push(func);
	};

	/**
	 * Dsq.Templates.Filters
	 */
	this.Filters = new function() {
		this.commentContainer = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var classes = [];
			if(Dsq.jsonData.request.page > 1) {
				classes.push('dsq-append');
			}

			//
			// Extra classes used for custom themes
			//

			if(_meta.depth) {
				classes.push('dsq-comment-child', 'dsq-depth-' + _meta.depth, 'dsq-parent-is-' + _meta.parent_post_id);
			}


			//

			if(_meta.author_is_creator) {
				// TODO: We need to deprecate the "special" class since it is not properly prefixed.
				classes.push('special', 'dsq-special');
			}
			if(_meta.author_is_moderator) {
				classes.push('dsq-moderator');
			}
			classes.push(['dsq-odd', 'dsq-even'][Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter % 2]);

			s = s.substring(0, s.lastIndexOf('>'));
			return s + ' class="dsq-comment ' + classes.join(' ') + '" style="margin-left:' + _meta.depth*30 + 'px">';
		};

		this.commentContent = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			if (_meta.killed) {
				return '<em>Comment removed.</em>';
			} else if (!_meta.approved) {
				return '<em>This comment was flagged for review.</em>';
			}

			s = s.replace(Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE, Dsq.MediaPostHandler);
			return s;
		};
	};

	//
	// Thread
	//
	// TODO: These need to be stripped of all Django template tags.

	this.authPost = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			return '';
		}
		var result = [];
		result = result.concat([
				'<div id="dsq-auth"',
						Dsq.jsonData.integration.reply_position ? 'class="dsq-auth-bottom"' : '',
						'>',
					'<div class="dsq-by">',
						'<a href="http://disqus.com" target="_blank">',
							(Dsq.jsonData.integration.disqus_logo ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/by-disqus.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">') :
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/dsq-button-120x19.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">')
							),
						'</a>',
					'</div>',
					'<div class="dsq-auth-header">',
						'<h3 id="dsq-add-new-comment" class="dsq-h3-addcomment">',
								Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT,
						'</h3>',
						'<div id="dsq-login">',
						(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
								? '<p class="dsq-login-message" id="dsq-login-message">You are commenting as a <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. You may select one to log into:</p>'
								: '')
		]);
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			result = result.concat([
							Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
								'<a id="dsq-login-toggle" href="%(disqus_url)s%(login_url)s?next=article:%(thread_id)s" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsq-profile-btn.png" title="%(log_into)s" alt="%(log_into)s"/></a>',
								{login_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGIN, thread_id: Dsq.jsonData.thread.id, log_into: Dsq.Strings.LOG_INTO_DISQUS}
								),
							'&nbsp; ',
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ?
								'<div id="dsq-fbc-login" onlogin="DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin()" size="medium" background="light" length="short" style="display:inline; margin-right:7px"></div>' :
								''
							),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-twitter-login" class="dsq-twitter-login" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect();" style="display:inline; cursor: pointer"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/twitter-signin-short.png" style="margin-right:7px" /></div>', {}) : ''),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-openid-login" class="dsq-openid-login" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL();" style="display:inline; cursor:pointer;"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/openid-login-button.png"/></div>', {}
								) : '')
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
						'</div>', // dsq-login
					'</div>', // dsq-auth-header
					'<div id="dsq-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated" ',
						Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated ? 'style="display:block"' : '',
						'>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-pic">',
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">' +
																			'<img class="dsq-post-avatar" src="%(avatar_url)s" alt="" /></a>',
																			{avatar_url: Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR,
																			url: (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
																					 ? Dsq.jsonData.request.url
																					 : Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE) }),
						'</div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>', {url:Dsq.jsonData.request.url})
										  )
										: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(profile_url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>')
											)
									),
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">',
									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsqicon12.png" alt="%(logged_in_as)s"/>&nbsp',
											{logged_in_as: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username)})
										: ''),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="%(logout_from_disqus)s">',
											{logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN, logout_from_disqus: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('DISQUS')})
										: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'twitter')
												? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using Twitter (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
												 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
												: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'openid')
													 ? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using OpenID (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
													 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
													 : ''
													)
											)
									),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote ? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('<span class="logo-disqus">DISQUS</span>') : ''),
									'</a>',
								'</li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
		]);
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect) {
			result = result.concat([
					'<div id="dsq-fbc-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated">',
						'<div id="dsq-fbc-profilepic" class="dsq-authenticated-pic" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.ProfilePic" size="square" facebook-logo="true"></div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									'Logged in as <span id="dsq-fbc-name" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.Name" linked="true" useyou="false"></span>',
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">using Facebook Connect <a href="#" onclick="javascript:DisqusFbcParentController.logout();return false;">(Logout)</a></li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
				'</div>', // dsq-auth
				'<div id="dsq-toolbar-items">',
				'</div>'
		]);
		result = result.concat([
					//
					//
					//
				((!Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) ?
					// Needs to be translated:
					('<p id="dsq-no-anon-msg">Required: Please log into <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> ' +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? 'or connect with Facebook ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? 'or sign in with Twitter ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? 'or sign in using OpenID ' : '') +
					Dsq.Utils.interpolate('to comment on <strong>%(forum_name)s</strong>.</p>')) :
					''
				),
				'<div id="dsq-post-add"></div>',
				'<div style="margin:10px 0">',
				((Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media) ?
						'<a href="#" id="dsq-media-link" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, false, \'media\'); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.USE_MEDIA + ' <small>&#9660;</small></a>' :
						''),
				'</div>'
		]);
		return result.join('');
	};


	this.header = function() {

		var html = '\<h3 id="dsq-comments-count" class="dsq-h3-commentcount">\
	 <span id="dsq-num-posts">186</span> Comments\
	 &nbsp;\
	 <span class="dsq-item-feed">\
	 <a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat/latest.rss"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png"></a>\
	 </span>\
	 </h3>\
	 <div id="dsq-options" style="margin:15px 0">\
	 <span class="dsq-item-sort">\
	 Sort by\
	 <select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);">\
	 <option value="hot" selected="selected">Popular now</option>\
	 <option value="best" >Best Rating</option>\
	 <option value="newest" >Newest first</option>\
	 <option value="oldest" >Oldest first</option>\
	 </select>\
	 &nbsp;\
	 </span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-cp"><a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat/">Community Page</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-subscribe">\
	 <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle">\
	 <span id="dsq-subscribe">\
	 <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a>\
	 </span>\
	 </span>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-alerts">\
	 <p><a href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:9138071" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">You must log into your Disqus Profile in order to post comments.</a></p>\
	 </div>\
		';

		

		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) { 
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-alert-message dsq-upgrade-message"> \
				<strong>Disqus upgrade available.</strong> Hi ' + Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username + ', this message is being displayed to you because you are a moderator of this site. <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-upgrade-message\').style.display=\'block\';this.style.display=\'none\';return false">Click here for details.</a> \
				<div style="display:none; margin-top:10px;" id="dsq-upgrade-message"> \
					A new theme is available with added features. <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/settings/' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url + '/?p=customize">To change your theme, click here</a> and choose the theme Narcissus. \
					If you do not upgrade, you are missing out on features such as: real-time commenting, new sign-in integrations, and an upgrade interface. \
					<strong>This message will automatically go away in one week.</strong> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			' + html; 
		}
		return html;
	};

	this.footer = function() {
		var html = Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.authPost();
		

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.trackbacks();
		

		return html;
	};

	this.pagination = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) { Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = ''; }
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.thread.paginate) { return ''; }

		//
		// TODO: num_paginator still uses the template tag for pagination, 
		// 		while append_paginator does it all in JavaScript.
		//		This should all be in JavaScript.
		//

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages > 1 && Dsq.jsonData.request.page < Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages) {
			html = ' \<a class="dsq-paginate-append-text" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this); return false">Show more comments...</a>\
	 <button class="dsq-button-small dsq-paginate-append-button" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this);">Load more comments</button>\
			';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = html;
			return '';
		} else {
			return '<div id="dsq-pagination" class="dsq-pagination">' + html + '</div>';
		}
	};

	this.trackbacks = function() {
		var html = '';

		if(typeof DsqLocal != 'undefined' && DsqLocal.trackback_url && DsqLocal.trackbacks) {
			var trackbacks = DsqLocal.trackbacks;
			var trackback_url = DsqLocal.trackback_url;
		} else {
			var trackbacks = [
			
			
			];
			var trackback_url = 'http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat/trackback/';
		}

		html += '<div class="dsq-item-trackback">Trackback URL&nbsp;&nbsp;<input class="dsq-trackback-url" onclick="this.select()" readonly="true" value="' + trackback_url + '"></div>';

		if(trackbacks.length) {
			html += '<ul id="dsq-references">'
			for(var i = 0; i < trackbacks.length; i++) {
				var trackback = trackbacks[i];
				html += '<li><cite><a href="' + trackback.author_url + '" rel="nofollow">' + trackback.author_name + '</a></cite> \
						<p class="dsq-meta">' + trackback.date + '</p> \
						<p class="dsq-content">' + trackback.excerpt + '</p></li>';
			}
			html += '</ul>';
			html = '<h3 class="dsq-h3-trackbacks">Trackbacks</h3>' + html;
		}

		return html;
	}

	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		/* Reaction HTML begins */
		var item = '<li class="dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-header-avatar">';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'">';
		} else {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="#" onclick="return false;">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {
			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar32.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png"/>'
			+ '</a></div>'
			+ '<cite><span>' + reaction.author_name + '</span></cite>'
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"><a class="dsq-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</a></span>'
			+ '</div><div class="dsq-reaction-body">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-footer">From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
			+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator ? '&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;<a class="dsq-hide-reaction" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + '); return false;">Hide</a>' : '') + '</div></div>';

		if(reaction.retweets) {
			var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
			if (num_retweets > 0) {
				item += '<div class="dsq-reaction-retweets">';
				if (num_retweets == 1) {
					item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
				} else {
					item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');

					item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
					var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 15) ? 15 : num_retweets;
					item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);

					if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
						item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
							+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
					}
				}
				item += '</div>';
			}
		}

		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this.missingPermissions = function() {
		return '	<p><a href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:9138071" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">You must log into your Disqus Profile in order to post comments.</a></p> \n';
	};

	//
	// Post
	//

	this.prependPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="comment-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-comment-reply-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-header-avatar" id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
				<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
				? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '</a>'
			+ '</div> \
		';
	};

	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];

		return ''
			+ (_meta.author_is_moderator
				? '<img class="dsq-mod-star" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/bullet-star.png" title="Moderator" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"> \
				<a id="dsq-time-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-time" href="#comment-' + post_id + '" title="Permalink">' + _meta.date + '</a> \
			</span>';
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		return '';
	}

	this.postBody = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Deprecate flagging conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		return ''
			+ (_meta.edited
				? '<p class="dsq-editedtxt">(Edited by a moderator)</p>'
				: '')
			;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Use media should be conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed) { return ''; }

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
				<div id="dsq-points-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-likedtxt">'
				+ (_meta.points
					? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.'
					: '')
				+ '</div>'
				+ '<ul class="dsq-comment-options dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.votable
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first dsq-rate" id="dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id + '">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Like</a>'
						: 'You liked this.') + '</li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-report' + (!_meta.votable ? ' dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '"><a href="#" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">Report</a></li> \
				</ul> \
				<ul class="dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first"><a href="#" id="dsq-reply-link-' + post_id +'" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(this, ' + post_id +'); return false;">Reply</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<li id="dsq-edit-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-edit-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="' + (!_meta.can_reply ? 'dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-more-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-more-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'more\'); return false">More <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media
					? '<li id="dsq-media-el-' + post_id +'" style="display:none"><a id="dsq-media-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'media\'); return false">Use Media <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '</ul>'
				+ '<div id="dsq-reply-bar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar" style="display:none"> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-items-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-items"> \
						</div> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-auth-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-auth"> \
							 \
								 \
									<a href="#" class="dsq-help dsq-reply-req-opt" title="You must log into an account in order to comment on Jack and Jill Politics" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Required:</a> \
								 \
								<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/dsq-favicon-16x16.png" alt="" /> \
								<a id="dsq-reply-login-' + post_id + '" href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:9138071" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">Login</a> \
								 \
									&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img class="fb_login_image" src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/images/fbconnect/login-buttons/connect_light_small_short.gif" alt="Facebook Connect"/> \
									<a href="#" onclick="FB.Connect.requireSession(DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin); return false;">Connect</a> \
								 \
								&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/twitter-signin-icon.png" alt="" /> \
									<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false">Sign-in</a> \
								 \
								 \
							 \
						</div> \
					</div> \
					<div id="dsq-reply-' + post_id + '"></div> \
			</div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Iframes
	//

	this._makeAttributes = function(attributes) {
		// Makes a tag attributes string out of an object.
		// Caller is responsible for making sure nothing needs to be escaped.
		var result = [];
		for (key in attributes) {
			result.push(' ' + key + '="' + attributes[key] + '"');
		}
		result = result.join('');
		return result;
	};

	this._frameGeneric = function(base_url, params, attributes) {
		if(typeof(disqus_callback_params) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_callback_params = '';
		}

		var default_params = {
			// TODO: These should be moved to Dsq.jsonData.
			'f'				: 'jackandjillpolitics',
			't'				: 'blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat',
			// Do we need encodeURIComponent here?
			'ifrs'			: encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css),
			'to_redirect'	: encodeURIComponent(window.location),
			'cbp'			: disqus_callback_params,
			'ff'			: Dsq.Thread.ff,
			'fc'			: Dsq.Thread.fc,
			'ac'			: Dsq.Thread.ac,
			'default_text'	: disqus_default_text
		};

		base_url += '?' + (new Date()).getTime();
		// Add params to default_params.
		if(params) {
			for(var key in params) {
				if(params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					default_params[key] = encodeURIComponent(params[key]);
				}
			}
		}
		// Build querystring.
		for(var key in default_params) {
			if(default_params[key] && default_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				base_url += '&' + key + '=' + default_params[key];
			}
		}

		return [
			'<iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" frameborder="0"',
			(' allowtransparency="true" src="' + base_url + '"'),
			this._makeAttributes(attributes),
			'</iframe>'].join('');
	};

	this.frameLogin = function(opt_attributes) {
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/login.html';
		var attributes = opt_attributes || {};
		attributes['class'] = 'dsq-post-login';

		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameReply = function(post_id, extra_params, attributes) {
		// Returns the HTML for a reply iframe. Called by Dsq.Iframes.setReplyIframeToContainer
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY;
		var params = {
			'def_email'		: disqus_def_email,
			'def_name'		: disqus_def_name
		};
		if(extra_params) {
			for(var key in extra_params) {
				if(extra_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					params[key] = extra_params[key];
				}
			}
		}
		if(_meta) {
			params['parent_post'] = post_id;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			params['per_page'] = disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			attributes['class'] += '-authenticated';
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameEdit = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/edit.html';
		var params = {
			'p' : post_id
		};
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, {'class': 'dsq-post-edit', 'name': 'dsq-edit_' + post_id + '-frame'});
	};

	//
	// Menus
	//

	this.menuMore = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: "Remove post" button should hide menu.
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')">Link</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Profile</a></li>'
	+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
		? '	<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>' + (_meta.email ? '<li class="dsq-admin-email">' + _meta.email + '</li>' : '')
		+ '	<li class="dsq-admin-ip">' + _meta.ip + '</li> \
			<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>'
		+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
			? ' <li class="dsq-admin-edit"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
			: '')
		+ ' <li class="dsq-remove"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Remove Comment</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-report-spam"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-block-user"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li>'
		: '');
	};

	this.menuMedia = function(post_id) {
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(this, ' + post_id + ', \'seesmic\'); return false;">Record video</a></li> \
		';
	};

	this.dropProfile = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};


		var menu = '<li class="dsq-drop-showlnk"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Expand &#8663;</a></li>';
		var pointsMessage = '';
		if (userData['registered']) {
			pointsMessage = 'with ' + userData['points'] + ' points (more points are better).';
		}

		if (userData['is_remote']) {
			var domain = userData['remote_domain_name'];
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' is a ' + domain + ' user ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
			menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-' + domain.toLowerCase() + '">' + domain + '</span></li>';
		} else if (userData['registered']) {
			if (userData['verified']) {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a verified commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span></li>';
			} else {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a registered, but unverified, commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span></li>';
			}
		} else {
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has not claimed this commenter profile." onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()"><span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span></li>';
		}

		menu += _includeServices();
		return menu;
	};

	//
	// Popups
	//

	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-top"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-body" class="clearfix"> \
				<div class="dsq-popup-body-padding"> \
					<div class="dsq-popup-header"> \
						<a class="dsq-close-link" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/modal-close.png" alt="" /></a>'
						+ content['header']
					+ '</div>'
					+ content['body']
					+ '<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
				</div> <!-- padding --> \
			</div> <!-- body --> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-bottom"></div> \
		</div> \
		';
	};

	this.popupProfile = function(user_key) {
		var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(user_key, null);
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var html = '';
			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == 0
					? '<h4>Connections</h4><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li> \
					<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" title="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" /> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>'
				+ (i+1 == userServices.length ? '</ul>' : '');
			}
			return html;
		};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<table> \
				<tr> \
					<td> \
						<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><img class="dsq-popup-profile-avatar" src="' + userData['avatar'] + '" alt="" /></a> \
					</td> \
					<td> \
						<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user"> \
							<h3>' + userData['display_name'] + '</h3> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats" id="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + user_key + '">Loading...</div> \
						</div> \
					</td> \
				</tr> \
			</table> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-state"> \
				This is a&nbsp;<span class="'
					+ (userData['registered']
						? (userData['verified']
							? ' dsq-badge-verified'
							: (userData['is_remote']
								? ' dsq-badge-' + userData['remote_domain_name'].toLowerCase()
								: ' dsq-badge-registered')
							)
							: ' dsq-badge-guest') + '">'
			+ (userData['registered']
				? (userData['verified']
					? 'Verified'
					: (userData['is_remote']
						 ? userData['remote_domain_name']
						 : 'Registered')
					)
				: 'Guest')
			+ '</span>&nbsp;commenter profile.'
			+ '&nbsp;<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><strong>View more comments </strong></a>'
			+ (!userData['points']
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice">If this is you, <a href="http://disqus.com/profile" target="_blank">claim it now</a> to manage your comments.</p>'
				: '')
			+ ((userData['registered'] && !userData['verified'] && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username == userData['username'])) && !userData['is_remote'])
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice"><strong>Alert</strong>: You have not verified this account. <a href="http://disqus.com/verify">Verify it now.</a></p>'
				: '')
			+ '</div> \
			<div id="dsq-profile-status-' + user_key + '" class="dsq-popup-profile-status" style="display:none"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-snapshot"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td> \
							<div id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Most active sites</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
						<td>'
							+ _includeServices()
							+ '<div id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Moderator of</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupReblog = function() {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<cite><span>Reblog this comment</span></cite> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div id="dsq-reblog-form" class="dsq-reblog-form"> \
			</div> \
		';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupModal = function(title, message) {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<h3>' + title + '</h3> \
		';

		bodyHtml = message;

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.alertContent = function(name, post_id) {
		var alert = {
			'post_not_approved': {
				'title': 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator',
				'message': 'Thanks for posting. Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.'
			},
			'post_has_profile': {
				'title': 'Use your existing commenter profile',
				'message': 'You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> commenter profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a>'
			}
		};
		return alert[name] || false;
	};

	//
	// Actions
	//

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {
		// Update number of points
		Dsq.$('dsq-points-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.';

		// Update link text
		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.';
		}
	};

	this.subscribed = function(status) {
		var title, message;

		if(status) {
			title = 'Subscribed!';
			message = 'You have subscribed to this comment thread. New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox, where you may read and respond by email.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">Unsubscribe</a> \
			';
		} else {
			title = 'Unsubscribed';
			message = 'You have unsubscribed to this comment thread. New comments will no longer be sent to your email inbox.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a> \
			';
		}

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);

	};
	
	this.highlighted = function() {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('This comment has been highlighted.', 'Highlighted comment');
	};

	//
	// Media
	//

	this.mediaSeesmic = function(id, thumb) {
		return ' \
			<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_preview" class="dsq-seesmic-preview"><a href="http://www.seesmic.com/video/' + id + '" target="_blank" class="see_link">&nbsp;</a> \
				<div style="display:block;width:160px; height:120px; border:none; background-image:url(http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/' + thumb + ')"> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_hide" class="seePlayOverlay" style="display:none;"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',false)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/stopOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_show" class="seePlayOverlay"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',true)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/playOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; border:none; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			<div id="' + id + '_content" style="display:block; width:100%; padding-top:5px"></div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Callbacks
	//

	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(parent_post_id) {
		// Increment post count
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');
		
		if (num_posts) { 
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) { 
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
	};
};
// Dsq.Templates


/**
 * Dsq.Post
 */
Dsq.Post = new function() {
	this.openedMenu = {};
	this.menuEventListener = null;
	this.stateReplyToggled = {};
	this.stateEditToggled = {};
	this.stateRecordLink = {};

	/**
	 * Inserts a new post into the document.
	 *
	 * @param after_id {Number}	Insert a post before specified id.  If after_id
	 *							evaluates to false, then post in the front.  If
	 *							after_id is -1, post at the end.
	 */
	this.insert = function(after_id, id, message, author) {
		// Skeleton template from thread_posts.html.
		var skeleton = ' \
			<li id="dsq-comment-%(id)s"> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-header-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-header"> \
					<cite id="dsq-cite-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-cite"> \
						<a id="dsq-author-user-%(id)s" href="%(author_url)s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">%(author_name)s</a> \
					</cite> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-body-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-body"> \
					<div id="dsq-comment-message-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-message">%(message)s</div> \
				</div> \
			</li> \
		';
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var _user_meta = Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key];
		var markup = Dsq.Utils.interpolate(skeleton, {
			id: id,
			message: message,
			author_url: _user_meta.blog,
			author_name: _user_meta.display_name
		});
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		markup = markup.replace(Dsq.COMMENTS_RE, Dsq.CommentsHandler);
		div.innerHTML = markup;

		if (after_id === -1) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').appendChild(div);
		} else if (!after_id) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').insertBefore(div, Dsq.$('dsq-comments').firstChild);
		} else if (Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + after_id)) {
			// Get next node after "after_id", so we can insert before it.
			// If "after_id" is the last comment, the target node is the
			// last node.
			
			// var append_post_id = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(after_id).replace('<div id="','').replace('"></div>', '');
			var append_post_id = 'dsq-append-post-' + after_id;
			var node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			while (node = node.nextSibling) {
				if (!node || node.nodeType == 1) { // 1 == Node.ELEMENT_NODE
					break;
				}
			}
			if (!node) {
				node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			}
			node.parentNode.insertBefore(div, node);
		}
	};

	this.incrementPostCount = function() {
		
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');

		if (num_posts) {
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) {
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
	}
	
	this.outlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className += ' dsq-comment-outline';
		setTimeout("(function () { Dsq.Post.clearOutlineComment(" + post_id + ") })()", 3000);
	};
	
	this.clearOutlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className.replace('dsq-comment-outline', '');
	};

	this.showMenu = function(el, id, name) {
		var anchorPos = Dsq.Utils.findPos(el);
		var menu = document.createElement('ul');

		if(this.openedMenu) {
			if(this.openedMenu.linkClicked) {
				this.openedMenu.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		switch(name) {
			case 'more':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMore(id);
				break;
			case 'media':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMedia(id);
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}

		// Add menu to document body
		menu.id = 'dsq-menu-' + id;
		menu.className = 'dsq-menu';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(menu);

		// Position and show
		anchorPos[1] += 15;
		menu.style.left = anchorPos[0] + 'px';
		menu.style.top = anchorPos[1] + 'px';
		menu.style.display = 'block';

		// Set global reference
		this.openedMenu = {
			'el' : menu,
			'id' : id,
			'name' : name,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};

		// Set listener
		this.menuEventListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._hideMenu);
	};

	this._hideMenu = function(e) {
		var el = e.target || e.srcElement;
		var openedMenu = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el;
		var id = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.id;

		if(!id) {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link';
		} else {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link-' + id;
		}

		if(!openedMenu) {
			return;
		}

		if(!Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, openedMenu.id)) {
			openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Post.menuEventListener);
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(openedMenu);

		} else {
			// Hide the menu if a link was clicked inside the menu.  We can't
			// completely remove the menu until the onclick event on the link
			// fires, but the menuEventListener will prevent multiple menus
			// from polluting the DOM.
			if(el && typeof el.href != 'undefined') {
				openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el = null;
			}
		}

		if(Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Post.openedMenu.linkClicked = true;
		}
	};


	this.getUserServices = function(user_key, id) {
		if(!user_key && id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
			user_key = _meta.user_key;
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var userServices = [];

		// Keep a full list of supported services. This is the order they will display in the drop-profile.
		// Each service must have a corresponding case in _buildServiceUrl()
		var supportedServices = ['blog', 'twitter', 'facebook', 'tumblr'];

		function _buildServiceUrl(serviceName) {
			var data = userData[serviceName];
			var services = {
				blog:		function(d) { return d; },
				twitter:	function(d) { return d; },
				facebook:	function(d) { return d; },
				tumblr:		function(d) { return 'http://' + d + '.tumblr.com'; }
			};
			return services[serviceName](data);
		}

		for(var i = 0; i < supportedServices.length; i++) {
			if(userData[supportedServices[i]]) {
				var serviceUrl = _buildServiceUrl(supportedServices[i]);
				userServices.push({'name' : supportedServices[i], 'url' : serviceUrl});
			}
		}
		return userServices;
	}

	this.dropProfile = function(id) {
		var dp = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-profile-' + id);

		// IE6 needs JS to display/hide. All other browsers use CSS.
		if(dp) {
			if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) dp.style.display = (dp.style.display == 'inline') ? 'none' : 'inline';
			return false;
		} else {
			dp = document.createElement('ul');
		}

		dp.id = 'dsq-drop-profile-' + id;
		dp.className = 'dsq-drop-profile';

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) { dp.style.display = 'inline'; }

		var container = Dsq.$('dsq-header-avatar-' + id);
		dp.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.dropProfile(id);
		container.appendChild(dp);
	};

	this.dropProfileMore = function(el, id) {
		var hiddenItems = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-hidden-' + id);

		hiddenItems.style.display = 'inline';
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
	};

	this._updateReplyLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "reply / cancel" links based on state.
		var displayDict = {};

		if(id) {
			if(this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				el.innerHTML = 'Cancel';
				displayDict['media'] = 'inline';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'none';
			} else {
				el.innerHTML = 'Reply';
				displayDict['media'] = 'none';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'inline';
			}
		}

		for(var key in displayDict) {
			if(displayDict.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var	linkEl = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-el-' + id),
					spacer = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-spacer-' + id);

				if(linkEl) {
					linkEl.style.display = displayDict[key];
					if(spacer) spacer.style.display = displayDict[key];
				}
			}
		}
	};

	this._updateMediaLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "use media / cancel" links based on state.
		var appendId = (id) ? ('-' + id) : '';
		var link = Dsq.$('dsq-media-link' + appendId);

		if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			link.innerHTML = 'Cancel Media';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(link, id); return false; };
		} else {
			link.innerHTML = 'Use Media <small>&#9660;</small>';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.showMenu(link, id, 'media'); return false; };
		}
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(el, id) {
		// Create reply IFrame
		if (window.disqus_use_postmessage) {
			if (!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				// Create IFrame if it doesn't exist.
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-frame-' + id), id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].init();
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].setState(id, _meta.depth);
				}
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
			}
		} else {
			// DEPRECATED
			if(!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				// Reply toolbar
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id), id);
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Iframes.hideAllInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id));
				if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
					// HACK: Cancel media before canceling self.
					this.toggleMediaReply(Dsq.$('dsq-media-link-' + id), id);
				}
			}
		}

		this.stateReplyToggled[id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[id];
		this._updateReplyLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-reply-' + id); }

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[id]
		});
	};

	this.toggleMediaReply = function(el, id, xtype) {
		id = id || 0;
		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(!this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id, {xtype:xtype}, 'dsq-post-video');
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id);
		}
		this.stateRecordLink[id] = !this.stateRecordLink[id];
		this._updateMediaLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};

	this.edit = function(el, id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.frameEdit(id);
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-comment-message-' + id); }
	};

    this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
                Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
            }

            Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/vote.js'
                + '?post_id='    + id
                + '&vote='        + vote);

		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login(Dsq.Strings.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN);
		}
    };

	this.report = function(id, confirmed) {
		if(confirmed) {
			Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat/post_report/', {'post_id': id});
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Thank you. This comment has been flagged for moderator attention.', 'Successfully flagged');
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$('dsq-post-report-' + id));
		} else {
			var title = Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT;
			var message = Dsq.Strings.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR + '? \
			<br /><br /> \
			<button onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.NO + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.NEVER_MIND + '</button>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<button onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + id + ', true);"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.YES + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT + '</button><br /><br />'
			+ Dsq.Strings.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION + '. \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, id);
		}
	};



	this.showAlert = function(id, msg) {
		var msgEl = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id);
		var alert = '<div class="dsq-comment-alert">' + msg + '</div>';

		msgEl.innerHTML = alert + msgEl.innerHTML;
	};

};
// Dsq.Post


/**
 * Dsq.Thread
 */
Dsq.Thread = new function() {
	this.fc = null;
	this.ff = null;
	this.ac = null;

	
	this.adminIsOn = false;

	
	
	

	this.hlComment = null;
	this.hlCommentClass = null;

	this.getNextComment = function(el) {
		var start_id = el.id;
		while(el = el.nextSibling) {
			if(el.id && el.id.indexOf('dsq-comment-') != -1 && el.id != start_id) {
				return el;
			}
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.getActiveCommentId = function() {
		if (document.URL.indexOf('#comment-') >= 0) {
			var anchor = document.URL.slice(document.URL.indexOf('#') + 1);
			return anchor.replace('comment-', '');
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.highlightAnchor = function() {
		var i = this.getActiveCommentId();
		if (i == null) return false;
		var id = 'dsq-comment-' + i;
		var hash = window.location.hash;

		// Toggle the hash incase the comment isn't available when the page loads
		// for WebKit-based browsers.
		if (Dsq.Utils.webkit) {
			window.location.hash = '';
			window.location.hash = hash;
		}

		this.hlComment = Dsq.$(id);
		// Adding this conditional guard pending #289
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlCommentClass = this.hlComment.className;
		this.hlComment.className += ' dsq-hl-anchor';

		setTimeout("Dsq.Thread.highlightClear()", 3000);
	};

	this.highlightClear = function() {
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlComment.className = this.hlCommentClass;
	};

	this.login = function(toggle) {
		// toggle id is #dsq-reply-login-[id]
		var postId;
		if(toggle.id.indexOf('dsq-reply-login') != -1) {
			postId = toggle.id.slice(16);
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + postId);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(toggle) {
			if(toggle.className == 'dsq-login-active') {
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(container, postId);
				toggle.className = '';
			} else {
				Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
				toggle.className = 'dsq-login-active';
			}
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
		}

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};


	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked, per_page) {
		// Use extra_params to pass any override parameters that we need to persist.
		var extra_params = '';

		// "Per page" can either be overriden by providing it as an argument
		// (per-call) or setting the disqus_per_page override variable (global).
		if(typeof per_page == 'undefined') {
			per_page = null;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined' && per_page === null) {
			per_page = disqus_per_page;
		}

		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}
		if(per_page !== null) {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + per_page;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			el_clicked.style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};

	this.sortBy = function(sort) {
		var disqus_script = document.createElement('script');
		var disqus_date = new Date();

		if (location.hash != '') {
			location.hash = '#disqus_thread';
		}

		if(typeof(disqus_url) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_url = disqus_href;
		}
		disqus_script.type = 'text/javascript';
		disqus_script.src = 'http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat'
			+ '&sort='	+ sort
			+ '&title='
			+ '&'		+ disqus_date.getTime();

		Dsq.$('dsq-comments').innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif">';
		Dsq.container.appendChild(disqus_script);
	};

	this.subscribe = function(status, email) {
		// `status` is an int -- 1 to subscribe, 0 to unsubscribe
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || email) {
			// If authenticated user OR anonymous email provided

			if(email) {
				Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
			}

			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/subscribe.js'
				+'?status=' 	+ status
				+ '&slug='		+ 'blago_selecting_roland_burris_to_fill_obama8217s_senate_seat'
				+ '&email=' 	+ encodeURIComponent(email));

		} else if(!email) {
			// If anonymous user and no email has been provided yet, prompt for email

			var title = 'Subscribe to this comment thread';
			var message = ' \
				New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox! \
				<div class="dsq-subscribe-submit"> \
					<p><strong>Enter your email address below.</strong></p> \
					<input type="text" id="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1, Dsq.$(\'dsq-subscribe-email\').value)">Subscribe</button> \
				</div> \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
		}
	};

	this.showSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return;
		}

		/* The form has to be re-designed when more options will come out. */
		var html = 'Automatically close comments after <input size="3" id="dsq-thread-days-alive" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.days_alive + '" type="text" /> days. Existing comments will still be displayed.<br /><br />(Using 0 days will disable this feature)<br /><br />'
								 + '<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.updateDaysAlive();" class="dsq-button-small"><span>Save</span></button>'
								 + '<span id="dsq-thread-settings-status" class="dsq-options-status"></span>';
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Settings');
	};

	this.updateDaysAlive = function() {
		var days = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-days-alive').value;
		var status = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-settings-status');
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/update_days_alive.js', {days:days,thread:Dsq.jsonData.thread.id});
		status.innerHTML = 'Saved!';
		window.setTimeout(function() { status.innerHTML = ''; }, 1000);
	};
};
// Dsq.Thread

Dsq.Events = function() {
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var handlers = {};
	var getHandlers = function(event) {
		if (handlers[event] === undefined) {
			handlers[event] = [];
		}
		return handlers[event];
	};

	// Public
	// Value keys : postId, node, xtype
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED = 1;
	// Value keys : postId, opened
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED = 2;
	obj.fire = function(event, opt_value) {
		if (!event) {
			throw new Error('Unknown event');
		}
		var value = opt_value || {};
		for (var i=0; i<getHandlers(event).length; i++) {
			getHandlers(event)[i](value);
		}
	};
	obj.addHandler = function(event, callback) {
		getHandlers(event).push(callback);
	};

	return obj;
}();

/**
 * Dsq.Realtime
 */
Dsq.Realtime = new function() {
	var initialized = false;
	var interval = null;
	var last_checked = Dsq.jsonData.request.timestamp;
	var new_posts = [];
	var ongoing_request = false;
	var prev_script = null;

	function updateNewPostCount() {
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-alert').style.display = new_posts.length ? 'block' : 'none';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-queued').innerHTML = new_posts.length
		+ ' new '
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, 'comment', 'comments')
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, ' was', ' were')
		+ ' just posted.';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.SHOW + ')';
	}

	function insertNewPosts() {
		var post_id = null;
		var after_id = Dsq.$('dsq-sort-select').value === 'oldest' ? -1 : null;

		for (var i=0; i<new_posts.length; i++) {
			post_id = new_posts[i];
			Dsq.Post.insert(after_id, post_id, Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id].message);
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		}
		new_posts = [];
	}

	this.enableInterval = function() {
		interval = setInterval(Dsq.Realtime.check, Dsq.jsonData.context.realtime_speed);
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.ENABLED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.PAUSE + ')';
	}

	this.disableInterval = function() {
		if (interval) {
			clearInterval(interval);
			interval = null;
		}
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.PAUSED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.RESUME + ')';
	}

	this.toggleInterval = function() {
		if (!interval) {
			Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
		} else {
			Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
		}
		return false;
	}

	this.initialize = function() {
		if (!initialized) {
			initialized = true;
			Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').onclick = this.toggleInterval;
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').onclick = this.show;
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
			if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.realtime_paused) {
				Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
			} else {
				Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
			}
		}
	}

	this.show = function() {
		insertNewPosts();
		updateNewPostCount();
		return false;
	}

	this.check = function() {
		if (!ongoing_request && Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			if (prev_script) {
				prev_script.parentNode.removeChild(prev_script);
			}
			ongoing_request = true;
			prev_script = Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/9138071/realtime.js?timestamp=' + last_checked);
		}
	};

	this.update = function(timestamp, posts, users) {
		ongoing_request = false;
		last_checked = timestamp;

		if (users) {
			for (var user_id in users) {
				if (users.hasOwnProperty(user_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id] = users[user_id];
					}
				}
			}
		}

		if (posts) {
			for (var post_id in posts) {
				if (posts.hasOwnProperty(post_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] = posts[post_id];
						new_posts.push(post_id);
					}
				}
			}

			if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				insertNewPosts();
			} else {
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
		}
	};

}();

// DEPRECATED
Dsq.Iframes = function() {
	// Different style of object from the above. Hoping to switch to this for some reason.
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var showIframeInContainer = function(container, id, markup) {
		// Look through container for iframes, hiding them, except show one that matches id
		// If none of them matched id, create a new iframe using markup and insert it.
		// Returns the iframe node if and only if it was newly created.
		var found = false;
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				if (child.id == id) {
					child.style.display = 'block';
					found = true;
				} else {
					child.style.display = 'none';
				}
			}
		}
		if (found) {
			return;
		}
		// The iframe wasn't found, so construct it and add it to the container.
		// Don't use innerHTML because it might reload iframes
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		div.innerHTML = markup;
		var iframe = div.childNodes[0];
		div.removeChild(iframe);
		container.appendChild(iframe);
		return iframe;
	};

	// Public
	obj.makeReplyIframeId = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var id = 'dsq-post-add-iframe';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			id += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			id += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return id;
	};
	obj.makeLoginIframeId = function(opt_postId) {
		if (!opt_postId) {
			return 'dsq-login-iframe';
		}
		return 'dsq-login-iframe-' + opt_postId;
	};
	obj.makeReplyIframeName = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var name = 'dsq-reply-frame';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			name += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			name += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return name;
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId, opt_extraParams, opt_className) {
		// Construct the id so we can check if it's already present.
		// Hide any other iframes we find, and show this one if it's found.
		var params = opt_extraParams || {};
		// use xtype in the id and name so we can distinguish media replies from text replies:
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeId(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var name = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeName(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var attributes = {
			'id': id,
			'name': name,
			'class': opt_className || 'dsq-post-reply'
			};
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameReply(opt_postId, opt_extraParams, attributes);
		var iframe = showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
		// It was newly created
		if (iframe) {
			Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED, {
				postId: opt_postId,
				node: iframe,
				xtype: params.xtype
			});
		}
	};
	obj.showLoginIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId) {
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeLoginIframeId(opt_postId);
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: id});
		showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed = function(container, opt_postId) {
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			obj.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, opt_postId);
		} else {
			obj.hideAllInContainer(container);
		}
	};
	obj.hideAllInContainer = function(container) {
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				child.style.display = 'none';
			}
		}
	};

	return obj;
}();

Dsq.Twitter = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startTwitterConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._twitterWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/twitter/begin/', 'twitterWindow', popupParams);
		that._twitterInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeTwitterConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeTwitterConnect = function() {
		if (that._twitterWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._twitterInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Yahoo = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startYahooConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._yahooWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/yahoo/begin/', 'yahooWindow', popupParams);
		that._yahooInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeYahooConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeYahooConnect = function() {
		if (that._yahooWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._yahooInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.OpenID = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.requestURL = function() {
		var message = '<table class="dsq-openid-form"><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="2"><img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url + '/images/openid-icon-100x100.png" /></td>';
		message += '<td><label for="dsq-openid-url">OpenID URL:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-url" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td><label for="dsq-openid-username">Display name:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-username" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td class="dsq-openid-submit" colspan="3"><input type="button" value="Sign in" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.startConnect();" /></td></tr>';
		message += "</table>";

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sign in using OpenID');
	};

	this.startConnect = function() {
		var isblank = function(str) {
			return /^\s*$/.test(str);
		};

		var openid_url = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-url').value;
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-username').value;

		if (isblank(openid_url)) {
			return;
		}

		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=500';
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/openid/begin/' + '?url=' + encodeURIComponent(openid_url) + '&username=' + encodeURIComponent(username);
		that._openidWindow = window.open(url, 'openidWindow', popupParams);
		that._openidInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeConnect = function() {
		if (that._openidWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._openidInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Reaction = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.hide = function(id) {
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/hidereaction.js?' + 'reaction_id=' + id);
	};

	this.reportMissingReactions = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled) {
			return;
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.queued) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Your report has been received. The system will automatically search for new reactions; if any are found, they will be displayed on this comment thread.<br/><br/>Thank&nbsp;you.',
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Dsq.container.className = "clearfix";
Dsq.container.innerHTML = ' \
<ul id="dsq-comments">\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787697">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787697" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787697" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787697">lamh31</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787697" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787697" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'ll tell you what this whole fiasco should do.  It should finally have people believing that Obama and Blago had nothing to do with the other.<br><br>Why would Obama who seems like a smart guy want to involve himself in this circus.  It\'s embarassing yes, but I would say it\'s more embarassing for Blago and certain African American pols from Illinois</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787447">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787447" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787447" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787447">Adam</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787447" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787447" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m guessing Rep. Rush is still a bit peeved from his dances with Obama back in the day.  Now we got him doing the bojangle and making race a factor where it shouldn\'t be.<br><br>These punks are playing games while we grapple with real problems.  This is shameful.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787827">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787827" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787827" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4787827" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787827" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787827" class="dsq-comment-message">Beware the brown-skinned assassins.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788110">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788110" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788110" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788110">ultramagnetic</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788110" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788110" class="dsq-comment-message">Crabs in a barrel as usual.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788093">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788093" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788093" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788093">ultramagnetic</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788093" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788093" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m sorry but I\'ve got to say this.  This is another case of a member of the Old Guard not wanting to surrender power to the next generation of Black leaders. Period. This cat is straight out of The Daly camp of politics. It was just a few weeks ago that Burris himself called for Blagovich to step down. And for Bobby Rush to throw out the Lynching comment was just stupid. These guys are in their 70s and instead of embracing the next generation and prepping them for greatest, they are still trying to hold power. And why would one African American accept an appointment that is tainted to fill the seat of the first African American President and carry that taint into the administration of said president? And remember Obama called for Blagovich to step down. This is counterproductive and only will fuel the Republican spin machine and possibly cost Democrats and yes Blacks a senate seat in 2010.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788163">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788163" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788163" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788163">Adisco</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788163" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788163" class="dsq-comment-message">so what are we going to do about it? Let these guys keep running the show? We faced down ( and smacked down ) Travis, jesse snr and Sharpton when they wanted to mess with Obama; these guys are messing things up. You\'ve hit the nail on the head, now we need a plan</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788253">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788253" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788253" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788253">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788253" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788253" class="dsq-comment-message">the "next generation\' - Jesse Jackson Jr.-got caught with his pants down. He was IT.<br><br>You might not like Rush and what he said - he\'s MY Congressman, and I\'ve NEVER voted for him - but, I understand what he\'s attempting to do. Might not be pretty, but that Irish gang was trying to muscle in, and they\'re making a stand.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788363">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788363" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788363" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4788363" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788363" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788363" class="dsq-comment-message">Then there\'s that.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788637">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788637" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788637" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788637">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788637" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788637" class="dsq-comment-message">I see this through local eyes. Black folks haven\'t been feeling this entire process. The word on the street is that Blago was arrested the day that he was supposed to appoint Jesse Jackson, Jr. Sorry if the Black folk wear the tinfoil hat and believe it. It rubs folks the wrong way. <br><br>Lisa Madigan - Irish - got a job she wasn\'t remotely qualified because of her Daddy.<br><br>Michael Madigan - Irish - sensible Black folk hate his racist ass with a passion.<br><br>Pat Quinn - don\'t trust him because he\'s Irish too. <br><br>So, Black folk are saying - you wanted clean - Ain\'t no Negro cleaner than Roland Burris. <br><br>Of course, Black folk have serious problems with Blago\'s arrest....they wanna know....\'what did he do?\'<br><br>You have a hard time convincing Black folk who live under King Richard Daley II, that Blago is such a horrible guy.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789027">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789027" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789027" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789027">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789027" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789027" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah, thanks for educating us on the Chi-town political players.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789046">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789046" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789046" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789046" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789046" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789046" class="dsq-comment-message">I love the local perspectives.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789688">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789688" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789688" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789688">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789688" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789688" class="dsq-comment-message">Another local checking in.<br><br>"Of course, Black folk have serious problems with Blago\'s arrest....they wanna know....\'what did he do?\'<br><br>You have a hard time convincing Black folk who live under King Richard Daley II, that Blago is such a horrible guy."<br><br><br>See this is this me. I keep checking myself. I have wondered these last few weeks have I become so desentisized to Chicago style politics or "pay to play" that I am more outraged from the way Chicago was potrayed in the national media than from the actual alleged crimes?<br><br>.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790331">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790331" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790331" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790331">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790331" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790331" class="dsq-comment-message">As someone on the outside looking in, hell...I was offended by the way Chicago was portrayed as if it has some sort of monopoly on "pay to play" politics...whatever...every single state has a machine within it, lets not fall for the okey-doke. There are small towns in Alabama and Mississippi where the same damn family has produced  the mayor, sherriff and county judge for a century or more and wield all sorts of power over people in a much more personal way than the governor of IL ever could in appointing somebody who curried some favors to the US Senate. The media wanted to portray Chicago in a certain "hollywood" light because it makes for a cinematic story line...all that\'s missing is the zoot suits. But lets not get it twisted, Chicago is no worse than many a place throughout this country.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790515">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790515" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790515" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790515">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790515" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790515" class="dsq-comment-message">100% co-sign.  This is the face of politics.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789969">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789969" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789969" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789969">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789969" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789969" class="dsq-comment-message">Hoey01, thanks.  Keep checking yourself.  It helps us to check ourselves.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789458">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789458" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789458" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789458" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789458" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789458" class="dsq-comment-message">I just noticed this after I commented on another post but - you\'re really okay with this?  Burris seems tainted by the whole Blago mess.  The "Irish gang" as you call them may not like it - but how will other Chicagoans feel?  Won\'t this only empower them in 2012?  <br><br>You know me - I certainly respect your local perspective, but this whole thing just seems so... <i>ugh...</i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791049">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791049" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791049" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791049" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791049" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791049" class="dsq-comment-message">There\'s several things WRONG with this appointment, and a few things that could actually block it, if they\'re done properly.  Forgive me, Rikyrah, since you\'re from Chi-town and are more in the know about the Chicago political machine, but Burris appointment wouldn\'t be leaving a bad taste in my mouth if another governor had done the appointing, but since it\'s Blago, here\'s what I\'m concerned about for the incoming POTUS and the impact it has on his Administration:<br><br>(1) Pat Buchanan\'s APPROVAL.  Even though Burris is squeaky clean, if Buchanan\'s approving of Blagojevich appointing him to Obama\'s old seat, ITA with Justice58 - this is smelling LIKE A SET UP.<br><br>(2) The big EFF-U Blagojevich just gave Obama on National TV.  If nothing else, y\'all might admire Blago\'s going "South Side", but he just DISSED the incoming POTUS, which is NOT COOL AT ALL.<br><br>(3) Burris might be a clean guy but he now has a <i>connection to Blagojevich</i> and it\'s not a good one.  THIS APPOINTMENT IS TAINTED.  PERIOD. Because the Governor appointing him is probably on his way to jail and has already been caught on tape by the FBI trying to shakedown the POTUS for money - it\'s called EXTORTION. How do we know the Fibbies don\'t have a case against Burris.  You can bet ANYONE connected to Blago is being investigated by the Feds as I type this.<br><br>(4) If I\'m Burris, I would not want to be appointed to this seat if I\'m going to be facing opposition from every corner there is and the only ones supporting me are ReThug officials.  Again, this smells like a SET UP and I hope Burris doesn\'t get himself BURNED.<br><br>(5) Burris will owe Blagojevich - BIG TIME.  He will assume that Senate seat looking compromised from the start, because he will owe Blagojevich BIG FAVORS, and since Blago\'s in a lot of shyt, don\'t think for two seconds that he won\'t capitalize on Burris\' appointment, even though Burris will be the lowest ranked Senator in the Senate.<br><br>(6) This appointment provides CBC members a way to save face and curry favor with Obama by helping Reid block this appointment.  I\'d have to do my research as to how Reid can actually have a case to take to court, but all he needs is five Supremes to rule his way (and they might not have a lot of arm-twisting to get Unca Clarence on board, even though he usually leads the charge to dog out a brotha from the bench).  Remember, the Supremes are looking to redeem themselves from looking as partisan as they did when they ignored their own legal precedent and appointed Bush back in 2000 (the constitution clearly states that when there is a dispute in the Electoral College, both houses of Congress are to convene and take a vote.  Bush hollered his civil rights were violated (14th Amendment) and that\'s the only way it got before the  Supremes in the first place.<br><br>(7) Our incoming POTUS is a former Constitutional Lawyer - that means if anyone knows what\'s constitutional, IT\'S OBAMA.  Don\'t think for two seconds he hasn\'t had Eric Holder doing his homework to figure out how to stop Blago from screwing him over before he takes the White House.  Additionally, if Obama does nothing to stop this appointment, Blago makes him look WEAK, and Burris\' presence on Capitol Hill will continue to REINFORCE THAT.  <br><br>Obama has to be in power and not undermined from DAY ONE.  I think Roland Burris may very well be a likeable and respected man; his age not withstanding because at 71, he\'s younger than Charlie Rangel (79) and John Conyers (80 in May), so I don\'t hold his age against him - I hold what his presence means to Obama in his administration, and if this is allowed to go through, look for the ReThugs to pull all kinds of shyt to undermine the POTUS.<br><br>I\'d rather see Obama succeed or fail on his own MERITS and not be undermined coming into office by the Illinois political machine.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791227">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791227" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791227" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791227" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791227" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791227" class="dsq-comment-message">Brilliant!<br><br>CO-SIGN.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791592">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791592" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791592" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791592">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791592" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791592" class="dsq-comment-message">You make a good case there, CPL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791872">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791872" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791872" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791872" href="http://www.WEESeeYou.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Webb</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791872" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791872" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>(7) Our incoming POTUS is a former Constitutional Lawyer - that means if anyone knows what\'s constitutional, IT\'S OBAMA...</i><br><br>I think that Barack will regret "rushing to judgment" on Blago.  Barack knew better.  He should have allowed the processes to play out (impeachment, special election, etc.) rather than calling for Blago\'s resignation without due process.  Barack\'s advisors probably pressured him on this issue.  <br><br><i>Obama has to be in power and not undermined from DAY ONE.</i><br><br>The only way that Barack can be undermined is if he starts governing the US like Blago governed Illinois...it\'s not gonna happen.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792450">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792450" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792450" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792450">Booky</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792450" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792450" class="dsq-comment-message">Why in the world would the CBC help Reid block Burris?  The Senate sat on their hands and didn\'t block Bush in 2000.  If Bush wasn\'t blocked after 2000 and 2004 the Senate shouldn\'t be talking about blocking anybody and the CBC certainly shouldn\'t be helping them.  What goes around......</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791305">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791305" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791305" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791305">Ro</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791305" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791305" class="dsq-comment-message">Just because you feel that Blago did something wrong a few weeks ago doesn\'t mean he can\'t make a good decision this week. Does that mean he won\'t do any good deeds for the rest of his life? Have you ever heard of repentence? <br>1) Don\'t hold anything against Burris because of Pat Buchanan.<br>2)Blago didn\'t say F U to Obama in public. Obama cursed Lieberman out after a senate meeting. In private, people curse at each other all the time.<br>3)If you say anyone who Blago appoint is tainted, you are being very prejudice.<br>4)Burris should take the seat and bring his impeccable record?<br>5)The world we live in is full of favors. You wash my back and I wash yours. Nothing new.<br>6) Don\'t worry about trying to obstruct the CBC from saving face. Obama has promised to work WITH all administrations.<br>7)Burris being appointed by Blago doesn\'t mean he\'ll be underming Obama.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791427">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791427" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791427" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791427" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791427" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791427" class="dsq-comment-message">Obama cursed out Lieberman; so what?  Lieberman still has his privileges in the Senate, and essentially was REWARDED for campaigning against Obama during the National Election.  What planet are you setting on not to notice this?<br><br>Blago did just tell Obama to go screw himself - he even told the U. S. Senate that as well.  If you can\'t see that, I have beachfront property in Arizona for sale.<br><br>Blago is an ELECTED OFFICIAL UNDER FEDERAL INDICTMENT FOR TRYING TO EXTORT THE INCOMING POTUS.  Anyone he appoints while sitting under SAID INDICTMENT is tainted by ASSOCIATION.  Burris has a clean record but his ambition to be a U. S. Senator probably just tainted it.<br><br>The CBC trying to save face with Obama is a positive, considering they slung him under the bus in favor of Hillary Clinton.  Re-read that again; I listed it as a positive, not a negative.<br><br>How do you know Burris\' appointment won\'t undermine Obama?  Blago\'s expecting favors by appointing this guy and they may serve to undermine the POTUS.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791648">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791648" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791648" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791648">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791648" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791648" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Obama cursed out Lieberman; so what? Lieberman still has his privileges in the Senate, and essentially was REWARDED for campaigning against Obama during the National Election.</i><br><br><br>Hell yeah!<br><br><br><br><i>Blago did just tell Obama to go screw himself - he even told the U. S. Senate that as well.</i><br><br><br><br>Sure he did! Obama asked him to resign & Blago in turn appointed someone to the Senate anyway. That\'s a big FU!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792110">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792110" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792110" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792110">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792110" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792110" class="dsq-comment-message">Someone black so that Obama would be faced with a dilemma and if not, maybe backlash from some of the voters who supported him.<br><br>I\'m with Miranda - Blago shanked them.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4793000">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4793000" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4793000" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4793000">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4793000" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4793000" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah. Blago stepped in it & stirred it up! It\'s hair pulling shyt!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4794189">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4794189" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4794189" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4794189">AM2k6</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4794189" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4794189" class="dsq-comment-message">In all seriousness, you\'ve gotta give it Blago! This was one shrewd move! He basically told everybody: Go F yourselves! I like that....I am starting to like this who Chi-Town politics stuff</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791994">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791994" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791994" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791994" href="http://www.WEESeeYou.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Webb</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791994" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791994" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Blago is an ELECTED OFFICIAL UNDER FEDERAL INDICTMENT FOR TRYING TO EXTORT THE INCOMING POTUS.</i><br><br>Has he been convicted? No.<br><br><i>The CBC trying to save face with Obama is a positive, considering they slung him under the bus in favor of Hillary Clinton.</i><br><br>Seriously CPL, is the CBC anything more than a relic these days?  Is Kwame Kilpatrick\'s mama still running this show?  The "CBC Obama Traitors" will be slowly "taken-out" one-by-one as we get better candidates and funding.  Some got by in 2008...but will they make it to 2010,2012,...,infiinity with the stain of being a Hillary Supporter?  I thinks not.  That shyt\'s written forever and ever on their souls.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792085">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792085" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792085" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4792085" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792085" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792085" class="dsq-comment-message">The CBC will be under Barbara Lee\'s leadership, so we\'ll see where it goes.  Kwame\'s mama should have never been in charge, but Lee was undermined by other members of the CBC who were in favor of Kwame\'s Mama and didn\'t want to buck the "system".<br><br>Extortion is Extortion, and unless Blago can convince a court he was entrapped by the Feds and his rights violated, I think it\'s a safe bet he will be convicted if he doesn\'t cop a plea and turn state\'s evidence.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792500">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792500" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792500" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792500">Booky</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792500" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792500" class="dsq-comment-message">If Obama can forgive Lieberman for campaigning against him and have Rick Warren deliver the invocation at his inaugeration he can get over the Burris appointment.  If Obama can dish out a dissinge can take a dissing.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789948">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789948" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789948" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789948">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789948" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789948" class="dsq-comment-message">I feel like I am in a parallel universe right now. Did I just hear Pat Buchannan on MSNBC saying that (1) Burris should be appointed as the Gov is legally obligated to carry out his Constitutional duties and (2) that his race should be considered in the selection process on the basis of the negligible African-American representation in the US Senate (although Blacks overwhelmingly support Dems)?!<br><br>That did not just happen did it? I need a witness. It must be a trap.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790102">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790102" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790102" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790102">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790102" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790102" class="dsq-comment-message">ah,umm, yes, Buchklanan is up to no good.  Did you see the split screen with he and Lawrence O\'Donnell .  Ole Pat was salivating and grinning from ear to ear.  <br><br>He knows if Burris gets that Senate seat, appointed by blago, the Rehugs have a chance of gaining the seat in 2010.  IMO</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790243">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790243" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790243" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790243">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790243" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790243" class="dsq-comment-message">actually, that\'s not true. <br>IF the Rethugs get a Special Election NOW - they can probably win it.<br><br>But, 2010?<br><br>No. it\'ll be settled down by then, and the Democratic machine will be able to get anyone through in a couple of years.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790290">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790290" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790290" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790290">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790290" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790290" class="dsq-comment-message">got it. thanks.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790426">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790426" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790426" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790426" href="http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">icebergslim</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790426" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790426" class="dsq-comment-message">AGREED.<br><br>Remember all, IL GOP is in shatters and tatters right now.  If they had a STRONG candidate in 2006 and the money, they could have beaten the Little Napoleon who is runnin\' IL right now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792554">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792554" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792554" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792554">Booky</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792554" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792554" class="dsq-comment-message">Co sign rikyrah.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790192">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790192" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790192" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790192">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790192" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790192" class="dsq-comment-message">hmmm......I don\'t SEE any pigs flying.....wonder what ole Pat\'s up too?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790506">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790506" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790506" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790506">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790506" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790506" class="dsq-comment-message">I didn\'t see them either! And I don\'t do drugs so I know I am not tripping on anything.<br><br><br>Definitely up to something.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791235">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791235" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791235" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791235">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791235" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791235" class="dsq-comment-message">Honey01:  <i>tripping</i>??    Wasn\'t HE born on Sunday??    :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790107">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790107" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790107" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790107" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790107" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790107" class="dsq-comment-message">Girl, you know this is BS <i>par excellence.</i><br><br>(Hehehehehehheheheh.)<br><br>The GOP is exulting over this, hoping that Blago brings down the Illinois Democratic Party and also harms Obama politically.  No doubt, they need some serious  house-cleaning, but this is the most inopportune time to accomplish <i>spring cleaning.</i><br><br>Bay Buchanan, his sister and a GOP apologist, was talking this BS this p.m. on CNN while I was on break in the company lunch room.  You\'d think she was looking out for black interests, too.  Like the Buchanans (and the GOP) care.  <br><br>They care that Blago wants to take as many Dems down with him as possible.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790554">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790554" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790554" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790554">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790554" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790554" class="dsq-comment-message">I saw him. I heard him. But I can\'t believe it. Something is up..</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789298">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789298" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789298" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789298">lamh31</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789298" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789298" class="dsq-comment-message">Statement from President-Elect Obama:<br><br>"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy," <br><br><a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/obama_i_agree_with_senate_dems.php" rel="nofollow">http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791163">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791163" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791163" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791163">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791163" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791163" class="dsq-comment-message">HA! niiiiiiiiiice............Obama is contemplating very thoroughly the next move - cuz that one by Blago was a doozy!!........this game is gettin gooooooood.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792460">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792460" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792460" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792460">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792460" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792460" class="dsq-comment-message">It is good.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792576">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792576" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792576" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792576">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792576" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792576" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah! Slick!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788243">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788243" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788243" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788243">Miss- Opinion </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788243" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788243" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m sorry but Bobby Rush ? lol This is a joke right? The lynching comment is just a bit over the top and race baiting. As for Mr. Burris, I have no idea who he is or what he has done so I can\'t just it. I\'d like to know more about the race that you speak of. There is no posted information to back up the claim that he lost the race because he was black. I\'d apprichiate that in a follow up post or here some time :)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788355">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788355" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788355" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788355">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788355" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788355" class="dsq-comment-message">He was obviously the most qualified. He had won STATEWIDE election - TWICE. He was known all over the state. <br><br>Blago was a Congressman from a district on the North Side of Chicago-- that\'s all he was. <br><br>Burris could control the money, and run law enforcement of the state with no problem, but suddenly, when it came to him being Governor, he was unqualified? <br><br>Come on, now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788838">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788838" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788838" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788838">ultramagnetic</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788838" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788838" class="dsq-comment-message">Wasn\'t that a 3 way race? Didn\'t the black vote get split?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789744">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789744" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789744" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789744">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789744" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789744" class="dsq-comment-message">Black folk didn\'t know \' boo\' about Blago, except for that he was Dick \' Vrydolyak 29\' Mell\'s BOY. Not exactly sterling credentials in the Black community.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789308">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789308" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789308" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789308" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789308" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789308" class="dsq-comment-message">If this Burris is such a great guy, why is he allowing himself to be used by a crook like Blago and stand beside Rush as he recklessly drops lynching references?  Educate me, because it sure looks like the bitter "Old Guard" hating on the "New Guard" yet again.  <br><br>And didn\'t I read that Rush endorsed Blair Hull vs. Obama for the Senate?  I\'m sorry, but it seems like this is all about Rush and Burrell sticking it to that "upstart" Obama.   I don\'t believe they will respect him as President of the United States - just an upstart that "took their spot."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789598">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789598" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789598" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789598">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789598" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789598" class="dsq-comment-message">What does he have to lose? Dude is 71.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789704">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789704" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789704" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789704" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789704" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789704" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah, I guess he figures it\'s his last shot...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789728">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789728" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789728" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789728">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789728" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789728" class="dsq-comment-message">Obama supported Burris against Blago when he ran in the Democratic Primary.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789891">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789891" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789891" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789891" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789891" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789891" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s great - but this appointment is still tainted since Blago is accused of selling this very seat as Obama said in his statement. <br><br>I think Town is right. He\'s 71 and he\'s going for his...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791320">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791320" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791320" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791320" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791320" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791320" class="dsq-comment-message">Rush never forgave Obama for actually having the audacity to challenge him for his Congressional seat a few years back.<br><br>Talk about holding GRUDGES....Dayum.<br><br>And Rush is a sell out.  Read about it here:<br><a href="http://www.blackcommentator.com/181/181_cbc_monitor_bobby_rush_pf.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.blackcommentator.com/181/181_cbc_mon...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790483">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790483" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790483" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790483" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790483" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790483" class="dsq-comment-message">Burris has a huge ego problem.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789196">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789196" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789196" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789196">emma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789196" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789196" class="dsq-comment-message">Barack needs to shut this shit down. He doesn\'t owe Blago or Rush an damn thing. Blago has tried to drag his staff into his crap and Rush ran against Barack saying he wasn\'t black enough. And it won\'t hurt him to say he can\'t support the appointment. The Dems said they would not seat anyone appointed by Blago and Burris should have heeded that and turned it down. They are all relying on the fear that Dems will have of being called racist and upseting the black community and that shit has got to stop. This is not a situation that calls for it. It\'s exactly the kind of cynical bullshit that Obama ran againts. He and the deems need to stick to their guns. Tell Blago and anyone who\'s lined up with him to go phuck themselves. Hell, just let Dick Durbin vote twice. Anyone who really wanted to be the Senator from Illinios should\'ve had enough good sense to steer clear of Blago and his shenanigans and tomfoolishness.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790298">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790298" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790298" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790298" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790298" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790298" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign.  Really, <i>double</i> co-sign.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790492">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790492" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790492" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790492" href="http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">icebergslim</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790492" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790492" class="dsq-comment-message">AMEN, but I think it is too late.  The Little Napoleon is on a rampage.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787567">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787567" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787567" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787567">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787567" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787567" class="dsq-comment-message">Nobody is going to be pushed into anything by Bobby Rush.  Rep. Bobby Rush has no credibility outside his district.  If Burris and Rush make this a Black thing in the age of Obama they will get little support.  Reid and the Senate have spoken.  Obama the PE has spoken.  Burris finished third in the Dem primary to Blago.  Blago thanked him for pulling Black votes from the second place contestant, a Black man at  the time.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787051">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787051" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787051" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4787051" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787051" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787051" class="dsq-comment-message">Did y\'all just see that shit????<br><br>I\'ve never seen a press conference like that before in MY LIFE.<br><br>Bobby Rush just stepped forward and called EVERYBODY\'S bluff. <br><br>He challenged Durbin, Reid, and everybody else to deny the ONLY African American senate appointee.<br><br>If anybody can get the YouTube of this later, it would be worth it.<br><br>"Do not lynch the appointee."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787235">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787235" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787235" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787235">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787235" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787235" class="dsq-comment-message">Saw it, Craig.  And say it again:  "Do not lynch the appointee."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787254">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787254" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787254" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787254">lamh31</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787254" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787254" class="dsq-comment-message">I just read about that over at Al Giordiano\'s The Field.<br><br>He called what Bobby Rush did a "game-changer"</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788138">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788138" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788138" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788138">mcc</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788138" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788138" class="dsq-comment-message">"He challenged Durbin, Reid, and everybody else to deny the ONLY African American senate appointee."<br><br>...the <i>only</i> one?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788326">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788326" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788326" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4788326" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788326" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788326" class="dsq-comment-message">Is there another one?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788951">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788951" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788951" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788951">mcc</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788951" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788951" class="dsq-comment-message">Well Valerie Jarrett and Jesse Jackson Jr. would be the two people that come immediately to mind as known to have been considered for this position before Burris.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789081">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789081" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789081" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789081" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789081" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789081" class="dsq-comment-message">But neither was actually appointed. As of right now, Burris is the ONLY African American senate appointee, which is what I wrote.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787228">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787228" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787228" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4787228" href="http://www.reachblack.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">B-Serious</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787228" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787228" class="dsq-comment-message">"Do not lynch the appointee"<br><br>Does anyone else have a problem with statements like this?  Don\'t get me wrong.  I\'m sure the press has every intention to "lynch" the appointee.  That\'s not the issue.<br><br>I guess it rubs me the wrong way to see Blago hide behind two elder statesmen from the black community with threats of "don\'t lynch the appointee."  And, yes, that seemed to be a deliberately crafted choice of words at this press conference.<br><br>I don\'t know anything about Mr. Burris.  I wouldn\'t be surprised to find that he is a man of admirable character and competence.  I have no reason to assume otherwise.  However . . . <br><br>Why hitch black history to Blago\'s sinking ship???<br><br>I don\'t know.  It\'s stuff like this that allows the Rush Limbaugh\'s of the world to say "See . . .I told you so . . . it\'s all about race/affirmative action/etc."  <br><br>So when the Dems refuse to seat Mr. Burris, Blago\'s gonna hide behind black history and call them a bunch of racists.  Of course, there are racists in both parties. .  .but stuff like this sets up a very predictable turn of events.<br><br>I hope all works well for Mr. Burris.  But, at face value, it looks like Blago just got himself a buffer.<br><br>I hope I\'m wrong.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787732">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787732" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787732" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787732">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787732" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787732" class="dsq-comment-message">I have a problem with it.  It is complete horseshit.  I\'m not from Chicago, so I don\'t know about Rush\'s history of performance like others may have.  But I do remember about Obama losing to Rush, and how Rush pulled that--you are too elite, I don\'t have time to teach you about the civil rights movement crap.  So for him to come up with this lynching stuff is complete bull.  Black seat my butt---check this nytimes article:  <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=3" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/0...</a>.  When Rush had a chance to back a Black man for the US Senate--Obama, low and behold, he backed the White candidate, Blair Hull, out of spite for Obama challenging his seat.  For him to now, lightweight threaten anybody that challenges Burris\' appointment on the basis that he is Black, is beyond hypocrisy.  I am so angry about this buffoonery, I can barely type.  Obama is a better one then me, because I wouldn\'t be able to put up with such foolishness.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788314">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788314" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788314" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4788314" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788314" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788314" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks, TRW. I was too caught up in the tennis match to see straight.<br><br>Yeah. I have a problem with it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790867">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790867" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790867" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790867" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790867" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790867" class="dsq-comment-message">I have a BIG problem with it.<br><br>Thank you, TRW.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787322">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787322" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787322" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4787322" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787322" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787322" class="dsq-comment-message">You might be right, but what we just saw was an old wise Black man tell the truth.<br><br>I guess I don\'t have a problem with it in this context. <br><br>Democrats, including Barack, stood by Blago in his reelection, even though he was under investigation. Maybe rikyrah can tell us why.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788315">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788315" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788315" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788315">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788315" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788315" class="dsq-comment-message">He\'s an Illinois politician. They\'re always being \' investigated\'. Until you\'re charged, nobody was going to challenge him. He had a huge warchest, so nobody had the money to challenge him.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788372">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788372" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788372" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4788372" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788372" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788372" class="dsq-comment-message">Hear, hear.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787583">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787583" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787583" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787583">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787583" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787583" class="dsq-comment-message">B-Serious, your point is well taken.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791343">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791343" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791343" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791343" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791343" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791343" class="dsq-comment-message">There are always problems when Unca Ruckus plays the Race Card.  Rush\'s statement does EXACTLY THAT.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787367">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787367" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787367" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787367">Adisco</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787367" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787367" class="dsq-comment-message">If he allows himself to be used (  and that is what is happening here), then he is no stand up guy and deserves all the cr*p he gets from everyone. Why are these guys doing this to shame the whole community? Shi o!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4785828">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4785828" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4785828" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4785828" href="http://ladyvenoms.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ladyvenoms</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4785828" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4785828" class="dsq-comment-message">If the Ilinois Senate Dems don\'t manage to block the appointment, it\'s reported that Burris will only serve the remainder of Obama\'s term and will not seek re-election. <br><br>Uhm, okay....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4785904">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4785904" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4785904" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4785904" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4785904" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4785904" class="dsq-comment-message">Who is saying that he would not seek re-election?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4785977">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4785977" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4785977" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4785977" href="http://ladyvenoms.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ladyvenoms</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4785977" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4785977" class="dsq-comment-message">Random MSNBC talking head. I want to say Nora O\'Donnell. They were interviewing Lynn Sweet and I believe she mentioned it as well.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788067">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788067" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788067" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4788067">mcc</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788067" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788067" class="dsq-comment-message">I think anyone saying he won\'t seek re-election is just speculating. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/us/politics/30text-blagojevich.html" rel="nofollow">Here is what Burris himself actually said during the press conference:</a><br><br><blockquote>QUESTION: Will you run again if you get the seat?<br><br>BURRIS: Well, we\'ll have to determine that when we get to that point.</blockquote><br><br>Sounds to me like he is, at the least, trying to keep the door open.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4785995">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4785995" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4785995" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4785995">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4785995" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4785995" class="dsq-comment-message">Dang. I hate to miss this discussion but I have a Dr.\'s appointment! <br><br>I can\'t wait to hear what Gangsta Blago has to say at the press conference!<br><br>Someone, please put up a link?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4786032">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4786032" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4786032" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4786032">Rob M</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4786032" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4786032" class="dsq-comment-message">Laugh like jack nicholson as the joker, Blego.<br>This smells like a deal form Rahm Emanuel. You have the vote in the Senate, a relatively clean guy and every Democrat watching the Prosecutor sqirm. He has to bring his case soon or he will definitely be charged w/ playing politics as he was the one busting the case open. Impeachment will be argued in the Ill statehouse till the cows come home. If this weren\'t so serious it would be ROTFLMAO</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4786083">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4786083" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4786083" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4786083">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4786083" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4786083" class="dsq-comment-message">Rev. Al just called Blago\'s move with Burris - GANGSTA. <br><br>Hilarious hearing that on the radio.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4786352">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4786352" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4786352" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4786352">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4786352" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4786352" class="dsq-comment-message">HA! But it SO is....whatta move.....niiiiiiiiiice......Blago pulled that card from so far under the deck nobody saw it coming.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4786960">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4786960" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4786960" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4786960">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4786960" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4786960" class="dsq-comment-message">As my mother would say the "hip pocket card"! LOL</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787343">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787343" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787343" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787343">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787343" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787343" class="dsq-comment-message">YEP! That\'s the one! LOL</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787594">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787594" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787594" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787594">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787594" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787594" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t think I ever really knew what that meant (as I am not much of a card player) til now. My sisters and I always mocked her for saying that but........ :-)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4786494">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4786494" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4786494" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4786494">Chris Chambers</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4786494" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4786494" class="dsq-comment-message">Lord. And they Louisiana\'s got the cageyest pols. Blago\'s a trip.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787262">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787262" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787262" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787262">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787262" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787262" class="dsq-comment-message">Roland Burris seems like a pretty stand up guy. Already the comments are beginning that this seat is a "black seat\'.  The Chicago Tribune (online) has a comment from a reader to this affect. It was definitely not a compliment, but rather a criticism. Actually, the Trib had the comment on the front page for a short while which was not cool. Hmmph.<br><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.chicagotribune.com/</a><br><br>On the one hand, I recognize the significance in respect to the current African-American representation in the US Senate. However, on the other I resent the implication that African Americans have some type of "claim" to this seat. <br><br>I recall being particularly annoyed a few weeks ago when a group of Black ministers held a press conference urging the Governor to appoint an African American. I forgot exactly who, it might have been Bobby Rush or Burris.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787349">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787349" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787349" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4787349" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787349" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787349" class="dsq-comment-message">No one seems to have any problem with Hillary Clinton\'s seat being a "woman\'s seat."<br><br>Can we say double standard?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787419">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787419" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787419" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787419">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787419" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787419" class="dsq-comment-message">No, its not allowed.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787735">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787735" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787735" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787735">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787735" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787735" class="dsq-comment-message">Really? I had not realized there was talk of Hilary Clinton\'s seat being a "woman\'s seat".  Is this Joan Walsh over at the Salon stirring things up?<br>But don\'t forget Craig, this last year on the campaign was nothing but a double standard. <br><br>To be honest with you, I have cut back alot of my political coverage so I may have missed some things. I know there is the big brouhaha  over Caroline Kennedy\'s possible appointment.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4788236">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4788236" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4788236" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4788236" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4788236" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4788236" class="dsq-comment-message">Hillary made it clear she wanted her replacement to be a woman. Other prominent NY dems concurred. According to reports, that is. But in the reporting, there was no criticism of the sentiment.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789255">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789255" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789255" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789255">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789255" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789255" class="dsq-comment-message">Oh yeah, you had Loudmouth Ferraro getting up on the news claiming that Paterson needs to appoint any of the 6 female Dem. congresswomen to Hillary\'s seat, you have people blathering that any other woman would be more qualified than Caroline up to and including JLo.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790028">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790028" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790028" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790028">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790028" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790028" class="dsq-comment-message">Oh, Ferraro. You mean she is not in a home yet?<br><br>Oh well. I hope when I am old and senile my family has the sense to keep me away from cameras.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787431">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787431" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787431" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787431">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787431" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787431" class="dsq-comment-message">It definitle was not Bpbby Rush.  He has no chance of getting any statewide office.  He is borderline incompetent and a former Black Panther (unacceptable to downstate whites).   Congressman Danny Davis was recommeded by west side preachers before Blago was arrested.  Congressman JJ jr is southside rep with strong case.  Emil Jones was being considered as caretaker appointee,  Of course, Valerie Jarret was also on the Blago shortlist before the arrest.<br><br>No other balcks were ever mentioned.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787287">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787287" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787287" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787287">Adam</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787287" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787287" class="dsq-comment-message">Oh man, this thing is going to be real, real messy.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787358">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787358" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787358" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787358">Kat</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787358" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787358" class="dsq-comment-message">Um, yeah. Two thoughts I have. One, I\'m amazed that Obama came up through the political ranks in Chicago apparently unscathed. Two, I\'m very glad he decided to run for Prez now and not wait.<br><br>(And I\'m not trying to pick on IL, I live in TN, home to a particularly dumb ass wing of the GOP, I have no room to judge).</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787378">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787378" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787378" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787378">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787378" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787378" class="dsq-comment-message">As political moves go........this is certainly hovering around the top 5 for 2008....whatta play. I\'m sorry...a move this authentically shrewd just makes me smile, regardless of Blagodick being a ...well...I think the name I gave him speaks for itself.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787462">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787462" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787462" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4787462" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787462" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787462" class="dsq-comment-message">Politics has always been theater.<br><br>This tops the charts.<br><br>I\'ll have to take B-Serious\'s comment more seriously, but for now, I feel like I\'m watching a good tennis match.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787542">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787542" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787542" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787542">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787542" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787542" class="dsq-comment-message">This is Venus vs Serena when they think no one is looking and they REALLY wanna beat the other one. This is great.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787857">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787857" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787857" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787857">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787857" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787857" class="dsq-comment-message">Agree.  After reading that transcript, I broke out my shades and sun visor.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790529">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790529" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790529" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790529" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790529" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790529" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s definitely been very amusing. I was supposed to go buy my books for next semester today and I\'ve been so caught up in watching this. The first press conference and then the one with the Lt. Gov (I actually liked him) a little bit after that were both highly entertaining. <br><br>They should do a reality show of nothing but Chicago/Illinois politics, it\'d be better than any other reality show they have out there, AND they wouldn\'t even have to script it. LOL</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787546">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787546" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787546" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4787546" href="http://www.tariqnelson.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TariqNelson</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787546" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787546" class="dsq-comment-message">I think that the Senate may refuse to seat him</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790513">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790513" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790513" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790513" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790513" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790513" class="dsq-comment-message">Or if they have to seat him, he will be essentially blacklisted. They don\'t HAVE to let him caucus with them, and it\'s sounding like they won\'t. How effective would he be if no one in the Senate was willing to work with him?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790620">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790620" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790620" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790620">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790620" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790620" class="dsq-comment-message">This is too much! It\'s so embarrassing!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4787745">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4787745" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4787745" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4787745">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4787745" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4787745" class="dsq-comment-message">Transcript of Blago Conference<br>Blagojevich Names Burris to Fill Obama\'s Vacant Senate Seat<br><br>CQ Transcripts Wire<br>Tuesday, December 30, 2008; 3:18 PM<br><br><br><br>GOV. ROD BLAGOJEVICH (ILL.): The people of Illinois are entitled to have two United States senators represent them in Washington, D.C.<br><br>As governor, I am required to make this appointment. If I don\'t make this appointment, then the people of Illinois will be deprived of their appropriate voice and vote in the United States Senate.<br><br>Therefore, I am here to announce my intention to appoint an individual who has unquestioned integrity, extensive experience, and is a wise and distinguished senior statesman of Illinois. This man actually once was an opponent of mine for governor. <br><br>(LAUGHTER)<br><br>So I\'m here today to announce that I am appointing Roland Burris as the next United States senator from the Illinois. <br><br>Roland Burris is no stranger to the people of our state. Between 1979 and 1992 he served the people of Illinois as the state\'s comptroller and the state\'s attorney general. He has had a long and distinguished career serving the people of Illinois. He will be a great United States senator. <br><br>And now I\'d like to ask everyone to do one last thing. Please don\'t allow the allegations against me to taint this good and honest man. <br><br>Ladies and gentlemen, Roland Burris. <br><br>ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL ROLAND BURRIS: I will have a brief formal statement, and I will respond to a few questions. <br><br>Thank you, Governor. <br><br>As a nation, we face a convergence of unparalleled crises. Our nation is locked in an economic crisis not felt since the Great Depression three-quarters of a century ago. <br><br><br><br>Our nation stared down the triple-barreled threat of war in the Middle East, festering conflict in Iraq, and continued threats of terrorist breeding grounds in Afghanistan.<br><br><br>As the greatest nation in the history of the world, the United States is confronted with a crisis of faith in our own leadership capability and in our ability to bring understanding to nations who look to us for peace and prosperity. <br><br><br>And the people of our great nation have told us, in no uncertain terms, that we are at a crossroads of confidence in our ability to return the ideals that make the United States the greatest nation in the world. <br><br><br>Faced with these challenges, and challenged with these crises, it is incomprehensible that the the people of the great state of Illinois will enter the 111th Congress short-handed. <br><br><br>To fight a choking recession and return our economy to a level of vitality and strength, we need leadership in Washington. Illinois is blessed to have an intelligent and dedicated congressional caucus led by our senior United States senator Dick Durbin. <br><br><br>Moreover, President-elect Barack Obama has (inaudible) and ready to hit the ground running on January 20th. If ever there is a man with the talent to succeed against the long odds, it is he.<br><br><br>I welcome the challenges that await us in the 111th Congress, I have faith in the record that I have forged over the past four decades, and I am proud of my accomplishments as a public servant. <br><br>I accept this appointment to fill the unexpired term of President-elect Barack Obama. I ask the people of Illinois to place the same faith and trust in me that they have in the past when they elected me three times as their state controller, and one term as their attorney general.<br><br><br>I am humbled to have the opportunity, and promise the citizens that I will dedicate my utmost effort as their United States senator, and I will uphold the integrity of the office and ask for their continued confidence in me.<br><br><br>Thank you all very much, and I will respond to a few questions.<br><br><br>QUESTION: Why do you believe -- why do you believe that your appointment will not be tainted by the prevalent charges that are now hanging over the governor?<br><br><br>BURRIS: This is an appointment done by the governor of the state. And based on that, I have no relationship with that situation. I\'m accepting an appointment by the governor to go to the United States Senate.<br><br><br>That\'s it.<br><br><br>QUESTION: The House -- the Senate Democratic leadership (inaudible) they won\'t (inaudible) -- won\'t certify the appointment. Why do you think they\'ll ever (inaudible)?<br><br><br>BURRIS: That\'s the process that we must look forward to, and this is one process, I\'m honored, that I have been appointed. And we will deal with the next step in the process.<br><br><br>QUESTION: How long have you been in discussions about this Senate seat? Was it before or after the charges came down?<br><br><br>BURRIS: Well, I had talked with the governor on Sunday night, when he asked if he were to appoint me, would I accept, and my answer was yes. <br><br><br>QUESTION: Mr. Burris, up until now, virtually every elected official in the state of Illinois has weighed in on the problems of the last few weeks. Do you believe Governor Blagojevich should continue in office, or would you feel that he should resign?<br><br><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/30/AR2008123001927_pf.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789145">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789145" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789145" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789145">khal02</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789145" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789145" class="dsq-comment-message">If I was Obama, I would fly straight from Hawaii to DC and have someone pack up my stuff and send it to avoid the foolishness that is Chicago like the plague.  This whole fiasco today was ridiculous. Burris may be a great man but no man with honor would stand side by side with Blago. As for Bobby Rush.... the entire CBC should be dismantled and all them should be thrown off the island. I appreciate the Old Guard, but the sun has set on their day.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790361">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790361" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790361" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790361" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790361" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790361" class="dsq-comment-message">Well, I wouldn\'t throw the entire CBC off the island, but frankly, that whole press conference was an F-U aimed straight at Obama. He should have checked that.  It\'s past time for him to use the heavy guns and he\'s running out of time.  Burris should have never gone for it, he must be <I>that</i> desperate for <i>a legacy</i> not to listen to reason, no matter good a guy or clean a politician he might be.</I></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789198">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789198" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789198" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789198">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789198" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789198" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah,<br><br>Thanks for speaking up from a local perspective. I will take it back even farther than 2002. If people - and that includes a bunch of black preachers in Chicago - would have supported Burris back when he ran against George Ryan we could have spared ourselves the stench of TWO raggedy governors embarrassing our state. Blago was elected to fill Dan Rostenkowski\'s House seat, stayed there long enough to win over the Chicago hospitality unions by advocateingfor some bill favorable to them, then used their support to steamroll his way to the gubnuh\'s mansion.  We could have had Burris running our state a long time ago. Instead we\'re stuck with Blago\'s Flying Circus.<br><br>I\'m glad Bobby Rush went Black Panther on the progressive hypocrites. Unfortunately it isn\'t stopping them from trying to smear Burris by claiming he was trying to pay Blago to appoint him long before Obama was even elected.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789966">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789966" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789966" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789966" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789966" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789966" class="dsq-comment-message">I beg to differ.<br><br>Bobby Rush was embarrassing.  This is his putting his two cents worth against Obama from <i>way</i> back.  Again, it\'s the "who is blacker than whom" controversy coming up.  Support the brother no matter what, and if you ain\'t, you ain\'t black.<br><br>Rush looks bad since his cancer bout.  His ears look bigger than Obama\'s.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790011">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790011" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790011" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790011">Micheline </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790011" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790011" class="dsq-comment-message">co-sign</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790461">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790461" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790461" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790461" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790461" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790461" class="dsq-comment-message">Rush disgusted me and turned me off to him AND Burris.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790557">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790557" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790557" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790557">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790557" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790557" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly.  Sorry, but I am done.  I\'m not from Illinois, so I don\'t have a dog in this fight, but Burris is an idiot.  Why would he do this?  Granted, Blago hasn\'t been indicted for anything, but this whole controversy should have made everybody check themselves--this is not 05, or 06--now everybody knows what has been going on with the Gov yet Burris still sought this seat.  That\'s stupid.  <br><br>And Rush, please don\'t get me started with Rush. What he said was beyond the pale and about the dumbest thing I have ever heard--my Mom was so shocked she said that they should throw him out of office for his stupidity.  This is 2008--if people aren\'t willing to stand up and say that something isn\'t right, when will they?  This isn\'t right and if it goes down, the Illinois Dems will pay for it dearly in the future.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790756">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790756" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790756" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790756" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790756" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790756" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign.  <br><br>I know I am in the minority here, but this episode will set the groundwork for the defeat of the Illinois Dems in two years, whether black or white.  I don\'t care if it is the mark of an Irish gang in Chicago/Springfield politics moving in on what has been seen as a "black" sinecure.  Bobby Rush overplayed his hand here.  Burris is an old man who probably does want to go out on a good note and with the best intentions, but brother, <i>this is not the way to go</i> and especially with whom.<br><br>As I said to a co-worker who watched this mess unfold this p.m., <i>this is a monkey wrench in the machinery.</i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791293">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791293" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791293" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791293" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791293" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791293" class="dsq-comment-message">Y\'all need to remember that Bobby Rush is still riding on his rep as a former Panther - even though he sold out to big Telecom for major payola and you also have him to thank for anything Telecom that damages you and me as well as invasion of our privacy.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790222">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790222" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790222" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790222" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790222" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790222" class="dsq-comment-message">Well, hindsight is always 20-20, re Burris <i>couldda</i> been governor instead of Blago.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789291">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789291" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789291" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789291">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789291" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789291" class="dsq-comment-message">From what I understand, the Senate Dems can\'t block Burris nor can the Senate itself really shut Burris down.  They can try, but they\'ll ultimately fail.  They couldn\'t do it with Ted Stevens and he was actually convicted of something.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789530">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789530" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789530" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789530">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789530" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789530" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s about what I was thinking Town, but then I thought "What do i know?"......... He is still governor right??????</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789594">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789594" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789594" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789594">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789594" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789594" class="dsq-comment-message">The Senate could try to expel Burris after he\'s seated but somehow I don\'t think the Republicans will sign on for that.<br><br>I think unless dude steps down, he\'s going to be the new Senator from IL.  I\'m trying to understand why the Senate is catching the vapors and falling out over Burris but none of this over the top reaction occurred with the re-election of Ted Stevens and Bathroom Guy Larry Craig is still a senator as well.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790091">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790091" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790091" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790091">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790091" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790091" class="dsq-comment-message">Now where did I put it.... I know I had it somewhere....where did I put that darn card....let me check my other purse....gotta be here somewhere.....wait...no...driver\'s license....social security card...library card.......Quizno\'s punch card for free sub.....darn it...where is it?<br><br>Gimme a minute Town..I know I have it somewhere!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790251">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790251" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790251" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790251">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790251" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790251" class="dsq-comment-message">..lipstick, tampon, ....where\'s that....damn, .......put it there, just the other day,...wait,,,got..nope, two tone ball pen.....pic of my cat....shit here it is....no, geez....flashlght....can\'t seem to...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790387">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790387" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790387" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790387">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790387" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790387" class="dsq-comment-message">Ya know....I really gotta get duplicates for each purse...and get them laminated...you really can\'t leave home without it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790441">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790441" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790441" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790441">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790441" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790441" class="dsq-comment-message">LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790477">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790477" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790477" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790477">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790477" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790477" class="dsq-comment-message">lol</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791266">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791266" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791266" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791266" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791266" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791266" class="dsq-comment-message">Because at the time those mofos got caught with their slips showing, the majority in the Senate was only two seats, and not the sixteen seat margin the Democrats now have.<br><br>Larry Craig is not seeking re-election because of his "bathroom breaks", and although Ted Stevens was re-elected, he\'ll probably be expelled from the Senate because he was convicted of bribery and wouldn\'t be able to effectively serve in the Senate and he\'s already 84 years old - his old ass needs to go home and wonder how much time he\'s going to get in Da Joynt.<br><br>If I\'m Roland Burris, I\'d wait for Blago\'s replacement to appoint me, so I could be seated in the Senate without any speculation hanging over me, and Blago\'s connection to his appointment gives speculation GALORE.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4797461">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4797461" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4797461" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4797461">Denise</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4797461" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4797461" class="dsq-comment-message">I have to co-sign with you, CPL.  <br><br>From my vantage point, the circumstances of Mr. Burris\' appointment appear designed to serve very narrow PERSONAL interests, namely Blagos.  <br><br>I understand the objective to keep an AA in the Senate (which I fully support ), but there\'s other stuff in play here that I\'m not feeling.  <br><br>Blago definitely is, as my grandmother used to say, "as slick as a <br>goddamn eel."  I\'ll concede that much!  But he\'s also reckless, and for that reason alone, I wouldn\'t mess with him.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791222">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791222" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791222" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791222" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791222" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791222" class="dsq-comment-message">Actually, Town, the Senate Dems didn\'t really need to do anything about Ted Stevens cause he\'s going to jail and another Dem might be appointed to his seat.  A convicted felon, if he\'s convicted while in office, under the Constitution, can\'t continue serving - plus I think the Dems realized Stevens was probably going to be convicted, so as a result of Alaska changing it\'s own Constitution that forbade the governor from appointing someone to the seat, they now have to hold a Special Election to replace Stevens\' ass, and it\'s a good chance Mark Begich, the Democratic mayor from Anchorage, might get the seat, cause he\'s the front runner.<br><br>I expect the Senate to expel Stevens, if he\'s not locked up on January 5th.  If Reid\'s pushing for Burris not to be seated, trust me, as the leader of the Democratic Party, that charge is coming from Obama, just like backing off Lieberman essentially came from Obama.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789331">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789331" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789331" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789331">mcc</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789331" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789331" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/obama_i_agree_with_senate_dems.php" rel="nofollow">Obama releases statement</a> praising Roland Burris but agreeing with Senate Dems that the Senate should not accept any appointment made by Blagojevich right now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789460">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789460" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789460" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789460">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789460" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789460" class="dsq-comment-message">Roland Burris is on 1600 right now. Since when did Michele Bernard start conducting interviews/interrogations? <br><br>Is it when a Black guest is on and MSNBC has to be sensitive?<br><br><br>Oh yeah, Mika is on too. They really seem to be taking it personal.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792593">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792593" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792593" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792593">Booky</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792593" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792593" class="dsq-comment-message">Burris handed them their panties.  I like Burris.  He sounds like my kind of people.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789552">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789552" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789552" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789552">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789552" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789552" class="dsq-comment-message">Interesting set of comments on DAILYKOS:<br><br>from poster lgcap:  above makes it look like Burris will be unwelcome in the Democratic Caucus. It doesn\'t get more ironic than that, since he must be seated in the Senate.<br><br>The Democrats reward Lieberman, and punish a real Democrat. They need cover for their failure to cause real reform.<br><br><br><br>Interesting how the Senate Dems are shouting down the appointment of Burris and promising action but sat there like deaf mutes when it came to Lieberman.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789911">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789911" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789911" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789911" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789911" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789911" class="dsq-comment-message">\'Cause Obama wanted him. <br><br>Unfortunately.<br><br>If it had been me, I\'dda thrown him so far under the bus, he\'d be kiss the devil\'s ass by now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790099">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790099" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790099" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790099">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790099" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790099" class="dsq-comment-message">Harry Reid would have kept Lieberman on regardless of what Obama wanted.  Harry Reid would have caved regardless of what Obama wanted.  Lieberman had been out there causing trouble long before Election Day and all Harry Reid did was clean his glasses and clear his throat.<br><br>But all of a sudden today Harry Reid is full of vim and vigor?  Please.  Unless Burris steps aside he\'ll probably be the next Sen. from IL because<br><br>A) he\'s qualified: over 30 years old, a US citizen for 9 years and an IL resident<br><br>B) he hasn\'t been charged with any crime<br><br>C) Like it or not, BlahBlah is still the Gov. of IL and has the right to appoint anyone he wants.  The IL Supreme Ct recently ruled that he was not UNFIT to serve, as I understand.  He hasn\'t been impeached and technically he hasn\'t been indicted.<br><br>The Senate really can\'t not seat him.  They "could" try to expel him but <br><br>1) Why would the Republicans sign on for that when they could make hay out of this Burris/Blago situation until 2010?  Plus the Senate GOP didn\'t really try to expel Larry Craig or Ted Stevens so they can\'t really lead the charge against corruption or tainted politicians (although they will try lol).<br><br>2) The Senate wasn\'t doing the shuffle dance on Larry Craig or Ted Stevens, both of whom were either arrested and/or convicted, but they\'re going to do the moonwalk on Burris, who hasn\'t been charged with anything or accused of anything?  <br><br>3) The fact that Burris is black and Harry Reid & Co. is doing the Single Ladies dance trying to block him from entering the door when they pretty much yawned on Lieberman shuts them down from that argument.<br><br>Ultimately I think Burris will be seated, serve out the rest of Obama\'s term and get to put "Senator" as a feather in his cap, while Harry Reid does nothing because in the end Harry Reid is talking loud and saying nothing and that\'s got nothing to do with what Obama wants or not.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790182">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790182" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790182" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790182" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790182" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790182" class="dsq-comment-message">Obama is the head of the party.  <br><br>You can\'t just blame Reid.  If Obama wanted something, Reid would suddenly grow a spine and do something.  Obama could lean on other prominent Dems, too.   It\'s just that simple.  There is enough blame to go around in this case as well.  Everyone is acting like, <i> well, it ain\'t touching me,</i> when in the end, it will.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790324">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790324" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790324" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790324">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790324" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790324" class="dsq-comment-message">Reid\'s been a weakass long before Obama became the head of the party.     Hillary got more testicular fortitude than him.   Maybe Obama did want Lieberman to stick around but you ain\'t NEVAH seen Reid react with the STRENFF he\'s summoning up for this Burris situation.<br><br>And somebody\'s going to point that out as well.  All of a sudden ALL of the Senate Democrats are in lock step with keeping Burris out when they haven\'t been in lockstep or agreement about anything else before?  They were all tepid on "warning" Lieberman but they want to make a STRAWNG show of force against Burris?  Um, ok.<br><br>Should Burris have accepted the appointment?  Maybe, maybe not.  That\'s between him and the people of IL.  LEGALLY Harry Reid and the Senate doesn\'t have a leg to stand on.  They CAN NOT keep Burris out and Blago knows it. That\'s why Harry Reid is talking loud and saying nothing.  Blago done pulled a shank out from underneath his perfectly coiffed hair and cut all them mofos and there\'s not a damn thing any of them can do about it except put a Hello Kitty band-aid on the situation and call it a day.  Blago is singing "No one on the corner got swagga like us" and all anyone can do about it is whine.<br><br>Even if Obama himself came down and said "Roland Burris has gots to go" there\'s pretty much nothing anyone can do about it.  All Burris has to do is say "I, Roland Burris swear to uphold the Constitution blah blah blah" next week (Tuesday, I think?) and keep it moving.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790400">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790400" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790400" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790400">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790400" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790400" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Blago done pulled a shank out from underneath his perfectly coiffed hair and cut all them mofos </i><br><br><br><br>You\'re killing me, Town! lol</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791883">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791883" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791883" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791883">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791883" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791883" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey I admire people who are bold with it.<br><br>Madoff didn\'t "embezzle" $500, or $5000.  He straight jacked us for $50 BILLION dollars.<br><br>Blago\'s not going out with a whimper, he is straight pulling his pants down and saying kiss ALL MY of ASS, bitches!<br><br>Hey, if you\'re going to be an asshole, be the biggest and best asshole you can be.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792009">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792009" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792009" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792009">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792009" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792009" class="dsq-comment-message">Town,<br><br>You got me screaming with laughter!  You\'re d#mn good at comedy!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791038">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791038" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791038" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791038">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791038" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791038" class="dsq-comment-message">Girl you are a fool! RAOTFLMBAO!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791287">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791287" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791287" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791287">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791287" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791287" class="dsq-comment-message">Town!   Town!   Town!!    LOL!!!    :&gt;)    :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791369">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791369" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791369" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791369">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791369" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791369" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Blago done pulled a shank out from underneath his perfectly coiffed hair and cut all them mofos and there\'s not a damn thing any of them can do about it except put a Hello Kitty band-aid on the situation and call it a day.</i><br><br>You know how to turn a phrase, Town.<br><br>BWA HA HA HA HA HA</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791949">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791949" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791949" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791949">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791949" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791949" class="dsq-comment-message">Town is hilarious!  Just good comedy! <br><br>Town needs to get paid!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792222">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792222" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792222" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792222">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792222" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792222" class="dsq-comment-message">Justice58:   Ima B    4 REAL!   Ima ante up <b>$2000 :VIRTUAL DOLLA\'S</b>  for TOWN!    :&gt;)<br><br>***extending my arm annnnd handing a bag****<br><br>:&gt;)     :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792310">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792310" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792310" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792310">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792310" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792310" class="dsq-comment-message">Town can break it down!  He/she is just good at comedy.  It\'s a gift!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792381">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792381" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792381" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792381">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792381" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792381" class="dsq-comment-message">Justice58:    TRUE DAT!!!   :&gt;)     :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791506">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791506" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791506" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791506" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791506" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791506" class="dsq-comment-message">Town you are too funny!<br><br>I thought Obama\'s little press blurb was weak: <br><br>Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy.” <br><br>Well, if he\'s a decent guy then why should it matter that it was Blago who appointed him? Bobby Rush made some good points today.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791864">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791864" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791864" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791864">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791864" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791864" class="dsq-comment-message">The Senate Dems betta come up with something QUICK because I believe everyone gets sworn in NEXT WEEK.<br><br>I have no hopes for that though because the Dems have been weaker than watered down Pepsi on everything from the war on down to superdelegates to Lieberman.  So I expect they\'ll cave per usual.  But if they don\'t, my question would be<br><br>WHERE WAS THIS STRENFF on the war, on the economy, on Lieberman, on Bush, on Rove, etc?  Why you getting SKRONG on Burris?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792194">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792194" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792194" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792194">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792194" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792194" class="dsq-comment-message">This, I believe, is precisely why Blago appointed Burris.  Two-fold - he\'s going to have his appointment (and not Obama\'s) one way or another and make Obama and</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791789">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791789" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791789" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791789">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791789" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791789" class="dsq-comment-message">H&F,<br><br>it really was a pitch outta nowhere. Nobody can say JACK about Burris\' credentials. They can\'t cast aspersions on him. Only man in Illinois who has been as involved with politics that is as clean as Burris is Abner Mikva.  - Period. <br><br>Obama\'s bullshit response was trying to once again straddle the fence, cause he knows damn well Burris is more than qualified for the position. If he wanted a placeholder, he should have put Emil Jones in there to begin with, but he tried to play it safe.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791988">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791988" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791988" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791988">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791988" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791988" class="dsq-comment-message">Um, how was Obama\'s response bullshit?  It is the exact same thing that he said before Burris was appointed by Blago.  If he did an about face and said the appointment was A-OK with him, that would be bullshit--but he didn\'t.  But since I brought up about faces, I find it interesting that not many on this site have commented on the fact that just a few weeks ago Burris was calling on Blago to resign and was shocked and appalled by his alleged conduct, but today he is winks and grins about the appointment to the Senate ----puleeze.  <br><br>It is not about Burris\' qualifications--Obama hasn\'t said that, and neither has anyone in the Dem Senate.  It is about the circumstances surrounding the Governor.  Burris knows it and Blago knows it.  <br>And when did Obama say he wanted a placeholder?  From all accounts, he gave Blago\'s office a list of names and kept out of the process, as he should have.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792237">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792237" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792237" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792237">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792237" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792237" class="dsq-comment-message">TOWN:   Di\'ja GET THAT BAG??   :&gt;)   :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791165">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791165" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791165" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791165" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791165" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791165" class="dsq-comment-message">And because Obama wanted Lieberman, that might come back to burn him, which I\'m actually hoping for, so Obama gets the lesson about being burned early enough in his Administration he can actually be a two-term POTUS, because he grows a pair and jacks up Lieberman to the point Droopy Dog switches sides.<br><br>I honestly think Reid wanted to toss Lieberman\'s ass out of the Caucus and probably would have if Obama had publicly stated what a dog Lieberman was.  Campaigning for McCain should have earned him an EJECTION from the Democratic side of the Senate Caucus, and I think if it was TOTALLY left up to Reid, he might have pulled the trigger, but Obama tied his hands by publicly supporting Senator Droopy Dog.<br><br>Lieberman will come back to bite Obama in the ass and at a time when he will really need all 58 Senators and a few Republicans to neutralize Lieberman to get shyt passed.  Mark the day I called this: DECEMBER 30, 2008.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791121">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791121" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791121" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791121" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791121" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791121" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>The Democrats reward Lieberman, and punish a real Democrat. They need cover for their failure to cause real reform.</i><br><br>Word UP, Town.  If the Dems want to be taken seriously, they need to explain rewarding Lieberman, now that it looks like they might well have 58 senators with the addition of Al Franken (cause he\'s going to get that seat in Minnesota), but trying to run another brotha out the Senate before he gets there.<br><br>My objection to Burris is that by Blago appointing him as an INDICTED governor, Burris shows up in DC as tainted as Monica\'s Blue Dress.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789639">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789639" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789639" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4789639" href="http://www.natturnersrevenge.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">chris chambers</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789639" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789639" class="dsq-comment-message">Maybe it\'s time for Barack indeed to say SOMETHING definitive, Solomon-like. I mean, he is like the dude at the end of "Dune" so why not speak from Mt. Olympus?<br><br>Hey, I blogged on Bell\'s "episode;" any comments from JJP on Jena 6\'s posterchild being utterly lost and directionless?<br><br>Between the 2 stories, Hannity  and O\'Reilley must be dancing!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790445">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790445" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790445" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790445" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790445" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790445" class="dsq-comment-message">Barack said he agrees with the Senate leaders</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789828">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789828" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789828" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789828">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789828" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789828" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey Guys,<br><br>I\'m trying to catch up!  All this drama going on! lol</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791260">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791260" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791260" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791260">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791260" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791260" class="dsq-comment-message">Justice58:   Me   2!  :&gt;)   Been away ALL DAY!  :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789846">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789846" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789846" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789846">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789846" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789846" class="dsq-comment-message">EVENING THREAD IS UP</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790393">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790393" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790393" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790393" href="http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">icebergslim</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790393" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790393" class="dsq-comment-message">that presser was STRAIGHT UP OLD SCHOOL CHICAGO.<br><br>Blago has made a mockery of the Illinois Democratic Machine.  First off, no special election unless the GOVERNOR signs off on it.  And I don\'t put much in these impeachment procedures because they need the same folks Fitzy is lining up for his legal case, meaning Fitzy not giving out ANY IMMUNITY to anyone if they speak/testify to the IL legislature.<br><br>This is straight up comedy at its best.<br><br>This is also hardball, street fight politics from Ilinois.<br><br>All these folks, Obama too, can give pressers, put out paper statements but the fact is that the Lilttle Napoleon is still running it in Illinois.  And don\'t think Our Lil Napoleon will not go to court to get Burris seated, HE WILL.  Now we have Reid and Company having to deal with this bullshit and this is going to continue to dog Obama until Blago is REMOVED from office.  Because that is what will have to happen.<br><br>Here is <a href="http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/2008/12/il-lt-governor-pat-quinn-on-blagos.html" rel="nofollow">LT Pat Quinn</a> presser, he is pissed.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790431">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790431" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790431" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790431">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790431" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790431" class="dsq-comment-message">Blago sent a big FU to everybody!  Straight up Gangsta! lol</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790675">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790675" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790675" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790675" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790675" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790675" class="dsq-comment-message"><b>The Senate Can Block Blago\'s Appointment</b><br><br><a href="http://www.jedreport.com/2008/12/the-senate-can-block-blagos-ap.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.jedreport.com/2008/12/the-senate-can...</a><br><br><i>There\'s some debate about whether or not the Senate has the power to block Blago\'s appointment. But Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution (<a href="http://www.house.gov/house/Constitution/Constitution.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.house.gov/house/Constitution/Constit...</a>) is crystal clear:<br><br>    Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.<br><br>Even if Blago\'s appointment is seated, he\'ll be immediately expelled on the very next motion to hit the floor, because both Democrats and Republicans agree that he should not serve in the Senate.<br><br>(Update, 4:26PM: Theoretically, Republicans could decide to support Blago\'s appointment, but that would be a political disaster for them.)<br><br>One might feel bad for the guy, but then again, he probably should have had the good judgment not to accept Blago\'s appointment in the first place.</i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790927">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790927" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790927" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790927" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790927" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790927" class="dsq-comment-message">Jeff Toobin on  CNN made a good point. Blago is out on BAIL, which means he\'s unfit to serve as governor. If it goes to court because the Senate refuses to seat Burris, there\'s a good chance the Senate will win because the case people keep talking about is actually about someone who was ELECTED, and Burris is NOT elected, he would be appointed.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791134">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791134" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791134" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791134">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791134" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791134" class="dsq-comment-message">Blago is out on bail? I didn\'t know he was even indicted yet.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791269">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791269" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791269" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791269" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791269" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791269" class="dsq-comment-message">He was actually arrested I believe</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792143">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792143" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792143" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792143">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792143" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792143" class="dsq-comment-message">1) Blago has not been indicted, only arrested.  He\'s named in a criminal complaint but has not been formally indicted.<br><br>2) I believe the IL Supreme Court either refused to rule that Blago was unfit or straight up said that he was NOT unfit to serve as governor.  That can only work in Blago\'s favor, not against it.<br><br>3)  If the Senate refuses to seat Burris on the grounds that he was "appointed" and not elected then I can see SOMEBODY challenging the new NY and DE senators b/c they would be appointed and not elected, either.<br><br>IMO Burris will be sworn in next week.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792282">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792282" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792282" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4792282" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792282" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792282" class="dsq-comment-message">1) Blago is out on bail. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois.governor/" rel="nofollow">http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois...</a> <br>Where did I say he was indicted?<br><br>2) The didn\'t say that Blago wasn\'t unfit, they simply refused to hear the case. I don\'t think that makes a strong case in Blago\'s favor, it just says the court didn\'t want to get involved. <br><br>3) Perhaps, but they probably won\'t have standing to do that. The only person who would have standing if the senate refused to seat Burris would be Burris.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792794">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792794" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792794" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792794">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792794" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792794" class="dsq-comment-message">1)  Don\'t matter whether he\'s out on bail or not, he hasn\'t been charged or indicted, only named in a criminal complaint.<br><br>2) If the IL Supreme Court thought Blago was unfit, they would have ruled that way. They didn\'t, therefore it\'s his perogative [/bobby brown] to name anyone he wants to the Senate seat as it is his responsibility to do as governor.<br><br>3) They really don\'t have much standing to deny Burris, who has not been charged, accused or indicted of anything.  What\'s the difference between Blago appointing somebody on Nov. 5th vs today?  Wasn\'t he crooked back on Nov. 5th?  Wasn\'t he being "watched" by the Feds prior to Obama\'s election?  If people can still have lawsuits trying to block Obama from being POTUS on the basis that his daddy was a British subject, therefore Obama is not an American citizen and have that be brought before the SCOTUS, it is not out of the realm of possibility that the DE and NY Senate appointments could be challenged as well --- since none of those seats would have been "elected by the people."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792978">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792978" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792978" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4792978" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792978" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792978" class="dsq-comment-message">1) All I said was he was out on bail. That was the point of my response. The indictment itself will probably be official next week, and if it comes before they confirm Burris, well things will get really interesting.<br><br>2) Really? Maybe they would, maybe they wouldn\'t Sometimes things are just too political, and the Courts choose to stay out of them, which may be the case here. They didn\'t say that he was FIT, they decided not to even hear the case which really suggests they didn\'t want to get involved. <br><br>3) On Nov. 5th, he was still trying to cut deals, he may not have started doing that until Nov. 5th, we don\'t know the details. Also, it\'s one thing for the PEOPLE to challenge, but I think it\'s a completely different animal for the Senate to actually refuse to seat someone. Also, you have the fact that Blago is also facing impeachment hearings, so if Burris isn\'t seated by the time he\'s impeached and kicked out of office, they will have a strong argument that the appointment is unconstitutional, so the tactic for now seems to be "stall."<br><br>There are a lot of different things going on right now, all of which affect the situation differently. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. I don\'t think Obama would have signed on with the Dems if he thought they had no chance in hell of at the very least delaying the seating until the Blago mess is sorted out.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4793499">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4793499" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4793499" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4793499">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4793499" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4793499" class="dsq-comment-message">1) Doesn\'t matter "if/when in the future" Blago is indicted, he has not been indicted as of Dec. 30, 2008 which is when he made a legal appointment to the US Senate.  <br><br>2) But the court didn\'t say he was UNFIT, and the IL Legislature has not made any swift moves to impeach Blago. They\'ve whined about it but they\'ve not done anything about it.  As of TODAY, Dec. 31, 2008 Blago has NOT been indicted, has NOT been charged, has NOT been convicted, has NOT been impeached, censured, stripped, etc. and thus has the legal right to appoint someone to the US Senate.<br><br>Furthermore, the person in question has NOT been charged, has NOT been indicted, has NOT been accused meets all of the qualifications for being a Senator and was appointed to the US Senate in a legal manner.<br><br><br>3) The Democrats are known for sticking their finger up in the wind and seeing which way the wind blows before they take action.  Already just from looking at various blogs, it seems that more people actually FROM IL have less of a problem with the Burris appointment than people outside of IL.  So if IL people are like "Well Blago\'s a crook but Burris is alright, give him a shot" the Senate is REALLY going to overturn the will of the people of IL?  REALLY?  The Senate caves in and flip flops on everything else (FISA, Bush, War, Lieberman, etc) but chooses THIS issue to GET STRONG?  REALLY?  The Senate cheers Ted Stevens and Larry Craig but decides if they HAVE to let Burris in they will shun him?  REALLY?  Lieberman runs around the country talking bad about Obama & the Democrats to the point of shuffle dancing at the Republican Convention and they\'ll let him caucus with them but they won\'t let Burris caucus with them if they "hafta" let him in?  REALLY?<br><br>No, what\'s REALLY gonna happen is Reid & Co. will flap their lips and shake their sticks but in the end Burris will end up getting sworn in and serving.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790821">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790821" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790821" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790821" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790821" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790821" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks for your response in Update II Rikyrah.<br><br>I wonder though, if this is a "gain" for Black folks in Chicago, it seems short-term.  Are there other good Black politicians on the rise in your opinion?  Burris is 71.  Has he mentored any Black men or women on the rise?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791281">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791281" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791281" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791281">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791281" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791281" class="dsq-comment-message">to me, it\'s a stop gap measure. A stop gap to prevent the Irish from solidifying anymore. And, to give others the chance to get themselves together. I\'m not kidding when I said it was Jesse Jackson, Jr., and he shot himself in the foot. But, 2 years of preparation, plus more detailing of his snitching, might put him in good position.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791365">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791365" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791365" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791365">Ro</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791365" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791365" class="dsq-comment-message">They need more snitches like JJJ. Maybe we wouldn\'t be in this present situation if there were. Many don\'t like Blago but they are glad he got exposed. How quickly we forget that he was exposed by the snitch.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790973">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790973" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790973" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4790973">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790973" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790973" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah<br><br>I remember when Roland Burris was elected Attorney General; I worked for the Attorney General\'s Office at that time and cried from happiness as though he was my father.<br><br>I don\'t know how I feel about Blago appointing him though.  I\'ll have to really give it some thought seems like he\'s being used.<br><br>Have you read any of his writings about the blatant racism he faced in law firms in Chicago after he served as Attorney General?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4798998">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4798998" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4798998" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4798998">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4798998" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4798998" class="dsq-comment-message">Maybe Burris is using Blago...........</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791336">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791336" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791336" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4791336">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791336" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791336" class="dsq-comment-message">Chuck Todd stated on Rachel Maddow the Senate can delay the Burris appointment  & Harry Reid has the ability to delay it until...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792524">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792524" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792524" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792524">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792524" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792524" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  A WORD from Mr. Roland:<br><br><a href="http://essence.typepad.com/news/2008/12/making-sense-of.html" rel="nofollow">Making sense of why Blago chose Burris</a><br><br><i>You gotta give Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich some credit, he sure knows how to make some news!<br><br>Three weeks after being arrested by federal officials for trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama, Blagojevich has thumbed his nose at the political establishment by going forward and naming former state attorney general Roland Burris as his choice to fill the remaining two years of Obama\'s term.<br><br>Talk about chutzpah.<br><br>Members of the Illinois General Assembly have already said they will not seat the person Blagojevich chose, but he didn\'t care one lick. He now has put them in a position to deny an African American political legend in the state the senatorial position.<br><br>A number of African Americans in the state were making lots of noise that someone who looks like them should replace Obama. Now that he is gone, there are no African Americans serving in the U.S. Senate.<br><br>Blagojevich is now forcing the Illinois senate and the state\'s secretary of state to deny Burris the seat, thus taking the heat off of him and putting it on them.<br><br>For instance, Secretary of State Jesse White has said he won\'t certify the selection of Burris. OK, fine. Does he have a legal leg to stand on? If he blocks Burris, he is risking a lawsuit that could get messy.<br><br><b>The Senate can say no to Burris, but then are putting themselves in a position of catching lots of heat from African Americans, who are a HUGE constituency in the state. If they say no to Burris and yes to a white candidate, you can bank on black folks being in an uproar.</b>**<br><br>Blagojevich has made a shrewd move with the pick. Let\'s now see who will blink first.</i><br><br>**He ain\'t neva lied!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4792722">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4792722" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4792722" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4792722">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4792722" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4792722" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Annnnnnnd, Mr. 538 "chimes in":<br><br><a href="http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/12/reid-has-few-ways-to-block-burris.html" rel="nofollow">Reid Has Few Ways to Block Burris Appointment</a><br><br><i>I\'m going to be repeating myself here, but as the reporting on this story has been poor (save for the Huffington Post and a couple of other outlets), it appears to be necessary.<br><br>The notion that the Democrats can refuse to seat Roland Burris out of hand is, at best, constitutionally dodgy. This is because of the Supreme Court\'s 1967 Powell v McCormack decision, in which it ruled that the Congress\'s power to judge the qualifications of its members is expressly limited to the conditions mentioned in the Constitution (e.g. age, residency, and U.S. Citizenship). If the Congress wants to deny membership for any other reason, it has another power, which is expulsion. Although the power of expulsion is much broader than the power of exclusion, it comes with a higher price tag: two-thirds of the Senate must vote to expel one of its members rather than a simple majority.<br><br><b>Given this, Reid and the Democrats have essentially three strategies they could pursue if and when Burris\'s name comes before the Senate Chamber:<br><br>1) Attempt to exclude Burris by majority vote, almost certainly inviting a court challenge.<br>2) Attempt to expel Burris after seating him.<br>3) Bluff at either of the above, but with the ultimate expectation that Burris will be seated.</b><br><br><b>1) Attempt to exclude Burris by majority vote, almost certainly inviting a court challenge.</b><br><br>Reid\'s language about refusing to seat Burris seems to be an invocation of Article 1, Section 5 of the Constitution, which holds that "Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members." In the case of Burris, however, there was no election in play (rather, he was appointed), so there are no questions about elections or returns - and McCormack holds that the Congress\'s ability to judge the qualifications of its members is limited to circumstances that don\'t pertain in the case of Burris.<br><br>Still, the Senate could hold a vote and decline to seat Burris, and take their chances in court. Then, Burris (or Blagojevich?) would sue, probably also seeking an injunction that required the Senate to seat Burris until a ruling by th court.<br><br>Reid would seem to be a longshot to win such a lawsuit, since McCormack speaks fairly explicitly to the issue at hand, but it\'s possible that he could find some sort of clever argument or that the Court would refuse to take the case -- it\'s a different court than it was in 1967. Or Burris, embarrassed by the whole thing, could stand down, although that seems unlikely since Burris has lost more elections than Lyndon LaRouche and doesn\'t seem the type to be easily deterred.<br><br>More likely, though, this would succeed only in delaying the inevitable for several weeks.<br><br><b>2) Attempt to expel Burris after seating him.</b><br><br>Here, the Senate would be on much firmer Constitutional ground. But the power of expulsion has been used very judiciously -- no Senator has been expelled since the Civil War, although several (such as Bob Packwood) have resigned in the face of possible expulsion. And Burris himself has not been accused of any misconduct; the Senate has never before attempted to expel a member under such circumstances. Achieving a two-thirds majority, therefore, might not be easy. There is also a decent chance that an expulsion could trigger a court challenge, although the courts have interpreted the Senate\'s powers of expulsion to be very broad.<br><br><b>3) Bluff at either of the above, but with the ultimate expectation that Burris will be seated.</b><br><br>The difference here is that Reid would make a show of trying to exclude Burris for the cameras, but would not really try and whip votes. Perhaps the Senate Democrats could thereafter vote to exclude Burris from their caucus, something they have complete discretion over, but which wouldn\'t have much impact with the Democrats firmly in control of the floor.<br><br>*-*<br><br><b>Of these choices, it seems like the first is probably the Democrats\' best bet. This way, Reid and the Senate Democrats won\'t appear to have broken their promise to exclude Burris; instead they\'ll claim that their hands have been tied by the courts. But, they\'ll still get their 58th (or 59th) Democratic senator.</b><br><br>-- Nate Silver at 6:15 PM </i><br><br>Just droppin\' THIS OFF!     :&gt;)    :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4793788">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4793788" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4793788" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4793788" href="http://www.lamasletterstoamerica.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lama Rangdrol</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4793788" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4793788" class="dsq-comment-message">enter Oprama...http://www.lamasletterstoamerica.blogspot.com/2008/12/dear-opramists.html</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4786244">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4786244" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4786244" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4786244">Denise</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4786244" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4786244" class="dsq-comment-message">I am glad to see the seat going to a respected public servant. The fact that he happens to be black is refreshing.     <br><br>Hmmmmmmmmmmm.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791482">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791482" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791482" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791482" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791482" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791482" class="dsq-comment-message">Right place.<br><br>Wrong time.<br><br>--Dr. John, the Night Tripper</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4790632">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4790632" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4790632" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4790632" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4790632" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4790632" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m watching Burris on CNN now, and he\'s full of sh*t.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791429">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791429" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791429" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791429" href="http://getbad.net/blog" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Noelani</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791429" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791429" class="dsq-comment-message">I use to live down the street from this man, in Chatham, I dunno if he still lives in that neighborhood, but I don\'t really know much about his politics. He seems okay, I think we need to investigate first before throwing the man to the wolves.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4789009">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4789009" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4789009" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4789009">MK</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4789009" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4789009" class="dsq-comment-message">It has come to my attention that Black people are NEVER AGAIN supposed to use words like lynching and slavery.  Barack Obama has won and now it is time to STFU.<br><br>Also, please do not have the temerity to mention that there are ZERO black people in the Senate.  That is playing the "race card."  The hypocrisy of all of this caterwauling by so called "progressives" is TOO RICH!  Good Job Bobby! <br><br>We here in Chicago SALUTE YOU!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4791306">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4791306" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4791306" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4791306" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4791306" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4791306" class="dsq-comment-message">Your post is SNARK...right?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 </ul>\
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if(!window.FB || !FB.init) {
	if(window.Dsq && Dsq.container) {
		// container is not present when init.js is loaded from an xd-receiver iframe; in this case,
		// we don't need the FB_HiddenContainer anyway.
		var fbDiv = document.createElement('div');
		fbDiv.id = "FB_HiddenContainer";	// Required or else FeatureLoader will execute a document.write.
		fbDiv.style.position = 'absolute';	// This is intentionally not setting display to none as this breaks
		fbDiv.style.top = '-10000px';		// Flash in Safari.
		fbDiv.style.left = '-10000px';
		fbDiv.style.width = '0px';
		fbDiv.style.height = '0px';
		Dsq.container.appendChild(fbDiv);
	}
	var fbJS = document.createElement('script');
	fbJS.type = "text/javascript";
	fbJS.src = "http://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php";
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(fbJS);

	ExecuteWhen.add(window.fbIsReady,
		function () {
			// HACK: This is a workaround FBC's single domain limitation by
			//		 allowing sites to create multiple forums with different
			//		 Facebook API keys.  This must be used in conjunction with
			//		 disqus_facebook_forum (see authenticateFacebook).
			var facebook_api_key = 'bd6a8bc56f8eb204984f34b6fefe228d';
			if (typeof disqus_facebook_api_key != 'undefined') {
				facebook_api_key = disqus_facebook_api_key;
			}

			FB.init(facebook_api_key, window.facebookXdReceiverPath || null,
				{fetchSignedPublicSessionData: true});
		});
}


	


if(typeof(disqus_callback) == 'function') {
	var callback_params = Dsq.Utils.getRequestParams()['dsq_cbp'] || null;

	// We don't care about any errors in third-party code
	try {
		disqus_callback(callback_params);
	} catch (x) {
		if (typeof(console) != 'undefined' && typeof(console.log) == 'function') {
			// But it would be nice to let developers know about them
			console.log(x);
		}
		// pass
	}

	// HACK: We don't know if the callback wraps our container, which may
	// possibly result in a new DOM element.
	Dsq.container = document.getElementById('dsq-content');
}

})();




