The Secret Endgame

As we predicted quite a while back, reports are now surfacing which confirm our suspicioun that Democratic party leaders are organizing an endgame to the primary season.

The writing has been on the wall for some time: party elders lining up behind Obama, repeated calls for an end to the negativity in the campaign, promises that the nomination would be settled long before the convention, etc.

However, now it is actually happening. The Wall Street Journal has basically come out and said that Nancy Pelosi, alongside other top establishment dems, will approach a candidate (likely after Tuesday's primary) and ask them to step aside.

This scenario is one that we saw coming months ago: only some top brass could end this fight, especially now that Hillary has made her public image so committed to staying in the race. This will take the combined powers of Pelosi, Dean, Emmanuel, and possibly Gore.

Even so, expect it to happen, and expect it to happen soon.

Why?

Because Pennsylvania is likely the last primary to matter, and its looking like Hil's victory wont be as huge as she would like.

NC will go to Barrack, Indiana will be close, and again, NO ONE CARES about PR. Sorry brothers and sisters from the island... its true. Get over it. In the entire history of our country, PR will never decide a nominee. Wont happen.

In any case, the rest of the primary season is fairly predictable, meaning that Penn was Hil's last chance to make some sort of impact, and it appears that she has failed to do so. As such, it is time for the adults to step in and end this.

Thank god.

Now all the Dems need is for Bill and Hillary to endorse Obama and move their motivated, if recently disheartened, base over to his came so we can actually win this election.

And we're back!

I know its been a little while since our last post, but fuck you. We've been busy. Anyhow, heres the latest: its been an up and down week for the Democratic candidates, but mostly up for Obama and down for Clinton.

Oh sure, Barry (/wonkette) said that Pennsylvania voters are bitter, and now apparently everyone is supposed to shit themselves with indignation, but overall things are looking very much like they were looking a week ago, only more so.

More polls have now come up showing the two in close single digits in Pennsylvania, Obama still has his comfortable lead in North Carolina, and Indiana is a toss-up.

Now, word comes from The Scotsman that Jimmy Carter and Al Gore are planning some sort of wonder-twins magic wherein they will combine their super-human philanthropic powers and force Hillary out of the race. According to this article discussions have taken place between the two, and its no longer a question of "if" as much as "when." I'll believe it when I see it, but its nice to think about.

So, to sum up: Obama has apparently delivered a mortal insult to red blooded Pennsylvanians by suggesting that they are unhappy with the government and as such seek out ways to alleviate and vent their frustrations, and as such he is completely unqualified to help make things better for these sorry rednecks. Not buying it? Nah, us neither. Although, it is funny to see Hillary try and seize on this and portray herself as little Ms. town and country.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Kosher Coke is Here!

No politics tonight folks, instead... something completely different.

Remember how good Coca Cola tasted when you were a kid? Not Diet Coke, that stuff was gross (at least to an impressionable young GZ at the tender age of 5). Coca Cola was where it was at. That smooth sweet delicious taste that just doesn't seem to exist any more. What happened? Did you just get older and your tastes changed? Nope. Coke changed.

In 1985 Coca Cola changed its original formula to include high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar (or sucrose). This changed the taste to something a bit more chemical and saccharine.

Well, now is the time of year that the original Coca Cola comes back out, the time of year where you can relive the days when Coke actually tasted great, instead of the chemical mess it is usually.

Its passover, and its one of the worst kept secrets in food that Coke makes a passover version of Coca Cola classic for us Jews, a passover version that uses Sucrose instead of high fructose corn syrup. We here at GZ just happened to snag a bottle today at our local supermarket.


Here it is, in all its unassuming glory. Notice the white cap instead of the traditional red. That is all that identifies this shape shifter in the supermarket, you could easily have some in your own house and not even know it.

Now, just to prove that there really is a difference, here are pictures of the ingredients.


Notice the lack of corn syrup, with just sugar (sucrose) in it's place.

Now for a regular bottle of coke:


Notice the high fructose corn syrup. For shame.

Now, does it actually make a difference? I conducted a blind taste test on a few friends and Mrs. GZ to find out.

I poured both coke and the kosher coke into different glasses, each with some ice. One thing I noticed immediately is how the Kosher Coke's froth was thicker and lasted longer. Next, I had the folks try them and point to the glass which was their favorite. Without a hitch, all of them pointed at the Kosher Coke.

The difference? Various adjectives I heard them use were: creamier, milder, less chemical, less aftertaste, and just better.

So, the moral of the story people: go out and look for some Kosher Coke in your local supermarket. It only comes out once a year (unless you live in Israel) and its worth the search.

And His Name Was Emmanuel

Newsweek has an *excellent* article about the potential roll Rahm Emmanuel (one of my favorite people in Washington) may play in finishing the nomination battle. The general consensus is that Rahm is close with both the Clinton's and Obama, has great standing, is respected, and is generally a tough motherfucker. He is exactly the sort of person who would be willing and able to tell Hillary that the race is over, something that Howard Dean lacks the standing to do, and Nancy Pelosi lacks the personal connection to do.

Rahm is noted for his work in Chicago as a congressman, his work as an operative in the Clinton White House, and his stewardship of the DCCC in the 2006 election cycle. The dude lost a finger as a kid, studied ballet, and is known for having one of the foulest mouths on the hill. He is also known for his well publicized rivalry and contentious relationship with DNC Chair Howard Dean. In short, this guy is awesome.

Bad Poll Day

Here we are, just getting up and getting to the daily business of running the Great Zaganza office, when we see this: a new Rasmussen poll has Senator Barack Obama leading Hillary Clinton nationally 51% to 40%.

This 11% lead (far above the margin of error) is the largest national lead yet for Obama, and is easily big enough to give some Clintonista's serious nightmares.

What is unclear now is if this is due to people paying attention to Obama and liking him, or paying attention to Hillary and hating her.

One thing is clear though: this is indicative of the national trend, and it will continue to move in this direction for the immediate future. This is extremely bad news for Clinton, who was hoping for a big win in Pennsylvania in two weeks time.

Rough Day?

Daily Roundup: April 7, 2008

Its been a long weekend folks, so enough talking. Lets get to the news:

Terry McAuliffe, former head of the DNC and current head of Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign Committee has been photographed in Washington posing with Obama supporters and smiling while helping them hold up their Obama signs. Everybody wants to feel like a winner once in a while eh Terry?

Barack Obama has said that he may not necessarily choose a foreign policy VP as he already feels confident in this arena. Hillary was asked for a comment but she was too busy dodging sniper fire.

In 1992, John McCain after being insulted by his wife in front of reporters, apparently turned around and called her a "cunt." Though widely considered a vulgar remark, this exchange finally ended all questions as to his perceptive abilities. Classy, John.

After secretly collaborating with the government of Columbia for a trade deal which Hillary Clinton publicly opposed, chief campaign strategist Mark Penn has stepped down (or aside?). Clinton's campaign is expected to descend into a miasma of baseless claims of self-worth, republican style attack ads, meandering messages, and... well, you get the point. He wasn't a very good strategist. Also, rival strategist David Axelrod got to do a tiny victory dance.

Former Federal Reserve head Alan Greenspan has said that the USA is likely in a recession (or heading to it) and simultaneously endorsed John McCain, a man who has said he doesn't understand the economy. No joke needed.

Republican super strategist Bill Kristol has said most Republicans expect Barack Obama to be our next president. Honesty, or maybe a trick to lure Democrats into a false sense of security? Or does he WANT Democrats to think he is luring them into a false sense of security? DAMN YOU KRISTOL!

Montana Superdelegate Margaret Campbell has endorsed Barack Obama.

Montana Superdelegate Margaret Campbell has retracted her endorsement after local party officials intervened, citing a violation of party rules.

John McCain raised 15 million dollars in March, topping his previous fund raising record. When asked for comment a spokesman for the Obama campaign said "$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$"


Daily Polling Roundup:


Public Policy Polling

North Carolina
Primary Matchup: Obama 54, Clinton 33


American Research Group

Pennsylvania
Primary Matchup: Obama 45, Clinton 45

Gallup Poll

National
Obama 52, Clinton 43
Obama 45, McCain 45... McCain 47, Clinton 45

Rasmussen Reports

National
Obama 51, Clinton 41
McCain 46, Obama 45... McCain 47, Clinton 44

Favorable / Unfavorable
McCain: 54 / 43
Clinton: 45 / 53
Obama: 52 / 45

North Carolina
Primary Matchup: Obama 56, Clinton 33