1126
3DHS / Clinton & Obama Cause Global Warming
« on: August 28, 2008, 11:11:07 AM »
Bill Clinton admitted that the heated campaign between Obama & Hillary added significantly to Global Warming.
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1127
3DHS / Admit it Obama followers you really don't want good news on the economy do you?
« on: August 28, 2008, 11:08:59 AM »
Admit it Obama followers you really don't want good news on the economy do you?
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080828/economy.html
Economy rebounds in 2Q, mostly spurred by exports
Thursday August 28, 8:52 am ET
By Jeannine Aversa, AP Economics Writer
Economy rebounds at better-than-expected pace in the spring, mostly spurred by exports
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The economy shifted to a higher gear in the spring, growing at its fastest pace in nearly a year as foreign buyers snapped up U.S. exports and tax rebates spurred shoppers at home.
The Commerce Department reported Thursday that gross domestic product, or GDP, increased at a 3.3 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter. The revised reading was much better than the government's initial estimate of a 1.9 percent pace and exceeded economists' expectations for a 2.7 percent growth rate.
The rebound comes after two dismal quarters. The economy actually shrank in the final three months of 2007 and limped into the first quarter at a feeble 0.9 percent pace. The 3.3 percent growth in the spring was the best performance since the third quarter of last year, when the economy was chugging along at a brisk 4.8 percent pace.
Still, the growth pickup is not likely to be seen as a lasting sign that the fragile economy is back on solid ground.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently warned the economy will be weak through the rest of this year. A growing number of analysts fear that the country will hit another economic pothole in the fourth quarter, as the bracing impact of the tax rebates disappears. And there are concerns exports could tail off as other countries' economies slow down.
GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced within the U.S. and is the best barometer of the country's economic health.
The economy is the top concern for Americans. Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama favors a second government stimulus package, while Republican rival John McCain supports free trade and other business measures to energize the economy.
Housing, credit and financial troubles have pounded the economy.
In turn, employers have clamped down on hiring, driving the nation's unemployment rate up to 5.7 percent in July, a four-year high. The Labor Department said Thursday that the number of people signing up for jobless benefits declined last week for the third straight period, but claims remained above 400,000, an indicator of a slowing economy.
Employers have cut jobs every month this year and wage growth is trailing inflation. That combination raises concerns about the future of consumer spending, one of the pillars underpinning the economy.
The biggest factor in the second-quarter's rebound was robust sales of U.S. exports to other countries. The weaker value of the U.S. dollar has bolstered those sales. Exports grew at a 13.2 percent pace in the spring. That was much stronger than the government's initial estimate of a 9.2 percent growth rate, and more than double the 5.1 percent growth rate logged in the first quarter.
Imports, meanwhile, fell at a 7.6 percent annualized pace in the spring, as economic troubles in the U.S. crimped demand for foreign-made goods.
The improved trade picture added 3.1 percentage points to second-quarter GDP, the most since 1980.
U.S. consumers boosted their spending at a 1.7 percent pace in the second quarter. That was slightly better than the 1.5 percent growth rate initially report and marked the best showing in nearly a year. Government stimulus checks of up to $600 a person helped energize shoppers who had hunkered down amid the economy's problems.
One of the country's biggest problems -- the housing collapse -- was evident in the GDP report.
Builders cut back at an annual rate of 15.7 percent in the second quarter-- although that was a better showing than early this year and late last year.
Businesses trimmed spending on equipment and software in the spring. And, they reduced investment in inventories, but not as much as initially estimated by the government. That was another factor contributing to the improved GDP reading.
One measure of corporate profits showed companies losing ground in the second quarter. After-tax profits fell 3.8 percent in the spring, compared with a 1.1 percent increase in the first quarter.
An inflation gauge tied to the GDP report showed all prices rising at a rate of 4.2 percent in the second quarter, the same as initially estimated.
Taking out energy and food, prices rose 2.1 percent. That also was unchanged from the government's previous estimate but remained outside the Federal Reserve's comfort zone.
With the economy still coping with fallout from housing and credit problems, the Fed is expected to hold interest rates steady at its next meeting on Sept. 16, and probably through the rest of this year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080828/economy.html
Economy rebounds in 2Q, mostly spurred by exports
Thursday August 28, 8:52 am ET
By Jeannine Aversa, AP Economics Writer
Economy rebounds at better-than-expected pace in the spring, mostly spurred by exports
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The economy shifted to a higher gear in the spring, growing at its fastest pace in nearly a year as foreign buyers snapped up U.S. exports and tax rebates spurred shoppers at home.
The Commerce Department reported Thursday that gross domestic product, or GDP, increased at a 3.3 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter. The revised reading was much better than the government's initial estimate of a 1.9 percent pace and exceeded economists' expectations for a 2.7 percent growth rate.
The rebound comes after two dismal quarters. The economy actually shrank in the final three months of 2007 and limped into the first quarter at a feeble 0.9 percent pace. The 3.3 percent growth in the spring was the best performance since the third quarter of last year, when the economy was chugging along at a brisk 4.8 percent pace.
Still, the growth pickup is not likely to be seen as a lasting sign that the fragile economy is back on solid ground.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently warned the economy will be weak through the rest of this year. A growing number of analysts fear that the country will hit another economic pothole in the fourth quarter, as the bracing impact of the tax rebates disappears. And there are concerns exports could tail off as other countries' economies slow down.
GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced within the U.S. and is the best barometer of the country's economic health.
The economy is the top concern for Americans. Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama favors a second government stimulus package, while Republican rival John McCain supports free trade and other business measures to energize the economy.
Housing, credit and financial troubles have pounded the economy.
In turn, employers have clamped down on hiring, driving the nation's unemployment rate up to 5.7 percent in July, a four-year high. The Labor Department said Thursday that the number of people signing up for jobless benefits declined last week for the third straight period, but claims remained above 400,000, an indicator of a slowing economy.
Employers have cut jobs every month this year and wage growth is trailing inflation. That combination raises concerns about the future of consumer spending, one of the pillars underpinning the economy.
The biggest factor in the second-quarter's rebound was robust sales of U.S. exports to other countries. The weaker value of the U.S. dollar has bolstered those sales. Exports grew at a 13.2 percent pace in the spring. That was much stronger than the government's initial estimate of a 9.2 percent growth rate, and more than double the 5.1 percent growth rate logged in the first quarter.
Imports, meanwhile, fell at a 7.6 percent annualized pace in the spring, as economic troubles in the U.S. crimped demand for foreign-made goods.
The improved trade picture added 3.1 percentage points to second-quarter GDP, the most since 1980.
U.S. consumers boosted their spending at a 1.7 percent pace in the second quarter. That was slightly better than the 1.5 percent growth rate initially report and marked the best showing in nearly a year. Government stimulus checks of up to $600 a person helped energize shoppers who had hunkered down amid the economy's problems.
One of the country's biggest problems -- the housing collapse -- was evident in the GDP report.
Builders cut back at an annual rate of 15.7 percent in the second quarter-- although that was a better showing than early this year and late last year.
Businesses trimmed spending on equipment and software in the spring. And, they reduced investment in inventories, but not as much as initially estimated by the government. That was another factor contributing to the improved GDP reading.
One measure of corporate profits showed companies losing ground in the second quarter. After-tax profits fell 3.8 percent in the spring, compared with a 1.1 percent increase in the first quarter.
An inflation gauge tied to the GDP report showed all prices rising at a rate of 4.2 percent in the second quarter, the same as initially estimated.
Taking out energy and food, prices rose 2.1 percent. That also was unchanged from the government's previous estimate but remained outside the Federal Reserve's comfort zone.
With the economy still coping with fallout from housing and credit problems, the Fed is expected to hold interest rates steady at its next meeting on Sept. 16, and probably through the rest of this year.
1128
3DHS / Should Pelosi Ride the School Bus w/ Protective Head Gear?
« on: August 28, 2008, 11:00:16 AM »
Is this women retarded or what, - - - she says the dumbest things and does it often.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080828/D92R51M81.html
Pelosi gets unwanted lesson in Catholic theology
Aug 28, 3:13 AM (ET)
By RACHEL ZOLL
Politics can be treacherous. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi walked on even riskier ground in a recent TV interview when she attempted a theological defense of her support for abortion rights.
Roman Catholic bishops consider her arguments on St. Augustine and free will so far out of line with church teaching that they have issued a steady stream of statements to correct her.
The latest came Wednesday from Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik, who said Pelosi, D-Calif., "stepped out of her political role and completely misrepresented the teaching of the Catholic Church in regard to abortion."
It has been a harsh week of rebuke for the Democratic congresswoman, a Catholic school graduate who repeatedly has expressed pride in and love for her religious heritage.
Cardinals and archbishops in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Denver are among those who have criticized her remarks. Archbishop George Niederauer, in Pelosi's hometown of San Francisco, will take up the issue in the Sept. 5 edition of the archdiocesan newspaper, his spokesman said.
Sunday, on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, Pelosi said "doctors of the church" have not been able to define when life begins.
She also cited the role of individual conscience. "God has given us, each of us, a free will and a responsibility to answer for our actions," she said.
Brendan Daly, a spokesman for Pelosi, said in a statement defending her remarks that she "fully appreciates the sanctity of family" and based her views on conception on the "views of Saint Augustine, who said, 'The law does not provide that the act (abortion) pertains to homicide, for there cannot yet be said to be a live soul in a body that lacks sensation.'"
But whether or not parishioners choose to accept it, the theology on the procedure is clear. From its earliest days, Christianity has considered abortion evil.
"This teaching has remained unchanged and remains unchangeable," according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. "Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law."
The Rev. Douglas Milewski, a Seton Hall University theologian who specializes in Augustine, said Pelosi seems to be confusing church teaching on abortion with the theological debate over when a fetus receives a soul.
"Saint Augustine wondered about the stages of human development before birth, how this related to the question of ensoulment and what it meant for life in the Kingdom of God," Milewski said.
Questions about ensoulment related to determining penalties under church law for early and later abortions, not deciding whether the procedure is permissible, according to the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
Augustine was "quite clear on the immorality of abortion as evil violence, destructive of the very fabric of human bonds and society," Milewski said.
Regarding individual decision-making, the church teaches that Catholics are obliged to use their conscience in considering moral issues. However, that doesn't mean parishioners can pick and choose what to believe and still be in line with the church.
Lisa Sowle Cahill, a theologian at Boston College, said conscience must be formed by Catholic teaching and philosophical insights. "It's not just a personal opinion that you came up with randomly," she said.
Catholic theologians today overwhelmingly consider debate over the morality of abortion settled. Thinkers and activists who attempt to challenge the theology are often considered on the fringes of church life.
However, there is a rigorous debate over how the teaching should guide voters and public officials. Are Catholics required to choose the candidate who opposes abortion? Or can they back a politician based on his or her policies on reducing, not outlawing, the procedure?
The U.S. bishops addressed this question in their election-year public policy guide, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship."
They said that voting for a candidate specifically because he or she supports "an intrinsic evil" such as abortion amounts to "formal cooperation in grave evil."
In some cases, Catholics may vote for a candidate with a position contrary to church teaching, but only for "truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences," according to the document.
It is a complex discussion. The Rev. Thomas Reese, senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University, has some advice for candidates who seek to join the debate: Stick to politics - and support programs that truly help reduce the number of abortions.
"It is a big mistake," Reese said, "for politicians to talk theology."
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080828/D92R51M81.html
Pelosi gets unwanted lesson in Catholic theology
Aug 28, 3:13 AM (ET)
By RACHEL ZOLL
Politics can be treacherous. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi walked on even riskier ground in a recent TV interview when she attempted a theological defense of her support for abortion rights.
Roman Catholic bishops consider her arguments on St. Augustine and free will so far out of line with church teaching that they have issued a steady stream of statements to correct her.
The latest came Wednesday from Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik, who said Pelosi, D-Calif., "stepped out of her political role and completely misrepresented the teaching of the Catholic Church in regard to abortion."
It has been a harsh week of rebuke for the Democratic congresswoman, a Catholic school graduate who repeatedly has expressed pride in and love for her religious heritage.
Cardinals and archbishops in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Denver are among those who have criticized her remarks. Archbishop George Niederauer, in Pelosi's hometown of San Francisco, will take up the issue in the Sept. 5 edition of the archdiocesan newspaper, his spokesman said.
Sunday, on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, Pelosi said "doctors of the church" have not been able to define when life begins.
She also cited the role of individual conscience. "God has given us, each of us, a free will and a responsibility to answer for our actions," she said.
Brendan Daly, a spokesman for Pelosi, said in a statement defending her remarks that she "fully appreciates the sanctity of family" and based her views on conception on the "views of Saint Augustine, who said, 'The law does not provide that the act (abortion) pertains to homicide, for there cannot yet be said to be a live soul in a body that lacks sensation.'"
But whether or not parishioners choose to accept it, the theology on the procedure is clear. From its earliest days, Christianity has considered abortion evil.
"This teaching has remained unchanged and remains unchangeable," according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. "Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law."
The Rev. Douglas Milewski, a Seton Hall University theologian who specializes in Augustine, said Pelosi seems to be confusing church teaching on abortion with the theological debate over when a fetus receives a soul.
"Saint Augustine wondered about the stages of human development before birth, how this related to the question of ensoulment and what it meant for life in the Kingdom of God," Milewski said.
Questions about ensoulment related to determining penalties under church law for early and later abortions, not deciding whether the procedure is permissible, according to the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
Augustine was "quite clear on the immorality of abortion as evil violence, destructive of the very fabric of human bonds and society," Milewski said.
Regarding individual decision-making, the church teaches that Catholics are obliged to use their conscience in considering moral issues. However, that doesn't mean parishioners can pick and choose what to believe and still be in line with the church.
Lisa Sowle Cahill, a theologian at Boston College, said conscience must be formed by Catholic teaching and philosophical insights. "It's not just a personal opinion that you came up with randomly," she said.
Catholic theologians today overwhelmingly consider debate over the morality of abortion settled. Thinkers and activists who attempt to challenge the theology are often considered on the fringes of church life.
However, there is a rigorous debate over how the teaching should guide voters and public officials. Are Catholics required to choose the candidate who opposes abortion? Or can they back a politician based on his or her policies on reducing, not outlawing, the procedure?
The U.S. bishops addressed this question in their election-year public policy guide, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship."
They said that voting for a candidate specifically because he or she supports "an intrinsic evil" such as abortion amounts to "formal cooperation in grave evil."
In some cases, Catholics may vote for a candidate with a position contrary to church teaching, but only for "truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences," according to the document.
It is a complex discussion. The Rev. Thomas Reese, senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University, has some advice for candidates who seek to join the debate: Stick to politics - and support programs that truly help reduce the number of abortions.
"It is a big mistake," Reese said, "for politicians to talk theology."
1129
3DHS / Socialist Voice
« on: August 27, 2008, 03:56:33 PM »
Canada really is a sick nation.
Should America invade and rule this place for a while until they improve on human rights?
http://www.socialistvoice.ca/?p=276
Should America invade and rule this place for a while until they improve on human rights?
http://www.socialistvoice.ca/?p=276
1130
3DHS / Canada is a Racist Nation
« on: August 27, 2008, 03:21:19 PM »
Where is their nonwhite high office holders, judges & leaders.
Is their highest paid citizens black women - nope
Do they have any blacks running for high office and if they did do they stand a snowballs chance in hell of winning - nope
Canada is filled with racists going back to the early days when they killed native Indians.
Is their highest paid citizens black women - nope
Do they have any blacks running for high office and if they did do they stand a snowballs chance in hell of winning - nope
Canada is filled with racists going back to the early days when they killed native Indians.
1131
Nasty Pelosi Quotes
House Democratic leaders and protesters waving McCain signs had a war of words Tuesday at a press event outside an old train station. The demonstrators interrupted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with chants of “Drill here! Drill now!”
Pelosi paused and asked the group, “Right here?”
Seeming to enjoy the back and forth, she followed with another question: “Can we drill your brains?”
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Pelosi said Sunday on NBC's ``Meet the Press'' that ``doctors of the church'' have not been able to define when life begins. That prompted swift rebukes from Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput, who said Pelosi was incorrect and that Catholic teaching has consistently condemned abortion.
House Democratic leaders and protesters waving McCain signs had a war of words Tuesday at a press event outside an old train station. The demonstrators interrupted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with chants of “Drill here! Drill now!”
Pelosi paused and asked the group, “Right here?”
Seeming to enjoy the back and forth, she followed with another question: “Can we drill your brains?”
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Pelosi said Sunday on NBC's ``Meet the Press'' that ``doctors of the church'' have not been able to define when life begins. That prompted swift rebukes from Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput, who said Pelosi was incorrect and that Catholic teaching has consistently condemned abortion.
1132
3DHS / Gallup Daily, McCain creeps ahead, 46% to 44%
« on: August 27, 2008, 12:35:09 PM »
Gallup Daily: No Bounce for Obama in Post-Biden Tracking
McCain creeps ahead, 46% to 44%
McCain creeps ahead, 46% to 44%
1133
3DHS / McCain Will Pick a Women
« on: August 27, 2008, 12:32:13 PM »
This makes the most sense for McCain to pick a women.
1134
3DHS / On Occassion Hillary Tells The Truth
« on: August 27, 2008, 12:26:29 PM »
_Dec. 3, 2007: "So you decide which makes more sense: Entrust our country to someone who is ready on Day One ... or to put America in the hands of someone with little national or international experience, who started running for president the day he arrived in the U.S. Senate."
_March 2008. "I know Sen. McCain has a lifetime of experience that he will bring to the White House. And Sen. Obama has a speech he gave in 2002."
_Feb. 23, 2008: "Now, I could stand up here and say, 'Let's just get everybody together. Let's get unified.' The skies will open, the light will come down, celestial choirs will be singing and everyone will know we should do the right thing and the world will be perfect."
_March 2008. "I know Sen. McCain has a lifetime of experience that he will bring to the White House. And Sen. Obama has a speech he gave in 2002."
_Feb. 23, 2008: "Now, I could stand up here and say, 'Let's just get everybody together. Let's get unified.' The skies will open, the light will come down, celestial choirs will be singing and everyone will know we should do the right thing and the world will be perfect."
1135
3DHS / Obama's 6 Year Old Daughter Corrects Daddy on National TV
« on: August 26, 2008, 12:12:48 AM »
Obama's 6 Year Old Daughter Corrects Daddy on National TV
Tonight on national TV Obama says he is in St Louis but in fact he was in KC.
Obama's 6 Year Old Daughter asks what city are you in daddy?
Very telling on the fact his kids are smarter than Obama...
Tonight on national TV Obama says he is in St Louis but in fact he was in KC.
Obama's 6 Year Old Daughter asks what city are you in daddy?
Very telling on the fact his kids are smarter than Obama...
1136
3DHS / 9-year-old boy told he's too good to pitch
« on: August 25, 2008, 09:03:34 PM »
This is bull - the kid should be able to play even if he's better than the rest...
9-year-old boy told he's too good to pitch
Nine-year-old Jericho Scott is a good baseball player — too good, it turns out. The right-hander has a fastball that tops out at about 40 mph. He throws so hard that the Youth Baseball League of New Haven told his coach that the boy could not pitch any more. When Jericho took the mound anyway last week, the opposing team forfeited the game, packed its gear and left, his coach said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bby_too_good_to_pitch;_ylt=ArJn.Q5LVdeJwxDoIKRqRxes0NUE
9-year-old boy told he's too good to pitch
Nine-year-old Jericho Scott is a good baseball player — too good, it turns out. The right-hander has a fastball that tops out at about 40 mph. He throws so hard that the Youth Baseball League of New Haven told his coach that the boy could not pitch any more. When Jericho took the mound anyway last week, the opposing team forfeited the game, packed its gear and left, his coach said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bby_too_good_to_pitch;_ylt=ArJn.Q5LVdeJwxDoIKRqRxes0NUE
1137
3DHS / Edwards Shunned
« on: August 25, 2008, 06:00:02 PM »
Johnny Boy Edwards is being shunned. If only he had driven drunk, killed his date, split the scene and covered up the crime - - - then he would be giving a speech this week and be honored by an adoring crowd.
1138
3DHS / Anybody Disappointed in Obama Yet?
« on: August 25, 2008, 05:43:31 PM »
Just wait, this is just the beginning of waves of disappointment coming to ya via Obama. If elected Obama will be a huge disappointed if he loses you will be disappointed. You are losers no matter what... sorry but that is just how it will be...
1139
3DHS / Biden's Son Employed in Profession Obama Disdains: Lobbying
« on: August 25, 2008, 04:38:13 PM »
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=a6QrVqdTZKv4&refer=home
Biden's Son Employed in Profession Obama Disdains: Lobbying
By Timothy J. Burger
Aug. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Barack Obama's speech announcing his running mate Joe Biden singled out the Delaware senator's son who is headed for Iraq. Obama didn't mention the profession of Biden's other son, who lobbied for two drug companies and five universities.
Hunter Biden, 38, described as a lawyer in the biography of his father distributed yesterday by the Obama campaign, lobbied for clients that paid his firm at least $380,000 in the first six months of this year, federal records show.
Both Obama and Republican presidential rival John McCain have said lobbyists may not work on their campaigns. McCain recently called lobbyists ``birds of prey,'' and Obama has refused to accept their contributions. In his speech yesterday in Springfield, Illinois, Obama said he's running in part to repair ``a government that has fallen prey to special interests.''
Hunter Biden's work for Oldaker, Biden & Belair on behalf of biotech clients Achaogen, Inc., of South San Francisco and Pulmatrix, Inc., of Lexington, Massachusetts, illustrates the quandary posed when legislators have lobbyists within the family.
``It's always something to watch out for when you have a high-ranking member of Congress or an important senator whose child goes into the influence business,'' said Bill Allison, a senior fellow at the Sunlight Foundation, a Washington nonprofit that advocates transparency.
Influential Connection
``It's not necessarily that the father's going to do favors for the child's clients, but that every other member knows who his father is and what the connection is and that can carry a lot of influence as well,'' Allison said in an interview.
Elizabeth Alexander, a spokeswoman for Biden's Senate office, said the senator follows ethics rules.
``Hunter Biden does not lobby and has not lobbied Senator Biden's office,'' Alexander said in an e-mail. ``Our rules are dictated by the Senate ethics bill, and we follow it by the letter.'' Alexander said she knew of no favors done for Hunter Biden's clients.
Hunter Biden couldn't be reached yesterday through Alexander and did not return a message left on his office voicemail. His home phone in Washington is unlisted.
The senator's Web site describes Hunter Biden as a lawyer.
The Obama-Biden campaign had no comment.
Hunter Biden also sits on the board of Amtrak, the passenger railroad whose federal subsidies McCain has often criticized. Joe Biden rides home to Wilmington on Amtrak trains every night after work in the Senate.
Anthrax Contract
Before Hunter Biden was listed in disclosures as working on the Achaogen account, the company announced in October 2006 that it had received a $24.7 million Pentagon contract to work on anthrax-threat mitigation, according to a press release on the company's Web site.
Achaogen paid Biden's firm $20,000 in the final quarter of 2006, according to filings.
By coincidence, the senator's office in Wilmington had an anthrax scare in October 2006 when an aide opened a letter that had a mysterious powder in it. Authorities later determined it wasn't anthrax.
Hunter Biden's lobbying clients also include the University of Scranton and St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, which paid Biden's firm $80,000 to lobby the House and Senate on matters including defense appropriations. Another of his clients was Regis University in Denver, which paid the firm $80,000 for the same kind of work in the same period.
To contact the reporter on this story: Timothy J. Burger in Washington at tburger2@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: August 24, 2008 01:11 EDT
Biden's Son Employed in Profession Obama Disdains: Lobbying
By Timothy J. Burger
Aug. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Barack Obama's speech announcing his running mate Joe Biden singled out the Delaware senator's son who is headed for Iraq. Obama didn't mention the profession of Biden's other son, who lobbied for two drug companies and five universities.
Hunter Biden, 38, described as a lawyer in the biography of his father distributed yesterday by the Obama campaign, lobbied for clients that paid his firm at least $380,000 in the first six months of this year, federal records show.
Both Obama and Republican presidential rival John McCain have said lobbyists may not work on their campaigns. McCain recently called lobbyists ``birds of prey,'' and Obama has refused to accept their contributions. In his speech yesterday in Springfield, Illinois, Obama said he's running in part to repair ``a government that has fallen prey to special interests.''
Hunter Biden's work for Oldaker, Biden & Belair on behalf of biotech clients Achaogen, Inc., of South San Francisco and Pulmatrix, Inc., of Lexington, Massachusetts, illustrates the quandary posed when legislators have lobbyists within the family.
``It's always something to watch out for when you have a high-ranking member of Congress or an important senator whose child goes into the influence business,'' said Bill Allison, a senior fellow at the Sunlight Foundation, a Washington nonprofit that advocates transparency.
Influential Connection
``It's not necessarily that the father's going to do favors for the child's clients, but that every other member knows who his father is and what the connection is and that can carry a lot of influence as well,'' Allison said in an interview.
Elizabeth Alexander, a spokeswoman for Biden's Senate office, said the senator follows ethics rules.
``Hunter Biden does not lobby and has not lobbied Senator Biden's office,'' Alexander said in an e-mail. ``Our rules are dictated by the Senate ethics bill, and we follow it by the letter.'' Alexander said she knew of no favors done for Hunter Biden's clients.
Hunter Biden couldn't be reached yesterday through Alexander and did not return a message left on his office voicemail. His home phone in Washington is unlisted.
The senator's Web site describes Hunter Biden as a lawyer.
The Obama-Biden campaign had no comment.
Hunter Biden also sits on the board of Amtrak, the passenger railroad whose federal subsidies McCain has often criticized. Joe Biden rides home to Wilmington on Amtrak trains every night after work in the Senate.
Anthrax Contract
Before Hunter Biden was listed in disclosures as working on the Achaogen account, the company announced in October 2006 that it had received a $24.7 million Pentagon contract to work on anthrax-threat mitigation, according to a press release on the company's Web site.
Achaogen paid Biden's firm $20,000 in the final quarter of 2006, according to filings.
By coincidence, the senator's office in Wilmington had an anthrax scare in October 2006 when an aide opened a letter that had a mysterious powder in it. Authorities later determined it wasn't anthrax.
Hunter Biden's lobbying clients also include the University of Scranton and St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, which paid Biden's firm $80,000 to lobby the House and Senate on matters including defense appropriations. Another of his clients was Regis University in Denver, which paid the firm $80,000 for the same kind of work in the same period.
To contact the reporter on this story: Timothy J. Burger in Washington at tburger2@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: August 24, 2008 01:11 EDT