Transcript as follows

Today, the leaders of the G-20 countries -- a group that includes the world's largest economies -- are gathering in Washington to seek solutions to the ongoing turmoil in our financial markets. I'm glad President Bush has initiated this process -- because our global economic crisis requires a coordinated global response. And yet, as we act in concert with other nations, we must also act immediately here at home to address America's own economic crisis. This week, amid continued volatility in our markets, we learned that unemployment insurance claims rose to their highest levels since September 11, 2001. We've lost jobs for ten straight months -- nearly 1.2 million jobs this year, many of them in our struggling auto industry. And millions of our fellow citizens lie awake each night wondering how they're going to pay their bills, stay in their homes, and save for retirement.

Make no mistake: this is the greatest economic challenge of our time. And while the road ahead will be long, and the work will be hard, I know that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis -- because here in America we always rise to the moment, no matter how hard. And I am more hopeful than ever before that America will rise once again.

But we must act right now. Next week, Congress will meet to address the spreading impact of the economic crisis. I urge them to pass at least a down-payment on a rescue plan that will create jobs, relieve the squeeze on families, and help get the economy growing again. In particular, we cannot afford to delay providing help for the more than one million Americans who will have exhausted their unemployment insurance by the end of this year. If Congress does not pass an immediate plan that gives the economy the boost it needs, I will make it my first order of business as President.

Even as we dig ourselves out of this recession, we must also recognize that out of this economic crisis comes an opportunity to create new jobs, strengthen our middle class, and keep our economy competitive in the 21st century.

That starts with the kinds of long-term investments that we've neglected for too long. That means putting two million Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, and schools. It means investing $150 billion to build an American green energy economy that will create five million new jobs, while freeing our nation from the tyranny of foreign oil, and saving our planet for our children. It means making health care affordable for anyone who has it, accessible for anyone who wants it, and reducing costs for small businesses. And it also means giving every child the world-class education they need to compete with any worker, anywhere in the world.

Doing all this will require not just new policies, but a new spirit of service and sacrifice, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. If this financial crisis has taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers -- in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. And that is how we will meet the challenges of our time -- together. Thank you.

Awesome first fireside chat, don't you think?

This was posted at the change.gov website

This is hysterical. The real John McCain and the real Cindy too! And of course Tina Fey as the spot on Sarah Palin.

Since it appears that the insert image and or file buttons cannot find the "asset?" which to upload an image to a blog post, I thought I would try this out - and if it worked - share with you how I did it.

It seems to be working so if you would like to add an image to your blog, here is how I managed it. Locate the Format field on the top right of your create entry screen. Click on the drop down menu button (to the right of this field) and choose "none".

Now you can do some html! I know...you all are groaning (I know I was) but it is not as bad as it sounds, trust me. :) So here is the easy way, copy the following line into a word document or notepad or whatever and save it. That way, whenever you need to insert a picture, all you have to do is paste the line and change the address of the image. So here you go:

<img src="http://yeswecarve.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/j_meyer.jpg">

Notice the web address for the image is in between the quotation marks? When you want to insert an image, paste the above html line of code into your post, then delete the address of the image above (be careful - you need those quotation marks) and insert your own.

So to recap:1) Change format to none. 2) Open your saved document and copy the html code you previously saved from above and paste it into your blog. 3) Change the address in between quotations marks in the code to your image address.

A fun website to play around with html code is here: HTML Basics

That is pretty much it. Once you get used to seeing the html image code often, you will be able to remember it and type it in without the need to copy and paste. I just found it easier the first couple of times until I got the hang of it. But hey, I might just be a slow learner. And I am sure there are many more computer gurus here on TPM that probably have an easier way. If there are easier ways, please come forward with your knowledge! :)

Unfortunately these instructions are for images already uploaded to the web. If you have images on your machine that you want to post, you will need to upload them to a photo site like photobucket or flickr. You can then use the address the site assigns the image to post in your blog using the above info.

Note: for those who feel especially adventurous, you can also change the size of your image. For example, the above image I resized a little. To do so you need to add a little more to the html code I posted above:

<img src="http://yeswecarve.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/j_meyer.jpg" width="450" height="338">

Notice the code is exactly as it was above, only with a width and height added before the closing end tag >:. Thanks to the lovely new preview feature, you can play around with these parameters to get the right fit for you.

Obviously if TPM gets the "insert image" and/or "insert file" fixed, the world would be a happy place. :) But until then, I hope this helps as a work around.

This is really amazing. In this clip, Neil Cavuto (yes..that Neil Cavuto) is taking McCain to the shed over his erratic economic stances. He cites many examples of the campaign's totally inconsistent message and informs him that is the reason he is losing.

Cavuto goes on to contrast, in what seems to be grudging admiration, Obama's economic message, noting it has always been clear, concise and never wavering. But my description does not do it justice - Check it out (I am still trying to get my jaw off of the floor):

With the success of Stone's current film "W", the filmaker has decided to to embark on another political saga. Coming soon to a desktop near you!

I have to see this when it comes out! ;)

I am not kidding! Check out the video below. Did you know that the VP can get in there with the senators if he/she wants to and make "good policy changes"?

"The vice president has a really great job. Because not only are they there to support the president's agenda they're like the team member, the team mate to that president. But also they are in charge of the United States Senate so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom. It is a great job and I look forward to having that job.

OMG!!!! Do you believe this? How can this possibly be real? How can any credible news agency take this person seriously. I keep waiting for the candid camera crew to jump out because this is just so surreal.

This video revisits Powell's statements this weekend and is coupled with pics emphasizing his views. His wise words and true patriotism - shows what this country really stands for and should be an example for us all.

Wow! I am sure his sentiments are shared with sane conservatives who are disgusted with how the neocons and fundies have taken over their party.

There are those who seek power appealing to our baser instincts (anger, hatred fear). However, truly great leaders appeal to our saner selves. Powell and Obama are putting out that call. I am hopeful the saner voices will prevail - not just in this campaign, but for the entirety of Obama's administration.

Forget the talking hairdos - Jon Stewart is my favorite pundit. In this ditty, the right has created great anticipation frenzy among McCain supporters over a totally new stump speech. The right waits with baited breath, then hangs on McCain's every word. Jon rightfully notes, "I have heard this before."

Watch for the yard sign. Comedy Gold!

I absolutely adore Keith Olbermann. I was so incensed that McCain could actually try to play the victim of Lewis' admonition rather than look at what is being done in his name on the campaign trail. But I cannot do it justice. Keith...take it away:


For those who do not have access to video, the transcript is here:

This is just too good to pass up. Campbell Brown is fast becoming one of my favorites (and I am not a big CNN fan).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSNkloIFTQ0

She demands that the McCain campaign to stop this sexist  sequestering of Palin.  Campbell makes the point that treating Palin as if she is some delicate flower - instead of the tough Alaska fighting woman she has shown herself to be - is horrible proof of McCain's sexism.

The best part is watching Campbell try to keep a straight face. The media knows darn well why the McCain campaign is keeping Palin away from reporters - and it is not because she is a "delicate flower".

I guess they are taking a cue from a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln:
" 'Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."

Have a great evening all :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh-lW2opLyQ&feature=related

The above clip is from the Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS over a year ago.

Craig has been waiting for his citizenship to come through. Until then he has had a few state governors offer him honorary state citizenship. Sarah Palin actually sent her offer by video...and what an offer it was. (it had Craig almost drooling).

Not only does she 'blaspheme' by making cross gestures while deeming him a citizen, she also uses some interesting adjectives to entice him to visit. "We will let you partake of rich succulent Alaska salmon..."

For one who claims her boundless evangelical faith she is really edging the line. Is this any way for a governor to act?

Now lets look at the feminist aspect of this for a moment. She has been around the block, she knows she is pleasant to look at. So why the hell does she encourage this kind of thing? Far from being a feminist...she is perfectly ok with Craig using her attractiveness as comedy.  
 
There is just no way a late night punchline can be a heartbeat away from the presidency....please tell me this is not possible.

I really want to believe Hillary's talk of unity. I am finding it hard for one reason.

Bill Richardson was on MSNBC. When he was asked, he said that Bill C. had not talked to him since he endorsed Obama and had heard that he still feels betrayed.

Hillary needs to get on his ass. This election is bigger than Bill C's. wounded pride.

Bill Richardson is a really decent guy who takes his responsibility to the people seriously.

Bill C. is way to freaking narcissistic for that. Hillary's speech tonight was wonderful, but if she really wants to show us how committed she is to Obama, she will make her hubby bite the bullet and tow the party line. She is one tough cookie. I think she can handle that challenge.

Come on Bill. You are the greatest actor of all time. You looked us straight in the eye and fabricated a denial so believable that whole websites that were created for your defense (Moveon.org). They still exist today (endorsing Obama). Try using your thespian skill for a cause greater than your own hide. Even if you don't feel it, get out there and show the American people that Obama is the only sane choice for president. Make me believe you. 

Come on Bill...you can do this. Hillary, get on his ass please. We don't have a whole lot of time here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDGhs_LN7Fk

This is just amazing. The Fox news reporter in the above clip is covering the story of progressive groups that are already gathered in Denver for the convention this weekend. As they are marching, the reporter keeps asking the different participants what their message is. He is rebuffed at every turn. He then asks if anyone believes in freedom of the press. Again he is scorned. Finally the entire crowd starts screaming "F*CK FOX NEWS". It was amazing. I am still shaking my head and laughing.

Finally!!! Yea!!!

From the NYT
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/gore-to-appear-with-obama/

And good old Al's Website Himself:
http://blog.algore.com/2008/06/my_endorsement.html

Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges -- including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.

I've never asked members of AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign before, but this moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.

That's why I am asking you to join me today in showing your support for Barack Obama by making a contribution to his campaign today.