Joan Vennochi

Hey welcome back to our number for a veterans forum they've fast paced. Wreck ever showed today -- we've done everything with that gas tax Steve Bailey. Pets and all the rest and now we do. Once again how a little special report with the Boston Globe. We we we joined today by Jones and hockey by the way before we get right to Joan what do reminded get the latest on local and national politics. Business and much much more with convenient home deliveries of the Boston Globe. What -- now at 50% off. You heard me right order now at 50% off just call 1888. By globe that number's 1888 Michael. And -- this special radio offer all. He can go to Boston Globe dot com slash forum. That address against Boston Globe dot com slash forum. Some restrictions apply and now let's go right to let him told Jones already on the line which is great because have been dying have a conversation which known about this. Presidential. Score rob I don't know how else to describe it -- I've never seen anything like it you've been covering politics a long time state in federal. Tell us tell us your thoughts this morning with John McCain's standing you know. All by himself on one side and Barack Obama read that Hillary Clinton by having a big big food fight this fight on the other side.

I think on that would be here. I don't know it. Do you worry that people might get campaigns succeed or is everyone going to say that that you know excited and committed --

I don't think they'll stay as excited as the jockeys and seven you know six or seven weeks between now and Pennsylvania Wilkes try all of op patients but. I do think John that the general public is -- tool -- too. This race. Did they have been historically the junkies are always tuned -- but this one has so many historic dimensions McCain and his age yet his extraordinary service. The thing you know the risk of the Thea. You know the foreign the of the foreign policy challenges that I guess we faced with some crazy people on some very unstable regimes. Barack Obama. First very legitimate black American candidate Hillary Clinton first legitimate woman's. Get this close of one of these three is gonna be the next president I think people are trade.

It was to come back it and I I agree everywhere you go at it right go people -- talking president. Politics. I just you know wonder if they've not only that I am a long time of talking about it and -- get lost -- if that the delicate and you know. Whether Michigan and Florida get to vote. Whether or not back could distract people from them from the main event here.

let me ask your question specifically about the the 3 AM telephone. Ringing in the White House. What would you -- take on that -- when you first saw read and heard it. And has you perception of it from that point has it changed over these last you know ten days -- two weeks.

Well I know that it was that it roundly. -- criticized as being the politics of the year in Brokeback other. Candidates -- would you know that it -- that your tactic. -- That I -- anything at -- that it quite honestly I mean it it seems to me it's still all into the realm. Acceptable political discourse. And dramatic -- return -- you know -- want to describe it but. Hillary Clinton one shot at this is to continue to undermine Barack Obama's credibility as a that's that the at this since -- was back and it and to and I get to work and it's very.

Yeah I you know -- are very much the same way issue I think it's completely within bounds I didn't see any campaign impropriety or anything outrageous associated with -- I also think -- He is in many ways good. Preparatory work for what undoubtedly they will face from John McCain and whomever his running mate is going to be the Republicans will try to. Digging in an exploit this voter perception. That the Republicans in the body that he can count on if in fact do you need a robust and aggressive response as opposed to everybody just going to -- UN peacekeeping conference.

I mean again I mean I think she is. Make in the case. That the Republicans will make only stronger and harder Senator Obama is eight and between you and me I think it will -- it.

You know I I've I've said the same thing -- about two weeks ago I don't see how was she is going to. Overcome one believed that he hasn't delegates although they'll each be short and I don't see how these super delegates. Can leave this guy on the by the side of the road and throw the nomination to her and what. In what you and I would describe this kind of a smoke filled room -- new book without creating such a disruption. To the you have release of the the constituencies of the Democratic Party including African Americans.

Well I hate and other you know guests there who agreed to accept it. But I can I agree that it is Barack Obama has the lead indelicate. What -- delicate is loneliness which is our vote to be the person and inspected you know all the talk the clintons. The throwing out right now that Clinton Obama ticket. It's been open to the guy who's got the -- right now and I just don't see how it flies can't see how articulate why.

Tell me about Pennsylvania John again you've covered politics for many many years we -- is always seen as a crucial a key key state. Lately it's been going to the Democrats and so therefore there's some. You know there's some electoral credibility that attaches to it. What -- a sense of this one is this one advantageous to Hillary Clinton and if so why.

Well the conventional wisdom which as Leno has been wrong timing. And according to the conventional wind -- and Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania. But. Let it. At you know actually count the votes. You know we can talk about it and it's killer but until she actually win it it it that's the grab it states that people say it very close to Ohio. Demographics. She won Ohio and that -- And -- last week. So again it looks favorable. But six weeks on politics. That it is now in and it. If he wins and being used by. Miracle that is the end of wrote it Hillary Clinton but it got to tell you this I have written but Hillary Clinton obituary. Column I -- At least three times now. I had it set to go in New Hampshire I had expected -- that the Tuesday I had -- to go last week that the -- didn't have to hot out. Right that it then but so I don't know what's going to happen.

It has been -- and again for the junkies this is pure adrenaline and for the ordinary citizen still fascinating fascinating drama. Let me shift gears and ask you to put on -- that you that you haven't warned although you're right it. Right ha ha ha ha you look behind on this from time to time but of curious. If you were going to give Barack Obama campaign advice would that he has this six six week. You know a much more race. That's -- Pennsylvania and she has raised I think quite legitimately questions about his the thinness of the thin resonate. The really narrow bodied experience and his. Not be prepared to be the commander in chief the 3 AM phone call in a nutshell. How should Barack Obama come back against these questions. That have been raised.

Well I think he's done it very effectively debate settings you know. You know and not in the last few weeks whenever she talks about experience he says look at where your experience got us. Granted you know Hillary Clinton alone is not responsible for the invasion of Iraq that is part of excitement. Call that was made and every time he put it back -- that means -- it makes for pretty dramatic debate points and I think he you know he's the average person. Step back and goes out. Sometimes you know at one experienced person. -- want to person -- reflect I think that is. Is that I'm back but. There is -- weakness. They -- for Obama. Yesterday's is that this is page one story in the air time. Talking about his resonate. As a senator. On that basically you know. It look at it is mostly fizzled very little steak I mean. That her you know that is going to keep on pounding away at that pounding away at that and hope that lightning on. And that's right and see you know that's the way after the credibility that it you know it it. -- Caddie had a deep and ask you know he made it better than -- that I am I don't see it as a.

I think it really is an uphill climb and again I think the racial situation. Place dramatically in his favor I just do not see Democratic Party super delegates by definition Joan we know they -- inside the insiders these of them you know these are the these are the elected officials and an -- officials who have been around a long time. If they snatch this away from the black guy off the -- cut the political repercussions of that. A staggering I literally see if not droves significant percentages of of African Americans. Sitting out not just this election but many -- all right even more ominous for the Democrats saying you know what. We've been screwed for far too long by this Friday -- going to win there might be a sense of appreciation. For who we -- what we stand for and what we wishful.

I don't think you know Barack Obama will make a mistake if he follows the advice that he. Continue to be you know the -- buyout candidate and not bite back that you know there it. A difference between dirty politics and compare and contrast. And every time she wrote a -- He's got it was back on the merits on the issues I don't think that's going negative I think that you know that survival a bit.

Sure John has a longtime journalist -- on these topics I'm curious what your take was on the Barack Obama and NAFTA situation sheet Hillary Clinton described that as. Wink wink routine your -- there on the grand stage saying all sorts of things to people who have concerns about NAFTA and then you go quietly into the board room. Wait wait guys you know I gotta say that to the rooms out but just between us just between us boys here in the room you get nothing to worry about. Has that injury to him as the come by transparent good government candidate.

Epic and that the kind of a lot -- he was right and leaving with the best of you know that which is that with the which is the Clinton's way of doing it. -- that's -- you know kind of finding. A middle ground saying one thing to you know one group saying another group another group to got to end it undercut -- I think it -- In those days leading up to left we vote. It almost seems like. It's packed -- yesterday. He's got a little bit of the discipline. Problem was that his campaign aides right now and that's where the inexperience could be selling. You know has that economic advisers who you know. Didn't -- elected him rot on the NAFTA thing and it has the foreign policy on aid -- the power. Of velocity and while there Hillary Clinton. Monster to view. That's what you got I think all the troops then and just make sure that everybody stays on at issue and doesn't do anything Arctic in.

There because it it it it he -- he certainly runs the risk I don't know if he's crossed the line yet but he runs the risk of just sounding like just another political candidate who'll say anything do anything throw anything and if not him his his immediate sari gets and I think I myself thought the NAFTA one was. I thought it might I putted really hear him because it was just such an intense issue in Ohio and two it really cut into what I think had been his. Charismatic appeal. Transparency and straight talk and that type of stuff and in -- in of people really conclude that this guy is just a slick. You know a slick wink wink can I see elated -- you know his campaign will implode.

I guess so but he'll still be ahead behind it to you pointed in the delegate count so. Had they not give up.

Well let's let me ask you this question because they're too big question marks out the two states being punished for the maneuver to tried to I get ahead to advance themselves in the calendar Michigan and Florida. Big states relevant in every election. And maybe taking on an increasing relevance how the heck of the Democrats going to solve this.

Well how the -- and the Democrats this franchise so many that many voters. And how -- Barack Obama. People are candidates. You know standup for disenfranchising. I think it and it is some kind of do over.

While just I just can't believe it more more merger on election I should say look crack for the narcotics like media. We'll be really that -- into this if we can't jump let's take a called Joe is calling from Dorchester joke you're India with the Boston -- and hockey and meet Tom -- thanks for Colin.

According. And DiMaggio. -- has come authority had declared -- you've been out there for long time and you know a lot about this game. It down. However I let them put distribute. On the delegate. On Columbia. -- our. Michigan's problem. What do you think about the certificate split so that no no one benefits from the from -- to renegade state. -- women in power. Well I have been added as on this.

I don't have to do anything to pop up. -- resonated. Post he had so resonate joke Joe's been right about this stuff along time now I don't mean to imply that -- she's she's a bite right. The vitality and youth she was a child prodigy which is not a right.

We'll -- better and that's -- you know what I I noted that the most admitted on radio but. I'm not an expert on things like you know these via these delegate votes it's the media -- you know if that was speaking at an average citizens last year analysts. I don't know -- in the delicate Blake has. A vote of people -- people actually you know vote them back in and decide that way -- That would be you know my personal -- I'm not Howard Dean you know on Nazi party elders of the Democratic Party. I'm not believe it or not a partisan Democrat I'm a journalist to watch it as insists you know I think it's activities or.

You know Joe I have to agree with Joan I would want to see a vote. The iPod because even though there is a fairly substantial vote in Florida and fairly minimal won in Michigan because the signals had been sent that these were not going to count. I like the idea of opening it up rather than just dividing -- 5050. Given the evolution of the campaign. Barack Obama surging ahead on Super Tuesday. Hillary Clinton coming back in Ohio and Texas last week. Raising questions about experience -- resume he himself again pointing out very skillfully persuasively that. She's been as much a part of the Washington scene as anybody and although dysfunction paralysis we associate with Washington can be in subplot. You know tied -- to her shoulders -- later her feet however whatever phrase you want to use it so I like the idea Arafat. Of a vote it. In -- very ironic way Joan it makes these two states which were trying to -- enhance the of self importance in the process. More important than even California because now all eyes of the nation will be on these two states if there's a redo of some sort.

Right and when people who you know talk about money how much that cost well how about this and he may have already made it. But you know we spent how many billions of dollars to make sure the people of my rack has the right to vote. What that you know what ten or fifteen million dollars to make sure that people Florida. And Michigan you know have the right to vote in this you know very important presidential primary.

Yeah -- united you're you've you've -- colleague now retired and over at UMass Boston Bob turner. Writes about it today I know you wrote about the you know the issues yesterday the presidential issues yesterday in a column. And Bob Turner's talking about the the prodigal states so called in which you know Michigan and Florida for better or worse or going to have to pay play a pivotal role. It's not really as a reward to the this is the rebellious behavior. But the reality is you're gonna be disenfranchising. You made this point job he can be disenfranchising. Millions of hits of American voters.

And given the importance. Or at it and missing in. Action. I you know I just think they they need -- over this big you know who wins by how much and it just to have a a fair election over.

Joan let me switch gears a little bit if I can't give me your take on John McCain now very clearly the you know the Republican nominee there's nobody left standing. And he was as dead as dead could be only several months ago so politics is funny that way can come back to life. What should take on John McCain's strengths and weaknesses.

Well he's very much alive and probably -- of their right now. After the hour long hard campaign. I don't think it's going to be that easy for two you know that grabbed the headlines. Let it continue -- with the press the incident get into little fight the New York Times reported like at last week on the campaign plane. You know on paper. If god and -- You know. That the war hero an -- on music area he has leadership. Oh points. But when that embrace -- like that and great last week by George W. Bush and I don't know that -- Wendy's head to head with the Democrat. Likely Barack Obama like what it. Used there it -- page. Long years Washington. Vs a correctly. A guy who was opposed to the war against one still got a ways it I think it's got a -- side again. Again it is at our site and.

Yeah -- you know somewhat in jest I often the advice. From the microphone he -- we don't go to the White House call in sick. -- come up with some type of -- use some type of excuse to avoid that you know obviously you have to you have to do what you have to do sometimes but. I don't think any photographs. John McCain would George Bush will be helpful to anyone but the democratic nominee in particularly helpful. Two Barack Obama whose youth and -- charisma. Is going to go a allow a long long way and -- I have to tell did you -- at the same time I am hearing lots of people say you know. The issue that Hillary raised about experience. And and in the you know the dangers of this volatile and violent world. We'll probably -- how many of these people the Democrats who probably lead them at least at the moment that talking about being very very comfortable casting a vote for McCain.

Great well you know again to you could indicate exactly in a telephone call at 3 in the morning. But I think -- problem again is that when people people want experience that when they think of long time experience in Washington. They think. You know people going around in circles. And not getting anything done despite the best intentions Bob Dole and or even John McCain I mean. You know he is as much as they tried to you know fight the good fight on various issues. It's more often than not. Also not in Washington. And I don't know what it is accomplishment of Obama you know as a nominee can probably. You know on the streets one likable.

Let's take another caller we can't -- coming up to the ended appreciate your time -- Joe was calling from Lawrence Massachusetts good money joke.

got a question Leo yeah yeah okay fire away that they may change in Michigan and Florida. Did not know that it out golf -- and how does just about lap lock.

Well no there what -- bug in John you can help me with this but I believe they were told. But repeatedly by the Democratic National Committee. That deal we're going to be -- repercussions negative consequences to the attempt to push ahead in the primary process. And they went ahead anyway Elvis -- you know said. That's what the bridge to the DNC and said really basically screw you we're gonna do whatever we want.

I think and it won't they'll be a time out believe that they'll be that make sometime in --

pop pop pop. -- payless and Joan I'll I'll I'll fire one last question just gimme twenty seconds of thought is the anybody else did -- give her drugs not spot on the Republican side. Vice president chill. Selection somebody way you would say. Wow that's impressive that changes the dynamic in the equation I'm curious anybody out there -- the --

I don't have any brilliant thought popped in my head right now but I don't know is there you know Republican women out there that would. You know be it good to -- McCain I can't think about that. That might change the dynamic of that I'd vote Mitt Romney's it's an --

Will I guess we'll have. A Kennedy and Johnson was a strange relationship from the get go what -- you know McCain and Romney who knows. Money and well it's got a lot of it's got a lot of appeal it at at least at some -- job but hockey as always a pleasure. Two join you for the assess segment love NT of voice and get the best of your thoughts on -- and I keep up the good writing it will keep up the solid readership. You've been listening to Jones and rocket from the Boston Globe and I remind you that you can get the latest on local and national politics. Business and so much bull with convenient home delivery of the Boston Globe -- now at 50%. -- that's right. 50%. Drop just call 1888 my globe and mentioned a special radio -- that number again is one. 888. My globe. Or you can go to Boston Globe dot com slash four. That address against Boston Globe dot com slash forum some restrictions apply thank you to jump Pataki and we will be back. To -- to be -- continued discussion on all things relevant to your world and a life here on veterans for a may have succeeded WRKO.