Author Archives: Michael Froomkin

United Press International: Florida's RNC delegation a secret:

Florida Republicans refused to release the names of the state's delegates to the national convention in New York later this month, citing privacy concerns.

“Some delegates are not comfortable speaking and don't want their information given out, and we've honored their requests. Our priority is putting the interests and welfare of our delegates first,” Florida party spokesman Joseph Agostini told the Miami Herald.

Reporters and editors were provided with contact information weeks in advance for Florida's delegation to the Democratic National Convention in Boston last month, including photos of some of the more high-profile delegates. Most other state Republican delegations are providing contact information as well.

I can't understand why the identity of the delegates — the result of a state-sponsored, public electoral process — is not a public record.

And it certainly makes visible the mockery of the idea that “delegates” are in some way representative of anyone but themselves.

IS this the ultimate Freudian slip? Bush Insists His Administration Seeking 'new Ways to Harm Our Country':

Bush Insists His Administration Seeking 'new Ways to Harm Our Country'
The Associated Press
Published: Aug 5, 2004

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush offered up a new entry for his catalog of “Bushisms” on Thursday, declaring that his administration will “never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people.”

Bush misspoke as he delivered a speech at the signing ceremony for a $417 billion defense spending bill.

“Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we,” Bush said. “They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.”

No one in Bush's audience of military brass or Pentagon chiefs reacted