DNC Chairman Howard Dean: Hands Down 11 Commandments At National Baptist Convention

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- DNC Chair Howard Dean spoke to the National Baptist Convention and delivered what could -- and should-- be described as the 11 Commandments of the Democratic Party. Dean never described the moral and political code as Commandments as he spoke to the leaders of the 7.5 million member mostly African American congregation in Philadelphia. Still, the 11 precepts have the flavor of a credo of good faith.

Here's the Law, according to Howard, who said, "We know what moral issues are about . . . As Democrats we believe:

1. That no child should go to bed hungry.

2. As Democrats we believe that it is a moral issue that we no longer be the last industrialized country on the face of the Earth that doesn't have health care for every single person. And we have acted on that in Congress by giving every child under 18 health insurance.

3. That war should be a last resort only after diplomacy has been exhausted.

4. That we should properly equip our troops before we send them to war.

5. That we should properly take care of our veterans when they come home.

6. That everyone deserves equal rights under the law.

7. That we should be good stewards of the Earth.

8. That hardworking people should earn a living wage and be able to take care of their families.

9. That we shouldn't pass debt onto our children and our grandchildren.

10. That faith should not be used to divide people.

11. That you and I have more in common than we have differences.

DNC Debuts Spoof GOP Website: Runs Nonexistent Republican Candidate

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- The Democrats have finally conjured up the spirit of Dick Tuck, their party's now-departed master prankster who once slipped Chinese-character placards into a Richard Nixon rally that, when translated into English, had unflattering things to say about the Republican candidate. Check out None of the Above, the Democratic National Committee's new Website devoted to the political pick who is topping the GOP's entire 2008 field, according to a recent poll. No doubt Tuck is chuckling today in the afterlife.

Nearly a fourth of Republicans took a pass last month when asked to pick a candidate in the Associated Press-Ipsos poll. That prompted the DNC to create the website devoted to the mythical candidate. They've even created a bogus biography for the GOP foil, who is faceless but clearly a male:

"None of the Above has never been a lobbyist, never flip-flopped on an important issue, and never supported a 50-year war in Iraq. He's the only Republican candidate with plans to make sure every American has access to health insurance. And unlike his rivals for the nomination, he refuses to embrace the failed policies of the Bush administration. Despite the crowded Republican field, None of the Above is the only Republican candidate that speaks to America's core values. Currently there are no Republican candidates in the field that provide the leadership necessary for our future, making None of the Above the only hope."

There's a disclaimer, too. But it is in very fine print, the kind of very, very fine print that must have been used in sub prime mortgages, or payday loan contracts. The DNC says,

"In case you don't get it, it's a joke. We want None of the Above to get the Republican nomination for President. Ha!"

Inquiring minds are wondering: Did Karl Rove leave the White House to run None of the Above's campaign? Would this be a perfect job for Bush's Brain. Could he guide a truly empty suit to victory?

Democratic National Committee: Romney Campaign Busted Like McCain's

COLUMBUS (TDB) --The Democratic National Committee said tonight Mitt Romney's GOP presidential campaign has been kept afloat with nearly $9 million in loans from the wealthy candidate himself. "In fact, were it not for the nearly $9 million Romney has loaned his campaign, he would have roughly the same amount of cash on hand as McCain."

In May, Romney loaned his campaign $2.5 million. He added another $4 million loan at the end of June.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., had about $2 million in the bank at the end of the quarter, according to a Federal Election Commission filing. Without the loans, Romney would have about $3 million cash on hand.

The DNC said Romney has spent about $6.7 on ads, which it described as barely keeping him competitive in the polls with the other top tier 2008 Republican presidential candidates.

"The ad buy hasn't brought Romney much credibility with the voters. According to Real Clear Politics average of five leading national polls, Romney supports among Republicans lags at 9.8 percent: far behind Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and even the foundering John McCain."

On the other hand, Romney's personal fortune has been available to tap. Being rich certainly hasn't forced him to cut back staff and retool his campaign. The DNC's numbers just don't seem to make its point: That Romney is nearly running on empty.