Quick Hits: Volume VII

-A mere eighteen months into his Presidency, Barack Obama (and many in his administration for that matter) has been a public relations embarrassment. From apologizing for our country being a super power to his lackadaisical response to the BP oil spill to alienating a long-time ally, there is no shortage of examples.

But what has really struck me about the White House's current occupant is his utter lack of grace or humility. The latest example was aimed at Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI). While in Holland, MI Thursday to showcase money spent in the American Recovery Act, President Obama made a visit to the future site of a new facility for LG Chem (a Korean conglomerate by the way). Despite Rep. Hoekstra's opposition to the stimulus package, he attended the groundbreaking ceremony "out of respect for the office of the president."

The President's response?

"Some made the political calculation that it's better to obstruct than to lend a hand,” sneered Obama at the end of his remarks. “Now that doesn't stop them from being at ribbon cuttings, but that's OK."

Stay classy, Sir.


-In their first series post-All Star break, the Twins hosted the first place Chicago White Sox for four games. In what has been standard fare since he joined the Sox in 2005, former Twin A.J. Pierzynski was booed incessantly every time his name was mentioned. This has never made sense to me, since Pierzynski didn't exactly demand a trade nor express any dismay at being in Minnesota. Now, is the guy a jerk off? Sure. His trash talking is pretty classless. But why should fans care? The Twins players don't get too overwrought.

But think of what the Twins received in return when trading Pierzynski to the San Francisco Giants after the 2003 season. Relief pitcher Joe Nathan (246 saves from 2004-09), starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (best pure stuff of all the Twins starters) and pitcher Boof Bonser. The move also allowed catcher Joe Mauer to be called up to the big club in 2004. All Mauer has done is become the first AL catcher to win a batting title, and he's won three in the past four seasons.

Personally, I give A.J. a standing ovation whenever he steps to the plate.


-Vice President Joe Biden appears convinced that the 2010 midterm elections will not be as bad for Democrats as many would surmise (including White House spokesman Robert Gibbs).

"I don't think the losses are going to be bad at all. I think we're going to shock the heck out of everybody."

Say, wasn't it the VP who also assured the citizens of Cleveland that NBA star LeBron James would re-sign with the Cavaliers?

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