Spending lobby targets TABOR

"The law is where the government controls the people. The constitution is where the people control the government. That specifically means the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights to restrain government growth. The DU recommendations are part of an elaborate scheme to destroy TABOR. Democratic legislators, Bill Ritter, and the spending lobby can’t wait." So much for the ballyhooed University of Denver constitutional-reform plan, according to John Andrews in the January series of his daily “Head On” debate with former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), featured on Colorado Public Television since 1997. Susan and John also dueled on the presidential race, pollsters' failings, voting machine woes, and the upcoming legislative session. Here are all five scripts: 1. TABOR TARGETED BY D.U. DO-GOODERS

Susan: The University of Denver's Strategic Issues Panel of bipartisan, statewide citizens recommend that Colorado undertake a major revision of its Constitution. Replete with conflicting provisions and extensive detail, it's one of the easiest-to-amend constitutions in the nation. The Constitution should be a blueprint - not a book of statutes.

John: The law is where the government controls the people. The constitution is where the people control the government. That specifically means the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights to restrain government growth. The DU recommendations are part of an elaborate scheme to destroy TABOR. Democratic legislators, Bill Ritter, and the spending lobby can’t wait.

Susan: John, trust the people. Colorado's constitution has become a maze of contradictory proscriptions. Micro tinkering by zealots like Doug Bruce has hamstrung the state. His presence at the statehouse may be just what's needed to move the state from his regressive ideas.

John: Limited government, taxpayer protection, and restraints on power are not regressive ideas. They are the essence of America. Colorado is fortunate that our constitution and its amendment process provide such safeguards. Political insiders with their DU plan do not trust the people. The constitution belongs to all of us.

2. WILL IT BE A DEM OR REPUBLICAN YEAR?

John: The presidential race is changing faster than Susan and I can tape new spots. What doesn’t change is the parties. I’d prefer any of my Republicans as President, over any of her Democrats. A Republican in the White House is better for keeping America safe, keeping taxes down, and upholding our values.

Susan: Let's talk values. Rudy: three wives, flip flopper. Or Romney: pro-choice or not? Governor of the first state to have universal health insurance, flip flopper. Huckabee? Populist, progressive, could be a Dem. And straight talk McCain? Too unpredictable for the party elders. The Dems are looking strong!

John: Nice try, Susan, but slurs and slogans hardly settle the matter. The Republican approach is just more protective of America in a dangerous world and more confident of Americans to control their own lives. Democrats running for President are the opposite. That’s the decision we face.

Susan: Americans are demanding change. We're tired of politicians who use fear to intimidate us, our allies and a positive vision for the future of this great country. We want our leaders to be honest, our government transparent and we're ready to participate in fashioning a positive and progressive agenda. Go Dems!

3. RITTER FACES HIS 2ND LEGISLATIVE SESSION

John: Bill Ritter’s first year as Governor was long on study groups and short on results. Labor unions took the Democratic convention hostage and pushed Ritter around disgracefully. His agenda for this year is still pretty vague. Democrats controlling the executive and legislative branches have their hands full with education, transportation, and health care.

Susan: After eight years of closed-door government, with Colorado falling behind in everything from K-12 education to roads, health care and public infrastructure, Bill Ritter was wise to bring bipartisan groups together to consider the state's future. Ritter's agenda is clear: Move Colorado forward.

John: It’s going to be quite a session. Senate President Peter Groff seems statesmanlike, in contrast to Fitz-Gerald, his prickly predecessor. House leadership is mud-wrestling with freshman Douglas Bruce. Gov. Ritter is likable, but he has no compass. He blows with the wind. Thank goodness tax increases are off the table.

Susan: Election year politics are tough. Ritter made a mistake, stepping back from his ambitious agenda. Groff's eloquent and principled leadership will be an added benefit to the Dem's majority. And Doug Bruce's antics will make it tough for every Republican in the statehouse. He is so… 15 minutes ago!

4. VOTING MACHINE KERFUFFLE

John: Voting in Denver and other counties has been a mess the past couple of years. Citizens deserve elections that are honest, accurate, and fast. Voting by mail invites fraud. Paper ballots involve delays. But the Secretary of State has really confused things with mixed signals about electronic equipment.

Susan: Republican Mike Coffman has thoroughly bungled his most important job - ensuring Colorado's elections are fair, accurate and predictable. Either electronic equipment is reliable or it's not. County clerks are facing disaster and Coffman ought to ask those with solid experience for help.

John: Secretary of State Coffman faces a contradictory tangle of court rulings and legislation about what’s acceptable in voting machines. The involvement of his defeated opponent, Sen. Ken Gordon, makes it worse. Coffman’s congressional hopes are another distraction. But voting by mail is not the answer. Paper ballots are far better.

Susan: Paper ballots don't work in big counties like Jeffco, Denver or Arapahoe. What's needed is a verifiable paper back-up for electronic voting or electronic scanning. This is not rocket science and shame on leadership across the board for creating such confusing. Coffman should resign.

5. PUBLIC A STEP AHEAD OF PUNDITS & POLLSTERS

Susan: The outcome of the New Hampshire primary surprised even the smartest, most experienced pollsters - perhaps the biggest "upset" since Truman beat Dewey! The take-away is important and that is - when it's all said and done - it's only the voice of the people that counts.

John: I’m actually old enough to remember Truman beating Dewey, and the very thought makes me tear up like Hillary. But Susan, you’re right. Constant polling plus 24-hour cable plus the Internet makes our election process an echo chamber where individual choices can get lost. We have to think for ourselves.

Susan: New Hampshire voters set a great example of just what you're suggesting. I believe women who might not have supported Hillary voter for her because the talking heads went over the top in replaying her vulnerability. McCain won because he's for real. Authenticity rules in these uncertain times.

John: Alexander Hamilton said America was an experiment in whether a free people can govern themselves by reflection and choice. The experiment continues, and reflection is difficult in this era of mass persuasion, shallow fads, and short attention spans. American politics is not “American Idol.” We must think for ourselves.

Winners & sinners of 2007

"Thumbs up for the amazing Rockies, streaking into their first World Series and weathering defeat with dignity. Likewise for Peter Groff, the impressive new Senate President. Thumbs down on CSU for dumping Sonny Lubick and on Planned Parenthood for its culture of death." That's from John Andrews' list of winners and sinners for 2007 in the December series of his daily “Head On” debate with former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), featured on Colorado Public Television since 1997. Besides handing out bouquets and brickbats for the old year, Susan and John issued their annual zany predictions for the year ahead, handicapped the US Senate race, sized up the Mideast peace process, and played with political role-reversal for their 2008 presidential favorites. Here are all five scripts: 1. WINNERS & SINNERS OF 2007

John: As the calendar turns, here’s our list of Colorado winners and sinners for 2007. Good show by Tom Tancredo with his courageous presidential campaign, and Wayne Allard, leaving the Senate after decades of distinguished public service. Bad show by Bill Ritter, pandering to labor unions, and John Hickenlooper, taxing Denver to the eyeballs.

Susan: Winners: the voters of Denver - enlightened stewards who understand the importance restoration and upgrades to the value of their capital assets. Sinners- xenophobic presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle and their hateful sound-bites about immigration and undocumented workers.

John: More bouquets and brickbats from 2007. Thumbs up for the amazing Rockies, streaking into their first World Series and weathering defeat with dignity. Likewise for Peter Groff, the impressive new Senate President. Thumbs down on CSU for dumping Sonny Lubick and on Planned Parenthood for its culture of death.

Susan: Big thumbs up for Governor Ritter and his passion for Colorado - including public employees. Another BRAVO for the principal and staff of Denver's Bruce Randolph Middle School - asking the union and the district for waivers of hiring and other work rules - obstacles to student achievement.

2. FEARLESS PREDICTIONS FOR 2008

John: Back by popular demand, John and Susan’s fearless predictions for the new year, 2008. The Broncos, needing a hard-nosed coach, replace Mike Shanahan with Dick Cheney. Saudi Arabia bails out RTD by acquiring FasTracks. Voter disgust with both parties elects a write-in presidential ticket of Harry Potter and Hannah Montana.

Susan: Driving on-cell-phone becomes a criminal offense, punishable by permanent loss of driver's license, resulting in redeploying zillions of dollars from roads to transit. Gas will go to $5 a gallon and Americans will drive SMART cars, doubling the country's parking capacity.

John: Continuing our zany preview of 2008. When Susan’s Smart car is unfortunately stolen, it’s charged as shoplifting in small claims court. White males working for Denver have to wear yellow armbands reading “Kick me.” Protesters led by Al Gore force Democratic convention delegates to walk from DIA to downtown.

Susan: Huckabee and McCain are Republican prez and veep candidates. Rudi and Romney morph into plastic flip flops and are buried in the sand. Bush and Cheney resign in shame when it's revealed they bonfired the CIA tapes. John Hickenlooper opens a brew pub in Civic Center activating the park beyond expectations.

3. ANNAPOLIS CONFERENCE SEEKS MIDEAST PEACE

Susan: In a last-minute bid to build some sort of legacy, Secretary of State Condelezza Rice persuaded Bush to have a try at a Mid-East peace accord. Time will tell if Israeli and Palestinian leaders - have the political capital or commitment to change the status quo.

John: Bush’s legacy is the huge accomplishment of forcing our Islamofascist enemy onto the defensive with unyielding force in Iraq and Afghanistan, plus tough homeland security under the Patriot Act. Israel, our heroic ally, has never had a better friend than this president. But Annapolis worries me. The Palestinians want Israel destroyed.

Susan: Bush's legacy could have been a reasoned immigration policy, a balanced budget and a conservative's prudent fiscal policy. Instead - he ignited unquenchable terrorism in the Mid-East and beyond. Annapolis is too little to late.

John: You are so wrong. Present-day terrorism was ignited by Islam’s thousand-year lust for conquest and hatred of freedom, striking first at Israel in the 60s, then at America in the 70s. No president of either party fought back against this vicious evil until George W. Bush. History will honor him for that.

4. SCHAFFER & UDALL FACE OFF IN SENATE RACE

Susan: With Wayne Allard doing the right thing by retiring from the Senate, it looks like Colorado could send a second Democrat back to D.C. Mark Udall represents Colorado's values - environmental stewardship; fiscal prudence and a skeptical view of the Republican disdain for diplomacy and passion for conflict.

John: Republican Senate candidate Bob Schaffer is a businessman and common-sense conservative with a great record in Congress. He will fight for low taxes, family values, and strong defense. Mark Udall is too liberal. He prefers looking for energy off Cuba instead of in Colorado. He supports a US Department of Peace. Please.

Susan: I'll give Shaffer credit for standing by his myopic term-limits pledge, even though it rendered him impotent as a Congressman. Udall has a long record of service to his district, the state and the country. Schaffer is too conservative for Colorado and too ideologically impaired.

John: Democrats have let success go to their heads, and it could cost them in 2008. Ritter’s impulse to overtax and overregulate will cost his party legislative seats and hurt Udall. Colorado needs another fighter in the Senate like Coburn of Oklahoma and Kyl of Arizona. This is Bob Schaffer’s year.

5. REVERSING ROLES FOR PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE

Susan: Were I a Republican primary voter, I'd cast my ballot for John McCain. His straight talk express took a detour and it cost him but he's got a proven record, experience, and a feel for tough domestic issues like immigration, healthcare and the budget deficit.

John: Ooh, political role reversal – kinky like cross-dressing. If I were a Democrat, I’d support Barack Obama for president. The young senator could be another JFK. Half black, half white. Born Muslim, now Christian. For VP add Bill Richardson, a Westerner who knows foreign policy. A healing ticket for a new time.

Susan: John, your thoughtful reasoning takes my breath away - rendering me speechless in the process. [Long pregnant pause] McCain is a man of integrity and spirit but his message is more about the past than the future.

John: Thanks, Susan. Flattery will get you everywhere. Continuing our fantasy, if I were a Democrat the last thing I’d want is another dishonest president named Clinton. But being a Republican in reality, it’s clear to me that McCain, Romney, Huckabee, Giuliani, or Tancredo could lead America better than any of your guys.

Green Gov rescues the planet?

John: "Gov. Ritter is hell-bent to be green , even if it means tanking the economy. Overreacting wildly to alleged manmade global warming, he announced a sweeping plan to remake our industry, our agriculture, and your lifestyle. Plus, he climbed in bed with Big Labor. Recession, here we come." So begins the November series of “Head On” debates between former state Sen. John Andrews (R) and former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), seen daily on Colorado Public Television since 1997. Besides sparring over Ritter's plans for less CO2 and more unions, they took on the Pakistan crisis, Hickenlooper's scorecard, and the future of purple Colorado. Here are all five scripts: 1. GREEN GOV RESCUES THE PLANET?

John: Gov. Ritter is hell-bent to be green , even if it means tanking the economy. Overreacting wildly to alleged manmade global warming, he announced a sweeping plan to remake our industry, our agriculture, and your lifestyle. Plus, he climbed in bed with Big Labor. Recession, here we come.

Susan: Big Labor - an oxymoron! Just look at Detroit. And - the lack of Congressional backbone demands state and local government address the environmental degradation that's the real threat to a strong economy. If we're headed for recession - the financial industry's greed is the cause.

John: Ritter must hope to win an Oscar, portraying Al Gore. The country boy has gone Hollywood. His panic plan to prevent climate change will take Colorado higher, though. Higher energy costs, higher food costs, higher housing costs, higher transportation costs, higher taxes, higher unemployment. Thanks but no thanks, governor.

Susan: Americans living in oversized houses, driving gas guzzling cars and accustomed to more, more more are in denial about climate change and the not-very-gradual disappearance of natural resources. And, for those of you who are happy with our untenable reliance on foreign oil - keep on truckin'.

2. PAKISTAN WORSENS AS IRAQ IMPROVES

John: The conflict that began on 9/11 is far larger than America vs. Al Qaeda. All nations are threatened by a scary mix of radical Islam, oil dependency, and nuclear weapons. As things improve in Iraq, they worsen in Pakistan. This is World War III. We need statesmanship from Republicans and Democrats.

Susan: The crisis in Pakistan is yet another example of the Bush team's bad judgment. Musharraf - our ally in Iraq -- is a thug. He declared an emergency because the courts were about to overturn his phony election. The state of emergency must end - now - not in January.

John: That’s just what I’m talking about, Susan. Statesmanship approaches these things without finger-pointing and name-calling. After 9/11, no matter who was president, Musharraf was indispensable to our war against radical Islam. If he’s replaced now, radicals may take over Pakistan. This is no time for partisan cheap shots.

Susan: Partisan shots aside - Pakistan's a mess and we'll see if they're a viable ally. Musharraf must end the state of emergency now and release Benazir Bhutto from house arrest. Al Qaeda is stronger in Pakistan now than it was before 9/11. Free elections in January may be too late.

3. COLORADO PREVIEW OF ELECTION 2008

Susan: Now that this year’s election results are in, candidates for next year are out in force. 2008 will see Colorado turn a darker shade of purple - Udall will go to the Senate. Betsy Markey may upend Musgrave and the state leg will stay Democratic true blue.

John: Massive public disapproval of the Democratic Congress spells trouble for the whole ticket. Bill Ritter’s recent stumbles don’t help either. Colorado will vote Republican for President and for Senate, electing Bob Schaffer. No congressional seats will flip. Musgrave wins easily. Republicans gain in the state House and maybe retake the state Senate.

Susan: I don't know what you're smokin' John, but even Republican pundits predict a Dem sweep in DC. Every day another R congressperson stands down. The President's numbers are pitiful and the wannabes are in disarray. Ritter is in great shape, the D's could take Secretary of State and leg will remain Blue.

John: What I’m smoking is unfiltered politically incorrect reality, Susan. On the label it says Old 15%, Nancy and Harry’s personal brand. 15% is all the public approval that Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi and their congressional gong show can muster. To repeat: Colorado votes Republican next year for Senate and President.

4. RITTER & ORGANIZED LABOR

John: If Bill Ritter wants to improve state government, his mandate for union collective bargaining is not the way to do it. Unions always want more pay for less effort. That’s why they exist. This ends up hurting the taxpayers and helping Democratic campaign contributions, especially with the DNC coming to town.

Susan: Post publisher Singleton over reacted in his front-page editorial screed. Ritter's labor partnership does not include collective bargaining, binding arbitration or the right to strike. The guv's executive order was a smart move - public services depend on an empowered workforce.

John: The Colorado Promise, Ritter’s campaign platform, didn’t say anything about doing financial favors for special interests. It said nothing about reversing a century of bipartisan policy with no input from the legislature. Turning the whole government workforce over to power-hungry union bosses is a terrible idea.

Susan: Ritter's softball to labor was a nothing-burger. Using an executive order instead of asking for a statute allows greater flexibility. His move was an extension of good will to public employees - people we all depend on for everything from public safety to roads.

5. DENVER’S POLITICAL ROLLER COASTER

Susan: Hick won all nine of his bond and tax issues, but the council overrode his veto on a pay raise for city employees. The march of the sugar plum alphabet may have carried the bond election - but Hick's got a problem with city employees and the council.

John: Mayor Hickenlooper and President Bush both suffered their first veto override the same week, and for the same reason. A chief executive loses credibility when his message is mixed. Like Bush, Hick can’t keep saying tax dollars are plentiful and then suddenly become Mr. Tough Guy. The spending lobby just rolls on.

Susan: Hick's honeymoon with the council is ending and he'd better solve problems with the election process before next November. The recent mail ballot snafus were awful and though the Mayor doesn't appoint the Election Director, the buck stops with him. Leading a city is about more than dress-up and jumping from an airplane.

John: Hickenlooper had a good year. He gained easy reelection, then won his umpteenth money request from voters. But suburbs on all sides are crowding him for jobs and entertainment venues. Denver schools are struggling and the gang problem is awful. Kick it up a notch, Mr. Mayor.

Vote no on Denver Issues A-I

John: "With a recession coming, Denver’s proposal for half a billion in new debt on the November ballot is the wrong way to go. If your employer were threatening layoffs, you wouldn’t go out and run up your credit cards. You’d look at the job market. Hickenlooper’s package includes no job creation." So begins the October series of “Head On” debates between former state Sen. John Andrews (R) and former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), seen daily on Colorado Public Television since 1997. In addition to differing over Hickenlooper's latest tax increase, Bush's S-CHIP veto, and upcoming congressional races, they paid tribute to the leadership of Denver Public schools and the amazing Colorado Rockies. Here are all five scripts:

1. BONDS & TAXES ON DENVER BALLOT

John: With a recession coming, Denver’s proposal for half a billion in new debt on the November ballot is the wrong way to go. If your employer were threatening layoffs, you wouldn’t go out and run up your credit cards. You’d look at the job market. Hickenlooper’s package includes no job creation.

Susan: There is very little new debt in Denver's proposed bond issue - less than 70 million which translates to about $10 a year for the owner of a typical Denver residence. The proposal is about maintenance and investing in taxpayer assets. Not fixing a leaky roof leads to much costlier replacement.

John: Denver taxpayers should vote no on Issues A through I. A dozen tax increases from Hickenlooper already is enough. Existing revenue growth will fund most of the desired improvements. Tell the mayor and council to prioritize better. A-I is good for the Nuggets but bad for your pocketbook. Vote no!

Susan: Denver has the lowest property taxes in the region and is the ONLY jurisdiction between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins with free trash pick-up including recycling and large item pick-up, Most places charge $10 to $20 a month. The cost of maintaining taxpayer assets is a lot less.

2. PLAYOFF GLORY FOR THE ROCKIES

Susan: Wow! Glorious October weather and an astonishing home team. The Rocks - rock! The Colorado Rockies closed the regular season as the hottest team in baseball and for the first time in 12 years made the play-offs. Regardless of the final outcome - the boys of summer have done us proud.

John: Baseball is no longer the national pastime, but Rockies baseball has become the state love affair this October. Congratulations to a team that would never say die, along with a manager and ownership that endured a lot of criticism. It is just a game, but these guys play it beautifully.

Susan: Walt Whitman said it a century ago, "Baseball is America's game: it has the snap and fling of the American atmosphere!" We ought to re-embrace the sport as our national pastime - a winning baseball team demonstrates how diversity contributes to the strength of the whole.

John: Hurdle’s heroes used big bats, fine pitching, and beautiful teamwork to run up an amazing string of victories after more than a decade of disappointment. In recent years the Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche have all had their taste of playoff glory. It was definitely the Rockies’ turn.

3. BUSH VETOES S-CHIP BILL

John: Having government make health care decisions for kids is a bad idea. Let moms and dads make those decisions. The CHIP program favored by congressional Democrats is expensive, intrusive, and irresponsible. The President was right to veto its expansion. American health care is the world’s best. Bush’s veto helps maintain that.

Susan: Sadly, the world's best health care is unavailable to thousands of kids and working parents. That's why the CHIP program, managed by state government was so successful in keeping health care costs down. Investing early in infants and children is cost effective, prudent and humane. Bush is a fool.

John: The President’s veto prevented a tax increase targeted on low-income people. The President’s veto prevented illegal aliens from gaining easier access to government benefits. The President’s veto prevented America from taking another step toward the kind of socialized medicine that’s failing in Britain and Canada. Thank you, Mr. President.

Susan: Wrong! SCHIP has nothing to do with undocumented workers or their kids. They have no access - other than emergency room treatment, which costs more than any insurance program. That's why several states have extended coverage to non-qualifying kids. John, you're too smart to make up information.

4. DENVER SCHOOL CLOSINGS

Susan: Denver Public Schools, facing low enrollment and aging buildings, made a tough decision. They propose closing 8 schools and remaking 5 others - far fewer than the 30 to 40 the community expected. DPS has lost 31,000 students translating to $135 million in funding. Strategic closure is the only option.

John: Downsizing any organization is tough, but denying reality is worse. Superintendent Michael Bennet and the DPS board are working toward a sensible balance of educational improvement and fiscal responsibility. Give them an A. Denver’s teacher union is too quick with financial demands and strike threats. Give them a D.

Susan: If teachers aren't valued and included in decision-making, the outcome for kids will never improve. The union may not be serving the rank and file. Twenty-first Century issues and resources are very different. We need a new paradigm for the professional workforce.

John: Bingo, Barnes-Gelt. You said the key word: professional. I’m not sure it’s in the vocabulary of Denver’s teacher union bosses, a bunch of factory-minded complainers who don’t know how lucky they are to have a national star like Bennet as their district CEO. The teachers rank and file should clean house.

5. CONGRESSIONAL RACES HEAT UP

Susan: Two tough Congressional primaries coming up - among Dems in the 2nd CD and R's in the conservative 5th. Republicans Jeff Crank and Bentley Rayburn are challenging first term incumbent Doug Lamborn. For Udall's 2nd CD seat three Dems - Joan Fitz-Gerald, Jared Polis and Will Shafroth are in play.

John: Fitz-Gerald succeeded me as Senate President, and she’s a fighter. She’s twice the politician as Polis and Shafroth put together. Absent a Republican lightning bolt, Joan is headed for Congress. Lamborn is a near-certainty to stay in Congress despite the return match with two of last year’s sore losers. Incumbency is huge.

Susan: Marilyn Musgrave in the 4th is certainly counting on it! However, Democratic Betsy Markey may have what it takes to unseat the radical right-winger - Especially with the active support of Senator Ken Salazar who is very popular in the District.

John: There’s nothing radical about Musgrave’s hometown values, strong work ethic, and solid integrity. She’s a perfect fit for that Eastern Plains district, and the untested Markey, a former Salazar staffer, won’t likely unseat her. I expect Musgrave, Lamborn, and Tom Tancredo to all win reelection in 2008.

Avoiding political obesity

John: Hi there, fitness fans. It’s the sensibly slender Susan and John, here in the nation’s most slender state. To keep Colorado No. 1, follow these tips for avoiding political obesity. Walk door-to-door with a candidate. Watch C-SPAN on the treadmill. Fast at ice cream socials. And stop swallowing those sugary, fatty campaign promises. So begins the September series of “Head On” debates between former state Sen. John Andrews (R) and former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), seen daily on Colorado Public Television since 1997. In addition to bantering about the state's "least obese" ranking and warning about Big Labor's agenda, they sparred over the 9/11 anniversary, the upcoming presidential primaries, and turnover on the Bush team. Here are all five scripts:

1. AVOIDING POLITICAL OBESITY

John: Hi there, fitness fans. It’s the sensibly slender Susan and John, here in the nation’s most slender state. To keep Colorado No. 1, follow these tips for avoiding political obesity. Walk door-to-door with a candidate. Watch C-SPAN on the treadmill. Fast at ice cream socials. And stop swallowing those sugary, fatty campaign promises.

Susan: Here are some other high-cal snacks to eliminate: 1) Cotton candy spin from the White House regarding conditions in Iraq. 2) gummy pander bears racist hyperbole regarding fencing our country’s southern border and ignoring the more porous boundary to the North. 3) Too many mixed nuts making policy!

John: Staying slim is good. If talking back to us on TV helps you burn calories, terrific. It’s odd, though -- most of the skinny states are blue ones and most of the chubby states are red. What’s that about? To avoid overweight, eat right. To avoid over-government, vote right. Republican, that is.

Susan: You may have insight but you are colorblind – wonder if that’s a food borne condition? The country has turned purple. It’s the solid red South where diets are on overdrive - and Republican front-runners Rudi and Mitt? Too lean and mean!

2. IRAQ & 9/11 ANNIVERSARY

John: Radical Islam plunged the United States into war with deadly attacks on September 11 six years ago. That war continues in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Gaza, and on the battlefield of ideas here at home. One idea tempting Americans is surrender and appeasement. The other is determination and victory. It’s time to choose.

Susan: The Government Accountability Office report says conditions in Iraq will only meet 3 of the 18 benchmarks for success established prior to the administration’s surge. This fresh dose of realism regarding conditions in Iraq is sobering and demands serious changes in policy. Bring the troops home.

John: America and the free world face an enemy who seeks not just our defeat but our destruction. If we surrender Iraq, it becomes one more enemy base from which to attack neighboring countries, Israel, Europe, and yes, the US homeland. The surge is working, even Democrats admit. Quitting now is insane.

Susan: Einstein’s definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over, hoping the outcome will be different. Insanity is Al Maliki’s leadership, the administration’s stubbornness and the complete lack of dialogue or diplomacy with stakeholders in the region. Denial is not just de river in Egypt!

3. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES APPROACHING

John: It’s down to about a hundred days in the presidential nominating races. January will probably tell the story. It’s likely no Democrat will overtake Hillary Clinton. But some Republican will likely erase Rudy Giuliani’s lead. It could be Romney or Thompson or even Gingrich. But Rudy may hold on. And Hillary may stumble.

Susan: The Republican field resembles a circular firing squad. Rudy’s not wearing well – Mitt continues to struggle on a quest for an identity and Fred Thompson barely has his foot in the water. The Dems are looking better and better – regardless of who emerges the winner.

John: Wishful thinking doesn’t win elections, Susan. Senator Clinton’s negatives are sky high. Almost half the American people say they would never vote for her, period. She trails Giuliani even in California. The anti-war left is furious with Hillary, and the war itself may actually hurt Democrats. This is far from over.

Susan: The war is hurting Americans – in Iraq, at home and across the globe. The war, the economy, health care and behavior will be the central themes of the 08 presidential election, It’s never over until it’s over – but the Dems are looking strong.

4. UNIONS FLEXING MUSCLE IN COLORADO

Susan: Public employees feast at the bargaining table! Denver Cops negotiated a 3-year, 14% wage increase, plus additional health care coverage. Denver School teachers continue to believe the District is awash in money. And the proposal to grant collective bargaining to all public employees? Hold on to your wallets!

John: Aggressive unions with collective bargaining and strikes are one thing in private industry. At least you have competition to keep prices down and stockholders to hold management accountable. Public employee unions don’t have those restraints. Bureaucrats can hand out unearned raises like play money, leaving taxpayers on the hook. Bad news, Susan.

Susan: Public employees enjoy solid pensions, health care coverage and job security. Collective bargaining is important when workers don’t have that kind of safety net. The right to strike is very limited for public safety workers and – in my opinion – should be off the table for teachers.

John: Be careful, they’ll throw you out of the Democratic Party and both of us out of the TV talent union. Just kidding – we’re NOT unionized and neither should government workers be. Unfortunately, Bill Ritter may give away state government to union bosses, especially with the DNC coming to town.

5. GONZALES EXIT A SIGN OF BUSH MELTDOWN?

Susan: Attorney General Alberto Gonzales quit just ahead of a perjury investigation. Lying to Congress is stupid. Lying about something that wasn’t even illegal – the selective firing of US Attorneys – was even dumber. Lying about illegal wiretapping – now that’s both criminal and stupid. Good Riddance.

John: Any attorney general for this wartime Republican President, facing a slash-and-burn Democratic opposition, was going to be savagely attacked. That’s a given. They demonized Ashcroft and drove him out. Then they demonized Gonzales and drove him out. Both men defended impartial justice and national security. Both served honorably.

Susan: The question is not whether but when Alberto Gonzales will be tried for lying and misleading Congress. Bush’s inner-circle is decimated by scandal and even those with integrity are scrambling off the sinking ship. Most 2-term presidents lose the A-team but Bush is losing the whole team!

John: A watching world had to be impressed as Commander in Chief George W. Bush flew into the war zone recently on a mission of personal diplomacy. With him were Secretary of State Rice, Defense Secretary Gates, and General Peter Pace. I’m proud of America’s leaders, Susan. You should be too.