You didn't win those...

Peggy Noonan in the WSJ: From a friend watching the Olympics: “How about that Michael Phelps? But let’s remember he didn’t win all those medals, someone else did. After all, he and I swam in public pools, built by state employees using tax dollars. He got training from the USOC, and ate food grown by the Department of Agriculture. He should play fair and share his medals with people like me, who can barely keep my head above water, let alone swim.”
The note was merry and ironic. And as the games progress, we’ll be hearing a lot more of this kind of thing, because President Obama’s comment—”You didn’t build that”—is the political gift that keeps on giving.
They are now the most famous words he has said in his presidency. And oh, how he wishes they weren’t.

Cartoon: Rick McKee

[The Augusta Chronicle]

The Axel of evil

With Obama being out of ideas and having no record to run on, David Axelrod, Barack Obama’s political Merlin, has waved his magic wand and conjured up a totally new persona for his candidate.
Gone is the once-likable Barack Obama who ran on a smile in 2008. In his place, Axelrod has created a crabby candidate who uses stale tactics and negative advertising to scare voters away from Mitt Romney and the Republicans. Read more.
[Thanks BJS]

Cartoon: Rick McKee

[The Augusta Chronicle]

Barack Obama's Diary

Dear Diary: I've had a  busy day of campaigning,  flying down to Orlando on Taxpayer One. It's a win for me, because my loyal subjects get a chance to meet my majestic self. Yet I remain at the center of a global communications center, ready to make a gutsy call any time Panetta comes up with a plan of action for me to follow.  Ann Romney's horse appeared in the Olympics today, helping to make Mitt appear even  more disconnected from the common herd. I told my WH team that -- with the way our  approval rating has been declining--it's an awesome event, dudes. I like  the word "dude," because it makes me sound like a man of the people to my subjects, even while they are simultaneously  in awe of my massive intellect. Time for beddie-byes now and the reassuring touch of Boo-boo my blankey. Mitt's been invading my dreams  again. Boo-boo will help keep me safe. Barry luv Boo-boo....... um-num-num-um..zzzzz...

Cartoon: Cameron Cardow

[Ottawa Citizen]

Outrage: Obama in $716 billion Medicare snatch

Obamacare would snatch $716 billion from Medicare, a startling increase of nearly $200 billion from the original estimate of the law’s impact, according to the independent Congressional Budget Office. The cuts would affect all beneficiaries, since they are aimed at health care providers. Medicare reform would be much more targeted toward benefits, particularly those of wealthier seniors. Details here.

Ahmadinejad repeats: 'Destroy Israel'

In a speech to ambassadors from Islamic countries, Iranian president  Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says a "horrible Zionist current" has been managing world affairs for 400 years, and "liberating Palestine" would solve all world problems. Read more

Cartoon: Nate Beeler

[The Columbus Dispatch]

Dear Cabby: Street-smart advice

Dear Cabby: I have everyone's best interests at heart but they seem to resent my efforts to help them What shall I do?  -- M.B. NY 


Cabby: I tought it was you Mr Mayor. I said to another cabby waitin' at City Hall: "Hizzoner wants a cab." He replied: " Nah...  hizzoner has a limo, fuggedaboudit." But I've driven you  before, Mr Mayor. Da cabbies all  call you Nanny because of all da food regulations  you introduced like forbidding  large servings of soda. I read in da Post today dat you want city hospitals to hide formula from  new mothers to encourage dem to breast feed. My wife had five kids and raised dem all on formula which meant she could  hold down a part-time  job.   We have rent to pay, so whatyagonnado? To win my vote you gotta concentrate on useful tings [bang!] like fillin' dat goddam  pothole. Capisci?

Zero if by sea

[From The Looking Spoon]

Soothing Netanyahu

"Bibi, remember you asked for a weapon 
to halt Iran nukes? It's here"

Cartoon: Eric Allie

[Cagle Cartoons]

Barack Obama's Diary

Dear Diary: Another exhausting day of campaigning, this time in Mansfield and Akron, Ohio. It is most tiresome having to constantly remind people of my [blindingly obvious] superiority to Mitt Romney, with his soft,  pink, upperclass hands and Fifth Avenue haircut.  However often it is explained to  them, voters are foolishly  resistant to the idea that government  should own everything, including what they earn, graciously returning to them a small fraction for personal use.   Once you've read Karl Marx, it's plain commonsense. I am back now in the White House, hoping that I will not be required to make a gutsy call if Syria's WMDs start falling into the wrong hands.  I could plead sudden  illness and let Joe decide what to do, but he's  quite likely to mistake Syria for Somalia. Awkwaard.  My blankey, Boo-boo awaits. A quick prayer to myself and so to bed. Barry luv Boo-boo, um-num-num-um...zzzzz...

Chicago: Deadliest global city

Chicago, Dear Leader's home town, has the highest murder rate among the world's 'global' cities. Read more.