Oh the hypocrisy...

[rjd970]

Commentary: Congress clueless about retreats - CNN.com

They should all be thrown out of office.

 

[MG1968]

Campbell Brown is pretty enough to be on Fox News. I look for Mr. Murdoch to steal her away from CNN very soon.

The article, however, was a little vague.

First it was Republicans, who last week decamped to the lovely Homestead Resort, famous for its golf, fly-fishing, and luxurious accommodations, with its own golf course and five star amenities.

what did the democrats do besides ride a train to last year's getaway and rack up 40 grand surfing internet pr0n?

 

[CaedmonVol]

Campbell Brown is pretty enough to be on Fox News. I look for Mr. Murdoch to steal her away from CNN very soon.

The article, however, was a little vague.



what did the democrats do besides ride a train to last year's getaway and rack up 40 grand surfing internet pr0n?

Agreed. The $110k is from last year. I didn't see any expenses listed for this year's Homestead retreat that were passed along to the public.

You're right, Campbell, your job is easy -- you use some factoid from last year that doesn't even apply to this year, and (poof!) a misleading news article.

To steal a line from George W. Bush (to Michael Moore): "Find real work!"

 

[Chemvol]

Campbell Brown is pretty enough to be on Fox News. I look for Mr. Murdoch to steal her away from CNN very soon.

The article, however, was a little vague.



what did the democrats do besides ride a train to last year's getaway and rack up 40 grand surfing internet pr0n?

I've always liked Campbell Brown. She was the only reason I ever watched anything on "Weekend Today".

 

[BigPapaVol]

I know the folks at the Homestead got a better deal than those at Kingsmill.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[volinbham]

I've been fly fishing at the Homestead - beautiful area of the country and the Cascades are spectacular.

 

[gsvol]

Agreed. The $110k is from last year. I didn't see any expenses listed for this year's Homestead retreat that were passed along to the public.

You're right, Campbell, your job is easy -- you use some factoid from last year that doesn't even apply to this year, and (poof!) a misleading news article.

To steal a line from George W. Bush (to Michael Moore): "Find real work!"

Here is something I posted a couple of days ago.

(personally I pay less that zero attention to anything and everything having anything to do with CNN, period.)

$500K spent on Dem caucus retreats

On Thursday, Democrats will head to the Kingsmill Resort and Spa in historic Williamsburg, Va., for the three-day planning powwow. The resort boasts multiple championship golf courses, a full-service spa and six restaurants.

Democratic leadership sources were reluctant to talk about any aspect of the trip, but they defended it as an important planning session for the entire country.

“This retreat is strategic planning for the country,” said Democratic Caucus spokeswoman Emily Barocas. “The president, vice president and three Cabinet secretaries will be meeting with the caucus to plan the direction we are taking the country in.”

Williamsburg hardly compares to a balmy beach destination, but in the past five years, some of the retreat expenses jump off the page.

In 2004, for instance, the caucus paid more than $27,000 to Executive Jet Management for a chartered flight for Bill Clinton, who addressed the issues conference. A Democratic aide said costs soared for Clinton’s travel because there was a “horrible blizzard” that caused his plane to become stuck two days longer than expected and the caucus had to spend extra money for de-icing and storing the plane.

In 2005, the caucus cut a $1,100 check to retired Gen. Wesley Clark’s consulting firm for a speaking fee. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s firm received $864 in 2003 for her retreat address.

Besides Obama, Biden and three other Cabinet secretaries, Democrats this year are hosting Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who will talk about stimulating the economy through technology and innovation.

In the past, the caucus has also paid for food and after-hours entertainment. In 2003, for example, the Caucus spent $11,200 on food and $6,900 on entertainment. Costs for renting conference rooms at the resorts also make up a large chunk of the total. In 2004, the caucus spent at least $15,000 on space rental.

Since 2005, the caucus has chartered an Amtrak train to ferry members to the Kingsmill resort. It costs roughly $70,000 each year for the Amtrak charter. Democratic aides argue it’s necessary so that members can spend time together and not end up taking separate cars and arriving at staggered times.

Traveling by train also helps ensure the safety of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who is second in the line of succession to the presidency and requires constant security detail. In this case, the source said, security helicopters fly above the train.

In 2003 and 2004, the caucus used chartered flights and rented cars and buses to transport members to the Nemacolin resort in Woodlands, Pa. The chartered flight cost more than $10,000 and the buses were $6,500, but the hassles weren’t worth it: One year, a Democratic aide recalls, the buses broke down and closed down an entire highway.

You can't spell hypocritical without democrat.