
I sincerely apologize to anyone who was genuinely offended by the choice of images accompanying my blog post today on the Huffington Post. It’s also important to note that I do not, nor have I ever worked for Ned Lamont’s campaign. However, at their request, I removed the image earlier today.
Unfortunately, Senator Lieberman’s campaign has used this in attempt to hurt Ned and score political points, mustering their own faux indignation in attempt to further distract from the issues important to the voters of Connecticut.
For weeks, Senator Lieberman has attempted to woo African Americans by pretending to be someone he clearly is not. Meanwhile, his campaign has liberally distributed race-baiting fliers that have the "paid for by" Joe’s campaign disclaimer at the bottom, lying to the press about their intended recipients.
But for some reason, more questions have been asked about me, a blogger. With so much at stake this election, is the choice of images used by a mere supporter really newsworthy?
To the extent that rightwing Republicans like Michelle Malkin are trying to harm Ned Lamont with this ginned up controversy by "defending" his opponent with these absurd charges of racism — I regret it and I invite them to take it up with the person who did it, namely me. I answer to nobody and I operate entirely on my own volition. If you have a problem with something I’ve written, you know where to find me.
But perhaps it’s also time people started asking why the Republicans suddenly feel they have a dog in this fight in the first place. First David Horowitz, then the College Republicans and now the rightwing blogosphere are all championing a particular Democrat in a Democratic primary. Perhaps they have come to admire what seem to be ever increasing Rovian tactics, such as that flyer accusing Lamont of being a racist (which inspired the satirical graphic in the first place.) Whatever it is, it certainly should give Connecticut voters pause as they consider whether they are really voting for a Democrat in the Democratic primary on August 8th.



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FITZ!
Rootz,Baby!Rootz!
Nelson Mandela was a fighter and a peacemaker!
Jane!
truth.
Yay Jane!!!
Way to step up, Jane!
Jane,
Please remember that you are dealing with bottom-of-the-barrell scumbags. White trash. Lieberman was the guy who created the impression that somehow democrats were in favor of a war based on a pack of lies. Now the NeoCons will do everything in their power to protect him.
Lieberman betrayed the interests of the American people and deserves to be booted out of office. Jane, keep up your crusade…and know you are on the side of all patriotic America people!
Dang, I didn’t get to see it. But here’s a photo from this afternoon in Newtown, Connecticut. Joe wouldn’t come out of the building until after we left, hee, hee, hee…
http://thumbsnap.com/v/F3N8tvFu.jpg
Sorry I’ve been away most of the day.
Did I miss anything?
I guess that rumor about Joe admitting his mistakes about Iraq weren’t true, but at least you’ve set a good example.
Which he won’t follow.
Jane Hamsher @ 9
LOL,bidness as usual.LMAO.
cool pic http://thumbsnap.com/v/F3N8tvFu.jpg , Lakezorian ! Workers of the World, Unite!
Jane, WTNH said they tried to contact you regarding this. My first thought was for you to contact them and explain exactly as you did here. However, now I’m not sure if it’s worth it or if that would feed the story more.
It’s quite possible that it will just blow off the radar, but I’ve also seen things not addressed get worse. It’s one helluva judgement call.
What are the odds that we hear about “Lamont blogger posts racist graphic” from the AP reporter tomorrow?
And what are the odds that we hear about Joe hiring the college republicans?
Jane!
You might’ve missed this item on Joe’s post-loss planning:
http://politicalwire.com/archi….._week.html
I wonder if he’ll be hiring Karl Rove to run the Joe Party for him. It might be his only hope.
Jane,
I don’t expect any of the Malkin’s of the world to try to take you on.Much easier to rant to themselves.
I didn’t see the graphic,but it says much to me that you removed it and regret it.
Expect this to be a major issue for those that want to talk about anything but the real issues,i.e.the Leiberman camp.
Jane Hamsher @ 10
Nah ; )
Jane, the image was in bad taste, but I am doubly proud of you for owning up to it.
when Joe loses, is he going to hire Lynde England to get tough finally?
I’ve been thinking lately as the world just falls apart around us all, how the GOP, in the lead-up to the 2000 coup d
‘etatelection, that there were going to be grown-ups in charge for a change. Well, I have never seen such a bunch of incompentant petulant little boys — like Joe & Bush who really think kool aid is real — running the show in all my years.When I see and hear Ned, I feel a sense of relief. He comes across like a sane, mature human being!
Jane Hamsher @ 10
ROTFL! No, not a thing. Nothing to look at over here.
Just a little bit of people freakin’, that’s all. You might want to check back a few threads.
Um, and with regards to my previous post, it made the local TV news.
I stand behind you Jane.
You might’ve missed this quote from Thomas Ricks, author of Fiasco, on KO a few minutes ago:
A candidate for a future Book Salon?
Jane, you brave woman you. Owned up and did the right thing, unlike some I can think of.
The prude in me was mildly offended by the graphic. I know to expect Darkblack’s images to be challenging; I often cringe at his taste while LMAO.
But I am far more offended on a daily basis by the hypocrites giving you a hard time. (Can you believe there was a time when their meme was “What’s wrong with hypocrisy, anyway?)
a confession, Jane: I tried to use my tech skills to hack in and remove that photo quickly but the sysadmins have done their work well in bullet-proofing. Oh well…
I went digging around and finally saw the pic over at Malkin’s site.
I liked it. I would have kept it up, but, yeah, if the Lamont campaign asks you to take it down, I guess politeness would demand you do that if just for Lamont’s sake.
But next time, take a lesson from the Republican playbook. DON’T APOLOGIZE. GO ON THE ATTACK. It might not work in foreign policy, but it works well in politics. Stand by your ad, and rub it in their faces as if it was the best idea any graphics-maker has ever had. Explain why it’s such a great ad, and look like you’re enjoying yourself while you do it.
Jane Hamsher @
10
No. Well, Hopey posted an awesome YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSbZcAiVBSc
Jane:
I have to say, when you make a mistake in judgement, it is a doozy… Keep your chin up and keep swinging. – Dilbatt
al-Scooter @
25
Whoa.
OOHH look over there . . . . something shiny . . . .
God forbid the wingers should deal with real life and death issues like the war, like poor people caught in the vise of credit card debt, like rape victims being told to go somewhere else for help.
There are SO many issues that Ned is good on and Joe isn’t. Let’s get this train back on the express track and show them what a candidate that isn’t bought and paid for by lobbyists can do.
This is so bizarre. The number of total votes is hardly enough to sneeze at, and the right poitical machine is throwing the kitchen sink at it. They are sending the writers, the talkers, the bloggers, and some fuckhead college kids to work for a democrat. And what the fuck do Boxer and Clinton think they are doing.
There are some Republican senators in some deep shit in November and the machine gives two shits about them.
I’m outraged by the outrage. :)
They will try to use it to change the debate but your quick response will hinder their efforts. I believe the post election planning is now in full swing and that is where they are now doing their work.
Rallies with only one or two attendees is a strong message.
I clicked on that article just before a nap this afternoon. *yawn*. Malkontent gets to have a little evil fun. What’s next?
OT Wouldn’t it be fun to meet the Young Republicans coming to work for their favorite Democrat with a big Operation yellow Elephant outreach? We could do Leiberman’s people a favor by setting up tables for military recruiters outside his offices and events.
Jane!
darkblack!
I don’t post often and hope I don’t sound like a concern troll now, but wanted to throw in my two cents.
While politics needs passion, we always have to remember it’s a minefield as well. To be inclusive, we have to remember that what is said within the “family” circle is not always appropriate to the less committed we also have to reach, because our concern is with them as well as those firmly on board.
Still, even making mistakes reflects the human attributes that bring people to Ned.
darkblack, where are you?
most of the hired LieberYouth have no idea that LieberHawk is a major backer of the War on Iraq…
Jane,
Please send our love and affection to darkblack. No one meant to be angry at him, we just want so badly for Ned to win, we don’t want anything to even accidentally or unintentionally hurt the cause.
Jane!!!!!
OT- so this is from M/ aka Valley Girl- Jane, the f***ing grant proposal finally got turned in today. I just made plane reservations to go to New Haven- arriving Sat leaving Thurs morning, staying with my best/oldest friend in Branford. I sure hope that we get to meet up sometime there. And, I am assuming that TRex will make it too, love to meet him. My friend is going to send me info to link me up with her local GOTV group- I’ll work on that while she’s at work. What’s the best way to find you in New Haven? M/VG
Malkin is just mad because we have all noticed just how cheap and trashy looking her outfits are compared to Coulter’s.
And that’s not saying much lol.
Don’t worry Michelle, I hear Tonya Harding has some trailer trash hand-me-downs you can pick up on the cheap.
Fuck you scarhill.
Apologize to Jane right now, or I might say something I regret.
Oh, BTW, my friend opined “I think he (Ned) is gonna win”. She has good political instincts but… ya never know
maybe the republicans are helping out because they want to reassure Sen. Lieberman that it is just a short ride from his current platform to theirs if the democratic voters don’t treat him properly at the primary. Given that he feels violated by this whole primary challenge, and doesn’t have any problems with short rides.
(looking like a bitter humor day, over here)
UptownNYChick @ 37
I love this idea. Wish I could help.)
chill about the trollerie ! it only takes a second to zap them…
Ohhh, Internet Toobz Cage Match!!!
In one corner, Whiney Ass Anchor Baby Michelle Macalang!!!
Cheered on by the cheeto stained merde flinging knuckle draggers of Red State, LGF, and Joe Lieberman’s campaign team!!!
In this corner, True Blue Jane Hamsher, champion of all that good and light, and defender of the American Way!!!
Cheered on Kossacks, Eschatonians, and squadrons of rabid venomous lambkin poodles!!!
I’ll bet a US Grant that Ms Macalang will be dragged out feet first, and Ms Hamsher will be fresh as driven snow!!!
And, uh — Lamont 64% Lieberman 32% — HoJo has a good cry, and then endorses Lamont on Tuesday Night. Then, all of the LieberBucks K-Street pimps have a really good cry — they’ve lost their favorite Ho!!!
Jane,
Malkin is frightened of you. That’s why she chose to distort your comments. Keep up the good work.
From the previous thread:
John Casper at 4:34 pm – I strongly suspected that Joshua was a Lieberman troll,
I usually have a pretty good nose for those, but for some reason that never occured to me in this instance. Oh Gawd, I even thanked the guy for bringing it to our attention. Thanks for the clarification.
Also, there was at least one call for Darkblack to apologize for the graphic, and I don’t think that’s necessary.
meta #31:
Mr. Ricks did not have the demeanor of a happy man. After all the crap he’s waded through to research the book, I’d say controlled righteous indignation tinged with weariness was more like it.
He also said that he’s most gratified by the e-mails he’s received from our troops in Iraq. Lotsa thank-yous for telling it like it is and not a single negative comment.
Eureka Springs, AR @ 49
The General should be notified, he is an Operation Yellow Elephant expert.
Jane:
I did see a link to your post on Drudgereport earlier today. It mentioned Huffingtonpost and had the graphic but took me directly to your post. Since someone over on Huffingtonpost is saying that it was never up there on Drudge you might want to know if you do not already.
al-scooter 54
Regarding Ricks, I’d feel lots better about him if he had started writing about this stuff when it was going on rather than waiting 3 years into the war.
Hey, you know that graphic . . . no, not that graphic, the one at the top of this post.
Somebody or other pointed out that the Repugnant logo has the upside-down stars of the dark side.
Our Dem donkey, however, has ‘em right side up, like the patriotic little donkey he is. :)
M/VG in CT !! Yes!
Come back swinging, Jane. Don’t let them get us off topic. I wouldn’t talk about it for another minute except to say that a minstrel show is what that Clinton drop-in was–perhaps a different graphic would have made the point more deftly.
I saw it myself on Drudge — thats when I knew the Mighty Wurlitzer was gearing up for poo-flinging …
“…take it up with the person who did it, namely me.”
I didn’t see the graphic.
But let me say… we do so admire folks who take responsibility for what they do. And permit me to say if you will, Jane Hamsher, that it is a common trait of us here in the great state of Oklahoma to admire those such as yourself who say to everyone “…take it up with the person who did it, namely me.” For what it’s worth.
Thanks Eureka- I am so looking forward to it. This will be the first fun I’ve had in 4 mos!!!
Eureka Springs, AR @ 59
jail4wncrew @ 55
The pic was on Drudge but he pulled it after it was pulled on Huffpo. I don’t see the big deal with it personally, but politically, it was best to pull it IMO
Oh for God’s sake. That graphic is totally on target and funny. That’s exactly what Lieberman is trying to say:”I’m black like you, and the Big Dog is on my side, and that’s all you need to know, so just vote for me, ok?”
This politically correct crap is getting very old. I think we better stop apologizing and just keep attacking. That’s what the righties do, and it’s easy to see how it works for them.
Side note…..Malkin calls Jane a bottom feeder. Takes one to know one, I’d say!
I wonder why Drudge pulled it? It’s so out of character.
RevDeb @ 57
Exactly my thought, RevDeb. It’s like tweety deciding five a half years too late that America really does need a president with a clue, instead of a codpiece.
Huh? From that Political Wire article:
Pungent. Something smells, that’s for sure…
Jenny from the Blog @ 66
Cause his link no longer contained the pic he said was there! LOL
marksb @ 69
or else they have “pungent” confused with “pugnacious”
I really don’t give much of a shit that Drudge had it and lost it and Malkin now has it. Seeing it shown on local CT TV news wasn’t great.
However, I sense it will just blow on by as just another mark against those nasty internets bloggers. They did, at least, correctly state that it had nothing to do with Lamont’s campaign.
and Holy Joe is often described as plangent (look it up!)
Cozumel -
That explains it. BWAHAHAHA!
Is that what you meant? Jane is no bottom feeder. But, for someone of Malkin’s ilk, it’s easy to project one’s own motives and character onto others.
StuInCa @ 67
Since you’ve filed your apology, don’t mention it again. You’ll only extend the story.
M- You deserve it! Have fun and Nederize.)
Mike J, back so soon from your white supremacy meeting?
Have you had a chance to read the posts Jane commissioned on racism? I’m interested in what you think of them.
Hey, Mike J, I missed the FDL post on Mel’s anti-semitic spill. Do you have a link?
marksb @ 70
And HOW, precisely do they plan to “take the fight to Lamont?” What do they have left in their bag of dirty tricks?
I understand that so far they have turned in 817 signatures. They’ve got a few to go and they will probably be trying to get them on Sat. Maybe the out of state young pugs will be working the mall crowds. Is it legal for them to do so?
Some Lieberman supporters keep coming by (although always after dark:
http://thumbsnap.com/v/BlVs1CxV.jpg
Jane,
These things happen. Don’t worry about it.
You’ve been doing a great job overall. Ned rocks… .:)
It unfortunately made it on the local nightly news.
It’s a very silly controversy if you ask me.
please dont feed the fucking trolls … mkay?
.
.
Channel 8 News (I’m not sure what its call letters are) picked up this story, unfortunately. They called it a new low in the campaign. Of course, my heart sank when I heard that. They showed a shot of the picture and made clear that Jane was not a paid member of Lamont’s campaign and that the campaign did not approve of the picture.
Then they went to Joe to get the martyr’s quote. You would think that after 18 years in the Senate and decades in politics that the guy would have more to say than the drab, whiny crap he’s known for. Nevertheless, he whined about how the blogs are out to get him and called this par for the course.
I know Jane meant no offense and I’m glad that she has apologized for this. However, these guys have nothing else to run on at this point. So you can bet we’re gonna hear more about this. It’s interesting who is stepping up to the plate though. I saw it on Drudge, Malkin, the usuall Wingnut suspects. I’m wondering whether their defending him actually will backfire. Is this who he wants as his defenders at this point?
Maybe we could link some of these Joetrolls to websites where they can sign up for his war too.
It would serve two purposes, bolstering the ranks and keeping up the “good fight.”
And it would improve the discourse at home.
alScooter, I did see him on Chas Rose and I was very moved by his straight talk. He didn’t appear to have an agenda, except to get out the information he learned from the troops and their commanders. He’s right that one of Rummy’s shortfalls is that he planned a coup d’etat and not a war. Other good points – Looting was significant because it sent a message that Americans were disrespectful of Iraqi society, eroding confidence in the occupation. Grace period was spring 2003 when opportunity evaporated and then the Baathist Party became influencial. The lack of coherence of American policies on the civilian side and the policies on the military side proved fatal. Bremer de-baathification created a disaffected class of military and drove them underground, and military cutting off weapons promoted insurgency to regain power. And as far as finandes – there was no cut off of money from Syria.
So I agree, it might be a good candidate for a salon.
I tried to post this at HuffPo but couldn’t because I can’t remember my user name there… but racism is an action/institutional structure which has a negative impact upon people based upon the color of their skin. The Joe/Minstrel blackface used a well-known historically racist reference/image to make a point about Joe Lieberman. The point it made was not racist. Whether or not Lieberman’s behavior is racist I leave to others to ponder.
The fact that all those folks at HuffPo are yelling “racism” shows a fundamental craziness and desire to use “racism-yelling” as a political ploy. They don’t seem to know what racism actually is — and think that any reference to/use of/ race in any way shape or form is racist. Colbert btw does a wonderful send up of this in his “I dont’ see color” routines.
That all being said, I admire your retraction and remarks, given the wingnuts being who and as they are. It was just too complex an idea for many in this country which is totally confused and dishonest on this issue.
The people who are calling your graphic racist are basically the same people who would call Dave Chappell racist. They are people who want to keep race out of our current discourse. The important issue is that black face has an important history in our society, and it is far more dangerous to ignore it (which is what we most often do) than to recognize that it was (and continues on a subliminal level) and important issue that we must continue to bring up in a modern context. It is important to remember that the initial reason for black face was segregation. White entertainers pretended to be black in order to engage in a safe form of their music and dance. The white public was allowed the enjoy the fruits of what was basically a slave culture without having to face the reality of it. In essence I believe that you could make the same argument for Joe Lieberman and a number of Democratic/centrist politicians. They attempt to enjoy the fruits of the black voters while at the same time making black issues safe for white voters. This is what leads to a frustrating disenfranchisement of a minority population.
It was an important graphic and I hope we get to talk about it more. As for Malkin and the other conservatives, they remind me of Colbert at his most satiric when he tells his guests he is completely color blind, that there is no longer any such thing as racism in America. I think the rightwing bloggers should be asked exactly why the picture is racist. Watch them tremble if they are forced to face reality for even a moment.
meta at 29,
I liked Hope’s YouTube! I gotta send that to several people.
Peterr – just now back. My 5 minutes is apparently way up. Thank you.
It is interesting to see what it takes to get the rightwing bloggers going. It certainly is not the arguments by the left, but a harmless caricature. It shows the way they are thinking, aware that the neocon arguments are completley worn out and useless, that they are proven wrong by the messes in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon. So lacking any real argument, they are focusing on Jane’s caricature, which hopefully serves as a lightning rod to Ned Lamonts campaign.
John Campanelli @ 85
Works for me.
MAY I STRONGLY ENDORSE *ilson’s COMMENT AT 84 or thereabouts (5:54): “please dont feed the fucking trolls … mkay?” It just makes the mod job all that much more difficult, and I think the next few days are gonna be hard on the mods. PLEASE.
Actually, upon reflection, and in association with all my other commentary on it today, there’s another lesson here.
Take heed, if they can’t take on Lamont directly, they’ll take on the netroots that support him and try and create an association to his campaign. You know their just itching to dismiss the bloggers as screaming, rabid lambs, but it’s even better if they can imply some sort of direct association to Lamont.
Hey M/VG!!
Missed ya!
Jane
Never fear! This looks like a job for [duh! duh! duh!] Operation Yellow Elephant!
Another day goes by without Joe discussing the issues.
UP- thanks. Likewise!
rudy, I really really like your 5:56.
Your Senate inaction:
August 2, 2006
Sessions Amendment S.Amdt. 4775 to H.R. 5631 (Defense Appropriations 2007)
Purpose: To provide $1,829,100,000 for the Army National Guard for the construction of 370 miles of triple-layered fencing, and 461 miles of vehicle barriers along the southwest border.
Status: Agreed to
Vote: 94 Yeas 3 Nays 3 Not Voting
Nays: Feingold (D-WI), Hagel (R-NE), Jeffords (I-VT)
Comments: WTF?! Maybe we could have some nifty guard towers with floodlights and machine guns, just saying.
Dodd Amdt. No. 4819 to H.R. 5631 (Defense Appropriations 2007)
Purpose: To make available an additional $6,700,000,000 to fund equipment reset requirements resulting from continuing combat operations, including repair, depot, and procurement activities.
Status: Agreed to
Vote: 97 Yeas 0 Nays 3 Not Voting
Comments: Addresses the wear and tear on the military’s equipment which the Administration had underfunded.
Motion to Table Durbin Amdt. No. 4781 to H.R. 5631 (Defense Appropriations 2007)
Purpose: To appropriate, with an offset, an additional $2,000,000 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army for the improvement of imaging for traumatic brain injuries
Status: Agreed to
Vote: 54 Yeas 43 Nays 0 Not Voting
Comments: Feingold voted Yea to table i.e. torpedo the amendment and was the only Democrat to do so. The amount is peanuts and it is a little like voting against puppies.
August 1, 2006
S. 3711 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006
Purpose: A bill to enhance the energy independence and security of the United States by providing for exploration, development, and production activities for mineral resources in the Gulf of Mexico.
Status: Passed
Vote: 71 Yeas 25 Nays 4 Not Voting
Comments: This bill will allow deep sea drilling off the coast of Florida.
Oh, and one more thing. By definition a white person cannot claim that an act is racist – that is actually racist because it usurps the last power of the racially stereotyped group. Until some black people come out and claim the picture is racist tell everybody to shut the hell up.
Jane Hamsher – the Dorothy Thompson of our era – funny, fearless, fabulous and stellar futurologist. That’s right little concern trolls, reach for your dictionaries.
And, oh I almost forgot to add Kobe’s mistress is also – hands down – the freaking haberdasher fashion czarina of the internet tubes.
Who knew soft wooly little Burberry hats keep heads cool, even in the summertime. ;~)
LieberYouth — after your $60/day sugartit dries up on August 9th, checkout http://goarmy.com — Joe would so approve!
Much as it pained me, I did take a look at Malkin’s
shitesite earlier today. Jane, she links to the amazon.com listing for your book! Hope that generates some sales for that fine piece of work.(To be perfectly clear, it was for Killer Instinct, NOT the NBK novelization…)
Thank you John Casper — you have been nice to me twice today and are encouraging me to stop lurking or rather to keep talking.
And Wilbur – yes!!!
-ck- 50
OK, maybe I’m being too sensitive, or too uptight, but the put-downs are really starting to wear on me.
Twin sets from Old Navy – - fine; trailer trash – - fine; knuckle-dragging – - if the shoe fits . . . .
But Cheeto-stained fingers? Leave my Cheetos alone! Waahhh! I LOVE Cheetos! Does this mean I can’t be one of the kool kidz, now?
Pout. Cheeto Lovers Unite!
Gimme a C! Gimme an H! Gimme an E! Gimme an E! Gimme a T! Gimme an O! What’ve you got? CHEETOS! Yaayyyyyy!!
Anyway, why do you think God made baby wipes? It wasn’t just because Monk is neurotic or because babies poop their pants.
CHEETOS FOREVER!!
I would imagine it’s simply a diversionary tactic by the wingers. If they’re all pointing to something they expect you to be distracted and look at what they’re pointing to.
The fact that Joe is so staunchly supported by wingers and Republicans alike tells me that he truly *is not* a Democrat. Because the elected Republicans and wingers *hate* Democrats and make no bones about it.
Joe’s abandonment of his constituents and of the principles of the Democratic party are what they don’t want you to look at. They want to keep their favorite enabler in place.
Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.
When Joe cheer-led us into this inhuman, illegal war, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of innocent life, yet without any remorse, he was just being “principled” and “transparently the most kind-hearted, well-intentioned of men”.
When Joe accused people who questioned the Iraq war as unpatriotic, he was further more “without question, one of the finest men”.
When Joe depicted Ned as an animal, they were just having a little fun.
Now, when bloggers criticized Joe, then it was all about “hate”. When Jane posted a satiric graphic, it was all about “racism”.
As a minority myself, I am totally disgusted with Lieberman’s self-righteousness and self-entitlement.
urban pirate @ 96
Arrrrghhhhh!
Can the CT Bloggers create a large two sided A-Frame truck mounted billboard — with the Operation Yellow Elephant graphic?
Just like the Kiss float is newsworthy, this reminds everyone that LieberBaby is hiring out of state College Republicans to do his dirty work!!!
Maybe the CostCo poster printing service could do it — break the graphic up into four (or more) panels, and assemble them on the billboard.
Hope’s Youtube – That’s what our family is doing on a river in Utah in one week. Well, we’ll be in a raft but there are 15 of us going – 2 rafts and 8 kayaks. Last time I went on a multi-day trip with these folks, Waco unfolded while we were headed down river.
Wonder what I’ll find When we re-emerge this time?
Ned Lieberman is the Dem nominee in CT
Boltin’ Joe has bolded Indy
HopeSAT smiling to us from Germany
Peace in the Middle East
Yeah, Margot! It flew through the tubes to everyone I know. Very powerful and on point.
Hey M,
I am so envious on two counts:
You’ve put young Grant to bed
You get to go work with Jane and Lamont and everyone in CN.
{{{{M}}}}
Darkblack, if you’re out there, I need you!
df530 at bellsouth dot net
Thanks!!
Look, the important point is that the Republicans are campaigning for Joe. Stick to this, do not get sidetracked.
Wilbur at 5:56, I agree. You wrote: Watch them tremble if they are forced to face reality for even a moment.
As I am sure you know, there isn’t the “oxygen” to even begin having that kind of a reasoned discussion. With less than six days before the primary in a sound-byte world dominated by an adversarial media, I think Swan made absolutely the right call. I really hope darkblack is reading what you wrote, because I think s/he felt so devastated by Lieberman twisted it into a reaction which was so opposite of the artists’ intent.
. . . and your little dog, too –
Hey, I like Cheeto’s too — or at least, Kroger Baked Cheese Curls. Much better than the original, actually . . .
I love how the Huff posters complained about the racism of the picture, yet it was usually accompanied by something along the lines of “but what can you expect from hateful liberals, anyway.” Right.
It was in questionable taste, but not worthy of this kerflaffle. The Lieberman campaign is simply grabbing whatever they can.
Any word from the Connecticut African-American community on it? Or from Maxine Waters, or Al Sharpton?
Well, a picture says a thousand words, but I don’t think the inference made is what you were looking for. That said, what’s done is done. I understand FDL is home base, but the image incident didn’t occur here. And reading the HuffPo piece, it’s hard seeing how the image was relevant. With this FDL post, it’s easier to see the proper context. It’s painfully obvious the majority of America doesn’t keep up to tabs on things politcal and the quick sound bite is what gets attention. Keep things in context and move on.
A hundred points to the first person who can email me a photoshop of Malkin in blackface.
I prolly won’t get to use it, but god, I want it.
Hi Jane and darkblack -
Thanks to you both for your passion and drive.
As we all know, the Drudge/Malkin/O’Reilly spewholes don’t care about anything other than their pimpled backsides.
The idea that any of these creeps gives a flying jump about equality is risible as their record of overt and covert profession of racial stereotypes for monetary and political gain is despicable.
I’ve seen the commitment to freedom and equality for all reflected in both of your work, and I’m not concerned either of you intended any disrespect to anyone other than Joe and his apologists – who deserve all possible expressions of contempt.
Good on you Jane and darkblack for all of your hard work – hope today’s swiftboaters don’t get you down.
…little dog, As a natural foods nut, I end up with my family trying to trick me by finding substitutes for Cheetos and the rest of the lovely junk food that blesses our fine culture.
Behold: Barbara’s Bakery Cheese Puffs! All of the flavor with the look of healthy food. They aren’t, of course, but the kids eat them anyway, they are slightly more healthy, and what are ya’ gonna do?
http://www.barbarasbakery.com/…..category=7
oh, my email again:
df530 at bellsouth dot net
mommybrain, I think the YouTube we’re talking about is a different YouTube! Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSbZcAiVBSc
Just checking in to see what’s happening to Lieberman. Is he winning?
-ck- @ 115
Truth to tell, I like Baked! Cheetos. :)
No Krogers here, but when I find one, I’ll bite.
Damn. I always have such boring pictures with my posts.
Heh.
a new Q poll is coming out tomorrow morning 11am
Meta – oops, is my face black. THe last youtube I saw from Hope was a guy in a kayak going boating before the world ends. Thanks for the heads up.
Love you, Jane.
I notice Malkin doesn’t allow comments on her blog. It’s easy to imagine what a free-for-all knock-down-drag-out flame war it would be if she had one.
al-Scooter #25
I saw the Charlie Rose interview, Ricks has some good ideas but I was disturbed by his defense of Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz. It was a little like the neighbors’ description of the ax murderer down the street: He was always such a quiet man when he wasn’t out killing people.
As a response and show of solidarity, could FDL raise the dough to sponsor an Operation Yellow Elephant rolling billboard?
It has the advantage of being a universal symbol, for all of the wing nuts Republicans who luv them some Bush wars, but have other priorities when it comes to serving.
Hell, a sign painter or banner shop could create it — but a photo projection printer could probably do it quicker.
I’m in for $50, if TRex wants to get the ball rolling!!!
Hey rwcole, I’ve missed you — Away for vacation, then sick :~( — more numbers tomorrow, can you help us figure them out when they come in? Particularly if they ain’t crystal clear? Thanks and nice to see your name again.
noblejoanie @ 113
That’s right. Lost in today’s little dust up was the money quote by Lieberman. On the same news show we’ve been discussing, he was quoted to the effect that (paraphrasing), “Lamont can have his Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons, because I’ve got Bill Clinton, . . . Salazar, etc….”
I suspect that was a calculated comment, and it was not addressed to the African-American community. In fact, that comment was a message to voters in the post-primary race. But think about how that quote is going to play in the AA neighborhoods.
imm- thanks- Grant almost needed a C-sect. But, after that got done, I came back home and thought.. well okay, what do I do now? I have been meaning to visit my BF in CT for the longest time, and just didn’t know if I would have the energy to make it up there any time soon. But such a pall has been lifted!!! It took me about 1 minute to decide what to do! It will be great if I get to meet Jane and TRex et al, but I will be working on GOTV anyway, and I will be ecstatic at a Lamont win. Nothing like celebrating that with your college BF!!! How are you feeling? Has the flu passed?
marksb @ 120
Mmmmm!
And whatever you do, Don’t. Apologize. Again.
I wouldn’t have recommended apologizing in the first place, but what’s done is done. If it comes up again, talk about why you did it, and why you felt it was appropriate.
-ck- — the Operation Yellow Elefant can be done August 9th, after Ned wins the election
FDL has always had off the wall bizzaro graphics. Taken in context, it was just another one to me. Actually, with Big Dog wearing sunglasses I was thinking Rat Pack, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr! LOL
I thought it was pretty good. Bill & Joe can have their party from the 60’s (Joe and his civil rights marching) & the 70’s (Bill working for Lieberman’s campaign), but those days are over – because those guys triangulated and machinated so that we have practically start all over in the political arena. The photo, to me, says a lot. That old, tired image of the DLC past is right there, represented by Clinton & Lieberman. Remember – they’ve got 101st fighting keyboardists up there in CT, and those highly paid College Republicans just sitting around with nothing to do and no one to talk to – so they’re bored! They need a controversy to write about – but strangely, they don’t see that they are the controversy.
Hi Imman– good to see you too!
Well shit Jane, I figured it was a tempest in a teakettle when I heard that the patron saint of internment, Michelle “Aztlan” Malkin, was at the center of this. Went over to her site and tempest in teakettle confirmed.
Folks, we give Malkin more credit than she deserves. We take her far more seriously than she deserves. What comes out of the mouth of Malkin, Coulter, Rush, Rove and out of the mouths of the rest of that species of paid propagandists has a large audience, sure, but it’s stupid and it’s so wrong it’s downright embarassing.
Malkin’s raising Hell over nothing? Gee, big surprise. Coming from her I wouldn’t give it a moment’s consideration, and you shouldn’t either.
rwcole @ 124
Heya rwcole. He’s not winning, but he’s still whining.
M, Congratulations! May the scorers find nothing but merit in your request.
Fever passed, illness lingers…. My last article must must must must be completed August 14th. I am going to abandon Mrs and Jr. Imm, hide at my Mom’s in upstate New York and drag the SOB into this world kicking and screaming. I believe I already have a placement lined up. Keep all possible fingers and toes crossed. I would love to meet for coffee if possible one of the days you are in CN? Email me with some details.
Love you, Jane, and know it’s not your fault.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 129
Yes, indeed. My friend, a woman I deeply admire and respect. One who gave me the opportunity to serve the larger community in a way I could not before. A generous, brilliant, lioness on behalf of those who lack voices that get heard.
imm- oh, so funny too- after I made my plane reservation to go to CT, I tried to find TRex’s phone # so that I could find out about his trip. I was scrabbling thru lots of papers- turns out that I had written the home phone # of the admin at NSF on the same page as TRex’s phone #, and I phoned the admin first, by mistake. I said, David? No, there is no David here. But did I phone xxx-xxx-xxxx? Yes. Oh, I’m so sorry. After I hung up I realized what I had done!!!!!!
Okay, now. At the risk of being misunderstood:
The graphic was offensive why, exactly? Now, I admit when I first saw it I experienced a quick intake of breath and a sense of shock. So the image was emotionally shocking. But was it patently offensive? Can we even talk about it without losing our minds?
I figured it was meant to show Lieberman as a panderer who dresses up like someone he’s not, willing to put on a face for “the show” — though I think if the other character in the picture had been some host from Fox News it would have made more sense.
This whole event demonstrates one thing for sure: Whoever thinks race isn’t an issue anymore is kookoo.
And another thing. I hate hate hate when politicians speak so carefully, weigh their words, sound so focus-grouped. But maybe this “graphic incident” illustrates just how they get that way, terrified they will offend without ever meaning to.
*ilson –
But if we do the Operation Yellow Elephant NOW, it teaches the LGF shit flingers to Shut The Fuck Up, or they’re really gonna get it.
Raise the Ante and Counter Attack, at College Rethuglican LieberBaby’s weak point — nobody loves him!!! Except for Bush and the GOP, of course . . .
Instead of blackface, you should have put Lieberman in a BLUE dress
imm- I will phone you.
I saw the picture. I don’t think it was a good idea at all, and while eveyone is cheering you on, truthfully, I think you’re gonna be apologizing for it for a very long time. It’s unfortunate that your enthusiasm got the better of you.
little dog…
I like cheetos! Even the word puts a smile on my face. :)
Thomasina, thanks for your concern.
M
Tomorrow morning OK? I’m abed already and so is Imm Jr.
And prepare Ned for MTP and an answer that a supporter put the graphic in but s/he is not affiliated with the campaign. But when asked by the campaign, we took it down. None of the people were even remotely connected and got no money from our campaign. None.
Can’t say the same for those republicans and consultants you have hired joe. Did they do those buttons? Those flyers?
Wilbur @ 102
Wilbur, I’d invite you to go easy there. Wealthy European Americans in the US by in large don’t have to learn about ethnicity, because the US is so geared towards European Americans. If you want to learn about what it means to be a European American, spend some time with people who are not European Americans. It won’t work, however, unless you’re in the minority. The problem is, it’s very tough to do. They probably won’t want to spend time with you. They will assume you’re either a drug dealer or a narc.
Discrimination on the basis of ethnicity (a term I prefer to racism) is everyone’s business, imo. It’s also very difficult to separate out the ethnic tensions from the socio-economic tensions which almost always accompany prejudice.
This is the kind of thing I expected the Lieberman campaign to fabricate, not the kind of thing I planned on trying to defend. It certainly erases a great deal of the benefit of having Sharpton and Jackson come up to campaign, if WTNH had it tonight it’ll run in the articles on Jesse Jackson tomorrow. Not useful.
My question, given the “don’t repeat your opponent’s charges” rule of campaigning, does Lieberman distribute this madness on campaign flyers this weekend? How much pushback should we expect here?
That graphic is HILARIOUS.
I don’t know what I’m going to write, exactly, but I have something special in mind for Miss Anchor Baby tonight. This is an opportunity I have waited for for a long time.
Mwa-ha-haaaa-haaaaaa-haaaa.
one more thing.. a commentor in here says that you have to be black to complain about the picture be racist.
Should we follow that logic to it’s end. Maybe Huffy and Co. could apply that logic to healthcare, Iraq, Racism..
For instance… you MUST be from Iraq to complain about the violence, or MUST be a family member of a soldier (dont ask ann coulter about this one)… or you MUST be a person who has had bad experiences with healthcare to bitch about it— or my favorite.. you MUST be jewish to comment on Mel Gibson’s racist statement.
Just pointing out the absurdity of that comment made .. and somehow that comment is still there but none of mine are.
Is what I’m saying hateful? Or just goes against the grain (to quote a Bad Religion song).
“against the grain, thats where I’m staying.. swimming upstream.. I maintain against the grain” – punk group Bad Religion
Thomasina @ 151
Sadly, I agree. At this critical juncture, something like this is not a tempest in a teapot. The Lamont campaign had to mention and disavow it on their blog, it was on the local news, and don’t be surprised if Tim Russert pulls it out on Sunday as an example of the “angry bloggers who support Ned”.
WTF? This one is way too obtuse for me. What ginned up controversy are you talking about? What image?
I adore you Jane.
This is nothing. A blip.
The people that watch the lickbags on faux and Malkin, that poor, twisted, wishes-she-wasn’t-of-color, and all the rest of them, can’t be reached. They live in a fantasy world. We live in the real world and do real work. We are doing the work of restoring our Democracy for everyone, including them. I refuse to give them any energy, its enough to let them live. Karma baby, Karma.
Meta & Mommy:
Thanks for reposting the vids…I think they’re both on point.
TRex- sounds like you might be gonna use that graphic??? Not a good idea, imo. Maybe there is a pic of her in Star Trek gear? That has possibilities…
Jenny from the Blog @ 152
Yay! A kindred spirit!
Malkin still hasn’t posted either a correction or apology.
The picture is not the problem — the distraction caused by the picture is the problem. It gives our opponents traction, and that’s what we need to avoid.
In 2000, after the Democratic Convention, the Bush Campaign was in the ditch, while Al Gore was on a roll. Then, Al Gore and the White House fumbled the call for releasing oil from the SPR — that gave Bush traction, and he had enough of his criminal conspiracy in place to steal the election in Florida — with two big assists from Joe Lieberman along the way.
It’s like living in a small town. Wait a few day’s and they’ll be talking about someone else.
TRex, I am uncertain what your plan is re: Malkin, but perhaps this is not the time to go double or nothing on this site?
Mike J, scary as it is for me to agree with you, you’re absolutely correct in you’re first statement at 6:31.
I’m not going to take a position here on anything else.
People here allow a very wide range of unacceptable opinions, but you cannot use terms such as
bitch.CK, I really like your idea about the Operation Yellow Elephant. Those Young Gambino Republicans would all be hiding in the bathroom of the Road To Nowhere Express!
Dom Telay @ 141
That was my first reaction reading Jane’s post and the comments. Is the graphic here the “offending” graphic, or are we talking about something different?
I can appreciate that Jane doesn’t want to do anything that could come back to bite Lamont’s campaign, but compared to the kind of egregious stuff the right wing does as a matter of course (Swiftboating for one) – and Lieberman’s behavior and the kinds of insinuations he and his campaign have made about Lamont, I just don’t see why this is even an issue – except attacking Jane seems to be a cottage industry right now.
Jane – it was a pleasure meeting you a couple of weeks ago and don’t let them get to you. You’re fighting the good fight.
The Lieberman campaign is desperate and will latch on to anything but Joe whining about this is not going to come across well. People are sick of Joe’s martyr and sad sack act.
On topic – love Jane, love Christy, love FDL, love threads and comments, no opinion on graphic, big opinion on Malkin – all bad.
Off topic – Dont’ love Gonzales. Hey, look what we could do and still pretend it’s a trial.
Gonzales to Congress – gosh guys, give me what I want and we can have trials without those problem thingies – lawyers, judges, evidence, credibility, a criminal, a crime ….
I especially like his reassuring tone on classified information:
Ummm, has anyone actually looked at what they have been DOING? Padilla’s OWN STATEMENTS – words from his mouth – were classified so that his lawyer couldn’t discuss them with him (although the lawyer had clearance to read them, and Padilla, uh, well, he’s the guy who said them).
What kind of complete disregard for this country and the law does it take to work for a guy like that? *s*
Hey TRex- I’m doing an image search on MM.
First possibilty- cover of her book “Unhinged- Exposing Liberals gone wild”
http://images.amazon.com/image…..ZZZZZ_.jpg
Nice contrast.
UGH!!! Another tempest in a teapot. The image may have been in poor taste but like so much of darkblack’s stuff it was dead on. It was no where near as offensive as Joe and his ilk. I mean boy, look up DINO in the dictionary and there is whiney Joe’s picture. I mean c’mon… O’Reilly, Coulter, Malkin, Kissypoo George. How much more prevaricatiing do we need? Lieberman is Bushes favorite attack poodle. (my apologies to decent poodles everywhere…)
Jane-Illegitemus Non Carborundum!
TRex –
Don’t go there . . .
This is fire fighting time, not fire starting.
and, TRex, here’s another Malkin book cover: In defense of internment
http://pekingduck.org/archives/malkin2.jpg
immanentize @ 169
Ditto that. The graphics discussion needs to end with this thread.
I knew that comment wasn’t long for this world…
Here’s the write-up from WTNH. In reading Joe’s remarks, I get the impression he sees this graphic kerfuffle as just another attack by the mean ol’ nasty blogs, who are all out to get him anyway.
Jane issued a retraction/apology, there’s no connection to the Lamont campaign, that should be the end of it.
“I think it would be an extraordinary case where classified information would be used and would not be provided to the accused.”
God, these guys are not fooling around.
HopeSpringsATurtle @ 181
Which comment? ;~)
Hello Imm sweet man ; )
Blackface was done for the amusement of white audiences. Joementum’s recent efforts in the African American churches of Connecticut–amusing as they were–were an effort to gain black votes. The image was not so much offensive as it was innacurate.
TRex – 119 If only I could do photoshop I would – small miracle I even know how to turn my Mac on.
ck – #132 – I’ll match your pledge in a New York – err – left coast minute.
Wow, the mods must be under seige tonight, usually we don’t see that crap at all. Keep up the good work.
LindaR @ 148
LindaR, the number one thing that’s strikes me about this all is the concern from folks who are in fact out and out racists. People who have no problem with Va. Republican Senator George Felix Allen, who has not only a Confederate flag in his office, but also a tree with a rope tied to it.
But to get back to your question, using blackface means a lot more than just ‘this person is pretending to be black’.
Blackface was used to reinforce stereotypes about black people being lazy, dishonest, and subhuman, even. Imagine condemning Mel Gibson’s recent tirade against the Jews by saying, “hey, he’s being unfair to the kikes, they didn’t start all the wars!”
So that would be why you would not want to use those images. Leave ‘em to the blogostomy™.
I’ll tell you the part I like. I like it so much when anything goes wrong in in here especially with the girls, the men (and the women for that matter) in here puff up their chests and act with such gravitas, so to speak. I know I mixed my gender-declarations but really it’s the best feeling. Safety in your tribe.
People, stop staring at the shiny thing.
This is today’s attempt to distract and not focus on the issues.
Affordable Health Care
Guaranteed Social Security/Pensions
Domestic Job/Wage Growth
Iraq
Katrina
Don’t spend any time watching the sleight of hand. Keep fighting to make Joe answer the questions – why is he sooo against the majority of America and the VAST majority of CT Dems on these issues.
Hello back, HSAT!
New thread is up by Christy who has been doing time and a half and a half and a half today — Go on up and give her some scooby snacks.
I’m off to dreamy land….
You did the right thing with your mea culpa, Jane.
The news cycle can be somewhat unforgiving, and if Lamont’s campaign has something even mildly distracting, NOW would be the time to let it out. An important story might never see the light of day if it happens at the same time as the Hindenburg explodes, and vice versa an idiotic winger blog diatribe can get wide airplay if there is no other news to distract.
Dammit! I didn’t see it, and will not go to Malkin’s site to look. I do really admire a person who will take responsibility for their actions. Too bad Hojo,George W. Chimp, The Shooter, and all the wingnuts can’t do it. But my feelings are fuck’em I they can’t take a joke.
Mary, boy, if the whole unabridged truth ever comes out on this administration you’d need a lifetime to read it. And another lifetime to understand how it could have possibly happened. Who woulda thunk our democracy was so fragile? That’s what gets me the most.
The graphic was offensive because it attaches subservience to blackness.
We must move beyond exploiting such references.
I can’t believe how many people are saying it’s no big deal. I worry for this party if you think that’s no big deal.
Good for you, Jane, that you apologized. Own up to it fully and move on is the right thing. But those of you who say such a thing is nothing — it’s not. Stop rationalizing. It’s flat wrong and there are other ways to defeat Lieberman (MANY other ways).
Nicely done, Jane: putting daylight between yourself and the Lamont campaign.
I support you all the way on this, have done so at every step. I, like *, thought about finding an Admin chute or ladder, but took no action when I learned Christy was on it.
This blogs’ owners’ judgment is extraordinary. Before I’d ever question it, I’d look several steps ahead on any given chessboard. Today will play out remarkably well.
Thanks to you, Jane and Christy, for all you do. And Jane, please do not make the take-away from this episode to “leave your phone on while driving.”
Well played.
MarkC @
193
The newscycle is also, mercifully, short.
Jenny from the Blog @ 195
That is what makes me fear so much for the reality of an outcome favoring Dems this fall –
Can these guys afford to allow a Democratic Congress in the doors?
Jane and darkblack,
You are great.
As I witness the wingnuttia feces throwing, I think back to the days I worked in politics when we had to knock down a nasty abortion ban bill during state legislative session. The wingnuts came after me, invaded my life, sent anonymous mail and phone calls (back before call ID), talked trash to my kids and generally made life a living hell.
I feel for you.
They don’t address issues, they just raise hell. In fact, that is the argument style …change the subject on go on the offensive.
You are great and I continue to be impressed with your style and straight talk. I appreciate how well you frame issues. I wish I could learn to communicate as well as you do.
….and darkblack, you rock. The number of times I notice your art first and think, oh man, that is gonna leave a mark. That is what its about and I appreciate your talent.
I have to admit that I gave the media a little more credit than they deserved. I thought they smartened up some and would not be played so easily. Do they even notice the rightwing is supporting Lieberman?
I am beginning to believe I reside in bizarroland. With the young repugs heading to CT to support their senator, I wonder if we are being played.
Are we going to see Lamont trounce Lieberman in the primary and the republicans then dump their current candidate to name Joe to their ticket.
I would think this unlikley with a 1% chance but with Joe the Victim, he would claim those mean old bloggers chased him out of his party and there is no place to go but the republican side.
Keep up the great work and be sure to take time to take care of yourselves.
It was a mistake. Huffington Post is like AOL. Millions of morons use it every day. People there can get the vapors very easily.
Racism has a very specific definition. It is oppression of a group based on racial stereotypes (there is actually no such thing as race, it is basically a term made up during the eugenics movement) – what race actually is are phenotypic variation. That is why all race is a stereotype. Ethnicity has a different meaning than race because it is based on origin rather than phenotypic qualitiesl. In other words it demands greater familiarity and is not wholly dependent on stereotype for meaning. Racism is committed by groups in power and its victims are groups out of power. Because groups in power can recognize the power and unfairness of racism they can attempt to usurp it in order to forward their agenda (which, by the way is what I believe is happening here). This is the reason that in power groups really can’t define racism – it is impossible to know what their agenda is in the definition, and too often is used for their own purposes. Members of in power groups that wish to recognize racism instead need to actually understand the experiences of the out of power groups. There are two ways to do this – by wholly putting yourself in the experience of the out of power group – but this is difficult and demands a number of stages of experience, or by recognizing and supporting members of out of power groups when they say that they are victims of racism.
Hey TRex- I just tried to phone you thinking I would try to talk you off the Malkin ledge. Seems you were on the phone. imo attacking MM is not a good idea right now. Seriously. We could all use some lite relief, so howsa about another sweet cat thread? Or even the “cat’s revenge”?
On the “sweet” theme, this is a fun article from the Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/odd…..ve_thefts/
Feline felon suspected in glove thefts
By Jim Fitzgerald, Associated Press Writer | July 20, 2006
PELHAM, N.Y. –A pink-and-white gardening glove was missing Thursday morning from Jeannine Goche’s front porch. But there was absolutely no mystery about who had taken it.
Willy, the cat who loves gloves, had struck again.
“It has to be him,” said Goche, an attorney. “I’ve heard about him.”
As if the gardeners of Pelham don’t have enough to worry about, with the rocky soil and the slugs and the big trees casting too much shade, a feline felon has been sneaking into their back yards and carrying off gardening gloves
etc.
Great pic also!!! http://cache.boston.com/resize…..0/410w.jpg
It really is a “keeper”
TeddySanFran @ 197
Well said, TeddySF
Minstrel shows had white men in blackface amusing white audiences. The performers appealed to the racist instincts in the white audience by asking them to laugh at a African Americans.
Joementum, on the other hand, has been appealing to black audiences–as himself–and in effect saying “I am, and have always been your friend.”
The truth is that Joe’s real friends are the college Republicans.
Reading the Mark Davis WTNH piece that SharonW linked to above in #23, I thought Joe’s saying, “Ned Lamont can have Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton,” Liebermen said. “I’m proud to have had Bill Clinton, Senator Dodd, Senator Inouye, Senator Salazar and a lot of other great Democrats” sounded pretty bad. You’d think a guy who claims so much street cred with the African-American community might have expressed some disappointment that Mssrs. Sharpton and Jackson did not see the same fighting spirit and qualities of kinship Joe thinks he has. Instead, it comes across to me a s pretty dismissive of two very prominent and popular African Americans.
Could be just me – it’s been a pretty crazy day.
M — how about some Scooby Doo? (New thread…)
Dear Jane,
You and the FDL group and the waves we have started are beginning to really hurt them.
Standard military – you are a real threat and hurting them – you are hitting their radar.
It doesn’t matter what the event that triggered it was; sooner or later their were going to come knocking and trying to knock you down.
They are retaliating from pain, you are making them aware!
Go Jane go
Go where so many of us would like to go
So we can follow!
Deep Respect
DAB @ 172
Can anyone remember when was the last time we had a week off from a conservative pundit calling for the assasination of a US government official? Just askin’.
There was a time in this country when a pot couldn’t call a kettle black. It was a less entertaining time, for some folks, but it was a better time. [Dramatic sigh]
So she’s doing something right.
Says something about how shallow the man has become. All he has is the appearance of a legacy to lean on. Think that’s not gonna cut it this time.
Senator Sad Sack! Love it!!
fucking amateur
The image was a racist one, no doubt. I am sorry your judgment was not up to high standards.
I am glad you have apologized. It is a shame that this could be an issue…but Dems would have made it one also were the roles reversed.
I guess we will see whose pocket the media is in, we have seen Republicans do this with intent and not even be reviewed for judgment. You, it would appear were just for the most part making a mistake. And in your case they send some of the lesser dogs after you.
I suspect they have nothing here, since to talk about it invites equal debate.
Matt @ 157
Matt-
However “not useful” you think the graphic might have been, it was nothing compared to you positing what the papers will run tomorrow. Why don’t you just wait and see what happens…or better yet, spend tomorrow and every day until 8/8 actively supporting Ned Lamont…instead of giving up the fucking ghost, and giving ideas to the slur curs for tomorrows papers.
Jane, I thought the explanation for the graphic was self-evident. The man’s a pretender. For sale. Except he’s not really, because he doesn’t keep his word to his constituents.
One of the reasons dems have been so cowed for so long is because there have been assholes and thugs throwing up their hands and saying, “Well! I NEVAH!!!” for YEARS…when we know damned well they DID. I bet Sharpton would get it right away. Meantime, you did what you could to make amends to the truly shocked (very few, in my opinion).
Hey – Malkin’s got an Amazon click through link to Killer Instinct.
Hedging her bets?
Perhaps the best thing is to just decide that between now and next Tuesday one fights no flame wars on the net that could — by any real stretch of the imagination — motivate one Lamont voter not to vote, or to vote otherwise. That’s all that counts right now.
I expected something like this — late or last minute diversions are such a common last minute trick. Usually they are pulled by someone who knows their internal polling is running south on them. So just smile, E-Mail your CT friends reminding them to vote, and hold on tight — the next five days will be very rough.
Understand – this is the way these people work. If it wasn’t this it would have been something else. It was the same way with the Francine Busby campaign and her late “remark.” It is going to happen no matter what. There will be at least one more before the 8th. If you ever wanted definitive proof that the Republicans are working for Lieberman this is it. The question is as November approaches (because I think Lamont is completely safe at this point), how are we going to come up with a strategy to deal with this type of thing?
Sara speaks wisely.
Gilliard just posted a defense, of sorts. If he’s not angry, then this isn’t as big a deal as Lieberman wishes it was.
darkblack – Your (fabulous) art is just that. ART
As far as imagery is concerned any reaction is a good thing. (Thinking Maplethorpe here.) I have no problems with your or Jane’s placement today because of context with the article.
I sincerely hope this doesn’t get either one of you down.
You both rise to the occasion in great valor and inspire so many. Never forget that.
Upstate does not speak wisely.
Anne @ 206
Not just you. I agree that it was pretty tin-eared of HoJo to say that.
Wow, that was a stupid thing to post. I’m a daily reader of Firedoglake, it’s second on my list after C&L, and I certainly won’t stop now. I agree with more than 90% of the stuff I read here. But that photoshop was a true bonehead move. It’s offensive. Of all the times to post something like that.
Thank you for removing it, Jane. I saw it at work and wondered what the hell was the inspiration for it. I understand why it might be done, as Steve Gilliard has done in the past, but we need to watch the edgy stuff if we want to be taken seriously.
I admire Jane Hamsher for quickly apologizing and for accepting the better judgement of the Lamont campaign staff. Everyone makes mistakes, but it is those who can’t admit to their mistakes who do continuing harm.
In my opinion, this was not an overtly racist act but a racially insensitive one, if people can buy that distinction. It is exactly the same as Gov. Romney’s use this week of the “tar baby” phrase, for which he apologized quickly too. I doubt that he has been damaged by that remark, and nor will Jane Hamsher.
By tomorrow morning with news of the Q-Poll results, whatever they are, and later in the evening with news of the TN Republican primary result for the Senate (probably a Corker win), there will be more than enough other real political news to chew on.
On Sunday for sure, Tim Russert will predictably practice his “gotcha” journalism and show the picture to Lamont on the Sunday MTP as an example of the out-of-control bloggers savaging Lieberman. Lamont will be firm but gracious, as he always is, in condemning the picture, but pointing out that Jane quickly apologized and is not officially associated with the campaign. It will be interpreted by some as a mini-Sister Soulja moment, to Lamont’s benefit. End of story with lessons learned all around.
I haven’t seen the graphic in question, I’m just going by the descriptions. Unless there’s something besides a picture of Lieberman in blackface to be offended about, I’d pay it no mind. There seems to be no end of people in this world who are in the business of being offended, and there are plenty of folks who are willing to do it for free, too, if it gains them political points.
So … who’s this Malkin chick anyway?
Love you, Jane.
Boy, next Wednesday is gonna be a great day…
I can’t wait!
I would advise everyone to stay away from blackface (including Steve Gilliard, who sometimes thinks he can get away with it because he’s black). It strongly offends some people (people who are for the most part on our side), gives others an excuse to be pseudo-offended, and gives your opponents a club to beat you up with, so it’s just a bad tactic no matter what your intent. You wind up no longer talking about your target and talking instead about why you aren’t a racist. You can have long discussion threads defending your use of blackface in a political cartoon, but that just prolongs the damage.
That picture was a mistake. I’m sorry it happened to you, Jane. In medicine, we call it therapeutic zeal – wanting to help so badly you overdo it and end up making an error. It’s the reason for the Hippocratic Oath, “Do no harm.”
Fortunately this one didn’t hurt anything very much. It just gave Michelle Malkin something to crow about – always annoying. But no one who is serious about life reads her anyway.
Oh, and it was troll bait of the first magnitude…
We just have to remember the rules of the game –
If a Democrat farts in public, it’s a capital offense — and if they’re lucky they will only be shipped off to Gitmo.
If a Republican named Bush steals an election, calls the FBI off bin Laden, ignores warnings of a pending terrorist attack, lies to get us into a quagmire of a war and creates more terrorists in the process, bankrupts the federal government, turns the USA into a pariah nation, Swiftboats all his opponents, and generally disgraces each and every one of us — well, that Republican named Bush is hero, a straight shooter, a poopular preznit, and every thing that went wrong is Bill Clinton’s fault anyway.
Got it?
Kaus Watch,
Prediction (sort of) When Mickey Kaus writes about this (what do you think, twelve hours?), this story has officially jumped the shark.
LMFAO @ 7:50 pm (#232) – You don’t know anything about progressives, and I sure wouldn’t take your word about what black people are like, even if you were one.
Come here Frantic, poor thing, leme give you a hug.
I don’t get it.
The reason that blackface was horribly racist is that it mocked people because they were black.
It seems like everyone has decided that is just too hard to understand and so the only takeaway they can handle is: blackface = evil.
The picture of Joe Lieberman in blackface is making the statement that Lieberman mocks black people. How on Earth does accusing your opponent of lacking respect for black people become a racist statement by the accuser?
Full props to Jane and I call bullshit on the concern trolls and politically correct thought police who demanded apologies. Why do we keep letting the Michelle Malkin whackos define the debate??