The Connecticut Primary reminded me of George and Lorraine and Biff. You remember, from Back To The Future. Mild mannered, always polite and courteous, George McFly was constantly ridiculed and beset by the foul, uncouth and obnoxious Biff. It’s just the way it was. Biff nearly broke George’s arm, and still, he would not defend himself.
But when Biff manhandled Lorraine, The object of George’s love down to his very soul, his density as it were, that tore it. With a punch delivered from three counties over, Biff was snoring before he hit the ground.
And so it was in Connecticut.
Americans tired of thugs mauling and sullying the reputation of their country fought back against those who enable such atrocities. The collective heads across America snapped to the East to witness–and I’ll paraphrase Tweety here, "The smote heard ’round the world."
However, grim business is before us, and the high-fives and towel snapping will have to wait. Joenabler refuses to concede, and the peoples choice in Lamont still has no job. No one is interested in living off this latest round of press clippings.
Before this victory, the Reich-Wing gleefully hung the goose egg around the neck of left-wing political blogger victories. Now we are dangerous far-left hippy peaceniks. Yawn. The dog barks but the caravan rolls on. And now we are not alone. Death, destruction, corruption and fluent incompetence are the Bush legacy and his Rubber Stamp Republican Lickspittle sycophants. And George McFly is not happy.
We are down to the final quarter. This is where the coach calls a gut check. Well, how bad do you want it?
Donate all you can to your local candidates. Turn your evening stroll into doorhangings/knockings and over-the-fence visits. Write Letters to the Editor. Pitch in to a phone bank. Check with local nursing homes about rides to the polls. Any other ideas?
What About Joe?
Everytime he opens his mouth, we’ll be there. And again, this time we will not be alone.
Perhaps someone feeding from the same donation troughs will gently urge the feedmaster to invest their money more wisely. After all, Joe is obviously headed to the pasture of punditry, where him and his good buddy, Joe Klein, can generously fertilize the same fields as the crap they spew is so similar. Even Pox News may see the coming progressive tide and offer them a spot to represent the Democratic viewpoint. The Joe/Joe Show. They can copy the graphics of 60 minutes, but instead of a stopwatch going tic, tic, tic, they can put up a nagging mother going tsk, tsk, tsk.
Related posts:
Spotlight
Support this site!
Subscribe to the newsletter
Advertise on Firedoglake
Send
us your tips
Make us your homepage
About Firedoglake
Advanced search
Firedogs!
Jane & Siun!
Ned and Webb!
THROW.THE.BUMS.OUT
Very good post, OFG.
I don’t expect to see Schumer publicly fundraising for Lamont any time soon, but perhaps HRC would like to prove she’s not in the pocket of Lieberman donors by at the very least sending her husband to do so?
Or, she can just leave folks like John Kerry and John Edwards to sweep up all the online love in the situation. After all, her people believe she doesn’t need us for 2008.
We might just get the chance to find out if that’s true.
Yeehaaw, OFG!
I read about Kerry giving both barrels to Traitor Joe this morning on Snuffalupagus’s show. Let’s hope this is the start of bridge burning season. Big John knows how to lay suppressing fire!
I am hoping, really hoping that Tammy Duckworth (D-IL.) will be victorious in winning the seat being vacated by Rep. Henry Hyde, Republican from Chicago. Her victory would be as delicious as will be Senator’s Lamont’s.
The message is sent that we are kicking ass and taking names. The question is, are they listening?
OFG! Look at YOU!!!
Do you think the ‘08 hopefuls have figured out yet that any Joenabler need not apply for netrrots support in the runup to the primaries?
Pach @ 11 – I think that’s starting to occur to them…
John Kerry learned to be aggressive and forceful in his rhetoric in his loss to Dubya. I just hope somehow we can dry up the fundage to the ‘kiss my ring’ campaign.
Pach 11 — Do you think the ‘08 hopefuls have figured out yet that any Joenabler need not apply for netrrots support in the runup to the primaries?
I think the ones that figure they do need us are getting plenty busy about showing their public support for Ned.
Curious silences abound, and $5,000 doesn’t buy what it used to, does it?
What ever happened to Peter Daou?
poor Barbara Boxer! every PAC fundraising email she sends me gets returned with nothing but an earful of grief from me…
Do I read things correctly and those who support Ned are limiting their support to letterheads?
What I refer to as a letterhead endorsement. Does anybody else use that term?
What do you mean letterheads? Newspaper writers?
OFG – good for you! gotta go… Angels game today – skinny rookie Kid Santana is pitching with a 9-0 record, looking for 10….
where is lowell weicker? has he weighed in on the senate race since the primary ended? Dont remember which show this was from or who said it this morning but someone said they feel Lowell weicker will get enough liberals and independents to reject Lieberman and vote for Lamont to make it a Lamont victory in the nov election….but I have seen nothing about Lowell weicker lately.
Hi All,
I’m back — hope this time I can stay…
Found this in my inbox. Don’t know if it’s been brought up before. The DCCC is raising money for 3 candidates that we vote for. All 3 CT congressional candidates are on the list. Some of our other favorites are there too, but I think we need to get these 3 some air (especially through the DCCC) what with the Lieberman handicap and all…
Please go vote.
Voting ends 8/23
OGF 13 — I just hope somehow we can dry up the fundage to the ‘kiss my ring’ campaign.
I think that’s pretty much impossible, there is no shortage of funding for the KMR party. The question is, how much influence do those funders have over the rest of the party, and are others going to stay silent on the subject at their behest? Just how much control do they have over key Democrats, and what kind of political price will ultimately paid on their behalf? Half measures and fence-squats are not going to buy any free passes in this race.
Should be some interesting info coming out on Monday re: Joe’s fundraising. I imagine it will paint an even clearer picture of the nexus of common interests that are writing the checks these days, and who is being controlled by them.
And I don’t imagine anyone is going to appear very “presidential” in light of it.
Got it. I would hope not, athough the rectal-cranial inversion that has taken over the Dem leadership seem to make those endorsements less than enthusiastic.
Rescued twice from EPU-land, geesh!
Cleter? You still, still here??
Adie @ 245
Dd anyone else catch his appearance this morning on Face the Nation. It was total republican talking points. but the 2 things that stood out to me right away were:
1. that he is claiming that he is running an independent campaign because, get this, ONLY 15% of democrats cast their vote in the primary. If i am wrong as to what i heard i apologize, but i am quite sure that is what he said.
2. he repeated the extact talking point as John McCain on his appearance this morning meet the press as far as what critisism does he have of the president, in which they both stated they would like to see Rumsfeld resign.
It just struck m as strange they both used almost the same exact wording.
Anyway, my $.02 for this morning.
Gut check. Check. Donations…as much as I can spare, every time I can spare it, and sometimes when I can’t. Check. Door knocking, visiting, talking. Check. Getting involved (am now a certified polling commissioner). Check. Letter writing (in cursive, yet). Check. I keep trying to make free graphics for the cause, but I just don’t have the touch. Check, anyhow.
I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK!
And OFG, thanks for a dynamite post!
I second that, great job.
Thank you OFG. Do you ever notice that you can see changes, even big changes, and note that it is “just a change,” and then notice that some changes have the feel of a Force of Nature in progress? I can’t — on the spot — put into words, but I watch a lot of statistical changes, long term ones, and I just get the feeling that we are watching a Force of Nature kind of thing at work here. It cannot be stopped anymore than the king who commanded the tide to change could stop it.
A letterhead endorsement is a statement of support printed on the letterhead of that individual providing the support. Sort of a stealth support. Like when NARAL supports Joe. Joe gave “letterhead” support by voting against Strip Search Sammie. The fight was over, but he gave the required vote to secure support.
A politician can issue a statement by letterhead which is the end of their public stance.
EPUd, Kerry, describes Lie-boy as the new Cheney..
http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek…..amp;page=1
Knútr inn ríki a.k.a. Canute
John Kerry!
Saying what all Democrats should be saying now about the Connecticut Senate race
Attention, Hillary watchers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Rockefeller
Hmm. . . high personal negatives. . .
Rockefeller, the 1962 GOP frontrunner, two years away from the election, fell to this within a year:
http://jcgi.pathfinder.com/tim…..97,00.html
Hmm. . .
But the Goldwater movement was primarily a rebellion against GOP establishment assimilationism to the majority Democratic Party. The divorce and remarriage played a real role in Rockefeller’s downfall as a candidate, but the Goldwater movement was not an anti-Rockefeller movement. It was anti-Eisenhower, too, and anti-capitulation to Democratic power, worldview and values.
Rockefeller was the media and DC establishment favorite two years away from the presidential election, but a new grass roots movement was already flexing its muscle.
Hmmm. . .
Goldwater was the game changer who lost big but whose movement won. On our side, that was Dean, similarly characterized as angry, nuts. Goldwater lost big in 1964 to an incumbent. 2008 will be an open seat in the White House and we’ve already had our pioneer flameout.
It’s interesting to see the ‘08 hopefuls line up for some love.
I really think the unbelievable victory of Lamont over Lieberman has broken open real debate in this country over Iraq and the failures of the Bush government. There’s still the risk that the right wing noise machine will be able to eventually stifle and suppress those who want an honest dialogue, but for now we’re seeing the Mighty Wurlitzer missing some notes.
The pressure needs to be kept on to prevent Rove and his media minions from re-corking the bottle. I’m really glad to see John Kerry and John Edwards being so visible, hopefully we can get the Vichy Democrats to understand what they need to fight for.
By the way, for those wondering about other things they can do to fight the right, stick around for Book Salon today. Lots of concrete, simple things you can do. 50, in fact. 2 PM PST/5 PM EST.
Jane Hamsher @
5
Peter Daou won’t let that happen.
Audrey Yoeckel @
22
All three CT congressional candidates? I don’t see “Ned Lamont” there. Or am I missing something?
–MarkusQ
As hard as a blue collar fella has to fight to get a raise these days, you just gotta think that all this money special interests are pouring on Joe, they must think he’s worth it.
Why is it that both Kerry and Gore found their voice after they got beat? If Either had shown a little more leadership, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.
Twisted Martini @ 41
true
Vice-President Rockefeller’s death was spectacular too !
MarkusQ @ 39
These are for the Congress; Lamont is running for the Senate.
I would like to see the “letterhead endorsement” addressed wrt other Senators.
“Your recent leterhead endorsement of Ned Lamont is greatly appreciated, but we were hoping for something more substantial…
puppethead @ 36
It’s too late to cork the bottle. Ever tried to recork champaign?
As for the mighty Wurlitzer, it’s broke and we have a mighty Hammond B3 and a tight band.
MarkusQ
The DCCC only funds House races. Lamont is running for the Senate.
The question is, will the DSCC fund Lamont?
It’s a shame when our votes aren’t counted. Even worse when they are counted and it doesn’t count. It really is discouraging what this jerk is doing.
MarkusQ @ 39
Yup. These are the three running for the House seats we’ve been so worried about because Lieberman may draw out a lot of Republican voters which could squelch their bid for those seats. IMO, they need the extra cash input and we could send a message to the Party leaders at the same time…if enough of us vote.
*Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee [House]
*Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee [Senate]
Twisted Martini @ 41
Sometimes it’s the only way. When I was a competitive fencer I saw this happen quite a bit (sometimes with myself). During the match you’d know things weren’t going your way but you couldn’t figure out why. Only afterwards, when you can replay the match over and over in your mind, do you start to realize what your shortcomings are and where your opponent’s weaknesses lie.
I think it was Steve Gilliard who recently posted something about the Democratic Party not fully understanding they are facing an opponent (the GOP) that is bound by no rules and no sense of integrity. In fact, it goes beyond breaking the rules. The GOP has literally been making up new rules when it suits them, using their corporate media referees to hold the Democrats to the new and arbitrary standards.
This is a tough fight, and it’s only going to get worse. The closer the GOP comes to losing, the more outrageous they will act.
puppethead @
36
That would be me raising the pom-poms later today for Kerry. Gotta reward good behavior, eh?
neurophius @ 47
with the personal money that Lamont can draw on, the DSCC will try to husband its cash for other races where money isnt so readily available … the GOP in Indiana told millionaire Congressman Chocola to pay for his own campaign, they didnt have the money to spare for such a wealthy candidate …
Oilfieldguy @ 45
Yes. I remember reading this post by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson the day it went up. Like him, I was cheerful, even gleeful about the election. But Bush remained in the WH and the Duke is dead.
OFG is so right. Democrats have to win this November big time or it’s over. And Joe Lieberman’s political life — becaus of all he stands for and all he stinks up — must be utterly and without nuance stomped to nothingness.
Twisted Martini @ 41
I cite the old dictum: The burned hand teaches best.
puppethead 36 — then again, Kerry and Edwards don’t share big donors with HRC, Schumer and Lieberman. It’s less risky for them. But if they are authentically less compromized in the situation, that’s going to be true down the stretch and probably makes them more worthy of support in the long run.
What would make me feel really warm right about now is a big NY fundraiser, hosted by Bubba say, that pulls in a million bucks for Lamont (kinda like what he did for Webb).
I spend more than five thousand bucks a year on my poodles.
KathieinMN at 44:
“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congess of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”
–Article I, section 1, U.S. Constitution
Holy Joe is a sock puppet for the myth of the omniscient narrative.
What’s there is an illusion, not a democrat; just Dick Cheney’s fist.
LindaR @ 54
Please. I am not worthy. My name should not be uttered of thought of in the same day as Hunter S. Thompson.
My point in this post is the sea change. The metamorphosis that George McFly underwent when he no longer thought of himself, but the rage he felt when one he loved was brutalized.
No one can expect the party that does not believe in government to be able to govern. What is the sound of one hand clapping? America slapping its own forehead.
Jane & Christy,
The Nostalgia post got me poking around YouTube for old videos, and I ran across a good one to use sometime in the future. Although it is by a (now defunct) British band, recorded in the late ’80s, the song is quite pertinent now.
The The – The Beat(en) Generation
Lyrics:
Knot @
21
That was Lawrence O’Donnell on TMGroup. Weicker is popular in CT, I think, and he certainly has incentive to campaign against Leiberman, who ousted him from the Senate.
anonymous @
26
I think he meant 15% of all CT voters, not just Dems. 1st he claimed that not enough Dems would turn out in the primary; when that was proven bogus, he shifted to this excuse (not enough voters).
He’s beneath contempt, and that’s a long way down.
Sorry to quote myself from above, but I think keeping this visual in mind can help.
It’s too late to cork the bottle. Ever tried to recork champaign?
As for the mighty Wurlitzer, it’s broke and we have a mighty Hammond B3 and a tight band.
Great post OFG!
I pledge to DO at least one thing everyday to end this criminal regime.Today I called Mike Whalen’s(Iowa #1) campaign today to ask the rube question of:
“After reading your factfilled colorful 10 page brochure why no pictures of Shrub(What a waste of all those photo-ops) and no REPUBLICAN LOGOS ON THE RETURN ADDRESS. Just which party do you stand for?”
These guys are on the run. Fear no longer rules.
The real problem here is that the Democrats (DNC, DSCC, etc.) don’t have a cushy job to move Joey L. into in return for him stepping aside. If they were running the executive, they could offer him a cabinet post, a foreign station etc. Something would be attractive for him but leave him beholden…
As it is, he’s got no reason not to continue down the road to rebublicanism.
sofistic @ 62
Here is a better visual. You can’t put shit back into the donkey.
Those of us watching the TPM schizophrenia over Lamont vs. Lieberman (so that you don’t have to) might be more inclined to side with “Reader MF” that with “weekend temp DK”.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.c…..php#009484
I don’t at all buy in to the proposition that backing Ned risks losing a shot at winning the majority of the Senate, but otherwise I think “MF” exactly nails the issue. If we’re no longer allowed to express our collective will through the political system, then let’s skip all the kabuki and just admit that the USA is an authoritarian state and act accordingly. The marine layer’s starting to burn off, and it’s gonna be another nice day at the beach, know what I’m sayin’, “DK”?
puppethead@49-Ok, as a sports fan that makes sense. However, it is usually the team that makes adjustments to what the opponent is doing that emerge the winner. This is even more important when you are playing with a hostile set of referees.
One of the encouraging things about Ned’s campaign was that he started out with a strong team, and made adjustments along the way. He didn’t run on “Republican lite”, he defined who he was and made adjustments to his message based on real-time feedback he was receiving. Even when he got hit, he got up and kept on message, one that resonated with the voters.
I think that scares the almighty shit out of the status quo enablers-DLC, Gambino Republicans, incumbents. Their marketing efforts are finally falling on deaf ears, but they think IF THEY JUST YELL LOUDER it will get through.
Oilfieldguy @ 65
Uh, don’t you mean elephant?
Jane Hamsher @ 56,
Absolutely right. I see Kerry and Edwards providing strong support for Lamont in the media, which is important because it creates the kind of cover that would allow the institutional people of the party to support Lamont. We need Kerry and Edwards out there showing there’s nothing wrong with supporting Lamont, but you’re dead on about convincing the big money to get behind the effort as well.
Uh, don’t you mean elephant?
No, the donkey dumped Lieberman. He can’t climb back in.
OldCoastie @
16
Good on you Old Coastie! I was a bit more ruthless via flaming emails demanding to be removed from all lists from all of her offices. It has become a comic/tragic farce & my last unwelcome communique came from a DC staffer advising he was refering my “issue” to the Senator. Am collecting all this to and fro stuff just in case I ever get around to launching a blog.
I live in S.C. a few miles from B.J.U.(yeah I know) I have begun to see a small change in the wind, in this so called red-state. I still see a few W.stickers, but not many. In a hospital waiting room a Woman made a remark rather loudly re: her dislike of Bush and his policy’s,and to my pleasure Most agreed. OT.”Just as Bill Clinton did not make this mess dumya did, He can’t take the blame from both sides, I saw him on TV he said loserman was sounding a lot like Bush&CO,I belive he tried to get Joe go as a (statesman 1st.) so *Please until NOV.,lets stop our bickering about who should be the next President,and work as hard as possible to get people to vote as FDL and all of bloggers every where “”FEEL THE POWER of TRUTH”", in the Midterms.
Anne Holliday @ 71
Isn’t that the PAC whose chief beneficiary is Bob Casey?
Don’t get me wrong, defeating Santorum is important. But is it necessary for BOXER to be doing the fundraising?
This crap is going to take years to untangle.
al-Scooter @ 15 and helina handbasket @ 38: HRC may have hired Peter Daou, but sadly that doesn’t mean he runs the campaign (any more that he did for John Kerry).
Jane Hamsher @ 56
And they don’t even have a PAC or an exploratory committee (as far as I know), much less a full-fledged campaign!
P.S. to Jane/Siun: What part of Chicago are you in?
The Connecticut primary showed that JoMo was out of step with the Democrats of Conn., unfortunately not necessarily the people of Conn. as Kerry implied talking to George this morning. As long as he has 70% of the Republicans and a third or so of the Democrats and even more of the Independents who refuse to see he IS the Republican candidate, he remains a clear and present danger to any hope for change the political course of America.
Indeed. But it’s nice to have these issues that force the players to declare themselves.
OldCoastie @
16
it always amuses–and encourages me–to find that we are spontaneously taking the same little actions. Like Christy’s birds, turning together.
OFG: Loved your McFly piece on taking out Bif the bully.
Twisted Martini @
41
I’m with Twisted Martini on this, in fact I’ll have a Martini over here, please!
My other public forum is the C.B. radio. It is just like the internet, only you don’t have to be able to type or spell. You should hear some of those conversations! I used to rag on Bush and would get seriously flamed. Now when I cut loose a rant, you only hear crickets. Truck drivers by fuel. Lots of it. Not to many Republican fans out there right now. A sea change is coming.
Would you like that Twisted or Traditional?
Jane,
if the octopi of funders and PACs have you scratching your head, try to imagine how I feel.
Cenk from the Young Turks has a great post up on the CT race:
Go read the whole thing at http://www.theyoungturks.com/s…..232432/629
I wish I could do a Vulcan Mind Meld.
Oilfieldguy @ 70
But apparently you can put donkey shit into the Elephant, or it does it itself!
Cenk is my hero. Jane said he interviewed her. His show is live streamed every weekday at 5 pm central time on theyoungturks.com
Oilfieldguy @ 83
Illogical as it may seem, sometimes there’s just no reading at all, OFG.
;>)
Yes, the Young Turks rock. They are one of many reasons to get Sirius. They are funny, and operate within the bounds of reason. Like most progressives.
Twisted Martini @ 80
With a twist of sanity, please!
theExile @ 84
Now there is an image! An elephant eating donkey shit. Where is our imagist Darkblack?
darkblack @ 86
Speak of Angels and I hear the flutter of wings! Sort of a pamphlet, wouldn’t you say? Where is Spocks thought bubble. You know, “Quick Scottie, beam me up, there is no intelligent life here.”
C&L has Kerry: “HoJo…the NEW Dick Cheney”
http://www.crooksandliars.com/…..ick-cheney
Is the db request line open?
I’m pimping my 10:15. (No bites yet.)
Poor Spock! (Your art rocks!)
Oilfieldguy @ 79
That is encouraging. The Limbaugh crowd can’t stand up for their terra hero(es) anymore. The price of fuel and the rapidly declining real estate market along with the typical “plant” closings (net job losses month after month) are hitting too close to home now. Beer guy or Egghead – Who makes a better president now?
Matt Stoller has a great post on why Lamont’s victory is so important:
Dismantling the Liebermahine
neokneme @ 92
Joey as Dickie’s sock puppet? Interesting. I touched on a similar theme months ago, but this concept of yours may hold some promise…And thank you.
Darkblack,
could I get your email address? I have a top secret project I would like your help on.
OT – The General: “Finally, I’m accepted by my peers.”
http://patriotboy.blogspot.com…..7209429819
An Israeli columnist Ari Shavitz had this to say of that country’s recent war, writing on the the political backlash against PM Olmert:
“You cannot lead an entire nation to war promising victory, produce humiliating defeat and remain in power.”
Different war, but I would hope that the same sentiment applies to Joe, or, for that matter, to his boss, the preznit.
Charlie McLieberman! Ha ha that’s great!
Jane has asked us to take off the gloves. The theme here — the omniscient narrative – is soooo galling. Bush and HoJo are so sanctimonious in their “command” of how things are and how they will be. As in “We’ll do the thinnin’ around here”. (Old cartoon riff.)
I just can’t help picturing the BushCabal gathered behind a table chortling as DickTater (a cross between a potato and the VP) swings Sock Puppet Joe around like Sponge Bob, pantomiming the ‘holier than thou spiel’.
Karl might be saying…”I can’t believe they haven’t figured it out yet!”
Thanks for listening!
Jane Hamsher @ 73
Yep, “years to untangle” indeed! In Boxer’s case it will be another four years before her Senate seat can be challenged….a great pity for California, Connecticut and the U.S. Senate IMHO.
Spazeboy has all the Ned links that are fit to read:
http://www.spazeboy.net/2006/0…..-sunday-6/
OT with apologies:
Christy, do the old ‘uns in West Virginia use elderberry syrup for sick kids and adults?
It seems like it’s been long-used, but updated and tested recently.
The brand name is Sambucol and they have a special kid’s version, too, but it contains active ingredients in addition to elderberry.
I bought some but haven’t been able to tell if it’s the elderberry or the oregano oil I use that fends of my ailments.
http://www.drugstore.com/produ…..T-0-SEARCH
From an Op-Ed in the NYT today about the kefluffle that Gunter Grass served in the SS. BTW I think the only issue worth any consideration is whether he should have “come out” sooner – it’s not like he volunteered and it’s not the kind of thing anyone (especially with his values) would brag about.
I wonder how the appointment of the Chimp will look in American history?
I love listening to people talk about sex who haven’t actually, you know, had it.
January 20, 2001-A dark fuckin’ day indeed.
All this Bush/Coulter GOP backing and we’ve got it all wrong:
Lieberman insists he is “devoted” Democrat
http://today.reuters.com/news/…..ticsNews-2
Funniest line of the piece:
Considering Lizza wrote up his encounter with Christy at an off-the-record dinner at YK for the Joe Lieberman Weekly, that is just a fucking hoot.
OFG @ 59 –
You are like so totally worthy!
theExile @
103
When Scalia stopped the vote count in Flordia on Saturday 12/8/00, I said it was right wing coup — no one could have imagined just how corrupt and devestating the Supreme Court coup would be.
the Exile -102
“I wonder how the appointment of the Chimp will look in American history?”
Sort of depends on who is writin’ – good question for Eric Foner and/or David McCullough – better yet his eminence Gore Vidal.
Governor Rockefeller died a happy man.
I would suggest a different emphasis when we’re beating up establishment Dems for not properly supporting Lamont or not torpedoing Lieberman. The problem is not that he’s running as an independent — Jeffords became an independent who caucused with the Dems, and that was just fine, and that’s probably the frame (much as I hate the concept) that Joe is going for.
The problem is that he’s running against a Democrat. That is what is unacceptable.
(a longer post with excepts [and typos] awaiting moderation upthread)
Matt Stoller has a great post on why Lamont’s victory is so important:
Dismantling the Liebermachine
Jane Hamsher @ 104
Just another industry made irrelevant by technology, yet they are too fucking stupid to recognize it. Unable to make the adjustments I talked about earlier.
Who needs to listen to annoying talking heads, when we can get the raw video and judge for ourselves?
Oilfieldguy @ 45
I’d like to address this with my Senators, unfortunately I don’t think the message will resonate with DeWine(R-OH) or Voinovich (R-OH).
I agree with the people who posted, regarding TPM-Lamont/Lieberman, that we can multitask. Can I request a little multitasking, re: writing the OH-2 newspapers about a Jean Schmidt – Dr. Victoria Wulsin debate?
The problem is scum-sucking whores like Joe Klein. That’s what’s unacceptable.
DanD @ 64
On Face the Nation this morning, he was asked something like “You say you don’t always agree with the president. What Bush could do right now differently than he is doing?”
And Lieberman stumbled! He could hardly get anything out of his mouth, but he came up with firing Rumsfeld. Well, duh! Lieberman suggests the one thing that will help — Lieberman! (since he is lobbying for Rumsfeld’s job)
Jane Hamsher @ 106
Maybe so, but I also liked quoting the “longtime strategist for President Bush” on how YouTube clips threaten to reduce spontaneity in politics and to lower the level of discourse.
I’m lucky I didn’t get cut by flying glass and metal when I read that. ‘Cause it seems I had my irony meter too close to the computer, and it exploded.
David Ehrenstein @ 108
Funny story, my neighbor’s dad growing up was a pioneer wingnut-full of consiracy theories, always railing against the UN and Zionists, read a crazy wingnut newspaper called the Spotlight.
Absolutely hated The “Rottenfellers” and I remember him making the comment at the time that they didn’t call the police for a few hours because his mistress was waiting for his stiffy to go down.
Jane Hamsher @ 106
He said that “reporters” should be discreet — amongst each other — the plan was to screw everyone else with indiscretion.
I truly believe we are living through the last days of Lizza and Cillizza and all the rest of the ass-scrathing punditburo.
His mouth is full of Dubbya’s cock.
Jane Hamsher @ 103
It took me a minute to get what you were talking about. Silly me, looking for the sex part. Saying stupid stuff or mangling an occasional sentence just shows someone is real and unrehearsed. The Real McCoy. Racist comments simply show a candidate is racist. The Corporate Media sucks up a lot of bucks from these campaigns so candidates can get their message out.
The netroots do it for free and give them the opportunity for us to pay them. I wonder what the MSM has against us?
We are down to the final quarter. This is where the coach calls a gut check. Well, how bad do you want it?
I WANT IT BAD.
TAKE ACTION. Do it for the children. FIGHT BACK!!
ps: Some of us lived thru this unadulterated madness in the 60’s and 70’s. We ain’t takin’ it again. Come and get it boys. WE’RE NOT RETREATING now or ever.
Sorry for double posting, but I accidentally posted this on the apparently dead (EPU) talkin’ head thread, but think it is very illustrative.
A pretty clear statement about what is wrong with our society and the media. The media tries to create diversions and obviously is succeeding with it’s focus on Runaway Bride/Jon Benet style news. I emailed an article from the NYT to my son in Oregon about poverty in Rural Oregon and notice that today’s most e-mailed articles were the following:
1. Federer as Religious Experience
2. The Trouble When Jane Becomes Jack
3. Choice Tables: Going to Napa, but Skipping the Vineyards
4. The St.-Tropez of Turkey
5. Skin Deep: Throw Your Tweezers Away
Pretty well sums it up for me, and this is the “Grey Lady” not People magazine or Arizona Highways.
Darkblack?
Swopa @
118
Yeah that was a real knee-slapper, too.
Swopa –
On the NewsHour, Mark Shields cited Ronald Reagan to demolish this argument, in regards to the macaca videotape of George Felix Allen Jr.
Of course, OFG…However, if you could refer it through Jane, who can forward it to me, we can take it from there.
For obvious reasons at this time, I’m not publicizing my e-mail addresses.
Jane Hamsher @ 103
Wow, he was wrong about just about everything in that piece.
One of the funniest experiences of Ykos was sitting at a backroom press table with Anna Marie Cox and Chris Cilizza as they tried nervously to pretend to be relaxed around me. And then Byron York sat down. And Dan Froomkin. You could smell the urine.
Oilfieldguy @ 122
You can depend on Sadly, No! to find the sex. Or Not!
darkblack @ 126
Sorry, can’t use Jane as a filter on this. Maybe CHS, but I’ll wait for a few days to email her, as she is otherwise occupied. I’m working on a post and i’ll send it to you for your deft touch. I think you’ll like it.
Swopa #74:
Real life intervened for a while, so I’m sorry to be late with this response. I’ve no illusions in the Clinton-Daou relationship about who’s co-opting whom. But I’m really interested in seeing how it plays out, as it’s something of a precursor (maybe) for pre-netroots pols trying to cope with toobz-oriented activists.
OFG-
I’m late to the conversation trying to get both the peanut and momma down for naps :-)
Remember when we had dinner at the Outback and I told you that you had a very distinctive, very readable voice? This post is what I’m talking about. I’m not going to say I agree with everything (my stodgy, former Republican self still comes out sometimes), but I am going to say that there are few people out there who can state their case with such style and grace. Double extra kudos to you for a piece well stated.
Swopa @ 117
I believe Ryan Lizza is in the dictionary as a synonym for that subset of wankers denominated “wankers who write about other wankers.” And although I appreciated the references to YKos and Bush, I thought this line was even funnier:
I’m trying to imagine Jane taking orders from Tim. Nope, sorry, I can’t do it. I just start giggling hysterically.
G,
You got a cronic lurker to reply. Keep up the good posts and dialogue.JIM C
Mr. ReddHedd @ 132
Thank you for the kind words once again, sir. And if you recall the picture I showed you on my cell phone in Lost Wages, you know I can negotiate tight spots. Sometimes, no matter how much horsepower, diplomacy and delicate manuevering is the only way through the tunnel.
Ron Thompson @ 57
Yeah – I know that – I was dealing with the initials of the committees:
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee [House]
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee [Senate]
Oilfieldguy @ 137
OFG, sorry I meant Chronic
hey everyone,
Jane, this is kinda rambly, no doubt verbose, but hope you’ll read just the same
another goody from OFG – excellent!
‘cept as a Texas Football Mom, I respectfully disagree on the whole final quarter thingy
it’s more like we’ve been doin’ 2 a days for awhile now – and drove over to Connecticut recently for a our first intra mural scrimmage – everyone figured out on the bus ride home we really do have muscle, we really can make it happen – Coaches are pleased with what they saw -
OFG, hopefully you can see I agree with you – It is gut check time but will be so for some time to come
here, allow one of the Varsity Captains to say it better than I ever will
A-f’ing-Men
Can now see Jane, you and others have been saying this in one form or another for the year I’ve been coming here. You, Christy, Pach, and other community members have left crumbs for the slower among us (rhymes with dbl) to follow. And despite your sine qua non insight and snark, today I sit in admiration of your patience and restraint
I am genuinely grateful for your helping me get here.
Happy Anniversary.
YKos question: Who was that guy dressed up as Mission Accomplished Man? His name isn’t on there with any of the pictures. Really wish I could have made it up there, it looked pretty fun hehe.
David Ehrenstein @ 120
That Spunky HoJo. Put a sign on him that says: “I swallow”
That right there puts to rest Lizza’s whole fucked up logic.
BarbaraB 135 — what do you mean, I’m a slave to Tim Tagaris.
I live to do his bidding.
From the link provided above by Jane:
Or say one thing in Des Moines and the opposite in Milwaukee.
Otherwise known as “flip flopping” from town to town!
Jane Hamsher @ 104
poor Ryan – seems to me he’s just upset that no one sends him cool YouTube links … perhaps we should help him out? I’m gonna send a few favorites with a note just listing my date of birth … I wouldn’t want such an (ahem) esteemed journalist to feel left out of the new wave.
Swopa – we’re in Hyde Park (of course!) doing the Chicago porch sit thing … I am so happy friends told me this was precisely my neighborhood when I was heading to Chitown. (and it makes my work colleagues nuts when I start yelling SouthSide!!!)
I guess I am my own worst critic. I assume my email was what prompted the reply from Mr. Reddhedd. I’ll never question his judgement *g*
Also, Jim Clausen, thank you for the kind words. At YKos, I was intrigued by those who introduced themselves as lurkers. They outnumbered the ‘big name’ bloggers by a large number. I am truly humbled.
nodding … Tim would walk into the room and all the bloggers knelt … immediately!
Once again, MySpace demographics are being projected onto the rest of the blogosphere. Go ahead you bloviating chuckleheads, keep on underestimating the phenomenon. We’ll give you interviews though in 2008 if you somehow manage to chew through your restraints and if you ask nicely.
Nicole and I are leading a “lurkers liberation movement” to get the name changed to … gasp … readers!
so many quiet readers feel so connected and engaged even when they don’t speak up – I’d love to see everyone speak up but think we should show more respect for our silent friends.
and I forgot to say above:
OFG – I love this post and love your message! You remind us to keep on keeping on!
as far as wasting politicians time on the youthful YouTube, as I recall, young folk are 80% opposed to George W Bush — this is a rejection approaching the 90% Bush-opposition in the African-American community … being a Bushie is not a plus for the “kids” …
Thank you for your astute political analysis comparing what happened in Connecticut to some lamebrain Hollywood movie.
jane – note from mary jane to you at 149 on the last thread re poodle bowls…
Jane Hamsher @ 142
Please, Jane, don’t make me wet the sofa. Anyway, we all know you only take orders from Kos, who channels them through Kobe.
Oilfieldguy–
you sir, quite simply rock! I especially love this very, very much:
It is true and well- said. major applause and stomping from this corner!!!!!!!
Great post OFG! Lovely round up after 2 hrs of catching up on links and comments to here from the tail end of late night.
And I like the word switch from “lurker” to “reader” – it is always important to consider connotations.
My favorite football coach story:
Coach Vince Lomabardi held up a football before his seated players on the first day of practice.
“Men, this is a football,” he explained seriously.
“Whoa, coach, you’re goin’ way too fast for me,” said a player.
New thread, watertiger’s “Face the Snark”.
Oilfieldguy @ 131
Looking forward to it.
And in the meantime, for neokneme:
The Karl And Joey Show
;>)
oh and love the picture. that man, Michael J. Fox and all those suffering from Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases deserve our good fight to take down this administration and the insufferable minions and immoral “moralists” who support it and the veto against stem cell research and life.
He’s been fighting for a long while now.
Siun at 148
Pul-eeze! We are *lurkers*. Readers are what newspapers have.
Be back later.
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
Rock around the clock.
Mainsprings will blow chunks!!!
Thank you is not enough. (When is it ever?)
Jane Hamsher @ 107
Ryan and Tweety: co-moderators of the upcoming blogger ethics panel, eh?
I just love my YouTubes on my Internets!
lurker = pre-commenter
I’m having kittens waiting to see what happens…
HotFlash @ 160
Not any more you aren’t. Hey there, fellow commenter. Hope to hear from you often.
siun 147 — I think it’s that buzz-cut, ex-Marine thing. Makes me wanna scream “tie me up and call me Loretta.”
OFG @83
I wish I could do a Vulcan Mind Meld.
Better yet, how about a group Vulcan Mind Meld?!
egregious @
167
Thanks for the welcome, egregious. I would have posted sooner but it took a a while to figger out how to drive this ‘leave a reply’ thing. Dang, my recipe for tomato ice cream got EPU’d from Christies Sat am recipe-swap thread.
You’ll be hearing more from me, but mainly I’m trying to learn how to make democracy work since we have some *huge* problems in MI (my old home state) and it’s getting bad up here in Canada, too.
HotFlash:
You can say that again! Stephen Harper would be as bad as Bush if he had the toys, and he’s smarter, in a twisted sort of way.
*ilson46201 @ 43
so homeboy had a heart attack, and his mistress waited 2 hours to call an ambulance ???
Kharma really is a bitch
Jane Hamsher @
104
My favorite sentence from that article:
I can smell the fear from here.
(And may I just say it cracks me up that Jane and I quoted the very same sentence as the highlight. Hee.)
WRT this on the Sunday morning thread,
snip
Face the Nation (CBS): Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) and the Washington Post’s Jim VandeHei discuss Iraq, terrorism and politics.
snip
Is it legally or morally wrong for Lieberman to continue with the (D-Conn) after his name?