Thanks for the nice intro TRex…I’m really a sweetheart though underneath.

Cliff… love the way you stick it to the spinners on television. Keep it up!

Hit refresh. The YouTube didn’t load the first time.

Welcome, Cliff!

Why don’t you tell the nice folks about your book?

Dover Bitch @ 1

Cliff… love the way you stick it to the spinners on television. Keep it up!

Thanks so much…it works well for me too, as it fills a kind of cathartic need :)..But I also realize that so many on our side for some reason can’t bring themselves to have a spine.

And I get tired of the right wing bs. So it will be my pleasure to continue going up against them.

Welcome back to the Lake, Cliff. We need more like you. Thanks for taking the fight right to ‘em.

Well I am taking a look at the flip flopping man of mystery (actually not really) that is John McCain. And showing how he has never consistently supported anything, betrays the people who think he is a “maverick” on issues of war and peace, corporate control, privacy denied, etc.

Finally, and most importantly, it’s that John McCain simply changes who he is every time he runs for president.

RBG @ 4

Welcome back to the Lake, Cliff. We need more like you. Thanks for taking the fight right to ‘em.

Thanks RBG, my pleasure to be back and my pleasure to keep being a jerk on tv.

Cliff, from this side of the television, it looks as if too many people have internalized this nonsense from the “serious” people with the prime real estate in the grey ladies that we need to be civil all the time and pretend like hate speech from the right is reasonable.

I’m sick of it, I think millions of people are sick of it, and I find it refreshing when people like you use their opportunities on television to call them on their bullshit. Bravo!

Dover Bitch @ 8

Cliff, from this side of the television, it looks as if too many people have internalized this nonsense from the “serious” people with the prime real estate in the grey ladies that we need to be civil all the time and pretend like hate speech from the right is reasonable.

I’m sick of it, I think millions of people are sick of it, and I find it refreshing when people like you use their opportunities on television to call them on their bullshit. Bravo!

Hear, hear!!

So, Cliff, what do you do before you go on camera? Sip espressos and chew exploding cigars? Who has been the most personally satisfying takedown?

TRex @ 8

Dover Bitch @ 8

Cliff, from this side of the television, it looks as if too many people have internalized this nonsense from the “serious” people with the prime real estate in the grey ladies that we need to be civil all the time and pretend like hate speech from the right is reasonable.

I’m sick of it, I think millions of people are sick of it, and I find it refreshing when people like you use their opportunities on television to call them on their bullshit. Bravo!

Hear, hear!!

I couldn’t agree more. Too many progressives have internalized that we need to be nice. And I just dont’ believe in putting up with their crap. Of some of these wimps on our side would try and stand up for what they believe in, they might even find it’s kind of fun…

My un-favorite is when the Rightards start blasting TeeVee Dems for “waging class warfare” and the TeeVee Dems crumple up. As if we hadn’t had class warfare waged at us for every day of both Bush/Reagan/Cheney Maladministrations! I’m tired of the class warfare canard — the liberal answer oughta be “Damn straight we’re waging Middle Class Warfare on the Gotbux’s Asses!”

Taxcuts for the wealthiest = class warfare
Katrina = class warfare
The volunteer Army = class warfare
Our fucked-up healthcare nonsystem = class warfare
Collateralized interest-only mortgages bursting = class warfare
Stock options craziness = class warfare
Bankruptcy reform = class warfare

cliff:

how’s the new baby sleep deprivation? Do you feel like you’ve got a head injury?

“Welcome, Cliff!

Why don’t you tell the nice folks about your book?”

and please, should McCain become irrelevent will the new blog morph into another watchful topic?

I’ve got a question for ya. Occasionally, some video leaks out of someone like Chris Matthews talking smack about John Kerry with Tom Delay during a commercial break. Or Bob Dole actually being honest when a video was rolling and his mic was “off.”

How much banter goes on during the commercial breaks? I always wonder if the most interesting parts of the shows happen in between what goes over the airwaves.

TRex @ 9

So, Cliff, what do you do before you go on camera? Sip espressos and chew exploding cigars? Who has been the most personally satisfying takedown?

Exploding cigars…interesting..hmm.

No coffee before I go on. That is a rule because I am already so amped up I might pull a Ozzy Osbourne on their head if I had any caffeine in me.

I usually just read a few lines over I really want to get out there. And make sure I am staying on message. I also try and think up ways to throw them off balance, with an attack or a sarcastic hit.

Then I just try to relax and think about something else until showtime.

Hmmm…best takedown. I did enjoy telling that Cleta women a few months back that her party was “the party of criminals and pedophiles.”

As for people you may have heard of I called Kellyanne Conway the dimwitted blond pollster that maybe she was angry because her husband hadn’t looked at pictures of Bill Clinton’s privates that morning (her husband was one of the lawyers who fed Ken Starr garbage).

I have also had the pleasure of calling Sean Hannity a liar and a flip flopper, and arguing with him non-stop until they finally played the music over me.

Cliff — as painful as it is to watch Cleta, this is a great clip of you smacking down her cotton-candy spin. I respect your knowledge, gravitas and striking force, and will make a point of looking for more of your commentary, even if it requires watching more televised news.

A warm welcome to you and your strong teeth. Congratulations on the book and the website.

TeddySanFran @ 11

My un-favorite is when the Rightards start blasting TeeVee Dems for “waging class warfare” and the TeeVee Dems crumple up. As if we hadn’t had class warfare waged at us for every day of both Bush/Reagan/Cheney Maladministrations! I’m tired of the class warfare canard — the liberal answer oughta be “Damn straight we’re waging Middle Class Warfare on the Gotbux’s Asses!”

Taxcuts for the wealthiest = class warfare
Katrina = class warfare
The volunteer Army = class warfare
Our fucked-up healthcare nonsystem = class warfare
Collateralized interest-only mortgages bursting = class warfare
Stock options craziness = class warfare
Bankruptcy reform = class warfare

You could not be more right. When they start the name calling, I get sarcastic and say something like my cell phone is ringing, answer it and then say it’s Francisco Franco for you.

not lois @ 16

Cliff — as painful as it is to watch Cleta, this is a great clip of you smacking down her cotton-candy spin. I respect your knowledge, gravitas and striking force, and will make a point of looking for more of your commentary, even if it requires watching more televised news.

A warm welcome to you and your strong teeth. Congratulations on the book and the website.

Thanks so much. I was on Al Jazeera today but sadly not broadcast here. Will try and let more folks know (well you can always go to my blog at cliffschecter.com) to catch my recent MSNBC, Fox, CNN or PBS stuff. I also post the audio from my weekly segment called “Republican Sexcapades” on The Young Turks, making fun of GOP sexual hypocrites.

Hi Cliff,

The tone for this post by Trex is a pet peeve of mine.

The last 12 years, the Democrats, stereotyped as the “Mommy Party” have acted like the classic enabling woman in an obviously abusive relationship with the “Mean Drunken Daddy Party”,

“Oh, he acts that way because he had a tough childhood, oh if I just keep the house cleaner by sweeping up his messes, everything will be OK….

My attitude towards a “Mean Drunken Daddy Party”, like the ReThuglicans is that they will stop beating ‘Mom’ and the kids when you stop them, NOT by intelligently, politely, accommodatingly deferring to them like, well, an abused enabling wife, which is the Democrat’s MO it would seem.

There is a time and place for manners, now is not that time. Period

The “Mean Drunken Daddy Party” needs a dose of it’s own medicine.

It needs to be thrown down the political staircase, face first.

Do you believe in the new modified Golden Rule:

Do Unto Others as They Do Unto You?

Can’t wait to see the real flip-flops fly at the GOP debates, like the wingnuts threw them around at John Kerry! With McCain, Romney, and Giuiliani fine-tuning their pre-general election messages to get the nomination, I salivate at the prospect that Brownback, Hunter, or Tancredo will call them unprincipled opportunists.

.

Cliff, how do you get booked? Can we help get you booked more often? Why aren’t more articulate and angry lefties booked?

.
And who names their baby girl Cleta?

I would completely disregard civility at this point and for one reason: the Republicans will never adopt civility. The Republican style is pitchforks and torches. Fear and anger fuel the Republican engine.

The Republicans created this environment, mostly during the Clinton years, because civil, substantive debate on public policies did not serve their purposes. This remains true today. You cannot get a right-winger to discuss anything in an analytical, fact-based, dispassionate manner.

Disagree with Bush on Iraq? You are a traitor, you are weak, you hate America.

Taking a stand on constitutional rights? You are coddling terrorists.

You can’t even discuss things like income distribution, the environment, employment, health care, education or any other issue of importance without having names and labels thrown in your face.

This is the world the Republicans made, the one they wanted. Civility in this world serves no useful purpose but to signal to the audience that you just don’t care.

lina @ 12

cliff:

how’s the new baby sleep deprivation? Do you feel like you’ve got a head injury?

Great question. I love this kid more than my life. Let me make that clear. He is just the most adorable little guy (on my lap as I type making cooing noises).

But it can be hard. Writing all day, trying to do tv and radio and splitting time with my wife taking care of him.

But all I have to do to motivate msyelf is think of what this world will be like for him if we are not successful.

But yes, it can feel like a head injury at times (not as often as Oxycontin deprivation does for Rush though).

Cliff Schecter @ 19

I was on Al Jazeera today but sadly not broadcast here.

Do you know if there is any way for us to see Al Jazeera? I’ve tried prowling through the toobz but haven’t had any luck. As I recall their male anchor is an honest old-timey newsman (senior moment, can’t recall his name) who I respect. Do they put stuff up on the web?

TeddySanFran @ 11

The sanctimonius blathering of GWB’s Sanctity of Life is another great example of the class warfare if you don’t believe as W does. Helping people in need = class warfare too. Too many apoligists for the righturds.

Could we get Cliff in as a replacement for Mark Sheilds, at least when Sheilds takes a vacation. Brooks needs a dose of humility. (among other things)

Who was that blonde twerp you were on CNN with a couple of months ago? She looked like she wanted to castrate you at the end when she didn’t get the last word.
So, I took a personal power course last year where the bottom line was that there is a passive-agressive spectrum from one to 10 and to be truly effective, you want to be at around 7. That’s assertive but not abrasive. But once the other party goes up the scale, you have to go up the scale as well or come off like a wimp. So often I see moderate/liberal people not doing this and they get creamed. Why haven’t they learned these lessons? Also, how do you counteract the next move the wingers make: insisting on greater civility?

Dover Bitch @ 14

I’ve got a question for ya. Occasionally, some video leaks out of someone like Chris Matthews talking smack about John Kerry with Tom Delay during a commercial break. Or Bob Dole actually being honest when a video was rolling and his mic was “off.”

How much banter goes on during the commercial breaks? I always wonder if the most interesting parts of the shows happen in between what goes over the airwaves.

Great question. It depends. If the host is in a different city, you will usually be in your own room, so you might only chat with the producers during the commercials. Although some of those conversations can be pretty funny–I have had some producers say things like “wow you kicked his ass.”

CNN, alone among the major networks, at least in DC, sits the two people right next to each other who are debating. So I have had some interesting conversations, or arguments with the one and only Lanny Davis.

Cliff, can you comment on the gender differences in commentary? It seems there’s lots that right-wing women get away with that our liberal ladies are called shrill, shrewish, calculating (etc., etc.)when they act the same way. All things being equal, would you rather take on a Cleta or an Ollie?

And, wow, aljazeera — you DO love the terrorists!

Always a pleasure to watch you put the boot into these lying, embezzling, sanctimonious, church-going, pedophile, Republican…YES, REPUBLICAN SCUM!

I LOOK FORWARD TO EACH TIME YOU GET A CHANCE TO SLAP THEM SILLY!

Whew…got a little carried away there. But…

Seriously, keep stuffing THEIR FOUL LIES DOWN THEIR THROATS UNTIL THEY GAG ON THEM!

Sheesh…time fer my meds.

I’ll be rooting you on Cliff!

Did you have a counterpoint person on Aljazeera? What was the topic? What did you say?

goldberry 27

The ReThuglicans won’t give you your jacket boots until you pass their ‘personal power course’

TeddySanFran @
12

My un-favorite is when the Rightards start blasting TeeVee Dems for “waging class warfare” and the TeeVee Dems crumple up. As if we hadn’t had class warfare waged at us for every day of both Bush/Reagan/Cheney Maladministrations! I’m tired of the class warfare canard — the liberal answer oughta be “Damn straight we’re waging Middle Class Warfare on the Gotbux’s Asses!”

Taxcuts for the wealthiest = class warfare
Katrina = class warfare
The volunteer Army = class warfare
Our fucked-up healthcare nonsystem = class warfare
Collateralized interest-only mortgages bursting = class warfare
Stock options craziness = class warfare
Bankruptcy reform = class warfare

Yay Teddy! I’ll use those, thanks.

Gentleman Jim @ 19

Hi Cliff,

The tone for this post by Trex is a pet peeve of mine.

The last 12 years, the Democrats, stereotyped as the “Mommy Party” have acted like the classic enabling woman in an obviously abusive relationship with the “Mean Drunken Daddy Party”,

“Oh, he acts that way because he had a tough childhood, oh if I just keep the house cleaner by sweeping up his messes, everything will be OK….

My attitude towards a “Mean Drunken Daddy Party”, like the ReThuglicans is that they will stop beating ‘Mom’ and the kids when you stop them, NOT by intelligently, politely, accommodatingly deferring to them like, well, an abused enabling wife, which is the Democrat’s MO it would seem.

There is a time and place for manners, now is not that time. Period

The “Mean Drunken Daddy Party” needs a dose of it’s own medicine.

It needs to be thrown down the political staircase, face first.

Do you believe in the new modified Golden Rule:

Do Unto Others as They Do Unto You?

Yeah I am a golden rule guy. I didn’t start out this way. They made me this way. I wanted to shout at my television 100 times like the rest of you. So when I got the chance to go on, I decided the only way to make these miscreants stop was by hitting back and hitting hard…it is amazing how the bullies sulk when you do that.

TeddySanFran @ 29

Cliff, can you comment on the gender differences in commentary? It seems there’s lots that right-wing women get away with that our liberal ladies are called shrill, shrewish, calculating (etc., etc.)when they act the same way. All things being equal, would you rather take on a Cleta or an Ollie?

And, wow, aljazeera — you DO love the terrorists!

I’ll take a guess at this. I think it is because it is socially unacceptable to verbally assault a female. The Rovian psyops team took advantage of our natural instincts to go easier on the fairer sex. (I’m not saying we *are* fairer or that this is right. It just happens to be the truth.) A man who goes after a woman on TV just comes off looking like a bully to some people. The wingers use social judo against you. But I think they can get away with it for sonly so long. Coulter pushed the envelope and made it acceptable to hit back.

TeddySanFran @ 20

Can’t wait to see the real flip-flops fly at the GOP debates, like the wingnuts threw them around at John Kerry! With McCain, Romney, and Giuiliani fine-tuning their pre-general election messages to get the nomination, I salivate at the prospect that Brownback, Hunter, or Tancredo will call them unprincipled opportunists.

.

Cliff, how do you get booked? Can we help get you booked more often? Why aren’t more articulate and angry lefties booked?

.
And who names their baby girl Cleta?

I don’t know who the hell names their kid Cleta. As for getting booked, they call or you can try and pitch them ideas once you get to know them (or before, but that almost never works).

As for getting me on more what we are doing right here works. If you write diaries at Kos or comment here or at Huffpost, let people know you want people like me on (and others who do the same).

I have a pitch for a tv show in the works. And I may ask you all at some point, if you’re willing, to send emails to some stations to let them know how many people will watch so they can’t ignore the YouTubes with 125,000 page views already out there.

Gentleman Jim @ 32

goldberry 27

The ReThuglicans won’t give you your jacket boots until you pass their ‘personal power course’

LOL! So true. I was one of a handful of scientists in a room fullof hyper aggressive sales people, all Republican. I learned a lot like how to keep the IS assholes in their place.

goldberry @ 34

TeddySanFran @ 29

Cliff, can you comment on the gender differences in commentary? It seems there’s lots that right-wing women get away with that our liberal ladies are called shrill, shrewish, calculating (etc., etc.)when they act the same way. All things being equal, would you rather take on a Cleta or an Ollie?

And, wow, aljazeera — you DO love the terrorists!

I’ll take a guess at this. I think it is because it is socially unacceptable to verbally assault a female. The Rovian psyops team took advantage of our natural instincts to go easier on the fairer sex. (I’m not saying we *are* fairer or that this is right. It just happens to be the truth.) A man who goes after a woman on TV just comes off looking like a bully to some people. The wingers use social judo against you. But I think they can get away with it for sonly so long. Coulter pushed the envelope and made it acceptable to hit back.

Yeah, I definitely take more flack when I go after women I debate. As for liberal women being called names, that is just more of the right wing bs, it is a way they can label anything that challenges them out of the mainstream.

You’ve got to help me get some of these gigs, Cliff.

I think we should form a debate team. You and me and, I dunno, Jane and Lindsay from Majikthise against Melanie Morgan, Dan Riehl, Jonah Goldberg (You ARE the weakest link! Goodbye!) and Charles Krauthammer.

We would eat their hearts.

Marion in Savannah @ 23

Cliff Schecter @ 19

I was on Al Jazeera today but sadly not broadcast here.

Do you know if there is any way for us to see Al Jazeera? I’ve tried prowling through the toobz but haven’t had any luck. As I recall their male anchor is an honest old-timey newsman (senior moment, can’t recall his name) who I respect. Do they put stuff up on the web?

I don’t think there is yet. I will have a link online to the segment (cliffschecter.com) later tonight. But no way to just watch right now.

James E. Powell @ 21

I would completely disregard civility at this point and for one reason: the Republicans will never adopt civility. The Republican style is pitchforks and torches. Fear and anger fuel the Republican engine.

The Republicans created this environment, mostly during the Clinton years, because civil, substantive debate on public policies did not serve their purposes. This remains true today. You cannot get a right-winger to discuss anything in an analytical, fact-based, dispassionate manner.

Disagree with Bush on Iraq? You are a traitor, you are weak, you hate America.

Taking a stand on constitutional rights? You are coddling terrorists.

You can’t even discuss things like income distribution, the environment, employment, health care, education or any other issue of importance without having names and labels thrown in your face.

This is the world the Republicans made, the one they wanted. Civility in this world serves no useful purpose but to signal to the audience that you just don’t care.

Until our opponents are willing to be civil there is nothing to be gained by it. We just get smacked around.

hello cliff, good to see u here on my fave blog – also love u on the young turks! its so refreshing to see and hear u opine without equivocating as most mushy dem spokespeople do – please keep it up!!

njr @ 13

“Welcome, Cliff!

Why don’t you tell the nice folks about your book?”

and please, should McCain become irrelevent will the new blog morph into another watchful topic?

Yeah, I am looking into Romney and Giuliani for the book too. So book/blog can change if necessary and will.

Hey Cliff,

Ever find yourself frothing over Democrat positions? Do youwant to kick in the TeeVee like I do?

….making fun of GOP sexual hypocrites.

Speaking of sexual hypocrites, are the Fox personnel as sexually high strung behind the scenes as they appear to be on the box?

I’ve enjoyed your work wherever I have found it. Thanks.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 25

Could we get Cliff in as a replacement for Mark Sheilds, at least when Sheilds takes a vacation. Brooks needs a dose of humility. (among other things)

Yes please do help me with that. Oh how I would love a shot at Brooks!

TRex @ 39

You’ve got to help me get some of these gigs, Cliff.

I think we should form a debate team. You and me and, I dunno, Jane and Lindsay from Majikthise against Melanie Morgan, Dan Riehl, Jonah Goldberg (You ARE the weakest link! Goodbye!) and Charles Krauthammer.

We would eat their hearts.

Put it on Pay-Per-View!

juslin @ 41

hello cliff, good to see u here on my fave blog – also love u on the young turks! its so refreshing to see and hear u opine without equivocating as most mushy dem spokespeople do – please keep it up!!

Thanks so much juslin. I promise to continue my friend.

Nice work, Cliff, keep up the good work.

Anybody doubting that the Republican Party is corrupt through and through should have sat in on a conversation I had this weekend with a former campaign manager for a state-level Democratic candidate. One of the two Republicans against whom the candidate ran has documented evidence showing he is currently having affairs with two women (he is married), and I am told there are photos of this same guy having sex with a bartender in his car in the parking lot of the bar he frequents. Same Repug offered up money and resources to the Dem candidate after he lost in the primary; it smelled like a set up, so the offer was rejected.

Now this same Repug is a local party chair.

What a skeezy skank. This is the best they can do for local leadership, down here in the weeds? Ugh. The Republican Party is corrupt all the way through.

Stay on them, Cliff.

goldberry @ 26

Who was that blonde twerp you were on CNN with a couple of months ago? She looked like she wanted to castrate you at the end when she didn’t get the last word.
So, I took a personal power course last year where the bottom line was that there is a passive-agressive spectrum from one to 10 and to be truly effective, you want to be at around 7. That’s assertive but not abrasive. But once the other party goes up the scale, you have to go up the scale as well or come off like a wimp. So often I see moderate/liberal people not doing this and they get creamed. Why haven’t they learned these lessons? Also, how do you counteract the next move the wingers make: insisting on greater civility?

uggghhh…That was Karen Hanretty. Complete moron.

We’d call ourselves the Anti-War Thugs. Or the Jane Hamshers of teh Left. The Sexually Permissive Traitors.

TRex @ 39

You’ve got to help me get some of these gigs, Cliff.

I think we should form a debate team. You and me and, I dunno, Jane and Lindsay from Majikthise against Melanie Morgan, Dan Riehl, Jonah Goldberg (You ARE the weakest link! Goodbye!) and Charles Krauthammer.

We would eat their hearts.

;) I would love to see you all debate.

goldberry @ 26

Who was that blonde twerp you were on CNN with a couple of months ago? She looked like she wanted to castrate you at the end when she didn’t get the last word.
So, I took a personal power course last year where the bottom line was that there is a passive-agressive spectrum from one to 10 and to be truly effective, you want to be at around 7. That’s assertive but not abrasive. But once the other party goes up the scale, you have to go up the scale as well or come off like a wimp. So often I see moderate/liberal people not doing this and they get creamed. Why haven’t they learned these lessons? Also, how do you counteract the next move the wingers make: insisting on greater civility?

On the civility point, I make sure to keep a few of their comments around and remind them when they call for grater civility. So when GWB says he wants bipartisanship after we whip his ass in 2006, I just said I’ll believe it when I see it.

TRex @ 39

You’ve got to help me get some of these gigs, Cliff.

I think we should form a debate team.
We would eat their hearts.

Starvation diet here… they have no hearts.

Cliff Schecter @
38

goldberry @ 34

TeddySanFran @ 29

Yeah, I definitely take more flack when I go after women I debate. As for liberal women being called names, that is just more of the right wing bs, it is a way they can label anything that challenges them out of the mainstream.

As a liberal woman–well, as an American in a truly fucked-up time–I’ll just come out and say: the facts are on our side, and you don’t have to be comfortable with cruelty in order to be tough. If you were protecting the life of a loved one, how far would you go? That’s what’s at stake here. We have to be as tough as our stances are, or the smaller voices will be ridiculed. I’m sick of being bullied by liars, and my discourse has changed to reflect that. I’m still a compassionate person.

TRex (39) — NOOOOOOO!!! No Repug heart eating!!!

Haven’t you ever heard of Mad Cow disease???

A. Citizen @ 29

Always a pleasure to watch you put the boot into these lying, embezzling, sanctimonious, church-going, pedophile, Republican…YES, REPUBLICAN SCUM!

I LOOK FORWARD TO EACH TIME YOU GET A CHANCE TO SLAP THEM SILLY!

Whew…got a little carried away there. But…

Seriously, keep stuffing THEIR FOUL LIES DOWN THEIR THROATS UNTIL THEY GAG ON THEM!

Sheesh…time fer my meds.

I’ll be rooting you on Cliff!

Thanks A. Citizen. I promise to do my best to make you proud :)

Ah Ha!

I knew it, Al Jazeera!

Wait till I let Clita know about this.

-GSD

*Just kidding.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 26

Could we get Cliff in as a replacement for Mark Sheilds, at least when Sheilds takes a vacation. Brooks needs a dose of humility. (among other things)

The impression here is that you (ES) and most of the commenters here could tie Brooks into knots.

TRex @ 39

You’ve got to help me get some of these gigs, Cliff.

I think we should form a debate team. You and me and, I dunno, Jane and Lindsay from Majikthise against Melanie Morgan, Dan Riehl, Jonah Goldberg (You ARE the weakest link! Goodbye!) and Charles Krauthammer.

We would eat their hearts.

How indelicate Trex, eat their hearts out.

The ancient Sythian Warriors of the Russian Steppes always celebrated their victories by drinking wine from the skull of their opponent.

Cliff, I LOVE it when you are on the teevee. The first time I saw you, I laughed out loud. Some wingnut was doing their usual interrupting, bullying crap and you just called them on it. “Nice try” with that grinning contempt on your face.

Beautiful.

You can tell the wingers don’t really believe what they are saying — otherwise they wouldn’t have to talk over, interrupt, and yell to keep people from hearing the other guy’s point. They are afraid — and you take such glee in pointing that fact out.

I luv ya, man.

I’m multitasking so apologies in advance if this is already mentioned above,

Cliff – what’s your sense of the daylight that can be cast on the appearance of Bush using the firing of US Attorneys to shut down investigations getting too close to the GOP kitchen (Lam/Cunningham–>Wilkes/Foggo et al) ?

A retrospective pattern is emerging:

“WASHINGTON — A US grand jury in Guam opened an investigation of controversial lobbyist Jack Abramoff more than two years ago, but President Bush removed the supervising federal prosecutor, and the probe ended soon after.

The previously undisclosed Guam inquiry is separate from a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia that is investigating allegations that Abramoff bilked Indian tribes out of millions of dollars.”

http://www.boston.com/news/nat…..stigation/

Talk about making Republicans squirm

Cliff Schecter @
50

goldberry @ 26

Who was that blonde twerp you were on CNN with a couple of months ago? She looked like she wanted to castrate you at the end when she didn’t get the last word.
So, I took a personal power course last year where the bottom line was that there is a passive-agressive spectrum from one to 10 and to be truly effective, you want to be at around 7. That’s assertive but not abrasive. But once the other party goes up the scale, you have to go up the scale as well or come off like a wimp. So often I see moderate/liberal people not doing this and they get creamed. Why haven’t they learned these lessons? Also, how do you counteract the next move the wingers make: insisting on greater civility?

uggghhh…That was Karen Hanretty. Complete moron.

How do you remember them all? Do you notch your bedpost?
Well, I can see her idiocy, but she seems to be like a lot of other wingers on TV. What made her, er, special?

lina @ 30

Did you have a counterpoint person on Aljazeera? What was the topic? What did you say?

No I was booked as an analyst. I actually try to be more fair when I am alone. But fair doesn’t mean I don’t tell the truth. I still called Bush stubborn, said he was failing and that the Iraq plan was a disaster waiting to happen.

I just take a bit of a nicer tone when I deliver the bad news.

oh and BTW u’d be great on matthews’ sunday morning show where its a bit more looser!

I’m a liberal. Want to fight about it!?

We need more of this. MUCH more.

Thank you.

TRex @ 38

You’ve got to help me get some of these gigs, Cliff.

I think we should form a debate team. You and me and, I dunno, Jane and Lindsay from Majikthise against Melanie Morgan, Dan Riehl, Jonah Goldberg (You ARE the weakest link! Goodbye!) and Charles Krauthammer.

We would eat their hearts.

Sounds good to me TRex. I have already helped a few of our strong voices get on. As long as I am convinced someone will be tough, and with you I have no doubt, I am happy to help people get on.

Cliff Schecter @ 6

Well I am taking a look at the flip flopping man of mystery (actually not really) that is John McCain. And showing how he has never consistently supported anything, betrays the people who think he is a “maverick” on issues of war and peace, corporate control, privacy denied, etc.

Finally, and most importantly, it’s that John McCain simply changes who he is every time he runs for president.

Ah, yes. John “Keating Five” McCain, yet more proof that there is nothing a right-winger can do that will get him/her banned from public life.

I’m sickened that somebody like Sandy Berger — who helped foil the Goddamn Millenium Plot for God’s sake! — is now a pariah for making and then getting rid of copies of his own notes made while he was getting ready to go in front of the 9/11 Commission, yet people like McCain and Pat Buchanan and Charles “Bell Curve” Murray and Joe “Primary Colors” Klein are given respect and newspaper columns and book contracts.

Cliff,

Is there anyway you and Barney Frank can put together a series of seminars on how to slap the gooey shit out of the rightwing gasbags that permeate the MSM?

You are both so effective and fun to watch.

Also, if you ever bump into Susan Estrich or Alan Colmes can you smack them with a sock full pudding for being willing dupes.

-GSD

just played the utube – Jeez, give the lady a break. She looked like Dan Quayle on country road at midnite! (Oh, and the Menendez thing did amount to nothing.)

Love to see you defending the Dem point of view. Just watching you do it is empowering.

My martial arts instructor says that the first article of defense is to realize you are being attacked. He also says that in a crisis situation people will most likely react as they have been trained to. His advice is to make sure your training is good. ;)

Most Dems I see attacked act like the little old lady who is slammed into the wall when she gets off the bus, purse *gone* in a flash. She is totally stunned and usually can’t even give a description.

Now, most of us have the same thing happen with Rep friends, family, co-workers — just not on TV. Is there anything you recommend that we can do to train for our ‘fights’?

Sonoma Rus @ 43

Hey Cliff,

Ever find yourself frothing over Democrat positions? Do youwant to kick in the TeeVee like I do?

Yes and Yes…There is this guy who used to be a democrat named Joe…

1,414 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND..

Citizen Schecter:

Hit ‘er again Cliff, she’s still breathin’!!

Notice that even when confronted with convictions and prison sentences, the fascists go on the attack and try and grow legs for innuendo and rumor. There will be no rational political discourse on corporate television until we drive a stake thru the heart of this in carnation of American fascism masquerading as the Republican Party.

Go get ‘em Cliff…take no fuckin’ prisoners!!

KEEP THE FAITH AND PASS THE AMMUNITION, SOME OF ‘EM ARE STILL MOVIN’!!!

More power to him. Why wasn’t he featured on Air-America?

rumi @ 44

….making fun of GOP sexual hypocrites.

Speaking of sexual hypocrites, are the Fox personnel as sexually high strung behind the scenes as they appear to be on the box?

I’ve enjoyed your work wherever I have found it. Thanks.

Behind the scenes the bookers are actually a pretty nice group. Many are actually Dems. It’s just a job. As for the personalities, I don’t know any of them that well, which is not really a bad thing :)

As long as I am convinced someone will be tough, and with you I have no doubt,

rrraaaaaaaAAHHHHHRRRRrrrrr!! CHOMP!! CHOMP!!

LindaR @ 60

Cliff, I LOVE it when you are on the teevee. The first time I saw you, I laughed out loud. Some wingnut was doing their usual interrupting, bullying crap and you just called them on it. “Nice try” with that grinning contempt on your face.

Beautiful.

You can tell the wingers don’t really believe what they are saying — otherwise they wouldn’t have to talk over, interrupt, and yell to keep people from hearing the other guy’s point. They are afraid — and you take such glee in pointing that fact out.

I luv ya, man.

Thanks so much Linda. That is part of the fun. Pointing out to them that they are full of crap and watching them try and defend the indefensible. I know I get that evil grin because it is just too much fun.

Are you slummin’ Cliff? TRex, watch out for him, he’s slippery……

Bibi Netanyahu says the west (we) needs to stop Iran. Care to comment?

NorskeFlamethrower @ 73

1,414 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND..

Citizen Schecter:

Hit ‘er again Cliff, she’s still breathin’!!

Notice that even when confronted with convictions and prison sentences, the fascists go on the attack and try and grow legs for innuendo and rumor. There will be no rational political discourse on corporate television until we drive a stake thru the heart of this in carnation of American fascism masquerading as the Republican Party.

Go get ‘em Cliff…take no fuckin’ prisoners!!

KEEP THE FAITH AND PASS THE AMMUNITION, SOME OF ‘EM ARE STILL MOVIN’!!!

Thanks my friend. I will do my best!

Ah, civility . . .

I’m all for standing up against wingnuts, but sometimes the counterattacks cause the whole exchange to end up like a couple of ten year olds:

Uh-huh!
Nu-uh!!
Uhhhh-huuuuh!
Nuuuhhhhhh-huuuuuhhh!!

End result – lots of folks turn off, thinking “a plague on both your houses.” Ties like that are a win for the status quo, which means a net loss for those of us trying to stand up for the constitution.

Cliff, what do you do on your end to keep your cool, while the wingnuts are losing theirs?

Cliff, would you mind smacking Bill Kristol around a bit as a personal favor to FDL’ers?

We’d be ever so grateful and gratified.

Oklahoma kiddo @
80

Bibi Netanyahu says the west (we) needs to stop Iran. Care to comment?

Yes, “Fight your own damn battles.”

John Amato @ 78

Are you slummin’ Cliff? TRex, watch out for him, he’s slippery……

Oh crap, you guys allow that video blogger in here, John Amato! The one who says he is going to post all of my stuff like every week and then ignores me and hurts my feelings!

TRex @ 77

As long as I am convinced someone will be tough, and with you I have no doubt,

rrraaaaaaaAAHHHHHRRRRrrrrr!! CHOMP!! CHOMP!!

i luuuuurv it when our theropod talks dirty

Sir;
regarding being more “fair” when you’re on as an analyst, I think you are always fair. Being well informed and throwing it in their lying ass faces is fair and long overdue. Thanks!!! I enjoy every appearance you make.

Hey Cliff, just stopped over so you’d have a friendly face, but it looks like they’ve pulled up the couch, fixed you drinks and are giving you a foot massage!!!

Well earned!

On the getting on teevee bit, I think we should all set up mini-studios in our homes and offer ourselves up to pound the Rethugs down. I’ll take anyone on except Buchanan.

Cliff Schecter @ 73

Sonoma Rus @ 43

Hey Cliff,

Ever find yourself frothing over Democrat positions? Do youwant to kick in the TeeVee like I do?

Yes and Yes…There is this guy who used to be a democrat named Joe…

My exact thought :)

Cliff

Would the way you handle yourself on air be adaptable to say, a dinner party with some NeoCon practitioners?

No brassknuckle stuff, but how about short, witty, pithy paper cut retorts?

HotFlash @ 71

Love to see you defending the Dem point of view. Just watching you do it is empowering.

My martial arts instructor says that the first article of defense is to realize you are being attacked. He also says that in a crisis situation people will most likely react as they have been trained to. His advice is to make sure your training is good. ;)

Most Dems I see attacked act like the little old lady who is slammed into the wall when she gets off the bus, purse *gone* in a flash. She is totally stunned and usually can’t even give a description.

Now, most of us have the same thing happen with Rep friends, family, co-workers — just not on TV. Is there anything you recommend that we can do to train for our ‘fights’?

I am trying to do some media training on this score. Easier to do in person, but in general, always expect the worst from them. Once you know what they are going to say, and many people we know are quite predictably, have a few lines prepared to make fools of them. Always remain confident, you are right they are wrong, there is no room for self doubt.

Gentleman Jim @ 90

Cliff

Would the way you handle yourself on air be adaptable to say, a dinner party with some NeoCon practitioners?

No brassknuckle stuff, but how about short, witty, pithy paper cut retorts?

Say, “YOU actaully believe that Fox news stuff?” Laugh mockingly, sip your drink and move away while rolling your eyes.
No need to engage them in dialogue. They’re intractable anyway.

Muzzy @ 61

I’m multitasking so apologies in advance if this is already mentioned above,

Cliff – what’s your sense of the daylight that can be cast on the appearance of Bush using the firing of US Attorneys to shut down investigations getting too close to the GOP kitchen (Lam/Cunningham–>Wilkes/Foggo et al) ?

A retrospective pattern is emerging:

“WASHINGTON — A US grand jury in Guam opened an investigation of controversial lobbyist Jack Abramoff more than two years ago, but President Bush removed the supervising federal prosecutor, and the probe ended soon after.

The previously undisclosed Guam inquiry is separate from a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia that is investigating allegations that Abramoff bilked Indian tribes out of millions of dollars.”

http://www.boston.com/news/nat…..stigation/

Talk about making Republicans squirm

I think some of our top blogger are getting on this. Amato you out there? Also, I try to mention it on tv, radio, when blogging. We just need to make sure to keep the pressure on, and it eventually breaks through (think of now many Bush scandals have gone that way).

GSD @ 69

Cliff,

Is there anyway you and Barney Frank can put together a series of seminars on how to slap the gooey shit out of the rightwing gasbags that permeate the MSM?

You are both so effective and fun to watch.

Also, if you ever bump into Susan Estrich or Alan Colmes can you smack them with a sock full pudding for being willing dupes.

-GSD

I can’t stand Estrich. Yeah Colmes deserves a smack too. I am going to do some of this type of training at YearlyKos it seems. Would love it if Barney Frank wanted to be a part. But I promise I’ll be there.

Cliff Schecter @ 91

I am trying to do some media training on this score. Easier to do in person, but in general, always expect the worst from them. Once you know what they are going to say, and many people we know are quite predictably, have a few lines prepared to make fools of them. Always remain confident, you are right they are wrong, there is no room for self doubt.

I think the Left has a huge advantage in these debates because you always know what the hack on the Right is going to say — the talking points are the same no matter who they throw on the shows. It is an endless source of frustration to me when the people representing the left either have no answer or just kind of punt.

Jujitsu, dammit!!

juslin @ 64

oh and BTW u’d be great on matthews’ sunday morning show where its a bit more looser!

Thanks. Once the book is out, I think I have a shot of getting on…

….making fun of GOP sexual hypocrites.

—————————
rumi @ 44

Speaking of sexual hypocrites, are the Fox personnel as sexually high strung behind the scenes as they appear to be on the box?

I’ve enjoyed your work wherever I have found it. Thanks.
——————————–
Cliff Schecter @ 76

Behind the scenes the bookers are actually a pretty nice group. Many are actually Dems. It’s just a job. As for the personalities, I don’t know any of them that well, which is not really a bad thing :)

Thanks. I was just curious about that because of the hypocrisy issue. I generally see Fox as an equivalent to the WWF in entertainment.

Wherever you go, don’t hold back.

cebm @ 87

Sir;
regarding being more “fair” when you’re on as an analyst, I think you are always fair. Being well informed and throwing it in their lying ass faces is fair and long overdue. Thanks!!! I enjoy every appearance you make.

I do too.
Remember, there is a “Spotlight” feature to use so you can shoot this post around to networks, cable TV, print and radio.

TRex @
39

You’ve got to help me get some of these gigs, Cliff.

I think we should form a debate team. You and me and, I dunno, Jane and Lindsay from Majikthise against Melanie Morgan, Dan Riehl, Jonah Goldberg (You ARE the weakest link! Goodbye!) and Charles Krauthammer.

We would eat their hearts.

I would pay good money to watch!

Cliff Schecter @ 40

Marion in Savannah @ 23

Cliff Schecter @ 19

I was on Al Jazeera today but sadly not broadcast here.

Do you know if there is any way for us to see Al Jazeera? I’ve tried prowling through the toobz but haven’t had any luck. As I recall their male anchor is an honest old-timey newsman (senior moment, can’t recall his name) who I respect. Do they put stuff up on the web?

I don’t think there is yet. I will have a link online to the segment (cliffschecter.com) later tonight. But no way to just watch right now.

Thanks so much for your response. I’ll certainly go to your site and check it out. I remembered the name of their anchor — Dave Marasch, whose name I’m probably spelling wrong. If forgetting it is a senior moment is remembering it a post-graduate moment??

Cliff, how do you feel about the theory that any libs who go on FauxSnooze legitimate their type of dialogue? It seems like they get wimpy liberals — Colmes being the paradigm — who can’t fight back, get yelled over, and make the hosts and cabal-enabling guests seem smart, funny, and well-informed. Would there be value to completely boycotting Faux, or is there a reason libs keep going on (besides the Estrich-ego-driven types)?

goldberry @ 62

Cliff Schecter @
50

goldberry @ 26

Who was that blonde twerp you were on CNN with a couple of months ago? She looked like she wanted to castrate you at the end when she didn’t get the last word.
So, I took a personal power course last year where the bottom line was that there is a passive-agressive spectrum from one to 10 and to be truly effective, you want to be at around 7. That’s assertive but not abrasive. But once the other party goes up the scale, you have to go up the scale as well or come off like a wimp. So often I see moderate/liberal people not doing this and they get creamed. Why haven’t they learned these lessons? Also, how do you counteract the next move the wingers make: insisting on greater civility?

uggghhh…That was Karen Hanretty. Complete moron.

How do you remember them all? Do you notch your bedpost?
Well, I can see her idiocy, but she seems to be like a lot of other wingers on TV. What made her, er, special?

She was particularly nasty out of the gate. And it was the second most watched one I have done on YouTube. That is probably why I remember her.

goldberry @ 84

Oklahoma kiddo @
80

Bibi Netanyahu says the west (we) needs to stop Iran. Care to comment?

Yes, “Fight your own damn battles.”

“Fight your own damn battles.”

Actually, this is what scares some of us.

john in california @ 70

just played the utube – Jeez, give the lady a break. She looked like Dan Quayle on country road at midnite! (Oh, and the Menendez thing did amount to nothing.)

It was fun though!

Media training would be *so* good. A DVD “What to say to a Repubican” ;)

Mr HorFlash did martial arts training for protestors in the ’60’s. Topics covered included useful stuff like how to behave when threatened by cops in riot gear, how to get arrested without getting killed, how to make yourself difficult to carry without being even slightly aggressive, making yourself soft to minimize damage against a baton attack, etc., protection postures and formations for walking, standing or lying down. :)

Today we need different tactics, but it would be really nice to have some stuff that we can drill and rehearse. Being well-informed is a big part of it, too. And knowing you have llike-minded friends. And a kick-ass role model or two!

The media is still way behind the curve. Witness the last election and look at how the MSM is still running to the far right with dildo-bags like Glenn Blech and the Time Mag pimping of Wrongway Bill Kristol.

The people are embracing universal healthcare, minimum wage increases and they don’t really buy the gay boogeymen meme either.

Anyhow, give em hell Schecter and sign up as many as possible at Y-Kos.

-GSD

mandrake @ 66

We need more of this. MUCH more.

Thank you.

Thank you. I will do my best to keep it up!

Oklahoma kiddo @ 79

Bibi Netanyahu says the west (we) needs to stop Iran. Care to comment?

Bibi’s a schmuck..that’s my explanation.

for anyone looking for Al Jazeera, you can subscribe to their broadcasts online here:

https://www.jumptv.com/en/channel/aljazeerainternational/?ref=sem_iprospect_gg_aljazeera_english

and here:
http://english.aljazeera.net/N…..62E31A.htm

a good investment for real news

Cliff – it’s great to have you here!

Hello Clif
I’m not in favor of sinking to the same level as the GOP. So, I am interested in knowing where you draw the line between what you consider a tough comeback and one that is just mean. For me, I get instantly angry and say things that I later regret. How do you avoid that? Is there some sort of point beyond which you are not willing to go and how do you know where it is beforehand?

I’d really like to hear your reply, thanks.

Peterr @ 81

Ah, civility . . .

I’m all for standing up against wingnuts, but sometimes the counterattacks cause the whole exchange to end up like a couple of ten year olds:

Uh-huh!
Nu-uh!!
Uhhhh-huuuuh!
Nuuuhhhhhh-huuuuuhhh!!

End result – lots of folks turn off, thinking “a plague on both your houses.” Ties like that are a win for the status quo, which means a net loss for those of us trying to stand up for the constitution.

Cliff, what do you do on your end to keep your cool, while the wingnuts are losing theirs?

I can lose my cool sometimes. But I mostly think I keep it by just laughing at them, which you will see me do sometimes. They are pathetic. And if you can insult them and make them forget their pathetic talking points, it’s worth a good laugh :)

Spotlight is a great idea. Um, TRex, could you correct Rottweliers in the 3rd para? Sho8uld be Rottweilers.

Cliff, in light of your plans to start a blog focused on McCain, I wanted to mention another blog, The Right’s Field, that was recently set up by progressives to monitor the Republican presidential field for 2008.

The Right’s Field was co-founded by Matt Browner-Hamlin and Kombiz Lambasany. I encourage you to check out the site when you have an opportunity:

http://rightsfield.com

mandrake @ 82

Cliff, would you mind smacking Bill Kristol around a bit as a personal favor to FDL’ers?

We’d be ever so grateful and gratified.

I met him in the Fox green room. Never got a shot at him in a debate. I promise, I see him again, he is smacked.

TeddySanFran @ 86

TRex @ 77

As long as I am convinced someone will be tough, and with you I have no doubt,

rrraaaaaaaAAHHHHHRRRRrrrrr!! CHOMP!! CHOMP!!

i luuuuurv it when our theropod talks dirty

Ya got sumthin’ tween yer teeth their…looks like wingnuts.

*g*

Damn, that’s should. (blush)

HotFlash @ 105

Today we need different tactics, but it would be really nice to have some stuff that we can drill and rehearse. Being well-informed is a big part of it, too. And knowing you have llike-minded friends. And a kick-ass role model or two!

Some of us doggies wanna tell the Potus to STFU on the SOTU. Methinks a national general Bush-Turn-off will send a message. Click clack, push it back. Break the breakers and silence the fakers. Just say no to the Enron President. Enron did it to us, we can do it to them!

Literally — everybody shuts down their electricity while the Chimperor is speaking.

Go Cliff! Predators and Pillagers. Pull their plug. Boycott Bush and his Enronesque enablers!

cebm @ 86

Sir;
regarding being more “fair” when you’re on as an analyst, I think you are always fair. Being well informed and throwing it in their lying ass faces is fair and long overdue. Thanks!!! I enjoy every appearance you make.

Thank you. I tend to agree. I just try to sound a bit more pensive when I am the only one on. I still insult them though.

Cliff, what do you think of the tactic (most often used by neocon spokesmodels, but not always) of ignoring whatever question has been posed in favor of getting out one’s message: fair play, a sign of weakness, or it depends on…? I tend to be a listener–so I watch that ploy with interest, but from a distance. I’d be interested in your up-front-and-center take.

teddysanfran@101, i’ve also wondered about those weak libs on pox news – its as if they get tongue-tied on pox news and are scared witless LOL. its wht cliff is perfect for those bastards! should read why

Paddy @ 87

Hey Cliff, just stopped over so you’d have a friendly face, but it looks like they’ve pulled up the couch, fixed you drinks and are giving you a foot massage!!!

Well earned!

On the getting on teevee bit, I think we should all set up mini-studios in our homes and offer ourselves up to pound the Rethugs down. I’ll take anyone on except Buchanan.

That sounds good to me Paddy! Thanks for coming around here and the blog too (extra plug time: cliffschecter.com).

I can lose my cool sometimes. But I mostly think I keep it by just laughing at them, which you will see me do sometimes. They are pathetic. And if you can insult them and make them forget their pathetic talking points, it’s worth a good laugh…

I wish more Dem/lib talking heads would figure this out. BTW, how do you keep from doing the same thing to the morons hosting these affairs?

Re the update on Jane: How many of you know anyone who had 8 hours of surgery on Thursday get home by Sunday? Is she not Wonderwoman?

Gentleman Jim @ 89

Cliff

Would the way you handle yourself on air be adaptable to say, a dinner party with some NeoCon practitioners?

No brassknuckle stuff, but how about short, witty, pithy paper cut retorts?

Absolutely. You can adjust by crowd. I do. With family and friends I don’t hurl personal insults, but have lines ready to mock their positions and their heroes.

Can we then assume ‘Dick’ (Cheney) to be a schmuck also?

juslin @ 121

teddysanfran@101, i’ve also wondered about those weak libs on pox news – its as if they get tongue-tied on pox news and are scared witless LOL. its wht cliff is perfect for those bastards! should read why

I don’t know what the opinion is here of him but Bob Beckel has always done really well for the Left on Fox. It’s his ‘take no shit’ attitude that gives it right back, but in an acceptable manner that works.

The conservatives and wingnuts want us to stand up to them but they also seem to appreciate playing by their rules instead of ours.

Caught you on teevee once and got a bad case of Scooby-neck. Who the hell is that guy? I wondered. Great job of deconstuction on the fly of wingnut talking points with unapologetic passion.

A big vote from me to dragging TRex into the light. Get him on the phone and see if he does good “off the cuff”. I bet so.

Wasn’t dueling an influence on civility? No Republicans advocating dueling yet, are there? Perhaps their complaints are a ruse…

TeddySanFran @ 100

Cliff, how do you feel about the theory that any libs who go on FauxSnooze legitimate their type of dialogue? It seems like they get wimpy liberals — Colmes being the paradigm — who can’t fight back, get yelled over, and make the hosts and cabal-enabling guests seem smart, funny, and well-informed. Would there be value to completely boycotting Faux, or is there a reason libs keep going on (besides the Estrich-ego-driven types)?

This is tough, because I understand the argument for not going on. But I think we have to get our point of view out. Just don’t be weak when you do it. Go on Fox or elsewhere and kick ass.

I was an in house analyst for Sinclair Broadcast in 2004, and had to argue with both the host and my opponent, the infamous Armstrong Williams. But I thought that was preferential to people just getting lies.

HotFlash @ 104

Media training would be *so* good. A DVD “What to say to a Repubican” ;)

Mr HorFlash did martial arts training for protestors in the ’60’s. Topics covered included useful stuff like how to behave when threatened by cops in riot gear, how to get arrested without getting killed, how to make yourself difficult to carry without being even slightly aggressive, making yourself soft to minimize damage against a baton attack, etc., protection postures and formations for walking, standing or lying down. :)

Today we need different tactics, but it would be really nice to have some stuff that we can drill and rehearse. Being well-informed is a big part of it, too. And knowing you have llike-minded friends. And a kick-ass role model or two!

A DVD…Now that is an interesting idea…hmmm

Thank you so much for coming to the “lake.”

I wish we had a dozen of you. I hope your TV schedule is posted at your blog. It is so good to see a leftie that actually likes liberals that when you are on, I’m swooning.

Note to self – be sure and email shows and ask they book Cliff…

Siun @ 109

Cliff – it’s great to have you here!

Thanks so much Siun! It’s my pleasure.

My thoughts are to kick GOP ass whenever possible. And the same holds true for a few in my own party (Dems).

GSD @ 105

The media is still way behind the curve. Witness the last election and look at how the MSM is still running to the far right with dildo-bags like Glenn Blech and the Time Mag pimping of Wrongway Bill Kristol.

The people are embracing universal healthcare, minimum wage increases and they don’t really buy the gay boogeymen meme either.

Anyhow, give em hell Schecter and sign up as many as possible at Y-Kos.

-GSD

Amen to that!

FYI @ 114

Cliff, in light of your plans to start a blog focused on McCain, I wanted to mention another blog, The Right’s Field, that was recently set up by progressives to monitor the Republican presidential field for 2008.

The Right’s Field was co-founded by Matt Browner-Hamlin and Kombiz Lambasany. I encourage you to check out the site when you have an opportunity:

http://rightsfield.com

co-blogged by our own Matt O.!

Hey there Cliff,
Thanks for joining the discussion here at FDL. I’m a fan of your appearances whipping the right’s talking heads around the green screen. I have to say, though, that you tend to sound a lot like a blogger when you’re on TV. You use often-ignored facts, you paint a narrative that the traditional media ignores, and you’re forceful in your message. Much of what I think makes you great on TV is what I love about liberal blogs. In a sense, I think you’re a success because we need to have more of the bloggers’ voice on television.

PS– thanks to FYI @114 for the plug. And thanks Teddy for not leaving Matt O. out, we wouldn’t be half the site we are without him.

Siun @ 109

for anyone looking for Al Jazeera, you can subscribe to their broadcasts online here:

https://www.jumptv.com/en/channel/aljazeerainternational/?ref=sem_iprospect_gg_aljazeera_english

and here:
http://english.aljazeera.net/N…..62E31A.htm

a good investment for real news

Siun, thanks for these links. For a while now I’ve been getting some of that “see yourself as others see you” at:

http://www.watchingamerica.com/index.shtml

They cover just about everywhere…

A DVD…Now that is an interesting idea…hmmm

I’d buy one or seven. After all, I’m a supplier to an addicted nation, I got money ;)

noen @ 110

Hello Clif
I’m not in favor of sinking to the same level as the GOP. So, I am interested in knowing where you draw the line between what you consider a tough comeback and one that is just mean. For me, I get instantly angry and say things that I later regret. How do you avoid that? Is there some sort of point beyond which you are not willing to go and how do you know where it is beforehand?

I’d really like to hear your reply, thanks.

It is a great question. I do draw a line. I don’t threaten lives a la Coulter, no violence. But I do say personally mean things. But I tend not to go after someone in a really personal way unless they have done it to others. Rush, Coulter, Hannity, and a few others, have gone after people for their looks, so to me, they are fair game.

FYI @ 113

Cliff, in light of your plans to start a blog focused on McCain, I wanted to mention another blog, The Right’s Field, that was recently set up by progressives to monitor the Republican presidential field for 2008.

The Right’s Field was co-founded by Matt Browner-Hamlin and Kombiz Lambasany. I encourage you to check out the site when you have an opportunity:

http://rightsfield.com

I have checked it out and recommend to everyone. Matt and Kombiz are friends, as is Matt Ortega. Go to this blog!!

neokneme @ 117

HotFlash @ 105

Today we need different tactics, but it would be really nice to have some stuff that we can drill and rehearse. Being well-informed is a big part of it, too. And knowing you have llike-minded friends. And a kick-ass role model or two!

Some of us doggies wanna tell the Potus to STFU on the SOTU. Methinks a national general Bush-Turn-off will send a message. Click clack, push it back. Break the breakers and silence the fakers. Just say no to the Enron President. Enron did it to us, we can do it to them!

Literally — everybody shuts down their electricity while the Chimperor is speaking.

Go Cliff! Predators and Pillagers. Pull their plug. Boycott Bush and his Enronesque enablers!

Amen!

dipper @
124

Re the update on Jane: How many of you know anyone who had 8 hours of surgery on Thursday get home by Sunday? Is she not Wonderwoman?

Fighting for our rights,
In her satin tights!
She’ll change her mind
And change the wooorrrrld!
Wonder Womaaaaaaan!!
Duh nuh nuh na nuh-nuh na…

I’ve heard that the majority of Israelis disapprove of what’s going on in this administration’s foreign policy arena and their own government’s. Is there anywhere to get reliable data on this?

not lois @ 119

Cliff, what do you think of the tactic (most often used by neocon spokesmodels, but not always) of ignoring whatever question has been posed in favor of getting out one’s message: fair play, a sign of weakness, or it depends on…? I tend to be a listener–so I watch that ploy with interest, but from a distance. I’d be interested in your up-front-and-center take.

Absolutely we need our people to do this. This is also one of the methods I recommend to people going on tv. It’s why when friend ask me what the topic is when I say I am going on, I don’t even know half the time.

Because when I go on, I am going to say what I want to say. It is out of the GOP playbook.

Cliff Schecter @ 131

HotFlash @ 104

Media training would be *so* good. A DVD “What to say to a Repubican” ;)

Mr HorFlash did martial arts training for protestors in the ’60’s. Topics covered included useful stuff like how to behave when threatened by cops in riot gear, how to get arrested without getting killed, how to make yourself difficult to carry without being even slightly aggressive, making yourself soft to minimize damage against a baton attack, etc., protection postures and formations for walking, standing or lying down. :)

Today we need different tactics, but it would be really nice to have some stuff that we can drill and rehearse. Being well-informed is a big part of it, too. And knowing you have llike-minded friends. And a kick-ass role model or two!

A DVD…Now that is an interesting idea…hmmm

Do this! You’ll help us all.

dave @ 122

I can lose my cool sometimes. But I mostly think I keep it by just laughing at them, which you will see me do sometimes. They are pathetic. And if you can insult them and make them forget their pathetic talking points, it’s worth a good laugh…

I wish more Dem/lib talking heads would figure this out. BTW, how do you keep from doing the same thing to the morons hosting these affairs?

That is tougher. But I just make sure if their premise is bullshit, I say I don’t accept the premise and go to whatever I want to say. Sometimes I can be tempted to lose it (almost did with Hannity, did with John Gibson), but better to make them just look stupid…

Oklahoma kiddo @ 125

Can we then assume ‘Dick’ (Cheney) to be a schmuck also?

Haven’t met the man. But yes.

Cliff Schecter @ 141

FYI @ 113

Cliff, in light of your plans to start a blog focused on McCain, I wanted to mention another blog, The Right’s Field, that was recently set up by progressives to monitor the Republican presidential field for 2008.

The Right’s Field was co-founded by Matt Browner-Hamlin and Kombiz Lambasany. I encourage you to check out the site when you have an opportunity:

http://rightsfield.com

I have checked it out and recommend to everyone. Matt and Kombiz are friends, as is Matt Ortega. Go to this blog!!

Bookmarked already… Cliff’s site too…

Now my question is: Here at FDL I keep finding great sites and folks to keep track of. How do I manage to do that and work too?! How many hours of sleep do we really need? (Just kidding… I get at least 5 hours a night…)

Oilfieldguy @ 127

Caught you on teevee once and got a bad case of Scooby-neck. Who the hell is that guy? I wondered. Great job of deconstuction on the fly of wingnut talking points with unapologetic passion.

A big vote from me to dragging TRex into the light. Get him on the phone and see if he does good “off the cuff”. I bet so.

Thanks so much!

Cliff Schecter @ 46

Eureka Springs, AR @ 25

Could we get Cliff in as a replacement for Mark Sheilds, at least when Sheilds takes a vacation. Brooks needs a dose of humility. (among other things)

Yes please do help me with that. Oh how I would love a shot at Brooks!

The one thing that you have to give to Brooks is that he lines up his talking points in advance and he never fails to deliver them (even when he seems to be giving ground on something). Shields usually looks uncomfortable and confused. Even when he has a point it usually gets vitiated by all of his upfront concessions.

Cliff Schecter @ 148

Oklahoma kiddo @ 125

Can we then assume ‘Dick’ (Cheney) to be a schmuck also?

Haven’t met the man. But yes.

Assuming facts not in evidence: “the man“

plaindave @ 128

Wasn’t dueling an influence on civility? No Republicans advocating dueling yet, are there? Perhaps their complaints are a ruse…

Zell Miller does :)

Kewalo @ 131

Thank you so much for coming to the “lake.”

I wish we had a dozen of you. I hope your TV schedule is posted at your blog. It is so good to see a leftie that actually likes liberals that when you are on, I’m swooning.

Note to self – be sure and email shows and ask they book Cliff…

Thanks so much Kewalo. And if you go to the blog (self promotion again – cliffschecter.com) I always try and let people know when I am on as far ahead of time as possible.

Shields is their “pet” liberal -head. His flustered incapacity suits their business model: “more $$ for us.”

Oklahoma kiddo @ 133

My thoughts are to kick GOP ass whenever possible. And the same holds true for a few in my own party (Dems).

Those are pretty much my instincts too. Change doesn’t come easy.

Hi Cliff,

Gee, thanks for being here.

The first time I saw you, I thought – who the fuck is this guy?? I want to marry him … (even though I’m already happily married).

Are you meeting with a positive response from the powers that be?

You should run a boot camp and train other spokes people how to kick spin in the butt.

Thank you!

Cliff Schecter @ 3:34:

I consider just hearing/reading the name Zell Miller an affront. Trust me, I know whereof I speak being from Savannah, and all. Consider your face delicately slapped with an extremely supple white kid glove…

Zell Miller does :)

He set the south back 50 years with that little star turn of his at the GOP National Convention. As a Georgian, I hung my head.

Gotta run for a bit, gang. Cliff, it appears you’re getting on well with the family, here. I’ll leave you kids in peace. Vodka’s in the ice-box. There’s beer in the fridge and a pot of stew on the stove. Make yourself at home.

See you kids at midnight. Be nice to Mr. Schecter, now.

Love how you stand up to the GOoPers Cliff. Be real fun to see you take on Colbert.

Matt Browner-Hamlin @ 136

Hey there Cliff,
Thanks for joining the discussion here at FDL. I’m a fan of your appearances whipping the right’s talking heads around the green screen. I have to say, though, that you tend to sound a lot like a blogger when you’re on TV. You use often-ignored facts, you paint a narrative that the traditional media ignores, and you’re forceful in your message. Much of what I think makes you great on TV is what I love about liberal blogs. In a sense, I think you’re a success because we need to have more of the bloggers’ voice on television.

PS– thanks to FYI @114 for the plug. And thanks Teddy for not leaving Matt O. out, we wouldn’t be half the site we are without him.

Thanks Matt. I think there is some definite truth to that pal. I have been a Dem consultant and blogger, and bloggers just don’t believe in this cautious bs that got Kerry killed in 2004.

We know if we have the facts, why not be confident and go after them and throw it all out on the line?

Al Jazeera is available on cable in Chicago.

For more on dueling Zell from a September 2, 2004 story:

“I wish we lived in the day where you could challenge a person to a duel,” the 72-year-old Miller angrily told Matthews, 58.

Miller was at the Madison Square Garden convention site and Matthews was at an MSNBC set several blocks away, so there was no chance of a physical confrontation. But at one point, the senator told Matthews, “I wish I was over there, where I could get a little closer up into your face.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories…..0574.shtml

Margot @ 145

Cliff Schecter @ 131

HotFlash @ 104

Media training would be *so* good. A DVD “What to say to a Repubican” ;)

Mr HorFlash did martial arts training for protestors in the ’60’s. Topics covered included useful stuff like how to behave when threatened by cops in riot gear, how to get arrested without getting killed, how to make yourself difficult to carry without being even slightly aggressive, making yourself soft to minimize damage against a baton attack, etc., protection postures and formations for walking, standing or lying down. :)

Today we need different tactics, but it would be really nice to have some stuff that we can drill and rehearse. Being well-informed is a big part of it, too. And knowing you have llike-minded friends. And a kick-ass role model or two!

A DVD…Now that is an interesting idea…hmmm

Do this! You’ll help us all.

Ok we may just put a DVD together of some performances, to be sold online and at YearlyKos (and I am not joking).

Oilfieldguy @ 138

A DVD…Now that is an interesting idea…hmmm

I’d buy one or seven. After all, I’m a supplier to an addicted nation, I got money ;)

Thanks…now I’m thinking it may be a go.

(Cleta attended the University of Oklahoma.)

From http://members.aol.com/mpwright9/neal.html

The Strange Career of Cleta Deatherage

Cleta Deatherage is a political chameleon who has worn many costumes since her days as an OU student government politician, Chi Omega sorority girl, and resume-padding ambitious young woman during the late 60s and early 70s.

At the time feminists were starting to express themselves at OU, sorority girl Cleta wasn’t there to join them. Later on, when she realized it would help her win a legislative seat in the 70s, she put on the costume of liberal, feminist, and ERA-supporter. Playing this game, she was elected as a Democrat to the Oklahoma legislature in 1976.

At the time Deatherage was elected (1976), women’s advocates were very hopeful of getting the ERA enacted. Oklahoma was one of a small handful of states which had not passed the amendment. They were putting all their hopes on Cleta.

After her election Cleta did not perform on her promise, and this left many feminists in a state of anger toward her. Oklahoma never ratified the ERA.

Further, by 1986 she had dropped all pretentions of being a liberal and formed a friendship with Daily Oklahoman publisher, Eddie Gaylord, whose politics are to the right of Attila the Hun. Gaylord showed his appreciation by endorsing her for her 1986 race for Lieutenant Governor. Even with Gaylord’s help, she lost, and that was the end of her political career in Oklahoma.

Along the way she figured she had no more use for Duane Draper and divorced him. Draper moved to Massachusetts where he came out as gay and worked influence along the gay networks. He managed to get himself appointed to a top job in the area of AIDS education, even though he had no background in health science. He also contracted AIDS, and died in the early 90s. It is quite possible that he died from the toxic affects of the “anti-viral” drug AZT.

Draper Was a Closet Homosexual

In the ’60s Draper had been part of a gang of closet gays in the Delta Upsilon fraternity. Of course, when OU gay students started to organize in the early 70s, Draper, a Hubert Humphrey Democrat, didn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole. He was willing to come out in the safer more liberal Democratic party atmosphere in Massachusetts.

I learned about Draper’s demise when I was doing AIDS research under federal grants from the Small Business Innovation Research program. At that time I had some professional contacts in the Oklahoma City gay community. After his death, gay columnists for the Oklahoma Daily eulogized him as a great man who was a champion of the oppressed but was tragic because, due to “homophobia,” he was unable to defend his own group.

The gay eulogy for Draper was in such stark contrast to reality that it was an outrage. The truth is that Draper had great contempt for those who engaged in protest politics for social justice during the sixties. He displayed this contempt in a 1969 article published by Sooner Magazine, the OU alumni publication. Commenting on campus protesters of the 1960s, he wrote that “most Americans eventually decide the culprits are ‘hippies’ and ‘long hairs.’” He added: “That many of those who actively disrupt campuses are unkempt or perhaps don’t bathe is a fact.” He described them as an “unwashed, unshaven few” who “either lack a coherent philosophy or established leaders.” [15]

Another lesson: Don’t believe baby-boomers who claim to have been struggling for social justice in the Vietnam war years unless they show you their scars.

Cleta Deatherage married banker Dale Mitchell and later went to work as an advocate for the right-wing “term limits” campaign. At this time I don’t know if she is still married to Mitchell.

TeddySanFran @ 151

Cliff Schecter @ 148

Oklahoma kiddo @ 125

Can we then assume ‘Dick’ (Cheney) to be a schmuck also?

Haven’t met the man. But yes.

Assuming facts not in evidence: “the man“

Sorry, I meant cybornetic organism

Cliff Schecter @ 161

Matt Browner-Hamlin @ 136

Hey there Cliff,
Thanks for joining the discussion here at FDL. I’m a fan of your appearances whipping the right’s talking heads around the green screen. I have to say, though, that you tend to sound a lot like a blogger when you’re on TV. You use often-ignored facts, you paint a narrative that the traditional media ignores, and you’re forceful in your message. Much of what I think makes you great on TV is what I love about liberal blogs. In a sense, I think you’re a success because we need to have more of the bloggers’ voice on television.

PS– thanks to FYI @114 for the plug. And thanks Teddy for not leaving Matt O. out, we wouldn’t be half the site we are without him.

Thanks Matt. I think there is some definite truth to that pal. I have been a Dem consultant and blogger, and bloggers just don’t believe in this cautious bs that got Kerry killed in 2004.

We know if we have the facts, why not be confident and go after them and throw it all out on the line?

Amen. That’s why it’s always great to see you, Jane, Arianna, Markos, Glenn Greenwald (and any other bloggers they deem fit to grace the little screen) on TV.

I think we should try getting bloggers/commenters hired as news network booking (execs? agents? peons? not sure the proper terminology here). Or, more seriously, do you see a way to get more bloggers face time on TV?

“Bulldog Schecter”, I can’t completely agree with the moderator(MSNMBC) of the ‘Iraq Contractors’ segment on the utube. But nice smackdown of John who seem a bit out of sorts. Thanks, I was wondering who the clear voice up to the election was. Keep on keepin’ on!

susan @ 156

Hi Cliff,

Gee, thanks for being here.

The first time I saw you, I thought – who the fuck is this guy?? I want to marry him … (even though I’m already happily married).

Are you meeting with a positive response from the powers that be?

You should run a boot camp and train other spokes people how to kick spin in the butt.

Thank you!

Thanks Susan. To give MSNBC some credit, they realized that we were getting a lot of eyeballs, and have kept booking me (I didn’t do much tv by choice in December and the first part of January because I have a 3 month old boy and was working on a book proposal).

Thanks for wanting to marry me. Wasn’t sure anyone would ever want to suffer that much. But then again, my wife has stuck around :)

I am talking to some pretty serious folks here in DC (can’t say who but you have heard of them) about a major media training operation and explaining to folks how to succeed against the Right. Will be giving some speeches to this effect.

Also, some folks on this list have now given me the idea of selling a DVD…Not bad, I just may do it.

Wow, Ben D., thanks for that Cleta info. Is there a gay-closet tragicomedy in every single authoritarian spokesbot’s past?

Marion in Savannah @ 157

Cliff Schecter @ 3:34:

I consider just hearing/reading the name Zell Miller an affront. Trust me, I know whereof I speak being from Savannah, and all. Consider your face delicately slapped with an extremely supple white kid glove…

Understood and understood.

TRex @ 158

Zell Miller does :)

He set the south back 50 years with that little star turn of his at the GOP National Convention. As a Georgian, I hung my head.

Gotta run for a bit, gang. Cliff, it appears you’re getting on well with the family, here. I’ll leave you kids in peace. Vodka’s in the ice-box. There’s beer in the fridge and a pot of stew on the stove. Make yourself at home.

See you kids at midnight. Be nice to Mr. Schecter, now.

Take care TRex. Have a good one!

I think Teddy Atlas tapped into the psychology of many of the milquetoast Democratic pundits during an interview with David Remnick a while back.

The entirety of what follows is a quote from BaylyBlog:

“Here’s an excerpt from an article on the work of great boxing trainer, Teddy Atlas, explaining how Atlas prepares men to fight in the ring:

All good cornermen think of themselves as masters of the psyche. They are Freudians. Atlas is just more so. He is convinced that boxing is, in large measure, psychological, that the loser is the fighter who lies to himself, who finds ways to rationalize his passivity and makes a “silent contract’ with his opponent: I won’t hurt you if you don’t hurt me. They clutch and grab and back up, and while they may think they’re being clever they are really signing the contract.
Atlas walked over to Muriqi. He came up close to his man’s face, right where he could be seen and heard, and he spoke calmly, sternly.

“Now, look, you’ve got to be thinking about July 7th,” he began. “You won every round last time, but you didn’t do the things you need to be a pro. This is why I hesitate to take guys at this level. I might not be too good at other things, but I do know this. I’m going to tell you things that will upset you sometimes, but it will make you better. In your mind, it’s easy. What I’m trying to tell you is, it’s not. You’ll reach the point when it won’t be easy. That’s what we’re preparing for.

“A pro cannot let go.” Atlas paused, as if searching Muriqi’s eyes for any trace that this was sinking in. “A pro cannot let go. You have to keep from letting yourself do what’s easy and just be there. Everything is painful. Everything is painful. There’s a difference between making things livable for yourself and doing more. There is pain if you want to be something different: a pro, a champion. And rich.”

(From Remnick, David. A Reporter at Large: Cornerman: “Teddy Atlas teaches men to fight”. The New Yorker (The Sports Issue), 21 & 28 August 2000.)”

http://timbayly.worldmagblog.c…..ching.html

moeman @ 159

Love how you stand up to the GOoPers Cliff. Be real fun to see you take on Colbert.

Thanks pal. I am hoping that once I get the book out, I will get on Colbert. That will be a lot of fun.

Cliff Schecter @ 170

To give MSNBC some credit, they realized that we were getting a lot of eyeballs {snip}

Not to take away from you in any way whatsoever, but do you think that the eyeballs directed to Olbermann at MSNBC might have opened the network’s eyeballs a bit? [Gee, they watch that Olbermann guy, maybe we should find some other really smart Democrats…] Synergy is a good thing…

Matt Browner-Hamlin @ 167

Cliff Schecter @ 161

Matt Browner-Hamlin @ 136

Hey there Cliff,
Thanks for joining the discussion here at FDL. I’m a fan of your appearances whipping the right’s talking heads around the green screen. I have to say, though, that you tend to sound a lot like a blogger when you’re on TV. You use often-ignored facts, you paint a narrative that the traditional media ignores, and you’re forceful in your message. Much of what I think makes you great on TV is what I love about liberal blogs. In a sense, I think you’re a success because we need to have more of the bloggers’ voice on television.

PS– thanks to FYI @114 for the plug. And thanks Teddy for not leaving Matt O. out, we wouldn’t be half the site we are without him.

Thanks Matt. I think there is some definite truth to that pal. I have been a Dem consultant and blogger, and bloggers just don’t believe in this cautious bs that got Kerry killed in 2004.

We know if we have the facts, why not be confident and go after them and throw it all out on the line?

Amen. That’s why it’s always great to see you, Jane, Arianna, Markos, Glenn Greenwald (and any other bloggers they deem fit to grace the little screen) on TV.

I think we should try getting bloggers/commenters hired as news network booking (execs? agents? peons? not sure the proper terminology here). Or, more seriously, do you see a way to get more bloggers face time on TV?

Well Matt as I might have said earlier (I forger) I am pitching a tv show with an agent representing me. It would be populist. And instead of David Broder, I would interview, I don’t know, Matt Browner-Hamlin.

In other words the whole show would be built on the personalities of the blogosphere, economic populist movements and the fun-loving Western Dems. No inside the beltway types need apply.

I will let everyone in the blogosphere know when to send emails and apply the pressure.

*ilbo @ 168

“Bulldog Schecter”, I can’t completely agree with the moderator(MSNMBC) of the ‘Iraq Contractors’ segment on the utube. But nice smackdown of John who seem a bit out of sorts. Thanks, I was wondering who the clear voice up to the election was. Keep on keepin’ on!

Yeah that guy John is an idiot and quite nasty too. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for the compliment!

Cliff Schecter @ 170

I am talking to some pretty serious folks here in DC (can’t say who but you have heard of them) about a major media training operation and explaining to folks how to succeed against the Right. Will be giving some speeches to this effect.

This sounds like a terrific idea. I hope it will be implemented quickly.

I always enjoy your appearances, Cliff. Looking forward to hearing more from you.

(and an OT big cheer for Jane!)

Marion in Savannah @ 175

Cliff Schecter @ 170

To give MSNBC some credit, they realized that we were getting a lot of eyeballs {snip}

Not to take away from you in any way whatsoever, but do you think that the eyeballs directed to Olbermann at MSNBC might have opened the network’s eyeballs a bit? [Gee, they watch that Olbermann guy, maybe we should find some other really smart Democrats…] Synergy is a good thing…

No offense taken. I absolutely think Olbermann has helped many of us with his success. And Dobbs to a lesser extent with the economic populism (anti-trade) if very much NOT the nativism crap.

I am hoping with the show pitch they will understand the value of having a compliment on to Olbermann who can get people to watch.

LandOfTheFree @ 178

Cliff Schecter @ 170

I am talking to some pretty serious folks here in DC (can’t say who but you have heard of them) about a major media training operation and explaining to folks how to succeed against the Right. Will be giving some speeches to this effect.

This sounds like a terrific idea. I hope it will be implemented quickly.

I always enjoy your appearances, Cliff. Looking forward to hearing more from you.

(and an OT big cheer for Jane!)

Thanks so much! Keep tuning in!

Ok guys, this has been a blast. I will definitely be back and please come visit me at cliffschecter.com for my latest tv, radio and print publishings. I also blog at Huffington Post and Americablog on Fridays.

So now you have no excuse!

Seriously, let’s keep this thing going. I will let you all know about the book, the media training, and now maybe even a DVD thanks to the brainpower here at FDL!

Again, thanks so much. Without you guys this would be much less fun (still would be some fun just to beat the rhetorical crap out of Republicans). But it is great what we are doing. We are building something.

Have a good night folks!

Best,

Cliff

Thanks Cliff!

Cliff (putting on my best FDL press secretary voice) …

We’d like to thank you so much for joining us today at the Lake …as well as for your work speaking up for all of us.

Thanks too to all the great FDL readers today … what a good discussion!

This was a blast, Cliff — please come back and update us on progress against Them. You so rock~!

TeddySanFran @ 171

Wow, Ben D., thanks for that Cleta info. Is there a gay-closet tragicomedy in every single authoritarian spokesbot’s past?

Probably, self hate is the engine that drives authoritarianism. Whether it is internalized homophobia or some other neurosis, real or perceived. These are broken, twisted people living sad lives. I could almost feel sorry for them except that I am sure that every one of them made a choice. They’ve all had an opportunity to untie that knot and chose not to. Just my opinion.

Siun @ 185

Thanks too to all the great FDL readers today … what a good discussion!

You’re not PR’n us are you? ;)

Thanks for coming by Cliff – let me know when I need to put on a shirt and tie for your tv show (or more importantly, what we can do to help you get it).

Ok we may just put a DVD together of some performances, to be sold online and at YearlyKos (and I am not joking).

Well, that’s good for entertainment value…but I would hope you would include some of this…

I am talking to some pretty serious folks here in DC (can’t say who but you have heard of them) about a major media training operation and explaining to folks how to succeed against the Right. Will be giving some speeches to this effect.

raw meat training for the rest of us. Do you have any idea how surrouded I am with dull-witted, racist, homophobe rightards that vote the corporate agenda against their own economic interests just because their candidate decries the “tax-collectors for the welfare state”, hiding the fact aid to dependent corporations is hunky dory, that and the winger candidate is sufficiently racist and homophobic by parroting focus group tested dog-whistle code words.

I do the best I can, get all my best stuff from the net. But maybe a little stop-action commentary could be included explaining what you are doing etc.

Just a thought.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 26

Could we get Cliff in as a replacement for Mark Sheilds, at least when Sheilds takes a vacation. Brooks needs a dose of humility. (among other things)

Yeah! While Brooks doesn’t have much to say, except gossip from the inner circle, the smirky war-monger Lowry needs a stronger counter argument than Shields has to offer. Put your name in.

Dang, I guess he missed that one. Oh well, thanks for stopping by!

No kidding — These words came out of Kristol’s mouth! (Paraphrasing his view of the oppo.)

It won’t work. Forget it. You troops, you’re going over there in a pointless mission. Iraqis who might side with us, forget it, we’re going to pull the plug.’

“Pull the Plug” …On Kristol and BushCo!

Williams almost did it with this…

But your analysis seems to be totally ahistorical. It’s as if mistakes haven’t been made repeatedly, as if people don’t feel like they’ve been misled down this path, that there’s been tremendous support for this president and war effort and it’s come to naught. It’s come to a bad place. Yesterday was the deadliest, I think, in two years.

Kristol is an unctuous gasbag with a dose of megalomania.

neokneme @ 193

No kidding — These words came out of Kristol’s mouth! (Paraphrasing his view of the oppo.)

It won’t work. Forget it. You troops, you’re going over there in a pointless mission. Iraqis who might side with us, forget it, we’re going to pull the plug.’

“Pull the Plug” …On Kristol and BushCo!

Williams almost did it with this…

But your analysis seems to be totally ahistorical. It’s as if mistakes haven’t been made repeatedly, as if people don’t feel like they’ve been misled down this path, that there’s been tremendous support for this president and war effort and it’s come to naught. It’s come to a bad place. Yesterday was the deadliest, I think, in two years.

Kristol is an unctuous gasbag with a dose of megalomania.

Williams gets repeatedly beat up on that show. Hewit came back at him and “Serious people..” blah blah blah… What a patronizing a-hole.

And Kristol looks like he would be more comfortable in a SS uniform.

Just SPOTLIGHTED this to all Television producer types looking for “GOOD TELEVISION”.

Hope it helps.

The Bush Administration is upset with Hugo Chavez for seeking “special powers to legislate by decree”. I didn’t know that Hugo did “signing statements” too.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 188

Siun @ 185

Thanks too to all the great FDL readers today … what a good discussion!

You’re not PR’n us are you? ;)

whatever would make you think that OKKid!?

(the best PR is the truth)

How about Hannity and Schecter?
Nah,he’d have to wear a clothes pin on his nose the whole time.

thanks too, siun!

Coulter pushed the envelope and made it acceptable to hit back.

Thanks Anne. Smooche.

My favorite Anne Coulter argument was about how the widows of 9/11 victims were publicity hounds. Truly amazing.

The voices at the extreme serve two functions. They disract from the important issues and they move the center to the right.

this is a GREAT post, this is what I’ve been talking about for years, we HAVE to use language as the tool it represents, WE are he force that drives American security, WE are the force that drives our military strength, WE are the force that drives the American economy, and WE are keepers of the constitution

WE ARE KEEPERS OF THE GUARD

because the neo fascists have been able to use what I call “oppolinguistics” (language that represents a meaning opposite reality), they have some how been able to convince the public that they have our national interest in mind when the reverse is true

language…the most important tool in politics

let the democrats serve notice in the STRONGEST language possible;

WE are the strength, WE are the power, WE will protect our constitution, WE will provide for our veterans, WE will provide the STRONGEST national security, WE will protect this nation

man, I could go on forever

Out of the Starting Gate is available upstairs.

noen @
194

Williams gets repeatedly beat up on that show. [Hume] came back at him and “Serious people..” blah blah blah… What a patronizing a-hole.

And Kristol looks like he would be more comfortable in a [scary clown] uniform.

Hume’s impatience may be due to the awareness of Shooter’s “evil eye”. No wonder the lambs lie down of Faux-way.

Dock the Dick. At the Hague.

Cliff Schecter @ 85

John Amato @ 78

Are you slummin’ Cliff? TRex, watch out for him, he’s slippery……

Oh crap, you guys allow that video blogger in here, John Amato! The one who says he is going to post all of my stuff like every week and then ignores me and hurts my feelings!

C’MON John, give us more Cliff Schecter!

neokneme @ 203

noen @
194

Williams gets repeatedly beat up on that show. [Hume] came back at him and “Serious people..” blah blah blah… What a patronizing a-hole.

And Kristol looks like he would be more comfortable in a [scary clown] uniform.

Hume’s impatience may be due to the awareness of Shooter’s “evil eye”. No wonder the lambs lie down of Faux-way.

Dock the Dick. At the Hague.

Thanks for the correction, I don’t really watch fox news much.

I don’t know what Shooter’s “evil eye” is. I’ve never heard of the phrase.

Sorry to get here too late.
Great work Cliff.

Remember the REAL Gay Issue for the Republican Party is — Should Mary Cheney get an abortion?

Consider this my gift to you.

Could we get Cliff in as a replacement for Mark Sheilds, at least when Sheilds takes a vacation. Brooks needs a dose of humility. (among other things)

Our Miss Brooks needs a dose of the clap.

Cleta Deatherage Mitchell’s litigious past:

From http://www.chewednews.com/fact-archive-2006.html

“WHILE YOU GET UNDRESSED I’LL RUN THIS BY MY ATTORNEY”

Oklahoma State Rep. Cleta Deatherage introduced a bill requiring all men to obtain advanced written permission from any women before having sexual contact with them. This included warning the women they could become pregnant, and childbirth could be hazardous to their health. If the female could not read the contract, the contract must be verbally explained in her native language. (The bill was defeated.)

Did I come in too late…again??

I was at a thing.

Sorry, Bulldog.

dipper @
124

Re the update on Jane: How many of you know anyone who had 8 hours of surgery on Thursday get home by Sunday? Is she not Wonderwoman?

As a passionate fan of Wonder Woman who entertained and inspired me silly as a kid I think you’re right on the money, honey!

noen @ 205

Thanks for the correction, I don’t really watch fox news much.

I don’t know what Shooter’s “evil eye” is. I’ve never heard of the phrase.

Think…”Big Brother is watching you”… On Fox News! (Which I don’t watch but the WH does, and hey, who would dare to speak against the Universal Leader!)

the message means alot though not as much as jane getting back with us

the right wing won’t respect you unless you act at least as inane as them. They have no respect whatsoever for rational, intelligent, civil discourse.

Message to decent lefties: if you want to engage wingnuts, you better be prepared to drop down their level. Anything else and they won’t hear a thing you say.

You got it, yowser.

Pants them at every opportunity.

TRex!!!! FINALLY, someone on the Left tellin’ it like it is! The dogs on the Right need dogs from the Left – if Schecter is the guy, let’s cheer him on. Also, we – on the Left – need to use the same vitriol the idiots on the Right have been dishing out for far too long. No Mr/Ms nice guy in our conversations with our sleepy co-workers who are echoing back the tired old bs their Right mentors are dishing out to these brain-dead disciples! Hit them hard with great arguments – the Left has all the ammunition. Make your coworkers THINK!

Go Cliff Schecter! I’m with you!

For a quick wit and mouth who can take a righie down in 2 minutes and leave him in pain, look no further than Randi Rhodes.
No one, absolutely no one, is as good.
I’ve seen her take this one rightwing talk radio guy down 10 notches and left him red in the face.

WOW!! this had been a great salon with cliff – GOD – i love this blog. and good news from the homefront – jane has been sent home from the hospital – lets continue to send healings prayers jane’s way.

Siun @ 197

Oklahoma kiddo @ 188

Siun @ 185

Thanks too to all the great FDL readers today … what a good discussion!

You’re not PR’n us are you? ;)

whatever would make you think that OKKid!?

(the best PR is the truth)

I have a very dry sense of humor.

We all just want to hold hands and sing Kum Ba Yah, right? Get naked and shake our dreadlocks at Bonnaroo, but that’s after we all have a long, long talk about our feelings over a pot of fennel twig tea because Everyone’s Viewpoint is Valid to a Certain Extent, right?

I love you, TRex!

Congrats on the baby Cliff!

Please keep handing these rightwingnut morons their heads and giving them both barrels to boot. I love seeing you on TV and would love it if you had a regular program of popping rightwing lies.

Hit em hard and often, they very much deserve it (metaphorically speaking of course – obviously not advocating partisan violence [unlike so many rightwingnuts]).

You rock!