The Republican bigwigs aren't afraid of the 2008 elections. No, not at all.
They're terrified of them.
And they have good reason to be.
How terrified are they? Follow me over the hill and through the dale to find out.
First off, the Republicans hitched their wagons to George W. Bush's star, and it's far, far too late for them to try to distance themselves from him, even if their base would allow it. They're spot-welded to him and he's this gigantic 20-ton kryptonite boat anchor that is sending them rapidly to the bottom of the Marianas Trench, and they can't do a thing to stop it, so they're screeching all the way down — and polls like this one aren't helping their mood any.
We're talking fear-and-loathing-in-the-bunker time, kiddies. If you've noticed that they seem even more unhinged than usual , that's because they are. They're so scared, they're even attacking Al Gore — even though Gore's not running for elective office and probably never will again.
Second off, it's becoming ever-more-obvious that the Republican presidential bench is, to put it kindly, not particularly deep – especially when compared to that of the Democrats.
How bad off are they? The GOP's best candidate is Chuck Hagel — and not coincidentally, he's the only one with so much as a smidgen of credibility and independence with regard to Iraq — and he will never make it to the first set of primaries, precisely because of his relative independence compared to the rest of the we-stand-behind-Bush field. (See, the idiocy that's endemic to Republican presidential and vice-presidential candidates such as Reagan, both Bushes and Quayle is not a bug, but a feature — because they're not supposed to lead, but to meekly follow the dictates of their corporate patrons. But I digress.)
Having dispensed of the one man who could actually win for the GOP in 2008, let's look at the non-Hagels on the GOP side.
Rudy Giuliani? Mr. Three-Wives-And-Counting? Heh. As a recently-unearthed document from Mitt Romney's campaign states, the Republicans will be hard put to use the Hillary's-an-eeevul-librul scare tactic if Rudy's the nominee as they're both from New York and his stances on certain social issues, such as gays, may even be more liberal than hers. And remember how the Republicans used the "he can't win his own home state!" dig against Al Gore in 2000? Well, that will be even more true of Giuliani in 2008, especially in New York City, where to know him is most definitely NOT to love him. (Just ask Donna Hanover.) Already, New Yorkers are working overtime to introduce Americans to the REAL Rudy. And he's not a pretty sight. [UPDATE: More on why Rudy is doomed can be found here.]
John McCain? Mr. Straight-Talker holed himself below the waterline with his backing of Bush's Iraq stance. He's been dropping in the polls ever since. Plus, he's seventy-one (71) years old right now, which would make him 73 on Inauguration Day 2009 – and when people find that out, they're not happy about that.
As for the rest — Huckabee, Romney, Brownback — they're not even worth laughing about. Forget it: Whoever wins the Democratic nomination is going to be our next president. Period. And whoever it is, he or she will have a lot of new allies in Congress, too, as Democrats will build on the 2006 gains.
No wonder the Republicans are pressing the panic button these days.
Related posts:
Spotlight
Support this site!
Subscribe to the newsletter
Advertise on Firedoglake
Send
us your tips
Make us your homepage
About Firedoglake
Advanced search
FITZ!!
Jane! Rachel Maddow’s “favorite blogger!”
You FDL cynics.
The Republicans have a darkhorse, a power machine waiting in the wings ready to sprint to the finish.
Duncan Hunter.
-GSD
Prepared for a blizzard in Minny tomorrow PW?
I have been remiss in welcoming you to the front page. great posts!
Look out, denizens of the Marianna trench! there’s a 20 ton kryptonite anchor coming your way, and it smells like Limbaughger cheese.
I think Romney could actually be pretty tough in the general election, especially as (probably) the only governor in the race.
But when the media attacked him with that stupid, frivolous smear about his *ancestors’* polygamy like that somehow made *him* less trustworthy, or Mormons in general, well, I thought that made it pretty clear that the Republican establishment doesn’t want him.
I wanted to post this because this is something that I’m not seeing the mainstream media talk about all that much, much less discuss to death the way they discuss every time Hillary blows her nose.
But if you look at the hard polling data, look at the candidates (notice that aside from the cable networks, there’s not as much talk about the GOP candidates as there is about the Democratic ones?) and talk privately with various DC operatives, it’s pretty much clear that 2008, from the GOP’s perspective, is going to be a horror show.
GSD @ 3
Lemon chicken *and* two types of fruit in every pot!
Eli @ 7
Oh, exactly. As Romney’s wife rather pointedly said, unlike McCain and Giuliani, Mitt’s only has ONE wife.
Nice work, Phoenix Woman. They are definitely terrified if they are going after the entire field and non-field indiscriminately. The business about Gore is particularly shameless — but absolutely spot-on Rovian textbook.
I was digging the news that the fundies and the tax freaks in the secretive Council for National Policy were courting other candidates because they don’t like anybody in their own field.
Poor things. That’s what sustained, persistent intolerance will get you: bupkis.
Hi Phoenix Woman! Augh! Still at school – no news! Better luck tomorrow, I hope.
Jane – awesome interview!
Phoenix Woman – you are right, the Republicans are terrified. On Hardball, I heard the statement made that I’ve been hearing from a lot of Republicans on the ground – if Giuliani gets the nod, there will be a major 3rd party movement from the far right. Right now, McCain is sinking in the polls (though I expect he’ll rise again). I don’t think the GOP is pleased with their choices whatsoever, and I don’t see anyone riding in on a dark horse to rescue their party.
Balrog @ 4
Heh! You mean Blizzard Number Two.
Hasn’t hit yet, but the snow’s inching our way. Should start any minute now and give us five inches tonight and about another foot or so tomorrow.
I think it will be Jebby (as in Bush) time. Riding in to “save” the GOP. Or to continue the “dynasty”. Or both.
That data notwithstanding, the GOP formula for victory still hinges on turning out their base while ensuring potential Democratic voters stay home.
For the details, see:
“Divide, Suppress and Conquer.”
punaise @
5
Seconded.
It’s such a shallow pool that the leader married his cousin, and when people make jokes about funny underwear and multiple wives, you don’t know whether they’re talking about the Mormon or the New Yorker.
Jon Stewart’s gotta be salivating at this.
With Al Gore, they’re going with the tried and true Karl Rove formula of ‘attacking their strength’.
GSD @ 3
In the immortal words of The Deciderer: Bring it on.
Duncan Hunter. * snort *
As if.
What’s the real criteria the wingers are going to have to use in 2008? “Only candidate not yet indicted!” — ?
Again with Romney, if Obama lacks experience as a one term senator…what about Romney, a one term governor who spent half the term running for president? From a “liberal northeastern state” no less.
-GSD
P.S.
Romeny is cooked, many in the Republican base will be unable to pull the lever for a Mormon. The religious right is a hotbed of relgious bigotry don’t ya know.
Thanking for spot on posts, are you from Phoenix AZ or Phoenix Reborn? Just asking.
BTW, Cliff Schecter, another FDL fave and front pager, has a blog about McCain, here
Frankly, unless a dark horse comes out of nowhere, I don’t think *any* of the candidates are very strong.
Hillary probably has the edge in organizational muscle, fundraising, and ability to handle smears, but she’s lacking in charisma and, well, credibility on a lot of issues.
Obama’s charisma is off the charts, but he has minimal experience (not necessarily a dealbreaker), not to mention I think he’s kind of a DLC closet case.
Edwards’ “Two Americas” narrative is great, and he “gets it” on a lot of issues, but I don’t think he’s much of a fighter.
God damn, I want Gore to run.
Rayne @ 11
I would LOVE to see a split like that, especially if it led to a full-fledged party complete with its own slate of candidates. They’d leach off enough votes from the GOP to tip a few extra seats our way.
This complacency
is dangerous. Current polls say:
We need to do lots and lots of communicating, organizing, and convincing about whichever candidate we choose. Sunny optimism about our chances is one thing; uncautious and premature celebration is quite another.
Progressives still need to run against every incumbent. :)
Angry One @ 16
The deal is that the areas that are normally most amenable to that attack are the ones with the most troops in Iraq. Iraq changes everything.
laurie9 @ 15
No way. Even if he weren’t a bit of a dolt himself, his idiot brother has made the Bush name electoral poison for at least a generation.
Thelaurie9 @ 15
And all of a sudden, the WSJ editorial page will no longer be against dynastys…as opposed to their anti-Hillary rant the other day.
We don’t know what the world will look like in November 2008, but it will probably be a lot worse than now. One thing we do know is that W won’t be on the ballot. Some GOP governor who hasn’t had to take foreign policy positions won’t necessarily be tied to the mast of W’s sinking ship. So it’s not smooth sailing for us. Or the country.
Eli, there’s not only a dark horse coming out of “nowhere,”, there’s four.
GSD @ 21
What a difference that second M makes.
laurie9 @ 15
Jeb knows that his dopey brother has become Typhoid Harry and the name is toxic….Bird-flu deadly.
Jebster’s national aspirations are gone.
-GSD
Crazy Horse @ 32
I’ve got Clark and Richardson as my dark horses – who are yours? (I don’t count Gore as a dark horse – I think he would instantly become the frontrunner if he jumped in)
TeddySanFran @ 26
Obama’s doing this good already, and his campaign’s barely started.
Trust me — I know a few DC operatives. Rudy is not to be feared, for a few other reasons that can’t be discussed openly; I want the Republicans to sink at least $100 million into him before they realize they might as well have used that cash for toilet paper.
What a difference that second M makes.
Snicker.
As a Mormon, is that considered an advantage or a handicap?
Whoever replaces Cheney as VicePresident will be the GOP nominee; another 9/11 will change everything.
I’ve long wondered if there would be consequences for subjecting this nation to George W. Bush. Hopefully, they are long lasting. The Republicans need a long time as a small minority party to reinvent themselves after selling out to the Bush family.
Whoever replaces Cheney as VicePresident will be the GOP nominee; another 9/11 will change everything.
Condi! Condi! Condi!
Eli @ 33
:~)
And Teddy:
Did I say that we shouldn’t be working our asses off?
But at the same time, we shouldn’t be thinking that Rudy is this invincible untouchable juggernaut. He has big-ass Achilles heels that are only now starting to be talked about. (And if you think that Huckabee or Brownback will lay off of the guy — well, think again.)
Phoenix Woman @ 36
I kinda had the gut feeling all along that Rudy would never be able to cut it as a presidential candidate for a multitude of reasons, without even needing to bring in any secret ones.
If it weren’t for the majority, and Webb being a stud, it would have been kinda cool if George Allen had gotten the Republican nomination and *then* had his macaca and I’m-not-Jewish-yes-I-am-really moments.
Whoever the nexy GOP nominee is, that person will have to repudiate the entire Bush Presidency to have a chance. It would be great if it was Jeb doing that repudiation.
Eli @
29
As a Floridian, this idea makes me choke a bit, but only because it’s not as impossible as most would like to believe. Hey, to give some credit where it’s due, Jeb was far, far more calm, collected, and effective when it came to hurricanes. (Don’t get me started on the FCAT, however…) There’s a reason why some still talk of “electing the wrong Bush son”, and I’m not yet convinced he’s done with politics.
As much as it indeed pains me, Jeb may not be as far-fetched of a “dark horse” GOP candidate as we’d like to think.
Congrats on your new high-power digs….You’re an A-lister now!
Badwater @ 40
Well, see, I would have thought that Watergate would have done that. It set them back all of… six years.
smapdi @ 41
Heh! From what I hear, she’s going the Colin Powell route; BushCo has decided once again that one of their window-dressing token appointees has outlived any usefulness to BushCo.
Eli @ 35
Gore could be the knight in shining armor
FishGuyDave @ 46
If his brother had not become president, Jeb would probably be running for re-election next year. But even with the political skills of a Republican Bill Clinton, I don’t think there’s any way someone named Bush gets elected president any time soon.
Richardson has the best resume by far.
-GSD
I am terrified of my party because I see them falling so flat on so many imoportant issues right now.
*As I duck behind a love seat uttering the one man in the race who I support right now*..Kucinich
Crazy Horse ?? could you post a link to your truth out article..somehow I lost it. thanks
punaise @ 50
The wingnuts are already taking shots at Gore.
Eli @ 44
Until his famous screwups, George Allen was the guy that I was actually the most afraid of. Thank God for Mike Stark!
Rudy is also very much like Bob Dole: He only hide his nasty edge for so long before it pops out. And while the GOP/Media, especially the cable branch thereof, loves him for now, there are cracks in the facade (such as The Onion’s lovely parody this week).
Oh, and Punaise: Thanks! :-)
djinn @ 57
Hee. I guess I kinda have to now.
CNN BREAKINGS NEWS: John Mccain makes it official on a pretaped episode of David Letterman to be aired later this evening
Eli @ 51
Jeb is also much more blatantly corrupt than his older brother. He was the one who was supposed to run in 2000, but he and his wife Columba are both so dirty that the Bush Dynasty was forced to push Shrub instead, despite Jeb’s being a good deal smarter than the Dim Son.
Phoenix Woman @ 55
He’s incredibly vulnerable on his personal life, which get a *lot* more national scrutiny than it ever has before; plus there’s the question of whether being mayor, even mayor of NYC, is adequate preparation for the presidency.
Totally stupid trivia but seeing her name made me think of it: I went to the same high school as Donna Hanover (wasn’t her name back then – I think Hanover was her first husband’s name). We didn’t cross paths much – she was the queen of speech and debate, high school news programs, student government goodie goodie – I was the dirty anti-war hippie type. Her younger sister was my younger sister’s best friend, though – and they were both anti-war hippies too. So long ago…
lolo @ 59
Heh. He’s been running web ads for the past damn month. It’s already official. :-)
Phoenix Woman @ 60
Is that even physically *possible*?
Hell, I’m not even sure if *Neil* is more corrupt…
Phoenix Woman @
25
From where I sit, that’s how HRC is playing it; she’s trying be the strongest Republican of the field, could siphon off a lot of Repug votes based on anecdotal evidence gathered informally in mixed environments here in CEO/UpperManagement-land.
Unfortunately, she’s turning off a lot of her base. I think we’ll see some continued fragmentation on the left if the dark horse(s) emergence doesn’t cause the left field to coalesce.
Rudy is also very much like Bob Dole: He only hide his nasty edge for so long before it pops out
at least Bob Dole had a self-deprecating sense of humor.
(look for the current GOP crop to be self-defecating)
As a native of the deep South, I keep waiting for the Rudy-in-drag photos to make their rounds down South. You won’t be able to scrape him off the floor once that happens.
Former Dem. Questionable exclusion from Vietnam service. Close ties to ole Bernie. Cringingly public divorce war with Ms. Hanover (plenty of video and pix of that). And there’s that familial link to the mob.
I just don’t see how he’ll be viable.
lolo @
59
He’s making it official that he is a backstabbing, double-talking, war-mongering asshat?
-GSD
I know but they are using it on CNN as being his official statement to air tonight. Just giving you a heads up.
GSD @ 21
Exactly!
And Obama’s had a quarter-century of working as a community activist in and around Chicago. I call that heavy-duty political preparation, myself.
Not to mention Rudy was a live-in roommate with a gay male couple after his divorce.
-GSD
Kim @ 67
Not to mention squiring his mistresses around in public while booting his wife and kids out of Gracie Mansion. (Let’s not forget the gay roommates.) Yeah, that’ll go over about as well as the pics of Kerry throwing the medals in the trash can did.
punaise @ 66
Old Doody Rudy.
-GSD
LMAO.
I got one of those panic buttons years ago. It currently sits on a keyboard at the children’s hospital in St. Petersburg Russia.
I’ve been thinking about asking for it back. They are in a stable situation now.
Didya say that there is some DORK horse GOP candidate waiting in the wings?
I cannot imagine how anyone we know or don’t know is going to get around the fundamental problems:
1. Pandering to the right wing of the Republican party to get the nomination.
2. Persuading the electorate that they aren’t the anything other that a complete nutcase after having worked so hard to prove it in order to succeed on step 1.
Right now, the best thing that can happen to this country and the Republican party is for them to lose really big time next election.
We can only hope that the current bunch of crazies don’t try to establish martial law to maintain their hold on power … would Bush/Cheney go THAT far?
Wolf Blitzer was very surprised that he decided to announce it that way. I guess it will make it official before he goes down further in the polls
Well, I’m off for a bit to eat and to let the spouse have the computer. Have fun, kids! And don’t break anything while I’m gone, OK? You know how fragile the internet tubes are!
Eureka — The interview is off the front page now, seems like. Here’s the Truthout interview, i think.
Eli, even if Gore would be a front runner if he committed, he’s still very much a dark horse now. The fourth would come because we all couldn’t believe what happened between now and the beginning of primary season. I’m actually scared, though the events may prove healthy.
Rayne @ 65
Chris Bowers makes the interesting point that the more Democratic candidates there are in the race, the harder it is for Hillary to win the nomination.
And, PW, welcome to the front-page! Your posts are thought-provoking and well-reasoned, everytime — please forgive me for directing my jury crankiness at you.
GeeWhizBang @ 76
Ironically, the Republicans’ best chance is to focus on *shudder* electability. Swallow hard and pick a candidate that isn’t perfect to them, but who will look like a normal human being to the public at large.
Dubya was (hopefully) unique in his ability to appear moderate while actually being a complete insane wingnut.
Phoenix: Rockin’ good thread! Good to hear your voice, over here with all the firehounds.
:o)
You nailed it. Hagel is their most formidable candidate, precisely because he had the smarts and the courage to jump ship relatively early on.
The rest of them, the “stay the coursers”, in not too many months time, will be gnoshing on george bush like it was the fucking Donner Party. :o)
I can hardly wait. :o)
“Rudy! wouldn’t you like some good “choice”, suthun’ barbecue sauce with that rib-de-fratrat?”
tanbark @ 82
Hagel would actually be their best stealth candidate, if they could just reach that oh-so-difficult decision that maybe, just maybe, the war wasn’t such a great idea.
Aside from being anti-war, I don’t think he’s real moderate on much of anything. Remember, he was one of the Senators who voted to eliminate the minimum wage completely. Plus he has some kind of ownership stake in ES&S, which is always helpful.
It has been reported that they are shutting down the power at the Libby courthouse at midnight for “maintenance.”
The conspiracy nut in me is worried. No security cameras, access to jury room, etc.
everhopeful @
62
Probably lots of family dirt about Donna’s hypocrisy that’s available, then.
Oh, btw Eli, me looking forward to the second part of your trilogy.
OT I haven’t seen much discussion of this here so I thought I would throw something in.
The 416 point drop in the Dow Jones took a lot of economists by surprise and it was hysterical to see them not so much explain it as try to shrug it off. Perhaps like you, I have this suspicion that if all the economists in the world disappeared one night no one would notice. The unseen hand, free trade, globalization, they’re all for it and almost none of them have given any serious thought about how it is all supposed to work.
As it is, China is selling us cheap goods which we pay for by increasing our individual debt. The money goes to China where some of it is used to buy up our government’s debt (which stems from its deficits). The world economy is a rickety, unsustainable house of cards, not the shining city on the hill that economists would have us believe. Basically, our fundamentals are out of whack. It’s why a cough in Shanghai looks like pneumonia in New York.
Speaking of fundamentals, the growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was revised down from 3.5% to 2.2% for the 4th quarter of 2006. This is in line with the growth in GDP for the last 3 quarters of 2006 which averaged 2.3%. The growth in GDP for 2006 was higher at 3.3% only because of an anomalous 1st quarter rise of 5.6%. What this means is that, despite all the talk, the economy has been cool for nearly a year now.
Part of this cooling can be seen in the burst housing bubble where new home sales dropped 16.6%. What you have to understand is this represents not just a drag on new construction but also all of the sales related to stocking these houses with appliances and furniture.
Passing on to a subject I haven’t done in a while, energy looks this way.
Crude oil:
Nymex Crude Future $61.79
Dated Brent Spot $60.66
WTI Cushing Spot $61.79
National average for regular gasoline (retail)
$2.388 up
Wholesale gasoline
$1.874 up sharply
Inventories:
Crude oil: up moderately
Gasoline: up moderately but tight with regard to demand
Crude oil supply remains relatively good, but the current prices reflect the effects of the late winter storms. These along with increased demand created downstream distortions in the energy flow which has especially impacted gasoline. So expect your gas prices to continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
i’m thinkin’jeb bush will be the nominee after everyone else beats each other up.
OfT, hey Eli, FWIW, Sara over at THE NEXT HURRAH has a post/riff up about your WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE. I hope it’s a subject that you return to. From deep within FWIW, I think some other factors include the rise of oligopolies. Founders wrote the constitution in a relatively pure capitalist context, which no longer exists. OT, minorities, especially African Americans and Native Americans have experienced your nightmare for centuries. What’s changing is that European Americans and everyone else are experiencing it too. Thanks again for a great post.
Crazy Horse @ 86
Thanks! It probably won’t be nearly as… elaborate. I think the problems with the electoral process are pretty straightforward, as are most of the solutions. It’s how to get them *implemented* that’s tricky.
John Casper @ 89
Oh, cool! I’ll have to check that out.
Actually, the Republicans do have a very attractive candidate, who could conceivably outrun our milquetoast frontrunners. IfAmericans get a good look at him, the race is really on:
Ron Paul
Excerpt:
Eli @ 83
Hagel is VERY conservative.
But because he has let his practical side through and finally sees the disaster that Bush has made of Iraq (and dares question it in public), he would never get through one Republican primary. The wingnuts will never forgive him for questioning their dear leader Dubya.
Thanks, as always Hugh.
As long as the media doesn’t call Iraq an OCCUPATION and doesn’t mention
in every damn articlethat it costs $267,000,000/per DAY, we’re losing. It’s the fundamentals that matter.TeddySanFran @ 80
Ah, Teddy’s back. You had me worried for a moment.
Tomorrow will be the day for jury jubilation!
punaise @ 50
Would that be environmentally friendly, energy efficient, recyclable armor?
Eli @ 83
He’s probably the GOPs best hope, and even the base would get behind him. I don’t see anyone else having the potential appeal to disaffected Republicans right now. Hagel is conservative enough to make the base happy, he’s been clear that Bush’s war management was wrong. Good position to be in, if you can get the donors on your side.
Hugh @
95
Well, at least his tinfoil hat is recyclable…
Hugh @ 95
It would be made of solar panels. So it would really be more light-absorbent than reflective…
I am not pleased.
AP – House Democratic leaders are developing an anti-war proposal that wouldn’t cut off money for U.S. troops in Iraq but would require President Bush to acknowledge problems with an overburdened military.
February 28th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Crazy Horse @ 32
Eli @ 35
50 punaise says:
Gore is the knight in shining armor. He’s the hero we’re looking for. He’s “the one!” Republiscum are terrified of him. I accept no substitutes.
I love all of you. Thanks for all you have done covering this trial.
Hugh @ 95
the knight in PETE 1 recyclable plastic.
GSD @ 52
Other than Gore, I agree.
But is it safe…?
;>)
Ann in AZ @ 100
I love it when you talk shiny to us.
Ron Paul is one of the few Libertarian type Republicans that exist…and seems to be consistent in his views, which I respect.
While I admire some of his stances, I still believe in enforcing environmental regulations, OSHA requirements, etc. enough to be not too enamored with his type.
Tonight’s Fun Friedman Facts, brought to you by the Guardian UK.
Can we recall that Gore was against the Iraq war, against the Bush administration domestic spying progarm and was very environmental a long time ago? Oh… and one more thing. The Republicans fear Gore most.
AnnieW: I think a lot of Republicans are willing to say that Bush and Rumsfeld did a poor job of managing what they see is a just cause (”defeating the terrarists and protecting our oil”). I believe only a very small but vocal minority believes Bush doesn’t deserve criticism for handling the war.
Many conservatives I know even feel the whole neo-con agenda has been horrific for our country, and they desperately want a change from Bush-style management. They have been as adamant to say that if a neo-con or “liberal” Republican is nominated, they will vote third party. They could get behind Hagel, maybe Brownback, but definitely not Giuliani, Romney, McCain, or the possible Jeb Bush or Condoleeza Rice or anyone connected to the Bush cabal.
Rudi is riding high now b/c he has not had to defend his opinions on Eyerack, multiple marriages including a marriage to his cousin. So Rudi will go down and go down hard.
darkblack @ 104
Keep it secret. Keep it safe.
GSD @ 52
I agree. Both Gore and Richardson have strong solid resumes and would make strong solid candidates. It goes to what is wrong in the Democratic Party that Obama and Clinton are the frontrunners when their experience is much less and little is done to give them the opportunities to increase that experience. The Democrats should be trying to produce more Gores and Richardsons and then support them on the basis of that experience.
lolo @ 59
Well, duh…
Eli @ 51 [re: Jeb]
Man. The Democrat’s campaign ads would just write themselves.
WE NEED A CHANGE!!
AND A DIFFERENT GENE POOL!!
I want Gore. We deserve Gore. The world needs Gore.
if gore doesn’t step up, i’m going with edwards.
I think Jeb will be there to bail out the other candidates who will have self destructed. Who else will can be counted on to pardon Dumbya and all the rest of the criminals? Remember, many may not be indicted till after Dumbass leaves office. Jeb will be there. Maybe he will be a V.P. candidate with the same duties as Cheney has. Rule from the wings. Or McCains VP with the expectation that wingnut will kick the bucket or have a convienient stroke.
squirrel hiller @ 102
do I hear corn polymer?
Balrog @ 107
So glad to see the brass read the NYT.
punaise @ 50: Gore could be the knight in shining armor
Hugh @ 95: Would that be environmentally friendly, energy efficient, recyclable armor?
Eli @98: It would be made of solar panels. So it would really be more light-absorbent than reflective…
All I know is that you’d better prepare for the “Tennessee Council of Made-Up Republican Partisan B.S.” (I think that was their name), who will dig through your trash and claim the manufacture of solar panelled-armor harms the environment.
Gosh, Guiliana doesn’t seem all that wierd to me [snicker].
Not that there’s anything wrong with being weird, of course.
I mean, I’m seeing a man who’s very comfortable with his sexuality — and what could be wrong with that?
Hi People
Somewhat Off Topic,but I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this,from today’s UK Guardian.
US commanders admit: we face a Vietnam-style collapse
Elite officers in Iraq fear low morale, lack of troops and loss of political will
Simon Tisdall
Thursday March 1, 2007
The Guardian
An elite team of officers advising the US commander, General David Petraeus, in Baghdad has concluded that they have six months to win the war in Iraq – or face a Vietnam-style collapse in political and public support that could force the military into a hasty retreat.
The rest of the article is as below,and the second link is to the Leader Article,on the same subject.(Hope I posted the links right)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq…..65,00.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq…..47,00.html
Anyway,I have a Higher Calling to attend to,as there are several pairs of eyes on me at the moment,Cats To Feed !!!)
Hope the articles are of some interest.Take Care Folks,Bye For Now
Alice B. @ 117
Guess it’d kinda suck for them if a Democrat won, then.
Although Hillary or Obama could probably be persuaded to pardon anyway, in the interest of civility or comity or binding-up-the-nation’s-wounds, or some bullshit like that.
I think we will hear from Al Gore in October or November.
I think.
Wes Clark is still my guy. He better get busy ’cause I’m gettin’ bugged.
No one else is my “it” candidate. Can’t help it.
Oh and the kid landed safely in Denver.
squirrel hiller @ 116
I was gonna too, but I’ve decided not to vote for anyone who voted for the AUMF. It was too big a mistake, especially for a bunch of lawyers, to issue as big a blank check as that. Way too many gaping holes. Makes you wonder if they know how to write a decent contract, or a decent piece of legislation. Showed very poor judgment, and even less guts.
ESAR @ 53– I like Kucinich very much and he’s the only one who speaks out about a just and fair peace plan for the Palestinians and Israelis.
I like Gore, too.
(he also rallied very hard for a cease fire for Lebanon)
Tim @ 124
I knocked on doors in OK for him in the ‘04 primary. I really hope he throws his hat in the ring again. He’s a truly brilliant man with obvious military experience.
Sitting in my Olbermann ‘chair’, keyboard in the lap. Siamese at my feet. Does it get better than this?
Ann in AZ @ 125
good point. gives me paws.
Hugh, thanks for mentioning the elephant in the sauna.
1. The swift-boating of Gore’s energy use is going to come back and haunt them. Anyone seen Chainey’s energy use at the VP observatory? As i’ve said since before the world was created, the most damning evidence we won’t see, because Chainey’s energy meeting notes are “withheld.”
2. What’s below the ground in various parts of Eyeraq is actually the reason Libby lied to protect his Dominion bosses.
3. I know of several rethuglicans whose wives also use electricity when they want to make toast for the kids, and none of them think about where it’s coming from.
4. Though percentagewise it’s less than it used to be, energy costs still are the foundation of today’s economy. And it’s tanking because the money doesn’t go where it’s needed. The propaganda to convince us that these thugs have the answer to our energy problems has already begun.
5. This “future security of supply” is the foundation of the current military mission. Eye mean, how else do you protect pipelines with unsavory dictators?
If i’m an amurkan, i want to see my military might protecting my right to burn whatever i want.
If i’m a firedogpup or whatever, i’m looking to the alternative sustainable economy which of course must remain underground until it’s strong enough.
Y’know, it’s a real problem when dredging up Bob Dole and Jack Kemp again would improve their chances in 2008…. :)
Ann in AZ @ 125
And his response to the attacks on his bloggers was just pathetic. *Agreeing* with attacks is never a good strategy. He was not much of an attack dog for Kerry in ‘04, either.
It’s given they won’t win the presidency, unless they cheat really really bad this time, but what about the Senate? How many seats will they lose? And will they be relevant in US politics again, ever, outside of Utah, the stranger parts of Arizona, and the South?
montag @ 131
Do you think “BRRRAAAAINNNSSSS!” would work as a campaign slogan? It *is* kinda concise and snappy.
Jay.
Eeh.
Bee.
But no way, still. As Phoenix Woman sez, “Whoever wins the Democratic nomination is going to be our next president. Period.”
If JayEehBee is “elected” it will be such an obvious fraud that the streets will fill with people, pots, pans, torches and pitchforks. And the occasional more threatening instrument of protest.
Then it will be between We the People, and Blackwater. Plus the Gulags that W built. The National Guard will still be in Iraq.
I’ll go through my scenario again but first:
Hillary doeshave too many negatives, no matter how the DLC spinmeisters try to say otherwise. I trust her far less than I used to. She was once a leader, now she’s just another politician. And the way she’s trying to bully every other dem out already, it just leaves a bad taste.
Obama: Was very cool, warmed up some when I saw him on THE VOTE back in 2002; he knew more then about ME affairs than most DC pols know today. BUT… I’m not really sure he has the, and I hate to say it this way but for lack a better word, experience and maturity to be a good Pres. Sure, compared to what we got now my seven year old great-nephew would be more mature but he wouldn’t be a good ores either.
Edwards? I really really like his sincerity. I doubt his capability.
Clark? Don’t think he could be a front runner, not with Obama and Hillary out there. I’d vote for him if he was our nominee, no doubt. I don’t think he has the political capital to get there, that’s all.
Richardson? Destined to be another Vilsack. (not a slam: I *liked* Tom Vilsack, thought it a damn shame he couldn’t get more going)
Sooooo,
Let Obama and Hillary knock each other out. Gore steps in late to save the party. Gore in a landslide.
GSD @
3
Not.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/…..08top.html
angie @ 126
Man, do I wish I lived in a world where Kucinich was taken seriously – he’s way too honest for national politics. Sadly, he’s been lumped in with the exceptional intellect Noam Chomski. A modern incarnation of the Adlai Stevenson syndrome.
I’m honestly pretty undecided about 2008 candidates. Right now, I only want to consider those who are running, and not fixate on people who appear to be toying with the idea of running (Gore, Clark). So, if I had to pick a favorite right now, I guess it would be Edwards. I still want to learn a bit more about Obama and Richardson. I’m not enamoured with Clinton – I understand why she’s running as she is, but she seems a bit too calculating, as if she’s not really speaking from her heart of what she truly believes (and if she is, I’m not impressed). I figure I won’t really get behind a candidate until the end of this year, when we have learned more about their positions on the issues and the actions they’ve proposed on the challenges we have.
So far, I like what Edwards has been doing for the past two years, and I’m pleased with his healthcare proposal and with the fact that he’s not playing Hillary Clinton’s coy game – he came straight out and said that if we have to raise taxes to provide health insurance for the uninsured, then that’s what we have to do. That took guts – and he’s right. The fact is, we’re paying for the uninsured already, when they go to emergency rooms for primary care, or worse yet, after a treatable minor issue has become a critical major health issue. I’m also pleased that many of my Republican friends are actually impressed with him – his apparent honesty and candor and his proposals. I know a few lifelong Republicans who want Edwards as our next President, and that’s great news.
Not sure what a Steny is, but it looks, sounds, and smells like a Delay.
But it’s golf! from DWT.
Eli @ 134
But, not necessarily truthful, except by comparison with other Republicans. :)
montag @ 131
LOL. This reminds of a paradox. Why is it that no Democrat is ever good enough to be President while any Republican no matter how bad is always assumed to be?
A government in the Middle East, who’s people were once subject to horrific prejudice, now practices the same thing.
he’s a closet case in the way liberace was a closet case (different closets, to be sure, but they’re both “in” their respective closets about the same amount).
Oklahoma kiddo @ 128
how come Olberman gives his chair to some Cherokee? with cats from some asian country?
montag @
131
Sadly, Minnesota dredged up Walter Mondale to run against Norm Coleman when Wellstone died. It didn’t work, obviously.
Franken ‘08 on the other hand will work.
Went to look at Air America to see if the audio of Jane on Rachel Maddow’s show was up yet, but not until 10 EST.
However, came across this piece about a trial of alleged Muslim charities funding terrorists in Dallas. The US prosecutor relied on a summary of an FBI wiretap which includes several strongly anti-Jewish comments. The transcript was recently declassified and in all the 13 pages there was not one anti-Jewish remark. Now the prosecutor is saying that the differences aren’t material enough to justify declassifying any other of the transcripts that the prosecution is relying on.
I am speechless.
skippy @ 144
Whoa. Skippy’s such a lower-case absolutist that he even removes *other people’s* caps…
Crazy Horse @ 145
Tee-hee. ;0) ! That’s funny.
Hugh @ 112
Which is next to impossible in our star struck media culture. Sensible and celebrity just don’t seem to go together.
What I wanna see is Howard Dean saving the self-bruised party just before the convention, if Gore doesn’t step in. And if Gore does, Dean should take VP so he can be the attack dog that Edwards wasn’t.
I know I’m not the only unrepentant Deaniac FireDog.
Obama’s dog-whistle to AIPAC last week bugged me some.
Alice B. @ 117
We need to make sure that every breathing Democrat votes. They will be cranking up the election machine ‘head start’ and we will have to vote a landslide to get a bare majority. Why aren’t the Dems pushing for hand-counted paper ballots?
My cat is Asian-American. She read your comment. And she’s rolling on the rug and LOL.
Well at least you’re comfortable. Please excuse me for not telling you about all the times i happened to be 49′ing in hollyweird with Wes Studi.
squirrel hiller @ 129
I’m confused – weren’t you born with paws?
Does anyone want to do my Late Nite post for me tonight?
I guess I’m not hardcore “antiwar” in the sense that if you hit me, I’m gonna hit you back. We could escalate from there.
I’m definitely “anti-this-war” and that’s why the taint of that war vote really bugs me in terms of candidate assessment (sp ?).
Hugh @ 142
Hmm, Republicans do have a sort of proprietary attitude about the Presidency, don’t they?
I’m sure that attitude comes back to the “strong on defense” myth they’ve created for themselves over the last sixty years. Hopefully, Bush and Cheney and the ghost of Rummy will so badly fuck up things by November, 2008, that we will be able to kick that canard to the curb for a few decades and avoid electing a Dem hawk in the “Scoop” Jackson mold.
lambert @ 120
It’s not like he has San Francisco values or anything.
TRex @ 157
What if we said NO. Would we be indicted for lying?
Hugh @ 142
Because the media will pick apart and magnify any flaw that a Democratic candidate has, and even invent new ones. And they’ll whitewash as many of the Republican candidate’s flaws as they can, so as not to “influence the election”.
You know, of all the things to hate about Giuliani, for me the sight of him in a dress is way, way down on the list.
kirk murphy @ 156
oops! i forget who i am sometimes.
TRex @ 157
Oh TRex, nobody but nobody can do your snark.
What’s wrong, got a case of blogger’s block?
Notta Flatlander @ 136
It’s not just the negatives but that she does nothing to lessen them. (Where is Peter Daou anyway?) Take her stand on her Iraq vote. It’s like she throws mud at not only the progressive base of the party but 2/3 of Americans and then tries to pass it off as character. Well, it is, just not the way she thinks.
Oh thank you PW. This is excellent.
TRex @ 163
Sure, for Democratic voters.
The republican nominee will be Bloomberg.
Thad Beier @ 168
Nooo.
Never make it past the primary.
HotFlash @ 152
Fortunately, actual Republican voters are becoming rarer and rarer as they realize how they’ve been betrayed by their “leadership.” That gives some hope. I had an ancient retired uncle who was a NH Supreme Court justice, a lifelong “rock-ribbed” Republican, out of the strong NH political Republican machine. About 4 years ago the light dawned on him and he became an ardent HRC supporter. He died last year, mooting the question of whether he could have generalized from her to the actual next (D) nominee… :)
TRex @ 157
Wow – If you have rain checks for that request, please allow me to get in line.
I’m working on a piece about GMO’s/ industrial ag/ food security but I don’t think it I can finish it today.
TRex @ 157
Is this an assigned topic, or open? Should I recycle an old post on Bush’s strong tendency to turd-polishing?
How about a delurk post?
TRex @ 157
If I could think of anything to write about, but it’s been pretty slim pickings for me today…
if cheney’s battery dies, who will be the veep?
Jeebus, if TRex is posting, i’ll have to RE lurk. Not to mention the time difference between FDL and GMT 1.
Rayne @
165
Meh. I’m in a mood. I hurt my back in yoga class yesterday and while the pain isn’t excruciating, it’s a bit distracting.
I’ll come up with something, never fear.
squirrel hiller @ 164
no worries! we all have our existential crises.
I just try and hide mine from Olmert (don’t want him to sic the Mossad on me).
Notta Flatlander @ 136
I would like that so much. It’s efficient, it’s elegant, it’s cost-effective and it’s honorable. It’s *smart*. We need smart.
Edwards lost me when he couldn’t defend his bloggers. I like Clark but don’t like the idea of a military man as pres. Either would make a good Veep, though.
squirrel hiller @ 175
If Cheney’s batteries (pl) go on the fritz, he’ll just become one of the undead.
Besides, the question should be, who becomes the President? :)
kirk murphy @ 178
We promise won’t say anything. The code of Olmerta, and all that.
squirrel hiller @ 174
Gates or Negroponte. Rice just shot herself in the Ferragamo with her inanities, neatly shot down by KO the other nite…
Whoever it comes down to for the Dems, we can be sure the Wurlitzer smear machine is going to be well oiled.
The howling and gnashing of teeth of the Dark side will only increase in volume till it’s at 11.
They know they are fucked and they are going to be vicious.
So whoever gets the nod better have some backbone and Kevlar underwear.
JoyB @
2
Was listening to Rachel’s show today on the way home from the mechanic. She was pitching for folks to call in and “ASK DR. MADDOW” a question…
After serious consideration, realized that “WHY IS DR. MADDOW SO DARN DREAMY?” probably wasn’t what they were looking for.
edit: WTF? I missed Jane on Maddow’s show? what time? I only tuned in for the second hour… damn.
montag @ 172
So that’s why Neil’s losing his hair.
Now who did Cheney?
Okay, just saw KO on the west coast. Turns out Libby IS a very important person. When he exited the back seat of his SUV, he politely let the other people out. Then he walked away leaving the door open.
The driver, I guess, is expected to hippity-hop around and close it for the important people. How sick!
TRex @ 163
Trex,
You take difficult subjects and rip them like on other blogger I know. As I drove home this evening there was a story about gays be reformed through christian therapies. Now doubt you have heard this crap before but it is always open to revisiting because of the disinformationinherent in these claims.
Here is Betty Bowers on the topic – Baptists Are Saving Homosexuals
http://www.bettybowers.com/bashworks.html
HotFlash @ 179
*Wouldn’t*. It’s not like he tried and failed, he didn’t even make the attempt. Just made a half-assed statement, then hunkered down and waited for the hate mail to make them quit.
Forgive me for not thinking the Democratic pool of contenders is particularly deep.
The Republicans of course are chainsaw-sculpted wooden lifeguards up in the ‘highchair.’
But Obama, Hillary, Edwards?
IMHO: one arm shy of a great breast-stroke.
kirk murphy @ 185
He is? Must be touching his pee-pee and then scratching his head….
I need a remedial sentence structure class.
Bustednuckles @ 191
me too. and add a dangling participle alert.
Bustednuckles @ 191
Also to me am.
FishGuyDave @
46
Ummm, am I the only one that remembers Schaivo? Jeb was at the epicenter of that expedition.
Bustednuckles @ 192
You may be able to avoid that by simply becoming a right-wing blogger. Their readers don’t notice poor construction….
Crazy Horse @ 176
I hear ya.
Now gang, I have noticed one Republican you have not mentioned so far. One who will come riding out of the Wild West on a white horse to defend us all from the folks South of the Border. From the Great State of Colorado – Da! Da! Tancredo!!!
Ya’ll better be quaking in your BOOTS!
Terry Olson @ 186
Not at all. Libby didn’t remember to close the door. When he saw the punk driver close the door, he rembrd as if it was new. Alas, ti was too late.
montag @ 195
I don’t have to worry about that, I was born a liberal Democrat and I’ll die a liberal Democrat.
AZ Matt @ 188
Ugh. The Ex Gay movement is something that I can’t write about without turning into some kind of screeching, hysterical Malkinalike. I tend to avoid such topics whenever I can. Wouldn’t want to become so shrill that I perforate someone’s eardrums.
S.O.S. in MA @ 151
Sounds good to me. I really like Dean and also what he’s done these last several years. I never thought that “scream” was as nutty as it was made out to be when they played it ad infinitum. I was thinking I’d like to see him as VP, but if not, I’m sure there’s a place for him in the cabinet.
I’m going to try to not think about a particular NY senator for 24 hours.
Bustednuckles @ 200
Okay, we’ll start with a review of the different parts of a sentence…. :)
pdub’s an Optimist – I wouldn’t put it past the Goopers to size-up their ‘08 chances – look at each other – and say, “Let’s invade Iran.”
They might decide they’ve got nothing to lose by playing the ‘Terror’ Card…again.
Lashed-up to ‘War-Crimes-Trials-in-My-Future’ Bush, who knows what they’ll do in their desperation?
Jeb=cornholi_
TRex @ 177
As if you couldn’t find something to say about one of the many pains in your backside…
Almost writes itself.
HotFlash @
160
Of course not…solid, dependable ‘village values’ for Rudy.
Greenwich village, that is.
;>)
Destined to be EPU’d yet again, but I must post for the sake of history and civility:
When we were in Moskva [Moscow] we saw the building where people went to inquire about their missing relatives. My colleague said no one ever got an answer. All missing people died.
To be near this building made me physically sick.
Will the United States have such a building in the future?
Jacqrat @ 185
She opened Maddow’s show. And, you know, I’m not a lesbian, but Maddow is FINE looking! I even noticed.
radiofreewill @ 205
Odd, but Sy Hersh was talking about this on DemocracyNow! this morning, and his take was a bit different. He’s hearing that if Bush bombs Iran (no invasion likely), it will be in 2007, rather than an election year, because “Bush is still reasonably young, and he doesn’t want the Republican Party hating him for the rest of life, and they will if he starts another war during the election.”
And so who’s face pops up on Olbermann? It’s insidious.
Best. Diary. On. Barack. Obama. Ever.
http://www.boomantribune.com/?…..201846/161
montag @ 210
This does not sound plausible, somehow…
TRex @ 200
Look at it this way, they are trying to turn gay individuals into ~~~ Rethuglacans. This is a horrible Fate for decent human beings!
Craaaaaaaaaaap. I just get back from a service call,( I got to see Steve Spielberg’s personal jet) and now I get the pleasure of going to make a terminal diagnosis of my sister in law’s transmission.
Where the hell is Frist when you need him?
Eli @ 188
Why do Dem Prez candidates think that cowering before anonymous wignuts makes them look fit to be Commmander in Chief?
When my kitties were little, their momma Filbert would hiss and scratch at visitors twelve times taller and thirty times heavier.
The big bad corporate-slaying Edwards cowered in his stately homes, hiding behind his aides, and abandonded his staff to their attackers.
What a miserable coddled coward.
Edwards doesn’t have the ovaries to order a media blitz, much less command the Armed Forces.
And he doesn’t have the strategic sense to recognize how smashing the Wurlitzer would have earned him macho cred.
And I bet he doesn’t even know enough to bury his kittens’ poop.Filbert would make a better President – at least she’d spit at the wingnuts.
While Edwards would be safely in the Oval Office….
cowering under the desk.
egregious @ 209
I wonder if we’re better at denial than even the Soviets. They let their bureaucracy frustrate people. Our MSM has served that purpose? That’s why I’m loving blogs. No fake free speech anymore. But it’s hard for people looking for info to know where to start. I wonder has somebody started a blog or site to locate the disappeareds?
Eli @ 33
I love your comment!!!
Shhhh… The Surge is Working
By Patrick Ruffini
http://www.townhall.com/column…..is_working
snip
This turnaround in Baghdad is confirmed at home by the media’s near-deafening silence. If it seems like you’ve heard less about how Iraq is spiraling into civil war in the weeks since the surge was announced, this is why. Even some discordant voices in the media are starting to wonder what’s happening. Time magazine worries that it’s “Quiet in Baghdad. Too quiet.” That’s right — a dramatic reduction in violence is actually bad news.
It’s too early to claim victory just yet; the operation is just two weeks old. But U.S. troops have been able to accomplish all of this with just one more brigade in-country, with four more on the way by May. These encouraging early returns show the potential for success when we apply concentrated military force to the security problem. When the Army and Marine Corps are on offense, carrying out combat operations and clearing out insurgent strongholds, we win. When we lay back, carrying out routine patrols and playing Baghdad beat cop, we lose.
The key to success is staying power.
montag @ 195
Wow – I had no idea how many ‘wingers worked for Parsons and Halliburton.
This explains a lot.
Actually, they’re just making them into eunuchs. “Reparative Therapy” may kill these people’s desire for people of their own gender, but they have yet to find a way to instill heterosexual desire in someone who is not biologically programmed for it. So, basically, they rob these people of their sex drive and leave them to sort it out.
Sad.
kirk murphy @ 216
How the hell did he ever become a hot shit trial lawyer in the first place? Did he just somehow forget it all when he became a politician, or is just at a loss on how to control a non-court situation?
ccmask @ 220
Frankly, I would be overjoyed if something worked. Honestly.
Pat_AlexVA @ 195
Yes, some of his ‘police state of the art‘ moves during that fiasco will certainly be fodder for discussion, and his playing footsie with Cuban terroristas as well.
louisianagirl @ 212
Wow, thanks – that pretty much tears it for me. Damn, I really like the guy. But it is not, these days, the time for insider-oriented politicos…
TREX
Seems there is some dust-up about your friend Dangerstein over at TPM. Maybe something for late night in that story. I didn’t look at it too close though.
Joy: There is a picture of Blair at the link. Aren’t they pulling out?
TRex @ 222
TRex, I loved something you wrote some months back addressing this very thing. Where if a man declared this deprogramming worked, you would say, “Oh Good! After I am deprogrammed, may I date your daughter?” Made the point BEAUTIFULLY. Do you recall?
Bustednuckles @ 215
Wherever he is, I hope no cats are in his reach.
ccmask @ 228
Blair said they ARE pulling out, indeed.
rocket scientist @ 219
that is a classic. it also provides a convenient seque for a comment about that picture of Rudy in drag:
“what’s the difference, a dame aches.”
Eli @ 214
Well, given how public polling on the war in Iraq is going now, imagine Bush doing something really stupid two or three months before the election. The Republicans could put up Jesus Christ himself and they’d still lose….
JoyB @ 228
Hell, what dad *wouldn’t* want an ex-gay man to date his daughter? He wouldn’t have to worry about anything!
I can’t wait until 2008, when we start hearing about abortions again….
montag @ 232
The implausible part is Bush giving a shit what anyone thinks of him.
Eli @ 233
Praise the Lord!
ReneND @ 227
I’ve been watching that out of the corner of my eye. I’m so sick of that guy. What a pathetic piece of shit.
Something about sitting here in pain kind of takes the fight right out of me.
Sigh.
One man’s horror show is another man’s comedy.
JoyB @ 231
Dang, for some reason I get a javascript error when trying to edit.
What I want to say, as a former enlisted person, is that no matter how much I despise this administration’s abuse of our soldiers, I would always choose looking like an idiot and having a peaceful Iraq and US soldiers who don’t feel like their efforts were in vain over the failure I believe this will be.
romney might as well be a martian. he’d get more votes than a mormon would.
sending them rapidly to the bottom of the Marianas
Can we not do something about the Marianas, the forced prostitution, forced abortions, child labor, starvation wages considered legal “Made in the U.S.” and with the tacit consent of the Congress?
So many people in positions of responsibility looked the other way, some for money, some out of laziness or fear.
Rep. Young of Alaska, I’m looking at YOU. Diane Benson for Congress ‘08.
God forgive us for what we have done to these gentle people.
Busted; I just looked at your sister-in-law’s transmission right through my monitor here and it’s fine.
Next case…..
TRex @ 157
no, you’re too good at it and we’re not worthy.
However, I did have a suggestion for whenever you do that “invitation to delurk”. You might consider asking regular members and lurkers to post a little something about themselves or their interests, just so we get to know each other better. It can be as innocuous as “I hate chocolate” or “I was once married to a Republican” or “I have secretly wanted to change my first name for years”, or “I picked this handle because…” Just a suggestion.
Oh, and you might want to call out some more wingnut bloggers just to see what they’re up to these days hehehe.
He would get a lot more if he ran as a moron though.
It can be as innocuous as “I hate chocolate” or “I was once married to a Republican”
I hate Republicans. And I once hated chocolate.
ccmask @ 244
Almost worked for Allen.
Trex- How are you hurt? Did you pull something?
TRex, I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do. Are we supposed to poke you in the back to get you fired up? Or gently massage you so you can concentrate? With your AAA approach, and the late nite deadline approaching, I’d tend to poke with a stick… Dick Cheney talking in the first person and demanding being on deep background – seems like Dick hung one over the plate for ya.
Eli @ 236
Oh, well, that… I think he likes the adulation and the attention–however insincere it may be–that he gets from fundraising activities. He is, after all, immensely self-important and self-impressed. If even his base (”the haves… and the have-mores”) were to tell him he’s poison and to go suck eggs, I think that would hurt his ego.
My coworker is a loser republican and he makes me crazy. It is just the two of us in the upstairs office and he is so damn cheap to boot. Has his nose in everyone’s business but his own. But, I really like chocolate.
montag @ 249
History would become his new best friend.
Some day, it may be thousands of years from now, the Middle East will be a land of peace and harmony, and it will all be due to his courage and vision.
TRex- haven’t read all of the latest comments, but maybe a “kitty” post would be a good thing? More details in an email I just sent. xxoo
Eli @ 247
WHAT?????
Say it isn’t so.
Or at least share the juicy details :)
Tim @ 242
Thanks!Now look into your monitor and tell me how much beer I have left at home.
Do I stop and get more?
Eli @ 252
I’m glad I’ll be dead.
Eli @ 246
I’m married to chocolate. Ok, not really… but I like it almost as much as I like my spouse (who is absolutely not a Republican). And I really love chocolate.
egregious @ 253
Just that he was the presumptive favorite up until he started stepping on his own tongue. Closest thing to Dubya.
JoyB @ 255
We won’t just be dead, we’ll be *extinct*.
squirrel hiller @ 116
Are you sure you know who Edwards is? Check out this site
http://www.oilempire.us/edwards.html
Edwards involvement with the Bilderberg group raises many questions in my mind.
There is only one candidate with a perfectly clean background, outstanding resume, and a long list of accomplishments – Bill Richardson. If he doesn’t get the nod for POTUS, I sure hope he gets appointed Sec State.
Pat_AlexVA @ 249
I have the answer. My mother used to have us stand in front of her, she would pretend to turn a large windup thingie in our backs, and then press the GO button.
I still ask her to do this periodically, like when I am refusing to work anymore in Russia.
Works like magic.
ccmask @ 220
While normally I am pretty tolerant of the idea of recreational drug use, whatever this guy is on should be banned forever.
TRex – next time you have to post about WaPo ombudster Debbie Howell, try to work in a link to a Washington airport and title it “Debbie Does Dulles”
I got an email that there is Yearly kos thing in New York on March 10. Emptywjheel will be there. Church street. Anyone else get that?
…or “I picked this handle because…”
Landofthefree, I’ve been waiting for just such a post. I’m dying to know some of the stories behind the andles. (I’m having an H issue with this stupid keyboard, silly kitten pulled it off trying to claw his way up my leg and into my lap. Please ignore lack tereof.)
punaise @ 262
Or get darkblack to put fur on her and call it “The Howelling”.
punaise @ 263
Crap Punaise, now I’ll think of this everytime I consider that crappy airport.
Eli @ 258
Are you saying you are a Republican? Or were a Repubican?
We can understand and forgive if only you will explain.
My confession: I married a known Republican. What was I thinking???
At least I got thru to the kids. The advantage of being the stay at home parent: Propaganda Plus. Bwahahahahahaha!!!!!!!
YEARLYKOS CONVENTION FUNDRAISER
Saturday, March 10th – 6-9pm
The Tank @ C:U – 279 Church Street
Join activists, organizers and on-lookers, as we drink, laugh and carouse liberally to celebrate the DailyKos community and prepare for the 2007 YearlyKos Convention.
With special guests Marcy Wheeler (”Emptywheel”), author of “Anatomy of Deceit” and Libby Trial blogger, the comedians of Laughing Liberally, the sweet eats of Eating Liberally, fellow Kossacks, bloggers & rabble-rousers.
Hosted by Living Liberally with Vaster Books, Young People For The American Way & the Kossack community of New York City.
Free food, cheap drinks, great gifts, lively conversation & progressive camaraderie!
Oh, TRex, I so feel for you. I remember your 10 (?) reasons not to start blogging…there have to be days when you just don’t want to get back on that computer.
How about a sort of open thread, like Atrios does? You could just throw open the floor with a line or two, and then retire while the rest of us run away with it.
I only wish I could offer to do it for you…but I’m not so good at last-minute writing, let alone with your verve and flair. But there are plenty of posters here who have a way with words, and I’m sure they’d be happy to step up with posts.
Hope you feel better. (Umm, isn’t yoga supposed to be GOOD for one’s back?)
ccmask @ 263
Dammit, why doesn’t anyone give me a heads-up on these things?
Dang it, this getting good.
“Elite officers in Iraq say they have six months to win war or face collapse in political and public support.”
6 mos.? Seems a bit optimistic.
And I really love chocolate.
I’m dying to know some of the stories behind the handles.
can we please discuss something other than my love handles?
Does a bear live in the Vatican ?
no-brainer
Oklahoma kiddo @ 272
They been talking to Freidman?
Eli @ 252
Thousands of years from now, people in that region will probably be speaking some weird mish-mosh of Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Russian and Pushtun.
And every person in the region will understand this phrase: “that fuckin’ putz, George Bush.”
egregious @ 267
I didn’t say he was *my* presumptive favorite – just that a lot of people thought he was the Republican with the best chance to win the nomination *and* the general. He has that whole half-witted good-ol’-boy-you-could-have-a-beer-with thing goin’ on, like Dubya.
Pat_AlexVA @ 267
sorry about that :~)
Montag at 211 – The really hardcore military crowd wants to do two things before they die –
1) get even with North Korea for stealing the Pueblo (they keep it as a floating Museum), and
2) sock the daylights out of Iran for sacking our Embassy and holding our citizens hostages for 444 days
The way the radical right sees it, Iran is the ‘last trouble-maker’ left in the ME and it would be a shame to be this close and not give ‘em the business.
I just think the GOP won’t be able to resist inventing ‘an Iranian attack’ that would serve as enough justification for El Bushbo to invoke the ‘73 War Powers Act.
Also, all of Iran’s oil and much of its Nuclear facilities are fairly tightly concentrated into one rather small region along the southeastern border with Iraq – it would be possible to invade, take control of the Oil and cripple the Nuclear program – and presumably crush Iran into economic submission.
Or at least that’s how ‘Greet us in the streets as Liberators’ Cheney will pitch it to Smirky…
Eli @ 271
I know. I just found it in my email. I already checked a flight just in case. I have an apartment there to use anytime…
Oklahoma kiddo @ 143
A long, long time ago I remember reading about the persecutions of the Christians, the Romans feeding them to lions and all those martyrs and stuff. And as I worked my way through World History I discovered that as soon as they had enough clout to clout any one, the Christians did the same thing that had been done to them, with great gusto and ingenuity, and for much much longer. Then as they split into different flavors of Christians, they persecuted one another with the same enthusiasm.
This seems to be a comon enough pattern that religious leaders specifically address it.
According to the Talmud, Rabbi Hillel said: “Whatever is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.”
Also, particularly relevant to Palestine, “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” Torah Leviticus 19:33-34
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matt22:37-39
Oh, and to be even-handed:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” — Muhammad (c. 571 – 632 CE) Hadith.
In the interest of brevity I will omit Confucian, Hindu, secular and other references at this time.
Mommybrain @165
“I’m having an H issue with this stupid keyboard, silly kitten pulled it off trying to claw his way up my leg and into my lap. Please ignore lack tereof.) “
ROFL!
montag @ 276
Huhuhuh, you said “Fartsy”.
/Dubya
Bustednuckles @ 276
Yes, and as with all good Friedmans, it’s infinitely renewable.
Look for Newtie to make like the Big White GOP Father/Savior. I’m betting he’ll throw his tin foil hat in the ring this summer. He’s just waiting on the “leadership” to get down on their knees and suck hard enough. Bet you anything that we’ll be seeing a lot more of him opining from on high as the serious adult conservative pundit on all the cable news shows.
Eli @ 271
Didn’t you get the memo?
You’re the keynote speaker! Get to work writing your speech!
ccmask @ 280
I can stay with my sis, but flying on short notice is problematic.
Ok, my handle is derived from my name (Pat) and I live in Alexandria, VA. Also, my dog’s name is Alex.
Ahh, second phone call on the transmission,time to get beer.
A toast;
Scooter is guilty, Shooter is next.
Slainte.
http://www.sfgate.com/comics/fiore/
Fiore does Libby!
This is a riot!!!!!
punaise @ 263
Or, “Debbie Dull Does Straw Men….”
JoyB @ 230
Goddess, that must come as a relief to Chere.
Mommybrain @ 265
ROFL. The only reason that I don’t have a kitty sitting on my wrists while I type right now is that he’s banished from my office at the moment. I’m sort of working while reading and occasionally typing right now. Sometimes one cat in particular wants to be with me when I’m in the office, but I made my hubby take him away so I can concentrate (on my work and on FDL lol)
I don’t have much of a kitty problem with the H character… it’s usually that he moves so that my cursor jumps up a line or two, putting the sentence I’m typing in the middle of another previously typed sentence. Oh, and there’s the cat nose 1 inch from the end of your nose while you try to read above their heads – that’s always fun.
TRex @ 222
Don’t fall for that crap. They do not “kill these people’s desire for people of their own gender” [should be ’sex’, btw]
That’s what they claim. That don’t make it so. I don’t know what it is they actually do – psychic poison would be my best way of putting it – but trust me, you can’t kill the desire.
And now for something completely different, my favorite chant at the DC march in ninety…two? three? was “10% is not enough. Recruit! Recruit! Recruit!”
Gah! Local news appears to be pimping Santorum for veep.
Ewww.
punaise @ 274
Not if your love handles are made out of chocolate. Rrrrrrowr!
radiofreewill @ 280
Alternative is that they could foment enough rebellion in this small area and then declare it “independent” and ask the world to recognize this new territory.
I wish I knew about it 2 weeks ago. Madness.
Trex,
This might get your juices flowing!
Badreporter: http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/asmussen/
Trex, Pat @ 249 is right! Dick Cheney insisting that he be called a SAO, as he talks to reporters in the first person? AAATTTAACCKKKKKK!!!!
Okay, I live in FL and work for the state. I can attest that Jeb Bush is every inch as evil as his sociopathic brother and way, way smarter.
Unhappily, the folks that come to live here in Florida are partial to koolaid, so he has what may be inflated approval ratings, and Rethugs get elected everywhere. The state of Florida is destroyed as a functional landscape.
Don’t want to whine about the destruction of natural Florida–horrendous as it is–so much as warn all about the menace of a Jeb Bush VP position or 2008 candidate.
LandOfTheFree @ 296
I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t stay a problem for very long…
ccmask @ 298
Twice more, with feeling.
Eli @ 296
That settles it. The Republican Party does have a death wish. :)
Eli @ 303
a waist is such a terrible thing to mind.
there is new threadage
Eli @ 296
Must. Read. Non-PA. Newspapers.
New thread
Phoenix Woman – thanks for a great post!
egregious @ 307
Actually, it was a promo for 11:00 news on CBS affiliate. They got an interview, and they’re gonna ask him if he’d consider it.
Hypatia @ 302
I agree with everything you wrote. He is a nightmare. And I certainly give him no points for any hurricane preparedness, unless it occurs in an election year.
Arianna. On Scarborough. This individual throws my political switch. Arianna; huge brain.
My money is on Ted Nugent.
montag @ 304
give the people what they want
presque vu @ 312
ewww.
That image may force me to get a transponder for the bridge tolls.
Crazy Horse @ 199
Crazy Horse!!! Hey, and Balrog if you’re still around, thanks for the great pics of the Minnesota fishing lodges last weekend. Takes me back…
Okay, I’m going to put on the [Mom] tag for TRex; since I’ve had illin’ chillun under foot for over a week now, gets kind of hard to shut it off anyhow, stuck in hyperdrive.
TRex, where exactly is the pain – upper back-neck, or middle/lower back? (tells me which chakra or energy center is affected – the one related to personal expression or the other related to personal sense of security)
Did you take some ibuprofen yet?
Do you have moist heat applied to your back, or have you taken a nice warm soak in the tub?
Are you doing anything else to pamper yourself right now that might help alleviate that pain in your back?
[/Mom] There…now another pain in your backside. ;-)
For me to fly to New York is a two hour ride to the airport and 1/2 a day at the airport. It used to be you could get to the airport, jump on a plane, arrive and get on with your trip. Now, to travel for a weekend is just too much airport. And, IMO, it’s all for nothing.
Most of Congress is MIA on the Iraq war.
ccmask @ 316
As long as the airport has wifi, I’m okay…
Yeah, but the airport takes a lot of time out of a weekend trip.
ccmask @ 319
True. I try not to make weekend trips…
Conservatives will transcend their prejudice against mormons more quickly than liberals will overcome their prejudice against African- americans and women.
Romney will defeat any of the Democratic candidates in the southern states and that includes Edwards, Clark or Gore. He will compete in the west and win or lose the race in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and / or Wisconsin.
louisianagirl @ 212
LAgirl, I remember you from the Nov election run-up. I remember you telling us about NOLA machine but I couldn’t find anywhere to read up on it. Would really have loved info like this back then for that race, but as you said, it’s really hard to find your way around in old-style old-boy networks.
Good to see you, and yes, great article. It confirms my gut feeling about him, lots of style, lots of ambition, not much character, but the sort that Dems just love to nominate.
LandOfTheFreeand TRex, we need a kitty/andle open tread. I have many fond memories of kitties on te newspaper, books, TV’s. In fact, my youngest is trying to chew the corner off te laptop as I type. OOo,ooo, I know…kitty/andle/orrific yoga injuries!!
Eli @ 266
No werewolves were harmed in the making of this picture
;>)
Gore IS my knight in shining armor. And I, too, think that at least Richardson is the dark horse. He’s becoming my second choice after Gore. I think people just need to learn more about him. He’s the most qualified of all of the current candidates in my opinion. Of course, when did qualifications mean anything to the voting public? Certainly not during the last two cycles. (Well, maybe that’s not totally true — seeing as Gore and Kerry both really won.)
HotFlash @ 179
Eli @ 188
kirk murphy @ 216
Eli, yeah, you’re right. I think he doesn’t know how, but ‘where there’s a will’ and all that.
Kirk, does Filbert have a Blue America page where I can contribute?
Oh Sharon, there you are. I’m in need of some Michigan critical mass for a little group effort.
Can you think of any crime or investigation that should have been addressed by the feds in the state of Michigan, about which Republicans would have been torqued off?
lolo @ 59
…McCain is coming out of the closet?
My sympathies are with the gay community. They just don’t need this kind of PR.
Rayne @ 327
Rayne — Ilitches, Indians and Candice Miller.
Has anyone tried using powdered cinnamon for blood sugar control?
I started it today and aside from a cup of cottage cheese and a piece of chicken, haven’t been hungry at all.
Cinnamon
darkblack @
325
wow.
darkblack, I may be rethinking this Friday’s full moon ritual.
HotFlash @ 327
I’ll have to set one up -
the purr on the fencetops is that the campaign only accepts donations denominated in units of Feline WD dry food,
oow. “The Howelling” is making the fur stand up on the back of my neck.
Eli @ 296
Former Senator Frothy Mix? HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Hugh @ 87
Regular gas here (SF Bay Area) jumped to $2.99 this morning. Ouch.
Ooooh, I hope Jebby runs. Then we can wrap Terry Schiavo around his neck. Literally. Dig her up. Wrap her carcass around Jebby’s neck. Then, get Bill Frist’s medical opinion about her condition.
Anyway, I presume Democrats in Congress are working on legislation to make paper trails mandatory. No more unverifiable paperless computers being offered by Republican-run fascist companies. We need everyone up in Congress on record as whether or not they support verifiable paper trails in our elections. Enough is enough. Unverifiable, post-election recounts based solely on paperless computers is just asking for crooks to crawl out of the woodwork.
kirk murphy @ 332
darkblack @
325
That’s lovely!
Looks like a good time for Lieberman to jump ship!
slainte,
cl
TeddySanFran @ 39
Which is why it matters who was in charge of the first one. They can do it again, and they will if necessary.
egregious @ 253
“Grege! Stand down red alert! Eli is saying that running as a moron almost workded for Allen, not that Eli almost worked for Allen!
TRex @ 222
Why not just call “reparative therapy” by its more generic name, the name by which such “therapies” have been known for decades? Call it “brainwashing.”
Thanks, Sharon. I guess being north of and away from Ilitch country I don’t hear much about them.
Weird, too, because I think we went to a wedding of an Ilitch family member a few years ago — not a peep about them since.
Hotflash and Egregious-
You just cracked me up! Thanks for the good laugh.
Would anyone get behind
salt Lake City,Utah, Mayor Rocky Anderson?
I think he’s SUPER!
The Oracle @ 336
Ah, yes. Terri Schiavo. That hit right after Bush’s big Social Security blunder. If that had only happened six months earlier, John Kerry would be president today.
Lynn @ 344
Ted Haggard?
kirk murphy @ 346
Thanks…………..
Lynn @ 347
Oops – I apologize.
I was trying to mock Haggard, but the comment reads disrespectfully to you and Mayor Anderson.
My bad.
Sharon — yowch, that was a base hit.
Gads, all I need now are two things: something firm showing Chiara was looking around, and steroids. That’d be a grand slam.
Thanks much.
If things don’t get much worse (chinese dump the dollar, troop loss > another 1000, taliban win, major attack on US city, war w/ Iran…) then it doesn’t matter much which of the front runner dems is nominated/elected. they will all fiddle/fuddle w/ health care, war policy, economic fairness, etc. in such a way that they don’t piss off their friends who right the checks that put them where they are. But if any of the above disasters take place, it might just make the country look to the only guy that is not part of the political/corporate elite that run both parties.
Dennis Kucinch.
He will:
Get us out of Iraq and repair as is possible the damage we have done
Bend Isreal’s arm to get a peace deal fair for all
Medicare for all
scrap Nafta, Cafta, Shafta and negotiate bilateral trade deals w/ labor and enviromental teeth
cut way back on H1B visa’s that are killing US engineers
tax policy to favor american workers and make the top bracket pay a progressive share
take global warming seriously
cut the military industrial complexes influence on foreign and domestic policy
put peace on the table
It is a shame that people who consider themselves progresives give so little respect to the only actual progressive candidate. They have been told by the MSM who they are to consider serious and they have bought into the message. “No working class leaders allowed.”
Truman tried to get universal health coverage after WWII. Eisenhower warned of the military/industrial complex in 1960. Carter pushed for higher fuel standards in 1978.
The result? nada
I guess it will take something on the order of another depression to wake up so-called progressives. Too bad.
Ummm . . . are we counting chickens before they hatch? The poll at http://pdn.philly.com/2007/02/28/poll.pdf says the exact opposite: that in election match-ups with Giuliani, Obama, Clinton, and McCain going up against each other, the GOP wins each time.
I’m not saying those polls are correct, but to simply state that “Whoever wins the Democratic nomination is going to be our next president. Period.” seems a bit on the side of hubris, no?
GSD @ 3
LOL! Your comment made my day. Yes, Duncan’the adults are now in charge’Hunter.
Since you expressed an interest in hearing “the other side” I’ll risk it, though I expect the personal attacks will probably drive me back into lurkdom …
Republicans (such as myself) are “terrified” of Hillary as President. She thinks she knows what is good for us and will shove it down our throats if elected. (By the way, I honestly believe Hillary thinks she is smarter than us dolts, and probably has good intentions; I just prefer to think for myself).
Obama is a tabula rasa, but certainly a liberal, so R’s are suspicious – not terrified.
Bill Richardson is intersting – from the R prespective he is a bit moderate, but we think he mucked up the Energy Dept. Not terrified, but questionable.
R’s are really divided about Giuliani – strong on defense, but pro-choice; pro-life; pro gun-control. Moderate R’s like him; the far right wing hates him.
McCain is a non-starter – no redeeming social value.
Now, please, I don’t want to get a dozen flames – I am trying to explain, in respectful terms, the R side of the aisle. I have tried not to insult or attack anyone for their opinion; please do me the same courtesy. Thanks.
We need a new war. No, not with Iran. We need a new war, right here, in America.
We hear a lot about the War on Terror. In the name of the War on Terror any citizen, such as Jose Padilla, can be declared an “enemy combatant,” tortured, and locked up indefinitely without any legal recourse and without the right to know the evidence used against him.
Using the War on Terror as a justification the administration slipped a little-noticed rider into a federal appropriations bill last fall. That rider voided the Posse Comitatus Act. This means the president, without congressional approval, can declare martial law at any time for any reason, even for a perceived possibility of a potential threat (the famous one percent doctrine).
Our phone calls, our e-mails, our snail mails are tapped. There is no privacy. RFIDs (radio frequency identification) have been embedded in products allowing others to trace our movements. Soon some states will have RFID drivers licenses so that every time someone goes through a tollbooth, cashes a check, or gets close enough to a scanner, the government will know just where you are.
Those are just some of the liberties Americans have given up in the name of the War on Terror.
But what about the War on Error? What have we done on that front? That’s the real war we have to fight, right here, at home. And, every single one of us is a soldier.
We need a War on Error that looks extremely closely at any reasoning calling for war with Iran. We need a War on Error that looks coolly and dispassionately on sending more troops to Iraq while not having enough troops in Afghanistan. We need a War on Error to find out where, exactly, the money promised to New Orleans and surrounding areas went, and for what, and to whom, and when was it sent and why has so little been accomplished?
We need a War on Error on all of the candidates from both parties. We didn’t elect them to run around the country, raise money and create sound bites. We elected them to stay in the House and the Senate and do their jobs: preventing further errors from happening and fixing the errors that exist.
I intend to be a one-person army. I have a few ideas. Here’s my first plan of attack.
The election is 20 months away. Every day a soldier dies. Every day six other soldiers are wounded, some severely. Every day millions of dollars go down the drain. Every day our national deficit goes up and up while we sell off our independence to places like China.
I don’t want to hear what candidates promise to do for me in 2008; I want to know what they did for me today. It’s that simple: did they do their jobs today?
1. If contacted by a candidate or a national party for donations, tell them that you are not giving one red cent to people who are away from their elected posts this far from an election.
2. If contacted by mail, write that sentiment out on the card that they’ve so helpfully included in their postage-paid return envelope.
3. Do not go to the rallies, the speeches, the candidate appearances. Stay home. Remember – “Don’t tell me what you’ll do for me in 2008, tell me what you did for me today.”
4. Contact your own representatives, (especially your House rep who is up for re-election in 200, and tell them that you will be scrutinizing their job performance quite closely. Make a special point of telling them that you’ll be looking just as carefully at the times they did not cast a vote as those votes they did cast. Were they doing the job they were elected to do, or were they out stumping for a pal?
5. Tell all of them that the way to impress you is not to shake your hand or kiss your baby or make a speech; you intend to vote only for veterans of the War on Error.
Let them hear it loud and clear: if they want your money, your efforts as a volunteer, and especially if they want your vote, they’d better be marching in the Army of the War on Error. Double time.
Since you expressed an interest in hearing “the other side” I’ll risk it, though I expect the personal attacks will probably drive me back into lurkdom …
Republicans (such as myself) are “terrified” of Hillary as President. She thinks she knows what is good for us and will shove it down our throats if elected. (By the way, I honestly believe Hillary thinks she is smarter than us dolts, and probably has good intentions; I just prefer to think for myself).
Obama is a tabula rasa, but certainly a liberal, so R’s are suspicious – not terrified.
Bill Richardson is intersting – from the R prespective he is a bit moderate, but we think he mucked up the Energy Dept. Not terrified, but questionable.
R’s are really divided about Giuliani – strong on defense, but pro-choice; pro gun-control. Moderate R’s like him; the far right wing hates him.
McCain is a non-starter – no redeeming social value.
Now, please, I don’t want to get a dozen flames – I am trying to explain, in respectful terms, the R side of the aisle. I have tried not to insult or attack anyone for their opinion; please
Rayne:
Did the Targus work for you?
thanks mikey
g’night
I agree with all of your points about Republicans except that they do have one good candidate. But they are too blind by their hatred and loyalty to the leadership. His name is Ron Paul. As a matter of fact I would vote for him over any DLC candidate. We, Democrats, also are overlooking some good people such as Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich. If we had to choose between these guys we would win either way. Forget the well marketed “choice” candidates that the nightly programs push at us. Dig deep and find them on your own. When you find them spread the word.
And Bush Doesn’t scare you. This is exactly what we have now. A unitary executive. Authoritarian rule. I must admit that I am afraid our country is turning into a police state and I don’t trust Hillary to stop it. I don’t trust any of the Big Money front runners. They are already bought and paid for.
Republicans have made their bed. It will only get worse as investigations and hearings bring more corruption to the surface. The Congress will keep on shedding them for quite some time. They have scared us to death with their gustapo tactics. I know a lot of republicans that crossed over. If you Republicans want a good candidate then get behind Ron Paul.
TeddySanFran @
39
..and that will be Jeb Bush. Who is white. And will toe the family line – if appointed. And I will formally become a Canadian. Or a Mexican. Or perhaps I will appeal to Italy. I hear Brazil is pretty in November. Antarctica Condos may be ready by then. Is there wireless broadband atop Mt Fuji? I know of the cutest little birds nest in Siberia….
mikey @
355
er….ah…..ahem….cough cough…..
pardon, pardon, m’sieu, but….
…i mean, if not that, then what, exactly, is the republican agenda? hard not to erupt in flames over that one, mikey, i gotta tell ya…
Not that there’s anything wrong with it…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IrE6FMpai8
mikey @
353
What, exactly, is it that scares you about Hillary? Which of her votes and policy positions? Remember, she started out as a Goldwater Republican, and is a centrist-conservative as Democrats go (which means she’s an old-style Rockefeller Republican at heart).
I know that Hillary freaks out a lot of men all across the political spectrum, which is why I think she’s the weakest of all the major Democratic candidates. But I just don’t get the utter whacked-out vehemence of the hatred. I’ve seen liberal and conservative males, who differ on everything else, use the same terms to describe her. Is it that she’s not a cute-and-cuddly kitten? Does she remind you of your ex-wives? I mean, what the hell?!
Obama is a tabula rasa, but certainly a liberal, so R’s are suspicious – not terrified.
Now, Obama isn’t my first choice — though I don’t dislike him — but really, the “tabula rasa” thing is unfair. If anything, cons should like him because while he’s done a quarter-century of work in Chicago as a community activist, he’s been dinged by Al Sharpton’s surrogates as “not black enough” because he didn’t grow up in New York and kiss Sharpton’s ring.
Ah, Wen Ho Lee — NYT journo Jeff Gerth’s second ginned-up “FauxGate” or pseudo-scandal (Whitewater being the first). Richardson and Bill Clinton should have had the spine to withstand the bogus crapstorm Gerth and his GOP buddies were flinging, but considering the media climate of the 1990s — when blogs were in the future and the one thing standing between the US and a coup-by-stained-dress was Salon.com — it’s understandable that they caved and flung Wen Ho Lee off the sled to the GOP wolves.
I was going to comment that Rudy can’t be pro-life and pro-choice, but it looks as if he’s trying to do a wriggle wiggle, so your statement is actually pretty accurate.
McCain is a non-starter – no redeeming social value.
What makes him a non-starter in your view, Mikey? I know what does in mine, but I’m curious. (I’ve considered him a weasel ever since his Keating Five days.)
And I’ve tried to respond in kind.
As for the other Democrats: What about John Edwards? Chris Dodd? Joe Biden? Got anything to say about them?
Thanks — sincerely — for commenting!
Jeff @
47
Heh! Thanks!
I am so loving this. The Repub party made the fatal mistake of veering not just hard right, but way off into intergalactic-space-right, out there where-the-busses-don’t-run right. We’re talking Vlad the Impaler right-wing territory here.
Man…that link to the right-wing wacko shrieking about how the problem is that women got the vote…that is classic.
But they need to do better. They can do better. The true conservatives, I predict, will identify the real problem afflicting America — we came out of the primordial sea onto the land.
Yes sirree, the basic problem we need to deal with here is that all those faggot body-pierced pinko far left libruls had the disastrous idea to evolve onto the land. Big mistake! We need a Back-to-the-Ocean movement! Eveyrone was doing just fine, swimming around in the Devonian sea, until them damn subversive commie sex freak dope-smoking libruls came along and convinced us all to evolve onto the land and start breathing air.
That’s the big problem right there! No more air-breathing! Gotta go back to the sea! If God had meant us to breathe air and walk on the land, by gum, he woulda created us on the land, not in them thar primordial oceans!
Welding analogies.
A spot weld is actually among the weakest kinds of welds. It is a small intermittent weld usually used for temporarily holding something in place.
Among the strongest kind of welds is the “Full Penetration Butt” weld. Not only is this weld strong, it also …uh… evokes rather interesting imagery in when used as an analogy for connections between people.
TeddySanFran @ 39
If Cheney is removed or resigns the Dems will have to OK his replacement and nothing in the constitution says they have to replace him at all.
Because republicans are scared spitless, they’re promoting Hillary to the limit. I suspect it’s republicans who are being polled and showing their support for Hillary. A dirty rovian trick. Support the person you want to run against, who you know you can beat. There is a republican desperation out there.
Do not forget the brother.
I agree with you 100%.
I differ with you on your delight in the situation although I understand and appreciate that as well.
My delight is tinged with paranoia. Given the conditions you lay and and we both agree with, what is/will be the Rethug response? Right now I’d say they’re looking to start a war with Iran in the fastest, most plausible deniable way possible. The response from Congress and the public would likely lead to marshal law, either as an act of public outrage or consumer backlash as gas prices rise to stratospheric (European) levels.
Enjoy.
Tim Fuller @
370
They’re already starting to back down from the Iran plan, as the generals have let them know that they won’t be a part of it.
So, yes, I will enjoy. But it’s always good to be prepared.
Carter @
369
You mean Jeb? Na Ga Ha Pen.
The deal is that Dim Son was supposed to be the Heir to the Bush Dynasty (and to the presidency), but he was such a screwup (couldn’t even follow orders right, as his anger at Poppy Bush interfered) that the baton passed to Jeb. But then Jeb got himself so utterly tainted with corruption that he doesn’t dare try to go higher than governor of a very corruption-loving state, so it was back to Square One with the Dim Son.
John @
366
Heh! I’ll bear that in mind. Thanks!
I know what spot-welding is, having done a bit of minor soldering (I’m the Queen of Cold Joints), but I’d hadn’t heard the term “Full Penetration Butt” before (unless it was in junior-high shop class oh so very long ago).