Okay. Let’s cut the bullshit.
I read our commenters here. They like you. You’ve staked out the most creative, progressive and politically incorrect ideas among the those in the top tier of Democratic hopefuls. Your anti-poverty agenda is heartfelt and really meaningful for what ails America. Your willingness to call bullshit on the “war on terror” is genuinely courageous.
But you’re too gentle, so far, to be trusted. It’s time to get your hair mussed. If you don’t, you’re going to continue to get this kind of hit piece coverage. The elites hate you and your anti-poverty agenda because they see you as a traitor to your class. They think you’re a sanctimonious prig for calling them out on their own blatant hypocrisy.
The haircut issue is a symbol for your lack of willingness to pick a fight and win it. People who support you need less North Carolina gentlemanly Clay Aitken (dog whistle: wimp wimp wimp) and more Ronald Reagan: the ability to slip a stiletto in someone’s ribs while looking them in the eye, smiling at them and making them laugh.
If you want to win, you have to show you can dish out damage, smiling, and never break a sweat. So far, you’re not breaking through.
I get that you’re banking on your superior organizing in Iowa to earn you a breakout moment, but you could do even better by playing offense before that happens. Kerry waited to try to throw a punch when he was swiftboated by the right and the media, and it was too late. Obama is campaigning not to lose: he’s running a personality cult campaign, and you can’t beat Hillary while you and he are splitting the “new wave” vote. You need to be more forceful in making your campaign about ideas that make a difference in people’s lives.
The questions for you, if you really want to pay the price to make the changes you say you want to make, are: can you “hit” a woman? Can you beat up, politically, on a black man and not feel guilty about it?
If not, please, stop wasting people’s time and money.
From what I can tell, you have the better ideas than the other top contenders do, but if you’re not willing to draw some political blood to enact them, you’re just not going to win the time and energy of the people I see in the base of the party who really want to fight for you. You have to fight for yourself first.
If you do that, effectively and deftly, then I suspect you’ll have people at your back, providing covering fire. If not, well, you can always become a university president somewhere.
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Dear Pach,
fitz!
Pach, you called it exactly. He’s just too nice and polite. politics aint about that. politics is a KNIFE FIGHT.
I totally agree. Let’s cut the bullshit. Okay, I’ll let our friends know and read your article!
Hey Pach!!!
Bravo, Pach. My sentiments exactly.
I was taught that one should never bring a knife to a gun fight.
Edwards needs to learn that lesson.
Agreed, Pach. For now, Edwards is my man (that is until Gore jumps in) — but dammit John, you’re just too dang nice!
LoudounLib @ 8
It will be instructive to see how he handles the NYT assasination piece on his foundation yesterday. I consider that a ranging round by the rethugs to see if he’s Kerrybait or a real danger.
If John Edwards is the best you have to offer, we are well and truly screwed. He sucks up to Israel as thoroughly as the rest of them, and Israel is the root of all evil.
Suzanne @ 7
Remember the scene from Indiana Jones where the arab leaps in front of him and twirls the sword menacingly. Script called for an intricate sword vs whip fight. Harrison Ford had the Morocco Two Step that had gone through the who film crew and was just not in the mood. So he draws his pistol and shoots the guy, turns around and goes back to his trailer and stays there. Lucas though it was so beautifully done he kept it in the final cut. But it is also a perfect illustration of why guns trump knives, and swords, in most cases.
Nice Analysis, Pach! The smear machine isn’t necessarily coming from your Right all the time! He needs to protect his Left too!!! But, he must actively participate in the fisticuffs that a Presidential Race necessitates!!!
Kerry took the high road and look where that got him.
John and Elizabeth,
We love you! Don’t let the bad guys define you. You are really good people, but as Pach says, if someone is striking at you, show us you know how to strike back, harder.
Suzanne @ 7
Doh!!! ;-)
Looks like maybe I hit a nerve.
Hey, everybody.
Harsh words, but so true. The days of gentlemen’s campaigning (if there ever were a time) is over. The GOP is a political party bent on taking and holding power at any cost without any policy agenda, not unlike communist and nationalist parties in Europe. This isn’t a Stevenson versus Eisenhower kind of political world where the two sides have different ideas of how to govern. Since Nixon the GOP have been hell-bent on running the country for their own gains, and the current GOP has taken the criminality to an unimaginable level.
We need a Democratic candidate that’s a fighter. Better to go down swinging than get beat down with a smile on your face. So far I haven’t seen much fight in any of the candidates. It needs to get better.
Sorry, Pach — TradMed’s been baiting Edwards throughout the year, especially this second quarter, for just the response you are asking for. And I think he’s spot-on: he has called out Mrs Clinton for her vote and non-apology on the war. And when he’s talked about experience, he’s looked right at Obama when he said it. But he hasn’t gotten angry.
If he gets angry, the elites will get the image they want: they are dying to show him as the angry white man, to portray his gentlemanliness as a fraud, to expose his caring as politically motivated.
I trust Trippi, and Bonior, and Elizabeth: let John Edwards be John Edwards. Everything I hear about his Iowa organization is superb: it’s really happening there, because people are getting the message. Let the ego-driven vanity campaigns play out at the top; TradMed will destroy them both before it’s over, I’m sure. And there John Edwards will be, smiling and radiant, a new Happy Warrior for the 21st century.
Plus, he’s sent the wife to pander tomorrow:
CTuttle @ 12
Politics is not for the faint hearted and presidential politics, especially these days, is an all out, no holds barred blood sport.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 11
Superior Firepower!!! ‘Nuff said!!!
I like Edwards – I just need to know that he can defend himself – if he can’t stand up for himself, then he can’t stand up when others need him to.
I’m not talking about a dirty fight – brass knuckles, no holds barred – I’m talking about showing that he has the spine it takes to lead this country out of the quagmire it is currently in. Will take someone with a very stiff spine to clean house and put America back on track.
Would shaving his head do it for you Pach? :))
I saw John Edwards at DemocracyFest two weekends ago. He looked great and sounded a lot like Jimmy Carter, a President I admire as one of the best of the 20th Century…
Howard Dean was our last best candidate for the Presidency. Frankly, if you ain’t willing to pick up where Howard Dean left off, you ain’t gettin nowhere with the base of the party.
This is why I’m holding out for Gore/Dean. Until your candidacy is capable of standing on the shoulders of these giants…well, I’m just not that interested.
Mike Gravel was far more interesting at DemFest. He gave a populist speech and took a bunch of good questions. Edwards clearly came to talk AT us. Edwards and Dodd came for the conversation, and it showed.
I came to blow the room away.
Suzanne @ 7
those who live by the sword get shot by those who don’t.
(on the other hand, I DO believe in gun control.)
Where did I suggest an angry rant?
Edwards needs to get his hackles up and visible, and that means deconstructed hair. Like he just got out of a fight or out of bed. He needs “screw you” hair. A little flick up in front. In your face hair. His hair could stand to move a bit. Shake it. Braveheart hair. Yeah…..
ccmask @ 22
I’ll do it for $400! LOL!!!
ccmask @ 22
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
LS @ 28
Edwards and Jesse Ventura, the “chrome dome team”. No thanks. If I wanted that I’d pick Shatner and Stewart (Kirk/Picard in O8)!
Braveheart. I’ll bet it’s one of their favorite movies. Think about it.
It’s not about the hair. The hair is a symbol for a whole lot of other dog whistle slanders. But he’s not fighting back on his own turf sufficiently to counter the establishment narrative.
If he’s running on ideas, he needs to counter the personality cult campaigns above him and push his ideas, smiling, with humor, and with prejudice.
If he wants to fight for the poor and for everyone else not in the top 10% of wealth, then he needs to bloody some noses, but he needs to do it while smiling. Smooth is good, if you can draw blood while doing it.
puppethead @ 17
Hillary’s not putting up with any BS, far as I can tell.
LS @ 26
He has the personal fortitude and spine necessary to get the job done! However, I think the homefront battles have taken a toll on his Presidential aspirations!!! :-(
Pachacutec @ 31
Bill Maher. (I KID the (fill in the blank)! It’s from LOVE!)
Pachacutec @ 31
Argh. Rugged is good. And women like it too!
Pachacutec @ 31
The iron fist in the velvet glove.
Pach, I agree with every word you wrote-but the importance of fighting cleanly in the primaries has to be respected. Remember the debate in ‘92, when Jerry Brown first started throwing the Rose Law accusations at BClinton? We CANNOT do the Republicans’ work for them. The cause is more important than any one individual-and all of the Dem candidates need to understand that.
Teddy, Alice B. Toklas. Who did a song about her in the 70’s? I didn’t even get it.
Braveheart. The story is there.
LS @ 26
Lt. Colonel John Sheppard hair. permanent bed head. *evil grin*
But we don’t want him to end up like William Wallace…
RonD @ 37
That’s why it has to be about ideology: ideas, not personality cults.
LS @ 26
That’s it! Next event, he should wear dreads. After that, Woody Woodpecker hair, etc. Brilliant, LS!! //s
aliasofwestgate @ 40
Yeah. Willing to be scrappy…
Pachacutec @ 31
but what if it’s just not his style to be a blood-drawing street thug?
Do we have to give him up for lost because of that?
Isn’t there something to be said for just being who you are? God knows most of these wannabes are so busy playing by the so-called rules they wouldn’t know who they are from a hole in the ground at this point.
Not saying you’re wrong, as a matter of practical politics…..just, that it is at least debatable whether a candidate should have to play to the game, so to speak.
LoudounLib @ 41
He won’t.
Edwards needs to show that he can fight the GOP smear machine and not let them do to him what they did to Kerry, Max Cleland, and other Dems.
If Edwards does NOT respond, he just invites more attempts to draw blood and his candidacy will die the death of a thousand cuts, just like Kerry suffered.
Pachacutec @ 25
Missed that.
LoudounLib @ 41
Definitely not. Drawn-and-quartered is NOT the way I like my presidential candidates (or at least the Democratic ones). ;~)
KKKarl is jealous of his hair. That is clear.
I really like the way Edwards campaign is handling emails, updates, action alerts, etc. Especially like the way he produced an anti occupation television ad and asked everyone to donate directly towards the commercial buy time just before the last round of supplemental votes.
But I hear from others that his health plan falls short in significant areas like pharmaceutical costs etc..
Loo Hoo. @ 43
And then he can go on American Idol !
Yeah ! :) :)
A-fucking-men!
I was an early contributor.
Slip in the shank, Dude.
Maybe it was Gore hangover. Or the two Americas (which is on the mark) meme.
Bur my disappointment with JE is bleeding over to the other candidates.
C
William Wallace’s revenge. Score.
He’s got all of the elements….
He’s gonna win it or lose it on his own terms, that’s for sure. He’s the only one who’s ever run before on our side (running for First Lady doesn’t count) and he’s decided to do it exactly the way he wants to.
So while I’m sure all our advice might make us feel better, I’m pretty sure he’s gonna do it his own damn way.
Twain @ 52
OMG. Not…Sanjaya Edwards…AHHHHHHH…
LS @ 56
Spoil sport !
I wrote a post on Edwards’ media problem. Yeah, he’s gotta hit harder. Gotta ante up if ya wanna win, Ed! Time to take the gloves off!
If he’s a loser, unwilling to take charge of the dynamic of the primary race, then I’m sure he’s a nice person, and he means well. But to answer your question, if he won’t step up and fight for the people he wants to help in a way that gets beyond North Carilina gentlemanly deference, then, yes, he sould be left behind. Otherwise, he’s using up scarce resources that should be allocated elsewhere: locally, perhaps.
Twain @ 57
Alfred made me say that. He held the taser to me.
TeddySanFran @ 18
“TradMed”? Who’s that?
Is there need for anger at this point? What would he be angry about?
Nobody wants that mess do they? It wouldn’t show Edwards as he truly is.
I’d say that’s an essential issue at this moment in response to that article.
Do YOU trust Edwards to be President?
If you do, then you don’t have to see this NYT article as a danger. You don’t have to see it as a threat. It only shows up the desperate face of a weak opponent who doesn’t show his face and takes a stab in the dark, hoping he’s found a weakness.
But, if Edwards is sound he has nothing to fear. He can use a bit of aikido and turn the Times’ energy into a weapon against his enemies!
They want full disclosure? They can’t handle full disclosure!!
Let Edwards dribble out a brief description of his organizations and their cash flows. That’ll tempt the sharks and they’ll naturally attack. But, if everything is kosher, and I’m sure it is, all they’ll find is good organizations which benefit a lot of people and keep the Edwards campaign going non-stop.
Edwards campaign, meanwhile can challenge the Clinton campaign (for example) to release all their funding sources and amounts.
Let them eat their own challenge!
What it tells me is the Edwards campaign is feeling fairly good about the early primaries and is going on to the other big primary states to build for a long campaign, longer than just Iowa for certain.
Suzanne @ 47
Absolutely. You cannot ignore these attacks or else they slowly, but inevitably, drag your campaign down. That is exactly what happen to both Gore and to Kerry. Much as we would like to have a “nice guy (or gal)” win, it ain’t gonna happen.
Pachacutec @ 31
Some of my friends are university presidents, and the best of them know how to do exactly what you describe. Public university presidents do this with state legislatures; private university presidents do this with donors; all university presidents do this with their boards.
Pick your battles, stake your claim for what you believe matters, and call for folks to join your battle. If you are right in your vision of the world, they’ll sign up and take up your cause. But not a one of them will do so if you don’t stand up for yourself.
Of course, there are other university presidents who have no clue about such things. What’s it going to be, John?
LS @ 60
I told you, TRex took it away from me on jane’s orders through suzanne. I’m innocent! The Swift Tasering of the Spook!
I am looking for a candidate who can win and kick Republican ass after the win. To me that person would be Al Gore; if he doesn’t run..then I don’t know. Edwards has the best progressive policies but he can’t win the general election; George McGovern would have been a good president too. Obama wants to be the bipartisan, his mentor, Lieberman light. I have watched Hillary since 1982 and I really don’t know what her politics are. I thing the wingers are right and she is a lefty..but will do or say anything to win. Is that what we need? I don’t know but if she is elected, she will have revenge. My sister is for Hillary, but doesn’t want her to win; she doesn’t thing the wing-nuts will let her survive the campaign. She may be right.
Suzanne #47,
Absolutely-in the general campaign, against the Republicans, no holds barred. Every tool in the toolbox. But in the primaries, the Dems MUST refrain from personal-destruction campaigns against each other. To send a candidate into battle with the R’s after a bloody primary campaign, carrying personal attacks that may have stuck, is the worst possible development.
Thomas Ware @ 10
The root of all evil? Huh.
I support John Edwards, I’ve even given money to his campaign, but I have to agree with this blog entry, I know he has the best platform and I agree with most of his positions on the issues but he’s just not inspiring me. I find myself supporting John but waiting for Al.
ccmask @ 22
That would be a powerful statement.
Remember G.I. Jane, the scene in which Demi Moore has had the f*ck enough and commits herself? She grabs the electric shears and cuts her locks off herself.
Powerful.
I think Edwards needs to seriously consider doing the same thing. It’s only hair; it will grow back, he should say directly into the camera. But these residents of the 9th Ward? their homes won’t grow back. These senior citizens choosing between eating or paying for their medicines? their savings and health won’t grow back. These mothers of sons and daughters in Iraq? those years lost to a miserable failure in foreign policy will not grow back. And cancer patients, like his wife, and other sufferers of chronic or terminal illnesses that could be treated by stem cells? Well, their hopes aren’t growing back under Republican policies.
It’s just hair. Use it to get their attention, change the subject in a way that they can no longer manipulate on their own terms.
Scarecrow @ 67
Um, I think the “do not feed the trolls” sign is still up somewhere here…?
LS,
The whole point of LtC Sheppard’s hair is that it’s blatent disregard of regulations for hair. A permanent middle finger to the establishment of the USAF. *grins* Hence my liking of it. And why it’d be perfect for the ultimate establishment of a POTUS candidate.
Be a nice guy (Sheppard’s an asshole born though), but the messy hair? Nice little bit of snark at the ‘clean cut’ image that’s so important to running.
Howdy Yall!
bullseye, Pach…
wassup Cassie?
SnarKassandra @ 72
hey cassie! there are Trolls about…and some serious hair commentary. And I don’t have the taser.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 11
Maybe so, but it was also a metaphor for the neocon’s view of American superiority over anyone from the Middle East. Turns out it wasn’t very helpful.
Evening Cassie. How’s your weekend been going?
Loo Hoo. @ 32
That is true. But unfortunately her triangulation on issues undermines her image as someone who fights for something. It’s hard to tell what she’s standing for. But she does seem to have the fight in her, and she is approving a bit by getting away from the play-all-angles-to-be-safe DLC playbook.
TeddySanFran @ 18
Spot on T. I’m sticking wit’ John. Let’s not forget the man was a consummate trial lawyer and kicked the shit out of some mean bastards on the other side. Further, Edwards has been the quickest to respond to any issue appearing in the corporatist press often putting out a solidly progressive response while The Hill and Obama-the-Mama are still ‘conferring’ with their union-busting, machine politic DCCC scumbag mutherfuker asshole consultants. See us Edwards supporters can be jes as nasty as Ol’ ‘ MudCat’ Saunders.
And where is Ol’ ‘Mudcat’ anyhow. Thought he was gonna drop by and shoot the shit with us ‘Coastal Opera Elites’.
As fer Edwards haircut Kos said it all. How about we move on and construct a nice narrative fer Romney, crazed Nazi Loon, or Fed Thompson, tired, fat, flat-footed cop on the take, or Rudi, Coke-snorting Tranny wannabe who has a lot of crooks fer friends and whose own children can’t stand him….
I find this willingness to engage the ReichWing memes for the purpose of ‘combating’ them tedious and more than a little dumb. Why are we using bandwidth to talk about the stupid shit they are pumping out.
I say kick them in the goolies and then, once they’re on the ground, kick ‘em in the head until they cannot get up.
Remember:’Progressive’ means never apologizing for who you are and cold-cocking the first ReichWinger who shoots his mouth off with a lie about ‘liburuls’.
Some may find my language a little over the top but I’ve spent much of the day at dKos listening to everbody whine about why the Democrats haven’t cleaned out the Bushean stables yet. Bunch of children infesting the place today.
Seriously, let’s get off this kick Edwards kick and start hammerin’ some ReThuglican heads.
Scarecrow @ 76
It only works retail. Wholesale, its a disaster.
OT..but the reason we don’t need any bipartisan bullshit from the Dems. After 01/20/09 prosecute and send the fuckers to prison.
Cheney ordered Secret Service logs destroyed, paper reports
A massive piece in Sunday’s Washington Post reveals the true extent of secrecy Vice President Dick Cheney requires.
So clandestine is the Vice President’s work that he has created a new secret document designation: “Treated As: Top Secret/SC
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._0623.html
Great weekend. We had some sun today and I got to go swimming with some friends. And I was here at the lake for a little bit. Didn’t do a thing to my blog yet though. That is tomorrow.
I’m with Teddy on this, let the man run his own campaign.
Hi Cassie!
I like John Edwards better than Hillary and Barack. I want to see good things about him in the news, but I think the news is anti-Democrat for all of them.
aliasofwestgate @ 71
Snarky hair! The I’m not worried about my hair, why are you, hair. Argh…hair…that is why I say Braveheart. When all is lost or at risk, you don’t care about your damn hair. You can shave it off, but that is somehow caring, it requires maintenance. I say, go the other way, in your face, make my day, eat my hair, hair!! At least shake it loose. Even JFK got that. He had that “shock” of hair..when others wore it buzzed.
But he does need the vocal snark to riposte the attack dog media. He’s losing ground with the complete nice guy thing.
Steve @ 65
Steve, I don’t think the wingnut contingent has anything to say about it. Who among them could possibly beat her? I agree that there is some compromising that any dem candidate will have to do in the general election to win. Step One: Win the Primary.
Think about how important our next President will be. It’s mind boggling.
Millineryman @ 83
I am more than willing to let him run things his way, but if he wants my money, my time, and my support, he needs to prove that he is willing to fight for what he believes. That is what politics fundamentally is, fighting without actual bloodshed.
Steve says 8:51 pm
Ding!
Steve @ 81
Can’t we just arrest him, since he doesn’t work anywhere in the government?
Rayne @69: It really would be good for his campaign to bravely shave his head and market himself as a BALD EAGLE FOR AMERICA
Teddy, I like Edwards’ positions, and I love the fact that his wife will be at Pride Not Prejudice tomorrow. But he’s got to step up and call “bullsh*t” on the hair jokes and such.
Almost every night for the last two months, Jay Leno’s mocked his ‘do . . . and there are lots of folks for whom that will be their biggest thought about Edwards unless he steps up a bit more.
Loo Hoo. @ 88
My sister is worried about bullets not ballots. Wing-nut hatred of Hillard is off any rational scale.
TradMed = Traditional Media
And the Edwards campaign has made clear the NYT didn’t want to interview beneficiaries of his organizations, so it’s clearly a hit piece. One of many. More to come.
And Dems lead in head-to-head matchups; but Edwards leads best.
And let’s not forget which PrezCandi was first in Connecticut for Ned last year.
Pachacutec @ 42
I would submit to you P. that ideology is the wrong frame. Let the debates be about policy and the people will see that Edwards has the policies this country needs to fight poverty, fix health-care and all the other things that need fixing. First among which is….
The current debased political debate where no candidate talks about the issues that matter and tells the voters what he/she would specifically do to address same. Not what they look like or assessments of their character all, all utter bullshit which even a lousy actor like Reagan or Bush can put on like a cheap suit to discard later after it is no longer needed.
Talking about ‘haircuts’ and how Romney’s shoulders are ‘wide enough to land a 737 on….’ is the ReThuglican frame.
We wanna talk about why you, as an American, can expect to die sooner than the citizens of any other western democracy, why that is, and what we as citizens need to do to fix that.
First thing, say I, is to demand that candidates start talking policy not personality or looks.
SnarKassandra @ 85
That’s the Main Stream Media, cassie. They are all big corporations now, only interested in their profits, not in telling people important facts and providing accurate information, about anything, really. That is why the blog you and your friends are running is so important. we have to reach people and tell them the lies of the MSM and the truths of the real world they aren’t hearing. And blogs are a very important way to do that. When we say you are our future, we are not just saying nice things to you. we mean it. (and the vibe here is a bit rough tonight because supporters of many candidates come to the lake and talk about their reasons for supporting and not supported the candidates. But in the end we are all progressives and democrats (for now) and that’s what matters.
You know, I’m not sure I can even WRITE a post that isn’t a frakking short story. Note to self: be less long winded.
Look. Cheney says he doesn’t work in the Executive Branch or the Legislative Branch. Then he claims he does, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t need to account for classified information…that is because he doesn’t work there. He was never originally elected, so…maybe he’s right…he’s like the guy in “Office Space”….he’s there for years, but he really doesn’t work there, so they finally send him to the basement, because he won’t leave…that is Cheney, and maybe Bush too. They are imposters, occupying President Gore’s White House. This is not good.
Drive by to say Hi to my Late Nite friends!
Jumping up and waving both hands!
Peterr @ 93
I agree with Peterr. Edwards is my man on the issues (I even like him better than Gore). I just want to see him fight back so that he has a real chance at winning this thing and passing those programs into law (which certainly ain’t happening without a hell of a bloody fight with the Repugs in Congress). I agree that we should avoid the personality issues in the primaries, but he also needs to more aggressively push his ideas and contrast them with the other candidates.
demi @ 99
waves back with both hands (see, no taser!)
Alfred Kelgarries @ 101
Don’t believe him, he’s hiding it under his desk…
Maybe you all are right. I don’t know. Seems to me he’s doing everything the right way but not getting the attention he deserves. And the hit jobs are ticking me off. Not to mention the Stephanopoulous interview. So, I’m not convinced that he needs to be a better fighter but I agree that something’s not working.
He needs to show he can fight, but not yet. He can wait awhile. Let Hillary and Obama damage each other (which they’re well on their way to doing). Before the primaries he needs to show enough steel so people know it’s there, but I think it’s way too early for him to be swinging haymakers.
Peterr @ 93
But hasn’t Edwards incorporated a joke about the $400 haircut into his own stump speech? And how can he get Jay Leno to stop talking about it?
solai @ 103
There is still a lot of time. This started so early.
LS @ 102
I’m in the hammock, thank you very much. That lump at the foot is my anti-nsa jammer. I got it back from Bob before he went to sleep.
Hiya Demi.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 80
And running for President of the US is which??
Hey Demik! (Waving back franticly)
LS & Alfred –
You funny people!
I gotta get up early to do the 8:15 service.
Even for you atheists…we’re singing
“For The Healing Of The Nations” and
message is based on Galatians: 3: 23-29
Gentile or Jew
Servant or Free
Woman or a Man, no more.
It’s about our humanity. Our sameness, not our differences.
:)
Pach’s point, and I agree with him, is Edwards needs to forcefully say something about an issue or two that makes the haircut nonsense irrelevant. As long as Edwards comes across as the nice gentle guy he’s going to be ridiculed and mocked by the lazy media. It’s not about issues, it’s about image. That’s all the media circus in this country talks about.
Scarecrow @ 109
Wholesale. Nation states can only do it wholesale, and they don’t even get a discount. That’s why peace is the better option. It’s cheaper, in any number of ways.
TeddySanFran @ 105
Yeah. Edwards could use that to his advantage by showing up mocking Jay Leno’s reverse “do”. His skunky hair-do has been his trademark for years, I wonder what that has cost Leno to maintain. It used to be a white streak in dark hair, now it is a dark streak in light hair – dye job.
demi @ 111
you go, girl.
i’m interested in seeing how John Edwards responds to the NYT article too (thanks for the link).
i like Edwards.my vote is his to loose at this point, for many of the positions he has taken on issues of interest to me.
i think that he has demonstrated leadership along the way in this campaign. i was pleased to see him not fold under the rabid right siege regarding the bloggers he hired earlier this year. i don’t agree that he has been”too gentle”. certainly, i agree that his style isn’t a bruiser style, but i think he makes his political points along the way. his style is part of the reason i like him, and i don’t think because it is gentler than what we expect to see, it makes him any less a viable candidate for the office of president.
i don’t know if he will win the primary, but at this point, i do hope he wins. i don’t believe his “butching it up” (for lack of a better phrase) would alter the outcome.
i’m sick to death of hearing about the hair … it is such a reflection of our superficial social mores! women can’t be ambitious and men can’t have pretty hair. gag.
TeddySanFran @ 105
By giving Leno (and the rest of the world) something better to talk about.
For Leno in particular, Edwards should ask to go on the show, laugh at the inevitable hair joke, ask who does Jay’s hair (or the bald Kevin Eubanks!), and then cut loose. Go after Bush and Iraq; go after insane medical insurance practices; go after ridiculous pandering by K Street; etc.
And before you laugh too much, remember this: going on Leno worked for Ahnold . . .
puppethead @ 112
Now this tack I can support… force some damn issues!
Cassie, a few years back in Tampa, where I live, a TV station was sued under whistle-blower laws, and WON the lawsuit by arguing in court that there was no law that said the news had to be true.
LINK
demi @ 99
Evening, Demi the fighter!
Peterr @ 117
Who did B-Clinton do the saxaphone bit with? Leno, Letterman, Carson, Parr,…
RonD @ 119
That is horrible
TeddySanFran @ 105
Oh, he doesn’t get Leno to stop talking about it.
He calls LETTERMAN and gives him the exclusive when he goes on air to shave his head — or immediately following.
Kind of a STFU to Leno, in his face.
Wait, I just had another idea. He gives the speech I wrote up above, and he lets somebody else shave his head.
But he auctions off the opportunity to the person who will make the largest donation to Habit for Humanity in New Orleans.
And when he’s completely shorn, and the check’s been delivered, handed off to Jimmy Carter on site for Habitat, John Edwards says to the camera:
There are two Americas. One that talks about it. One that is willing to do something, including making personal sacrifices for it. Which one are you?
Thanks, Alfred, I do what I can.
And Hi to Dr. Dick and Cassie too!
Loo Hoo – I am gonna talk a bit about our meeting with PP, the DD.
I’m thinking that one of the things we got outta the meeting, re: him not understanding WHY we care, is that we all make choices. I’m better in touch why I care about what I care about. Bigger Picture.
Was looking for Eric Clapton’s Further Down The Road, but not on You Tube…
But, youse get the idea.
AK, I can’t remember — but I don’t believe it was Steve Allen, either ;-)
Alfred Kelgarries @ 121
None of the above: Arsenio Hall
I read the Edwards campaign sent a DVD detailing his healthcare plan to every Iowa caucus-goer. I don’t know how much more issues-oriented you get than that.
Which makes me think that we — in the rest of the USA — see a very different campaign than the early states are seeing. We read about the the 501(c)3; they get healthcare DVDs. We see jokes about the haircut on Leno; they meet candidates at the local diner. It’s still retail for the Democratic voters who will choose our finalist nominees, the ones the rest of us will get to vote for on 2/5/08.
Believe it or not, I came to this realization about media perspective when listening to our local sportscaster lionize Barry Bonds, a local hero about whom many of the rest of you may hear very different opinions. We in San Francisco do not hear those very different opinions — only the good opinions. *g*
I hope Edwards reads this dispatch from Pach
Rayne @ 123
Oh, Rayne, I like the way you think.
Maybe even auction off the shears on EBay, with the proceeds to Katrina relief.
Peterr @ 117
This is exactly the way to fight back against the “hair” stories. Wave them off dismissively and push forward on the issues (and by implication shame the media for ignoring them in favor of trivialities and falsehoods). You do not have to be mean or angry about it, just passionate.
Rayne @ 123
Rayne, would you please get a copy of your post and send it to the Edwards camp. I am not kidding. this is the EXACT sort of thing we need to start thinking about and DOING. It would drive the rethugs crazy, because they couldn’t spin it to be bad or wrong or crazy. and middle american would get it in a heartbeat. Lovely. Please consider sending it. I mean it.
solai @ 103
And solai, you’re so right. If there is a candidate that the MSM doesn’t like, they just ignore them. No publicity, no votes. We have to figure out how to change that in real terms- outside of the blogisphere.
‘Nite everybody. Best of all possible tomorrows to you all.
John and Elizabeth are scheduled to be on Jay Leno on Monday night. I trust them to address Leno’s continuing barbs about the $400 haircut during that appearance.
My larger concern is that the MSM clearly doesn’t want John as the nominee. They then might have to actually work and pore through his positions on our pressing social issues. It’s so much easier (and more fun for them) to pursue the easy Hillary/Barack memes.
The real problem is the MSM is not at all used to dealing with the “plain spokenness” of the 2008 version of JRE.
LoudounLib @ 125
Ack! Ya Got Me! (Crawls off to die of being thwarted old guy top spot from naming Tonight Show old hosts…)
puppethead @ 112
Look. It is well-known that Rove attacks people’s STRENGTHS. One of
Edward’s strengths is that he is visually attractive. Don’t fall for the Rove bull. Edwards should use everything he has. He has great hair. So what. It is an asset in elections to be attractive to voters.
He should not defend the haircut thing, he should enhance it. It is powerful. it threatens Rove!!!
How he is portrayed by the Repubs on his positions, will be based on attacking what his strengths are. He just needs to stay firm, tell it like it is, be himself.
RonD @ 133
Nite RonD.
Goodnight RonD
I like the auction idea.
If I may throw in my two pence, as it were. Remember when we got all excited about Jim Webb’s reply to the State of the Union? It was strong, ballsy reply to Bush’s meaelymouth SOTU speech. We need that kind of hero right now. I see Gore as being that sort of hero, but I think Edwards could become that sort if he tried. Someone who will stand up and call “Bullshit” on everything BushCo is doing right now. Which brings up the point: Have any of the Democratic candidates spoken out about Darth’s latest statements ?
I know there are many needs that must be addressed in this country, like heath care, voting rights, workplace equity, etc. but dammit, if the Constitution winds up in the shredder, these issues become sort of moot. We need to fight what is in front of us right now. And we need a hero who will stand up and fight the battle in front of us now. By making a stand now, Edwards, or any other candidate (Run, Al, Run!) can carve out a lot of credibility for themselves as a true Patriot, as well as a truly strong (in every sense of the word) candidate.
G’night RonD
Alfred Kelgarries @ 135
I was just hoping I had it right! ;-)
Night RonD. Sleep the sleep of the just.
LoudounLib @ 141
Steve Allen got a bee in his bonnet about the way the MSM was mainlining our kids on crap and spent a good part of his later years trying to do something about it. Needless to say he didn’t do many appearances on Tee Vee after that.
kristine @ 139
Chris Dodd speaks forcefully, and introduces legislation, in defense of our Constitution.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 113
Okay, so if I follow the logic, I think you’re suggesting that following Pach’s advice would be a disaster? You don’t have to answer, and this is not about you; I’m asking these questions generally because I find this thread very strange.
I’m waiting for someone to explain exactly what Edwards is supposed to do, besides pretend he’s someone he’s not, like Indiana Jones, or some street fighter in a brawl. Are those the instincts we want in the next President?
Should a President be “tough”? I suppose so, but I believe one shows toughness and courage in lots of ways other than stabbing someone.
And how did an attack on Edwards by a reporter in the NYT become a reason for Edwards to attack other candidates?
My first instinct is to agree with Pach and others that are saying, “Dude, stand up for yourself already. Loudly and clearly.”
Just politely putting out your policy positions doesn’t get you very far with John Q. NASCAR. They get the news from Conglomerate sources, and Leno. ALREADY, if you asked most people that don’t spend much time educating themselves, and get their info from Conglomerate sources, I bet most would only be able to say Edwards gets $400 haircuts and his wife has cancer. They couldn’t name a single policy of his. This has been a consistent problem for Dems for years.
What’s wrong with Edwards standing up immediately and saying, “There are thousands of our troops, and 10’s on thousands of innocent Iraqis dead, and you want to talk about haircuts?!?!? I’m AM GOING to talk NOW about the extremely serious issues facing our Republic, and how I’m going to solve them. If you don’t want to talk about this, our interview is over. I’ve got important work to do.” REPEAT, again and again.
Stuff like this. You’re not a petty a-hole, but you’re strong at the same time. Why is this so hard?
Of course maybe Mudballs Saunders wouldn’t like this. Damn, I hope Edwards has kicked that tool to the curb. I never heard a response from Edwards camp about Mudflap, other than, “Mudflap is just being Mudflap.” I’ve found that whole thing very dissappointing.
Anyway I do this he’s the best candidate, but he’s gotta learn how this game is played.
I think the head-shaving idea is smart, but dude loves his hair. Ain’t gonna happen.
I will watch Leno (spit!) on Monday nite, tho!
Interesting:
CSPAN 1, Ex-VP’s – Mondale up. This could be very interesting.
Jane (nyc) @ 134
And the MSM is who? They aren’t the voters; they are the mouthpieces of a select bunch of corporate masters whose interests are served by the content so-called journalists and editors create and publish.
F*ck the MSM. It’s time to put the screws to the corporate bastards that have sold out this country for their personal benefit.
It’s not that HRC or Obama are easier. They are simply more palatable to the corporate world than a guy who’s a lawyer with a track record of going after corporations. Of course they don’t want Edwards; they want to do to his campaign exactly what they did to Howard Dean’s, except they have a different subject and therefore a different set of tools to use on him.
And I’m pretty sure Rove is somehow involved in setting the pace; his M.O. is attacking on strength. Dean couldn’t be attacked on the personal front, having been married to the same woman forever with squeaky clean kids and a penny-pinching personality. So they went after his passion. Edwards probably tests high on his appearance, so they go after that as often as possible.
So change the subject and force the ball in their court, right where we know they can’t hit.
Scarecrow @ 145
I think the disconnect is about substance versus image. We mostly know the substance of edward’s platforms and in all fairness it seems he genuinely believes them. Our concerns are that he is too “nice” in terms of image, trying to be “above the fray” like kerry did. We all know how well that worked (unless the ohio vote really WAS stolen, and i’m into that due to my computer background) so we are concerned as to how he could change his image to be less “detached” without losing his substance.
At least, I THINK that’s what this thread is about….
Loo Hoo. @ 120
When my daughter was in Europe (trip after she graduated college) she sent me a postcard of a scene where all the men are fighting and there’s a woman in the middle, with her hands up to both sides…she said the woman was me!
Fighting against fighting and hatred. That’s what Firedoglake is about, I think.
TeddySanFran @ 147
Hair grows back.
Rayne at 123 — I’d vote for you, or whichever candidate you advise.
OT..It looks like about thirty people have joined FDL facebook today..I still have no idea what it is about.
RonD @ 133
Thanks again for the link to Sharon Bush. What a story!
Thank you, Scarecrow.
Other than shaving his head, Edwards should do what, exactly? Hit a woman? Beat up, politically, on a black man?
What does that look like? In a way we all wouldn’t jump on him for dirty campaigning?
Teddy – , ya gotta admit, he’s cute. And, he’s got great hair. He just does. I could stand watching him in press conferences more than the guy I avoid, at ALL costs, on TV, now.
Steve @ 154
It’s a movement! The Fire Dog Lake Restoration of Sanity and Reason in Government Movement.
Scarecrow @ 153
I’d move to Michigan to vote for Rayne
Oh, that’s sweet of you, Scarecrow. I think I’m meant to be in the backfield, already advising a candidate now.
Jeepers, I think this is actually my second candidate, now that I think about it. Graduated from a county commissioner to a state rep in two years. Maybe next time I’ll get a crack at advising a Congressional seat.
demi @ 157
Of course he’s cute. He’s adorable. I always pick the cutest candidate.
demi @ 157
If he shaved his head, I’d be really pissed. Rove would love that, it would level the field. Flaunt your hair John Edwards, Argh!!!
Steve @ 154
an alternate communications channel. we can exchange more personal stuff there (like ET’s pictures, or art done by people) that can’t be included in comments. and if the lake goes down, which is does every so often, we can keep in contact via FB also. And we can proselytize FDL; telling everyone why we like it and inviting them to join us. It’s new stuff and jane is showing a lot of courage by diving into it, but it is also the future. iPhone, anyone?
Loo Hoo. @ 155
So see, it wasn’t a tease. I was just being lazy.
I made a facebook page today that I can use for this. I have another one for kids and school stuff.
Elliott @ 159
Hey, thanks for the drink, Elliott, appreciate it!! Was just lovely out on the deck here in MI tonight, came in only a few minutes ago.
Decided to hang it up after killing the last mosquito; I smacked it so hard both its wings flew off and landed on my laptop’s display. Yeesh.
You might want to think twice about MI if you aren’t much on bugbites. ;-)
SnarKassandra @ 165
as you’re a minor (legally) you will have to be careful on FB and other places in terms of the service agreement and privacy and all. Of course, you probably know far better than me about this…
And it is a very nice facebook page, cassie. I liked it (and the pictures)
it’s getting late, and I’m tired…..but are you all serious about him shaving his hair? That is CRAZY. Whatever you think about fighting back, drawing blood, etc…..for him to dignify that hit parade of grade-school bullying by doing or saying ANYTHING about his f*******g hair, would be unworthy of…..well, of any normal adult with any shred of self-respect, much less one who want to be president.
Rayne @ 166
In Michigan, even the mosquitoes have mosquitoes
Pach: right again.
OT..More Bushit on the way
Bush plans to ‘create’ Iraq progress with new reports
Adam Doster
Published: Saturday June 23, 2007
With the situation in Iraq deteriorating and General David Petraeus commissioned to discuss the military’s progress before more a vote on additional funding for the war in September, President Bush is busy finding ways to build political capital while abdicating himself from responsibility for any failures in the recent troop ’surge.’
According to Sunday’s New York Times, “the administration is commissioning other assessments that could dilute [Petreaus’] conclusions about the impact of the current troop increase. The intent appears to be to give Mr. Bush, who publicly puts great emphasis on listening to his field commanders, a wide range of options.”
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._0623.html
Rayne @ 166
I understand Haliburton is marketing a version of their in-flight mortar destroyer gatling gun for killing MI mosquitoes…
oddmommy @ 169
Well said. I agree.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 163
Exactly. Easy way to contact an entire community without the hassle of maintaining a distribution list and all the incumbent hassle of bouncebacks and messages stuck in email boxes, also much more personal and immediate. Good stuff.
And if not iPhone, it’ll be some other phone-enabled device within 2 years. There are at least 1.3 cell phone users for every PC users in the world, and phones are growing market share faster.
oddmommy @ 169
i don’t think so. i think we are just trying to come up with some way of beating the msm “pretty boy” meme they’ve hung on him. So far, nothing much seems to click…IMHO, YMMV, etc.
TeddySanFran @ 156
This discussion is not about fighting dirty. I do not think anyone here wants to see Edwards adopt KKKarl’s methods. This is about forcing the debate to be on the issues and the concrete policies and not trivialities like haircuts. On this issues, Edwards wins hands down, both in the primary and in the the general election. Unfortunately he has to force the media to focus on the issues and to discuss his campaign in those terms so that the voters can see what his positions are and how it benefits them. He needs to confront both Clinton and Obama on the issues and their policies. His policies are better and he has better developed ideas with specifics.
Yousa…cute always works. Now, I’m sounding shallow…but, still.
And one of my favorite parts of preparing for the Early service, is my (cute, even if double nickels) husband practicing his Hammond B3 (which he plays for me at the service.
We got some funky sounds in the Moore residence tonight!
kristine @ 139
During the dem debate, when asked about improving international relations, iirc, Hillary said that the current administration just sent condi around from spot to spot to smile and not accomplish anything, and that Cheney had been sent out too, as if that were the best Bush could contribute to diplomacy. The audience howled!
SnarKassandra @ 165
Yeah, I saw that – and that you are my friend. :~)
TeddySanFran @ 144
Y’know, Dodd’s been getting my attention more and more. As much as I like Edwards, my biggest concern about him, as well as Obama, is lack of experience. I think a lot of these stumbles in the campaign that we’ve been seeing lately is due to a lack of experience and, dare I say, maturity. (The older I get, the more I appreciate that quality.)
There is something to be said about having experience, IMSVHO. Which is why I think Dodd may wind up as a viable candidate in the end. Gore/Dodd anyone?
Rayne @ 175
The theoreticians call it the Ubiquitous Information Environment. It will stop being on devices and start being in our clothes, glasses, cars, dishwashers, everything. I am working on a web page setup (for real not just a file hosting platform) so I and my boss can start doing some real blogging (he’s a weird but very bright guy, either the best bs-er in the galaxy or a guy with some serious insights into things, can’t tell which…) and when I do, my first post set is gonna be an example of a day in the life in the year 2020 (which i will assume has returned to peace and sanity). It will blow your socks off. Trust me. I’ll post linky’s here and on FB.
Twain @ 174
Knife, meet gunfight.
We’re not up against bullies on the playground.
We’re up against fascists who have taken over the largest economy and military in the world for their own purposes, who’ve caused the deaths by deliberate malignance of thousands of Americans both off and on American soil. We’re up against the media owned and operated by these same fascists, along with their proxies running for the same office.
Drastic times call for drastic measures.
And hair grows back.
I just wish spine did, too.
AK — I don’t agree that Kerry lost because he was too nice, or even that he lost because he didn’t fight back against the swiftees soon/hard enough, though the pundits all declared that to be so — which means it’s probably dead wrong.
I think Kerry lost because the American people couldn’t understand what the man was trying to say. He’s incoherent too much of the time. And the perfect example was he never had an explanation for his vote on the war that made any sense.
Scarecrow @ 184
I think Kerry “lost” because of Blackwell and potential voter fraud.
Teddy and Kristine,
Re: getting attention. Yeah. And, he may not be as Cute as Edwards, but did anyone else see that Dodd in the Shower Video. I just looked for it, but…well, my research skills are not top notch tonight, but it was pretty funny.
Gotta have a candidate with a sense of humor.
Scarecrow @ 184
There is much truth in what you say. For my own part, I just thought he was a guy who would say anything he needed to get elected. I just didn’t sense a moral center in the guy. I voted for him anyway, of course. But perhaps that was my way of perceiving the communication issue you describe.
I don’t think Gore “lost” or Kerry “lost”.
LS @ 188
You are DEFINITELY right on Gore. Kerry, we’ll see if we ever get our hands on that dang server.
The sexism theme here is pretty bothersome.
Although, not so bothersome to a lot of people, apparently.
Which makes it much more bothersome to, oh, I dunno, people like me.
Yuh, ok, DAMN that pussy Edwards..
Hmm. That sucks.
Thiswho discussion so makes me want to support Senator Clinton. Who’s way to the right of me. But still. Can you hardcore Hillary-bashers not stand to shut up for just a little while?)
I noticed Al Gore made quite a change to his facebook picture.
hmmm
Good evening dear friends. Glad to see so many of you on a Saturday night.
OT..but looking at icasualties.org is like a stock ticker..today 7 then 8 now 10 US KIA’s for June 23. This shit has to stop. Bush can’t wait for how bad it is going to get in August.
Evening Aunt Betsy.
Rayne,
I agree completely with, and admire, your passion about what the challenges are. It just occurred to me that maybe, at least at this juncture, JRE wants to avoid a “Dean scream” moment.
What do you think of that possibility?
TexB @ 192
Thanks, TexB. How’s the weather up there tonight? southern thunderstorm explosions here in the Alamo city…
I love John Edwards and I’d love to see him force the MSM to talk about his politics and his proposals. Gimmicks might be the answer.
Scarecrow @ 184
It is Edwards’ plainspokenness — and accent — that gives me hope. Democrats can get out of the Electoral College 270 votes plus ONE mentality; we can put turn red states purple and purple states blue.
Plus his policies, and Elizabeth.
Hi TexB
No Blood for Hubris @ 190
Edwards is not a pussy.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 196
We seem done with storms for the moment. My chickies are all home in their nests so I am not even looking at weather.
Yes, yes, yes.
I remember in one of the debates, he was explaining something, and said, “Well, you (meaning American Citizens) understand that…and I just jumped out of my seat (Aries, Me) and said you arrogant buffoon!, they do not understand…I just felt that he did not get that the average josie did not go to debate school and are not part of the elite. He could not speak to the masses. And, that is why, and this is me agreeing with you, why he LOST.
I’ve been leaning toward Edwards. I do wish he would go farther with his strategies for health care; the insurance companies must be removed from any plans worthy of serious consideration.
This is the first part of series on Cheney startin in the WaPo on Sunday.
Cheney Series
No Blood for Hubris @ 190
Sexism? Where in the world do you get that one from? You’re the only one who’s laid a perjorative female label on the critique Pach’s offered.
Who’s bashing Hillary?
Skeptic @ 203
To salvage the American healthcare system we have to remove the insurance companies entirely, as well as all for-profit elements.
No Blood for Hubris @ 190
I guess you haven’t seen Jane’s 60 grit comments.
Right LS, Edwards is not a pussy….
And hello TexB…thought of you tonight when I made potatoe salad, Texas way, with White Onions.
TexB @ 201
cool. I want to see cassies FB page for FDL but not make a big deal out of it. Any idea how I go about that? I’m a n00b on FB at the moment…
demi @ 186
I think what we need is a candidate that takes the issues seriously but not him/herself so much. I think that is the problem with a number of the candidates on both sides of the isle.
Steve @ 208
yes, they’re quite abrasive.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 187
It seems to be the nature of the Presidency that it attracts people with more ambition than sense, while people like Gore and Feingold stay away from running even though they (and we) know they’re qualified.
Pach,
Well, as usual, I’m late to the party. I am first of all surprised to see that the first commenters are taking your snark seriously. Well, at least I hope it is snark.
I, for one, do not want a president who emulates Lee Atwater or KKKarl Rove.
I, for one, will not vote for a presidential candidate who sticks shivs into people’s ribs while smiling disarmingly at them.
But I do want a presidential candidate who is tough, and a fighter, with backbone. Personally, where blades are concerned, I prefer Zorro’s rapier. For Zorro’s rapier exposed more than it killed or maimed. I prefer the candidate who has the wit to take on swift boat attacks, slice’em and dice’em, and expose their lies and distortions for what they are. I prefer the candidate who has the ability to dissect stupid arguments, revealing their vapidity for all to see.
We do not defeat Republicans by becoming more like them, any more than BushCheneyRoveGonzales can defeat the “terrorists” by making US becoming more like THEM. If that happens, then surely, we will have lost.
Now to go back and read more comments. I hope I find someone who makes sense.
Bob in HI
PeterR
People, I think, see sexism (or lottsa stuff) where they are looking for it. Like Alan Watts said, Seeing Dead Cats in the road when it’s just a bag…(I’m paraphrasing.)
punaise @ 212
You can lurk, but when the bait gets tossed out, you can’t resist, can you?
Rayne @ 183
HOW is f*****g around with hair insults a “drastic” measure???
I’ll say it again: ok, maybe there is something to the “fight back” argument, though I don’t think I agree with it, at least the way it’s been presented here this evening.
But Edwards would NOT be fighting back effectively by engaging these morons on their own chosen level — which IS schoolyard bullying.
The painfully obvious point is……. it’s NOT ABOUT his goddamn hair and everybody who isn’t a media whore or a total f*****g idiot KNOWS that.
[sigh] ok, now tell me how we need the votes of total f*****g idiots. Can’t argue on that one.
No Blood for Hubris @ 190
Have absolutely no idea where you think this is about gender. Or race for that matter.
It’s about Edwards trying to be a proto-typical Southern gentleman, and getting the snot kicked out of him in the media.
If HRC was being too nice, you can bet she’d be relegated to the back bench, too; they still try it from time to time, like that POS the NYT published about her “coterie”, her “tight little sorority” campaign team. (And I notice you’ve already made some rather supportive comments about HRC, including comments about the article referenced…)
It’s just a matter of time before they come down on Obama; they aren’t yet because they fear mob justice that they sense an attack on him would provoke.
We’re simply asking for Edwards to take off the gloves; he should have learned something early on in the wake of the blogger mess in his campaign, but it sure looks like he didn’t pick up on it. Frankly, Gephardt should have done the same thing in 2003, and so should Kerry. It’s not sexism. It’s about asking Democratic leaders who want the job to show some moxie.
Scarecrow @ 153
Rayne, you are one of my heros! GO!
Jane (nyc) @ 195
It’s possible, but right now in single digits and falling campaign monies? I don’t think he can wait for the MSM to force a Dean scream on him; I think he has to force it on them on his own terms.
kristine @ 211
I agree. But, a person has got to have an amount of ego to run. A fine line, to be in touch with who they are, but then step aways from it to serve others.
Alfred. You have mail on Facebook. Link to the Snarky teen who’s gone to bed.
oddmommy @ 216
and that, ms oddmommy, is the money quote of the day. If we didn’t need the votes of the TFI’s, Edwards would be getting ready to carry on the policies of the eight year gore administration. just imagine for a moment what that would have been like (assume the Rethug’s blew out in 2002 with the enron scandal and abramoff going early so we have a solid dem majority from then on.). It just HURTS to think of all we have missed. But if we try to subvert the TFI’s right to vote, we’re worse than the Rethugs….
Peterr @ 206
Peterr — perhaps “sexism” isn’t the right word, but aren’t we really talking, at least in part, about sexual perceptions of “manliness” without using those terms?
The Edwards campaign is ontrack to raise the $40m they said they’d need by 1/08; which polls are you seeing JRE in single digits?
TeddySanFran @ 18
Thanks for this, TeddySF. I was beginning to fear that all of FDL was consumed with bloodlust.
Bob in HI
TexB @ 221
tank oo.
oddmommy @ 216
I generally agree with you here. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, Edwards is going to have to force the media (and others) to shift their focus away from trivialities (haircuts) and onto issues and policies. In order to do this he has to dismissively address the BS, and then forcefully push the policy debate in a way that (discretely) makes the media look like a**holes for even discussing the trivia.
Rayne @ 183
We’re also up against fascists who control the media framing.I guarantee that if Edwards shaved his head, it wouldn’t be GI Jane but Britteny Spears for the comparison.
Helpless Dancer @ 228
Ding!
demi @ 157
One thing that drove me nuts in his campaigning with Kerry was the neverending smile. It looked phony and actually looked painful at times. I think he’s worked on that, far as I can tell. I watch less tv now, so I don’t claim to be expert. It just was too much. There are times when a candidate needs to be pissed off, and show it. Especially in 2007.
I do not understand the actual actions proposed to “shift” or “move” or “force” the media to do anything. It’s great to recommend that he re-frame the debate away from haircuts and onto issues, but how exactly does a candidate do that?
The media pays attention to what they elect to pay attention to; his opponents are very happy to have the media dwell on his haircuts, by the way.
LoudounLib @ 229
Sadly, DING DING. Blogs are our only hope…that and macacca moments…
It is not bloodlust. At some point, sometimes, one must call the bullies bluff in order to stop the bullying.
I want to see the bullying GOP smear machine stopped.
The problem I see is no one seems quite able to imagine an aggressive campaign that is not simultaneously an angry or negative campaign.
It’s possible to insult someone while smiling. Southerners, of all people, know how to do this well, when they’re not busy minding their manners.
I seem to be reading a kind of false dichotomy in here regarding what it means to fight back. Even charming shots and putdowns to critics can be devastating, if done the right way.
Pachacutec @ 234
we all need to study the english parliament for a bit. those people can insult someone with the most charming demeanor and seemingly sweet words…until the cyanide bits. Edwards could perhaps indeed use some of that….
Scarecrow @ 223
No. This is not about gender at all. It is about what it takes to win elections and to govern effectively. I think Hillary has the fight, though I do not like her policy positions. I just want to see Edwards push his agenda more aggressively and not let the media and the Repugs define him (and yes, they are pushing the whole manliness meme).
Helpless Dancer @ 229
Of course. They wish he would, so they could make such a comparison. The thing is, his hair cannot be made into an achilles heel. I’m sure he has 10 billion more important things going on in his life than his hair, and he should show that he doesn’t care about that trivia.
Pachacutec @ 234
Southerners do this extremely well – with smiles and other sharp things.
I’m going to hit the sack, now.
But, we’ve been watching The Tube, (mr. playing along…) and with this song….Sheryl Crow – If It Makes You Happy…I’ll say good night to my puppy family.
Ahhhrrrooooooo.
Pach, right on. Southerners (and I am one) know the art of the insult-without-you-knowing-it’s-an-insult better than just about anyone else.
I want someone to call out Hillary for all her vast experience — she’s been in the Senate as long as Edwards and only a little longer than Obama. Why is her candidacy viewed as turnkey at the door to the Oval Office, especially given the stumbles the Clinton White House made in its early years (DADT, HillaryCare) ??
LoudounLib @ 241
You don’t think that is too subtle for some voters?
G’night demi
demi @ 239
reminds me of the two dachsapoos of my daughter’s I took care of a few years ago. We lived near a freeway, and discovered, the first night, that when they hears a siren, even a faint one, they tried to heterodyne with it. Dachsapoos have very good howls. Yeek.
Sleep well, and inspire your congregation tomorrow. we know you can!
TexB @ 243
Perhaps for some, but recognized by many.
Nite nite LouLib.
LoudounLib @ 240
“That’s what I think!” “Yes, well, I can see why YOU’D think that.”
“Go Lay Down By Your Dish!”
TeddySanFran @ 242
Well, she shared the President’s ear. She lived there. That is not your usual experience..it never happened before.
Bloody MSM. With Clinton and Obama they are playing the shit disturber, as in let’s you and him fight. Edwards is gonna get the Gore treatment.
Ahhhrrrooooooo to the sleepy firepups.
Thanks Alfred. God willing and there’s no earthquakes! (biting my tongue)
Alfred Kelgarries @ 107
I am NOT asleep! I’ve just been away tending to other business. But I left that anti-nsa jammer right where you told me to.
The waters of the Lake seem a bit choppy tonight.
Bob in HI
Edwards has the sort of demeanor that allows him to take fairly radical positions without ruffling a feather. This is a blessing in some contexts but not- perhaps- in a presidential campaing. It SOUNDS as if he has said something pretty conventional.
Pachacutec @ 235
Excellent points, Pach. Edwards’ biggest nemesis is the health care industry. He needs to keep after them, especially in the first few weeks of Sicko playing nationwide. If anything is going to work for him it will be rational attacks on that industry and explaining his proposals for solutions with all the Southern charm and suavity he can muster so well.
Listening to two seperate reports now on NPR lambasting Michael Moore and his movie (without actually discussing the movie) show how sensitive megamedicine’s minions are about these issues coming before the broader public.
LS @ 248
The nightmare ticket, from the secret service standpoint, has to be Hillary/Obama. First woman, first black, and HILLARY. Might as well bring back an armored brigade from Iraq and surround them with it, cheaper and slightly safer….
Maintaining an even keel here, Bob ;-)
Pachacutec @ 235
oddmommy @ 216
I do believe that a preponderance of f*cking idiots — roughly 49% of the American public — voted for a f*cking idiot and his evil genius henchmen the last two elections. It only takes 49%, and the evil geniuses can conjure up both enough vote fraud and a SCOTUS to take care of the 2% needed to win.
And there are enough f*cking idiots out there that rely on Faux News, ABC, NBC, CBS for their primary news source, making their decision based on 10-second sound bites in the last month of the election, enough of them so that these POS news outlets remain in business.
You say it’s not about the hair.
Then take it out of the equation, and make it about Edwards.
TeddySanFran @ 241
Hillary wasn’t baking cookies when Bill was Gov. and President. 20 years of executive experience is huge.
It would be a BIG mistake to rule this guy out at this stage- It’s not the time to move to the number one position- not by a long shot.
Bob Schacht @ 252
yeah. the aether is unsettled. been feeling it all afternoon and evening.
One thing has been slowly getting to me; when I lived in denver, thunder crashed and was very unique. Here in San Antonio, thunder sounds like artillery fire or anti-aircraft fire. I jump up and run to the door every time, until I step out and realize its a thunderstorm ten miles away. Eerie.
TeddySanFran @ 231
In part it is by appearing on all the news shows and talking heads and responding to the BS with lines like, “Well you know I don’t think the American people are really interested in my haircuts. I think that reforming our health care system so that everyone has access to medical care and addressing the growing inequality in this country are much more important to them. We have seen just how disastrous it is when we give appearances greater weight than substance when choosing a president.” Then turning to a discussion of just how f**ked up things have become under the Repugs and how we can change things to help the majority of Americans.
It’s possible to insult someone while smiling. Southerners, of all people, know how to do this well, when they’re not busy minding their manners.
Southerners do this extremely well – with smiles and other sharp things.
Pach, right on. Southerners (and I am one) know the art of the insult-without-you-knowing-it’s-an-insult better than just about anyone else.
I learn the darndest things at FDL. It’a like a graduate program in regional personality traits.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 189
Could the dems just please get us some paper ballots befor 2008?
Scarecrow @ 213
I think the way we put candidates through the mill these days, digging into every little aspect of their lives, it’s a wonder anyone runs for office, be it President of dog catcher. OTOH, if everyone’s little youthful indiscretion became public knowledge, maybe we’d say, no big deal, know someone like that, been there, done that, who cares? Maybe some of us could be more accepting/understanding of a recovering alcoholic candidate if he/she were upfront about it? Or one that smoked dope in college? Maybe changed their minds on issues once confronted with the facts?
Haven’t seen TiredFed yet tonight, but I’m getting hungry. Shall we cut into the cake or wait for him? Filling is chocolate on one side, white cake on the other with raspberry throughout.
rwcole @ 260
Given the circumstances his family faces right now, I think JRE would stop if the campaign wasn’t going to plan. Obama was a wild-card, and threw them off for a bit, but I think the campaign is right where he wants it to be.
TexB @ 266
Is it his B=day? Cool. Let’s eat now. I’m going to crash shortly and don’t want to miss a treat. (snarfle snarfle)
Suzanne @ 234
Amen, Sistah Suz!!! Hope for the Best! Expect the Worst!!! *g*
Is it TiredFed’s birthday, Tex?
Alfred Kelgarries @ 262
AK I’ve had that unsettled feeling today too, and I can’t explain it. Could be I’m worried about my sick cat, but perhaps there’s more.
Suzanne @ 271
It is indeed. Or at least it was this morning. Not sure what time zone he is in. :)
LS @ 148
Thanks for the tip!
Where’s the beef???
{g}
Bob in HI
Pach is upstairs with fierceness
TiredFed is just up the road a piece, in the Baltimore area.
TeddySanFran @ 275
And he has the cake!
Apparently the Bushies have moved off Romney and toward Thompson. Fickle bastards ain’t they. There is no reason to think that Freddie will be a great candidate- except for the fact that he ain’t one of the crop of losers currently in the gooper race..on the dem side, Hillary continues to lead- which paints a target on her back the size of an elephant’s ass. We’ve got a long time to go in this race. It’s chill out time.
Scarecrow @ 223
It’s a discussion about power, which is related to sexism, but is hardly synonymous with it.
a href=”#comment-778422″>Pachacutec @ 234
A fine southern gentleman can take your pants, slice them to ribbons, hand you the scissors, and you’ll thank him for the alterations.
(Hmmm . . . Isn’t TRex from the South?)
not as OT as I’d like, & EPU’d no doubt
You folks who want a cold-blooded, ruthless politician, check out the WaPo blog dated 6/24/07.
Then tell me what ya gonna do with what ya got N.O.W! [this is no joke. serious as it gets, so far…]
(link at HuffingtonPost.com if below doesn’t work)
http://blog.washingtonpost.com…..chapter_1/
kristine @ 265
This is a huge issue, bigger than most of us think. We can’t get good progressives to run for office in many seats for the fear that folks would find their lingerie drawer opened up and disclosed on air by the media.
The interesting part is how we deal with it; the Repugs buy up or buy off the media to keep them silent about their indiscretions. Witness the articles about Bush’s college girlfriend’s abortion; hard to find articles about it, having been swept up. Or articles about Bush’s DUI, also tamped down before the vote in Nov. 2000.
But for chrissake’s, our candidates can’t even have a decent head of hair or real passion and they’re ripped apart by the media.
I’m still torqued nearly four years later about the bitchy comments regarding Howard and Judy Dean’s carpeting. Do you recall the media ever commenting about a Republican’s home furnishings, ever??
Scarecrow @ 264
Speaking as the house cultural anthropologist, it’s all cultural. Different groups have different approaches to things. Southerners (I also am one) are in some ways more like the Japanese in this regard, experts at the art of the indirect (never say no, just raise insurmountable obstacles).
Jeez! It’s June 2007 – 2007! – and people here seem already to be bored with the premature campaigns: “Let’s see some fighting!”
Thanks DrD, you said that better than I ever could (or when I tried to, upthread)
Peterr @ 279
Jawja.
TSF — I’m digging for the info on single digits and money issues, I know I read them in the last 48 hours.
Pretty certain that TPM had a smallish post saying that JRE’s campaign expected money to be down this reporting period, in comparison to HRC and Obama whose campaigns expected money to be up over last period.
At this stage- I’m not nuts about any candidate- and I’m not cheering for Gore- thought he did a pretty shitty job last time (even if he won.) Long time to make up my mind- I’ll vote for whoever makes sense on the war- energy- and health care. None of em make much sense so far.
LoudounLib @ 272
yeah. I tried to ignore it but now it’s really throbbing on me. The assasination piece on cheney in the wapoo is worrisome. they take their marching orders from Kommisar Karlosivitch. If KK wants cheney gone, there is gonna be TROUBLE with a capital T. Woo.
I’M not sure that the ability to insult people- whether directly or subtly is a BFOQ for the presidenty/.
Suzanne @ 233
Hello! Suzanne has a perspective on this as a former law enforcement officer that needs to be recognized. Thugs will be thugs until they are called on it. And shown strength.
Rayne @ 286
Right here, linking to The Hill.
Rayne @ 286
fundraising
Alfred Kelgarries @ 288
Hey, what’s your take on Fred Thompson? He looks like he’s the appointed one to take the hand-off, but is he Bush’s boy or Cheney’s tool?
I wonder whether this isn’t part of the story that’s brewing, clearing the deck in 2007 for the 2008 race to be shet of DeadEye’s baggage — maybe with DeadEye’s help.
Or is this an op on DeadEye by the intel community?
TeddySanFran @ 241
I give Hillary credit for trying healthcare while it was still a dirty word, Teddy.
Loo Hoo. @ 294
Unfortunately she botched it. Her plan (while certainly a tiny step forward) was a policy nightmare. Early evidence of her trademark triangulation.
Bob Schacht @ 252
We missed you, Bob! Thought it might be that infamous Hawaiian “breeze”!
Scarecrow @ 223
y’all know there’s a new thread upstairs? ;-)
I’m not sure if you’re right or not, Pachacutec. In fact, one of the reasons I like Edwards is that he is a decent guy. Nevertheless, he certainly needs to learn to handle the hit pieces, because they’re not going to stop. I don’t know if his office has issued a response yet to that NYT article by the Edwards campaign. There’s nothing on his site about it, other than a new discussion in the forum. I doubt that Hillary Clinton would be so unresponsive. It’s frustrating to watch this happen.
Peterr @ 216
I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, officer.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 11
“Rules? There are no rules in a knife fight!” Paul Newman, in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Rayne @ 69
What’s the movie where someone loses his hair due to chemo therapy, and all his friends shave their heads in sympathy/support. A thousand times over, I pray that Elizabeth doesn’t need chemo and doesn’t lose her hair. But if she did …
It’s alaska time, so once again it looks like I might be the last person here.
Anyway, here’s my take:
1. 80 million Americans were fooled in the last election, so it would be presumptuous of me to think I couldn’t be fooled. Be that as it may, I believe that John Edwards is the real deal. He strikes me as profoundly honest.
2. His gentlemanliness is not an act, and anything else would undercut point 1, supra. That’s fine in the primaries, if he can get nominated, since his opponents are the people I hope will be campaigning for him in the general election. But he has to prove he can dish it out, see 3. infra.
3. In the Vice Presidential debate, he let Darth Cheney get away with murder. To recap, Cheney hit him with the fact that they had never met, prefacing it with, “I go up to the Capitol every week.” The actual fact is that he went up to meet with Republicans and refused to meet with any Dems. If JE had responded with, “you know, you are the President of the Senate, and it is shameful that you will not even meet with Democrats,” he would be known as the kick-ass kid. But instead, he fumferred and then in the spin room said, “actually we did meet once, in a receiving line.” Puhleese!
4. At the next democratic debate he should just unload unmercifully on Giuliani. As fucked up as Rudy is, it is like shooting fish in a barrel, but WTF, it will prove he can pull a trigger.
5. Dems vote on policy differences. Authoritarian (fascist) personalities are all about the “cult of personality.” They are Republicans. We can win the presidential election without them, as long as they don’t become overly enthusiastic about their own candidate. So far, so good.
Joke about Southerners:
Southern lady sits down at a fancy affair, turns to the lady next to her and in an effort to be conversational says, “Wo where are y’all from?”
The lady, being a snob, says: “I’m from where we know better than to end a sentence with a preposition.”
Southern lady says, “So, where are y’all from, bitch?”
a-fucking-men to this. Surely, Edwards the Lawyer knows how to go in for the kill, and here is where he needs to do it now. I want to believe in him, love his wife.
But he’s got to backhand to the ground these people taking cheap shots at him. Nor should he EVER have gotten his damned hair cut using his campaign $$. Christ on toast points, how stupid.
It’s too early for a knife fight! Agree that Edwards is nice and well groomed and bright, but it’s premature for knives.
Great article. I agree with you that Edwards need to take a lesson from the Ladies at the “Club” who say “Dahling so good to see yew my my what a pretty dress that is” as she smilingly slips the knife in. However there needs to be some substance behind the words that you deliver. There needs to be deeds and actions that prove you believe what you are saying. I find there was a lot lacking in Edwards Senate time. He started off great but he gradually wandered off for photo opts rather than do the work he was elected to do. Yes, he voted 90% of the time the way I wanted him to but he seemed never to be there to vote. I voted for him and had great hopes that he could do a lot for the State and the Country but to these aged eyes there was a disconnect from what he promised and what was delivered. Maybe that is just my perception of things and not reality.
I think Edwards has great potential and like his platform very much. I think he is sincere in his beliefs but I for one need to see some action to back those word up. I could care less if he paid $800.00 for a hair cut, I could care less how he made his money, but he needs to stop with the ” grew up poor” analogy because that is not relevant and besides he had it a lot better than the majority of people that lived in this State. One of the things in his favor though is he did admit that he made a mistake for voting for the war which I haven’t heard any other candidate say. I haven’t decided who to vote for, I have decided who I will not vote for, and Hillery is one. Molly said she would not vote for her and that was good enough for me, Edwards… we shall see.
“The questions for you, if you really want to pay the price to make the changes you say you want to make, are: can you “hit” a woman? Can you beat up, politically, on a black man and not feel guilty about it?
If not, please, stop wasting people’s time and money.”
Pach, you must have missd the last debate, Edwards was the only one who challenged Hill’s and O’s Senate floor vote two-step.
You are right about one thing… many, many of the FDL readers do like Edwards, even those who do not support him politically.
I agree this is time for all the candidates to “get real”, we need truth and justice, not lies and staged debates.
Absolutely, Edwards should be straightforward and honest in every aspect of his campaign. But as an advocate for change, not a pit-bull running for office. But if he turns mean like you suggest, he might come off as a bitter wannabe spoiler if he starts turning our mutual angst into his campaign strategy, as you suggest.
I just hope Hillary and Obama and the rest of the pack get a similar admonition. Otherwisel this post might seem somehow partisan.
Yep, I think you’re exactly right. Wonder if he takes the time to read FDL. If not, you should copy that exact post and send it to him in the form of an email. I like him….he’s a “statesman”…and at this point in time, that’s just what we need to repair the damage unmast by Georgie Kruger. But, he has to get “down and dirty”, but come off as presidential at the same time. It’s tricky, but I think he could do it. Thanks for writing what we’ve all been thinking.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 11
Actually, it was Speilberg, but why quibble.
If you need proof that John Edwards comes prepared to fight go back and listen or view the Vice Presidential debate. I hear him beating the guy with a club, giving him the shiv, and blasting away with his automatic.
I have no worry’s about JE backbone or any other body parts needed to win.
A good rant, Pachu.
But, I think Edwards and his staff are smart enough to know that going full-battle mode this early will be too soon. He’s always got that option, and if he waits to see if he can win the Iowa kickoff (and maybe, win it going away) then, taking off the gloves will have more impact.
Most of his hair-mussing needs to be directed at the borgs, just now, and too much of even that, could be counterproductive. His news-conferences and speeches need to be finetuned to the implosion in Iraq, as well as his domestic policies.
Put it this way; about 25 of our troops died in “liberated” Iraq in the past two days.
It’s still costing us that $2.5 bil a week…
Mission Accomplished, if you have a functioning brain, is now Mission Impossible. (It always WAS.)
But if he and the rest of the dems hammer on that incessantly, they risk some backlash on bush’s behalf.
We are in the campaign doldrums right now, and that unpalatable but simple truth; that NO ONE is going to be able to “fix” this insanity, is the dominant factor.
Oddly, the old part-of-the-problem senate apparatchik, Joe Biden, is currently speaking the most truth about Iraq, when he says flatly that some kind of partition is what’s coming there, with all of the downside from that, and we might as well cop to it, and start preparing for it, by facing the truth. And incidentally save what lives and money we can.
Iraq is the biggest wild-card in an american election since Vietnam. And in some ways, it’s bigger, since we could bail there, and chalk up one agrarian Marxist regime, and the Dulles brothers “domino’s” proved to be non-existent.
In Iraq, the repercussions of bush’s loon crusade will be the gift that keeps on giving…in ways that no one reading this can predict with total accuracy, and the democratic candidates can’t do it either.
The invasion and the attempt to turn Iraq into a Chalabi-ruled subsidiary of the Fortune 500 was, when it was rattling around in the neo-cons’ febrile brains, a shot up a wild hog’s ass. Why should the denouement from this bloody fantasy be any different?
And that dicey aspect is making Edwards and everyone else that’s running, hedge their bets to some extent.
Well, Deandra said it in one paragraph. :o)
Thomas Ware: he DOES suck up to Israel some. You can’t be elected preznit without doing that.
But, unlike the other candidates, as of two months ago, he has taken ZERO dollars from A*P*C, and that, to me, is a FINE, FINE, thing to NOT have on his resume’.
Don’t know if I’m too late for anyone to read this, but I encourage everyone who likes Edwards [you don’t have to be CRAZY for him or have him as your #1 choice] to go to his web site & give some money. Even if it’s only $5, $10 or $25, the close of the June 30 reporting period is coming up, and the TradMed meme already is “he can’t raise money.”
Even if he can’t, at this point, catch up with Hillary & Obama in absolute dollars, I think it’s important that he show lots of donors — as a vote of confidence in his MESSAGE, and to enable him to get it out more.
BTW, I’ve seen him at fundraisers, and he demonstrates both energy and a willingness to state how he’s better than Hillary & Obama.
Jane (nyc) @ 134
Absolutely!!! and this is why it’s so important that he raise money to get his message out.
Sorry, Pach — TradMed’s been baiting Edwards throughout the year, especially this second quarter, for just the response you are asking for. And I think he’s spot-on: he has called out Mrs Clinton for her vote and non-apology on the war. And when he’s talked about experience, he’s looked right at Obama when he said it. But he hasn’t gotten angry.
If he gets angry, the elites will get the image they want: they are dying to show him as the angry white man, to portray his gentlemanliness as a fraud, to expose his caring as politically motivated.
I trust Trippi, and Bonior, and Elizabeth: let John Edwards be John Edwards. Everything I hear about his Iowa organization is superb: it’s really happening there, because people are getting the message. Let the ego-driven vanity campaigns play out at the top; TradMed will destroy them both before it’s over, I’m sure. And there John Edwards will be, smiling and radiant, a new Happy Warrior for the 21st century.
Please everyone read this comment! if you follow Edwards, and not the MSM narrative about him, he’s been very courageous: taking on Fox, the “War on Terror”, the “front-runners” that the Washington elites want and (some) Democrats stupidly support as best he can, being ahead on Iraq, energy, healthcare. If the Clinton machine wasn’t blasting, if people weren’t supporting Obama out of wishful liberal guilt, we’d have our Happy Warrior loaded for bear, and ready to win. Please give him money so he stay in the race against these two corporatists.
God, I’m always so late to these things. I think Edwards is the best candidate by far but I agree, he needs to start being more forceful. It was a while ago but I seem to recall Bill Clinton getting a lot more traction in his first campaign when he started getting mad about all the dirt being thrown at him. And Edwards’ hair is really a side issue, just another manufactured smear that should be treated as such. I see some people are very taken with the idea of Edwards shaving his head, but I think that would just be an open invitation for the MSM to give him the full-on Al Gore treatment, i.e. “Edwards will do anything to win!! Is Edwards’ head-shaving a sign of mental illness?” blah blah blah… (And from a purely aesthetic standpoint, I don’t think it would suit him.)
I don’t quite trust the charming Southern Progressive gentleman act from anyone, anymore.
Last time I bought it, I voted for Bill Clinton and by the end of his first term knew I had been played by a master.
If Edwards can turn away wrath with a soft answer, send cockroaches scuttling with a gentle light, I’m payiing attention. But that’s a long process that calls for patience on everyone’s part.
One prob that we ALLLLL have (”we” being those of us with room temperature I.Q.’s) is the obvious and already mentioned one:
If you’re not pissed off, you’re not paying attention.
So how does anger fit in?
I say, we need it.
We need to show it…some.
We need to be articulate, when we show it.
Forgiveness? Bi-partisanship?
Bullshit. Not now.
Not when the republicans still think they can play chicken, and do NOTHING to put pressure on bush, at the same time they try to make Pelosi and the dems force troop drawdowns and make bush set a withdrawal date, so they can then point to the even worse and bloodier chaos that is almost certain to follow, and say:
“See! We wanted to prevent this, and they wouldn’t let us!”
Of the candidates, my 2C, Edwards is playing it just about right.
He’s not trying to appear “above it all”. He’s had some fine things to say about all the bullshit. Courageous things.
And he’s not gone full-bore after Clinton (or Obama) which, at this point, I think is correct. He can’t portray Clinton as the enemy, with george bush and his coterie of shitheads sitting in the white house.
Time enough, in New Hampshire, to trot out Clinton’s statements supporting bush, including her most recent idiocy, about how the Iraqi government is to blame for not “doing more” to help the shitmire.
I’m concerned that Iraq is going to get SO bad; that ANY candidate who voted for that war authorization bill is going to have to be doing “mea culpa’s” 3 times a week.
It could come to that. I know good people who just won’t support Edwards, because of his vote there, no matter how many times he’s publicly said it was a mistake. I mean, there were 21 democratic senators who voted against it.
Just to stir the pot; are we saying that none of those 21 measure up to the three frontrunners?
I think that there could be room for an outsider to come in, later on, and make some serious noise in the campaign.
(Again; NOT the man who wanted Joe Lieberman to be a heartbeat away from the preznintzy.)
hey, lose the hair entirely and say it is a nod to breast cancer awareness.
a bald president will not get elected, but as it is, you allow yourself to react, so CUT it all off and get some mileage out of it.
Or, be yourself and F them all! That and at least get a crew cut, say you’re supporting the troops or something. Just get the hair thing over with.
Politics is way too simple and WAY too cynical these days.
The $$ of the haircut is what matters to poor people, and the best memory we will have of you if you keep this up will be the whole reduction of poverty thing. Do what your conscience allows and if you lose, that is the politics of today.
Post-43, everything will seem tainted, but democracy will survive.
Edwards is my choice too. I think the time has come for him to be the trial lawyer he really is and make the case the way you’d expect your lawyer to do if he was trying to save your life, your livelihood, and your loved ones.
I do not believe it is necessary to draw blood when it comes to the other personalities in the race. I believe he should quit running aginst Hillary and Obama and start running against the Republicans.
I believe he needs to paint the picture of Republican cronyism and corruption as vividly as possible and at every opportunity. I think he should identify the lies and liars who ropeat them, but the emphasis should be on the obvious damage it does to our country and its people.
The Republicans as a party have been cheerleaders for failed policies, erroneous presumptions,and have routinely derided sensible governance in favor of ideological “conservatism”. They enthusiastically rubber stamped everything from “Clear Skies” to Guantanamo and Abu-Garib. They are led by a psychopath who now believes he is indpendent of the Executive Office and the Congress–the Darth Vader of the Outer Limits. And his President concurs! This is a Republican Party that has destroyed our military, our military reserves AND our Department of Justice. What recourse do people have in defense of the liberties? Congress? The Unitary Executive and their Attorney General do not even respond Congress–no letter, no phone call, no FAX–nothing. What do you suppose they will do with a subpoena? Who is going to enforce it?
Who allows this kind of behavior ? The voting resistance in Congress is formed by Republicans in the main. Say what you will about the ineffectual efforts of the Dems to resist the burden of stupid policies, they are still unable to secure the votes they need to right a wrong course BECAUSE OF REPUBLICANS who still prefer loyalty to Bush-Cheney than to the common welfare of the nation.
John Edwards needs to attack the Party that makes all this possible and allows it to continue. Forget Hillary and Obama. Forget Thompson and McCain. The real target is the Republican Party.
TeddySanFran @ 18
Yup, yup and yup.
They’re already all over him for being a traitor to his class ‘hypocrite’ for being, y’know, rich and caring about poor people at the same time. (Whereas guys like Rudy, who are much richer and don’t care about poor people, are lionized by the press.)
Edwards does need to go on the attack — but then he also needs not to let himself be bludgeoned into apologizing for it. THAT’s the key.
My own advice for Edwards would be not to attack the other Democratic candidates but to attack their ideas/actions. He started to do this in the New Hampshire debate and until he let Obama smack him down after the first punch on leadership and then gave the no balls or brains answer about the first 100 days I thought he was gaining some traction.
He does need to step up his counter punching to the Republicans. This would gain him some serious allies and set fire to his honest populism.
Michael @ 312
I couldn’t disagree more.
A.Citizen @ 79
I don’t know if you recall, but not too long ago Giuliani decided to cross over and attack Edwards or Obama and he couldn’t convince everyone he’d won the Repub nomination (while they weren’t looking), so he faded back from 4x% to 2x% and is probably on his way out.
With hot air balloons it doesn’t always take a lot of anger and thrashing about to win. Just a little pressure in the right place and they’ll collapse.
Right now it’s hard to see any of the Repubs being a very strong candidate against whomever the Dems nominate. Time will tell.
But, anyway, for now I suggest Dems fight it out for the nomination and leave the Repubs to their own bizarre devices. There’s time for focusing on their nominee.
I do strongly agree we shouldn’t use low blows. Out of our top candidates we might have both a Prez and V.Prez, so it wouldn’t do for them to be enemies.
Great post! I’m weary from all the bullshit. Congress is in the basement with bush from all the bullshit they’re going along with. Time is now.
It is 6 years, 7 months, and 16 days too late for that “knife fight”! Better late than never. Its not to early to get a REAL candidate or have one of those clowns step up and go completely outside the current rules of this political gaming and frame up some new rules. Playing the same game and by the same rules, rove’s rules, that got us into this fine mess is NOT what is going to get us out of it.
The American voters are wearing from this same game. I want my country back now, right now!!! I want to see someone making a bold and realistic effort to do that, dammit. This is our country, this is people’s lives, this is not a fucking game. I see the Dems pussyfootin’ around with their big “Wait for it…. no, wait more…. just a little more…” bullshit and I’m saying ENOUGH with the gaming. Don’t play their game! Take the power back that belongs to the majority of voters and run with thaaaaat. The majority will support that, now. That’s what we need now, right now!
Myrtle June says:
June 24th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Playing the same game and by the same rules, rove’s rules, that got us into this fine mess is NOT what is going to get us out of it.
That’s the key, I think. It’s crazy to try to play by their rules in their court, particularly since their rules mean “we get to cheat, and the press won’t pay attention. If you do anything we don’t like, the press eats you alive.”
Don’t play that.