Republicans don’t seem too jazzed about celebrating the Decider’s passing of the torch to the Maverick.
While excitement is building for a Democratic Party convention capped by Barack Obama’s historic acceptance speech before a sold-out, 75,000-seat football stadium, the GOP convention the following week is shaping up to be a considerably more staid affair, marked by the conspicuous absence of many of the usual convention attendees.
…Of the 12 Republicans running in competitive Senate races — five of whom are incumbents —- only three have said they will be attending the convention. Six are definite no-shows, and three are on the fence.
"On the fence" is code for "avoiding the place like the plague." The reason?
“Nobody likes a funeral,” said a Senate Republican press secretary who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing “the overall climate of general malaise about the party” as the reason for hesitance on the part of Republicans.
I love the smell of Republican fear in the morning. Smells like … victory.



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So, Blue Texan, trying to analyze why Rethugs are $10M in a whole, huh?!!
Good Morn BT and pups.
I personally can’t relax till Jan 20 09. Even then, not completely.
*clutches garlic necklace*
Be interesting to see what goes on at Ron Paul’s competing event
If the MSM has their way they will pump st. john up and get the repugs to come to their party. The MSM needs to sell papers and help the repugs to victory. I think that the repugs won’t be able to hide their political affiliation so they might as well show up.
What scares me about this conclusion is that we are still not to the point of feeling assured it is locked up for Obama, even with the stolen part notwithstanding.
Of course, it is scary that many of us also think W is completely capable of provoking a hugh national emergency just to “get his way.” How odd that we can have these very troubling thoughts about our country. It all started for me the day the US Sup. Ct. stopped the recount in Florida…intervening in a state practice that was none of its business. It has been a long, very long, trek.
Perhaps if the Party promised a variety show featuring the entire Bush family performing like the Osmond family did in their old TV specials, Republics would cheer up and fill the hotels.
One reason that it’s still scary is that the Clintons are still triangulating.
I’d watch that shit.
I hope they get crushed so bad in November that it ceases to be a functioning party, they deserve no less.
this guy will be able to attend
Oh, that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy watching repugs writhing in misery, heh.
Speaking of miserable things, I was confused more than informed by what little I was able to capture of talking heads Sun & yestidie.
Is there anything to the nonsense over Hill possibly causing a fuss at the Dem. convention? Or is that all just the product of bored and boring nitwit faux-news nits? Had to do with – shame on him – Edwards not announcing his dalliance updates publically and earlier so-as to avoid influencing the vote totals in the primaries. Is that NUTS? or am I? not that the latter has anything to do with it.
Sorry to be so loony. Still getting up middle of the night with sick kitty eyes, so my own vision & mental capacity is severely limited. *oogh*
But, but, but the media say the race is too close to call and that John McCain is a real Commander in Chief, and he was right about Iraq, and that he’s a maverick and straightshooter, and he has national security cred, and he’ll lower your taxes.
This is what I have been saying for a while now. The media have been bigger promoters of John McCain than his own party. The convention story is more evidence of this.
Bingo! That’s what did it for me also. Will never relax completely for the rest of my days on this planet. The supremes? BAH! HUMBUG!
Hi BT,
I think the relative closeness of the polls is deceptive. There is a genuine lack of enthusiasm in the Republican base for McCain and party in general. No great new wedge issues on the agenda, plus they are tired of being played like a fiddle every four years and ignored the rest of the time. If nothing happens between now and November to get them stirred up, I suspect they’ll stay home in droves.
On a slightly different note. Here is a link to an article by an Arizona reporter who has covered McCain for over 20 years.
Postmodern John McCain: the presidential candidate some Arizonans know — and loathe
I saw an article the other day — Sully linked — that showed a 5 point lead in the national is akin to an electoral blowout.
Ignore the national number.
amen!
at this rate we should just skip the election and get on with impeaching the next dem president.
Both Clintons are speaking at the convention which should get a lot of things stirred up. Her supporters are demanding that her name be put in nomination – ugh! I just wish the Clintons would stop.
I hope you are right. I saw the Pastor Land from the Baptists saying how critical the right to life is for his people; he does not endorse, according to himself. But he certainly was stacking his religious deck for McC.
I think that the convention should be held outdoors since there is no enclosed place on the face of the earth that can comfortably contain the Clintons’ egos.
translation please. “watch” as in “be cautious”, or watch as in heehaw?
ok, but this time can we make for something that matters?
Will Nancy Reagan attend? She loathes John McCain over his divorce from Carol McCain with whom she was friends.
Ha — I’d watch it as in, “I’d sure as hell tune in to see that.”
lol! take power away from the executive?! never!
been chuckling for the last month watching Rick Warren steal all that righteous thunder
lol, good one.
Who are these phantom clinton supporters anyways. The corporations that invested early?
Last time I have her she looked very frail. Did she make some kind of very low key statement about being for the “Repub. candidate?” I think so, but mostly forgotten.
DANG! I heard that & thot, “NO WAY!” So it’s true and not just Howie Putz playing with our little minds. Oh Goom.
Please, dog, make hill and bill come to their senses. NOW! This has ceased to be a little sideshow. They would risk bringing down our country. for… personal ego… Disgusting. I expect that of repugs. Dems. should know better.
*standing on soap box*
HEY YOU! YEAH, HILL! I’m lookin’ right at ya! Are YOU telling ME you’re too frail and cowardly to wait 8 years? You gonna need a fainting couch and smelling salts?? You loony enough in yer dotage to toss the pantsuits and start wearing Britney-esque fluffery already if u don’t git yer way alldeedamthyme???
Two words, Hillary and Bill:
GROW. UP.
*retires to dunce stool and adjusts pointy foil cap*
1,731 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND…
Citizen Badwater:
“One reason that it’s still scary is that the Clinton’s are still triangulating.”
Ain’t that the truth…you learn a hell of a lot more about a politician (and a person) in defeat especially as the closets open up and the internal memos show up in real time with memory still fresh. What we have learned about BOTH Clintons since the end of the prolonged melodrama of the primary is absolutely damning and by the time August rolls around Obama and the Democratic Party aren’t gunna want to have even a black and white photo of the bastards anywhere close ta Denver. It’s not like those of us in the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party haven’t figured the Clintons out long ago but the disclosure and publication of the internal memos from the corporatist mouth piece and Wolfson’s sour “whine” about Mrs. Clinton’s nomination bein’ “stolen” by Edwards’ gettin away with adultery have sealed the deal for a majority of voters.
The longer the Clintons try and capture the cameras from Obama, the more their sorry asses get exposed in the sunlight of mass media…if they don’t call in their dogs, they’re gunna be SOL by the time Denver rolls around. What are these two valueless, amoral hucksters thinkin’…do they really think they ken damage Obama by exposin’ themselves on national television?
KEEP THE FAITH AND REMEMBER NOT ALL FASCISTS CALL THEMSELVES REPUBLICANS!!!
thank you for some dad-gum terrific perspective, Hugh!
That is precisely how they look. I didn’t expect them ever to be perfect, but I expected wayyyy more than they exhibit at this point. They have truly lost their way. They’re like the old fuddy duddies of ages past who would smite all those who dared suggest the sun did not revolve around the earth.
They’re in outer space, all right, but wayyyyy outta any natural orbit I ever saw. ‘I hope they wake up one of these fine days,’ says she, thinking much nastier wording.
Yep. They have to make it appear close and competitive so they get those eyeballs to view them and they can sell more advertising. Nevermind the truth. It is all about the $$$$
She like many made a perfunctory statement – totally lacking any enthusiasm. I doubt that she will attend and the story line will go out that she is not physically able. What has been going on with Ron Reagan, Four years ago he was very visible
Nancy dislikes McCain, plus I suspect she is ticked off by the rest of the Republican pinheads who have tarnished the party brand she and Ronnie worked so long to burnish, while falling over themselves pretending to be a continuation of Dear Leader’s legacy.
And I thought I had heard he has come out for Obama….but, again, not sure I recall with much accuracy. As if we haven’t been flooded…
Wow, Don’t hold back your feelings! Hopefully both Bill and Hillary give great speeches at the convention in support of Obama. Hillary has already and will probably continue to do so, but I’m concerned about Bill.
i gonna assume that’s not a typo.
it’s perfect just as is. *g*
Thank you for reminding me. Looking back, I realize that almost all my objections to the Bigdog’s administration were related to civil liberties. The top two were Bill insisting on the signing away of fourth admendment rights in public housing and Al’s Clipper Chip campain.
Citizen Twain:
Not to worry Citizen Twain…the Clinton’s have arrived at their Waterloo and Obama is jest lettin’ the rope out while they cut themselves up in the national media. Neither Mr. or Mrs. Bill have run into anyone like Obama and even all the millions they’ve taken from their corporate bosses can’t buy enough lipstick for their images now.
Something to the effect of, “I’d like to smear him with Preparation H and make him disappear… but I guess he’ll be the nominee.”
OT, one for the ticker, I think.
Mukasey: no prosecutions in Justice hiring scandal.
My disgust is boundless.
FunnyD
Isn’t St. Ronnie of Rayguns the Great Leader, and the Dim Son is the Dear Leader?
I get my despots mixed up so easily anymore…
BC
thanx
u make me feel better. i’ve been thinking along the same lines, fingers crossed…
There is a quote by Huey Long to the effect of, “Of course we’ll have fascism in America but we’ll call it democracy.” Not to suggest that Huey had any objection to fascism. If he were alive today I’m certain he’d be a Republican.
ARRRRRRGH! This from a US AG?!!!!!
“But,” he [Mukasey] told delegates to the American Bar Association annual meeting, “not every wrong, or even every violation of the law, is a crime. In this instance, the two joint reports found only violations of the civil service laws.”
My disgust is even more boundless.
Morning, Pups. Hi, BT!
FunnyD
Please save a chair. I’d be honored to join ya! ;->
Yeah, I get my despots mixed up too. Patron saint of deregulation.
Speaking of neocon fascists.
OK, I’m missing something here. why shouldn’t Hillary Clinton’s name be placed in nomination?
In 1992, I believe Jerry Brown and Paul Tsongas were both nominated even though Bill Clinton had already “clinched” the nomination.
In 1988, Jesse Jackson was nominated, even though Dukakis had won the nomination.
In 1984, Gary Hart and Jackson were nominated even though Mondale had the nomination.
In 1980, Teddy Kennedy was nominated, even though he had done far more to wreck Carter’s re-election than Hillary has done to Obama.
In fact, some quick research shows that in most every open year and even some with an incumbent, the losing challengers have been allowed to have their names entered as nominees and be voted on. In Y2K, Bill Bradley chose to “release” his delegates, but other than that, why should Hillary’s supporters be blocked from having one last hurrah prior to fully uniting behind Obama?
Or are the Obama supporters truly that insecure?
And I liked the part about 2 wrongs don’t make a right…that from our top legal mind. I bet the ABAers were really impressed.
Is he absolutely the last word?
Given the two degrees of separation between “Poppy” Bush and John Hinkley, Nancy may still harbor a bit of bitterness about the attempted hit on her husband.
Adie and Busted,
you have both touched on something near and dear –
IF, some of our pundits are correct and the Republics brand is so damaged as to relegate them to minority party status for a few election cycles . . .then that is the time to keep our Birkenstocks on their callow necks and never let them up again. It will appear distasteful or unseemingly to some among us
bullshit. We had them pinned with Watergate and the Church Committee and we woke up one day to find Cheney and Rumsfeld in total power (after the lessons of IranContra)- nope. we will gild that lilly, pour gasoline on that fire, and use a sledgehammer when advised a scalpel will do
should go without saying we have even more work to do within our own barely recognizable Party
1/20/09 – the battle is joined !
Giving Bill Clinton’s crap from Africa it takes on a lot of the 1980 luster.
don’t even joke about dat. Didn’ u see Opus this past Sunday? it was perfect.
I thought that the more revelent quote was that when fascism comes to America it will wraped in a flag and carrying a bible(paraphrase).
Until January
I want Feingold nominated!!!111
No reason it shouldn’t be placed in nomination but it would be nice if she refused to allow it since it will surely cause a demonstration by her fans. A show of unity would be so nice ….hard to accomplish amid the Dems.
Feingold/Dean`08!!!111
Huey Long is reported to have said that when fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag … he was more correct than we knew.
when the Edwards story broke I immediately thought of ‘populist’ Willie Stark :D
or Dodd!
Dodd/Feingold`08!!!111
He might have been an evil bastard but he was certainly prescient.
The dems need a champ! not these these clinton/obama chumps.
Another relevant quote:
Fascism is capitalism plus murder: Upton Sinclair.
Maybe. But you have to run with the candidate you’ve got, not the candidate you wish you had.
the bushies has gotten that down well.
Hopefully Edwards comes out ahead in that comparison, although Stark gets points for production values.
fuk that, the dems can go cheney themselves as far as i’m concerned.
well, he’s one of “those” you know. mebbe the powersthatbe have seen to it he’s not allowed air-time. it’d be a shame. he generally had important things to say, as opposed to some babbling along these days.
Did any of us really expect a toady and lickspittle like Mukasey to act any differently? Even at his confirmation hearings he made it clear that he saw his mission as covering for the Bush Administration. To repeat my Mukasey Principle: no one with a shred of integrity would voluntarily work for this Administration. Since Mukasey had none, there was no problem.
Capitalism and violence have always been inextricably linked. Something to do with that evil root, probably.
speaking of the great O hole
new post.
And as I mention, why not allow her supporters one last hurrah/demonstration of their support before the unity moments? She did receive a significant amount of the primary vote and it does nothing to further the Obama cause and is in fact rather insulting to HRC and her voters to expect them to just shut up and sit quietly. Would the same thing be expected of Jesse Jackson if he had been running against Obama?
Citizen dakine01 :
“OK, I’m missing something here, why shouldn’t Hillary Clinton’s name be placed in nomination…are the Obama supporters truly that insecure?”
No, the Obama supporters are NOT insecure and neither are they or their candidate stupid (I ain’t at all sure about the Clintbots though). Both Clintons are bein paid millions by their corporate benefactors to make fools of themselves and attempt ta prolong the nomination conflict…in so doing, and with the calculated leakin of the internal campaign correspondence that exposes the truly slimy nature of their political character, BOTH Clintons are becomin’ parodies of themselves. No, the Clintons aren’t a threat to Obama but they ARE capable of making total asses of themselves on national television and smearin’ their stinkin’ offal all over the Democratic Party.
KEEP THE FAITH AND PASS THE AMMUNITION, IT’S OUR JOB TA PUSH THESE BASTARDS OFF THE STAGE!!
A little more Upton Sinclair, from a letter to Norman Thomas:
There’s a moral for us here.
“I love the smell of Republican fear in the morning. Smells like … victory.”
I’m not comfortable with assumptions that the GOP is a “goner” yet.
And I won’t be until I watch the stake driven being through its’ black heart.
Corrected for accuracy
Egad! Whu? Where? Linkie puleeze. I jus’ been babblin’ along like an aimless brook. Haven’t a clue whut i be sayin, much less whether u agree or disagree.
please help me join discourse and chart me-own course. seriously. *g*
No. But as I’ve commented before: “Not surprising” does NOT equal “Not outrageous.”
Have you updated your scandals list with this yet, or are you just adding “etc. etc. etc., ad nauseum”?
FunnyD
a/k/a IOKIYAAR, It’s Okay If You Are A Republican.
Citizen cbl2:
Right fuckin on Citizen CBL2…no pardons, no mercy, no quarter and not a moment’s peace for ANY of the fascist bastards and their tub of shit party.
just your opening comments about never, ever relaxing while they still breathe :D
And the dems that white washed it.
DAMMIT! ruined my day. but appreciate the update. those scum should NOT get away with that.
Citizen BargainCountertenor:
Thanx for the Sinclair quote to Norman Thomas, is that in a collected works or correspondence someplace? Geez there are truly some “giants in the earth” of our history ain’t there?
It is a concession to the necessity of appropriate packaging.
A lot of the reason we have so many schlubs in leadership roles is that they excel at self-promotion and nothing else.
Norske,
I got it from Wikiquote, but I’d run into it before, probably in Bartlett’s.
New Ian upstairs.
In fact, I will at the end of item 156 today. Thanks.
i’ll jump in with a wild, off-the-wall, blind-as-an-old-bat guess here, if i may…..
There seem to be no boundaries sufficient to contain the trickery used to overturn our election system these past several years.
People here are literally, sensibly, terrified at the possibilities for underhanded mayhem.
Did I mention cold, deep, enduring ANGER? If not, you may assume it’s there, even as we crack silly jokes and smile at friends, if only to stay sane while we wend our way through the caverns of our current system of governance, which I would label if i could find the words.
I’m not a pearl-clutcher. But I’ve seen a lotta years and a lotta gummint twists and turns. I have never before been as worried about the future as I am at this moment. But I won’t give up. It’s not in me. I know I have company here at the Lake.
That pretty much covers it for me.
Next?
heh. That too. I promised myself I’d watch my language here but, at times, it’s a tussle. Thanks for reading tw’ the lines. ;->
We desperately need them in the Senate.
I will be interested to see how they keep the anti-immigration folks quiet. One speech with even a hint of racism will do for them what the Buchanan speech did for Bush in 92.
Actually, if Huckabee is on the ticket, the humor value will rise tremendously, as will the excitement. If he is not, it will be interesting to see what his delegates will do.