Early Morning Swim: Jane Hamsher Debates Republican Strategist on Bradley Manning Treatment (Video)

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Early Morning Swim: Jane Hamsher Debates Republican Strategist on Bradley Manning Treatment (Video)
By: Blue Texan Thursday March 17, 2011 5:00 am	Tweet

Brava, Jane. So much for that innocent until proven guilty stuff.

The episodes of forced nudity are particularly disturbing. In both instances, nudity was imposed after, according to Mr. Manning, he had run-ins with brig personnel, leading to questions about whether it was payback for mouthing off. And Mr. Manning’s treatment comes uncomfortably close to the kind of intimidating and humiliating tactics disavowed after the abuses at the Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo prisons that eroded the country’s standing in the world.

Before abruptly resigning his post this week, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley called Mr. Manning’s treatment “ridiculous and counterproductive and stupid.” That sounds about right.

When you’ve lost Kaplan Test Prep…

76 Comments

76 Responses to “Early Morning Swim: Jane Hamsher Debates Republican Strategist on Bradley Manning Treatment (Video)”

SanderO March 17th, 2011 at 5:08 am

It’s pretty hard to defend the indefensible. Thanks Jane for pointing out the hypocrisy.

As I often say we are a Hypocracy not a Democracy.

klynn March 17th, 2011 at 5:12 am

Great job Jane. Great job.

The GOP standard: trial by sound bite on television and forget the courtroom.

The GOP wrap their party in the flag and then tear apart the Constitution…Unless the legal needs apply to themselves.

The Constitution is not a, “Mine, not yours,” object of possession.

tjbs March 17th, 2011 at 5:12 am

Pasty, white, fat boy apologist for torture.

Good for you Jane, our truth cannon.

ghostof911 March 17th, 2011 at 5:13 am

In response to SanderO @ 1

Hypocracy is an understatement.

Lady Macbeth in Tunisia.

“we have an enormous stake in ensuring that Egypt and Tunisia provide models for the kind of democracy that we want to see.”

Hillary’s going to learn ‘em about democracy. And she says it with such a straight face.

Bradley Manning thinks she’s hilarious.

Knut March 17th, 2011 at 5:18 am

Great job, Jane. Keep the pressure on. Most people are still unaware how Bradley is being treated, and despite all the noise, most people will be ashamed of their government when they find out (tea baggers excepted always).

demi March 17th, 2011 at 5:22 am

Now, this is the kind of action that makes me proud to be a member of FDL. Just. Great. Jane. Thank you.
Interesting how Ratigan kept interrupting Jane to say that she would get her rebuttal later. Unfortunately when folks like Brent start yapping the lies, the don’t stop and keep repeating them. By the time the other side gets to talk, the lies are already out there. Good on Jane for jumping in with the truth, but in her Jane way.

SanderO March 17th, 2011 at 5:23 am

The notion of innocent until proven guilty is being changed into guilty until proven innocent. Makes it easier for the fascists.

SharonMI March 17th, 2011 at 5:23 am

Good for you (and us) Jane! Yuck, I feel the need for another shower just watching that blowhard.

demi March 17th, 2011 at 5:25 am

Also interesting to hear that the president said, Well that’s what they’re telling me. Yeah, and they told Bush there were wmd too.

ghostof911 March 17th, 2011 at 5:26 am

Protest events scheduled for this weekend.

Sunday (3/20) is a protest at the gates of Quantico.

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 5:28 am

In response to demi @ 6

Hey, Missed ya’ Hope all is well.

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 5:29 am

Mornin’, BT, pups

Could I treat this guy the way brig personnel are treating Bradley because he’s such an authoritarian asshole with an atrocious hairdo (hairpiece?). Also.

wagthedog March 17th, 2011 at 5:30 am

Quite the commander in chief we have, seems more interested in pretending he is Tiger Woods. The world may be experiencing the worst nuclear disaster in the history of the world, and his priority is to play golf.

He most be trying to beat Bush’s record of incompetency.

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 5:30 am

In response to ghostof911 @ 10

Oh, finally read yesterday’s post covering the protests didja?

demi March 17th, 2011 at 5:31 am

In response to RevBev @ 11

I’m great. Hope you two are too.

theloneapple March 17th, 2011 at 5:35 am

Republicans and right wingers love to prove how tough they are by bullying people under their control. They don’t have the sack to step in the face of someone who’ll actually punch back.

Shoto March 17th, 2011 at 5:36 am

In response to SouthernDragon @ 12

with an atrocious hairdo (hairpiece?).

Damn, and I thought it was a cute little animal perched up there. I stand corrected.

Morning BT & Firepups.

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 5:36 am

In response to SouthernDragon @ 12

SD, I missed you yesterday…How is your baby? Been wondering after I (belatedly) saw your post.

ghostof911 March 17th, 2011 at 5:37 am

In response to ghostof911 @ 4

Hypocrisy.

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 5:37 am

In response to demi @ 15

Yep, we’re good….til I get the bill;)

demi March 17th, 2011 at 5:40 am

In response to RevBev @ 20

What do they say? If all your problems can be solved with money, you don’t have real problems. Something like that?

Ruth Calvo March 17th, 2011 at 5:40 am

Watched this yesterday, am really glad Jane would not back down, kept telling the pasty white guy that the verdict wasn’t his to make, and declaring Manning guilty is a violation of our justice system.

demi March 17th, 2011 at 5:40 am

In response to ghostof911 @ 19

How do you know what Manning feels about Clinton?

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 5:42 am

In response to RevBev @ 18

She’s doin’ okay. Tissue around tooth where tumor is not healing as well as where canines were extracted, which is to be expected. Day to day.

Shoto March 17th, 2011 at 5:42 am

Speaking of half-bright, bought-and-paid for little weasels being afraid of smart women…

Hey Spencer: Does the term “Sleazy dirtbag piece of shit” mean anything to you?

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 5:42 am

In response to demi @ 21

Depends on who “they” is, I guess.

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 5:44 am

In response to SouthernDragon @ 24

I’m really sorry; she’s a lucky kid to have you. Just let us know how everyone is doing.

demi March 17th, 2011 at 5:47 am

In response to RevBev @ 26

You’re heard that phrase before, no? Maybe “they” is grandmothers. People who’ve been around the block a few times. Just a way of getting a bigger perspective, I think.

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 5:48 am

In response to RevBev @ 27

I certainly have an idea of what folks with loved ones who have cancer go through now. It ain’t easy.

Ruth Calvo March 17th, 2011 at 5:48 am

In response to SouthernDragon @ 24

Best pets to her. and all the kitties.

demi March 17th, 2011 at 5:50 am

In response to Shoto @ 25

And, when the smart women are attractive as well, it really gets their goats. I was going to add “blond”, but I decided not to go there. *g*

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 5:50 am

In response to demi @ 28

Yeah….I was kidding. I really have always wondered who “they” meant, as though they were authorities.

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 5:51 am

In response to Shoto @ 25

Man, the Regressives really are afraid of her, aren’t they?

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 5:52 am

In response to SouthernDragon @ 29

Surely not….very hard. And a helpless feeling.

SanderO March 17th, 2011 at 5:56 am

In response to demi @ 31

I’ve wondered why Jane’s SO blond… not that she doesn’t look great as a blond. I’ve often thought that once she went into “the media” she sported the blondest locks almost to mock the blond female pol we see so common on the right.

The whole “blond” thing is rather interesting. One can certainly say it’s well passed “aesthetics” and always carries a subtext.

ghostof911 March 17th, 2011 at 6:00 am

It’s comforthing to know that the Repigs are now defending Obama.

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 6:00 am

OT: Here in TX we are going to the 80s today…already high 60s. Spring starts this weekend while it’s starting to feel like summer. yep, that’s TEXAS for ya.

demi March 17th, 2011 at 6:01 am

In response to SanderO @ 35

I only said that because both Jane and Elizabeth are fair headed and blonds in the past have had a certain “reputation”.
You might be over thinking the why’s, though. Could be she just likes the look. Kind of like an Annie Lennox thing.

IntelVet March 17th, 2011 at 6:02 am

Excellent, Jane.

It goes without saying among most here that the government will try to make the (IMO) shallow case that Bradley Manning treasonously released embarrassing (read: confidential) documentation. I hope his defense goes deeper into whether Bradley Manning had a constitutional duty, bound by his military oath, to release such, especially after being stalled by his (apparently) unresponsive chain of command.

Exposing evidence of Constitutional wrong-doing is never treasonous.

wavpeac March 17th, 2011 at 6:03 am

that was a thing of beauty! Thanks Jane! It considerably weakened his argument and made this an issue of patriotism…for the constitution and following it!! Awesome. Reall. Made me proud to be American for a minute.

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 6:03 am

Off to swim in the great capitalist cesspool.

US KIA Afghanistan: 1,503

US KIA Irak: 4,439

Iraki, Afghan and Pakistani casualties: estimates vary to over 1.5M

US MBS 2011: 9,300 and counting

Trespasser

Be good to yourselves, and all other living things

Namaste

No war but class war

In dramatic revolt, Miami-Dade voters fire Mayor Carlos Alvarez over pay hikes, tax increase

Never. Give. Up.

wavpeac March 17th, 2011 at 6:04 am

In response to demi @ 38

geesh…do we discuss the hair color of the male commentators?? Or the bald heads of the male commentators…how bout Anderson cooper and his white hair…what is he saying when he sports that color…hmmm?

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 6:05 am

In response to SouthernDragon @ 41

We miss you already…;)

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 6:06 am

In response to wavpeac @ 42

Maybe not the color, but certainly a lot of “rugs”, iirc;)

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 6:06 am

In response to wavpeac @ 42

Matter ‘o fact we do take note of (and make jokes about) things like George Will’s hairpiece, as well as the clown in the video above.

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 6:07 am

In response to RevBev @ 44

Owe ya a beverage. *g*

demi March 17th, 2011 at 6:08 am

In response to wavpeac @ 42

Oh, hmmmm yourself. I don’t think you read my comment they way I said it.

demi March 17th, 2011 at 6:11 am

Guess it’s time for me to get ready for work. Take care all.
Actually, I forgot that my new standard response for bs is Get a grip.

Margaret March 17th, 2011 at 6:13 am

Wow. Kuroneko let me sleep in today.

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 6:14 am

Local news/TX/suggesting Tommy Lee Jones for the Senate race….sounds good to me…..

greenwarrior March 17th, 2011 at 6:17 am

In response to wagthedog @ 13

Are you kidding? Did he really go golfing?

demi March 17th, 2011 at 6:17 am

In response to Margaret @ 49

Nice kitty.

Margaret March 17th, 2011 at 6:20 am

Well done Jane! I don’t watch Ratigan but it occurs to me that these bobbleheads who continually allow the cons to interrupt, seem to have zero tolerance when it comes to liberals pointing out when the Repugs are lying. I noticed that after seemingly accepting correction, at the end he managed to once again say how Manning has “put peoples’ lives in danger”. What a pig.

Margaret March 17th, 2011 at 6:21 am

In response to greenwarrior @ 51

Probably even said, “….Now…watch this shot”.

RevBev March 17th, 2011 at 6:23 am

In response to greenwarrior @ 51

Must have….I heard Hannity fussing about that yesterday + fundraising…;)

waynec March 17th, 2011 at 6:44 am

Outstanding Jane!
You spoke truth to the masses.I love how much press PFC Manning is getting just before the ralley Saturday.
Things finally seem to going in PFC Mannings way.
It’s about time.
Well done, Jane, thank you.

SanderO March 17th, 2011 at 6:56 am

While blond may mean nothing to some, one can’t ignore all the messaging going on as subtext by the appearance we present in “person” . And yes this is very important to our message… aside from it being a message of its own.

bluedot12 March 17th, 2011 at 7:00 am

Good job yesterday, Jane. I like you called that ass a liar, for that is what he is.

workingclass March 17th, 2011 at 7:00 am

In response to theloneapple @ 16

Republicans and right wingers? It’s Obama torturing Manning.

bgrothus March 17th, 2011 at 7:34 am

Thank you for being there, Jane. At least there is one voice of truth, when you are on. Otherwise, notsomuch. We need you there.

RoyalOak March 17th, 2011 at 7:46 am

Thank you Jane! And thank you Dylan! I think Dylan should have a much longer show on MSNBC – get rid of those awfule Hardball repeats!

onitgoes March 17th, 2011 at 7:50 am

Let me join the chorus to THANK YOU, Jane!! Sooo very glad that *at least* we have some kind of say to the PTB. I am so disgusted with what’s being done in MY name (and all citizens). Brava! And kudos to Ratigan, too. Keep it up!

Free Bradley Manning!!

CassandraBearingWitness March 17th, 2011 at 7:51 am

Manning and Assange should get the Nobel Peace Price, and the Great Pretender in the White House should be asked to return his.

Any rabid right wing hawk who doesn’t love Obama can only be a racist, and any progressive who still likes him must be demented.

Gitcheegumee March 17th, 2011 at 7:59 am

Last time I posted regarding Ms.Hamsher’s appearance on one of these shows I complained that she was too nice for her own good…and that she would be better served to be more assertive when dealing with right wing assholes.

Maybe Jane did listen up.

Great job, Jane.

Assertive and aggressive aren’t the same thing

Gitcheegumee March 17th, 2011 at 8:01 am

In response to RoyalOak @ 61

Once is definetly enough of Mr. Tingle (Matthhews).

Come to think of it,maybe once is MORE than enough….

hotdog March 17th, 2011 at 8:19 am

Early Morning Swim: Jane Hamsher Debates Republican ~~Strategist~~ Talking Points Parrot on Bradley Manning Treatment (Video)
fixed it for you BT.

yellowsnapdragon March 17th, 2011 at 8:35 am

Bwahahaha. Weasely R shill admits that Manning hasn’t been convicted of a crime.

Loooorve seeing a good R stompin’

mzchief March 17th, 2011 at 8:35 am

In response to demi @ 6

Double that! That was great immediately refuting their lies. No need for the camera to pan your way– just nail the bullshit the second it comes out of their mouths.

March 17th, 2011 at 9:27 am

Uh….I sleep naked..I guess I am torturing myself
YAWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

tremoluxman March 17th, 2011 at 9:45 am

Don’t you just love how the Right-wing True Believers who make such a show of wrapping themselves in the Holy Constitution have such a problem with it when it comes to truly following it and exercising its protections and provisions?

dosido March 17th, 2011 at 9:45 am

In response to alamode @ 69

I wonder how well you would sleep if you were arrested with bs/no charges, and thrown in jail indefinitely (clothes optional)?

SouthernDragon March 17th, 2011 at 9:47 am

In response to alamode @ 69

Hey, troll, do you live in a 6′ x 8′ cell and let strangers tell you what to do every waking minute then allow them to take your clothes every night. I’d be willing to bet you’d be sobbin’ like a 3 month old before 24 hours is up in a civilian jail cell.

dosido March 17th, 2011 at 9:47 am

In response to tremoluxman @ 70

Indeed, and it was just one quick step from jailing brown foreigners, who don’t “deserve” the legal protections of US citizens, to indefinitely detaining US citizens. Yes, I’m counting Padilla, but add to this case the fact that Manning is white.

ETA: I add the skin color because it just dispels any notion that this only happens to “other” people. Many people only care about white america.

We’re there.

bluewombat March 17th, 2011 at 10:16 am

Ah, very well said, Jane. Nicely done.

ArlaM March 17th, 2011 at 10:24 am

In response to alamode @ 69

And do you then have someone force you to stand at Military Attention outside your front door until the entire neighborhood has had an eyefull?

Just sayin’

john in sacramento March 17th, 2011 at 11:04 am

In response to alamode @ 69

What’s torture is that visual about your sleeping habits that you just gave the rest of us

(where’s that brain bleach?)