York: 'Everyone Seems a Little Embarrassed'

York: ‘Everyone Seems a Little Embarrassed’

PoliticsFebruary 2009 • Views: 2,582

I just got off the phone with a very plugged-in Republican strategist who told me that Republican reaction to President Obama’s speech, which the party will roll out in the next few days, will mark the beginning of a new GOP approach to opposing the president’s initiatives.� (No, Bobby Jindal’s ineffective response was not part of that new approach — everyone seems a little embarrassed about that.)� The Republican leadership in the House has concluded that in the stimulus debate, the GOP succeeded in dominating a number of news cycles but failed to score any points on actual policy.� That, the leaders believe, has got to change.

“You’re seeing a major doctrinal shift in how Republicans are going to focus all these debates,” the strategist told me.� “The key is to focus on winning the issue as opposed to winning the political moment.� If you win the issue, people will think you are ready to govern.”

I asked him to elaborate a little.� “With the political moment, it’s how can you find the one thing that gives you the momentary upper hand in terms of the coverage for the next six hours — as opposed to engaging the electorate in creating a structural change in their opinion on which party is better able to handle an issue.”

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397 comments

Last Mohican Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:32:46am

Well, I’m glad we got that Jindal thing out of the way now.

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:32:51am

freedombilly Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:33:19am

There’s hope! Get the this Jindal clown off of my television!

freedombilly Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:33:58am

We can not let the MSM choose the next Republican nominee for President.

transient Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:34:06am

What, you mean strategy, instead of tactics?
/heresy!

Nevergiveup Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:34:25am

re: #4 freedombilly

We can not let the MSM choose the next Republican nominee for President.

Well they did choose the last one?

Kragar (Antichrist ) Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:34:44am

Prep the stage hook for Jindal. Hopefully they get their act together

Sean Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:34:56am

It is about time! The GOP has been rudderless since 1996.
When a new “Contract with America” is created be sure to keep the MSM from mis-representing it.

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:35:03am

I think he’s saying that they can’t out Obama Obama, so they have to go policy for now. Which is good because they’ve got no personality that can upstage Obama at this time.

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:35:32am

re: #4 freedombilly

We can not let the MSM choose the next Republican nominee for President.

They want it to be Jindal.
I say go for the person they hate the most.
We all know who that is.

Gus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:35:51am

Oh such irony.

The change is already happening. Last night on Fox, Sean Hannity asked House Republican Whip Eric Cantor whether the president’s “massive amount of spending…is capable of getting us out of the economic downturn we now find ourselves in?” It was a perfect opportunity for Cantor to tee off on the spending excesses in the stimulus. Instead, he said, “Well, Sean, if you’re talking about the stimulus plan that was passed, I’m trying to put the debate behind us. We are where we are…”

Just a few weeks ago, House Republicans cheered and high-fived each other for unanimously opposing the stimulus. Now, having realized they won the soundbite contest but lost the war, they don’t want to talk about it. That is a major shift indeed.

Milk in a Box Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:35:55am

Hooray for actually trying to change policy, instead of just the constant flow of “No!”
Another upside is once Republicans propose alternatives *cross fingers*, Obama’s ideas should seem even more crazy to average Americans.

meeshlr Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:35:58am

Wow.

I’m pleasantly surprised to hear that the party will focus on issues rather than soundbites. Excellent.

Charles Johnson Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:36:00am

I’m not too encouraged by that completely rote, boilerplate GOP response.

Last Mohican Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:36:13am

re: #6 Nevergiveup

Well they did choose the last one?

Well, McCain was the MSM favorite, for what it’s worth. He was politically moderate, and amiable. He did Letterman, and he was warm, funny, and likable.

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:36:14am

re: #10 Afrocity

They want it to be Jindal.
I say go for the person they hate the most.
We all know who that is.

Jar Jar Bynx?

Sean Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:36:20am

re: #6 Nevergiveup

Yes, they did. They picked Bob Dole. They picked G. W. Bush. They’ll pick anyone that they think they can defeat.

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:36:26am

I get tired of all this bullshit.

It doesn’t sound like they want to build a base with a real conservative, dealing with real issues and examining the real problems.

It sounds more like they are working on a strategy to elected a winner on American Idol.

freedombilly Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:36:28am

re: #10 Afrocity

They want it to be Jindal.
I say go for the person they hate the most.
We all know who that is.

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:36:43am

re: #9 Peacekeeper

I think he’s saying that they can’t out Obama Obama, so they have to go policy for now. Which is good because they’ve got no personality that can upstage Obama at this time.

I think they are giving him too much credit.
He is just a man
What goes up.
Must come down.

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:36:58am

Just a few weeks ago, House Republicans cheered and high-fived each other for unanimously opposing the stimulus. Now, having realized they won the soundbite contest but lost the war, they don’t want to talk about it. That is a major shift indeed.

Republicans are still a party without a marketable agenda and they offer no concrete alternatives to the Democrats’ agenda. They need to work on that.

Pianobuff Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:37:12am

If what I’m reading is correct, than the R’s are going about it all wrong. Supposedly 40% of the pork in the soon-to-arrive Omnibus Spending Bill is R pork, to 60% D pork. If that’s true, than it’s pretty much an equal split of $ using a pork-per-elected-official metric.

I really hope this is not true, but if it is it will be quite an embarrassing moment and a bad setback.

Dan G. Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:37:44am

Ah-ha! So the answer is, just change the way you argue in front of the press… that’s much easier than adopting and acting on the principles of the Founders.

/ asshats

Get ready for a decade or two of Democrats.

(no sarc)

Kosh's Shadow Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:37:56am

re: #8 Sean

It is about time! The GOP has been rudderless since 1996.
When a new “Contract with America” is created be sure to keep the MSM from mis-representing it.

After all, the Democrats have a “contract on America”.

meeshlr Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:38:23am

re: #14 Charles

I want to be hopeful.

I’m naturally cynical and suspicious of politicians.

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:38:26am

re: #20 Afrocity

I think they are giving him too much credit.
He is just a man
What goes up.
Must come down.

Obama is very good. There is no comparable GOP figure at this time. In a few years Obama’s bloom may have faded and America will be ready for Jar Jar.

Kosh's Shadow Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:38:59am

re: #14 Charles

I’m not too encouraged by that completely rote, boilerplate GOP response.

It sounded like some “mission statement” out of Dilbert.

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:39:02am

Republicans are stupid. Democrats are dangerous. Pick your poison.

Dan G. Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:39:15am

re: #27 Kosh’s Shadow

Ding ding ding!

pre-Boomer Marine brat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:39:16am

“… engaging the electorate in creating a structural change in their opinion …”

sounds good

/now let’s see if the strategist was merely going for the political moment

Ward Cleaver Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:39:22am

re: #14 Charles

I’m not too encouraged by that completely rote, boilerplate GOP response.

It’s kinda wonkish and murky.

Leonidas Hoplite Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:39:36am

re: #15 Last Mohican

Well, McCain was the MSM favorite, for what it’s worth. He was politically moderate, and amiable. He did Letterman, and he was warm, funny, and likable.

And he got the nod from the NYT

Ward Cleaver Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:39:45am

re: #27 Kosh’s Shadow

It sounded like some “mission statement” out of Dilbert.

Pointy-headed boss.

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:39:55am

re: #22 Pianobuff

If what I’m reading is correct, than the R’s are going about it all wrong. Supposedly 40% of the pork in the soon-to-arrive Omnibus Spending Bill is R pork, to 60% D pork. If that’s true, than it’s pretty much an equal split of $ using a pork-per-elected-official metric.

I really hope this is not true, but if it is it will be quite an embarrassing moment and a bad setback.

Well of course it’s true. The special interests in Washington play both sides. So, it doesn’t matter what’s in a bill like that, all the politicians can sit back after it’s all over, and pat themselves on the back and know that their big money contributors has been taken care of.

chicagodudewhotrades Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:39:59am

Does anybody think that Mike Steele as leader of the RNC is responsible for this change in policy or is this something the GOP has come to realize as a whole?

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:40:10am

Meesa no like porkulus bill! Meesa want to get federal deficits under control.

harlemghost Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:40:13am

Byron York … didn’t he just get fired from NRO ? he certainly should not be held up as a spokesman for conservatives … maybe a spokesman of intellectual snobs yes …

cronus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:40:30am

Treating the policy battle as a marathon instead of a sprint is always a better strategy — but it requires dicipline. The temptation to go for sound bites over substance is damn near impossible for most politicians. Will be interesting to what they roll-out.

Ward Cleaver Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:40:37am

re: #15 Last Mohican

Well, McCain was the MSM favorite, for what it’s worth. He was politically moderate, and amiable. He did Letterman, and he was warm, funny, and likable.

But too genteel and agreeable to go toe-to-toe with the Dems.

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:40:44am

re: #10 Afrocity

They want it to be Jindal.
I say go for the person they hate the most.
We all know who that is.

Keyser Soze? Lord Voldemort? STOP TEASING US!

Gus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:40:45am

re: #21 Killgore Trout

Republicans are still a party without a marketable agenda and they offer no concrete alternatives to the Democrats’ agenda. They need to work on that.

The only other option I see is for the GOP to re-build its confidence with the American people in congress. To that end I don’t see that coming about other than rhetorical counterpoints. At this point the American people have no confidence in the GOP.

pre-Boomer Marine brat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:40:59am

re: #20 Afrocity

I think they are giving him too much credit.
He is just a man
What goes up.
Must come down.

Good point … and he WILL come down

/Shakespearian tragedy, anyone?

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:41:08am

re: #21 Killgore Trout

Republicans are still a party without a marketable agenda and they offer no concrete alternatives to the Democrats’ agenda. They need to work on that.

All I heard last night was empty rhetoric- I can go to the other party for that.

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:41:09am

re: #37 harlemghost

Byron York … didn’t he just get fired from NRO ? he certainly should not be held up as a spokesman for conservatives … maybe a spokesman of intellectual snobs yes …

He’s got great hair.

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:41:21am

SOME OLD DUDE IN ‘12

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:41:25am

re: #16 Peacekeeper

Jar Jar Bynx?

SMACK!

Don’t bring up that abomination ever again!

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:41:37am

re: #18 Walter L. Newton

I get tired of all this bullshit.

It doesn’t sound like they want to build a base with a real conservative, dealing with real issues and examining the real problems.

It sounds more like they are working on a strategy to elected a winner on American Idol.

We need someone who can answer all of these needs
Has anyone done an assessment of the party lately?
Of what the base wants?
Of where they would like to see this party go?

Maybe I am naive but I think logic eventually will win out over redundancy and pomp.

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:41:40am

Golem Akbar Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:01am

It’s time for a real, honest, GOP smackdown. Let’s see who is the smartest, and who can best speak to the hearts of Republicans.

Pianobuff Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:13am

re: #34 Walter L. Newton

Well of course it’s true. The special interests in Washington play both sides. So, it doesn’t matter what’s in a bill like that, all the politicians can sit back after it’s all over, and pat themselves on the back and know that their big money contributors has been taken care of.

Well, R’s can kiss hope for any kind of leadership goodbye for many years. Principle, ha.

transient Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:16am

Obama is very charismatic and gives a good speech (rhetorically), and I think it would be a mistake to try to copy Obama’s magical rise at the 2004 (?) DNC. Unless the Reps truly have someone of equal charisma and oratorical skill.

A sensible encompassing strategy is called for. We can assume Obama will have many failures, and the Reps need to look not like the Spiteful Opposition (i.e. what the Dems have been for the past 4 years at least), gleeful at his mistakes, but as a responsible party that has the answers to difficult problems.

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:17am

as opposed to engaging the electorate in creating a structural change in their opinion on which party is better able to handle an issue

Well, to play (apparently) Devil’s advocate here: While we might not like the jargon much, isn’t this a fair description of what Reagan accomplished?

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:21am

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:21am

re: #43 Sharmuta

All I heard last night was empty rhetoric- I can go to the other party for that.

Correction - “I can go to ANY party for that” IMHO.

Morning Sharm.

Nevergiveup Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:32am

re: #32 Leonidas Hoplite

And he got the nod from the NYT

And soon after that he got the shaft.

Ward Cleaver Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:43am

re: #37 harlemghost

Byron York … didn’t he just get fired from NRO ? he certainly should not be held up as a spokesman for conservatives … maybe a spokesman of intellectual snobs yes …

No, he left NRO to join the Examiner. I heard him interviewed by Hugh Hewitt last week. He wasn’t fired.

meeshlr Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:49am

re: #45 Peacekeeper

SOME OLD DUDE IN ‘12

Ooooh … let’s put that on a shirt!

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:51am

re: #36 Peacekeeper

Meesa no like porkulus bill! Meesa want to get federal deficits under control.

POW! THUMP! [crunch]

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:42:55am

re: #47 Afrocity

We need someone who can answer all of these needs
Has anyone done an assessment of the party lately?
Of what the base wants?
Of where they would like to see this party go?

Maybe I am naive but I think logic eventually will win out over redundancy and pomp.

IMHO, you loose!

Kosh's Shadow Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:43:08am

re: #41 Gus 802

The only other option I see is for the GOP to re-build its confidence with the American people in congress. To that end I don’t see that coming about other than rhetorical counterpoints. At this point the American people have no confidence in the GOP.

Well, the electorate got taken by a confidence man peddling “hopenchange”.
Might as well elect Vince from ShamWow; at least ShamWow does actually absorb water; the “hopenchange” version actually makes the wet area wetter.

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:43:24am

OLD DUDE/GREEN KID ‘12re: #46 Dark_Falcon

SMACK!

Don’t bring up that abomination ever again!

If you look at his poll numbers, the fundamentals are good. He just needs rebranding.

Summer Seale Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:43:47am

We don’t need to monitor volcanoes. Volcanoes are just a way for God to test our faith.

Like fossils, physics, and astronomy.

Pianobuff Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:10am

re: #53 taxfreekiller

Many R’s in congress believe the only way they can help their own district is to put in for local pork, they tried the other way and were starved out by the commie Democrats and RINO”s.

Then they should shut up about principles.

HelloDare Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:20am

The sad thing is, Tina Fey could also portray Bobby Jindal.

opnion Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:33am

re: #20 Afrocity

I think they are giving him too much credit.
He is just a man
What goes up.
Must come down.

You got it. A losing strategy is to say, “We just cannot compete with this gifted speaker:” Romney is a really good public speaker & he is understandable.
Nobody should underestimate their opponent , but overestimating can be just as disasterous.

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:34am

re: #40 Occasional Reader

Keyser Soze? Lord Voldemort? STOP TEASING US!

I’d vote for Soze. He’s evil, but least he knows how to deal with an enemy, something Obama can’t seem to figure out.

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:34am

re: #54 Walter L. Newton

Correction - “I can go to ANY party for that” IMHO.

Morning Sharm.

Americans can do anything!

It was like having to sit through a lame motivational speech designed for teenagers. It was painfully embarrassing, and I think he ended his own aspirations.

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:35am

re: #26 Peacekeeper

Obama is very good. There is no comparable GOP figure at this time. In a few years Obama’s bloom may have faded and America will be ready for Jar Jar.

Who said they had to be comparable to Obama?
There are all sorts of leaders.
Do we admire Obama?
I don’t .
I don’t want a GOP version of him either.

Dan G. Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:36am

re: #62 Summer

If they go off, that’s just sinners getting their just desserts.

Jetpilot1101 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:42am

Hopefully the dismal performance by Bobby Jindal last night will knock him off the pedestal as the leading man for the GOP ticket in 2012. If we want to lose in 2012, nominate Jindal.

pre-Boomer Marine brat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:44:56am

re: #52 Occasional Reader

Well, to play (apparently) Devil’s advocate here: While we might not like the jargon much, isn’t this a fair description of what Reagan accomplished?

Good point.

albusteve Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:45:03am

re: #18 Walter L. Newton

I get tired of all this bullshit.

It doesn’t sound like they want to build a base with a real conservative, dealing with real issues and examining the real problems.

It sounds more like they are working on a strategy to elected a winner on American Idol.

well that’s what it is in fact…sadly

Golem Akbar Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:45:05am

re: #64 HelloDare

The sad thing is, Tina Fey could also portray Bobby Jindal.

/Maybe we should nominate Tina Fey…

LGoPs Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:45:09am

re: #26 Peacekeeper

Obama is very good. There is no comparable GOP figure at this time. In a few years Obama’s bloom may have faded and America will be ready for Jar Jar.

I respectfully and strongly disagree. The only reason he’s considered good is because everybody keeps saying he’s good. He hasn’t done shit prior to being elected and right now all he’s doing is campaigning…..and making bad decisions.
He’s one big illusion.

Dan G. Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:45:23am

re: #64 HelloDare

Jidnal’s more rich with comical material. They’ll have him with a spinning hear trying to exorcise the demons out of the economy.

meeshlr Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:45:29am

re: #70 Jetpilot1101

I couldn’t vote for him.

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:45:42am

re: #48 buzzsawmonkey

Well, I might be able to delay the 5:15

The 5:15? Why should I care?

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:45:46am

re: #66 Dark_Falcon

I’d vote for Soze. He’s evil, but least he knows how to deal with an enemy, something Obama can’t seem to figure out.

You’re forgetting that it was Jar Jar’s vote for law and order that put Palpatine over the top. I’m telling you he can do this.

Charles Johnson Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:45:54am

re: #37 harlemghost

Byron York … didn’t he just get fired from NRO ? he certainly should not be held up as a spokesman for conservatives … maybe a spokesman of intellectual snobs yes …

Uh, no - he wasn’t fired at all. He moved to a better position at the Examiner. Totally amicable with NRO (as far as I know).

VegasRick Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:46:05am

re: #59 Walter L. Newton

IMHO, you loose!

Um…..Walter you may want to fix that.

Gus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:46:10am

re: #60 Kosh’s Shadow

Well, the electorate got taken by a confidence man peddling “hopenchange”.
Might as well elect Vince from ShamWow; at least ShamWow does actually absorb water; the “hopenchange” version actually makes the wet area wetter.

My point isn’t that you elect someone that provides an illusion of confidence. It is that the GOP need to create that confidence that they lost prior to 2006 through performance and legislation. In fact what I’m seeing is the complete opposite in which the GOP is looking for the Obama version of the GOP that can hoodwink an electorate with a manufactured aura.

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:46:25am

re: #68 Afrocity

Who said they had to be comparable to Obama?
There are all sorts of leaders.
Do we admire Obama?
I don’t .
I don’t want a GOP version of him either.

by comparable I mean likable, credible, not senile.

subsailor68 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:46:26am

While I’ve heard lots of lizards make the point that Newt Gingrich is probably not a good shot for president (and they’re probably right), I hope he ends up as the philosophical backbone of the party.

I liked “Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America” quite a bit, and he’s got a new book “Real Change” coming out in March that should be interesting as well.

(Just my humble opinion.)

MandyManners Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:46:30am

I think the notion to seize as much airtime as you can over the next six hours has merit. It must be repeated after every speech/event. It’s like starting on a trip of 1,000 miles.

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:46:30am

re: #66 Dark_Falcon

I’d vote for Soze. He’s evil, but least he knows how to deal with an enemy, something Obama can’t seem to figure out.

WWKSD?

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:46:34am

Just in over at Hot Air:

Bobby Jindal was ‘pitiful,’ Helen Thomas tells film crew, right before making a ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ crack

Hag.

Last Mohican Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:46:47am

re: #9 Peacekeeper

I think he’s saying that they can’t out Obama Obama, so they have to go policy for now. Which is good because they’ve got no personality that can upstage Obama at this time.

I think that’s probably right, or maybe they’re saying that they don’t want to try to out-Obama Obama, because they don’t want the GOP to become the Party of Even Bigger Bullshit.

My sense is that they’re wrong on this one. They main key in the 2008 election should have been to point out the fact that Obama is a professional racist, a radical who supports a terrorist who wanted to murder 25 million Americans and overthrow the U.S. government. John McCain vetoed that approach. The secondary strategy should have been to mock Obama’s messianic narcissism, shattering his illusion of godliness. Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin did that very effectively at the GOP convention, I think. But again, John McCain made them stop.

Now that BHO is, well, you know what job he has, I think those strategies won’t work as well. So the only thing left is to try to out-Obama Obama. Substance doesn’t matter anymore. American politics is now about having better hair and makeup, better fonts, better graphic design artists, and tapping into powerful but irrelevant messages (“if you oppose me, you’re a racist!”) I think the GOP can only succeed by becoming the party of Even Bigger Bullshit.

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:47:18am

That phone chat, to me, boils down to someone is talking Hope and Change to affect some major strategic shift. Now it is all about looking and sounding good on a news bite instead of actually articulating some core principles that stand the test of time.

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:47:39am

re: #74 LGoPs

I respectfully and strongly disagree. The only reason he’s considered good is because everybody keeps saying he’s good. He hasn’t done shit prior to being elected and right now all he’s doing is campaigning…..and making bad decisions.
He’s one big illusion.

He won the election, it’s a prima facie case.

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:47:44am

re: #80 VegasRick

Um…..Walter you may want to fix that.

Ok, IMHO you’re loose!

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:47:48am

re: #82 Peacekeeper

by comparable I mean likable, credible, not senile.

Too late, you tipped your hand. You love Obama. You want to marry him. You and Obama are sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

Golem Akbar Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:47:54am

We can always look to Hollywood, but it’s not a big list, either.

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:04am

Dan G. Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:07am

re: #88 FurryOldGuyJeans

Appearance over substance. They think we’re morons.

meeshlr Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:17am

re: #74 LGoPs

Obama is only good if he’s had lots of time to rehearse his speeches. When he can do grand orations, he has impact on a crowd, the messiah effect. If he has to wing it, in a press conference or a town hall, he sputters and stumbles. He always sounds as if he’s sorting through sound bites in his head and compiling them into something that might resemble a coherent statement albeit one that offends as few people as possible by not really saying anything.

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:27am

re: #89 Peacekeeper

He won the election, it’s a prima ~~facie~~ donna case.

VegasRick Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:38am

re: #90 Walter L. Newton

Ok, IMHO you’re loose!

LOL!

Boondock St. Bender Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:39am

re: #80 VegasRick

no,no,walter was merly extending the word for emphasis
loooossse…see
he is from the theater

cronus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:39am

re: #62 Summer

We don’t need to monitor volcanoes. Volcanoes are just a way for God to test our faith.

Like fossils, physics, and astronomy.

We can take comfort in the knowledge that convergent tectonic plates and hot spots are just theories

100

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:40am

re: #81 Gus 802

My point isn’t that you elect someone that provides an illusion of confidence. It is that the GOP need to create that confidence that they lost prior to 2006 through performance and legislation. In fact what I’m seeing is the complete opposite in which the GOP is looking for the Obama version of the GOP that can hoodwink an electorate with a manufactured aura.

The question should not be how can we get someone like him.
The question should be how can we get the people to vote for us instead of him.
Screw him.
Look at the people.

101

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:40am

re: #68 Afrocity

Who said they had to be comparable to Obama?
There are all sorts of leaders.
Do we admire Obama?
I don’t .
I don’t want a GOP version of him either.

I am someone that wants a candidate that is as much the antithesis of Obama and his politics as is humanly possible.

102

ssn697 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:50am

re: #13 meeshlr

Wow.

I’m pleasantly surprised to hear that the party will focus on issues rather than soundbites. Excellent.

Except the article specifically mentions “drill baby drill” as a win. I don’t see how that was a win, considering how misplaced the idea of a 35 gain, 7 years down the road is as a “win”.

I HOPE they mean much more substantive changes, because garbage like “drill baby drill” ain’t bringing me back.

103

livfreeordie Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:48:51am

I have been telling the Republicans who call for money (e.g. the RNC) that they need alternative programs. FIFTEEN (wow) years ago House Republicans had some smart people. Plans like Medical Spending Accounts were discusses as alternatives. Too many of those good Republicans term limited themselves…

Today the Republicans could have offered a plan to cut Social Security taxes and other taxes and extend unemployment and even a little (temporarily) supplement welfare. Cite John Maynard Keynes in 1942 writing to Nobel Prize economist James Meade that cutting payroll taxes was better than more government spending. {sorry in haste, no link..] Have some well chosen Government spending too. Opposition is fine but opposition with an alternative plan is better. Get some good economists helping out with party (generally free market) policies. Don’t talk about losing a home that was never owned, talk about getting people into quarters they can afford…

104

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:49:05am

re: #78 Peacekeeper

You’re forgetting that it was Jar Jar’s vote for law and order that put Palpatine over the top. I’m telling you he can do this.

But that prove Jar Jar can’t win. We’ve already established that Obama is a Sith, he’d just fool Binx again. He’d just wave his hand at Jar Jar and declare “I am the one you have been looking for”. Jar Jar’s leg would tingle and that would be all she wrote.

105

Jetpilot1101 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:49:11am

re: #94 Dan G.

Appearance over substance. They think we’re morons.

They convinced 52% of the people, that’s all they needed. It doesn’t matter if 49.9% of the population is sane, as long as they keep wining elections, us sane folks are screwed.

106

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:49:28am

re: #15 Last Mohican

Well, McCain was the MSM favorite, for what it’s worth. He was politically moderate, and amiable. He did Letterman, and he was warm, funny, and likable.

It’s NOT a good sign if the MSM like the candidate because that means they AREN’t afraid of him/her -and therefore are willing to be respectful and amiable back.

When I see fear, from the MSM, that’s how I know we have the right person. Bob what’s his name- dem strategiest told people to be very afraid of micheal Steele. Dems know.

107

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:49:44am

re: #97 VegasRick

LOL!

108

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:03am

re: #94 Dan G.

Appearance over substance. They think we’re morons.

69 million voters showed that assertion to be in the affirmative.

109

Dan G. Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:06am

re: #105 Jetpilot1101

That just means we need to make more noise.

110

Zimriel Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:08am

re: #8 Sean

It is about time! The GOP has been rudderless since 1996.
When a new “Contract with America” is created be sure to keep the MSM from mis-representing it.

The new “Contract” might be coming. Fisc-cons are planning “Tea Parties”. There’s one in downtown Houston at Discovery Green, this Friday 11 AM-2 PM.

111

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:12am

Katie Couric Celebrates Diversity With ‘There’s the White Guy’ Reference to Biden

It’s at the beginning of the video clip.

Have I mentioned before that I loathe Katie Couric?

112

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:17am

re: #90 Walter L. Newton

Ok, IMHO you’re loose!

I am not loose. That is not very nice.

113

Gus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:24am

re: #100 Afrocity

The question should not be how can we get someone like him.
The question should be how can we get the people to vote for us instead of him.
Screw him.
Look at the people.

That’s what I’m saying. However, they have to deliver first.

114

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:26am

re: #70 Jetpilot1101

Hopefully the dismal performance by Bobby Jindal last night will knock him off the pedestal as the leading man for the GOP ticket in 2012. If we want to lose in 2012, nominate Jindal.

I saw no reason why he should be considered any sort of front runner last night. It was a weak speech, full of very rehearsed and empty rhetoric, and it was poorly delivered. Add in the little anti-science dig, and it was just a perfect example of what we as a party need to run from.

115

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:37am

116

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:39am

re: #93 buzzsawmonkey

‘Cause in my five o’clock world, when the whistle blows, no-one owns a piece of my time.

Did you get a load of those long-haired freaks in their crazy getups?

117

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:39am

re: #91 Occasional Reader

Too late, you tipped your hand. You love Obama. You want to marry him. You and Obama are sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

There is no Keyser Soze! We need our next great septuagenarian senator to step forward!

118

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:44am

re: #86 loppyd

Just in over at Hot Air:

Bobby Jindal was ‘pitiful,’ Helen Thomas tells film crew, right before making a ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ crack

Hag.

Stay classy. Helen. I think she’s remembering back when Bombay (Mumbai) was founded, all those centuries ago.

119

gopninja Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:49am

Lol jesus, are they just now getting that proposing ideas are the way to go? And you would have thought if this GENIUS plan was in the works, they would have used the opportunity last night to kick start it, not let that poor man embarass himself and set the party even further back.

120

pre-Boomer Marine brat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:53am

I think Obama’s earliest and biggest black eyes will come in foreign policy — specifically, the War On Terror. (Biden may or may not have known what he was talking about with the “we’ll be tested” prediction, but he’s already being proven right.)

Question is … might that give Rudy a viable shot in 2012?

121

Jetpilot1101 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:55am

re: #114 Sharmuta

I saw no reason why he should be considered any sort of front runner last night. It was a weak speech, full of very rehearsed and empty rhetoric, and it was poorly delivered. Add in the little anti-science dig, and it was just a perfect example of what we as a party need to run from.

Give that lady a big UPDING!

122

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:50:58am

re: #101 FurryOldGuyJeans

I am someone that wants a candidate that is as much the antithesis of Obama and his politics as is humanly possible.

You want jerry Falwell?

123

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:51:04am

124

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:51:17am

re: #82 Peacekeeper

by comparable I mean likable, credible, not senile.

I watched a C-Span presentation that Mitt Romney gave to the national builders association meeting. he had a power point program and very powerful talking points. I watched for the whole hour, and he received a standing ovation. he took questions from the audience, and several of the questioners were Hispanic.

125

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:51:17am

Governor Jindal didn’t do very well with his delivery, that is something we all agree on, but I don’t think last night was an accurate reflection of his abilities as a speaker. If you watch the following clip I got from NRO you’ll see what I’m talking about. This was this morning on the Today show.

Governor Jindal on the Today show

I think the key is to keep the Governor away from a teleprompter!

126

opnion Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:51:33am

Obama is just way too exalted. It seems to me, that the way to counter it is to take a page from the Aliksky play book. Amiably mock & make fun of Obama’s overblown image & rhetoric. Make him a punch line .

127

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:51:54am

re: #110 Zimriel

The new “Contract” might be coming. Fisc-cons are planning “Tea Parties”. There’s one in downtown Houston at Discovery Green, this Friday 11 AM-2 PM.

The perfect time is April 15th. But any time is a good time.

128

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:51:57am

re: #108 FurryOldGuyJeans

69 million voters showed that assertion to be in the affirmative.

Scary, but true. I feer for the future. Particularly with the absence of any electable conservative alternative

129

Dan G. Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:52:09am

re: #114 Sharmuta

re: #70 Jetpilot1101

I can see it now. T-shirts, “Jindal 2012” (paid for by “Democrats for Jindal”)

130

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:52:26am

131

Zimriel Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:52:35am

re: #87 Last Mohican

I think the GOP can only succeed by becoming the party of Even Bigger Bullshit.

Please, God, no.

132

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:52:37am

re: #112 Afrocity

I am not loose. That is not very nice.

Read back on the comment thread. I made a spelling mistake, someone pointed it out, I played on it. By that point, it was beyond referring to you, but, I apologize.

133

VegasRick Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:52:41am

re: #112 Afrocity

I am not loose. That is not very nice.

Typo, he meant to say lose.

134

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:52:43am

Pamela has another hilarious post up about Obama’s secret plan to destroy America…..

This is all part of Obama’s plan to turn this country away from it’s Judeo-Christian foundation and pervert it to an Islamo-Christian nation. Don’t Christians know they will be eaten whole once the changeover is complete. READ HISTORY.

OGM!1!eleventy!

135

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:52:49am

re: #122 Walter L. Newton

You want jerry Falwell?

Not even a chance. Thanks for playing, no parting gifts for you. ;)

136

Sean Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:52:59am

Byrd’s not on Obama team.

137

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:53:12am

re: #125 topazpilot

Governor Jindal didn’t do very well with his delivery, that is something we all agree on, but I don’t think last night was an accurate reflection of his abilities as a speaker. If you watch the following clip I got from NRO you’ll see what I’m talking about. This was this morning on the Today show.

Governor Jindal on the Today show

I think the key is to keep the Governor away from a teleprompter!

He is the opposite of Barry in that regard. Take away his teleprompter and he’s the wizard of uhs and ever so shrill.

138

Wishing Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:53:17am

re: #103 livfreeordie

RNC Grassroots..Tell them what you want!

139

Silvergirl Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:53:30am

re: #42 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Good point … and he WILL come down

/Shakespearian tragedy, anyone?

In a Shakespearean tragedy you don’t have one just body on the stage floor before the lights fade to black. They’re everywhere! When The One goes down, The Others will follow. Pelosi, Reid, Biden …

140

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:53:36am

re: #130 buzzsawmonkey

I’m betting the GOP chooses April First.

My birthday - thank you. I’m having a party at my place. Everyone’s welcome.

141

Randall Gross Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:53:37am

re: #14 Charles

I’m not too encouraged by that completely rote, boilerplate GOP response.

It looks pretty thin at the moment, but in general it is better policy than the snark, bark, hysteria, and theater route that didn’t win in 2006 or 2008. We are 21 months out from elections in Congress, rational persistence on some key issues can pay off in several states.

142

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:53:41am

Jar Jar has good numbers with women, immigrants and imaginary creatures, we’re talking almost the entire Democrat base!

143

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:53:43am

re: #134 Killgore Trout

Wow.

144

Nevergiveup Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:54:05am

re: #112 Afrocity

I am not loose. That is not very nice.

It was a typo by Walter, but on the outside chance you are, what’s your phone….ah never mind.
/

145

Hengineer Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:54:10am

re: #66 Dark_Falcon

I’d vote for Soze. He’s evil, but least he knows how to deal with an enemy, something Obama can’t seem to figure out.

You’ve got to find him first.

146

albusteve Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:54:27am

re: #125 topazpilot

Governor Jindal didn’t do very well with his delivery, that is something we all agree on, but I don’t think last night was an accurate reflection of his abilities as a speaker. If you watch the following clip I got from NRO you’ll see what I’m talking about. This was this morning on the Today show.
Governor Jindal on the Today show

I think the key is to keep the Governor away from a teleprompter!

who gives a shit…he is a creationist and far from any concept of mainstream conservatism…he’s a party loser

147

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:54:29am

Damn, Rush Limbaugh is ripping apart those conservatives and Republicans who are criticizing Jindal’s oratorical style last night.

148

Amer-I-Can Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:54:29am

This is kind of a “Duh!” moment, isn’t it?

I’m tired of “Republican” being a dirty word. We have to do something about it.

149

Nevergiveup Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:54:29am

re: #136 Sean

Byrd’s not on Obama team.

He is on the KKK team

150

subsailor68 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:54:52am

re: #139 Silvergirl

In a Shakespearean tragedy you don’t have one just body on the stage floor before the lights fade to black. They’re everywhere! When The One goes down, The Others will follow. Pelosi, Reid, Biden …

Hmmm….sounds like a good play: Omelet

151

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:54:56am

re: #136 Sean

Byrd’s not on Obama team.

Couldn’t be because he still has the heart of a klansman, could it?

152

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:55:06am

re: #112 Afrocity

I am not loose. That is not very nice.

It was an ill-timed typo.

153

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:55:20am

re: #131 Zimriel

Please, God, no.

a republican congressman ran his first campaign this year and WON as a no debt campaign. Very low cost. He was outspent heavily by the dem incumbent.

I think Respect for the Taxpayer is a good theme.

154

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:55:22am

re: #147 topazpilot

Damn, Rush Limbaugh is ripping apart those conservatives and Republicans who are criticizing Jindal’s oratorical style last night.

Surprised?

155

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:55:37am

re: #125 topazpilot

Governor Jindal didn’t do very well with his delivery, that is something we all agree on, but I don’t think last night was an accurate reflection of his abilities as a speaker. If you watch the following clip I got from NRO you’ll see what I’m talking about. This was this morning on the Today show.

Governor Jindal on the Today show

I think the key is to keep the Governor away from a teleprompter!

That would be a fun idea: A debate between Obama and Jindal with no teleprompters allowed. If would be funny watching Obambi get caught in the headlights before getting run over by someone who knows how to talk, not just speechify.

156

Boondock St. Bender Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:55:38am

Jar Jars ultimate and well deserved fate

Youtube Video

157

Desert Dog Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:55:48am

re: #136 Sean

Byrd’s not on Obama team.

He is not against Obama, he is against Obama stepping on his toes and taking some of his power away…..Obama will make him happy by letting all his earmarks go through…..

158

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:56:06am

re: #146 albusteve

Okay, good for you. I’m just making a point that last night was a good representation of his speaking skills. I’m not asking you to contribute to a future campaign fund. Sheesh!

159

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:56:06am

re: #118 Dark_Falcon

Stay classy. Helen. I think she’s remembering back when Bombay (Mumbai) was founded, all those centuries ago.

I yearn for the day that she is no longer sitting in the front row in the press room.

160

albusteve Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:56:13am

re: #151 Ziggy

Couldn’t be because he still has the heart of a klansman, could it?

but BO is not black

161

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:56:18am

re: #147 topazpilot

Damn, Rush Limbaugh is ripping apart those conservatives and Republicans who are criticizing Jindal’s oratorical style last night.

Not that I need another reason to not like Rush or distrust his opinions, he sure is giving me heaps of reasons the last couple of weeks.

162

gopninja Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:56:20am

re: #147 topazpilot

Damn, Rush Limbaugh is ripping apart those conservatives and Republicans who are criticizing Jindal’s oratorical style last night.

Not surprising, he has always been saying things like ‘just watch this jindal guy he is the future’ and now he is forced again to carry water.

163

pre-Boomer Marine brat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:56:26am

re: #150 subsailor68

Hmmm….sounds like a good play: Omelet

“As You Like it”

/pandering to the Lizardim

164

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:56:40am

re: #145 Hengineer

You’ve got to find him first.

That’s easy. As a result of his terribly convoluted plan to have the (formerly) sole eyewitness who can identify him killed, the FBI now has his fingerprints, voice recording, and still and video images on file.

Dumb plan.

165

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:56:44am

re: #134 Killgore Trout

Pamela has another hilarious post up about Obama’s secret plan to destroy America…..

OGM!1!eleventy!

Islamo Christian?

166

Silvergirl Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:03am

re: #124 DistantThunder

I watched a C-Span presentation that Mitt Romney gave to the national builders association meeting. he had a power point program and very powerful talking points. I watched for the whole hour, and he received a standing ovation. he took questions from the audience, and several of the questioners were Hispanic.

I’d love to see that. I wonder if there’s a way.

167

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:12am

re: #152 FurryOldGuyJeans

It was an ill-timed typo.

Look, I apologized above. Ill-timed indicates intent, and I did not intend to say that about Afrocity.

At the point it was pointed out to me, I turned it into a joke. Stop the suck up, it’s unbecoming of… never mind, it’s expected from you.

168

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:13am

Well Rush it hurts when you kid goes on stage and bombs.
He is sticking up for him just like any respectable father would do.

169

Boondock St. Bender Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:15am

re: #134 Killgore Trout

Ahh,pamela has been better than the onion or iowahawk lately..
you mean she’s serious…oh crap.

170

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:19am

re: #155 Dark_Falcon

That would be a fun idea: A debate between Obama and Jindal with no teleprompters allowed. If would be funny watching Obambi get caught in the headlights before getting run over by someone who knows how to talk, not just speechify.

Jindahl’s mother is a nuclear physicist.

171

Desert Dog Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:30am

re: #159 loppyd

I yearn for the day that she is no longer sitting in the front row in the press room.

Once she goes to the big press conference in the sky, they should take her to a taxidermist and have her stuffed….then, they can roll her out for every press conference still.

172

Hengineer Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:36am

re: #146 albusteve

who gives a shit…he is a creationist and far from any concept of mainstream conservatism…he’s a party loser

Don’t completely blow him off. Some would find people’s arguments about Jindal a bit put-offish since people had the same arguments about Romney, his religion. That being said he’s already proven that his creationism affects how he governs, in that that bill he just recently signed into law in LA, which is why I don’t want him as the GOP front-runner.

173

ConservatismNow! Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:43am

re: #49 Golem Akbar

Tom Coburn

174

Dan G. Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:49am

re: #161 FurryOldGuyJeans

He’s a worthless shill. He’s trying to prop up Jindal’s empty rhetoric, that should be sufficient evidence.

“That which is proved on few facts is done so needlessly by more.”

175

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:53am

re: #167 Walter L. Newton

I accept Walter. Its all good.

176

Zimriel Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:57:57am

re: #153 DistantThunder

a republican congressman ran his first campaign this year and WON as a no debt campaign. Very low cost. He was outspent heavily by the dem incumbent.

I think Respect for the Taxpayer is a good theme.

I agree. That why I’m hoping to go to a tea party!

It’ll at least smell better than the “Even Bigger Bullshit Pie Eating Contest”…

177

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:02am

re: #154 Walter L. Newton

Not really. Just a little taken aback by the level of anger and disdain Rush was showing.

178

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:07am

re: #140 DistantThunder

My birthday - thank you. I’m having a party at my place. Everyone’s welcome.

I was due on April 1 - but my mom held out until the 3rd.

ARIES POWAH!

179

Jetpilot1101 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:12am

re: #147 topazpilot

Damn, Rush Limbaugh is ripping apart those conservatives and Republicans who are criticizing Jindal’s oratorical style last night.

Yeah I’m listening to that as well. One thing Rush has never brought up is Jindal’s creationist views. In defense of Rush, he is looking for a conservative, something Jindal clearly is, but in that search he is failing to point out the problems with Jindal that will make him a loser. The MFMSM are a brutal bunch and Jindal’s creationist views will sink him. Rush likes his conservative values, as do I, but I could not vote for Jindal based on his anti-science agenda and actions which indicate a clear desire to violate the constitution and teach religion in public schools.

180

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:24am

re: #136 Sean

Byrd’s not on Obama team.

Then Obama has a problem. Byrd is not someone you want to tick off. Knowone knows the Senate better than him. He can make life tough for Obama if he wants to.

181

subsailor68 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:34am

re: #163 pre-Boomer Marine brat

“As You Like it”

/pandering to the Lizardim

Heh, heh. And when you think about it, when Obama’s finished with the economy we’ll all be working at Orange Julius Caesar.

182

Gus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:48am

re: #147 topazpilot

Damn, Rush Limbaugh is ripping apart those conservatives and Republicans who are criticizing Jindal’s oratorical style last night.

Yes, and we should all follow what Rush Limbaugh has to say. Nothing’s wrong, we need to move on and listen to his words and ignore the idea that Jindal sounded like Mr. Rogers meets Dukes of Hazard and more importantly had nothing to say other than presenting basic ideas.

183

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:49am

oh my, i meant to say it was NOT a good representation…freudian slip?

184

Dr. Shalit Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:52am

re: #5 transient

What, you mean strategy, instead of tactics?
/heresy!

transient -

Add LOGISTICS and it sounds like a winner to me.

-S-

185

albusteve Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:53am

re: #167 Walter L. Newton

Look, I apologized above. Ill-timed indicates intent, and I did not intend to say that about Afrocity.

At the point it was pointed out to me, I turned it into a joke. Stop the suck up, it’s unbecoming of… never mind, it’s expected from you.

12 posts about a typo…must be a record

186

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:57am

re: #175 Afrocity

I accept Walter. Its all good.

Thanks.

187

Hengineer Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:57am

re: #164 Occasional Reader

That’s easy. As a result of his terribly convoluted plan to have the (formerly) sole eyewitness who can identify him killed, the FBI now has his fingerprints, voice recording, and still and video images on file.

Dumb plan.

Oh come now, you know how easy it is to whitewash your fingerprints, voicebox and appearance? Someone with the money of Soze could easily have all that altered.

188

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:58:58am

re: #136 Sean

Byrd’s not on Obama team.

But former Washington State Governor Gary Locke is.

*VOMIT*

189

Kosh's Shadow Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:00am

re: #150 subsailor68

Hmmm….sounds like a good play: Omelet

To spend, or to spend more
That is the question
Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind
To suffer the slings and arrows
Of outrageous Republicans
Or to take alms from their voters
And by taxing, end them

190

Bloodnok Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:09am

re: #21 Killgore Trout

Republicans are still a party without a marketable agenda and they offer no concrete alternatives to the Democrats’ agenda. They need to work on that.

I completely agree. Even if they did come up with some brand spanking new ways to counter 0bama and the Democrats they will look like hypocrites for a long time since it is not what they themselves have done for the last 10 years.

The Republican Party is also startlingly resistant to any form of self scrutiny. When the standard response to bad results is “Well, if we ran a REAL conservative things would have been different” -without seriously looking at why the message isn’t marketable anymore, then you know we’re in trouble.

191

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:14am

re: #156 Boondock St. Bender

Jar Jars ultimate and well deserved fate

The video is no longer available.

192

Boondock St. Bender Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:19am

re: #161 FurryOldGuyJeans
rush is never at his best when he is carrying water reluctently.(you know as well as i do that jindal tanked rush.)

193

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:24am

re: #171 Desert Dog

Once she goes to the big press conference in the sky, they should take her to a taxidermist and have her stuffed….then, they can roll her out for every press conference still.

Yikes. I’d rather just forget she ever existed.

194

Desert Dog Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:52am

re: #180 Dark_Falcon

Then Obama has a problem. Byrd is not someone you want to tick off. Knowone knows the Senate better than him. He can make life tough for Obama if he wants to.

It’s all posturing. Byrd is just reminding Obama about who controls the bills. They are 100% in lock step about socializing and looting the country, don’t make a mistake and think they are not.

195

Wishing Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:53am

re: #162 gopninja

Not surprising, he has always been saying things like ‘just watch this jindal guy he is the future’ and now he is forced again to carry water.

Jindal used the phrase, Americans can do anything!, so often I began to think he was shooting for hypnotism. lol

196

albusteve Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:55am

re: #172 Hengineer

Don’t completely blow him off. Some would find people’s arguments about Jindal a bit put-offish since people had the same arguments about Romney, his religion. That being said he’s already proven that his creationism affects how he governs, in that that bill he just recently signed into law in LA, which is why I don’t want him as the GOP front-runner.

I don’t refer to creationism…he is a creationist…he is poison

197

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 9:59:56am

re: #147 topazpilot

I decided I was done listening to Rush when he told the non-fundamentalist Christians to leave the party after the election. Though he helped to turn me to the right, I’m happy to go if that’s how he feels. Best of luck to him, but I think on this he’s wrong.

198

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:00:01am

re: #160 albusteve

but BO is not black

1/2 is as good as whole to that ilk. Dave chapelle had a hillarious bit about a blind black man who thought he was white and was the head of the local klan chapter.

199

chicagodudewhotrades Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:00:15am

re: #166 Silvergirl

go to the C-span website. They have videos of all the stuff that airs.

200

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:00:18am

re: #187 Hengineer

Oh come now, you know how easy it is to whitewash your fingerprints, voicebox and appearance? Someone with the money of Soze could easily have all that altered.

Okay, but then why go to all that trouble to whack the eyewitness?

201

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:00:20am

re: #185 albusteve

12 posts about a typo…must be a record

I know, I apologized, but lapdog FurryOldGuyJeans has to turn it into a row. Typical suck up. IMHO.

202

Honorary Yooper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:00:23am

re: #126 opnion

Obama is just way too exalted. It seems to me, that the way to counter it is to take a page from the Aliksky play book. Amiably mock & make fun of Obama’s overblown image & rhetoric. Make him a punch line .

Exactly. The way to fight the Alinskyites is to turn their own tactics on them. I have a feeling the response will the less than positive.

203

Desert Dog Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:00:59am

re: #193 loppyd

Yikes. I’d rather just forget she ever existed.

well, if they don’t take her to the press conferences after she is stuffed they can drop her off at the Natural History museum and place her between the wombats and the sloths

204

Hengineer Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:10am

re: #196 albusteve

I don’t refer to creationism…he is a creationist…he is poison

Some can be creationist while not letting their beliefs affect the way they govern.

205

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:14am

re: #190 Bloodnok

I completely agree. Even if they did come up with some brand spanking new ways to counter 0bama and the Democrats they will look like hypocrites for a long time since it is not what they themselves have done for the last 10 years.

The Republican Party is also startlingly resistant to any form of self scrutiny. When the standard response to bad results is “Well, if we ran a REAL conservative things would have been different” -without seriously looking at why the message isn’t marketable anymore, then you know we’re in trouble.

Well said.

206

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:16am

207

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:18am

re: #182 Gus 802

Did I say to do what Rush says? Making a comment, that is all.

208

Kosh's Shadow Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:19am

re: #181 subsailor68

Heh, heh. And when you think about it, when Obama’s finished with the economy we’ll all be working at Orange Julius Caesar.

Friends, Americans, Countrymen
Lend me your ears
I come not to praise America
But to bury it
/the 0ne

209

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:36am

re: #202 Honorary Yooper

Exactly. The way to fight the Alinskyites is to turn their own tactics on them. I have a feeling the response will the less than positive.

I would hope our moral compass in better than that?

210

VegasRick Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:38am

bbl

211

Hengineer Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:43am

re: #200 Occasional Reader

Okay, but then why go to all that trouble to whack the eyewitness?

shits and giggles?

212

Jetpilot1101 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:52am

re: #204 Hengineer

Some can be creationist while not letting their beliefs affect the way they govern.

He has already proven that his beliefs affect the way he governs and Charles has been all over him.

213

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:57am

re: #167 Walter L. Newton

Look, I apologized above. Ill-timed indicates intent, and I did not intend to say that about Afrocity.

No, ill-timed does not necessarily imply intent. It was an accident, pure and simple.

214

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:01:58am

re: #178 loppyd

I was due on April 1 - but my mom held out until the 3rd.

ARIES POWAH!

My parents had to get married to have me. Dad was away at IBM jr executive school when I was born. They were married at 17, and 19 respectively. I have to say that it is nice to have two very healthy relatively young parents who are now in their late 60’s. And my grandma lived until 96.

215

Gus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:02:22am

re: #207 topazpilot

Did I say to do what Rush says? Making a comment, that is all.

I wasn’t implying that you were saying to do what Rush said.

Nuance.

Tone.

216

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:02:43am

re: #143 Sharmuta

Seekrit geehadis r steeling mah kuntree!

217

Hengineer Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:02:54am

re: #212 Jetpilot1101

He has already proven that his beliefs affect the way he governs and Charles has been all over him.

Exactly which is why I also said on that one post of mine why he shoudn’t be the front-runner

218

albusteve Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:03:33am

re: #204 Hengineer

Some can be creationist while not letting their beliefs affect the way they govern.

that is exactly wrong….signing his bill into law proves it

219

avanti Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:03:34am

re: #134 Killgore Trout

Pamela has another hilarious post up about Obama’s secret plan to destroy America…..

OGM!1!eleventy!

Maybe her and Micheal Moore should run off together for the good of the rest of us.

220

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:03:46am

re: #216 Killgore Trout

Seekrit geehadis r steeling mah kuntree!

LMAO!

221

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:04:04am

re: #205 Sharmuta

I like to listen to Rush because I don’t think anyone rips Democratic leaders and the Obama administration better. Though, I do agree that when he starts trying to purge the Republican Party of the moderate elements he grows a little annoying.

222

Irenike Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:04:07am

Obama is riding high right now, and the Republicans are riding low, because the shit hasn’t hit the fan—-yet. The Dems just passed the pork bill, but nothing has really gone into effect.

The bad guys around the world haven’t actually done anything—yet—except send up a few satellites and brag about their nuclear research. Americans, by and large, are not feeling the economic pinch — yet. Give it more time. When inflation starts to take off, when average Americans see how little their hard-earned dollars actually buy, when the recession stretches on and on, when the bad guys start making the front page of the news, then maybe people will wake up and realize that Obama’s promises are a bunch of dust. Right now, the Big O is talkin’ smooth and nice and makin’ everybody swoon because he doesn’t really have much to answer for — yet. But he will, he will. All presidents have to answer for what they do.

223

ConservatismNow! Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:04:08am

re: #214 DistantThunder

Get this. My great grandfather is still alive. He’s well into his 90s but unfortunately he’s fading. He now has great great grandkids. I just wish he was cogent enough to recognize them.

224

Boondock St. Bender Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:04:09am

re: #191 Dark_Falcon
Hmmmm its working on this end.lemme try again

Youtube Video

225

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:04:21am

re: #190 Bloodnok

There are plenty of ways to market “conservatism” and make it practical and cool again. They aren’t willing to make the leap yet.

226

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:04:39am

re: #201 Walter L. Newton

I know, I apologized, but lapdog FurryOldGuyJeans has to turn it into a row. Typical suck up. IMHO.

Um, actually, FOGJ was defending you, Walter.

“Lapdog”?

227

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:04:46am

re: #215 Gus 802

Well, on an online forum it’s difficult to detect nuance and tone.

228

subsailor68 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:04:59am

re: #208 Kosh’s Shadow

Friends, Americans, Countrymen
Lend me your ears
I come not to praise America
But to bury it
/the 0ne

LOL! Hmmm…how about:

O for a fuse of Mire,
That would astound the very thought of comprehension…..

A stage for a kingdom.

King Barry V

229

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:05:06am

re: #197 Sharmuta

I decided I was done listening to Rush when he told the non-fundamentalist Christians to leave the party after the election. Though he helped to turn me to the right, I’m happy to go if that’s how he feels. Best of luck to him, but I think on this he’s wrong.

I know several socialist christians, one family with “War is never answer” sign in their front yard. They think Christ was a socialist, yet when you read Acts, the consecration of private property was 100% voluntary. Socialism is the exact opposite - it is government force.

I didn’t hear him refer to non-fundanetalist Christians in a negative way.

230

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:05:34am

re: #194 Desert Dog

It’s all posturing. Byrd is just reminding Obama about who controls the bills. They are 100% in lock step about socializing and looting the country, don’t make a mistake and think they are not.

Still, we might be able to use his irritation to create some delays and trouble in the Senate. I’m just fine with using an asshole like Byrd to stall Obama’s agenda.

231

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:05:54am

232

Honorary Yooper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:06:00am

re: #209 Walter L. Newton

I would hope our moral compass in better than that?

The tactics, Walter, not the morals or the ethics. You hold them to their standards. Keep their feet to the fire at all times. You stay focused, don’t become angry, and divide them. Make them fight each other since they are in control now. The worse they look, the better it is for us.

233

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:06:19am

Market down 172 points. For the sake of my investments could we get a moratorium on Obama’s speeches.

234

transient Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:06:21am

For over a year, Obama has offered a lot of sizzle. American expectations were absurdly high. I think his recent drop in the polls reflects the fact that the reality of an Obama Presidency can never measure up to the messianic presidency his supporters concocted.

IMO, many Americans tend to vote for the opposite of what they see as the last president’s greatest failure. With Clinton, it was a morality issue. Reps now have to be prepared to run on a reality based platform. They have to be able to say (figuratively): we will give you more than sizzle. We will give you steak. This is how we’re going to do it.

And for a reality based platform to work, they will have to drop support for creationism.

235

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:06:33am

Rush often indulges in pure political hackery. If I had his power I doubt I could resist trying to play kingmaker. Jindal choked big time and Limbaugh’s lashing out at the wrong people.

236

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:06:33am

re: #211 Hengineer

shits and giggles?

Well, there’s that.

But I am suddenly questioing the Keyser Soze business model.

237

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:07:28am

re: #233 topazpilot

Market down 172 points. For the sake of my investments could we get a moratorium on Obama’s speeches.

Good news is Citi stock went up 3 percent. Big whoop.

238

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:01am

re: #224 Boondock St. Bender

Hmmmm its working on this end.lemme try again

AAUUUUUGHHH! That was more painful to watch than Obama!

239

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:07am

re: #236 Occasional Reader

Well, there’s that.

But I am suddenly questioing the Keyser Soze business model.

I am questioning whether you are a shit or a giggle…

240

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:10am

re: #201 Walter L. Newton

I know, I apologized, but lapdog FurryOldGuyJeans has to turn it into a row. Typical suck up. IMHO.

Last time I try DEFENDING you Walter if you think expressing an opinion is turning something into a row.

You are starting to show a lot of Robert Spenser’s attack mode.

241

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:27am

re: #226 Occasional Reader

Um, actually, FOGJ was defending you, Walter.

“Lapdog”?

I’ll take that into consideration. He’s dumped on me out of left field a number of times before.

242

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:30am

243

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:47am

re: #235 Peacekeeper

Well, if you’re honest and look at Jindal objectively he does seem to appear to be Rush’s model candidate.

244

ilzito guacamolito Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:50am

re: #85 Occasional Reader

WWKSD?

Just shoot everyone, I guess.

245

Silvergirl Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:50am

re: #199 chicagodudewhotrades

go to the C-span website. They have videos of all the stuff that airs.

Thanks—found it. Link for anyone else

Romney on CSPAN

246

Boondock St. Bender Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:08:58am

re: #222 Irenike
My biggest fear right now,is that things do go to shit,and the same old rep.party comes to power,having learned nothing.We’ll be locked into an 8-12 year throw-em out cycle.

247

Zimriel Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:09:07am

re: #215 Gus 802

Nuance.

Tone.

That’s something that’s hard to pick up, if it’s not intentionally flagged, with blog comments which move as fast as LGF’s. I know I’ve often typed something that, when I posted it, ended up making no sense because I’d made some idiotic typo. And then sometimes angry / snarky asides creep in from my subconscious, which don’t help the substance of my point.

Why haven’t the zionists invented that time machine yet? :^)

248

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:09:08am

re: #225 Killgore Trout

There are plenty of ways to market “conservatism” and make it practical and cool again. They aren’t willing to make the leap yet.

Right now- we’re still not even discussing what the foundation of “conservatism” is. We supposedly agree on some principles, but no one seems to be spelling them out, and without a foundation there’s little building that can be done.

249

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:09:43am

re: #237 Walter L. Newton

Yeah, break out the confetti! My stock portfolio dropped 25% last year. Thank god I’m still young or I’d be thoroughly fucked.

250

Occasional Reader Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:09:54am

re: #239 Peacekeeper

I am questioning

Tell it to the Folsom Street boys.

251

Walter L. Newton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:10:16am

re: #240 FurryOldGuyJeans

Last time I try DEFENDING you Walter if you think expressing an opinion is turning something into a row.

You are starting to show a lot of Robert Spenser’s attack mode.

Then I apologize. For some reason, I just don’t understand your comments sometimes. For me, they seems to have a little edge to them which makes me wonder if you are really being supportive or backhanded snarky.

Like I say, it’s just me, my problem. Sorry again.

252

DistantThunder Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:10:19am

re: #221 topazpilot

I like to listen to Rush because I don’t think anyone rips Democratic leaders and the Obama administration better. Though, I do agree that when he starts trying to purge the Republican Party of the moderate elements he grows a little annoying.

Look at how well Specter, and Snow worked out.

253

Silvergirl Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:10:39am

re: #245 Silvergirl

Thanks—found it. Link for anyone else

Romney on CSPAN

Oops, forget that. Old clip. Not what I was looking for. Back to the search.

254

LGoPs Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:10:44am

re: #222 Irenike

Obama is riding high right now, and the Republicans are riding low, because the shit hasn’t hit the fan—-yet. The Dems just passed the pork bill, but nothing has really gone into effect.

The bad guys around the world haven’t actually done anything—yet—except send up a few satellites and brag about their nuclear research. Americans, by and large, are not feeling the economic pinch — yet. Give it more time. When inflation starts to take off, when average Americans see how little their hard-earned dollars actually buy, when the recession stretches on and on, when the bad guys start making the front page of the news, then maybe people will wake up and realize that Obama’s promises are a bunch of dust. Right now, the Big O is talkin’ smooth and nice and makin’ everybody swoon because he doesn’t really have much to answer for — yet. But he will, he will. All presidents have to answer for what they do.

I agree. It hasn’t even started to get interesting yet. Obama’s judgement is fundamentally flawed and the decision making that will result will provide plenty of opportunities for a Republican riposte.
We need to keep our powder dry and to judiciously pick our battles and then when we do fight them, fight them decisively.

255

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:10:50am

re: #236 Occasional Reader

Well, there’s that.

But I am suddenly questioing the Keyser Soze business model.

It’s actually a variant of the Bill Clinton model: seduce ‘em, use em’, abandon them when they become inconvenient. Think of the surviving Hungarian as the stain on the dress. :D

256

Peacekeeper Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:10:58am

re: #243 topazpilot

Well, if you’re honest and look at Jindal objectively he does seem to appear to be Rush’s model candidate.

I imagine Rush invested heavily in Jindal and now the bottom has fallen out. It must hurt.

257

dentate Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:11:30am

OT
Hey Charles, just being picky here, but your “now playing” Early Man cover art shows a trilobite. Early Man? Trilobites? Sounds like a display from the Answers in Genesis museum.

258

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:11:44am

re: #231 buzzsawmonkey

The Republicans, or whoever, should run someone who is genuinely conservative.

I actually think the Republicans should look more towards Lincoln that Reagan. Conservatives are part of the problem. Lincoln was a forward looking “progressive”, Reagan was a backwards looking conservative. BTW, I’m not talking about adopting progressive liberalism, but Republicans need to starting adopting a more classical liberal/libertarian ideology.

259

opnion Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:11:49am

re: #202 Honorary Yooper

Exactly. The way to fight the Alinskyites is to turn their own tactics on them. I have a feeling the response will the less than positive.

Yup, Obama has a real thin skin. Draw him out & I mean in an above board way , not with wild accusations.
Make his hubris , inflated hyperbole & amatuerishness look farcical.

260

mattm Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:11:49am

Hear that sucking sound? It’s the markets. Dow is down 125.77.

261

Boondock St. Bender Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:12:20am

re: #239 Peacekeeper
Annie me so sparkely!

262

Harry Tuttle Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:12:45am

Look at it this way, wouldn’t you all have liked to see Palin debate Obama with the gloves off in Natl TV?

263

albusteve Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:12:52am

re: #248 Sharmuta

Right now- we’re still not even discussing what the foundation of “conservatism” is. We supposedly agree on some principles, but no one seems to be spelling them out, and without a foundation there’s little building that can be done.

the old three legged stool works fine for me…security, economy, small govt…we don’t need anything new, just some remedial education

264

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:12:59am

re: #260 mattm

Hear that sucking sound? It’s the markets. Dow is down 125.77.

Buy when the DOW hits 3500.

265

transient Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:13:09am

re: #231 buzzsawmonkey

But unless and until that person and that message can be put forward in optimistic and confident tones, rather than in the tones of grumbling and resentful losers, whoever runs will be slaughtered at the polls.

Totally agree. Americans do not elect losers and whiners. You cannot run on a “Don’t Vote for That Other Idiot” platform. Americans elect people who have some idea of where they want to take the country, even if (especially if?) they are vague on details.

266

realwest Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:13:11am

re: #106 DistantThunder
I’m not so sure of that. The MSM was clearly in love with Obama even during the primaries (and even before it was just Obama and Clinton). And the MSM and Obama’s fund raising were the true cornerstones of his victory.
And that was Bob Beckel you were referring to and yes I do think Michael Steele is someone of whom the Dems should be afraid.
As for articulating the Republican philosophical pov, I don’t get that point - that others were making, not you at all.
All during the Campaign R’s were screaming about higher taxes being the death of small businesses (and some big ones, too) and small businesses have historically been the biggest generator of new jobs. If we couldn’t nail Obama on how his policies were going to HURT the economy back then, I don’t see how we’ll do it now.
I think Obama has two political Achilles’ heels - the first is foreign policy and how well he handles not only the WoT, but other, economic matters with the rest of the World (see, e.g. Kyoto and the UN and Israel) and the second is his Universal Health Care plan - how will it affect the 45+ million voters who already depend on Social Security and Medicare as well as those who were going to have to depend on Social Security and Medicare - at least in part - for their retirements? If the Republicans are gonna have a shot at getting back SOME power in congress, they need to have plans in place to use as alternatives to what most folks suspect Obama’s policies are going to be on those two issues.

267

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:13:15am

re: #251 Walter L. Newton

Then I apologize. For some reason, I just don’t understand your comments sometimes. For me, they seems to have a little edge to them which makes me wonder if you are really being supportive or backhanded snarky.

Like I say, it’s just me, my problem. Sorry again.

I am a big user of sarcasm and sarcastic humor, and apply it QUITE liberally. If I were to attack you I would ensure there was absolutely NO doubt of it.

268

Afrocity Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:13:23am

re: #234 transient

For over a year, Obama has offered a lot of sizzle. American expectations were absurdly high. I think his recent drop in the polls reflects the fact that the reality of an Obama Presidency can never measure up to the messianic presidency his supporters concocted.

IMO, many Americans tend to vote for the opposite of what they see as the last president’s greatest failure. With Clinton, it was a morality issue. Reps now have to be prepared to run on a reality based platform. They have to be able to say (figuratively): we will give you more than sizzle. We will give you steak. This is how we’re going to do it.

And for a reality based platform to work, they will have to drop support for creationism.

Well pass the A1 steak sauce.

269

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:13:30am

re: #252 DistantThunder

I don’t know if that has so much to do with their perceived moderate credentials or their character, their desire to be seen as bipartisan compromisers. I think it speaks to their personality more to any ideology they may hold.

270

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:13:38am

271

tomg51spence Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:13:39am

Obama’s comment to stop funding military we don’t use -
Was that nukes? Specifically warhead maintenance?

272

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:14:19am

re: #258 Killgore Trout

Barry Goldwater.

273

Ojoe Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:14:42am

re: #260 mattm

So much for an effective speech.

274

subsailor68 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:14:53am

OMG, everybody duck! Pigs are flying everywhere:

Fact check: Obama glosses over some realities

National Review? Weekly Standard?

NO! It’s….it’s….wait for it………

It’s MSNBC! Bathtub boy’s own network’s web site! Ha! Take that Olberputz.

275

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:14:58am

re: #190 Bloodnok

The Republican Party is also startlingly resistant to any form of self scrutiny. When the standard response to bad results is “Well, if we ran a REAL conservative things would have been different” -without seriously looking at why the message isn’t marketable anymore, then you know we’re in trouble.

To be fair there have been a number of Republicans - mostly House members who have spoken to this issue and have agreed that they need a better way of presenting their agenda. Cantor and Pence come to mind off the top of my head - and the guy with the reddish hair whose name always escapes me. And even Boehner has been more forceful, focused and clear.

276

Kosh's Shadow Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:15:05am

re: #266 realwest

Remember, the 0bama health care plan will help Democrats.
After all, that is the party dead people vote for.

277

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:15:10am

re: #256 Peacekeeper

I don’t think I’d say the bottom has dropped out on him as of yet. A subpar speech does not destroy candidacies, especially when the future campaign is still three years in the future. Dead hookers and nazi swinger parties do, but subpar speeches do not.

278

albusteve Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:15:25am

re: #272 Sharmuta

Barry Goldwater.

yes…old time federalist

279

avanti Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:15:27am

Pakistan asking for Predators was reported today, White House would not comment at press briefing. Might be a way to get around the politics by doing a fake transfer of drones with US advisers to “help”`.

280

Jimmah Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:15:34am

re: #134 Killgore Trout

Pamela has another hilarious post up about Obama’s secret plan to destroy America…..

OGM!1!eleventy!

She is completely nuts, and her equally nutty cronies are giving her the confidence to be nuttier still. Shame she doesn’t realise that everyone outside that small circle of idiots is laughing at her.

281

Ojoe Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:15:37am

re: #271 tomg51spence

We use our nukes 24/7, only a fool thinks otherwise.

282

opnion Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:15:44am

re: #232 Honorary Yooper

The tactics, Walter, not the morals or the ethics. You hold them to their standards. Keep their feet to the fire at all times. You stay focused, don’t become angry, and divide them. Make them fight each other since they are in control now. The worse they look, the better it is for us.

Your right, what is immoral about pointing out how ludicrous Obama is through humor?

283

transient Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:16:56am

My computer is demanding that it be allowed to restart, so I think I will use this opportunity to grab lunch.
BB(much)L

284

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:17:08am

re: #258 Killgore Trout

I actually think the Republicans should look more towards Lincoln that Reagan. Conservatives are part of the problem. Lincoln was a forward looking “progressive”, Reagan was a backwards looking conservative. BTW, I’m not talking about adopting progressive liberalism, but Republicans need to starting adopting a more classical liberal/libertarian ideology.

No, conservatism is not the problem, the problem is when conservative ideals are ignored for promoting neo-con ones. GWB was not a conservative by any stretch of the imagination, a neo-con he was in spades.

285

cronus Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:17:47am

re: #190 Bloodnok

The Republican Party is also startlingly resistant to any form of self scrutiny. When the standard response to bad results is “Well, if we ran a REAL conservative things would have been different” -without seriously looking at why the message isn’t marketable anymore, then you know we’re in trouble.

/I thought Joe the Plumber was the answer to our marketing problem?

286

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:17:48am

re: #214 DistantThunder

My parents had to get married to have me. Dad was away at IBM jr executive school when I was born. They were married at 17, and 19 respectively. I have to say that it is nice to have two very healthy relatively young parents who are now in their late 60’s. And my grandma lived until 96.

You come from good stock!

287

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:19:02am

re: #268 Afrocity

Well pass the A1 steak sauce.

That “steak” has gone rancid, and not even A1 could mask the stench.

288

tomg51spence Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:19:05am

re: #281 Ojoe

I concur. But is Obama a fool?
I’m wondering if he had anything specific in mind as not being used.

289

Bloodnok Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:19:08am

re: #258 Killgore Trout

I actually think the Republicans should look more towards Lincoln that Reagan. Conservatives are part of the problem. Lincoln was a forward looking “progressive”, Reagan was a backwards looking conservative. BTW, I’m not talking about adopting progressive liberalism, but Republicans need to starting adopting a more classical liberal/libertarian ideology.

I also think we need to look beyond Reagan. He’s within living memory so it’s easy. He was a great, great President (to us, anyway). But it worked in 1980. The country is a different place now. The Independents and Reagan Democrats are different people now.

290

gonecamping Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:19:29am

I saw a Chapelle skit a few years ago (had never heard of the guy before) and I had tears running down my face I was laughing so hard.

re: #198 Ziggy

1/2 is as good as whole to that ilk. Dave chapelle had a hillarious bit about a blind black man who thought he was white and was the head of the local klan chapter.

291

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:19:44am

re: #249 topazpilot

Yeah, break out the confetti! My stock portfolio dropped 25% last year. Thank god I’m still young or I’d be thoroughly fucked.

I’m not and I am.

292

Harry Tuttle Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:20:30am

re: #289 Bloodnok

I also think we need to look beyond Reagan. He’s within living memory so it’s easy. He was a great, great President (to us, anyway). But it worked in 1980. The country is a different place now. The Independents and Reagan Democrats are different people now.

Conservative principles do not change with the times.

293

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:20:46am

re: #280 Jimmah

You know I quit reading LGF for a while and when I had stopped she was on the blogroll and was like LGF Jr. What happened?

294

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:21:21am

re: #290 gonecamping

I saw a Chapelle skit a few years ago (had never heard of the guy before) and I had tears running down my face I was laughing so hard.

There was one I wish I could find on Youtube where the Asians and the Blacks were in a bidding war on who got to claim Tiger Woods. Hilarious.

295

Bloodnok Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:21:29am

re: #292 Harry Tuttle

Conservative principles do not change with the times.

Perhaps not, but voter reaction to them certainly does.

296

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:21:46am

re: #288 tomg51spence

I concur. But is Obama a fool?
I’m wondering if he had anything specific in mind as not being used.

He is not a fool, in the classic sense, he is a construct of the media and the Chicago Machine. He operates on a different set of axioms than most of humanity.

297

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:21:53am

re: #291 redstateredneck

That sucks.

298

avanti Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:22:25am

re: #271 tomg51spence

Obama’s comment to stop funding military we don’t use -
Was that nukes? Specifically warhead maintenance?

Probably, in part. it was the whole cold war weapons program. Building weapons for a war with a super power, while ignoring equipping and providing more ground troops. He mention increasing the numbers of troops.
We have more then enough war heads to make sure we can make the rubble bounce, and so do the one time bad guys.

299

Unakite Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:22:32am

re: #260 mattm

Hear that sucking sound? It’s the markets. Dow is down 125.77.

More like flushing sound.

300

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:23:11am

re: #223 ConservatismNow!

You’re lucky to have your Great grandfather alive. Mine died 17 years before I was born. I would love to have met him. I’d like to have asked him who his father was. Big family mystery.

301

theheat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:23:17am

re: #147 topazpilot

That’s because Rush is most excited when he can pontificate about what a true conservative is. He tapped Jindal on the back, not caring how nuts and incompetent he was. Now he’s too smug to admit Jindal was an embarrassing washout, so he’ll blame it on anything other than the fact Jindal acts like a hayseed. It’s Rush’s MO. It’s why he gets up in the morning.

302

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:23:20am

re: #291 redstateredneck

I’m not and I am.

You are so ungrateful - did you forget about that extra $13 a week you’re going to get? Sheesh.

303

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:23:56am

re: #297 topazpilot

That sucks.

I don’t want to work til I die!
:-(

304

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:24:10am

re: #301 theheat

That’s because Rush is most excited when he can pontificate about what a true conservative is. He tapped Jindal on the back, not caring how nuts and incompetent he was. Now he’s too smug to admit Jindal was an embarrassing washout, so he’ll blame it on anything other than the fact Jindal acts like a hayseed. It’s Rush’s MO. It’s why he gets up in the morning.

How is Jindal incompetent? As a governor? Or as a speaker?

305

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:24:28am

306

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:24:47am

re: #301 theheat

That’s because Rush is most excited when he can pontificate about what a true conservative is. He tapped Jindal on the back, not caring how nuts and incompetent he was. Now he’s too smug to admit Jindal was an embarrassing washout, so he’ll blame it on anything other than the fact Jindal acts like a hayseed. It’s Rush’s MO. It’s why he gets up in the morning.

Rush has an ego that spans the known universe, and it taints all of his promotion of Conservatism.

307

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:24:48am

re: #302 loppyd

You are so ungrateful - did you forget about that extra $13 a week you’re going to get? Sheesh.

OMG! I forgot all about it. I’m saved, saved! ! !

308

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:24:49am

re: #295 Bloodnok

Perhaps not, but voter reaction to them certainly does.

It’s the way the message is delivered.

309

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:25:17am

310

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:25:35am

re: #307 redstateredneck

OMG! I forgot all about it. I’m saved, saved! ! !

That’s more like it. I won’t report you to the civilian national security force just yet.

311

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:26:04am

re: #310 loppyd

That’s more like it. I won’t report you to the civilian national security force just yet.

Whew!

312

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:27:08am

re: #295 Bloodnok

Perhaps not, but voter reaction to them certainly does.

I see that more of a reflection of the media evolution on the portrayal of what conservatism entails. It was like shooting fish in a barrel with neo-con GWB.

313

Sharmuta Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:27:14am

Killgore

314

AuntAcid Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:27:59am

“A young Gov. named Bobby J grew restless on the farm
A boy filled with wonderlust who really meant no harm
He changed his clothes and shined his boots
And combed his dark hair down
And his mother cried as he walked out

Don’t take your speech to town son
Leave your speech at home Bob
Don’t take your speech to town”

we all know how this turns out…

315

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:28:20am

re: #290 gonecamping

I saw a Chapelle skit a few years ago (had never heard of the guy before) and I had tears running down my face I was laughing so hard.

Most of his stuff is available on youtube. He is a comic genius and takes on race in a very un-cowardly way (slam on Holder).

316

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:28:29am

re: #311 redstateredneck

Whew!

Just be more grateful in the future. If not, your Obama Gas Card will be docked.

317

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:28:32am

318

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:29:26am

re: #315 Ziggy

Most of his stuff is available on youtube. He is a comic genius and takes on race in a very un-cowardly way (slam on Holder).

Charlie Murphaaaay

319

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:29:40am

re: #317 buzzsawmonkey

Ego is one area where Rush is quite liberal, and not conservative at all.

ROFL! Now THAT was one spectacular pun! ;)

320

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:29:58am

re: #313 Sharmuta

Goldwater was a good egg.

321

Jimmah Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:30:57am

re: #293 topazpilot

She decided to side with neo-nazi sympathizers because of their ‘anti-jihad credentials’. Then she became buddies with the deranged pyscho’s that got banned from this site for expressing those sort of views and worse. Since then she has been getting progressively madder; now she’s just a kind of right wing ‘troofer’.

322

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:31:20am

re: #313 Sharmuta

Killgore

Now that was a man I could vote for. A shame to see the sullying of his legacy by McCain.

323

realwest Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:31:24am

re: #291 redstateredneck
Hey {red} Welcome to the club - Mom and I will appreciate ANY support we can get. I still can’t get my mind to wrap around the idea that healthcare may be denied for folks who’s “usefullness to society” won’t justify the cost of the payments for Medicare. Or, I suppose the logical corrollary, that their “usefullness” to society won’t justify their receiving Social Security benefits - even if they DID pay 12.5% of their income for their entire working lives into Social Security.

324

realwest Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:34:11am

re: #322 FurryOldGuyJeans
McCain and Jindhal and a bunch of other “conservative” Republicans sold out Barry Goldwaters principles.
And they didn’t even get their 40 pieces of silver for doing so.
In all honesty, I thought throughout his life (and especailly in 1964) that Goldwater was one of the few truly HONEST men left in politics.

325

Colonel Panik Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:35:40am

I asked him to elaborate a little. “With the political moment, it’s how can you find the one thing that gives you the momentary upper hand in terms of the coverage for the next six hours — as opposed to engaging the electorate in creating a structural change in their opinion on which party is better able to handle an issue.”

STRATEGERY!

326

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:36:08am

327

subsailor68 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:36:32am

re: #323 realwest

Morning RW! I do keep you and your mom in my prayers. As for “useful” to society, hell, I figure your and your mom are a lot more useful to society - just by sticking to your principles and supporting conservative causes against the onslaught of the left - than those pinheads who are either consciously or unconsciously trashing our country!

May you both live forever.

328

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:36:39am

re: #318 loppyd

Charlie Murphaaaay

Funny MFer

329

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:37:06am

re: #324 realwest

McCain and Jindhal and a bunch of other “conservative” Republicans sold out Barry Goldwaters principles.
And they didn’t even get their 40 pieces of silver for doing so.
In all honesty, I thought throughout his life (and especailly in 1964) that Goldwater was one of the few truly HONEST men left in politics.

McCain and Jindal are neo-cons. I have always been a classic conservative, even before I knew what that meant. ;)

I was 5 in 1964, so I doubt I had any strong political opinions other than wanting to grow up.

330

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:37:17am

re: #328 Ziggy

Funny MFer

Cocaine’s a helluva drug.

331

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:37:45am

re: #326 buzzsawmonkey

Thirty. Thirty pieces of silver is the “betrayal price,” if you are referencing the NT.

Inflation, you know. ;)

332

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:38:34am

re: #329 FurryOldGuyJeans

I was 9 in 1964 and was pulling for AU H2O. I couldn’t stand LBJ.

333

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:38:57am

re: #323 realwest

Hey {red} Welcome to the club - Mom and I will appreciate ANY support we can get. I still can’t get my mind to wrap around the idea that healthcare may be denied for folks who’s “usefullness to society” won’t justify the cost of the payments for Medicare. Or, I suppose the logical corrollary, that their “usefullness” to society won’t justify their receiving Social Security benefits - even if they DID pay 12.5% of their income for their entire working lives into Social Security.

Dammit, we’ll have a bake sale to pay for your health care if we have to!

334

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:39:06am

335

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:39:55am

re: #332 BatGuano

I was 9 in 1964 and was pulling for AU H2O. I couldn’t stand LBJ.

I know I didn’t like him, he came across as very slimy and insincere to my 5 year old mind.

336

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:40:02am

re: #326 buzzsawmonkey

Thirty. Thirty pieces of silver is the “betrayal price,” if you are referencing the NT.

Rate of inflation?

337

Charles Johnson Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:40:08am

re: #280 Jimmah

She is completely nuts, and her equally nutty cronies are giving her the confidence to be nuttier still. Shame she doesn’t realise that everyone outside that small circle of idiots is laughing at her.

I don’t think I’ve ever called her a “racust,” have I? Sounds horrible. I’d never say that about someone.

338

theheat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:40:36am

re: #304 loppyd

How ‘bout both? His decisions as a governor suck wind, he has some whacked ideas about religion and science, and, for all his education, his speaking ability isn’t much more sophisticated than Gomer Pyle (without the lovely singing voice). Other than that, he’s a terrific guy.

339

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:41:19am

re: #331 FurryOldGuyJeans

Inflation, you know. ;)

re: #336 redstateredneck

Rate of inflation?

GMTA!

340

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:41:50am

re: #339 redstateredneck

GMTA!

More like PMTA, at least in my case. ;)

341

BLBfootballs Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:41:53am

“You’re seeing a major doctrinal shift in how Republicans are going to focus all these debates,” the strategist told me. “The key is to focus on winning the issue as opposed to winning the political moment. If you win the issue, people will think you are ready to govern.”
I asked him to elaborate a little. “With the political moment, it’s how can you find the one thing that gives you the momentary upper hand in terms of the coverage for the next six hours — as opposed to engaging the electorate in creating a structural change in their opinion on which party is better able to handle an issue.”

Wowsers. Getta looka that new “doctrine”: “Winning the issue”. Hey, now there’s innovation for you. What brilliant strategic awareness. What enlightenment. With deep thoughts like this can the GOP be more than 10 ~~centuries~~, uh, ~~decades~~, er, years from victory?

342

dentate Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:42:47am

re: #326 buzzsawmonkey

Thirty. Thirty pieces of silver is the “betrayal price,” if you are referencing the NT.

Sorry, rates just went up. Somebody has to pay for it.

343

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:42:49am

re: #338 theheat

How ‘bout both? His decisions as a governor suck wind, he has some whacked ideas about religion and science, and, for all his education, his speaking ability isn’t much more sophisticated than Gomer Pyle (without the lovely singing voice). Other than that, he’s a terrific guy.

Considering what preceded him, Jindal is excellent as governor.

344

redstateredneck Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:43:34am

re: #340 FurryOldGuyJeans

More like PMTA, at least in my case. ;)

I could have called jinx and then you’d have had to sit on your hands and not posted til I released you!

345

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:44:33am

346

Killer Tomato Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:44:46am

re: #323 realwest

Hey {red} Welcome to the club - Mom and I will appreciate ANY support we can get. I still can’t get my mind to wrap around the idea that healthcare may be denied for folks who’s “usefullness to society” won’t justify the cost of the payments for Medicare. Or, I suppose the logical corrollary, that their “usefullness” to society won’t justify their receiving Social Security benefits - even if they DID pay 12.5% of their income for their entire working lives into Social Security.

real -
Don’t forget to thank AARP. (they claim 40 million members) This is from their website:

But in recent weeks, reasoned debate and the actual language of the bill have been drowned out by inflammatory distortions voiced by conservative groups and media commentators. “Opponents of health reform are now using scare tactics in a misguided attempt to stop progress in its tracks, blocking attempts to fix the broken health care system that is hurting American families and our economy,” says AARP CEO Bill Novelli.

http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/articles/medical_research_provision.html#commentHeading

347

realwest Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:44:48am

re: #326 buzzsawmonkey
Inflation. Or faulty memory. You choose.

348

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:44:48am

re: #339 redstateredneck

What would 30 pieces of silver buy in 30 A.D.?

349

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:44:56am

re: #344 redstateredneck

I could have called jinx and then you’d have had to sit on your hands and not posted til I released you!

A perverted mind is something to be wasted! ;)

350

FurryOldGuyJeans Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:45:49am

re: #348 BatGuano

What would 30 pieces of silver buy in 30 A.D.?

A lot. (Pun intended)

351

realwest Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:46:18am

re: #327 subsailor68
Thanks a lot subsailor68 - I’m pretty sure that neither mom nor I want to live forever, but I sure would like to have medical care that would help me LIVE if it was available, regardless of what some dumb and mean ass politicians may say.

352

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:47:22am

re: #335 FurryOldGuyJeans

My 5 year old mind liked JFK. And, looking back at his presidency, my 53 year old mind still does.

353

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:48:53am

re: #350 FurryOldGuyJeans

Stepped into that one. upding.

354

subsailor68 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:49:58am

re: #351 realwest

Thanks a lot subsailor68 - I’m pretty sure that neither mom nor I want to live forever, but I sure would like to have medical care that would help me LIVE if it was available, regardless of what some dumb and mean ass politicians may say.

Well, I guess I wouldn’t want to live forever either, but ya know what I mean.

Maybe I’m just a naive optimist, but I think (and hope) when people start thinking about the ramifications of letting politicians/bureaucrats make medical decisions based on “budgets” - support for this insanity will quickly go away.

355

Kosh's Shadow Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:50:40am

re: #346 Killer Tomato

Don’t forget to thank AARP. (they claim 40 million members) This is from their website:http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/article s/medical_research_provision.html#commentHeading

I guess they don’t realize how many of their members Pelousycare would kill.

356

realwest Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:53:22am

re: #329 FurryOldGuyJeans
I was 19 and still remember the 1964 campaign and especially how Goldwater went down to Sun City Fla (at the time the largest retirement community in the USA) and spoke out against social security and how he’d replace it. Then he went to Nashville, Tenn. and talked about what a political and economic joke the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) was and how it should be replace by whatever he said. And some intrepid young reporter said to him “Senator Goldwater, shouldn’t you give your social security speech in Tenn. and your TVA speech in Florida?” And Goldwater responded “I talk to the people who will be most likely affected by my proposals; I won’t say one thing in Fla just to win votes; people deserve to know where I stand on the issues that affect them the most.”
As I said, an honest man. And he had a sense of humor, too. After losing in a horrible landslide to LBJ some reporter asked Goldwater what he was gonna do and Goldwater quipped: “Demand a recount!”

357

calcajun Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:56:20am

The GOP should realize that Jindal is not ready for prime time. He’s not even forty years-old. The GOP leadership should not be so quick to grab any warm minority body and thrust them to the forefront of national attention. They should have learned from Palin—who will continue to grow. Otherwise, these potential rising stars will stand as much chance on the national stage as a baby fur seal against a group of hungry, club-wielding Inuits.

358

Wendya Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:56:34am

I’m embarrassed for the entire republican party. Learning how to pander like a democrat isn’t going to make me run out to vote for them.

359

realwest Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:56:42am

re: #346 Killer Tomato
I’ve already written to AARP and told them what I think - and I demanded to know the ages of their CEO, CFO and top tier management.
I ain’t holding my breath for an answer, either.

360

calcajun Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:57:22am

re: #350 FurryOldGuyJeans

A lot. (Pun intended)

But you’d have to hang around in order to get a good deal.

361

Killer Tomato Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:57:36am

re: #355 Kosh’s Shadow

A lot of the membership are the hippy dippy 60’s generation. I don’t know if reality will ever break through to some of them.

362

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:57:55am

re: #356 realwest

Thanks for posting that.

363

theheat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:58:07am

re: #343 FurryOldGuyJeans

When the bar is set low, it doesn’t take much to exceed expectations. A pulse, for instance, or not caught with his pants down, or stealing money. Jindal’s already shown he has no qualms about setting dangerous precedents.

364

Wendya Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:58:34am

re: #357 calcajun

The GOP should realize that Jindal is not ready for prime time. He’s not even forty years-old. The GOP leadership should not be so quick to grab any warm minority body and thrust them to the forefront of national attention. They should have learned from Palin—who will continue to grow. Otherwise, these potential rising stars will stand as much chance on the national stage as a baby fur seal against a group of hungry, club-wielding Inuits.

Yeah, it’s not like it worked for the left who took a relative nothing and elevated him to the national level based on good speechwriters and a flair with the teleprompter.

365

realwest Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:59:43am

re: #362 BatGuano
It was my PLEASURE.

366

Lizard by the Bay Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:00:21am

With any luck, Jindal has already reached the top of his political career, and will advance no further.

367

calcajun Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:00:41am

re: #364 Wendya

Yeah, it’s not like it worked for the left who took a relative nothing and elevated him to the national level based on good speechwriters and a flair with the teleprompter.

In case you haven’t noticed—there seems to be a higher bar set for the GOP. Can’t imagine why, though.

368

funky chicken Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:02:32am

re: #9 Peacekeeper

I think he’s saying that they can’t out Obama Obama, so they have to go policy for now. Which is good because they’ve got no personality that can upstage Obama at this time.

Agreed. And whoever told Jindal to talk stupid last night in an attempt to do just that needs to be immediately fired as a GOP advisor. I don’t want Jindal to become a national nominee for the GOP because of his weird religious stuff, but there’s no doubt that the man is sharp and has a handle on specific issues and problem solving.

369

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:02:38am

re: #338 theheat

How ‘bout both? His decisions as a governor suck wind, he has some whacked ideas about religion and science, and, for all his education, his speaking ability isn’t much more sophisticated than Gomer Pyle (without the lovely singing voice). Other than that, he’s a terrific guy.

What decisions? Other than ID. I will not discuss or debate that issue, but will assume that is one of your gripes.

370

Christopher Luebcke Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:04:06am

“With the political moment, it’s how can you find the one thing that gives you the momentary upper hand in terms of the coverage for the next six hours — as opposed to engaging the electorate in creating a structural change in their opinion on which party is better able to handle an issue.”

As usual, option three—putting country before party and evaluating actions based on their effect on the populace at large—is off the table. (The same is of course true for Democrats, as it is for nearly any political party anywhere in the world.)

371

funky chicken Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:05:26am

re: #358 Wendya

I’m embarrassed for the entire republican party. Learning how to pander like a democrat isn’t going to make me run out to vote for them.

YES…and they made this mistake with GW Bush, Trent Lott, Ted Stevens, Jack Abramoff, etc, etc. They thought it was just their turn to feed at the trough and reward their cronies just like the dems had done when they had control of congress.

They learned nothing from 2006, I guess?

372

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:06:35am

re: #369 loppyd

From what I have read at LGF, ID is the dealbreaker.

373

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:08:35am

re: #330 loppyd

Cocaine’s a helluva drug.

Been there, done that. It is a helluva drug, I am lucky to still be here…without a criminal record. Clean for years, though, so no need to lecture.

374

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:11:10am

re: #373 Ziggy

Been there, done that. It is a helluva drug, I am lucky to still be here…without a criminal record. Clean for years, though, so no need to lecture.

Clean living is cool in my book.

375

calcajun Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:12:59am

re: #372 BatGuano

From what I have read at LGF, ID is the dealbreaker.

It’s not so much as a deal breaker as it is a glaring chink in the armor—one hell of a vulnerable spot. It’s the old omelet analogy; one rotten egg will spoil the whole thing.

376

loppyd Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:14:01am

re: #372 BatGuano

From what I have read at LGF, ID is the dealbreaker.

For some, maybe.

I don’t have a strong opinion on it and it doesn’t concern me on a national level so it will not influence my vote for president.

377

Boxy_brown Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:14:32am

I thought the only thing more depressing than watching that slick, lying, intelligence insulting socialist grifter who has established a dangerous cult of personality give his (not) state of the Union speech was the republican rebuttal.

Then I looked into the reaction from some of the “conservative” blogs who think that Jindal can do no wrong and wont allow themselves to see any liabilities where they don’t want to see them. The word coming out of the ~~think tanks~~ echo chambers is that it’s him or Palin or some combination of both or they are going to sit on their overstuffed, chewed bubblegum asses on election day again… Which will mean another 4 years of that that slick, lying, intelligence insulting socialist grifter who has established a dangerous cult of personality.

End result is that Boxy is furious with everything.

378

Reluctant Democrat Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:18:49am

“The key is to focus on winning the issue as opposed to winning the political moment. If you win the issue, people will think you are ready to govern.”

Faster, please.

379

Jack Burton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:19:31am

re: #197 Sharmuta

I decided I was done listening to Rush when he told the non-fundamentalist Christians to leave the party after the election. Though he helped to turn me to the right, I’m happy to go if that’s how he feels. Best of luck to him, but I think on this he’s wrong.

Rush has bought into, or acts like he has, the idea that if you are “moderate” on social issues, that you cant possibly be a real conservative and will most certainly be OK with big government spending and socialism-lite.

This is one of his more irritating positions, much like his insistence that moderates and independents are empty headed people who cant make a decision and have no real position on issues. No Rush, with all due respect, there are more than 2 sides to many issues and refusing to select one “sides” positions across the board does not mean you have no opinion. But I digress…

If Jindal actually was as conservative on non-social issues as Rush makes him out to be, I could understand him continuing to have this belief. I don’t see why he can’t see that he’s just another “compassionate conservative” socialist Christian who has a tendency to tell conservatives what they want to hear. Someone who will attract nutjobs to a primary and then fall on his face in November. Not because he’s not a social conservative, but because hes a whacko.

Rush is right though on this: When republicans run as “democrat-lite” they lose. He just needs to accept that not believing in ID and not thinking that an exorcism will cure cancer does not make one “democrat-lite”.

380

funky chicken Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:21:15am

Charles is correct about the stupidity of the slam on Pacific Rim vulcanologists. Watching the ring of fire for volcanic activity is extremely important. The damned tsunami that devastated Thailand and Indonesia should prove that watching geologic activity in that area is vitally important. Can you say Krakatoa? yes, I thought you could.

How about Yellowstone? Might we want some folks there monitoring that situation?

yeah, way to make the GOP look like knuckle-draggers. He couldn’t pick out a wasteful ACORN program?

GRRRRRR

381

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:21:37am

re: #376 loppyd

I’m with you on that. Each voter must decide what is issue is important. Ronald Reagan was the best president of my life time. I disagreed with him on some things. I was a democrat until ‘79 then switched parties to vote for him in the Ca primary. Voted for him in ‘80 and ‘84.

382

funky chicken Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:22:28am

re: #377 Boxy_brown

I thought the only thing more depressing than watching that slick, lying, intelligence insulting socialist grifter who has established a dangerous cult of personality give his (not) state of the Union speech was the republican rebuttal.

Then I looked into the reaction from some of the “conservative” blogs who think that Jindal can do no wrong and wont allow themselves to see any liabilities where they don’t want to see them. The word coming out of the ~~think tanks~~ echo chambers is that it’s him or Palin or some combination of both or they are going to sit on their overstuffed, chewed bubblegum asses on election day again… Which will mean another 4 years of that that slick, lying, intelligence insulting socialist grifter who has established a dangerous cult of personality.

End result is that Boxy is furious with everything.

great post

383

Ziggy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:25:15am

re: #374 loppyd

Clean living is cool in my book.

It is so far superior. You actually enjoy life rather than join the walking dead.

384

BatGuano Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:27:15am

re: #380 funky chicken

I didn’t see the Jindal thing but I have read several things about cutting funding for vulcanology or something to that effect. As a resident on a geologically active planet I would like as much funding as necessary for this vital function.

385

jester6 Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:32:50am

Folks,

Parties don’t matter anymore. Here is the a breakdown of the 2007 federal budget. The vast majority of government spending and decisions is on auto pilot

NON-DISCRETIONARY SPENDING

* $586.1 billion (+7.0%) - Social Security
* $394.5 billion (+12.4%) - Medicare
* $294.0 billion (+2.0%) - Unemployment and welfare
* $276.4 billion (+2.9%) - Medicaid and other health related
* $243.7 billion (+13.4%) - Interest on debt

That’s $1.794.7 trillion on auto pilot.

SPENDING DISCRETIONARY

* $548.8 billion (+9.0%) - Defense
* $89.9 billion (+1.3%) - Education and training
* $76.9 billion (+8.1%) - Transportation
* $72.6 billion (+5.8%) - Veterans’ benefits
* $43.5 billion (+9.2%) - Administration of justice
* $33.1 billion (+5.7%) - Natural resources and environment
* $32.5 billion (+15.4%) - Foreign affairs
* $27.0 billion (+3.7%) - Agriculture
* $26.8 billion (+28.7%) - Community and regional development
* $25.0 billion (+4.0%) - Science and technology
* $20.5 billion (+0.8%) - Energy
* $20.1 billion (+11.4%) - General government

That’s $1,016.7 trillion total discretionary spending.

386

FrogMarch Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:45:08am

The Democrat’s strategy is to couch everything with conservative principles - all while they decieve the masses about what is really going on.
::: the stealth leap to high taxes, big government intrusion and fascism.

387

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:51:44am

re: #377 Boxy_brown

Are you reading the same blogs I’m reading? Redstate, Ace of Spades, and some at the Corner have stated quite clearly that Jindal dropped the ball and did not deliver a good speech.

388

topazpilot Wed, Feb 25, 2009 11:54:51am

re: #384 BatGuano

I’ve noticed some complaints about this in this thread, and the question is this, how does this funding stimulate the economy? We have an appropriations process that funds the various functions of the government and the associated programs. This funding would be appropriate in the appropriations bill and not in a stimulus bill. It’s not anti-science to state this.

389

Jack Burton Wed, Feb 25, 2009 12:09:02pm

re: #388 topazpilot

You are right. This stuff should not be in this bill. Jindal is correct in pointing this out. It’s not anti-science to complain about the pork. The problem is that there was far more ridiculous pork in the bill and the reason that Jindal decided to zero-in on the science parts seems troublesome.

390

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 12:12:23pm

391

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 12:13:41pm

392

Carolina Kathy Wed, Feb 25, 2009 12:17:22pm

I think York is just silly. Obama’s numbers have been steadily slipping. When your enemy is hurting himself, get out of his way. The GOP needs to look beyond the media, and to do that they’ve got to give the EGO room enough to fall so hard that all the media’s horses and all the media’s men, can’t put HumptyObama back together again.

It’ll happen.

393

Pupdawg Wed, Feb 25, 2009 12:42:40pm

Let’s see if I have this correct. The Republicans expect to accomplish this without the MSM? Because, they are as gone as my 401k?

394

debutaunt Wed, Feb 25, 2009 12:56:59pm

re: #332 BatGuano

I was 9 in 1964 and was pulling for AU H2O. I couldn’t stand LBJ.

We used to have a can of that AU H20.

395

nom de boom Wed, Feb 25, 2009 1:09:38pm

IMHO, the GOP is being too simplistic about all of this. The loss of credibility on the national level of government is symptomatic of a greater failure on the part of conservatives, the abandonment of our belief in de-centralized government. What do I mean? Take a look at who runs most local government. It’s a collection of every fruit-nut hybrid with an ideological axe to grind. Sure, they’re usually single-issue, special-interest types, but their stance on the given single issue usually has a lot in common with socialism. These are the people who believe government is the answer, and they hold a disproportionate amount of power on the local level, and to a lesser extent, the state level as well. A fair number of them even claim to be conservatives, but of course that rings false, e.g. Discovery Institute. The unquestioned assumption that government solves, rather than creates problems, is at the core of almost every national-level debate we are having right now.

So, then, what we need is a comprehensive strategy that doesn’t give up on the national issues, but really jump-starts normal conservatives’ involvement in local and state government. When there’s a zoning hearing, we need to be there, because rest assured, the Purple-spotted Booby-lovers of America will be there. When there’s a school board meeting, we need to be there, because rest assured, the teachers union will be there. At every opportunity, we need to be there to check our elected officials’ desire to fix the “problem” so that the PBA will just SHUT UP about their stupid bird. If we do so, we’ll begin to build a movement against bigger government from the ground up, and in the process, we’ll regain control of the most important tool of the leftists, the schools. They have been successful in raising two generations of dullards who can’t see past Barry’s rhetoric to the consequences of his policies. The next couple of decades may be lost to us, but in the long run, I think this strategy would pay incredible dividends.

396

[deleted] Wed, Feb 25, 2009 3:35:42pm

397

SpartanWoman Wed, Feb 25, 2009 10:16:33pm

re: #179 Jetpilot1101

Yeah I’m listening to that as well. One thing Rush has never brought up is Jindal’s creationist views. In defense of Rush, he is looking for a conservative, something Jindal clearly is, but in that search he is failing to point out the problems with Jindal that will make him a loser. The MFMSM are a brutal bunch and Jindal’s creationist views will sink him. Rush likes his conservative values, as do I, but I could not vote for Jindal based on his anti-science agenda and actions which indicate a clear desire to violate the constitution and teach religion in public schools.

I so agree, I’d much rather have the country go down the tubes with Obama than have someone with dicey views on “creation” lead us out of an economic and geopolitical quagmire.

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