Another GOP Nirther Revealed

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At the Cincinnati Labor Day tea party demonstration, an unhinged Birther approached Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) and demanded to know why Schmidt wasn’t calling for an investigation into Barack Obama’s citizenship. Schmidt’s reply: “I agree with you, but the courts don’t.”

Youtube Video

Bad craziness, being stoked by Republican leaders.

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255 comments
1 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:21:42am

I think we should ISSUE “Nirth Certifikits” to Nirthers.

2 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:22:10am

Return of the son of the lolrus!

3 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:22:15am

I like how she wipers to avoid being caught on camera. They know it’s stupid and embarrassing but they just can’t help themselves.

4 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:23:48am

Can’t say I think too much of her staff, either.

5 fat.elvis  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:24:20am

That rep reminds me of the creepy mom in Donnie Darko.

6 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:24:24am

She’s not even a Nirther. Oh, she’s earned the Certifikit, but she’s just pandering.

7 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:24:51am

What a shameful spectacle.

8 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:25:07am

Notice how her handlers are trying to block the camera.

Disgusting.

9 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:25:25am

Personally, I just see a politician being a politician in that clip.

Not to say that she isn’t a nirther, but I just see her saying what she wants a potential voter to hear.

10 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:25:38am

Best part of that video was the law enforcement guy never moving from his chair, waiting for somebody to cross the line. I liked the expression on his face.

11 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:26:23am

re: #9 MrSilverDragon

Personally, I just see a politician being a politician in that clip.

Not to say that she isn’t a nirther, but I just see her saying what she wants a potential voter to hear.

Nirthers are nutjobs. You shouldn’t say what they want to hear, you should tell them to STFD and STFU and you’d win far more votes than you’d lose.

12 debutaunt  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:28:29am

It will be so nice when this particular issue is put to bed in a straightjacket in another room.

13 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:28:31am

re: #9 MrSilverDragon

Personally, I just see a politician being a politician in that clip.

Not to say that she isn’t a nirther, but I just see her saying what she wants a potential voter to hear.


Should the GOP do that with the Truthers too?

14 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:28:36am

re: #10 haakondahl

Best part of that video was the law enforcement guy never moving from his chair, waiting for somebody to cross the line. I liked the expression on his face.

That expression was priceless, wasn’t it?

15 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:28:52am
“I agree with you, but the courts don’t.”

Thank God for the courts then.

16 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:29:43am
17 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:30:19am

re: #11 thedopefishlives

Nirthers are nutjobs.

100% agree. I’d say 110% but that is impossible by the very definition of percentages.

You shouldn’t say what they want to hear, you should tell them to STFD and STFU and you’d win far more votes than you’d lose.

While I also agree, most politicians are going to say or do whatever they can to get a vote, by saying one thing to one person, and the exact opposite to another person.

18 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:30:30am

re: #13 Killgore Trout

Should the GOP do that with the Truthers too?

Yes. It is a shame that the party of GWB would put up with those morons.

19 theuglydougling  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:30:44am

re: #13 Killgore Trout

No, but the Dems sure did. Not saying that makes it right, of course.

20 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:30:52am

I think I posted this on another thread - and the point is not to debate Van Jones… is he or isn’t he - but now that conspiracy theories have been part of a story that resulted in the resignation of one person, I sure hope the bar gets reset on the nirthers so sane R’s run against them, call them out on the nonsense, and primary them out.

Wishful thinking?

21 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:31:28am

Well, at least she didn’t sign a Nirther petition.

/

22 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:31:33am

re: #13 Killgore Trout

Should the GOP do that with the Truthers too?

In my opinion, absolutely not… but I’m willing to bet some have.

23 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:32:03am

re: #11 thedopefishlives

Nirthers are nutjobs. You shouldn’t say what they want to hear, you should tell them to STFD and STFU and you’d win far more votes than you’d lose.

At the least- make a polite excuse and get the hell out of there. They shouldn’t be encouraged.

24 debutaunt  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:32:24am

re: #16 buzzsawmonkey

Not if you’re trying to cool out a nutjob who’s in your face at an event where you are trying also to avoid a disturbance.

You can say it’s cowardly for Republican officeholders to not attempt to argue constituents out of their nirtherism, but they are doubtless aware that arguing with someone committed to a conspiracy worldview is proof against mere fact. They are therefore attempting to do what politicians always do—make bland, reassuring noises while hoping that the prairie fire burns itself out.

Yelling at nirthers and loosechangers can be a tad hazardous.

25 jaunte  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:32:44am

re: #15 Sharmuta

“I agree with you, but the courts don’t.”

Profiles in courage.
///

26 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:33:13am

1. The Nirther is a ranting loon who’s voice would make me put ice picks in my ears if I lived with her.
2. The congresscreature is so slimy, she has too whisper in her ear that she agrees because she probably was just pandering.
3. The Cop was great. Kind of look like a healthy David Crosby with that great mustache.

27 Servo Cicero  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:33:27am

Even if the nirthers believe they can get Obama ousted from office, do they REALLY want Biden in his place?

28 greygandalf  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:33:30am

Maybe he was worried he’d get shot if he disagreed.

29 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:33:46am

re: #13 Killgore Trout

Should the GOP do that with the Truthers too?

In order to believe the truther lunacy, you have to believe the worst possible things about your govt. Mass conspiracy to murder thousands as a pretext for a war that will kill thousands.

To be a birther, you just have to be an idiot with no deductive reasoning or common sense, unable to see through your own partisan hysteria.

It’s really a mistake to equate the two in any way.

30 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:33:55am

re: #14 Last Mohican

That expression was priceless, wasn’t it?

Zen Masters.
Chuck Norris.
Ghandi.

Shivering neurotics compared to the sublime serenity of that sheriff who has a gun and knows how to use it.

31 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:34:04am

re: #9 MrSilverDragon

Personally, I just see a politician being a politician in that clip.

Not to say that she isn’t a nirther, but I just see her saying what she wants a potential voter to hear.

That may or may not be true - but when she tells a Birther “I agree with you” — she has become one of them.

32 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:34:11am

re: #28 greygandalf

Maybe he was worried he’d get shot if he disagreed.

Who are you talking about?!

33 debutaunt  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:34:29am

re: #27 Servo Cicero

Even if the nirthers believe they can get Obama ousted from office, do they REALLY want Biden in his place?

Do you believe their thinking has gone that far?

34 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:35:00am

re: #16 buzzsawmonkey

Yeah, I sort of wonder if Jean Schmidt is really a nirther, or if she was just trying to say something to quiet down the crazy woman who was in her face.

My guess is that she really is a nirther. Because:

(1) She could have said something more vague to shut the woman up, like “you raise a very important point. I appreciate your opinion, and I thank you for expressing it to me.”

(2) The crazy woman was a little agitated, but she wasn’t very physically threatening, and wasn’t apparently armed. The risk to Schmidt’s safety from failing to appease the woman wasn’t great. And there were plenty of people around who could protect her if the woman attacked her.

On the other hand, maybe Schmidt is just another politician who’s in “permapander” mode, and automatically says stuff to agree with constituents who approach her. Maybe she doesn’t even really have an opinion on the nirther issue.

35 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:35:00am

re: #28 greygandalf

Maybe he was worried he’d get shot if he disagreed.

Watch the damned video already.

36 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:35:15am

re: #16 buzzsawmonkey

Not if you’re trying to cool out a nutjob who’s in your face at an event where you are trying also to avoid a disturbance.

You can say it’s cowardly for Republican officeholders to not attempt to argue constituents out of their nirtherism, but they are doubtless aware that arguing with someone committed to a conspiracy worldview is proof against mere fact. They are therefore attempting to do what politicians always do—make bland, reassuring noises while hoping that the prairie fire burns itself out.

There’s got to be a better way of deflecting/diverting/etc. than agreeing… no?

37 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:35:36am
The cycle will play out as in the past, because, in this age of enlightenment, affluence, and leisure, we just cannot accept that human nature remains the same and thus predictable. It remains too depressing to concede that for a few evil opportunists good will is seen not as magnanimity to be appreciated, but as weakness to be tested. And who but a dunce would believe that continual military preparedness is far cheaper — and more humane — than the perpetual “peace dividend” and lowering of our defenses?

Victor Davis Hanson

38 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:35:44am

re: #27 Servo Cicero

Even if the nirthers believe they can get Obama ousted from office, do they REALLY want Biden in his place?

And god forbid something happened to him, can you imagine President Pelosi?

39 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:36:12am
40 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:36:34am

I do sense a certain “I’ll say anything to avoid a scene” desperation in Rep. Schmidt’s voice. Just an impression. But either way… either she really believes the wackiness, or she’s too cowardly to say she doesn’t. Not good.

41 vxbush  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:36:38am

re: #38 Ziggy

And god forbid something happened to him, can you imagine President Pelosi?

Ssssh! I had enough nightmares last night already.

42 Servo Cicero  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:36:45am

re: #38 Ziggy

… can you imagine President Pelosi?

YOU SHUT YOUR FILTHY MOUTH!!

//

43 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:36:48am

re: #12 debutaunt

It will be so nice when this particular issue is put to bed in a straightjacket in another room.

I think we’ll be hearing this crap long after Obama has left office.

44 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:37:05am

How come people are willing to accept excuses for Schmidt that you would never take at face value from someone like, oh, say, Van Jones?

45 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:37:30am

One of the worst parts of being a politician must be getting harangued by morons like this. She’s only encouraging more of them by agreeing.

46 greygandalf  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:37:43am

made some assumption without watching the video, I apologize.

47 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:38:16am

re: #9 MrSilverDragon

Personally, I just see a politician being a politician in that clip.

Not to say that she isn’t a nirther, but I just see her saying what she wants a potential voter to hear.

There are limits on pandering to voters, or should be. Promise them anything, give them Chanel No. 5, OK, but this is ludicrous.

48 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:38:19am

re: #38 Ziggy

And god forbid something happened to him, can you imagine President Pelosi?

Erm… it would go to that other guy first, whatsisname. Oh yeah, Biden.

49 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:38:35am

re: #23 Sharmuta

At the least- make a polite excuse and get the hell out of there. They shouldn’t be encouraged.

Hi {Shar}. Actually, thinking about it, this would probably be a more appropriate response. Yes, they’d crow about a “victory” in chasing away the “cowardly”

50 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:38:53am

re: #41 vxbush

Ssssh! I had enough nightmares last night already.


Try Ambien, I don’t think you’ll remember the nightmares in the morning.

51 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:38:55am

re: #38 Ziggy

And god forbid something happened to him, can you imagine President Pelosi?

Ah, apologies, by “him” you meant Biden, not Obama.

52 S'latch  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:39:02am

I have never had an unhinged Birther approach me. But, if one did approach me in this manner, I would probably just tell her I agree with her (even though I don’t), then move on along.

53 Flyovercountry  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:39:17am

re: #6 haakondahl

She’s not even a Nirther. Oh, she’s earned the Certifikit, but she’s just pandering.

Pandering to these idiots should carry the same disdain as being one of them. She should be forced to wear the same stylish tinfoil hat, and be summarily removed from congress. We have serious issues that we face as a nation which requires serious debate in the arena of ideas. I no longer have patience for idiots, or pandering political hacks from either side of the spectrum.

54 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:39:21am

re: #44 Charles

How come people are willing to accept excuses for Schmidt that you would never take at face value from someone like, oh, say, Van Jones?

I would guess one of three things or a combination: 1) cognitive dissonance; 2) self-censorship; and 3) cynical political opportunism.

55 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:39:35am

re: #49 thedopefishlives

Hi {Shar}. Actually, thinking about it, this would probably be a more appropriate response. Yes, they’d crow about a “victory” in chasing away the “cowardly”

Whoa. It eated my comment. “cowardly” insert-politician-name-here, but at least he/she wouldn’t be feeding the troll or chasing away the 99% of his/her constituency that’s actually, y’know, SANE.

56 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:39:39am

re: #42 Servo Cicero

YOU SHUT YOUR FILTHY MOUTH!!

//

Sorry, I don’t normally use my self editing device…a character flaw I admit.

57 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:39:45am

re: #34 Last Mohican

1) She could have said something more vague to shut the woman up, like “you raise a very important point. I appreciate your opinion, and I thank you for expressing it to me.”

And add, “my staff will check on this”. AKA, the “John Edwards Technique”.

58 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:40:02am

re: #51 Occasional Reader

Ah, apologies, by “him” you meant Biden, not Obama.


correct.

59 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:40:15am

re: #27 Servo Cicero

Even if the nirthers believe they can get Obama ousted from office, do they REALLY want Biden in his place?

Joe Biden - this administration’s Dan Quayle.

60 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:40:40am

re: #59 JamesTKirk

Joe Biden - this administration’s Dan Quayle.

Even though Obama’s doing a bang-up job of sticking his own foot in his mouth.

61 greygandalf  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:41:16am

re: #59 JamesTKirk

Joe Biden - this administration’s Dan Quayle.

The gaffe machine? I answer I think would be yes.

62 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:41:27am

re: #39 buzzsawmonkey

There may well have been; life, however, is not always perfect, and politicians rarely are.

This is true, and I can’t say I would do this well (I probably wouldn’t even be a good “bad” politician), but you would think that since trutherism was just a story that the pols would be mentally prepping themselves so they didn’t make any missteps on the nirther stuff. Maybe she is a nirther, maybe not, but sauce for the goose and all that…everyone is going to have to be mighty careful now. But that’s probably a good thing.

63 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:41:33am

re: #44 Charles

How come people are willing to accept excuses for Schmidt that you would never take at face value from someone like, oh, say, Van Jones?

Van Jones has a recently uncovered history of spouting unbelievably vile Marxist, racist, classist, conspiratorial nonsense, but this is the first time I’ve heard of this weak-kneed pandering liar. She’s not even convincing.

64 Lee Coller  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:41:51am

I bet that within 24 hours her office issues a statement that says she believes Obama is a Natural Born US Citizen but believes he should settle the issue be releasing the “vault” copy of his BC?

In my mind that still makes her a Nirther, I bet she never asked to see GWB’s BC.

If she wanted to leave without a confrontation she could have just said the “Courts don’t agree with you” and left it with that.

I hope someone runs against her in the Republican Primary and uses this against her. I would hope that would help his/her election, but sometimes I’m over optimistic.

65 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:41:55am

re: #16 buzzsawmonkey

Not if you’re trying to cool out a nutjob who’s in your face at an event where you are trying also to avoid a disturbance.

You can say it’s cowardly for Republican officeholders to not attempt to argue constituents out of their nirtherism, but they are doubtless aware that arguing with someone committed to a conspiracy worldview is proof against mere fact. They are therefore attempting to do what politicians always do—make bland, reassuring noises while hoping that the prairie fire burns itself out.

I don’t agree. Should politicians not at least withhold their agreement with such things? What if this pol had agreed that the courts should be investigating ‘what Bush knew’ before 9/11?

This is throwing gasoline on the prairie fire.

66 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:41:59am

re: #8 Gus 802

Notice how her handlers are trying to block the camera.

Disgusting.

Shows her handlers have more sense than she does, actually. Hopefully, her handlers took her aside after this and told her “Never, ever say that again.”

Not that it matters. This is the YouTube age, Representative Idjit.

67 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:42:15am

re: #59 JamesTKirk

Joe Biden - this administration’s Dan Quayle.

Hey, Biden’s IQ is higher than yours! And if you don’t believe me, just ask him.

68 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:42:30am
69 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:42:52am

re: #24 debutaunt

Yelling at nirthers and loosechangers can be a tad hazardous.

You don’t have to yell, and that’s what the cop is there for.

70 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:43:13am
71 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:43:13am

re: #67 Occasional Reader

Hey, Biden’s IQ is higher than yours! And if you don’t believe me, just ask him.

I don’t think Biden can even count up to how high my IQ is.

72 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:43:20am

re: #53 Flyovercountry

Pandering to these idiots should carry the same disdain as being one of them. She should be forced to wear the same stylish tinfoil hat, and be summarily removed from congress. We have serious issues that we face as a nation which requires serious debate in the arena of ideas. I no longer have patience for idiots, or pandering political hacks from either side of the spectrum.

Oh, Yes! I’m there with you. In fact, pandering to them may be WORSE. It’s one thing to be mentally divergent. It’s yet another to FAKE being mentally divergent.

(What movie is that phrase from? I can recall the scene, but nothing else)

73 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:43:36am

re: #31 Charles

That may or may not be true - but when she tells a Birther “I agree with you” — she has become one of them.

Can not argue the logic, just offering my perspective.

She does make the case for me being happy that I don’t live in Ohio. (no offense to those who happily live in Ohio)

74 Bubblehead II  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:43:39am

re: #29 KingKenrod

You haven’t met my little sister. She is both a truther and a nirther.

In her world the WTC towers were designed with predetermined weak spots to assist in bringing them down when they wore out and the Government used them to facilitate their collapse (sneaking the explosives in at night) after they were hit by the jets.

As for the certificate of live birth, well it is obviously a fake.

Trying to convince here otherwise is an exercise in futility.

75 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:43:56am

re: #68 buzzsawmonkey

One of the things that constantly surprises me is how little politicians prep for their public appearances.

Hey, give ‘em a break, they are so busy boning up on all that hefty and complicated legislation!

76 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:44:01am

re: #73 MrSilverDragon

Can not argue the logic, just offering my perspective.

She does make the case for me being happy that I don’t live in Ohio. (no offense to those who happily live in Ohio)

All two of them.

/ducks

77 saberry0530  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:44:12am

re: #71 JamesTKirk

I don’t think Biden can even count up to how high my IQ is.

Any number past 20 is almost an impossible task!

78 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:44:36am

Nirthers are out of this world…most likely from Uranus. Sorry I couldn’t help myself.

79 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:44:37am

re: #74 Bubblehead II

Nice Delta!

80 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:44:46am

re: #66 JamesTKirk

Shows her handlers have more sense than she does, actually. Hopefully, her handlers took her aside after this and told her “Never, ever say that again.”

Not that it matters. This is the YouTube age, Representative Idjit.

Was looking through some Paulian site and some of them don’t like her there — oddly enough. They said she got some boos at that event. I think she voted for the stimulus bill.

81 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:44:48am

re: #76 thedopefishlives

All two of them.

/ducks

One of them who happens to be my sister. ;)

82 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:44:51am

Is she completely obscured from view when the phrase that pays was uttered? If so, maybe she’s going to say the video was edited?re: #68 buzzsawmonkey

One of the things that constantly surprises me is how little politicians prep for their public appearances.

Yup. Apparently she decided to skip President Obama’s speech yesterday and missed his remarks about Youtube/Facebook!

/

83 rightside  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:45:04am

obama health care speech drinking game

I’m sure you can think of your own cliches and predictable lines, but here’s 25 to get you started. I’d note that making this into a drinking game can easily lead to alcohol poisoning.

1. “The time to act is now.”

2. “Critics of this plan would have us do nothing.”

3. “For too long, we have spent too much money to get too little care.”

4. “The current path is unsustainable. Nothing less than a complete overhaul will give Americans the care they deserve.”

5. “Under my plan, nothing will change for you and your doctor.”

6. “This plan will cover more people, and give better care for everyone.”

7. “This plan will spend less money.”

8. “This debate has been far too divisive, with proponents losing heart, and opponents losing fingers.”

9. “The public option is the best choice, a serious solution, and absolutely necessary for real reform. (applause) Now, that’s not a veto threat.”

10. “Yes, some say we’ve overestimated the savings from preventative care, perhaps exponentially. But others who I will not name say we’ve underestimated the savings.”

11. “It’s unsustainable for Americans like [insert tragic anecdote here].”

12. “It’s time to put aside silly, meaningless terms like ‘socialized medicine’ and ‘death panels’ and ‘the CBO says’ and ‘Douglas Elmendorf.’”

13. “People look at our national deficit ballooning, trillion after trillion, and ask, ‘How can we afford this?’ I look at the same numbers and ask, ‘How can we not?’”

14. “I am tired of hearing insurance companies complain about preexisting conditions. It, like the economy and two wars, is just another problem I inherited from my predecessor.”

15. “As I have said many times before …”

16. “Last year, I attacked my opponent for proposing a new tax on employer-based health insurance benefits. Tonight, I will reach across the aisle …”

17. “Now I will attempt to undermine potential future rival Mitt Romney by talking about how his plan in Massachusetts is a lot like mine …”

18. “I look forward to the day when no 11-year-old girl has to ask me about mean signs in the parking lot.”

19. “Everything about this plan tells us it will be as effective at providing care as the stimulus is at creating jobs.”

20. “By some estimates, wellness programs could reduce our medical costs to zero.”

21. “Let me be clear.”

22. “The American people did not send you here to squabble. They sent you here to help me create a fantastic and historic bill-signing ceremony.”

23. “Remember Ted Kennedy. One look at this man, and you knew he understood the importance of good health to all Americans.”

24. “Sometimes your tonsils are just fine.”

25. “As I said in March, the time to act is now.”

84 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:45:07am

re: #65 SanFranciscoZionist

I don’t agree. Should politicians not at least withhold their agreement with such things? What if this pol had agreed that the courts should be investigating ‘what Bush knew’ before 9/11?

This is throwing gasoline on the prairie fire.

My wife and I were forced to grant Bill Clinton grudging respect at that one clip of him shooting down someone who asked him a Troofer question. I’d like to see more Republicans do the same.

85 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:45:11am

re: #52 Lawrence Schmerel

I have never had an unhinged Birther approach me. But, if one did approach me in this manner, I would probably just tell her I agree with her (even though I don’t), then move on along.

You don’t represent the people of Ohio in Congress.

86 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:45:23am

re: #77 saberry0530

Any number past 20 is almost an impossible task!

Not for Luddwig

87 Bubblehead II  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:45:34am

re: #44 Charles

Because she’s a Republican?

/Nah, it couldn’t be that simple

88 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:45:40am

re: #54 Gus 802

I would guess one of three things or a combination: 1) cognitive dissonance; 2) self-censorship; and 3) cynical political opportunism.

Um, also, 4) the two things are different.

I, for one, am not “making excuses” for Schmidt, but I do accept that possibility that this one scene does not necessarily mean she truly is a “Birther”, she may be merely a coward.

In the case of Van Jones, I also don’t know whether he truly is a “Truther” (and I never said otherwise), but the evidence does seem pretty clear that he signed/allowed his name to be used on the petition, and five years later (when it became an issue), came out with a carefully-worded statement that managed to delicately avoid saying otherwise.

89 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:45:49am

re: #83 rightside

Pick three.

90 subsailor68  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:45:50am

It would have been kind of great if, when this nirther got in her face, Jean Schmidt had taken her by the arm and said,

“Oh dear, this is very disturbing. Do you have your meds with you, sweetie? How long has it been since you took them? Do you need some water?”

What I would have said - which is why I probably shouldn’t run for office:

“Good grief lady. Don’t you realize that the reason there’s no birth certificate is that he’s an alien? And I am too. It’s all over for you puny earthlings. Booga booga!”

91 Servo Cicero  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:46:16am

This nitherism, and all the other pseudo controversies are threating to do the same thing that the 200+ speeches have done to Obama…which is to make it “just another speech” or “just another ‘outrage”. If the fringe right gets its panties in a bunch at every little thing, and even makes up things to be outraged about, the people will just tune them out like they are doing with Obama. He is giving what should be considered a monumental speech tonight, but the vast majority of people won’t watch because he’s overexposed and just repeating the same things over and over again.

Both parties should learn to speak (or get outraged) only when they actually have something to say, or there is something to really be outraged about.

/chicken little.

92 saberry0530  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:46:28am

re: #86 Leonidas Hoplite

Not for Luddwig

What, he can go to 24?

//

93 greygandalf  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:46:30am

re: #80 Gus 802

Was looking through some Paulian site and some of them don’t like her there — oddly enough. They said she got some boos at that event. I think she voted for the stimulus bill.

There is probably and intersection of paulians and nirthers. They are not one and the same I would think.

94 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:46:45am

re: #90 subsailor68

It would have been kind of great if, when this nirther got in her face, Jean Schmidt had taken her by the arm and said,

“Oh dear, this is very disturbing. Do you have your meds with you, sweetie? How long has it been since you took them? Do you need some water?”

What I would have said - which is why I probably shouldn’t run for office:

“Good grief lady. Don’t you realize that the reason there’s no birth certificate is that he’s an alien? And I am too. It’s all over for you puny earthlings. Booga booga!”

Updinged purely because I would love to see a real politician be that big of a smartass. I would vote for the man/woman who had the balls to say that in public.

95 Chekote  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:46:47am

I guess the GOP still thinks it can appease its nutty base and win elections. Despite evidence suggesting the opposite.

96 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:46:52am

re: #64 Lee Coller

I bet that within 24 hours her office issues a statement that says she believes Obama is a Natural Born US Citizen but believes he should settle the issue be releasing the “vault” copy of his BC?

In my mind that still makes her a Nirther, I bet she never asked to see GWB’s BC.

If she wanted to leave without a confrontation she could have just said the “Courts don’t agree with you” and left it with that.

I hope someone runs against her in the Republican Primary and uses this against her. I would hope that would help his/her election, but sometimes I’m over optimistic.

I don’t know why she would release a statement trying to distance herself from this. The loudest people in politics right now are the nirthers, and pandering to them is what politicians will keep doing if that’s all they’re hearing. What should be done is the remainder of her constituents should call her offices and complain. Then she’d know the nirthers are not her base.

97 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:46:55am

re: #92 saberry0530

What, he can go to 24?

//

At least!

98 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:47:03am

Microphones people.

They have a purpose.

Whispering does not work.

Something tells me that this lady is another one who yells into her cell phone.

99 S'latch  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:47:09am

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

You don’t represent the people of Ohio in Congress.

This is true. I am ineligible. I do not have a valid birth certificate.

100 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:47:14am

re: #89 haakondahl

Pick three.

One would probably be enough. (this coming from someone who knows how to pickle his own liver)

101 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:47:15am

Still Alive—ObamaCare version, verses one and two.
To the tune of Still Alive
Play the song, then sing along!

This was a triumph.
I’m going to sign the bill today
And now Obamacare is law: It’s happened!

Nancy Pelosi
Well she was the first
to understand
What it cost for all of us
Except the ones who are dead.

So we took the doctors and we showed them the State
And we told them quietly to set a new rate
But they’re all a bunch of jerks
And the system didn’t work
For the people who are still alive.


You’re not even angry.
You and your astroturf town hall.
Arlen Specter said you were
unhelpful

You shouldn’t have shouted
You shouldn’t have brought a gun that day.
Now your names are on the list I had my staffers review!

Pre-existing medical conditions were found
And you’re out of luck if you
so much as feel down
So when you’re lying in your grave
Think of all the bucks you’ve saved
for the people who are still alive.

Verse three is coming soon!

102 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:47:17am

re: #88 Occasional Reader

Um, also, 4) the two things are different.

I, for one, am not “making excuses” for Schmidt, but I do accept that possibility that this one scene does not necessarily mean she truly is a “Birther”, she may be merely a coward.

In the case of Van Jones, I also don’t know whether he truly is a “Truther” (and I never said otherwise), but the evidence does seem pretty clear that he signed/allowed his name to be used on the petition, and five years later (when it became an issue), came out with a carefully-worded statement that managed to delicately avoid saying otherwise.

She can release a press statement.

103 lawhawk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:47:47am

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They are not entitled to their own facts. Obama is a US citizen. He’s the President. Claims to the contrary are a descent into alternative reality.

104 Chekote  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:48:05am

re: #44 Charles

Same with McDonnell. It was perfectly okay for him to walk away from HIS OWN WRITTEN words. But Jones, no waaay. He signed the petition.

105 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:48:12am

re: #84 JamesTKirk

My wife and I were forced to grant Bill Clinton grudging respect at that one clip of him shooting down someone who asked him a Troofer question. I’d like to see more Republicans do the same.

Although he fumbled it slightly, I was very pleased when McCain corrected the lady who was going on about Obama being a Muslim. He did the right thing, without prompting from polls or handlers.

106 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:48:15am
107 saberry0530  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:48:44am

re: #97 Leonidas Hoplite

At least!

MY HERO
/// (is that enough sarc?) ///

Just kidding Luddwig!

108 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:48:49am

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

You don’t represent the people of Ohio in Congress.

At least I don’t think so. Come to think of it, I have no way of knowing that you don’t.

109 Dreader1962  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:48:52am

There is also the power of absolutely ignoring the person. You’d be surprised how powerful that is. She didn’t have to say squat once the woman’s agenda became clear. If the woman advanced on her after disengaging, that’s what security is for.

There is also the option of telling her clearly, in distinct words, “Barack Obama is the legitimate president of the United States based upon Constitutional criteria and a valid national election.”

But that wouldn’t keep the crazies on your side, would it?

110 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:48:59am

re: #103 lawhawk

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They are not entitled to their own facts. Obama is a US citizen. He’s the President. Claims to the contrary are a descent into alternative reality.

But in that universe, the WTC really was an inside job. Fair’s fair.

111 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:49:43am

re: #104 Chekote

Same with McDonnell. It was perfectly okay for him to walk away from HIS OWN WRITTEN words. But Jones, no waaay. He signed the petition.

Same with Ron Paul and his newsletters:

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com…]
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com…]
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com…]

112 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:49:45am

re: #105 SanFranciscoZionist

Although he fumbled it slightly, I was very pleased when McCain corrected the lady who was going on about Obama being a Muslim. He did the right thing, without prompting from polls or handlers.

I agree. And he got a lot of grief about it from some on these pages.

113 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:49:47am

re: #93 greygandalf

There is probably and intersection of paulians and nirthers. They are not one and the same I would think.

I would think there’s probably a reasonably high overlap of nirthers and truthers in the wrap-around club.

Imagine — it’s bad enough being a paranoid D from 2000-2008 or being a paranoid R from now to whenever, but imagine that in perpetuity no matter who is in charge…that’s got to be an anxiety-ridden way of life.

114 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:49:50am

re: #106 buzzsawmonkey

She was dealing with a crazy person who was right in her face. She may have agreed with the crazy person, or she may not have—but disagreeing with a crazy person does not tend to cool them out.

They didn’t say disagree, they said “withhold agreement”. Say something utterly noncommittal and get the heck out of there. That doesn’t mean you have to flat-out tell them to their face they’re a moron, although as I mentioned before, I would SO vote for anyone who did that.

115 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:49:52am

re: #44 Charles

How come people are willing to accept excuses for Schmidt that you would never take at face value from someone like, oh, say, Van Jones?

That’s a good point, and I think political figures have some responsibility for how far they’re willing to go in trying to make political points by agreeing with stupid or offensive statements.

For example, I am utterly disgusted with Barack Obama’s longstanding voluntary association with Jeremiah Wright’s sickening hate speech. I believe that Obama probably doesn’t really share most of Wright’s racist views. But he still should have been held responsible for building his political career on an association with racist hatred.

Similarly, by endorsing birtherism, even while talking to one single lunatic backstage at a rally, Schmidt is a part of the problem, and should be held responsible for what she said.

116 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:49:58am

re: #90 subsailor68

It would have been kind of great if, when this nirther got in her face, Jean Schmidt had taken her by the arm and said,

“Oh dear, this is very disturbing. Do you have your meds with you, sweetie? How long has it been since you took them? Do you need some water?”

What I would have said - which is why I probably shouldn’t run for office:

“Good grief lady. Don’t you realize that the reason there’s no birth certificate is that he’s an alien? And I am too. It’s all over for you puny earthlings. Booga booga!”

Maybe add “You should fatten up a bit because we like more fat on our meat. Did I say that? No, we’re just here To Serve Man.”

117 saberry0530  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:50:34am

re: #110 haakondahl

But in that universe, the WTC really was an inside job. Fair’s fair.

It was an inside job, it failed from the inside to the out!!

118 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:50:40am

re: #64 Lee Coller

In my mind that still makes her a Nirther, I bet she never asked to see GWB’s BC.

No one ever questioned GWB’s eligibility; a better example would be McCain (who briefly had his own Nirthers before Obama got his).

119 vxbush  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:50:45am

re: #104 Chekote

Same with McDonnell. It was perfectly okay for him to walk away from HIS OWN WRITTEN words. But Jones, no waaay. He signed the petition.

I think Charles’ point here (forgive me for sticking words in your mouth, Charles) is that here we have clear video evidence of this woman going along with the Nirther. In the case of Jones, we have two people whose names are also on the 9/11 truther petition who claim that they signed something completely different. The video evidence is stronger.

120 Wendya  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:51:04am

re: #29 KingKenrod

In order to believe the truther lunacy, you have to believe the worst possible things about your govt. Mass conspiracy to murder thousands as a pretext for a war that will kill thousands.

To be a birther, you just have to be an idiot with no deductive reasoning or common sense, unable to see through your own partisan hysteria.

It’s really a mistake to equate the two in any way.

I disagree. Conspiracy theorists are basically all the same.

Now some birthers are on the crazy train because they hate Obama just like many truthers hate Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld. That said, I’m sure there is some overlap between the two. The “truther” movement has grown over the years. There is a disturbingly high portion of the population that either believes Bush engineered it or let it happen, knowing the attacks were coming. Let’s hope the birthers never reach the same percentages.

121 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:51:22am
122 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:51:33am

re: #106 buzzsawmonkey

She was dealing with a crazy person who was right in her face. She may have agreed with the crazy person, or she may not have—but disagreeing with a crazy person does not tend to cool them out.

I do not accept that as an excuse, not under the circumstances. She said she agreed. Buzz, would you seriously take this as an excuse from a Democrat agreeing with a Troofer? The Troofer was upset, and might freak out if the Dem didn’t agree? I sure wouldn’t.

123 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:52:58am

re: #114 thedopefishlives

Say something utterly noncommittal and get the heck out of there.

For instance, “Look! There’s two women f***g a polar bear!”

(Hunter Thompson would have known how to handle this nutty dame.)

124 Chekote  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:53:05am

re: #119 vxbush

If Jones was such a “Truther” why couldn’t they turn up ONE other by him suggesting that Bush was behind 9/11. NOT ONE. Yet we can find plenty of statements, actions that suggest that McDonnell’s beliefs have not changed since the time his thesis.

125 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:53:15am

re: #95 Chekote

I guess the GOP still thinks it can appease its nutty base and win elections. Despite evidence suggesting the opposite.

Unfortunately, I have the sense that it’s precisely the shrieking insanity coming from Glenn Beck and his ilk that are currently energizing pro-Republican sentiment and driving Obama’s approval ratings down.

I also tend to think that it’s the shrieking insanity that emanated from Olbermann, Daily Kos, etc. during the Bush administration that so inflamed anti-Republican sentiments that Obama, a totally unelectable radical scumbag, was elected president.

Teh crazy seems to work.

126 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:53:17am

re: #113 Pianobuff

I would think there’s probably a reasonably high overlap of nirthers and truthers in the wrap-around club.

Imagine — it’s bad enough being a paranoid D from 2000-2008 or being a paranoid R from now to whenever, but imagine that in perpetuity no matter who is in charge…that’s got to be an anxiety-ridden way of life.

Oddly enough, many of them seem to feel fairly secure. I think knowing ‘the truth’, whatever it is, gives them a sense of well-being.

127 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:53:37am

OT (but we’re beyond 100 comments now)
Even France doesn’t believe the IAEA about Iran.

France accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of withholding evidence that Iran may be building an atom bomb, London-based TimesOnline reported. French Foreign Minister Bernard Koucher said that France attended an IAEA technical briefing that revealed evidence which was later missing from the official report. “In the annexes there are specifically elements which enable us to ask about the reality of an atomic bomb,” he said “There are issues of warheads, of transport.”

The published section of the report focused on the positive, noting that Iran had slowed its production of enriched uranium and had agreed to closer monitoring of its plant. According to TimesOnline, western intelligence agencies gave the IAEA material suggesting that Tehran secretly combined uranium processing, airborne high-explosive tests and efforts to revamp a missile cone in a way that would fit a nuclear warhead.


Peaceful nuclear program, my ass.

128 Why I Never!  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:53:42am

Just imagine the shitstorm if there had been a video like this of Jones agreeing with a truther. I don’t think anyone here would have been claiming he only said it because he was ‘afraid’ or it was just ‘politics as usual’ or any of these other excuses being trotted out. IOKIYAR, I guess.

I’m increasingly disgusted by the willingness of some on the right to make any and all excuses necessary for anyone on ‘their side’, even while making none whatsoever, and even choosing to believe lies, for those on the ‘other side’.

To the point of insisting that there was a phantom Obama speech where he really would have been telling the schoolkids to be communists, or whatever overheated fever-dream the crankosphere is peddling at the moment.

And this demand for total lunacy and an adherence to a complete scorched earth policy is enforced by punishing the lone voices of sanity— by delinking LGF after linking to it for YEARS, simply because Charles refuses to dance the Frothy Wingnut Dance of Rage along with them for every manufactured freakout.

Insist on calling bullshit where you see it, even on your own side, and suddenly it’s time to for them to get the pitchforks and torches out.

129 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:54:31am

re: #122 SanFranciscoZionist

I do not accept that as an excuse, not under the circumstances. She said she agreed. Buzz, would you seriously take this as an excuse from a Democrat agreeing with a Troofer? The Troofer was upset, and might freak out if the Dem didn’t agree? I sure wouldn’t.

I don’t think there’s any need to distinguish between the Nirthers and Truthers. These Tea Party rallies are organized by 9-11 truthers. They are on stage giving the speeches.

130 Land Shark  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:54:50am

Sadly, way too many Republican politicians lack the internal fortitude to tell these nirthers how full of shit they are. They should be telling them to get a grip and forget that idiocy. Instead, they make sympathetic statements that make it look like they agree with it. Who knows, maybe they even believe that crap. Stuck on stupid with so many real issues to focus on instead of this.

Oh, for a Republican elected official to grow a pair and tell these nirthers to put up or shut up. I won’t hold my breath.

131 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:54:54am

re: #123 Occasional Reader

For instance, “Look! There’s two women f***g a polar bear!”

(Hunter Thompson would have known how to handle this nutty dame.)

“There’s a bat on your head!”
And he’d start slapping her to get the “bat” off.

132 Ojoe  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:55:00am

Dump both major parties.

133 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:55:02am

re: #119 vxbush

In the case of Jones, we have two people whose names are also on the 9/11 truther petition who claim that they signed something completely different.

Well, leaving aside for a moment the issue of the credibility of those two people (Zinn and Lerner), here’s the thing; neither of them is Van Jones. He hasn’t claimed that he was duped.

134 Chekote  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:55:03am

Obama popularity is down because frankly he hasn’t done anything to rave about. Giving credit to Beck or Palin is just… well, misguided. (I am going to be nice this morning.)

135 Dianna  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:55:27am

In other words, the courts have some sense.

Honestly, what is the matter with people?

136 vxbush  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:55:35am

re: #124 Chekote

If Jones was such a “Truther” why couldn’t they turn up ONE other by him suggesting that Bush was behind 9/11. NOT ONE. Yet we can find plenty of statements, actions that suggest that McDonnell’s beliefs have not changed since the time his thesis.

I’m not saying Jones is a truther. I’m saying that if I have to weigh the evidence before me—video evidence of a woman agreeing with a truther on one side, a truther website where two other supposed signatories are denying they signed that petition on the other—the video evidence is much clearer and much more obvious. Just based on those two pieces of evidence, that’s the way the scales lean.

Doesn’t mean we can’t throw in other pieces of evidence afterwards.

137 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:55:44am

re: #126 SanFranciscoZionist

Oddly enough, many of them seem to feel fairly secure. I think knowing ‘the truth’, whatever it is, gives them a sense of well-being.

That, 500 kilos of freeze-dried fruit and meat, a diesel generator with backup batteries, a 40 day supply of water, a ham radio, and 5 years of back issues of Juggs.

138 OldLineTexan  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:55:55am

re: #123 Occasional Reader

For instance, “Look! There’s two women f***g a polar bear!”

(Hunter Thompson would have known how to handle this nutty dame.)

It would never work.

True crazies know that the polar bears are all drowned.

/

139 Land Shark  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:56:04am

re: #71 JamesTKirk

Can Biden even spell IQ?

///

140 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:56:29am

re: #138 OldLineTexan

It would never work.

True crazies know that the polar bears are all drowned.

/

Or ate each other.

Oh wait, they do do that.

141 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:56:43am

re: #124 Chekote

If Jones was such a “Truther”

Again; whether he truly, in his heart of hearts, believes “Trutherism”; and whether he knowingly signed that loathsome petition, are two different questions.

142 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:56:48am

re: #129 Killgore Trout

I don’t think there’s any need to distinguish between the Nirthers and Truthers. These Tea Party rallies are organized by 9-11 truthers. They are on stage giving the speeches.

Just trying to flip the question to the other party, to see if the basic idea holds up. I am happy to just call them all ‘crazy people’.

143 Chekote  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:56:49am

re: #130 Land Shark


AMEN. I am thiking that it is just hopeless. There in not ONE Republican politician that I see who will tell these nuts to get a life and leave. Maybe is time for a third political movement.

144 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:57:08am

re: #139 Land Shark

Can Biden even spell IQ?

///

“E… Y… E… Um, K… Y… U… U… Give me a minute here…”

145 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:57:13am

re: #137 Pianobuff

That, 500 kilos of freeze-dried fruit and meat, a diesel generator with backup batteries, a 40 day supply of water, a ham radio, and 5 years of back issues of Juggs.

And 1,000,000 square feet of tinfoil; hats don’t last forever.

146 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:57:16am

re: #113 Pianobuff

I would think there’s probably a reasonably high overlap of nirthers and truthers in the wrap-around club.

Imagine — it’s bad enough being a paranoid D from 2000-2008 or being a paranoid R from now to whenever, but imagine that in perpetuity no matter who is in charge…that’s got to be an anxiety-ridden way of life.

I did a skinny little poll on it, and while statistically meaningless (21 respondents), it was disturbing to see a negative correlation. To me this implies a purely partisan explanation.

Same sickness, different symptom.

147 badger1970  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:57:30am

There’s no prerequisite upon being a politician. More than a few are shy in the IQ department, not to mention common sense. Pandering to a crowd may get votes at the expense of her dignity.

Get Obama on his record and his mishandling and mismanagement of his csars but the nirther route is a dead end.

148 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:58:00am

re: #140 MrSilverDragon

Or ate each other.

Oh wait, they do do that.

Hold on. I thought they ate ice. That’s why their numbers are falling, right?

149 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:58:16am

re: #130 Land Shark

Oh, for a Republican elected official to grow a pair and tell these nirthers to put up or shut up. I won’t hold my breath.

When one of then actually does step up to say “ENOUGH!” they are smacked back into toeing the “us vs them” line. Michael Steele tried to steer the party away from this- he was harassed for it.

150 Wendya  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:58:17am

re: #44 Charles

How come people are willing to accept excuses for Schmidt that you would never take at face value from someone like, oh, say, Van Jones?

I have a hard time with the “I signed it but I didn’t read it excuse”.

Van Jones and Schmidt are both adults and are both responsible for their words and actions. That includes either side pandering to truthers.

151 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:58:44am

re: #133 Occasional Reader

Well, leaving aside for a moment the issue of the credibility of those two people (Zinn and Lerner), here’s the thing; neither of them is Van Jones. He hasn’t claimed that he was duped.

I do not know Zinn, except through his work. Lerner I used to work for, and I honestly don’t think he knows which end is up.

Also, he’s invited Alice Walker to talk about Gaza, and how ‘oppressed people can become oppressors’ at his synagogue’s High Holiday services, but, you know, I’m trying to stay calm about that, and not break any crockery.

152 Dianna  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:59:01am

re: #142 SanFranciscoZionist

Just trying to flip the question to the other party, to see if the basic idea holds up. I am happy to just call them all ‘crazy people’.

“Wingnuts and moonbats united!”

It’s a slogan, anyway.

153 vxbush  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:59:06am

re: #150 Wendya

I have a hard time with the “I signed it but I didn’t read it excuse”.

Van Jones and Schmidt are both adults and are both responsible for their words and actions. That includes either side pandering to truthers.

Then the same should be said of a politician. She should be held responsible for her words. No excuse for “politicking” should be allowed.

154 OldLineTexan  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:59:09am

re: #137 Pianobuff

That, 500 kilos of freeze-dried fruit and meat, a diesel generator with backup batteries, a 40 day supply of water, a ham radio, and 5 years of back issues of Juggs.

A fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas couple months in a bomb shelter with all that.

/srsly, I want a generator and the water and the food - it’s hurricane season again

155 subsailor68  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:59:16am

re: #139 Land Shark

Can Biden even spell IQ?

///

Did you hear that Biden got stopped for speeding down South?

The trooper walked up to the car and said, “You got an I.D.?”
And Biden said, “Bout what?”

(Okay, old joke updated, but couldn’t stop myself!)

156 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:59:19am

re: #149 Sharmuta

When one of then actually does step up to say “ENOUGH!” they are smacked back into toeing the “us vs them” line. Michael Steele tried to steer the party away from this- he was harassed for it.

What’s worse is, we made fun of the Left for years for doing this. Still do - anyone who doesn’t toe the Democrat party line gets bushwhacked. Only now, the Republicans are doing it too, but with more crazy. Y’know, for flavor.

157 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:59:32am

re: #146 haakondahl

I did a skinny little poll on it, and while statistically meaningless (21 respondents), it was disturbing to see a negative correlation. To me this implies a purely partisan explanation.

Same sickness, different symptom.

Interesting. I’d really love to see a large poll on this. Did you see my question before to you? You mentioned Tufte. Are you in the “user experience” world?

158 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 9:59:34am

re: #150 Wendya

I have a hard time with the “I signed it but I didn’t read it excuse”.

“I did not inhale that petition”?

159 jaunte  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:00:12am

re: #142 SanFranciscoZionist

Just trying to flip the question to the other party, to see if the basic idea holds up. I am happy to just call them all ‘crazy people’.

Iceweasel’s “crankosphere” term has a lot of merit, I think.

160 OldLineTexan  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:00:18am

re: #151 SanFranciscoZionist

I do not know Zinn, except through his work. Lerner I used to work for, and I honestly don’t think he knows which end is up.

Also, he’s invited Alice Walker to talk about Gaza, and how ‘oppressed people can become oppressors’ at his synagogue’s High Holiday services, but, you know, I’m trying to stay calm about that, and not break any crockery.

I’d nominate you for sainthood, were either of us Catholic.

161 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:00:19am

re: #106 buzzsawmonkey

She was dealing with a crazy person who was right in her face. She may have agreed with the crazy person, or she may not have—but disagreeing with a crazy person does not tend to cool them out.

If a crazy 6’10” nirther with an assault rifle on his back confronted me in a dark alley, I’d say whatever the hell I had to say to make him go away. But this wasn’t that situation. The crazy woman wasn’t particularly physically imposing, and there were plenty of people around who could have protected Schmidt if the woman attacked her.

Schmidt must have seen the video camera. If she was pandering to anyone, it was probably the members of the “Republican base” (*spit*) who might one day see the video. She’s probably comfortable being seen as a nirther, thereby energizing her “Republican base” supporters, and further pissing off the Democrats who wouldn’t vote for her anyway. She probably isn’t worried about the possibility that there are some rational, moderate people around who might or might not vote for her, but would be less inclined to do so if she goes around agreeing with crazy nirthers.

I wish that political calculation could be changed.

162 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:00:19am

re: #148 Leonidas Hoplite

Hold on. I thought they ate ice. That’s why their numbers are falling, right?

The polar bars use ice in their drinks. But they’ve been playing the Obama drinking games and used up all the ice.

163 SteveC  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:01:13am

re: #143 Chekote

AMEN. I am thiking that it is just hopeless. There in not ONE Republican politician that I see who will tell these nuts to get a life and leave. Maybe is time for a third political movement.

This is the Same Shit, Different Day. Why can’t we get a pol who will let them state their Nirth Cirtifikt nuttiness and then just say “Grow the hell up!”?

I want one of those for Christmas!

164 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:01:17am

re: #152 Dianna

“Wingnuts and moonbats united!”

It’s a slogan, anyway.

What sounds better to describe the wraparounds?

WingBats or MoonNuts?

Hmm… there is also BatWings…

165 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:01:20am

re: #151 SanFranciscoZionist

Also, he’s invited Alice Walker to talk about Gaza, and how ‘oppressed people can become oppressors’

The Jews were oppressed?! When did that happen? Funny, it doesn’t mention anything about it here in my Hamas-approved history textbook…

166 lawhawk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:02:14am

re: #150 Wendya

I have a hard time with the “I signed it but I didn’t read it excuse”.

Van Jones and Schmidt are both adults and are both responsible for their words and actions. That includes either side pandering to truthers.

You might have a hard time with that, but Congress has a built in excuse since no one apparently reads the legislation they pass, particularly when it’s big ticket items, like health care reform or the stimulus, or cap and trade, or any of the other bills making their way through Congress.

They don’t read the fine print, but we’re stuck with the results.

167 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:02:17am

re: #159 jaunte

Iceweasel’s “crankosphere” term has a lot of merit, I think.

Oh, I like that.

168 Dahveed  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:02:19am

re: #147 badger1970

There’s no prerequisite upon being a politician. More than a few are shy in the IQ department, not to mention common sense. Pandering to a crowd may get votes at the expense of her dignity.

Unfortunately there are too few prerequisites for being a voter. Charlie Rangel, Al Franken, Ron Paul are elected and re-elected. The voters are the real problem.

169 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:02:26am

re: #157 Pianobuff

Interesting. I’d really love to see a large poll on this. Did you see my question before to you? You mentioned Tufte. Are you in the “user experience” world?

I developed my own loathing for crap powerpoint, and decided to do something about it.

I was a frickin’ whiz for a while there.

170 midwestgak  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:02:26am

re: #162 Kosh’s Shadow

The polar bars use ice.

Who knew? um, What’s a polar bar?

171 Kragar (Antichrist )  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:02:26am

11 accused of faking voter registration cards in Miami-Dade

The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office issued arrest warrants for each of the 11 suspects, all of whom worked for the local chapter of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, (ACORN).

By early Wednesday morning, six were in custody, authorities said.

ACORN came under fire during last year’s presidential campaign when Republicans and other conservative groups accused the national organization of committing fraud in its aggressive voter registration efforts in various cities and counties nationwide, including Florida.

But ACORN officials said they had alerted authorities about the alleged illegal activity among some canvassers in Miami-Dade after finding “numerous discrepancies” on voter cards collected from the Homestead area.

The arrests are “further evidence we’ve been policing our own folks and report people attempting to commit voter registration fraud,” said ACORN spokesman Brian Kettenring. “This was really some individuals who were trying to defraud their employer.”

172 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:02:28am

re: #156 thedopefishlives

What’s worse is, we made fun of the Left for years for doing this. Still do - anyone who doesn’t toe the Democrat party line gets bushwhacked. Only now, the Republicans are doing it too, but with more crazy. Y’know, for flavor.

Yeah- we always said the left walked in lockstep, but it turns out the right is just as good at it. Unfortunately- we’re not walking in lockstep with something positive, it’s insanity. And for those of us who realize it’s insanity and want nothing to do with it- we’re called names and shunned.

The Right seems to desire an ideological purge, but they’re targeting the wrong people. If they really want to hitch their wagon to the crazy star- they’re going to be the death of this party.

173 Chekote  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:02:58am
Michael Steele tried to steer the party away from this- he was harassed for it.

True. But that’s where leadership comes in. Instead of folding, Steele needed to stick to his guns and assert THE FACT that Rush is NOT the leader of the GOP. He is a political commentator and entertainer. Steele also should have added that if Rush wants to be a leader of the GOP, he needs to get off his butt and run for office or a position of leadership in the party.

174 Dianna  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:03:01am

re: #164 Pianobuff

What sounds better to describe the wraparounds?

WingBats or MoonNuts?

Hmm… there is also BatWings…

I like BatWings. It runs trippingly off the tongue and doesn’t get hung up on the teeth.

Back to numbers.

175 Randall Gross  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:03:07am

Evil is fed with fear and ignorance and agreeing with the crazy is appeasing evil.

176 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:03:16am

re: #169 haakondahl

I developed my own loathing for crap powerpoint, and decided to do something about it.

I was a frickin’ whiz for a while there.

I know a Tufte addict who goes to the seminars, etc. Neat stuff.

177 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:03:17am

re: #164 Pianobuff

What sounds better to describe the wraparounds?

WingBats or MoonNuts?

Hmm… there is also BatWings…

My dirty mind keeps seeing “reach” instead of “wrap”.

In some way, it also seems fitting.

178 vxbush  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:03:17am

Later—gotta get out and get some sun.

179 saberry0530  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:03:49am

re: #170 midwestgak

Its a bar where you have a snowballs chance in hell of meeting anyone and going home with them!

180 thedopefishlives  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:04:13am

re: #172 Sharmuta


The Right seems to desire an ideological purge, but they’re targeting the wrong people. If they really want to hitch their wagon to the crazy star- they’re going to be the death of this party.

They should ask the Democrats how well the “big tent” philosophy worked out for them.

181 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:04:39am

re: #170 midwestgak

um, What’s a polar bar?

They have those in Iceland and Sweden, don’t they?

Mmm, vodka out of an ice cube glass…

182 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:04:41am

re: #170 midwestgak

Who knew? um, What’s a polar bar?

Well, I was making a bit of a pun that looked like a typo; from polar bear to polar bar, a bar being a place where people go to drink.

183 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:04:48am

That she agreed with the questioner means that she is going along with her constituency who, if according to recent polls, would also be in agreement with the birth certificate nonsense. That she has yet to issue a press release to indicate a correction and opposition is only an indication that she is willing to stand along side the likes of Orly Taitz, Alan Keyes, et al. Until she issues such a press release she can only be seen as a political ally of the Obama birth certificate crowds.

184 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:05:09am

re: #163 SteveC

This is the Same Shit, Different Day. Why can’t we get a pol who will let them state their Nirth Cirtifikt nuttiness and then just say “Grow the hell up!”?

I want one of those for Christmas!

I rather liked how Hugh Hewitt had a last few phone calls on the subject, then banished the whole topic from the show forever.

185 BlueCanuck  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:05:27am

re: #174 Dianna

I like BatWings. It runs trippingly off the tongue and doesn’t get hung up on the teeth.

Back to numbers.

Well there’s hardly any meat on BatWings so that’s one reason why.

186 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:05:37am

re: #179 saberry0530

Its a bar where you have a snowballs chance in hell of meeting anyone and going home with them!

Or everyone you meet is frigid.

187 BlueCanuck  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:06:28am

re: #186 Kosh’s Shadow

Or everyone you meet is frigid.

Possibly a few furries as well?

/well, furry coats at least.

188 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:06:52am

Obama disapproval on health care up to 52 percent

WASHINGTON – Public disapproval of President Barack Obama’s handling of health care has jumped to 52 percent, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll released hours before he makes his case for overhaul in a prime-time address to Congress.

With his health revamp moving slowly and unemployment edging ever higher, Obama’s overall approval rating has also suffered a blow. The survey showed that 49 percent now disapprove of how he is handling his job as president, up from 42 percent who disapproved in July.

The grade people give Obama on health care also has worsened since July, when just 43 percent disapproved of his work on the issue.

The poll underscores how the president has struggled to win public support to reshape the nation’s $2.5 trillion health care system and to put the brakes on a deep recession.

Forty-nine percent say they oppose the health overhaul plans being considered by Congress, compared to just 34 percent who favor them.

More at the link.

189 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:06:59am

re: #172 Sharmuta

Yeah- we always said the left walked in lockstep, but it turns out the right is just as good at it. Unfortunately- we’re not walking in lockstep with something positive, it’s insanity. And for those of us who realize it’s insanity and want nothing to do with it- we’re called names and shunned.

The Right seems to desire an ideological purge, but they’re targeting the wrong people. If they really want to hitch their wagon to the crazy star- they’re going to be the death of this party.

It will be the birth of the CATS party:

Been thinking about this. Not gonna waste a lot of trons on set-up.

We need to form the CATS party. No, not the kittehs (and not the sea kittehs), although they could all perhaps be pressed into service as recruiters.

We have complained that the base on the right is too kooky and fractioned, while the base on the left is, well, they have their own problems. We have often mentioned the need for the Republican Party to become a big-tent party once again—the party needs to move away from hot-button issues and leave those to the local contests—focus on achievable goals which will unite the party. Fiscal conservatism, small government, things like that.
What we need is to draw support from the base on the right and the base on the left, in order to consolidate a new center-right base.

All Your Base Are Belong To Us.

—CATS

190 SteveC  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:07:00am

re: #164 Pianobuff

What sounds better to describe the wraparounds?

WingBats or MoonNuts?

Hmm… there is also BatWings…

To the Batwing!

191 Flyers1974  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:07:33am

re: #163 SteveC

This is the Same Shit, Different Day. Why can’t we get a pol who will let them state their Nirth Cirtifikt nuttiness and then just say “Grow the hell up!”?

I want one of those for Christmas!

I’m guessing because such a pol would fear being punished by his/her constituents at the next election.

192 Why I Never!  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:08:07am

re: #65 SanFranciscoZionist

I don’t agree. Should politicians not at least withhold their agreement with such things? What if this pol had agreed that the courts should be investigating ‘what Bush knew’ before 9/11?

This is throwing gasoline on the prairie fire.

Absolutely, and there is no question it’s deliberate. The strategy is to pander to the hardcore crazies in the base, no matter what.
There is no excuse for her to have answered as she did, and I am mystified at the willingness of some to try and manufacture excuses.

193 Land Shark  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:08:17am

re: #149 Sharmuta

When one of then actually does step up to say “ENOUGH!” they are smacked back into toeing the “us vs them” line. Michael Steele tried to steer the party away from this- he was harassed for it.

Quite true. Which raises the disturbing thought that quite a few of my fellow Republicans have bought into the whole nirther scam. Either way the prospects of the GOP developing a rational strategy to make gains in the 2010 Congressional elections look grim as long as so many in the party are nirther zombies. Or unwilling to distance themselves from this lunacy.

194 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:08:55am

re: #166 lawhawk

You might have a hard time with that, but Congress has a built in excuse since no one apparently reads the legislation they pass…

Don’t worry, I’m sure Michael Moore is planning to give the Stimulus and ObamaCare the same treatment he gave to the Patriot Act, right? Right?

195 saberry0530  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:09:47am

re: #189 haakondahl

It will be the birth of the CATS party:

Been thinking about this. Not gonna waste a lot of trons on set-up.

We need to form the CATS party. No, not the kittehs (and not the sea kittehs), although they could all perhaps be pressed into service as recruiters.

We have complained that the base on the right is too kooky and fractioned, while the base on the left is, well, they have their own problems. We have often mentioned the need for the Republican Party to become a big-tent party once again—the party needs to move away from hot-button issues and leave those to the local contests—focus on achievable goals which will unite the party. Fiscal conservatism, small government, things like that.
What we need is to draw support from the base on the right and the base on the left, in order to consolidate a new center-right base.

All Your Base Are Belong To Us.

—CATS

You gotta certifikit to verify that birth?

196 SteveC  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:09:52am

re: #188 Pianobuff

WASHINGTON – Public disapproval of President Barack Obama’s handling of health care has jumped to 52 percent, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll released hours before he makes his case for overhaul in a prime-time address to Congress.

DISAPPROVED - Resubmit in Three Weeks for Final Disapproval!

Had a rubber stamp that read that. Didn’t make my job any easier but the office staff got a kick out of it!

197 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:10:03am

In related birther news part 2 of Orly Taitz at Esquire

What Really Happens When You Demand the President Produce His Birth Certificate?

Excerpt:

But Taitz wasn’t finished. She marched her troops straight over to the secretary of state’s office and did the exact same presentation all over again. Then she headed to the FBI to do it a third time. And the whole time, she never stopped talking:

Goldman Sachs runs the treasury.

Obama is a puppet.

There’s a cemetery somewhere in Arizona where they just dug 30,000 fresh graves, which wait now for the revolution.

Baxter International — a major Obama contributor — developed a vaccine for bird flu that actually kills people.

Google Congressman Alcee Hastings and House Bill 684 and you’ll see that they’re planning at least six civilian labor camps.

Google an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about train cars with shackles.

The communist dictator Hugo Chavez way back in 2004 purchased the Sequoia software that runs our voting machines and the mainstream media won’t report any of it — not even Fox because Saudi Arabia bought a percentage of Fox in 2007.

198 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:10:14am

re: #168 Dahveed

Unfortunately there are too few prerequisites for being a voter. Charlie Rangel, Al Franken, Ron Paul are elected and re-elected. The voters are the real problem.

No, the problem is that many of the prerequisites (American citizenship, active metabolism, human DNA, etc.) are not being enforced.

Deliberately.

199 OldLineTexan  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:10:15am

re: #171 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

IMPOSSIBLE!

/

200 avanti  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:10:25am

re: #31 Charles

That may or may not be true - but when she tells a Birther “I agree with you” — she has become one of them.

Don’t forget the flack McCain got from the right for telling the gal that Obama was not a Arab. He could have just ignored her, danced around it, but did not honest thing and corrected her. Obama did the same when the crowd would boo when McCain’s name was mentioned and often acknowledged his service to the country.
Their was the usual mud slinging by both sides, but the candidates mostly rose above it. I’d bet a beer McCain would not pander to a nirther.

201 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:11:06am

re: #180 thedopefishlives

They should ask the Democrats how well the “big tent” philosophy worked out for them.

In bed.

202 Wendya  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:11:22am

re: #171 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

11 accused of faking voter registration cards in Miami-Dade

Whenever they come under investigation, they’re really good at finding a couple of examples of illegality by “rogue actors”.

203 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:11:47am

re: #181 MrSilverDragon

They have those in Iceland and Sweden, don’t they?

Mmm, vodka out of an ice cube glass…

I’ve done that. Also tried making a shot glass out of frozen OJ, but that melted and leaked pretty quickly.

204 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:13:01am

re: #193 Land Shark

Quite true. Which raises the disturbing thought that quite a few of my fellow Republicans have bought into the whole nirther scam. Either way the prospects of the GOP developing a rational strategy to make gains in the 2010 Congressional elections look grim as long as so many in the party are nirther zombies. Or unwilling to distance themselves from this lunacy.

A lot of it has to do with motivation. These nirthers are motivated and loud- and they call and pressure elected officials- obviously that’s what we witnessed in the video. Sane people need to start getting loud too to counteract this insanity.

205 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:13:04am

re: #189 haakondahl

No offense, but I have a longstanding policy of automatically downdinging any “All Your Base” jokes.

206 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:13:56am
207 SteveC  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:15:43am

re: #205 JamesTKirk

No offense, but I have a longstanding policy of automatically downdinging any “All Your Base” jokes.

That’s interesting - Legislation has recently been passed that require me to down ding any poster who quotes a comment and adds the phrase “In bed.”

208 Bob Dillon  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:16:22am

re: #31 Charles

That may or may not be true - but when she tells a Birther “I agree with you” — she has become one of them.

This woman is a weasel. Lacks ethics. Seems to be somewhat nervous and fearful. Pandering for votes and agreed, Charles - she is or has become one by her admission.

The real scary and sad part is that she has plenty of company amongst many of our elected leaders across the spectrum.

209 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:16:37am

Another idiot on YouTube:

California assemblyman Mike Duvall, R-Orange County, bragging about his affairs with lobbyists (unaware that his microphone is on). Since this is a Republican, naturally his party is identified.

210 JamesTKirk  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:17:19am

re: #207 SteveC

That’s interesting - Legislation has recently been passed that require me to down ding any poster who quotes a comment and adds the phrase “In bed.”

That would be the Realwest Act, right?

211 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:17:34am

re: #189 haakondahl

If I didn’t know any better, I would almost think the nirthers and birchers and paulians wanted to divide this party.

212 Why I Never!  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:18:23am

re: #206 buzzsawmonkey


She could have told the woman to take a hike; she could have blown her off. She could, then, have had to deal with security taking away a crazy, who would be yelling accusations at the top of her lungs

And then there would be youtube video she wouldn’t have to be ashamed of, of her doing what she can to stamp out the crazy in her party. But that isn’t what happened.

213 Land Shark  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:19:13am

re: #206 buzzsawmonkey

You make a lot of sense. Still, the GOP has to wake up to the fact that being associated with the nirther movement is like being associated with the Truther movement. Whoever her opponent is in the next election can use that video footage and say “See, see? She’s one of those nirther nuts!”

214 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:21:03am
215 Chekote  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:21:33am
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) defended the pick of Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.) to deliver tonight’s GOP rebuttal to President Obama — saying he knew nothing of Boustany’s apparent flirtation with the birther movement.

[Link: www.politico.com…]

If Boustany can’t read Obama’s birth certificate released by the state of Hawaii, why should we listen to him regarding health care or any other matter?

216 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:21:55am
217 Why I Never!  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:28:56am

re: #216 buzzsawmonkey

I’m sure she’s staying up nights worrying about your ideas of shame.

There really is no excuse for what she said, and I doubt those defending her would be going to such lengths to make excuses for Dem in that situation with a truther.

218 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:29:04am
219 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:29:15am
220 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:29:41am

re: #211 Sharmuta

If I didn’t know any better, I would almost think the nirthers and birchers and paulians wanted to divide this party.

I would say they are taking over the party to a large extent. The Paulians were the original creators of the Tea Party event and have now become an integral part of the Tea Parties across the country. They, along side with the Birchers, which also has a growing tie and appeal to the Glenn Beck spectrum of this movement. The political cynicism is also a strong part of the sometimes passive acceptance of the birth certificate foolishness. The 912DC event also has strong ties with the Paulians and through its founder Dick Armey (R). This current phenomenon also features the likes of Eric Odom and Amy Hagerstrom. Tie in the current popularity of Glenn Beck with the 912DC event and his frequent endorsement of JBS ideology on his show and the take over is sure to be complete.

221 calcajun  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:31:22am

re: #214 buzzsawmonkey

And that will come—or not. And she will deal with it then—or not. Politicianing is largely about avoidance of the immediate crisis, whatever that may be.

In other words, “pay no attention to that man behind the curtain…”

Anybody buy into the hype that BHO has doubled-downed on health care and that if his speech tonight is anything but a home-run, then his whole presidency is at risk? Brain hurts from five days of doing legal writing—so deep thoughts in another direction right now are not possible.

222 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:31:33am

re: #219 Kenneth

Is your email broken?

223 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:31:36am
224 Kenneth  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:32:37am

re: #222 Gus 802

Mine is working fine.

re: #223 Kosh’s Shadow

You missed the point.

225 cubbydave44  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:33:43am

Who are these people…??!

226 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:33:49am

re: #224 Kenneth

Mine is working fine.

re: #223 Kosh’s Shadow

You missed the point.

If it’s working fine don’t you think you should use that to communicate with Charles on that topic rather than here?

227 Kenneth  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:35:28am

re: #226 Gus 802

If you read my comment, you will see that I attempted such communication. It was ignored. Meanwhile, an innocent person was openly and repeated slurred here. I don’t think that is fair or decent.

228 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:38:20am

re: #101 haakondahl

Verse Three:

Congress is waiting
Tell Harry Reid the bill is signed
Tell them all that we are now immortal

Round up the schoolkids
Round up the old, the poor, the young
Congress has its work to do and we will need all of you

And your precious bodily fluids intact
And we’ll build the system on our grandchildren’s backs
Because nothing comes free
But it exists to serve me
Just like the people who are still alive.

229 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:39:31am

You’re beginning to really piss me off, Kenneth. If you want to flounce over this, just do it.

230 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:40:29am

re: #219 Kenneth

IMO talk like this belongs off line.

231 lostlakehiker  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:41:33am

I wouldn’t be surprised if something like this is the real explanation:


The next guy in line says to her, “why are you allowing this birth certificate nonsense to continue?” And she says, “I agree with you, but it isn’t going anywhere in the courts so why talk about it?”

Some politicians say whatever will please whoever they’re talking to.

232 Kenneth  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:43:23am

re: #229 Charles

I would just like to see some fairness applied here. I tried to address this off-line in email to no avail. Do you see my point that innocent people should not be banned? I can’t understand how you or anybody else here would be ok with that.

233 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:44:13am

re: #232 Kenneth

I would just like to see some fairness applied here. I tried to address this off-line in email to no avail. Do you see my point that innocent people should not be banned? I can’t understand how you or anybody else here would be ok with that.

I don’t accept communications from intermediaries. If you read the post I left for you in the private thread you might see why.

234 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:47:24am

And by the way, the angrier you get about this, the less likely it is that I’m going to do what you’re demanding.

I think it’s kind of pathetic to see all of this drama going on, when if there was a mistake it could have been cleared up with a simple email from the person involved.

Instead, you’re ranting at me about doing something “unfair” and making demands.

235 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:51:36am
236 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:54:27am
237 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:55:21am

re: #235 Kenneth

OK, when you start calling names, that’s the end of it.

238 debutaunt  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 10:57:49am

re: #152 Dianna

“Wingnuts and moonbats united!”

It’s a slogan, anyway.

I’d like to see the wordsmiths improve on those two overused words.

239 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:00:21am

Amazing. And he admitted that he was in contact with creeps from the stalker site too — and that’s supposed to convince me to comply with his demands.

Wow.

240 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:01:00am

re: #237 Charles

OK, when you start calling names, that’s the end of it.

How long before he shows up at the stalker site?
With, at this point, littleoldlady, I’d guess.

241 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:06:37am
242 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:12:18am

re: #241 Spare O’Lake

Last time I checked, you didn’t have the authority to tell people to “shut up” at LGF.

243 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:18:25am

re: #94 thedopefishlives

Updinged purely because I would love to see a real politician be that big of a smartass. I would vote for the man/woman who had the balls to say that in public.

I agree, and I would love if that happened, in fact we need more of these guys (and gals) to call bullshit more often. Just because some one says something does not mean it’s not stupid, and real stupidity should be called out.

By the way some one did speak up like you mentioned.
About voting for him… do you live in Mass?

Barney Frank

244 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:30:15am

re: #161 Last Mohican

If a crazy 6’10” nirther with an assault rifle on his back confronted me in a dark alley, I’d say whatever the hell I had to say to make him go away. But this wasn’t that situation. The crazy woman wasn’t particularly physically imposing, and there were plenty of people around who could have protected Schmidt if the woman attacked her.

Schmidt must have seen the video camera. If she was pandering to anyone, it was probably the members of the “Republican base” (*spit*) who might one day see the video. She’s probably comfortable being seen as a nirther, thereby energizing her “Republican base” supporters, and further pissing off the Democrats who wouldn’t vote for her anyway. She probably isn’t worried about the possibility that there are some rational, moderate people around who might or might not vote for her, but would be less inclined to do so if she goes around agreeing with crazy nirthers.

I wish that political calculation could be changed.

What’s wrong with the simplest of explanations, one that fits what you see, without introducing tortured logic into it:
She believes that he has no right to be president.
Certificate aside, for whatever reason, that’s what she believes.
That’s my take on watching the video.

245 Teh Flowah  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:31:25am

tbh, I don’t get too outraged at a comment like that. It’s just another example of pandering to me. Unless you can show me that she’s tried to bring it up in court and not just potentially buy another few votes with an offhand comment to an obvious nirther only after it is brought up. And look what she did, she blamed the courts! Classic passing the buck while keeping their vote maneuver.

Think about it. What do conservatives do when they want to get some votes but not actually do anything? ROE V. WADE *ANGER* GAY MARRIAGE *ANGER* And then what? Nothing happens. Roe v. Wade they say is up to the Supreme Court. The likelihood of any senator or representative or even a President being able to influence the SCOTUS that must is unlikely. The same goes to any politician who talks about gay marriages and constitutional amendments. It’s just another way of passing the buck and appeasing your base.

So yeah, when it’s part and parcel of every. single. last. politicians trade, it’s hard to get worked up over it. It’s more like, *yawn* what else is new?

246 Bagua  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:33:37am

re: #204 Sharmuta

A lot of it has to do with motivation. These nirthers are motivated and loud- and they call and pressure elected officials- obviously that’s what we witnessed in the video. Sane people need to start getting loud too to counteract this insanity.

Her passionate ranting was indistinguishable from a troother,

247 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:33:38am

In late, and out again after this:

An emotional reaction (in the Nirthers’ case, in opposition to Obama) is the simplest and easiest, and all one has to do to defend it is spew more of the same. It doesn’t have to make sense because the purpose is “correct”.

An emotion-based cause is fervently believed because it’s rooted in one’s current/dominant picture of “Reality”. As a result, it might also be rooted in the believer’s self-esteem. Those facts which the cause “flies in the face of” simply don’t exist for the believer (at least, not in any meaningful sense.)

/cognitive psychology rant < /OFF >

248 theheat  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:40:23am

Jean Schmidt looked uptight immediately after being confronted, and almost had my sympathy until she decided to agree with the woman. She could have shrugged, moved away, given her a scowling look of disbelief, ignored her - but she chose to lean in and say she agreed with her. She made that choice to actually speak to the woman, and that was her choice of words.

In my mind, she either can’t think on her feet or she actually does agree with the nirther. Neither one endears her to me, nor makes her particularly well suited to an office that often deals with an impassioned/concerned public.

Honestly, if her jaw had been clenched any tighter, I thought her face might split around her hairline. Schmidt needs to chill the hell out and keep her chit together. Immediately caving to a nirther and looking like she was going to have a panic attack is so not doing that.

249 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 11:43:11am

re: #242 Charles

Last time I checked, you didn’t have the authority to tell people to “shut up” at LGF.

It was just meant as an admittedly nasty expression of displeasure with the tone and timing of the comment. I have no pretence to any authority over peoples’ conduct here.

250 centaur  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 1:53:51pm

I think this simply reveals a politician.

251 centaur  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 1:55:19pm

re: #250 centaur

I think this simply reveals a politician.

Or a simple politician, that is.

252 Gus  Wed, Sep 9, 2009 7:42:06pm

Update Here.

Statement of Congresswoman Jean Schmidt on the issue of President Obama’s Citizenship

For Immediate Release
September 9, 2009

Washington, D.C. - “The President is indeed a Citizen of this country and constitutionally qualified to be President of the United States. I may not agree with his politics but there is no doubt he is the President and has my full respect. The video clip being circulated by some is part of a longer conversation with a woman who was very upset about a number of things. I, in no way, agree with her belief that President Obama is not a citizen of the United States. I did agree with her view that the constitution should be strictly interpreted. I was trying to be kind to a woman who was trying desperately and passionately to express her views. She has the right to her beliefs, no matter how much I disagree with them.

253 moriarity  Thu, Sep 10, 2009 1:47:11am

I’m assuming that B.O. was born in Hawaii. Merely an assumption of course. What I simply fail to understand is why his Birth Certificate is not made Public. Can somebody please explain this to me? Further why are all his Academic records, transcripts, etc. also cloaked in secrecy? It appears that at least on the surface B.O. is promoting the doubts by hiding these documents. His medical revelations consisted of a one (1) page statement from his personal physician attesting that he is PRESENTLY in good health. Why is his entire medical history hidden as well? All I’m seeking is answers to these questions. I’m not a Nirther, or a Birther just an inquisitive citizen!

254 Charles Johnson  Thu, Sep 10, 2009 9:21:23am

re: #253 moriarity

Right. “I’m not a Birther … I just have … QUESTIONS.”

(Cue ominous music.)

255 Flyovercountry  Thu, Sep 10, 2009 11:13:10am

re: #72 haakondahl

Oh, Yes! I’m there with you. In fact, pandering to them may be WORSE. It’s one thing to be mentally divergent. It’s yet another to FAKE being mentally divergent.

(What movie is that phrase from? I can recall the scene, but nothing else)

The movie is 12 Monkeys. I believe it was Bruce Willis who delivered the line. The movie was directed by ex python member Terry Gilliam.


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