At the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists, Shirley Sherrod said she is going to sue Andrew Breitbart.
Breitbart, meanwhile, is continuing the smear campaign, and today at his “Big Government” site, Greg Gutfeld actually whines that somebody needs to apologize to the Tea Party movement. It’s the Double Reverse Wingnut Victimization Backflip maneuver, clumsily executed.
1 |
jamesfirecat Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:08:24am |
Once again, I hope the court settlement is that the bailiffs hold Brietbart upside down, shake him, and Sherrod gets to keep whatever falls out....
| 2 |
Romantic Heretic Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:08:31am |
Good for her. I am so looking forward to watching Breitbart squirm on the stand.
| 4 |
Kronocide Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:11:12am |
He'll talk a bunch of crap, be aggressive, stir the pot.... and he'll probably settle.
| 6 |
Jeff In Ohio Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:11:48am |
Meanwhile, the President offers responsibility:
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]
| 7 |
Randall Gross Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:12:45am |
I think she should sue, but I don't think she's going to be able to win. You have to prove malice and she is a public figure. High bars there.
| 8 |
Kefirah Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:13:52am |
re: #7 Thanos
i think you're right on the money, as far as the high burden.
that said - a lawsuit allows her to smear him publicly, on every new channel, and in every bit of print media.
karma is delicious.
| 9 |
Randall Gross Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:15:09am |
re: #8 Kefirah
i think you're right on the money, as far as the high burden.
that said - a lawsuit allows her to smear him publicly, on every new channel, and in every bit of print media.
karma is delicious.
I'm no lawyer, hoping to hear from Lawhawk or someone on it...
| 10 |
lawhawk Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:15:57am |
re: #2 Romantic Heretic
I suspect this will get as far as the discovery phase before Breitbart makes some kind of settlement before trial. He wouldn't want his odious conduct to be brought to light in the open courtroom.
| 11 |
comradebillyboy Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:16:20am |
Glad to see that someone will hold Brietbart responsible for his reckless disregard for truth. I hope more of the public sees this guy for the dishonest thug he is.
| 12 |
nanook37 Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:16:27am |
How long until some wingnut starts mentioning "reperations"? - Since that seems to be what they think when a black person wants (in this case deserved) money from a white person... see also the wingnut definition of "socialism"
| 14 |
Kefirah Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:17:59am |
re: #10 lawhawk
agreed. i think if it goes to trial, though, sherrod is at substantial risk of losing.
that said, i don't know all of the black.letter.law on standards for proving "reckless disregard for truth," so maybe there is some wiggle room there, as breitbart obviously manipulated the footage with little care for "truthful journalism."
i'll be rooting for her, whatever path she and her lawyers decide to take.
| 15 |
ShaunP Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:18:18am |
re: #12 nanook37
How long until some wingnut starts mentioning "reperations"? - Since that seems to be what they think when a black person wants (in this case deserved) money from a white person... see also the wingnut definition of "socialism"
The reparations conversation started almost immediately after the story broke:
[Link: illinoisreview.typepad.com...]
| 16 |
webevintage Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:18:34am |
This could get interesting.
Whom will pony up to pay for his lawyers?
Maybe the ones who gave him the edited tape and payed him to run with it?
He should be afraid.
Ms. Shirley sued the USDA and won.
| 17 |
Kronocide Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:18:44am |
re: #7 Thanos
I think she should sue, but I don't think she's going to be able to win. You have to prove malice and she is a public figure. High bars there.
She may have a tough time winning. Breitbart probably will have a bigger war chest.
However, a good case can be made that although she worked for some mundane government agency, she was not a 'pubic figure' and likely prone to regular flack. A case could be made for that, advantage Sherrod.
| 18 |
Summer Seale Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:19:07am |
One of the stories which appear to have fallen off the radar on this are the wonderful farmers who came instantly to her defense.
They were Southerners who were clearly adults during Jim Crow in the South. One always has some doubts about people form that area who were alive and kicking back then. I'm happy to say that I cannot think more highly of them. Their friendship with Sherrod more than appears to have been completely genuine, as well as their thanks. If anything, her story shows us not only that Blacks can overcome the terrible injustices done to them by some during those times, but also that Whites can disprove so much about some assumed racist attitudes as well.
I'm so glad that she and they both had the absolutely right attitude towards all of this. I really commend that couple for coming out so strongly.
Oh and yes, I hope she sues the hell out of Breitbart.
| 19 |
Charles Johnson Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:19:41am |
re: #7 Thanos
I think she should sue, but I don't think she's going to be able to win. You have to prove malice and she is a public figure. High bars there.
I'm not sure Sherrod qualifies as a public figure -- she was virtually unknown before Breitbart's smear job.
I agree, the bar for defamation is high. But in this case, the malice is pretty easy to demonstrate, as is the deliberate editing. And she can easily show damages, from the loss of her job and false portrayal of her as a "reverse racist."
It will be interesting to see what comes of this. There's no doubt in my mind that some kind of correction of the right wing blogosphere's out of control smearing of their enemies is desperately needed. They're insane and running amok.
| 20 |
Kefirah Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:22:08am |
re: #13 Stanley Sea
a "baby attorney," newly minted as of november, 2009. but, yes. lawyer.
that said, will be a high school teacher starting in two weeks - compliments of both a viciously poor legal economy + a desire to teach judaics. couldn't be happier with my career swing.
although i must admit, the urge to object to hearsay in daily conversation is still going strong.
| 21 |
lawhawk Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:22:38am |
re: #14 Kefirah
I also think that Sherrod's attorneys will limit how they interact with the media over this - avoiding any information that might prove detrimental to their case. So far from wanting to launch a smear campaign, they'll probably limit matters to "we're here to insure that justice is done and that Sherrod's reputation is restored within the limits of the law." or some similar pronouncement.
| 22 |
Randall Gross Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:22:38am |
re: #19 Charles
All good points, and it will make for an interesting trial if it gets that far. I like it simply because it will keep Big Breitbart's journalistic malfeasance in the limelight for a long cycle, win or lose.
| 23 |
Kragar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:24:50am |
So Big Gov is going for the "You fucked up, you trusted us" defense? A bold move.
| 24 |
Kragar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:25:34am |
Heard Rangel made a deal with the ethics committee
| 25 |
Kefirah Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:25:43am |
re: #21 lawhawk
her lawyers should adhere to that philosophy, i agree.
but if it looks like it's headed to trial, i believe sherrod has every right to pipe up on her opinion on every nightly news shows, while her lawyers downplay and stick to skeletal facts - although perhaps her opinion ought to be worded as:
"the expected testimony will shed light on his troglodyte characteristics."
or something to that effect.
i hope she retains a legal dream team, i really do.
| 26 |
lawhawk Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:26:02am |
re: #19 Charles
That's going to be a tough one - Sullivan was not even publicly named in the Times v. Sullivan case, it was implied (he was Montgomery Public Safety commissioner). That was considered a public figure for the Court's analysis.
Sherrod might fall under public official because of her role at USDA as Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the United States Department of Agriculture - or so Breitbart's lawyers will attest, and they might well prevail on the merits of that argument.
That would make Sherrod's legal arguments more difficult - the need to show actual malice although as I wrote above, the fact that Breitbart has previously stated his intentions to go after various institutions of the left by any means necessary is suggestive of malice.
| 27 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:27:17am |
Breitbart offered 100K for video tape of that congress critter (don't remember his name) being called a racist name. He'll use that to pay her off. Or go back to the same well.
| 30 |
Randall Gross Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:28:12am |
re: #26 lawhawk
One of the other things that can help prove malice are Breitbart's actions after in continuing to thump the drum....
| 32 |
Kronocide Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:29:57am |
re: #26 lawhawk
Sherrod might fall under public official because of her role at USDA as Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the United States Department of Agriculture - or so Breitbart's lawyers will attest, and they might well prevail on the merits of that argument.
If, in the court, government official = public figure, then yeah she'll have a tough time. A case cannot be made that she was absolutely unknown outside her local/regional level and dragged into the very public national news cycle? I find it hard to believe the court would not allow that fact to stand as evidence.
| 33 |
Kragar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:30:12am |
| 34 |
lawhawk Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:30:58am |
re: #31 ShaunP
Heh. It's belated only because the media uncovered his repeated nonpayment of taxes and failure to report income over a period of multiple years - and claiming homestead deductions in multiple jurisdictions.
Yeah, it's belated.
It was systemic evasion of the tax obligations - a tax code and obligations that he helped write and enact.
| 35 |
jamesfirecat Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:31:04am |
re: #23 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
So Big Gov is going for the "You fucked up, you trusted us" defense? A bold move.
I believe that defense was once used successfully by a Mr. Otter of Faber college, I hear after he graduated he went into either being an OBGYN or contract killing....
| 36 |
blueraven Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:31:31am |
re: #26 lawhawk
That's going to be a tough one - Sullivan was not even publicly named in the Times v. Sullivan case, it was implied (he was Montgomery Public Safety commissioner). That was considered a public figure for the Court's analysis.
Sherrod might fall under public official because of her role at USDA as Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the United States Department of Agriculture - or so Breitbart's lawyers will attest, and they might well prevail on the merits of that argument.
That would make Sherrod's legal arguments more difficult - the need to show actual malice although as I wrote above, the fact that Breitbart has previously stated his intentions to go after various institutions of the left by any means necessary is suggestive of malice.
Not only stated it, but acted upon that with the edited ACORN videos. They can establish a trail of unethical behavior.
| 38 |
GPS2008 Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:33:46am |
THis is only my second time here. You guys aren't very welcoming. I'm not sure how you define troll but i don't consider myself one. Sorry to sound pathetic. I was just trying to add some 'balance'
| 39 |
Kefirah Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:34:37am |
| 40 |
harrylook Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:35:32am |
I was wondering whether Breitbart had any money to pay a substantial judgment, but then someone here mentioned the legal defense fund. Of course! [sigh]. Even if Sherrod wins a big judgment, other people will probably end of paying it for him.
| 41 |
sffilk Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:36:31am |
re: #10 lawhawk
I suspect this will get as far as the discovery phase before Breitbart makes some kind of settlement before trial. He wouldn't want his odious conduct to be brought to light in the open courtroom.
I'd disagree with you on the point that if his "odious conduct" was brought to light, maybe it would spell the end of his publicly blogging, etc., "career," if you can call it that.
| 42 |
Kefirah Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:36:53am |
re: #36 blueraven
can't introduce previous criminal [and i think civil] acts to show conformity therewith, sadly. so i don't think the ACORN videos will make a court appearance.
not a legal court appearance, at least. they ought to make a court of public opinion appearance to show breitbart's trail of slime. rachel maddow, looking at you.
| 43 |
GPS2008 Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:36:55am |
Hmmm...Posting etiquette which i was unaware of. I won't use scare quotes again if that is how interpreted. As i said the last time i was here, i am pretty new to this.
| 44 |
blueraven Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:38:51am |
re: #40 harrylook
I was wondering whether Breitbart had any money to pay a substantial judgment, but then someone here mentioned the legal defense fund. Of course! [sigh]. Even if Sherrod wins a big judgment, other people will probably end of paying it for him.
I sincerely hope that Ms. Sherrod takes this all the way and does not settle. Win lose or draw, this practice needs to be placed under the microscope. Maybe some others (right and left) will think twice before spreading doctored video clips.
| 45 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:40:31am |
re: #44 blueraven
I sincerely hope that Ms. Sherrod takes this all the way and does not settle. Win lose or draw, this practice needs to be placed under the microscope. Maybe some others (right and left) will think twice before spreading doctored video clips.
Would that include print media taking quotes out of context?
| 46 |
blueraven Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:42:24am |
re: #45 Cannadian Club Akbar
Would that include print media taking quotes out of context?
I don't know CCA, but there has to be a line drawn somewhere. This was pretty malicious.
| 47 |
SpaceJesus Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:43:38am |
being the attorney who gets to sue breitbart would be the best thing ever
| 48 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:43:45am |
re: #46 blueraven
I don't know CCA, but there has to be a line drawn somewhere. This was pretty malicious.
Oh I agree. And even worse since it was a private citizen.
| 49 |
ShaunP Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:44:15am |
re: #47 SpaceJesus
being the attorney who gets to sue breitbart would be the best thing ever
Until the death threats start...
| 50 |
Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:44:24am |
re: #43 GPS2008
Hmmm...Posting etiquette which i was unaware of. I won't use scare quotes again if that is how interpreted. As i said the last time i was here, i am pretty new to this.
There's nothing wrong with being a n00b, I still consider myself a newbie here. but the group is a welcoming one, but they don't suffer fools. :)
And believe it or not, if you can come with a good counter argument, you'd be surprised how well received it will be.
play hard, play fair, and bring your A game. and you'll fit in fine.
| 51 |
tnpir Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:44:39am |
This is awesome. I hope that thumb-dicked little coward Breitbart is left humiliated and flat-broke as a result of this.
| 52 |
Charles Johnson Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:46:11am |
This guy has more than 5,000 followers on Twitter: BIG GUNS (OBAMA_GAMES) on Twitter
The Obama lover repeat every word Obama says. Someone should clue those Obama lovers in. A white man wrote those speeches. #p2 #cspj #tcot
He's pumping out a steady stream of these blatantly racist messages.
The Obama lovers, love Obama for making them into slave of Obama's Gov't. Who knew Obama would bring slavery back #cspj #tcot #p2 #teaparty
"Obama lovers." Remind anyone of another phrase?
| 53 |
tnpir Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:46:52am |
re: #17 BigPapa
However, a good case can be made that although she worked for some mundane government agency, she was not a 'pubic figure' and likely prone to regular flack. A case could be made for that, advantage Sherrod.
I see what you did there.
| 54 |
Kragar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:46:59am |
re: #47 SpaceJesus
being the attorney who gets to sue breitbart would be the best thing ever
Until they start going after your family
| 55 |
Kronocide Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:47:25am |
re: #52 Charles
That's vile. 5,000 followers? Way more vile...
| 56 |
stevemcg Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:47:28am |
re: #44 blueraven
I sincerely hope that Ms. Sherrod takes this all the way and does not settle. Win lose or draw, this practice needs to be placed under the microscope. Maybe some others (right and left) will think twice before spreading doctored video clips.
She may be forced to settle at some point due to legal costs. As far as the suggestion near the top that this will go as far as discovery, I think that is the key. In a famous case near Philadelphia, a family sued the Lower Moreland School District when they found out their son was being photgraphed in his bedroom. The district's residents were enraged about the suit, complaining that it was going to cost the taxpayers money (which was quite true0. Upon discovery, it was revealed that over 56,000 pictures were taken using many of the school issued laptops, and some district officials were discovered to have been watching them "like a soap opera".
So discovery can be a beautiful thing.
| 57 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:47:57am |
re: #52 Charles
This guy has more than 5,000 followers on Twitter: BIG GUNS (OBAMA_GAMES) on Twitter
"Obama lovers." Remind anyone of another phrase?
I KNOW!! OOOO PICK ME!!!
/
| 58 |
Vicious Babushka Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:48:18am |
re: #52 Charles
This guy has more than 5,000 followers on Twitter: BIG GUNS (OBAMA_GAMES) on Twitter
"Obama lovers." Remind anyone of another phrase?
Obama Lover=anybody who isn't in a frothing, spittle-spewing, convulsive rage against Obama.
| 59 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:50:14am |
re: #58 Alouette
Obama Lover=anybody who isn't in a frothing, spittle-spewing, convulsive rage against Obama.
Think along race lines.:(
| 60 |
wrenchwench Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:50:36am |
re: #54 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
Until they start going after your family
I think SpaceJesus's family can take care of Himself...
| 63 |
Kragar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:51:45am |
re: #60 wrenchwench
I think SpaceJesus's family can take care of Himself...
Not really, look at all the assholes they have as spokesmen.
| 64 |
SpaceJesus Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:52:42am |
re: #54 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
meh, i'll be getting that kind of shit all the time in a year when i start working for the ACLU
| 65 |
Stanghazi Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:53:51am |
| 67 |
fire at night Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:54:26am |
Not sure if this has already been posted by another Lizard, but its a tpm article calling out neocons targeting former Vice Admiral Joe Sestak, something about a neocon PAC or action committee, some other things about Israel, and other details. I scanned the sidebar for the link but might have missed it.
/May be worth a debate, even if I take some things from talkingpointsmemo with a grain of salt given the tone of the article.
//Cheers and happy Thursday.
| 68 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:54:37am |
re: #64 SpaceJesus
meh, i'll be getting that kind of shit all the time in a year when i start working for the ACLU
I thought you were a scientist?
| 69 |
fire at night Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:54:48am |
Link below
[Link: tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com...]
| 70 |
wrenchwench Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:54:57am |
| 71 |
Feline Fearless Leader Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:55:01am |
re: #56 stevemcg
She may be forced to settle at some point due to legal costs. As far as the suggestion near the top that this will go as far as discovery, I think that is the key. In a famous case near Philadelphia, a family sued the Lower Moreland School District when they found out their son was being photgraphed in his bedroom. The district's residents were enraged about the suit, complaining that it was going to cost the taxpayers money (which was quite true0. Upon discovery, it was revealed that over 56,000 pictures were taken using many of the school issued laptops, and some district officials were discovered to have been watching them "like a soap opera".
So discovery can be a beautiful thing.
Reported yesterday that another student has filed a lawsuit against the district.
"Jalil Hasan, who graduated from Lower Merion High last spring, claims that the district captured images for about two months. The district said it did not target students and has made positive steps to protect students' rights."
- Metro Philadelphia, July 28, 2010
| 72 |
Judith Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:55:35am |
Good for her I hope she cleans his clock and good for the president for owning up to his administrations part in the debacle.
| 73 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:55:41am |
Watch that dismount, Gutfeld...it's a (career) killer.
| 74 |
garhighway Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:56:30am |
re: #7 Thanos
I think she should sue, but I don't think she's going to be able to win. You have to prove malice and she is a public figure. High bars there.
I don't think she was a public figure before this. Public official does not equal public figure.
| 75 |
Girth Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:57:33am |
| 76 |
SpaceJesus Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:57:41am |
re: #68 Cannadian Club Akbar
no, that's christ the scientist. never met him, but he has some churches here and there so i heard.
| 77 |
lawhawk Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:57:45am |
re: #73 darthstar
Eh... over at Ace, they're writing that this is great for Breitbart - since it will expose NAACP and Sherrod's malfeasance/misconduct or some other such nonsense.
That's right - they're thinking that this suit will somehow exonerate and justify Breitbart's conduct.
*facepalm*
| 78 |
Randall Gross Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:58:22am |
re: #52 Charles
Yeah, I got called that when I was five yrs old while playing Zorro with my best friend. He got in a fight with the name calling kid, and I had no clue at the time what the heck was going on - a memory from 1960.
| 79 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:59:03am |
re: #19 Charles
I'm not sure Sherrod qualifies as a public figure -- she was virtually unknown before Breitbart's smear job.
I agree, the bar for defamation is high. But in this case, the malice is pretty easy to demonstrate, as is the deliberate editing. And she can easily show damages, from the loss of her job and false portrayal of her as a "reverse racist."
It will be interesting to see what comes of this. There's no doubt in my mind that some kind of correction of the right wing blogosphere's out of control smearing of their enemies is desperately needed. They're insane and running amok.
I just like the thought of Breitbart having to find and pay lawyer who will argue his side...maybe he'll get Orly Taitz...she'd be perfect for him. Then again, he'll probably claim he's being victimized and in a fit of irony go to the ACLU for legal relief.
| 80 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Jul 29, 2010 9:59:20am |
re: #77 lawhawk
Eh... over at Ace, they're writing that this is great for Breitbart - since it will expose NAACP and Sherrod's malfeasance/misconduct or some other such nonsense.
That's right - they're thinking that this suit will somehow exonerate and justify Breitbart's conduct.
*facepalm*
Ed Morrisey think Obama somehow fears the story being exposed....
I somehow doubt that the Obama administration will see that as beneficial to its own objectives, either, as they seem as anxious to bury the story as anyone involved.
| 81 |
stevemcg Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:00:12am |
re: #79 darthstar
I just like the thought of Breitbart having to find and pay lawyer who will argue his side...maybe he'll get Orly Taitz...she'd be perfect for him. Then again, he'll probably claim he's being victimized and in a fit of irony go to the ACLU for legal relief.
He's not THAT stoopid.
| 82 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:00:45am |
| 83 |
pharmmajor Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:01:15am |
I hope Sherrod takes the bastard Breitbart for everything he has.
| 84 |
Randall Gross Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:01:15am |
re: #80 Killgore Trout
Ed's nuts. This suit will keep the Dem base fired up going into Nov. elections
| 85 |
lawhawk Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:02:09am |
re: #80 Killgore Trout
Well, the Administration does have an interest in seeing this story disappear - but only because it detracts from staying on their messages of the day (whether it's the economy, oil spill, etc.) If you're talking about Sherrod, then you're not able to spend time focusing on the message that the White House and the Administration want to address for that period of time.
This episode has overshadowed other issues that the Administration is trying to deal with - like the economy or the Afghan wikileaks, etc.
It just isn't in the sense that Morrissey is trying to spin it.
| 86 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:02:37am |
re: #84 Thanos
Ed's nuts. This suit will keep the Dem base fired up going into Nov. elections
Agreed. It also makes Breitbart and Tea Party racism an election issue for the Dems to exploit in campaign ads.
| 87 |
lawhawk Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:02:48am |
re: #84 Thanos
And it will apparently keep the right wing in a froth for much of the same reason.
| 88 |
garhighway Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:03:17am |
re: #87 lawhawk
And it will apparently keep the right wing in a froth for much of the same reason.
They're already frothed.
| 89 |
Randall Gross Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:03:26am |
re: #87 lawhawk
The far right maybe -- center right is going to be repelled.
| 90 |
Feline Fearless Leader Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:03:33am |
Now a threat on the northern border from oil...
[Link: www.freep.com...]
| 91 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:04:33am |
re: #85 lawhawk
Well, the Administration does have an interest in seeing this story disappear - but only because it detracts from staying on their messages of the day (whether it's the economy, oil spill, etc.) If you're talking about Sherrod, then you're not able to spend time focusing on the message that the White House and the Administration want to address for that period of time.
This episode has overshadowed other issues that the Administration is trying to deal with - like the economy or the Afghan wikileaks, etc.
It just isn't in the sense that Morrissey is trying to spin it.
Obama is not involved in the lawsuit and I doubt they care seriously one way or the other. It's a private matter between Sharrod and Breitbart and I don't think it detracts from anything the white house wants to do.
| 92 |
Charles Johnson Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:05:44am |
re: #87 lawhawk
And it will apparently keep the right wing in a froth for much of the same reason.
The right wing blogosphere is in permanent frothing mode. They don't even need a reason any more. They're addicted to hate.
| 93 |
Charles Johnson Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:06:57am |
It's pathetic to see right wingers on Twitter proudly posting Jon Stewart's quote: "Breitbart may be the most honest person in this entire story."
These simple morons seem to think Stewart was praising Breitbart.
| 94 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:07:48am |
re: #85 lawhawk
Well, the Administration does have an interest in seeing this story disappear - but only because it detracts from staying on their messages of the day (whether it's the economy, oil spill, etc.) If you're talking about Sherrod, then you're not able to spend time focusing on the message that the White House and the Administration want to address for that period of time.
This episode has overshadowed other issues that the Administration is trying to deal with - like the economy or the Afghan wikileaks, etc.
It just isn't in the sense that Morrissey is trying to spin it.
The Administration has apologized to Shirley Sherrod for reacting to what soon became obvious was a fraudulent smear against her. They've offered her other positions, and as far as they're concerned, they're no longer involved. They don't need to comment on the lawsuit, as it's a civil case between Shirley Sherrod and Andrew Breitbart now. Nor should they comment on it.
Now, when Breitbart answers this lawsuit by suing the NAACP and the White House (most likely he'll do something like this), again, they won't need to comment, except to say "Whatever, Mary." (make a W with your thumbs and forefingers, then turn them into an M as you say 'Mary')
Fox will continue to rail about it, of course, and CNN will say that the question needs to be asked. But most Americans will simply ignore the story.
| 95 |
Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:08:18am |
re: #85 lawhawk
Well, the Administration does have an interest in seeing this story disappear - but only because it detracts from staying on their messages of the day (whether it's the economy, oil spill, etc.) If you're talking about Sherrod, then you're not able to spend time focusing on the message that the White House and the Administration want to address for that period of time.
This episode has overshadowed other issues that the Administration is trying to deal with - like the economy or the Afghan wikileaks, etc.
It just isn't in the sense that Morrissey is trying to spin it.
As a counterpoint, one could argue that the Democrats can use the entire debacle as a way to continue to point out that no matter how badly the Democrats perform, do you want *these* guys back in power?
Mind you, I think you're dead on with your point. I just think the Democrats aren't as badly damaged by Sherrod staying in the spotlight as the Republicans.
Specifically, I think The entire Sherrod affair damages the Republican standing with moderates, and no matter how energized the conservative base is, if the Moderates either stay out or go Democrat, then the Republicans won't make much headway.
| 96 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:09:27am |
re: #93 Charles
It's pathetic to see right wingers on Twitter proudly posting Jon Stewart's quote: "Breitbart may be the most honest person in this entire story."
These simple morons seem to think Stewart was praising Breitbart.
I hope he's stupid enough to bring that quote up at the civil trial.
| 97 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:11:27am |
re: #95 bloodstar
Especially Republicans still facing primaries. Now's the time to get people like John McCain on the record either condemning Breitbart (say hello to candidate Hayworth) or condemning Sherrod (say hello to a close Senate race in AZ in November).
| 98 |
garhighway Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:13:00am |
re: #94 darthstar
The Administration has apologized to Shirley Sherrod for reacting to what soon became obvious was a fraudulent smear against her. They've offered her other positions, and as far as they're concerned, they're no longer involved. They don't need to comment on the lawsuit, as it's a civil case between Shirley Sherrod and Andrew Breitbart now. Nor should they comment on it.
Now, when Breitbart answers this lawsuit by suing the NAACP and the White House (most likely he'll do something like this), again, they won't need to comment, except to say "Whatever, Mary." (make a W with your thumbs and forefingers, then turn them into an M as you say 'Mary')
Fox will continue to rail about it, of course, and CNN will say that the question needs to be asked. But most Americans will simply ignore the story.
It's not that simple. The discovery phase of this (if it gets that far) will feature (among other things) BB wanting to depose everyone involved in the firing decision. Those depositions will be both legal and political theater, with BB's lawyers trying to make all the USDA/WH people look bad. On video. This will definitely impact some future news cycles in ways the White House will not enjoy. Sherrod will get in some licks, too, when she gets to depose BB about his sourcing and methods and the like, but the juicier stuff will be deposing Vilsack, et al.
So my guess is that the WH political staff DOES care, and would rather that this not occur. But that's just a guess.
| 99 |
jamesfirecat Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:14:55am |
re: #97 darthstar
Especially Republicans still facing primaries. Now's the time to get people like John McCain on the record either condemning Breitbart (say hello to candidate Hayworth) or condemning Sherrod (say hello to a close Senate race in AZ in November).
I really sort of respected John McCain as an honorable man during the 2008 elections, an honorable old man who might be going a little soft in the head at times (not knowing how many houses he owns, picking Sarah Palin) but really, his behavior after it just makes me keep thinking back to the sketch where John Stewart compares him to Golum....
| 100 |
garhighway Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:15:26am |
re: #99 jamesfirecat
I really sort of respected John McCain as an honorable man during the 2008 elections, an honorable old man who might be going a little soft in the head at times (not knowing how many houses he owns, picking Sarah Palin) but really, his behavior after it just makes me keep thinking back to the sketch where John Stewart compares him to Golum...
[Link: www.thedailyshow.com...]
Country First.
| 101 |
webevintage Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:15:51am |
Another reasonable Republican falls:
Lindsey Graham considering overturning the 14th amendment to end ‘birthright citizenship.’
[Link: thinkprogress.org...]
“I may introduce a constitutional amendment that changes the rules if you have a child here,” Graham said during an interview with Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren. “Birthright citizenship I think is a mistake, that we should change our Constitution and say if you come here illegally and you have a child, that child’s automatically not a citizen.” [...]“I’m a practical guy, but when you go forward, I don’t want 20 million more 20 years from now,” he said. “I want to be fair. I want to be humane. We need immigration policy, but it should be on our terms, not someone else’s. I don’t know how to fix it all. But I do know what makes people mad, that 12 million people came here and there seems to be no system to deal with stopping 20 million 20 years from now.”
| 103 |
RogueOne Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:17:11am |
re: #80 Killgore Trout
They were quick on the draw. If she's going to claim that the firing was damaging then they'll have to admit they fired her based strictly on the Breitbart video.
| 104 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:17:15am |
re: #98 garhighway
It's not that simple. The discovery phase of this (if it gets that far) will feature (among other things) BB wanting to depose everyone involved in the firing decision. Those depositions will be both legal and political theater, with BB's lawyers trying to make all the USDA/WH people look bad. On video. This will definitely impact some future news cycles in ways the White House will not enjoy. Sherrod will get in some licks, too, when she gets to depose BB about his sourcing and methods and the like, but the juicier stuff will be deposing Vilsack, et al.
So my guess is that the WH political staff DOES care, and would rather that this not occur. But that's just a guess.
It won't happen until after the elections. So far, Sherrod has only announced her intent too sue. Discovery will come in 2011 at the soonest. The sabre-rattling will continue, of course, because everyone loves controversy.
Vilsack already said the WH wasn't involved. He can testify, fall on his sword, or not, and the predictable Fox & Friends "What did the White House know, and when did they know it?" narrative will play to the knuckle-draggers who watch that show.
| 105 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:17:58am |
re: #101 webevintage
Another reasonable Republican falls:
Lindsey Graham considering overturning the 14th amendment to end ‘birthright citizenship.’
[Link: thinkprogress.org...]
Is he facing a primary challenge?
| 106 |
stevemcg Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:18:28am |
re: #101 webevintage
I'm not against it. I don't think it's a vital national security issue that we need to drop everything and amend the Constitution, but if citizenship were dependent upon the staus of the child when born, I can live with that.
| 107 |
Stanghazi Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:20:06am |
re: #105 darthstar
Is he facing a primary challenge?
No! He's got a couple of years till re-election. He's running scared.
| 108 |
webevintage Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:20:33am |
re: #105 darthstar
Is he facing a primary challenge?
No, he was re-elected in 2008.
Maybe the Tea Party folks in SC are starting to wear him down. And he was burned in effigy a few times last week by Randall Terry...
| 109 |
Randall Gross Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:21:09am |
Meanwhile in the plane of cognitive dissonance the Shrieking Harpie's fans are complaining about the English Defense League "Jewish Division" Facebook page being deleted.
| 110 |
garhighway Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:22:25am |
| 111 |
jamesfirecat Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:22:39am |
re: #108 webevintage
No, he was re-elected in 2008.
Maybe the Tea Party folks in SC are starting to wear him down. And he was burned in effigy a few times last week by Randall Terry...
Don't forget demanding he reveal to the world that he's homosexual, so that the Democrats can't blackmail him with that juicy tidbit!
| 112 |
Stanghazi Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:23:58am |
re: #101 webevintage
Another reasonable Republican falls:
Lindsey Graham considering overturning the 14th amendment to end ‘birthright citizenship.’
[Link: thinkprogress.org...]
“People come here to have babies,” he said. “They come here to drop a child. It's called "drop and leave." To have a child in America, they cross the border, they go to the emergency room, have a child, and that child's automatically an American citizen"....
[Link: www.politico.com...]
Wow Lindsay! Childbirth = dropping.
| 113 |
garhighway Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:26:35am |
re: #104 darthstar
It won't happen until after the elections. So far, Sherrod has only announced her intent too sue. Discovery will come in 2011 at the soonest. The sabre-rattling will continue, of course, because everyone loves controversy.
Vilsack already said the WH wasn't involved. He can testify, fall on his sword, or not, and the predictable Fox & Friends "What did the White House know, and when did they know it?" narrative will play to the knuckle-draggers who watch that show.
Certainly, if she doesn't file, there's nothing that is going to happen. But if, hypothetically, she filed today, and further if BB has a politically-oriented defense team (which I would expect), then I would expect them to start noticing up depositions immediately. That would force all kinds of reactions, which could include gov't lawyers trying to derail that process (bad optics), Sherrod's lawyers trying to do the same (bad optics again) or letting them go forward.
Normal trial process and strategy go out the window in a case like this, IF the defendant cares more about the theater than the case.
| 114 |
darthstar Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:36:14am |
re: #113 garhighway
Normal trial process and strategy go out the window in a case like this, IF the defendant cares more about the theater than the case.
Since I don't believe Breitbart has a lot of capital to sue for, or defend himself with for that matter, I'll guess he goes for the political theatre. He'll be doing the Rod Blagoeivich (sp?) circuit by the end of next week, until most Americans and the networks other than Fox all realize what a vile and offensive creature he is.
| 115 |
CuriousLurker Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:36:24am |
re: #102 SpaceJesus
[Video]
LOL! Being originally from TX I can verify that when grown men start calling each other "boy" or "son" the shit is getting ready to hit the fan.
| 116 |
CuriousLurker Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:39:05am |
re: #112 Stanley Sea
“People come here to have babies,” he said. “They come here to drop a child. It's called "drop and leave." To have a child in America, they cross the border, they go to the emergency room, have a child, and that child's automatically an American citizen"...
[Link: www.politico.com...]
Wow Lindsay! Childbirth = dropping.
I wonder exactly who calls it "drop and leave". Sounds kinda like the way you'd talk about a farm animal.
| 117 |
SpaceJesus Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:44:13am |
re: #115 CuriousLurker
LOL! Being originally from TX I can verify that when grown men start calling each other "boy" or "son" the shit is getting ready to hit the fan.
just go a head and try, yew dum sum'bitch
| 118 |
allegro Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:46:19am |
re: #116 CuriousLurker
I wonder exactly who calls it "drop and leave". Sounds kinda like the way you'd talk about a farm animal.
Well-chosen words, no doubt. The first step is always to dehumanize and from there, hate is easier.
| 119 |
garhighway Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:47:12am |
re: #116 CuriousLurker
I wonder exactly who calls it "drop and leave". Sounds kinda like the way you'd talk about a farm animal.
The people who made up that term kind of look at its subject exactly that way.
| 120 |
CuriousLurker Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:50:15am |
| 121 |
Four More Tears Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:50:16am |
re: #119 garhighway
The people who made up that term kind of look at its subject exactly that way.
Unless we're talking about abortion. Then they're precious little miracles.
| 122 |
allegro Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:52:03am |
re: #121 JasonA
Unless we're talking about abortion. Then they're precious little miracles.
When they're "snowflake" white. Others, not so much, unless it's to further their agenda.
| 123 |
Stanghazi Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:53:51am |
2 stories up - a dropping thread.
Gah, it's something new and horrible each day.
| 124 |
Kefirah Thu, Jul 29, 2010 10:58:46am |
re: #109 Thanos
facebook isn't exactly a burgeoning fortress of morality. there are innumerable facebook groups dedicated to pushing the jews back into the sea - one is called "we hate jews for the sake of allah."
there was another one called, "israel is not a country! delist it from facebook," but that got hacked by the jewish internet defense force. they removed the group's picture of a map of palestine [where israel is, not just the west bank and gaza], and replaced it with an image of an israeli fighter jet.
but. but. but. the shrieking harpy is insane, as is the english defense force. prejudice is prejudice and should be disciplined according to the terms of service, so i'm glad to see that group gone.
| 125 |
joest73 Thu, Jul 29, 2010 11:15:02am |
re: #75 Girth
3 am on Fox is a career?
A 3am show on Fox News that sometimes has more viewers than CNN primetime.
| 126 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Jul 29, 2010 11:19:02am |
re: #7 Thanos
I think she should sue, but I don't think she's going to be able to win. You have to prove malice and she is a public figure. High bars there.
I think it's a better case than most, though.
| 127 |
captdiggs Thu, Jul 29, 2010 12:28:08pm |
re: #7 Thanos
I think she should sue, but I don't think she's going to be able to win. You have to prove malice and she is a public figure. High bars there.
Agree. It's unlikely she can win.
It's why McCain did not sue the NY Times for the false front page story alleging an "affair". And also why so many others do not sue the media for getting stories wrong.
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