Gallup: GOP Appears Poised to Win Big

PoliticsNovember 2010 • Views: 7,507

The latest Gallup poll shows that Tea Party-fueled blind rage is probably going to result in big wins for the Republican Party. This will go down as the most thoroughly astroturfed election in history.

President Obama had better warm up his veto pen.

Get ready for two years of GOP-driven gridlock, attempts to criminalize abortion, attempts to sneak creationism into schools, big dividends for big business, and more time wasted in not dealing with one of humanity’s most pressing problems — climate change.

In one way, this is standard American politics; the party in power nearly always loses seats in midterm elections. But this crop of Republican candidates is the farthest right bunch of outright loons I’ve ever seen, in all the years I’ve been watching politics. We’re in uncharted territory and the fanatics are coming.

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193 comments

_RememberTonyC Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:43:29am

i think it's more likely that the Dems will lose big, rather than the GOP winning big

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:45:30am

Cue repeated attempts to impeach Obama on birth certificate grounds in 3...2...1...

Killgore Trout Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:47:29am

re: #2 Lidane

Cue repeated attempts to impeach Obama on birth certificate grounds in 3...2...1...

Yeah, they might go for impeachment again.

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:48:31am

re: #1 _RememberTonyC

i think it's more likely that the Dems will lose big, rather than the GOP winning big

Splitting hairs much?

The net effect will be the same. I hope the GOP has fun with all the loons they put forth. I hope the American people who voted for these loons have fun.
MICE WITH HUMAN BRAINS!
ANTI FLUORIDE CRUSADER!
DONKEY PORN AFICIONADO!
CIVIL RIGHTS SHOULD BE A STATE ISSUE!
AGW IS A HOAX!
HALLOWEEN IS SATANIC AND HUMAN SACRIFICE ENSUES!
EVOLUTION IS FALSE BECAUSE MONKEYS DON'T TURN INTO HUMANS!
Have fun, GOP.

hellosnackbar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:48:56am

I agree Charles;whilst being a small government Bill Buckley type.
I see "The teabaggers"as bringing American Politics to the brink of bathos.

Charles Johnson Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:49:02am

I fully expect the Republicans to go the impeachment route. They'll find some ridiculous twisted charge and pursue it like rabid wolverines. It's going to be like Clinton's second term, but probably much worse.

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:49:05am

re: #3 Killgore Trout

I'm betting on two things happening over the next two years-- another Republican-led government shutdown, and the teabaggers trying to push for impeachment, claiming that Obama's not a citizen.

wrenchwench Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:49:18am

For reasons I won't go into, I heard some right wing AM radio late last night. The narrative was about the battle the new conservative congresspeople are going to have with the Republican Elites. The Republican Elites are going to try to co-opt the conservatives, and make them operate by "business as usual".

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:49:22am

It's "Christmas eve" for the Teabaggers, birthers, neo-Confederates, creationists, theocrats, and the AGW deniers. "The South will rise again!" I can't help but groan inside at the bipolar nature of American politics.

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:49:35am

If I seriously see them try for impeachment, I'm going to be pissed. It annoyed the hell out of me when people wanted to impeach Bush too. I am sick of partisan hacks wanting to use the impeachment procedure on presidents they don't like. I really hope we see these nutty candidates who are elected exposed as the nuts that they are once they actually have to do stuff rather than spouting out crap on the campaign trail.

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:50:11am

So the options will be to either work to get America out of recession and deal with pressing real world dangers or 2 years of partisan sniping where nobody does shit except bitch, moan, and complain about how bad the other guy is for not falling into line.

Gee, I wonder where the TPers will stand on this?
///

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:50:20am

re: #4 Varek Raith

Splitting hairs much?

I don't think it's splitting hairs to point out that this isn't a republican wave, it's an anti-dem wave. If the repubs don't understand that going in they'll run into the same problem in 2012.. If the Dems don't understand it, and I don't think they do, they'll lose another 30 seats in 2 years.

Big Steve Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:51:08am

I will repeat my comment from last night. Many of us on this site (myself included) forecast the "sky falling" a few days before the '08 election if Obama won. Then when he did get elected we most wished him well, not only for his sake but for our sake. I think we should afford those elected tomorrow the same right. Lets judge them their actions after they actually have had elected actions.

demonfish Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:51:39am

Maybe preferable they make some modest gains now, and folks have a couple of years to realize what complete and utter goofballs they really are?

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:51:46am

New Left Media interviews Sanity/Fear rally attendees. Some goobers, some 9/11 Truthers, some sane people, and several instances of self-awareness.

Youtube Video

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:51:48am

I'll add that we'll also see a plethora of meaningless House resolutions and saber rattling.

_RememberTonyC Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:52:18am

re: #4 Varek Raith

Splitting hairs much?

The net effect will be the same. I hope the GOP has fun with all the loons they put forth. I hope the American people who voted for these loons have fun.
MICE WITH HUMAN BRAINS!
ANTI FLUORIDE CRUSADER!
DONKEY PORN AFICIONADO!
CIVIL RIGHTS SHOULD BE A STATE ISSUE!
AGW IS A HOAX!
HALLOWEEN IS SATANIC AND HUMAN SACRIFICE ENSUES!
EVOLUTION IS FALSE BECAUSE MONKEYS DON'T TURN INTO HUMANS!
Have fun, GOP.

if the GOP overreaches into loony stuff, they''ll achieve just what they say they do not want: a second term in 2012 for the President. The voters are punishing the Dems for the last 2 years, and they will punish the GOP in 2012 if they take this chance and act like morons.

ckeusa Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:52:27am

The only reason that you think this is the most extreme bunch of wackos is because you've shifted so far to the left. The average GOPer has changed very little; it's you who have changed. Of course there are going to be some creationist wackos, but there are nut-jobs on both sides.

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:52:37am

re: #13 Big Steve

I will not wish anti science loons the best.

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:52:44am

Winning seats will end up being the worst thing that could ever happen to the Tea Party.

friarstale Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:52:57am

Charles,
I respect your opinion
I hope you are wrong, and that the new congress reaches to the middle, not to the far right
FriarsTale

(personally, I don't believe the GOP will dare mess with the abortion issue; it's way too hot button, and they don't want to lose the women they have reportedly gained this election cycle)

albusteve Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:53:04am

lot's of prognostication...wait and see
(they all look the same to me, if the donks don't get you, the phaunts will)

Nervous Norvous Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:53:20am

re: #13 Big Steve

I will repeat my comment from last night. Many of us on this site (myself included) forecast the "sky falling" a few days before the '08 election if Obama won. Then when he did get elected we most wished him well, not only for his sake but for our sake. I think we should afford those elected tomorrow the same right. Lets judge them their actions after they actually have had elected actions.

And did the sky fall? What do you think would have happened if Grumpy and Caribou Barbie would have won?

I happen to think that the folks on the right are a lot more nutty and lot rightier than Obama was left.

wrenchwench Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:53:32am

re: #18 ckeusa

Look at the tutu on that Magical Balance Fairy!

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:53:42am

HOnestly, I see Obama in two years if all they do is hold up is his ideas doing something very similiar to what Truman did in 1948. He'll call them out as a "Do Nothing" Congress of all they do is oppose and oppose.

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:53:51am

re: #18 ckeusa

Name one non-creationist running under the Tea Party mantle.

Killgore Trout Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:54:14am

re: #8 wrenchwench

For reasons I won't go into, I heard some right wing AM radio late last night. The narrative was about the battle the new conservative congresspeople are going to have with the Republican Elites. The Republican Elites are going to try to co-opt the conservatives, and make them operate by "business as usual".

I think that's a very real possibility. The Tea Partiers are getting played by the GOP establishment who aren't going to deliver smaller government or abolish the IRS, DOE or the EPA. There are a few more true believers entering the GOP like Angle, Rand Paul, etc who really will try to implement these crazy ideas. I still think the true believers are vastly outnumbered by establishment GOP who will take the reigns when the time comes.

wrenchwench Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:54:42am

re: #21 friarstale

Charles,
I respect your opinion
I hope you are wrong, and that the new congress reaches to the middle, not to the far right
FriarsTale

(personally, I don't believe the GOP will dare mess with the abortion issue; it's way too hot button, and they don't want to lose the women they have reportedly gained this election cycle)

The GOP is messing with the abortion issue at the state level all over. Why would they be smarter at the national level?

Big Steve Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:55:00am

re: #23 PT Barnum

And did the sky fall?

My exact point.....it didn't and most of what was feared didn't happen.

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:55:19am

re: #16 Gus 802

I'll add that we'll also see a plethora of meaningless House resolutions and saber rattling.

Just watch-- the House feed for C-SPAN will be an even bigger orgy of idiotic speeches and resolutions being offered than normal.

re: #17 _RememberTonyC

if the GOP overreaches into loony stuff, they''ll achieve just what they say they do not want: a second term in 2012 for the President.

The chances of overreach are very high given the heated rhetoric from the teabaggers and a desire to appeal to the wingnut base. I'm not expecting anything but loony stuff from the GOP for the foreseeable future.

allegro Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:55:20am

In one way, this is standard American politics; the party in power nearly always loses seats in midterm elections. But this crop of Republican candidates is the farthest right bunch of outright loons I’ve ever seen, in all the years I’ve been watching politics. The fanatics are coming. We’re in uncharted territory.

I agree. Though I've been a politics watcher myself, I've always had the attitude that "this too will pass" and we'll all live our lives much as we did before. I don't feel that way anymore. In the past few years we've seen the devastating effects of politics that happens fast and furious to absolutely destroy so many lives. I see it escalating since things are so bad now for so many, there is little wiggle room to just fuck around and that is exactly what is about to happen for another 2 years.

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:55:49am

re: #29 Big Steve

My exact point...it didn't and most of what was feared didn't happen.

Most of the "fear" was propagated by irrational, right wing bullshit.

Nervous Norvous Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:55:55am

re: #27 Killgore Trout

I think that's a very real possibility. The Tea Partiers are getting played by the GOP establishment who aren't going to deliver smaller government or abolish the IRS, DOE or the EPA. There are a few more true believers entering the GOP like Angle, Rand Paul, etc who really will try to implement these crazy ideas. I still think the true believers are vastly outnumbered by establishment GOP who will take the reigns when the time comes.

That's just it. The socons (and let's face it, that's a big part of the Tea Party) seem to swallow the same line every election cycle from the GOP only to be dissappointed when their agenda never sees the light of legislative day.

This will continue for the forseeable future until they decide to take their ball and go home.

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:56:04am

re: #29 Big Steve

My exact point...it didn't and most of what was feared didn't happen.

The Obama Youth are still biding their time, waiting to come and seize every privately owned firearm in the US as soon as Obama gives the signal.

_RememberTonyC Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:56:08am

re: #27 Killgore Trout

I think that's a very real possibility. The Tea Partiers are getting played by the GOP establishment who aren't going to deliver smaller government or abolish the IRS, DOE or the EPA. There are a few more true believers entering the GOP like Angle, Rand Paul, etc who really will try to implement these crazy ideas. I still think the true believers are vastly outnumbered by establishment GOP who will take the reigns when the time comes.

i agree totally

hellosnackbar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:56:26am

I meant to add that I see the teaparty movement as:Clowns in a circus of the insane!

wrenchwench Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:56:40am

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Pedant says, "Reins!!"

Pseudo-pundit says,"Right on!"

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:56:53am

re: #34 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

The Obama Youth are still biding their time, waiting to come and seize every privately owned firearm in the US as soon as Obama gives the signal.

Yep, it will be a fun time taking all your guns that you cling to ha ha ha.

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:57:02am

There are really thee possible scenarios I see:

1. The GOP-controlled house (assuming they don't get the senate) causes even more gridlock than the GOP-minority house did. The Tea Party electees fall in line, doing what the GOP leadership tells them. Very little actually happens, except endless grandstanding hearings on climate change attempting to prove scientists are really very bad people.

2. The GOP leadership attempts to get a lot of shit done, despite not having the Senate. They try to woo conservative Democrats in the senate to get bills actually passed-- like further reductions to the capital gains rate. These may prompt Obama to veto; depending on how spineless the Democrats are, his veto may get overridden. The deficit balloons because the GOP will not be cutting any significant spending, but is likely to, if given rein to, lower taxes even further. Socially conservative stuff is unlikely to survive vetoes, but will be hanging on every bill that goes through.

3. The Tea Party electees turn out to be completely uncontrollable and routinely disrupt business as usual, providing interesting theater but complete meltdowns. This means either:

3a. The GOP leadership tries to get them the fuck under control, leading to spats between the Tea Party/Palin types and the establishment types. The establishment ones are the ones who know how DC works, so the Tea Party morons can't actually get anything done, but it turns into an interacine squabble.

3b. The GOP leadership goes along with the Tea Party wave, social conservatism is the order of the day, and things go seriously to shit, with completely partisan House investigations, impeachment attempts, massively socially conservative bills passed, and loads of Obama officials forced to testify in front of congress on matters vast and sundry.

Given that Boehner is openly campaigning for the dude who fetishizes the Nazis, 3b is really not so unlikely.

Nervous Norvous Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:57:15am

Well I gotta go get some lunch so I can work on coding the rest of the afternoon.

friarstale Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:57:18am

re: #28 wrenchwench

"States' Rights" is their mantra, isn't it?

goddamnedfrank Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:57:59am

re: #13 Big Steve

I will repeat my comment from last night. Many of us on this site (myself included) forecast the "sky falling" a few days before the '08 election if Obama won. Then when he did get elected we most wished him well, not only for his sake but for our sake. I think we should afford those elected tomorrow the same right. Lets judge them their actions after they actually have had elected actions.

The difference is that Obama largely did what he said he would do, and the irrational fear was that he would do something he didn't campaign on, grab all the guns. Now you're telling us to wait and see if the Republicans won't follow through on their clearly insane promises, that they might go off script and act reasonable.

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:57:59am

re: #36 hellosnackbar

I meant to add that I see the teaparty movement as:Clowns in a circus of the insane!

Of course now I am filled with dread at the thought of black velvet paintings of Angle, Paul, and O'Donnell in clown makeup.

Thanks for that.

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:58:20am

re: #30 Lidane

Just watch-- the House feed for C-SPAN will be an even bigger orgy of idiotic speeches and resolutions being offered than normal.

Exactly. It's going to be their new-old bully pulpit 24/7. Expect a lot of groaning moments if Boehner becomes Speaker of the House because he tends to drift off into outer space quite easily.

Nervous Norvous Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:58:41am

re: #43 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Of course now I am filled with dread at the thought of black velvet paintings of Angle, Paul, and O'Donnell in clown makeup.

Thanks for that.

Mt Dew =====> Screen

friarstale Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:58:42am

re: #9 Gus 802

I can't help but groan inside at the bipolar nature of American politics.

and groan outside, too!

reine.de.tout Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:59:07am

re: #37 wrenchwench

Pedant says, "Reins!!"

Pseudo-pundit says,"Right on!"

As long as no one is saying "Reine's", I'm OK either way, reins, reigns, what's the diff?
/

wrenchwench Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:59:15am

re: #41 friarstale

"States' Rights" is their mantra, isn't it?

When it suits them. Again, why would they do what you consider politically inadvisable at the state level but refrain at the national level?

Nervous Norvous Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:59:22am

re: #44 Gus 802

Exactly. It's going to be their new-old bully pulpit 24/7. Expect a lot of groaning moments if Boehner becomes Speaker of the House because he tends to drift off into outer space quite easily.

Maybe he will have more time to actually pass legislation instead of baking his skin that odd color.

Nervous Norvous Mon, Nov 1, 2010 10:59:50am

Back later.

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:00:17am

re: #41 friarstale

"States' Rights" is their mantra, isn't it?

Which expands into "we have the right to ignore any law that we don't agree with"

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:01:15am

re: #51 ralphieboy

Which expands into "we have the right to ignore any law that we don't agree with"

Or wish to amend the Constitution to fit their ideology.
Strict constructionists my ass.

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:02:18am

re: #52 Varek Raith

Strict constructionists my ass.

Of course they're strict constructionists. They want to strictly construct the Constitution to fit their narrow ideology. =P

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:02:53am

I expect to hear a lot of gloating about the GOP gains tomorrow.
Funny, because the joke's on them.
XD

wrenchwench Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:02:58am

re: #39 Obdicut

3b is all too likely just going by the pre-election sounds.

lawhawk Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:03:13am

The GOP will likely win in a big way tomorrow in the House, and may close the gap in the Senate, and they'll think that they won a mandate to do whatever they think their constituents thought they should do.

That's when the rubber meets the road and these new members of Congress will realize that they can't deliver on their promises. They wont be able to repeal HCR. They wont be able to do a whole lot of the things they want.

They will be able to shift away at the margins, but that's not going to be sufficient to the TP types who demand change regardless of the fact that simply isn't how our government works (separation of powers, balance of powers, checks and balances).

They might run a couple of big ticket items out there to satisfy the base - maybe running out the impeachment stuff, but that will turn off the same folks who they will need to win over in 2012 - the moderates and independents who went for Obama in 2008. The House might serve up articles of impeachment, but the Senate wont take action (pretty much mirroring what the Democrats did in 2008 with Bush - in the end sound and fury signifying not much and even less results). The Senate leadership will have a much easier time of it than whoever ends up being Speaker in the House - it will make herding cats look like a walk in the park.

And by the time 2012 rolls around, those TPers who got elected will themselves have to justify their own reelection to the same folks who sent them there in the first place promising change. They too might find themselves out of office.

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:03:26am

re: #27 Killgore Trout

I don't think the TPers are getting played all that much. The repub establishment all the way up to K. Rove hates them. They would love to see Miller lose to Murkowski. If they don't focus on the financial problems we're under, including cutting the debt, the TPers will turn on them. Ms. Palin has already floated that idea.

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:03:27am

I think either way it's a tough situation for the Republicans and this may end up being a short term victory but a long term loss. The GOP establishment can either let the new bloods do their own thing which I think will alienate many people because many of them have a lot of crazy ideas and their rhetoric isn't going ot help them. Or the GOP could try to control them and make them do what the establishment wants and that will piss off the hardliners who nominated these people in the first place since they'll feel betrayed. I just don't see this as the beginning of the end for the Democrats. I think they'll rebound in 2012. With the exception of 2002 nearly every president in the past fifty years has struggled at midterms including Reagan .

allegro Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:03:53am

re: #49 PT Barnum

Maybe he will have more time to actually pass legislation instead of baking his skin that odd color.

Considering the type of legislation that he would pass, I prefer that he continue baking.

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:05:01am

re: #54 Varek Raith

I expect to hear a lot of gloating about the GOP gains tomorrow.
Funny, because the joke's on them.
XD

Psshh. Late comers, I've been making fun of you guys ever since Brown got elected./

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:06:09am

re: #56 lawhawk

The house didn't serve up articles of impeachment for Bush. They never got out of committee. So that'd be rather different.

[Link: thomas.loc.gov...]

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:06:11am

re: #54 Varek Raith

I expect to hear a lot of gloating about the GOP gains tomorrow.
Funny, because the joke's on them.
XD

Might be days or weeks before we see the final results in some of the close races. We'll find out tomorrow night.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:06:41am

re: #7 Lidane

I'm betting on two things happening over the next two years-- another Republican-led government shutdown, and the teabaggers trying to push for impeachment, claiming that Obama's not a citizen.

I'm about 25% on the impeachment. There are plenty of people crazy enough running around, but I keep thinking that the real power in the GOP will put the brakes on that one.

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:06:46am

re: #62 Gus 802

Might be days or weeks before we see the final results in some of the close races. We'll find out tomorrow night.

True.
ACRONITY!

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:06:58am

re: #59 allegro

Considering the type of legislation that he would pass, I prefer that he continue baking.

I'd like to see them all hanging out in the tanning beds. The less "work" they get done the less we get screwed.

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:07:18am

re: #64 Varek Raith

LEARN TO SPELL, VAREK!

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:08:05am

re: #18 ckeusa

The only reason that you think this is the most extreme bunch of wackos is because you've shifted so far to the left. The average GOPer has changed very little; it's you who have changed. Of course there are going to be some creationist wackos, but there are nut-jobs on both sides.

Actually, I think you probably think this isn't an extreme bunch of whackos because you, yourself, have been an extreme whacko since before it was popular.

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:08:24am

re: #58 HappyWarrior

.... With the exception of 2002 nearly every president in the past fifty years has struggled at midterms including Reagan .

going back to '78 the party in power has picked up seats 3 times in mid-terms, only once in the first mid-term. The average loss is under 10 seats. Only 2x has it been over a 30 seat loss.

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:08:46am

re: #67 SanFranciscoZionist

Actually, I think you probably think this isn't an extreme bunch of whackos because you, yourself, have been an extreme whacko since before it was popular.

lawhawk Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:08:48am

re: #61 Obdicut

I misremembered the nature of the roll call vote. But you have to concede that the Democrats let the rank and file have their vote on impeachment before sending it to a well justified death in committee.

That's a step further than it should have ever gone. And impeachment is not warranted against Obama either. Having a disagreement with the President on a policy point is not grounds for impeachment.

allegro Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:08:56am

re: #65 RogueOne

I'd like to see them all hanging out in the tanning beds. The less "work" they get done the less we get screwed.

Oh yes, heaven forbid there should be any action taken in actually doing something to deal with the country's many problems. //

SpaceJesus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:09:05am

stalkers going bananas on wikipedia

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:09:34am

re: #71 allegro

Oh yes, heaven forbid there should be any action taken in actually doing something to deal with the country's many problems. //

Since the majority of those problems are of their own making...I'll take my chances with gridlock.

reine.de.tout Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:09:49am

re: #72 SpaceJesus

stalkers going bananas on wikipedia

Again?

They don't have a life of some sort?

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:09:50am

re: #72 SpaceJesus

stalkers going bananas on wikipedia

Still? Actually I saw that this morning. I thought that was settled but then they came back.

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:10:15am

re: #72 SpaceJesus

stalkers going bananas on wikipedia

I smell IP bans in their future.

ErikJ76 Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:10:20am

re: #18 ckeusa

The only reason that you think this is the most extreme bunch of wackos is because you've shifted so far to the left. The average GOPer has changed very little; it's you who have changed. Of course there are going to be some creationist wackos, but there are nut-jobs on both sides.

The people who vote in GOP primaries aren't average GOPers. Most average GOPers will like most average DEMs vote for the candidate from their party. Liberal and moderate GOPers might have, like conservative DEMs, objected to their candidate being a bit too far away from their views. But then there really aren't any liberal GOPers any more and the moderates are going extinct as we speak...

What would the DEM nut-job equivalent of a GOP creationist be? And there are a lot of the latter among elected GOPers...

wrenchwench Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:11:22am

re: #74 reine.de.tout

Again?

re: #75 Gus 802

Still?

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:11:23am

re: #70 lawhawk

I misremembered the nature of the roll call vote. But you have to concede that the Democrats let the rank and file have their vote on impeachment before sending it to a well justified death in committee.

No, I really don't. They voted to send it to committee. They didn't vote to impeach. They voted to refer it to the committee.

That's a step further than it should have ever gone.

Okay. It's still not the house serving up articles of impeachment. Pelosi gave, and kept her word, that there would be no impeachment attempt. Something for which the far left has attacked her, and for which the GOP has not in the least bit given her any sort of grace or credit.

reginald perrin Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:12:16am

re: #72 SpaceJesus

Leave it alone and let them have their fun. He who laughs last, laughs best. I have a little new year surprise planned for a few of the stalkers.

Killgore Trout Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:12:44am

re: #47 reine.de.tout

As long as no one is saying "Reine's", I'm OK either way, reins, reigns, what's the diff?
/

Rains!

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:12:54am

re: #79 Obdicut

No, I really don't. They voted to send it to committee. They didn't vote to impeach. They voted to refer it to the committee.

Okay. It's still not the house serving up articles of impeachment. Pelosi gave, and kept her word, that there would be no impeachment attempt. Something for which the far left has attacked her, and for which the GOP has not in the least bit given her any sort of grace or credit.

Has the GOP promised no impeachment proceedings?
I know they've already promised stupid, pointless investigations...

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:13:16am

re: #80 reginald perrin

Leave it alone and let them have their fun. He who laughs last, laughs best. I have a little new year surprise planned for a few of the stalkers.

Shipping it UPS?

SpaceJesus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:14:00am

re: #75 Gus 802

Nope, they keep editing it back, and the senior wikipedia editor keeps taking it down.

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:14:23am

re: #52 Varek Raith

Or wish to amend the Constitution to fit their ideology.
Strict constructionists my ass.

Constrictionists.

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:14:57am

re: #84 SpaceJesus

The entire article is very badly written. I've signed up as an editor there and when I get some free time I'll try to write up some good, factual, quality, referenced stuff to counter the drek.

Won't be for a couple of weeks, though, I've got a ton of work and I don't really understand Wiki editing policies just yet.

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:15:33am

re: #62 Gus 802

Might be days or weeks before we see the final results in some of the close races. We'll find out tomorrow night.

Or longer. Everyone who loses in a close election will be screaming about voter fraud, demanding recounts, getting courts involved, etc.

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:15:40am

re: #84 SpaceJesus

Nope, they keep editing it back, and the senior wikipedia editor keeps taking it down.

They need to block those guys. They're the ones that are vandalizing the page. That stupid section about "Alteration and Deletion of Posts" is the one that has to go. Otherwise, the bird brains lost a few things during the recent editing which is good.

ErikJ76 Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:15:52am

re: #82 Varek Raith

Has the GOP promised no impeachment proceedings?
I know they've already promised stupid, pointless investigations...

The DEMs are the kids who think that every other kid plays fair. The GOPers are the kids who don't.

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:16:08am

There were some districts in 2006/08 that the Dems won I think sheerly due to anti REpublican sentiment and this year will be the same with Democrats. In a normal year, some of the districts that are going to be won by Republicans are Democratic but because of the anti-Democratic sentiment they're going to have to be careful not to go far to the right. And honestly if they just do a whole bunch of grandstanding about Obama, I really see 2012 being a bad year for them. Voters still disapprove of the Republican party too. They just disapprove of them less than the Democrats.

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:18:44am

re: #72 SpaceJesus

stalkers going bananas on wikipedia

???

What are they freaking out about? I'm in storytime right now (i.e., my Business Communications class, which is barely a half-step above useless) so I can't go and look.

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:19:18am

re: #90 HappyWarrior

If any election season has shown the power and entrenchedness of the two parties, it's this one. This really should be the year of third parties, but the GOP was able to nip that in the bud with their astroturfing of the Tea Parties. It was brilliant in an evil and contemptible way. And both the Democrats and the GOP have always favored stiff barriers to entry for being included in debates, on the ballots, etc. But most of all what it's showed is that the American voter is very, very conditioned to think in a binary, in voting for either Democrat or Republican.

I really wish we had instant runoff voting or Condorcet voting or something that would at all weaken the two-party system.

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:19:20am

Something to chew on while we get ourselves all worked up, the re-election rate for incumbents will still be roughly 95% this year, and in 2012, 2014, etc, etc, etc.

SpaceJesus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:21:05am

re: #88 Gus 802

They need to block those guys. They're the ones that are vandalizing the page. That stupid section about "Alteration and Deletion of Posts" is the one that has to go. Otherwise, the bird brains lost a few things during the recent editing which is good.

As of just now, the discussion section of the LGF wikipedia page has a pretty good summary of how that section needs to go.

haavamaal Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:21:31am

Well nice to see some rational analysis.......Fact is the loons of the left came in in 2004 and 2008, and now are being replaced by some loons on the right. There is no rational debate on either side of the political spectrum now. Things are way too polarized.

The little girl with the sign had it right. Don't change what you don't understand. I think I'd vote for her.

Go anarchy 2012!!!

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:21:31am

re: #91 Lidane

???

What are they freaking out about? I'm in storytime right now (i.e., my Business Communications class, which is barely a half-step above useless) so I can't go and look.

What? You don't want to learn how to take the specifications from the customers to the engineers?

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:22:13am

re: #96 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

What? You don't want to learn how to take the specifications from the customers to the engineers?

That's what minions are for.

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:22:13am

re: #95 haavamaal

Well nice to see some rational analysis...Fact is the loons of the left came in in 2004 and 2008, and now are being replaced by some loons on the right. There is no rational debate on either side of the political spectrum now. Things are way too polarized.

The little girl with the sign had it right. Don't change what you don't understand. I think I'd vote for her.

Go anarchy 2012!!!

I'm voting Coronal Mass Ejection in 2012.

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:22:50am

re: #98 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I'm voting Coronal Mass Ejection in 2012.

Screw that.
Gamma Ray Burst is the one for the job.

100

Charles Johnson Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:23:15am

re: #86 Obdicut

The entire article is very badly written. I've signed up as an editor there and when I get some free time I'll try to write up some good, factual, quality, referenced stuff to counter the drek.

Won't be for a couple of weeks, though, I've got a ton of work and I don't really understand Wiki editing policies just yet.

Thank you for that! It ought to be pointed out that the person making the malicious edits is actually using a name that mocks me specifically. How they can let someone make edits to a page who has such a clear hate-on for me is beyond my understanding. That person should be banned from editing Wikipedia.

101

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:23:27am

re: #97 Varek Raith

That's what minions are for.

See, thats why the Sith always lose.

You've got to learn it as well so you can tell when your minions are slacking off.

102

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:24:30am

re: #96 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

What? You don't want to learn how to take the specifications from the customers to the engineers?

I wish that was what I was learning. It's all a bunch of busywork reading and evaluating press releases and learning how to write an e-mail or a memo, and is more of a general communications class. Plus, the prof's voice annoys me and even her syllabus is incoherent.

*sigh*

103

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:24:34am

re: #101 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

See, thats why the Sith always lose.

You've got to learn it as well so you can tell when your minions are slacking off.

Oh, that's easy.
Neural implants.

104

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:26:35am

re: #103 Varek Raith

Oh, that's easy.
Neural implants.

Not cost effective when you're just going to end up gassing them all at the end of the project anyways.

105

ihateronpaul Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:26:54am

oh boy this should be fun, the entire country is gonna have an existential identity crisis when they realize that the republicans aren't going to fix anything, and they'll probably manage to make things worse. johnny boner already promised that things are going to be the same. so in other words, we're fucked.

106

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:27:06am

re: #104 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Not cost effective when you're just going to end up gassing them all at the end of the project anyways.

Oh, I don't do that.
Skilled labor is valuable.

107

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:27:06am

re: #94 SpaceJesus

As of just now, the discussion section of the LGF wikipedia page has a pretty good summary of how that section needs to go.

I see that but damn it's hard to read. Seems like the stalkers have been there for a while. The other alternative is to expand on the "Alterations and Deletions" section since right now it's only presenting the Tim Blair or stalker view.

108

haavamaal Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:28:25am

re: #105 ihateronpaul

I reiterate Anarchy 2012!!!

Saves time voting and you don't get the losers.

109

3kids3dogs Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:30:20am

re: #90 HappyWarrior

There were some districts in 2006/08 that the Dems won I think sheerly due to anti REpublican sentiment and this year will be the same with Democrats. In a normal year, some of the districts that are going to be won by Republicans are Democratic but because of the anti-Democratic sentiment they're going to have to be careful not to go far to the right. And honestly if they just do a whole bunch of grandstanding about Obama, I really see 2012 being a bad year for them. Voters still disapprove of the Republican party too. They just disapprove of them less than the Democrats.

As least in regards to Congress, the Republicans have a lower approval rating.
[Link: www.gallup.com...]

110

RadicalModerate Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:30:22am

re: #41 friarstale

"States' Rights" is their mantra, isn't it?

Speaking of blowing the "States' Rights" dogwhistle, catch a whiff of the latest ad by Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Youtube Video

111

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:30:45am

re: #100 Charles

One of the other editors is giving him shit about it. There appears to be a more senior editor who was responsible for a lot of the crap on the page who had an axe to grind with you-- I looked at his wiki profile and he's a global warming denier, so that's probably what triggered it.

Like I said, it'll take me a couple of weeks to get to it. The one thing I know about Wiki is that speed of edits doesn't matter; quality will last. It may get vandalized, but if you write something substantive and good, it'll always get reverted back to what you wrote.

112

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:32:13am

re: #106 Varek Raith

Oh, I don't do that.
Skilled labor is valuable.

Your terminology is off then. Skilled labor covers NCOs, scientists or engineers. Minions cover cannon fodder, common laborers, etc.

Bloody Sith and their xenos-addled inefficiency.

113

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:33:00am

re: #109 3kids3dogs

As least in regards to Congress, the Republicans have a lower approval rating.
[Link: www.gallup.com...]

Goes to show me that they'll be on a short leash these next two years. I think many people many people feel that both parties have been too partisan.

114

RogueOne Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:33:28am

2 paid invoices means I can cut my day short, see you folks.

Keep your eye on the ball.... go colts!

115

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:33:30am

re: #113 HappyWarrior

Goes to show me that they'll be on a short leash these next two years. I think many people many people feel that both parties have been too partisan.

Of course and then there are the people who feel that their own party has not been partisan enough.

116

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:33:39am

re: #105 ihateronpaul

oh boy this should be fun, the entire country is gonna have an existential identity crisis when they realize that the republicans aren't going to fix anything, and they'll probably manage to make things worse. johnny boner already promised that things are going to be the same. so in other words, we're fucked.

The GOP is going to spend the entire two years blaming everything on Obama in any case. Doesn't matter what they do or do not do. Like QBs in football, it's real easy to blame them for the the failures of the team.

117

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:34:16am

Oh, how I love The Onion:

New Online Voting System Allows Millions Of Masturbators To Take Part In Democracy

Heh.

118

haavamaal Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:35:34am

re: #110 RadicalModerate

That is the most tame add I have seen this election cycle. I live in TX and the mud has been flying. According to what I have seen on TV we have felons, pedophiles, racists, idiots, communists, tax cheats, liars (ok this is probably true), and charlatans running for office.

Thank god (or whatever) that the NFL has not been playing these ads locally. That would have really screwed my Sunday.

119

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:36:01am

re: #117 Lidane

Oh, how I love The Onion:

New Online Voting System Allows Millions Of Masturbators To Take Part In Democracy

Heh.

It;s a wonderful thing heh. I love the Onion too. I've seriously considered if my state dep't career plans don't work out that I would go write for them. The front page article today about Kim Jong II's son feeling he can't live up to his dad's craziness is great and the video mocking AA was priceless.

120

SpaceJesus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:36:18am

re: #107 Gus 802

I see that but damn it's hard to read. Seems like the stalkers have been there for a while. The other alternative is to expand on the "Alterations and Deletions" section since right now it's only presenting the Tim Blair or stalker view.

It's at the very bottom of the discussion page. Let's not touch it and let the admins do their work.

121

Gus Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:36:23am

re: #111 Obdicut

One of the other editors is giving him shit about it. There appears to be a more senior editor who was responsible for a lot of the crap on the page who had an axe to grind with you-- I looked at his wiki profile and he's a global warming denier, so that's probably what triggered it.

Like I said, it'll take me a couple of weeks to get to it. The one thing I know about Wiki is that speed of edits doesn't matter; quality will last. It may get vandalized, but if you write something substantive and good, it'll always get reverted back to what you wrote.

Which one would that be?

122

3kids3dogs Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:38:10am

re: #115 HappyWarrior

Of course and then there are the people who feel that their own party has not been partisan enough.

Right on both counts. I just think it's more complicated than the country being anti-Dem. As usual, it's the economy and people don't feel like it has improved enough. I think they're being short sighted and expecting huge improvements too quickly but the voters have the right to make their own choices.

123

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:40:11am

re: #112 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Your terminology is off then. Skilled labor covers NCOs, scientists or engineers. Minions cover cannon fodder, common laborers, etc.

Bloody Sith and their xenos-addled inefficiency.

Threw you off, didn't it?
Mission accomplished.

124

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:40:26am

re: #122 3kids3dogs

Right on both counts. I just think it's more complicated than the country being anti-Dem. As usual, it's the economy and people don't feel like it has improved enough. I think they're being short sighted and expecting huge improvements too quickly but the voters have the right to make their own choices.

Oh yeah the economy's definitely playing a role and the party in power always struggles when the economy is an issue. I agree with you in feeling that they're being too short sighted as well. One of my biggest problem with voters is they're too fickle and they expect immediate solutions.

125

3kids3dogs Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:42:09am

re: #124 HappyWarrior

Oh yeah the economy's definitely playing a role and the party in power always struggles when the economy is an issue. I agree with you in feeling that they're being too short sighted as well. One of my biggest problem with voters is they're too fickle and they expect immediate solutions.

We want it all and we want it now!

126

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:42:13am

re: #123 Varek Raith

Threw you off, didn't it?
Mission accomplished.

Well, it kept you busy while the cyclonic torpedoes were being made ready.

127

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:44:55am

*sigh*

I've got another hour to go in this misery. Dear lord. Somebody please link me to interesting things to read to kill the time.

128

Kragar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:47:20am

re: #127 Lidane

*sigh*

I've got another hour to go in this misery. Dear lord. Somebody please link me to interesting things to read to kill the time.

Salvation War Table of Contents, Summary, and Reference

129

Amory Blaine Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:48:33am

Well I hope we get what we deserve then.

130

engineer cat Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:48:49am

GOP Appears Poised to Win Big

i wonder what they will win - in the end

be careful what you ask for!

131

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:56:04am

Next goal for GOP leaders: stopping Sarah Palin

There is rising expectation among GOP elites that Palin will probably run for president in 2012 and could win the Republican nomination, a prospect many of them regard as a disaster in waiting.

Many of these establishment figures argue in not-for-attribution comments that Palin’s nomination would ensure President Barack Obama’s reelection, as the deficiencies that marked her 2008 debut as a vice presidential nominee — an intensely polarizing political style and often halting and superficial answers when pressed on policy — have shown little sign of abating in the past two years. (See: Palin speaks to electability issue)

"There is a determined, focused establishment effort … to find a candidate we can coalesce around who can beat Sarah Palin," said one prominent and longtime Washington Republican. "We believe she could get the nomination, but Barack Obama would crush her."

This sentiment was a nearly constant refrain in POLITICO interviews with top advisers to the candidates most frequently mentioned as running in 2012 and a diverse assortment of other top GOP officials.

132

joest73 Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:57:06am

Sometimes you read something that makes you think about reconsidering your political viewpoints....
[Link: callapitter46.blogspot.com...]

It's a sad, sad day in Pittsburgh...
Yesterday a Pittsburgher named Aimee, a wife and mother of two young boys, died after having a stroke. I'd guess she was my age, somewhere in her 30s. It's unfair and awful and I'm having a hard time making any sense of it whatsoever.
I met Aimee once, at a yoga class. She and I both volunteered to help out with yoga for first graders at Kate's school. Her son was in Kate's class.

After my kids died and I started my blog Aimee became a regular reader and commented often. Sometimes she would share stories her son would tell about Kate. Other times she'd offer words of support and encouragement, or tell me how much my journey had impacted her role as a mother. Her words, as do all of the comments on my blog, mean so much to me. I wish I could have done something to help her.

Yesterday, after I'd learned she was in the hospital on life-support, I started reading through her comments. I clicked on her blogger profile link, to learn a little more about her, and saw that she started her own blog. The last post is titled, "I hope I don't die waiting for health-care reform to happen". Please take a moment to read it. She did die. And she didn't have health insurance. And now her two boys are gonna grow up without their Mama.

Please, please pray for her sons and their dad. Please send them all the love you can. If there is anything else that can be done to help, I will let you know. I know her family has to raise money to pay her hospital bills. That's a real kick in the face.

There is one other thing you can do. You can vote tomorrow. Health care reform is one of the hot issues in this election and the only way to make a difference is to vote. Please vote and please remember Aimee.

133

JeffFX Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:59:52am

re: #132 joest73

Thanks for posting that.

134

FriarsTale Mon, Nov 1, 2010 11:59:58am

re: #48 wrenchwench

that was my answer

135

RawheaD Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:00:32pm

re: #13 Big Steve

Except for the most part, Obama, in his campaign, promised practical, logical, common-sense solutions to problems. So many of these GOP candidates are promising us loony-tunes. What is there to look forward to?

136

Eclectic Infidel Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:00:58pm

If the crazy Republicans do take hold, let us hope that they attempt to do what they promised to do on the campaign trail. I seriously doubt any of these freaks will even remotely succeed to outlaw abortion, end UE benefits, etc. Their actions will, however, only serve to damage the GOPs reputation even more. That is a good thing.

137

Varek Raith Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:02:25pm

re: #132 joest73

Sometimes you read something that makes you think about reconsidering your political viewpoints...
[Link: callapitter46.blogspot.com...]

Indeed.
As an aside, is that you as Mario?
Awesome.
:)

138

HappyWarrior Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:02:43pm

re: #131 negativ

Next goal for GOP leaders: stopping Sarah Palin

And Palin called the article, crap. I've never seen any politiican so thin skinned really. She's gotta realize that being a national political figure that part of the job description is criticism. I can just imagine her if somehow she becomes president holding grudges against certain reporters. I'll tell you this much. Ronald Reagan is probably one of my least favorite presidents but at least that guy could laugh it up with people who disagreed with him. Palin sees anyone who disagrees as her as being somehow less than American and worthly of contempt.

139

joest73 Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:04:14pm

re: #137 Varek Raith

Indeed.
As an aside, is that you as Mario?
Awesome.
:)

Yep...grew the 'stash for Halloween...and shaved it off this morning...

140

engineer cat Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:12:23pm

re: #131 negativ

Next goal for GOP leaders: stopping Sarah Palin

often halting and superficial answers when pressed on policy

palin was really stung by the implication that she's an idiot, and she's been studying up. she plans to stun the world by revealing her new ability to be fluid and confident in giving stupid superficial answers when pressed on policy

141

Romantic Heretic Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:21:39pm

re: #13 Big Steve

I will repeat my comment from last night. Many of us on this site (myself included) forecast the "sky falling" a few days before the '08 election if Obama won. Then when he did get elected we most wished him well, not only for his sake but for our sake. I think we should afford those elected tomorrow the same right. Lets judge them their actions after they actually have had elected actions.

Perhaps.

But the Tea Partiers have made it clear it's not going to be business as usual. Which, in my opinion, means they are going to do every thing they can to undermine the country they have been elected to run.

It's not going to be fun for the next two years.

142

Lidane Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:23:05pm

re: #131 negativ

Next goal for GOP leaders: stopping Sarah Palin

Yeah. Good luck with that. She'll turn any attempt to stop her into a "lamestream media"/ party elite vs. Mama Grizzly/Real American pissing contest.

If they had any sense, they'd let her run, let the party get curbstomped in 2012, and use that defeat to finally exile the socons, Birchers, teabaggers and wingnuts in an effort to bring the GOP back to some semblance of reasonableness.

143

Romantic Heretic Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:27:10pm

re: #39 Obdicut

I vote for 3b as well.

The Tea Party doesn't care about what happens to America as long as they win.

144

Romantic Heretic Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:30:50pm

re: #54 Varek Raith

I expect to hear a lot of gloating about the GOP gains tomorrow.
Funny, because the joke's on them.
XD

Wanting is not the same thing as having.

145

ihateronpaul Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:34:13pm

re: #108 haavamaal

I reiterate Anarchy 2012!!!

Saves time voting and you don't get the losers.

lolololol ur funnie

but really though

I'm only pessimistic about the future because of the stone cold fact that republicans did a shit job governing during the first six years of the bush administration.

the fact that the political discourse in this country sounds like the mark levin show is not a good thing

146

Romantic Heretic Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:36:21pm

re: #95 haavamaal

Well nice to see some rational analysis...Fact is the loons of the left came in in 2004 and 2008, and now are being replaced by some loons on the right. There is no rational debate on either side of the political spectrum now. Things are way too polarized.

The little girl with the sign had it right. Don't change what you don't understand. I think I'd vote for her.

Go anarchy 2012!!!

Another bad case of 'Meanest son of a bitch in the valley' syndrome.

147

celticdragon Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:38:22pm

re: #70 lawhawk

I misremembered the nature of the roll call vote. But you have to concede that the Democrats let the rank and file have their vote on impeachment before sending it to a well justified death in committee.

That's a step further than it should have ever gone. And impeachment is not warranted against Obama either. Having a disagreement with the President on a policy point is not grounds for impeachment.

President Bush or subordinates arguably committed war crimes according to how various Geneva protocals regarding torture are interpreted. That does not even begin to get into other problems with 4th Amendment violations.

Impeachment is a political act however...and Dems were vastly over=reaching if they thought there was any support for impeaching a President regardless of how many Mooslim people were beat to death at the Salt Pit in Bagram during interrogations or had their arms dislocated and or suffocated in stress positions like strapado.

I honestly believe that Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Addington and Yoo did things that deserve a criminal trial before the Hague...but the American people simply don't give a shit about torturing people with brown skins and funny names as long as Fox News says they are "the worst of the worst" and a GOP house member is complaining that some of them got lemon pepper chicken with rice for dinner.

148

webevintage Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:42:30pm

re: #138 HappyWarrior

And Palin called the article, crap. I've never seen any politiican so thin skinned really.

Mike Huckabee....

149

Yashmak Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:43:10pm

I'd agree with those who have commented that this is more an anti-Democrat/anti-incumbent wave, than a GOP wave.

And while I agree with Charles that many of the new candidates are rather loony, I can't help but think a bit of gridlock might be preferrable to the tidal wave of spending and debt that's been stacking up over the last couple years. The growth of spending and debt was bad enough under the previous administration, but it's reached ludicrous proportions under the current (and stretching out into the future). I suspect most voters see the possibility of spending ourselves into irrecoverable debt to be a much 'closer' problem than climate change. . .right or wrong.

150

celticdragon Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:45:20pm

re: #132 joest73

Sometimes you read something that makes you think about reconsidering your political viewpoints...
[Link: callapitter46.blogspot.com...]

My God. I am so sorry.

151

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Nov 1, 2010 12:59:25pm

re: #41 friarstale

"States' Rights" is their mantra, isn't it?

Which is one reason why they would like to dismantle Roe V. Wade, and let the states impose their own laws re: abortion. Some states, that would go badly indeed for women.

152

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:02:00pm

re: #105 ihateronpaul

oh boy this should be fun, the entire country is gonna have an existential identity crisis when they realize that the republicans aren't going to fix anything, and they'll probably manage to make things worse. johnny boner already promised that things are going to be the same. so in other words, we're fucked.

It's just going to be a weird midterms. We'll be OK. More or less.

153

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:02:33pm

re: #108 haavamaal

I reiterate Anarchy 2012!!!

Saves time voting and you don't get the losers.

If you don't vote for a lizard, the wrong lizard might get in.

(Source that quote.)

154

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:04:13pm

re: #132 joest73

Sometimes you read something that makes you think about reconsidering your political viewpoints...
[Link: callapitter46.blogspot.com...]

And this is why you aren't a troll, Joest73, even though you irritate a lot of folks around here. Because you think about things, and consider them from different angles.

155

[deleted] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:04:19pm

156

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:24:23pm

re: #155 brandoncraig

The election of 2008 was an anti Bush election. This is an anti Obama election. This is what happens when political parties misread the reasons they are elected.

America is a center to center-right country. Obama and the Democrats didn't seem to understand they had no liberal mandate.

I sincerely hope that the Republicans stay away from impeachment and investigations and focus on fiscal issues, but they probably will misread this election.

At the same time, I hope President Obama will try and be Clinton like and work with the more conservative Congress. I also doubt that will happen. Clinton had experience as a governor working with a hostile legislature. Obama has very little experience of any type.

I would expect two years of gridlock. But gridlock is better than big government spending money we don't have.

ugh more dumb talking points and repetition and cliches

157

[deleted] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:35:59pm

158

alexknyc Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:44:27pm

re: #136 eclectic infidel

If the crazy Republicans do take hold, let us hope that they attempt to do what they promised to do on the campaign trail. I seriously doubt any of these freaks will even remotely succeed to outlaw abortion, end UE benefits, etc. Their actions will, however, only serve to damage the GOPs reputation even more. That is a good thing.

I'm sorry but how is it a good thing if, in our two-party system, one party becomes absolutely unelectable?

159

alexknyc Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:47:03pm

re: #142 Lidane

Yeah. Good luck with that. She'll turn any attempt to stop her into a "lamestream media"/ party elite vs. Mama Grizzly/Real American pissing contest.

If they had any sense, they'd let her run, let the party get curbstomped in 2012, and use that defeat to finally exile the socons, Birchers, teabaggers and wingnuts in an effort to bring the GOP back to some semblance of reasonableness.

The problem is that the socons, Birchers, teabaggers and wingnuts are the base of the GOP. Without them, any GOP Presidential candidate loses 40 states.

160

joest73 Mon, Nov 1, 2010 1:58:07pm

re: #154 SanFranciscoZionist

Thanks. My views on Health Care reform have changed over the last year or so. My grandfather who was 83 at the time fall and broke his hip two years ago. He had surgery and was recovering after a few months. He had some trouble with his heart and went back into the hospital. While he was in the hospital he fell and broke his hip again (the other side). The second fall did him in and it seemed to accelerate his dementia. As a result of the stress, my grandmother died in her sleep a few days before Christmas last year.

My grandparents were like many at that age. Their only source of income was from social security. He also get some help from the VA since he was a WWII vet. After my grandmothers death, my grandfather was moved to a state nursing home. Seeing the people that were in the nursing home was an eye-opening experience.

Shortly after watching the Steelers-Ravens game(like me he loved the Steelers) he started choking on his dinner. I was told he stopped breathing for several minutes. Somehow they revived him but he was in pretty bad shape and it became evident that he wasn't going to pull out of it. Sadly, I got the call two days later to drive the 160 miles to my hometown to "let him die". All of his close family (kids and grandkids) were in the room to be with him when the medical life support was removed. He passed away shortly after everything was removed. It was an experience that don't want to repeat for a long time.

To get to the point.... I was against the current version of the health care reform but I acknowledge that something more than tort reform and increased flexible spending accounts needed to be done. There is a segment of people in this country that simply can't afford health insurance.

The Republicans can't just try to repeal Obamacare. They need to come up with a better idea. Don't count it though.

161

alexknyc Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:03:53pm

re: #160 joest73

To get to the point... I was against the current version of the health care reform but I acknowledge that something more than tort reform and increased flexible spending accounts needed to be done. There is a segment of people in this country that simply can't afford health insurance.

I'm sorry for your losses.

I agree that more than just tort reform and increased flexible spending accounts needs to be done. But I also think that tort reform and increased flex accounts DO need to be done.

162

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:06:21pm

re: #155 brandoncraig

I would expect two years of gridlock. But gridlock is better than big government spending money we don't have.

What about the enormous, systemic problems that are facing us that need to be addressed, some of which require the expenditure of money?

Like us falling behind in science, and falling behind in the development of clean energy?

Do you want a stop to all government spending?

By the way, the whole "America is a center-right" country is a really lame, really meaningless talking point. There is no such scale of left and right; it's a useful convention for politicians. There is also no way that the US is statically positioned on any measurement, either. Why on earth you think we are is just bizarre.

163

S'latch Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:08:26pm

I predict that the Republicans will win back a majority in the Senate and the House, or they will not win back a majority in either. They won't win one without the other.

164

palomino Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:16:32pm

re: #30 Lidane

Just watch-- the House feed for C-SPAN will be an even bigger orgy of idiotic speeches and resolutions being offered than normal.

re: #17 _RememberTonyC

The chances of overreach are very high given the heated rhetoric from the teabaggers and a desire to appeal to the wingnut base. I'm not expecting anything but loony stuff from the GOP for the foreseeable future.

There's no reason to expect anything else. GOP legislative plans seem to include repealing HCR and financial regulations (because who would want Wall St to be regulated?) But there's not much else. Nothing realistic on energy, climate change, immigration, or the balanced budget they crow on about. Cut taxes and balance the budget without cutting military or entitlements? Good luck with that.

They've got the same ideas they had from 2000-2006, but with farther right, often crazy, people to implement them.

165

[deleted] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:18:35pm

166

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:21:40pm

re: #165 brandoncraig

There is a huge amount of wasteful spending at all levels from the military on down. We also need Congress and the president to start talking seriously to the voters about runaway entitlement obligations.

I agree there's wasteful spending. However, that doesn't mean that spending is easy to identify. A lot of what seems like waste is often preventing more spending down the line.

I disagree that the "center right" "talking point" is lame or bizarre. I think the vast majority of voters in this country are in the center to slightly right of center in their opinions on the issues of our day. Americans do not want to live in a European style Socialist society nor to they want to live in an "every man for himself" libertarian society.

Didja just miss the part where I said that a linear scale like that is complete bullshit? Or do you somehow think politics really does revolve into a two-dimensional scale?

Most people still believe in common sense.

In my experience, most people have very little common sense. People buy lotto tickets.

167

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:24:07pm

re: #157 brandoncraig

WindUpBird,

Please tell me where my "dumb talking points, repetition and cliches" is in error.

What specific points of my analysis do you disagree with?

I don't argue cliches and memes. You're just repeating cliches. Please try to come up with some original thoughts in the future, maybe it'll be worth my time

168

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:26:47pm

re: #165 brandoncraig

Most people still believe in common sense.

This is the cliche that ruled them all!

Are you gonna lay some of that flag-wavin apple-pie bakin aw sucks I'mma jes from the heartland ah work with mah hands I don't cotton to them liberals from the coasts they's not real america I drive a ford pickup hyuk hyuk

169

recusancy Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:29:57pm

re: #160 joest73

The problem is that "ObamaCare" is basically what the right and specifically the Heritage Foundation wanted. They just didn't want a Democrat to pass it.

[Link: www.politifact.com...]

[Link: thinkprogress.org...]

170

[deleted] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:49:56pm

171

[deleted] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:53:50pm

172

morrisab Mon, Nov 1, 2010 2:56:28pm

re: #171 brandoncraig

The funny part is he wanted the federal government - you know, the bad guys, the ones who spend too much - to pay for projected cost overruns.

With ARC dead, NJ Transit stuck with $47 million worth of North Bergen property it bought for project

173

Dekar Mon, Nov 1, 2010 3:05:17pm

I agree with most of what you wrote Charles, but what's wrong with "big dividends for big business"?

174

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 3:05:34pm

re: #171 brandoncraig

I do believe there are political principles that most Americans agree with and these principles would be considered center or center right by definition.

Okay, you really are just not reading my comments, or not understanding them.

Again:

Didja just miss the part where I said that a linear scale like that is complete bullshit? Or do you somehow think politics really does revolve into a two-dimensional scale?

175

[deleted] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 3:15:36pm

176

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 3:24:14pm

re: #175 brandoncraig

Obdicut,

I understand your point, but I don't necessarily agree with it 100%. The linear scale actually works pretty well in gauging the opinions of most Americans.

No, it doesn't. It's massively simplistic, and anyone who actually believes it measures anything is not someone who's opinion I'm going to respect.

177

Wozza Matter? Mon, Nov 1, 2010 3:44:09pm

This heralds a new glorious age where the pissed off utterly insecure white people get "their" country back.
Well, it actually means what Charles said, but they will be werry werry dissapointed come Wednesday and they find Obama is still the CiC.

178

MinisterO Mon, Nov 1, 2010 4:07:45pm

It will be interesting to see what they make of the opportunity. They've made a number of promises that to me seem vague and contradictory.

Of course, fully half of their voters are getting substantially all their news from Rupert's propaganda network, so they may not be held accountable.

179

[deleted] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 4:09:33pm

180

Usually refered to as anyways Mon, Nov 1, 2010 4:30:59pm

re: #179 brandoncraig

Obdicut,

The politics of most Americans is actually pretty simple.

What I don't understand is writing off "respecting" someone's opinion based on a minor disagreement.

Have a peek here, it might broaden your view, or not.

181

Usually refered to as anyways Mon, Nov 1, 2010 4:32:50pm

re: #179 brandoncraig

Obdicut,

The politics of most Americans is actually pretty simple.

What I don't understand is writing off "respecting" someone's opinion based on a minor disagreement.

Heres another popular one.

182

Hector1980 Mon, Nov 1, 2010 5:52:05pm

Charles, this will probably depress you:

[Link: gizmodo.com...]

183

Obdicut Mon, Nov 1, 2010 7:33:30pm

re: #179 brandoncraig

Obdicut,

The politics of most Americans is actually pretty simple.

What I don't understand is writing off "respecting" someone's opinion based on a minor disagreement.

It's not a minor disagreement. Thinking that politics can be boiled down to a simple, two-dimensional axis is really, really stupid.

I'm not going to pretend I respect an opinion that I think is stupid.

184

[deleted] Mon, Nov 1, 2010 7:52:56pm

185

mich-again Mon, Nov 1, 2010 8:01:15pm

I disagree with the "astroturf" label here. Like it or not, there is genuine grass roots support for the Tea Party agenda. If it were really all a contrived political movement and no real grass roots behind it, there wouldn't be many votes to go along with the hype and we wouldn't be talking about how they were going to win a substantial number of seats.

As for me, I plan to vote tomorrow like I usually do. For the candidates I dislike the least. Its pick your poison. Plenty of willfully ignorant candidates on both sides pushing lies and nonsense. The GOP is willfully ignorant in science. The Dems are willfully ignorant in economics.

186

dragonfire1981 Mon, Nov 1, 2010 8:33:02pm

At this point there are so many other things, legislatively that is, that are more important than whether or not Obama is a U.S. citizen. Besides, aren't the GOP supposed to be AGAINST wasteful spending? How many dollars would they burn on an impeachment inquiry?

187

ClaudeMonet Mon, Nov 1, 2010 9:26:42pm

re: #65 RogueOne

I'd like to see them all hanging out in the tanning beds. The less "work" they get done the less we get screwed.

Given how much of an intellectual lightweight Boehner is, it's all the same. Any proposal he makes will be the legislative equivalent of vaporware.

Wait, that's insulting the lightweights of the world. Let's change that to "flyweight".

188

ClaudeMonet Mon, Nov 1, 2010 9:37:28pm

re: #118 haavamaal

That is the most tame add I have seen this election cycle. I live in TX and the mud has been flying. According to what I have seen on TV we have felons, pedophiles, racists, idiots, communists, tax cheats, liars (ok this is probably true), and charlatans running for office.

Thank god (or whatever) that the NFL has not been playing these ads locally. That would have really screwed my Sunday.

Hasn't the play of the Cowpatties screwed up your Sunday enough?

re: #138 HappyWarrior

And Palin called the article, crap. I've never seen any politiican so thin skinned really. She's gotta realize that being a national political figure that part of the job description is criticism. I can just imagine her if somehow she becomes president holding grudges against certain reporters. I'll tell you this much. Ronald Reagan is probably one of my least favorite presidents but at least that guy could laugh it up with people who disagreed with him. Palin sees anyone who disagrees as her as being somehow less than American and worthly of contempt.

A Palin candidacy and nomination in 2012 could be the best thing that could happen to the Republicans. Let her get the nomination, let her have an epic fail, get her out of the way as a serious player in the party, end this fictional portrayal of her as someone important. Consign her to the dustbin of history, where she belongs, like her fellow "pioneer" Geraldine Ferraro.

The problem, of course, is in the area of "what will we come back with as an antidote". Someone has to come up with an actual plan--and make it stick.

189

ClaudeMonet Mon, Nov 1, 2010 9:37:53pm

re: #97 Varek Raith

That's what minions are for.

Minyans are for praying.

190

MinisterO Mon, Nov 1, 2010 9:50:01pm

re: #185 mich-again

The GOP is willfully ignorant in science. The Dems are willfully ignorant in economics.

It's a twofer for you. The GOP is willfully ignorant in economics too. The answer isn't always "tax cut". It's empty rhetoric, until they say what tax rate is reasonable and present a plan for running a government at that level of taxation.

191

Obdicut Tue, Nov 2, 2010 3:41:59am

re: #184 brandoncraig

If you don't think most people's politics can be boiled down to a very simple axis, then you need to get out among the masses more.

Ah, so now you're pretending that it's just that you think other people are stupid.

You're a charmer.

192

ihateronpaul Tue, Nov 2, 2010 7:55:51am

the republicans are not against wasteful spending. they have never met a war/military contractor they didn't like. and by like, I mean throw astounding amounts of OUR money at.

193

filbert23 Tue, Nov 2, 2010 1:53:34pm

During several elections I've had to resort to voting "against" someone rather than "for" someone - seems like a wasted vote...

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