Romney: 'Even Jimmy Carter' Would Have Given the Order to Kill Bin Laden

Romney: ‘Even Jimmy Carter’ Would Have Given the Order to Kill Bin Laden

This is what desperation looks like

PoliticsApril 2012 • Views: 32,788

Mitt Romney is on record saying that he would not enter Pakistan without permission “to kill one man,” meaning Osama bin Laden.

Obviously, Romney’s reflexive opposition to everything Barack Obama says has backfired on him with this one, big time.

So today he’s trying to walk back that statement, downplay the killing of bin Laden, and simultaneously take a swipe at a previous President: Romney on OBL: ‘Even Jimmy Carter Would Have Given That Order’.

Mitt Romney, asked if he would have given the order to go after Osama bin Laden, as President Obama’s new video and his campaign aides have suggested he wouldn’t have done, per POLITICO’s Ginger Gibson: “Of course, even Jimmy Carter would have given that order.”

Classy! So the Republican position on the operation that took out Osama bin Laden is that it was no big deal? Good luck with that one.

UPDATE at 4/30/12 12:28:10 pm

Obama responds:

“I just recommend that everybody take a look at people’s previous statements in terms of what they thought was appropriate to go into Pakistan and take out bin Laden,” Obama said at a press conference in the White House. “I assume that people meant what they said when they said it. If there are others who have said one thing and now suggest they would do something else, then I would go ahead and let them explain it.”

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117 comments

Varek Raith Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:28:29pm

Sorry, GOP, it's a big fucking deal.

_RememberTonyC Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:28:35pm

I disagree with Romney ... Jimmy Carter probably would NOT have given the order to kill bin laden

Lidane Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:29:10pm

I'm sure that Mitt Romney mentioning Jimmy Carter without damning him to the lowest pits of Hell will go over well with the wingnuts.

Lidane Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:29:37pm

re: #1 Varek Raith

Sorry, GOP, it's a big fucking deal.

Quick! Get Joe Biden on a hot mic to say that. ;)

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:29:39pm

You know, I am not a huge Carter fan but what does "even Jimmy Carter" mean. And the point isn't that Obama gave the order, it's that he took decisive action. Romney is acting like the mission was guaranteed to succeed no matter what. It's fortunate it did and I am glad but to act like Obama didn't face a difficult decision weighing the options is dishonest.

Varek Raith Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:30:05pm

re: #2 _RememberTonyC

I disagree with Romney ... Jimmy Carter probably would NOT have given the order to kill bin laden

We know Romney and McCain wouldn't. They said so. ;)

Kragar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:31:05pm

re: #6 Varek Raith

We know Romney and McCain wouldn't. They said so. ;)

They were just following Bush's lead on that topic.

darthstar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:31:06pm

Romney's just saying that Carter was a better president than the Republicans who followed him. I agree.

erik_t Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:31:31pm

re: #3 Lidane

I'm sure that Mitt Romney mentioning Jimmy Carter without damning him to the lowest pits of Hell will go over well with the wingnuts.

I think the whole point was to draw the Obama-Carter comparison, because of course Carter is all that is foul and awful with America.

They're still not over it.

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:33:06pm

re: #9 erik_t

I think the whole point was to draw the Obama-Carter comparison, because of course Carter is all that is foul and awful with America.

They're still not over it.

I don't even like Carter but the making him into a boogeyman for all bad things on foreign policy is absurd. It's not like he sat on his ass during the hostage crisis and did nothing but when you got a talking point to provide, I guess this happens.

Kragar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:35:16pm

First, they want us to watch out for the Soviets, now they want us to think about what Carter would do.

I can't wait to hear their opinion about the new Peter Frampton/Bee Gees movie coming out.

Daniel Ballard Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:35:44pm

re: #2 _RememberTonyC

Carter = Red Herring AFAIK.
But he did go for the hostage rescue. I'd say after that debacle maybe not. But he gets credit for the attempt.

erik_t Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:36:33pm

re: #11 Kragar

First, they want us to watch out for the Soviets, now they want us to think about what Carter would do.

I can't wait to hear their opinion about the new Peter Frampton/Bee Gees movie coming out.

But what I really want to know is, when will this 'compact car' craze die down? I'm itching to get back to my Mark VI. Now there's an automobile!

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:37:00pm

re: #11 Kragar

First, they want us to watch out for the Soviets, now they want us to think about what Carter would do.

I can't wait to hear their opinion about the new Peter Frampton/Bee Gees movie coming out.

How about that Steel Curtain? Can't wait to see that Deer Hunter film after I get my hair permed for my fro.

goddamnedfrank Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:37:13pm

Romney rewriting history again.

"I worked for a lot of these guys. And this is one of the most courageous calls - decisions - that I think I've ever seen a president make," Gates told CBS in a wide-ranging interview aired on "60 Minutes."

...

"My worry was the level of uncertainty about whether Bin Laden was even in the compound. . There wasn't any direct evidence that he was there. It was all circumstantial. But it was the best - information that we had - since probably 2001," he said.

If Bin Laden hadn't been there Obama would now be remembered as the President who handed stealth helicopter technology over to our enemies.

Kragar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:37:18pm

re: #13 erik_t

But what I really want to know is, when will this 'compact car' craze die down? I'm itching to get back to my Mark VI. Now there's an automobile!

I hear it will have rich Corinthian leather.

Someone Please Beam Me Up! Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:37:22pm

Jimmy Carter ordered Operation Eagle Claw, to rescue the Iranian hostages. Even though it failed, it shows he could and would make that kind of decision.

Lidane Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:37:53pm

re: #13 erik_t

But what I really want to know is, when will this 'compact car' craze die down? I'm itching to get back to my Mark VI. Now there's an automobile!

Pfft. I just want to know if these newfangled cordless phones and compact discs will ever take off and be anything more than a fad.

darthstar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:38:18pm

Texts from Dog.

a sample...some are pretty funny.
Image: tumblr_m2xnh8WWmF1rt9zy5o1_500.png

Obdicut Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:38:38pm

re: #17 One of the Seventeen

Yeah. I don't know what fictional Carter they're playing off of here, but Carter wasn't exactly a slouch when it came to authorizing missions.

Maybe he was thinking of Reagan, ordering us out of Lebanon.

erik_t Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:39:11pm

re: #18 Lidane

Pfft. I just want to know if these newfangled cordless phones and compact discs will ever take off and be anything more than a fad.

Don't be absurd. Can you imagine how badly the needle is going to jump on an in-car disc player? High fidelity magnetic tape is the wave of the future.

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:39:20pm

re: #17 One of the Seventeen

Jimmy Carter ordered Operation Eagle Claw, to rescue the Iranian hostages. Even though it failed, it shows he could and would make that kind of decision.

Exactly.

darthstar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:41:27pm

re: #21 erik_t

Don't be absurd. Can you imagine how badly the needle is going to jump on an in-car disc player? High fidelity magnetic tape is the wave of the future.

I miss the clicking sound of an eight-track changing tracks in the middle of a song.

lawhawk Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:42:26pm

We get it. Romney and the GOP don't like Jimmy Carter (a president who's now been out of office for 31 going on 32 years).

But once again Romney has gone and screwed the pooch by making a faulty analogy. He's now attempting to clarify that the OBL raid was so fool-proof that even Carter would have approved the mission? Is that the gist of what he's trying to say?

Or, is he trying to claim that any president, when given the totality of the circumstances, would have approved the mission. He might have been thinking the latter - but by phrasing it as he did, screws himself in the process.

How does that help Romney when Romney's been on the record as saying he wouldn't authorize going into Pakistan (a position shared with McCain during the 2008 election season).

Congrats to Romney on this one. Romney's made the Democrats look even stronger on foreign policy than the Democrats themselves could have hoped for - and made the GOP look weaker on foreign policy in the process.

Oh, and there's the fact that Obama did sign off on the OBL raid - and they got their man.

Kragar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:42:31pm

re: #17 One of the Seventeen

Jimmy Carter ordered Operation Eagle Claw, to rescue the Iranian hostages. Even though it failed, it shows he could and would make that kind of decision.

Jack Kirby's work with the CIA to rescue some of the Americans who took refuge with the Canadian embassy was more awesome, because hey, Jack Kirby.

labman57 Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:43:07pm

Republicans to Obama: "How dare you campaign on your accomplishments!"

Mitt: "Would I have gone after bin Laden? I'll get back to you on that ... just as soon as I consult my Magic 8 Ball."

lawhawk Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:43:19pm

re: #14 HappyWarrior

The Steel Curtain? The NFL training camps aren't for a few more months... and who knows how their draft picks will pan out. ... /

Eventual Carrion Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:43:19pm

re: #14 HappyWarrior

How about that Steel Curtain? Can't wait to see that Deer Hunter film after I get my hair permed for my fro.

GO STEELERS!!!

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:43:37pm

re: #17 One of the Seventeen

Jimmy Carter ordered Operation Eagle Claw, to rescue the Iranian hostages. Even though it failed, it shows he could and would make that kind of decision.

It also shows how risky giving these orders is.

blueraven Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:43:46pm

re: #15 goddamnedfrank

Romney rewriting history again.

If Bin Laden hadn't been there Obama would now be remembered as the President who handed stealth helicopter technology over to our enemies.

And you can bet your ass, there would be ads from Romney reminding everyone of Obama's "failure". Also he would reiterate what he said in 2007...that it wasn't worth it to go after Bin Laden in Pakistan.

They are so upset about this, but its OK that Romney repeatedly spouts the lie that Obama apologizes for America, that he has made things less safe. blah, blah, blah...

I mean really, do they expect all this crap to go unnoticed and unanswered?

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:44:13pm

re: #27 lawhawk

The Steel Curtain? The NFL training camps aren't for a few more months... and who knows how their draft picks will pan out. ... /

Book it, Swann, Stallworth, Webster, and Lambert will all be Hall of Famers.

erik_t Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:44:23pm

re: #30 blueraven

I mean really, do they expect all this crap to go unnoticed and unanswered?

Do you really expect Faux News to notice and answer?

dragonath Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:45:13pm

One of the coolest Jimmy Carter ancedotes I heard is that he was denied entry into the Navy because he had flat feet, and so rolled his bare feet across Coca Cola bottles to strengthen his arches.

I don't know if that's true or not but it sounds MANLY

Obdicut Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:46:14pm

Remember that weird scene in Ghostbusters where a ghost appears and starts having sex with Ray? What the hell was that about? Was he just dreaming or what?

Interesting Times Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:46:14pm

Mitt Romney would've changed his mind just on whether to shoot or bomb so many times bin Laden would've had enough time to get away.
— Danielle Blake (@DCPlod) April 30, 2012

victor27 Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:46:35pm

"Even Jimmy Carter"... but not George W. Bush:

"I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority."
- G.W. Bush, 3/13/02

"I am truly not that concerned about him."
- G.W. Bush, responding to a question about bin Laden's whereabouts,
3/13/02 (The New American, 4/8/02)

(source)

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:46:40pm

re: #33 Rowrbazzle!

One of the coolest Jimmy Carter ancedotes I heard is that he was denied entry into the Navy because he had flat feet, and so rolled his bare feet across Coca Cola bottles to strengthen his arches.

I don't know if that's true or not but it sounds MANLY

He was a submarine officer too. Our only Annapolis grad to be president. The guy annoys me on foreign policy but the guy isn't a coward.

Kragar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:48:07pm

re: #34 Obdicut

Remember that weird scene in Ghostbusters where a ghost appears and starts having sex with Ray? What the hell was that about? Was he just dreaming or what?

Yes.

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:50:28pm

Am I missing something.

Jimmy Carter was a Naval Officer. IIRC, being a military officer means that sometime in your career you might have to give the order to kill someone.

no-?

dragonath Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:50:49pm

Jimmy Carter knows where the nuclear wessels are.

Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:51:04pm

Pure Awesomesauce

darthstar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:53:19pm

re: #41 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Pure Awesomesauce

Win

Tough shit for you guys, because I’m not tired of talking about it. I’ve known rich people, and why not, since I’m one of them? The majority would rather douse their dicks with lighter fluid, strike a match, and dance around singing “Disco Inferno” than pay one more cent in taxes to Uncle Sugar.

goddamnedfrank Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:53:21pm

re: #34 Obdicut

Remember that weird scene in Ghostbusters where a ghost appears and starts having sex with Ray? What the hell was that about? Was he just dreaming or what?

Random dude in a bear suit from the Shining is just as confused as you are.

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:54:21pm

re: #43 goddamnedfrank

Random dude in a bear suit from the Shining is just as confused as you are.

You know, That looks like a Furrie being interupted in a compromising position.

Lidane Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:54:30pm

re: #41 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Pure Awesomesauce

One of many reasons why I like Stephen King. Heh.

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:57:04pm

needs caption

goddamnedfrank Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:57:09pm

re: #44 ggt

You know, That looks like a Furrie being interupted in a compromising position.

Exactly right. In the book that's the hotel owner's gay lover winning him back after a break up, except he's wearing a dog suit which makes way more sense.

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:57:58pm

re: #47 goddamnedfrank

Exactly right. In the book that's the hotel owner's gay lover winning him back after a break up, except he's wearing a dog suit which makes way more sense.

I'm think I'm glad I didn't read that book.

I might have laughed too much.

Interesting Times Mon, Apr 30, 2012 12:57:59pm

NOW, you've gone to far. RT @markm1962: #EvenJimmyCarterWouldHave put the dog on the roof. @LOLGOP #p2
— LOLGOP (@LOLGOP) April 30, 2012

ramex Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:00:10pm

When the embassy was taken over, Carter didn't over-react by commencing with the carpet nuking or otherwise reducing Tehran to rubble, and therefore forever deserves, for his pacifistic resolve, immeasurable right-wing scorn. But for most of us, we can now see his reserve against causing enormous Iranian civilian deaths was the right decision. Sometimes choosing "not to" is just as difficult as choosing "to."

makeitstop Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:00:45pm

Carter, no matter what anyone thinks of him as president or since being president, served this country honorably before becoming president.

What did Romney do? Go to France, was it?

Eventual Carrion Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:00:45pm

re: #46 ggt

needs caption

Hey, hands off the doo!

[edited to remove wayward word)

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:00:57pm

re: #50 ramex

When the embassy was taken over, Carter didn't over-react by commencing with the carpet nuking or otherwise reducing Tehran to rubble, and therefore forever deserves, for his pacifistic resolve, immeasurable right-wing scorn. But for most of us, we can now see his reserve against causing enormous Iranian civilian deaths was the right decision. Sometimes choosing "not to" is just as difficult as choosing "to."

Problem is that today's GOP thinks he should have and blames him for the current state of affairs.

kirkspencer Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:01:54pm

re: #53 ggt

Problem is that today's GOP thinks he should have and blames him for the current state of affairs.

And all the GOP forgets (or ignores) the role people like Oliver North played in all that.

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:02:35pm

re: #51 makeitstop

Carter, no matter what anyone thinks of him as president or since being president, served this country honorably before becoming president.

What did Romney do? Go to France, was it?

Carter has also served his country honorably after his term. I think he does try to live his faith and has tried to come to terms with his flaws.

Kragar Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:02:44pm

Ghostbusters - DELETED SCENES

It was a deleted scene which got recycled into montage footage for filler.

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:03:08pm

re: #51 makeitstop

Carter, no matter what anyone thinks of him as president or since being president, served this country honorably before becoming president.

What did Romney do? Go to France, was it?

Went to France I believe right after he had protested in favor of the draft I want to say. If you're going to protest for the draft, then you should have the gonads to sign up. Instead, Romney acts like a tough guy because he likes to compensate.

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:04:01pm

re: #54 kirkspencer

And all the GOP forgets (or ignores) the role people like Oliver North played in all that.

They think of North as a hero. He came very close to being my senator in 1994.

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:05:50pm

re: #58 HappyWarrior

They think of North as a hero. He came very close to being my senator in 1994.

Fox News Contributor as well?

I have a hard time dissing those that served. Even with him.

He wore the uniform. Military is does what military does. That is why we have civilian leadership of the military.

Gus Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:06:19pm

[Link: new.livestream.com...]

Space X static fire test.

bluecheese Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:06:53pm

why is Romney still taking about this?

Even anti war libs like myself wanted OBL dead. Fucking dead.

It got done under Obama's watch. Why anybody would try to minimize this is beyond me.

Why doesn't Romney talk about something else?

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:07:48pm

re: #59 ggt

Fox News Contributor as well?

I have a hard time dissing those that served. Even with him.

He wore the uniform. Military is does what military does. That is why we have civilian leadership of the military.

Yeah he is. And I agree, civilian leadership of the military is a great thing.

erik_t Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:08:23pm

re: #59 ggt

I have a hard time dissing those that served. Even with him.

He wore the uniform. Military is does what military does. That is why we have civilian leadership of the military.

As his foul dealings had nothing to do with his military service, I have no qualms about dissing Oliver North from here to the ends of the earth.

Lidane Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:08:30pm

re: #61 bluecheese

why is Romney still taking about this?

Because the RWNJs are currently flipping their shit over the POTUS mentioning that he ordered the raid on OBL. That's why.

You know, because it's wrong and somehow beneath the dignity of the office to talk about your accomplishments when running for re-election. Or something.

Artist Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:12:19pm

re: #64 Lidane

Because the RWNJs are currently flipping their shit over the POTUS mentioning that he ordered the raid on OBL. That's why.

You know, because it's wrong and somehow beneath the dignity of the office to ~~talk about your accomplishments when running for re-election. Or something~~ be President while black.

FTFY

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:12:26pm

re: #64 Lidane

Because the RWNJs are currently flipping their shit over the POTUS mentioning that he ordered the raid on OBL. That's why.

You know, because it's wrong and somehow beneath the dignity of the office to talk about your accomplishments when running for re-election. Or something.

Only wrong for Obama you mean. Bush's landing on the carrier was great. Obama's not allowed to have accomplishments or worse to talk of them. We saw Boehner getting his panties bunched because POTUS had the nerve to take the student loan issue to the voters.

Lidane Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:13:37pm

re: #66 HappyWarrior

Only wrong for Obama you mean. Bush's landing on the carrier was great. Obama's not allowed to have accomplishments or worse to talk of them. We saw Boehner getting his panties bunched because POTUS had the nerve to take the student loan issue to the voters.

Somehow, I think having his panties bunched is Boehner's default state. It would explain a lot.

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:14:56pm

re: #67 Lidane

Somehow, I think having his panties bunched is Boehner's default state. It would explain a lot.

He's such a whiner. Cantor too. Cantor goes around kissing the Tea Party's ass and then whines about partisanship.

kirkspencer Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:15:50pm

re: #59 ggt

Fox News Contributor as well?

I have a hard time dissing those that served. Even with him.

He wore the uniform. Military is does what military does. That is why we have civilian leadership of the military.

Having worn the uniform myself, I refuse to grant sainthood to my peers, or even to grant automatic exoneration.

And frankly, had then-Col North not gotten a pre-emptive 'get out of jail free' card from Congress, he'd have faced charges for a number of things starting with disobeying orders, possibly running to sedition, and conceivably running higher (negotiating with enemies of the state behind the back of the president and delegated authorities).

goddamnedfrank Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:16:51pm

re: #59 ggt

Fox News Contributor as well?

I have a hard time dissing those that served. Even with him.

He wore the uniform. Military is does what military does. That is why we have civilian leadership of the military.

North spat on that tradition when he lied to Congress.

Lidane Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:17:07pm

re: #68 HappyWarrior

He's such a whiner. Cantor too. Cantor goes around kissing the Tea Party's ass and then whines about partisanship.

Did you notice the look on Cantor's face when Obama skewered Congress during his WHCD speech this year? I laughed.

Gus Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:17:13pm

Thumbs up. 2 seconds then abort.

kirkspencer Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:18:20pm

re: #67 Lidane

Somehow, I think having his panties bunched is Boehner's default state. It would explain a lot.

Oh, please. His panties aren't bunched.

His boxers are twisted.

Gus Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:19:00pm

Note: This Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch May 7, taking up a Dragon capsule to rendezvous with the space station. #VERYcool
— Phil Plait (@BadAstronomer) April 30, 2012

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:19:01pm

re: #71 Lidane

Did you notice the look on Cantor's face when Obama skewered Congress during his WHCD speech this year? I laughed.

Missed WHCD unfortunately.

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:20:26pm

Gosh thinking about Iran-Contra, can you imagine the outrage if this happened in Obama's administration but Reagan can do no wrong with the wingnuts, none.

Eventual Carrion Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:25:34pm

re: #76 HappyWarrior

Gosh thinking about Iran-Contra, can you imagine the outrage if this happened in Obama's administration but Reagan can do no wrong with the wingnuts, none.

Probably the same as the fast and furious hubbub, until you let the repub know that it was started under Bush. Then silence.

Targetpractice Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:27:45pm

Seems somebody needs to update the Romneybot's history files, which apparently haven't been updated since 1980.

goddamnedfrank Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:30:14pm

Michael Leiter, the head of the National Counterterrorism Centre, put the probability at about 40 percent, the Post said.
When a participant at a White House meeting suggested that was a low chance of success, Leiter, according to the Post said, ‘Yes, but what we’ve got is 38 percent better than we have ever had before.’

Officials cited by the Post said Obama’s national security advisers were not unanimous in recommending he go ahead with the raid option. But he did and approved the raid at 8:20 a.m. Friday.

Vs.

It's not worth moving heaven and earth and spending billions of dollars just trying to catch one person.
-Mitt Romney

Based on his past statements and calculating nature does anyone really think Romney would have authorized a raid that put US servicemen and two stealth helicopters at risk for a gamble that the head of the NCC gave an estimated 40 percent chance of success?

Gus Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:30:57pm

Tennessee Passes Bill To Tamp Down ‘Gateway Sexual Activity’

You’ve heard of gateway drugs — smoking marijuana supposedly leads to harder, more addictive substances. But what about “gateway sexual activity”: the hand-holding, lip-locking and light-grazes that can lead to … other things?

The Tennessee Legislature on Friday sent a bill to Gov. Bill Haslam’s desk that, according to the Tennessean, would require sex-ed classes to “exclusively and emphatically” promote abstinence and ban teachers and outside groups from promoting “gateway sexual activity.”

The bill defines “gateway sexual activity” as: “sexual conduct encouraging an individual to engage in a non-abstinent behavior.” The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Jim Gotto, said the bill wouldn’t address things as innocuous as holding hands, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports. But critics of the legislation say the offending behavior is not clearly defined. Gotto did not immediately return TPM’s request for comment.

makeitstop Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:31:27pm

Charles Pierce, as usual, cuts right to the chase.

The reason for all the dust that's being thrown up is that, every time he talks about foreign policy, Romney is a blindfolded man in a yard full of rakes.

Tiny Alien Kitties are Watching You Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:32:56pm

Why do I hear Jimmy Carters voice in my head saying...

"Mhy fellow Americans, Todhay after ehxtensive cunshuultation with fifteehn of our ahllies overseas, a prohcess that has taken weeks, much thought, and mahny prahyers, I, with the supphort and blessings ouhr global partnhers have sent troohps into Pakisthan in an effort to at last apprehend and dehtain the mahn responsibhle for so many needless deaths within thiss grheat country, Ohsahma Bhin Lahden.

Ouhr troohps vahliantly did all that whas exphected and mhore in their assualt on the susphected hideout, even lohsing a helehcopter to grouhnd forces, but unfortunately Ohsahma was not there. Intellighence gathered by the rhaid sugghests that perhapps he was tipped off by a mhole within ohne of ouhr ahillies ghovernments and fled ahead of the rhaid...

Gus Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:34:52pm

From 2011: BREAKING NEWS: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED - President Barack Obama

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:35:36pm

re: #81 makeitstop

Charles Pierce, as usual, cuts right to the chase.

He's not even blindfolded.

Youtube Video

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:35:57pm

re: #80 Gus

Tennessee Passes Bill To Tamp Down ‘Gateway Sexual Activity’

Gateway sexual activity? Yeah because kids kissing and hugging should be the concern of the legislature but health care? Why that's just despicable.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:36:39pm

re: #9 erik_t

I think the whole point was to draw the Obama-Carter comparison, because of course Carter is all that is foul and awful with America.

They're still not over it.

"Even Carter, that poor fuck-up who blinked when Iran made their move would have done this, therefore it is no great feat for Obama, who will also blink when Iran makes their move, to have done it."

That's the idea.

Gus Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:36:50pm

re: #85 HappyWarrior

Gateway sexual activity? Yeah because kids kissing and hugging should be the concern of the legislature but health care? Why that's just despicable.

Don't you know? Gateway sexual activity can also lead to blindness!

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:39:11pm

re: #39 ggt

Am I missing something.

Jimmy Carter was a Naval Officer. IIRC, being a military officer means that sometime in your career you might have to give the order to kill someone.

no-?

What you're missing is that being a military officer, or having military experience only means people have to give you respect if they also agree with you politically.
/

Targetpractice Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:40:50pm

re: #87 Gus

Don't you know? Gateway sexual activity can also lead to blindness!

Ain't blind yet, but I did end up needing glasses.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:41:28pm

re: #88 SanFranciscoZionist

What you're missing is that being a military officer, or having military experience only means people have to give you respect if they also agree with you politically.
/

What are you, a John F'n Kerry fan? //

Bulworth Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:42:42pm

I hope we haven't run clean out of fainting couches for all the repubundants who've collectively collapsed into them the past couple of days.

Obama's politicizing national security/OBL killing!!

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:42:52pm

re: #90 I'm a Mavrik!

What are you, a John F'n Kerry fan? //

Not especially, but I was pretty appalled by the attacks on him.

It was like, goddamn it people, Clinton didn't serve, and we heard nothing but shit about that. Now we run a decorated veteran and we get this? I'm sorry, but John Rambo was not available.

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:43:32pm

Have a great one all!

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:43:56pm

re: #92 SanFranciscoZionist

Not especially, but I was pretty appalled by the attacks on him.

It was like, goddamn it people, Clinton didn't serve, and we heard nothing but shit about that. Now we run a decorated veteran and we get this? I'm sorry, but John Rambo was not available.

There are still folks who believe in swiftboat smears...

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:44:10pm

re: #92 SanFranciscoZionist

Not especially, but I was pretty appalled by the attacks on him.

It was like, goddamn it people, Clinton didn't serve, and we heard nothing but shit about that. Now we run a decorated veteran and we get this? I'm sorry, but John Rambo was not available.

Swift Boat vets, sigh. Kerry was a flawed candidate but like you the attacks on his service disgusted me.

Obdicut Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:44:42pm

re: #94 I'm a Mavrik!

There are still folks who believe in swiftboat smears...

I received many ranting, serious lectures about Cambodia.

bratwurst Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:45:48pm

Limbaugh: "I Know I Have This Right." The Military "Had To Push" Obama To Go After Bin Laden

He also contends that Obama had to be pulled off the golf course for the famous situation room photo op. Wow, who'd have guessed that Rush and Mitt would be singing from the same hymnal 6 months from the election?!?!

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:45:58pm

re: #94 I'm a Mavrik!

There are still folks who believe in swiftboat smears...

The thing that is messed up is a lot of those guys who attacked him had previously supported his runs in the Senate. I have no doubt that if the Dems ran a CMOH winner, he or she would be attacked.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:47:24pm

re: #98 HappyWarrior

The thing that is messed up is a lot of those guys who attacked him had previously supported his runs in the Senate. I have no doubt that if the Dems ran a CMOH winner, he or she would be attacked.

Hell, Bryan Fischer is already whinging about the 'feminization' of the MOH.

100

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:47:28pm

re: #97 bratwurst

Limbaugh: "I Know I Have This Right." The Military "Had To Push" Obama To Go After Bin Laden

He also contends that Obama had to be pulled off the golf course for the famous situation room photo op. Wow, who'd have guessed that Rush and Mitt would be singing from the same hymnal 6 months from the election?!?!

No, Rush you don't know shit. Just shut up for once in your miserable existence and accept that the president made a decision on his own that had a favorable outcome and resulted in the death of the world's most wanted man.

101

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:48:39pm

re: #99 SanFranciscoZionist

Hell, Bryan Fischer is already whinging about the 'feminization' of the MOH.

I remember that. Pathetic talk from a man who would probably shit himself in boot camp let alone if put in the situations that have won people the CMOH.

102

Sionainn Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:49:04pm

re: #88 SanFranciscoZionist

What you're missing is that being a military officer, or having military experience only means people have to give you respect if they also agree with you politically.
/

Exactly. Just look at Jeremiah Wright.

103

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:49:46pm

re: #98 HappyWarrior

The thing that is messed up is a lot of those guys who attacked him had previously supported his runs in the Senate. I have no doubt that if the Dems ran a CMOH winner, he or she would be attacked.

There's only been one female CMOH recipient, and she is no longer with us (although it was Jimmy Carter who restored it to her, in 1977, posthumously.)

Believe me, when a second woman is awarded one, the Bryan Fischers of the world will savage her like wild raccoons, although they won't look as cute as wild raccoons while they do it.

104

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:51:03pm

re: #101 HappyWarrior

I remember that. Pathetic talk from a man who would probably shit himself in boot camp let alone if put in the situations that have won people the CMOH.

That was my suggestion--if he believes the actions Sergeant Giunta was awarded the medal for were no big deal, let's have a live-fire reenactment, and Bryan Fischer can demonstrate what he would have done instead.

105

Obdicut Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:51:25pm

re: #103 SanFranciscoZionist

Hearing raccoons having sex is a nightmarish experience that's forever changed the way I view them.

106

Targetpractice Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:52:42pm

re: #97 bratwurst

Limbaugh: "I Know I Have This Right." The Military "Had To Push" Obama To Go After Bin Laden

He also contends that Obama had to be pulled off the golf course for the famous situation room photo op. Wow, who'd have guessed that Rush and Mitt would be singing from the same hymnal 6 months from the election?!?!

I'm not sure which rathole Rush got this shit from, but I was hearing it the day after from every wingnut who had internet access. It was an article of faith within 24 hours of the announcement of OBL's death that Obama had had to be dragged into agreeing to the strike. There were even accusations, which remain to this day, that the SEALs were preparing to go ahead with the strike without authorization and Obama had to agree to it to avoid a mutiny.

107

Charleston Chew Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:53:44pm

re: #95 HappyWarrior

Swift Boat vets, sigh. Kerry was a flawed candidate but like you the attacks on his service disgusted me.

Here's a Getty Images photo of the moment the GOP jumped the shark for me.

Meanwhile, John Kerry still has shrapnel in his left thigh.

108

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:54:53pm

re: #107 Charleston Chew

Here's a Getty Images photo of the moment the GOP jumped the shark for me.

Meanwhile, John Kerry still has shrapnel in his left thigh.

I remember those. That was pathetic.

109

b_sharp Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:55:19pm

re: #34 Obdicut

Remember that weird scene in Ghostbusters where a ghost appears and starts having sex with Ray? What the hell was that about? Was he just dreaming or what?

Irrelevancy hits home run in pointed point.

110

Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:55:23pm

re: #107 Charleston Chew

those were disgusting. This year will be far worse I am sure.

111

blueraven Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:56:13pm

Limbaugh: "I Know I Have This Right." The Military "Had To Push" Obama To Go After Bin Laden
He also contends that Obama had to be pulled off the golf course for the famous situation room photo op. Wow, who'd have guessed that Rush and Mitt would be singing from the same hymnal 6 months from the election?!?!

Idiot! Obama and team were trying to act as normal as possible, following routine so as not to alert the press something was up. He didn't have to be pulled off the freaking golf course. It was planned that way.

112

HappyWarrior Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:56:14pm

re: #106 Targetpractice

I'm not sure which rathole Rush got this shit from, but I was hearing it the day after from every wingnut who had internet access. It was an article of faith within 24 hours of the announcement of OBL's death that Obama had had to be dragged into agreeing to the strike. There were even accusations, which remain to this day, that the SEALs were preparing to go ahead with the strike without authorization and Obama had to agree to it to avoid a mutiny.

Rush only knows how to do one thing and that's peddle shit as if it were the Gospels.

113

Tiny Alien Kitties are Watching You Mon, Apr 30, 2012 1:58:40pm

re: #110 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

those were disgusting. This year will be far worse I am sure.

Just look at what the unlimited and anonymous PAC financing did for the Republican primary, your going to see that magnified by "over 9000" for the late stages of this years presidential campaign.

114

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Mon, Apr 30, 2012 2:02:11pm

re: #112 HappyWarrior

Rush only knows how to do one thing and that's peddle shit as if it were the Gospels.

And like a hedgehog he has one trick, and he does it quite well.

(No insult intended to hedgehogs.)

115

teresa Mon, Apr 30, 2012 2:33:10pm

Mitt Romney thinks it's pretty fucking funny to make fun of Jimmy Carter, but I don't think it's funny at all. President Carter made the call, he committed forces to attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran. It was an action that went horribly wrong and people died. There is nothing funny, nothing to mock, President Carter made a decision, he took responsibility for it and it cost him an election. That smirk on Mitt's face, his infuriating smugness is going to cause him an electoral loss of epic proportions. Oh how will his ego survive.
Oh and fuck him.

116

Poiks Mon, Apr 30, 2012 3:08:50pm

re: #115 teresa

Exactly right, and the very same assholes who give Obama no credit for the OBL mission were more than happy to blame Carter for the failure of Eagle Claw.

117

Stephen T. Mon, Apr 30, 2012 8:00:57pm

re: #80 Gus

Tennessee Passes Bill To Tamp Down ‘Gateway Sexual Activity’

Time for Christian Side Hugs.

Spy Mode Auto

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