1 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:00:20am

Man, this keeps getting better and better. Romney starts off with advisors saying he *wink, wink* appreciates our "Anglo-Saxxon" heritage *wink, wink* now his olympic comments have touched off an international incident of sorts

2 GunstarGreen  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:02:59am

You know, I gotta wonder -- with all the talk of Paul trying to organize a primary upset via delegates and such, does Romney have a primary problem on his hands with how brilliantly his campaign is flaming out?

3 Someone Please Beam Me Up!  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:03:05am

Just imagine what we'll see if he really is elected. We may have to worry that he'll touch off WWIII.

4 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:04:04am

re: #2 GunstarGreen

You know, I gotta wonder -- with all the talk of Paul trying to organize a primary upset via delegates and such, does Romney have a primary problem on his hands with how brilliantly his campaign is flaming out?

A man can dream.

5 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:04:16am

re: #1 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

“We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world,” Cameron said. “Of course it’s easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere.”

6 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:04:26am

re: #2 GunstarGreen

I think Paul's asshattery fell short of its goal, leaving him without pants and nowhere to go.

7 HappyWarrior  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:05:35am

re: #5 Kragar

“We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world,” Cameron said. “Of course it’s easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere.”

Referring to SLC there I imagine. Really, Mitt's a dumbass. But hey Obama's the one who doesn't understand our Anglo-Saxon heritage.

8 HappyWarrior  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:09:21am

[Link: www.freep.com...]
Mitt's also claiming that the president leaked info about the Bin Laden raid to gain an edge. This is Mitt Romney, people. A desperate little man whose accomplishments pale in comparison to this president's so he feels the need to engage in this crap.

9 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:10:12am

Yea, but what does it matter. Congress already managed to suppress the vote of the entire UK in US politics. And they did it *before* the Constitution came into effect!
///

10 allegro  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:11:37am

I can see the Republican leadership hoping for a good hurricane to hit Tampa about Aug. 26/27. How hard can they hold their noses to rah-rah about their sterling candidate for 3 days?

11 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:15:22am

re: #10 allegro

I can see the Republican leadership hoping for a good hurricane to hit Tampa about Aug. 26/27. How hard can they hold their noses to rah-rah about their sterling candidate for 3 days?

They can't. They'll spend the time spewing hate at Obama, planned parenthood, the UN, etc.

12 sagehen  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:15:33am

re: #7 HappyWarrior

Referring to SLC there I imagine. Really, Mitt's a dumbass. But hey Obama's the one who doesn't understand our Anglo-Saxon heritage.

Are the celt's anglo-saxon?

Youtube Video
13 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:15:38am

re: #8 HappyWarrior

[Link: www.freep.com...]
Mitt's also claiming that the president leaked info about the Bin Laden raid to gain an edge. This is Mitt Romney, people. A desperate little man whose accomplishments pale in comparison to this president's so he feels the need to engage in this crap.

I don't think he's being thoughtful enough to consider these desperate calculations. He's just running his mouth and keeps getting surprised that you people feel important enough to call him on it.

14 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:15:58am

re: #10 allegro

I can see the Republican leadership hoping for a good hurricane to hit Tampa about Aug. 26/27. How hard can they hold their noses to rah-rah about their sterling candidate for 3 days?

Isn't Hurricane Ron already on schedule for that date. Or is it more likely to just be an electoral depression?

15 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:17:57am

re: #14 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

Isn't Hurricane Ron already on schedule for that date. Or is it more likely to just be an electoral depression?

Paulphoon.

16 HappyWarrior  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:18:41am

Speaking of Ron Paul, it was hilarious when Sacha Baron Cohen in character as Bruno mistook him for RuPaul.

17 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:19:41am

re: #15 erik_t

Paulphoon.

Ronami

18 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:20:15am

re: #17 Kragar

Ronami

Durrnado.

19 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:21:53am

re: #18 erik_t

Durrnado.

Hmm, are Derpquakes measured on the Hoft Scale?

20 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:22:59am

re: #19 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

Hmm, are Derpquakes measured on the Hoft Scale?

"THEY'VE GONE PLAID!"

21 Interesting Times  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:25:59am

Heh:

22 darthstar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:27:32am

Whoooee!

23 darthstar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:30:11am

Gee...it seemed like a good idea at the time.

24 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:30:57am

re: #23 darthstar

Gee...it seemed like a good idea at the time.

[Embedded content]

I guess Palin was the better candidate.

25 engineer cat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:31:15am

re: #21 Interesting Times

Heh:

[Embedded content]

must be that jay espee guy again

26 wrenchwench  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:32:26am

re: #24 Kragar

I guess Palin was the better candidate.

If only they had run her on the top of the ticket...

27 HappyWarrior  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:33:17am

re: #23 darthstar

Gee...it seemed like a good idea at the time.

[Embedded content]

Ouch- Worse than Palin. That one's gotta sting.

28 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:33:26am

re: #23 darthstar

Romney book: Britain is a tiny island that makes stuff nobody wants

29 engineer cat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:33:31am

Mitt's mouth touches off

got a case of MittMouth?

30 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:34:39am

re: #28 jaunte

Romney book: Britain is a tiny island that makes stuff nobody wants

England is an island the same way Rhode is an Island.

Dumbfuck.

31 HappyWarrior  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:35:23am

re: #28 jaunte

Romney book: Britain is a tiny island that makes stuff nobody wants

He's an even bigger jackass than I thought honestly after looking at that excerpt. The British did an amazing job holding off the Nazis during the Battle of Britain. That took courage. Something Mitt Romney knows nothing about.

32 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:35:45am

re: #23 darthstar

Gee...it seemed like a good idea at the time.

Romney frantically rowed back later after a 45-minute meeting in Downing Street where the prime minister expressed his unease about his remarks. “I am very delighted with the prospects of a highly successful Olympic Games. What I have seen shows imagination and forethought and a lot of organisation and [I] expect the Games to be highly successful,” he said.

"So just ignore what I said before. Pretend it didn't happen. I forgot that anyone other than Fox News could hear me when I talk."

33 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:36:53am

I can only imagine what will happen when he visits Israel...

34 engineer cat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:36:56am

re: #28 jaunte

Romney book: Britain is a tiny island that makes stuff nobody wants

i think while mitt's over there he should remind them that their socialist policies have turned their country into a hellhole that will soon go completely broke, and that their strict gun control policies leave the people at the mercy of a totalitarian government

35 nines09  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:37:56am

I'm just amazed the suit stands up with nothing in it.

36 Eventual Carrion  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:38:17am

re: #33 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

I can only imagine what will happen when he visits Israel...

He will want to know where all the fish are when he visits the Whaling Wall.

37 engineer cat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:38:33am

re: #30 erik_t

England is an island the same way Rhode is an Island.

Dumbfuck.

mitt has bought wales and scotland and given them to the queen as a birthday present

38 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:39:21am

re: #31 HappyWarrior

He's an even bigger jackass than I thought honestly after looking at that excerpt. The British did an amazing job holding off the Nazis during the Battle of Britain. That took courage. Something Mitt Romney knows nothing about.

It's just a kind of nonsensical quote. If Britain wasn't separated from the continent by water its entire history would be different, never mind the Nazis. As it was, it was the incredible skill and bravery of the RAF and the British Navy that prevented invasion. A water barrier alone is not enough to stop the enemy, as should be fucking obvious from the way that we invaded France.

39 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:39:34am

Chick-fil-A forced to deny using fake Facebook profiles to defend company in anti-gay marriage row

Chick-fil-A was forced to deny using fake Facebook profiles to defend itself against angry posters -- the latest in a series of PR nightmares endured by the fast food chain after its president came out against gay marriage last week.

In a Facebook exchange circulated by several websites, a user named 'Abby Farle' stands up for Chick-fil-A until it is revealed that her account was created eight hours prior and her profile picture used a stock image of a generic teenage girl.

The row comes after the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, sent a letter informing Chick-fil-A executives that their plans to open a restaurant in Boston were not welcome.

40 Destro  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:40:06am

I am pretty sure Mitt is a Mexican.

41 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:40:51am

re: #37 engineer cat

mitt has bought wales and scotland and given them to the queen as a birthday present

"Your Majesty, as Governor of Massachusetts, I too know what a pain in the ass the Irish can be."
///

42 HappyWarrior  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:40:55am

re: #38 Obdicut

It's just a kind of nonsensical quote. If Britain wasn't separated from the continent by water its entire history would be different, never mind the Nazis. As it was, it was the incredible skill and bravery of the RAF and the British Navy that prevented invasion. A water barrier alone is not enough to stop the enemy, as should be fucking obvious from the way that we invaded France.

Yeah it is. And you're right about Overlord now that you mention it as well. I think it's hilarious that a guy who writes something like this has advisers accusing the president of not understanding our relationship with the Brits.

43 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:41:25am

re: #40 Destro

I am pretty sure Mitt is a Mexican.

We'll need to see the birth certificate

44 engineer cat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:46:11am

And if it hadn't been separated from the continent by water

this should be named the 'and if granma had balls she'd be grampa' fallacy after the old yiddish joke

45 sagehen  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:48:07am

re: #38 Obdicut

It's just a kind of nonsensical quote. If Britain wasn't separated from the continent by water its entire history would be different, never mind the Nazis. As it was, it was the incredible skill and bravery of the RAF and the British Navy that prevented invasion. A water barrier alone is not enough to stop the enemy, as should be fucking obvious from the way that we invaded France.

Not to mention a bunch of volunteer civilian fishermen and sailing enthusiasts at Dunkirk.

46 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:48:23am

re: #34 engineer cat


That quote from Mitt's book is from the beginning of the chapter "The Sun Sets on the British Empire." He goes on to explain:

"...maintaining leadership proved more difficult than achieving it. Whereas other nations extended the manufacturing revolution by embracing new technology and innovation, the British reversed course and tried to contain it. The country's culture of class immobility stymied the entrepreneurialism and initiative that propel a competitive economy. From owner to laborer, the British were eager to protect the staus quo. Industrialists secured subsidies for themselves and tariffs on foreigners rather than face foreign competition and technology head-on. when subsidies proved insufficient for the most unproductive businesses, the government took them over. The nation spent national resources to keep sick companies alive rather than inventing new ones and investing in those that were strong."

Perfectly tailored history for the TGOP.

47 wrenchwench  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:49:26am

re: #40 Destro

I am pretty sure Mitt is a Mexican.

48 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:50:54am

BBC On Romney:
'If He's Here To Make Friends, He's Got A Funny Way Of Showing It'

49 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:53:54am

re: #48 jaunte

BBC On Romney:
'If He's Here To Make Friends, He's Got A Funny Way Of Showing It'

Rumor has it he's had better luck with a Mr. Bombe.

50 engineer cat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:53:56am

re: #46 jaunte

That quote from Mitt's book is from the beginning of the chapter "The Sun Sets on the British Empire." He goes on to explain:

Perfectly tailored history for the TGOP.

and of course this perfectly explains why american manufacturing has nearly completely drained overseas and mitt has no plan to reduce the persistent 8% unemployment rate other than to reduce personal income taxes on his buddies still further

this is one of those 'mote and beam' things

51 Interesting Times  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:54:18am
52 Robert O.  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:54:48am

Meanwhile, fewer than half of Americans believe President Obama is a Christian.

[Link: content.usatoday.com...]

53 Interesting Times  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:56:46am

re: #52 Robert O.

Meanwhile, fewer than half of Americans believe President Obama is a Christian.

[Link: content.usatoday.com...]

Thank you Fox News

54 Sheila Broflovski  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:56:46am
55 engineer cat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:57:11am

re: #52 Robert O.

Meanwhile, fewer than half of Americans believe President Obama is a Christian.

[Link: content.usatoday.com...]

after having read the gospels, i have trouble believing most people i meet are christians

56 Interesting Times  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:57:53am
57 wrenchwench  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:58:09am

Then it gets worse...

58 AK-47%  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:58:27am

re: #28 jaunte

Romney book: Britain is a tiny island that makes stuff nobody wants

You know, I generally do not nitpick about the distinction between England and Britain when it comes up in extemporaneous speech, but to let it slip through a published work is a sign of true feebleness.

59 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 11:59:23am

Mitt's problem is he's used to the good ol' USA. Here you can say dumb shite and get away with it.

...as long as you're wearing a suit.

60 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:00:31pm

re: #56 Interesting Times

[Embedded content]

Youtube Video
61 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:01:29pm

re: #46 jaunte

That quote from Mitt's book is from the beginning of the chapter "The Sun Sets on the British Empire." He goes on to explain:

Perfectly tailored history for the TGOP.

The British were highly innovative and did a ton of work on engines, for example. I have no clue what Romney is talking about.

I think the British mainly lost their empire because it was no longer cool to be the white guy in charge of all the little brown ones, and if you tried to hold on they just declared independence anyway.

62 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:02:20pm

re: #7 HappyWarrior

Referring to SLC there I imagine. Really, Mitt's a dumbass. But hey Obama's the one who doesn't understand our Anglo-Saxon heritage.

Salt Lake City is a lovely town, but it really is in the middle of nowhere. You can see all the nowhere from a plane.

However, the mayor of SLC is a little pissed, and I can't say as I blame him. THEY didn't insult the London Olympics.

63 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:03:20pm

re: #62 SanFranciscoZionist

Mitt's first attempt at diplomacy is winding up making everyone look bad. That's the goal, right?

64 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:04:13pm

re: #33 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

I can only imagine what will happen when he visits Israel...

I can't. He's already set up a fundraiser for Tisha B'Av. I'm prepared for hilarity.

65 AK-47%  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:04:28pm

Britain also has an established ruling class which enjoys economic and political priveleges inaccessible to the other classes.

Perhaps that system also contributed to its decline?

66 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:05:07pm

re: #34 engineer cat

i think while mitt's over there he should remind them that their socialist policies have turned their country into a hellhole that will soon go completely broke, and that their strict gun control policies leave the people at the mercy of a totalitarian government

There seem to be some Brits at some of the blogs I visit who believe similarly. I'm always baffled by people who are fiercely partisan about U.S. domestic policy while living elsewhere, having no connections in the U.S., etc.

67 Mattand  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:05:14pm

Hey, can anyone clue me in as to what the hub bub is over the Churchill bust in the White House? Is it something I should lose sleep over?

68 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:05:17pm

re: #64 SanFranciscoZionist

I can't. He's already set up a fundraiser for Tisha B'Av. I'm prepared for hilarity.

Probably take a principled stand against infant circumcision.

69 allegro  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:05:45pm

re: #64 SanFranciscoZionist

I can't. He's already set up a fundraiser for Tisha B'Av. I'm prepared for hilarity.

What is Tisha B'Av?

70 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:06:57pm

re: #61 Obdicut

I think it's really a campaign book with Mitt's (or the conservative-focus-group- approved) version of history, not a serious piece of work.

71 andres  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:07:04pm

re: #40 Destro

Hey! You can keep him. We don't want him here. :-P

72 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:07:49pm

re: #67 Mattand

Hey, can anyone clue me in as to what the hub bub is over the Churchill bust in the White House? Is it something I should lose sleep over?

The Brits loaned George Bush a bust of Winston Churchill to display as art. When Obama got elected, the Brits said he could keep it for 4 more years, but Obama said they could have it back. Drama ensued.

73 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:08:31pm

re: #46 jaunte

This actually plays nicely into Mitt's "Let Detroit go bankrupt" idiocy. The British government had a lot of nationalizations; one of them was of Rolls Royce. The government took it over, ran it successfully, and privatized it under Thatcher. It kept an amazingly valuable brand alive and kept Britain important in the aerospace industry. It was a very good choice to nationalize it and keep going.

74 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:08:42pm

re: #61 Obdicut

The British were highly innovative and did a ton of work on engines, for example. I have no clue what Romney is talking about.

I think the British mainly lost their empire because it was no longer cool to be the white guy in charge of all the little brown ones, and if you tried to hold on they just declared independence anyway.

At least for India, WW2 stirred up existing feeling about how colonial subjects were good enough to die for the Empire, yet were stymied when it came to suffrage and rights. I'm not aware enough of the holdings elsewhere to speak with confidence.

And it didn't help that both Japan and Germany were explicitly aping colonialist logic to justify their actions.

75 Mattand  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:08:42pm

re: #69 allegro

What is Tisha B'Av?

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

Just looked it up. It's an annual fast day.

The way Romney's going, the fundraiser will involve an all you can eat pork BBQ.

76 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:08:51pm

re: #72 Kragar

The Brits loaned George Bush a bust of Winston Churchill to display as art. When Obama got elected, the Brits said he could keep it for 4 more years, but Obama said they could have it back. Drama ensued.

While his Irish and Kenyan forebears looked down smiling.

77 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:09:43pm

Romney visits the Wailing Wall. "I really couldn't hear anything. Do I have to stick my ear up to it?"

78 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:09:50pm
79 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:10:31pm

re: #67 Mattand

Hey, can anyone clue me in as to what the hub bub is over the Churchill bust in the White House? Is it something I should lose sleep over?

We had a bust of Winston Churchill on loan to the White House from Britain. I think Bush had it in the Oval. Obama returned it, with thanks. The wingnuts have insisted ever since that this MEANS SOMETHING.

That's all I can recall.

80 nines09  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:10:41pm

Romney Bot 2012 needs to "clarify" what he said every other minute. What he should have at every event where he has to actually talk to people who are not Fox News affiliates are one person on either side of him. After he says something, if it needs clarification the one on the left will "clarify". If he says something that makes absolutely no sense or is a slight or insult, the person on the right can state, "He meant to say..." I don't know what they will do with the stupidity and the Koch Brothers hands up his ass though.

81 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:10:48pm

re: #67 Mattand

Hey, can anyone clue me in as to what the hub bub is over the Churchill bust in the White House? Is it something I should lose sleep over?

Bush had a Churchill bust "loaned" to him by the British PM, and it stayed in his office through both terms. Obama returned the bust and outrage ensued.

Edit: Dammit Kragar you always have faster exposition reflexes than I.

82 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:11:03pm

re: #76 Decatur Deb

While his Irish and Kenyan forebears looked down smiling.

Churchill was a great leader of the British, but pretty much an asshole if you weren't white.

83 Sheila Broflovski  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:11:22pm

re: #69 allegro

What is Tisha B'Av?

It is a Jewish fast day which commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, the Spanish Inquisition, the Holocaust and other tragedies that have afflicted the Jewish people throughout history.

84 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:11:47pm

re: #73 Obdicut

Whereas other nations extended the manufacturing revolution by embracing new technology and innovation, the British reversed course and tried to contain it.

Sort of like innovating in solar power, vs. reversing course and trying to stay with coal.

85 Mattand  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:12:24pm

re: #72 Kragar

re: #79 SanFranciscoZionist

re: #81 The Ghost of a Flea

I'm guessing the outrage was mostly Republican.

86 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:12:26pm

re: #82 Obdicut

Churchill was a great leader of the British, but pretty much an asshole if you weren't white.

Anglo-Sassenach.

87 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:13:21pm

re: #69 allegro

What is Tisha B'Av?

Annual fast day in Judaism, the bleakest fast of the year. Commemorates the destruction of the Temple, and all the other bad things that have happened to the Jewish people for the past couple thousand years.

Mitt's advance people in Jerusalem apparently thought it would be OK to schedule a fundraiser for the evening, so that people could break their fast with Mitt. There was some pushback, and I think he canceled.

88 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:14:27pm
89 allegro  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:15:09pm

re: #83 Learned Mother of Zion

It is a Jewish fast day which commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, the Spanish Inquisition, the Holocaust and other tragedies that have afflicted the Jewish people throughout history.

Thanks. That sounds like a pretty big deal. I now understand the "hilarity ensues" remarks.

90 Mattand  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:15:19pm

re: #87 SanFranciscoZionist

Annual fast day in Judaism, the bleakest fast of the year. Commemorates the destruction of the Temple, and all the other bad things that have happened to the Jewish people for the past couple thousand years.

Mitt's advance people in Jerusalem apparently thought it would be OK to schedule a fundraiser for the evening, so that people could break their fast with Mitt. There was some pushback, and I think he canceled.

Does Romney have any supporters in Israel?

91 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:15:39pm

Apparently Boris Johnson stood in front of 60,000 Brits in Hyde Park and ripped on Romney.

92 lawhawk  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:16:41pm

As for the visits to Israel scheduled by Romney and the claims that Obama has ignored Israel or treated it poorly don't stand up to scrutiny.

The peace process is in shambles through no fault of Obama's. The Palestinians can't agree on who's going to represent them - Hamas and their "no recognition of Israel" stance, or Fatah, with Abbas pushing ahead with the status quo since he's got no chance at changing it without taking a bullet from the extremists on his side. Israel sees all that (from the Gaza disengagement forward) and has recognized they don't have a partner in peace so they'll be content with the status quo until things change on the Palestinian side. Diplomats will give lip service to restarting a peace process, but it's all just that. That doesn't mean that there aren't backchannel negotiations underway out of sight of prying eyes - that's how major breakthroughs have happened in the peace process in the past, but there's nothing to indicate that anything is changing.

In to that mess, Romney's backers are going to claim that Obama hasn't done something that his predecessors did - visit Israel. It doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Reagan and GHWB didn't visit Israel. Clinton visited a couple of times, including once for the funeral for Rabin. Bush visited twice, but that was in the final year of his 2d term when he was making his own push to restart the moribund peace process. Obama's likewise promised to go to Israel in his second term.

Throwing presidential prestige into the peace process (and foreign policy objectives more generally) is something presidents tend to do when domestic policies are failing and they need to show gains. It's also part of legacy building/burnishing by presidents, which is why they've tended to visit Israel into the 2d term. But there are limitations to that - see Carter, who visited Israel in his first term, was involved in Camp David Accords, and still lost big to Reagan (the Iranian revolution/hostage situation didn't help Carter, and the peace deal couldn't overcome those problems).

93 SpaceJesus  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:17:02pm

Foreign leaders and powers will usually afford you lots of respect and attention if they think you are actually going to win.

94 Mattand  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:17:17pm

re: #88 Kragar

Romney in London. Come on. We needed this. It's a little comic relief. Kind of like Mr. Bean, only he's an American.

Key difference between Bean and Romney: Bean knows when to keep his mouth shut.

95 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:17:25pm
96 SpaceJesus  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:18:02pm

"Who is this guy who is going to come in second place in the American election and why is he here?"

97 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:18:23pm

re: #91 Kragar

Apparently Boris Johnson stood in front of 60,000 Brits in Hyde Park and ripped on Romney.

When you're getting ripped on by Boris Johnson, you're fucking up.

Youtube Video

He's incapable of talking. He just babbles.

98 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:18:30pm

re: #63 Obdicut

Mitt's first attempt at diplomacy is winding up making everyone look bad. That's the goal, right?

SOMEHOW it will be Obama's fault, just watch.

And if/when Rmoney loses, he'll say something like:

This president has created an atmosphere of such uncertainty that the American people were unwilling to take the kinds of risks necessary to elect a president that knows how to run a business.

99 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:20:16pm

re: #90 Mattand

Does Romney have any supporters in Israel?

Sure. Most of them, of course, are American-born immigrants. The Israeli further-right has largely took against Obama, for what they consider to be excellent, and I consider to be very stupid, reasons.

The average Israeli on the street could care less about Mitt, (and probably can't name him) but there are enough people who support him to make a fundraising dinner and a couple of private meetings with donors possible.

Mostly, of course, Mitt is polishing his pro-Israel credentials for a largely non-Jewish voting block at home.

BTW, I found this sort of entertaining.

[Link: www.israelquiz.org...]

100 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:20:23pm

re: #87 SanFranciscoZionist

Annual fast day in Judaism, the bleakest fast of the year. Commemorates the destruction of the Temple, and all the other bad things that have happened to the Jewish people for the past couple thousand years.

Mitt's advance people in Jerusalem apparently thought it would be OK to schedule a fundraiser for the evening, so that people could break their fast with Mitt. There was some pushback, and I think he canceled.

I have this vision of Romney trying a rhetorical gambit of tying together the reason for the fast day and his Israel policy/criticizing Obama's Israel policy.

101 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:20:57pm

re: #91 Kragar

Apparently Boris Johnson stood in front of 60,000 Brits in Hyde Park and ripped on Romney.

Yes, but Boris Johnson is a Communist, so that's a win.

102 lawhawk  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:21:06pm

re: #89 allegro

It's the second most important fast day in Judaism behind Yom Kippur. The 9 days leading up to Tisha B'av are quite important and are meant for spiritual reflection and consideration.

104 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:22:30pm

re: #100 The Ghost of a Flea

I have this vision of Romney trying a rhetorical gambit of tying together the reason for the fast day and his Israel policy/criticizing Obama's Israel policy.

Oh, sure. "Jerusalem will fall again if Barack Obama is reelected."

I'm sure it's being tried. On some people it will work.

105 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:22:41pm

re: #101 SanFranciscoZionist

Yes, but Boris Johnson is a Communist, so that's a win.

Boris Johnson is a massively conservative dude who wants people to be able to smoke on planes.

He's kind of adorable in a terrible way, like Michael J. Fox's character on Family Ties.

106 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:24:13pm

re: #105 Obdicut

Boris Johnson is a massively conservative dude who wants people to be able to smoke on planes.

He's kind of adorable in a terrible way, like Michael J. Fox's character on Family Ties.

His name is Boris. He has to be a communist. Probably a spy for the Soviet Union.
/

107 lawhawk  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:24:49pm

re: #106 Kragar

Natasha, is that you? /

108 Kragar  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:25:31pm

re: #107 lawhawk

Natasha, is that you? /

Where is moose and squirrel?

109 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:25:40pm

London Mayor Boris Johnson:
"There's a guy called Mitt Romney who wants to know whether we are ready.
Are we ready?"

110 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:26:54pm

re: #102 lawhawk

It's the second most important fast day in Judaism behind Yom Kippur. The 9 days leading up to Tisha B'av are quite important and are meant for spiritual reflection and consideration.

There's a long, slow, build up to it. The preceding three weeks are also a period of minor mourning. My great-grandmother recalled that back in the old country, the kids weren't allowed to swim in the river during the Three Weeks. People avoid meat and wine, and in the Nine Days, often avoid wearing newly laundered clothes.

It's a twenty-four-hour fast. Yom Kippur is the only other one of those, and is considered, despite its solemnity, a joyous event. Tisha b'Av is pure mourning, although tradition has it that the Messiah will be born on Tisha b'Av. And it takes place at the height of summer, which is just miserable, especially if you live in the Middle East.

111 dragonfire1981  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:27:10pm

Can this get any worse for Romney? Boris is now mocking him in front of 60,000 people in Hyde Park.

Was that before or after he mocked Moose and Squirrel?

112 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:27:28pm

re: #105 Obdicut

Boris Johnson is a massively conservative dude who wants people to be able to smoke on planes.

He's kind of adorable in a terrible way, like Michael J. Fox's character on Family Ties.

I heard he was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

//

113 engineer cat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:27:53pm

Tisha B'Av

also, the origin of this was that a number of these disasters happened, coincidentally, on that very day

114 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:32:26pm

Romneyshambles

omnishambles

115 dragonfire1981  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:33:35pm

*catchy intro music*

To him, the English are just socialist rubes...
He considers "Anglo-Saxon" to be "diverse"...
He thinks a $10 000 fundraiser ticket is a bargain...

He is, the most UNinteresting man in the world.

"I don't always make an ass of myself, but when I do I prefer to do it in style. Stay American, my friends."

116 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:34:37pm

Outrageous outrage!
Obama says AK-47, rifle of terrorism and communism, belongs ‘in the hands of soldiers’

Barack Obama has said that ‘AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers’, even though the rifle, most associated with terrorism and communism, is not issued to the US military or any of its Western allies.

117 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:36:18pm

re: #116 Killgore Trout

I'm trying to figure out what the outrage is supposed to be?

118 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:37:04pm

Not everybody in the UK is pissed at Mitt. Some are upset that Obama is killing terrorists.
UK parliamentarians want Obama to stop drone attacks in Pakistan

A squad of UK parliamentarians have written to President Barack Obama to stop drone attacks in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday.

The 12 parliamentarians in a letter written to the United States said that the Britain and Western countries are under threat because drone attacks provide justification for future terrorist activities.

The letter also stated that innocent people are killed in drone strikes.

The parliamentarians said that the attacks are creating hatred for the US amongst Pakistanis and they are also harming a British allied country’s sovereignty.

119 jamesfirecat  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:37:05pm

re: #116 Killgore Trout

Outrageous outrage!
Obama says AK-47, rifle of terrorism and communism, belongs ‘in the hands of soldiers’

Well the AK-47 is like, the most reliable assault rifle in the world when it comes to ease of maintenance isn't it?

120 HappyWarrior  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:38:25pm

re: #119 jamesfirecat

Well the AK-47 is like, the most reliable assault rifle in the world when it comes to ease of maintenance isn't it?

I think that's what made it so popular among paramilitary groups if memory serves.

121 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:38:47pm
While the US has funnelled AK-47s to anti-Soviet forces and the Israelis have used Ak-47s captured from Arab armies, the AK-47 has never been officially adopted by the US or its Western allies.

I guess the Daily Mail doesn't consider Israeli soldiers western allies.

122 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:38:48pm

re: #117 Obdicut

I'm trying to figure out what the outrage is supposed to be?

Step 1) intentionally misunderstand someone's statement
Step 2) Outrage!
Step 3) Profit.

Everybody's doing it, it's the latest craze.

123 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:39:14pm

re: #117 Obdicut

I'm trying to figure out what the outrage is supposed to be?

THE AK-47 IS A COMMIE SHOOTIN' IRON, NOT LIKE OUR FINE AMERICAN MADE JESUS-APPROVED WEAPONS which are actually generally inferior to weapons from Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium but U.S.A.!! U.S.A.!! U.S.A.!! U.S.A.!!

124 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:39:23pm

re: #122 Killgore Trout

Step 1) intentionally misunderstand someone's statement
Step 2) Outrage!
Step 3) Profit.

Everybody's doing it, it's the latest craze.

This is, of course, somehow directly related to Romney talking shit about London's capability to handle the Olympics.

Or something. Whatever.

125 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:39:39pm

re: #119 jamesfirecat

Well the AK-47 is like, the most reliable assault rifle in the world when it comes to ease of maintenance isn't it?

I think so. It has a great reputation.

126 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:43:52pm

re: #116 Killgore Trout

someone should tell them that the U.S Special Forces have been known to use the AK-47.

127 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:43:56pm

re: #117 Obdicut

I'm trying to figure out what the outrage is supposed to be?

Because our own soldiers do not use AKs, although we do train people on them, since they are so very common worldwide. Special ops may occasionally use them as well. So, Obama's not talking about AMERICAN soldiers.

Also, because of its easy availability and ease of use, it's a popular weapon of terrorists, insurgents, tin-pot dictators and the like, worldwide.

That's where the outrage comes in.

Of course, AKs are used by the armies of Turkey, or as my father likes to refer to them OUR NATO ALLY Turkey, several respectable countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Vietnam...quite a number of places that shouldn't incite much fury.

As well as a lot of hellholes and terrorist orgs, and terrorist orgs supplied by hellholes.

I'm not sure it was the smartest statement ever, but it will have gained a special new malevolence by lunchtime--wait, it is lunchtime.

128 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:44:26pm

re: #118 Killgore Trout

Not everybody in the UK is pissed at Mitt. Some are upset that Obama is killing terrorists.
UK parliamentarians want Obama to stop drone attacks in Pakistan

Is Mitt gonna promise to stop the drone attacks? Because if he does, this race will actually have gotten interesting again.

129 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:45:10pm

re: #128 SanFranciscoZionist

Is Mitt gonna promise to stop the drone attacks? Because if he does, this race will actually have gotten interesting again.

Lol. Anything's possible, it could happen.

130 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:45:25pm

re: #127 SanFranciscoZionist

"So simple even a child can use it--and many do".

131 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:46:12pm

re: #121 jaunte

I guess the Daily Mail doesn't consider Israeli soldiers western allies.

Technically, Israel doesn't issue AKs, although the Galil rifle is basically a modified one.

132 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:46:48pm

re: #128 SanFranciscoZionist

Is Mitt gonna promise to stop the drone attacks? Because if he does, this race will actually have gotten interesting again.

And you can take a Romney promise to the bank!*

* offer valid only for JPMorgan Chase

133 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:47:59pm

re: #131 SanFranciscoZionist

Technically, Israel doesn't issue AKs, although the Galil rifle is basically a modified one.

About half of our new BFF, the new and improved Iraq forces, still do.

134 erik_t  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:48:54pm

re: #133 Decatur Deb

About half of our new BFF, the new and improved Iraq forces, still do.

Not a Western ally. Doesn't count.

135 jaunte  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:49:05pm

re: #131 SanFranciscoZionist

Yeah, it's a pretty silly article, when it has to change the rhetorical "in the hands of" to "officially issued by" to maintain any coherence.

136 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:49:51pm

re: #130 Decatur Deb

"So simple even a child can use it--and many do".

Sad face upding.

137 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:53:24pm

re: #134 erik_t

Not a Western ally. Doesn't count.

OK, what about Poland?

(Basically, the spread of the AK shows the marks of the USSR's fingerprints throughout the Cold War. The players have changed alliances several times since then, but they kept the guns.)

138 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:57:06pm

re: #137 SanFranciscoZionist

OK, what about Poland?

(Basically, the spread of the AK shows the marks of the USSR's fingerprints throughout the Cold War. The players have changed alliances several times since then, but they kept the guns.)

...plus it's the single most circulated weapon in the legal and illegal arms trade, with knock-off Kalashinikovs manufactured by China and North Korea constantly in circulation.

139 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 12:59:21pm

re: #122 Killgore Trout

Step 1) intentionally misunderstand someone's statement
Step 2) Outrage!
Step 3) Profit.

Everybody's doing it, it's the latest craze.

But seriously, even if you misunderstand his statement, how does it become an outrage?

There wouldn't really be anything wrong with giving our troops AK-47s. Lots of the 'Nam vets wished they had them.

So even with misunderstanding, I don't get why it'd be a problem. Do our soldiers turn to pillars of salt if they touch non-US-designed weaponry?

Don't tell the SEALS.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

140 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 1:00:52pm

re: #138 The Ghost of a Flea

...plus it's the single most circulated weapon in the legal and illegal arms trade, with knock-off Kalashinikovs manufactured by China and North Korea constantly in circulation.

With a very scary 12 ga version--that takes a 30 rd. drum magazine.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

141 Mattand  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 1:01:42pm

Aw, fuck guns.

142 Obdicut  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 1:04:18pm

Image: 800px-AKM_and_MP5K.JPEG

143 Patricia Kayden  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 2:50:26pm

re: #10 allegro

I can see the Republican leadership hoping for a good hurricane to hit Tampa about Aug. 26/27. How hard can they hold their noses to rah-rah about their sterling candidate for 3 days?

Wish this were true but actually, some of the polls I'm seeing show Romney beating Obama. Still much too close for comfort -- especially in some of swing states.

144 Elias  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 2:58:20pm

Is it me or is it not at all about the topic mentioned in the headline ?

145 Talking Point Detective  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 3:17:51pm

re: #144 Elias

Is it me or is it not at all about the topic mentioned in the headline ?

Not just you. Somehow the clip that comes up must be different than when originally posted.

146 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jul 26, 2012 3:48:26pm

Sorry about that! I was testing the new HTML5 player for Comedy Central videos and it got switched somehow.

The correct video is now there.


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