The Right Wing's Phony Freak-Out Over Joe Biden's 'Chains' Remark

The Right Wing’s Phony Freak-Out Over Joe Biden’s ‘Chains’ Remark

Intellectual dishonesty about racism

WingnutsAugust 2012 • Views: 23,531

The unison chorus of right wing fake outrage over Vice President Joe Biden’s remark that the GOP and Wall Street want to put people “back in chains” is a perfect example of one of the most dishonest “frame flipping” tactics of the right.

First, it’s amazingly obvious that this phony umbrage is intended to divert attention away from the fact that Mitt Romney continues to conceal his financial records.

But more importantly, the people screaming the loudest that Biden’s remark was “racist” (a ludicrous and stupid claim) are the very ones who constantly deny and make excuses for the prevalence of outright, ugly, old-fashioned racism on the right and in the Republican Party.

This tactic of focusing solely on the words and ignoring the intent is an intellectually dishonest diversion, a grown up version of “I’m rubber, you’re glue,” with just as much substance. It’s designed to muddy the waters and draw a false sense of equivalence between the right and the left.

I’m not denying that there are people with racist views on both right and left — but only one side has a systemic, endemic problem with racism, and only one side continually panders to the racist elements of their base, and it’s not the Democratic Party.

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200 comments

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:21:03am

I'll point out again - all those people piled up on the fainting couch are all perfectly fine with Romney and Ryan accusing Obama of 'stealing' $716 billion.

That's jake with them. Hypocrites.

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:21:46am

I've noticed that every news story on this "outrage" has made a point of noting that there were black people in the audience. Not a strictly black audience, just that some of the folks in the audience were not lily-white. The media's helping to perpetuate this "outrage."

dragonfire1981 Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:24:01am

Just did page on this topic

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:25:13am

Meanwhile the media is faithfully trotting out such luminaries as Douglas Wilder, who's about 4 or 5 election cycles past his expiration date, to complain about 'chains' as well as Blue Dog Dem turned teabag Repub Arturio Davis.

Anyway, I'm worried the dust-up over 'chains' will be almost as bad as that other scandal from last month or six months ago that I can't remember. /

AK-47% Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:25:32am

Well, Karl Marx was a racist, too wasn't he? He told workers all over the world that they had nothing to lose but their chains!!!

dragonfire1981 Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:25:39am

And also, when I think of the expression "put me in chains" or some variation thereof, I don't specifically think of American slavery. I think of any person or entity who would restrict my freedoms and control my existence.

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:26:44am

I must be a racist, because I've used the term "wage slavery" on more than one occasion in recent days.

wrenchwench Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:27:49am

re: #3 dragonfire1981

Just did page on this topic

And I left my comment on it:

It's divisive to acknowledge that it was largely black people who were enslaved in the history of the United States.

Oh, wait. It was slavery that was divisive. Never mind.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:28:13am

And even though this was apparently a Wall Street reference, since the teabagGOP is instituting Voter ID to combat non-existent "voter fraud" and since the Texas GOPteabag wants to repeal the Voting Rights Act (and other southern states are challenging the continued enforcement of the VRA), the 'chains' analogy would fit well with other items on the teabag of freedom agenda.

AK-47% Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:28:17am

New GOP theme song?

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:28:21am

re: #4 Bulworth

Meanwhile the media is faithfully trotting out such luminaries as Douglas Wilder, who's about 4 or 5 election cycles past his expiration date, to complain about 'chains' as well as Blue Dog Dem turned teabag Repub Arturio Davis./

Anything to keep the election seem close and keep people tuned into the ~~news programming~~ between-segment advertisements.

Every time I mention this to my folks it's politely ignored and the TV is tuned back to the Sunday morning talking heads. It's flabbergasting.

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:30:43am

re: #4 Bulworth

Anyway, I'm worried the dust-up over 'chains' will be almost as bad as that other scandal from last month or six months ago that I can't remember. /

Exactly. It's all part of the bipartisan noise machine. If a Republican had said the same thing the Dems would be outraged. It's all become meaningless time filler for MSNBC and Fox.

AK-47% Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:30:44am

re: #11 erik_t

Anything to keep the election seem close and keep people tuned into the ~~news programming~~ between-segment advertisements.

This is the sole purpose of broadcast news. they have us deluded into believing that we are "customers" and that their news is the "Product", but the only thing they are selling is advertising time.

The "content" is just there to get more people to watch the advertisements and make them more attractive to their real customers.

NJDhockeyfan Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:31:21am

Not a phony right-wing freak out...

Douglas Wilder: Don't joke about slavery

...“Slavery is nothing to joke about,” Wilder said Wednesday on Fox News’s “Your World with Neil Cavuto.” “And the history of this nation’s involvement with slavery is nothing to pass off in a joke.”

Outrage!

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:31:43am

Hopefully Team Obama-Biden will continue to not apologize for a damn thing and use this incident to turn the spotlight on voting rights restrictions being initiated by the teabag freedumb lovers.

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:32:18am

re: #14 NJDhockeyfan

Not a phony right-wing freak out...

Douglas Wilder: Don't joke about slavery

Outrage!

Who's joking about slavery?

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:32:52am

re: #16 erik_t

Who's joking about slavery?

Yeah. Wilder misses the point, I'm afraid.

NJDhockeyfan Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:33:10am

re: #16 erik_t

Who's joking about slavery?

Apparently Doug Wilder believe's Joe Biden was.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:34:08am

I agree. The teabag agenda is no joke.

wrenchwench Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:34:09am

re: #12 Killgore Trout

Exactly. It's all part of the bipartisan noise machine. If a Republican had said the same thing the Dems would be outraged. It's all become meaningless time filler for MSNBC and Fox.

I think a couple of Republicans already did that. I missed the outrage.

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:35:01am

Phony Freak-Out

i say just throw their old talking points back at em:

Rs: "that's racist!!"

answer: "there's too much political correctness in this country"

Rs: "obama's taking a zillion dollars out of medicare and putting it into obamacare!!"

answer: "so he's taking money out of a socialist program. isn't that what you want? you don't like socialism, right?"

Rs: "but he's putting it into obamacare!!"

answer: "so he's moving money from one socialist program to another socialist program - what's the big deal?"

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:35:06am

re: #18 NJDhockeyfan

Apparently Doug Wilder believe's Joe Biden was.

Then Doug Wilder is blatantly dishonest and/or fucking idiot.

blueraven Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:35:33am

re: #18 NJDhockeyfan

Apparently Doug Wilder believe's Joe Biden was.

So? What is your point? That some democrats may disagree. You are right. They do, and that is fine.
The problem is that republicans never call out their own for totally obvious racist remarks.

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:35:57am

re: #18 NJDhockeyfan

Apparently Doug Wilder believe's Joe Biden was.

Apparently Wilder was wrong. By a mile.

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:36:19am

re: #18 NJDhockeyfan

Apparently Doug Wilder believe's Joe Biden was.

He's entitled to his own opinion, not his own facts.

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:36:39am

The anatomy of a gaffe
Did Joe Biden 'chains' remark go too far?

Administration officials insist that Biden was talking about finance and simply made a clumsy reference to the harm that would befall consumers if the Romney-Ryan ticket wins. President Obama said as much in an interview with People Magazine. Biden aides said the veep verbally tripped after saying that Republicans want to “unshackle” banks.

“He often talks about the middle class and the importance of unshackling the middle class,” said White House Deputy Communications Director Jen Psaki in a briefing for reporters on Wednesday. “He was using a metaphor yesterday and talking about Wall Street reform and the fact that we can’t allow Republicans to defund Wall Street reform.”

S'latch Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:36:49am

It sounds like Joe Biden is guilty of carelessly choosing his words, as is usual for Joe Biden. I can imagine that Barack Obama is not very happy about having to clarify his VP's message.

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:37:33am

re: #25 Targetpractice

He's entitled to his own opinion, not his own facts.

There's a bipartisan war on facts. Facts lost.

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:38:09am

re: #28 Killgore Trout

There's a bipartisan war on facts. Facts lost.

MBF gonna MBF.

Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:38:25am

re: #20 wrenchwench

I think a couple of Republicans already did that. I missed the outrage.

You didn't have a Magical Balance Fairy whispering in your ear.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:38:49am

So Biden should apologize to....Doug Wilder?

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:38:54am

I have to admit, I'm ROFLing at conservatives'/Republicans' new found sensitivity to racial issues. Especially in light of their either looking the other way or actively promoting divisive racial bullshit like the birth certificate nonsense.

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:40:08am

There was absolutely nothing wrong with Biden's "chains" comment, and it was not a gaffe. The entire issue is phony from start to finish.

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:40:43am

re: #28 Killgore Trout

There's a bipartisan war on facts. Facts lost.

So far, I've not seen it as a "fact" that Biden made racist comments, just opinions that his words could be interpreted as racist. That Wilder came to such a conclusion and found a media eager to give him a microphone is not proof that Biden's comment was racist.

Talking Point Detective Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:40:48am

Has to be one of the funniest quotes. Ever.

"I did go back and look at my taxes, and, over the past 10 years, I never paid less than 13 percent," [Romney] said, later adding: "Every year, I paid at least 13 percent, and if you add in, in addition, the amount that goes to charity, the number gets well above 20 percent."

Ok. So, (1) he expects anyone to believe that after years of calls to see his returns, he only recently went back to look and see how much he paid, (2) running for president on a platform related to tax reform, he wouldn't have a good rough sense of how much he had paid, (3) "less than 13 percent" is something he thinks will win him votes, (4) anyone buys the argument that charity has some direct implication to how much he pays in taxes?

This is the best that Republicans could do? Really?

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:40:52am

re: #6 dragonfire1981

And also, when I think of the expression "put me in chains" or some variation thereof, I don't specifically think of American slavery. I think of any person or entity who would restrict my freedoms and control my existence.

Being "sent to the galleys" does not mean sent to do kitchen work, nor does being "clapped in irons" mean being forced to do laundry.

;)

Sheila Broflovski Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:41:46am

re: #33 Charles Johnson

There was absolutely nothing wrong with Biden's "chains" comment, and it was not a gaffe. The entire issue is phony from start to finish.

Some idiot on Twitter started a tag for "Biden's Casual Racism." I have blocked that idiot and will not link to that tag.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:42:09am

I'm touched the gop, which thought it was funny to have its 2004 delegates wear Purple Heart "bandages" in mockery of John Kerry, which accused Obama of palling around with terrorists in 2008 and since then has threatened 2nd Amendment solutions while pissing about death panels and birth certificates is NOW alarmed about the tone of political debate. Eff em.

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:42:50am

re: #35 Talking Point Detective

This is the best that Republicans could do? Really?

Romney's a moron. His team should know that the only thing that will satisfy people is an actual release of returns. Half-measures only throw more bait to the ever-growing school of piranhas. Giving us fresh new talking points is a great way to keep this story above the fold.

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:43:17am

re: #33 Charles Johnson

There was absolutely nothing wrong with Biden's "chains" comment, and it was not a gaffe. The entire issue is phony from start to finish.

Guiliani was on CNN yesterday about this essentially saying Biden was a "bit stupid". I wonder what that will mean if Joe eats the wunderkid's lunch in the VP candidate debate.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:43:27am

re: #35 Talking Point Detective

Has to be one of the funniest quotes. Ever.

Ok. So, (1) he expects anyone to believe that after years of calls to see his returns, he only recently went back to look and see how much he paid, (2) running for president on a platform related to tax reform, he wouldn't have a good rough sense of how much he had paid, (3) "less than 13 percent" is something he thinks will win him votes, (4) anyone buys the argument that charity has some direct implication to how much he pays in taxes?

This is the best that Republicans could do? Really?

13%. Taxed Enough Already indeed. 13%.

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:43:41am

re: #32 Mattand

I have to admit, I'm ROFLing at conservatives'/Republicans' new found sensitivity to racial issues. Especially in light of their either looking the other way or actively promoting divisive racial bullshit like the birth certificate nonsense.

Also entertaining is that Doug Wilder is their new best pal.

On any other day, they'd sneer 'fucking liberal' and ignore anything he had to say.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:44:15am

Still not sure who Biden supposedly offended and to whom he is supposed to apologize.

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:45:07am

re: #32 Mattand

I have to admit, I'm ROFLing at conservatives'/Republicans' new found sensitivity to racial issues. Especially in light of their either looking the other way or actively promoting divisive racial bullshit like the birth certificate nonsense.

Exactly.

The same people pulling out the smelling salts or demanding Biden's resignation (Seriously!) over this "chains" comments are the same ones who have had no problems spending the last four years encouraging the birthers and painting Barack Obama as an anti-American "other" with an "anti-colonial mindset".

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:45:20am

Outrage! Which is why they're so gaga over having world famous birther and dog whistle blower, Donald Trump, speak at the convention.

Sheila Broflovski Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:45:43am

re: #35 Talking Point Detective

"I did go back and look at my taxes, and, over the past 10 years, I never paid less than 13 percent," [Romney] said, later adding: "Every year, I paid at least 13 percent, and if you add in, in addition, the amount that goes to charity, the number gets well above 20 percent."

According to this tax table for 2012, people who typically pay 13% make less than $36,000 a year.

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:46:16am

re: #42 makeitstop

Also entertaining is that Doug Wilder is their new best pal.

On any other day, they'd sneer 'fucking liberal' and ignore anything he had to say.

I'm sure the good conservatives at Free Republic and Fox Nation have a few other names they'd call him.

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:46:32am

since obama has been fighting back politically more aggressively than past democratic candidates, republican partisans have gone off the rails

how dare democratic politicians use effective campaign tactics! how dare they!!!

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:46:34am

re: #35 Talking Point Detective

This is the best that Republicans could do? Really?

All their viable candidates took a look at the 2012 GOP playing field and decided to wait until 2016.

If nothing else, this election will finally get Mitt Romney out of the GOP line of succession, so there's that at least.

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:46:42am

re: #44 Lidane

Exactly.

The same people pulling out the smelling salts or demanding Biden's resignation (Seriously!) over this "chains" comments are the same ones who have had no problems spending the last four years encouraging the birthers and painting Barack Obama as an anti-American "other" with an "anti-colonial mindset".

Word.

blueraven Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:47:11am

re: #41 Bulworth

13%. Taxed Enough Already indeed. 13%.

Well if his VP pic, Paul Ryan, had his way it would be .82% for Romney.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:47:11am

re: #46 Learned Mother of Zion

According to this tax table for 2012, people who typically pay 13% make less than $36,000 a year.

Personal attacks! Hate! Go back to Chicago you radical community organizer!

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:47:21am

The same people that constantly whine about Democrats keeping blacks "in the plantation..."

Welfare moms.

Welfare president.

Lee Atwater.

The Southern Strategy.

States' rights.

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:47:29am

re: #45 Gus

Outrage! Which is why they're so gaga over having world famous birther and dog whistle blower, Donald Trump, speak at the convention.

Of course not, it's only different if the other side does it. That's the way this stuff works.

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:47:39am

re: #53 Gus

The same people that constantly whine about Democrats keeping blacks "in the plantation..."

Welfare moms.

Welfare president.

Lee Atwater.

The Southern Strategy.

States' rights.

Affirmative Action President.

S'latch Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:47:52am

I would not call it racism, and I don't know if it is actually an accurate description of what happened, but if he was speaking to an audience of "hundreds of black people" and said "They (the banks) are going to put y'all back in chains!" it does suggest he might have been playing to the fears and memories of racism of the audience. (But, I am not sure there is anything very wrong with that if those fears are valid and the memories are real.)

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:48:05am

re: #55 Targetpractice

Affirmative Action President.

Food Stamp President.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:48:12am

re: #55 Targetpractice

Affirmative Action President.

Food stamp president!

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:48:28am

re: #54 Killgore Trout

Of course not, it's only different if the other side does it. That's the way this stuff works.

Find me an equivalent to Donald Trump that will be speaking at the DNC.

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:48:35am

re: #58 Bulworth

Food stamp president!

Jinx!

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:48:51am

re: #60 makeitstop

Jinx!

damn!

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:49:10am

re: #59 Gus

Find me an equivalent to Donald Trump that will be speaking at the DNC.

Or a religious whack job like Rick Santorum.

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:49:33am

re: #55 Targetpractice

Affirmative Action President.

Anti-colonial mindset

"Barack Obama doesn't understand American values"

Kenyan Muslim

Usurper

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:49:49am

re: #59 Gus

Find me an equivalent to Donald Trump that will be ~~speaking~~ appearing in a video spoof of his own reality show and 'firing' a sitting president at the DNC.

FTFY

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:50:21am

It isn't exactly like Biden was talking to a Whites-only audience warning them that blah people were going to put them in chains. He was talking to a mixed audience about Wall Street financiers (although as I've said the analogy could be applied to voting rights restrictions as well).

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:51:55am

re: #59 Gus

Find me an equivalent to Donald Trump that will be speaking at the DNC.

I can't think of one but if there was one I know who would be outrageously outraged about it.

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:52:10am

Heh.

Romney’s answer won’t satisfy everyone. (More on that below.) But, in asserting that for the last decade he has never paid less than a 13 percent tax rate, Romney is calling Democrats’ bluff and forcing them now to call him a liar if they argue that he paid any less. In short: The burden of proof has now shifted from Romney to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Democratic party more broadly.

WaPo forgot the 'proof' part of 'burden of proof'.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:52:11am

Can't believe the Food Stamp president who's undoing the glorious welfare reform has a VP who said 'chains'. Outrage!

Eventual Carrion Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:52:16am

re: #16 erik_t

Who's joking about slavery?

Truthfully, when I think of being chained I think more of prison. Chain gangs and all that. For the most part I really don't picture slaves wearing chains all day long in the fields. Most that comes to mind is the Hollywood image of the slave in chains on the auction block.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:52:45am

re: #67 erik_t

Heh.

WaPo forgot the 'proof' part of 'burden of proof'.

Hahahahahahaah

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:53:03am

re: #65 Bulworth

It isn't exactly like Biden was talking to a Whites-only audience warning them that blah people were going to put them in chains. He was talking to a mixed audience about Wall Street financiers (although as I've said the analogy could be applied to voting rights restrictions as well).

Personally, I think it was a poor choice of words but not a big deal.

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:53:57am

re: #66 Killgore Trout

I can't think of one but if there was one I know who would be outrageously outraged about it.

You can't find an equivalent at the DNC because for all of their problems, their entire party is not off the rails like the Republicans.

MBF fail.

Bulworth Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:54:18am

re: #71 Killgore Trout

Personally, I think it was a poor choice of words but not a big deal.

I agree. There are other ways to make the same points.

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:54:59am

OT: Wasn't Ryan supposed to be clarifying the message?

Paul Ryan On GOP Budget’s Medicare Cuts: Obama Started It!

“First of all, those are in the baseline, he put those cuts in. Second of all, we voted to repeal Obamacare repeatedly, including those cuts. I voted that way before the budget, I voted that way after the budget. So when you repeal all of Obamacare what you end up doing is that repeals that as well. In our budget we’ve restored a lot of that. It gets a little wonky but it was already in the baseline. We would never have done it in the first place. We voted to repeal the whole bill. I just don’t think the president’s going to be able to get out of the fact that he took $716 billion from Medicare to pay for Obamacare.”

Clear as....mud.

And dude is using the word 'wonky' way too much.

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:55:14am

re: #53 Gus

The same people that constantly whine about Democrats keeping blacks "in the plantation..."

Welfare moms.

Welfare president.

Lee Atwater.

The Southern Strategy.

States' rights.

GOP state platforms that call for repealing the Civil Rights Act.

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:56:00am

re: #66 Killgore Trout

I can't think of one but if there was one I know who would be outrageously outraged about it.

Yes. Good luck in finding one.

This might seems shocking to some people but I take sides. You can't win in politics by sitting on the fence.

Last I checked I am rather outspoken about Julian Assange who seems to be rather popular with people on my side. So yes, I would be outraged and I'll let you know as soon as you find an equivalent to Donald Trump.

Wait! I know who might be a couple that you'll find... Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:56:25am

Todays obligatory kitteh diversion.

Destro Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:56:48am

Wall Street Was a Slave Market Before It Was a Financial Center

[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com...]

But reminding people of that is racist....

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:56:50am

re: #75 Charles Johnson

GOP state platforms that call for repealing the Civil Rights Act.

Arguing that the preclearance language be stripped from the Voting Rights Act, characterizing it as "overreach."

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:57:02am

re: #71 Killgore Trout

Personally, I think it was a poor choice of words but not a big deal.

If the right hadn't freaked out about the word, nobody would have even noticed. It's a completely unremarkable metaphor, and the only reason anyone is talking about whether it's "racist" is because the wingnuts had an attack of the vapors.

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:57:04am

re: #74 makeitstop

OT: Wasn't Ryan supposed to be clarifying the message?

Paul Ryan On GOP Budget’s Medicare Cuts: Obama Started It!

'tl;dr' is not really a winning Republican message.

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:57:27am

re: #76 Gus

I know who might be a couple that you'll find... Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Ah, nice catch.

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:57:43am

re: #74 makeitstop

OT: Wasn't Ryan supposed to be clarifying the message?

Paul Ryan On GOP Budget’s Medicare Cuts: Obama Started It!

Clear as....mud.

And dude is using the word 'wonky' way too much.

wonky wonders worry wabbits

Achilles Tang Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:58:43am

Biden's choice of words was probably less than ideal, given the audience, but it was clearly a take on the GOP frequent references to unshackling, or unchaining, or freeing, the banking and financial sector even more.

I also heard on NPR a lengthy speech by Romney slamming Obama for deceptive lies and desperate and ignorant positions, while every word he uttered was directly applicable to himself while he was saying it, never mind what he has said in the past. I am getting weary of this race since I don't think we will hear anything more of value, and since so many Americans are ignorant fools. How can anyone who intends to vote not have made up their minds long ago?

It's depressing.

William Barnett-Lewis Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:58:54am

re: #28 Killgore Trout

Heh. That's a good one. Be sure to use it on April 1st for the full humor value.

Destro Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:59:06am

re: #76 Gus

Yes. Good luck in finding one.

This might seems shocking to some people but I take sides. You can't win in politics by sitting on the fence.

Last I checked I am rather outspoken about Julian Assange who seems to be rather popular with people on my side. So yes, I would be outraged and I'll let you know as soon as you find an equivalent to Donald Trump.

Wait! I know who might be a couple that you'll find... Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton.

I kind of agree with you. I see it as the GOP side or the Conservative side (they claim not to be one and the same sometimes) has declared a 'take no prisoners' approach to politics (bipartisan is when Democrats come over to the GOP side) so the kid gloves have long been off and if the Democrats had realized that they would not have lost the midterm elections to the failed but revived by venom GOP party. .

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:59:09am

re: #74 makeitstop

OT: Wasn't Ryan supposed to be clarifying the message?

Paul Ryan On GOP Budget’s Medicare Cuts: Obama Started It!

Clear as....mud.

And dude is using the word 'wonky' way too much.

So Ryan's argument is "We never agreed with those cuts, but we budgeted for them anyway." Wouldn't that basically be an admission that even they don't see there being any chance of overturning the ACA?

mr.fusion Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:59:13am

re: #35 Talking Point Detective

Has to be one of the funniest quotes. Ever.

Ok. So, (1) he expects anyone to believe that after years of calls to see his returns, he only recently went back to look and see how much he paid, (2) running for president on a platform related to tax reform, he wouldn't have a good rough sense of how much he had paid, (3) "less than 13 percent" is something he thinks will win him votes, (4) anyone buys the argument that charity has some direct implication to how much he pays in taxes?

This is the best that Republicans could do? Really?

I think this is pretty much an admission that he paid higher taxes under the Bush presidency than he has under Obama....which pretty much explodes the whole "Obama hates rich people and has raised their taxes" myth

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 11:59:37am

The President's Budget commits to using today's surpluses to reduce the Federal Government's publicly held debt so that future generations are not shackled with the responsibility of paying for the current generation's overspending.

GWB White House

Outrage!

Interesting Times Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:00:28pm

Mitt Romney: "Every year I've paid at least 13% in taxes. And no, I won't go into any detail or let you verify it yourself. Trust me."
— Top Conservative Cat (@TeaPartyCat) August 16, 2012

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:01:19pm

re: #90 Interesting Times

[Embedded content]

"Why would I lie? It's not like I'm trying to win an election or anything."

abolitionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:02:01pm

re: #75 Charles Johnson

GOP state platforms that call for repealing the Civil Rights Act.

Sounds quite nonsensical. We're talking about federal Civil Rights Act(s), right?

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:02:24pm

Democratic Convention Speakers
Jimmy Carter on the list too but I guess he is an ex president so he gets a pass.

Destro Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:02:28pm

re: #88 mr.fusion

I think this pretty much and admission that he paid higher taxes under the Bush presidency than he has under Obama....which pretty much explodes the whole "Obama hates rich people and has raised their taxes" myth

When GOP operatives say that it is dog whistle politics - coded to say black guy is taking white guys (middle class white people seem to imagine they are almost millionaires like Joe the Plumber) hard earned money for welfare queens.

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:03:00pm

oh geez . . .

Julian Assange Granted Asylum in Ecuador

Julian Assange has been granted asylum in Ecuador, where he would avoid extradition to Sweden to face rape charges. The Wikileaks founder has been holing up in the Ecuadorean embassy in London for two months, but early Thursday Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino announced Assange could take refuge in the country:

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:04:05pm

re: #95 ggt

oh geez . . .

Julian Assange Granted Asylum in Ecuador

Britain's already said that he's not leaving the country, that if he leaves the embassy grounds, they will arrest him. So Ecuador's done nothing more than made him the embassy's guest until they get tired of him and give him the boot.

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:04:13pm

re: #93 Killgore Trout

Democratic Convention Speakers
Jimmy Carter on the list too but I guess he is an ex president so he gets a pass.

Gets a pass on what? Being too fringe, like Trump and Santorum?

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:05:51pm

re: #93 Killgore Trout

Democratic Convention Speakers
Jimmy Carter on the list too but I guess he is an ex president so he gets a pass.

...

PROVING YET AGAIN THAT THE DEMOCRAT PARTY HATES ISRAEL!!11TY

Eventual Carrion Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:05:55pm

re: #97 Mattand

Gets a pass on what? Being too fringe, like Trump and Santorum?

Being too lusty.

100

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:05:56pm

re: #97 Mattand

Gets a pass on what? Being too fringe, like Trump and Santorum?

I think 'Carter' is supposed to be its own pejorative. Doesn't translate well outside the echo chamber.

101

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:06:24pm

Obama Camp On Romney’s Latest Tax Talk: Prove It

“Mitt Romney today said that he did indeed ‘go back and look’ at his tax returns and that he never paid less than 13% in taxes in any year over the past decade. Since there is substantial reason to doubt his claims, we have a simple message for him: prove it. Even though he’s invested millions in foreign tax havens, offshore shell corporations, and a Swiss bank account, he’s still asking the American people to trust him. However, given Mitt Romney's secrecy about his returns, coupled with the revelations in just the one return we have seen to date and the inconsistencies between this one return and his other financial disclosures, he has forfeited the right to have us take him just at his word.”

102

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:06:31pm

re: #95 ggt

oh geez . . .

Julian Assange Granted Asylum in Ecuador

That's pretty bad but they still can't get him out of the country and may lose diplomatic relations with the UK over this. I haven;t seen this mentioned anywhere but I strongly suspect Ecuador got something big out of this from someone. Maybe an oil deal, a huge lump payment or a trade agreement, something like that.

103

allegro Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:07:28pm

re: #90 Interesting Times

[Embedded content]

Mitt Romney: "Every year I've paid at least 13% in taxes. And no, I won't go into any detail or let you verify it yourself. Trust me."

A goodly part of that 13% could be in paying sales taxes for horse supplies, car elevators, his wife's cadillacs, etc. He doesn't say "income taxes."

As I said in the last thread, our tax system is far from progressive. His tax rate is MUCH lower than most of us low-life servants pay.

104

simoom Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:07:32pm

My personal opinion is this was a riffing off-script poor choice of words by Biden. It's a gaffe in the sense that it's so easily politically exploitable by the Right, it's just clumsy rhetoric in general and it even runs the risk of offending some in your audience. I suppose Biden could have later said he fumbled his words and misspoke, but it's hard to know whether that would have just added flames to the Right's fake outrage fire.

The Romney camp is clearly all over this to invoke white racial grievance politics, which can be extremely effective, so they're milking it for all it's worth.

I do find the media's coverage of the whole thing completely ridiculous though. You have to be blind to imply that Biden's fumble and the Soptic SuperPAC ad has somehow now pulled the campaign "to a new low". The two camps are not even in the same universe of negative campaigning.

The Romney side has been smearing the president’s character, day in and out, from surrogates and from the top of the ticket, since he entered the race. They’ve gone after his growing up in Indonesia, after his youthful drug use, after his patriotism and loyalty to his country, after his respect for religious freedom, after his supposed wanting to hand lazy folks welfare checks, after his support for the military and their voting rights. They’ve accused him with zero evidence of crony payoffs, of not understanding our “anglo-saxon heritage,” of disgracing the office of the presidency, of wanting to “steal from” “raid” “rob” with “blood on his hands” the Medicare trust fund. Hell, just Romney's fundraising with Trump -- after he'd so discredited himself as the Birther King, on the very same day Trump gave a bunch of interviews doubling down on Birtherism, racially attacking the president's academic achievement and repeating his Ayers-ghost-writer BS -- that by itself put Romney in the gutter so deep his complaints about unfair tactics should, for all time, ring hollow.

These aren’t gaffes and one off isolated incidents, or even outside, third party expenditures. This is a feature of Romney’s campaign and his constant, blatant lying, day in and out, directly from the mouth of the candidate.

Let's look all the way back to his Presidential announcement speech:

This country we love is in peril.

...

Barack Obama has failed America.

...

I believe in that America. I know you believe in that America. It is an America of freedom and opportunity. A nation where innovation and hard work propel the most powerful economy in the world. A land that is secured by the greatest military the world has ever seen, and by friends and allies across the globe.

President Obama sees a different America and has taken us in a different direction.

A few months into office, he travelled around the globe to apologize for America.

...

He speaks with firmness and clarity, however, when it comes to Israel. He seems firmly and clearly determined to undermine our longtime friend and ally. He’s treating Israel the same way so many European countries have: with suspicion, distrust and an assumption that Israel is at fault.

...

Here at home, the President seems to take his inspiration not from the small towns and villages of New Hampshire but from the capitals of Europe.

...

Instead of encouraging entrepreneurs and employers, he raises their taxes, piles on record-breaking mounds of regulation and bureaucracy and gives more power to union bosses.

...

President Obama’s European answers are not the right solution to America’s challenges.

...

It’s time for a president who cares more about America’s workers than he does about America’s union bosses.

...

I'm Mitt Romney. I believe in America.

And I'm running for President of the United States.

Yeah, the tone of the campaign has been so incredibly cordial up until now... ///

105

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:08:10pm

re: #99 RayFerd

Being too lusty.

Didja ever see how he holds a hammer while building houses for Habitat for Humanity? Disgusting.

106

wrenchwench Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:09:25pm

re: #75 Charles Johnson

GOP state platforms that call for repealing the Civil Rights Act.

Kris fucking Kobach is Romney's immigration adviser.

107

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:09:55pm

re: #102 Killgore Trout

That's pretty bad but they still can't get him out of the country and may lose diplomatic relations with the UK over this. I haven;t seen this mentioned anywhere but I strongly suspect Ecuador got something big out of this from someone. Maybe an oil deal, a huge lump payment or a trade agreement, something like that.

re: #96 Targetpractice

Britain's already said that he's not leaving the country, that if he leaves the embassy grounds, they will arrest him. So Ecuador's done nothing more than made him the embassy's guest until they get tired of him and give him the boot.

What I don't get is why did he go to Equador? Who goes hiding from anyone in Equador?

108

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:11:24pm

re: #101 Targetpractice

Obama Camp On Romney’s Latest Tax Talk: Prove It

Wow. They do not play these days.

Mitt's gonna burst a vessel when he reads that.

109

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:12:36pm

re: #106 wrenchwench

Kris fucking Kobach is Romney's immigration adviser.

And let's not forget that so far this year, the primary right wing news source, National Review, has been forced to disavow not one but TWO white nationalists.

I just don't want to hear the phony equivalence argument any more. It's a lie.

110

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:13:57pm

Kind of related I'm sure...

Tulsa Cop Sues For God-Given Right To Not Have To Talk To Islamics bit.ly/RXyM97
— Wonkette (@Wonkette) August 16, 2012

111

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:14:01pm

re: #107 ggt

re: #96 Targetpractice

What I don't get is why did he go to Equador? Who goes hiding from anyone in Equador?

It's a tiny country with a strongman leader. Not exactly friendly to freedom of the press either.
In tiny Ecuador, a populist president restrains the press

President Rafael Correa, an American-educated leftist economist who has forged close alliances with Cuba and Iran, has filed a defamation lawsuit that might put the three directors of the country’s largest newspaper in jail and shutter their 90-year-old paper. The government has cobbled together a framework of laws and constitutional revisions to limit press independence, free expression groups say, while building a media conglomerate to disparage critics and counter independent media reports.

But they are anti-American which suits Assange just fine.

112

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:14:45pm

re: #108 makeitstop

Wow. They do not play these days.

Mitt's gonna burst a vessel when he reads that.

It's his own damned fault. He could have ignored Reid, stated that his campaign wasn't going to answer his accusations. Yeah, it would have made him look like he's got something to hide, but that was the situation before Reid's accusation

Instead, now he's fallen into the trap, stuck in a situation where he either provides proof that he never paid less than 13% or looks like a damned liar who expects us to be stupid enough to take him at his word.

113

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:15:15pm

re: #111 Killgore Trout

It's a tiny country with a strongman leader. Not exactly friendly to freedom of the press either.
In tiny Ecuador, a populist president restrains the press

But they are anti-American which suits Assange just fine.

I still don't get it. But that's ok, I'd be scary if I thought like Assange.

114

AK-47% Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:15:28pm

re: #111 Killgore Trout

It's a tiny country with a strongman leader. Not exactly friendly to freedom of the press either.
In tiny Ecuador, a populist president restrains the press

But they are ~~anti-American~~ offering asylum which suits Assange just fine.

115

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:15:49pm

re: #107 ggt

re: #96 Targetpractice

What I don't get is why did he go to Equador? Who goes hiding from anyone in Equador?

The current Ecuadorian government would be likely to wipe their ass with an extradition order where the US is involved.

116

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:15:52pm

re: #81 erik_t

'tl;dr' is not really a winning Republican message.

It seems to work for Faux News and the RWNJ outrage machine just fine. They've used 'TL;DR' to great effect and have managed to keep people ignorant and misinformed because of it.

117

Mostly sane, most of the time. Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:16:18pm

re: #115 Targetpractice

It's Sweden that's after him, right?

118

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:17:22pm

More pushback from the Obama camp, on a different front.

Obama Spokesman: Romney Has Run ‘An Entirely Negative Campaign’

"Over the course of the past year, Gov. Romney has run almost an entirely negative campaign, tearing down his opponents and after tearing them down, telling them to stop whining," LaBolt said. "Over the past weekend, when he announced his vice presidential selection, he said that he wanted to focus on the economic choice in this election, which the president has been focused on all along. But the other night, he abandoned that pledge and strangely accused the president of running a hateful campaign."

The O campaign seems determined to put a complete ass-whupping on Rmoney/Rand.

I am makeitstop, and I approve this message.

119

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:17:24pm

re: #117 Mostly sane, most of the time.

It's Sweden that's after him, right?

Yeah, but I have to agree, the lengths Britain is willing to go to haul Assange off to the airport tells me that the US is pressuring behind the scenes, with the intention of extraditing Assange while in Swedish custody.

120

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:19:51pm

Human Rights in Ecuador

Corruption, inefficiency, and political influence have plagued the Ecuadorian judiciary for many years. In a referendum held in 2011, President Rafael Correa obtained a popular mandate for constitutional reforms that could significantly increase government powers to constrain media and influence the appointment and dismissal of judges.

Ecuador’s laws restrict freedom of expression, and government officials, including Correa, use these laws against his critics. Those involved in protests marred by violence may be prosecuted on inflated and inappropriate ‘terrorism’ charges.

Impunity for police abuses is widespread and perpetrators of murders often attributed to a “settling of accounts” between criminal gangs are rarely prosecuted and convicted.

2012 World Report Chapter

Meanwhile over at loonie Russia Today... 'Ecuador has strong record of human rights': Assange and his mother hail asylum decision.

Right.

121

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:20:23pm

re: #93 Killgore Trout

Democratic Convention Speakers
Jimmy Carter on the list too but I guess he is an ex president so he gets a pass.

Carter is sending in a videotaped message. He's not even going to be there in person.

122

kirkspencer Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:20:43pm

re: #112 Targetpractice

It's his own damned fault. He could have ignored Reid, stated that his campaign wasn't going to answer his accusations. Yeah, it would have made him look like he's got something to hide, but that was the situation before Reid's accusation

Instead, now he's fallen into the trap, stuck in a situation where he either provides proof that he never paid less than 13% or looks like a damned liar who expects us to be stupid enough to take him at his word.

Actually that's not the trap into which he's fallen. Let me use hyperbole for a minute.

"Hey, officer, I didn't kill ten people. I only killed two of them."

Yeah, see the point? Even if he's being straight, most of the US voters are going: You paid 13%, I paid over 20%.

It's not that he didn't pay taxes. It's that he paid a lesser share than pretty much everyone else - despite (or perhaps because) being a multimillionaire.

123

Shiplord Kirel Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:21:19pm

In the meantime, Biden and Obama continue their Bataan Death March of capitalism, driving all productive citizens into the Cabanatuan of investment capital and the Nanking of opportunity, even as they consign all patriotic dissidents to the Twitter Gulag and the Bergen-Belsen of lib media ridicule.

124

Shiplord Kirel Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:22:13pm

re: #120 Gus

Human Rights in Ecuador

Meanwhile over at loonie Russia Today... 'Ecuador has strong record of human rights': Assange and his mother hail asylum decision.

Right.

Sentenced to life in Ecuador. This is better than I expected.
///

125

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:22:32pm

re: #122 kirkspencer

Actually that's not the trap into which he's fallen. Let me use hyperbole for a minute.

"Hey, officer, I didn't kill ten people. I only killed two of them."

Yeah, see the point? Even if he's being straight, most of the US voters are going: You paid 13%, I paid over 20%.

It's not that he didn't pay taxes. It's that he paid a lesser share than pretty much everyone else - despite (or perhaps because) being a multimillionaire.

It was a matter of record from his '10 returns that he paid less than a person making even 1/4 of what he did. But by going out there and saying "I've never paid less than 13%," he's now put himself in a position where he either proves that or tells folks that they'll have to take him at his word, which ain't worth a bucket of warm shit.

126

R.M, Ramallo Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:23:58pm

I have never seen a campaign lie like Romney's -- and they're not even good lies.
It's like he's a kid, caught with his hand in the cookie jar, telling you that he never even knew there were any cookies, and that I should be pissed at his brother for telling on him.

127

leftynyc Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:24:18pm

More on the phoney freakout from Dana Milbank

Forgive me, but I’m not prepared to join this walk down Great Umbrage Street just yet. Yes, it’s ugly out there. But is this worse than four years ago, when Obama was accused by the GOP vice presidential nominee of “palling around with terrorists”? Or eight years ago, when Democratic nominee John Kerry was accused of falsifying his Vietnam War record?

What’s different this time is that the Democrats are employing the same harsh tactics that have been used against them for so long, with so much success. They have ceased their traditional response of assuming the fetal position when attacked, and Obama’s campaign is giving as good as it gets — and then some.

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

128

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:24:19pm

re: #124 Shiplord Kirel

Sentenced to life in Ecuador. This is better than I expected.
///

Maybe he and Assad will end up being neighbors.

129

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:24:26pm

re: #120 Gus

Human Rights in Ecuador

Meanwhile over at loonie Russia Today... 'Ecuador has strong record of human rights': Assange and his mother hail asylum decision.

Right.

Points more and more to money being the deciding factor. Probably shopped around at the local embassies, offering up money if they'd find some way to get him away from the threat of extradition.

130

Sionainn Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:24:29pm

re: #12 Killgore Trout

Exactly. It's all part of the bipartisan noise machine. If a Republican had said the same thing the Dems would be outraged. It's all become meaningless time filler for MSNBC and Fox.

Not me. I'm capable of reading and comprehending and understanding context. I most certainly would not have called a Republican saying the exact same thing Biden did a racist because it wasn't a racist statement.

131

allegro Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:24:33pm

re: #122 kirkspencer

Actually that's not the trap into which he's fallen. Let me use hyperbole for a minute.

"Hey, officer, I didn't kill ten people. I only killed two of them."

Yeah, see the point? Even if he's being straight, most of the US voters are going: You paid 13%, I paid over 20%.

It's not that he didn't pay taxes. It's that he paid a lesser share than pretty much everyone else - despite (or perhaps because) being a multimillionaire.

AND whining that he and the other "job creators" are paying too much to boot! Running for office on a platform of reducing his "onerous burden" and putting more of it on those who are already paying for his years of reduced taxes. If this isn't some serious con game, I don't know what one is.

132

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:24:51pm

re: #100 erik_t

I think 'Carter' is supposed to be its own pejorative. Doesn't translate well outside the echo chamber.

It's also lost all meaning since the wingnuts have spent the last four years painting Barack Obama as a black Jimmy Carter.

133

Sionainn Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:25:56pm

re: #18 NJDhockeyfan

Apparently Doug Wilder believe's Joe Biden was.

Well, then he's an idiot because Biden wasn't joking.

134

leftynyc Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:26:08pm

re: #131 allegro

I also notice that he and his wife very carefully just say "taxes". Not federal income taxes. That is not an oversight.

135

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:28:27pm

re: #134 leftynyc

I also notice that he and his wife very carefully just say "taxes". Not federal income taxes. That is not an oversight.

That implies a level of competence and care-in-messaging that I am, frankly, unwilling to extend to Romney or his campaign.

136

allegro Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:28:39pm

re: #134 leftynyc

I also notice that he and his wife very carefully just say "taxes". Not federal income taxes. That is not an oversight.

Indeed. If all taxes were taken into account in that, then they would be paying a hugely lower percentage than families under the poverty line.

It blows.

137

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:29:38pm

re: #129 Targetpractice

Points more and more to money being the deciding factor. Probably shopped around at the local embassies, offering up money if they'd find some way to get him away from the threat of extradition.

Or promises never to disclose their secrets?

138

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:31:01pm

WikiLeaks' Assange seeks asylum in Ecuador, an anti-press regime

Assange defends the publishing of classified diplomatic cables as a right to freedom of expression, but turned to a country that has been accused of limiting press freedom in recent years...

Too funny for words. But Assange is pretty good at propaganda. Maybe he can get a job with Correa.

139

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:31:22pm

re: #137 ggt

Or promises never to disclose their secrets?

Plausible, but that would raise the question of what dirt did he have on Ecuador such that they would go to these lengths?

140

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:32:01pm

re: #139 Targetpractice

Plausible, but that would raise the question of what dirt did he have on Ecuador such that they would go to these lengths?

Spotlight on Equador?

141

dragonath Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:32:41pm

I saw this interesting bit about the Minnesota primaries on (gasp!) Kos. This part stuck out to me.

HD-33B (R)
Minnesota’s longest-serving Republican Representative faced a very harsh primary challenge from Tea Party Leader Cindy Pugh. Pugh crushed Smith 70-30. Smith was a center-right Republican, somewhere to the right of Arne Carlson, and in line with David Durenberger. Smith went off on a tirade on election night about how the Republican Party has been hijacked by “extremists” (yes he used that exact word). With the sound of his speech, it wouldn’t surprise me if he campaigned for the DFL this year. This is a safe Republican district, FWIW.

When the longest serving representive in the state says their party has been taken over by extremists, I think the canary in the coal mine has gone into rigor mortis.

142

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:32:44pm

re: #127 leftynyc

More on the phoney freakout from Dana Milbank

Forgive me, but I’m not prepared to join this walk down Great Umbrage Street just yet. Yes, it’s ugly out there. But is this worse than four years ago, when Obama was accused by the GOP vice presidential nominee of “palling around with terrorists”? Or eight years ago, when Democratic nominee John Kerry was accused of falsifying his Vietnam War record?

What’s different this time is that the Democrats are employing the same harsh tactics that have been used against them for so long, with so much success. They have ceased their traditional response of assuming the fetal position when attacked, and Obama’s campaign is giving as good as it gets — and then some.

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

This is what's got conservatives so upset; the Dems are finally fighting back with the same tactics. We're finding out what kind of glass jaw the GOP actually has.

143

leftynyc Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:32:47pm

re: #135 erik_t

I understand your skepticism but it's too coordinated to be an accident. They very carefully just say "taxes" and not one person in the press has the ovaries to call them on it.

144

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:34:31pm

re: #143 leftynyc

I understand your skepticism but it's too coordinated to be an accident. They very carefully just say "taxes" and not one person in the press has the ovaries to call them on it.

upding for ovaries!

145

SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:34:57pm

re: #6 dragonfire1981

And also, when I think of the expression "put me in chains" or some variation thereof, I don't specifically think of American slavery. I think of any person or entity who would restrict my freedoms and control my existence.

I think it was the phrase 'back in chains' that raised some people's ears a bit.

146

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:35:02pm

Gonna make a page. BRB

147

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:35:52pm

Today's reminder . . . .

148

Mostly sane, most of the time. Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:36:07pm

re: #145 SanFranciscoZionist

It's Joe Biden. He also is planning on winning North Carolina with Virginia voters and is moving into the 20th century.

149

SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:37:10pm

re: #107 ggt

re: #96 Targetpractice

What I don't get is why did he go to Equador? Who goes hiding from anyone in Equador?

One man in a Panama hat looks much like any other.

And hiding out from the law in Latin America has a long tradition behind it. He might want to dye that hair, or let it go back to whatever its normal color is.

150

SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:37:55pm

re: #113 ggt

I still don't get it. But that's ok, I'd be scary if I thought like Assange.

No, you'd be just like any angry nineteen-year-old college boy who's totally figured out the SYSTEM and how it's keeping people DOWN.

151

SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:38:38pm

re: #117 Mostly sane, most of the time.

It's Sweden that's after him, right?

Yeah. Sweden wants him on the rape charges.

152

MittDoesNotCompute Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:40:22pm

re: #59 Gus

Find me an equivalent to Donald Trump that will be speaking at the DNC.

KT won't, because he can't.

153

SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:42:08pm

re: #120 Gus

Human Rights in Ecuador

Meanwhile over at loonie Russia Today... 'Ecuador has strong record of human rights': Assange and his mother hail asylum decision.

Right.

Well, it could be a lot worse. There are places nearby that are.

[Link: www.amnestyusa.org...]

Since Assange is not an indigenous human rights activist, he'll probably be fine, and screw other people. Anyone who protects HIM is clearly a friend of the only human rights that matter.

154

MittDoesNotCompute Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:45:50pm

re: #80 Charles Johnson

If the right hadn't freaked out about the word, nobody would have even noticed. It's a completely unremarkable metaphor, and the only reason anyone is talking about whether it's "racist" is because the wingnuts had an attack of the vapors.

Because, in their little pea brains, Biden "stole" their language to describe them, instead of them using it to describe the Dems.

/just a theory...

155

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:48:09pm

And this is a good thing how, exactly?

Steve King: I’ll Be A Player In The Romney-Ryan White House

Rep. Steve King (R-IA) told Iowans yesterday that if Romney-Ryan wins in November, he’s going to have a direct line to the top.

“I’m going to work to put my good friend Paul Ryan in as vice president and we’re going to have a strong voice from Iowa right there in the West Wing and sometimes in the Oval Office of the White House,” King told a crowd at the Iowa State Fair Wednesday. “Your voice will be heard in Washington, D.C. And Iowans will lead with our values, our work ethic, for the rest of the country.”

This isn’t the first time King has said he has Ryan’s ear.

“Paul listens to me,” King told the Washington Post this week.

King suggested at the state fair that the GOP presidential ticket is already coming to him for advice.

156

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:49:12pm

re: #155 Lidane

And this is a good thing how, exactly?

Steve King: I’ll Be A Player In The Romney-Ryan White House

Please, Steve, keep talking. I'll chip in five cents for your nation-wide ad buy, so long as you use it to explain your ideas and how you'll help Paul Ryan take them national.

157

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:49:31pm

re: #155 Lidane

And this is a good thing how, exactly?

Steve King: I’ll Be A Player In The Romney-Ryan White House

That's the same Steve King who appeared on a panel with white nationalists at the last CPAC.

158

Kragar Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:50:22pm

re: #155 Lidane

And this is a good thing how, exactly?

Steve King: I’ll Be A Player In The Romney-Ryan White House

I think its a warning.

159

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:53:14pm

re: #157 Charles Johnson

That's the same Steve King who appeared on a panel with white nationalists at the last CPAC.

And also the same doofus who is on record saying he wants to repeal every single bill that Obama has ever signed into law.

Not exactly the kind of voice I'd want at the side of any POTUS or VP.

160

Kragar Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:53:46pm

Paul Ryan On GOP Budget’s Medicare Cuts: Obama Started It!

Paul Ryan, in his ongoing evolution from active supporter to newfound critic of the Affordable Care Act’s $716 billion in Medicare savings, now claims he actually opposed the cuts before he embraced them (and then turned against them again later).

“We would never have done it in the first place,” Ryan told reporters Thursday.

The confusing new wrinkle is the latest example of Ryan’s awkward contortions as he tries to reconcile the Romney campaign’s new promise to restore the $716 billion in cuts with Ryan’s previous decision to include the same exact cuts in two Republican budgets he wrote.

161

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:55:45pm

Treasonous:

What's more dangerous for the country--the Iranian nuclear threat or @barackobama as President?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2012

162

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:56:25pm

re: #160 Kragar

Paul Ryan On GOP Budget’s Medicare Cuts: Obama Started It!

So wait. A conservative "deficit hawk" would never have agreed to cut Medicare?

They honestly expect people to believe that? WTF.

163

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:57:37pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

[Embedded content]

But the Romney campaign really wishes Obama would stop being so mean and stuff.

164

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:57:44pm

re: #161 Gus

And a feature player at the GOP convention. Whee!

165

HappyWarrior Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:57:47pm

Were: #155 Lidane

And this is a good thing how, exactly?

Steve King: I’ll Be A Player In The Romney-Ryan White House

How telling.

166

Kronocide Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:57:58pm

Just as a rehash:

Cuts and stealing are so yesterday 11AM, chains is the new black.

167

blueraven Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:58:16pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

[Embedded content]

Can't you find a equally nutty tweet from a DNC speaker!!?
/

168

allegro Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:58:37pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

[Embedded content]

Pffft. The same old line of "vote for me or DIEEEEE!" that worked for Bush in '04 but, though sincerely tried by McCain, hasn't worked since.

169

Kronocide Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:59:03pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

[Embedded content]

Answer: Donald Trump is more dangerous than Obama and nuclear Iran.

170

simoom Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:59:16pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

[Embedded content]

Ah Trump is again spewing poisonous sewage. Does that mean it's time for another joint fundraiser with Romney?

171

Kronocide Thu, Aug 16, 2012 12:59:50pm

All this (False) Balance is making me dizzy.

172

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:01:13pm

re: #168 allegro

Pffft. The same old line of "vote for me or DIEEEEE!" that worked for Bush in '04 but, though sincerely tried by McCain, hasn't worked since.

It didn't work for McCain because of voter fatigue at the GOP after eight years and because his VP candidate made enough reasonable people want to put someone else near the nuke codes.

173

JamesWI Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:01:41pm

re: #157 Charles Johnson

That's the same Steve King who appeared on a panel with white nationalists at the last CPAC.

But remember, 3 commentators on DailyKos using possibly racist terms makes the left just as bad.

174

kirkspencer Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:01:43pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

[Embedded content]

Literally, no. And after the crap I've seen kicked around as "treasonous" I've come to be quite literal on that term.

But yeah, it's ugly.

175

The Ghost of a Flea Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:02:45pm

Does Donald Trump’s ‘Big Surprise’ For The RNC Involve An Obama Impersonator?

Last night, Obama impersonator (or “Fauxbama,” if you prefer) Kevin Michel posted a picture posing with Trump, along with a caption urging his Facebook friends to “e sure to watch the Republican National Convention.”

176

Kronocide Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:04:08pm

re: #173 JamesWI

But remember, 3 commentators on DailyKos using possibly racist terms makes the left just as bad.

/

That's 4 commenters, 3 of which didn't actually say anything racist, just words. Balance!

177

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:04:58pm

re: #174 kirkspencer

Literally, no. And after the crap I've seen kicked around as "treasonous" I've come to be quite literal on that term.

But yeah, it's ugly.

I like to use their language against them. It's a trick I employ from time to time.

Anyway. Paged it: In Which Donald Trump Engages in Treason and Treachery

178

Kronocide Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:05:26pm

I'll be back, going to make a batch of Balance Cookies. Goes good with Word Salads.

179

JamesWI Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:07:13pm

re: #178 Kronocide

I'll be back, going to make a batch of Balance Cookies. Goes good with Word Salads.

You can't fight the WAR ON FACTS!!!! on an empty stomach.

180

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:08:51pm

Israel's Peres against any solo Iran attack, trusts Obama

(Reuters) - Israeli President Shimon Peres on Thursday came out against any go-it-alone Israeli attack on Iran, saying he trusted U.S. President Barack Obama's pledge to prevent Tehran from producing nuclear weapons.

Boom!

181

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:09:10pm

re: #178 Kronocide

I'll be back, going to make a batch of Balance Cookies. Goes good with Word Salads.

Are they lower calorie than martyr cookies?

182

jaunte Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:10:55pm

re: #177 Gus

With friends like Donald, who needs enemies?

Nobody wants wind turbines, they are failing all over the world and need massive subsidy--a disaster for taxpayers.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2012

In Iowa, trouble in the wind for Mitt Romney

Romney recently upset many conservatives here by saying he would end a government tax credit that helps subsidize a burgeoning wind industry in the state. Some of them — farmers who earn tens of thousands of dollars a year for having wind turbines on their property — say they won't vote for Romney because of his wind position. Others, including Rob Hach, a lifelong Republican who owns a wind-energy business, even say they'll now vote for President Obama.

"It's critical for the economy," said Hach, whose company, Anemometry, moved into a shuttered furniture store in rural Alta and then expanded to an abandoned lumberyard. "Right now, the Midwest is experiencing an intense drought, and the wind turbines are producing revenue for farmers, while the crops are not."

183

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:11:41pm

re: #182 jaunte

With friends like Donald, who needs enemies?

[Embedded content]

In Iowa, trouble in the wind for Mitt Romney

God. He is such an idiot.

184

Kronocide Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:12:12pm

I looooove stumping tech support. Love it.

Case number.

Start over.

Should be easy.

Wow, it should just work. Don't know what to tell you.

185

Daniel Ballard Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:12:18pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

[Embedded content]

Nice leap of illogic
Iran only threatens to become a nuclear threat. But strangely no calls to reduce the real nuclear threat-North Korea.

186

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:13:31pm

re: #182 jaunte

With friends like Donald, who needs enemies?

[Embedded content]

In Iowa, trouble in the wind for Mitt Romney

There's ol' Willard for you, trying to dance around all his problems and instead just keeps stepping on toes.

187

Gretchen G.Tiger Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:14:15pm

bbl

188

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:15:00pm

Should be a press conference going on now about the shooting in Louisiana.

Two deputies killed and two wounded. Apparently started at a traffic stop when they were fired on. After putting out a bulletin and following up on a tip that a vehicle matching the description was at a trailer park they went there; and were apparently ambushed by someone with an assault rifle while questioning suspects at a trailer. Five suspects arrested.

[Link: edition.cnn.com...]

189

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:16:35pm

re: #188 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

Should be a press conference going on now about the shooting in Louisiana.

Two deputies killed and two wounded. Apparently started at a traffic stop when they were fired on. After putting out a bulletin and following up on a tip that a vehicle matching the description was at a trailer park they went there; and were apparently ambushed by someone with an assault rifle while questioning suspects at a trailer. Five suspects arrested.

[Link: edition.cnn.com...]

Gun problem? What gun problem!?

///

190

Kragar Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:21:30pm

Apparently, McCain and Boehner are puppets of the Muslim Brotherhood

Gaffney claimed that John McCain and John Boehner, who along with many other Republicans denounced Bachmann’s witch hunt, were “sort of parroting the Muslim Brotherhood line” by defending Huma Abedin from Bachmann’s attacks. Kincaid recommended the House restore the Internal Security Committee, which was originally called the House Un-American Activities Committee, and said that neither Abedin nor President Obama could pass a background check:

191

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:22:53pm

And the comments on the page I linked to are already politicized and essentially a sewer. It's the equivalent of mob behavior in that once one is in a position of some anonymity the veneer of civilized behavior just peels right off.

192

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:23:39pm

Uh oh...

Beatrice man is suspect in deadly Louisiana shooting

For 11 months, Kyle Joekel’s picture has been posted at the top of the Gage County Sheriff’s website with these words above it: “Be on the lookout, considered dangerous, do not approach.”

On Thursday, a source in local law enforcement confirmed that Joekel is one of five suspects being held in Louisiana in a shooting that left two officers dead and two others injured.

The fatal ambush-style shooting occurred about 5 a.m. Thursday in LaPlace, about 25 miles west of New Orleans...

...Joekel fled on foot and has been wanted by police since on suspicion of terroristic threats.

Image: 502d4a0fdd1f3.preview-620.jpg

193

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:23:54pm

Tattoos

194

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:25:45pm

re: #192 Gus

Uh oh...

Beatrice man is suspect in deadly Louisiana shooting

Image: 502d4a0fdd1f3.preview-620.jpg

This is from 2011...

Authorities Search For Man Who Allegedly Threatened To Kill Law Enforcement

Oketo, KAN. (WIBW) -- The search for a man, who allegedly has ties to a terrorist organization continued Monday evening in the northeast Kansas town of Oketo.

195

MittDoesNotCompute Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:26:17pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

Trump, go to hell...

196

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:30:21pm

re: #193 Gus

Tattoos

Which you can see here...

[Link: www.gage-ne-sheriff.us...]

197

blueraven Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:30:24pm

re: #188 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

Should be a press conference going on now about the shooting in Louisiana.

Two deputies killed and two wounded. Apparently started at a traffic stop when they were fired on. After putting out a bulletin and following up on a tip that a vehicle matching the description was at a trailer park they went there; and were apparently ambushed by someone with an assault rifle while questioning suspects at a trailer. Five suspects arrested.

[Link: edition.cnn.com...]

OMG...that is in LaPlace LA. Just west of New Orleans. I used to live a couple of miles from there. It is only about a mile or so from the very beautiful, scenic, historic, River Road which runs along the Mississippi river.

I used to walk to a little store located on River Road when I had no car. I would have to ring a buzzer to get in. If you were white, they would buzz you in and you could enter and buy a coke and chips or whatever.

This was mid to late 70s, but still. The sound of that buzzer has always stayed with me.

198

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:31:03pm

Don't see any hate group tattoos.

199

Eventual Carrion Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:39:31pm

re: #161 Gus

Treasonous:

What's more dangerous for the country--the Iranian nuclear threat or @barackobama as President?

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2012

I'll answer "That unknown critter on your head."

200

labman57 Thu, Aug 16, 2012 1:44:37pm

Republican politicians and pundits are continually and desperately in search of the next opportunity to display faux outrage over something emanating from the Obama campaign.

Spy Mode Auto

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