David Frum: Palin "Makes Barack Obama Look Like George C. Marshall"
A prominent Republican writer says it's legit to bring up McCain's age -- and makes the interesting argument that the choice of Sarah Palin as Veep candidate should make us put McCain's age front and center as an issue.
Check out this absolutely brutal piece on Palin by former Bush speechwriter and American Enterprise Institute resident fellow David Frum that was posted on AEI's site today:
Ms. Palin's experience in government makes Barack Obama look like George C. Marshall. She served two terms on the city council of Wasilla, Alaska, population 9,000. She served two terms as mayor. In November, 2006, she was elected governor of the state, a job she has held for a little more than 18 months. She has zero foreign policy experience, and no record on national security issues.All this would matter less, but for this fact: The day that John McCain announced his selection of Sarah Palin was his birthday. His 72nd birthday. Seventy-two is not as old as it used to be, but Mr. McCain had a bout with melanoma seven years ago, and his experience in prison camp has uncertain implications for his future health.
If anything were to happen to a President McCain, the destiny of the free world would be placed in the hands of a woman who until recently was a small-town mayor.
Obviously, the fact that a prominent conservative writer is giving voice to this argument should make it a bit tougher for Republicans to yell about the "age card" when Dems point out that the choice of Palin puts McCain's age on the table.
But, but alaska is across the bering strait from the red menace. Frum must not have gotten the memo.
September 2, 2008 11:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Greg, post this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Re0vmbtHK8
September 2, 2008 11:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
"We don't say we're Americans..." I can't wait to see the flag waivers explain this one away.
September 2, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Pretty good and well put together video. And she was supporting the secessionists just in MARCH!
September 2, 2008 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, my God! That is priceless. Ok, it's noon est. Any bets on what comes out by 3:00 p.m.? Anyone. Today has been amazing already.
This is tooooooo funny. Now the dems can get a ton of mileage out of that video and attack both her and mcbush's patriotism to boot. Way, way too funny. I absolutely love it. Now where is moveon to do an ad splicing this stuff. They should get it out there now! I think the obama campaign should remain silent, but moveon have at it. Tooo funny.
September 2, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Now that I am to be Vice President, I am proud of America for the first time."
September 2, 2008 1:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I second the motion to post this video -- it not only captures the wacky, flaky, paranoid political world that she comes from, but also includes an explicit dis, from her own mouth, of the citizens of the 49 other states.
September 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's pretty weak sauce. The video is unconvincing and serves only to distract from the real issues of her experience and suitability for the job in light of real performance issues like Troopergate.
September 2, 2008 1:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are kidding, right? The AIP wants alaska to secede from the united states. How is that weak sauce? By the way, she is nominated as candidate for vice president of the United States, in case that wasn't clear.
September 2, 2008 1:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
"weak sauce"?
Um, no, that's actually grain alcohol(99%).
Anyone who contemplates, or supports secession from the USA is by definition, not a loyal American (pronounced 'Murcan).
September 2, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is this the opening salvo in a "dump Sarah" campaign from the Right?
September 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
The levy, my friends, has been breached.
September 2, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
The far right is not going to dump her without cause. It would take some major breach with her "values" positions for them to lose faith. They're pleased as punch. McCain is held hostage by them; or, rather, he has submitted (best to state the agency there properly). Note the line from today's Times: "This was really kind of rushed at the end, because John didn’t get what he wanted. He wanted to do Joe or Ridge."
He submitted to the far right for the choice and will hold to her for the duration, unless the far right decides she has to go. Which I doubt they will.
September 2, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. Tucker Bounds can't be having a good day, which is a delightful thought. The question is becoming apparent: Will the center hold? When people like Frum speak out it only gives cover to other moderate Republicans to step forward. McCain is in a world of hurt.
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
September 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Got Tums?
September 2, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, good bye.
or alternatively:
Ding dong the GOP is dead, the GOP the GOP is dead.
:)
September 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Did anyone see Chuck Todd just now interview Rich Baer? It was a classic reason I do not like Todd as a political analyst, he doesn't know data, only numbers!! After asking Baer about Palin's flip-flop on the Bridge to Nowhere and her keeping the federal funds, Todd allowed Baer to rebut by saying Obama has more earmarks than any other US Senator, and the statement went unchalleged by Todd.
Todd should know from the primaries, that HRC has the highest earmarks in the Senate, with 2.2B in earmarks she is the Queen of Pork.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aXWIZU3DOyr4
MSNBC is infuriating me this morning allowing all these GOP talking points to go unchallenged.
I am especially pissed that they continue to compare Palin to Obama when she is not running for President. There is no comparison of Palin to Obama...but of course they want to skip over Biden. His immediate gravitas and experience show Palin to be the Barbie doll affirmative action biblethumpinpolarbearkilling pick she is.
September 2, 2008 12:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
I only wish you were reporting this from the future. I'm afraid that Palin is simply a well planned distraction so they can march in someone like Lieberman or Ridge at the last minute and have Republican's across the board breath a sigh of relief.
September 2, 2008 1:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I freaking love it. Once these guys start to turn on McCain, it's over. The chorus will only grow louder. Expect chants of "Romney, Romney!" to be bellowed from the floor in St. Paul. God, it is so nice to finally watch the Republican Party self-destruct.
September 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
But she's Commander-in-Chief of the Alaskan National Guard! Don't you remember Alaska declaring war on Iraq?
September 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, it makes McDottard look like Gen. Marshall -- dead!
September 2, 2008 11:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
But SFCWallace says it's only TPM and the DailyKos that are tearing her down...
September 2, 2008 11:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, and Lalo says we are hanging ourselves.
Do we believe them?
September 2, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I think the conservative voices are out there, too, as indicated by Frum's article, which is great. That AIP video is amazing, and great news as well. To be fair to Lalo, I agree that some of this is dumb. Huffpost currently has a featured article on the home page with a picture of the father of the child and a report about his myspace page. "Hahahhaha, he's a redneck. Hahahaha." Don't you think THAT is stupid?
As long as everything's getting tied back to McCain's inability to make a good decision and the incompetence of his campaign, it comes out good. But if it looks like we're making fun of a 17-year-old kid who likes hockey, then we just look like assholes.
September 2, 2008 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, it was the kid himself who claimed to be "a fucking redneck."
Slight difference.
September 2, 2008 1:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Frankly, I am finding all the hand-wringing a little hard to understand. Most of what I am reading here and elsewhere from commenters critical of Palin is completely legitimate (not to mention completely understandable) political discourse. Still there seems to be some unreasoning dread that we are under a political sword of damocles from the right, with the Great Backlash only moments away.
Palin is a huge mass of news, and it would be very surprising if most people didn't want to learn about and talk about that news.
September 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rev. Wright who?
September 2, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, this was supposed to be a reply to elonepb above.
I wish I could've blamed this one on the server..
September 2, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
At this rate, Tucker Bounds is going to blame the Palin problem on the TPM server.
September 2, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
The TPM server is in Ascot, Australia.
Ya know, one of those Pacific-Rim neighbors of Alaska.
September 2, 2008 1:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have to say, if that comes up I think Palin's secessionist ties defuse it rather well.
September 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
True, that. Who hates America more?
September 2, 2008 12:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Do you think Reverend Wright loves Alaska as much as you do?"
September 2, 2008 12:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
LMFAOL!
September 2, 2008 1:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whatever, only Democrats hate America. Haven't you heard?
September 2, 2008 2:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
What does Frum know. He completely overlooks Sarah Palin's greatest strength:
She is Pro Sexual Abstinence, and Anti-Abortion, and she has an unwed pregnant daughter as living proof that she is great pro-life, family values American. Yup! Yup!. She sure is. Yup! Yup!
McCAIN/FAILIN' 2008BC YUP! YUP!
September 2, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
You forgot that she hunts and kills moose and I heard through the grapevine that she's so tough that when her last son was born she cut the umbilical cord with her own teeth.
September 2, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
"She's little but she's strong. Her last baby, it came out sideways, she didn't scream or nuttin'"
September 2, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
She's so tough she went back in time and cut Chuck Norris' umbilical cord with her own teeth.
September 2, 2008 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Re: Billysunday .. "Expect chants of Romney, Romney..."
I've been thinking the same thing. First that the convention wouldn't vote for Palin. Now that they won't vote for McCain.
September 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
The very fact that we have been up to our necks in concern trolls since this started ought to tell us just how worried the right is.
September 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, I was just thinking that we've been pretty troll free since Palin was announced. Only 1 sighting of DemBill is all I've seen.
September 2, 2008 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think that they are all still in shock.
September 2, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Check the Reader's Posts - the comments are full of concern - and these have been too for the last two days.
There have been hundreds of "o god we can't go there" posts - if that isn't concern, then I guess I'm confused.
September 2, 2008 12:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin was selected via McCain headquarters dartboard and would make a horrible veep. I don't really see why we can't "go there".
September 2, 2008 12:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Frankly, I am finding all the hand-wringing a little hard to understand. Most of what I am reading here and elsewhere from commenters critical of Palin is completely legitimate (not to mention completely understandable) political discourse. Still there seems to be some unreasoning dread that we are under a political sword of damocles from the right, with the Great Backlash only moments away.
Palin is a huge mass of news, and it would be very surprising if most people didn't want to learn about and talk about that news.
September 2, 2008 4:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Frankly, I am finding all the hand-wringing a little hard to understand. Most of what I am reading here and elsewhere from commenters critical of Palin is completely legitimate (not to mention completely understandable) political discourse. Still there seems to be some unreasoning dread that we are under a political sword of damocles from the right, with the Great Backlash only moments away.
Palin is a huge mass of news, and it would be very surprising if most people didn't want to learn about and talk about that news.
September 2, 2008 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Frankly, I am finding all the hand-wringing a little hard to understand. Most of what I am reading here and elsewhere from commenters critical of Palin is completely legitimate (not to mention completely understandable) political discourse. Still there seems to be some unreasoning dread that we are under a political sword of damocles from the right, with the Great Backlash only moments away.
Palin is a huge mass of news, and it would be very surprising if most people didn't want to learn about and talk about that news.
September 2, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Frankly, I am finding all the hand-wringing a little hard to understand. Most of what I am reading here and elsewhere from commenters critical of Palin is completely legitimate (not to mention completely understandable) political discourse. Still there seems to be some unreasoning dread that we are under a political sword of damocles from the right, with the Great Backlash only moments away.
Palin is a huge mass of news, and it would be very surprising if most people didn't want to learn about and talk about that news.
September 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, and usually DBC is decidedly nasty. Last time he visited us, he had a peculiar whiny, panicky tone. We're in a very weird zone in this campaign...
September 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's DBC?
September 2, 2008 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
One of our regular trolls - DemBillC. Not as entertaining as GotALife, nor as fun to pick on as Fogu, but consistently negative and on the attack against Obama.
I was trying to respond to a post from HyperRevue above, but the Server keeps doing weird stuff. This is Day 4 w/the Server Gremlins, isn't it?
September 2, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gotcha.
Yes, the server is a real pain in the butt. Everyone is rightfully complaining.
September 2, 2008 12:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good ol' David Frum lays it out there.
The fact that Palin makes Obama "look like George C. Marshall" is the #1 reason this was a stupid pick by McCain. A close second is the fact that it has put the issues of McCain's age and health in the spotlight.
In other words, the Palin picks has diminished Obama's primary perceived weakness and highlighted one of McCain's primary weaknesses. Good move.
And for all those saying"Rove is teh MASTERMIND!", according to Sid Blumenthal, Rove DID NOT like the Palin pick. He wanted Romney.
No, this was all McCain and his maverick mania.
September 2, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
And for all those saying"Rove is teh MASTERMIND!", according to Sid Blumenthal, Rove DID NOT like the Palin pick. He wanted Romney.
I would prefer at least another 'reliable' source? Also disappointed that Blumenthal didn't say why Rove prefered Romney?
I'm interested in this Rove angle, does that mean McCain really is trying to distance himself from the Bush and Cheney crowd, even when he wanted to go with Lieberman? and I mean really distance himself?
Confused.
September 2, 2008 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's the link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sidney-blumenthal/why-palin-mccain-v-rove_b_122841.html
According the Blumenthal this was the result of a battle of sorts between Rove and McCain.
From the article:
My information is that Karl Rove wanted Romney and pushed him. McCain pushed back. He really wanted Lieberman. That was completely out of the question. Palin is the result.
September 2, 2008 12:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I read his piece at Huffingtonpost [and his new one today]. Note he makes the statement that Rove wanted Romney, but doesn't go into why Rove wanted Romney over, say, Lieberman, or even Huckabee etc? I would v. interested in knowing more about this supposed 'war' between McCain and Rove?
September 2, 2008 12:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's true. And to be fair, it doesn't specifically say Rove didn't like Palin, just that she was not his first choice (or McCain's).
Rove is a cancer for the Republican party. His tactics may help them win elections, but the last thing McCain needs is association with Rove if he has any hope of maintaining his "maverick" image. Steve Schmidt is OK because nobody knows who he is or his relation to Rove.
September 2, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know this has been said before but if I had the sucess rate of Karl "the math" Rove I couldn't keep a job. I really think he and Mark Penn should start thier own little full o' hatefulness company. They could fight with each other over who ate all the doughnuts and leave the rest of us alone.
September 2, 2008 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
...war is a little over dramatic, ok battle? I'm finding it v. difficult to buy this story. Coz, regardless of what the media or Blumenthal say, I find it easier to believe that McCain, Rove and Lieberman have the most in common out of all the candidates -- especially with their national security focus and neocon agenda. What's Romney got?
Maybe it was a friendly battle over strategy? A strategy to overcome the power of the theocrats who may have been flexing their muscles a little too much - alienating the Bush and Cheney cabals as well as the corporate faction?
Who knows, just thoughts. I guess we will find out sooner or later.
September 2, 2008 1:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm interested in this Rove angle, does that mean McCain really is trying to distance himself from the Bush and Cheney crowd, even when he wanted to go with Lieberman? and I mean really distance himself?
Who really knows what McCain is trying to do. I'm not sure he even knows.
But, if Blumenthal is to be believed (big "if", I know) then neither Rove nor McCain got who they really wanted.
September 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's trying to be mavericky. This time it cost him big-time.
But you're right. I don't really know.
September 2, 2008 1:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
What is the process for getting rid of a veep candidate after the convention, anyhow? Do they have to do a whole renomination process?
September 2, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I question how much Sid really knows - wasn't he so sure Obama would lose? - but as for Rove - he is not involved in this election.
That should be pretty clear.
September 2, 2008 12:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't trust Blumenthal, but that's what he reported yesterday over at Huffpo.
He said the Republican party is much more fractured than most people realize.
September 2, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I believe that.
O yea - it's totally fractured, in a million pieces, all the pieces are mad at each other - the GOP as we knew it is over.
It really is. They will have to competely retool to get operational again, I think.
September 2, 2008 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
The only party the media ever reports as divided are the dems...despite the GOP clearly having a religious revial going on under their tent.
September 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Me neither.
September 2, 2008 12:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Truth and Rove never meet. He claimed that the Congress made Bush go into Iraq; also, his numbers called the 2006 election. Rove and folks have planned well for their future meal tickets.
September 2, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
The far right had too much cake! She satisfied the Repugs base but may have lost everyone else.
It seems Rove & Co. are trying to keep control of the carcass, smells and all.
September 2, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are so right - too much cake!
They got it all - they wanted it, they got it, they fucked it up and Failed and they have got to own their failure.
September 2, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
the Christian right was immediately excited about the Palin pick. The political hacks were willing to do their job and climb on the train. But the other right wing commentators were hesitant to comment immediately and took a wait and see approach. I guess we are starting to see the backlash on the right.
what fun!
September 2, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
nah, nah, nah. nah, nah, nah. hey, hey, hey.
GOOD BYE!!
Kiss my ass GOP and get the hell out of Minneapolis. Whole damn city doesn't feel right since you moved in next door. Get out! You're creeping me out...
September 2, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I expect this whole mess to be on A&E's The First 48.
September 2, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
And we thought there was a lot of drama with the Clinton campaign!
I can't wait for the "tell all" books on the McCain campaign to start surfacing.
If I were on the inside, I'd be shopping the story now.
September 2, 2008 12:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who do you think will be the first from inside McCain's Camp to spill?
September 2, 2008 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
He doesn't look much like George C. Marshall . . .
September 2, 2008 12:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
"to get along to go along, she eventually joined the Republican party..."
September 2, 2008 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not exactly a rock ribbed Republican.
September 2, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's with Repubs and naming their whiny silver spoon fed brats Tucker?
Tucker Bounds.
Tucker Carlson
Now Tucker Eskew is getting back into the mix.
September 2, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hve a friend with a Schnauser named Tucker.
September 2, 2008 12:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
They're all named for Sophie Tucker.
September 2, 2008 1:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
True is false, and false is true. Down is up. The superpowerful Big Lie tactic. So...
sed s/T/F/
... is the key to the name-game puzzle.
September 2, 2008 1:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are a lot of Republican myths going to “crash and burn” status right now. And what’s interesting is Democrats in Alaska have waited a long time for the rest of the country uhh… other states and territories to get on board.
“Sure sounds like alaska republican politics as usual. support the crooks but down the decent self respecting ones so the cant get ahead. “
September 2, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Andrew Sullivan has an excerpt from an insiders devastating portrait of Palin:
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/an-wasillan-on.html#more
September 2, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have to say, his blog has been fantastic these last few days.
September 2, 2008 12:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes it has.
Major props to Josh and Greg and Eric.
Major props guys - this is how we win elections.
September 2, 2008 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. If this Palin does not sound like Bush following Clinton...I don't know what does:
"during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents. The huge increases in tax revenues during her mayoral administration weren’t enough to fund everything on her wish list though, borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? or a new library? No. $1m for a park. $15m-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex which she rushed through to build on a piece of property that the City didn’t even have clear title to, that was still in litigation 7 yrs later--to the delight of the lawyers involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5m for road projects that could have been done in 5-7 yrs without any borrowing. While Mayor, City Hall was extensively remodeled and her office redecorated more than once. These are small numbers, but Wasilla is a very small city."
September 2, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tell me about it. I quit my job Just to sit here with a caphiter(sp) beer and the remote. I am not moving until McCain announces that he is Still a POW, and just waiting for the troops to come get him.
September 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah and my 6th unfinished novel just refuses to finish itself, too.
Dammit!
September 2, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tena, dont ya just hate that?
get a book on tape.
Sarah Palin recommends; "Politics for Dummies" and "Learn National Security in 30 Days or Less"
September 2, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not reading this one, darlin -
I'm working from the other end.
September 2, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Reminds me of a conversation I overheard between a graduate of Brown and a graduate of Hollins College (Va.) a few years ago.
Brown grad: "I am just finishing my first novel."
Hollins grad: "Really? What are you reading?"
September 2, 2008 1:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
If I were a desperate Republican or PUMA, I'd now accuse you of being sexist about the difference in a traditionally male and a traditionally female college!
September 2, 2008 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
I haven't quit but I may get fired if I keep this up.
See you later, team.
September 2, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sullivan has been on a one man crusade to take down Palin. He is pissed.
I hope he shows up again on the Bill Maher show soon.
September 2, 2008 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
But, to give him his due, he tried to like her until the evidence came forth. Then he turned savage against McCain's irresponsibility and her corruption, but he has stayed sympathetic with her family as humans.
September 2, 2008 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good stuff in that article... "Sarah Barracuda"???? OMG! You can't make this stuff up!
September 2, 2008 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'd be curious to see a poll out of Alaska right about now.
September 2, 2008 12:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, and usually DBC is decidedly nasty. Last time he visited us, he had a peculiar whiny, panicky tone. We're in a very weird zone in this campaign...
September 2, 2008 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
We really are in a weird zone - it got so very weird over Labor Day that I'm kind of dizzy -
Can this really be happening? I know we all thought they had a fucking strangle hold on America and we weren't ever going to be able to get them loose from our government.
And as much as I knew that the Rightwing movement was empty and totally devoid of any real morals or ideas (as opposed to ideology,) I think we were all scared that no one else would ever see it.
I believed all along in Americans, but I had my deep doubts.
I'm so fucking grateful that the GOP finally finally showed us their true faces.
September 2, 2008 12:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
What really interests me in all of this is the reaction of the MSM. Repubs are acting, pretty much as Repubs do - they're BS artists.
But, the MSM has been carrying McCain's water throughout this campaign. It took Palin's pick for some of them to snap out of it. I'm loving that...
September 2, 2008 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Carol, what's DBC?
September 2, 2008 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
One of our regular trolls - DemBillC. Not as entertaining as GotALife, nor as fun to pick on as Fogu, but consistently negative and on the attack against Obama.
I was trying to respond to a post from HyperRevue above, but the Server keeps doing weird stuff. This is Day 4 w/the Server Gremlins, isn't it?
September 2, 2008 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
And where is Sarah now? Locked up in a hotel room? What is going on? This is too crazy! Except, isn't this all Obama's fault?
September 2, 2008 12:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm guessing she is locked away somewhere reliving her college experience of cramming for the final exam.
September 2, 2008 12:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
As we speak, she's trying to make up a rhyme to remember all of the Middle Eastern countries and their leaders.
September 2, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, I think she's deep in the "vetting process." I picture a windowless room with cement block walls and a dim bulb hanging from the ceiling.
"I've told you everything, I swear! Oh wait...yeah, there was that one night involving a snow machine, a fifth of Jack, a loaded shotgun, some caribou, and me in my underwear and some fur - but I'm pretty sure there aren't any pictures..."
September 2, 2008 1:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Waterboard, perhaps?
September 2, 2008 1:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Where in the world is Carmen Sarah Palin? Right now she's on a virtual-reality journey to South West Africa, sitting spell-bound at the feet of her master, John McDottard, learning all about international geography. Next stop: the United Arab Republic.
Seriously, I know Palin hasn't taken any questions from the press yet, but what about McCranky? Did he take any questions during his Gustafvian photo-ops?
September 2, 2008 1:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's been 6 days since she was announced. Has she done one interview by herself or even fielded questions from reporters yet? Or how about questions from the crowd at those Town Halls McCain loves to brag about?
September 2, 2008 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm looking forward to seeing the body/facial language of John and Cindy lined up with the Palins in St. Paul.
Oh, and Megan, too. But not Bridget. They're hiding her.
I'm also trying to conjure up how red-faced McCain must have gotten when he didn't get his way on the VP pick. I thought this was supposed to be 100% his decision. And "they" told him he can't go there (Holy Joe/Ridge). "They"'ve also kept him away from the press and circumscribed him in various other ways.
He's not a candidate. He's a brand. Three letter acronym, starts with P, ends with W.
September 2, 2008 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
And let me add, he's not just demavericked, he's emasculated.
He must be soooo PTSD off.
September 2, 2008 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm still grooving on how mad and disappointed Droopy has to be.
I"m loving that.
September 2, 2008 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Did you see Pawlenty on MTP Sunday? I thought he was going to cry.
September 2, 2008 12:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think that you may be sadly disappointed. At this rate palin won't be in st. paul any time soon. She could get arrested for treason you know, promoting secession from the union and all. Anybody hear and gossip on where she is at the moment by the way? Is she in the cheney bunker?
September 2, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
ALASKA FIRST! YEAH BABY! Sarah Palin puts the sizzle into secession!/snark
September 2, 2008 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
So this was part of a piece by a Wasilla resident, found and posted on Andrew Sullivan's blog:
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/an-wasillan-on.html#more
September 2, 2008 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah is a female George, only difference is she is deviously smart.
September 2, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
You mean - she's one of the Undead?
September 2, 2008 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
That might explain alot. I still can't believe all this garbage. I didn't know one pol could have this much garbage come out like light speed. It is un-freaking-believable.
September 2, 2008 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
She got junk in her trunk!
September 2, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Too funny. Junk in a huge dump truck is more like it. I thought she was smart a couple of days ago, for some stupid reason, but obviously she is a complete idiot. She didn't think any of this stuff would come out? With all the people she pissed off in the great state/mid-sized city of alaska? It is really amazing. I love the speech to the secessionist party in MARCH OF 2008. She didn't think any of this would come out? She must still be doing some major drugs or something.
September 2, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Definitely.
Biden better watch out in the debate.
I do not know what it is about the male psyche that makes them think with their dyck when their opponent is a women and especially a 'drop dead gorgeous' woman like most men seem to think Palin is. How come competent men get all addled brain when they compete against a 'babe'?
Whatever the issue is Biden better come to this debate neutered and ready to response respectfully, knowledgeably and cogently. If nothing else he better imagine she has the face of a gorilla bear the whole time.
If that means he needs some desensitization sessions or what ever where they have him debate a woman with her body and the head of an alligator or gorilla..he best do it.
He also needs to debate a female as practice for these debates. A soft spoken female whose words are daggers but whose tone is charming. Someone who talks like that chirpy Amy on CNN she always sounds so upbeat and happy as she uses dagger words.
Biden better not underestimate Palin. I think he is smart enough not to underestimate his wife who has a PH. D. and who turned his ass down 5x before accepting his proposal.
September 2, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe he should practice debating Jill!
He can't be aggressive, he can't be patronizing. And she will go all Barracuda on him. A challenge
September 2, 2008 12:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nope!
Husbands always lose when they debate wives.
September 2, 2008 12:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
She's an idiot, vicissitudes. She's mean alright - I wouldn't ever turn my back on her. But she's an idiot.
And Joe Biden is a very happily married man with the White House in his sights - I'm so not worried.
And she'll never make it to the debates anyway, IMO.
September 2, 2008 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, Teena she is not an idiot.
Palin has what I call animal smarts, she is cunning like a animal...not a bright intellect..just cunning..she understands her prey..hers just happen to be people. She knows how to pounce and gut them. This woman is an avid hunter for a reason!! She delights in catching, killing, and eating. She fishes too, and knows how to lure. Her looks help her to disarm prey and then she goes for the jugular.
That write up Sullivan posted from a former Council member describes her character just like that.
Sarah the Barracuda is a predator.
If she were a man they would call her a ruthless competitor.
September 2, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your analysis of her character is probably accurate, which is also a liability. She pissed off way, way to many people and to think none of this garbage would come out evidences that she isn't a bright light. I'm with tena on this one. I don't think she makes it til friday. There would be huge ballot problems for mcbush if he doesn't dump her quick and get someone else. That's one of the reasons, I am sure, why they sent people to alaska to vet her, for the first time. What a train wreck.
September 2, 2008 1:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah in the veep debate will ring the rightwingers' bell all night, and they will salivate like crazy.
People living in the real world, not so much.
September 2, 2008 1:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aw. Let Biden be Biden.
Fundies are allowed to go birthing babies casually and generally acting like trash, but Biden isn't allowed a jocular extravagance now and then?
I say to hell with it.
September 2, 2008 1:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe she means DCBill, a troll.
By the way, a Roman Candle (last thread) is a backyard firework, a rocket in a cylinder. Shoots up in the air, lots of flare, maybe a pop.
You might be thinking New York Minute on the "speed" front.
September 2, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
I mean DemBillC, thanks Carol!
September 2, 2008 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks Kathleen...especially on the Roman candle. All I kept thinking about were all those candles Catholics light and going ..HUH?
September 2, 2008 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Shoot, that was for Vicissitudes.
September 2, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, if he ends up having to dump Palin, what about if he picks Cheney's daughter?
Talk about a hail Mary!
September 2, 2008 12:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
OMG!!!
Wonder what Andrew Sullivan would say then.
Cheney's daughter would have been a far better choice for the public but the christian right would NOT have thaaaaaat!
September 2, 2008 1:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ha! Everyone remember how Rove was all over Gov. Tim Kaine for having no significant experience and for just being a mayor of Richmond? Bet the MSM fails to call him on that same comparison with Palin.
September 2, 2008 1:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hi All,
Vetted or not, pregnant daughter or not, we all need to take the high road, not get bogged down in tearing down Sarah Palin (and I am not a fan I am voting for Obama), but keep the dialogue on pointing out how FAR RIGHT they are. We all need to spend the next 60+ days making calls to independent and undecided voters, reaching out, with the TRUTH of the last eight years as our witness. We need to dig deep and connect with people, and convey to them that we not only BELIEVE change will happen with Obama and Joe Biden, but that we know HOW it will happen, and that we also know that it will NOT happen with a McCain white house, and why (have talking points ready). Making this clear to independent voters, while at the same time not reacting to those who disagree with our views and values (negative energy never helps) is the way to make this happen. In taking the high road we will attract people to the Obama campaign, as well as senatorial races, state senate races, county supervisor races, etc. across this country that all matter. This is an important moment in history. And it is a fight. And while you are fighting SMILE, be peaceful and non-reactive. We are Warriors for truth, justice and freedom. Lets help our brothers and sisters to see the Light, and understand the good intent and vision of the Democratic ticket across the board. Ultimately the most powerful weapon is love. So love your "enemies," bless those who curse you, and speak the truth. Stay cheerful this next few weeks as you are giving it your all, positive energy and enthusiasm is contagious. The changes we want to make happen deserve our best efforts, and our best selves. In dangerous times, we cannot let this election become, as Obama said, “a big election about small things.”
September 2, 2008 1:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Destruction of the Republican Party: The Greatest Show on Earth!
September 2, 2008 1:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Beware of one thing, okay? Don't let this surprise you!
She is *very* good on TV. She is a former telecaster, that is her craft. Just like Reagan was an actor.
DON'T GET RATTLED and don't let the fucks try an "I told you so" on us. She is still everything else she is. Stay focused.
September 2, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't trust Rove, for all we know he's speaking out against Palin through backdoor means to make her more mavericky - Karl Rove is connected to George Bush, and with Obama's campaign running on the Bush-McCain link, having Rove say that she wasn't his pick adds to the separation from BushCo. that McCain is looking for.
Of course Rove is very likely overrated - I mean he beat Gore because of Nader and the Supreme Court and Kerry was damn close considering the Nation was at war (and didn't hate it yet).
Rove did trash Kaine's inexperience, about how his mayor days are worthless since it was a small city, and his Governorship is lacking because it has only been three years and it's a smaller state. Now Palin comes from mayor of a town of >7000 and a state who's population is behind 20 cities. And she has only been governor for a year and a half. And she has scandals breaking left and right.
September 2, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
...Which is why the MSM framing of this choice as mavrick-y is so amusing. He's not a maverick. He has bowed to the evangelical overlords of his party. McCain's a lapdog.
September 2, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain is not a maverick.
He is a rebel or sidekick..and the record shows it.
September 2, 2008 2:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Take a look at the Pollster aggregates on the right side of the page. The writing is on the wall, and has been for a long, long time.
September 2, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink