It is characterized by the government and business coming together to run a government . . . .

"Fascism" is tremendously more complicated than that (are you talking about the 1920s Italian fascistic tradition, or the realignment during the latter stages of WWII, or the South American military states during the Cold War, or the modern iteration in Burma?) . . . but as I said, it's a quibble (hair-splitting, really). I apologize for being a poli-sci terminological pendant (but I have to put all that historical book-learnin' to use sometime, right?).

In any case, "fascism" is as useful a short-hand label as any for the 21st Century Republican Party, I suppose. I prefer "maximalist totalitarian corporatism" myself, but it's neither here nor there. Label away.

Posted at June 5, 2008 9:41 AM in response to Obama Campaigning With Potential VPs Today In Virginia

Right on. I'm really not too concerned with the so-called "deadenders" . . . most will come around by November. The hardcore Clinton supporters (e.g., Riverdaughter, et. al.) are a negligible (yet visible) minority and should simply be ignored.

BTW, a quibble: Giuliani is a fascist. McCain is merely a garden-variety authoritarian. He will not even be able to make the trains run on time.

Posted at June 5, 2008 9:23 AM in response to Obama Campaigning With Potential VPs Today In Virginia

[W]e end up saying the same shit over and over and the same names and the same arguments.

You said it. Remember: Sen. Obama is smarter than we are, and will make the wisest choice.

So saying, however, I just love the idea of Gov. Janet Napolitano as V.P. She's not the "best" choice electorally (cannot guarantee home state in the General (AZ. will probably go to McCain), has no foreign policy cred, relatively young, single, etc.) but . . . she's just awesome. Really.

And if there's one thing I've learned from this primary season, it's that going with the most awesome candidate can pay off in the end.

Posted at June 5, 2008 9:11 AM in response to Obama Campaigning With Potential VPs Today In Virginia

As a side note: isn't it about time to remove the intrade prediction market charts for the Dem and Rep nominations from TPM's sidebar? Obama and McCain are pegged at 95%, and have little chance of going anywhere. Howzabout the McCain v. Obama numbers now that we've hit the General Election season (finally!)?

Posted at June 5, 2008 8:29 AM in response to Hillary: "I Intend To Deliver" On Vow To Strongly Support Obama

I think I can say this without any irony whatsoever:

This is excellent news for Hillary.

(!!!)

Posted at June 5, 2008 8:06 AM in response to Hillary: "I Intend To Deliver" On Vow To Strongly Support Obama

Sinbad's agent did not bring Sinbad to Kosovo. Sinbad went upon his own initiative. IN ORDER TO SOLVE THE CRISIS! WHICH HE DID!

Why is Iraq in such a terrible situation? BECAUSE SINBAD IS NOT THERE!

(Paid for by Sinbad For President)

Posted at March 9, 2008 1:34 PM in response to SINBAD SPEAKS!!

Do not question Sinbad's syntax!

Sinbad SOLVED THE KOSOVO CRISIS. Did you solve the Kosovo crisis? No. I do not think so. Therefore, you have no right to criticize Sinbad's personal narrative perspective.

Sinbad knows what is right for Sinbad!

(Paid for by Sinbad For President)

Posted at March 9, 2008 1:30 PM in response to Fast Eddy Obama

SINBAD FOR PRESIDENT! SINBAD '08!

He solved Kosovo! Isn't that enough?

(Note: Catchy slogan needed. Also, policies.)

Posted at March 9, 2008 12:58 AM in response to SINBAD SPEAKS!!

SINBAD FOR PRESIDENT! SINBAD '08!

I am dedicated to Sinbad's candidacy. Hooray!

Posted at March 8, 2008 11:53 PM in response to Obama Wins Wyoming, Networks Say

But . . . but . . . but . . . MY candidate is superior in every quantifiable way to YOUR candidate! Everything your candidate does is a lie/smear/trick while everything my candidate does is perfect.

The same thing goes for my local sports team over your local sports team, as well as for my spouse over your spouse.

Posted at March 5, 2008 9:38 AM in response to Obama and Clinton Supporters Must Drop Out of the Race