October 27, 2006
SLEAZY ADVERTISING....Michael Grunwald writes an honest piece today in the Washington Post about the wildly negative campaigning going on in the Republican camp this election cycle. He briefly suggests that "some Democrats are playing rough, too" and provides a couple of examples but immediately acknowledges that virtually all Democratic ads have focused on policies and performance. Not so on the other side:
The result has been a carnival of ugly, especially on the GOP side, where operatives are trying to counter what polls show is a hostile political environment by casting opponents as fatally flawed characters. The National Republican Campaign Committee is spending more than 90 percent of its advertising budget on negative ads, according to GOP operatives, and the rest of the party seems to be following suit.
See? It's not so hard to simply report the facts, is it?
—Kevin Drum 1:46 AM
Permalink
| Trackbacks
| Comments (93)
Who's the problem here?
That wild eyed lefty lunatic.. Howard Dean?
Or that rational, well respected guardian of traditional family values... Karl Rove?
Looks like Karl better sharpen up that resume.
--
Dems in a landslide on Nov. 7. Write it down... it's happening... election fraud and all. 6 mos. later.. Bush resigns, Cheney is dead of a heart attack, the Republican Party eats their own.
Good times, good times.
Posted by: Jay in Oregon on October 27, 2006 at 2:00 AM | PERMALINK
But Kevin, you're forgetting the job of a reporter isn't to report facts, it's to prove to conservatives the news isn't biased against them.
Posted by: Mark Halperin on October 27, 2006 at 2:01 AM | PERMALINK
Dems seem to be afraid of airing ads which are negative but true.
Nothing wrong with contrasting various documented false statements of the lying Repub leaders on the split screen and ending with 'Tired of the lies?'.
Posted by: gregor on October 27, 2006 at 2:02 AM | PERMALINK
OT: does anyone have a link to the Michael J Fox ad that is downloadable - not the YouTube link, but a QT or mpeg that I can download.
Thanks.
Posted by: craigie on October 27, 2006 at 2:13 AM | PERMALINK
but immediately acknowledges that virtually all Democratic ads have focused on policies and performance
CLICK THE LINK. ALWAYS CLICK THE LINK. Grunwald gives several examples of Democrats playing it rough.
Link
"House candidate Chris Carney is running ads slamming the "family values" of Rep. Don Sherwood (R-Pa.), whose former mistress accused him of choking her. And House candidate Kirsten Gillibrand has an ad online ridiculing Rep. John E. Sweeney (R-N.Y.) for attending a late-night fraternity party. "What's a 50-year-old man doing at a frat party anyway?" one young woman asks, as a faux Sweeney boogies behind her to the Beastie Boys. "Totally creeping me out!" another responds."
Posted by: Al on October 27, 2006 at 2:22 AM | PERMALINK
But we are Americans. We don't want facts in our news. We want skateboarding ducks.
Posted by: craigie on October 27, 2006 at 2:31 AM | PERMALINK
LICK THE PINK. ALWAYS LICK THE PINK.
Posted by: Disputo on October 27, 2006 at 2:38 AM | PERMALINK
Craigie - I know it is on the Claire Mccaskill website. www.claireonline.com
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 2:42 AM | PERMALINK
I live in a state that is awash with Publican sleaze. In my TV market, I get treated to Jim Talent ads that are still running two days after the Kansas City Star requested he stop airing them because they are deceptive and dishonest. Sam Graves is trying to smear his opponent with a job she had ten years ago selling ads for Omni magazine by implying she worked for Penthouse because Guccionne owned them both. he puts three big red XXX's on her face and everything.
Disturbing. And desperate.
Thank God Emmanuel Cleaver and Dennis Moore arent advertising. Moore has as his opponent a guy who looks like a 16-year-old in an ill-fitting suit, who has all of 12 dollars in his warchest. (I'm beign generous.) Kathleen Sebelius ads, on the other hand, are practically delightful, they are positive and well done.
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 2:48 AM | PERMALINK
Al, youre joking right?
Grunwald gives several examples of Democrats playing it rough.
"House candidate Chris Carney is running ads slamming the "family values" of Rep. Don Sherwood (R-Pa.), whose former mistress accused him of choking her
Since when is quoting the police blotter playing it rough?
Posted by: Keith G on October 27, 2006 at 2:52 AM | PERMALINK
This link will take you everywhere you need to go to get the scoop on the Talent/KCStar flap.
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 2:57 AM | PERMALINK
Take the fucking gloves off, hell pick up a baseball bat, and swing the fucker...HARD. These crass, feckless, soulless thugs deserve to get the same fucking they have been so keen to give all these years.
I am sick of namby-pamby dems who "respectfully hate to disagree" to the point of nausea.
i do not hate to disagree, I do not respect most of their positions, and I am not going to take their abuse without fighting back.
Fuck them.
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 3:15 AM | PERMALINK
Here is the video of Rush Limbaugh mocking Michael J. Fox, courtesy of Crooks & Liars.
Makes me so proud to be from Missouri that I cold stick my head in the oven. What did hamletta say yesterday? It's the kinda thing your mama would have slapped you silly for when you were six, if you've any kind of mama at all?
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 3:24 AM | PERMALINK
Of course they're going negative. The Republicans can't exactly run on their record, can they? Iraq, Katrina, Abramoff, Foley, record deficits, lousy economy, expensive energy -- to what can they point with pride? Nothing. So the only thing left in their bag of tricks is slime.
Posted by: bad Jim on October 27, 2006 at 3:31 AM | PERMALINK
The ad seems to be pretty good. Digby notes:
Among all respondents, support for stem cell research increased from 78% prior to viewing the ad, to 83% after viewing the ad. Support among Democrats increased from 89% to 93%, support among Republicans increased from 66% to 68% and support among Independents increased from 80% to 87% after viewing the ad.
Here's his subsequent interview with Katie Couric.
The ad itself seems to be up at YouTube.
Posted by: bad Jim on October 27, 2006 at 3:40 AM | PERMALINK
Yeah. Mark Foley, and the endless reprinting of dirty IM messages. That was ALL about policies.
Democrats over the years have given as good as they have gotten, and then some. This constant "who, us? Dirty politics?" meme is a load of bollocks.
Posted by: monkeybone on October 27, 2006 at 4:20 AM | PERMALINK
I just read two articles, one in the Post, the other in the Times, about how thrilled conservatives are about the NJ Supreme Court ruling. Gawd, I'm getting sick thinking that we may have another election turn on the issue of gay marriage.
Posted by: KC on October 27, 2006 at 4:26 AM | PERMALINK
The Republican's here in Washington State don't even mention their party affiliation on their yard signs or their campaign ads. The slurs and lies are the only way you can tell that they are Republican'ts.
And running an ad that speaks the truth isn't a smear. Sherwood did abuse his mistress. Or is that a family value?
Posted by: merlallen on October 27, 2006 at 6:28 AM | PERMALINK
See? It's not so hard to simply report the facts, is it?
But the facts have a liberal bias, and the so-called liberal media is too eager to appease the wingnuts.
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 6:30 AM | PERMALINK
The real problem with negative campaigning is that it builds no consensus about real issues. When the creeps who win elections solely by negative campaigning get into office, like George W. Bush, there is no public support for issues that are important. Thus, Bush is a one-trick pony - being supposedly "tough on terror" (ha-ha, can I mention My Pet Goat?), but he has no public mandate to govern and to resolve important issues like health care and public education. And problems fester....
As I have posted countless times on this blog - Republicans may know how to win elections, but they sure don't know how to govern!
Posted by: The Conservative Deflator on October 27, 2006 at 7:08 AM | PERMALINK
Of course they're going negative. The Republicans can't exactly run on their record, can they? Iraq, Katrina, Abramoff, Foley, record deficits, lousy economy, expensive energy -- to what can they point with pride? Nothing. So the only thing left in their bag of tricks is slime.
Word. And the point is, my friends -- and you loathsome GOP-shilling tolls -- is that the Republicans, for all the confident bluster from Bush and Rove (who moreso than Bush has his reputation and career on the line this time 'round) are scared. And they're showing their true colors -- yellow.
When Limbaugh makes such an effort to mock Michael J. Fox's ad (and of course Katie Couric dutifully picked up that topic, not the candidates' positions on stem cell research -- mission accomplished for our so-called "liberal media"!), you know it's hard hitting and effective. They have to hit back, and bogus accusations of being off their meds is all they have.
Not unlike being unable to counter the Lancet study with anything but a "gut feeling" the numbers are too high. Right, Kevin?
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 7:35 AM | PERMALINK
Mark Foley, and the endless reprinting of dirty IM messages. That was ALL about policies.
Sure was, bonehead -- the GOP's policy of covering up for the guy. Some voters seem to have a problem with that, you know.
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 7:37 AM | PERMALINK
The GOP has nothing but fear to sell.
So what did you expect? That they'd run on their accomplishments? Such as . . . ?
Posted by: chuck on October 27, 2006 at 7:39 AM | PERMALINK
i do not hate to disagree, I do not respect most of their positions, and I am not going to take their abuse without fighting back.
I agree with Global Citizen. You can't take a knife to a gunfight. And the Dems didn't make these rules. Gingrich, Norquist, et al made them. Let them succumb to the animal they bred - and unleash on us every 2 years.
Posted by: chuck on October 27, 2006 at 7:46 AM | PERMALINK
Mark Foley, and the endless reprinting of dirty IM messages.
I think you mean felonious, dirty IM messages.
Again, what is sleezy about quoting state evidence that will be used in the prosecution of Foley?
Posted by: chuck on October 27, 2006 at 7:48 AM | PERMALINK
I agree the Harold Ford/Playmate ad is an embarrassment to me and my party - we should not get in the gutter like that.
Posted by: minion of rove on October 27, 2006 at 8:04 AM | PERMALINK
Vote Republican or wild dogs will roam the streets eating your children! If DEMONRATS win, Nancy Pelosi will rip the fetuses out of wombs with her bare hands and sacrifice them to Cthulu! Osama will be Secretary of State and will force your daughters to become sex slaves for his new Caliphate!
Posted by: Senator Halitosis on October 27, 2006 at 8:12 AM | PERMALINK
I agree the Harold Ford/Playmate ad is an embarrassment to me and my party - we should not get in the gutter like that.
You're too modest, minion...the Republican Party's performance over the last six years is an embarrassment to you and your party. But I'm a little perplexed, given that you're so eager to rattle off any number of straw men and other phony, bullshit arguments without the smallest shred of shame, and continue to post here no matter how often your lies are exposed, the notion that you're capable of embarrassment is an assertion not in evidence.
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 8:14 AM | PERMALINK
Chuck said: "You can't take a knife to a gunfight." But check out James Coburn's Britt in The Magnificent Seven. Knife beats gun. Or as some other Western character said, "Fast is good, but accuracy is fatal." A good, slashing, precise comeback to Republican sledgehammer-stupid ads, like Ford's response ad to the Playboy thing, has more power to win over the intelligent uncommitted voter than just blasting back in outrage. Democrats, unfortunately, too often forget that.
Posted by: Dan on October 27, 2006 at 9:04 AM | PERMALINK
Kevin, it shouldn't be so hard, really, especially in light of the fact that the GOP actively and loudly publicized the fact that they were going to go all negative a couple of months ago. Due to that fact alone the press should have no problem differentiating on this topic AND calling out the GOP on it.
Posted by: bubba on October 27, 2006 at 9:15 AM | PERMALINK
You know, in light of the pathetic efforts of Kevin's trolls these days, I almost miss tbrosz' "you're kidding yourself if you think the Democrats are simon-pure" routine.
Oh, wait -- no, I don't really.
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 9:22 AM | PERMALINK
In Massachusetts, Deval Patrick has steadfastly resisted the pressure to respond to Healey's ads in kind, has stuck with his mostly-positive, policy-oriented approach--and after a brief dip down to only a 13 point lead, he's back up to a 25 point lead.
Healey's vicious ads have hurt her, not Patrick.
But, hey, maybe that's just us crazy Bay Staters.
Or maybe not.
Posted by: Lis Carey on October 27, 2006 at 9:24 AM | PERMALINK
I've seen a couple of WONDERFUL Democratic ads recently...LOVE the talking to the bush ad (wondered if making it a "burning bush" would have been "over the top"?) and the other pretty much lumped all the failures and corruptions together (that needs to be shown 24/7 for the next week). Of course they must go NEGATIVE...it is ALL they have! Expect the BLAME CLINTON(s) to crop up next week too...I so want to see somone wipe that smirk of Bush's face...and take the pursed lips off Rummy. A bonus would be to actually see the RIGHTIES turn on Limbaugh...because what we've seen with the Michael Fox story is ALL that Limpballs is about and always have been and they have eaten it up for over 16 years!!!
Posted by: Dancer on October 27, 2006 at 9:26 AM | PERMALINK
Dan,
Good point with one exception - Think Charles Bronson.
Believe that Coburn was the one who took a thirty thirty to a quick draw contest in "Waterhole Number Three". This is where, as he walked out of the saloon to have a high noon event, he pulled a Winchester out of a saddle sling, laid it over the saddle and from behind the horse dispatched the bad guy. Then the music started which said "Do unto others, before they can do it unto you - that's the code of the west"
Posted by: thethirdPaul on October 27, 2006 at 9:26 AM | PERMALINK
the thirdPaul
Sorry, Bronson was Bernardo in M7, working for his dinner and a shack in the back. Coburn was the cowboy at the train depot who is challenged to a quickdraw by Robert Wilke, Coburn's knife against the loudmouth's gun. Coburn dies at the end of the movie, his switchblade buried in an adobe wall.
Posted by: Dan on October 27, 2006 at 9:42 AM | PERMALINK
in re: bringing a knife to a gunfight.
If you're smart (whether most D's are about this remains to be seen) you don't bring either.
What you do, is maneuver the bullying gunslinger so they're standing on that red X on the pavement.
You know, the one where the piano is gonna land.
Or the 16-ton safe - whatever works for you.
Posted by: kenga on October 27, 2006 at 9:48 AM | PERMALINK
I'm still trying to figure out if the NIE is the piano, or if Foley is.
Posted by: kenga on October 27, 2006 at 9:50 AM | PERMALINK
The RNC has raised eyebrows with an ad consisting almost entirely of al-Qaeda videos starring Osama bin Laden and his top deputies. There is no sound except the ticking of a bomb before the final warning: "These are the stakes. Vote November 7th." John G. Geer, a Vanderbilt professor who has written a book defending negative political ads, said he told a well-connected Republican friend in Washington that the ticking-bomb ploy seemed like a desperation move. The friend e-mailed back: "John, we're desperate!"
Finally, the answer to what happened to Osama Bin Laden.
He's making attack ads for the Republican Party!!!
Posted by: Ray Waldren on October 27, 2006 at 9:54 AM | PERMALINK
Click the link, click the link, click the...
Best takeawy from the Grunwald story:
John G. Geer, a Vanderbilt professor who has written a book defending negative political ads, said he told a well-connected Republican friend in Washington that the ticking-bomb ploy seemed like a desperation move. The friend e-mailed back: "John, we're desperate!"
Nuff said.
Posted by: Friend of Labor on October 27, 2006 at 10:00 AM | PERMALINK
I'm in CT, and I'm seeing plenty of negative ads, but they are qualitatively different. Lamont has a negative ad against Lieberman that uses Lieberman's actual words in support of the Bush administration. Lieberman's negative ads against Lamont are all fear-mongering speculation.
Posted by: maurinsky on October 27, 2006 at 10:02 AM | PERMALINK
Yesterday Talent aired his response to the Fox stem cell ad last night. It was far and away the best ad yet in his run against McCaskill. It had the ring of truth. It didn't demean his opponent. If he had used that approach throughout the campaign, he would be cruising. As it is he is in a dog fight and might lose.
When are the so called "professionals" going to learn how to run an election campaign that doesn't damage their own candidate?
What is it about Republicans and their need to divide America?
Posted by: Ron Byers on October 27, 2006 at 10:04 AM | PERMALINK
SLEAZY REPUBLICAN PUNDITS.
And there's a good write up in the NYT whereby Republican Advisers tell why the GOP is in trouble and what the problem is BUT every single one of them got it wrong, listening to FOX News BS too much, I guess.
I can tell you want Americans, particularly those that cared about real conservatism, saw happening with the GOP and Bush. The GOP let Bush do whatever the hell he wanted as long as the GOP could do whatever the hell THEY wanted too - whatever pork project and/or political outcome a K-Street lobbyist wanted and for price of NO over-sight. Bush didn't check the GOP and GOP didn't check Bush. It was mutual agreement to loot taxpayer money for pet projects and to enrich GOP congressional pockets.
Republicans spend taxpayer money like NO liberal could ever dream of spending it and let Bush do whatever corrupt, crooked, immoral and deceitful thing Bush wanted to do in exchange for never vetoing a single GOP pork project.
Illegal wiretaps, torturing any person Bush labeled an enemy combatant" in any foreign, undisclosed prison was NO problem-o as long as Bush NEVER veto anything the GOP wanted, and Bush never did veto as single bill except that stemcell thing for those controling evangelicals that Amy Sullivan believes Bush doesn't listen too, ONLY Bush does listen to that powerful group, indeed Bush could not do otherwise.
There is NOTHING conservative about Republican congress - indeed there never has been a single record set by Republican for being good on economic issues. Nobody spends as liberally as Republicans so this bit about Republicans being better for the ecomony, or better at spending is nothing but a BIG FAT LIE. A rumor that has not one single factual base item of being true.
Posted by: Cheryl on October 27, 2006 at 10:17 AM | PERMALINK
Not unlike being unable to counter the Lancet study with anything but a "gut feeling" the numbers are too high.
More than "gut feelings" apparently.
Posted by: tyrone on October 27, 2006 at 10:45 AM | PERMALINK
tyrone, constipation is still a gut feeling.
Posted by: kenga on October 27, 2006 at 10:59 AM | PERMALINK
No Weenies-of-Misdirection (WMDs) This Year
If you think you might lose a race call your opponent a faggot or at least infer that he/she has a weenie-of-misdirection (WMD).
This is axiomatic to the entrail suckers who go by Karl Rove's playbook.
Mark Foley's demise has ruined this tactic and it is sweet, sweet justice.
Posted by: cognitorex on October 27, 2006 at 11:02 AM | PERMALINK
off topic -- here is another interesting item about the housing balloon bust:
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/26/D8L0FA5G0.html
As to "negative ads" -- I seem to have been reading plenty of negativity about the Republicans this year, everything from exaggerations about what is wrong to personal attacks. In these threads, it has been all about Ney, and none about Mollohan (to pick on obvious contrast).
I suppose it's natural for Democrats to claim all the time what good folks they are, including that 90% or so of the press who are Democrats.
In California, this is a good year for ticket splitting: Schwarzenegger for Gov, Brown for Attorney General, Feinstein for Senate, Chiang for Controller, etc. Whaddya think, KD -- you supporting Bustamante for insurance commissioner?
Posted by: papago on October 27, 2006 at 11:07 AM | PERMALINK
Dan,
Yes, you are correct - However, when the seven were being assembled, there was a scene where Bernardo had a quick draw contest - He used a knife to outdraw the other guy who tried to use a gun.
However, on a high road, Governor Kulongoski of Oregon has finally starting spending money on straight forward ads featuring what he believes to be his achievements - Not one mention of the other side.
Meanwhile Saxton keeps showing ads which do not stand up to scrutiny - When challenged as to their veracity, the Saxton people respond that they have no evidence in which to back their attacks, but they really do want to discuss the "nuances" of their ads.
However, the race still remains close. Strange race. The liberal Democrats are not fond of Kulongoski. The ultra conservatives are not fond of the moderate views of Saxton.
Posted by: thethirdPaul on October 27, 2006 at 11:11 AM | PERMALINK
"The result has been a carnival of ugly, especially on the GOP side,...." - Kevin
Have you guys not been paying attention for the last four years while Reps. have been tarred and feathered and drug through the swamp by everyone on the left from Dean to Pelosi to Reid.
You guys really are juvenile and comical.
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 11:13 AM | PERMALINK
Have you guys not been paying attention for the last four years while Reps. have been tarred and feathered and drug through the swamp by everyone on the left from Dean to Pelosi to Reid
Because Limbaugh told you so.
Examples please. No really, Put up or STFU.
Posted by: ckelly on October 27, 2006 at 11:29 AM | PERMALINK
Yes, it is indeed dispicable how the Justice Department has drug so many Reps through slime into prison.
Posted by: thethirdPaul on October 27, 2006 at 11:30 AM | PERMALINK
"VOTE of us, we're not Republicans!"
Great strategy. Really energizes people to believe in the manner in which you will lead.
Instead of voting Democratic, why not stay home and read another Jim Webb book.
Posted by: Orwell on October 27, 2006 at 11:31 AM | PERMALINK
Just thought you might need some more evidence to keep the wheels spinning.
Posted by: Orwell on October 27, 2006 at 11:32 AM | PERMALINK
I hope Scott Howell dies a miserable death.
Posted by: repug on October 27, 2006 at 11:33 AM | PERMALINK
I can always tell that an ad is pro-Republican, because around here, they are all the same:
Ad shows grainy, blurry pictures of a politician, unkempt and unshaven. Ominous music plays in the background. A voiceover says: "John Dingledorf wants to pass a law requiring you to hire known child molesters as baby sitters for your toddlers."
Posted by: Daryl McCullough on October 27, 2006 at 11:35 AM | PERMALINK
More than "gut feelings" apparently.
Nuts.
The Johns Hopkins study has been endorsed by the statisticians and epidemiolgists who routinely do these kinds of estimates. The spread of numbers, in fact, indicates that the routinely quoted mid-point has a good chance of being too low.
Posted by: Jeffrey Davis on October 27, 2006 at 11:42 AM | PERMALINK
Just thought you might need some more evidence to keep the wheels spinning.
"Orwell," you and evidence are strangers to each other. I'm amused, though, that as the party to shill for sinks in the mire of its own sleaze, you still hold your nose and fling your poo.
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 11:48 AM | PERMALINK
Orwell writes: "VOTE of us, we're not Republicans!" Great strategy.
That reminds me of this Tom the Dancing Bug cartoon, with the line: The Republicans and Democrats spent so much time saying they're against baby-eating, they never really said what they're for.
When one party is adding trillions to the federal debt, killing hundreds of American soldiers and tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians in a pointless war, flaming the fuels of anti-Americanism throughout the world, taking away the liberties that our country was based on, polarizing the country, setting Americans against one another for political gain, routinely selling their votes in return for campaign donations, etc.
Well, I don't see why one needs any more reason to vote Democratic than they're not Republicans. Even if (and I don't believe this is true) Democrats are just as bad, it's still wise to vote the Republicans out. Punish the party in power when things go sour. That's really the most that we can do in a representative democracy.
Posted by: Daryl McCullough on October 27, 2006 at 11:49 AM | PERMALINK
More than "gut feelings" apparently.
Apparently not.
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 11:49 AM | PERMALINK
I'm amused to see the only entry so far (other than Jay's empty assertion) in the Tbrosz Memorial "Democrats Do It Too!" category is mhr's reference to the 1964 Johnson/Goldwater race! Sufferin' cats!
Bonus points go to Matthew R. Marler for this straw man: I suppose it's natural for Democrats to claim all the time what good folks they are, including that 90% or so of the press who are Democrats.
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 11:54 AM | PERMALINK
Here is the video of Rush Limbaugh mocking Michael J. Fox, courtesy of Crooks & Liars.
Hey Global! I listened to Rush yesterday, and he uh, explained that, uh, he was um, he was, he was just doing that to um, to illustrate on his web cam, uh, the effects of Parkinson's. Ya, see, he wasn't mocking, just explaining. Wait, there's some screeching sound coming from my living room. Oh, it's the bullshit alarm going off. Better go check on that.
Seriously, Lush Rimjob is rectal crust. Nothing more.
Posted by: E. Henry Thripshaw on October 27, 2006 at 12:01 PM | PERMALINK
Dems in a landslide on Nov. 7. Write it down... it's happening... election fraud and all. 6 mos. later.. Bush resigns, Cheney is dead of a heart attack, the Republican Party eats their own.
Meanwhile Rush comes out of the closet and starts dating Mann Coulter.
Posted by: E. Henry Thripshaw on October 27, 2006 at 12:04 PM | PERMALINK
E. Henry Thripshaw on October 27, 2006 at 12:04 PM:
Meanwhile Rush comes out of the closet and starts dating Mann Coulter.
Why would he do that when he has so many fleshy, young Dominican boys and girls to choose from?
Now that's casting opponents as fatally flawed chracters..
Posted by: grape_crush on October 27, 2006 at 12:20 PM | PERMALINK
Oh here we go again.
Cheney says he'll waterboard prisoners and NOW the Whitehouse denys Cheney ever said that, even as Cheney clearly did say that.
Time for Rice to go aboard and say "we don't torture again" when it is so obvious that the US is does indeed torture prisoners. And the press fails yet again to declare the administration lies outright. Is the press ever going to stand up as a whole and declare the Bush administation does nothing but tell outright lies. This administation just makes shit up and the press leaves it at that. THERE has never been such an obviously, blatant disregard for truth and fact, and press just pretends it's all a part of US government. That facts are "unimportant" and that the people of the US are only interested in partisan gossip, and that fact in issues just ain't the real news more.
The WP writes:
The Khmer Rouge and other outlaw regimes have employed the method, and it has been condemned by many human rights and military lawyers as a clear example of illegal torture.
In 1947, the United States prosecuted a Japanese soldier for war crimes and sentenced him to 15 years hard labor for using the technique on a U.S. prisoner.
I can see why the NYT refused to print another lie by this administration with Rummy's recent BS, but the WP complete skrited the fact that WHITEHOUSE is now say that officially "Cheney never said that he would waterboard prisoners" but Cheney DID say he would waterboard prisoners.
The WP pretends all is well and that the administration didn't just tell a royal lie. It's no biggy, its been happening for over 200 years, the press has always let blatant lying slide, then insist they need a shield law to protect the press's right not to report ever issue of partisan gossip.
How can the press not see why nobody trust them anymore, for gossip is not news, not facts. There is certianly something wrong the US press these days, I don't see how the press can deny it.
Posted by: Cheryl on October 27, 2006 at 12:20 PM | PERMALINK
I think dems should continue to stay above the fray on this issue. Being tough isn't being dirty (such as Carney referencing Sherwood's domestic "problems"). Eventually, there will be a backlash to these types of campaigns, and I think it will happen soon (it may be happening now). Dems don't want to be caught on the wrong side of the issue when the tide turns.
Posted by: MeLoseBrain? on October 27, 2006 at 12:23 PM | PERMALINK
Oh, puhlease, I'm so tired of hearing "Democrats need to come forward with a plan." You know what, not driving the car off a cliff is a start.
Posted by: squirm on October 27, 2006 at 12:25 PM | PERMALINK
A few months back, whoever was writing the "Al" troll entries was fairly stupid in a funny way. The current "Al" writer needs to needs to try harder for that comic edge. The American Hawk writer is just boring.
Posted by: Boggs on October 27, 2006 at 12:27 PM | PERMALINK
Here's the Democrat plan: Do not be a bunch of lying, incompetent crooks. There's a plan we can all live with!
Posted by: aqualung on October 27, 2006 at 12:32 PM | PERMALINK
"Examples please. No really, Put up or STFU" - c"stupidfucking"kelly
Haven't been paying attention have you?
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 1:00 PM | PERMALINK
E. Henry Tripshaw,
And somewhere there is a tear falling from the sad eyes of Daryn Kagan, sighing, "And he dumped me for IT?
How are the fall brews going?
Posted by: thethirdPaul on October 27, 2006 at 1:07 PM | PERMALINK
Grunwald has quietly been one of the best reporters at The Washington Post _ (or anywhere, really) _ for a long time. Just read some of his stuff on the Army Corps of Engineers from six years ago. Just an aggressive, fearless reporter.
Posted by: Flop on October 27, 2006 at 1:12 PM | PERMALINK
Haven't been paying attention have you?
To what, exactly, Jay? Put up or shut up.
Posted by: Gregory on October 27, 2006 at 1:19 PM | PERMALINK
Meanwhile Rush comes out of the closet and starts dating Mann Coulter.
If they made a video of dominatrix Coulter whipping the fat boy, it would sell like crazy.
Posted by: Michael7843853 G-O in 08! on October 27, 2006 at 1:49 PM | PERMALINK
Jay = ever figure out the difference between an atomic bomb and a nuclear one, you fucking moron?
(I will bring this up every time I see your name appear on a thread, forever more.)
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 1:50 PM | PERMALINK
"Jay = ever figure out the difference between an atomic bomb and a nuclear one, you fucking moron?" - Global idiot
Fission vs Fusion moron
You knew what I meant.
Just another example of your dishonesty.
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 1:55 PM | PERMALINK
btw, you might want to read up on the differences because they are considerable.
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 1:57 PM | PERMALINK
Bullshit. All atomic weapons are Ffusion. Moron.
And no, you are as coherent as your boy Bush. You are an even bigger idiot, if that is possible.
You didn't know that they are the same thing you worthless waste of skin.
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 1:59 PM | PERMALINK
"If they made a video of dominatrix Coulter whipping the fat boy, it would sell like crazy" - Another liberal idiot
I want to see a video of Al Franken whipping Randi Rhodes in the bankruptcy line.
Now that's funny.
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 2:00 PM | PERMALINK
oops. Fission. (blush)
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 2:01 PM | PERMALINK
3rdP: Going well -- "harvest red ale" is my latest on tap, using hops from my garden no less. A sad day for hops up north a few weeks back...
Posted by: E. Henry Thripshaw on October 27, 2006 at 2:02 PM | PERMALINK
"Bullshit. All atomic weapons are Ffusion. Moron" - Global (Real) Idiot
"There are two basic types of nuclear weapons. The first are weapons which produce their explosive energy through nuclear fission reactions alone. These are known colloquially as atomic bombs, A-bombs or The bomb"
"The second basic type of nuclear weapon produces a large amount of its energy through nuclear fusion reactions, and can be over a thousand times more powerful than fission bombs. These are known as hydrogen bombs, H-bombs, thermonuclear bombs, or fusion bombs."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon
Care to restate that?
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 2:03 PM | PERMALINK
"Bullshit. All atomic weapons are Ffusion. Moron." - Global Idiot
(I will bring this up every time I see your name appear on a thread, forever more.)
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 2:06 PM | PERMALINK
Actually I was letting my hatred of you rule the day - they can be fission or fusion, but atomic and nuclear are indeed one and the dame, you moron.
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 2:06 PM | PERMALINK
Now skulk off. You bring nothing to the discussion.
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 2:07 PM | PERMALINK
"Actually I was letting my hatred of you rule the day - they can be fission or fusion,...blah blah blah" - Global Idiot
Wow, nice dodge. Good little liberal.
You're a waste of flesh.
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 2:07 PM | PERMALINK
"they can be fission or fusion, but atomic and nuclear are indeed one and the dame, you moron." - Global Idiot
"The second basic type of nuclear weapon produces a large amount of its energy through nuclear fusion reactions, and can be over a thousand times more powerful than fission bombs."
One and the same???????????
Posted by: Jay on October 27, 2006 at 2:09 PM | PERMALINK
You are potential organ donor. you are so obviously braindead. Now I am done flinging mud at you. No one can tell where it aends and your filthy self begins anyway.
No one takes you seriously, we just laugh at your willful ignorance and shake our heads at the fact that you are apparently allowed to leave the unit unsupervised.
Would that Kevin had an "ignore" feature so I didn't have to pay the electic bill for your stupidity to appear on my screen.
Posted by: Global Citizen on October 27, 2006 at 2:11 PM | PERMALINK
Cut 'n Run Jay on October 27, 2006 at 2:07 PM:
You're a waste of flesh.
Oh, I can do much better than that...
- Cut 'n Run Jay was born on April 2; one day too late.
- When Cut 'n Run Jay was born, the doctor asked if his parents were siblings...
- When Cut 'n Run Jay was born, his father slapped his mother and demanded she give his sperm back.
- When Cut 'n Run Jay was born, the doctor asked his mother if she wanted a refund.
- Cut 'n Run Jay's mother had severe morning sickness...after he was born.
Posted by: grape_crush on October 27, 2006 at 2:49 PM | PERMALINK
They got you Jay. Hnd over the cajones. C'mon, man up.
Posted by: Lurker on October 27, 2006 at 3:19 PM | PERMALINK
Jay's typical MO is to post info that disproves his point, as his wikipedia quote once again shows.
Not even a wingnut can be that consistently self-defeatingly stupid. I just assume that he is a leftie troll trying to make wingnuts look dumb.
Posted by: Disputo on October 27, 2006 at 4:15 PM | PERMALINK
MaHvelous work being done these days transplanting organs among Eastern Timber and Western Diamondbacks. Plus, science has come a long way working with skunks and ferrets, as well.
Posted by: thethirdPaul on October 27, 2006 at 4:20 PM | PERMALINK
This Jay leaves off the word part "thermo" once and THIS is worth arguing over?
Posted by: victor on October 27, 2006 at 5:53 PM | PERMALINK
I have no idea who is showing more negative ads (they seem about even here). But Kevin declares that asserting what annonymous "GOP operatives" are supposedly saying and that the rest of the party "seems" to be following suit IS REPORTING FACTS? Let's be serious. What annonymous sources say and what "seems" to be true to the reporter is not reporting the facts.
Posted by: brian on October 28, 2006 at 5:23 PM | PERMALINK