Keep painting them with this brush. Bush, oil companies, Iraq, economy, taxes on middle class and McCain.

John McCain, of all people, should not be attacking Social Security.

Speaking of buffoonery, check out McCain's Sturgis Rally gaffe (http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/207172.php). It is possible McCain didn't know the nature of the "Bikini Beauty Pageant" he volunteered his wife for, but that is the point. A good example of saying whatever pleases the crowd without understanding what it is he is offering.

Anything to get elected.

The Congressional Republicans might as well have been wearing huge placards reading

"WE ARE BOUGHT-AND-PAID-FOR
SHILLS FOR THE OIL CORPORATIONS !!!"

Thing is, Obama was wrong. Numerically wrong. By about three orders of magnitude. And now he is lying about it. This is a simple matter of facts, and of arithmetic. (I'm assuming that some on the Left still believe that arithmetic is a non-partisan thing).

So who is ignorant here?

The difference between a politician and an ordinary citizen is that if the latter were to say -

"It's like these guys take pride in being ignorant."

- he or she would leave out the "It's like."

Pull my finger...please???

Deep Thought:

This is what McCain's cry of 'celebrity' boils down to:

The soft bigotry of high expectations.

Poor, sucky John McCain!

I think McCain is going to rue the day he used Paris and Britney in his ad. He may have gained some traction for a couple days, but now Obama can use the line, "While the Republicans are talking about Paris and Britney, I'm here to talk about ...." for the res of the campaign.

"Thing is, Obama was wrong. Numerically wrong. By about three orders of magnitude. And now he is lying about it. This is a simple matter of facts, and of arithmetic. (I'm assuming that some on the Left still believe that arithmetic is a non-partisan thing)."

Numerically wrong about what? Numbers please.

Since the post is about Obama saying "It's like these guys take pride in being ignorant.", what exactly is your claim? That "these guys" are 1000 times as ignorant as Obama claims? That the pride they take is 1000th of what Obama claims?

Come on "am" show your work. Demonstrate that Obama is wrong. Oh wait, you are an idiot.

Here's the thing "am:" being insulting only works if you are right. If you are insulting and wrong that makes you a moron.

Barack ignorant? About what? The effects of airing up your tires properly? Well Time says he is right. I think NASCAR agrees. I am pretty sure every other expert agrees as well.

I know my son, who is a certified "World Class" mechanic with a college degree in power mechanics, lectures me every time he sees me to keep my tires properly inflated. He is convinced I can improve my mileage by 3 to 4%. AM I am going to listen to my son, Mr. Goodwrench, who knows what he is talking about before I listen to a dolt like you who wont even identify himself.

This is brilliant.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d

mhr on August 5, 2008 at 7:42 PM:

Nobody appreciates the spectacle of sixth graders telling jokes about passing intestinal gas more than a bunch of presumably adult liberals.

Yes, we appreciate the spectacle, mhr. Hence the comparison of watching right-wingers to watching sixth graders. Both groups take pride in actively engaging in Teh Stupid.

B.O assured us that properly inflating auto tires and keeping autos tuned "would save all the oil they're talking about getting by drilling."

Well, it's true:

The Bush administration estimates that expanded offshore drilling could increase oil production by 200,000 barrels per day by 2030. We use about 20 million barrels per day, so that would meet about 1% of our demand two decades from now. Meanwhile, efficiency experts say that keeping tires inflated can improve gas mileage by 3%, and regular maintenance can add another 4%. Many drivers already follow their advice, but if everyone else did, we could reduce demand several percentage points immediately. In other words: Obama is right.

That kind of statement can be made only by a very ignorant man who is accustomed to having his words taken seriously.

Geez, you mean like the people in the US Department of Energy?

Back to the scipt, B.O.

Why would Obama want to visit a union in the Netherlands, mhr?

It's one thing to get zinged by Obama, but when McCain gets pwned by Paris Hilton, it's time to hang 'em up.

My favorite fart joke has the punch line, "An abscess makes the fart go Honda."

You can pretty much fill in the rest.

Good for Barack for coming out for (potentially flip flopping) NASA and space development.

And I'm glad he finally is trying a lower key approach.

At the moment though he is: "that's racist!" followed up with "you're so juvenile!" I hope this will actually work, but it's not what I would have recommended.

A hallmark of Republican presidential campaigns is derision. Pressure gauges, windsurfing, tank helmets... Don't just criticize the opposition, make him look like a buffoon!

I hope Obama is taking the gloves off -- McCain is ripe for playing the fool.

I hope this will actually work, but it's not what I would have recommended.
Posted by: jerry

We know. Fortunately, Obama doesn't listen to the recommendations of the people who backed the loser of the Dem primaries. That's why he's the nominee.

I'll make a prediction: Obama's humorous response will be shown on the news networks as much as the Paris/Britney ad: The news networks are no longer about news, they are about entertainment. And Obama just provided some.

I'd like to see more witty ridicule from the Obama camp directed at McCain and the GOP. Keep it up and the news coverage -- and the election -- is ours.
____________________________________________

It's not that the GOP politicians pride themselves in being ignorant, but they sure do as hell have pride in themselves for the voters being ignorant. Hell it's the only way these thugs have ever one.

am -- Offshore production is currently ~1.25M bbd. While future OCS production is hard to predict, the EIA estimates it at ~200K bbd in 2030. ANWR would increase that, but under the most optimistic assumptions would not double production by that time.

Obviosly current OCS production would be significantly lower in 2030 as current fields are depleted, so it's hard to estimate total production at that time; at best we're likely to maintain current production levels ~1.25M bbd; at worst it will drop well below ~1M bbd

Of course you could assume higher output from older OCS fields in 2030. Or higher output from new OCS fields. But you'd also have to assume a higher price for oil in order to make that production cost effective. Unfortunately, simply producing oil at any cost doesn't solve the problem.

Estimated savings from proper tire inflation and tuneups is ~800K bbd. That is based on current consumption. Thus, based on estimated future OCS production, Obama is correct. Based on current future OCS production and current consumption, Obama is optimistic. However, assume a moderate decrease in production and a moderate increase in consumption, and the numbers get much closer.

In any case, your claim of being off by "three orders of magnitude" is clearly bogus, as that would assume the savings exceed today's total world oil production (~80M bdd) by an order of magnitude (800K * 10^3 = 800M bbd = 10 x 80M bbd).

Yes, it is a "simple matter of facts, and of arithmetic", of which you obviously have no clue. Yes, the "Left still believe that arithmetic is a non-partisan thing", which you obviously do not. As to "who is ignorant here?", you clearly answer your own question; take a look in the mirror.

I love it that he said they're lying. I've been waiting for someone to grow a pair and point out what has been so obvious. Lets hope he keeps it up and doesn't back down when the inevitable demands for apologies come up.

Sorry, "Based on current future OCS production..." should read "Based on current OCS production..."

John McCain had better watch it, now that Paris Hilton has rebutted his "Celebrity" ad and presented her own energy policy. Has she ruined her career as a celebrity airhead?

...but when McCain gets [owned] by Paris Hilton, it's time to hang 'em up.

Time to hang 'em up. This will seem like buffoonery at first, but it's cute and clever as hell (and the energy policy makes quite a bit of sense - it resembles Obama's current posture.) Behold, Paris Hilton's retort to McCain:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d

BTW, let's admit that Paris is a decent looking and trim chick, not just "famous for being famous" OK?

tyrannogenius

Does John McCain really claim that he's the guy who will "battle big oil"? With a straight face?

McCain, Bush and the others totally act like the villains in patially-comedic Robin Hood movie.

Heh heh heh! Fart.

Hey Dr. Gonads, MD! Haven't seen you in a while.

Are you still pretending to be a doctor on the Internet and giving out medical advice? Still seems unethical and dubious to me, but then my name ain't gonads. Quack.

But if it will make you feel better, before I was for that loser, I was for a different loser.

What is your occupation anyway when you're not out trying to deceive people?

P.S. Maybe if he had listened to me, and the many others who were saying the same thing, Kevin wouldn't have to be blogging today about how the polls are not measuring the right factor.

In case you missed it Dr. Quackery Gonads, M.D., here's PK:

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/democratic-anxiety/

I admit I was pleased to hear Dan Schorr basically agree with me too, this afternoon, on NPR.

But you are absolutely right on one thing, no sane candidate should be listening to me. Just not clear they should be listening to you either, Internet Quack.

I suggest we hand out drill bits--McCain supporters can apply them to their heads. There's undoubtedly some recoverable methane in there. For the rest, the pressure differential due to the vaccum in their skulls could provide a good short-term energy source.

Don't worry, jerry ... no one's listening to you. ... Including, statistically, your daughter. Sincerely hoping that she doesn't get cancer because of your ignorance.

@Jerry

There was one poll showing McCain up 4. No poll before or since has given him such a lead. Over the averaging window used by RealClearPolitics that poll alone massively reduced Obama's lead.

Excluding that one (week - old) poll, Obama has a 4.2% lead, entirely typical of the 3-7% lead he has had the whole summer.

In other words, nothing has changed.

Odd that both you and Krugman chose to pop out of nowhere to suddenly make something of this...

"On the other hand, Barack Obama's light-hearted take on the GOP's weeklong juvenalia parade is impeccable: "It's like these guys take pride in being ignorant." "

As impeccable as Ann Richards's crack that George W. Bush was born with a silver foot in his mouth. Too bad voters aren't all impeccable.

The vacancy rate at the Paris Hilton is still quite high.

Ross, You are whistling past the graveyard. Ann Richards' had a bunch of good lines and was a wonderful wit, but she wasn't Barack Obama. We are watching a schooling. I am more and more impressed everyday.

Tire Pressure maintenance puts big, tax free money in our pockets (list below). If McCain has enough personal courage, he'll retract this stupid attack that some campaign genius talked him into. And he'll retract without any patented hints and flourishes designed deflect blame.

Here's a beginning on what proper tire pressure earns for us.

- savings on gasoline
- less tire tread wear (a lot), less engine wear, less maintenance time and cost, fewer accidents, lower medical costs for patching people up or caring for them when they're crippled, loved ones saved, skills not lost to death and injury, life insurance premiums down, burial costs delayed
- less greenhouse gas
- less pollution/particulates, medical costs down again, fewer heart attacks, less cardiac disability and death, fewer asthma attacks
- all these tax free savings are invested in productive new ways
-et cetera,

Was that am, am not, or am too? May thy knife chip and shatter.

"Inflation makes tires last longer, saves on gas money

Running a tire at 20 percent under-inflation increases a vehicle's fuel consumption by 10 percent and shortens treadlife by 15 percent. Thus, proper tire inflation helps save crude oil consumption."

wow what leftie stooge said that that from you ask?

http://www.goodyear.com/corporate/about/environment/03-ehs/performance.html

I guess am likes his ignorance.

"Inflation makes tires last longer, saves on gas money

Running a tire at 20 percent under-inflation increases a vehicle's fuel consumption by 10 percent and shortens treadlife by 15 percent. Thus, proper tire inflation helps save crude oil consumption."

wow what leftie stooge said that that from you ask?

http://www.goodyear.com/corporate/about/environment/03-ehs/performance.html

Makes sense that am likes his ignorance.

gotta say. It's easier than all the research I did.

My effort: 1 google search; 1 intrasite goodyear search

I still say the Democratic mantra should be "STOP STEALING FROM OUR CHILDREN!" - referring of course, to the Republican's incessant deficit spending, as well as their wanton disregard for the environment, which represents theft from our children.

Please forgive my quoting myself:

"The Repug machine has for forty years crafted a winning strategy out of, amongst other things, playing to forceful ignorance. This country has been enthusiastically invited, coerced even, to celebrate simplemindedness and stupidity with an openly vicious sneer at anything and everything which even hinted at the possible, at the potential in everyone for transcendence. Think of Obama's speech to those kids where he told them to forget about playing pro ball and focus on school; this is of a piece with his larger message of accessing, building, and building on the character of Americans. At key points in this country's history certain folks have taken the bull by the horns and wrestled with America's tendency to wallow in ignorance; this is definitely one of those times, and I think Mr. Obama has declared himself one of those folks. Once again, he's showing how clearly he sees that this is NOT just another election."

So Obama takes a real risk from such a statement, and will take some shots and lose some folks who probably should be let go anyways. But he shows he's ready to fight, and that's job one; Americans will NOT give him a winning margin if he doesn't fight back. But look how he does it - he frames, openly and vigorously, the modern conservative movement: "ignorant liars." This is a bold move, not without risk, but one which has appeal beyond focus groups. That it's demonstrably true (see am above) makes it all the more devastating, but it's pitch perfect hardball politics regardless, AND constitutive to moving the narrative towards competence, efficacy, and ethical action. If this country really, really needs its easy to digest dichotomies, then here ya go. Finally, someone who gets it.

If the Republicans were any dumber... they'd be libertarians.

If the US Navy took on the US Air Force (in combat, not in football), which side would win?

It's like Bush before 2000, when Bush said he would make OPEC open the energy spigots.

Yeah, OPEC has never price fixed like it does now.

lampwick: the Air Force. The Navy actually floats around on rather vulnerable platforms and flies in a very limited range tanking up on KC-10s.

Tom Cruise=L. Ron Hubbard minus syntax

am=are not.

Republicans aren't even good at patronizing voters any more. . .

Its important that Obama show contempt for the GOP. The comment about willful ignorance does that. Only he can elevate McCain to be his equal. If he shows that McCain is a loser he wins going away.

Old man McCain is soooooo old, he used to baby-sit Yoda...

An offhand comment like B.O.'s is NOT the way to fight Republicans on a national campaign.

Kevin, if Obama keeps this up, and you think this is good campaigning, I'll take your offer in your previous post and ask 2-1 odds for a bet on it.

Sparko: but how is the Air Force going to deal with all those nuclear submarines and their cruise missiles?

I think lampwick's right. I don't know how well the Air Force's ICBMs can be retargeted for subs and carriers.

Being ex-Air Force, it pains me to say so.

Coming out against properly inflated tires? It's like McCain is against American ingenuity, traditional conservatism, and personal responsibility. If there were any justice in the world, the tire gauge thing would backfire - it would give people the idea to inflate their tires....

McCain claims he fought corruption? Well excuse me, but didn’t he have a pretty close relationship with the Keating Five?

On a more serious note, given all his recent goofs and screw ups, isn’t it time he had a checkup to demonstrate to the public he does not have incipient senility. Even his friends in the MSM are now covering for him by saying he is just out of touch, not confused. Being President is important, dammit. What is he afraid of?

We started with great men like G. Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and the rest of the Founding Fathers; but like TV, democracy is a never ending search for the lowest common denominator. We've a way to go, but with G. Bush we passed the point of no return.

obama is kicking his ass...whew....taking pride in their ignorance what better way to fight these scum bags???go get em and dont stop hitting them till its over... make the average joe embarrassed to admit theyre voting for mccane...dont be a sucker again,,,love it

Keep in mind that in John McCain's youth (the late 1940s), there was a popular radio comedy program that parodied quiz shows of the day such as "Information Please." Its title? "It Pays To Be Ignorant."

Oh, and the Paris Hilton "ad" was hilarious. Take that, McBush!

An offhand comment like B.O.'s is NOT the way to fight Republicans on a national campaign.

SocraticGadfly

Exactly. Because it's DEFENSE.

The polls have problems, sure. But they are nevertheless disturbing. This election is not "in the bag."

See Digby: "A lot of it comes from the idea that many of us have that because the Republicans are so unpopular this race is in the bag. But something's wrong with that picture. Obama is running significantly worse than the generic Democrat in all the polls and it's not getting any better. So, we're not looking at a blow out, we're looking at a fairly typical presidential race of the past few years. That means it is probably going to be a squeaker."

If this is going to be a squeaker, Obama better not let McCain define him through a sarcastic, tit-for-tat approach in which McCain appears to be setting the agenda.

It won't work. The MSM will call it for McCain.

Oh, no, now Obama will have to apologize for calling the REPUGS (guessing that's who he means - it's who I call ignorant) nasty names...to which, like McShame, I'd just say "lighten up" ...the truth hurts! I'm thinking we just laugh at all of them for the rest of the campaign...you know like Paris Hilton "brilliantly" did! Who cares if she had some help ...perhaps Obama should get who she got to do his commercials.

I am assuming that Obama's team knows that mocking answers, however pitch perfect, do not constitute the whole of a national campaign. And looking at the entirety of his campaign so far, that's not a foolish or careless assumption.

He let the issue of gas prices get away from him and gave this one to the GOP to define. Having done so, and having seen the significant damage that resulted, what he did with these comments is the correct response in this instance. We all hope there won't be a next time.

How long before "It's like these guys pride themselves on their ignorance" is taken out of context to refer to McCain voters, voters in general, or something similar?

I also hope Obama realizes that mockery only gets you so far. Many's the candidate who laughed at the lame, stupid, sleazy, corrupt tactics of the Republicans only to go home a loser on Election Day. In fact, if Ann Richards had more than the mockery arrow in her quiver in 1994, she might have beaten Bush and spared the country this nightmare.

McCain knows that he can say and do whatever he wants, and the corporate-owned mass media will never call him on his "buffoonery", but will instead redouble their propaganda on his behalf and their character assassination of Obama.

And it is important to realize that the corporate-owned mass media's steady downgrading of "news" into "infotainment" is not a neutral action. Keeping people ignorant and making them stupid and reducing the campaign to the level of "reality TV" favors the Republicans, because the stupider and more ignorant people are, the more likely they are to vote for a Republican.

"Does John McCain really claim that he's the guy who will "battle big oil"? With a straight face? I guess you have to admire the chutzpah, if nothing else."

lol.

"However, Obama himself voted for a 2005 energy bill backed by Bush that included billions in subsidies for oil and natural gas production, a measure Cheney played a major role in developing. McCain opposed the bill on grounds it included billions in unnecessary tax breaks for the oil industry."

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5isOFwdbq0tsqatW6vJpkDRTI1gMgD92C94JO0

My seventh grader had this to say to the 6th-grade GOP: "McCain is so stupid he thinks Paris Hilton is where he spent the Vietnam war."

I hear those tire gauges that the Republicans are handing out are also about 150% inaccurate....

Those Republicans who take those gauges should use them every day.

"Well excuse me, but didn’t he have a pretty close relationship with the Keating Five? "

John McCain *was* one of the Keating Five. He avoided punishment by some good luck and the usual Democratic fecklessness.

McCain: as corrupt as any politician.

"Ross, You are whistling past the graveyard. Ann Richards' had a bunch of good lines and was a wonderful wit, but she wasn't Barack Obama. We are watching a schooling. I am more and more impressed everyday."

I hope Obama wins by a landslide. But there is a humor double standard. Obama is unlikely to win over conservative voters by wittily pointing out how stupid McCain is. Even though he is.

And you don't seem to know what "whistling past the graveyard" means.