Activist Wednesday: Strategery, Anyone?
Posted by: madamab on: November 10, 2010
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Wrong Strategery, Kitteh
Regardless of why you think the Democrats were crushed last Tuesday, the 2010 elections have proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Obama was a biiiiiiiiiig mistake for the Democratic Party. The DNC backed the wrong Pony, and it will be a miracle if the bedraggled creature can run around the track one more time in 2012.
The growing chorus of “Shoulda, coulda, woulda” that Chatblu so eloquently outlined yesterday, leaves Obama vulnerable to any number of challengers. Thanks to the Emperor’s now-evident nakedness, all kinds of overblown egos are wondering, “Could I be the next President?”, from Donald Trump, to Michael Bloomberg, to Newt Gingrich.
In addition, it wasn’t just the House that went strongly for the Republicans; it was state legislatures as well. The takeovers open up many new avenues of attack for the anti-choice, anti-gay movement, which is constantly pushing to get their ignorance and bigotry institutionalized at the state level.
Among the possibilities: a new flurry of proposed state prohibitions on abortion, same-sex marriage and illegal immigration.
“I feel like a little boy on Christmas morning — which package do you open up first?” said Troy Newman, the leader of Operation Rescue, an anti-abortion group. Already, abortion opponents were considering pressing for new regulations in New Mexico, Iowa and Kansas, where Sam Brownback, the Republican governor-elect, follows Democratic governors who vetoed some abortion limits approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature.
For some states, like Arizona, Georgia, North Dakota and Texas, Republican domination in state capitols is not new (though in each of those, the size of Republican margins in legislatures grew in last week’s election). And at least four states, including California, Hawaii and Vermont, shifted to one-party Democratic control.
But the larger pattern was Republican, a trend lawmakers said would affect the policy conversation even in states with divided governments.
A President and Congress intent on strengthening the corporatism and religious extremism of the past ten years. State legislatures intent on forcing a fake 1950s down our throats, minus the social safety net that made the prosperity of the 1950s possible. Whew! We’ve got a lot of work to do, Widdershins. Oh, sure, a bottle of Scotch, a gallon of Ben and Jerry’s and a Snuggli are temporary remedies; but after the sugar and alcohol high wears off, what next?
As a bleeding-heart, yet kick-ass Lefty, here is my preliminary strategery for surviving the next couple of years, and beyond. It is, of course, subject to change along with the political landscape – and if anyone has a great argument for a different set of actions, I am persuadable. (NOTE: I am not speaking for Chatblu here – this is just what I’m thinking about.)
1. Nationally, push the idea of Hillary 2012. Anyone liberal enough for me, will probably not be elected President in my lifetime. Hillary is the only person I can see that has the stature and the popularity to run in 2012, as well as (most of) the ideology I approve of.
2. Locally, support and/or volunteer with a third Party, or an organization that supports your HA, LA or WA (Homosexual Agenda, Liberal Agenda, or Women’s Agenda). I will investigate the Green Party and NOW here in NYC. I believe that the two legacy parties won’t give us what we want. We must pressure them, and at the same time, develop an alternative to them. Getting good, lefty people in the pipeline for state office will allow them the experience and connections to run at a national level. Who knows, in a few years we could even have some Socialists or Greens in Congress! That would, as the Times article state, “Change the conversation.” And if we keep it up, in 2016 or 2020, we might even have a Socialist or Green President. Su-weeeet!
That’s the basic outline of what I am planning to do, personally. Now, I’d love to hear from you. How do you plan on dealing with the fallout from the elections of 2008 and 2010? Is there anything you’d like to see The Widdershins do, as a political blog, that we are not currently doing? Add links to third parties, perhaps? Or change our look again? (see the poll below)
Let us know your thoughts. This is an open thread.
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90 Responses to "Activist Wednesday: Strategery, Anyone?"
November 10, 2010 at 8:03 AM
@1 – “Our internal polling?” Could you elaborate as to what that means?
As to the rest of your comment:
1) Hillary denied she was going to run in 2008 as well.
2) Obama is boasting about a 40% approval rating. His policies are unpopular, and so is he. (I reead yesterday that an average of about 20,000 people listen to his radio addresses.) His “base” did not come out because they were a one-time, artificial construct for the 2008 election. And the traditional Democratic base has never liked him.
As an activist, I have a lot better chance of getting my issues addressed with HRC than BHO. It is a no-brainer for me to take this course.
November 10, 2010 at 8:20 AM
@1: Soooooooooo, if the Republicans, Indies and Jacksonian Dems turned out in large numbers to vote against Democrats (Obama) and the “new” Democrats stayed away in large numbers because Obama wasn’t on the ballot, where is the good to the party from the acquisition of said new voters?
@2: His initial approval rating was 76%. That’s one hell of a drop in 2 years. Prom King no more.
November 10, 2010 at 8:39 AM
I think we can all agree that we are seriously f*cked. No matter who is nominated in 2012 from either side is going to be promoted by the big money that has engulfed these elections for the last 20 years and it is going to be even bigger since the SC ruled in their favor.
I have an almost defeated attitude these days, watching the Right take control across the nation, and I seriously doubt that a Dem can win the WH in 2012.
Hillary will not challenge Obama becasue this will just fracture the Left even more than it already is which will just provide a more convenient opening to whomever the Right chooses to stand behind.
Unless Obama does something substantial within the next two years, I am afraid we are going to find ourselves at the mercy of the Right Wing, the fundies, and the special interests no matter how distasteful we may find that proposition.
Campaign finance reform, along with changes in the primary elections, would go a long way in reforming this system but I do not see that happening anytime soon.
I may be stuck in my “Debbie Downer” mood for awhile.
November 10, 2010 at 8:43 AM
@3 – insulting your base and telling them to stay home will not win you a whole lot of friends. Funny how that works.
November 10, 2010 at 8:48 AM
@4 – Sorry Pat! It is a terrible situation, I agree. Some very specific things would have to happen in order for us to pull ourselves out of the mess both Parties have created. I am hopeful that they will, but you could be right as well.
November 10, 2010 at 8:51 AM
The results of 2010 were predictable. I know I predicted them during the general election in 2008 when I said that these new voters Donna Brazile was bragging about were an illusion for the Democratic Party. They were only hyped up about Obama, the Lightbringer. They didn’t give a crap about the Democratic platform or any of the other Democratic candidates. That’s why even in 2008 Obama was raking in the cash (from many unknown sources) while the rest of the Democrats running that year had difficulty fundraising and the DNC ended the campaign in debt. So, for those new voters Donna made googly eyes at – they don’t know she’s alive and they don’t care. They were in it for the Big O. So, in that regard the poster @ 1 is correct: Obama wasn’t on the ticket…and his base stays home and lets all the other Democrats sink and Right-wingers take over. Well isn’t that special! Way to go Obama’s new base! Is this what Donna had in mind? I certainly don’t think being voted out of office is what Obama’s backers in the DNC had in mind!
Now, will these same voters from 2008 (the ones who in internal polls stayed home in 2010) come out and vote again in 2012? Some of them will. But I’m certain a great many will not. Why? Because many of those voters – particularly the young ones – were really excited about Obama and what they thought he was going to do. (Whether or not they had any reason to trust him is a whole other debate. Nobody said they were smart, these Obama backers. But I digress.) Many of them were really excited about this guy going into the the White House. And don’t forget he’s black, which equals cool. Well, now the coolness of him not being an old white guy has worn off, much like fashion fad. And they don’t have jobs! Oh…that can’t be good for that guy they voted into office. Will they get all excited by Axelrod and Plouffe’s shenanigans again? I don’t think so. Been there, done that, over it. So, the DNC can’t get anyone to leave the house to vote for their candidates and Obama won’t be able to get as many people to vote for him in 2012 as did in 2008. This could spell catastrophic in 2012.
November 10, 2010 at 8:57 AM
@3> No, insulting your base and telling them to take a hike is not good. Donna Brazile did that too in 2008 – and you know what, many of the base she told to drop dead stayed home. Which is why Obama – outspending his competitor by hundreds of millions of dollars (that’s hundreds of millions of dollars) just barely squeaked through in the end! He spent the next two years telling the Left they were “fucking retarded,” (via Rahmbo) among other things and then he wonders why their feelings are hurt? Obama isn’t interested in working with anybody on the Left; he’s only interested with working people on the Right – as proved by his incessant “bending over and grabbing his ankles” for every Republican and Blue Dog in Congress.
November 10, 2010 at 9:11 AM
Well-said, DYB!
Speaking of Rahmbo – I was wondering when the election for Mayor of Chicago is going to be. The primary is February 22, 2011, with a run-off on April 5, 2011.
November 10, 2010 at 9:14 AM
With JJ Jr out of it, the path to mayor is being smoothed for Rahm. Well done, good and faithful servant.
November 10, 2010 at 9:16 AM
They thought that Obama was the “happy groom” wedded to his liberal base when all along he was “playing footsies” with the bridesmaids.
Those still loyal Obots are pointing out the few gains he has made in two years while overlooking the simple fact that every single issue he “championed” during the election has been left by the roadside.
Two unwinnable wars are still raging on. DADT will more than likely be scrapped. FOCA will certainly be diluted even further. “Transparency” is a joke. Guantonomo is still open. Foreclosures are still happening. Job loss at 10% (which I think is a lowball number). Wall Street held unaccountable. Healthcare reform basically a boon for the industries.
What has he done? Other than giving speech after speech filled with nothing but sorry platitudes that mean nothing, most people, even his most strident supporters, have essentially tuned him out.
The one issue that he found himself immersed in was the Gates issue last summer and that was just to placate a former mentor who may have acted with as much arrogance as he himself is being accused.
There is no “there” there and we are foolish to expect anything more than what he has delivered so far.
November 10, 2010 at 9:19 AM
@11 – Also well-said, Pat, but just a minor note: FOCA (the Freedom of Choice Act) has never been passed, so it can’t be diluted. Yet another Obama promise broken.
Lefty people who are still loyal to Obama after all this time baffle me. I think it’s really a personal loyalty rather than a political one. They just like him for some reason.
November 10, 2010 at 9:33 AM
One of the more astonishing revelations in the Bush book is how he explains his support for the pro life movement that occurred when Barbara Bush showed him the jar that contained the fetus she miscarried. Jaybus!
You have got to be kidding me! Who on their right mind would keep something like that and where?
Was it on display amongst the other Bush memorabilia, just sitting on the mantle among other trophies? I have difficulty wrapping my head around this. What does one say to this when shown what was in the jar?
Sometimes I am left speechless upon hearing certain things but this one, encased for all time within the pages of a book, suggests the “difference” in these people. Weirdos.
November 10, 2010 at 9:37 AM
Pat @ 13> Holy moly! This is first I’m hearing that. Insanity!
November 10, 2010 at 9:42 AM
@13 – That reminds me of the Rick Santorum story. Disgusting!
There is something fundamentally wrong with these fundiegelicals.
November 10, 2010 at 9:52 AM
Apparently there is much revision going on in his book but the most telling parts are when he “explains” his motivations. HIs biggest regret is the Kanye West assertion that he was a “racist” in his handling of the Katrina mess.
No problem with systematic torture. No problem with going to war on the basis of lies. No problem with not sending in enough troops in the first place. No problem with the blood of 4,000 young soldiers or the untold deaths and mayhem suffered by the Iraqi people. No problem with outing a CIA operative. No problem at all with any of his dubious policies.
But his feelings were hurt by Kanye West. That about sums up the psyche of George W. Bush. A man without conscience, self awareness, or the usual attributes attached to most reasonable human beings.
A self serving, arrogant, spoiled, entitled, nincompoop. When I watched him being interviewed I was struck by the knowledge that this man was the Commander in Chief for 8 years.
(For the record: I have not read the book, plan to purchase the book, or accept the book as a gift. My knowledge is based on the excerpts of the interviews and reading reports in the press. For anyone planning on giving me this book as a Christmas gift: DON’T BOTHER!)
November 10, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Ah cmon Pat, someone has to bite the bullet and do an indepth review. Who better? Not me I’m a Canadian liberal, which in America is considered a socialist so I wouldn’t be fair and balanced (this is where I wrap myself in the Canadian flag) end of tongue in cheek riposte.
November 10, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Oy vey, Pat! I pity the person who decides to give you that book for Christmas. Maybe for April Fool’s!
Speaking of Obama playing to lose: WTF!
Talk about a straw man. Who says we’re at war with an entire religion? Is the War on Islam like the War on Toner?
I can tell you how to rehabilitate the US’s image with Muslim countries and people – get the f*ck out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and stop all the drones in Pakistan and whatever the hell we’re doing in Yemen. But sad face! If we did that, we wouldn’t be able to steal their resources and establish a base from which to stage more war operations, which is the whole point of American aggression in the ME area.
So, I’m sure Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations are smiling today. Obviously the U.S. will continue to provide them with recruits for the foreseeable future, and do nothing more to “reach out” to Muslims but make pretty speeches.
November 10, 2010 at 10:23 AM
According to reporters still on the ground in Iraq, the water supply is still not up to speed and the loss of the electrical grid is only now slowly making its way back.
I know that if I were a citizen and my water and electrical supply were still only slightly operable after 8 years of this unnecessary invasion I too would be out looking for someone or something to blame.
More so since this country had absolutely no involvement in the 9/11 attack and as bad as Saddam was, they could at least get a drink of water when thirsty!
Get out of there and Afghanistan as well! We are solving nothing but exacerbating the hatred these countries harbor by our very presence.
November 10, 2010 at 11:16 AM
For those still capable of keeping track, it appears that Obama and Company are thinking of moving the date of the Afghan withdrawal from 2011 to 2014.
DADT will also face a possible “tabling” to go along with this latest back track from President Back Flip.
I am having an issue with my computer so I am unable to link but this is the headline on HuffPo.
Surprise, surprise! Does this man have any principles or ideals that he finds worth upholding?
November 10, 2010 at 11:27 AM
OT, but
Iran and Saudi Arabia may get seats on the board of a new UN super-agency to promote women’s rights, prompting outrage from human rights and women’s activists.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11718367
November 10, 2010 at 12:07 PM
@23 – HT, I saw that. Once again, oil buys you everything.
So, er, I guess it was too soon to ask for activism! 
!
November 10, 2010 at 12:36 PM
This is a huge area of economic discrimination that gay couples go trough. Penny and I, and many gay couple, have had to spend money that hetros don’t have to in setting up our wills and financial accounts to try to guard against the blow of estate taxes. And our blow in estate taxes would be enough to almost wipe out the accounts the other would inherit.
Gay rights activist Edith Windsor sues feds over estate taxes
November 10, 2010 at 12:45 PM
I am happy to see all the pro-gay lawsuits that are sprining up!
BTW – Pat, you were only one day off in your estimation – you are good! I have officially become a finalist for the job I want most, interview is next Wed! Woohoo!
November 10, 2010 at 12:50 PM
@24 I will share plans, the ones that aren’t secret of course, that the Greens come up and let you know how we intend to make war with the Democratic Party to steal their voters after I have figured out a methodology. 
November 10, 2010 at 1:21 PM
@26 Congrats, MB. Hope the next round of “congrats” is that you get the position. Is it contract or permanent?
November 10, 2010 at 1:24 PM
@27 I will email soonish and we can throw some things around.
November 10, 2010 at 1:30 PM
madamab: Here’s what’s going on:
They are looking at salary. They may (or may not) have another candidate in the wings. Sometimes this is used for “leverage” in the final interview.
My gut feeling, since I did this for over 28 yrs, is that this final interview will seal the deal for you. It is the last “event” to solidify their impressions and will more than likely involve start date, benefits, earned time, orientation schedule, etc., once the issue of salary is determined and agreed upon.
Fingers crossed but you have overcome some of the major barriers for even getting a foot in the door. According to the latest trend in job searches, there are 5 people competing for every 1 job.
You have done well up to this point. Very well indeed!
November 10, 2010 at 1:38 PM
I am off to shop for the rest of the day and am going to dinner with a good friend. (Wondering why I am putting on a few lbs here and there since I seem to be “dining out” a lot lately!)
Hope to be back by 9pm to catch John Smart’s radiocast.
So proud of madamab!
November 10, 2010 at 2:16 PM
sorrymy last was at #1….
Holy Cow Madamab you now have your own paid Obama4America operative assigned to your blogg this means you have raised hackles somewhere within tha Obama controlled DNC…in other words….
You have arrived!
Oh good luck on your final interview! Yay!
November 10, 2010 at 2:29 PM
Fantastic MB! (re job/interview) Keeping fingers crossed!
November 10, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Madamab – good luck in the final interview and imho it’s well deserved.
La, I’ve been missing Beata too. She’s had some medical problems so I hope she’s okay.
November 10, 2010 at 2:31 PM
BTW: Dubya isn’t the only one with a book out. Lil Bobby Jindal’s book is out soon too. I’m sure it will be up there in sales alongside Dubya’s book.
I mistakenly thought it was either a coloring book or pop up book but that was apparently wrong.
November 10, 2010 at 2:35 PM
Notes on John Smart’s show tonight. Fuzzy pay attention here:
Midterms reflections, or DEEP thoughts about shallow people is the general theme tonight. Tamerlane has some choice thoughts about the Tea Party (not sure I agree, but am anxious to hear him.), The DEElightFull Lynne will be coming around, and I will be performing a new atonal opera based on the Obama Care law….okay, the last bit is a lie…it’s really just a regular musical called Oh, let’s turn the U.S.A. into Calcutta. I’ll be doing two numbers in the nude. (You have to trust me on this as it is radio.) Call in!!! (877) 653-8381!!! 6pm pacific. 9pm eastern. 7 pm mountain. 8pm central. 2am Greenwich Mean Time, also 2am Greenwich Nice Time. 5pm Palin Standard Time. 4 pm in the Aleutian islands, where my audience is HUGE. (877) 653-8381!!!
November 10, 2010 at 2:38 PM
MB: Is there another way, with this theme, that the blockquotes can be displayed? Just curious…
November 10, 2010 at 2:44 PM
quelle surprise!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101110/ap_on_bi_ge/us_cutting_deficits
November 10, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Thanks so much everyone! You are the best! Pat, once again, thanks for the “insider” view. The interviews will be several hours long. Luckily lunch will be provided. LOL.
Fredster, what you see is what you get with this theme. Cast your vote in our poll accordingly!
Everyone tune in to John’s show tonight if you are so inclined…9 pm EST!
November 10, 2010 at 3:07 PM
@42 – What utter bullshit!
Let me say this right here, right now:
SOCIAL SECURITY DOES NOT ADD ONE SINGLE PENNY TO THE DEFICIT.
As for the current proposal, the key sentence is at the end of the story:
“We’re not asking anybody to vote for this plan. This is a starting point,” Bowles said.
You see, this is how chess is played. They put out the most horrible proposal they can think of, knowing that at least some of it will be adopted. My guess is that the benefits will not be cut, but “recalculated” so that they are even more paltry. Oh, and the retirement age will go up.
That is, unless the liberals on the panel (if there are any) stand their ground.
I think it will be a good action for next week to contact the members of the panel and tell them in no uncertain terms that the only change we would support to Social Security is an INCREASE in benefits, paid for by a raise in the salary cap. PERIOD. And Medicare? Get your fucking hands off our Medicare. No, you can’t have that money, you soulless, greedy shitbirds.
November 10, 2010 at 3:13 PM
MB: suzie madrack has more on it.
http://susiemadrak.com/?p=9674
She links to DK which I’m not going to do.
November 10, 2010 at 3:29 PM
Where are the Obama voters that didn’t come to the polls in 2010 but, according to “internal polling numbers”, will in 2012 when Obama is on the ticket? Are they doing an Action alert on SS. Fuck no. “That Social Security shit only affects old people.”
November 10, 2010 at 3:43 PM
la-t-da said: Are they doing an Action alert on SS. Fuck no. “That Social Security shit only affects old people.”
Oh it will affect them when they are forced to leave the basement in mom and dad’s house so grandma and grandpa can move in.
November 10, 2010 at 3:48 PM
@48 Well thank god they got their pony and get to stay on Mom and Dad’s Insurance until they are 26. This should help them when they “go out on their own”.
November 10, 2010 at 4:10 PM
This is yet another thing that I cannot fathom – the attitude toward SS by the youngsters (I know why the oldster politicos want to get their hands on the pot). If your parents contributed for 40 years, why is that considered an “entitlement”? It’s not, it’s a savings account, and the money belongs to the persons who contributed – NOT the government.
And my son lives with me, but he would be outraged if my pension was co-opted by whomever. (he’s 21, starting out on his career, and I think he worries about his dear old mom living alone, a thought that I find hilarious, however it’s probably best for him that he remain here for the time being or actually, until I pop off. The cost of living – apartments, food and transportation is out of the reach of most young people today (and yes, my son has a degree). My daughter and her hubby are living with his parents – both of them are employed, both make next to nothing, and both have degrees. Go figure.
November 10, 2010 at 4:25 PM
@50 – The answer I have heard most often is that young people do not believe they will get SS no matter what they do. They have that little faith in our government, in a program that has been in place for 75 years. What a horrible, sad state of affairs.
I blame Bush and Obama for perpetuating the myth that Social Security “is in crisis.” How can you say it’s in crisis when it’s solvent for another 30 years? They want their greedy hands on that money, but it’s ours. We paid for it and they can’t have it!
November 10, 2010 at 4:27 PM
OT again – I just saw this article linked over at Corrente. It’s about how Obama could create 12 million jobs with a stroke of his pen.
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/08
It’s so obvious that he’s playing to lose. There would literally be nothing the Republicans could do to stop him if he took this course.
November 10, 2010 at 4:59 PM
Jon Stewart on Yobama’s trip to India:
THE JOBS IS COMIN’! THE JOBS….IS….COMIN’!!
http://tinyurl.com/dailyshow-jobs-comin
I particularly like the call center in the U.S. 
November 10, 2010 at 5:28 PM
@52..Yes, interesting isn’t it, how we are supposed to suffer through at least another 2 years of DISemployment, when the answer is so clearly at hand, literally.
November 10, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Interesting letter to Alan Simpson (The Tall Man from Phantasm!) and Erskine Boyles on Soc. Sec. cuts:
http://tinyurl.com/ltr2simpson-boyles-soc-sec-cut
November 10, 2010 at 5:41 PM
Alan Simpson, aka The Tall Man from Phantasm.
http://www.dvdverdict.com/images/reviewpics/phantasm4.jpg
November 10, 2010 at 6:00 PM
Brenda Lee Johnson (j.k.) and Kevin Bacon on New York Marriage Equality. How on earth does he stay so skinny!!! 
November 10, 2010 at 6:04 PM
Hooorayyyy!!! At least for today, my comment button is back!
I have no idea why. I’d better talk fast; it could disappear again tomorrow. OK, here we go!
Hi Everbody, thanks for all the great posts, and wow, am I ever depressed about the future. (I’m with you, Pat J.) The banksters own us, and I will support Hillary, but I frankly doubt anyone can turn the tide of this feudalism which has been imposed upon us. The banksters will prevent rioting in the streets by making sure there is lots of cheap, kill everybody fast food around, which will solve there mythical social security problem, and when people are not hungry they do not rebel.
Women’s issues? Who is left to fight? We are all getting older and trying to keep a roof over our heads and it’s only going to get worse. Especially after the “select commission” had raided the social security, which I agree MB, sends me into convulsions because it is all such a lie! They should writhe in the 9th circle of hell!
Congrats to you MB on the interview. That is quite remarkable in this economy.
And Pat J., I’ll join you with the ice cream and Scotch. Actually, I think the new look for the blog should be that big whiskey glass MB had up there on election night.
I will try to be cheerier from now on. Please let my ‘Post Comment” button stay visible.
And I do agree about the Green and other alternative lefty parties. I voted Green Jill Stein for governor here. She got 1% of the vote. Here. In Massachsuetts. So much for “the people’s republic of MA”!
PS: I am so computer illiterate I cannot link to this, but if anyone wants cheering up there is a rare and wonderful clip of the irreplaceable Alfred Drake with Patricia Morrison performing “Wunderbar” on Youtube. I guarantee it will bring all of us zombies back to life. Velvet voice, great actor, and hot, hot, hot!! Why is there not more film footage of this man?
November 10, 2010 at 6:13 PM
Oh noes!
HT: Canadians are getting their own Jersey Shore!
November 10, 2010 at 6:34 PM
@58: My comment button disappears from time to time. Try refreshing, that usually brings it back up.
November 10, 2010 at 6:35 PM
Fredster – great Daily Show clip! Stewart was hilarious. He even remarked on how Dear Leader apologizes for America every place he goes. And I loved the ending: You may campaign with style, but you end up governing like an old white man at a wedding. LOL! Also, I ate brunch a few tables away from Kevin Bacon a couple of years ago. All I can say is, he is hot! (And he knows it!) Brenda Lee is one lucky lady – and she looks amazing too!
Julia – Great find with that Common Dreams article. I am doing my part to spread it around the Interwebz – posted it at Ian Welsh’s place too.
Back Bay – glad to see you can now post!
Off to make some dinner. Later, all! If you want to listen to a great BlogTalkRadio show tonight, go here:
http://johnwsmart.wordpress.com
November 10, 2010 at 6:53 PM
MadamaB, best best best wishes that all goes well — that is, that those doing the hiring do not screw up. You, of course, will do well!
And about the Obama Catfood Commission, I am so appalled but not really surprising, considering who he put on it. Bad enough about the chairs, but peeps, believe me, BEWARE Paul Ryan.
November 10, 2010 at 7:04 PM
@60 I rebooted the computer Chat. That must have fixed it.
Thanks.
I took a break to eat, and Blitzer, Gergen are all over CNN touting how necessary SS cuts are! As if it could possibly equal the two wars and the defense department. Scary that so many people will believe these media morons.
November 10, 2010 at 7:42 PM
Thank you, CC! Mwah!
I too miss Beata. I hope she is healthy and is just taking a “mental health” blogging break.
Remember who owns our media – mostly, defense contractors who are fully invested in endless war. Of course those bobbleheaded boobs are going to say SS cuts are necessary.
Apparently advocacy organizations are already fighting back. As I mentioned, this proposal is meant to soften people up for the (also horrible) “compromise” that will pass.
Let’s hope people don’t fall for the BS.
November 10, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Only a Democrat could get this shit through. But goddess almighty, when Bush brought up privatization of SS they were willing to take it to the streets. And that is how it will probably get sold to “Democrats”. “Well, I saved it from privatization” and they will go along.
November 10, 2010 at 7:58 PM
The Krug weighs in – basically, it’s a snarkasm. He just can’t believe how ridiculous this sh*t is.
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/unserious-people-2/
November 10, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Piece by Bernie Sanders on SS:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/41628_Page2.html
November 10, 2010 at 8:03 PM
@ 67> I saw that headline earlier today. Frankly, this does not in the least surprise me. I mean, they just suffered a wipe-out and Pelosi thinks she should stay in charge? I’m astounded that they’re keeping Harry Reid too! No, these two bozos need to go! I don’t know how Reid managed to hang on to his job (with his penis?), but it blows my mind that Pelosi is to tone deaf that she wants to try to hang on to the post.
November 10, 2010 at 8:12 PM
And, Nancy Pelosi is not pleased.
http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=3123
November 10, 2010 at 8:13 PM
Fredster – all Canadians are not immune to the crass factor – same as Americans, however, I shudder to think that a country where so many brilliant actors and comedians and writers and poets and thinkers originated would welcome that kind of crap. Never underestimate the stupidity of television watchers. (Notice I’m not calling you on your Puck(ish) way of reminding me that we are just as stupid as you). Now that I’ve got that off my chest, how are you doing about getting home? Will it be soon? Do you need assistance? Don’t have much, but I could help out a little.
Back Bay, so good to see you again. It’s been a long time. I have the same problem with the post comment button. Sometimes it’s there, other times it has disappeared, and it’s frustrating as heck particularly as I’m regular reader but I don’t always post. It’s quite a bizarre situation. I usually click on the “Blog at WordPress.com” link, then use the back button and voila, the Post Comment magically appears. Odd programming from WordPress.
November 10, 2010 at 8:16 PM
Excellent article by Bernie Sanders, LTD. He is 100% right on all points.
November 10, 2010 at 8:27 PM
HT@73 said: Notice I’m not calling you on your Puck(ish) way of reminding me that we are just as stupid as you
In my best Joisy accent: Hey! Whad I do???
how are you doing about getting home? Will it be soon
Well, it is dependent on a friend of mine being able to be truck driver to drive the rental truck of furniture down there. It is very much cheaper to rent the truck one way. If I were to try to rent it and drive stuff down and turn around and drive back (empty) it would add right at an add’l $400 to the cost with fuel and mileage. They don’t charge mileage on the one way trips. Also, I don’t think I have the ability to add one of those tow-trailers to the back of a 16 or 20 ft truck and drive the whole shebang and arrive in one piece!
November 10, 2010 at 8:31 PM
Sanders’ article is good. I wonder if he will compromise on it like he did with Health Whatever bill.
November 10, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Fredster, my best wishes. I just want to see you home and if I can assist in any way, I shall.
November 10, 2010 at 8:43 PM
HT: If you were closer I’d say c’mon down and you drive the SUV and I’d drive the truck (how butch!) but I appreciate it sincerely.
November 10, 2010 at 8:46 PM
Fredster, I’ve driven a truck before, and were I closer, I’d be there in a nanosecond.
November 10, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Good show at John Smart!
I don’t know about the theory of Evan Bayh throwing his hat into the ring for President in 2012 just to pave the way for Hillary. If he’s going to throw his hat into the ring, I’m sure he’s going to want to run, not so that Hillary will have an excuse to.
November 10, 2010 at 10:21 PM
hello all late to the party as usual…Why is all push back on pelosi comming from the Blue Dogs?
They want to take the party fruter right and they were the ones that had their numbers halved by the 2010 midterms…
I wish some one on the left would stand in her place but putting the less than 30 blue dogs in charge of the Dems would be suicide for what is left of the party!
November 10, 2010 at 10:31 PM
I don’t get that whole Bayh thing. He’s a rightie in centrist’s clothing. He might be an okay VP, but he’s not Presidential material.
As for the Blue Dogs, they are done. A Blue Dog should not be in charge of the House. The rest of them will lose in 2012.
November 10, 2010 at 10:35 PM
@ 81> What a missed opportunity! It would have been awesome if Bush just went ahead and endorsed Obama!
November 11, 2010 at 12:23 AM
i want to be able to vote for hillary for president in 2012, even if i have to start yet another new party: http://www.correntewire.com/rivers_of_blood
i wonder if she could be talked into running as an independent? [my guess is no]
November 11, 2010 at 2:59 PM
@89 – How true…I missed Hipparchia’s comment AND Angelasmith’s!
Hipparchia, it’s so great to see you. I have wanted HRC to run as an Independent for a couple of years now, although I agree that it is rather unlikely. As for the National Feminist Party, I would love to see it happen. I was thinking that perhaps some of the chapter heads of NOW could pool their resources and create one (with our participation).
I noticed immediately that the name of the Party turns some men off. My question is, “And?” The men who are feminists will have no problem joining the Party or supporting its goals. The men who aren’t, are part of the problem anyway. Let them revel in their sexism while they can. They will become dinosaurs and outcasts in the end, just like those who advocated slavery.
Angelasmith – Amen!
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November 10, 2010 at 7:20 AM
Look, I preferred Hillary from the start, but she’s already stated she’s not going to run again. Our internal polling also pointed to Obama as a major factor in the election, but not in the way you’d think. Many who voted for Obama two years ago didn’t vote this time around, only because Obama wasn’t on the ballot, hence the negative responses from “likely voters”.