Obama’s Desperation Over Palin Revealed
September 5th, 2008 at 02:55pm Kevin Patrick
As every conservative knows, Sarah Palin scares the crap out of Obama and his Obamabots. That’s why they are so misleading, vicious and relentless in their attacks on her. The biggest meme they floated was attempts to link Sarah Palin with George McGovern’s failed VP pick of Thomas Eagleton in 1972. A google search of “Palin Eagleton” reveals how viral this meme spread before Palin delivered her knock-out convention speech.
As I told you before, getting the media to make Sarah Palin “famous in a bad way” is a main plank in Obama’s campaign strategy.
Well, someone forgot to tell Marc Ambinder at the Atlantic who has the dirty little secret Obama doesn’t want you to know:
In memos, e-mails and phone calls this week, Obama campaign officials have urged surrogates and allies to mention Republicans who are “nervous” about the Palin pick and to link those worries to George McGovern’s aborted vice presidential pick of Thomas Eagleton in 1972, according to three Democratic surrogates.
…
On Wednesday, the campaign’s chief surrogate wranglers distributed a three page compilation of quotes from Republicans concerned about the Palin pick. (See the text after the jump.) One surrogate said he had been urged to bring up the example of Eagleton in order to seed the idea that McCain might consider dropping him from the ticket.
Caught red-handed, the Obama campaign responded thusly:
Obama spokesperson Bill Burton said that surrogates haven’t been pushed to mention Eagleton. “We did not give that guidance,” he said.
Suuuuuuuurrrrrreeeee. It all just “happened” to show up simultaneously after you sent out that memo. The dishonesty of the Obama campaign knows no bounds when it comes to smearing Sarah Palin.
UPDATE, by Mark Noonan: And withh 58% of Americans having a positive view of Governor Palin, you can see why Obama and his Democrats are in a panic.
UPDATE, by Mark Noonan: And just because a lot of lefties are saying this was a desperation pick of someone no one had ever heard of, I direct you to a February 27th, 2008 entry here at Blogs for Victory which notes Palin’s exceptional talents and states that she would be a fine VP pick for John McCain.
UPDATE, by Matt Margolis: Does Sarah Palin put New York in play?
Entry Filed under: Campaign 2008, Republicans
53 Comments
1. Rich | September 5th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
They called her a nazi-empathizer as well. This needs to be brought up in the media. Pressure should be put on Obama to stand by these statements or fire his surrogate.
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) Said That Gov. Palin Was A Supporter Of Pat Buchanan Who He Called A “Nazi Sympathizer.”
“Here’s Rep. Robert Wexler of Florida: John McCain’s decision to select a vice presidential running mate that endorsed Pat Buchanan for president in 2000 is a direct affront to all Jewish Americans. Pat Buchanan is a Nazi sympathizer with a uniquely atrocious record on Israel, even going as far as to denounce bringing former Nazi soldiers to justice and praising Adolf Hilter for his ‘great courage.’” (Ben Smith, “Palin On Israel,” Politico, Posted 8/29/08)
=
The Obama Campaign Linked Gov. Palin As A Supporter Of Pat Buchanan Who They Called A “Nazi Sympathizer.”
“‘Palin was a supporter of [MSNBC analyst] Pat Buchanan, a right-winger or as many Jews call him: a Nazi sympathizer,’ Obama spokesman Mark Bubriski wrote in an e-mail.” (Marc Caputo, “Obama Camp Connects The Dots For Jews: McCain … Palin … Buchanan … Nazis,” The Miami Herald’s “Naked Politics” Blog, Posted 8/30/08)
2. Rich | September 5th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Obam08 and yekept, are you guys still wishing more people had seen Palin’s speech?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/rasmussen/20080905/pl_rasmussen/palinpower20080905
A week ago, most Americans had never heard of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Now, following a Vice Presidential acceptance speech viewed live by more than 40 million people, Palin is viewed favorably by 58% of American voters. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% hold an unfavorable view of the self-described hockey mom.
The figures include 40% with a Very Favorable opinion of Palin and 18% with a Very Unfavorable view. Before her acceptance speech, Palin was viewed favorably by 52%. A week ago, 67% had never heard of her.
The new data also shows significant increases in the number who say McCain made the right choice and the number who say Palin is ready to be President. Generally, John McCain’s choice of Palin earns slightly better reviews than Barack Obama’s choice of Joe Biden.
Perhaps most stunning is the fact that Palin’s favorable ratings are now a point higher than either man at the top of the Presidential tickets this year. As of Friday morning, Obama and McCain are each viewed favorably by 57% of voters. Biden is viewed favorably by 48%.
3. navydad | September 5th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Kevin,
This is what concerns me.
From the Chicago tribune back in 2006 :”Obama said he hadn’t suspected Rezko of wrongdoing, or of scheming to exploit their friendship: They were friends who occasionally socialized; Rezko had been a loyal supporter; and, Obama says, Rezko had never asked him for anything in the many years they’d known one another. Rezko always had been above board with him, Obama explained, so “my instinct was to believe him” when Rezko said the talk of illicit dealings on his part was untrue…”
Herein lies the problem with Obama. When he makes statements such as “my instinct was to believe him” ….TO BELIEVE HIM… OBAMA???WTF!! Just like he believed Bill Ayers & Rev Wright?
Obama has said repeatedly that he’d talk-unconditionally I might add-with leaders of Hamas along with Hockmodumbojob et al. and if this is any indication of his so-called gut instinct…I want no part of it.
I want a leader that says, “man this guy smells fishy and I’m not sure I can trust him”, rather than “oh well, he may have white powder on his nose, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt….poor guy must have a nasal yeast infection”…..what a load!
I wouldn’t trust Obama or Biden with my dishwater, and if the left wants a fight, then we’ll give it to em.
4. hermie | September 5th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
And yet, Obama still touts his superior ‘judgment’.
Like his embrace of Detroit’s disgraced mayor…oh wait…he kicked him under the bus too.
5. Rich | September 5th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Here is a great example of Obama’s judgement. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SODIFZXIPA
6. Retired Spook | September 5th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
What’s so funny about all this is that the Republican brand has been so damaged, all the Dems had to do this year was, show up breathing and be civil, and they would have won in a cakewalk. Instead they’ve decided to show everyone what turds they are.
7. FmrMarine | September 5th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
navy,rich
This is what oBOMBa has in mind for the US…….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl32Y7wDVDs&eurl=http://tammybruce.com/2008/02/barack_hussein_obam.php
8. Timestar | September 5th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
It is time to move on from the Palin distraction. She had her 10 minutes of fame. She is a nice lady. Where are McCain’s solutions for the country? Please, Please, Please let us in on the secret. If he is the man of change, what policies of George Bush and the Republican Party is he going to change?
9. FmrMarine | September 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
navy; sunnydelight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sawN7uJ8s8s&feature=related
10. Sunny | September 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Politics can be a dirty business, huh? Kind of like the Muslim rumors. That didn’t seem to bother many of you on this blog.
I agree that Sarah Palin has been treated badly by some in the media. She is a strong woman and has gone up against the “good ole boy” system in her home state and survived. She will do just fine in this run as well. However, some of the questions being asked are legitimate. We are entitled to know about her work experience, her position on issues that are very important to all of us and anything that directly affects her ability to perform her job as vice president. You would be having a fit if the candidate from the Democratic Party was 72 years old and picked an unknown as the potential vice president. You would expect the media to vet this person as well. To pry in her personal life is going over the line - especially with her children. She admitted using drugs in college - no outcry from this group. But when Obama admitted to the same, oh my gosh! He was instantly unfit for office. Never mind that George Bush, who most here has adored for the past eight years did the same, but didn’t have the guts to admit. So, get control of your outrage and until you can say that you did not say derogratory things about Obama or Hillary Clinton, you really to stop acting so indignant. Frankly, I think Sarah can handle this without your help - she seems pretty capable to me. And her lack of experience does not bother me. I think her temperament and good sense will prevail. Further more, the more you write of this stuff the more you spread the nonsense. Only the really nutty far left read DailyKos.
11. navydad | September 5th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
No way..No how…No Sunny!!
Obama & Hillary are two of the biggest liars, political opportunists and arrogant aholes on the planet, and for you to assume that we Conservatives are as shallow, limp-wristed and cowardly as you pussies….I’ve got a message for ya…Blow it out yer arse!!
We’re not going down without a real fight this year and if we win, we’ll continue to gain strength in the Conservative movement and you weenies will be screaming like little girls…ooops sorry did I offend you?
12. Sunny | September 5th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
What else would I expect from you navydad? Did you offend me? Not really - considering the source. But overall you are offensive, racist and ignorant. Did that offend you? And I am not sorry if it did.
13. The Arctic Fox | September 5th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
About the only thing interesting about this entire blog post is the stunning accuracy of the last three tags
Obama, ready to lead, Sarah Palin
Just as he’s ready to lead the rest of the party.
Scrapbooking this page to return later and see if the tags get switched around.
14. FmrMarine | September 5th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
sunnydelight;
check this out……more donkrat ethics??
is this the change oBOMBa is talking about??
what a hoot!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sawN7uJ8s8s&feature=related
15. navydad | September 5th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
“What else would I expect from you navydad?”
Sunnygirl,
Most libs have no clue what to expect from Conservatives, just like they “expected” McCain was going to pick Ridge, Pawlenty or Lieberman.
And to answer your question whether I’m offended…OOOOhh…Pleeease!!! Spare me the concern….ROFLMAO!!!
16. Dasein Libsbane | September 5th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Timestar,
Try paying attention; if you can’t keep up … take notes.
Interestingly, I have to wonder; if Obama were up by 10 or 15 points before his convention, would he have chosen Biden?
Biden was a desperation pick; Palin was inspired.
17. Dasein Libsbane | September 5th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Sunny,
Let’s be honest, shall we?
The “Muslim rumor” was is a perfect example of the difference between Palin and Obama Vis-à-vis press coverage. The Clinton inspired story was quickly and effectively investigated by the Press and dispelled. Legitimate media refused to carry the story until they had some corroboration. Fox News reported that the rumor was being “reported” by another media outlet and has incurred the shame of that blunder since. Where’s the outrage at AP for reporting that “Governor Palin had an affair with her husband’s ex-partner according to the governor’s sister’s ex-husband’s unnamed family member”?
And how is this (one of many) unsubstantiated rumor significant to the current election? At what point do you feel the Press has lost decency and objectivity and crossed the line into yellow journalism? Her 17 year old daughter’s pregnancy says what about Governor Sarah Palin’s ability to be a Vice-President?
One last thing; you confuse the illegality of buying, using and trafficking cocaine, and the use of legal at the time she indulged marijuana,. Let me help you; “illegal“.
18. kimberly4victory | September 5th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
My S-I-L just emailed this to me … get your tissues out.
Dear Mr. Obama:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
Joe Cook served in Iraq. God bless you Joe and to all who have served and are serving.
19. kimberly4victory | September 5th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Things that make you go hmmmmmm …
Barack Obama was a founding member of the board of Public Allies in 1992, resigning before his wife became executive director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies in 1993. Obama plans to use the nonprofit group, which he features on his campaign Web site, as the model for a national service corps. He calls his Orwellian program, “Universal Voluntary Public Service.”
Big Brother had nothing on the Obamas. They plan to herd American youth into government-funded reeducation camps where they’ll be brainwashed into thinking America is a racist, oppressive place in need of “social change.”
The pitch Public Allies makes on its Web site doesn’t seem all that radical. It promises to place young adults (18-30) in paid one-year “community leadership” positions with nonprofit or government agencies. They’ll also be required to attend weekly training workshops and three retreats.
In exchange, they’ll get a monthly stipend of up to $1,800, plus paid health and child care. They also get a post-service education award of $4,725 that can be used to pay off past student loans or fund future education.
But its real mission is to radicalize American youth and use them to bring about “social change” through threats, pressure, tension and confrontation — the tactics used by the father of community organizing, Saul “The Red” Alinsky.
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=305420655186700
20. Sunny | September 5th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Dasein Libsbane | September 5th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Sunny,
Let’s be honest, shall we?
DS, Shall we??? This is the first I have read anything about an affair - and that has come from you. And which newspaper/new station/ blog published this rumor? Shall we also be honest about the constant rumors not put to rest regarding the “madras” Obama attended as a child, automatically being a Muslim because supposedly his father was (that he only spent one month with after he turned two) and all of the other really nasty ugly things posted right here on Blogs for Victory.
“One last thing; you confuse the illegality of buying, using and trafficking cocaine, and the use of legal at the time she indulged marijuana,. Let me help you; “illegal“. DB
Exactly were was it legal to buy and use marijuana in the US while Sarah Palin was in college and when did this occur? The last time I checked, none of the states within the US had laws that deemed it legal to buy, use or sell marijuana except for medicinal uses a couple of states in just the past couple of years. And who was trafficking cocain? Oh please - let me guess. I am sure it was Obama. Afterall, what would you expect from some black guy raised by a white family? Was that before or after Columbia U or before or after Harvard Law? And did you know that affirmative action will allow you to graduate magna cum laud - even if you don’t really have the grades to do so?
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21. A-10 | September 5th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Sunny,
Lets start from the top:
“I agree that Sarah Palin has been treated badly by some in the media. She is a strong woman and has gone up against the “good ole boy” system in her home state and survived. She will do just fine in this run as well.”
Good start. We are in agreement.
“However, some of the questions being asked are legitimate. We are entitled to know about her work experience, her position on issues that are very important to all of us and anything that directly affects her ability to perform her job as vice president. You would be having a fit if the candidate from the Democratic Party was 72 years old and picked an unknown as the potential vice president. You would expect the media to vet this person as well.”
It is not the responsiblity or duty of the MSM to “vet” presidential or vice-presidential candidates. Who gave them that authority? Answer: They gave it to themselves. They have their collective panties in a bunch because Gov Palin’s appointment caught them by surprise and exposed them.
And she isn’t exactly “unkown”. She is a Governor after all.
“To pry in her personal life is going over the line - especially with her children.”
Correct.
“She admitted using drugs in college - no outcry from this group. But when Obama admitted to the same, oh my gosh! He was instantly unfit for office. Never mind that George Bush, who most here has adored for the past eight years did the same, but didn’t have the guts to admit.”
Except the single time she smoked marijuana was legal under Alaska law. Senator Obama’s cocaine use was and is illegal. There is no proof of President Bush abusing drugs. Just the ravings of the Daily Kos. He admits to a drinking problem in the past, but that is in the past.
What do you think of the reported homosexual behaviour of Senator Obama and his alledged repeated drug use. The Bush rumors were all over the press. The Obama story has been buried.
“So, get control of your outrage and until you can say that you did not say derogratory things about Obama or Hillary Clinton, you really to stop acting so indignant. Frankly, I think Sarah can handle this without your help - she seems pretty capable to me.”
Okay.
“And her lack of experience does not bother me.”
Except for the fact she has much more executive experience than either Senator Obama or Senator Biden. She only lacks for experience on the national statge. And that is not all that important. Her values and beliefs are.
22. arcman46 | September 5th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Like I have been saying, those that didn’t think she was on anyone’s short list were just not paying attention.
23. Kahn | September 5th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
And meanwhile Wexler owns no property in Florida and has no address there. He lives in Maryland. But does not pay Marylands HIGH taxes.
What a douche.
24. Obama08 | September 5th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Congrats!
Your little festival in Minneapolis managed to shake out a few more in-bred knuckle draggers from the deep woods to vote for a party of wealth so these same “Eastern Elites” such as Mitt Romney can further plunder the public treasury.
Well America is the land of oppurtunity, even for crooks, liars, theives and people that pilfer other people’s ideas.
McCain running as the GOP nominee claiming that he’ll clean up the mess that he and his well connected lobbyist crooks they themselves made.
25. Kahn | September 5th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Timestar - nice try. You attacked her kids. THAT is an issue now. I’ve said we won’t let that go. And we won’t.
How about, cheaper energy? Wouldn’t THAT help the economy?
How about jobs that can’t be exported? Wouldn’t that help the economy?
Oil from offshore and the Artic.
Gas from virtually everywhere in the country.
Wind (which Obama joined Kennedy in restricting).
Solar (which environmental groups have put a freeze on.)
Hydro-electric (which environmental groups have put a freeze on.)
And nuclear (which Obama voted against).
Drilling in America works for us. Most of the hardware is built HERE. Workers would do it - HERE. Same with the others. Nuclear could not be moved and would be all American bult and run.
How’s THAT?
AND - it would make energy cheaper and cleaner. A MASSIVE stimulus to our economy.
But if you can find a car that runs on hope and rhetoric, let me know.
And don’t forget - Obama’s campaign coordinated the attack on Palins kids. The left tried to destroy a seventeen year old. And lamented that Palin did not abort her baby. They still are.
26. rich | September 5th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Well i would guess if somone used a similar post about black people they would be banned from most sites. I would like to see Obama08 history. He is offering nothing but diatribes now and is even more embarrassing than most of the libs here, and that is saying something.
27. Kahn | September 5th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Liberals - did you not get the importance of proposing these energy answers? That they promote jobs and growth and security here?
What is the Democratic plan?
Send an owl to Hogwart’s?
28. Kahn | September 5th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Obama08, man you have got to have like the fastest Internet connection in Havana! Run on the Communist manifesto. That should work out just fine for you.
Or go back to trying to destroy Palin’s kids. Whichever makes you feel more relaxed.
29. Nate | September 5th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Deleted - off topic.
30. Kahn | September 5th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
The McCain-Palin signs and stickers are hitting Virginia today. I have a bunch being delivered. I told them to give me a dozen signs. Last tome I got swamped by neighbors wanting them.
Contact your local RNC. Get signs and stickers. Give money. And volunteer time.
We can win. Lets call it - THE REPUBLICAN SURGE!
31. Kahn | September 5th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Nate, how you feel about the fired trooper using a police taser on his ten year old step son? What about the death threats? The drinking in his police car?
32. rich | September 5th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Sounds blatently racist to me.
“Your little festival in Minneapolis managed to shake out a few more in-bred knuckle draggers from the deep woods to vote for a party of wealth”
33. Kahn | September 5th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Nate? Nate? You there? Get your head out of your butt son. What about it?
SHOULD he have kept his job after using a trigger fired no-automatic-shut-off police taser at a ten year old little boy?
This was NOT his first round of complaints. But in this ame round he was found to have been drinking in his police car -you um, ever get pulled over by a drunk cop Nate? Think thats how they are supposed to act?
And what about the death threats? Normal yah think? OK/ Nothing to them (I mean - obviously not violent after tasering a child).
Nate? Nate? You there?
34. Mark Noonan | September 5th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Arctic Fox,
Naw, won’t happen - its systemic the way they are listed.
35. JS | September 5th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
so obama is tied up with the rezko scandal and whats he do…can find what…no records of his activity in the legislature…or the state records…cmon…two faced idiots…you cant play both sides of the coin…if we dont deserve to know what obama’s been up too, what makes you think you deserve to know squat about palin?
wtfu idiots
36. JS | September 5th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
the one thing we learned from the democrat plan was that they dont have one…in they lied through thier teeth, and admitted it afterwards…by telling liberals what they wanted to hear…but exactly what did they do?
See the list below;
1
2
3
4
5
6
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10
11
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long list….huh?
37. Obama08 | September 5th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
GOP Strategy Memo:
We have been the party in charge for the last 8 years.
The economy is bad, but we’ll label those who complain “whiners” and whine right along with, to show we are just like them.
The population views our president as one of the worst in history, so we will run a “maverick” for president, who supported the president 90% of the time
We will pilfer the Democratic message of change and claim, while having brought nothing but the same economic policies, that we are the true reformers.
We will mock the popularity of Obama while we mint our own celebrity. Denigrate the wide audience that Obama attracted but then laud it when we get the same viewership.
Mock the “celebrity” aspect of Obama, and put up a Hollywood actor to tell everyone that cannot “properly field-dress a moose” they are elitist snobs.
Have an Eastern Elite who has made vast amounts of money in the stock market rail against wealthy “Eastern Elites,” without so much as stuttering.
Continue claiming to be the party of “Family Values” while minting a new celebrity that has an unwed teenage daughter that is pregnant and is under investigation for ethics violations.
When anyone asks about it, decry the sexist nature of the press and claim the press is bullying and beating up on the “Pitbull” with lipstick.
But always and in no uncertain terms blame everything, from the ailing economy to ride in oil prices on the “liberals” and the “media”
Lastly, when you go back on that Washington cocktail circuit and bump into Sarah Palin, buy her a round put it on Tom Delay’s “special” account.
Thanks
GOP
38. BARRASSO | September 5th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I watched McCain’s speech last night and there was a lot of laughter at the drinking establishment, I thought that he had begun to read Obama’s speech when he got to the energy independence part, the only policy particular he filched from the Dems high comedy.
There may be desperation, but it is important to remember why. The Bush admin has been the worst in U.S. history and there remains people dumb enough to vote for more of it.
39. Obama08 | September 5th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
BARRASSO :
Can the super-rich former governor of Massachusetts — the son of a Fortune 500 C.E.O. who made a vast fortune in the leveraged-buyout business — really keep a straight face while denouncing “Eastern elites”?
Can the former mayor of New York City, a man who, as USA Today put it, “marched in gay pride parades, dressed up in drag and lived temporarily with a gay couple and their Shih Tzu” — that was between his second and third marriages — really get away with saying that Barack Obama doesn’t think small towns are sufficiently “cosmopolitan”?
Can the vice-presidential candidate of a party that has controlled the White House, Congress or both for 26 of the past 28 years, a party that, Borg-like, assimilated much of the D.C. lobbying industry into itself — until Congress changed hands, high-paying lobbying jobs were reserved for loyal Republicans — really portray herself as running against the “Washington elite”?
Yes, they can.
On Tuesday, He Who Must Not Be Named — Mitt Romney mentioned him just once, Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin not at all — gave a video address to the Republican National Convention. John McCain, promised President Bush, would stand up to the “angry left.” That’s no doubt true. But don’t be fooled either by Mr. McCain’s long-ago reputation as a maverick or by Ms. Palin’s appealing persona: the Republican Party, now more than ever, is firmly in the hands of the angry right, which has always been much bigger, much more influential and much angrier than its counterpart on the other side.
What’s the source of all that anger?
Some of it, of course, is driven by cultural and religious conflict: fundamentalist Christians are sincerely dismayed by Roe v. Wade and evolution in the curriculum. What struck me as I watched the convention speeches, however, is how much of the anger on the right is based not on the claim that Democrats have done bad things, but on the perception — generally based on no evidence whatsoever — that Democrats look down their noses at regular people.
Thus Mr. Giuliani asserted that Wasilla, Alaska, isn’t “flashy enough” for Mr. Obama, who never said any such thing. And Ms. Palin asserted that Democrats “look down” on small-town mayors — again, without any evidence.
What the G.O.P. is selling, in other words, is the pure politics of resentment; you’re supposed to vote Republican to stick it to an elite that thinks it’s better than you. Or to put it another way, the G.O.P. is still the party of Nixon.
One of the key insights in “Nixonland,” the new book by the historian Rick Perlstein, is that Nixon’s political strategy throughout his career was inspired by his college experience, in which he got himself elected student body president by exploiting his classmates’ resentment against the Franklins, the school’s elite social club. There’s a direct line from that student election to Spiro Agnew’s attacks on the “nattering nabobs of negativism” as “an effete corps of impudent snobs,” and from there to the peculiar cult of personality that not long ago surrounded George W. Bush — a cult that celebrated his anti-intellectualism and made much of the supposed fact that the “misunderestimated” C-average student had proved himself smarter than all the fancy-pants experts.
And when Mr. Bush turned out not to be that smart after all, and his presidency crashed and burned, the angry right — the raging rajas of resentment? — became, if anything, even angrier. Humiliation will do that.
Can Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin really ride Nixonian resentment into an upset election victory in what should be an overwhelmingly Democratic year? The answer is a definite maybe.
By selecting Barack Obama as their nominee, the Democrats may have given Republicans an opening: the very qualities that inspire many fervent Obama supporters — the candidate’s high-flown eloquence, his coolness factor — have also laid him open to a Nixonian backlash. Unlike many observers, I wasn’t surprised at the effectiveness of the McCain “celebrity” ad. It didn’t make much sense intellectually, but it skillfully exploited the resentment some voters feel toward Mr. Obama’s star quality.
That said, the experience of the years since 2000 — the memory of what happened to working Americans when faux-populist Republicans controlled the government — is still fairly fresh in voters’ minds. Furthermore, while Democrats’ supposed contempt for ordinary people is mainly a figment of Republican imagination, the G.O.P. really is the Gramm Old Party — it really does believe that the economy is just fine, and the fact that most Americans disagree just shows that we’re a nation of whiners.
But the Democrats can’t afford to be complacent. Resentment, no matter how contrived, is a powerful force, and it’s one that Republicans are very, very good at exploiting.
–Paul Krugman
40. kimberly4victory | September 5th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I just went to Bashas (grocery store chain here in AZ). I overheard two ladies talking about where to put the Us Magazine. You can imagine where I wanted to tell them to put it (tee hee hee).
Instead I said, “I hope you don’t plan on putting that piece of trash up near the registers because if you do, I will NEVER shop here again.”
To which one lady replied, “Oh don’t worry, we won’t. The headquarters received thousands of calls with similar requests. We just don’t know where to put it now.”
I told them the trash would be a good place.
I am Sarah Palin!
POW/WOW ‘08
41. Dasein Libsbane | September 5th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Sunny,
I assume you don’t really want to discuss the issues, I don’t now what the grades issue has to do with the discussion. But, I’ll point out your ignorance anyway.
A-10 correctly pointed out that in Alaska marijuana was indeed legal. ““Alaska citizens have the right to possess less than four ounces of marijuana in their home for personal use.” — Alaska Court of Appeals, Noy v. State, August 29, 2003 ”
“Trafficking” To transport, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, to another, as consideration for anything of value, or make or obtain control of with intent so to transport, transfer, or dispose of. 18 U.S.C. § 2320.; unless you believe that the cocaine magically appeared in his pant pocket; he had to be involved in the trafficking.
On Tuesday AP reported the following; “PALIN HAD AN AFFAIR.”.
42. FactCheck | September 5th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I assume you don’t really want to discuss the issues
No, that would be the McCain campaign. Rick Davis even said so.
43. kimberly4victory | September 5th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
A good article on Palin:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4677799.ece
After you read it, check out the comments. It is unbelievable how McCain’s brilliant choice of VP has energized our base, moderate Dems, and po’d Clinton supporters.
Sarah Palin’s story is my story. And it’s the story of millions of other American women who are working hard to live their various dreams.
I am Sarah Palin.
POW/WOW ‘08
44. A-10 | September 5th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
rich,
Do you know why commenters like Obama08, Thrower, FactCheck, and the rest of the liberals post their comments on a conservative site? Because there aren’t any conservative commenters on the liberal sites. Why? Because if you post a conservative thought on any of the leading liberal blogs, you are banned and your comments deleted.
You see, liberals only believe in freedom of speech when the words match their radical, socialist agenda. Any dissent is squashed.
If they post on DU or Kos, no one disputes their smears, lies, and distortions.
I will give them credit though. At least they are willing to converse with us.
They just need to be thankful that Mark and Matt don’t ban them as a conservative would be banned on a liberal site.
Liberals are the kings and queens of hypocracy.
45. FactCheck | September 5th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
If they post on DU or Kos
Except that I don’t.
Better talking point, please.
46. A-10 | September 5th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Its not a talking point. I was simply saying that you should be thankful that Mark and Matt believe in freedom of speech, even on a private site. If you were a conservative posting on a liberal site, you would have been banned long ago.
Here, Mark and Matt allow you to lie, smear, distort, and gennerally provide much laughter for the rest of us.
Just sayin’.
47. FactCheck | September 5th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Here, Mark and Matt allow you to lie, smear, distort
Where have I lied, smeared, or distorted? I merely correct you guys when you do it. Or point out the lies your favorite politicians tell. Or illustrate right-wing hypocrisy. Or make fun of the extra-crazy wingnuts here. Surely you don’t think that right-wing posters here never lie, smear, or distort, do you?
Also, the idea that only liberals ban conservatives from blogs and not vice-versa is laughable. Look at RedState. Look at Little Green Footballs (I wouldn’t recommend looking at LGF for real…this site is all fun and games with wingnuts, but LGF is a straight-up hate site). Bans left and right–hell, RedState even bans Republicans who aren’t sufficiently kooky for them.
Some liberal blogs ban conservatives. Some conservative blogs ban liberals. So yeah, you should update that talking point.
48. A-10 | September 5th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
FactCheck,
“You” is a collective term for “you liberals”. You know as well as I that there are hordes of liberal troll that populate conservative blogs and play their silly games. You might not be one, but you know they exist. And they lie. They smear. They distort.
Haven’t visited RedState, but do read LGF. Not real hot on LGF cause not anyone can sign up to comment.
“Some liberal blogs ban conservatives. Some conservative blogs ban liberals.”
I would disagree. Most liberal blogs ban conservatives. A few conservative blogs ban liberals.
Yet you are still here. Count your blessings. I, on the other hand cannot post on most of the liberal sites. (like I would really want to? I’d have to shower for a week to wash off the stench)
Its not a talking point. Its the truth. And you know it.
49. FactCheck | September 5th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
You know as well as I that there are hordes of liberal troll that populate conservative blogs and play their silly games. You might not be one, but you know they exist. And they lie. They smear. They distort.
And you know as well as I that there are hordes of conservative trolls that populate liberal blogs and play their silly games. You might not be one (in fact, I doubt that you are…doesn’t seem like your style), but you know they exist. And they lie. They smear. They distort.
I would disagree. Most liberal blogs ban conservatives. A few conservative blogs ban liberals.
I would disagree with your assessment of imbalanced banning, especially the part where “most” liberal blogs ban conservatives. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a conservative get banned from a liberal blog. I would bet that the party-lines banning happens in about equal proportion on both sides. And that wouldn’t be surprising, either; some people want discussion, some people want to preach to the choir uninterrupted. In my experience, that breaks down fairly evenly across party lines.
50. A-10 | September 5th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
FactCheck,
“And you know as well as I that there are hordes of conservative trolls that populate liberal blogs and play their silly games.”
Not really. They try, and quickly get banned. By quickly, I mean within minutes. I’ve met a number of conservatives who have tried to post on liberal blogs only to get banned. Yet here you are.
“I would disagree with your assessment of imbalanced banning, especially the part where “most” liberal blogs ban conservatives. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a conservative get banned from a liberal blog.”
Why does that not surprise me. YOU’RE A LIBERAL ON A CONSERVATIVE BLOG. Go to DU, or Kos, or Huffpo and count the conservative posters. Don’t bother using two hands, I doubt you’ll get past one or two.
If you cannot see the hypocracy, you’re beyond hope.
And I’ve never seen the level to which the lies, smears, and distortions escalate on a liberal blog, on a conservative blog. Most of those posting on DU, or Kos, or Huffpo are totally unhinged. And all of the major Donk politicians regularily visit their sites. H*ll, they even speak at their conventions. Many of the pages of the Dem playbook were written by DU or Kos. Or is it the other way around?
If you ask anyone who has any blog savy to compare the level of insanity on the leading liberal and conservative blogs and nearly all would agree that those on the left have lost it. DU - inhabited by escapees from the nuthouse. Kos - creeps, degenerates, and anarchaists.
On the other hand, HotAir.com - have been reading them for months, and rarely do they talk of resorting to revolution. Powerline - probably as tame as it can be.
Bottom line - you’re a liberal. You’re still here. Count your blessings.
51. Kahn | September 5th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Hey! Where is Liberal Mind? Still cryin’ in his wine?
52. FmrMarine | September 6th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
brASSo
>>>why. The Bush admin has been the worst in U.S. history >>>
How old are you? 10?
ever hear of
jimmah cartah?
LBJ?
klintoon?
Bush looks like a rocket scientist compared to these CLOWNS!
53. FactCheck | September 6th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I’ve met a number of conservatives who have tried to post on liberal blogs only to get banned. Yet here you are.
Sure, there are some cons on this board who are proud of being banned from liberal blogs. If you are basically trying to get banned, that undercuts the argument of how wrong banning is, wouldn’t you say?
And I’ve never seen the level to which the lies, smears, and distortions escalate on a liberal blog, on a conservative blog.
Well, of course you haven’t. You agree with at least some of the conservative lies, smears, and distortions, and you think that almost any liberal criticism of conservatives falls under the heading of “lies, smears, and distortions.” A super-hardcore liberal would be the same way, except favoring liberals. You both suffer from a selection bias that–surprise surprise–conforms to your beliefs.
However, you’d both be wrong.
If you ask anyone who has any blog savy to compare the level of insanity on the leading liberal and conservative blogs and nearly all would agree that those on the left have lost it.
Uh, no. Do you really want to get into a crazification contest? Have you even noticed what the con posters on just this small site have been devolving into of late? Openly agitating for civil war, claiming to want to murder political opponents…hell, Kahn was recently rambling about rats in landfills wearing the faces of fetuses. Does that sound normal to you? Does that sound levelheaded and rational?
And as crazy as all that is, there are con blogs that are even more deranged.
Look, you’re fighting a losing battle here. If you want to make the point that banning posters for having opposing views is wrong, fine. But again, that point goes in both directions.
As for me “counting my blessings,” I have not violated any of the stated rules for posting here, so why would I need to count my blessings?