Video: Clint Eastwood’s Entire Improvised RNC Speech

The RNC’s most memorable moment
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The Most Extraordinary Story of the GOP Convention:

TAMPA — When CNN asked top Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom to assess Clint Eastwood’s performance on stage at the Republican convention Thursday night, Fehrnstrom answered simply, “It’s improv.”

It’s an open question why such a carefully run campaign chose to feature improv at the beginning of the 10 p.m. Eastern time hour — peak viewing time as millions of people waited for Mitt Romney’s acceptance speech.� But that’s what happened, and the hour Romney had been anticipating for many years began in a decidedly offbeat way.

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373 comments
1 Varek Raith  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:08:32pm

Image: 31caucus-simpsons-blog480.jpg

2 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:09:17pm

Image: Eastwooding-1.jpg

3 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:11:28pm

There are some pretty unhappy faces in the crowd when Eastwood talks about Afghanistan.

4 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:15:12pm

Caution. Eastwooding ahead.

5 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:15:20pm

re: #3 Charles Johnson

There are some pretty unhappy faces in the crowd when Eastwood talks about Afghanistan.

Just because they support the troops doesn't mean they actually want to be reminded about them. Mitt sure knew that.
/

6 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:20:54pm

Overheard at the Republican convention:

"I know you were against the War in Iraq and that's okay."

"No it's not! Boycott the Dixie Chicks! Freedom Fries."

"Who said that?"

"Clint Eastwood."

"Oh."

7 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:22:29pm

Romney Aides Call Eastwood Speech ‘Strange,’ ‘Weird,’ ‘Theater Of The Absurd’

Romney campaign aides are trying to avoid blame for the campaign's idea to have Clint Eastwood speak at the Republican National Convention, the New York Times reports, following Eastwood's peculiar, rambling dialogue with an empty chair meant to represent President Obama.

“Not me,” said an exasperated-looking senior adviser, when asked who was responsible for Mr. Eastwood’s speech. In late-night interviews, aides variously called the speech “strange” and “weird.” One described it as “theater of the absurd.”


Romney Campaign Embraces Eastwood’s Speech: ‘Classic,’ ‘Descriptive,’ ‘Spoke From The Heart’

The Romney campaign is defending Clint Eastwood’s Thursday night’s baffling endorsement of the one-time Massachusetts governor at the Republican National Convention, insisting that the actor “spoke from the heart with a classic improv sketch which everyone at the convention loved.” Eastwood has been widely criticized for talking to an empty chair with an “invisible Obama,” during his 10 minute address. (Watch ThinkProgress’ highlight reel here.)

“[It was] an honor that a great American icon would come and talk about the failure of the current president and the promise of the future one,” senior aide Stuart Stevens, one of two advisers to clear Eastwood’s appearance, insisted to the New York Times. On Friday morning, Romney’s wife Ann also came to the actor’s defense, telling CBS, “He’s a unique guy and he did a unique thing last night.”

8 Sionainn  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:23:03pm

Jan Brewer "endorses" Obama

9 Varek Raith  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:24:14pm

re: #8 Sionainn

Jan Brewer "endorses" Obama

Rofl.

10 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:26:38pm

re: #8 Sionainn

Jan Brewer "endorses" Obama

Youtube Video
11 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:27:15pm

re: #8 Sionainn

Jan Brewer "endorses" Obama

Oops.

12 palomino  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:29:18pm

Symbolically the sight of Clint sums up today's GOP: an old white man, addle brained, goes on and on complaining about nothing.

13 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:29:54pm

I'm having second thoughts about Clint's performance. I don't think he's lost the plot...
If I was GOP, I wouldn't like it.
But I'm not GOP.

14 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:34:15pm

Team Obama: Romney Blew The Opportunity To ‘Talk Directly To The American People’

“He [GOP nominee Mitt Romney] was given the opportunity to talk directly to the American people, and he didn’t,” Cutter said on a conference call Friday with reporters, organized by the Obama campaign. “There was a reason why they left out the details in a three-day convention in Tampa, because even according to a senior Romney advisor, it would be political suicide to walk through those details.”

15 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:38:23pm

BTW, the title says 'improvised' because it actually was.

The Most Extraordinary Story of the GOP Convention | WashingtonExaminer.com

TAMPA -- When CNN asked top Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom to assess Clint Eastwood's performance on stage at the Republican convention Thursday night, Fehrnstrom answered simply, "It's improv."

It's an open question why such a carefully run campaign chose to feature improv at the beginning of the 10 p.m. Eastern time hour -- peak viewing time as millions of people waited for Mitt Romney's acceptance speech.  But that's what happened, and the hour Romney had been anticipating for many years began in a decidedly offbeat way.

16 Tigger2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:39:04pm

re: #8 Sionainn

Jan Brewer "endorses" Obama

That came across my FB page I laughed my butt off.

17 gwangung  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:39:17pm

re: #15 Charles Johnson

BTW, the title says 'improvised' because it actually was.

The Most Extraordinary Story of the GOP Convention | WashingtonExaminer.com

Improvised, hm?

SO that's how he'll run the country?

18 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:39:51pm

Wow, listening to Martin Bashir and this Romney surrogate can't say a single thing good about Romney or his speech all she can do is lament the Obama campaign "missing an opportunity" to come out with ads and be in the news.

19 jaunte  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:41:11pm

re: #17 gwangung

Wing/Prayer 2012

20 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:42:17pm

The biggest problem with Clint Eastwood's rant is that its distracting everyone from how completely horrifying the GOP's vision for the future really is.

21 Tigger2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:42:31pm

re: #18 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Wow, listening to Martin Bashir and this Romney surrogate can't say a single thing good about Romney or his speech all she can do is lament the Obama campaign "missing an opportunity" to come out with ads and be in the news.

All I heard from her was a version of Palin's word salad.

22 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:45:02pm

re: #21 Tigger2

pretty much, the only part i understood was the part about "Obama's missed opportunity" in regard to ads and being in the news today.

23 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:46:39pm

Crickets!

Mitt Romney's Plans to Strengthen the Middle Class

Youtube Video
24 Coracle  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:47:25pm

You guys don't understand.

Clint just won the election for Romney.

Yep.

25 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:48:08pm

KT,, you "here"??

26 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:49:27pm

*facepalm*

BRIAN KILMEADE (HOST): The report is after Mitt Romney lost to John McCain for the nomination, he got an offer from a fund, $30 million a year, go back into the financial world, have all types of success. How hard was the decision not to do that?

ROMNEY: Well, we’re used to kind of passing offers up like that. For us, our life is not about making money. We’ve been very blessed financially. Our life is now about giving back. I always trust that Mitt can always make another dollar. Poor guy, he took no pay when he did the Olympics for three years and no pay when he was governor for four years.

27 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:51:34pm

re: #24 Coracle

You guys don't understand.

Clint just won the election for Romney.

Yep.

I don't think it matters in either direction. It's neither a plus or a negative for Romney. Americans won't care about what really amounts to an awful lot of inside baseball. Liberals aren't in panic mode and neither is Romney finished. This is still a highly competitive race and in no way does Obama have this election in the bag.

28 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:51:46pm

re: #23 Gus

Crickets!

Mitt Romney's Plans to Strengthen the Middle Class

[Embedded content]

Step 1) reduce the size of the middle class
Step 2) Those who are left are the strongest

MISSION COMPLETE!

29 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:53:36pm

re: #24 Coracle

You guys don't understand.

Clint just won the election for Romney.

Yep.

I assure you, those assorted giggles, snickers and guffaws indicate complete and utter panic.

30 erik_t  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:53:50pm

re: #24 Coracle

You guys don't understand.

Clint just won the election for Romney.

Yep.

As usual, Republicans have exactly one interpretation of our laughter. It's... usually not the right one.

31 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:53:59pm

Oh brother. J. Rubin dragging out Rev. Wright.

Zzzzz.

32 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:55:12pm

re: #31 Gus

shorter J. Rubin.

Derp...

33 erik_t  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:55:18pm

re: #31 Gus

Oh brother. J. Rubin dragging out Rev. Wright.

Third time's a charm, Jennifer. See you in 2016!

34 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:55:54pm

re: #26 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

*facepalm*

And Steve Jobs got paid $1 to be CEO of Apple with no perks for the job. Should I just ignore the fact that he also had $2.1 billion in Apple stock and $4.4 billion in Disney stocks and assume that Jobs was working at Apple out of the kindness of his heart?

What a stupid and insulting argument.

35 Sionainn  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:56:12pm

re: #24 Coracle

You guys don't understand.

Clint just won the election for Romney.

Yep.

That guy wishes.

36 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:56:16pm

re: #32 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

shorter J. Rubin.

Derp...

37 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:58:01pm

re: #34 Lidane

And Steve Jobs got paid $1 to be CEO of Apple with no perks for the job. Should I just ignore the fact that he also had $2.1 billion in Apple stock and $4.4 billion in Disney stocks and assume that Jobs was working at Apple out of the kindness of his heart?

What a stupid and insulting argument.

Like the BS about Meg Whitman getting no salary at HP, but oh yeah, they handed her several million in stock, which coincidentally became worth a hell of a lot more when she started laying off employees.

38 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:58:31pm

re: #31 Gus

I would suggest she let that go.
The wild things that religious people say is not a topic Romney wants to bring up.
And I'm still trying to figure out how what Rev. Wright said was any diff...
Oh, wait...

39 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 1:59:47pm

re: #38 OhNoZombies!

I would suggest she let that go.
The wild things that religious people say is not a topic Romney wants to bring up.
And I'm still trying to figure out how what Rev. Wright said was any diff...
Oh, wait...

Real churches talk more about fighting demons in the name of Jesus and how gay people getting married means your wife doesn't love you anymore.

40 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:00:47pm

re: #38 OhNoZombies!

I would suggest she let that go.
The wild things that religious people say is not a topic Romney wants to bring up.
And I'm still trying to figure out how what Rev. Wright said was any diff...
Oh, wait...

I don't even know what she's talking about. Hospital? Wright? Thanksgiving? Huh what?

41 Ogami Itto  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:01:01pm

re: #26 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

I remember back when the Rmoney campaign was touting Ann as their "secret weapon." Oy.

42 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:01:14pm

This is excellent news for John McCain Mitt Romney!

43 Shropshire_Slasher  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:01:25pm

re: #34 Lidane

only fools have taxable income!

44 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:01:51pm

re: #41 Ogami Itto

I remember back when the Rmoney campaign was touting Ann as their "secret weapon." Oy.

I'm still waiting for Trump's unforgettable surprise at the RNC

45 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:02:03pm

Heh:

46 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:03:42pm

re: #40 Gus

I don't even know what she's talking about. Hospital? Wright? Thanksgiving? Huh what?

I don't know..
Yes to all?

47 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:05:38pm

Oh man, I just read that Jennifer Rubin post and laughed out loud. Who does she think she's kidding?

48 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:05:42pm

re: #40 Gus

I don't even know what she's talking about. Hospital? Wright? Thanksgiving? Huh what?

She says the President is near.

49 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:06:07pm

re: #45 Lidane

Heh:

[Embedded content]

OH SNAP

50 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:06:26pm

After the Open, Retirement for Roddick

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

Thanks for the great playing and passion

obtained the No. 1 ranking in November 2003 at 21 years old.

I really thought you'd be #1 for a lot longer, and many more times

51 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:06:47pm

re: #47 Charles Johnson

Oh man, I just read that Jennifer Rubin post and laughed out loud. Who does she think she's kidding?

52 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:07:02pm

The GOP convention's so-so TV ratings: 4 theories

The 2012 Republican convention, which wrapped up with Mitt Romney's acceptance speech on Thursday, had millions fewer TV viewers than the last one. Viewership was down by a whopping 41 percent on night two of the Tampa convention compared to the same night in 2008, though opening night this year did better, narrowly topping the audience of the corresponding night four years ago. But all of the networks got hammered in the ratings on Thursday — the convention's third and final night — with roughly one-third fewer viewers than they had four years ago. [...] Here, four theories:

1. Paul Ryan is no Sarah Palin [...]

2. TV is out. Social media is in. [...]

3. Conventions have lost all their drama [...]

4. Blame Honey Boo Boo [...]

Confusing... isn't #1 and #4 the same? I thought Sarah Palin was "Honey Boo Boo".

53 celticdragon  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:07:03pm

re: #47 Charles Johnson

Oh man, I just read that Jennifer Rubin post and laughed out loud. Who does she think she's kidding?

She wants Glen Reynold's gig as the next "Instahack" "Instapundit"

She needs to work on saying "Heh! Indeed!" after every post though...

54 dragonath  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:07:34pm

An interview with Invisible Obama

55 Ogami Itto  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:09:34pm

re: #52 freetoken

I was hoping Honey Boo Boo Child was going to be Thursday night's mystery guest. Oh well.

56 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:09:50pm

re: #52 freetoken

The GOP convention's so-so TV ratings: 4 theories

Confusing... isn't #1 and #4 the same? I thought Sarah Palin was "Honey Boo Boo".

No, Honey Boo-Boo is smarter.
Verbally, she would run circles around Palin.

57 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:10:57pm

re: #52 freetoken

The GOP convention's so-so TV ratings: 4 theories

Confusing... isn't #1 and #4 the same? I thought Sarah Palin was "Honey Boo Boo".

Palin is Honey Boo Boo all grown up.

58 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:11:51pm

re: #52 freetoken

The GOP convention's so-so TV ratings: 4 theories

Confusing... isn't #1 and #4 the same? I thought Sarah Palin was "Honey Boo Boo".

We'll see what happens with the DNC. It's likely a continuing trend.

59 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:12:02pm

'Muslims Come in and Kill our People so we Elect a Muslim as President of the United States'

Pastor Kevin Swanson of the Colorado-based Generations Radio took a break from ranting against gays and the Muppets yesterday when speaking to Les Riley, the secessionist who led the unsuccessful Personhood Mississippi campaign. Riley and Swanson said that Americans did not do a very good job repenting following the Aurora shooting massacre or the September 11 attacks. “We see the Muslims killing our people and so we elect a Muslim,” Swanson lamented. “Seems to me like we’re not turning back to the true and living God here, are we?”

I want nothing to do with their heathen god.

60 Ogami Itto  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:12:04pm

re: #57 Gert Fröbe

Palin is Honey Boo Boo all grown up.

That's unfair to Honey Boo Boo.

61 ReamWorks SKG  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:12:11pm

Greetings from Miami!

I saw Jeff Bezos at my hotel! He's here for his 30th high school reunion. Apparently, he went to Palmetto High in Miami. (I'm here for a Bris.)

And seeing Bezos and thinking about all his $$$ reminded me to kick in a few bucks to Little Green Footballs! Thanks, Charles, for keeping me more sane during these campaign months.

62 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:12:40pm

Hmm. Looks nice.

63 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:13:02pm

re: #58 Gus

We'll see what happens with the DNC. It's likely a continuing trend.

Yup

2 and 3 are the most likely culprits, and that won't change next week

64 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:13:30pm

re: #61 ReamWorks SKG

Greetings from Miami!

I saw Jeff Bezos at my hotel! He's here for his 30th high school reunion. Apparently, he went to Palmetto High in Miami. (I'm here for a Bris.)

And seeing Bezos and thinking about all his $$$ reminded me to kick in a few bucks to Little Green Footballs! Thanks, Charles, for keeping me more sane during these campaign months.

Muchas gracias to you as well!

65 dragonath  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:14:34pm

Well of course rating are gonna suck when it's 3 straight days of hagiography. I'm glad Clint blew up Mitt's micromanaged little world. It was like a lost Ernie Kovacs skit.

66 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:15:43pm

Ha!

Twitter Suspends Romney Parody Account Just Before Speech...

He's back already...

67 erik_t  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:16:00pm

re: #62 Gus

Hmm. Looks nice.

[Embedded content]

OBAMA DIDN'T BUILD THAT!!!!1

68 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:16:36pm

re: #62 Gus

It seems neoclassicism is still in style, though toned down.

69 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:16:46pm

re: #54 dragonath

An interview with Invisible Obama

"Let me be clear!" takes on a whole new meaning with Invisible Obama.

Heh.

70 Mich-again  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:17:06pm

re: #47 Charles Johnson

In simple terms, the movie icon encapsulated the message of the convention: If someone is doing a bad job, you have to fire him.

I wonder who from Romney's staff got fired for crashing the clown car into the chair.

71 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:17:07pm

re: #65 dragonath

Well of course rating are gonna suck when it's 3 straight days of hagiography. I'm glad Clint blew up Mitt's micromanaged little world. It was like a lost Ernie Kovacs skit.

Thing is, the RNC was, more or less, a complete clusterfuck from the word go, as the entire Romney campaign has been; this was one just more incident of many.

72 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:17:26pm

re: #68 freetoken

It seems neoclassicism is still in style, though toned down.

A lot of vertical elements there. Skyward!

73 Pawn of the Oppressor  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:18:40pm

re: #59 Kragar

'Muslims Come in and Kill our People so we Elect a Muslim as President of the United States'

I want nothing to do with their heathen god.

Dear crazy guy on the radio,

F your miserable lie of a god right in the ear.

Sincerely,

Decent people of the world

74 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:19:50pm

First since '52: No talk of war in GOP speech

With America embroiled in its longest armed conflict, Mitt Romney became the first Republican since 1952 to accept his party's nomination without mentioning war.

Three election cycles after the 2001 terrorist attacks, neither Romney nor his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, had anything to say about terrorism or war while on their party's biggest stage. The only one who did Thursday was actor Clint Eastwood, who won cheers for suggesting invading Afghanistan was a mistake and calling for an immediate withdrawal of troops - a line that might have earned boos and catcalls four years ago.

[...]

The neo-con wing isn't too happy about this I suppose, but they appear to fading under the onslaught of the Paulians.

75 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:22:10pm
76 ReamWorks SKG  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:22:43pm

re: #75 Gus

I just can't agree with anything Michael Moore says, even when he's right.

77 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:22:59pm

I know a lot of people are upset about Moore saying this including his comments on HuffPo TV... but... he makes some good points.

78 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:23:20pm

re: #76 ReamWorks SKG

I just can't agree with anything Michael Moore says, even when he's right.

Yeah. I'm like... should I Retweet this or not?

79 Mich-again  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:23:39pm

What if Mitt selected someone that unhinged to be a diplomat and go represent America overseas. I am sure among the hundreds of potential right wingers who might land a job in the Romney Administration there are plenty of crackpots who will spout conspiracies as soon as they think no one is taking video. If team Mitt let that fiasco happen last night, what does it say about his ability to pick the best people to represent America even when no one is watching.

80 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:23:59pm

re: #75 Gus


Citation needed, Mr. Moore.

81 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:25:19pm

re: #80 Mattand

re: #75 Gus

Citation needed, Mr. Moore.

I'm not Mr. Moore but...

Why 90 million Americans won't vote in November

They could turn a too-close-to-call race into a landslide for President Obama— but by definition they probably won't.

Call them the unlikely voters.

A nationwide USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll of people who are eligible to vote but aren't likely to do so finds that these stay-at-home Americans back Obama's re-election over Republican Mitt Romney by more than 2-1. Two-thirds of them say they are registered to vote. Eight in 10 say the government plays an important role in their lives...

82 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:25:27pm

re: #75 Gus

does he have the list of the 90 million?

83 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:26:03pm

re: #82 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

does he have the list of the 90 million?

Yes

in his bank account!

Oh ,, wait ,, you're talking people, not dollar bills!
/

84 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:26:15pm

re: #81 Gus

and they talked to 90 million people?

85 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:26:16pm

re: #82 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

does he have the list of the 90 million?

Well. We have a couple of options here. Do we choose denial or action? Denial or magical thinking never works.

86 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:26:43pm

re: #66 Gus

Ha!

Twitter Suspends Romney Parody Account Just Before Speech...

He's back already...

[Embedded content]

There's is absolutely, positively no way that the R² campaign had anything to do with this...

///

87 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:27:00pm

re: #81 Gus

Summarizing that article, can we conclude that Obama gets "support" from lazy people?

88 Pawn of the Oppressor  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:27:03pm

So I haven't watched Clint's speech... I couldn't bring myself to do it... Read the transcript though, and I'm saddened. His central idea seemed to play on the President as a vulgar, childish interloper on the *real* business of letting the country be run by richass white guys. I expected smarter from him.

Then again, if he was going to be smart, what the heck was he doing at the GOP Convention in the first place?

89 jaunte  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:27:53pm

re: #80 Mattand

re: #75 Gus

Citation needed, Mr. Moore.

Apparently about 80 million eligible voters didn't vote in 2008, and the mood is less enthusiastic this year:
[Link: www.usatoday.com...]

(USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll)

90 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:28:44pm

Image: 296545_10151042059491872_1373974174_n.jpg

91 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:29:07pm

re: #24 Coracle

You guys don't understand.

Clint just won the election for Romney.

Yep.

They say this sad thing whether it's Sarah Palin in 2008, Paul Ryan last month, and now Clint Eastwood this August. Really Romney advisers grimaced while Eastwood was speaking but I'm sure this idiot probably thinks that validates his point.

92 ReamWorks SKG  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:29:16pm

These twitter suspensions are odd; they actively support many other "parody" accounts, including "$#!T My Dad Says" which they helped develop into a TV show, and the snarky Martian rover.

And after that "Guy Adams" suspension, I'm embarrassed to admit my first thought was the same as I later heard Rush Limbaugh (and all his "ditto heads") make: They didn't suspend Spike Lee when he caused a random Florida couple to start receiving death threats....

93 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:29:24pm

re: #75 Gus

[Embedded content]

A wake up call, or motivation through negative reinforcement perhaps?
Otherwise there's no point.

94 uncah91  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:29:52pm

Voter registration and turnout is always less than what it "should" be.

If I had to guess, this is just a "call to arms" by Moore. Really fairly standard GOTV rhetoric (if YOU don't vote, your favored candidate will lose)

95 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:30:39pm

re: #87 freetoken

Summarizing that article, can we conclude that Obama gets "support" from lazy people?

Not at all

It's been this way for many 2nd term tries

1st time out, the candidate "excites" uncommitted, middle voters (especially if said candidate is from the party not currently in power)
Unless they do something dramatic (either good or bad) those same voters aren't excited

96 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:31:37pm

re: #81 Gus

re: #89 jaunte

Well, it is The The USA Today, to quote Colbert. Still, at least there's some sort of data to back up that claim.

I'm skeptical that that many Obama voters are going to sit it out, but who knows? This election is going to be close. And if that many Americans are so fucking stupid that they've forgotten what happened the last conservatives ran the country, whaddya gonna do?

97 blueraven  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:31:39pm

re: #77 Gus

I know a lot of people are upset about Moore saying this including his comments on HuffPo TV... but... he makes some good points.

Where is he getting those figures?

98 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:32:55pm

re: #61 ReamWorks SKG

Greetings from Miami!

I saw Jeff Bezos at my hotel! He's here for his 30th high school reunion. Apparently, he went to Palmetto High in Miami. (I'm here for a Bris.)

And seeing Bezos and thinking about all his $$$ reminded me to kick in a few bucks to Little Green Footballs! Thanks, Charles, for keeping me more sane during these campaign months.

Aren't you a little old for a Bris?

//

99 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:33:33pm

bbl

100 jaunte  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:34:00pm

re: #98 wrenchwench

Painful procrastination.

101 funky chicken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:34:02pm

re: #15 Charles Johnson

BTW, the title says 'improvised' because it actually was.

The Most Extraordinary Story of the GOP Convention | WashingtonExaminer.com

I wonder if Eastwood asked them for guidance on their policy goals and they wouldn't tell him? The guy is a successful director and producer, which means he knows how to structure/present a message. But if they summoned him to Tampa and then wouldn't give him a theme, well...

102 blueraven  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:34:05pm

re: #98 wrenchwench

Aren't you a little old for a Bris?

//

LOL...ouch!

103 ReamWorks SKG  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:35:00pm

re: #98 wrenchwench

Maybe I just converted!?!

It's my business partner's son!

And now I have to turn the computer off for shabbos! Good night everyone.

104 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:35:43pm

re: #98 wrenchwench

Aren't you a little old for a Bris?

//

He's just getting a bit extra taken off the top. ;)

105 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:35:46pm

re: #96 Mattand

Well, it is The The USA Today

It's also Suffolk University

Their polls/ stats are usually very good

106 William Barnett-Lewis  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:36:51pm

So then the ad should be:

"If you're one of the 90 million, how will you look your child in the face after you've let Republican Greed destroy their inheritance?"

107 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:38:42pm

Americans deserve the leaders they vote into office.

108 Shropshire_Slasher  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:38:59pm

What's the matter, you never see an old man talk to his stool before?!
/I'm here alll week, try the beef!

109 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:39:16pm

re: #103 ReamWorks SKG

Maybe I just converted!?!

It's my business partner's son!

And now I have to turn the computer off for shabbos! Good night everyone.

Mazel tov!

110 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:40:03pm

Meanwhile, over in the UK, the wheels of justice grind on:

Former Murdoch legal chief arrested

111 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:40:20pm

re: #108 Tommy's cone of shame

What's the matter, you never see an old man talk to his stool before?!
/I'm here alll week, try SAMPLE the beef!

(get it ,, stool,,, sample!!)

Two shows on Sundays!!

112 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:43:02pm

re: #101 funky chicken

I'm probably the only one in the world who thinks he gave Mitt the finger.
What got me was when he referred to Mitt as a "quote unquote stellar businessman".
Or, to paraphrase, it doesn't matter what party he is, if you don't like the guy, you don't have to vote for him.

But then, I could be over thinking it.

113 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:43:50pm

And meanwhile, back in America:


Judge bans West Virginia single sex classrooms

114 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:44:37pm

Oh, Damn...this has to sting a bit

115 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:45:35pm

re: #112 OhNoZombies!

seeing and hearing some of it I really thought he was reprising his role in Kelly's Heroes by going behind enemy lines. It was almost Colbertesque.

116 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:46:51pm

On why Kim is more popular than Mitt:

Kim Kardashian on Twitter: Look at My Breasts!

117 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:47:17pm

re: #110 freetoken

Meanwhile, over in the UK, the wheels of justice grind on:

Former Murdoch legal chief arrested

And exceedingly fine.

118 darthstar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:48:03pm
119 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:48:11pm

re: #114 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Oh, Damn...this has to sting a bit

I have to give Ward some props. Not often someone makes an endorsement and actually really thinks about who they're supporting. Anyhow, glad he's got some recognition due to the movie from a couple years back because that was a very good film.

120 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:48:34pm

Does Mitt Romney understand how the water cycle works?

(CBS News) Surveying the flood damage produced by Hurricane Isaac, newly minted Republican nominee Mitt Romney on Friday told Gov. Bobby Jindal that he had come to Louisiana to learn -- and then asked where all the water came from.

...

Jindal lauded the contributions of the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other organizations amid a scene of downed trees, high water and National Guard troops. Romney expressed concern about the welfare of the 5,000 residents, some of whom had evacuated. He then asked, according to a journalists' pool report of the visit: "Did the water come from the sky, or the rivers, or the ocean?"

I'm trying to figure out the point of the question. Is he hoping that it wasn't predominately storm surge tied to rising ocean levels or what? Because global warming feeds hurricanes through increased evaporation and system energy, there's no way to dissect the source of the flooding in such a way that AGW doesn't somehow play a role.

121 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:51:59pm

re: #115 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

seeing and hearing some of it I really thought he was reprising his role in Kelly's Heroes by going behind enemy lines. It was almost Colbertesque.

Yep. I kind of wonder if he was a little miffed when his patriotism was questioned.

122 darthstar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:52:37pm

re: #120 goddamnedfrank

Does Mitt Romney understand how the water cycle works?

Of course he does. Water comes down from heaven, we store it, drink it, pee it, flush it, and it goes into the ocean. Then heaven sends more water. But this was water coming up inside people's houses! They should open their doors and just let it all back out.
/

123 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:52:50pm

re: #114 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Oh, Damn...this has to sting a bit

re: #119 HappyWarrior

I have to give Ward some props. Not often someone makes an endorsement and actually really thinks about who they're supporting. Anyhow, glad he's got some recognition due to the movie from a couple years back because that was a very good film.

Scott Brown's a shithead and a cocky one at that; here's what he said before Ward gave his endorsement, then withdrew it:

“My message to Professor Warren is, ‘I’m right here.’ She’s running against Scott Brown, not Mitt Romney or Paul Ryan,” Brown said to WBZ-TV. “And I’ll be back tomorrow getting Mickey Ward’s endorsement. She’s welcome to come up to Lowell, if she can find it.”

124 nines09  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:54:04pm

re: #114 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Oh, Damn...this has to sting a bit

Left a mark.

125 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:54:23pm

re: #123 Gert Fröbe

re: #119 HappyWarrior

Scott Brown's a shithead and a cocky one at that; here's what he said before Ward gave his endorsement, then withdrew it:

Yeah, Brown may not be biggest right winger in the Senate GOP caucus but he's really been coming across as a total cocky shithead as you point out. I think winning that seat went to his head.

126 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:55:37pm

Brown goes down with a body shot from Mickey Ward!

127 darthstar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:55:56pm

Because the Republicans in congress won't.

128 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:56:51pm

I heard down goes Brown in Howard Cosell's voice. Seriously is there any better boxing call than DOWN GOES FRAZIER, DOWN GOES FRAZIER.

129 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:58:45pm

Also open in one of my tabs, a story that is inconvenient to certain talking points:

California Assembly Passes Biggest Public-Pension Cutback

California’s Assembly passed the broadest rollback of public-employee pension benefits in the state’s history after Democrats who control the Legislature and Governor Jerry Brown struck a last-minute deal.

The overhaul, which may save taxpayers as much as $55 billion over 30 years, won approval 48 to 8. It would require new employees to pay half the cost of their benefits and work longer before they can retire. It also reduces formulas for calculating benefits and caps pension payments.

Brown, a 74-year-old Democrat, pressed for a revamp to show progress in curbing soaring retiree costs before he asks voters for higher income and sales taxes in November. Public resentment of government employees has grown as taxpayers saw their own job prospects and benefits shrink in the longest recession since the 1930s.

[...]

Though many try to dismiss Gov. Brown as "Moonbeam", he is much more tied into reality than most of the tea partying GOP.

130 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:58:51pm

re: #127 darthstar

Because the Republicans in congress won't.

[Embedded content]

I think it's sad that he had to sign an exec order to do that. I do remember when he was arguing for benefits to help out surviving 9/11 first responders that some of the Republicans objected because some of those people may be illegal aliens. Yeah, risk your life to save someone and get denied proper health benefits because some right wing dipshit has a bug up his ass about immigrants.

131 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 2:59:11pm

re: #125 HappyWarrior

Yeah, Brown may not be biggest right winger in the Senate GOP caucus but he's really been coming across as a total cocky shithead as you point out. I think winning that seat went to his head.

Brown's apparently forgetting the fact that, while Ted Kennedy held that seat for decades, he's just a first-termer and he doesn't have the widespead, deep grassroots support Kennedy had.

I hope Warren whoops his ass in November.

132 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:00:04pm

re: #131 Gert Fröbe

Brown's apparently forgetting the fact that, while Ted Kennedy held that seat for decades, he's just a first-termer and he doesn't have the widespead, deep grassroots support Kennedy had.

I hope Warren whoops his ass in November.

Good friend of mine from college is from Massachusetts said Coakley ran the worst campaign you could see but then he witnessed Creigh Deeds running for governor here.

133 nines09  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:00:47pm

re: #130 HappyWarrior

I think it's sad that he had to sign an exec order to do that. I do remember when he was arguing for benefits to help out surviving 9/11 first responders that some of the Republicans objected because some of those people may be illegal aliens. Yeah, risk your life to save someone and get denied proper health benefits because some right wing dipshit has a bug up his ass about immigrants.

Come help us, but don't expect help.

134 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:02:38pm

re: #133 Cleo O'Sod McEire

Come help us, but don't expect help.

More like thanks for the help now get the fuck out. Really. With our history of foreign volunteers going back to LaFayette and countless others during the Revolution who have served this country in time of need. We can do so much better than that.

135 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:03:07pm

re: #66 Gus

Ha!

Twitter Suspends Romney Parody Account Just Before Speech...

He's back already...

[Embedded content]

That's hysterical.

[...]

Apparently, someone was misled by my account, which portrays Mitt Romney as a cartoonish Mexican ranchero. This indicates that this person was an estupido idiota pendejo, meaning he is a Republican voter.

I call them my base. Ajua.

[...]

Twitter, or as it is known back on my old polygamous Mexican compound, Tuiter, worked with me during my incarceration period to rehabilitate me so that I may be released back on the streets and not be a danger to the feeble, humorless minds of right wing dumbasses.

I have done some reflection during my long period of incarceration, and I have learned much. First, people are more stupid than I even imagined, and secondly, never, ever, ever invite Clint Eastwood to any event, not even a birthday party, and especially not a yard sale involving furniture.

[...]

But what else can one do when he is alone in a narrow jail cell, other than write long letters, think dirty thoughts and pray for contraband?

If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and indicates an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. But seriously, don’t be a pendejo. It’s annoying.

Happily all is resolved, and I have recovered all my gueyes, or followers, and have even added about a thousand new ones, so, even though I was sending out my tweets during my big speech at Tampax through smuggler cybercholos, I did gain something to make up for my long time here in La Pinta.

[...]

RTWT.

136 nines09  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:05:15pm

re: #134 HappyWarrior

That whole thing just pissed me off, and what really tripped my trigger was the bitching by some flaming a holes about "how do we know they were there" or "They're trying to get something for nothing, they didn't get sick there." Shameful episode.

137 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:07:20pm

And finally, getting the Irony Of The Day award:

Michigan 'hillbilly' claims $337M Powerball prize

The 44-year-old father of two and self-described "hillbilly" from Lapeer, Mich., claimed his prize Friday — the third largest in the game's history — in a lump-sum, $224.6 million payment that works out to $158.7 million, after taxes.

[...]

Lawson, who grew up in Fort Smith, Ark., said he has a lot more money, but it won't change who he is. He said the first thing he bought when he learned he had the winning ticket was a pack of gum. [...]

It "won't change who he is"... but:

Scheduled to work the midnight shift at the railroad, where he was an engineer, Lawson informed his boss that he wouldn't be in that night, or any other, for that matter.

Ok, maybe he was always the type of guy to leave his bosses hanging....

"I'm going to escape for now and go somewhere safe and think about it and go from there," he said, adding that he plans to leave Lapeer, a city 45 miles northeast of Detroit where he's lived for a decade.

Ok, so maybe he was always planning on leaving Lapeer....

Anyway, it's just another example of how skilled we are as humans at lying to ourselves.

One more little bit of insight on humans:

Lawson said he knows his winnings won't last long if he isn't careful, and he remarked jokingly about how the government immediately claimed its share in taxes.

"I'm kinda pissed at Uncle Sam," he quipped.

So, someone randomly receives a large amount of unearned income... and then complains that the actual amount netted in hand is less than some mythical earlier amount.

Yeah.

138 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:07:23pm

re: #136 Cleo O'Sod McEire

That whole thing just pissed me off, and what really tripped my trigger was the bitching by some flaming a holes about "how do we know they were there" or "They're trying to get something for nothing, they didn't get sick there." Shameful episode.

Yep. Jerks.

139 darthstar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:07:26pm

Image: 424273_324798980959377_1688917998_n.jpg

140 darthstar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:09:48pm

re: #137 freetoken

I'm sure he'll vote for Mitt Romney if he can get the seven hookers off him in time to get to the polls.

141 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:10:30pm

re: #139 darthstar

Image: 424273_324798980959377_1688917998_n.jpg

Everyone wants their 15 minutes now!!!!

142 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:12:41pm

re: #140 darthstar

I'm sure he'll vote for Mitt Romney if he can get the seven hookers 1st cousins off him in time to get to the polls.

remember,,self described hillbilly

143 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:13:36pm

re: #137 freetoken

And finally, getting the Irony Of The Day award:

Michigan 'hillbilly' claims $337M Powerball prize

It "won't change who he is"... but:

Ok, maybe he was always the type of guy to leave his bosses hanging....

Ok, so maybe he was always planning on leaving Lapeer....

Anyway, it's just another example of how skilled we are as humans at lying to ourselves.

One more little bit of insight on humans:

So, someone randomly receives a large amount of unearned income... and then complains that the actual amount netted in hand is less than some mythical earlier amount.

Yeah.

Doesn't the government run most lotteries anyhow? I mean yeah it obviously sucks to lose a bunch of that money but he's still got a shitload of cash that if he invests it wisely can set his children and future descendants up well for the future.

144 jhrhv  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:15:06pm

If you haven't seen this it is pretty funny. From The Daily Show RNC 2012 - The Road to Jeb Bush 2016 - Mitt Romney: A Human Being Who Built That

145 PhillyPretzel  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:15:49pm

OT I just clicked on my profile through the users list and I got kicked out to the home page. Is there anyone else having problems?

146 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:15:54pm

re: #137 freetoken

One more little bit of insight on humans:

So, someone randomly receives a large amount of unearned income... and then complains that the actual amount netted in hand is less than some mythical earlier amount.

Yeah.

A temporarily embarrassed millionaire is no longer embarrassed and is already railing at the gubmint for "stealing" his hard-earned dumb luck provided money.

I really, really despise people, sometimes.

147 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:16:59pm

re: #137 freetoken

someone randomly receives a large amount of unearned income

"Randomly"?? He's been planning this/ playing the lottos for years!!

"Unearned"?? He did all the work. Went to the store each and every day. Had his system in place. Filled in the circles,,!!

//

148 Sionainn  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:17:04pm

re: #127 darthstar

Because the Republicans in congress won't.

[Embedded content]

Waiting for the wingnuts to bash Obama for this.

149 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:17:44pm

re: #145 PhillyPretzel

OT I just clicked on my profile through the users list and I got kicked out to the home page. Is there anyone else having problems?

It's been an on-again, off-again issue. Charles indicated it was something in the back end that was causing it, although I haven't seen it for a while. Mac and Chrome here, FWIW.

150 engineer cat  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:18:11pm

Obama signed exec order to give veterans better access to mental health care &suicide prevention

but how will republicans spin it to look bad?

151 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:19:01pm

re: #145 PhillyPretzel

OT I just clicked on my profile through the users list and I got kicked out to the home page. Is there anyone else having problems?

Why

Didn't know it was you!?!?
/

(and kinda re: problems. While a page is loading, it's all jumpy for a few moments)

152 PhillyPretzel  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:19:06pm

re: #149 Mattand

I am using chrome but I have Windows XP Media edition.

153 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:19:21pm

re: #143 HappyWarrior

Doesn't the government run most lotteries anyhow? I mean yeah it obviously sucks to lose a bunch of that money but ...

The point is... he didn't actually lose anything!

He won.


And yes, he's totally overlooked the fact that these lotteries were created by governments in the first place for the sole reason of raising money for government spending.

154 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:22:32pm

Before I run to the gym... I'll post one more: This is why the guy was persona non grata at the convention:

Michael Steele: Voter ID Rhetoric Is 'Irresponsible,' Party Needs New Approach To Black Voters

As the Republican National Convention drew to a close, Michael Steele, the party's former chair, said that his party needed to do a better job of outreach to communities of color, and that the rhetoric around voter ID laws was a detriment to those efforts.

The party offered plum prime-time speaking spots to people of color, including two well-received speeches from former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez. But Steele said that he was disappointed at the contrast between the podium and the delegates in attendance.

"There were a lot of people of color on the stage, but my problem is that there weren't any on the floor," Steele told The Huffington Post on Thursday. "That's where the rubber hits the road." [...]

155 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:23:17pm

re: #152 PhillyPretzel

I am using chrome but I have Windows XP Media edition.

Actually, upon further reflection, it was updating the karma count that was causing it for me and others, not the profile. But the behavior sounds similar.

156 simoom  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:23:42pm

The most disturbing part of Eastwood's "improv":

Youtube Video
157 PhillyPretzel  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:25:00pm

re: #155 Mattand

My karma appears to be okay but I do not think my featured article was accounted for. I hope things get smoothed out soon.

158 allegro  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:27:47pm

re: #156 simoom

The most disturbing part of Eastwood's "improv":

[Embedded content]

It would have helped to have had some context there. What did he say before the throat cut thing?

159 engineer cat  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:27:59pm

I am using chrome

grumble grumble when i was a kid chrome was found on buicks and browsers were things that ate your shrubbery grumble grumble you're stepping on my oxygen line grumble grumble grumble

160 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:28:10pm

re: #157 PhillyPretzel

I don't think points for articles get counted at all. Not sure, though.

I sometimes get into a state where clicking on random stuff-- dings, peoples names, what have you-- kicks me back to start. Clearing cache normally solves it.

161 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:28:41pm

re: #145 PhillyPretzel

OT I just clicked on my profile through the users list and I got kicked out to the home page. Is there anyone else having problems?

Just reload - I was working on some code related to the HTML5 makeover I'm doing, and it's fixed now.

Been working on this kind of infrastructure stuff all day. If you do notice a problem, wait a minute or two and reload the page - it will usually be fixed.

162 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:29:34pm

And no - dings on Pages don't count toward karma, only comments. It's on the to-do list.

163 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:30:12pm

Karl Rove Jokes About Todd Akin's Murder

It's probably no exaggeration to say that Rep. Todd Akin, the Republican nominee for the senate race in Missouri who caused an uproar with his comments about abortion, became one of the least popular figures within the GOP.

How unpopular? Just look at the joke Republican master strategist Karl Rove made during a fundraiser:

"We should sink Todd Akin. If he's found mysteriously murdered, don't look for my whereabouts!"

164 engineer cat  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:30:15pm

Ryan Accuses Obama Of Having Been Bush Administration

claims deceived into past actions as congressman by jimmy carter disguised as zombie ronald reagan

165 simoom  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:31:36pm

re: #158 allegro

It would have helped to have had some context there. What did he say before the throat cut thing?

It occurs here:
[Link: www.cbsnews.com...]

Eastwood: "And -- so -- they are just going to come around and beg for votes every few years. It is the same old deal. But I just think it is important that you realize , that you're the best in the world. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican or whether you're libertarian or whatever, you are the best. And we should not ever forget that. And when somebody does not do the job, we got to let them go."

(APPLAUSE)

There's that applause, which turns into a standing ovation, and then he repeats "let him go," and rakes his finger across his throat.

166 allegro  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:35:16pm

re: #165 simoom

It occurs here:
[Link: www.cbsnews.com...]

There's that applause, which turns into a standing ovation, and then he repeats "let him go," and rakes his finger across his throat.

Ah, thanks. That helps.

167 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:35:25pm

Fer real, they'd be losing their shit.

Hi everyone, my weekend has BEGUN! WHOO.

168 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:37:21pm

re: #165 simoom

It occurs here:
[Link: www.cbsnews.com...]

There's that applause, which turns into a standing ovation, and then he repeats "let him go," and rakes his finger across his throat.

Benefit of the doubt question:

Could it be a film director's gesture?

169 simoom  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:39:55pm

re: #167 Stanley Sea

[Embedded content]

Fer real, they'd be losing their shit.

Hi everyone, my weekend has BEGUN! WHOO.

And imagine their reaction if a union head was giving a speech at the DNC about Romney and proceeded to violently draw his finger across his neck, as Eastwood did. They've made week long outrages out of the President scratching the side of his face after mentioning the Tea Party ("OMGWTF, he was flipping us off!!!")

170 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:43:45pm

re: #168 wrenchwench

Benefit of the doubt question:

Could it be a film director's gesture?

It's not a film director's gesture, no.

171 simoom  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:43:54pm

re: #168 wrenchwench

Benefit of the doubt question:

Could it be a film director's gesture?

Meaning what though? Like cutting a scene in a film? I'm not sure how that would apply given what he was saying.

I actually don't think he meant anything violent by it, I think it was just an adlibbed gesture that popped into his head, but broadcasting that to a huge national audience is just another aspect of the Romney camp's clusterf in allowing that "improv" to open their primetime block.

172 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:44:09pm

Perhaps Clint should fund a scholarship at a theatre school, say at USC, for those who want to major in Campaigning as Performance Art.

173 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:45:36pm

re: #170 Obdicut

It's not a film director's gesture, no.

re: #171 simoom

Meaning what though? Like cutting a scene in a film? I'm not sure how that would apply given what he was saying.

I actually don't think he meant anything violent by it, I think it was just an adlibbed gesture that popped into his head, but broadcasting that to a huge national audience is just another aspect of the Romney camps clusterf in allowing that "improv" to open their primetime block.

OK, it was totally out of line, then. Worse than pretending Obama was saying GFY, which was also out of line.

174 allegro  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:51:03pm

re: #173 wrenchwench

re: #171 simoom

OK, it was totally out of line, then. Worse than pretending Obama was saying GFY, which was also out of line.

Compared to the ghastly rhetoric and lies coming from the rest of the convention speakers, those who hold actual elective office or wish to, I put Eastwood's "out of line" comments/actions waaaay down the list of disturbing things I saw just during the short amount of time I watched.

175 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:54:52pm

re: #170 Obdicut

It's not a film director's gesture, no.

Actually, it is

In film, it's a sign to cut the scene (stop the filming)
Out in the field, with heavy equipment operators, it's a sign to cut the engine (or stop the process ,, i.e. drilling, or stopping a fork lift,, or backing up a truck)

176 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:55:21pm

re: #154 freetoken

Michael Steele: Voter ID Rhetoric Is 'Irresponsible,' Party Needs New Approach To Black Voters

I'm sure the Freepers and wingnuts handled his comments with their usual wit and class.

177 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 3:55:35pm

OK, hadn't seen this in full before. I do like the opening music.

178 PhillyPretzel  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:01:46pm

re: #161 Charles Johnson

re: #162 Charles Johnson

Thanks. It seems to be working. :)

179 engineer cat  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:03:15pm

convention bounce so far is looking very dead cat. three daily tracking polls:

rassmussassassin and reuters/ipsos have romney one point ahead

gallup has had obama one point ahead all week

180 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:04:38pm

re: #57 Gert Fröbe

Palin is Honey Boo Boo all grown up.

Why would you insult a small child like that?

181 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:05:42pm

re: #76 ReamWorks SKG

I just can't agree with anything Michael Moore says, even when he's right.

In this case I think he's wrong. Michael Moore talks to get attention, and to get attention only.

182 Amory Blaine  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:06:57pm


David Kappheim Told Girlfriend He Would 'Kill Her' Because She Is Liberal, Florida Police Say

A Florida man "obsessed with Fox News and the Republican party" felt that his girlfriend was too "liberal" -- so he decided he had to kill her.

Police arrested David Kappheim, of Lake Park, on Saturday after the 60-year-old threatened a woman's life because of her supposed political orientation, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The report recounts several incidents in which Kappheim allegedly arrived "stark naked" at the home of his girlfriend's friend, choked his girlfriend and told her that he would "kill her and burn her home," the Palm Beach Post reports.

183 Decatur Deb  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:06:58pm

re: #181 SanFranciscoZionist

In this case I think he's wrong. Michael Moore talks to get attention, and to get attention only.

The safe course is to assume he's right, and work to make him wrong.

184 sagehen  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:07:23pm

re: #171 simoom

Meaning what though? Like cutting a scene in a film? I'm not sure how that would apply given what he was saying.

I actually don't think he meant anything violent by it, I think it was just an adlibbed gesture that popped into his head, but broadcasting that to a huge national audience is just another aspect of the Romney camp's clusterf in allowing that "improv" to open their primetime block.

It could be telling the audience to cut the applause (so he could finish his lines)... bandleaders, electricians and others sometimes use that gesture to tell someone to cut the noise/power/solo or whatev.

185 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:10:34pm

re: #182 Amory Blaine


David Kappheim Told Girlfriend He Would 'Kill Her' Because She Is Liberal, Florida Police Say

I think this might be a counterexample for that strange Conservapedia essay on why you should marry a conservative.

186 Killgore Trout  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:11:13pm

re: #175 sattv4u2

Actually, it is

In film, it's a sign to cut the scene (stop the filming)
Out in the field, with heavy equipment operators, it's a sign to cut the engine (or stop the process ,, i.e. drilling, or stopping a fork lift,, or backing up a truck)

You are correct.
Understanding Various Hand Signals When Producing A Video Or Film

Cut/Stop:

Although sometimes verbalized, the hand signal for actors to stop performing involves the floor manager using his hand in a motion as if to cut his own neck. Sometimes the supervisor or director, if on the set, may simply yell out cut because during editing the recording would be stopped just before the verbal connotation

187 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:11:28pm

re: #183 Decatur Deb

The safe course is to assume he's right, and work to make him wrong.

Well, yes, but I was going to do that before he opened his big mouth.

It's a televangelist's bet. If disaster comes, he saw it coming, and if it's averted, it's because he was the only one who told us the truth and got us mobilized.

188 HappyWarrior  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:13:59pm

re: #182 Amory Blaine


David Kappheim Told Girlfriend He Would 'Kill Her' Because She Is Liberal, Florida Police Say

Psycho.

190 danarchy  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:19:41pm

re: #179 engineer cat

convention bounce so far is looking very dead cat. three daily tracking polls:

rassmussassassin and reuters/ipsos have romney one point ahead

gallup has had obama one point ahead all week

The daily tracking polls are rolling multiday averages, rassmussen is a 3day and gallup is 7, not sure about reuters/ipsos. Any bounce likely wont show until early next week unless someone was busy doing a single day sample today.

191 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:22:12pm

re: #186 Killgore Trout

You are correct.
Understanding Various Hand Signals When Producing A Video Or Film

Newman.

192 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:22:15pm

re: #189 engineer cat

wingnut sharia

I'm going to say that this was not a well man before he started watching Fox News.

193 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:24:10pm

re: #186 Killgore Trout

You are correct.
Understanding Various Hand Signals When Producing A Video Or Film

I saw this earlier. Didn't want to mention it. I was kind of rolling my eyes. People are getting way to hyper sensitive about things.

194 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:25:09pm

Like beating on a dead horse. Oh noz I said "beating" and "dead." Does this mean I want to beat or kill a horse? Erm. Uh.

195 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:28:12pm

I'll say it flat out. If Romney does happen to win it will be unfortunate because we're going to see a return of the strange behavior we saw during the Bush years. That is things like that "Bush is Hitler" bullshit I endured during those years. Already seeing some idiots using hashtage like #Germany1933 in the context of the Republican Party. Including some direct comparisons with Hitler. The Godwins are already out. No thanks. I didn't spend the last four year criticizing crazy wingnut to turn around and become an equally deranged moonbat.

196 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:29:14pm

re: #195 Gus

Oops. Fixed. #Germany1933

197 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:29:55pm

re: #175 sattv4u2

No, I don't think so. That gesture, whenever I've seen it, is with the flat of the hand, not a single finger. And it waves more. That's the 'cut' gesture. This was the 'slicing of the throat' gesture. The other gesture is much more obvious, which it'd have to be in order to communicate to a group of people. It's been awhile since I worked with camera and tape, but small discreet gestures aren't really useful.

It's not a big deal, it's just unfortunate imagery.

198 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:29:57pm

I think it's hilarious that someone calls themselves "theonlyadult" and then uses that hashtag.

199 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:30:32pm

re: #195 Gus

There would be plenty of really terrible awful shit to criticize without heading into Hitler territory.

200 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:31:15pm

re: #186 Killgore Trout

bt/dt

CUT!!

201 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:32:52pm

re: #197 Obdicut

it's just unfortunate imagery.
Yes, but regardless of single finger, double finger or full hand (i've seen it on set done all ways) it is the sign for CUT

202 Killgore Trout  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:33:50pm

re: #195 Gus

I'll say it flat out. If Romney does happen to win it will be unfortunate because we're going to see a return of the strange behavior we saw during the Bush years. That is things like that "Bush is Hitler" bullshit I endured during those years. Already seeing some idiots using hashtage like #Germnay1933 in the context of the Republican Party. Including some direct comparisons with Hitler. The Godwins are already out. No thanks. I didn't spend the last four year criticizing crazy wingnut to turn around and become an equally deranged moonbat.

I'm sort of in the same place but I'm starting to verge into apathy about it. It's become very clear to me that the left didn't become more reasonable or smarter after the election, the wingnuts simply picked up the hysteria. Nothing has really changed and I don't see much chance of the problem improving anytime soon.

203 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:34:01pm

re: #197 Obdicut

No, I don't think so. That gesture, whenever I've seen it, is with the flat of the hand, not a single finger. And it waves more. That's the 'cut' gesture. This was the 'slicing of the throat' gesture. The other gesture is much more obvious, which it'd have to be in order to communicate to a group of people. It's been awhile since I worked with camera and tape, but small discreet gestures aren't really useful.

It's not a big deal, it's just unfortunate imagery.

The whole thing was so unfortunate. My Step Dad who worships Clint, called me today, he feels really really old. (he's 76)

204 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:34:10pm

re: #194 Gus

Like beating on a dead horse. Oh noz I said "beating" and "dead." Does this mean I want to beat or killed a horse? Erm. Uh.

Can we start the BBQ grill?
What's a good side for Leg of Horse!?!?

205 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:34:38pm

re: #201 sattv4u2

I've never seen it done with anything other than a broad swipe of the hand. But it's not a big deal. It's just another stupidity from allowing someone to ad-lib.

Since, you know, he wasn't signaling anyone to stop filming, and that wouldn't really make sense in talking about Obama anyway, because when the director calls a 'cut' he doesn't then eject the actors and writers from the stage and then hire new ones.*

*Does not hold true for German directors.

Just another weird feature of a really weird speech that made me feel very bad for Clint Eastwood.

206 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:34:41pm

re: #195 Gus

I'll say it flat out. If Romney does happen to win it will be unfortunate because we're going to see a return of the strange behavior we saw during the Bush years. That is things like that "Bush is Hitler" bullshit I endured during those years. Already seeing some idiots using hashtage like #Germany1933 in the context of the Republican Party. Including some direct comparisons with Hitler. The Godwins are already out. No thanks. I didn't spend the last four year criticizing crazy wingnut to turn around and become an equally deranged moonbat.

If Romney wins, that will probably be the least of my concerns, but yes, people are going to behave abominably, and they're going to say it's justified because of all the wingnut abominable behavior over the last few years.

And it will be dull and divisive.

OTOH, I look forward to subscribing to an insane gotcha idea about Romney, and persisting in believing it, no matter how many times it is debunked. The problem is, the best ones will probably be twee little bits of religious bigotry, so I shall have to choose very carefully.

207 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:34:57pm

re: #203 Stanley Sea

The whole thing was so unfortunate. My Step Dad who worships Clint, called me today, he feels really really old. (he's 76)

My dad was 12 when your step-dad was born!!

208 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:35:45pm

re: #207 sattv4u2

My dad was 12 when your step-dad was born!!

You are quick with the math!

209 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:36:07pm

The problem really isn't the fringey lunatics' reactions to the people who get elected. The problem really is the people who get elected. And how they get elected.

210 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:37:37pm

re: #205 Obdicut

I've never seen it done with anything other than a broad swipe of the hand.

And I have, both on a TV set as well as out in the construction field

But it's not a big deal.
It is if the new meme is going to be CLINT WANTS TO SLICE THE PRESIDENTS THROAT

he wasn't signaling anyone to stop filming

As sagehen stated, perhaps he was asking the crowd to cut the applause so he could continue

211 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:38:13pm

re: #208 Stanley Sea

You are quick with the math!

It's Friday

There's ALWAYS a math quiz!!

212 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:38:32pm

SO peeps, has anyone posted a page on the South African government using an old Apartheid law to collectively arrest 270 (and hold till next week) miners for the police murder of the 34 miners???

Heard on the way home. Majorly fucked up.

213 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:38:57pm

re: #210 sattv4u2

It is if the new meme is going to be CLINT WANTS TO SLICE THE PRESIDENTS THROAT

It's not. It's that Clint's speech was ad-libbed and embarassing.

As sagehen stated, perhaps he was asking the crowd to cut the applause so he could continue

Maybe. It's not a big deal. Like I said, the main effect of the speech was that it made me feel really bad for Mr. Eastwood.

214 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:39:45pm
215 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:41:08pm

re: #209 Obdicut

The problem really isn't the fringey lunatics' reactions to the people who get elected. The problem really is the people who get elected. And how they get elected.

Though there is a caveat to this, which is that the GOP now basically occupies what used to be fringe lunatic positions-- like the fucking gold standard coming back.

When you have elected dudes actively endorsing fringe lunatic ideas, then you've got a really serious problem.

Which we have. A really serious problem.

216 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:41:16pm

re: #212 Stanley Sea

Majorly fucked up.

yes. I saw that

"We had to kill you to protect you, so it was your fault!"

217 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:42:17pm

re: #213 Obdicut

the main effect of the speech was that it made me feel really bad for Mr. Eastwood.

Not sure how he's going to live with that on his head!!

//

218 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:43:36pm

re: #202 Killgore Trout

BTW

The Queen says "Thanks" for your concern

Bright sunny day there now, she reports

219 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:43:37pm

re: #217 sattv4u2

I don't know. I think I'll forgo telling him, but I'm sure he's already seen the reactions. He's not a stupid man, he knows that he made a spectacle of himself. I'm kind of wondering whether he'll have anything to say in a little while about it, or whether he's just going to keep mum and let it slip into the embarrassed past.

220 Interesting Times  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:43:46pm
221 Killgore Trout  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:44:04pm

A good article on voter fraud and ID laws: Voter ID cases: Invisible voter v. imaginary fraud

222 Killgore Trout  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:44:54pm

re: #218 sattv4u2

BTW

The Queen says "Thanks" for your concern

Bright sunny day there now, she reports

Nice!

223 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:45:21pm

re: #219 Obdicut

I don't know. I think I'll forgo telling him, but I'm sure he's already seen the reactions. He's not a stupid man, he knows that he made a spectacle of himself. I'm kind of wondering whether he'll have anything to say in a little while about it, or whether he's just going to keep mum and let it slip into the embarrassed past.

My guess, he'll do a couple of interviews (controlled, probably) ((by him, not the RNC or Romneys team)) and he'll move along with his career

224 engineer cat  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:45:38pm

re: #190 danarchy

The daily tracking polls are rolling multiday averages, rassmussen is a 3day and gallup is 7, not sure about reuters/ipsos. Any bounce likely wont show until early next week unless someone was busy doing a single day sample today.

rolling averages should include everything up to and including yesterday, albeit on an averaged out basis. i thot gallup was 3-day also...

225 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:46:30pm

re: #216 sattv4u2

Majorly fucked up.

yes. I saw that

"We had to kill you to protect you, so it was your fault!"

I just paged it. That the government is using an old Apartheid law is pretty outrageous. It does show that power doesn't give up power even though wrong.

226 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:46:43pm

re: #221 Killgore Trout

A very good article. It makes the excellent point that the overall effect of the GOP's voter suppression drive, done in the name of voter fraud, may actually be to increase the amount of voter fraud.

227 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:48:15pm

re: #219 Obdicut

I don't know. I think I'll forgo telling him, but I'm sure he's already seen the reactions. He's not a stupid man, he knows that he made a spectacle of himself. I'm kind of wondering whether he'll have anything to say in a little while about it, or whether he's just going to keep mum and let it slip into the embarrassed past.

He was travelling today and unavailable for comment. haha. His PR dude is freaking out though.

228 simoom  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:48:15pm

re: #210 sattv4u2

I've never seen it done with anything other than a broad swipe of the hand.

And I have, both on a TV set as well as out in the construction field

It is if the new meme is going to be CLINT WANTS TO SLICE THE PRESIDENTS THROAT

I haven't noticed the left or the media taking it that way. The most notice I've seen it given was the title ABC News gave to the YouTube clip, which they put up last night. The subheading to the video simply reads: "RNC 2012: Clint Eastwood shows support for Mitt Romney, leads crowd in "Make My Day" chant." A couple of news accounts detailing the speech also mentioned the gesture but assigned no outrage or even meaning to it.

Myself, I'm on the same page as Obdicut, in that I don't think Eastwood meant anything by it but that it was unfortunate imagery to broadcast to 10s of millions, and that it mostly reflects badly on the judgement of the candidate and his handlers, for allowing an improvised skit to open their critical final prime-time block of network coverage.

229 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:49:06pm

re: #226 Obdicut

A very good article. It makes the excellent point that the overall effect of the GOP's voter suppression drive, done int he name of voter fraud, may actually be to increase the amount of voter fraud.

It sounds like the voting version of digital rights management.

230 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:49:58pm

Dear DNC,

Whatever you do, don't invite any actors or comedians to speak.

Thanks,

Gus

231 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:51:02pm

re: #230 Gus

Dear DNC,

Whatever you do, don't invite any actors or comedians to speak.

Thanks,

Gus

Here's the just released schedule - I'm reading it now & will advise.

232 simoom  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:51:16pm

re: #230 Gus

Dear DNC,

Whatever you do, don't invite any actors or comedians to speak.

Thanks,

Gus

Too late, Eva Longoria will be speaking :P.

233 RadicalModerate  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:51:23pm

While the final night of the Republican National Convention had Clint Eastwood talking to an empty chair, Barack Obama will be talking to this on the final night of the Democratic Convention.

Image: 800px-Bank_of_America_Stadium.jpg

234 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:51:44pm

It's a freaking concert to die for, that's for sure. No Beau Weirdo dude. (I'm on the first day) Foo Fighters!

235 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:52:05pm

re: #229 Mattand

It sounds like the voting version of digital rights management.

Well, except that people really do pirate the shit out of movies and films, and voter fraud is extremely rare and, when it's done, is done not at the individual level.

And I don't think the GOP actually thinks there is voter fraud. It's a question of how much they believe their own bullshit, but a lot of them at least tacitly acknowledge it's just about suppression of the Democratic vote.

236 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:53:19pm

re: #230 Gus

Dear DNC,

Whatever you do, don't invite any actors or comedians to speak at the last minute and without vetting what they're going to say.

Thanks,

Gus

FTFY. Actress Eva Longoria is already scheduled to speak, but she's Obama's national campaign co-chair, so anything she says will have been written and vetted way in advance.

237 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:53:43pm

re: #232 simoom

Too late, Eva Longoria will be speaking :P.

For her I'll make an exception. ;)

238 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:54:14pm

re: #236 Lidane

FTFY. Actress Eva Longoria is already scheduled to speak, but she's Obama's national campaign co-chair, so anything she says will have been written and vetted way in advance.

Yeah. She's pretty much normal.

239 Killgore Trout  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:54:33pm

OMG! Obama to make power grab, seize the internet and shut down power plants!
Does Obama need to step in protect power grids from cyberattack?

Congress appears gridlocked on a cybersecurity bill to protect power grids and other critical infrastructure, so President Obama is considering an executive order.

240 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:54:49pm

re: #237 Gus

For her I'll make an exception. ;)

I hear that she left Tony Parker just for you!!!
//

241 researchok  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:55:08pm

re: #237 Gus

The sacrifices we must make.

242 Obdicut  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:55:25pm

re: #236 Lidane

FTFY. Actress Eva Longoria is already scheduled to speak, but she's Obama's national campaign co-chair, so anything she says will have been written and vetted way in advance.

So that's why she turned me down for bowling that night. Too bad; she has a hell of a cranker throw.

243 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:56:49pm

re: #235 Obdicut

Well, except that people really do pirate the shit out of movies and films, and voter fraud is extremely rare and, when it's done, is done not at the individual level.

And I don't think the GOP actually thinks there is voter fraud. It's a question of how much they believe their own bullshit, but a lot of them at least tacitly acknowledge it's just about suppression of the Democratic vote.

True, just ask the head of the PA GOP.

244 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:56:57pm

re: #233 RadicalModerate

While the final night of the Republican National Convention had Clint Eastwood talking to an empty chair, Barack Obama will be talking to this on the final night of the Democratic Convention.

Image: 800px-Bank_of_America_Stadium.jpg

There are also going to be performances by Foo Fighters, Mary J. Blige, and Earth, Wind and Fire. That alone would be worth the price of admission.

245 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:58:29pm

re: #244 Lidane

There are also going to be performances by Foo Fighters, Mary J. Blige, and Earth, Wind and Fire. That alone would be worth the price of admission.

If they really wanted the youth vote, they'd have AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.

\\

246 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:59:16pm

re: #245 Mattand

If they really wanted the youth vote, they'd have AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.

\

And Taylor Hicks. Heh.

247 Interesting Times  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:00:05pm
248 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:00:33pm

re: #244 Lidane

There are also going to be performances by Foo Fighters, Mary J. Blige, and Earth, Wind and Fire. That alone would be worth the price of admission.

Now we're talking. I knew the music lineup would be better.

249 RadicalModerate  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:00:48pm

Well, that didn't take long.

Mr. Bain calls America a 'company'

From Romney's speech today in Lakeland, FL:

Paul Ryan and I understand how the economy works, we understand how Washington works, we will reach across the aisle and find good people who, like us, want to make sure this company deals with its challenges. We'll get America back on track again!

Yep, there's video:

Youtube Video
250 Decatur Deb  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:01:49pm

re: #232 simoom

Too late, Eva Longoria will be speaking :P.

Eva Longoria is cool enough. She even came to do work on the Habitat house she funded. Wore heels, though.

251 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:02:53pm

re: #250 Decatur Deb

Eva Longoria is cool enough. She even came to work on the Habitat house she funded. Wore heels, though.

Mmmmm. Tell me more.

//

252 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:04:05pm

re: #244 Lidane

There are also going to be performances by Foo Fighters, Mary J. Blige, and Earth, Wind and Fire. That alone would be worth the price of admission.

They're getting old!

They've lost their FIRE!!!
/

253 researchok  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:04:57pm

re: #251 Gus

I doubt your heart could stand the stress.
//

254 Decatur Deb  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:05:41pm

re: #251 Gus

Mmmmm. Tell me more.

//

We built a mostly pre-fab neighborhood to house Katrina refugees who didn't want to go home. Oprah twisted enough arms (Longoria, Bon Jovi, etc.) to put up about 25 of them. She was the only one I remember actually doing any work.

255 RadicalModerate  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:06:11pm

re: #245 Mattand

If they really wanted the youth vote, they'd have AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.

\

Just have their members walk out on stage and say "Mr. Ryan, you are NOT on any of our iPods"

256 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:06:43pm

re: #251 Gus

re: #253 researchok

I doubt your heart could stand the stress.
//

I doubt her eyes could!!!

//

257 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:08:04pm

re: #256 sattv4u2

re: #253 researchok

I doubt her eyes could!!!

//

Image: giving-the-finger-profile.jpg

//

258 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:09:08pm

re: #257 Gus

Image: giving-the-finger-profile.jpg

//

;)

259 Kragar  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:09:28pm

re: #255 RadicalModerate

Just have their members walk out on stage and say "Mr. Ryan, you are NOT on any of our iPods"

ACDC on Ryan's iPod?

It's criminal.

Youtube Video
260 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:09:45pm

re: #257 Gus

Image: giving-the-finger-profile.jpg

//

At least your fingernails are trimmed and clean

She'll like that!

261 blueraven  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:11:30pm

re: #234 Stanley Sea

It's a freaking concert to die for, that's for sure. No Beau Weirdo dude. (I'm on the first day) Foo Fighters!

Just so you dont miss anything...the line up is in reverse order by day.
Foo Fighters are the last day, Thursday at BOA Stadium.

Thursday looks like a jam packed day, literally.

262 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:12:42pm

re: #261 blueraven

Just so you dont miss anything...the line up is in reverse order by day.
Foo Fighters are the last day, Thursday at BOA Stadium.

Thursday looks like a jam packed day, literally.

Let's face it, the Democrats just have the good artists on their side. Not to take anything away from Toby Keith.

263 blueraven  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:14:33pm

re: #262 Charles Johnson

Let's face it, the Democrats just have the good artists on their side. Not to take anything away from Toby Keith.

Yeah...James Taylor too. I still love him so.

264 Mattand  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:15:44pm

re: #255 RadicalModerate

Just have their members walk out on stage and say "Mr. Ryan, you are NOT on any of our iPods"

What's really sad is that the reference of using an iPod is becoming synonymous with wearing a beeper.

265 Interesting Times  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:17:02pm

re: #47 Charles Johnson

Oh man, I just read that Jennifer Rubin post and laughed out loud. Who does she think she's kidding?

266 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:18:47pm

re: #249 RadicalModerate

Well, that didn't take long.

Mr. Bain calls America a 'company'

From Romney's speech today in Lakeland, FL:

Yep, there's video:

[Video]

Priceless.

267 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:19:04pm

Just spoke to a friend that watched last night (I didn't & my internet was down, so I was mia)

He mentioned the cameras showed a scuffle in one of the front-ish rows when Mitt started talking and people were taken out.

True? Anyone remember?

268 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:19:39pm

re: #266 freetoken

Priceless.

He's going to outsource us. That's the 12 million jobs.

269 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:21:20pm

re: #262 Charles Johnson

Let's face it, the Democrats just have the good artists on their side. Not to take anything away from Toby Keith.

Toby Keith's not exactly politically straightforward. He gave money to Rick Perry, but he also did the War On Christmas song for Colbert. And I believe is a registered Democrat, or was not too long ago.

270 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:21:33pm

re: #231 Stanley Sea

Here's the just released schedule - I'm reading it now & will advise.

Looking at Thursday's schedule, it is clear that they are shooting for a big TV audience. Forget the politicians, the public will show up to watch the musicians.

271 danarchy  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:21:57pm

re: #219 Obdicut

I don't know. I think I'll forgo telling him, but I'm sure he's already seen the reactions. He's not a stupid man, he knows that he made a spectacle of himself. I'm kind of wondering whether he'll have anything to say in a little while about it, or whether he's just going to keep mum and let it slip into the embarrassed past.

He has a new movie being released in 3 weeks. He'll be on the interview circuit, people are sure to ask him about it. Hell, it may turn out to have been a promotional stunt.

273 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:25:00pm

re: #267 Stanley Sea

Just spoke to a friend that watched last night (I didn't & my internet was down, so I was mia)

He mentioned the cameras showed a scuffle in one of the front-ish rows when Mitt started talking and people were taken out.

True? Anyone remember?

Protesters Briefly Interrupt Mitt Romney’s RNC Speech

Mitt Romney is currently on stage at the Republican National Convention. During his speech, a group of protesters attempted to interrupt the proceedings by shouting from the seats above the convention floor. Audience members drowned them out with chants of, “USA! USA! USA!”

Politicker was unable to hear the protesters from our spot on the convention floor, but, according to journalist Andrew Coyne, they were waving pink banners and shouting, “People over profits!” The protesters were quickly removed by security personnel. Dan Libit of the Daily said the protesters were affiliated with the activist group Code Pink, which staged a similar interruption during Paul Ryan’s speech yesterday.

[...]

274 danarchy  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:26:18pm

re: #267 Stanley Sea

Just spoke to a friend that watched last night (I didn't & my internet was down, so I was mia)

He mentioned the cameras showed a scuffle in one of the front-ish rows when Mitt started talking and people were taken out.

True? Anyone remember?

Think it was more code pink

275 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:26:36pm

re: #273 wrenchwench

Protesters Briefly Interrupt Mitt Romney’s RNC Speech

Gracias. Optic would have been epic if they were in their vagina costumes.

276 Hercules Grytpype-Thynne  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:28:07pm

re: #261 blueraven

Just so you dont miss anything...the line up is in reverse order by day.
Foo Fighters are the last day, Thursday at BOA Stadium.

Thursday looks like a jam packed day, literally.

Packed with literal jam? That ought to be interesting.

277 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:29:18pm

According to what I'm reading the Foo Fighters will be in Charlotte, NC for two days.

September 5: The Fillmore Charlotte/Rock The Vote
September 6: Bank of America Stadium

278 Destro  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:29:40pm

"This is a perfect representation of the campaign: an old white man arguing with an imaginary Barack Obama."- Jamelle Boule

279 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:30:33pm

Ah yes. The wingnuts haz angry and made up their own DNC schedule:

4:00 PM - Opening Flag Burning Ceremony - sponsored by CNN
4:05 PM - Singing of "God Damn America" led by Rev. Jeremiah Wright
4:10 PM - Pledge of Allegiance to Obama.
4:15 PM - Ceremonial 'I hate America' led by Michelle Obama.
4:30 PM - Tips on "How to keep your man trustworthy & true to you while you travel the world" - Hillary Clinton
4:45 PM - Al Sharpton/Jesse Jackson seminar "How to have a successful career without having a job."
5:00 PM - "Great Vacations I've Taken on the Taxpayer's Dime Travel Log" - Michelle Obama.
5:30 PM - Eliot Spitzer Speaks on "Family Values" via Satellite
5:45 PM - Tribute to All 57 States - Nancy Pelosi
6:00 PM - Sen. Harry Reid - 90-minute speech expressing the Democrat's appreciation of the Occupy Wall Street movement, and George Soros for sparing no expense, for all that they have accomplished to unify the country, improve employment and to boost the economy.
8:30 PM - Airing of Grievances by the Clintons
9:00 PM - "Bias in Media - How we can make it work for you" Tutorial - sponsored by CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, the Washington Post and the New York Times
9:15 PM - Tribute Film to Brave Freedom Fighters incarcerated at GITMO - Michael Moore
9:45 PM - Personal Finance Seminar - Charlie Rangel
10:00 PM - Denunciation of Bitter Gun Owners and Bible readers.
10:30 PM - Ceremonial Waving of White Flag for IRAQ , & Afghanistan
11:00 PM - Obama Energy Plan Symposium/Tire Gauge Demonstration/You too can get rich with Green Investment bankruptcies
11:15 PM - Free Gov. Blagovich rally
11:30 PM - Obama Accepts Oscar, Tony and Latin Grammy Awards
11:45 PM - Feeding of the Delegates with 5 Loaves and 2 Fish Obama Presiding
12:00 AM - Official Nomination of Obama by Bill Maher and Chris "He sends a thrill up my leg" Matthews
12:01 AM - Obama Accepts Nomination as Lord and Savior
12:05 AM - Celestial Choirs Sing
3:00 AM - Biden Delivers Acceptance Speech

280 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:36:21pm

re: #279 Gus

iirc, thats a re-hash (with a few updates) of what was circulating prior to the inauguration

281 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:36:47pm

CJ- thanks for the page promote!

282 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:37:18pm

re: #276 Hercules Grytpype-Thynne

Packed with literal jam? That ought to be interesting.

re: #276 Hercules Grytpype-Thynne

Packed with literal jam? That ought to be interesting.

As long as it's not toe jam!!
/

283 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:37:32pm

re: #280 sattv4u2

iirc, thats a re-hash (with a few updates) of what was circulating prior to the inauguration

Oh yeah. Same old stuff for the most part.

284 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:37:54pm

Creationism is an issue in [Indiana] State Senate race

State Senator Scott Schneider's television advertisements have been on the air since the beginning of August and he hopes to stay on until November.

That's unheard of in a race for State Senate and it tells residents that Schneider is vulnerable.

Sen. Schneider is in his first term in the State Senate, a Republican in an area of Marion County that has elected Republicans for decades. Yet the Republican party is spending big money for the ads.

[...]

But it also has something to do with the threat posed by local attorney and Democrat Tim DeLaney. He's the son of state Representative Ed DeLaney and former state Democratic Chairwoman and Indiana Week in Review panelist Ann DeLaney.

[...]

"Instead of talking about jobs and the economy and education," says DeLaney, "[Schneider] spent time laboring to get creationism taught in schools as science."

Schneider sponsored a creationism bill that was unsuccessful but controversial.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with allowing students a full agenda of all different ideas of origins of life," he says, "and yet we find the sort of anti-religious folks getting into fervor about that."

I wonder if the Democratic candidate (DeLaney) will be successful.

285 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:38:21pm

re: #281 Stanley Sea

CJ- thanks for the page promote!

show off!!

//

(congrats)

286 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:39:36pm

I successfully avoided most of the RNC convention on TV this time around. I did catch Mitt saying something about helping working women and I just about demolished the TV. As, it is difficult to have a career if one cannot control one's reproductive abilities.

That said, I did peruse and pages post the GOP Platform, which IMHO, says enough.

Anxiously awaiting the publication of the Democrat Platform. Which I expect will read like a breath of fresh air.

287 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:39:43pm

re: #274 danarchy

Think it was more code pink

Medea Benjamin, Rae Abileah, and two others. Derp.

288 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:40:10pm

re: #285 sattv4u2

tks for the ding too!

289 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:41:00pm

And speaking of creationists:

Creationists hit back at Bill Nye with their own video

Here's the video:


Youtube Video
290 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:41:38pm

re: #289 freetoken

And speaking of creationists:

Creationists hit back at Bill Nye with their own video

Here's the video:

[Embedded content]

Looks funny already.

291 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:41:58pm

re: #289 freetoken

And speaking of creationists:

Creationists hit back at Bill Nye with their own video

Here's the video:

[Embedded content]

Sounds like it would make me angry.

292 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:41:59pm

re: #289 freetoken

And speaking of creationists:

Creationists hit back at Bill Nye with their own video

Here's the video:

[Embedded content]

THE MOOSLIM WORLD. dude. Brown University?

293 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:42:04pm

re: #290 Gus

Looks funny already.

It'a from AiG.

294 dragonath  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:42:19pm

re: #289 freetoken

No comments or page ratings. Cowards.

295 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:42:25pm

re: #293 freetoken

It'a from AiG.

Moozalim world!

296 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:42:45pm

re: #292 Stanley Sea

THE MOOSLIM WORLD. dude. Brown University?

Yeah, you know, they are still trying to infiltrate the US --didn't you hear?

/gah*spit*

297 b_sharp  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:42:46pm

re: #293 freetoken

It'a from AiG.

ROTFLMAO.

298 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:43:39pm

re: #288 Stanley Sea

tks for the ding too!

notta problem

299 sattv4u2  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:44:50pm

re: #287 Gus

Medea Benjamin, Rae Abileah, and two others. Derp.

who?

WE WANT OUR 15 MINUTES
WE WANT OUR 15 MINUTES
WE WANT OUR 15 MINUTES

300 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:45:00pm

"...supposed billions of years of human history..."
-- Dr. Georgia Purdom

301 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:46:11pm

re: #269 SanFranciscoZionist

Toby Keith's not exactly politically straightforward. He gave money to Rick Perry, but he also did the War On Christmas song for Colbert. And I believe is a registered Democrat, or was not too long ago.

He also sang of the perils of smoking weed with Willie (again)...

302 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:46:39pm

"The bible: the written revelation of the eye witness account of the eternal god who witnessed it all."

at 2:15 - go listen.

This "scientist" from the Ohio State University just said this.

OH THE HUMANITY.

303 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:47:21pm

This is Our America, 31 Aug 2012:

Christians must accept creationism

On Aug. 22, The News-Star ran an editorial from The (Baton Rouge) Advocate with the headline "Don't teach our kids rot."

It was an opinion piece from The Advocate that denigrated biblical creation.

I'll bet you won't see The Advocate or The News-Star use such derogatory language about any other religion. That wouldn't be politically correct.

The Advocate called the belief in the creation as stated in the Bible nonsense. I'm very offended, and all who call themselves Christians should be also.

The editorial states that creationism is bad science and mythology. The implication is that you are stupid if you believe the Bible.

As anyone who can read knows evolution is a theory, which means it's unproven. Using that fact and a little logic, then belief in the Bible has just as much basis as evolution. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

[...]

Um... yeah.

304 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:47:51pm

re: #300 Gus

"...supposed billions of years of human history..."
-- Dr. Georgia Purdom

Rational Wiki? LOL


"Creationists are fond of argumentum ad populum and argument from authority. Not understanding how actual science works, they often produce lists of people who believe what they do as support for their position."

305 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:48:22pm

re: #271 danarchy

He has a new movie being released in 3 weeks. He'll be on the interview circuit, people are sure to ask him about it. Hell, it may turn out to have been a promotional stunt.

I'd have to say, it'd be kind of cool if Clint trolled Mitt and the RNC for publicity

306 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:49:14pm

And then we wonder why so many people wildly approve of the blatantly self contradictory statements we heard within many of speeches at this weeks GOP convention.

Cognitive Dissonance, thy name is America.

307 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:50:15pm

re: #305 Gert Fröbe

I'd have to say, it'd be kind of cool if Clint trolled Mitt and the RNC for publicity

Hey, it fits with the business model of success!!!

308 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:50:20pm

re: #306 freetoken

And then we wonder why so many people wildly approve of the blatantly self contradictory statements we heard within many of speeches at this weeks GOP convention.

Cognitive Dissonance, thy name is America.

Why nearly 40 percent of American "disagree" with evolution!

Evolution! It's not science! It's a lifestyle!

//

309 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:51:31pm

re: #308 Gus

Why nearly 40 percent of American "disagree" with evolution!

Evolution! It's not science! It's a lifestyle!

//

Yep

310 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:55:21pm

re: #308 Gus

Why nearly 40 percent of American "disagree" with evolution!

Evolution! It's not science! It's a lifestyle!

//

40% of Americans who are steadfastly-hold-your-ground-no-matter-what religious people who forgot or never took, or FOUGHT tooth and nail everything presented in biology 101.

311 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:55:31pm

Was at Children's Hospital in St. Louis this week. Kid had an orthopedic procedure done --all is well.

First. St. Louis reminded me of Detroit --pretty shitty town really. Pockets of relatively safe areas --high crime, etc.

Second: All the kids at the hospital who were getting help had parents who encompassed the entire socio-economic spectrum. Those who were lucky enough to have insurance or find a way to get funding.

I have hard very hard time believing that Obamacare or whatever is going to change that for the worse. The entire hospital complex was too important an economic factor for St. Louis . . .

312 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:55:37pm

Essay: Sam Brownback: What I Think About Evolution

313 jaunte  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:56:45pm

re: #305 Gert Fröbe

I'd have to say, it'd be kind of cool if Clint trolled Mitt and the RNC for publicity

I think that's what happened. Not that he didn't believe what he was saying, but the free publicity he got by using the RNC's stage will do his movie some good.

314 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:56:48pm

re: #311 ggt

Was at Children's Hospital in St. Louis this week. Kid had an orthopedic procedure done --all is well.

First. St. Louis reminded me of Detroit --pretty shitty town really. Pockets of relatively safe areas --high crime, etc.

Second: All the kids at the hospital who were getting help had parents who encompassed the entire socio-economic spectrum. Those who were lucky enough to have insurance or find a way to get funding.

I have hard very hard time believing that Obamacare or whatever is going to change that for the worse. The entire hospital complex was too important an economic factor for St. Louis . . .

Oh, and third --I somehow doubt the Creationists would deny their own child treatment if necessary based on the grounds that Theory of Evolution is the basis for biological/medical research and treatment.

315 Decatur Deb  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:56:50pm

File this Huffpo piece under "GOP Consistency":

The grunt workers at the RNC are paid minimum wage, and then charged 6 bucks a week for their uniforms.

[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com...]

316 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:57:02pm

re: #306 freetoken

And then we wonder why so many people wildly approve of the blatantly self contradictory statements we heard within many of speeches at this weeks GOP convention.

Cognitive Dissonance, thy name is America.

I think a lot of it is due to social pressure to conform. They don't question their counter-factual beliefs because none of their friends do, either, and they want to belong to the tribe, so it doesn't benefit them to think about the issues any deeper than that.

Tribal instinct combined with self-reinforcing inertia. Bad combo.

317 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:57:40pm

re: #310 Stanley Sea

40% of Americans who are steadfastly-hold-your-ground-no-matter-what religious people who forgot or never took, or FOUGHT tooth and nail everything presented in biology 101.

These people don't even believe in radiocarbon dating. It goes well beyond evolution. The theory of relativity being another example.

318 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:58:10pm

Radiocarbon dating is a lie!

Derp.

319 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:58:32pm

re: #318 Gus

Radiocarbon dating is a lie!

Derp.

I never met anyone decent that way . .

320 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:58:39pm
321 Decatur Deb  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 5:59:38pm

re: #319 ggt

I never met anyone decent that way . .

Should have worn our new product Thermoluminescence.

322 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:00:06pm

re: #311 ggt

Was at Children's Hospital in St. Louis this week. Kid had an orthopedic procedure done --all is well.

First. St. Louis reminded me of Detroit --pretty shitty town really. Pockets of relatively safe areas --high crime, etc.

Second: All the kids at the hospital who were getting help had parents who encompassed the entire socio-economic spectrum. Those who were lucky enough to have insurance or find a way to get funding.

I have hard very hard time believing that Obamacare or whatever is going to change that for the worse. The entire hospital complex was too important an economic factor for St. Louis . . .

Glad all is good.

I imagine a hospital is the place where all labels, beliefs, and stupid political stances are left at the door.

Except for the healthcare issue.

323 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:00:52pm

re: #320 Gus

[Embedded content]

wow. didn't they have people testifying about their abuse/retaliation?

gotta go shop for a bit, bbl for more info.

324 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:00:55pm

re: #320 Gus

[Embedded content]

That sucks.

325 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:01:18pm

re: #316 Charles Johnson

... it doesn't benefit them to think about the issues any deeper than that.

Thing is, it doesn't take necessarily deep thinking to realize the stupidity of many talking points.

Classic case - at the gym I overhear an older guy lamenting "Obamacare", even though this man has received government provided healthcare, via the VA, for decades.

Or the wingnut lament that government can't create jobs... and then they turn right around and talk about increasing Defense spending and the building of war machines.

It's absurd.

326 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:02:00pm

re: #325 freetoken

pimf "can't create..."

327 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:02:03pm

re: #322 Stanley Sea

Glad all is good.

I imagine a hospital is the place where all labels, beliefs, and stupid political stances are left at the door.

Except for the healthcare issue.

Met a few interesting people at the smoking area on the corner--some very sad issues. People without teeth who's kid was getting a new liver . . . . .

very humbling .

328 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:04:05pm

re: #316 Charles Johnson

I think a lot of it is due to social pressure to conform. They don't question their counter-factual beliefs because none of their friends do, either, and they want to belong to the tribe, so it doesn't benefit them to think about the issues any deeper than that.

Tribal instinct combined with self-reinforcing inertia. Bad combo.

And it may drive me to drink again.

It's very, very hurtful when the people in your life don't recognize the importance of your rights over whatever dogma they have been brainwashed into believing their entire lives.

329 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:06:16pm

re: #308 Gus

Why nearly 40 percent of American "disagree" with evolution!

Evolution! It's not science! It's a lifestyle!

//

This is why I'm convinced that the only way people would ever learn anything about science is through TV shows. They should just pay the cast of The Big Bang Theory extra to make episodes explaining basic science concepts to people while also talking about what an anti-social dweeb Sheldon is.

330 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:08:00pm

Wonder how this will play out in the media.

331 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:08:30pm

An update on this moron:

RNC Official Says NM Governor Disrespected Custer by Meeting American Indians

Rogers resigns from law firm after ‘Col. Custer’ comment

Amid fierce criticism for a recent email saying Gov. Susana Martinez “dishonored” General George Armstong Custer by attending a summit with New Mexico tribal leaders, Republican National Committeeman Pat Rogers today resigned as a vice president of the prominent Albuquerque law firm Modrall Sperling.

Modrall Sperling firm president R.E. Thompson today cited the recent email controversy in announcing Rogers resignation.

“Recent revelations of private e-mail communications have distracted from our mission, and Pat Rogers has tendered his resignation from the Firm. His resignation has been accepted, and we thank him,” Thompson said in a statement.

Rogers did not immediately return a request for comment.

Rogers, a lawyer and longtime Republican strategist, wrote in an email to members of the governor’s staff in June that 2010 Republican gubernatorial candidate Allen Weh “would not have disrespected Col. Custer in this manner.” The email forwarded a news report about Martinez’s participation in an annual summit with tribal and pueblo leaders, which the governor is required to attend by New Mexico law.

Rogers previously apologized for the remark and said he intended to be humourous.

[...]

As usual,

IT WAS A JOKE!!1!

...Meanwhile, the chairman of the state All Indian Pueblo Council demanded Rogers be removed from his leadership post within the state Republican Party after the remarks were made public.

Republican Party of New Mexico spokeswoman Jamie Dickerman today said Rogers has not resigned his elected leadership position within the party.

State Republican Party Chairman Monty Newman and Gov. Susana Martinez have each denounced Rogers comments but stopped short of asking Rogers to resign.

Not good enough for a fancy law firm, but good enough for the Republicans.

332 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:08:59pm

re: #329 Lidane

This is why I'm convinced that the only way people would ever learn anything about science is through TV shows. They should just pay the cast of The Big Bang Theory extra to make episodes explaining basic science concepts to people while also talking about what an anti-social dweeb Sheldon is.

Growing up as a kid there was always some science show on TV. Given the space race it made the major networks -- revolving around the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo project. Those days are gone. The few remaining science programs remain on PBS. Cable "science" programming continues its decline.

333 jaunte  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:11:31pm

re: #308 Gus

Why nearly 40 percent of American "disagree" with evolution!

Evolution! It's not science! It's a lifestyle!

//

It's why some people can create a science buffet, so they can agree with "micro" evolution without accepting "macro" evolution.

334 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:12:37pm

re: #333 jaunte

It's why some people can create a science buffet, so they can agree with "micro" evolution without accepting "macro" evolution.

Plate tectonics is a lie!

//

335 jaunte  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:13:35pm

re: #334 Gus

"Dogs flew Spaceships!"

336 jaunte  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:14:33pm

Union-Owned Bank Helps Scranton Restore Firefighters & Cops Pay

Earlier this summer, the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania, cut the pay of its 400 firefighters and police officers to $7.25 an hour, as Working In These Times reported. Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty claimed that he was forced to cut the pay because the city simply did not have enough cash on hand to pay full salaries. Because of its poor finances Scranton had also been unable to get a loan to help cover the costs of back wages owed to firefighters and police. But a last-second $6.25 million loan from the union-owned Amalgamated Bank will help Scranton to meet its payroll this Friday and to pay the workers their backpay.

Thugs!

337 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:15:15pm

Rove apologizes to Mo. Rep. Akin for murder quip

Republican strategist Karl Rove has apologized to Congressman Todd Akin after joking about the Missouri Senate candidate being murdered. [...]

ROVE BOWS!!

338 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:15:22pm

I blame Star Trek for my fascination with science.

Should I burn my collection of TOS VHS? Would that appease the creationist fairy?

339 engineer cat  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:17:07pm

re: #332 Gus

Growing up as a kid there was always some science show on TV. Given the space race it made the major networks -- revolving around the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo project. Those days are gone. The few remaining science programs remain on PBS. Cable "science" programming continues its decline.

how many americans could be filling these engineer jobs going vacant here in communist california if they weren't being taught that being smart is nerdy or liberal

as it is, the wingnut assault on education is just creating lucrative job opportunities for people from india, china, and russia, and weird old hippies like me

which would just about describe our programming shop here at Big Dot Com

340 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:19:59pm

re: #332 Gus

Growing up as a kid there was always some science show on TV. Given the space race it made the major networks -- revolving around the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo project. Those days are gone. The few remaining science programs remain on PBS. Cable "science" programming continues its decline.

Oh man. As a kid I fell in love with astronomy because of Carl Sagan. I think I would sit and watch Cosmos every time they showed it on TV. I was also a fan of 3-2-1 Contact and Mr. Wizard's World when I was in elementary school. They don't have shows like that anymore, at least that I'm aware of.

341 bratwurst  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:20:00pm
342 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:20:09pm

re: #339 engineer cat

how many americans could be filling these engineer jobs going vacant here in communist california if they weren't being taught that being smart is nerdy or liberal

as it is, the wingnut assault on education is just creating lucrative job opportunities for people from india, china, and russia, and weird old hippies like me

which would just about describe our programming shop here at Big Dot Com

But, but, but Science is just tooo hard. There is no wiggle room. You can't bullshit your way thru an experiment. You have to memorize hard words and Latin wasn't offered in my HS.

IMHO, American kids who don't major in science never learned how to study --don't have the discipline and patience it takes to "do" science. It's not that they aren't smart enough. . .

343 wrenchwench  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:20:38pm

I did a $400 repair/maintenance job today. Now for some reason I am tired and hungry.

Later, lizards.

Image: AmAwnqUFM0GSbRFls4Gugw2.jpg

344 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:21:09pm

Arkansas conservative group seeks to block medical pot vote

A conservative Arkansas group seeking to prevent the state from becoming the first in the U.S. South to allow medical marijuana filed a lawsuit on Friday to knock a pot-as-medicine proposal off the November election ballot.

The lawsuit filed in the state Supreme Court by the Coalition to Preserve Arkansas Values argues the ballot's title, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act, is misleading and the act itself hard to understand at 8,000 words long.

"By introducing more addictive substances into society, it is a family values issue," said Jerry Cox, president of the Family Council Action Committee of Arkansas, part of the coalition seeking to block the measure.

[...]

Ah yes, the Family Council Action Committee, and Jerry Cox - well, you can learn quite a bit from this little bit of his:

The Big Bang Theory vs. Creationism

MP3 Audio
345 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:21:19pm

re: #340 Lidane

Oh man. As a kid I fell in love with astronomy because of Carl Sagan. I think I would sit and watch Cosmos every time they showed it on TV. I was also a fan of 3-2-1 Contact and Mr. Wizard's World when I was in elementary school. They don't have shows like that anymore, at least that I'm aware of.

Remember "Connections" with James Burke?

Youtube Video
346 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:21:47pm

re: #345 Gus

Remember "Connections" with James Burke?

[Embedded content]

I LOVED that show. It was great when you were stoned!!!

347 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:23:29pm

re: #346 ggt

I LOVED that show. It was great when you were stoned!!!

It was good. A mix of history, tech and science.

348 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:24:56pm

re: #347 Gus

It was good. A mix of history, tech and science.

Burke's mind was like a pinball machine.

349 Lidane  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:25:54pm

re: #345 Gus

Remember "Connections" with James Burke?

Oh wow. I haven't thought about that one in ages. LOVED it.

350 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:26:44pm

re: #344 freetoken

"By introducing more addictive substances into society,

Can you explain that one to me?

Like guns and abortion, if they are outlawed, they will just go away?

Society doesn't have that which is illegal?

Am I missing something here?

351 engineer cat  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:27:57pm

re: #342 ggt

But, but, but Science is just tooo hard. There is no wiggle room. You can't bullshit your way thru an experiment. You have to memorize hard words and Latin wasn't offered in my HS.

IMHO, American kids who don't major in science never learned how to study --don't have the discipline and patience it takes to "do" science. It's not that they aren't smart enough. . .

as for software engineering in particular, people are still rude and clueless enough to ask me "isn't it unbelievably boring?", or even worse "how much can you get paid for typing in numbers all day?"

i'm told "you're not a typical engineer cuz you have a personality", or "don't you want to get away from all those squirrely engineers?"

it's an image thing: being a software engineer will make you a social undesirable

352 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:29:03pm

re: #349 Lidane

Oh wow. I haven't thought about that one in ages. LOVED it.

Yep. He's still around too. Born in 1936. :)

353 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:29:36pm

re: #342 ggt

But, but, but Science is just tooo hard. There is no wiggle room. You can't bullshit your way thru an experiment. You have to memorize hard words and Latin wasn't offered in my HS.

IMHO, American kids who don't major in science never learned how to study --don't have the discipline and patience it takes to "do" science. It's not that they aren't smart enough. . .

Even scarier is that some of these whining students get their parents to complain to the dean of students and the prof is *encouraged* re-evaluate the grade they gave.

Nice huh?

354 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:30:18pm

re: #345 Gus

Remember "Connections" with James Burke?


[Video]

An early milestone in color TV. Burke was amazing. The scene of the little boy learning to walk is still one of the best pieces to be done after 70 years of television history.

Attenborough did quite a bit to define what top quality television would be, when as head of various BBC units and then finally the boss he pushed for these type of things. Besides Connections, probably the landmark series was The World at War.

355 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:30:56pm

re: #351 engineer cat

as for software engineering in particular, people are still rude and clueless enough to ask me "isn't it unbelievably boring?", or even worse "how much can you get paid for typing in numbers all day?"

i'm told "you're not a typical engineer cuz you have a personality", or "don't you want to get away from all those squirrely engineers?"

it's an image thing: being a software engineer will make you a social undesirable

ah! But making enough money to attract a desirable mate and have a stable household and possibly get to retire --that isn't desirable . . . just not kool huh?

356 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:31:36pm

much needed cuteness break upstairs . - - - - ->

357 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:33:29pm

re: #354 freetoken

An early milestone in color TV. Burke was amazing. The scene of the little boy learning to walk is still one of the best pieces to be done after 70 years of television history.

Attenborough did quite a bit to define what top quality television would be, when as head of various BBC units and then finally the boss he pushed for these type of things. Besides Connections, probably the landmark series was The World at War.

The Ascent of Man

I know people might mention TED. They're OK but a lot of times it gets to sounding like some infomercial/self-help/cheesy seminar with a complimentary buffet of deli meats.

358 engineer cat  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:33:30pm

re: #355 ggt

ah! But making enough money to attract a desirable mate and have a stable household and possibly get to retire --that isn't desirable . . . just not kool huh?

apparently the generous rate of remuneration available for engineers is a well kept secret

of course the engineer dress code does less than nothing to promote this information...

359 freetoken  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:35:32pm

re: #357 Gus

Oops.. yes, that's it. Still, both were quite good. How long ago it was - I get them confused.

360 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:35:59pm

re: #357 Gus

The Ascent of Man

I know people might mention TED. They're OK but a lot of times it gets to sounding like some infomercial/self-help/cheesy seminar with a complimentary buffet of deli meats.

saved!

361 blueraven  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:36:29pm

re: #345 Gus

Remember "Connections" with James Burke?

[Embedded content]

I loved that show. It was actually a college TV course that I took.
James Burke was great!

362 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:36:30pm

re: #360 ggt

saved!

I always remember that one being on in the early morning.

363 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:38:11pm

re: #358 engineer cat

apparently the generous rate of remuneration available for engineers is a well kept secret

of course the engineer dress code does less than nothing to promote this information...

Yeah, the tell-tale pocket is a dead give away.

My Dear Ole Dad was an engineer. You-all are a particular lot. Of course, as a future art major, I loved all the mechanical pencils. He had some early version of the micro-tip markers too, always a red and a blue one. T-squares and Triangles. I loved that stuff!

364 Gus  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:38:41pm
365 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:39:28pm

I remember watching the National Geographic specials too! They were always way cool!

366 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:40:10pm

re: #363 ggt

Yeah, the tell-tale pocket is a dead give away.

My Dear Ole Dad was an engineer. You-all are a particular lot. Of course, as a future art major, I loved all the mechanical pencils. He had some early version of the micro-tip markers too, always a red and a blue one. T-squares and Triangles. I loved that stuff!

I've still got a lot of my Dad's stuff. Even his old drawing board from college!

367 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:41:01pm

What are you guys seeing for the ads on your screen right now?

368 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:41:43pm

brb

369 Decatur Deb  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:42:43pm

re: #367 ggt

What are you guys seeing for the ads on your screen right now?

Only 1 small "Re-elect the Prez" ad. Ana a Kindle at the bottom.

370 Decatur Deb  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:46:01pm

re: #368 ggt

brb

Now an anti-Akin.

371 MittDoesNotCompute  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 6:48:42pm

re: #354 freetoken

An early milestone in color TV. Burke was amazing. The scene of the little boy learning to walk is still one of the best pieces to be done after 70 years of television history.

Attenborough did quite a bit to define what top quality television would be, when as head of various BBC units and then finally the boss he pushed for these type of things. Besides Connections, probably the landmark series was The World at War.

The World at War is most excellent and is just as powerful now as I imagine it was almost 40 years ago when it first aired. After watching many of the episodes on Military Channel, I made it a point to, umm, acquire as many of the episodes as I could for watching at my leisure.

372 Kilroy01  Fri, Aug 31, 2012 7:00:21pm

Burke also did "The Day the Universe Changed" Awesome series.
DTUC...

Just re-watched it. He as such a interesting point of view and so damn entertaining.

373 labman57  Sat, Sep 1, 2012 7:26:44am

Typical Republican Party priorities -- style over substance. (Remember McCain's choice of running mate?)

Romney gets Dirty Harry to speak to the crowd and never bothers to ask about the content of the actor's remarks. But apparently, the actual words didn't seem to matter much to those in attendance, suggesting an inability by the attendees to process what was being said.

Case in point:
Recall that on the previous night, Condi Rice called for extended engagements in Afghanistan and proposed new excursions in several other Middle Eastern nations … and the crowd went wild.

One day later, Clint attacked Obama for our decision to invade Afghanistan -- perhaps oblivious to the fact that the Bush/Cheney administration made that call -- and criticized the Obama Administration for not bringing the troops home "tomorrow" … and the crowd went wild.

It appears that it matters not what the speakers actually said during the RNC -- even if they made statements that were diametrically opposed to the comments made by other speakers -- if they said it with conviction and pizzazz … the crowd went wild.

And then there's the matter of Eastwood's performance as Elwood P. Dowd … with Barack as Harvey the imaginary rabbit, complete with imaginary profanity. Once again, the crowd went wild, but the rest of the nation went "WTF?"


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