Friday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:34:19 AM EST
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FTR, this story is irresponsible and sexist. It is also boring and pointless. It is another example of the acceptance of sexism and misogyny in our culture. On the specifics, it is unimportant in that the the candidate smeared is not viable. On the larger issue, it is reprehensible.

This is an Open Thread.

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Friday Morning Open Thread | 135 comments (135 topical)

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Most interesting to me (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by lilburro on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:39:50 AM EST

with that story is that even 98% of the Gawker commenters called it out on its sexism and unnecessary nature (and the most obnoxious parts of the story were more telling about the fears/needs of the author than O'Donnell). Gawker commenters don't always roundly condemn that kind of stuff, so when they do, it's heartening. Progress!

I see on the sidebar a headline "As Reid Falters, Schumer Subtly Stands in the Wings." Intriguing. I wonder if he'd be as good of a Majority Leader as we would hope?

The fears and the needs of the author :) (5.00 / 1) (#6)
by Militarytracy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:53:21 AM EST

I can't figure out how he had a one night stand, I thought that involved sex....not just nude spooning. And if you can be slutty by not having sex with someone I guess everyone is a slut. And for someone he found so distasteful he sure kept a lot of photographs of her.

What does it say about a dude who can't be aroused after he views a yucky untrimmed hedge? A diet of too much pron maybe? I dunno :)

Parent

Yup (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by lilburro on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:00:57 AM EST

that's what I think is funny...the universal response is "dude, stop watching so much pron on your computer!" Always nice to hear comments that reflect what actual human beings are like, rather than what many industries try so damn hard to get us to believe they're like...

Parent

Means he's a youngin'... (none / 0) (#14)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:10:06 AM EST

who came to sexual maturity after the Brazilian Revolution...none of these kids today know what it is supposed to look like:)

Even the metrosexual dudes are doing it now...its an epidemic!

Parent

You don't have to tell me man :) (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by Militarytracy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:19:22 AM EST

My daughter hasn't brought home anyone to meet that doesn't shave their chest. And I saw a commercial for shave cream body wash too recently and the guy rubs it on his chest and grabs a razor. A gorgeous hairy chest is such a huge turn on though. They are ruining it! And that little line of hair from a man's belly button...that gives me the chills and they are shaving it all off. I can't speak about it anymore, I'm just too distraught :)

Parent

Thanks... (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:34:04 AM EST

for the self-esteem boost, I rock the classic Burt Reynolds style hairy chest...with love trail. I stick out like a sore thumb at the beach with all the hairless freaks:)

Parent

Who you calling a freak, Mister? (none / 0) (#27)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:52:18 AM EST

Hey, at least I don't leave a trail of clogged drains and furry bars of soap in my wake! :)

Parent

My bad... (none / 0) (#30)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 12:05:35 PM EST

you get a naturally hairless freak exemption, should have specified!

And much to my chagrin, the only hairs clogging my drain are coming off the top of my dome...I'm gonna end up like my grandad with more hair in his ears than on his head:)

Parent

: Right there with ya. (none / 0) (#31)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 12:09:21 PM EST

And I don't even want to talk about the eyebrows.

Parent

It's all because of teh gays and (none / 0) (#17)
by observed on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:21:51 AM EST

estrogenizing chemicals in the water.
We are all David Beckham now.
There are worse fates.

Parent

: In my dreams! (none / 0) (#124)
by ruffian on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 10:27:09 AM EST

But it's not about the hair, or lack thereof. I couldn't even tell you Beckham's hair status.

Parent

Schumer is savvy and a great (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by MKS on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:45:12 AM EST

counterpuncher.....

He will be best choice....

Parent

Harry (5.00 / 0) (#42)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:26:29 PM EST

if going to win

Parent

But he is such... (none / 0) (#43)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:30:15 PM EST

a Wall St. handj*b artist...sun god help us if Schumer gets more senate clout, may as well make Blankfein the Sr. Senator from NY and cut to the chase.

Parent

His biggest sponsor... (none / 0) (#83)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:45:31 PM EST

for this campaign is multi-billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson, who made a bundle betting against the housing market...137 large.

Now was that thanks for taking all the teeth out of financial reform or pre-payment for some future favor?

Parent

: Exactly. Schumster is too cozy with the (none / 0) (#112)
by imhotep on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 05:19:51 PM EST

banksters. I prefer Durbin as much more progressive.

Parent

We won't know about (none / 0) (#11)
by brodie on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:00:45 AM EST

Schumer unless we give it a try. I doubt if he'd be worse than Reid, who probably wasn't forceful and savvy enough negotiating with the Repubs, and he would offer a stronger public face for Dems as we are apparently about to enter a tough patch in the next 2 yrs.

Parent

Schumer came on the national (none / 0) (#28)
by MKS on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:57:12 AM EST

scene when he was in the House and almost singlehandedly dismantled the Whitewater bilge that was pumped out by Republicans in House hearings....

He was quick, on point and intimidated the slower Republicans....

His first race for the Senate included a tough and improbable Primary win....and in the general election I think he knocked off Republcian incumbent Al Demato....

He ran the campaign committe for the Senate the last go round and was very successful in his recruiting.....Cruising to re-election this time....

I can't think of any gaffes at all

Parent

: Good summary of (none / 0) (#101)
by brodie on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:20:44 PM EST

the worthy Schoomster.
I think it's time also that our side had more forceful personalities in leadership positions for a change, especially with the soft-spoken, polite Eau in the WH and the new House GOP about to launch an unprovoked unilateral nuclear attack against him in the bogus investigations/impeachment area of inquiry.
I'm just tired of the milquetoast types our side seems to crank out with frequency, and they tend to demoralize our base.

Parent

Schumer? Subtly? Now that's a contradiction in (none / 0) (#13)
by steviez314 on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:07:46 AM EST

terms.

Parent

I don't think any story (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:52:20 AM EST

by "anonymous" should be given ANY credence. Photos of a candidate in a haloween costume offer no support to what was written.

As a dear old family member used to say about such articles, "Low class and common." Says more about the author than the candidate.

: Hear hear (none / 0) (#7)
by Militarytracy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:54:07 AM EST

Parent

Campaign Reform needs to start with (5.00 / 0) (#34)
by Inspector Gadget on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 12:51:33 PM EST

forcing the candidates to resource their information to prove it is truthful. They have to name the funding source for the ads, but that's not keeping it honest. I'm so sick of the lying ads!!

how about lying tweets? (none / 0) (#44)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:32:01 PM EST

Today, Assistant Secretary of State P.J. Crowley continued that push on Twitter, in a birthday message of sorts to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In subsequent tweets, Crowley wrote: "Happy birthday President Ahmadinejad. Celebrate by sending Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer home. What a gift that would be....

Palin tweets:

"Happy B'day Ahmadinejad wish sent by US Govt. Mind boggling foreign policy: kowtow & coddle enemies; snub allies. Obama Doctrine is nonsense."

Parent

: I have to say (5.00 / 0) (#125)
by ruffian on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 10:30:54 AM EST

I think all tweeting from the state department to Ahmadinejad is really stupid. Just silly and unprofessional, much like Palin.

Parent
: or twits (none / 0) (#45)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:32:24 PM EST

as the case may be

Parent

dont ask (5.00 / 1) (#48)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:35:54 PM EST

A majority of active-duty and reserve service members surveyed by the Defense Department would not object to serving and living alongside openly gay troops, according to multiple people familiar with the findings.

The survey's results are expected to be included in a Pentagon report, due to President Obama on Dec. 1, regarding how the military would end enforcement of the "don't ask, don't tell" law that bans openly gay men and lesbians from serving in uniform.

finally (none / 0) (#52)
by CST on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:42:37 PM EST

I think that's a change from previous polls as well.

And about d@mn time.

Parent

Not so, accordingly to (none / 0) (#69)
by KeysDan on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:11:04 PM EST

recently retired (Oct 22) Marine Commandant who reported that 95 percent of marines would be uncomfortable serving alongside openly gay troops. The Commandant said that when he takes a survey, he finds that there is a problem with order and discipline that will impact unit cohesion.

The survey protocol consisted of the Commandant, who is known as being virulently opposed to repeal of DADT, asking in an open meeting of his employees and subordinates to raise their hands if they agreed with him. Lo and behold, 95 percent agreed with the boss. It is a surprise, however, that five percent disagreed, but then 100 percent might look like one of those old Soviet "elections."

This survey has even been reported in Time magazine as the results of an "informal survey" by the marines. It is reported that the former commandant, General James Conway, has now retired with his wife, Annette, to a log cabin he built in Pennsylvania--which may make him a log cabin Republican.

Parent

I file this under (none / 0) (#70)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:13:33 PM EST

waiting for the phobes the die or retire.

Parent

The new commandant of the Marines, (none / 0) (#78)
by KeysDan on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:38:00 PM EST

General James Amos, testified during his confirmation hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee, that he is personally opposed to repeal of DADT, and he finds it a distraction. His testimony thrilled Senator McCain. Let's hope that his boss will suppress his "personal" opposition.

Parent

a "distraction" (none / 0) (#79)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:40:21 PM EST

interesting way to put it

Parent

: i believe they said (none / 0) (#117)
by cpinva on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 06:22:38 PM EST

the same thing about integrating the military, and women in the military, and planes in the military, etc., etc. etc.
it's why we have civilian leadership in charge of the military.

Parent

this is trick or treat day at work (5.00 / 0) (#102)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:31:20 PM EST

all afternoon its been a steady stream of cute as a button tikes dressed up to the 9s. I think it is as much fun for us as them.

I am in full cowboy regalia. hat guns chaps shirt with piping and pearl buttons boots stubble and bandanna. I wear it well.

And you are very modest (5.00 / 0) (#103)
by MO Blue on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:41:21 PM EST

about wearing it well. ;-)

Parent

hey (5.00 / 1) (#104)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:42:36 PM EST

at my age if you dont blow your own it wont get blown

Parent

: You must be limber (5.00 / 4) (#110)
by waldenpond on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 05:00:48 PM EST

I'm going to have to delete my own comment aren't I.

Parent

actually (5.00 / 1) (#105)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:45:35 PM EST

I find two things about getting old and gnarly to be positive.

you have access to excellent pharmaceuticals and you look better as a cowboy.

Parent

Hopefully a mature John Wayne (none / 0) (#108)
by MO Blue on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:56:26 PM EST

and not Gabby Hayes(images for Hayes if you are really young). Hehe.

Parent

: someplace (5.00 / 1) (#109)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:58:03 PM EST

between Hayes and Eastwood I suppose.

Parent

I went with mad scientist (5.00 / 1) (#106)
by CST on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:51:50 PM EST

The jew-fro is in full glory.

I don't know about wearing it "well". But it took remarkably little effort to look like I stuck my finger in an electrical socket.

Parent

same here (none / 0) (#107)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 04:54:12 PM EST

very little effort since I had all this crap laying around.

Parent

for some reason (none / 0) (#111)
by CST on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 05:05:31 PM EST

a few years back I thought it would be great to own a white trenchcoat.

This might be the first time I've worn it. Maybe a wedding...

Parent

: I had a great long white trenchcoat (none / 0) (#127)
by ruffian on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 10:37:06 AM EST

when I was in my 20's. It was smashing! Wish I still had it. Wear it often!

Parent

Like the 70s? (none / 0) (#118)
by MKS on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 06:45:02 PM EST

Cool.

Parent

I had a costume only this TL group would get (5.00 / 0) (#126)
by ruffian on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 10:35:24 AM EST

I just wore black, with a basic witch hat, and when the first couple of people noted I was a witch, I said 'I'm not a witch, I'm you!' Just got blank stares, but I cracked myself up. I gave up after a couple of tries.

Parent

: Would have thought that (none / 0) (#130)
by MO Blue on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 12:25:55 PM EST

'I'm not a witch, I'm you!' would have had a bigger audience than the blogs. Funny how some costumes are more insider related than others.
Halloween 1987 a male coworker's costume was a typical business suit sans pants (boxers). Everyone at work knew instantly what his costume was. Not sure many outside the field would have gotten it so readily.

Parent

I dont care what they say (none / 0) (#1)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:35:16 AM EST

I say Angle loses.

I think the story (none / 0) (#3)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:42:20 AM EST

would have been run if it was about a man. no opinion on its validity.

I'm with ya on boring and pointless... (none / 0) (#8)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:56:23 AM EST

fail to see the misogyny aka hatred of women.

Gentlemen are not supposed to kiss and tell, but I don't think failing to follow this unwritten rule makes you a misogynist...just makes you classless.

Girl, 4, can be sued for negligence (none / 0) (#9)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:57:48 AM EST

The suit that Justice Wooten allowed to proceed claims that in April 2009, Juliet Breitman and Jacob Kohn, who were both 4, were racing their bicycles, under the supervision of their mothers, Dana Breitman and Rachel Kohn, on the sidewalk of a building on East 52nd Street.
At some point in the race, they struck an 87-year-old woman named Claire Menagh, who was walking in front of the building and, according to the complaint, was "seriously and severely injured," suffering a hip fracture that required surgery. She died three weeks later.
Her estate sued the children and their mothers, claiming they had acted negligently during the accident.

Suing the parents (none / 0) (#10)
by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:59:35 AM EST

for the acts of the children.

This is pretty non-controversial.

Naming the children in the suit is a mere formality.

Parent

Actually reading the article (none / 0) (#15)
by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:14:17 AM EST

I see why this point is even being litigated.

The argument the defense is trying to set up is that since the child was not negligent (because, the argument goes, children of this age can not be negligent) then the only theory of liability is negligent supervision by the parents.

The article seems to be hinting that the parents will argue that they also were not negligent - seems a tough argument to me BTW - and ta da, no liability.

Parent

: wasnt really making any larger point (none / 0) (#21)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:21:04 AM EST

the headline just caught my eye.

Parent

Sexist? (none / 0) (#18)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:31:08 AM EST

I would characterize it as outright misogyny.

: true (none / 0) (#22)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:21:54 AM EST

why on earth make this person a victim?

Parent

I can't believe... (none / 0) (#20)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:50:00 AM EST

San Fran newsman Newy Scruggs and Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton are making an issue out of fans enjoying a little reefer at the World Series...grow up fellas and mind your business, nobody likes a tattle-tale.

Really? (none / 0) (#23)
by AngryBlackGuy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:30:11 AM EST

If a candidate who spent the majority of his life talking about abstinence and continued to campaign on the issue had a woman show up and say she had a drunken hook up with him 3 years ago, no one would think anything of it.

If she had different views on pre-marital sex and this story came up, it would be sexist.

But this is directly relevant to her trustworthiness and whether she actually practices what she preaches.

This is no more sexist than the National Enquirer stories on Edwards.

Um, she didn't do the deed. Not with him, and not, (none / 0) (#46)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:32:59 PM EST

apparently, with his roommate who allegedly then dated her for over a year.

iow, she abstained and apparently does practice what she preaches.

Parent

lol (none / 0) (#49)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:37:19 PM EST

I guess you believe anything that supports your pals. Mr, or Ms Anonymous spun a good one!

Parent

Hold on, I'm not sure I follow you... (none / 0) (#56)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:47:33 PM EST

Are you suggesting Mr Anon really did have sex with her but is keeping it a secret? Why would he do that?

Or are you suggesting the whole story's a lie, but he's telling it to, what, help her in some way?

Or are you suggesting something else altogether?

Parent

Story Is BS (none / 0) (#58)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:52:27 PM EST

And if it is true, it is from a coward who is not to be trusted.

Parent

Ah, that makes sense. Not sure how this story (none / 0) (#62)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:57:05 PM EST

- in any way - supports her though.

Parent

Your Point (none / 0) (#66)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:08:52 PM EST

She abstained.... lol

A pol who practices what she preaches, even when blind drunk.

And it is so over the top misogynist that is makes her a sympathetic figure. I would not be surprised if it was a Breitbart piece..

Parent

: Okaaaay.... (none / 0) (#76)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:25:26 PM EST

Parent

So that explains... (none / 0) (#50)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:40:29 PM EST

some of her loonier positions...if she practices what she has preached in regards to masturbation too, this poor woman hasn't gotten her rocks off in ages. Not healthy, imo.

All kidding aside, you can call her nuts but you really can't call her full of sh*t, she is one of the few on the campaign scene actually being honest about herself and her positions. Unlike say Rand Paul, he turned into a different guy when the GOP bigwigs came calling after the primary win...O'Donnell told the GOP bigwigs to get lost...ya gotta admire that at least a little, so rare for the politics biz.

Parent

first (none / 0) (#53)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:42:39 PM EST

who would expect her to do that. second, you scare me sometimes

Parent

Honest Politician? (none / 0) (#55)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:45:11 PM EST

Must be that you have a sweet spot for the ladies... and will believe her swill.

She is as dishonest as the rest of em...

Parent

I don't think so... (none / 0) (#57)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:51:50 PM EST

I don't believe her swill, but I do believe she believes her swill. She is sincere...frighteningly so.

Gimme an example of something she said that you don't think she sincerely believes...I think she means every word of it.

Parent

Im (5.00 / 0) (#60)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:53:35 PM EST

not a witch

Parent

: We both believe that one... (none / 0) (#63)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:00:48 PM EST

witches masturbate like normal human beings, she can't be a witch:)

Parent

OK (none / 0) (#65)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:05:27 PM EST

Well first off her background is as a marketing and media consultant aka professional liar.

Her issue sheet is straight GOP 101 with a libertarian tea party twist. Fashionable lies.

Wants to cut the deficit by enacting the same policies as BushCo???

This is corporate giveaway and giveaway to the rich BS. Trickle down nonsense. And if you believe that she is for "the regular folks" she would not be wanting to send regular folks to their deaths to fight the commies.... oh wait it is the terrorists..

I do not believe that any Politician can be honest and believe the tripe that she calls her fact sheet. It is pandering to some kind of nostalgia that will never be. Marketing is her strong suit.

Parent

To be clear... (none / 0) (#71)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:14:06 PM EST

I think the woman is certifiable...but I think she buys the great cons that are trickle down and the like...she really believes thats the way to go, like too many Americans.

That doesn't make her a liar or con-artist, that just makes her mistaken.

Parent

OKaay (none / 0) (#73)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:18:56 PM EST

Do you also believe Palin believes her schtick too?

It is inconceivable to me to imagine anyone who can convince a large number of people to vote for them to believe what they say. There are too many people to pander to, to have a one size fits all ideology.

An honest politician is a loser.

Parent

I think Palin buys some... (none / 0) (#75)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:22:51 PM EST

maybe most of her schtick, but she's catering to what plays these days...she's a brand, a business...maybe 1/4-1/2 full of sh*t.

O'Donnell's honesty will cost her this election...she is a loser. Thats why I love the honesty!

Parent

Loser? (none / 0) (#81)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:41:25 PM EST

Yeah, she may lose the election, but too many people take her seriously for her to be an honest broker. IOW she would never have gotten so far where she true to a set of core beliefs.

Parent

It was a shock.. (none / 0) (#85)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:48:32 PM EST

she beat the standard GOP'er...and even more shocking when she told Rove to go scratch after her primary win, unlike Rand Paul who said "Karl, how can I cater my platform to your liking my dark lord" 5 minutes after the votes were tallied.

Parent

I gotta ask, how are you so informed about her? (none / 0) (#87)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:00:30 PM EST

I think this thread is the first time I've been interested enough to actually read the thread, it being all salacious and stuff. Have you been keeping up with her campaign? Why?

Parent

Not really... (none / 0) (#90)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:17:17 PM EST

keeping a close tabs, more that you can't avoid this campaign...it dominates the news and nets, probably because its so salicously delicous, and "elites" right and left don't like her.

Probably more than anything Bill Maher's comedic coverage has shaped my opinion of her...he touts her sincerity after her many years as the token righty on his talk show.

Parent

: Well, there you go, (none / 0) (#93)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:29:29 PM EST

I did not know about Maher or any of this stuff.
I'm way behind the curve on this one, carry on.

Parent

She was someone who had (none / 0) (#91)
by MO Blue on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:26:12 PM EST

trouble paying her rent before this Senate run. After this she will become one of the "serious people" getting paid for their appearances at Tea Party events. In the meantime, if reports are accurate, campaign funds paid the rent.

She definitely created a brand that will help her laugh all the way to the bank for the next several years.

Parent

Trouble with the rent... (none / 0) (#94)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:35:47 PM EST

she missed her calling, she coulda hooked up with my man Jimmy McMillan on the good side of the force. He needs a Lt. Governor too.

"Ms. O'Donnell, why the ideological about face?"

"Why? Because the rent is too damn high!"

Then, the apocolypse:)

Parent

I suspect (none / 0) (#95)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:40:01 PM EST

Jimmy would not go in the same room with her

Parent

Disagree... (none / 0) (#98)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:50:13 PM EST

Jimmy Mac is a helluva nice kind friendly man according to his neighbors...a bridge builder, a conciliator, and a karate expert.

And he too knows what it is like to be called crazy...they have something in common:)

Parent

: he is also (none / 0) (#99)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:58:51 PM EST

everything politically she is not. and she is everything political that he hates.
Im sure he would be civil if it came to it but I would love to hear what he thinks.

Parent

points should not be given (none / 0) (#59)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:53:03 PM EST

for honesty when you are to stupid to lie.

Parent

Perhaps... (5.00 / 1) (#64)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:02:58 PM EST

but isn't it refreshing?

Strap every candidate to a lie detector during their debates, she might be the only candidate in the country to pass.

Parent

BTW (none / 0) (#92)
by MO Blue on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:29:25 PM EST

IIRC the CV she put out contained many areas where she "misspoke' about her education and experience. She is not exactly the model of honesty.

Parent

: Thats not dishonesty... (none / 0) (#100)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:59:54 PM EST

thats resume padding...everybody does that, right?
I mean I consider myself an "honest man" fwiw, though I never took a drug test I didn't try to cheat, I've padded my resume a little, lied to the police, lied to the judge, dodge tobacco taxes...that ain't lyin' thats survivin'!

Parent

You must be kidding (none / 0) (#51)
by BTAL on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:40:52 PM EST

This is no more sexist than the National Enquirer stories on Edwards.

Where's the baby?
Where's the infidelity?
Where's the job?
Where's the misused campaign funds?

I hope you did some warm ups before that stretch.

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The bothersome part (none / 0) (#74)
by lilburro on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:19:35 PM EST

is the tone of the story and the way she's presented in it.

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Once more with the self-promotion (none / 0) (#25)
by Dadler on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:47:54 AM EST

The memoir blog is fatter -- THE EARLY DAZE, PART 16 is hot and fresh from the oven of doubt. Hope it's a good read.

And it returns just as we have from Hawaii. The Big Island was grand. Have a good weekend, y'all.

Whitman says deport her housekeeper (none / 0) (#26)
by MKS on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:51:14 AM EST

So her housekeeper was a member of her family??

But she tells her housekeeper I don't know you and you don't know me?

And after that becomes known, Whitman's campagin implodes....

Now, Whitman says her former housekeeper should be deported.

And Tweety says he doesn't understand why Jerry Brown is doing so well. Tweety is so clueless sometimes....

It is the Latino vote.....The polling shows a huge shift to Brown....

So, the billioniare who uses and then throws away a nobody Latina is brought low by her.....Justice indeed.

: Beyond the pale... (5.00 / 1) (#37)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:13:22 PM EST

suprised she hasn't blamed ICE yet, like "if ICE did their job I wouldn't be in this mess".
Or poor white citizens..."If the white trash around here would get off welfare and scrub my toilet I wouldn't be in this mess."
Anyone else we can blame for Whitman's troubles? Besides Whitman of course, she can't be to blame...personal responsibility is for the little people.

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: I thought the polls were moving ... (5.00 / 0) (#120)
by FreakyBeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:54:33 PM EST

Brown's way before the housekeeper thing.
I think it tapped into the fact that the debate about illegal immigration in Cali has always been deeply hypocritical. Everyone is against illegal immigration, until they need a day laborer or a housekeeper. And then you kinda don't ask-don't tell. There's paperwork, sure, sometimes at least - but it is, as we have seen, often a fig leaf. It means someone else is responsible and you are off the hook.
Then there's the annoying cant - she was just like a member of the family, except one we could fire. We were so disappointed.
Now the concept of family members you can fire is not without merit, but it didn't go over well with latinos, or much of anyone else.
By the way, Meg's expensive ads, if you haven't seen any, are stupid.
Besides which, love him or hate him, Brown's been around a long, long, time, which makes him hard to lie about. Everyone already knows what they think of him - and for good or ill, there's no question he's been dedicated to California all his life.

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: I think Brown's ads are helping also (none / 0) (#33)
by nycstray on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 12:27:24 PM EST

and Whitman hasn't been doing herself any favors as she has had to be out there more than she was earlier. Brown didn't start campaigning until Sept. and before that we were seeing mostly Whitman the Ad Campaign. Now we are seeing Whitman the Candidate :)
Thinking back, she had an earlier ad talking about how she understood the average person (aka little people of Ca). My mom joked that she prob only knew the ones that worked in her house. I'm guessing throwing one under the bus isn't sitting too well with more than Latinos. . . .

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Voting While Female (none / 0) (#29)
by itscookin on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:57:16 AM EST

It appears that women will be voting Republican for the first time since exit polling began in 1982. I wonder what that might mean for 2012. It appears that "what about Roe v. Wade" might be losing its clout over women.

Roe v Wade (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by MO Blue on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 12:21:38 PM EST

not something that the has garnered much support from the current Dems as evidenced during the health insurance debate.

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We've had Brand R... (none / 0) (#38)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:20:55 PM EST

executives with a Brand R congress before, Roe v Wade still stands...Brand R has no intention of ever outlawing abortion again...what issue would they use to shake down holy-rollers for money and votes? Though they may limit access and try to make women's lives more difficult...they will never fully overturn Roe v Wade...take it to the bank.

Anti-abortion rights Brand R's are like Anti-occupation Brand D's...they only truly exist in voter's imaginations. They may take a good game, but there is no plan to ever deliver....party bigshots would never allow it.

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that's the problem (5.00 / 2) (#47)
by CST on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:34:13 PM EST

they keep roe v wade as a whipping boy, and then do everything else in their power to eliminate access to contraception or emergency contraception - or abortion if you need it. They don't make it illegal. They make it impossible.

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Thats the real concern... (none / 0) (#54)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:44:56 PM EST

making it difficult for women. I wouldn't say impossible with great outfits like Planned Parenthood out there doing their thing...but definitely more difficult than it need be.

You're a younger woman, ya think our generation kinda takes abortion rights for granted? And maybe that explains more women voting for Brand R? I know I find it hard to even imagine the barbaric dark days of backalley abortions.

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I don't know (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by CST on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:57:02 PM EST

how it is in most of the country. I think in the liberal areas it's not a big deal, plus with plan b out there, it's not something many people end up needing as much anyway. So you don't really think about it.

I could go to a planned parenthood by train and be there in 40 min. No big deal. I had friends in high school who would go there for birth control without mom and dad knowing. And now you can go to any cvs and get plan B - before that you could go to any hospital, and there are lots of those around too.

But I don't live in rural Oklahomah.

I think this country is so split, legally and culturally by location, people don't realize that just because things are a certain way for them, doesn't mean it's the same way (or even remotely close)for everyone else.

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I concur... (none / 0) (#72)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:18:14 PM EST

in our liberal homes...taken for granted, no fear for womens rights if Brand R takes the reigns.

Oklahama is always another story...but most of the restrictions/hassles women face there are state/locality imposed, not federal...right?

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right (none / 0) (#77)
by CST on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:30:44 PM EST

federal doesn't impose them. The problem is, federal doesn't protect them from it either.

There are some battles that happen on the federal level. Like what we're seeing with HIR. And what we saw a few years ago with the FDA and Plan B - getting it over the counter. Plus the religious objection clause where people can refuse you a prescription, and all that jazz.

Those things often end up playing out on a regional level. Out here there were always alternatives available. But the battles are sometimes fought on a federal stage.

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The Rs will be happiest when (none / 0) (#86)
by Inspector Gadget on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:57:57 PM EST

they finally succeed at getting this country under Christian rule and their bible replaces the constitution. There will no longer be two sides to women's issues.

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: that will never happen (none / 0) (#88)
by CST on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:04:06 PM EST

on a country-wide level. We're too culturally divided.

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: Ya. We call it the "Christobibletution." (none / 0) (#89)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:04:48 PM EST

We keep copies under our pillows at night. You heathen D's should be veeeery afraid...

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: The loons... (none / 0) (#113)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 05:41:51 PM EST

want that, the GOP wants their money and votes so they gotta walk the fine line like Dems do with the whiney "pro left"...feed 'em just enough so they know they're hungry.

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Isn't R v. W already gone ... (none / 0) (#121)
by FreakyBeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:57:03 PM EST

... now that the legal standard is Must not make Justice Kennedy go "Ick?"

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Not sure how they do it. (none / 0) (#35)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 12:52:37 PM EST

My significant milestone birthday isn't until next Saturday, but sure as sh*t what comes in the mail yesterday but an AARP membership package.

Way to rub it in.

welcome to the club sir (none / 0) (#36)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:08:32 PM EST

soon you will move from the Viagra/penis enlargement junk email demographic to the portable oxygen/wheelchair one.

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Stay young at heart... (none / 0) (#39)
by kdog on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:22:59 PM EST

and take the AARP discount...win/win Brother Mile.

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Cheers To Getting Old! (none / 0) (#40)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:24:33 PM EST

The good years, not to mention it is good not to be dead...lol

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Yes, still alive... (5.00 / 1) (#114)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 05:47:05 PM EST

...and unlike the elderly gentleman at Safeway today--fully clothed.

I'm at the pharmacy waiting to get a flu shot (the high dose for olds one naturally) and this guy comes up to the counter and I'm thinking OK, either he's got really short shorts on or he's in his undies (he had a real long shirt on). He sits down next to me and the store manager comes back with a gown for him. He proceeds to regale me with the story of how he forgot his pants when he left the house. I listened politely (he reminded me of my Dad in a way) and told him that pants are over-rated (they are). He gets his Rx and leaves.

The Tech comes out to stab me and I told him that I can't wait until I can leave the house without my pants and not get arrested. Turns out the guy has terminal cancer and has some "issues".

Got to give him credit--I wouldn't even be leaving the house in his condition (I'd be on the super duper good drugs), but sad that it appears that he didn't have anyone to look after him.

Ah, the joys of getting old...

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: Yeah (none / 0) (#115)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 05:50:19 PM EST

Serious heath problems are a bummer at any age. From my perspective life only improves as I get older, and I do not expect that to change until I drop dead.

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: Kudos to you for (none / 0) (#116)
by MO Blue on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 05:59:38 PM EST

listening politely and telling him that pants are over-rated. Also nice to hear that the store manager took care of him by providing him with a gown. Hear too much about people treating other people badly. Nice to hear stories where people are treated with dignity and respect.

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easy (none / 0) (#41)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 01:25:44 PM EST

for you to say

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Why's That? (none / 0) (#67)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:09:32 PM EST

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how (none / 0) (#68)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:10:07 PM EST

old are you?

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Early 50's (none / 0) (#82)
by squeaky on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:41:56 PM EST

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: oh (none / 0) (#84)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:46:23 PM EST

ok
maybe not so easy for you to say. I had you pegged a bit younger

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A November 6h Birthday (none / 0) (#119)
by christinep on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 07:08:02 PM EST

Early happy returns! Amazing how those AARP sleuths seek us out, isn't it? (After the shock wears off, it feels good.)

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Thanks christine! (none / 0) (#122)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 09:29:38 AM EST

Yep--in fact, Mom cast her ballot for JFK from her hospital bed. That's probably why I've always preferred going to my polling place to vote rather than early/mail-in balloting.

Well, that and interacting with my neighbors. But that's more of an Iowa thing, I think.

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Maybe a Midwestern thing (none / 0) (#123)
by Cream City on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 09:57:32 AM EST

as I look forward not to what I will find on the ballot, sigh, but to strolling down the street to see neighbors on the way and in line, so we can catch up -- and then, when I get to the front, I get to check in with the lovely, local League of Women Voters stalwarts. They're a little hard of hearing now, a little slow with the lists -- but their presence always reminds me that they have seen other sad times . . . but they survived to still believe in the system. I'll try to do the same.

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Voting on Voting Day (none / 0) (#128)
by christinep on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 12:23:19 PM EST

Hey MileHi and Cream City: I love to vote on Election Day as well. Almost feel guilty for not early-voting, because I know that expanding the time-opportunity for people to vote has to be a plus. But, the community sense is always there. 'Love it. Whether just watching, listening, or talking with the neighbors you know & those you don't.... I'd bet that we would be quite a trio standing on line to vote Tuesday.

P.S. For CC: I'm thinking good thoughts for Feingold, and that he will pull it out again. For MileHi: Let's hope that here in Colorado we get the turnout for Bennet...that in the next day or so that @2% deficit will be made up and then some. (Meanwhile: I'm schedule to door knock on Sunday. After realizing that it would be Halloween, I wonder if a costume would hurt or help.)

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: Despite the polls re Feingold (none / 0) (#131)
by Cream City on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 02:04:08 PM EST

it's interesting, as I'm scanning the local rightie blogs, that a lot of conservatives call it too close to call even now.
So we'll see the results of the only poll that really counts -- the one on Tuesday.

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: Another day... (none / 0) (#132)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 03:37:00 PM EST

...and charge of questionable Buck ethics in the paper. Hope its not too late to sway some of those who are still undecided. It is all going to come down to turn-out at the polls.
I guess it would depend on what the costume is and what neighborhood you're in? But, costume or not, it is great you're out there pounding the pavement!

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I'm an Election Day voter as well (none / 0) (#129)
by christinep on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 12:24:33 PM EST

A fulfilling action. See note to CC below.

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dear lord (none / 0) (#80)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 02:41:22 PM EST

why are democrats so freaking stupid?

Because a good 90% (5.00 / 1) (#133)
by jondee on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 04:57:23 PM EST

are infected with the same careerism-before-public-duty virus that the avenging angel crowd here chooses to see only in Obama?

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Because the egos (5.00 / 0) (#134)
by Yman on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 10:13:43 PM EST

... of those who consider themselves to be part of the other 10% (you know, ... the "smart" ones) prefer to make arguments based on their own silly fantasies, rather than facts. The funniest part is, ...

... they sound even more foolish than Mr. Reilly.

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facts (none / 0) (#135)
by jondee on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 11:05:41 PM EST

I forgot, you have all those. You and Jim. "Aggregate job gain" at Wally World and all that..

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: Actually, it's more like ... (none / 0) (#136)
by Yman on Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 11:18:18 PM EST

... no difference, rather than any net gains ...
... but don't let facts interrupt a good fairytale.

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sorry BTD, but you're wrong. (none / 0) (#96)
by cpinva on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:41:14 PM EST

ms. o'donnell is suffering the "vitter-craig" syndrome, and i have little sympathy for her.

: +1 (none / 0) (#97)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 03:44:14 PM EST

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Friday Morning Open Thread | 135 comments (135 topical)

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