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Loving Dogs For Votes

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Off Topic
Posted on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:11:27 PM EST
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Bill Simmons:

I'm amazed that a 2012 presidential candidate hasn't taken advantage of [dog loving], filmed a series of dog-loving commercials and pushed for things like "more dog beaches" and "better veterinarian health care benefits" as part of their platform. Dog lovers are totally irrational. I include myself. If Obama wants to improve his approval rating, he should rescue a mutt every six weeks and keep, like, 10 or 12 dogs in the White House — he'd have dog-lover voters saying, "Even if I'm let down by the last four years, I gotta be honest … it was pretty neat how Obama kept rescuing those dogs."

Interesting thought I think. Can you think of other such gimmicks that might work?

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    Loving Dogs For Votes | 127 comments (127 topical)

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    I recommend duck hunting trips for Obama. (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by observed on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:23:28 PM EST
    Dig his waders out of the closet, oil his shotgun and have at it.
    Pictures of him cleaning the duck are mandatory.
    He should eat the duck, but no Frenchie names for how he prepares it.
    That could be a two for... (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Rojas on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:48:25 PM EST
    If he brought his trusty retriever along...
    and by a means, if going to the trouble to clean that shotgun, invite Geithner.

    Parent
    Or (5.00 / 2) (#8)
    by mmc9431 on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:03:48 PM EST
    He could bring Cheney with him! And the bandages too.

    Parent
    Make it a bi-partisan outing (none / 0) (#66)
    by Rojas on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 03:11:50 AM EST
    Wondering how that would play out with the Secret Service got met thinking of a scene from Reservoir Dogs...

    Parent
    Except remember how silly Kerry looked (none / 0) (#5)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:54:51 PM EST
    emerging with his trophies?

    Parent
    Sure do!! (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by observed on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:57:25 PM EST
    But Kerry wasn't a regular guy the way Obama is.
    You just know Obama is the kind of guy you can sit at a table with, put on a hood and inhale an ortolan  for a quotidian gustatory experience.

    Parent
    Was your first sentence snark? (none / 0) (#9)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:10:07 PM EST


    Parent
    You have me there. Kerry probably (none / 0) (#13)
    by observed on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:14:20 PM EST
    is about as much of an ordinary guy as Obama.

    Parent
    Toss up between Kerry (none / 0) (#48)
    by MO Blue on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:55:12 PM EST
    hunting pictures and Obama playing a farmer sitting on a tractor in a dress shirt.

    Parent
    Oh (none / 0) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:53:36 PM EST
    I had almost forgotten that picture. It was really bad---laugh out loud bad.

    Parent
    Hmm, he rescues dogs, but . . . (5.00 / 4) (#7)
    by nycstray on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:59:54 PM EST
    thinks it's okay for seniors to starve?

    I'd give him props (and also any Republican) for rescuing dogs that he has the space and means to care for, but unless he (and any Republican) changes policy course, not a vote.

    Why rescue dogs (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Rojas on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:21:56 PM EST
    When you can rescue a horse? Hell, with the drought goin' on down here in Texas, I guarantee someone would truck a few up for free just to get 'em some gratis grazing on the White House lawn/pasture.

    And I guarantee something else, Obama would clean up real good and make a right smart cowboy. Yea, I know, that would drive the east coasters crazy, but who else they gonna vote for? Hell they're going to vote for Bo no matter what. They'd vote for Bo if he wore a Nixon mask. Who else is going to keep shoveling the slush into the financial services "industry"?

    Parent

    Blazing Saddles, the sequel. (none / 0) (#29)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:36:08 PM EST


    Parent
    'scuse me while I whip this out (5.00 / 1) (#78)
    by easilydistracted on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 12:57:47 PM EST


    Parent
    Relevant dialogue change (5.00 / 1) (#103)
    by Rojas on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 07:20:05 AM EST
    "Piss on you, I work for Lloyd Blankfein"

    "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!" However, is relevant in its entirety.


    Parent

    Best chance for ponies (none / 0) (#65)
    by Rojas on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 02:58:00 AM EST


    Parent
    Why not rescue a drunken moose? (none / 0) (#90)
    by lambert on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 04:25:53 PM EST
    Also, too, Sweden.

    Parent
    Well, there you have it. TalkLeft's (4.50 / 2) (#10)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:11:10 PM EST
    most devoted dog lover has spoken.

    Parent
    Well, you see (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by Edger on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:11:31 PM EST
    dog owners of course are totally irrational people. I mean they actually own dogs, which aren't the brightest animals in the world.

    Now cats! Cats are very bright. They go out and find humans who are rational enough to allow themselves to be totally owned and controlled by cats and aren't likely to fall for being taken in by the same kinds of gimmicks that would work on dog owners.

    Or something.

    Hmmmm... I may need to give this more thought, I think...

    Then there are the Indies--ferret owners. (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:12:56 PM EST
    Or maybe they are libertarians.  

    Parent
    And then there are (none / 0) (#14)
    by Edger on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:14:45 PM EST
    people who bring tarantulas or giant cockroaches home from pet stores.

    We won't even mention them.

    Parent

    Puma! (5.00 / 3) (#19)
    by Rojas on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:25:16 PM EST
    Ya got allot of nerve bringing the cat lady into this!

    Parent
    Excuse me (5.00 / 3) (#22)
    by Edger on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:26:59 PM EST
    my cat is snapping her fingers - I'll be back in awhile..........

    Parent
    Dogs have owners... (5.00 / 3) (#62)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 08:19:59 PM EST
    ... Cats have staff.

    Parent
    Out-of-date, you are: (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by the capstan on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 10:52:10 AM EST
    nowadays, dogs have 'parents.'  (That's a change for the better since my early days when all dogs except mine lived outdoors, ate scraps, and never saw a vet or had a shot.)

    Parent
    Yep...mine attends Doggie (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by easilydistracted on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 12:59:22 PM EST
    Day Care, daily.

    Parent
    We refer (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by Towanda on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 10:42:08 PM EST
    to our grandpuppy's "humans."  

    Our grandpuppy will not be owned.  Nor does "parenting" seem appropriate.

    Preferable would be that we could refer to his humans as his disciplinarians, but that is not happening . . . except when he is with us. :-)

    Parent

    I thought pet owners are now (none / 0) (#81)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 02:17:27 PM EST
    "guardians."

    Parent
    that gives dogs second (none / 0) (#82)
    by the capstan on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 02:28:51 PM EST
    class status (a type of speciesism if you swing that way).

    Parent
    Guardians, that's right (none / 0) (#94)
    by sj on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 06:09:28 PM EST
    I was trying to remember the term.  

    Parent
    For other presidential candidates.... (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by christinep on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:19:31 PM EST
    If the way to a man's (woman's too) heart is via the stomach....  What about making pizzas. They seem to sell well in Florida.

    Pizzas are too controversial. Obama (none / 0) (#21)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:26:33 PM EST
    really liked Pi pizza, which he had in St. Louis on campaign trail.  Brought Pi chef to WH to teach the chefs there how to make this pizza.  But Obama picked Chicago to hail from and they think their pizza is superior to all other pizzas.  As I say, too controversial.  

    Parent
    Hahahaha! (none / 0) (#59)
    by Zorba on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:48:10 PM EST
    Well, if Floridians (at least, the Florida GOP) like Godfather's Pizza, their taste is highly suspect.  I don't care for Godfather's Pizza (but then, I don't care for any of the chain pizzas).  Herman Cain!  For crying in a bucket.  The GOP is in serious trouble- each of their candidates is crazier than the next.  Good news for the Democrats, at least.

    Parent
    Rescuing Obama at this point (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:19:56 PM EST
    will only create more moral hazard.  I'm not sure I can afford it.  He needed to have rescued us, and he kept dropping the ball in D.C. from day one over and over and over again.  He announced HCR and then did nothing while Max Baucus had people in and out of his office 24/7 figuring out how to beat him to death over it.  The reason why Geithner got his stress tests instead of taking over citi?  He was the only one with a plan.  Obama never has a plan, announces cool stuff and then lets the enemy beat him before he even steps off to do anything.  He just loves to give great speeches. I'm not down with rescuing him, and according to that damned Suskind book I can't put down it looks like Larry Summers was right...they were all home alone.  And I hate saying Larry Summers is right about anything.

    Let me get this straight. Wasn't (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:28:30 PM EST
    a person formerly from health care/insurance industry at Baucus right hand b/4 she became WH point person re health care reform?  

    Parent
    I don't think I'm to the part (none / 0) (#49)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:58:32 PM EST
    where she became point person.  Per the story in the Suskind book, Obama said he was doing HCR and then just sort of dropped it.  It was as if just because the words came out of his mouth in a great speech it would then come to pass rather magically in due time.  He did very little to chart the course.  Peter Orszag wanted to get HCR underway but was coming from the perspective of the Dartmouth studies and going for those reforms.  It would help our economy immensely too most likely.  He did some things to attempt to push the administration forward but there were no real goals, it is almost as if the goals ended up being what they could get after Baucus set, stocked, and defined the battlefield.  I'm not to the part where it gets fought out yet.

    Parent
    Remember that meeting with the banksters (none / 0) (#53)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:10:41 PM EST
    though when he told them he was the only thing standing between them and the pitchforks?  According to the Suskind book that was the most exciting thing that happened and was said for average Americans.  After he said that, he focused mostly on how he wanted to help the banks with their PR problem they currently had.  They needed him.  After all this hell, mayhem, unemployment now getting worse....very very very unflattering and unsavory.  He can't stand to have an enemy. He can't stand to ruffle a feather.  And in the book somebody....can't remember who, says that the Masters of the Universe  base their respect for you on how tough a negotiator you are.  He had them by their 5lb balls and all he did was caress them.  The next big speech he gave on Wall Street and he gave it from Wall Street itself, Blankfein and Dimon were too busy to show up, Obama berated them in speech and on television and they all laughed.

    Parent
    Done with the book (none / 0) (#92)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 04:53:13 PM EST
    Healthcare situation, never extensively addressed outside of how it bumped up against the economic crisis.  And why should it?  That would have to be a separate book and Suskind was writing about the financial/economic crisis.

    Undoubtedly though, because this book will go down in history as some kind of authority on what happened, some apologist will cite the Suskind book attempting to defend Obama on what happened with Obama's healthcare reform and this book is not about that. Only touches the very lip of what was going on there.  Not to be cited when it comes to healthcare reform other than how it pertains to what happened to addressing our severe and horrible financial industry/economic problems.

    Parent

    Thanks for your comments as you read (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by sj on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 06:10:09 PM EST
    Although I downloaded the book I have been procrastinating about reading it.

    Parent
    I appreciate the commentary, MT. (5.00 / 2) (#96)
    by caseyOR on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 06:54:31 PM EST
    I've got my name on the hold list at the library for Suskind's book.
    No idea when I'll finally get it. So, your remarks give me at least a hint of the content.

    Parent
    He should add 20 lbs of muscle... (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by Dadler on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:25:40 PM EST
    ...that that skinny physique of his, bulk it up a little, Americans like their bigs.  Also, I suggest at least five of these additional pounds be added to his balls.  

    He'd look funny (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by Edger on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:28:32 PM EST
    walking around with five pound balls...

    Parent
    Send the horse back! (5.00 / 2) (#27)
    by Rojas on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:33:31 PM EST
    It hurts just to think about it.

    Parent
    But he'd have no trouble finding them (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by Dadler on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:34:57 PM EST
    ;-)

    Parent
    Not in my book (5.00 / 2) (#50)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:00:27 PM EST
    I would learn to live with the difference

    Parent
    Heck, he'd just give them to (5.00 / 4) (#63)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 08:27:51 PM EST
    the first Republican who said Boo!  Y'all know it's true.

    Parent
    Two words: tattoo (5.00 / 4) (#31)
    by Dadler on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:40:11 PM EST
    Something like Jesus holding a bald eagle in one hand and the American flag in the other, with the Twin Towers and the Super Bowl in the background.

    This will make (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by scribe on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:03:11 PM EST
    a great back tattoo for him.

    Parent
    Someone needs to design a (none / 0) (#52)
    by MO Blue on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:05:45 PM EST
    "confidence fairy" tattoo for his back. That is the only way the "confidence fairy" will make an appearance anytime in the next century.

    Parent
    "I am the greatest"? (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Edger on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:43:19 PM EST
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCruefYl3FI

    Parent
    I think it should say (5.00 / 4) (#72)
    by ruffian on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 09:31:29 AM EST
    Born In The USA

    Parent
    Absolutely (none / 0) (#74)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 10:46:55 AM EST
    And I want this tattoo revealed while Bruce Springsteen sings it, really loud, first commercial loud :)

    Parent
    Now let's think up a better title. (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:44:42 PM EST


    Yes, Chasing the Dog Lover (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by masslib on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 08:59:23 PM EST
    Vote would have sufficed, without sounding off color.  

    Parent
    Rescue dogs? Nah, rescue 99er Unemployed! W/ jobs! (5.00 / 2) (#40)
    by jawbone on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:02:23 PM EST
    Every week Obama can rescue a long term unemployed person by finding a job for him or her with decent benefits.

    Hey! I've got an idea: Rescue as many unemployed as possible with large scale Federal programs which hire any unemployed who need and want jobs! Free medical, dental, and vision at clinics or VA facilities. Decent food and temp housing for those who need to move away from home to take jobs. Make sure the food is nutritious and they get time to exercise and form associations for life-long friendships.  Cultural events, training for new skills.

    With their earnings, these people will be able to once again contribute to the local economies.  The local restaurants and businesses will be able to hire new workers.

    The economy will begin to pick up and even more people will be hired for jobs to meet the demand for goods and services!

    And this can all be paid for with loans at near zero interest.

    Oh, my.  Now where could I have gotten such an idea? .... Something like this was done by some past president.... But I haven't heard much said about who it was or what he did.  Known by his three initials, iirc. Hhmmm.

    I seem to recall his programs worked really well, and we still have infrastructure which people built and improved way back then....

    Plus,if people have work, they won't be forced to give up their pets and horses, so Obama won't have adopt ten or a dozen more dogs. But if he wants to, more power to him and his family.

    And, uh, what about the cats?

    I bet there are some unemployed negotiators who (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by jawbone on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:08:03 PM EST
    could negotiate better prescription drug prices for Medicare and Medicaid...(my RX plan will be going up 12% in 2012).

    Save a person's economic viability; same money spent on Medicare and Medicaid!

    Win/win!

    Parent

    Used to be ordering 3 months prescription (none / 0) (#43)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:14:56 PM EST
    via mail = one month co pay.  But starting in Jan., the co pay will be for two months.  Why?  Because they can I guess.  

    Parent
    wait, wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (5.00 / 3) (#45)
    by cpinva on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:27:16 PM EST
    i have an idea! how about this?:

    obama does what we democratic progressives elected him to do! see, this is how it would work:

    instead of trying to play nice with the GOP crazies, he does the right thing. he doesn't give away everything, so the GOP will like him. and it's soooooooooooooooo easy! heck, any democratic pol can do it.

    do i get a prize now?

    I thought we elected him to go (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:29:48 PM EST
    directly to Iran and Cuba with no pre-conditions.

    Parent
    Other gimmicks that might work? (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:28:36 PM EST
    He could go around shouting "hope" and "change" to anyone with a pulse.

    Oh, wait, he did that one already.

    Speaking of pulses.  Isn't it interesting that Obama can't draw a crowd anymore? He probably should start hiring some.  Because these lean "crowds" look pretty embarrassing.

    They are too busy standing in line (5.00 / 3) (#55)
    by MO Blue on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:33:28 PM EST
    to apply for unemployment benefits to attend an Obama rally.

    Parent
    lol. you nailed it! (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 10:37:21 PM EST


    Parent
    He's (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by lentinel on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 03:46:43 AM EST
    wound up like Bush.

    He can emote at party fundraisers and military bases.

    Parent

    yup, Hope n Change (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by smott on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 11:52:31 AM EST
    That was a gimmick that worked quite well.

    Parent
    Upon reflection, (5.00 / 3) (#69)
    by lentinel on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 06:47:14 AM EST
    I think a real good public relations gimmick for the incumbent would be to end a war or two.
    You mean telling blacks to (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by ruffian on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 09:33:07 AM EST
    take off their bedroom slippers and put on their marching shoes won't work?

    When I first read the slippers off, marching boots (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by jawbone on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 03:36:38 PM EST
    on line, I thought it was some lefty blogger urging readers to get out of the house and down to Wall Street to protest....

    I just learned today how deeply wrong that line is from Obama. Classist much, Barry???

    Parent

    What does the CBC think? (none / 0) (#89)
    by christinep on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 03:56:22 PM EST


    Parent
    Maxine Waters (5.00 / 2) (#106)
    by jbindc on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 09:28:37 AM EST
    His speech was a bit "curious"

    The California Democrat, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, says she found the president's language "a bit curious." She says Obama didn't address Hispanics in such a blunt manner and would never use that language in a speech to a gathering of gays or Jews.

    Interviewed Monday on CBS' "Early Show," Waters said black Americans fully support Obama and are working to promote his agenda. She says African-Americans want voters to be enthusiastic about Obama in 2012.



    Parent
    A very diplomatic way of saying (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by sj on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 11:13:14 AM EST
    WTF (not Win The Future).

    Parent
    She also said (none / 0) (#110)
    by christinep on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 12:44:00 PM EST
    (in that same interview) that the Black community is already enthusiastically supporting Obama & working for him, etc.

    Parent
    Of course she did (none / 0) (#112)
    by jbindc on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 01:30:01 PM EST
    To match the sentiment expresed by Rep. Cleaver last week:

    "If [former President] Bill Clinton had been in the White House and had failed to address this problem, we probably would be marching on the White House," Cleaver told "The Miami Herald" in comments published Sunday. "There is a less-volatile reaction in the CBC because nobody wants to do anything that would empower the people who hate the president."

    Parent

    no she didn't. Not exactly anyway (none / 0) (#113)
    by sj on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 02:21:46 PM EST
    Not according to that article.

    The California Democrat, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, says she found the president's language "a bit curious." She says Obama didn't address Hispanics in such a blunt manner and would never use that language in a speech to a gathering of gays or Jews.

    Interviewed Monday on CBS' "Early Show," Waters said black Americans fully support Obama and are working to promote his agenda. She says African-Americans want voters to be enthusiastic about Obama in 2012.

    (emphasis mine)

    "Fully support" doesn't have quite the same connotations as "enthusiastically support".  That enthusiasm is a "want" not a "has"

    In general, "etc." covers up a multitude of sins that precision might expose.

    Parent

    An exact quote of what she said is (none / 0) (#116)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 02:43:22 PM EST
    as follows:

    "I don't know who he was talking to, because we're certainly not complaining," said Waters, who has been critical of Obama in the past. "We are working. We support him and we are protecting that base because we want people to be enthusiastic about him when that election rolls around." link

    If you listen to the video at HuffPo link in jbindc, the quote is exactly what she said. What was in the HuffPo post was paraphrased.    

    Parent

    There was also (none / 0) (#118)
    by jbindc on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 02:52:38 PM EST
    this quote from a town hall in Detroit last month:

    "We don't put pressure on the president," said Waters. "Let me tell you why. We don't put pressure on the president because ya'll love the president. You love the president. You're very proud...to have a black man [in the White House] ...First time in the history of the United States of America. If we go after the president too hard, you're going after us."

    And, encompassing sj's comment:

    "When you tell us it's alright and you unleash us and you tell us you're ready for us to have this conversation, we're ready to have the conversation. The Congressional Black Caucus loves the president too. We're supportive of the president but we're getting tired ya'll...we're getting tired. And so, what we want to do is...we want to give the president every opportunity to show what he can do and what he's prepared to lead on. We want to give him every opportunity...but our people are hurting. The unemployment is unconscionable. We don't know what the strategy is. We don't know why on this trip that he's in the United States now, he's not in any black community...we don't know that."


    Parent
    More about "supporting" (none / 0) (#114)
    by sj on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 02:30:50 PM EST
    from jbindc's article

    We're supportive of the president, but we getting tired, y'all," Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) said in August. "We want to give [Obama] every opportunity, but our people are hurting. The unemployment is unconscionable. We don't know what the strategy is."

    So if you're satisfied with lackluster support then I think O is fine.  But if you really do want him to win then you know he's going to have to do better than this.  

    I can't recall right now: Do you do (or have you done) party grunt work during the election cycle?  I remember the environment law thing, but not the party activism thing.  (It would make sense that you do, but I just can't remember.)

    Parent

    I think what black people are facing with (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by Anne on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 03:11:26 PM EST
    respect to the performance of the first black president is probably a lot like what women would be facing if it were the first female president's performance on the line; I can absolutely see myself wanting to defend the first woman president who came from my own party, if for no other reason than to make certain she is not the last female president.

    Same with Obama.  The black community has to be feeling like, if Obama does not succeed, he might be the last black president, and forever after, there will be a perception that perhaps the presidency really should just be the domain of old white men.  Maybe Obama's defeat would also end the possibilities for any other minority to rise to that level - which makes it even more teeth-gnashingly frustrating that Obama has not been the liberal/progressive leader we needed him to be (not that all the signs weren't there that he wasn't a liberal/progressive to begin with and people, with the typical good work of the media, chose to ignore those signs).

    The comments of Rep. Cleaver tell it like it is: if these policies were coming out of a white presidency, they'd be marching on Washington.  He - Obama - is not helping their cause, nor the cause of poor, sick and old people.

    I don't know; I guess we're not nearly as enlightened or equal as we'd like to think, when blacks who criticize the president are made to feel like traitors from within their own community, never mind that so many of his policies are hurting that community - I guess they have to subjugate their own needs and interests to identity politics and hope they can survive it.

    And we're all being told we have to suck up our own negative opinions just to prevent some cuckoo-for-Coco-Puffs Republican from taking over.

    We're freakin' screwed, oh, yes we are.

    Parent

    A different view from the Black Agenda Report (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 03:38:00 PM EST
    by Bruce A. Dixon who has never been a fan.  

    "Only the First Black President could have disbanded the peace movement and rolled into town promising to "cut entitlements" without provoking a firestorm of protest."
    ...
    ...Obama needs running room to his right. In order for Obama to enact the neoliberal policies of his militarist and bankster sponsors, the policy demands of Republicans had to move further and still further rightward. In other words, he needs Republicans to play crazy and crazier, so that wherever he lands can credibly be claimed to be a little better than what might have been under a Republican regime, even when Obama's position is actually to the right of Bush or Reagan. link


    Parent
    That (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by jbindc on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 03:42:31 PM EST
    In other words, he needs Republicans to play crazy and crazier, so that wherever he lands can credibly be claimed to be a little better than what might have been under a Republican regime, even when Obama's position is actually to the right of Bush or Reagan.

    Seems to be the justification of some people around here as well.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#120)
    by sj on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 03:36:45 PM EST
    I agree with all of this.  I think the irony is that the more he's given a pass the less attention he pays to those needs.

    It's what has given rise to my mantra of "I will not vote against my own interests".

    Parent

    Oh...I kinda think that it will be more than (none / 0) (#123)
    by christinep on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 05:31:32 PM EST
    lackluster. Lots more...for many reasons...not the least of which the Black community will not allow wedges & all that to be used against that community. We'll see soon enough.

    As to work at different stages & in different capacities for the party: Yes, I do that.  

    Parent

    Well, as to level of support (none / 0) (#125)
    by sj on Tue Sep 27, 2011 at 11:19:38 AM EST
    we're both just stating our opinions.  It will have to remain in the "wait and see" category.

    As to work for the party: I thought so, I couldn't remember.  And obviously I don't recall what level.  But I think his supporters may need to put in a whole new level of effort.

    And again, that's an opinion.

    Parent

    Clarification (none / 0) (#128)
    by christinep on Tue Sep 27, 2011 at 03:30:08 PM EST
    "(W)ork for the party" should not be read here to indicate being in the employ of either permanently or temporarily. I get involved, sometimes quite actively & intensely & close with the party.

    Parent
    No that's how I took it (none / 0) (#129)
    by sj on Tue Sep 27, 2011 at 03:36:22 PM EST
    That's how I used to work for the party as well.

    Parent
    Has Obama found any comfortable (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 04:35:48 PM EST
    shoes? Last I heard they all pinched his feet so bad he couldn't begin to keep his promise to labor in WI or anywhere else for that matter.

    Parent
    Are you kidding, (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by me only on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 07:39:28 PM EST
    he has been.  The dogs have names like

    Bank of America
    Citicorp
    Goldman Sachs
    etc.

    Re use (5.00 / 0) (#126)
    by jbindc on Tue Sep 27, 2011 at 11:54:08 AM EST
    the Superman theme

    Okay, jbindc, (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by Zorba on Tue Sep 27, 2011 at 02:02:58 PM EST
    that made me spit out my Diet Coke.  You may owe me a new keyboard!   ;-)

    Parent
    I doubt if he'd be any more (none / 0) (#3)
    by the capstan on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:50:58 PM EST
    comfortable around dogs than he is with anybody else.  And you get no points from a dog for calling it 'Sweetie.'

    (He usually looks like ordinary people give him the gripe, as they used to call the flu.)

    pssst: That's spelled grippe (none / 0) (#100)
    by Towanda on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 10:45:04 PM EST
    but your usage is somehow so apt.

    Parent
    I know I goofed! (none / 0) (#124)
    by the capstan on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 07:28:07 PM EST
    And after looking it up too.  All I can say: seeing double makes it easy to err.

    Parent
    Especially if Romney is the GOP (none / 0) (#4)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:54:06 PM EST
    nominee.  

    Right. Obama needs to show that (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by observed on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:15:19 PM EST
    HIS dog rides in a PROPERLY ventilated doghouse on top of the car.

    Parent
    Michael Steele tried that in his 2006 (none / 0) (#25)
    by andgarden on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:30:56 PM EST
    Senate race. Responded DSCC: "Michael Steele likes puppies, but he LOVES George Bush."

    He shouldn't just kiss babies... (none / 0) (#26)
    by Dadler on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:33:05 PM EST
    ...he should start having more of them.  Knocking up Michelle late in their marriage would help shore up his manly creds.  No one wants to throw dad out of a job when a new baby's in the house.  If they can't conceive, they should borrow a baby for the campaign season.

    In the DA's office we used to call (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:37:34 PM EST
    this "rent a baby."  

    Parent
    I say stick with "borrow" (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by Dadler on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:42:14 PM EST
    Renters are just a drain on the economy.  They're not job creators.

    Parent
    so are babies ;) n/t (none / 0) (#117)
    by agio on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 02:43:28 PM EST


    Parent
    Well..... (none / 0) (#33)
    by Rojas on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:43:01 PM EST
    ....did it work?

    Parent
    At sentencing hrgs., you bet. (none / 0) (#34)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:43:54 PM EST


    Parent
    I'm totally filing that away in my brain! (none / 0) (#36)
    by andgarden on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:57:43 PM EST


    Parent
    Then there was the young man (maybe 15) (none / 0) (#37)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 05:59:26 PM EST
    in juvenile court who asked the judge not to send him to honor camp because he was about to become a father.  That didn't work.  

    Parent
    "Honor camp" seems like a euphemism (none / 0) (#39)
    by andgarden on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:01:50 PM EST


    Parent
    Better than CA Youth Auth. but more (none / 0) (#44)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:15:45 PM EST
    restrictive than 24-hour school.  

    Parent
    In moderation.... (none / 0) (#51)
    by Rojas on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:04:57 PM EST
    I don't think it worked too well for that Jeffs guy.

    Parent
    This is an excellent idea. Right to lifers: (none / 0) (#38)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:01:22 PM EST
    check.  

    Parent
    You are just on a roll lately (none / 0) (#61)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:57:39 PM EST
    If we can't change war Presidents, certainly in this economy we can't throw one of his house and his job when he is expecting.

    Parent
    Sarkozy (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by lentinel on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 03:50:11 AM EST
    is trying this gambit in France.

    We'll see if it pans out.

    Parent

    Always works when a TV show is (none / 0) (#76)
    by ruffian on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 11:10:16 AM EST
    waning in popularity. Good for at least one more season.

    But definitely seen as an act of desperation.

    Parent

    What About FAKE Cla$$ Warfare? (none / 0) (#46)
    by seabos84 on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 06:28:32 PM EST
    What About FAKE Actions on Jobs (ya know - have some bill that doesn't do enough AND defunds Social Security at the same time!)

    What About FAKE Concern for the Unemployed! (just wrap the bill in billions for bilk-onnaires, and point a gun at the head of the unemployed!)

    What About FAKE Health "Care" Reform! (Just REALLY hand the keys over to AHIP and PHARMA, declare victory and retire to the clap louder section...)

    This is a KOOOOOOOOOOOOOL Game!

    rmm.

    "Dogging the Demogrrphics: (none / 0) (#56)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:33:35 PM EST
    I DO Have a Dog in This Fight."

    As in (none / 0) (#83)
    by the capstan on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 02:31:52 PM EST
    "That candidate (re: beauty contests) is a dog"?

    Parent
    A good gimmick (none / 0) (#57)
    by lentinel on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 07:39:53 PM EST
    would be for Obama to ride on an hippopotamus around the White House grounds.

    Then he could roller skate along the corridors inside.
    He could do this while eating a piece of custard pie.

    Then he could juggle.

    Then  he could do some card tricks.

    Then he could tell priest and rabbi jokes.

    Wow.
    I'd vote for a guy like that.

    screw republicans - they'll love it! (none / 0) (#70)
    by pluege2 on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 06:57:03 AM EST
    if obama wants republican votes he needs to screw average republicans to the hilt and just keep telling them its for freedom and the American way of life. republicans will love anything that you tell them is for freedom and America. if obama tells them enough lies, they'll love him and fall all over themselves to vote for him - they're THAT dumb.

    Screw everyone - they love it! (5.00 / 2) (#71)
    by Rojas on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 08:11:59 AM EST
    There is an inverse rule, it was perfected by the DLC.
    Tell 'em you are screwing the republicans, dems will rally to the cause.
    Tell 'em your screwing the hippies and the rednecks, you'll get bipartisan agreement and they'll both rally to your cause.


    Parent
    As a measure of the man... (none / 0) (#80)
    by sj on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 01:08:39 PM EST
    If O was interacting with 10 to 12 dogs and they liked him, I would have to seriously re-evaluate my thoughts about him.

    But, BTD -- did you intend to throw some red meat or was that just a happy accident?  Can't take the suggestion with a straight face, but I sure had fun reading the comments.

    Dogs have an amazing capacity to forgive (none / 0) (#84)
    by nycstray on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 02:36:55 PM EST
    and in general are pretty open to people despite their faults.

    I'm sure you could put Vick in a room with 10-12 dogs and they would like him . . . .

    Parent

    Do you believe the dogs in the room (none / 0) (#85)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 02:46:01 PM EST
    w/Vick have knowledge of his past behavior re other dogs?  

    Parent
    Not exact knowledge (none / 0) (#87)
    by nycstray on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 02:57:33 PM EST
    but depending on Vick, they could sense danger. Many dogs sense when they are being walked to the kill room at shelters . . . . These days, Vick wouldn't be walking into a room with ideas of fighting or killing them (one would hope!!) . . .

    Parent
    funny how that public discussion (none / 0) (#108)
    by jondee on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 11:59:16 AM EST
    about dog fighting went away with Vick's rehabilitation.

    Apparently that particular expression of human perversity is still an unofficial big, family sport in bayou, and Teabag-a-friend-for-Jesus country Apparently though, it's too hot an issue to discuss for overly long in public. Unless Michael Vick' or the Kardashians are caught doing it.

    Though, I'm almost surprised Rick Perry hasn't somehow worked celebrating the simple, homespun joys of the blood sport into his overall 'message' to the folks at home -- along  maybe, with something about folks being allowed to build your own, home, lethal injection machines as a celebration of indivual liberty and States Rights.  

    Parent

    Hey (none / 0) (#109)
    by jbindc on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 12:37:12 PM EST
    it's not as bad as bullfighting

    Parent
    Okay jb, I've thought about it (none / 0) (#111)
    by sj on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 01:16:01 PM EST
    And I disagree.  It's worse than bullfighting.  Althought bullfighting has the bigger audience, fewer bulls hit the ring than dogs.  And the bull actually has a shot at turning the tables on his tormenter.

    Parent
    Have known several people who (none / 0) (#86)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 02:56:34 PM EST
    are great with animals, especially dogs, but not so great with people.  

    Parent
    Well, that's certainly true (none / 0) (#93)
    by sj on Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 05:56:00 PM EST
    But if anyone could interact positively with a full pack of dogs I would feel kindly toward that person.  Even if s/he is not good with other people.  It takes patience, confidence and good will to keep order.

    Parent
    SITE VIOLATION _ SPAM (none / 0) (#102)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 06:32:04 AM EST


    SITE VIOLATION _ SPAM (none / 0) (#105)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 08:03:03 AM EST


    Didn't Nixon try that with Checkers? (none / 0) (#115)
    by agio on Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 02:41:55 PM EST
    I don't think it really worked for him.  

    Then again, it's probably more believable that Obama would show affection for a dog (or any other living creature) than Nixon.

    Loving Dogs For Votes | 127 comments (127 topical)

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