30 Comments

1. richard mcenroe:

No. Read Rent Apart By Evil Bush

Nov 13, 2004 - 10:21 am 2. richard mcenroe:

No. Read Rent Apart By Evil Bush

Nov 13, 2004 - 10:22 am 3. Samuel:

Roger, so you wondered if…

“all these well-heeled New Yorkers, so many of whom reviled Bush for so long, were beginning to lose their anger and would join us to help build a better future”

I wish. Unfortunately the Democratic constituency is influencing weak minded politicians to make mistakes that will more push Bush to the right, anyone that understands politics understands this. If the Democrats continue to burn bridges simply so they can continue to blame this President for being a “divider and not a uniter”, then Bush will be left no other choice. In Bush’s first term he did reach out on Education and Medicare and they excoriated him for doing what they certainly would have applauded President Clinton. Bush increased aid to Africa and became a Wilsonian Internationalist yet was blamed for his efforts to reach out to the UN and “dirty allies”. After we witnessed the dirty behavior of these people, putting their selfish interests forward, hiding skeletons and corpses along the way, showing no good will or intentions of doing the right thing, the Democrats and MSM proceeded to blame Bush! This is akin to blaming Superman for the ill behavior of Lex Luther, or in the case of Chirac blaming Batman for the deeds of the Joker. The only blame a reasonable person could possibly give this President would be for seeking to reach out to such bad villainous actors to begin with.

Having been a life long liberal, but most definitely now a “mugged by reality neo-conservative“, which in my case says that while I want to be a liberal, reality is I can’t trust old liberals to behave like adults, especially on an emotional level. Now the behavior of such people has been anywhere from villainous to childish or both. How does one treat such childish or worse villainous behavior? Well for me as a parent it is called 3 counts and a timeout (maybe the Red State way is a brief warning and an ass-whooping… I’m OK with that!). The question truly is the following… Does Bush feel that he has already counted and been patient enough and is permanently fixed at two counts ready to throw the gauntlet, or does he give them the same clean slate the electorate just mandated him? A direr scenario and one I unfortunately predict is that many influential Democrats feel they are the aggrieved ones and owe Bush no quarter. In fact they feel in the position to be counting this President and then endeavor to punish him. We know what happens to the childish that endeavor to punish adults now don’t we?

In my youth I was indeed a long hair rebel that hitchhiked from Washington to California (my parents were well off and were beside themselves, but I did it for adventure sake, Samuel is a risk taker but wife and children has greatly tempered such edges.) I rebelled against the establishment and bucked systems but as John Mellencamp said “I fought authority and authority always wins!” I predict and I hope that this President considers the he has already counted and currently sits on a permanent two count. Either work with him, or have your asses run over one more time during mid-terms. As for me, I have quit betting against this President, if he is stupid or dimwitted as many claims he is, then he is the most over-achieving person I have ever witnessed, and I mean ever, no exaggerations. But make no mistake, he is the “Authority” and as said earlier, “Authority” always wins.

My question is has any President ever gone from Congressional gains in mid-term elections during a first term (very rare), proceeding to gain even more impressively in Congress while running for re-election (more rare), to finally gain even more Congressional seats during lame duck mid-terms (most rare), has anyone ever done all three? I doubt it, but my guess is that Democrats will tempt such fate, and if so this President will oblige. Roger, I just don’t see the humility on the Democrats part. They may feel they don’t see humility on this President’s part, but who will pay more for being wrong? Of course the Democrats.

Nov 13, 2004 - 12:15 pm 4. Byron00:

Those affluent NYC shoppers almost all voted for Kerry. Much has been written about how the the red state proles “voted against their own interests” in casting their ballots for Bush. Yet, somehow, when the elite do the exactly parallel thing it is understood to be a matter of enlightened higher principle, not false consciousness. In fact, it is precisely the same point that is being made in both cases: The principles at stake in a Presidential election are not reducible simply to money. If the left intelligentsia wants to understand the behavior of their fellow citizens, the first thing they need to do is to shed their kindergarten version of Marxism. But they won’t, because they have no alternative moral-political compass to replace it with.

Nov 13, 2004 - 12:54 pm 5. lindenen:

This was linked from Instapundit.com, it’s funny, sad and true.

“Though we hold the brave and unique opinion that wars are a bad idea, we will occasionally sanction aggressive action. We will need you and your children to defend us, since we’re not very good at the whole macho thing. Be assured that we support the troops, though we’re not really sure what that means. We think that it means that we will denigrate their efforts constantly by putting on chic protest events with cutting jibes and clever costumery and a LOT of drugs and alcohol. If so, we support the troops. If it has anything to do with not encouraging the enemy with treasonous talk and the leaking of sensitive information, we don’t support the troops. (Sorry. That would just be asking too much.)

We must be clear: you are racist, sexist, xenophobic and narrow-minded. We know there have been attempts on your side to dialogue about our stereotypes of you that haven’t changed since the 50’s, but remember — we are the definers; you are the defined. We will let you know if things ever change, but there are some sizable voting blocs at risk here, so don’t hold your breath.”

Nov 13, 2004 - 1:08 pm 6. The FLorIdiot:

Roger,

How odd it seemed to be reading Najima’s “diary”, it brought back memories of reading “The Diary of Ann Frank”.

How can one possibly explain to her this analogy and the importance of what she is enduring for the her future and generations to follow.

Nov 13, 2004 - 1:21 pm 7. Terrye:

I live in the midwest and so my view of things is from a different perspective than that of the disadvantaged that live on the coasts, but I think that some of the Dems have kinda called off some of the craziness, for now. I realize that does not include Moore and Sarandon and Pelosi and those similarly deranged, but life goes on.

You don’t have to like a thing to accept it and most normal people have better things to do than obsess about voter fraud or demonstrating against a war that has already happened.

Please note I said normal people.

Nov 13, 2004 - 1:44 pm 8. Syl:

I just spent time at That Other Place I used to hang out in which could be a clone of DU except they don’t ban the likes of me.

Nice to be back here!

No normal people there!

It’s all

GoingToCanada

ReligiousFanaticsStoleTheElection

VoterFraud

TheBigotsWonOMIGODI’mTerrified!

Nov 13, 2004 - 2:10 pm 9. David Thomson:

ì…but I think that some of the Dems have kinda called off some of the craziness, for now.î

But do these ìsome of the Demsî hold the power? I doubt this very much. The Democratic Party died on November 2nd, 2004. The Republican gains in the US Senate and House of Representatives made this a virtual certainty.

Nov 13, 2004 - 2:26 pm 10. lindenen:

Yes, but didn’t the Democrats have large gains in state legislatures? I think it’s too soon to count them out. It depends on how they do electorally in 2006. Hopefully, it’ll be a slaughter. A figurative slaughter, that is.

Nov 13, 2004 - 2:39 pm 11. David Thomson:

ìYes, but didn’t the Democrats have large gains in state legislatures?î

They indeed did do well in some states like Minnesota and Montana—but it will be a long time before these accomplishments might turn into victories on a national level. Local elections are entirely another kettle of fish. Please note what happened in a number of the Democrat areas in Florida which helped President Bush enormously.

In 2006 the Democrats are far more vulnerable than the Republicans. No, a Democratic loyalist will have to be patient for along time into the future. It is pragmatically better to see what can be accomplished within the GOP tent.

Nov 13, 2004 - 3:13 pm 12. Lem:

NY City may be politically homogeneous by instinct.

My experience (not surprising) has been that the more oppression the immigrant cabby/D Donuts entrepreneur has faced in his native land, the more faith he has in the rewards of hard work.

I argue that most NYC immigrants after sizing up the situation show a willingness to tow the line politically, because at least here the upward mobility latter is available. The link between Politics and that latter seems so easy to overcome intellectually, is a slam dunk.

The rewards of political assimilation is nowhere as apparent as in NYC.

Nov 13, 2004 - 4:06 pm 13. Terrye:

The Democrats can keep up the fantasy of Republicans stealing the election but it will cost them. It just makes theem seem more out of touch. Bush’s vote total is up over 60 million now. He won this thing fair and square and the Dems fail to come to terms with that they will just keep losing. First 2000. then 2002. then 2004. See a trend, anyone?

In Indiana the Dems lost control of the state house. We had over 70% turnout.

Nov 13, 2004 - 5:50 pm 14. richard mcenroe:

Terrye ó Go find that other 30% and slap ‘em around some. At least 18% of ‘em shoulda been Bush votes and I can’t abide a laggard…

Nov 13, 2004 - 8:06 pm 15. John Moore ( Useful Fools ):

There is no reason to expect the Democrats in congress or the MSM to behave any better than in the past.

Starting in the Nixon years, the Democrats have had a pattern of severe obstruction in Congress of the Republican president. Iran-Contra was a result of the Democrats trying to do to Nicaragua what they had previously done with Vietnam. In the first term of W, the Democratus used an unprecedented fillibuster to block judicial appointments.

If, as is very likely, Bush gets to name new Supreme Court justices, expect a smear and fear campaign the likes of which have never been seen since the invention of television. Take Bork’s treatment and Thomas’s treatment, and make it a lot worse. That is what we are going to see.

Unfortunataly, in the past, Republicans have allowed themselves to be rolled by that sort of thing. I would hope that now that they have a pretty impressive mandate overall, that they would punish those in Congress who do this – kill the porkbarrel to their states or whatever.

It would be nice to have a country where disagreements were handled with respect and decorum. Today’s Democrats will never do that – especially as long as they the toads of the MSM to carry their vile attacks.

As one of the stupid people in a red state, I’m totally sick of the Democrats behaving like they won, and that those who voted for the real winner are stupid or fundies akin to Bin Laden.

Nov 13, 2004 - 8:29 pm 16. lindenen:

“Strangely, politics, especially anti-American politics, just might have global appeal. Insiders predict that “The Manchurian Candidate,” with its vague Halliburton-esque conspiracy plot line, will play better to an anti-American international audience than it did here. Warner Brothers has high hopes for the ambiguous villain in “Syriana.” “The enemy is a combination of global business and politics,” Jeff Robinov said. “We think that will play well to international markets.”

Lovely. Love that Hollywood!

Nov 13, 2004 - 9:24 pm 17. Samuel:

John Moore

While this President has his weaknesses, he has strengths and political instincts little acknowledged by his enemies. These strengths make his apparent speech impediments insignificant by comparison. One of them is an incredible political sense and awareness of what he can and can’t do politically, but he further adds a keen sense of just how far he can push then envelope. This President is playing for keeps and he is not about to be made a loser by a Party he has now put down for two straight elections. This President is for sure willing to compromise on fiscal matters and has done so much to the consternation of the more libertarian wing. (he has offset these fears with tax cuts)

My sense is that to the core Bush is a true Social Conservative, something the American public has rightly picked up on. With this I believe he never wants to be responsible for a David Souter type of appointment. He mentions exclusively Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia for a reason. This President pulls no punches, he got Albert Gonzales out of the way by making him Attorney General, he fully intends to put the court where he feels it should be. Unlike others, I think this President is even outsmarting his own supporters with Arlen Specter. The best chance this President has for getting a true Social Conservative past the Committee and the floor of the Senate is by taking care of his most dangerous critics among Republican moderates up front. He needs at least one strong voice to calm down others. This is actually best handled from within that caucus by a person like Arlen Specter. Arlen was helped by Rick Santorum (Arlen’s polar opposite) and George Bush. This strategy may seem risky and problematic to many, but this is the way he will work. Will Specter turn on Rick and this President is the question, both Rick Santorum and President Bush has bet he won’t. This is Arlen’s last term as a Senator, we will see. As I have said, I have quit betting against this President.

Nov 13, 2004 - 9:30 pm 18. WichitaBoy:

Lindenen,

Remember, only Hollywood has the right to earn a living. For anybody else it’s distinctly declasse. Handouts are always ok of course.

Nov 13, 2004 - 11:08 pm 19. John Moore ( Useful Fools ):

Samuel

Thanks for the analysis. The question is: If Specter does cause trouble, what is the remedy?

I believe that the primary issue will be abortion, regardless of what is discussed. Bush will want someone who is more oriented towards literalism or original intent, which the Democrats will certainly oppose. I see a lot of smoke and fire in the hearings.

Nov 14, 2004 - 12:04 am 20. David Thomson:

ìI see a lot of smoke and fire in the hearings.î

I see only a modest amount of smoke and fire. The Democrats are too demoralized and also realize that they will likely continue being second class citizens for a long time into the future. Angering Republicans during the hearings will only hurt them when they wish to send some goodies back home to their constituents. An elected Democrat politician in Washington, DC, is similar to the proverbial skinny, pimply faced teenage boy, who envies the handsome football players who get all the girls.

Nov 14, 2004 - 7:02 am 21. Charlie (Colorado):

Here’s a nice example of what our media are doing.

For appropriate values of “our” and “nice”, I suppose.

Have a look: I defintely agree about mailing comments to viewerservices@msnbc.com.

Nov 14, 2004 - 8:44 am 22. Samuel:

John Moore

If Specter does cause trouble, what is the remedy?

Well let’s first see if Arlen is made Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, but even if not he and others can cause trouble for this President. Make no mistake this is a mine field for this President and will test to the hilt his political skills. I think that is why it is important to pre-empt in positive ways such possible troublemakers. There is no easy remedy, again this Presidents political skills will be tested.

Nov 14, 2004 - 8:45 am 23. PJ:

“Only time will tell.”

Well, yesterday, Roger, on the 5:00 NBC4 local news, the entire segment on Falluja was basically “American Action Causes Human Rights Catastrophe in Fallujah.” They showed testimony from “witnesses” inside who turned out to be exactly the same people that Al Jazeera quoted online. They even used the same quotes.

Today on a talk show we had Jane Harman spinning the Falluja campaign as a big negative, attacking Porter Goss….and on.

Has Phase Two of the War Against Bush begun?

Nov 14, 2004 - 8:56 am 24. richard mcenroe:

A little Sunday morning levity ó

From Fallujah ó “The soldiers shared laughs during the more surreal moments, such as when a psychological-operations truck rolled through the city blaring the theme song to the movie “Team America: World Police.”

Nov 14, 2004 - 9:20 am 25. richard mcenroe:

Samuel, John Moore ó Think maybe Specter might reform?

Nov 14, 2004 - 11:36 am 26. Dave Schuler:

There’s another Iraqi blogger in Mosul—Ibrahim Khalil of Iraq Today. He’s a good reporter and an excellent analyst and I think he reflects what the people in Mosul see pretty well. He’s got some recent updates on the situation there that I y’all will be interested in.

Every Tuesday Dean’s World hosts a round-up of the work of Iraqi bloggers called Carnival of the Liberated. A Star from Mosul and Iraq Today are featured there frequently.

Nov 14, 2004 - 12:23 pm 27. David Thomson:

ìThere is no easy remedy, again this Presidents political skills will be tested.î

Tested, yes—but not severely so. The worst should be over. And it turns out that Joe Trippi apparently agrees with me. The Democrats are royally screwed:

ìFrom Joe Trippi: Expect a big wave of Democratic retirements from Congress in the next couple of years, as veterans who’ve been holding on in hopes of regaining majority power give up. Many of these Democrats have been using their personal popularity (and powers of incumbency) to win in Republican areas. When they leave, their seats will flip. The GOPs could attain 60 votes in the Senate and maybe 30 more seats in the House. Thank you, Rep. Matsui!î

—Kausfiles

This is why President Bush should have an easy time of it. The Democratic Party is in deep doo-doo. So much so, that Iím convinced, that for all practical purposes, it has been destroyed.

Nov 14, 2004 - 12:55 pm 28. PJ:

The really good news out of Iraq is that after one week, not one single sign of stopping for hudna “negotiations.” I think the US is serious this time. (please, please)

Nov 14, 2004 - 1:37 pm 29. Samuel:

David Thompson

I agree that the tide is with Republicans if they play their cards right. I spent quite a bit recently arguing this point on “Donkey Rising” website. Of course they base such emerging Democratic majority on faulty demographic assumptions and stereotypes about a shrinking white voting population and continued loyalty by minorities to Democrats. I can tell you that I am proof that such assumptions are faulty, I’m sure the Party of Lincoln can attest to that fact after watching Women and Blacks (once a staple of theirs) turn Democratic,the Democrats have witnessed the South turn Republican. The short of it is that assumptions just can’t be made, cultural issues will cause further challenge to Democrats.

Richard McEnroe

I doubt that he is that reformed.

Nov 14, 2004 - 2:07 pm 30. byrd:

Will Democrats help mend the rift in this country so that we can better help that teenage girl in Mosul? As someone who’s lived in NYC for almost a decade and knows a great many liberals, I can confidently say the answer is no.

First of all, they’ll never find out about her because that would take independent research–not a liberal strong suit. After all, what good is dogmatism if you still have to do the work? Second, liberals don’t care about anything that doesn’t help them feel superior to Republicans.

Nov 15, 2004 - 12:41 pm

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