Coulter: Bin Laden Is ‘Irrelevant,’ ‘Things Are Going Swimmingly In Afghanistan’
Coulter: Bin Laden Is ‘Irrelevant,’ ‘Things Are Going Swimmingly In Afghanistan’
Last night on Hannity and Colmes, guest host Kirsten Powers confronted Ann Coulter about President Bush’s failure to capture Osama Bin Laden and the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.
Coulter responded, “As for catching Osama, it’s irrelevant. Things are going swimmingly in Afghanistan.” Powers blasted Coulter for her answer. Coulter then abruptly decided to end her participation in the middle of the segment, saying, “OK, well, good night! It was nice being here.” Watch it:
For Ms. Coulter’s benefit, here’s an update on the situation in the last couple of months in Afghanistan:
– Security situation is “close to anarchy.†Last month, a senior British military commander said “the situation is close to anarchy†in Afghanistan, and warned western forces were “running out of time†to meet expectations Afghanis have for their security.
– Discontent among Afghans is “boiling.†“After months of widespread frustration with corruption, the economy and a lack of justice and security,†the New York Times reported that “doubts about President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, and by extension the American-led effort to rebuild that nation, have led to a crisis of confidence.â€
– Opium production is at record levels. “Opium cultivation in Afghanistan has hit record levels - up by more than 40 percent from 2005 - despite hundreds of millions in counternarcotics money,†the Associated Press reported. “The increase could have serious repercussions for an already grave security situation, with drug lords joining the Taliban-led fight against Afghan and international forces.â€
Crooks and Liars has more.
Transcript:
POWERS: Ann, let’s talk about let’s talk Usama bin Laden. How about let’s kill Usama bin Laden? How about let’s find Usama bin Laden? You’re talking about how, you know, Democrats don’t want to do things on terrorism, which I actually will in a second go ahead and list the things they want to do, but how about the fact we invaded Iraq, when, you know, over in Afghanistan everything was falling apart? And the fact that we let Usama bin Laden get away, and the president said he doesn’t even think about him, he doesn’t care about him.
BROWN: What happened to “mission accomplished”?
POWERS: What about that?
COULTER: I look forward to hearing that list.
POWERS: OK, you will in a second.
COULTER: But as for catching Usama, it’s irrelevant. Things are going swimmingly in Afghanistan.
POWERS: No, they’re not.
COULTER: I mean, it’s like a fading movie star now.
BROWN: “Swimmingly”?
POWERS: Things in Afghanistan are going horribly. But this is interesting, Usama bin Laden is irrelevant. The person, the mastermind behind the Al Qaeda attacks on the United States is completely irrelevant. Is that what you’re saying?
COULTER: Right, it was handed to Bill Clinton twice.
POWERS: Oh, it’s Bill Clinton’s fault.
COULTER: And Bill Clinton said no…
POWERS: Yes, because I think that actually George Bush was president in 2001.
COULTER: I know you’re trying to imitate Alan Colmes, but at some point he does let me answer.
POWERS: Yes, OK. Let’s go — Michael, why don’t we talk about the things that the…
COULTER: OK, well, good night! It was nice being here.
(CROSSTALK)
POWERS: … Democrats actually arguing about the fact that all of the…
COULTER: Sean?
POWERS: … Republicans have voted against all the things the…
COULTER: I think I can leave.
POWERS: … Democrats have brought up, like increasing funding for border security, increasing funding for port security…
COULTER: I think I can leave now.
POWERS: … increasing funding for airline security. I mean, isn’t that true, Michael?
HANNITY: Hang on, Ann.
Sort Comments By: Top Rated | Date
Yawn…
August 25th, 2006 at 12:11 pmNice comeback, DLC fan! Very persuasive and compelling.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:17 pmI wish I could get a job with absolutely no expertise or intellectual depth in anything I say. Wow, I’d get to spout my mouth off all day long and then get invited back every week to do it all over again!
How did she land such a sweet deal?
August 25th, 2006 at 12:19 pmWell, I guess it all depends what you’re swimming in. If we’re talking about swimming in quicksand, then I agree, it’s going swimmingly.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:23 pmHeil Coulter!
-GSD
August 25th, 2006 at 12:23 pmHow did she land such a sweet deal?
Because there a lot of ignorant and hateful lowbrows like her. Beneath contempt.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:24 pmWho would want to swim in shit creek? Maybe a pig like Ann C-hole-ter.
-GSD
August 25th, 2006 at 12:24 pmIt’s time for Ms. Coulter to take a tour of Afghanistan and Iraq. She shold be sure to travel outside the green zone in Iraq.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:26 pmCheck out how historically ignorant Ann C-hole-ter is. She argues with a Canadian journalist about whether or not Canada sent troops to Vietnam. They didn’t Annie, no matte how much you lie and prevaricate.
Wrong again.
-GSD
August 25th, 2006 at 12:27 pmYou know I actually saw this episode last night. I couldn’t believe it.
That little Kirsten Powers was a powerhouse!
She cleaned Coulters clock, not sucumbing to emotion and not letting Coulter buffalo her. She just cooley and professionally “handled” Coulter like I haven’t seen in a while
This Kirsten Powers is going to be someone to watch.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:33 pmIt’s so nice to see that mangy hag Coulter get a little does of her own medicine!
One thing is for certain: Coulter can’t take the same medicine she dishes out.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:33 pmShe’s just like all conservatives, if she cant answer a easy question she throws a temper tantrum like a 4 year old child and storms off. They do this shit all the time on show’s that aren’t conservative shows, it even funnier becuase this is a conservative show.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:33 pm[…] Bush just got back from 10 days in TX, now he’s off to Kennebunkport to fish for 4 days. It’s almost as if Bin Laden were irrelevant, or everything was going “swimmingly” in the Middle East. […]
August 25th, 2006 at 12:34 pmI want a free ride on Anne Coulter’s mustache
August 25th, 2006 at 12:35 pmYeah, but not on Fox. She won’t be too welcome if she continues to even make the attempt at tearing holes in the GOP talking points.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:36 pmCoulter is simply cheerleading the Bush administration and PNAC’s true motives. They’re not going after ‘irrelevant’ terrorists. They’re going after the whole region.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:37 pmFire Colmes and Hire Kirsten Powers.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:37 pmThat seems to be the lesson here.
This is courtesy of another poster, on another site.
But it was the best nick name I have heard for Coulter so far.
CUT AND RUN COULTER…..
Awesome!!!
August 25th, 2006 at 12:37 pmAnn freaked out .. got running !! Priceless !!
August 25th, 2006 at 12:37 pmI think she is right. As far as Bush government is concerned, people : afghans, iraqis, iranians, lebaneses and americans are meaningless. Bin Laden is really irrelevant, as long as they can scare the hell out of dumbasses with another character or super-plus-evil terrorist organization. Now that US has geographic control in the zone and the opium production, things are swimmingly for them. She told the truth.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:39 pmWhat a great sight to behold! I guess Ann doesn’t like debating with a woman 10 times smarter and 20 times prettier than she is. That Kirsten Powers is sexy!
August 25th, 2006 at 12:39 pm“Democrats” like Colmes and this other broad enable FOX.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:40 pm1) Coulter said goodnight because the guest host wasn’t allowing her to speak. But the host wasn’t allowing it because Coulter wasn’t saying anything worth broadcasting - it was all bullshit and lies (pretty much). I think she was trying to give the Republicans a taste of the Bill O’Reilly treatment by cutting off their mic. And while someone may say two wrongs don’t make a right, it seems that the Dems will NEVER get their message out unless they fight fire with fire.
2) Osama did not mastermind the attacks. Saudi’s and Bush did. But we should get Osama anyway since he hates America. In fact, we should just kill anyone and everyone who says they hate America.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:42 pmIt’s refreshing to see Mann Coultner not being able to get a word in. Good work.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:45 pmI watched this garbage on fast forward because the whole format of the bipolar news entertainment formula is BOTTOM FEEDING. People talking over eachother like a bunch of drunk warehouse workers playing dominos.
BOTTOM FEEDING
August 25th, 2006 at 12:46 pmYeah, but not on Fox. She won’t be too welcome if she continues to even make the attempt at tearing holes in the GOP talking points.
Comment by fastiller — August 25, 2006 @ 12:36 pm
Oh I’m sure they’ll dump her. Shes too strong. Shes too smart. (Shes too hot too:).
But she has a promising career elsewhere for sure. Shes now the dragonslayer. She took an opportunity and ended up taking Coulter out for a ride, and dropped her off somewhere between embarrassing as hell and clock completely cleaned.
I imagine offers are going to start coming in for Kirsten. And Coutler? This won’t bode well for her.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:46 pmShe reminded me of that episode on the West Wing, when Ainsley Hayes took Josh Lyman out for a ride.
It was classic.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:47 pmDemocrats†like Colmes and this other broad enable FOX.
Comment by The DLC are Frauds — August 25, 2006 @ 12:40 pm
Colmes I agree with you on. Hes nothing.
But don’t dismiss this little hottie.
Shes a slugger.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:49 pmits embarassing to watch this video, i feel like im getting dumber just watching it. the level of debate is infantile, since people like hannity and coulter force liberals to argue like them. and they cant even win on their own terms but still…embarassing to watch
August 25th, 2006 at 12:52 pmAl Franken says it best. He asks Colmes:
Franken: Why don’t you call Hannity out when you know he’s lying?
Colmes: If I did that I’d be spending all my time calling out his lies.
That says it all. Colmes can jump on a tack next time he picks up his check from FOX.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:53 pmCoulter said the exact same thing about Iraq @ six months ago.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:00 pmMan, that made my day…Ann Coulter saying ‘no, really…I’m going to leave…’ while Kirsten Powers just carries right on talking, completely denying Coulter the opportunity to mangle and derail the discussion as she always does.
Ann, you’re irrelevant. You can leave anytime.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:00 pmthat was so cool. we’re watching it here at work for the upteemth time. everybody cheers when ann starts getting her freak on. way to go kirsten!
August 25th, 2006 at 1:01 pmlet’s call her Afgan Ann, in honor of Bhagdad Bob.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:06 pmSpeaking of Hannity: Is it possible to get any fuglier than that?
August 25th, 2006 at 1:07 pmPoor Ann Coulter. Poor thin, anorexic, skinny-assed little Ann. Someone needs to get her to the hospital for eating disorders. I’m thinking she is suffering from anorexia nervosa which would explain her Psychological and emotional conditions:
Distorted body image
Poor insight
Self-evaluation largely, or even exclusively, in terms of their shape and weight
Pre-occupation or obsessive thoughts about food and weight
Perfectionism
Low self-esteem and self-efficacy
Clinical depression or chronically low mood
Intense fear about becoming overweight
Moodiness
You think I’m kidding? Next time she’s on the Fox Channel, check out her figure. That gal has some serious health issues.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:10 pmI have to disagree with the comments that feel Kirsten didn’t give Coulter a chance to talk. She offered her the opportunity to answer HER questions, but as always, Coulter wants to “frame” the discourse, and move on to another question, even if the interviewer is not satisfied with an answer.
When Coulter said Bin Laden was irrelevant, Kirsten didn’t accept that answer. How can the guy who started this whole thing suddenly be irrelevant? Just because you can’t catch him?
No what Kirsten did was hold Coulters feet to the fire, and insisted she respond to REAL questions, and she demanded she qualify her answers. Coulter does the same thing when she has a weak interviewer, and overtalks them constantly.
Well last night, Kirsten (the new Fox on Fox) gave Berlin Betty a taste of her own medicine.
And it was great.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:17 pmAlso, if you want an measurment of just how flustered Coulter was, just listen to her calling for Sean Hannity at the end.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:18 pmSeeing Ann Coulter make a hasty exit reminds one of the classic film Twelve Angry Men. There is a scene in the film when the eldest juror is attempting to point out the logic of his argument to a closed-minded juror, played by Jack Warden. Jack Warden’s character, the marmalade salesman, chooses not to listen by fleeing to the bathroom. Henry Fonda tries to console the elder juror by telling him: “He can’t hear you. He never will.” The same thing applies to Coulter. She will never acknowledge that any argument presented by a liberal can ever be persuasive or correct.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:20 pmShawn. Shawn? SHAWWNNNNN!!
August 25th, 2006 at 1:28 pmor was it, Sean, Sean?, SEEAANNNNN!
August 25th, 2006 at 1:29 pmcheerleaders often have nervous breakdowns when their hair isn’t straight, and their suit isn’t quite tight. it isn’t good if it isn’t bait
August 25th, 2006 at 1:32 pmComment by Erroll — August 25, 2006 @ 1:20 pm
That is exactly why it’s so important that the 2 hosts, at the very least, should have an honest dialog. But that’s not the formula. The hosts fight eachother through the guests. The guests fight eachother throught the hosts. It’s an insulting format.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:36 pmAfghani Annie and the Quagmire Dancers.
-GSD
August 25th, 2006 at 1:36 pm[…] Colmes must have had the night off recently as the firey Kristen Powers sub for the left. In a matter of minutes she outright shredded Ann Coulter. (hat-tip ThinkProgress.org for the video and transcript) COULTER: But as for catching Usama, it’s irrelevant. Things are going swimmingly in Afghanistan. […]
August 25th, 2006 at 1:36 pm“that was so cool. we’re watching it here at work for the upteemth time. everybody cheers when ann starts getting her freak on. way to go kirsten!
Comment by joe cantwell — August 25, 2006 “
The tide must be turning! Hooray, Aghani Annie has met her Waterloo. Now it is time to just laugh at her and ridicule her as a circus sideshow geek. If anyone ever quotes her, just laugh. She is an intellectual lightweight and a laughingstock.
Her days as a ‘Stand-up fascist’ are almost over.
-GSD
August 25th, 2006 at 1:38 pm#42 - “She will never acknowledge that any argument presented by a liberal can ever be persuasive or correct.” - Comment by Erroll
****Thank you Errol, for your input. I am waiting for just ONE post modern liberal/progressive argument that is “persuasive and correct”. Just one….
August 25th, 2006 at 1:39 pm“Swimmingly”? Aren’t they swimming in opium over there now?
August 25th, 2006 at 1:40 pmAphrodite,
Why don’t you go on the road with Afghani Annie, you can be each others mutual admirers. Annie’s schtick is tiresome, so is yours.
-GSD
August 25th, 2006 at 1:42 pmReality Check:
Coulter is irrelevent, BushCo is drowning!
August 25th, 2006 at 1:43 pm“Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But I see through your eyes
And I see through your brain
Like I see through the water
That runs down my drain”
- Bob Dylan
August 25th, 2006 at 1:44 pmOK Mighty,
Is this not correct: Bin Laden is important to the war on terror, he supposedly was behind 9-11, and we are now no longer concerned with him.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:45 pmCOULTER: I mean, it’s like a fading movie star now.
Was she speaking about Afghanistan, OBL, or herself? I agree that the hosts gave her a chance to speak but did not let her ramble with her false, unsupported statements. It’s also very interesting that the 1 against 2 tables were turned here (usually it’s two wingnuts against a progressive/liberal) and Coulter absolutely melted under the very mild heat.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:48 pmI am waiting for just ONE post modern liberal/progressive argument that is “persuasive and correctâ€. Just one…. Comment by mighty aphrodite
TRy #39. (_!_)
August 25th, 2006 at 1:49 pm****Thank you Errol, for your input. I am waiting for just ONE post modern liberal/progressive argument that is “persuasive and correctâ€. Just one….
Comment by mighty Coulterite — August 25, 2006 @ 1:39 pm
Lol.
Argument on what? Kirsten gave you one last night didn’t she?
You say Bin Ladens insignificant.
Then you show a clip of the President standing on the bodies of Americans with a bullhorn telling us that the “people who knocked down these buildings will be hearing from us soon”.
And Kirsten CALLED you on it.
Its been 5 years, and not only did Bin Laden NOT “hear from us”, but now you’re labling him as “insignificant” and “irrelevant”.
Talk about WAFFLERS.
Thats gotta be the FLIP FLOP of the century.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:52 pmWhat a great monologue by Powers. She should be a speech-writer. As for being a journalist, it’s usually customary to ask a question and wait for an answer. She got one answer, it pissed her off, and then she went nuts. I didn’t like Fox before, and now even their more critically-thinking “journalists” turn me off.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:53 pm“Facts mean nothing to you, Ann.”
–Chris Matthews
Read the transcript here.
Need I say more?
August 25th, 2006 at 1:53 pmMA,
How about this one:
The executive branch of the U.S. government, i.e. the President, must be subject to oversight by both the court and Congress when engaged in information gathering through wiretaps or other spying to insure that 1) such information gathering is protecting civil rights, 2) such information gathering is not being done for political gain, and 3) that such information gathering is thorough and efficient in terms of its purpose.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:54 pmhttp://harpers.org/ sb-seven-michael-scheuer-1156277744.html
Pass it on!
August 25th, 2006 at 1:56 pmI don’t know who that other blonde woman was, but I wish she would replace Colmes — she had Coulter in the corner and was pounding the shit out of her.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:56 pmShe got one answer, it pissed her off, and then she went nuts.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 1:53 pm
WRONG.
She didn’t accept the answer that Bin Laden was “insignificant” and she held Anns feet to the fire, demanding a she address her answer about why Bin Laden was insignificant. She also tossed out plenty of other things for Coulter to chew on, something COULTER HERSELF DOES to interviewers.
The problem with the left is they sit back, let the right walk all over them, then when one of us has the balls to speak out, the rest of us “reasonable ones” shoot it down, and hand even more power to the right.
Its time to grow some gnads, at least as big as Kirstens.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:57 pmIts time to grow some gnads, at least as big as Kirstens.
Comment by WORFEUS
We call them “Thatchers”.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:58 pmIn these shows the right overtalks the left constantly, and the left, trying to appear more reasonable and erudite, sit quietly back with tiny little smiles and hold their breath waiting for a moment to get a word in edgewise.
Finally someone from the left steps up to the plate and takes their game to them and you wanna cry about it?
Gimme a break.
Kirsten rules.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:00 pmOff topic but …….. Mighty Hypocrite…. i see Hillary strongarmed the FDA into finally approving over the counter morning after pill!!!! Can you cite anything that has been done by Bushco to further womens heath care issues ??
August 25th, 2006 at 2:03 pmSeems Mighty may have had a meeting in 10, so she had to go.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:07 pm#58 - “Argument on what? Kirsten gave you one last night didn’t she?” Comment by Worfeus
*******Dear Wartforus - An observation is NOT an argument - are you a Matchbook U graduate, too?
“Its been 5 years, and not only did Bin Laden NOT “hear from usâ€, but now you’re labling him as “insignificant†and “irrelevantâ€.” - More Worfeus
*******Of course, capturing and/or killing bin Laden is important. Utilizing 20/20 hindsight, I think former President Clinton would re-work his terror response strategy. I suppose routing the safety and comfort provided by the Taliban (which allowed bin Laden to move freely with impunity) was a form of “hearing from us”. I’m sure you’ll disagree…….
’til later…..
August 25th, 2006 at 2:08 pmI don’t know who that other blonde woman was, but I wish she would replace Colmes — she had Coulter in the corner and was pounding the shit out of her.
Comment by Vaughn D. Taylor
Kirsten Powers. She is a prominent American columnist, political commentator and political liberal. Being an effective liberal, it is surprising that Fox News keeps her on as a political analyst.
What a foxy gal!
August 25th, 2006 at 2:09 pmOf course, capturing and/or killing bin Laden is important.
Comment by mighty aphrodite — August 25, 2006 @ 2:08 pm
Well thats not the tune you were singing last night, was it sister?
August 25th, 2006 at 2:12 pmAnd if it is “important” as you say, then why did we disband the CIA unit assigned to him? Why has the President said “I don’t think about him much anymore“.
Why HAVEN’T WE CAUGHT HIM?
No sister, you need to go back to the ole drawing board and come back when you have an argument.
And by the way, if you want to call our arugment an “oberservation” as you put it, just because you can’t refute it, thats fine with me.
I’ll be happy to listen to any observations you have too.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:14 pmMighty A: I am waiting for just ONE post modern liberal/progressive argument that is “persuasive and correctâ€. Just one….”
Whatever. If you haven’t heard even one persuasive argument, you just haven’t been listening and there’s no reason to continue with someone like you.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:15 pmThings are going swimmingly. After all, drowning is part of swimming too.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:16 pmOn ‘Real Time’ tonight, Maher’s gonna trot out his pal Gash Limbaugh after his monologue, and that’s when I use the miniscule power of my Nielsen TV ratings box to flip over to anything else.
It’s illuminating that the only thing Mighty A can think of is a woefully underfunded AIDS program. This is actually still another example of Bush bullshitting. He talks a great game and then doesn’t follow up. Ask any African AIDS activist if he or she thinks Bush has lived up to his previous rhetoric. You won’t find anybody who thinks he’s done a good job. Yet, this is what Mighty A cites as a success. Typical. It’s the same story each time: listen to the words; pay no attention to the actions.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:18 pmOf course, maybe the answer we are looking for, was answered in post 71 by Plunger.
I don’t have an answer to that. I have generally accepted the story from the feds on this, but I do keep one eye open with regards to their “facts”.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:18 pmI think it’s encouraging that I haven’t seen any crazy people trying to defend crazy statements. Even Mighty A, the only cultist I see on this thread, doesn’t really try to defend Coulter’s comment. As usual, she tries to change the subject.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:20 pmComment by WORFEUS — August 25, 2006 @ 1:57 pm
Are you saying Liberals need to sink to the Conservatives’ level while on these talk shows by running their mouths so long their opponents can’t get a word in? Does that mean they “win” the debate? Dialogue > (greater than, not equal to) monologue. Sleazy jouranlism is sleazy journalism. Period. I don’t care if the conservatives started it. Powers needs to grow up and start being a real journalist, not blabber on as a way of winning arguments. Again, just like in the real world:
DIALOGUE > MONOLOGUE.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:22 pmStrange that Coulter has made a career out of being a professional bitch. Do colleges that teach political science offer “professional bitch” as a degree?
August 25th, 2006 at 2:30 pmI’ve never seen that woman filling in for colmes before… but damn, that was hot watching her make that evil bitch coulter skwirm like that.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:31 pmAre you saying Liberals need to sink to the Conservatives’ level while on these talk shows by running their mouths so long their opponents can’t get a word in? Does that mean they “win†the debate? Dialogue > (greater than, not equal to) monologue. Sleazy jouranlism is sleazy journalism. Period. I don’t care if the conservatives started it. Powers needs to grow up and start being a real journalist, not blabber on as a way of winning arguments. Again, just like in the real world:
DIALOGUE > MONOLOGUE.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 2:22 pm
I’m saying fight fire with fire John.
I am saying stop trying to claim the “higher ground”.
YOUR WAY, cost us 2 elections, about 200,000 people dead, 600 BILLION dollars and counting, and the emnity of the ENITRE WORLD.
I think YOUR WAY, of “playing nice” and trying to “appear erudite” has been played out ad nauseum.
People are dying John. And we’re NOT stopping it by playing nice.
Its a talk show John, a DEBATING talk show, Hannity and Colmes.
I will tell you what I tell every other liberal who wants to come across as the “nice guy”.
If you didn’t come to suit up, then get the hell off the field.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:32 pmNo more Mr Nice Guy.
:|
August 25th, 2006 at 2:33 pmTo all, Mighty is nothing more than a flare up of a cold sore
August 25th, 2006 at 2:35 pmI agree with Worfeus, fight fire with fire, use the same tactics against them, and I feel the word conservatism should be made a dirty word. And we should be saying all conservatives are bad. This is what will win elections, then we can move on to “higher ground”.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:36 pmThis is actually still another example of Bush bullshitting. […] Ask any African AIDS activist if he or she thinks Bush has lived up to his previous rhetoric.
Comment by Bluedog49 — August 25, 2006 @ 2:18 pm
The underfunding is just another problem faced by the American-sponsored AIDS program in Africa.
As usual with this adminsitration, they have politicised the issue and handled it as if it were a public morality problem and not a health issue, making a lot of emphasis on abstinence-only education (sounds familiar?) and not on actual, fact-based information about sex and STD prevention.
Here is a report from Human Rights Watch:
U.S.-funded “abstinence-only†programs are jeopardizing Uganda’s successful fight against HIV/AIDS, Human Rights Watch said in a new report today. Abstinence-only programs deny young people information about any method of HIV prevention other than sexual abstinence until marriage.
U.S.-Sponsored HIV Strategy Threatens Youth
So, Mighty Aphrodite’s attempt to portray the Bush administration’s initiative to combat AIDS in Africa as a success is not persuasive or correct.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:37 pmWe’re talking about words here. Not beating Coulter up, or throwing a pie in her face.
She makes her living off of insulting people, like the widows of 911, and anyone who disagrees with the President on anything.
She makes her living off of being rude, incendiary, shocking, vulgar, crude and bullying interviewers and other guests on the shows shes on.
And she likes guys like you John. Nice guys who play into her hands, let her make fools of them so she can sell more books.
In fact, are you sure you’re not really Alan Colmes in here trying to save your job?
:D
August 25th, 2006 at 2:40 pmComment by WORFEUS — August 25, 2006 @ 2:32 pm
Fight fire with fire… corruption with corruption, guns with guns, bombs with bombs, etc… Yes yes, the American way (strike that, “the US way”). Well’s it’s got us this far, and I must say, the state of the world looks just great. I guess I’m an idealist, and a cynic at the same time.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:44 pmWhatever she can do to maintain her narcissistic fantasies of political and cultural superiority she will do. Remember Pee-Wee in the bike wipeout? “I meant to do that”, he says to a group of kids who just watched him eat sod. When she was caught, she simply walked away. Coulter is a very sick, sad woman, a member of a very sick, sad group of people who make up about a third of our nation. Very ugly yet fascinating to watch group mental illness unfold one one’s tv screen…
August 25th, 2006 at 2:45 pmWilliam Wordsworth
August 25th, 2006 at 2:45 pmFight fire with fire… corruption with corruption, guns with guns, bombs with bombs, etc…
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 2:44 pm
John. If I didn’t know better I’d think you were a republican plant trying to guilt the left into playing nice.
Don’t put words in my mouth buddy.
I never said anything about fighting bombs with bombs and I certainly never suggested corruption on any level.
We are talking about TALKING.
TALKING.
DEBATE.
And if we can’t debate on their level, then we can’t debate, period.
Get a clue buddy. You sound like a decent man.
Silence from the left is the best weapon the right has.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:49 pmCoulter met a formidable opponent yesterday and she cried for help, then decided to end her participation.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:51 pmIf I were Alan Colmes I would be worried about my job, because –
If Fox is as savvy as it likes to portray itself, it will acknowledge the handwriting on the wall, and start hiring real Democrats.
I don’t know Kirsten Powers, but I looked up her bio and she is no dummy.
Coulter has no talent - her works are plagiarisms, her verbal attacks baseless, and her method is outrageous. She would be wise to avoid the spotlight because her facade has cracked and the slime that dwells within is exposed and vulnerable.
I don’t know about being a Republican plant… I’m actually a moderate, with liberal leanings, but on this site that classifies me as neocon. I call it like I see it, whether it’s pro liberal or not. There was just too much ra-ra for this Powers lady at the start, and I was trying to bring some balance to the issue. I take my journalism seriously, and if a conservative journalist did what Powers did, I’d be just as pissed off. It’s a tough battle if one sides fights unfairly, but I have to have faith in the public to see through the PR tricks to the real issues. Maybe that in itself is just wishful thinking.
August 25th, 2006 at 2:56 pmI take my journalism seriously, and if a conservative journalist did what Powers did, I’d be just as pissed off.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 2:56 pm
so you were pissed when they “swift boated” John Kerry, or when they totally discredited Max Cleland? And you are, of course, constantly pissed when Bill Clinton gets the blame for everything (9/11….North Korea….the economy….increased unemployment…etc)?
August 25th, 2006 at 3:01 pmhoo-rah!
everything WORFEUS says - repeat, often and loud!
you’re on a roll today again, sir! bravo!
August 25th, 2006 at 3:01 pmI was trying to bring some balance to the issue.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 2:56 pm
No, what you are doing is watering down the positions of the liberals, and empowering the right by feeding their “lions vs lambs” strategy.
I never called you a neocon, and I don’t think you are.
I think you’re more dangerous to the left than that.
I think you’re a “Lieberman Liberal”, which is our worst enemy.
You’re defending Ann Coulter and giving credence to her, a women who makes her living off of doing EXACTLY WHAT KIRSTEN POWERS DID TO HER, and you think that somehow makes you superior to me and anyone who thinks like me.
You water down the left, take fire out of our fight while the right rages forward with both barrels blazing. You feed them victory with a handshake and a smile.
In truth I’ve my fill of so called “moderates” like you.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:04 pmpowers would be a great foil against the hannity character…
hate to see that on fox, but that’s where it’s most needed…
kudos should go out to kirsten powers…
August 25th, 2006 at 3:06 pmbut I have to have faith in the public to see through the PR tricks to the real issues. Maybe that in itself is just wishful thinking.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 2:56 pm
Really?
How’d that work out for you the last 6 years?
August 25th, 2006 at 3:06 pmJohn
August 25th, 2006 at 3:06 pmIf FOX was a journalistic news organization, I might agree with you. But FOX is a propoganda machine and it is liberating that Powers was able to confront one of the right wing’s worst propogandists so well on their turf. Powers Power!
Foxnews posted the video of the segment on their website, right up to start of the slapdown. That bit seems to have gone missing
August 25th, 2006 at 3:12 pmTHINK ABOUT IT BIN LADEN IS DEAD OBVIOUSLY
August 25th, 2006 at 3:13 pmOh boy, is there another “moderate” here that wants to come down on liberals. We have been here, done that. I wish the neocons would just come out and say they are neocons, it would be so much easier, with a lot less electrons wasted.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:14 pmYes, I get angry while watching both sides fight back and forth.
Now moderates are worse than the neocons, huh? Has it ever occurred to you that extremeist muslims think the same way about moderate muslims. You all are on a slippery slope that has historically only led to further degeneration of government (and religion for that matter). Your core philosophy is based around defeating someone else.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:15 pmMIGHTY HYPOCRITE….. the money that went to Africa and Sub-Sahara was frickin Bill Gates and Warren Buffets money you silly goose!!! what
August 25th, 2006 at 3:15 pmamerica really did for africa was force them into pushing abstinence as a form of birth control. Not exactly a help to the prevention of aids and the enabling of african women. you have no case!! Bush is the pimp and that makes you the hoe. ps in the previous post I was really talking about American women. I thought you were one.
extremeist muslims think the same way about moderate muslims.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 3:15 pm
You have now have offiically compared non moderates to terrorists, and thus have no credibiilty. Thanks for playing!
August 25th, 2006 at 3:17 pmYou have offcially compared moderate rational thinkers to neoconservatives. Thanks for playing!
August 25th, 2006 at 3:19 pmYour core philosophy is based around defeating someone else.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 3:15 pm
And your core philosophy has handed the republicans two Presidential elections, numerous local and congressional elections, and sent the entire planet into a explosive tailspin.
Sorry John. Nice try, but we tried it “your way”.
Time to try something else for a while.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:20 pmYour core philosophy is based around defeating someone else.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 3:15 pm
Thats right.
My core philosophy is based on defeating the “evildoers”.
Your entire philosophy is based on getting along with them.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:21 pmNow moderates are worse than the neocons, huh?
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 3:15 pm
Just the ones that come into liberal blogs and try to water down the debate.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:23 pmRevalations 3: 15-16
August 25th, 2006 at 3:25 pmI didn’t think voicing a contrary opinion counted as watering down the debate. I disagreed with the way Powers handled the talk show, and now we’re comparing the best way to put spin in our PR so we can win the next election. Does none of this seem wrong to anyone?
August 25th, 2006 at 3:27 pmNo, John. The core philosophy of progressives/liberals is to provide an environment (physical, legal, emotional) that allows everyone the opportunity to live as happily and successfully as they can. Sometimes, though, we’ve got to attack those standing in the way, those who are trying to limit the rights of others through the power they have over those without power. My complaint is not with “moderates” but with extremists in power (who currently are neocons) who actively stomp on others for their own enrichment (ego, monetary, “moral”, or otherwise) as well as those who sit on the sideline (including progressives) who enable this by their silence. You want to stop the “fighting back and forth”? Then get BushCo and the neocon movement to quit oppressing others for their own enrichment. Somethings ARE worth fighting for.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:27 pmjohn is no more a moderate that i am wonder woman…
August 25th, 2006 at 3:28 pmhis rhetoric is such a give-away…
John… do you agree that diplomacy should be a factor in dealing with opponents? If your only response is to try and ‘defeat’ those you deem ‘evil-doers’ you will waste every opportunity to understand and deal with issuses surrounding them. please understand that diplomacy does work but we have thrown it out the door. Now we are in the mode ‘are you looking at me?’ ‘are you lookin at me?’ ‘cuz if your lookin at me i might have to bomb and kill you’!!!!
August 25th, 2006 at 3:31 pmTo reference an early statement, I’m in the game with my jersey on, doing my part to get the world to think rationally, without resorting to going to extremes as a means of tackling problems. I don’t see this extreme way of thinking as the answer to our problems. Yes, BushCo has been in power for the last 6 years - does this mean my strategy won’t work? No, because my moderate strategy has never been tried. It probably won’t ever be tried because these extreme ways of think keep escalating, with each side going more and more extreme to get what they want. Am I talking about US politics or international conflicts? Does no one see the similarities?
August 25th, 2006 at 3:32 pmSimply put. Stand up for your beliefs and don’t allow others to form or state your opinion for you. The old ” when did you stop beating your wife” scenario. The voices on this thread show a strong distaste for the direction of this country and the enablers in the media. It’s refreshing to see someone stand up to a bully and hold their ground.
I’d like to see a one hour debate between Powers and Coulter.
Never give anyone permission to make you feel less about yourself.
The fight is on.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:34 pmJohn … then you agree that diplomacy has been thrown out the window by neo-cons in the Bush administration?
August 25th, 2006 at 3:34 pmI’m in the game with my jersey on,
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 3:32 pm
Yea?
Too bad your Jersey has the oppositions colors on it.
.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:35 pmJohn… ps… i agree we could all do without the vitriol!!! It really is time
August 25th, 2006 at 3:40 pmto take off the boxing gloves and start a meaningful dialogue. whether that will happen i guess will become apparent after November …
Yes, diplomacy has been thrown out the window over the past 6 years, and it pisses me off. I agree that BushCo are doing more harm to the earth than any government before them. However, I’m still confused as to how a moderate gets tagged as a neocon just because he happens to believe in a less extreme approach to politics… If I didn’t know better, I’d say you all are trying to convince me that I’m actually a conservative, and that I should start voting in what I deep down believe (as a neocon, as I am apparently).
August 25th, 2006 at 3:42 pmNo, because my moderate strategy has never been tried.
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 3:32 pm
Are you kidding me?
I mean are you freakin kidding me?
The dems have been as miktoast and gravy as you for the last 6 years now.
The left has been “Playing nice” and trying to appear like the good little boys and girls you’re asking us to act like since 00.
We rolled over when the election in 00 was stolen. We turned “the other cheek” when the Diebolds stole 04. On talk shows, news shows, and debates we “held our tongues” while the right called us cowards, traitors, AIDERS OF TERRORISTS, and every other foul thing they could think of.
Like I said. We tried your way for the last 6 years, and all it got us was 200,000 dead bodies, 6 BILLION dollars and counting wasted on a war to defend us from terrorism that doesn’t have a prayer of defending us from terrorism, and placed our country in the most dangerous and hated position its been in as long as I’ve been alive.
Guys like you need to man up, stop hanging out trying to act like a liberal, and go join up with Liebermans camp of whiny worthless bastards.
Maybe you can do lunch with Alan Colmes.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:42 pmBin Laden Is ‘Irrelevant,’ ‘Things Are Going Swimmingly In Afghanistan’
Oh really? Tell that to the families who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center attacks. Oh, that’s right, you sex change gone oh so wrong, you think those people are a bunch of whiners. There are many of the Bush lovers whose ass I’d like to see fried, but none more so than this flaming bitch. I really hate her. She’s another shameless republican sociopath.
August 25th, 2006 at 3:46 pmBeing an level-headed idealist = being a moderate = being a neoconservative = killing lots of people = Hell…
Being a level-headed idealist, I guess I’m going to Hell, then, huh? Obviously…
August 25th, 2006 at 3:46 pmJohn
August 25th, 2006 at 3:52 pmIt seems that people here are saying you are advocating a failed moderate strategy in opposing the neocons and that continuing to do so enables them. Your attack of the passion of standing up for progressive ideas, in this political atmosphere, makes you come across as a “one of them”, the neocons who drew the line in the sand in the first place.
#1
August 25th, 2006 at 3:54 pmDitto yawn. Why do people pay so much attention to this airhead? She always says exactly the same thing and the so-called “progressives” get all bent out of shape. Get a life, for chrissake.
PLC, that’s excellently summarized.
Slightly off topic, do you all know of a similar site to thinkprogress.org, but in the conservative arena? I’m not jumping ship or anything, but I’m curious how it is on the other side of the fence. I can’t find any that allow comments on their articles. I’m also curious how my moderate views would fair in conservative forums. They might label me a neoliberal… :-)
August 25th, 2006 at 4:01 pmPurvis…. it’s important to understand that there are a whole lot of people who believe the garbage that Faux News puts out. and in that the last election was screwed up we need to be ever diligent in calling a spade a spade when we can!! Remember Nazi Germany. disinformation is incredibly potent.
August 25th, 2006 at 4:03 pmmeg_mac
August 25th, 2006 at 4:13 pmWhat exactly do you think paying more attention to the nitwit Coulter does? She’s the one laughing all the way to the bank, not you. What do intend to do about her disinformation? Cut off her head?
132, John.
Try FreeRepublic or Powerline, but they won’t keep your comments unless you are towing the line 100%
August 25th, 2006 at 4:18 pmBeing a level-headed idealist, I guess I’m going to Hell, then, huh?
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 3:46 pm
Talk to St John.
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:
I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
Revalations 3: 15-16
August 25th, 2006 at 4:20 pmPhoto caption below Coulter ” Johnny Winter: Still Alive & Well .”
August 25th, 2006 at 4:22 pmThere are times for diplomacy John.
6 years later, after almost a quarter of a million people lie dead, is NOT the time.
Diplomacy didn’t work.
Now blood is on our nations hand.
You can be lukewarm if you like, thats up to you.
You can post in here, thats up to you.
But don’t go whining when someone calls you on it.
Just as you have a right to roll over and let the republicans scratch your belly, we have the right to call you on it.
August 25th, 2006 at 4:23 pmTucker Carlson just referred to Afghanistani Annie C-hole-ter as the “most loathed person in the Western world”. Annie, can you hear the whistling in your ears as you plummet to the bottom?
Roger Ailes just let you get humiliated on T.V. Oh the Hume-manity.
-GSD
August 25th, 2006 at 4:25 pmAnd as for trying to label me a left wing activist or something, I’ve got news for you.
I never paid attention to politics until you guys lied down and handed the keys of the kingdom over to the little ReichFuhrer from Texas, and he started running roughshot over the globe like Wyatt Earp on crack.
And when someone with a brain occupies the office again, I’ll probably crawl back into my den of debauchery, booze and greed.
But right now I am just adding my little voice to the regular Americans who aren’t going to sit by while weak willed “moderates” like you hand over our rights, liberty, freedom and humanity to the republicans with a smile on your mouth.
August 25th, 2006 at 4:28 pmFor John;
Patrick Henry
August 25th, 2006 at 4:40 pmMarch 23, 1775.
#137, LOL! Gee, has anyone seen Ann Coulter and Johnny Winter in the same room together? Hmmm…
John: I believe that I understand your original point (which has become a bit sidetracked.) It’s like Jon Stewart when he went on Crossfire and told them “You’re hurting America.” These political shows usually end up being just a lot of shouting, and whoever shouts loudest is the one that people listen to. You have to understand the left’s frustration with these types of shows, particularly on Fox, where there’s usually 2 conservatives to 1 semi-liberal, and, while the semi-liberal tries to be polite, the others are just spouting their talking points and not letting anyone else get a word in edgewise. One could wish that the discourse were more genteel and less rude, but apparently that doesn’t attract viewers. Everyone here is excited that, finally, someone called Ann Coulter on her baseless lies. While it may seem rude that Powers cut her off, that appears to be the only way to stop Coulter from continuing with what would probably have been a 5-minute semi-coherent diatribe. If liberals want their voices finally heard, unfortunately, we WILL have to fight fire with fire. Personally, as long as liberals are fighting back with the truth, I’m okay with that. I would NOT be okay with a liberal version of Swift-Boating or any of the other cheating ways that neocons have been utilizing. I’d prefer to think that we are fighting might with right.
August 25th, 2006 at 4:42 pmI hope none of my comments came off as whining - I just voice my disagreement. I take issue with the whole Biblical lukewarm quotes, as they imply an all-or-nothing approach. Lukewarm is how a democracy is supposed to function - a little bit of everything. Sure, the past 6 years have been an exception, but I think the system works, and works best when the conditions are lukewarm. Right now the cons have control, but the pendulum looks to be swinging strongly in the other direction.
Is that called democratic (the system) balance, or being lukewarm?
August 25th, 2006 at 4:43 pmAnd as for me and my family?
We’d rather DIE in a terrorist attack, then live under the chains of fear and slavery that the right wing would subject us to.
Give us liberty, or give us death.
August 25th, 2006 at 4:43 pmI take issue with the whole Biblical lukewarm quotes,
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 4:43 pm
Like I said, take it up with St John.
You’re likely named after him aren’t you?
August 25th, 2006 at 4:45 pmSure, the past 6 years have been an exception
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 4:43 pm
Gee ya think?
August 25th, 2006 at 4:46 pmJane, I recognnize that it’s a dirty game, but again, I have to have faith that the public will see these shows and feel outrage at the lack of dialogue, just like I did. I have to believe that educated citizens would respond that way, and try to see the big picture without getting caught up in the Jerry Springer emotion of it. That’s a tall order considering who the public have elected for the past 6 years, but as an educated citizen, I voice my opinion in these types of forums to try to get people’s mindsets to open up - to get them away from the radical thinking that has brought politics to what it is today, even if it was the cons who started the radical movement. I’m coming at this from the “If everyone were like me” point of view.
Now, lets hear all the horrible things the world would be like if everyone were like me… Let the flame war continue…
August 25th, 2006 at 4:50 pmPowers needs to grow up and start being a real journalist, not blabber on as a way of winning arguments. Again, just like in the real world:
DIALOGUE > MONOLOGUE.
Comment by John
August 25th, 2006 at 4:50 pm—————
Nonsense.Coulter could have jumped in anytime.She was busy whining about not being allowed to speak.Her standard ploy.
but again, I have to have faith that the public will see these shows and feel outrage at the lack of dialogue, just like I did
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 4:50 pm
Like I said, how’d that faith work out for you over the last 6 years Ghandi?
August 25th, 2006 at 4:53 pmhave to believe that educated citizens would respond that way, and try to see the big picture without getting caught up in the Jerry Springer emotion of it
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 4:50 pm
Please explain how Kirsten Powers simply asking Berlin Betty to qualify her statement that capturing the man responsbile for butchering 3000 Americans is “Jerry Springer emotion”.
Or maybe you feel my asking you to qualify your statement “Jerry Springer emotion”?
August 25th, 2006 at 4:56 pmLukewarm is how a democracy is supposed to function - a little bit of everything. Sure, the past 6 years have been an exception, but I think the system works, and works best when the conditions are lukewarm. Right now the cons have control, but the pendulum looks to be swinging strongly in the other direction.
Comment by John
Respectfully, John, the last six years have been much worse than just “an exception.” The Republicans have thrown all decency and respect for debate out the window. Were you aware, for example, that as bills passed both Houses and came to conference to hammer out a final version of the bill, that Democrats are usually shut completely out of that discussion? The final versions of bills that have come to the floor for a vote were written entirely by Republicans or their lobbyist friends (absolute truth). The simple truth is that the Republicans cannot win their arguments based on facts, so they try to win on ideology (which is often devoid of factual information.)
I mean, really, do you think that “In time of war, nothing could be more important than cutting taxes”? No civilization in the history of mankind has cut taxes during a time of war, so there can be no factual basis for this claim. Yet that is what then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay actually said. And they rammed through their tax cuts that primarily benefitted the super-wealthy. They do it and keep getting away with it because they know that everyone dreams of one day being one of the super rich, and they figure they won’t want to pay taxes either. Encouraging this kind of thinking is irresponsible of them, but that’s what they do to help their friends. A lot of those super rich people got back more just from the tax cuts than you earn in an entire year.
Anyway, the point I was trying to make is that the Republican Party has abused its power over the past six years in a way unheard of in American history. They must be stopped, and lukewarm moderation just won’t do it. But keep being a part of the debate, and don’t forget to vote on Election Day. BTW, do you think Election Day should be a federal holiday? Funny thing that it isn’t. The result might be more people participating in the process, and I believe that’s the last thing they want in Washington. Maybe that’s why it isn’t.
August 25th, 2006 at 4:58 pmLike I said.
You’re more dangerous to the left than any right wing neocon could ever be.
Look at the “reasonable” Joe Lieberman.
His “reason” is going to cost the left a seat, because when we told him no, we’ve had enough of your cowtowing and collaborating, and empowering the right, he said screw you, and now will run independent and take votes away from our real candidate.
The right wing laughs at guys like you. You’re their empowerers.
August 25th, 2006 at 4:59 pmNow, lets hear all the horrible things the world would be like if everyone were like me…
Comment by John — August 25, 2006 @ 4:50 pm
Well unfortunately everyones not like you, are they?
And everyones NEVER gojng to be just like you.
When a mans standing on your doorstep trying to sell you a vacum cleaner, thats a time for diplomacy.
When a mans standing on your doorstep, threating to rob your house, the time for diplomacy has passed.
Men like you are usually too weak to see that, and end up being cleaned out, lock, stock and barrel.
August 25th, 2006 at 5:03 pmCoulter hates it when people scream: “I’m a victim“. Except when she is the one screaming: “I’m a victim”.
Hypocrite and washed-up has been hater mongering hag that she is.
-GSD
August 25th, 2006 at 5:04 pmJohn, this administration has so polarized our country and the world that apparently one cannot have a reasonable conversation anymore. Combine that with the dumbing down of Americans in general, and thoughtful debate is a thing of the past. When you refer to ‘educated citizens’, well, there’s fewer and fewer out there to respond with outrage. I’d love to have faith that the public would see the wrong as obviously as we do, but the past 6 years have just made me more and more cynical. However, I am holding on to the belief that “truth, justice, and the American way” will triumph and someday more of us will be able to idealists again. I’m not arguing with you or putting you down for your idealism - I use to be an idealist, and I’d like to be again.
I’ve got to get home sooner or later today, so, I’ll say “Have a good weekend, All” now.
August 25th, 2006 at 5:15 pmWORFEUS is absolutely right. It would be really nice if we could set an example for the righties and they’d follow it. Or, if all that mattered in the world was that we felt good about ourselves for having taken the high road. But, that’s not going to stop the killing in the Middle East. It’s going to guarantee that it goes on for a good long time and just keeps getting worse. That won’t stop the annihilation of the middle class and it won’t stop polluters or election fraud or anything else. It will do nothing to the Right but amuse them.
It’s sad but true, John: The only way to get a bully to respect you is to punch him right in the face. All of a sudden he becomes quite reasonable. The reason that righties yell over “liberal” guests on talk shows is because they can. They don’t care what anyone thinks of them. As long as they can get away with it, they’ll do it, and nobody will hear what the other person has to say. When the tables are turned and the right-wingers get shouted down and humiliated, they don’t have the stomach for fighting anymore. Then we can all go back to acting civil.
August 25th, 2006 at 5:20 pmPeople became numb after 9/11 and were willing to listen to the party in power who told them that they would make them safe. That has included suspending civil liberties, a colored-coded terrorist meter, and demonizing anyone who doesn’t agree with them. The only way things will ever change is when people get tired of being afraid and that is starting to happen. That is why the Ann Coulters are losing their power.
August 25th, 2006 at 5:20 pmWORFEUS
August 25th, 2006 at 5:30 pmWhat makes you think Lieberman is going to win? I’m booking Lamont and I’ll take any bet you want to lay down on Holy Joe.
WORFEUS
What makes you think Lieberman is going to win?
Comment by purvis ames — August 25, 2006 @ 5:30 pm
He doesn’t have to win to beat Ned Lamont and the true democrats and liberals in Conn.
All he has to do is run, and take enough votes away from Lamont that the republican challenger wins.
August 25th, 2006 at 5:32 pmLilly Livered Lieberman is like our friend John here.
All he has to do is water down the campaign, divide the left, and the right walks away with another victory.
I am hoping Lamont has enough support to beat BOTH Joe and the Republican challenger. In fact, I am PRAYING that.
But my fear is that Joe will divide the Conn dems, and take away votes for Ned Lamont, thus giving the republicans a victory.
Someone like Howard Dean or Bill Clinton needs to go to Conn and tell the Lieberman dems to vote for Lamont.
August 25th, 2006 at 5:35 pmEvidently, the sensible and moderate John would have preferred if the panel had allowed Coulter to blather on about how Afganistan was going “swimmingly” without challenge. Evidently, Kirstin Powers command of the facts and control of the situation is something that frightens the sensible, moderate John. I’m confused about this. What would be John’s perfect response to Coulter? How would he have handled the job better than Kirstin Powers? Powers’ approach seemed pretty successful to me, but what do I know. Coulter looked like a petulant little brat calling for Daddy to protect her from the brutish and bullying Powers. She almost picked up her ball and went home. Perfect. What’s the problem, John?
August 25th, 2006 at 5:36 pmKirstin Powers command of the facts and control of the situation is something that frightens the sensible, moderate John
Comment by Bluedog49 — August 25, 2006 @ 5:36 pm
Bluedog, you said it right.
We need 10 thousand more just like you.
August 25th, 2006 at 5:42 pmWORFEUS
August 25th, 2006 at 6:06 pmExcuse me, but the Republican challenger is polling 3%. I reiterate, I’ll book any bet you want to make on Lieberman.
WORFEUS
Excuse me, but the Republican challenger is polling 3%. I reiterate, I’ll book any bet you want to make on Lieberman.
Comment by purvis ames — August 25, 2006 @ 6:06 pm
Ok, well good. Thanks for looking that up.
But if you go back and read my remarks, I never said Lieberman would beat Lamont head to head, did I?
I said he’d take votes away from Lamont, and thats a fact. He WILL take votes away from Lamont.
I also said I was “afraid” he’d take enough votes away from Lamont to hand the right a victory. But if the republican challenger is polling at 3 percent, then great. Maybe we have nothing to worry about.
I am not sure what point you’re trying to make, but my point was clear.
Weak willed democrats like Lieberman hurt our cause, and Lieberman is a weak willed democrat.
Is there something you’re trying to say to counter that point?
August 25th, 2006 at 6:12 pmCause it sounds like you’re putting words in my mouth, and claiming I stated somewhere that Lieberman would beat Ned Lamont, something I KNOW won’t happen, and something I NEVER SAID.
August 25th, 2006 at 6:14 pm