Cantor’s legislative strategy: Ambush freshmen Democrats.
Cantor’s legislative strategy: Ambush freshmen Democrats.
Newt Gingrich’s protege, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), has a new strategy to obstruct actual governing and legislating: ambushing unsuspecting Democratic freshmen on the House floor. Politico reports on his new O’Reilly-worthy tactics:
[Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)] is part of a team of Republican members that House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) has put together to create embarrassing, YouTube-worthy moments for vulnerable Democratic freshmen.
Cantor’s floor staff has created a photo album to help identify the 42 most vulnerable Democrats. The aides send daily e-mails to the members of the attack team and alert lawmakers when these targeted members are speaking on the floor. They even draft quick scripts to help focus the questioning.
The tactic seems to be working. Democrats have begun pulling their vulnerable members from the floor as soon as the attacks begin. And even if the targeted Democrat doesn’t take the bait, video of the episode inevitably finds its way to the Web as evidence of either ineptitude or cowardice.
House Democrats have been holding sessions on “teaching these freshmen to hit back when Republicans put them on the spot.” Unclear how Cantor’s antics fit in with House Republicans’ vow to offer “better solutions” in 2009.
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…probably wants the ambush to take place in a bathroom stall.
April 7th, 2009 at 12:57 pmImagine that, Republicans playing dirty tricks! I truly feel the Republicans have gone to the “dark side”.
April 7th, 2009 at 12:59 pmOnce when I was in middle school, a couple of kids were involved in a scuffle at lunchtime.
I don’t recall the nature of the conflict — probably an argument — but I know that the lunchroom was serving spaghetti, and that when one of the kids was clearly bested, he had no idea how to respond. And so he just reflexively stuck his hand in the other kid’s spaghetti.
That’s what this kind of crap looks like to me. Eric Cantor is sticking his hand in the Democrats’ spaghetti, because he has no idea how else to respond.
April 7th, 2009 at 12:59 pmCantor’s legislative strategy: Ambush freshmen Democrats.
– - This crap really is Wild Kingdom stuff.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:01 pmEric ‘Brittainy’ Can’tor, the newest ugly face in the Republic party.
He looks so proud, standing behind Boner’s tears & lies.
America needs Can’tor like we need another Limpball.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:06 pmWhy do I get the distinct feeling that Cantor might grow up be the Next Joe McCarthy? Or at the very least, the next Charlie McCarthy…
April 7th, 2009 at 1:08 pm…and on Wednesdays, he picks a fight with a randomly chosen 10-year-old, to demonstrate his “mighty strength”.
what’s next with these desperate, snotty-brat Republican’ts?
good thing they’re as cowardly as they are, or we’d be in camps already.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:11 pmLittle bullies in a school yard. This is the best that the Nos have to offer – sad!
April 7th, 2009 at 1:13 pmSomeone needs to remind the philanderer Newt Gingrich that he is NOT an elected official, that he has never had an idea that benefitted the American populace, in fact most philosophies that he backed while Speaker of the House did noticable damage to our Nation, that his divisive tutelage of Cantor and a slew of young Republican representatives is tantamount to running a shadow government that is working behind the scenes to undermine our Government at a time when we have an actual adult in office who was elected with a mandate to fix the myriad of problems that he and his obstructionist fellow regressives helped cause. In short Mr. Gingrich SHUT THE F@CK UP YOU HYPOCRITICAL EGOTISTICAL PRICK!
April 7th, 2009 at 1:13 pmWhy do your job when they’ll pay you to just harass the other party.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:14 pmWait, maybe that is his job.
In my head I picture a wonderful SNL spoof of this tactic in the style of a Wild Kingdom (HT: Badmoodman)episode with Cantor hiding behind a bush holding out his camera phone to capture a video of a group of young Democrats. Of course, I also see those young Democrats charging Cantor, joined by their bigger and veteran Democratic colleagues.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:15 pmSomeone should offer up a daily reminder to Gingrich, Cantor, et.al., that thet were elected to legislate and govern, not play grade-school party games. On a scale of disgusting from 1-10, this ranks at about a nine.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:16 pmHere we go again with the extremist Republicans using terrorism and intimidation against our own patriotic Americans.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:17 pmThis evil Republican political party has resorted to destruction , not positive and helpful ideas, to further their failed conservative agenda.
Eric Cantor needs to be confronted and physically beaten down right on the House floor. He is a disgrace! I hope he tries this tactic on the wrong person that actually has a spine and he or she just decks him repeatedly! I have simply had enough of the callous disregard for the people of this nation by its representatives.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:17 pmNice to seem them upholding the honor of the office. The United States Capitol is not a frat house. These kind of shenanigans are beneath the dignity of the office. Next thing you know, Republicans are going to start sleeping in their Congressional offices.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:18 pmSort of like the kids sitting in the back of the classroom that keep getting F’s for their grades throwing spitballs at the head of the class.
I guess when you are completely empty of any real ideas, all you can do is resort to O’Reilly-style ambushes.
Is the GOP a political party or a gag store?
April 7th, 2009 at 1:19 pmWell, since their efforts at paying trolls has not shown them anything of value, and actually probably worked against them by encouraging discussion and debate, THIS is their next new direction for this new media.
Schoolyard hazing/bullying type youtube videos? What’s next, pantsing the Democrats and taking photos?
Interesting that their use of new technology is limited by their same old strategy — demonize the opponent, make the opponent look bad — BECAUSE WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER IN A DEBATE, YOUR ONLY CHANCE TO WIN IS TO DEMONIZE THE OPPONENT.
Hey, here’s an idea for the Democrats… quit trying to ‘play nice’ — use every legal method and means to get the job done, and DON’T FOR ONE SECOND imagine that the Republicans are going to be bi-partisan, fair, honest, or even concerned about ANYTHING except their party.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:20 pmAnd still…no solutions to get your party out of the wilderness, or ideas to pull the country back up if your hope of President Obama’s failure comes to pass…
Only childish games.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:21 pmBritney must have really made an impression on Congressman Cantor and given him some advice. Now Eric isn’t that innocent after time with Britney at her Circus Tour he’s ready to charge yet again this time at the Democrats. Funny how Republicans get their adviser from the strangest people. Look out Eric might ask Britney to be his choice for Vice President. Don’t laugh remember McCain picked Sarah Palin.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:22 pmThe Republic of Hymenoptera Stupidity Says: Why do I get the distinct feeling that Cantor might grow up be the Next Joe McCarthy?
This slick-looking puke is a rising star in the Rethug Party. My guess he’s still pissed because McCain vetted him for VP and then chose Palin. I mean, you got to admit that would be a real slap in the face to anyone.
But Eric the Slickster is rebounding now. Like most of the Rethugs, he looks like a phony, and could pass for a Sunday television preacher. You can look or him in 2012 as a contender or VP pick.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:23 pmpaybacks are hell, as the saying goes…
can you say ‘macaca’?
the dems did not expect this???
and why didn’t THEY cast the light on this tactic… publicly, humiliatingly, loudly, tell the people just how pathetically the rushpubliCONS intend to “govern”…?
April 7th, 2009 at 1:24 pmI posted this weeks ago but it bears repeating in light of Cantor’s newest childish antics.
I tell my child that there are two ways to look good. One is to do your best, be fair and gain the respect of others. The other is to try to make someone else look bad.
Clearly, today’s GNOP has no appetite or ability to do the former, so they’ve resorted to the latter.
Fight back! The GNOPers are far easier targets for foot-in-mouth, I-have-no-idea-what-the-fcuk-I’m-talking-about video moments.
PEACE
April 7th, 2009 at 1:25 pmThat’s the way to get Independant voters! By bullying and attacks! Remember Mitt Romney’s disasterous run in with the reporter? The last 25 years or so, Repugs were telling people they weren’t religious enough, weren’t patriotic enough or in some cases, not white enough. The American people have moved on. So go ahead Cantor! Good luck! Your Right-wing whack-o’s are going to need it.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:25 pmCantor’s floor staff has created a photo album to help identify the 42 most vulnerable Democrats. The aides send daily e-mails to the members of the attack team and alert lawmakers when these targeted members are speaking on the floor. They even draft quick scripts to help focus the questioning.
Are our tax dollars paying for this? This sounds like a lot of work, involving a number of people. Aren’t these people supposed to be working on the business of running our government?
April 7th, 2009 at 1:26 pmThis is a great opportunity for the Dems to tighten up their game.
You can only get better at the game when you’re challenged by unfriendlies like the Cantor’s and Gingrich’s and Limbaugh’s.
I recommend every single Dem carry around a camera and catch what you can, then forward it to the dems. Turnabout is fair play.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:28 pmHey dems, if you get picked on by some bully, who’s probably suffering from extreme insecurity, just tell them to go fck themselves. If that doesn’t work, just hit ‘em back, bullies usually can’t take what they dish out.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:34 pmReichWingers are proving that they are truly the scum of the earth.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:35 pmAs a child my family moved every year and sometimes more. I confronted bullies in every new school and quickly learned that that turning the other cheek isn’t the answer. I like to think it helped define a successful education.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:36 pmcareer and life through the toughening process. I can only hope the entire democratic caucus sees the light and starts kicking some a$$
Childish, spiteful, useless Republicans. This is all they can manage to “support” the country?
April 7th, 2009 at 1:38 pmRemember a month ago when Republicans in the House fought to maintain the same number of aides that they held when in the majority? The dems conceded and allowed financing in the budget to let the Republicans keep all of the aides on staff despite the much lower number of Repubs on the Hill this year. Well, this decision looks like it has come around to bite the majority in the @ss. It seems that Rep Cantor and the Gingrich boys have decided to take advantage of the extra help by using their aides to carry out more frat boy bull shit on the taxpayer’s dime. Maybe the budget for these un-needed aides needs to be slashed ASAP. Additionally Rep Cantor needs a severe public dressing down and Mr. Gingrich should keep his cold regressive fingers and failed ideas the hell out of Washington.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:43 pmIt’s time for the viewers of C-Span to learn the Ballad of Andrea Mackris.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:48 pm2 can play this game and I will bet the Democrats are far better with understanding how to use technology.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:49 pmRepublicans are scum! When will they learn that!
April 7th, 2009 at 1:51 pmProud Says:
…you think your side has all the answers then prove it and fix the world.
Who said anything about the world? Is that a new talking point that they are debuting once the President comes back?And why is it that the Right is so obsessed with the teleprompter. Did you cry when McCain/Palin used one at the RNC? They are a part of making speeches, get over it and get on to something with some substance.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:51 pmYes, Proud, you “can’t help laughing”–that’s the syphilis attacking your body.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:53 pmGOP=The enemy within
April 7th, 2009 at 1:53 pmTroll feces in aisle 32, bring your haz-mat gear, please.
btw, Mr. Troll, 4 years is only the beginning. Take a deep breath & be prepared for 12 years.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:56 pmCan’tor has been ‘Newtered’, eh?
April 7th, 2009 at 1:58 pmIt just goes to show how desperate the repugs are. They obviously will try anything to win back the publics support.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:59 pmI dont think its working out to well for them.
REPUBLICANS ARE AMERICA’S ENEMY WITHIN
Republicans ARE practicing seditious DEMAGOGUERY and insurrectionary OBSTRUCTIONISM intended to destabilize our economy for purposes of political exploitation.
Republicans AREN’T making a sincere effort to STOP the bleeding THEIR incompetent leadership and failed policies created. Instead, they’re using conflicting economic theories as a smokescreen to conceal their subversive agenda, which is to cause President Obama and America to fail so they can blame Democrats for the consequences of THEIR calamitous mismanagement.
Republicans ARE preposterously professing that THEIR disgraceful political WHORING had nothing to do with the banking, real estate, stock market and employment catastrophes that resulted.
Republicans ARE trying to hamstring Democrats to prevent them from exposing the damage caused during a Republican presidency.
Republicans ARE offering controversial arguments they know no one can agree on to disrupt and prevent progressive change. They’d rather divide America and create political gridlock than endure the political consequences of effective Democratic governance. That’s how they gained power and that’s how they’re trying to retain it.
Republicans AREN’T the LOYAL OPPOSITION. They ARE the ENEMY WITHIN whose personal priorities have eroded their moral and ethical standards to the point that treachery and betrayal are their preferred modus operandi.
It’s one thing to advocate their conservative beliefs; it’s another thing entirely to willfully sabotage America’s government because a successful Democratic presidency would not be vulnerable to the greed, fears and hatreds that have produced and sustained the radical Republican corporatism and extremism that have poisoned and crippled America.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:01 pmnice straw, Proud.
you’re really white-knuckling that thing, aren’t you?
easy – you’ll get a cramp. it’s just a lil’ ol’ straw – you don’t need to squeeze it ’til veins start popping out on your forehead and forearm.
keep it up, and you won’t be able to grab ‘hold when someone finally throws you a rope.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:03 pmHi Proud. How come you didn’t stick around the wiretapping thread to discuss with us your support for investigations into possible Bush administration crimes?
You seem like you should be an enthusiastic proponent of such an effort. After all, if they have nothing to hide, then they have nothing to worry about, right? Marvelous philosophy you hold dear.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:03 pmHe must have learned it from your hero:
April 7th, 2009 at 2:04 pmRonnie Raygun
I would rather have a president use a teleprompter each and every time he speaks rather than listen to a president like George Bush who butchered English and maked little sense when he spoke.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:04 pmApril 7th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I still don’t get the regressive meme about the use of teleprompters. President Obama is an eloquent and thoughtful speaker with or without its use. Haven’t any of these idiots witnessed the stark difference in Palin’s public speaking when not using a prompter? George W. Bush!!?? I just don’t get their inanity sometimes. PS Proud, I don’t see it as fearing the minority. The majority NEEDS to see and understand that the minority party has NO INTENTIONS of acting in a bi-partisan manner and needs to be treated as such. Plain and simple fool.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:06 pmHey – Why isn’t Obama spending half his time on vacation, like Republican Presidents do?
April 7th, 2009 at 2:07 pmHow funny is it that this right wing cowardly pansy actually named himself “proud”?
Hilarious when right wing pansy cowards are “proud” of their ignorance.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:07 pmIt’s because they have absolutely nothing else.
Seriously, if you had a critique with any kind of potency at all to throw out there, would you be whining about a president using a teleprompter?
April 7th, 2009 at 2:09 pmThere should be a running list of Cantor’s “achievements” in this new Congress. All he seems to do is find ways to embarrass himself and his party. A list might be mighty useful when this slick greaser is up for re-election.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:10 pmThe guy is a coward. Fear and hate-mongering and intimidation–that’s all that the GOP has in their tactical arsenal.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:12 pmNo no no you have it all wrong…he’s proud to come here everyday to sniff our crotches. That’s all they have left now since they are a rapidly diminishing minority.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:12 pmChildish, imbecile, non-productive, hate US, teabaggers.
Nothing will stick on the dems because repugs are idiots.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:14 pmProud Says:
Yes, just as I expected personal attacks it is all you have, so be it. By the way Obama has a used a teleprompter more than any president since the technology was developed. He is unable to speak without one. Sad and pathetic really, your great orator is clueless without it.
***
:)
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April 7th, 2009 at 2:15 pmIf I was a Republican, I’d be way pissed about how my guys are playing parlor games instead of working to repair my party’s badly-tarnished reputation.
I’d be running a blog of my own to help at the grassroots level to get my party back on track, not hanging out at opposition blogs trying to sound cute.
Then again, if I thought in those kinds of practical terms, I wouldn’t be a Republican, would I?
April 7th, 2009 at 2:16 pmrepugs are truly jealous of our President Obama.
I love it.
the widdle babies have to stick to tricks that are lower than their two digits iq score.
PATHETIC
HAHAHAHAHA
April 7th, 2009 at 2:18 pmProud Says:
Yes, just as I expected personal attacks it is all you have, so be it. By the way Obama has a used a teleprompter more than any president since the technology was developed. He is unable to speak without one. Sad and pathetic really, your great orator is clueless without it.
What’s sad and pathetic is your inability to do anything but lie:
75,000 at a rally in Portland, Oregon last summer and not a teleprompter in sight.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:20 pmThe GOP is the party of HATE I can’t believe this is happening they have ventured past the dark side thier downright scumbags.
to tombaker, because Obama has to clean up the shit left by that bastard ass Bush and Cheney and has to fight off a bunch of GOP hate-mongers.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:21 pmThe party of no ideas has to resort to Youtube…something that they were screwed over, not by ambushes but by their own clumsy antics, which also proves that they cannot lead but can only follow…Welcome to last year, ‘Publicans…
April 7th, 2009 at 2:22 pmWatch out repugs/teabag trolls Rachel Ray is wearing one of those al-Qaeda scarves again.
HAHAHAHAHAHA
What’s next the Boston Tea Party????
April 7th, 2009 at 2:23 pm______
katydid Says:
the dems did not expect this???
and why didn’t THEY cast the light on this tactic… publicly, humiliatingly, loudly, tell the people just how pathetically the rushpubliCONS intend to “govern”…?
April 7th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
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Because the left has already mastered “YouTube-worthy moments,” the repubs are just now catching up to them and Dems would look like hypocrites if they complained? ;)
April 7th, 2009 at 2:23 pmProud Says
April 7th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
_________________________________________________________
Are you the troll du jour today? You seem to be their only representative hitting the thread, and I am a bit disappointed because I’m used to being given more of a challenge.
“I can’t help laughing, you wingnut libs are so pathetic, scared of the minority, give me a break.”
– Please don’t confuse our condemnation of really sh!tty behavior with fear. We’re not frightened of the GOP, but we are going to shine a spotlight on all their childish behaviors like this.
“You have control of both houses and the whitehouse, do something, you think your side has all the answers then prove it and fix the world.”
– Believe me, we’re working on it. But YOUR side left such a colossal mess that it can’t be done overnight.
“You have four years before we dump pres (can’t speak without a teleprompter) Obama, so I suggest you hurry up,get to work and stop crying.”
– First, you’re not going to take back the White House OR Congress in four years unless you change your game plan. Weren’t you paying attention last November when America said loudly they were tired of the GOP the way it was?
– Second, Obama speaks many times without a teleprompter — in interviews, in debates, and other situations. He DOES use a teleprompter when he makes speeches — as has every President since Eisenhower. And before the advent of the teleprompter, Presidents used written notes. This is probably one of the lamest wingnut talking points — and you’re pretty lame for buying into it.
– And third, our side IS working hard to reverse all the crap of the past eight years, even though your side is doing all they can to obstruct and sabotage us (Cantor’s tactic being a perfect example). But we’re not crying — we WILL prevail. See, we have the people with our side, unlike the last President. And your side’s power has faded.
I find it interesting that all you could bring us today was an assortment of playground taunts. I assume you have no defense for Cantor and his ambush strategy? If you support what he’s doing, please enlighten us with your reasoning as to why this is the moral high ground.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:26 pm______
Mr. Evil Says:
Eric Cantor needs to be confronted and physically beaten down right on the House floor.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
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The Republican response to everything is violence! ;)
April 7th, 2009 at 2:27 pmThe Party of Allen Funt.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:28 pmProud Says
April 7th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
By the way Obama has a used a teleprompter more than any president since the technology was developed.
______________________________________________________________
Prove it.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:29 pmCan’tor should pay more attention to public approval ratings of his sorry party.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:31 pmOf course, the Democrats have an advantage in that they can rely on a network of committed, tech-savvy volunteers to actually record and expose natural moments of honest campaigning, while Republicans are forced to resort to employing members of their ever-shrinking House caucus to intimidate their colleagues in a warm show of bipartisan spirit.
But other than that, exactly the same.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:38 pm…speaking of parlor games…
hi UL. long time no see – how come?
April 7th, 2009 at 2:42 pm…
oh no, more trouble for republican john sweeney:
CLIFTON PARK – When ex-U.S. Rep. John Sweeney was stopped by state troopers early Sunday he refused to get out of his car for a roadside sobriety tests, according to court records.
He would not pass the sobriety test, Sweeney allegedly told the officers, adding he was in “big trouble.”
Documents filed in Clifton Park Town Court shed new light on Sweeney’s drunken driving arrest - his second in 17 months – and what he told police who arrested him on a felony charge.
Sweeney, Rensselaer County’s one-time STOP-DWI coordinator, was stopped at about 3:30 a.m. on Route 9 and charged with felony driving while intoxicated. The charge is a felony because of the prior arrest.
#30
April 7th, 2009 at 2:42 pmIt never ceases to amaze me—-the GOP continues to reinforce their street cred as the schoolyard bullies. Unfortunately, bullies are usually the ones that cry loudest when the tables are turned……….elections have consequences.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:44 pmYeah repugs post on youtube, for every upload that your club posts, people who aren’t getting paid are posting your bs non-stop.
Keep being stupid it will show your club of NO is not what the US stand for. Thank God people all over the world can distinguish between chimpy and President Obama.
Good luck to another one of y’all NO schemes. Like everything repugs touch will turn to sledge.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:44 pm______
ralph the wonder locust Says:
upright left Says:
Because the left has already mastered “YouTube-worthy moments,” the repubs are just now catching up to them and Dems would look like hypocrites if they complained? ;)
Of course, the Democrats have an advantage in that they can rely on a network of committed, tech-savvy volunteers to actually record and expose natural moments of honest campaigning, while Republicans are forced to resort to employing members of their ever-shrinking House caucus to intimidate their colleagues in a warm show of bipartisan spirit.
But other than that, exactly the same.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
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So is it the fact that the left has more people doing it or the fact that they are volunteers that makes the difference? In both cases, the reps own words are used against them; not always honestly. Or is there some evidence, that wasn’t presented above, that it’s something other than the reps own words being used against them? That would just be wrong. Remember, that was the reason all the Palin videos were ok; they were her own words. ;)
April 7th, 2009 at 2:47 pm______
tombaker Says:
hi UL. long time no see – how come?
April 7th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
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Somtimes life is just too good! ;)
April 7th, 2009 at 2:50 pmI just realized, the Republicans are operating a Taliban style insurgency. They have long ago abandoned all pretence of serving the interests of the people, and they are engaging in what is so far a cold war against the american government.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:51 pmTo borrow a saying from my favorite kids comercial:
“Silly rabbit, TRICKS are for Repubs”!
April 7th, 2009 at 2:58 pmUm, yeah, I’d say that there’s a bit of a difference between volunteers recording campaign events and members of Congress targeting freshman colleagues from across the aisle.
And that evens out all the rest of the inequalities, does it? A college kid with a camcorder is practically and morally equivalent to this:
Kilroy took the floor to support an amendment to a popular public-service bill — only to face an ambush from Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), who hit her hard for her vote on an unrelated American International Group measure.
So, yes, the Mary Jo Kilroy example I just cited from the Politico article demonstrates that this is more than simply “a rep’s own words being used against them” — it’s a deliberate and coordinated attempt to disrupt House business in order to generate the kind of footage that Democrats can gather for free. It’s a dishonest use of the privileges and procedures of Congress in order to trip up the most vulnerable members of the other side, for no other reason than simple partisan bullying.
They were her own words, and expressed by her in situations that she, as a public official, should have been able to handle — like a TV interview with Katie Couric, for example.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:02 pmUL – tell me about it!
This new President is great!!!
Makes the last one look like an utter clown.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:03 pmgummble-bee-itch Says:
75,000 at a rally in Portland, Oregon last summer and not a teleprompter in sight.
That was a beautiful sight. :)
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Tell me, trolls did mcchimpy and mooseyak have that many people in total? I mean, including all their racist rallies in total.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:06 pmtombaker, are you flirting with UL?
UL will never make out with you.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:07 pmaquarius2 Says:
There should be a running list of Cantor’s “achievements” in this new Congress. All he seems to do is find ways to embarrass himself and his party. A list might be mighty useful when this slick greaser is up for re-election.
Sound excellent!
April 7th, 2009 at 3:15 pmno ralph, i had a few beers and ended up taking a purity pledge at a joe the plumber rally last weekend.
…man is my wife ever pissed.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:20 pm______
ralph the wonder locust Says:
——————————————————————————–
upright left Says:
So is it the fact that the left has more people doing it or the fact that they are volunteers that makes the difference?
Um, yeah, I’d say that there’s a bit of a difference between volunteers recording campaign events and members of Congress targeting freshman colleagues from across the aisle.
In both cases, the reps own words are used against them; not always honestly.
And that evens out all the rest of the inequalities, does it? A college kid with a camcorder is practically and morally equivalent to this:
Kilroy took the floor to support an amendment to a popular public-service bill — only to face an ambush from Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), who hit her hard for her vote on an unrelated American International Group measure.
Or is there some evidence, that wasn’t presented above, that it’s something other than the reps own words being used against them?
So, yes, the Mary Jo Kilroy example I just cited from the Politico article demonstrates that this is more than simply “a rep’s own words being used against them” — it’s a deliberate and coordinated attempt to disrupt House business in order to generate the kind of footage that Democrats can gather for free. It’s a dishonest use of the privileges and procedures of Congress in order to trip up the most vulnerable members of the other side, for no other reason than simple partisan bullying.
That would just be wrong. Remember, that was the reason all the Palin videos were ok; they were her own words. ;)
They were her own words, and expressed by her in situations that she, as a public official, should have been able to handle — like a TV interview with Katie Couric, for example.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
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Suppose the report had said:
“Kilroy took the floor to support an amendment to a popular public-service bill — only to face unexpectedly tough questioning from Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), who grilled her on her vote on an unrelated American International Group measure.
Would you have been ok with that? Did Foxx scream at Kilroy; berate her, make threatening gestures; anything to merit the word ambush? I ask because I didn’t see a link to any such behavior and I would have expected it if that occurred.
You’re right, Palin should have been able to handle it; just as members of Congress should be able to handle tough questions regarding their positions on making laws for this country. They aren’t city council members. If they can’t stand up for their positions, they don’t belong in Congress. But, I’m sure you would have reacted the same if righties were complaining that Dems were being too tough with their questions. ;)
April 7th, 2009 at 3:37 pm_______
tombaker Says:
UL – tell me about it!
This new President is great!!!
Makes the last one look like an utter clown.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
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I’m not ready to call him great, yet, but he definitely has potential. While I don’t agree with everything he’s done so far, I’m happy with him overall. So, yeah, I’m still feeling pretty good about my vote and that definitely does contribute to the grandness of life. ;)
April 7th, 2009 at 3:43 pmBut the report didn’t say that. The report said that Rep Kilroy was challenged on an unrelated issue because it was a deliberate strategy for House Republicans to generate embarrassing confrontations with freshman Democrats.
The question is not whether Congressmen and Congresswomen can handle themselves at the podium — clearly, they should be able to. The question is whether such a tactic is worthy of the honor and tradition that we hope our congressional representatives aspire to when they take their seats in the House.
This is not a campaign trail bit of opposition research. This is a concerted attempt to misuse the tools and trappings of legislative sessions to further raw partisan sniping rather than the business of the nation.
The difference you’d like to erase is between, again, a college kid with a camcorder following a candidate from rally to rally, and a duly elected member of Congress misusing his office in an attempt to embarrass a colleague.
If you can’t see the difference, then I’m not surprised you’re a conservative.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:59 pm“Cantor’s legislative strategy: Ambush freshmen Democrats.”
Obviously, Britney Cantor has time on his hands to attack the fresh Dems rather than to fix his party’s laughable 18 page pamphlet of the GOP budgetless budget plan and add some damn numbers to it! The party of bed wetters are just becoming more laughable everyday with stupidity of attacks and ridiculous strategies.
April 7th, 2009 at 4:02 pmDo they ever work? Next time they start whining that they didn’t have enough time to read a bill, bring this up.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:16 pmWouldn’t it be nice if Cantor could focus his energy on finding solutions to the problems this country is facing…rather than wasting what little he has left, on nonconstructive juvenile games!!!
April 7th, 2009 at 5:44 pmVote this fool, Cantor, out! Hell, vote all the RepubliCon crooks out.
April 7th, 2009 at 8:05 pm______
ralph the wonder locust Says:
But the report didn’t say that. The report said that Rep Kilroy was challenged on an unrelated issue because it was a deliberate strategy for House Republicans to generate embarrassing confrontations with freshman Democrats.
The question is not whether Congressmen and Congresswomen can handle themselves at the podium — clearly, they should be able to. The question is whether such a tactic is worthy of the honor and tradition that we hope our congressional representatives aspire to when they take their seats in the House.
This is not a campaign trail bit of opposition research. This is a concerted attempt to misuse the tools and trappings of legislative sessions to further raw partisan sniping rather than the business of the nation.
The difference you’d like to erase is between, again, a college kid with a camcorder following a candidate from rally to rally, and a duly elected member of Congress misusing his office in an attempt to embarrass a colleague.
If you can’t see the difference, then I’m not surprised you’re a conservative.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
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I apologize for thinking that the point was freshmen Dems being expected to respond to questions about their votes. It was an obvious assumption since both you and TP referenced it. So your real point is conduct unbecoming to our reps and “raw partisan sniping.” I have to agree with you there. That needs to stop. Like that whole “Rush is the leader of the Republican party” thing the Dems had going where a different Dem or member of the administration had something to say about it every day. You’re right. It’ll be nice if the parties ever decide to put aside their petty sniping. ;)
April 7th, 2009 at 10:04 pmupright left Says:
I apologize for thinking that the point was freshmen Dems being expected to respond to questions about their votes. It was an obvious assumption since both you and TP referenced it. So your real point is conduct unbecoming to our reps and “raw partisan sniping.” I have to agree with you there. That needs to stop. Like that whole “Rush is the leader of the Republican party” thing the Dems had going where a different Dem or member of the administration had something to say about it every day. You’re right. It’ll be nice if the parties ever decide to put aside their petty sniping. ;)
Intentionally missing the point, are we? The point is that the republican congresspeople are using taxpayer money to obstruct the business of actually running the government. It is fine to have questions, but they need to be brought up at appropriate times. It is NOT fine to use taxpayer money — including aides — to play partizan political games that have no value apart from attempting to demonize an opposing political party. How about some volunteer citizen republicans with their cameras going to speeches and events to get these “you-tube moments”? How about the politicians and their aides doing the work that they are PAID TO DO?
The republicans have offered NO VIABLE alternatives to anything this administration has brought forth, yet have moaned and whined and cried since BEFORE President Obama took the oath of office. MAybe they should do their JOB and work on viable alternative proposals to HELP this country, instead of clearly trying to destroy the country simply because they “lost”. Talk about bad sports and childish reactions.
And the sad thing is that the President has made it CLEAR that he WILL LISTEN TO AND CONSIDER any and all viable alternatives. Perhaps THAT is why the republicans don’t want to offer any — because then it would make their partisanship much more clear. And I guess it is also because the republicans have become SO partisan that they cannot stomach the thought of COMPROMISE or of seeing a democrat actually USE some of their ideas (oh, the horror! That would be like, you know, HELPING the president, and republicans CERTAINLY cannot HELP a democratic president, because that would be, like, crossing party lines and being bi-partisan and stuff. You betcha.)
April 8th, 2009 at 7:25 amSimplest solution for the Dems: keep a framed 11×14 glossy of Eric Cantor mixed in with your notes. Whenever a Republican starts one of these harassing interrogations, stand it up on the podium and spoil the visual.
That should shut them up in short order.
April 8th, 2009 at 7:34 amThis is so sick and perverse. All Cantor and Republicans want is to play gotcha politics. It has ceased to become a battle for the betterment of America and slimed into a life and death struggle about winning at any cost. One good example of that is the Minnesota Senate contest where Franken has won but Republicans are abusing the court system in a desperate attempt to prevent Franken from being seated. Polls show this is backfiring badly but Cantor and his kind press on anyway. What a sick, sick bunch Republicans have become.
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April 18th, 2009 at 5:58 amsac ekimi