General Political Thread

[Guest Don Draper]

Every time I hear PBO talk I can't process any of the words that he says because I am hung up on the fact that he has the absolute worst cadence in the history of people who can talk.  Politics aside, that man couldn't read a Mitch Hedberg transcript without sounding like a condescending tight-ass.  It's presidential, I suppose, but after two or three grandfatherly presidents and two presidents who would invite you to their cookout, it surprises me sometimes.

[KevinG]

Every time I hear PBO talk I can't process any of the words that he says because I am hung up on the fact that he has the absolute worst cadence in the history of people who can talk. Politics aside, that man couldn't read a Mitch Hedberg transcript without sounding like a condescending tight-ass. It's presidential, I suppose, but after two or three grandfatherly presidents and two presidents who would invite you to their cookout, it surprises me sometimes.

He does have condescension in his voice. Like he knows better than you, very professorial.

[Guest Don Draper]

He does have condescension in his voice. Like he knows better than you, very professorial.

 

I don't think he means to sound that way so much as that's how he tries to sound "presidential."  It's not better or worse than Bush's folksy, down-home, "Well gosh, we're gonna fahr a rocket at the A-rabs!"  But every time Obama talks I try to imagine him telling his wife how to load the dishwasher.

[caliber66]

You don't think Michelle has learned how to load the dishwasher after 20 years of marriage?

[Beltmann]

 Politics aside, that man couldn't read a Mitch Hedberg transcript without sounding like a condescending tight-ass.

 

Right there is a classic SNL sketch waiting to happen.

[Guest Don Draper]

You don't think Michelle has learned how to load the dishwasher after 20 years of marriage?

In my experience, whether or not an individual has knowledge of how to load and operate a dishwasher is irrelevant to the party instructing the individual.

[uncool2pillow]

So damn true.

[uncool2pillow]

Right there is a classic SNL sketch waiting to happen.

I now keep imagining Obama saying, "I wonder if the FedEx guy knows he's my dealer."

[Sweet Papa Crimbo]

There is an important distinction between what Cruz did and Wendy Davis' filibuster.  One was an actual filibuster and one was political grandstanding.  The media comparisons are apt.  

 

Three words in reference to political grandstanding: Pink running shoes

[Guest Don Draper]

What about the running shoes makes for grandstanding?  If I'm going to stand forever I'm wearing something comfortable, and they were white with pink accents, correct?  Take a spin down a ladies footwear department and you can count on one hand how many items contain neither red nor pink nor purple.

[Sweet Papa Crimbo]

What about the running shoes makes for grandstanding?  If I'm going to stand forever I'm wearing something comfortable, and they were white with pink accents, correct?  Take a spin down a ladies footwear department and you can count on one hand how many items contain neither red nor pink nor purple.

 

She is another political lightweight who has rocketed to fame on the back of a hot button issue. It seems to happen with regular frequency.

[uncool2pillow]

You live in Texas, so I'll assume that you know more about her than the color of her shoes and her stance on abortion when you label her a lightweight.  I don't even recall the woman's name right now, so I don't know nothin'.

[KevinG]

Three words in reference to political grandstanding: Pink running shoes

 

It was the media that made a big deal about her shoes, not her.  She did not read green eggs and ham, she needed to stay on topic.  

 

I don't know that much about her (not living and Texas and all) but I think I heard she is considering a run for governor.  I don't know what considers a lightweight.  She did serve on Fort Worth City council form 199-2007 and then the state senate since 2008.  

[Guest Don Draper]

And you can't turn your nose down at 1,808 years of service.

 

I wasn't prepared to agree with KevinG, but exactly.  She stayed on topic and on her feet, and both of those are laudable feats for any person, political lightweight or no.  And my point earlier that I failed to make was that if a man had been wearing running shoes for a filibuster it either would not have been mentioned or the color most certainly would not have.  I think the measure of her brains will come with her next move; too much/too soon? or just right?

But yeah, I don't know her name either for the record.

[lost highway]

Man, I just can't believe our government is about to shut down right now- that Republicans are willing to make the economy and so many people who work in the public sector suffer to fight a political battle against Obamacare.  

[KevinG]

And you can't turn your nose down at 1,808 years of service.

 

I wasn't prepared to agree with KevinG, but exactly.  She stayed on topic and on her feet, and both of those are laudable feats for any person, political lightweight or no.  And my point earlier that I failed to make was that if a man had been wearing running shoes for a filibuster it either would not have been mentioned or the color most certainly would not have.  I think the measure of her brains will come with her next move; too much/too soon? or just right?

But yeah, I don't know her name either for the record.

 

Wendy Davis is her name.  

 

 

Man, I just can't believe our government is about to shut down right now- that Republicans are willing to make the economy and so many people who work in the public sector suffer to fight a political battle against Obamacare.  

 

Yep, so good job on that one GOP.  

[Atticus]

She is another political lightweight who has rocketed to fame on the back of a hot button issue. It seems to happen with regular frequency.

How do you think a political lightweight becomes a heavyweight?

[LouieB]

So maybe we don't need any laws to control guns, but we sure need some more parents with some controls. Interesting NY Times article.

 

LouieB

[John Smith]

You know what that post is going to start

[LouieB]

You know what that post is going to start

Not really. Is there anyone here that doesn't think some parents are stupid and negligent by leaving firearms unattended?  If so they are free to speak up.  I have long ago given up on the fact that we have too many guns, so we are going to just keep letting kids get killed for a good long time.

 

LouieB

[John Smith]

It's just common sense but from the article you can see where the NRA stands. Shortly I expect some vigorous posting about personal responsibility and how laws infringe on the rights of responsible law abiding gin owners etc...

[bleedorange]

Re: Wendy Davis

 

Every politician has to seize the opportunity when it presents itself. That's all she's done. A friend of mine worked in her office and raves about her. The problem is that she'll still get beat soundly in the governor's race. It's just a matter of how close she can make it.

[KevinG]

there are a lot of steps to happen before an actual shutdown.  A continuing bill will get passed in the House and sent to the Senate, where of course the Obamacare defunding will get nixed.  Then it will go back to the House.

 

There will be spin on both sides on this so it's about which side you align with.  The Republicans may be blamed for putting the defunding measure in there in the first place, the Senate Democrats may be blamed for not passing the the original House bill.  

 

but right now is not a time to panic.

 

With less than half a day to go, I think now it is time to panic.  Already the stock market has taken a slight tumble with the shutdown almost guaranteed to happen.  

 

I love the notion that the talking heads on the Right are laying this on the feet of PBO and the Democratic control Senate.  Seriously does anyone believe it is the Dems who are responsible for the shutdown?

[John Smith]

No but that is how they have to play it to their voter .

[LouieB]

Shut it down.  (Disclaimer...I am paid by federal money...) Unfortunately this won't be either much of a shut down or a very long one.  Every constituency has their favorite federal program, so even those making a big deal about doing this won't want "their" programs shut.  A real shut down would certainly have impact on everyone, but we have been through this before and we all survive.

 

LouieB