Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > November > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.US‘Talkin’ ‘bout (their) g-g-g-generation’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If Obama proves a successful president — and given his “to-do” list that’s a big “if” — this is the kind of thing that could cement the Dems in power for a long time:
“President-elect Barack Obama’s 34-point margin of victory with voters under 30 was the largest in a generation, cut across lines of class, color and education—and the most impressive youth mandate in modern American history, according to an exclusive Politico analysis.
Sixty-six percent of voters under age 30 preferred Obama while just 32 percent favored McCain—nearly four times the size of John F. Kennedy’s lead with the group in 1960, which led him to famously declare in his inaugural address that “the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.”
In other words, never in post-war American politics have youth voted so differently than older generations as they did in 2008.”
Comments
By GodHatesTrash
November 8, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Gen Xers and Yers are better educated than their parents’ generation.
Obama is the choice of educated people.
Don’t like Obama? Go to college.
By Balack Obama
November 8, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Wow, GodHatesTrash, what an ignorant thing to say.
By Hey Soose
November 8, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
GodHatesTrash, glad you think so much of yourself. You’re a prime example of the improvements our educational system needs so badly. We’re teaching our kids what is ‘cool’ rather than ‘what really matters’. In other words, “substance over style”, is a concept most likely way beyond your understanding.
By Taxpayer
November 8, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Clearly, our youth are learning from the mistakes that their parents and grandparents made. We should all be proud of them.
By Just_Me
November 8, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Watching the Moyers report last night, several republican pundits bemoaned the fact that their party is literally….dying off. They did discuss the age gap, and how the Dems are pulling in the younger voters, while the Repubs continue to draw the….old.
Maybe because the younger folks see themselves-and their ideals reflected in a younger party; because maybe they see that the younger people do live lives more parallel to their own.
(and I do include myself because I am a wee bit younger than our new president, but NO where near the GOP leaders’ ages)…
I read last night’s blog; much was made of Obama calling himself a “mutt.” Of course the GOP apologists carried on that this will bring hell for the “third graders.”
As a teacher, I can tell you-few, if any kids, watched yesterday’s press conference.
Second, as a mother of sons who resemble Mr. Obama, and are bi-racial-I have heard them refer to themselves in even stronger terms.
It does remind me of that weird phenomenon. Women, goofing off, call their g’friends the dreaded b-word; Italians fling those derogatory terms-TO EACH OTHER….there’s that whole, “Hey, only I can tease and beat up on my little brother, but if you try it?”
Lighten up folks. Otherwise, there are going to be a lot of people on Xanax for the next four years…(I am thinking my husband and I need to invest in that…)
By Hey Soose
November 8, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
One last thing. GodHatesTrash, I’m glad you’re so educated. It appears to have brought your intellegence level up to some of the narrow-minded comments made by ignorant rednecks in here.
By Morningstar
November 8, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Hey Soose @ 8:14AM - I can believe middle and high school students will follow the crowd, and what’s “cool.”
College students over 21 and under 30? Don’t think so. (((Financial planners and college aid directors say a great number of parents in recent years have shifted responsibility of paying for college to their children. N.A.S.F.A.A. quoting from the Chicago Tribune)))
It’s highly unlikely this percentage of students would let their peers make decisions on their behalf.
Sometime after high school, most young people, even those fortunate enough to have parents foot the bill, tend to acquire a mind of their own. That’s what college is all about, huh?
By TN Gelding
November 8, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
It’s encouraging that they’re willing to support Social Security.
I’m surprised that more of them didn’t buy into the lower taxes and smaller government lie.
I’m wondering if McCain might have been on some kind of prescription drug that made him so erratic and rude during the campaign.
He looked and sounded like a different man during his concession speech.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Interesting thought. Of course Nixon was only 4 years older than Kennedy, so there wasn’t as much of a generational dynamic going on between the two candidates as there was in 08. I agree though. If Obama is a good leader, it could be comparable to Reagan’s winning over young people to conservatism in ‘80.
By GodHatesTrash
November 8, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Perhaps there is a silver lining in their ignominious defeat on Tuesday for the Repubs.
McCain-Palin actually did better in some areas than W.
Here is a synopsis of where the GOP is growing:
WV western PA (John Murtha’s district included) eastern KY southeastern OH rural TN rural GA FL panhandle northern AL southern LA (now that Katrina moved out what Saxby would call “the other folks”) northeast TX AR OK
favorite son (and daughter) also increased the GOP vote in AZ and AK.
Indeed the results show us that the GOP is actually growing in the Appalachians and Ozarks - they are solidifying their base there for a run into America’s bright tomorrows!
Already, a search is on to replace the iconic “Joe the Plumber” with an even better-targetted spokesperson for 2012. “Snuffy the Moonshiner”, “Cletus the Tattoo Parlor Owner”, and “Ned the Banjo Player’ are just some of the ideas being tossed about…
By jon
November 8, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Ah, to be young and idealistic.
Possibly the yutes of today voted more out of line with their parents because of the indoctrination of the schools and the media they see.
For example it’s a “widely accepted fact” that Bush drug us into the Iraq war all by himself. However, the truth is that he had overwhelming support from both sides of the political aisle.
“As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I am keenly aware that the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons is an issue of grave importance to all nations. Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process.” - Representative Nancy Pelosi CA (December 16, 1998)*
We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction.” - Senator Ted Kennedy MA (September 27, 2002
“The global community - in the form of the United Nations - has declared repeatedly, through multiple resolutions, that the frightening prospect of a nuclear-armed Saddam cannot come to pass. But the U.N. has been unable to enforce those resolutions. We must eliminate that threat now, before it is too late.” - Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (October 2002)
By Taxpayer
November 8, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
On second thought, assuming that Bush drugged us would explain a lot.
By "The Corporal"
November 8, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
I’d rather have wisdom than a list of degrees.
By the way, I may be wrong but has any other president elect ever stood at a podium with a sign that read The Office of the President Elect ?
Along with that Obama Presidential Seal joke that strikes me as being a little pompous.
By Morningstar
November 8, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
By Hey Soose November 8, 2008 8:54 AM ignorant comments like the one he/she made will not help in doing so
And my point was that we are not all teaching our kids to be cool. Healthy, well adjusted young people reach maturity and make up their own minds.
Quite a few on this blog have a way to go in the maturity department, and some evidentally are so ancient (chronologically) they never move from the chair. Nothing wrong with becoming older, we’re all hoping to get there and with a great deal of wisdom.
By Hey Soose
November 8, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Taxpayer, that could explain that funny taste in the water around here :-)
By Ray
November 8, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
The pit bull without lipstick that the Annointed One has chosen for his COS is a great example of how he plans “to come together”. This little guy takes no prisoners. He was complicit in the biggest financial disaster in American history when he was on the Board of Freddie Mac…. same time as Raines was CEO of Fannie Mae in 2001 or so to 2003. Mr Wonderful is surrounding himself with Clinton surrogates including Larry Summers, Emanuel, Volker and Reich. Think any of these guys are going to reach “across the isle” for a better bi-partisan tomorrow? To the victor goes the spoils but don’t expect anymore than a Chicago precinct politician can give you. That’s all he knows.
By Hey Soose
November 8, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Morningstar….all true.
By Goldie
November 8, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
The vast majority of “real Americans” will long be inspired by such a handsome and intelligent man as our New President.
“It’s a beautiful day!” ~Bono
By "The Corporal"
November 8, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Talkin ‘bout kids
The newspaper headline said Obama discusses race with ease by saying mutts like me. I wonder how many bi-racial kids in school next week will appreciate being call a mutt by bullies?
Hey, the President said it so I can call you a mutt if I want to - MUTT!
By Goldie
November 8, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
I’d rather have wisdom than a list of degrees.
Corporal @ 9:01 — I agree. Your goal these days should be to somehow find a way to “have wisdom”… about 95% of this blog is looking forward to witnessing that day when your “wisdom” is finally on display.
By "The Corporal"
November 8, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
To Goldie
That’s a personal attack. Jay doesn’t like that.
1) Now for some debate . What about the Office of the President Elect thing? Has that been done before do you think?
2) What about the mutt thing. Don’t you think bi-racial kids will suffer for that remark?
By Taxpayer
November 8, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Mutts rule.
By RW-(the original)
November 8, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
I read last night’s blog; much was made of Obama calling himself a “mutt.” Of course the GOP apologists carried on that this will bring hell for the “third graders”
Fact check time. I just checked the Silk Boxer blog and “mutt” came up a grand total of twice so I figured maybe teach meant the presser thread. It came up once there.
Third graders came up a grand total of once.
By LA
November 8, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
It’s apparent that the young would relate more to Obama than McCain. I believe Obama is an intelligent man but I don’t see handsome. I hear that all the time and I keep looking for it….not there. Most bi-racial people are very handsome/beautiful don’t see that in Obabma at all. Looks like his lips are purple. His wife is not very pretty either….his children are.
By Hey Soose
November 8, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
I think all of us are tired of the media making mountains out of mole hills. This picking apart ANYTHING and EVERYTHING someone says is getting old. I’m sure Obama meant NOTHING in referring to himself as a ‘Mutt’, but leave it to some to take it as a personal attack upon themselves.
By GodHatesTrash
November 8, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Bookman, is calling someone an a-hole now acceptable again?
Of course there are rightwingnuts rules, and GHT rules.
Given the level of the competition, Bookman tries to even the playing field by yanking my posts more or less randomly.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Corporal, its been 16 years since we had a “President Elect”, since Bush was “President Appoint”. Times change, but I’m guessing you’re stuck somewhere in the early 80’s.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Pompous is calling yourself “The Decider”…or maybe its just stupid…I can’t decide which. Wait, I’ve got it. It’s both.
By Goldie
November 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Mutts rule. I’m one myself, being the offspring of a Southern Baptist and an Irish Catholic. Most Americans I know are all mutts of some sort… Mutts rule!
By Taxpayer
November 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
An Ode to a Name (In memory of Johnny Cash)
There once was a boy named Sue, Every day at school the bullies mad fun with his name, But Sue just studied hard and ignored their childish game, For through the years Sue prospered and grew wise, And without so much as a harsh word it led to the bully’s demise, So you see a “funny” name is no need for despair, For with the right frame of mind there is freedom in the air, To start just get your name changed too.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Jay, Since we’re quoting Who lyrics, let’s Meet the new boss! I know he’s not the same as the old boss! We didn’t get fooled agaaiiiinnnnn! Oh I’m rockin’ now!
By Goldie
November 8, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Mr Snarky — we didn’t get fooled agaaiinnn! Oh, what a relief!
By CommunistAJC
November 8, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
GodHatesTrash, Um, I received my MBA from Duke University. I paid my own way through undergrad and grad school. I can safely say that more educated people vote for the GOP. Why? Because we don’t want dems taking our money and giving it to lazy people who have no intentions of doing anything with their lives. Go sell stupid somewhere else trailer trash.
By RW-(the original)
November 8, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
It looks like some Obama supporters are stepping up the pressure to make him keep his promises.
Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, self-styled head of the al-Qaida front group the Islamic State of Iraq, said in a speech posted on an extremist Web site that it would be better “for you and us” to “withdraw your forces,” according to the SITE Intelligence Group that monitors militant Web sites
In a separate statement, the Mujahedeen Army, a Sunni insurgent group, urged Obama to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq or face “days that will be more difficult than the nightmare experienced by his predecessor”
This would appear to put them on the same footing as the youth block that Jay is crowing about. Hopefully both groups will be disappointed.
By Redneck Convert
November 8, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Well, this Obama might have the young voters but we got the old ones. In another 8 years they will be middle aged and we will be—dead.
And I tried to tell everybody what happens when you waste good tax money on colledges. They turn good Christian kids into libruls and commies. We would of been alot better off letting the kids stay dumb and vote Republican. Us godly rednecks in GA might not know alot but leastwise we know what we know and we stay true to the old ways like our Daddys and Mamas taught us.
Have a good day everybody.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Of course, “On the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.”
On mutts: From a canine perspective, mutts tend to be healthier than purebreds…purebreds tend to suffer from genetic defects that result from inbreeding. I think this carries over to people too, as we often see comments on this blog that could only result from generations of inbreeding.
The fact that Obama brought it up shows that he’s proud of his heritage, and what could be wrong with that?
By "The Corporal"
November 8, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
To RW
I think he said that Friday. Let’s wait until next week. However, if it causes hell for just one student that’s sad for him.
To Snarky
Just seems a little pompous to me and maybe like he is a little unsure of himself? I am the President Elect!
To all
By the way, what are we going to do about those evil, mean, wicked, discriminatory, holier than thou, church going, homophobic black people in California who voted down gay marriage. How in the world are we ever going to enlighten them?
By getalife
November 8, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
RC in da house.
A mutt is mixed breed.
Most Americans are mutts.
I am a Sicilian, Indian, Irish mutt.
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Ah yes, the sublime stutter that launched a thousand young rants!.
“WHY DON’t Y’ALL JUST F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F ADE AWAY?!!!!!”
“DON’T TRY TO DIG WHAT WE ALL S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S AY!!!!!!!”
“THE THINGS THEY DO LOOK AWFUL C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C OLD!!!!”
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Corporal, if President-Elect Obama has shown any signs of being unsure of himself, I’m missing them. You could also read it as he knows he’s not President yet and isn’t pretending that he is. Either way, it seems like any press conference requires a “message” in the background or on the podium these days. Didn’t used to be that way, but I guess its SOP now.
As far as black people being opposed to gay marriage, that’s nothing new. Unfortunately, some folks can’t recognize oppression when they see it, even if they’ve suffered oppression themselves.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Hope I die before I get old!
By Morningstar
November 8, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Goldie @ 9:51 AM - You are correct. We’re all mutts. Ever worked on a family tree?
Communist AJC 9:55 AM Go sell stupid somewhere else trailer trash
I know some nice people who live in trailers.
By Redneck Convert 9:56 They turn good Christian kids into libruls and commies.
LOL! I’ve actually heard that one before. So sad.
Have a nice day, y’all.
By One Voice
November 8, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Corporal @ 9:23
I think most of the 50 and 60-somethings out there don’t have a real grasp of the racial dynamics in America anymore. I work in a large high school that’s very mixed racially, and there are very few racial issues. Out of everyone, biracial kids have the most ease fitting in. They fit in with any crowd. Welcome to the America of the 21st century.
By Curious Observer
November 8, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
I paid my own way through undergrad and grad school.
Good for you, CommunistAJC, but the brighter ones had scholarships and fellowships.
By pj
November 8, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
To all you Ranter, Ravers, Screamers and Shouter:
“Lighten up Francis”
The Nancy Reagan and Mutt mentions were jokes. If you didn’t find them funny. oh well but if the only complaints you have about that press conference are two off the cuff remarks and the sign on the podium than I guess he’s not in bad shape. The issues are what keep escaping you guys and that’s why McCain lost the election. Staying on message is why Obama won. Young, old, black, white and everything in between voters got it right.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Morningstar - Pssst…Redneck Convert is being a satirical caricature.
By One Voice
November 8, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Communist @ 9:55,
If you were really educated (I don’t consider an MBA an education), you’d know there is a negative correlation between education and one’s tendency to vote Republican, just as there is a negative correlation between education and religious belief. You may want to go back to college and read your research studies.
By Ray
November 8, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
We have a new Carl Rove now, except he is out in liberal land. Bookman and all of his cronies ranted and railed about Rove all during the election about what a sinister and misdirected person he was and is. He only won elections for the Repubs. Now we have Emanuel who makes Rove look like Mary Poppins. He not only wins elections for the Demos and gives them back Congress but now will be at the right hand of the most inexperienced person in history to take the oath on 20 Jan. A Demo controlled Congress with an approval rating lower than whale s* advised by a little man on a mission from the White House who thinks prisoners are not worth taking. All headed up by an empty suit who wants to Europeanize America and “bring back our image” to all of these people out there in foreign aid land who depend on their checks every year. Giving away out country, one dollar at a time. And you idiots voted for this clown!!
By TN Gelding
November 8, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
CommunistAJC
November 8, 2008 9:55 AM
Not this time.
The educated, intelligent Republicans helped build the electoral college landslide.
By Taxpayer
November 8, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I think Corporal is jealous of us mutts. What do you think about inbreds — the true purebreds, Corporal?
There was a bully that tried to pick on me when I was in junior high. This bigger kid sided with me and told the bully to pick on someone his own size. The bully never messed with me again. I don’t know what became of the bully either. I went on to graduate from high school and then earn three degrees in engineering and I do consider myself as having made a wise decision in deciding to pursue each degree. Then again, such a life is certainly not for everyone.
By the way, North Carolina — home to Duke University and Research Triangle — voted in favor of Obama as I recall. Must be their education.
By Morningstar
November 8, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
By Mr Snarky November 8, 2008 10:24 AM Morningstar - Pssst…Redneck Convert is being a satirical caricature.
I know, but you’d be surprised how many still exist who actually think that way. Those bad ‘liberal professors’ turning kids into godless beings.
I’m really gone now.
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
This just in from The Onion:
DRUG-ADDLED THUG STORMS AM RADIO STATION: BEGINS BROADCASTING RADICAL RIGHT-WING MESSAGE
Defenders and new converts claimed his message was completely legitimate and coherent, but many who were skeptical noted the host’s tendency to rock back and forth in his chair and make wild gestures. A new and strange lingo was invented - like ‘drive-bys’ - with many terms being half-muttered, causing some to suspect overexcitement possibly brought with advanced age and impaired faculties. But others defended the host, saying that even thugs have the right to their say and to access to the public airwaves despite a checkered past of unsavory activities which journalistic propriety prohibits us from mentioning here.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Ray, as I said, Meet the new boss! Here’s a movie for you.
By "The Corporal"
November 8, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
To Snarky
Thank you for a little Saturday morning debate instead of name calling and vitriol. Refreshing.
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
By the way, North Carolina — home to Duke University and Research Triangle — voted in favor of Obama as I recall. Must be their education.
Great piont, Taxpayer!
This is one of the great questions we face around here in the aftermath of this election.
How did NC and VA steal the glory from GA in being the first to go progressive? VA I can kind of understand, it being now merely an extension of the highly educated NE corridor. But how did sleepy old Mayberry-land beat us out on this one?
Now THAT is a question to ponder for us progressives in this state.
By pj
November 8, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Ray:
Obama has yet to take office so all those checks to foreign countries have come for his predecessors.
Don’t hate the player, hate the game. Raham is a smart, no nonsense man who I believe will serve this country and Obama well.
As far as experience is concerned many men have come into the White House with little or no experience, some have done a good job and some not. And the only people who can really be called experienced in that job is a re-elected president after all unlike kings and queens no one is born into this position. The American people made a choice between “experience vs change” and the majority choose the latter.
By TotY
November 8, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Asheville, N.C. teacher browbeats a veteran’s child with an Obama lie.
Yes she can?
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
What an unspeakable tragedy and missed opportunity.
If I’m not mistaken, by the time Obama had committed his ‘Nancy Reagan’ gaffe, Rush’s Friday show was already in the books, depriving him of the chance to pounce. So looks like he’ll have to wait till Monday, when the soup will be cold, to rock back and forth, wildly gesticulate and froth and the mouth about the true outrage and pressing issue for our nation.
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
What an unspeakable tragedy and missed opportunity.
If I’m not mistaken, by the time Obama had committed his ‘Nancy Reagan’ gaffe, Rush Limbaugh’s Friday show was already in the books, depriving him of the chance to pounce. So looks like he’ll have to wait till Monday, when the soup will be cold, to rock back and forth, wildly gesticulate and froth at the mouth about this outrage and pressing issue for our nation.
By AmVet
November 8, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
pj @10:22,
Why are so many people so thin-skinned? And why must they take their opinions and positions on EVERYTHING so damned seriously? (I know, rhetorical questions both).
It is VERY unbecoming.
I brought up the “mutt” comment yesterday evening, as much as anything, just to see the reaction.
It was predictable.
Some, like myself, found it funny and very human.
But those who loathe the president-elect, for any number of reasons, saw it as some monstrous gaffe, and a breach of good taste that will permanently scar the little ones.
Rubbish!
Sad.
And small.
By Taxpayer
November 8, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Well, it’s time to get out and enjoy this great fall day especially now that it’s warmed up a few degrees. Y’all have fun.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 8, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Considering that America’s educational ranking in the world stands at a measly 28th, I believe we are now tied with Pakistan, I’m not real sure if I’d be bragging on your new contingent of voters.
Being “educated” in the United States is akin to being indoctrinated, same as the Khmer Rouge used to do with those delightful murdering pre teens in Cambodia.
How long before you liberals set the little darlings to spying on their parents, keeping track of any criticisms they may have of the “state?”
By AJC/DNC Management
November 8, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Well, surprise, surprise:
Kabul, Afghanistan —- Taliban fighters held a wedding party captive and fired on U.S. forces in an attack designed to draw U.S. airstrikes on civilians and stoke anti-American sentiment.-Urinal/Jihad
You reckon?
Gosh, I wonder what has happened recently that would cause the liberals to come clean about something that has been a regular occurrence for over 7 years now?
I guess now that Afghanistan belongs to the pinkkkos, lock, stock and barrel, it’s a good time to start easing up on the anti American propaganda, eh?
Real sweet of them, ain’t it?
By AmVet
November 8, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Now we have Emanuel who makes Rove look like Mary Poppins.
Interesting.
I have not heard much about this guy and what I have is not terribly favorable.
Nonetheless…
Would you care to provide the first scintilla of evidence to substantiate that absurd allegation?
Hint: It would need to be one HELLUVA list to make that malevolent hatchet man look like some sort of benevolent nanny….
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
No problem Corporal. Furthermore on the anti-Gay Marriage Amendment…the Mormons were big funders in support of it. One would think that given their history of being persecuted for their religion, they would hesitate before actively stripping others of rights.
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Being “educated” in the United States is akin to being indoctrinated, same as the Khmer Rouge used to do with those delightful murdering pre teens in Cambodia.
Ah yes, a common right-wing trope: blame education as a hot bed of indoctrination and brainwashing.
Btw, thanks Onion Management for deigning to take up an issue with us directly. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say, thanks! No, really, thanks. :-)
But back to this edu-ma-cation thing. You need to get with your leadership and get straight on this one, because the cognitive dissonance is thoroughly unbecoming of such a fine movement as the conservative movement.
Of course it’s true that suspicion of education has been a time-honored tradition in the conservative movement, at least since the publication of *God and Man at Yale”. And that of course was what led the author of that tome to famously quip that he would rather be governed by the ‘first thousand names in the Boston phone directory or so” than by the faculty at Harvard University. (Now who could argue with that?)
But while we have those sentiments on the one hand, we also have a counter-tradition within the movement, represented by Bill Bennett among others (including Lynne Cheney, wife of Dick, by the way), and which goes back at least to the Reagan administration’s publication of the alarmist tract “A Nation at Risk”, which diagnosed the very woes you refer to, but the publication of which Reagan at first only reluctantly signed on to as the project had slimy pinko lib fingerprints all over it.
This side of the movement envirsioned conservatism boldly claiming the ground of a rejuvenation of high intellectual standards for the culture as against lib feel-good multiculturalism and other assorted bogey-men.
But, as David Brooks has reminded us, the selection of Sarah Palin of Alaska as the VP nominee for the republican party this year represents something of a watershed on this question, or to be more to the point, it points to the fact that the game is up and the pro-education, pro-cultural standards wing of the movement has been completely routed.
So, that’s your predicament my friend. There’s no use denying it, because when you do those of us who know better will smile and know that you’re just whistling past the ideological ash heap.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 8, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Oblahma was marketed like some block buster movie, albeit with more bells and whistles than usual, all aimed at the dim and weak minded.
Add to that all of the 5 star raving reviews from the toady media, and all of the stunted are lining up at the box office.
Wait till they find out what a dud this show is gonna be, no instant payoffs, no instant end to the democrat incivility and rage, no brighter skies than any other day of the week.
Like all kids, they will grow up and realize that this is fake, same as wrestling is.
(Just kidding, suxie hardie, wrestling isn’t fake, take it easy man.)
By pj
November 8, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
To AJC/DNC:
I believe the only person that releases intelligence is the president. If not, who released this info. Maybe the press got a hold of this. Did this come from the desk of Pelosi or Reed. Inquiring minds want to know. I don’t know where you’ve been but I have read reports like this before (mostly for propaganda). I’ll check back later but I must do some yard work.
By One Voice
November 8, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
AmVet,
Emanuel is a real player. He is not a wimpy, Dukakis style Democrat. He’s a fire breather who will not hesitate to play hard ball but will also broker deals and talk to the other side. What he has over Rove is more intelligence, a stronger political philosophy (read: more correct), more tact, and less proclivity for divisiveness. His pick really gives us insight into what type of president Obama will be. Obama will not be a pushover and heed conservatives’ inconsequential warning to govern from the center. He knows he was voted in to produce change, and he’ll do what he thinks is right, whether it’s a centric position or one on the far left on any given issue.
By Mr Snarky
November 8, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Now we have Emanuel who makes Rove look like Mary Poppins.
Maybe in some ways, but Rove is an idealogue who operated inside the White House to ensure every aspect of the govt was politicized and corrupted. Emmanuel is more pragmatic and realizes that for Obama to have any real impact, govt must be effective or Americans will reject a more activist govt that the Democrats want. Rahm recruited plenty of Pro-Life Vets to run as democrats…he’s a pragmatist much more than an idealogue.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 8, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Is cutting back on government ever even considered by the democrats?-
Sources: New York City MTA To Toll All East River Bridges-Cash-Strapped MTA About To Drop Hammer On Everyone, Congestion Pricing May Also Be Back On The Table
Nice idea in these hard times, tax everybody.
Can you say Detroit?
By AJC/DNC Management
November 8, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
By pj November 8, 2008 11:24 AM To AJC/DNC: I believe the only person that releases intelligence is the president. If not, who released this info.
The exact same people who have been releasing the exact same intelligence for the past seven years that you libs chose to ignore up until today.
That help?
By "The Corporal"
November 8, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
To Snarky
The categories of religion/skin color/ethnicity,country of origin, sex, etc. and sexual perversion are two different things. To equate the two as diserving equal protection under the law is in my opinion unjustified. The first category should be protected - the second should be kept private. Once you bring it out in the open and try to give it equal status the fight is on.
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
What do you mean “release intelligence”?
Do you mean, “make public”?
Who releases it to the president?
Does the secretary of NS have a role? The joint chief of staffs? A carrier pigeon maybe?
Don’t mind me, I’m just brainstorming here …..
By Disgusted
November 8, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
How interesting that the conservatives are ready to jump on Rahm Emanuel!
During some channel-flipping last night, I happened upon the blathering of a roundtable guest who proclaimed that Obama would do just fine so long as he didn’t raise taxes on anybody and started cutting programs to help the poor and the middle class. In other words, so long as he became a Republican.
Well, guess what? Emanuel is precisely the kind of chief of staff who can effect the change that American voters said they want. Give it up, trogs. You are going to see change, and you won’t like it one bit.
By Midori
November 8, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
I see the corporal has been fishing in the sewer, yet again, trying to find something, ANYTHING to attack Obama for.
Corporal should really try to educate himself before posting his outrage du jour
Read carefully, Corporal: “The Office of the President-elect comes from the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. Stephanopoulos signed letters back in 1992 from the ‘Office of the President-elect.’
BTW - That information came from Michelle Malkin’s Blog. She’s an uneducated lump, too.
By One Voice
November 8, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
andi,
I find it ironic that someone who is an indoctrinated fundamentalist without an education would suggest that secular education is about indoctrination. It’s pretty clear you don’t have a clue about either topic. Education is about passing on knowledge we have empirical evidence for, while indoctrination is about passing on knowledge there is no empirical evidence for. You are obviously indoctrinated but not educated.
I’m pretty excited about Obama’s election and the fact that Democrats will have large majorities in both the House and Senate. Obama will be able to end the war, nationalize healthcare, develop renewable energy sources, and appoint at least two young, liberal judges to the Supreme Court, which will solidify the balance for many years to come.
Weren’t you saying just last week that McCain would win? Don’t you ever get tired of being wrong? It is sad that you will look back upon Bush’s incompetent reign as the “Golden Years”, since never again in your lifetime will Republicans have that sort of power. It is clear that Republicans won’t get the message that Americans will no longer support their intolerant, unintelligent, divisive views until after you’ve lost another election in 2012. After that, you will have lost a great deal of your supporters simply due to attrition, and a vast majority of the country will be true-blue Democrats who have voted that way for two decades. It’s too much to ask that your ilk get a clue, but that’s fine because we’ll keep winning elections in the meantime.
By getalife
November 8, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Saturday historic toons
By "The Corporal"
November 8, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Also from Michelle’s site and conveniently not mentioned above
“Okay, it’s one thing to take your campaign website, transfer it to a dot-gov domain, and invent an “Office of the President-Elect” out of whole cloth.
But now we’ve got Sen. Obama standing in front of a podium, in front of the world, for his first transitional press conference with an official-looking sign that reads Office of the President-Elect Is that the official seal of the U.S. on the sign? Do they have authority to use it? What other make-believe offices are they going to invent between now and Inauguration Day? I can’t ever recall in my lifetime any mention of such an office. Can you?”
Now back to me. I repeat. I don’t ever recall a president elect standing in front of a podium with a sign saying “Office of the President Elect”. I think it’s pompous
If someone can find a prior example, I will apologize.
By Hey Soose
November 8, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Suprise, surprise! The election is over, and Obama will soon be President. (Personally, I’m beginning to believe for the better.) Ranting, raving, and/or calling people stupid, uneducated, etc. will not change that fact. Get on board or move along, please. Next station, 4 years from now.
By Ray
November 8, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
My biggest question is how Mr. Wonderful is going to address the forgotten part of the black community. Democratic politicians remind me of University Athletic directors who, once the athlete has performed for the university, brought in all of that TV money for saturday football games and been given a second rate education just to keep him on the squad, is tossed aside when no longer needed with little prospect for a good job and a life style that reflects his hard work. The forgotten part of our society has been patronized, subsidized, characterized and used for way too long…… and most of the time they are blaming the wrong people for their lot in life.
We need a Black American Peace Corps to go into communities and restore and create pride. We need the youth to be taken out of harm’s way and given an opportunity to succeed. We need an identity for black youth that doesn’t center on thugs, rappers, drug dealers and school dropouts.
Obama said little about this problem during his campaign, only hitting it once or twice. Might have undercut his voting base….. also not black enough. It is the single most important aspect of our domestic society that faces us today and we don’t have a single national leader who gives a Tinker’s Damn!!
By getalife
November 8, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Midori,
The grunt is proud to display his ignorance.
Starting off bashing our new President marginalized him as a kook like rush.
Not “real American”, thinking “country first”.
By Midori
November 8, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Corporal:
about as POMPOUS as Bush standing in front of a podium labeled THE WESTERN WHITE HOUSE in 2001 the summer prior to the terrorist attack?
that kind of POMPOUS?
that kind of MAKE BELIEVE OFFICE?
Were you concerned as much then as now?
here. educate yourself some more
by the way — that wisdom stuff ain’t working, either.
By GodHatesTrash
November 8, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Obama was elected to move the middle to the left, and he knows it.
Sorry, rightwingnuts.
By ron
November 8, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
From what I’ve read and heard about Emanuel,he’s a get things done type guy,but he’s sort of a loose cannon to boot.He literally explodes dozens of times in a normal day.He’s the antidote to Obama’s laid back style.It’s about even money that he and Obama will end up sparring with either Read or Pelosi.Probably both.
By Midori
November 8, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
MORE EDUCATION FOR THE CORPORAL
Presidential Transition Act of 1963
Eighty-eighth Congress of the United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the seventh day of January, on one thousand nine hundred and sixty-four
An Act
To promote the orderly transfer of the executive power in connection with the expiration of the term of office of a President and the Inauguration of a new President.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the “President Transition Act of 1963”
The terms “President-elect” and “Vice-President-elect” as used in this Act shall mean
such persons as are the apparent successful candidates for the office of the President and Vice President, respectively,…..
i don’t expect the corporal to read this and understand this. or take it in consideration. rather, i hope this information will serve useful to others who don’t fish around in the sewers looking for more fake outrage
By GodHatesTrash
November 8, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Here’s Obama negotiating with the Repubs:
“Here’s what I am going to do. Any questions?”
By Ray
November 8, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Ron,
Little man complex…. he’s 5’6” tall and a man on mission. Here’s speculating that he doesn’t last the year.
By AmVet
November 8, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
One Voice,
I hope so.
One of my numerous complaints about the modern day Democratic Party is their overall spinelessness.
And the party’s effort, as championed by the Democratic Leadership Council, to become Republican-lite.
They are as culpable, in my opinion, in many (most?) cases as this awful administration and it’s brain dead enablers vis a vis the intentionally botched invasion/occupation of Iraq.
Who exactly stood up and said. “NO, Mr. President! You are going off half-cocked on this deadly and ill-prepared adventure!” Yes, there were some, but I don’t recall anyone in the party’s chicken hawk “leadership” taking that position. They cowardly put their political survival first.
Then after capturing the US Congress in 2006, they, including Sen. Obama, endorsed most of the Bush Administration’s legislative agenda and approved all BushCo’s war funding bills.
And like the gutless GOP, they turned a completely blind eye to the impending Wall Street meltdown/Crime of the Century. They too, took the money and ran.
Then even worse, the Democratic leadership, including Sen. Obama, failed to hold the President and Vice President accountable for a host of crimes and abuses of power and rejected motions for impeachment, giving the most serially impeachable president, a free pass to do whatever he pleased.
A list of offenses so long it deserves it’s own post.
They need to grow a pair and quick, if they wish to keep from losing anyone over the age of about thirty-five.
By getalife
November 8, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
As a “real American” Independent, thinking “country first”, I will support our new President and hope he can fix the economy.
It is a huge challenge and if he can clean up this first w catastrophe, he is well on his way to being the best ever.
I call on all “real Americans” to think “country first” and support our new President.
By ron
November 8, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Ray @12:23——-That could explain it.I don’t see his longevity either.
Two other things of note—-At yesterday’s press conference he stood with Obama.I’ve not seen the Chief og Staff do that before.
At yesterday’s press conference Obama was asked about his tax policy.He explained at some length the tax cut for the mystical 95% but not one word about the other 5%.A change of plans coming?
Yes,I know it’s Harry Reid,but after one clicks post,it’s over for that round.
By Native Buckeye
November 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Mission Accomplished (May 1, 2003) -signaling the end of major combat operations in Iraq….and you want to WHINE about a Pres. elect seal. He also stated more than once, that he doesn’t take office until Jan. 20, 2009, if anything, look at that seal as a sign of hope in the future
By GodHatesTrash
November 8, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
AmVet, good post.
It will be interesting to see how Bush and his criminal cohorts are handled. I wonder how many pardons he (Bush) will issue, and if he’ll attempt to “pre-pardon” others.
Really, I don’t expect any prosecution here, but it will be interesting to see how The Hague’s inevitable subpoenas and indictments are handled by the Obama administration. At a minimum, these guys might as well hand in their passports, those pardons won’t work overseas.
Nancy Pelosi is a twit on her best days. I think Emanuel is an end run around her. I can’t believe her statement this week that they were going to govern from the middle. The Blue Dogs got neutered this cycle, there’s a huge margin now in the House.
And, I am excited by the Obama Supreme Court. He’ll get to replace 2 justices next year, and probably a couple of more, at least, over his first term. I’m sure someone’s vetting some fine 35 year-old progressive-minded judges as I type.
A mandate is a wonderful thing.
(Larry Craig is a Republican that will agree).
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Speaking of 60s pop culture and generational change, did anyone catch Roger Corman’s 1967 film on L.S.D., The Trip, on TCM at 2:00 AM.
I can easily see an entire film about an acid trip being a complete disaster, but I have to say, not half bad.
Peter Fonda was terrific as was a bearded and slighly menacing young Bruce Dern, who was impossibly handsome and really quite good.
The screenplay was written by none other than Jack Nicholson.
What can I say, it was a trip (sorry).
By mike hussein smith
November 8, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
It’s great to see that so many young voters refused to be fooled the first time.
By **"The Corporal"**
November 8, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
1) Everyone knows the act exists. That’s not the issue.I should know as I helped protect three president elects.
I repeat I have never seen a president elect stand in front of such a plaque.
It’s pompous
2) Back off Barry. You are NOT the president yet. Our current president will have many (and maybe some critical) decisions to make between now and when you are sworn in. You may not like those decisions but too bad. You will get your chance but not yet. 3) We will hold your nose to the grindstone just like the fanatic liberals held Bush’s to the grindstone. We will monitor your every move, act, word, mannerism and policy and make our views known accordingly. Get ready.By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Did somebody mention the name Fonda?
By Midori
November 8, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
well, Corporal,
if anyone knows and exhibits POMPOUS, it appears you’re the resident EXPERT
Moving on now……….
By Soixante huitard
November 8, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Fonda, word now is that Jane and Ted didn’t split due to her religion after all. Or at least, not per se. Who knew?
By AmVet
November 8, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Palin particularly lashed out at the anonymous Republican campaign sources cited in a Fox News report who said she did not know Africa was a continent, not a country, and could not name the three countries in the North American Free Trade Agreement — Canada, the United States and Mexico.
“If there are allegations based on questions or comments that I made in debate prep about NAFTA, and about the continent vs. the country when we talk about Africa there, then those were taken out of context,” she said. “That’s cruel, It’s mean-spirited. It’s immature. It’s unprofessional and those guys are jerks if they came away with it, taking things out of context and then tried to spread something on national news. It’s not fair, and it’s not right.”
I agree Governor. The manifestation of Gingrich politics and neo-con hit-men come back to haunt one of it’s own.
And to her ever-growing shame,* Palin also said she would not call on Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, to resign, although last month, before his re-election bid, she said he should “step aside” and “play a very statesmanlike role in this now.” Stevens, 84, was found guilty on seven counts of trying to hide more than $250,000 in free home renovations and other gifts that he received from a wealthy oil contractor.*
“Sambo beat the b!tch.” Calling Alaska’s Aboriginal people “Arctic-Arabs.” It appears to me that this fringe evangelical woman is “Rove mean and Nixon vindictive”.
No wonder the whites only crowd thinks she is the greatest thing to happen to the GOP since Joe McCarthy…
By Just_Me
November 8, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
getalife
A Sicilian? Geez, I thought i was the only one down here.
I have been listening/reading with great interest the gnashing of teeth over the “mutt” comment. The most ludicrous I’ve heard to date, “What about those third graders who will go to school on Monday to be teased by bullies…”
1) If you THINK for one second third graders (or their bully counterparts) listened to the press conference to hear the comment, you don’t have a working knowledge of elementary kids.
2) Quite frequently, we mock ourselves and “our own.” Think-how many of you call your friends who are from the same race/gender names that would NEVER be tolerated from someone else.
Lighten UP. My sons have described themselves in interesting ways as well; (they’re half Jamaican, too). People must be really desperate to jump on that phrase and make it an issue….
AmVet as usual, a bit of clarity here. Thanks. Your analogy reminds me of “live by the sword, DIE by the sword.” She got into bed with those who were excellent at spewing fear, hate, and ignorance. Did she really believe for one hot second they wouldn’t turn on HER? I’d laugh, but the bronchitis will precipitate a giant coughing attack, from which I will need three days to recover.
Off topic: Parents, please, please, PLEASE keep your hacking, sick children at home, And don’t send the back until they are fever free for 24 hours. They’re infecting everyone. My room sounded like a TB ward all week….of my 70 kids, three didn’t have a cough.
eeeewww.
Play nice. Going back to bed.
By **"The Corporal"**
November 8, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
A president elect should stay in the background until it’s his turn. Obama has zero/nada power in the Exeutive Branch until the moment he is sworn in.
Show some class and act accordingly.
By TN Gelding
November 8, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
AJC/DNC Management
November 8, 2008 11:22 AM
Dim and weak-minded?
I guess that’s why so many Republican elites supported him.
If he can climb out out the hole Mr. Duhbya is leaving in the first 4 years he’ll be a miracle worker.
By Midori
November 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
that’s your entire problem with Obama isn’t it, Corporal? That he’s an intelligent, classy, competent, self-made man? Unlike that idiot in the White House who goes on pretzel binges?
We understand.
Thank God Obama is showing some LEADERSHIP.
Something we haven’t seen for quite some time.
Again, we understand.
Obama is everything your moron saviour isn’t. Hence your nit picking and idiotic whining.
Yes we can.
Understand.
By sunshine and thunder
November 8, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
JAY
Of course younger voters lean to the left. What do you think education consists of these days?
For almost 8 years school children have been lied to by teachers, academics, the media and some of their parents.
As follows (but not limited to):
Bush stole the election.
Bush lied about WMD’s.
Bush cut taxes only for the rich.
Bush was completely at fault for not moving fast enough on Hurricane Katrina.
Bush is stupid. Al Gore and John Kerry are smart. (LOL)
The Iraq War was for oil.
Haliburton got no bid contracts under the Bush Administration.
Global warming is caused by human activity.
Bush prevented all stem cell research.
The Bush Administration leaked Valerie Plame’s name.
All of you left nuts would have multiple cows if even a hint of religion were taught in school but are perfectly fine with left wing ideology being taught and used as indoctrination.
By "The Corporal"
November 8, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Did you really mean thank God ?
By Copyleft
November 10, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Corporal: Why not? After all, not every person of sincere faith is a right-wing loser.
Those are the folks that give all Christians a bad name.