Jay Bookman

By AJC/DNC Management

January 23, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this

Come on man, Horse Face didn’t pay her taxes.

Just like any other high tax preaching liberal.

No sense making ANOTHER spectacle out of the democrat party.

geez

By DB, Gwinnettian

January 23, 2009 7:55 AM | Link to this

Having read the linked piece, I’m going to cut Anne Kornblut a little slack on this. While she deployed the FoxNews weasle-phrase “some say,” at least she did provide an on-background quote from someone to back it up.

(I realize you probably cut her slack too, and you weren’t attacking the author but rather the sentiment being reported. But I’m not totally sure of that, so… well, you get the idea.)

By DB, Gwinnettian

January 23, 2009 8:00 AM | Link to this

Poor Andy. With Sweeeet Caroline (wah wah wah!) out of the running, he’ll have to find some other object of his misogyny upon which to “practice his love.”

By Shawny

January 23, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this

The NY Gov didn’t think her the best for the job, and he was right. Game over. no biggie.

Speaking of ‘victims’, this blojobovich gov of Il compares his plight to Pearl Harbor. Are you kidding?!? At Pearl, those Americans were victims of a sneak attack. In IL, the Gov is a crook and criminal, and deserves an impeachment.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this

Jay

I like the consistency of your arguments - Palin was unprepared for a VP slot, Kennedy for a senator slot. You may be the only liberal columnist who’d so state but I’ll guess the broadcast and print media will not report it that way.

I’ve written before, the Democratic governor should have given the spotlight to someone more in the Pres Obama change mold - someone from a tough background (biracial child, essentially abandoned by his father, mother not the most stable, raised by grandparents) who by hard work and determination (appeals to Republican voters) and availing himself of programs designed to level the playing field and provide equal opportunity (appeals to Democratic voters - okay, that’s a gross generalization, but it’s what I pick up from reading here) who became a stunning success in life.

Not a child of wealth. With famous ancestors. From a multigenerational political family. Not part of the existing power structure. That’s who the Democratic governor should have spotlighted.

Oh, and someone whose record demonstrated an interest in, record of, and future capability, to perform well as a US Senator.

DB, Gwinnetian 7:55

“Fox weasel phrase of ‘some say’”? From last evening:

[[Seems according to a “source close to the governor” that Ms Kennedy dropped out of consideration for the Senate because… she was having an affair with Arthur Salsberger (sp) publisher of the New York Times.

Nothing proven. Noting substantiated. Ms Kennedy said “personal reasons.” Here’s a suggestion: NY Times drags out the article they ran with unnamed sources and innuendo that Sen McCain was having an affair with a lobbyist. All they have to do is substitute “Ms Kennedy” for “Sen McCain” and “NY Times publisher” for “lobbyist.” See? Easy! And it simply follows their already-established journalistic standards!

Then they can have their reporters conduct an on the record interview with their publisher and ask him “You knew about this affair with a person being considered for public office. Why did you not come forward with this information? Why did you operate in secrecy, seeking to deceive the citizens of NY?” ]]

Can we also say “NY Times weasel phrase”?

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this

“Some say” Kirsten Gillabrand will be named New York Senator—AP, which I guess for some odd reason stands for Fox News.

She’s 42, just had a baby, is a staunch gun rights advocate and hunter. Are we sure her name isn’t Sarah Palin? Well actually she;s got a lot less experience and isn’t nearly as hot as SarahCuda, but she’ll be another Blue Dog Democrat for the Harry and Nancy show to deal with, providing the AP heard from the right “some” and Harry doesn’t start stomping his feet, claiming he won’t seat her

By Tank

January 23, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

Has anyone seen or heard of the comments made my Robert Reich, the new labor secretary, regarding white construction workers?

By DB, Gwinnettian

January 23, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this

Paul, you can say whatever you like.

However, FoxNews regularly used (I haven’t watched in a while, so maybe they’ve dropped it) the phrase “some people say” in their hard-news top-of-the-hour reporting when what they usually meant was “we’re pulling this unsourced, not even on-deep-background assertion out of our arse and hoping it’s accepted as conventional wisdom.”

I am not sure I am capable of jumping through the hoops you’ve set up to get from my very minor modifier in a sentence to yours about one (1) story the Times ran about McCain’s involvement with a lobbyist, which was actually, you know, sourced and stuff.

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

{{{{However, FoxNews regularly used (I haven’t watched in a while, so maybe they’ve dropped it) the phrase “some people say” in their hard-news top-of-the-hour reporting when what they usually meant was “we’re pulling this unsourced}}}}}

Cite, please.

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

I’m glad Caroline Kennedy withdrew her name - she doesn’t need to mess around with politics - and waste her time with the vultures in the press.

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Are you suggesting that Caroline is having an affair?

You know what today is, right? 12 hours and 46 minutes.

By Midori

January 23, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

However, FoxNews regularly used (I haven’t watched in a while, so maybe they’ve dropped it) the phrase “some people say” in their hard-news top-of-the-hour reporting when what they usually meant was “we’re pulling this unsourced, not even on-deep-background assertion out of our arse and hoping it’s accepted as conventional wisdom.”

DB,

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Katie Couric deploys that “some people say” tactic as well.

By DB, Gwinnettian

January 23, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this

RW, here’s one cite chock full o’ clips, give it a view/listen.

You mentioned Rep. Gillabrand—based on nothing more than a look at her own website, she sounds promising.

Gotta run. Later, all.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this

DB

I hadn’t noticed that about the hard news program - unless it’s referring to “unnamed Administration sources - or other politicians providing background. Or gov’t workers with an axe to grind. Heck, that’s what caused all the ruckus at the first White House press briefing - the constant reference to unnamed sources regarding Gitma by Gibbs (see “Washington Times - Obama Press Aide Gets Bashed in Debut, Jan 23).

The Times story alleging Sen McCain had sex with a lobbyist was sourced, all right - two anonymous sources. I was having fun with that story and they Kennedy rumors, as I’m sure you understand.

I wasn’t trying to set up hoops for anyone to justify anything - more pointing out the parallels and strong similarities, as well as the way reporting changes dramatically when the party affiliation changes or the politician in question is despised or adored.

Bosch

(Caroline Kennedy) “doesn’t need to mess around with politics”

Uhh, Bosch, it’s publishers she’s messin’ around with. Not politics.

Okayokayokay, cheap shot. Nothing personal. Just another great straight line begging for a follow-up.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this

Bosch

[[Are you suggesting that Caroline is having an affair? ]]

Just passing along info from the NY Post says the rumor site Gawker says:

Link: Reports of Affair with NY Times publisher may have influenced decision

Although Gawker couldn’t confirm it - ‘cause the NY Times said “we don’t comment on stuff like this.” Uhhhh, right. Ask Guiliani. McCain. Spitzer. Paterson. Oh, right - they don’t publish the paper the editors work for….

You know from my past writings - I really don’t care much what people do with their personal lives. I believe the NY Times guy is single and reports are Kennedy is essentially single, so that weakens the “if he/she will violate their vows and deceive their spouse can we trust them?” Kennedy, FDR, Clinton - they did some pretty good things as president. Nonadulterous living doesn’t guarantee a president we can trust - look at Nixon.

Again, I’m struck by the irony in how media handle the story for a Kennedy or publisher as opposed to…. others.

I lose track of dates and times - not on a bender, just work alone. But I did have the inspirational flash this morning - it’s Friday! And the DVR is set up.

12 hours 29 minutes

By CommunistAJC

January 23, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

Bookman, there are bigger differences between Palin and Kennedy.

1: Palin didn’t seek the VP. John Mccain sought her out. Big difference.

2: Palin actually has experience and Kennedy does not.

3: Palin excites a large number of people and Kennedy does not.

4: Palin doesn’t rely on her dead dad or drunk fat uncle to score political points.

5: Palin pays her taxes.

6: Palin didn’t cheat on her husband.

7: Kennedy is anorexic.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

DB 9:22

Good clip to illustrate the point. Of course, I immediately wondered what would happen if one examined clips from Today show, Good Morning America, etc. Begs the question “is this exclusive to Fox or is it part of larger media practice?”

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this

“Nonadulterous living doesn’t guarantee a president we can trust - look at Nixon”

True. And Bush.

IMHO, many still see Kennedy as the little girl at her daddy’s funeral. You know, the daddy who got his head blown off while riding around in your neck of the woods. People have weird protection issues with her.

Or, maybe she’s being treated differently because she’s a Kennedy and messin’ around with a publisher.

By AJC/DNC Management

January 23, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

{{{{The surprising - and, for many Democrats shocking - decision to pick the conservative Gillibrand, 42, from Hudson in Columbia County, was disclosed by the governor in calls to party officials and some members of the state’s congressional delegation, many of whom said they were unhappy with the selection, sources said.-NYPost}}}}

Shocking!

I have to give it to you democrats, you’re not boring, to say the least.

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Ragger,

That clip pulls several instances of the phrase “some people say” but it doesn’t back the rest of your allegation that they are making up something out of whole cloth with no sourcing for the express purpose out putting a falsehood into conventional wisdom. Is it really the best you can do to pull from obvious propaganda pieces to back your claims?

As Midori pointed out the use of the phrase isn’t limited to Fox and I would bet you could easily put that clip together with any broadcast news organization and certainly any cable news outfit. Did you even notice that the majority of your cutaways were from the morning talk show hosts?

By getalife

January 23, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

When you are not up to the job, it is very obvious. Simple interviews like the Couric interview with Palin shows this fact.

She is probably brighter than Palin which is not saying much but doubt she is as brilliant as Hillary.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

Management

I read a report this morning that said Sen Schumer was a big influence in lobbying for someone from upstate. I will say from having spent a lot of time in the region, New Yorkers (meaning those in “the City” )tend to look at anyone outside the City as rubes and those upstate tend do look at the City as… well, it was once described as, if you look at a map of NY and the City’s at the bottom, it’s kinda like the state’s a toilet, and the gov’t sucks all the money out of you that they can, then they flush and it all flows down to the City.

But I think Sen Schumer made a good call on this -

By Ray

January 23, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

“The Senate has only one black member and he was appointed”. Does the quota system have to run everything? Are we to be condemned over and over because a certain minority is not fully represented in every aspect of our lives? First it was pro football coaches but I don’t think that Tony Dungy or Mike Tomlin were a part of some quota system. They are just good coaches. Then it was principles of schools and astronauts……. now it’s the POTUS. Robert Reich testified before Charles Rangel that he felt that white construction workers should not be able to bid for contracts regarding the present bailout…… said that the money should go “to the most deserving”. We have all witnessed how these “most deserving” can many times screw up a two car funeral. The previous mayor of Atlanta can attest to that although he won’t admit it. Quotas have no place in our society for any segment of our population.

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Paul,

I’m not even sure the “some say” thing is even bad most of the time. Let’s say a topic is hot and editorial writers are taking it on. If a few liberal writers have one take and a few conservative writers have a different one, then a broadcast report that says some say this and others say that is perfectly reasonable. Most of DB’s clips sounded like they were probably just that, but they cut them too quickly to know what was being discussed.

By Goldie

January 23, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

I like Caroline, but she’s shy and needs to be more in the public eye, doing public things, in order to gain more political confidence. Maybe she can find a spot somewhere in Obama’s administration, doing good for the public.

By CommunistAJC

January 23, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this

getalife, IF Hillary is so brilliant then why did she lose to Obama? I also remember Hillary saying that she would help create 4 million jobs in NY alone. She didn’t create any. Brilliant woman, huh. She’s nothing but a shrill middle-aged woman who is going to be another Janet Reno.

By AmVet

January 23, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

Another centrist Democrat?

Wow.

According to the dwindling right-wing, there aren’t any! All non-Republicans are de facto far-left gun grabbers, baby-killers and terrorist coddlers. (The new CIC may have to look harder than he thought to stack the Supreme Court with some.)

Comparisons to Sarah BarraClueless?

There are some of course, but this woman is actually educated (Dartmouth College magna cum laude and JD from UCLA School of Law in 1991), has practiced law and is not a book banner wannabe and die-hard fundie with a dysfunctional, semi-trashy family.

It is encouraging to see some building consensus among righties and lefties here on numerous issues.

There always has been, of course, but the screamers have drowned out the voices of reason and compromise for far too long.

In his inauguration address Obama spoke of hard choices and hard work. By “we the people” as well as those we elected as our leaders.

I sense most Americans are excited and optimistic about this clarion call. And are willing to move towards a “reasoned and reasonable” center.

And for those in the clenched fist crowd here who will not - you are simply going to be left further and further behind.

Roll up your sleeves! Work hard! Make sacrifices when required! And restore our rightful place as the greatest of all nations.

Sweet land of liberty.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

RW-(the original)

One of my more memorable undergraduate classes was one where if someone said “they say” or “experts say” or “studies show” the prof would nail you for author, study title, date, etc etc etc. Really sharpened the arguments - but then again, the class was one on analyzing studies and interpreting results, so it was understandable.

But I don’t have a problem, for expediency sake if nothing else, referring to “some say” in instances such as “some say the influence of the US” or “some say Pres Obama may modify his earlier positions in light of changing economic circumstances” - general stuff. But to use that solely in instances that are a direct challenge on a sensitive issue for a person - “Sen X, some say you’re secretly on the payroll of ScrewYouBank and you regularly advise them on committee questions in advance” crosses the line.

Goldie

Good to have you back. Been a while. I think that was the problem Ms Kennedy had - a rather thin service record in a family that bills itself as a service family. It does dovetail nicely with Pres Obama’s call for service, though. If not a position within the Administration, then within the state. If not the state, more hands-on in a private foundation - if that’s what she wants to do with her life.

And if she says “frak it - I’m gonna go stay on some tropical island” - well, that’s okay, too.

11 hours 42 minutes

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

getalife,

I feel she’s as smart as Hills, just not as viscious. I wouldn’t show my back to Hillary Clinton, but you’ve gotta be that way in politics. Just ask Jimmy Carter.

How are things in New Orleans these days? I’m thinking about a trip down there soon and would like some insider information.

Goldie,

I agree. It seems to me she’s lived in kind of a bubble, and for some reason I get the phrase “being thrown to the lions” in my head when I think of this situation.

By Ray

January 23, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Now a piece by the Washington Post …… says that since Buckwheat is closing Gitmo, then the war on terror must be over. Right…… with one stroke of a pen, we no longer have to worry about some idiot running into buildings with our own aircraft. Wow. And this is only 5 days into his term. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

By mm

January 23, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

Commie at 9:36,

Some corrections:

By AJC/DNC Management

January 23, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

You may want to check this out, but it is the liberals who are freaked out about New York’s new little wingnut.

I kinda like the girl.

She’s cute, she can shoot, she voted against Oblahmi’s corporate welfare.

Maybe she’s just confused about which political party she belongs to?

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Your example of a bad “some say” is slightly flawed since it’s a direct question to the accused. Matlock would never have solved a case without those questions.

amvet,

I like the pick of Gilliland and it also might be the only way for her to stay in Congress after the Grand Old Phoenix begins it’s resurgence. Her district is predominantly Republican and she washed in on the wave of 2006.

By Shawny

January 23, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

I know this is off topic, but I need liberals to explain this to me… Obama lifts ban on overseas abortions.

Apparently, every republican president starting with Reagan banned it, now every democrat since overturned it. What I don’t understand is how we are sending US taxpayer money overseas for abortions (or anything else, for that matter). Why?

We shouldn’t be funding abortions in the US, much less overseas. Whether or not you agree with the policy of abortion to begin with is irrelevant. The issue to me is the US taxpayer funding.

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this

Paul,

And counting…………………

Saw your post from last night:

“Yes they did, but the Resurrection Ships were still online so she could’ve been downloaded…. It was listed as a longshot”

and I’m not following your speculation. Ellen is obvious a Cylon.

The other chick? The wicked viscious Michelle Forbes character? She is so awesome. I could definitely see her as a Cylon too, but then that would be more than five, but then that would support your theory of “the final five” being a title or what not - and there are more - and I think everyone is a Cylon.

Daily Boschism:

Heaven is but a Resurrection Ship waiting to download our consciousness so that we may all have eternal life.

I’m gonna email that to my priest.

You can use that in general conversation if you want - free of charge - spreading my wisdom is, you know, important community service.

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

RW,

Since I’m talking TV here, what is going on with Heroes? I’m completely lost. People die, and then they come back almost every week. After each show, I have this look on my face, like, WTF?

They really need to stop messing with time - it’s just not healthy.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this

RW-(the original) 10:32

I was trying to provide a current example for those who want examples. For those who don’t care for examples, I tried to describe where lines are crossed.

I think provide a cite in every instance is not necessary and sometimes a “they say” is okay.

AJC/DNC Management 10:32

[[Maybe she’s just confused about which political party she belongs to?]]

Or maybe the Democratic Party is becoming more inclusive?

Bosch 10:34

[[and I’m not following your speculation. Ellen is obvious a Cylon. ]]

Yes, she is. The speculation is, is she the Fifth Cylon?

[[Heaven is but a Resurrection Ship waiting to download our consciousness so that we may all have eternal life. ]]

Can I get that on a t shirt? It’d have to be an awfully large t shirt - or awfully small lettering.

11 hours 9 minutes

By mm

January 23, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

Shawny at 10:32,

Where’s your outrage over our 2 trillion tax dollars being flushed down the Iraq toilet?

I guess it only matters if you support it?

By Greg Mendel

January 23, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this

Regarding the “some say” issue:

I don’t think Fox News has an exclusive on that phrase, but, to me, it’s always important to note the context of any statement. If a questionable quote or statement comes from the TV equivalent of a print opinion column (like Jay’s or Wooten’s), it’s not so important to me. (Hannity & Wimp, for example.) If it is pulled from “reporting,” that’s different.

A good example of Foxist reporting — and Fox’s fairness and balance — is a Fox report I saw on the French Open tennis tournament in Paris a few years ago. At the time, Republicans were going through one of their traditional “The French aren’t Real Americans!” convulsions. The Fox anchor reported an update on a game between an American player and a non-American player. He added that “we’ve heard that {the American} was booed by the French crowd.”

Once the Fox reporter present at the match came on-air, he was asked about the alleged booing. The correspondent said he was there, heard no booing, and the French crowd had been proper and polite. But the anchor persisted. “Well, we heard {the American} was booed by the French crowd.” No, he wasn’t confirmed the correspondent, who was actually in Downtown France at the match. The anchor beat the dead horse some more, even after the report was over, virtually contradicting his own eyewitness reporter — and making sure that, even though the allegation of booing was utter nonsense, the seeds of doubt and hatred were planted in the viewers’ tiny minds.

That’s the Foxist “journalism.” Josef Goebbels would be proud.

Regarding Caroline Kennedy: I knew Caroline Kennedy. Caroline Kennedy was my imaginary friend. And you, Governor Palin, are no Caroline Kennedy! Gosh darnit!

By getalife

January 23, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

Bosch,

Weather is spring like and Mardi Gras is coming up.

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Oh. Got ‘cha.

Of course I don’t mind! How ‘bout this - shorten it:

Heaven is but a Resurrection Ship

And then, only BSG fans would know what you mean and think you are wicked cool; and everyone else would either be mad (yeah, who cares), think you are crazy and stand clear of you, or think “what the hell?”

Did you ever see that movie, “Swimming with Sharks?” It’s one of my personal favorites - Michelle Forbes is in that movie - wow.

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

Paul @ 10:52,

I know you were, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to toss in the Matlock bit.

Bosch,

That time bending stuff is not to be trifled with. As far as people dieing and coming back only to die, but show up again in the future here’s a scary thought. The new season starts on Groundhog Day. If Bill Murray shows up as a Hero we’re screwed.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

Bosch

When I was a kid wading in the Pacific it suddenly occurred to me: I couldn’t see down. But whatever was down could see up.

Paranoia begins early.

So no, I didn’t see the movie.

Out for a while.

Surf’s up!

By AmVet

January 23, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this

Yes, I saw that rw. But a Republican district seems a stretch.

Since 1936 the Dems have had that seat for all but 18 years. Granted those 18 GOP years have all been since 1984. But there was a lot of “redistricting”/gerrymandering during the 80s and 90s, in an otherwise all-white, Democratic, Catholic area.

I suppose It is not implausible that the Old White Guy Party will rebound at some point from these ongoing, widespread drubbings. But short of some major changes in their philosophy, actions and candidates, I don’t see it happening. At least, not for a long time.

And worse for them and the USA, I see no willingness to admit failure and responsibility or relinquish their required lockstep non-conservative ideology.

In spite of the rhetoric, they certainly are not now, and some would argue, even in spite of the Reagan Democrats, never have been a big tent party.

To wit, their darlings for 2012? Romney, Huckabee and Palin. Not exactly a changing of the guard, even you would agree.

But time will tell.

And hope springs eternal. Even for Cubs fans…

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

getalife,

Thanks! But I don’t do Mardi Gras. I have “issues” with crowds. For some reason being packed into the Quarter with a million or so drunk people isn’t my idea of fun - that’s more of an anxiety ridden nightmare to me.

But thanks for the info - I need a NOLA fix soon.

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

RW,

Yeah, that’s true. The next episode looks good from the previews.

Paul,

The movie isn’t about sharks - well, in the literal sense - it’s about a guy getting revenge on his crazy, insane, movie producer boss.

By Eleanor Rigby

January 23, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

Governor Paterson should auction off the seat on E-Bay. That seems to be the American way. Y’all should have voted Libertarian. It’s too late now. The genie is out of the bottle. Get ready for modern-day feudalism because here it comes. I hope you find yourself on the right side of that lop-sided dichotomy. I am sick with what society has become and I’m going to quit reading news. There’s nothing I can do about it. It just makes me angry.

Where’s our Friday song Jay. Do we have to wait to quitting till time?

By Eleanor Rigby

January 23, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry about my incoherent rambling. I’m so angry I can’t type straight. I was trying to say, “Do we have to wait till quitting time?” I really should proof my comment before posting.

By AmVet

January 23, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

getalife,

I’ve been to MG twice. Once in 1973 - a WILD (even by my standards), dazed and confused experience. If you catch my drift. We parked near the river and as we were walking into the FQ, the very first sight I saw was a guy flying out of a door, immediately followed by a LARGE black man who was “detaining” him with some malice. Almost immediately thereafter some cops came and took the poor schlep away.

Welcome to New Orleans!

The next time in 86 was MUCH more subdued. But I do remember my wife and I walking down some street and after a bit we realized that there were no other women around. But there was “somebody” walking up the street immaculately dressed in a WAC uniform.

I’ve been around much of the world, but Mardi Gras is one of a kind…

By RealityKing

January 23, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

Born into a politically connected Washington insider family, Kirsten Rutnik was raised in Albany, New York. After graduating HS in 1984, she attended Dartmouth College and received her law degree in 1991. Due to her parents connections, she immediately egain serving as a law clerk on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

In the Clinton Administration, her parents connects won her a spot as Special Counsel to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development(HUD), you know, the guys mainly responsible for getting us into this financial mess. After Clinton was impeached, she became an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell and then a partner at Boies, Schiller & Flexner. In 2007, Kirsten barely won New York’s 20th congressional race. No 80% suuport here..

And yet, U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand is some how more prepared for this job than Sarah, a governor who also happened to once be a mayor.

Nope, no progressive double standards here…(eyes rolling)

By Bosch

January 23, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

Sometimes I wonder why people carry on about what a candidates “qualifications” are.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

Bosch 11:39

Thank Hillary. It was how she tried to marginalize Pres Obama. Then the Dems picked up on it for Palin and now it’s a required comment.

(yeah, it was done before - see “Quayle” - but not to this extent

By getalife

January 23, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

Mardi Gras is for the younger folks but the best time to come is the SEC Championship or the Sugar Bowl. Some of the retired NFL players show up on Bourbon Street.

By AJC/DNC Management

January 23, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

Karma-

{{{{Federal agents raided two small Pennsylvania defense contractors that were given millions of dollars in federal funding by Rep. John Murtha, chairman of the defense appropriations committee and one of the most powerful men in Congress.-WSJ}}}}

You know, it might be easier to list the democrats not under investigation than to try to name the ones that are.

ew

By RealityKing

January 23, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

The best thing about a democracy is that it only takes the support of your neighbors to be prepared for the job. Too bad some people always put their own agenda ahead of our forefather’s ideas of freedom by the people.

By DB, Gwinnettian

January 23, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this

Back for a bite. Guess I had no idea an offhanded ref to FNC in a shorthand intended mostly for Jay would generate such chatter, but there it is.

Of course there’s nothing specifically wrong with the phrase “some people say” — if some people say something, then it’s true!

But as Paul points out, using this phrase practically invites further skepticism, and probably ought to be deployed as infrequently as possible, whether you’re Brit Hume or Katie Couric (neither of whom are on my personal radar, by the way—I have no use for traditional TV news save as very occasional entertainment these days.)

As for this Kirsten Gillibrand person, just based on some lunchtime skimming I find little in the record cited here so far that’s troubling to me. Biggest political accomplishment seems to have been unseating a four-term (I think? from memory) Republican incumbent in 2006.

Reality King, I’ll try to make it plain to you: a close vote in a race that unseats an incumbent is not a Bad Thing, ‘k?

By tcoach

January 23, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

Jay when can we expect your condemnation of our leaders and their actions, as you did the leaders of Israel?

After All we did just kill 10 people in Pakistan. I am willing to bet that not all 10 were known terrorist.

Who is to blame for this and should we not demand answers?

Why are we bombing them, they have not committed an act of aggression against us?

By Greg Mendel

January 23, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

“It has been documented.” That’s one of my favorite attempts to validate a claim. Being “documented” simply means printed on paper, or maybe posted on the Internet, nowadays.

Atlanta isn’t in Iowa, but if I write “Atlanta is in Iowa” and print this comment, the statement “has been documented.” If I print it several times, I could say the statement “has been well-documented.”

If the statement was printed in a magazine with a national circulation, I could say it “appeared in a national publication,” although I might choose to omit the name of the national publication, if it appeared in “Big Boobs!” magazine.

By DB, Gwinnettian

January 23, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

Greg @ 12.31, see also “Clinically proven!”

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this

ragger,

Frankly your “some say” accusation is a more interesting discussion since you claim it’s a tactic employed by one and only one news organization and for a very specific purpose. With all due respect to the host his topic is a well beaten dead horse.

I’d still like to see a cite that fully shows your initial accusation to be factual. No fair using the Greg Mendel version of documentation either.

By CommunistAJC

January 23, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

mm, How do I know what? Be more specific with your bullet points. You say that Palin is a moron but none of us here have any clue as to what college you attended. Do enlighten us all just what school you’ve attended. I might add that Palin has an 88% approval rating in Alaska. That would put her in the top 10 of all governors in the Union.

AmVet, You confuse at times with your comments. For someone who does not seem to like the elite in this country, why defend a woman who’s come from money and an elite school? It’s funny how dems say they are for the little man/woman and yet they trash someone who didn’t go to Harvard, Dartmouth etc….

By Eleanor Rigby

January 23, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this

Some people say, and it has been documented, that the world as we know it will end on 12-21-2012.

In the mean time, I’m going to go put on my face that sits in a jar by the door. Who is it for?

By CommunistAJC

January 23, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

Obama the magnificent!

Guantánamo detainee resurfaces in terrorist group.

By Robert F. Worth Published: January 23, 2009

BEIRUT: The emergence of a former Guantánamo Bay detainee as the deputy leader of Al Qaeda’s Yemeni branch has underscored the potential complications in carrying out the executive order that President Barack Obama signed that the detention center be shut down within a year.

The militant, Said Ali al-Shihri, is suspected of involvement in a deadly bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Yemen’s capital, Sana, in September. He was released to Saudi Arabia in 2007 and passed through a Saudi rehabilitation program for former jihadists before resurfacing with Al Qaeda in Yemen.

His status was announced in an Internet statement by the militant group and was confirmed by a U.S. counterterrorism official. “They’re one and the same guy,” said the official, who insisted on anonymity because he was discussing an intelligence analysis. “He returned to Saudi Arabia in 2007, but his movements to Yemen remain unclear.”

The development came as Republican legislators criticized the plan to close the Guantánamo Bay detention camp in the absence of any measures for dealing with current detainees. But it also helps explain why the new administration wants to move cautiously, taking time to work out a plan to cope with the complications.

Almost half the camp’s remaining detainees are Yemenis, and efforts to repatriate them depend in part on the creation of a Yemeni rehabilitation program - financed in part by the United States - similar to the Saudi one. The Saudi government has claimed that no graduate of its program has returned to terrorism.

“The lesson here is: Whoever receives former Guantánamo detainees needs to keep a close eye on them,” the U.S. official said.

The rest of the article can be found at:

http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/23/mideast/detainee.1-414168.php

By DB, Gwinnettian

January 23, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

“it’s a tactic employed by one and only one news organization “

Well, no, I didn’t say that, actually, but I’m sure that’s how you heard it.

You want to get all hypersensitive and carry on, be my guest. Doodie calls.

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

ragger,

Wouldn’t it have been easier just to admit you’ve got nothing to back your ridiculous claim?

By Midori

January 23, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

Pace yourself, Communist — there’s still 3 plus years to go.

By mm

January 23, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

Geez Commie,

I listed your bullet numbers that I was challenging. How difficult can it be?

What does my school have to do with Palin being a moron? If it makes you feel better, I went to Penn St.

Please by all means you wingnuts keep supporting Palin for 2012. Obama will carry every state except for the southern Bubba states and Alaska.

By Greg Mendel

January 23, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

“Wouldn’t it have been easier just to admit you’ve got nothing to back your ridiculous claim?” — RW

But, it’s been “documented” and “widely acknowledged,” if not yet “clinically proven.”

By RealityKing

January 23, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

As Bush is responsible for Said Ali al-Shihri, Obama and his merry band of mindless liberals are now responsible for the actions of any Gitmo inmate released from this point forward.

By gadem

January 23, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

Andy, run up to the President’s Limo to see if this really works

By david wayne osedach, san diego/ U.S.A.

January 23, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

Caroline Kennedy felt that she was entitled to the position because of her pedigree. Unfortunately for her we do not have kings, queens, and princesses. Here she faced political reality. And …..

By RW-(the original)

January 23, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

Greg,

I opted out of allowing your standard and asked for proof, but you’re right. ragger’s little propaganda piece certainly documented that the words were spoken.

By Left Nuts

January 23, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this

SOME SAY… That of the 1.5 million people in DC on Tuesday, only 14 missed work..

By CommunistAJC

January 23, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this

mm, Gee MM, I numbered my points. There were what, 7? You used bullet points for 2 questions. I’LL ASK THE QUESTION AGAIN SO THAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND IT. WHICH QUESTIONS WERE YOU REFERRING TO? What did you major in at Penn State? And yes, I will continue supporting people who are outside the elite Washington establishment that don’t get in to a university based on their family history. I like people who are down to Earth, have a high approval rating based on decisions and not skin color, and those who have a track record for getting things done well in their state. You can continue to support people who have no track record of accomplishments in the senate, who’ve never made executive decisions and those who want to turn our country into one big welfare state.

These were your questions:

Wasn’t there a per diem issue?

How do you know?

By AmVet

January 23, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

Commie, I’m confusing at times?

That’s probably a good thing!

Seriously, when did I say I was for the little guy? I’m for economic and social justice. Usually the little guy gets the short end of that stick.

People moan and groan about the costs of inaugurations, Palin’s suits, etc. Not me.

And I don’t dislike the wealthy or the elite.

I disdain it when they use it to set up a de facto plutocracy.

This woman has a legal pedigree. Her dad was a public defender (I know some think that makes him a traitor or something) and her mom was a lawyer as well.

So?

She’s obviously extremely smart, worked hard to get where she is, has connections and used them.

I’d call that the American way…

By CommunistAJC

January 23, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

Left Nuts, I’d say it’s safe to say that only 14 people of that 1.5 million actually have jobs. Some say…..

By getalife

January 23, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

Speaking of propaganda

Geez.

By CommunistAJC

January 23, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

AmVet, I’m for hard work and getting things done on your own. I despise handouts and don’t consider Caroline Kennedy anything but elite. I know many lawyers and I can’t say that I’m too fond of them. I’m for free markets and less GUVMENT. I moan and grown about stupidity. I give people the benefit of the doubt until they do something stupid. Palin messing up during a couple of interviews doesn’t bother me because many politicians screw up in interviews. What does bother me is the fact that the media attacked everything from her baby to her accent. When we have a media that is in the tank for one person that is a problem. It’s soviet-nazi style propaganda and that is bad news. People like Bookman still don’t understand why the newspaper industry is failing. People are sick of propaganda journalism. Ever wonder why the Wall Street Journal sells more newspapers?

By CommunistAJC

January 23, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

getalife, a fake news show is attacking ONE news channel in an ocean of liberal channels. CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC etc……

By Hussein

January 23, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

Obama has just signed the first bill taking us into socialism.

Obama 08: CHAINS WE CAN BELIEVE IN!

YES WE CAN OBEY!

By getalife

January 23, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Fixed noise is a joke commie.

By Mrs.Godzilla

January 23, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

My republican husband has renditioned me to the Virgin Islands. Oh, the enhanced interrogation!

EEEK!

I’d like to see Caroline make a real effort for the seat if she wants it. She’s got 2 years to get her act together.

Gotta’ swim back to the bar.

By RealityKing

January 23, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

Having Bookman DT’s Mrs Godzilla?? Ohhhh the horror…

By tcoach

January 23, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

2 missiles and now 17 dead.

Guess we only care if it is Iraqi’s being killed and helps our chosen ideology. Would not want to have actual principles and ethics now would we?

By AmVet

January 23, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

CommunistAJC,

Ditto on the lawyers. As clients they are often cheap schmucks that want to cut corners, not pay what they owe and think they know a great deal more about a lot of things than they do.

With that said I do have a couple of close attorney friends who are just regular good guys and not full of themselves.

As for the “free press” I see it as a two way street and a no win situation.

Virtually all news outlets today are owned by multi-nationals who allow them to dabble at exposing the truth about our elected leaders provided they don’t indict the corporations like GE, etc that own them and the politicians as well.

IMHO they’ve pretty much given Bush/Cheney and the rest of the pols a free pass for years. Who clamored for his impeachment? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

If I was a Rupert Murdoch, you can bet I would have.

OK, later.

A friend of mine won free tickets, so It’s off to see Marshall Tucker at Center Stage tonight.

Have a great Friday evening, blogging brothers and sisters!

USA! USA! USA!

By Hillbilly Deluxe

January 23, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

I don’t live in NY so it’s probably none of my business but wouldn’t the people be better served by a special election rather than a Governor’s appointment? I think that would be better here in Georgia as well.

Many times over the years a judge in Georgia who was gonna retire would run for re-election (usually unopposed). After being re-elected in November and sworn in in January, he would then resign so the Governor could place his own handpicked person on the bench. Basically just an end run around the voters. This was standard operating procedure through a number of administrations.

By Paul

January 23, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this

Mrs. Godzilla 1:57

[[My republican husband has renditioned me to the Virgin Islands. Oh, the enhanced interrogation! EEEK!]]

so much for your Virgin status….

oh, and never ask a Kennedy to make a grab for a ‘seat.’

Now get back to the bar. And have one for me, too!

By Paul

January 23, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

getalife 1:48

Stewart’s lumping in of the chatty commentors and entertainers is akin to calling Oprah a reporter.

The larger question is: given the implications of not just closing Gitmo but of changing the legal standards so many of the detainees may need to be released - any idea why the other networks aren’t giving much time to the implications?

Maybe it’s a yin and yang thing - balance - after years of listening to “oh my gosh, can you believe Pres Bush is actually detaining people he thinks might be terrorists?” we’ll now be treated to years of “oh my gosh, can you believe Pres Obama is actually releasing people he thinks might be terrorists?”

out for a bit

By Mrs.Godzilla

January 23, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this

Paul,

We’re really into recycling!