Are they Really This Dim?
Just as a people-watcher, reading the blogosphere's responses to David Broder's op-ed about Sarah Palin is fascinating.
I haven't read what Broder has to say, finding it far more interesting to watch as left-leaning bloggers find new and creative ways to both insult Sarah Palin and the significant number of Americans that do not like how this country is presently being run. Do they think their inability to mask an abiding contempt for their fellow Americans is really going to help their part remain in power?
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 04:36 PM
Comments
1
You know where the central power of the opposition is located - Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin. The attacks on them, which are almost always personal, are designed (I guess!) to convince the world they are bad people. This is what you see when 30% of the people make 100% of the noise. Not to worry; November is fast approaching. Yes, they'll still be slinging arrows, but no one will even care.
Posted by: Dell at February 11, 2010 05:39 PM (o0L0L)
2
She calls rural people "Real Americans" with the implication that urban residents just live here, and don't understand American values. She shares the stage with birther extraordinaire Joseph Farah, who takes her credibility (such as it is) and festoons it with racially-tinged conspiracy theories. She can't tell you the name of any periodical she reads. She can barely explain her own principles, preferring to dishonestly caricature her opponents'. And she has a personal approval/disapproval spread around -20. As much contempt as I have for Sarah Palin, I have more for those in the press who act as if she is any kind of policy thinker (rather than a less-old-and-male reciter of decades-old boilerplate); for those who treat her as the second coming of Ronald Reagan (a skilled and savvy politician who understood what he was talking about, and simplified his principles into talking points rather than replacing the former with the latter); for those who act as if this game of cultural resentment was started by rich coastal liberals (rather than rich inland politicapitalists who recognize a business opportunity when they see it).
Sarah Palin is a huckster, a con artist, plain and simple. She saw that she could make more money by quitting her job, (ghost-) writing a book and running around the country raking in the dough for reading speeches. She spoke at the Tea Party convention, a collection of causes in which she supposedly believes, and let them charge hundreds of dollars per person so that she could pull down more than twice what I make in a year.
The sooner the American press stops checking her Facebook page, the better.
Sarah Palin is a huckster, a con artist, plain and simple. She saw that she could make more money by quitting her job, (ghost-) writing a book and running around the country raking in the dough for reading speeches. She spoke at the Tea Party convention, a collection of causes in which she supposedly believes, and let them charge hundreds of dollars per person so that she could pull down more than twice what I make in a year.
The sooner the American press stops checking her Facebook page, the better.
Posted by: Evan at February 11, 2010 06:37 PM (U0pUw)
3
And in comes Evan to entirely prove CY's point.
Of course the delicious part is that the irony is entirely lost on him (her?).
Of course the delicious part is that the irony is entirely lost on him (her?).
Posted by: ECM at February 11, 2010 08:00 PM (nYKDd)
4
My hope is that someday "reporters" like Mr Broder will start giving a shit about their jobs and pay attention to the reasons no one likes Sarah Palin. You can talk all you want about liberal elitists and the liberal media and how they hate conservatives and real Americans like Sarah Palin, and commentators will bend over backwards to prove that they take her seriously, all the while handling her with kid gloves (which, if I were aligned with her, I would find incredibly patronizing). The day they start to take her seriously is the day they realize she has no positive vision for the country.
So, yes, I genuinely do think that the more liberals present a passionate, reasoned defense of contempt for Sarah Palin, the harder it will be for the Broders of the world to ignore the fact that Sarah Palin is Mitt Romney without the accomplishments.
So, yes, I genuinely do think that the more liberals present a passionate, reasoned defense of contempt for Sarah Palin, the harder it will be for the Broders of the world to ignore the fact that Sarah Palin is Mitt Romney without the accomplishments.
Posted by: Evan at February 11, 2010 08:53 PM (U0pUw)
5
I honestly don't see how we conservatives can elect another folksy ignoramus. We need someone who can find countries on a world map at the very least. Did we not learn our lesson with W.?
Posted by: Will Butler at February 11, 2010 10:25 PM (LgpMF)
6
She spoke at the Tea Party convention, a collection of causes in which she supposedly believes, and let them charge hundreds of dollars per person so that she could pull down more than twice what I make in a year.
Except that's not true.
At least, Palin is not like Bill Clinton, who reportedly made $10 million in speaking fees last year. But maybe, if she has a sex scandal with an intern, she can get there.
Except that's not true.
At least, Palin is not like Bill Clinton, who reportedly made $10 million in speaking fees last year. But maybe, if she has a sex scandal with an intern, she can get there.
Posted by: Just Sayin' at February 11, 2010 10:28 PM (XUpm+)
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I honestly don't see how we conservatives can elect another folksy ignoramus. We need someone who can find countries on a world map at the very least. Did we not learn our lesson with W.?
Posted by Will Butler at February 11, 2010 10:25 PM
Not doing a good job of being a concern troll. But I always was pleased that GW knew how many states there were and had no illusions about the size of Iran.
And, compared to the insane clown posse we have in DC these days, a whole lot of people miss GW and the GOP in general. Which is probably why senators like Scott Brown are a harbinger of things to come.
Posted by Will Butler at February 11, 2010 10:25 PM
Not doing a good job of being a concern troll. But I always was pleased that GW knew how many states there were and had no illusions about the size of Iran.
And, compared to the insane clown posse we have in DC these days, a whole lot of people miss GW and the GOP in general. Which is probably why senators like Scott Brown are a harbinger of things to come.
Posted by: iconoclast at February 12, 2010 05:14 AM (I5shO)
8
"Not only is Sarah Palin living rent-free in every Democrat's head, she keeps rearranging the furniture on them."
Right now, that's good enough for me.
Right now, that's good enough for me.
Posted by: Looking Glass at February 12, 2010 05:15 AM (zamYU)
9
I enjoy reading "thoughtful" comments such as those posted by people like evan.
Relying upon factually inaccurate statements to create ad hominem attacks on Palin serve as a powerful contrast to what the far left liberal leadership in Washington is attempting to foist upon all of us.
From unconscionable grabs on liberties contained within the health care reform legislation (not to mention the extraordinary lengths that they are going to in order to pass it) to economy killing legislation such as cap and trade, the full court press to a socialist state is well under way.
That a citizen or group of citizens would voice opposition to something that they fundamentally disagree with is the very stuff of a Constitutional Republic.
But carry on, please, evan. We need people like you to continue your screeds.
Relying upon factually inaccurate statements to create ad hominem attacks on Palin serve as a powerful contrast to what the far left liberal leadership in Washington is attempting to foist upon all of us.
From unconscionable grabs on liberties contained within the health care reform legislation (not to mention the extraordinary lengths that they are going to in order to pass it) to economy killing legislation such as cap and trade, the full court press to a socialist state is well under way.
That a citizen or group of citizens would voice opposition to something that they fundamentally disagree with is the very stuff of a Constitutional Republic.
But carry on, please, evan. We need people like you to continue your screeds.
Posted by: turfmann at February 12, 2010 07:10 AM (SgGTT)
10
Evan,
Don't know what countries are on a map?
Fact Check Time.
The "Africa is a Country" line was a hoax. A hoax that Time repeated a full 6 months after it was debunked. MSM really fell on their sword with that one. Egg on their face.
And here you are beclowning yourself in 2010. It's your integrity on the line. Oops. It's gone.
Also, every time a Lib repeats the line "I can see Russia from my house" line, they're admitting that they literally believe that Fey and Palin are the same person. Argument by metaphor cuts both ways.
Facts are stubborn things.
Don't know what countries are on a map?
Fact Check Time.
The "Africa is a Country" line was a hoax. A hoax that Time repeated a full 6 months after it was debunked. MSM really fell on their sword with that one. Egg on their face.
And here you are beclowning yourself in 2010. It's your integrity on the line. Oops. It's gone.
Also, every time a Lib repeats the line "I can see Russia from my house" line, they're admitting that they literally believe that Fey and Palin are the same person. Argument by metaphor cuts both ways.
Facts are stubborn things.
Posted by: brando at February 12, 2010 10:58 AM (IPGju)
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brando, thanks for doing me the courtesy of actually reading what I wrote. Didn't mention Africa, didn't mention Russia. (Although she sure did claim to read all newspapers and magazines.)
I don't have a problem with Palin voicing her opinion. I have a problem with people pretending she knows what she's talking about.
Please tell me what she would do about a health care system that costs twice as much as England's and 40% more than Canada's with cost growth 3% above core inflation, that still doesn't manage to cover 10% of the population, where insurance providers can hike premiums 39% and still cancel people policies after they get sick. I can't find any principles on her PAC website except "small government."
I don't have a problem with Palin voicing her opinion. I have a problem with people pretending she knows what she's talking about.
Please tell me what she would do about a health care system that costs twice as much as England's and 40% more than Canada's with cost growth 3% above core inflation, that still doesn't manage to cover 10% of the population, where insurance providers can hike premiums 39% and still cancel people policies after they get sick. I can't find any principles on her PAC website except "small government."
Posted by: Evan at February 12, 2010 11:43 AM (U0pUw)
12
I did read it.
Of course you believe that. That's what lockstep means. You believe that "no one likes Palin". Just because someone disagrees with you, doesn't mean that they don't exist as a human being, but that's your stated belief, so it's A-OK for me to address you that way. You don't get the option of picking and choosing what you believe after that. 52% of Americans are hard-core Liberals who literally want to murder Palin, according to Lib. In your mind that's 100%. That's you.
Context matters.
In the context of an article about blind irrational rage against Palin, you jump on the bandwagon, proving CY right.
I offered up facts refuting your collectivist position. And I enjoying doing so.
So. In your last paragraph you started with argument by question. That's easy. I'll do it right back to you, to see if you like it, and break you of that habit. Please answer me this: Why did Pol Pot feel the need to commit genocide, and how can you guys feel as though you're good people in spite of that? I can't find any justification for that on DU other than "Palin Sucks".
Answer, if you can.
Of course you believe that. That's what lockstep means. You believe that "no one likes Palin". Just because someone disagrees with you, doesn't mean that they don't exist as a human being, but that's your stated belief, so it's A-OK for me to address you that way. You don't get the option of picking and choosing what you believe after that. 52% of Americans are hard-core Liberals who literally want to murder Palin, according to Lib. In your mind that's 100%. That's you.
Context matters.
In the context of an article about blind irrational rage against Palin, you jump on the bandwagon, proving CY right.
I offered up facts refuting your collectivist position. And I enjoying doing so.
So. In your last paragraph you started with argument by question. That's easy. I'll do it right back to you, to see if you like it, and break you of that habit. Please answer me this: Why did Pol Pot feel the need to commit genocide, and how can you guys feel as though you're good people in spite of that? I can't find any justification for that on DU other than "Palin Sucks".
Answer, if you can.
Posted by: brando at February 12, 2010 12:33 PM (IPGju)
13
Wow.
Posted by: Evan at February 12, 2010 12:49 PM (U0pUw)
14
Evan: Mr. Broder is not a reporter. He is a political columnist with a lot of experience observing American politics. His is an opinion piece. Agree or disagree with him - but understand what he does and is doing.
Get the basics correct first, champ.
Get the basics correct first, champ.
Posted by: Mikey NTH at February 12, 2010 04:58 PM (nlRuk)
15
Evan, Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful post. Here's a tip for you as you try to debate with Brando,(I know to be true from personal experience debating with him in the past):
It is absolutely impossible to have any sort of meaningful, truthful political discourse with Brando. As any honest person can see, his forte is attributing things to people that they didn't say. All that one has to do is read what you said and that read what he says that you said. Then, go back and re-read your post. Clearly, this Brando person is either blatantly dishonest or he/she/it is delusional, or both.
You simply can't have a rational discussion with an irrational person. It's impossible. But, it is interesting and educational to read Brando's comments. If you read enough of his posts you will likely see examples of every "fallacy in argumentation" in the book.
That being said, there are visitors to this website who are capable of having intelligent discussions with people who don't share their political point of view. But, I would advise you to remember that Brando isn't one of those people.
Thanks again for your thoughtful and honest first post in this discussion.
It is absolutely impossible to have any sort of meaningful, truthful political discourse with Brando. As any honest person can see, his forte is attributing things to people that they didn't say. All that one has to do is read what you said and that read what he says that you said. Then, go back and re-read your post. Clearly, this Brando person is either blatantly dishonest or he/she/it is delusional, or both.
You simply can't have a rational discussion with an irrational person. It's impossible. But, it is interesting and educational to read Brando's comments. If you read enough of his posts you will likely see examples of every "fallacy in argumentation" in the book.
That being said, there are visitors to this website who are capable of having intelligent discussions with people who don't share their political point of view. But, I would advise you to remember that Brando isn't one of those people.
Thanks again for your thoughtful and honest first post in this discussion.
Posted by: Dude at February 12, 2010 08:53 PM (5gxhz)
16
"We need someone who can find countries on a world map at the very least."
You're absolutely right, Will. And she should also be able to name all 57 states, too.
Oh, wait...
You're absolutely right, Will. And she should also be able to name all 57 states, too.
Oh, wait...
Posted by: Cicero at February 13, 2010 12:52 AM (BMtTl)
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Evan,
You are apparantly claiming that Palin cannot find countries on a map. Please provide the evidence for this claim.
You are apparantly claiming that Palin cannot find countries on a map. Please provide the evidence for this claim.
Posted by: David Davies at February 13, 2010 10:49 AM (WUESC)
18
What they're refering to is the accusation that Palin stated that Africa was a country (instead of a continent). That was debunked shortly after it was leveled. Yet the lie lives on. Just like the book banning, and the TrigTruthers, and the Russia comment, and that she's a Nazi.
All debunked.
So they only have their rage. In their eyes Palin just has to be evil because...well...um...she just has to be. If you can't argue the facts, then just go ad-hominem.
Oh, and Dude. Don't lecture on honesty. I'll just continute to slamdunk you on that one.
All debunked.
So they only have their rage. In their eyes Palin just has to be evil because...well...um...she just has to be. If you can't argue the facts, then just go ad-hominem.
Oh, and Dude. Don't lecture on honesty. I'll just continute to slamdunk you on that one.
Posted by: brando at February 15, 2010 12:57 PM (IPGju)
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Evan, Dude, you guys just got your asses handed to you.
Lean up close to the microphone and tell the folks back home how that feels.
Lean up close to the microphone and tell the folks back home how that feels.
Posted by: Randy Rager at February 15, 2010 04:25 PM (x6dJS)
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