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In Defense Of Scott Walker

A bunch of online righty types are mad at Scott Walker for firing/accepting the resignation of his online outreach director Liz Mair. Mair was hired on Monday and resigned last night after a bruising day in which a writer at Breitbart went after her for pro-amnesty positions (and ridiculously her dual UK-US citizenship) and then the chairman of the Iowa GOP attacked her hiring in the NY Times for some tweets that went after Iowa voters, Iowa’s place in the primary calendar and ethanol mandates/subsidies.

There are basically two groups upset here. The first is GOP and conservative campaign and media types who know and like her personally. They think she got a raw deal from Walker and the obnoxious Iowa GOP chairman. The second group consists of online conservatives who were supporting Walker or predisposed to do so. They think Walker's willingness to sacrifice Mair is at odds with his fighting, no surrender image.

I really didn’t get why people were upset about this at first. Yes, Iowans are obnoxious about their supposed superiority in vetting candidates. Spoiler, they aren’t. In years without an incumbent the winner of the caucus has only gone on to win the nomination twice (Dole in 96 and George W. Bush in 2000) and only one of them went on to win the general. That’s not an impressive record. Plus the caucus system is stupid. In 2012 Santorum and Romney basically tied in the voting but Ron Paul wound up with the most delegates. So Iowa…shut up.

That said, candidates place a great deal of effort there. You simply can’t expect Walker or any candidate to spend a week or two defending his hiring of someone who insulted the very voters he’s trying to woo. Staffers exist to make the candidate look good, candidates don’t exist to take hits for 3rd or 4th tier advisers (and she was an adviser not in a policy making position so her personal views are less relevant). When staffers become the story, staffers go. This is not a controversial thing in the real world.

I’m all for fighting-fighty candidates but there are a few stops on the continuum between “nope, there’s no hill to die on” and “My online outreach director is the hill to die on.” A smart candidate and office holder knows the difference.

So I get why people will argue he should have told Iowa where they can go but that’s not what candidates do. You may think he should lay down a marker to end the tyranny of Iowa but he’s trying to win the nomination and the presidency not prove a point. The RNC should tell Iowa they have no business being such a major player in the nomination process, not individual candidates.

But here’s where my recent piece on Walker and his early support comes in. For a lot of people their support or interest in Walker was based on what they perceived as his take no prisoners, back down to no one attitude. Well, that’s not actually who he is, it’s who they think and want him to be though. As someone pointed out to me on Twitter last night, Walker didn’t go after every public union in Wisconsin. He went after teachers but left cops and firefighters alone. Picking your battles and targets is an important political skill. But that was a level of nuance a lot of people haven’t considered.

Now this seemingly inconsequential staff move is having some repercussions with activist support for Walker. It won’t be a major problem because no one who actually votes in Iowa or anywhere else in appreciable numbers will know about this or care about this. Eventually Walker will have to make an effort at wooing back these activists. Right now he needs to make sure he doesn’t make his introduction to Iowa all about a staffer who insults them. He can mend the other fences later.
Campaigns are often exercises in damage control. He and his team are trying to put out one fire before it gets going, they’ll put out the other one that it is creating later.

This is why it pays to wait and see about candidates. Running for President is unlike any other thing an American politician will do. No previous experience truly prepares you for it. The union battle in Wisconsin is going to look like a tickle fight compared to what happens on a daily basis in a presidential run and you never know where it will come from on any given day. You just can’t tell if someone can hack it until they do. Or they don’t.

I get why people think this is a misstep by Walker but in the end I think he did the obvious and right thing.

Posted by: DrewM. at 09:37 AM




Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Oh goodie, a flame thread.

Posted by: HR braucht ein Bier at March 18, 2015 09:39 AM (/kI1Q)

2 BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE!

Posted by: Walker-Khorne 2016 at March 18, 2015 09:40 AM (CMbMd)

3 It is not up to the candidates or their employees to tell Iowa they suck, that is the general public's job.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at March 18, 2015 09:41 AM (40li+)

4 Sounds good to me and I don't usually agree with Drew.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 18, 2015 09:41 AM (/tNwW)

5 I was critical of him hiring this person who is really a hard supporter of no borders and amnesty soon after he walked back his amnesty position. He got a lot of flack for this because his strongest support is coming from the conservative base and they are uniformly against amnesty.


Right now he is or least bad candidate if Cruz doesn't run, but I am not impressed.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 18, 2015 09:42 AM (wlDny)

6 Too much inside baseball. He did the right thing, if she is stupid enough to tweet shit like that, she is a train wreck waiting to happen.



Cut your loses early, move on.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 09:43 AM (0FSuD)

7 Thoughtful take on the situation, Drew. Walker did not get to where he is by being timid or afraid of upsetting people.

Posted by: jmel at March 18, 2015 09:43 AM (cfFqn)

8 Amnesty is his Achilles Heel. If he doesn't address that forcefully, he won't receive conservative support. Thus far he doesn't appear to be addressing that at all.

Posted by: Cloyd Freud, Unemployed at March 18, 2015 09:44 AM (lG2E3)

9 How is the firing of some random staffer worth an ace movie review?

Posted by: Lauren at March 18, 2015 09:44 AM (vVLeQ)

10 9
How is the firing of some random staffer worth an ace movie review?

Posted by: Lauren at March 18, 2015 09:44 AM (vVLeQ)

Slow news day?

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 09:45 AM (0FSuD)

11 I think Skaven bloodthirsters would agree with this decision.

Posted by: Penfold at March 18, 2015 09:46 AM (Fbt5B)

12 So, I watched John Wick last night. Cool flick, a little too long, but the fight choreography was a thing of beauty.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 18, 2015 09:46 AM (2Ojst)

13 OT: I always heard he was a "bad boy" but it is hard to see it in an 80+ year old man. But this pix of him in his youth, clarifies it:

http://goo.gl/Nr6rFf


I think Walker needs a Ted Cruz, ala, Sabo, treatment.

Posted by: Sparky at March 18, 2015 09:46 AM (iQIUe)

14 @insomniac -

I have that movie, have not had time to watch it. Kid friendly?

Posted by: Penfold at March 18, 2015 09:47 AM (Fbt5B)

15 His big mistake was hiring her in the first place. Didn't somebody somewhere look at her positions?

If so, I can't believe they hired her.

If not, it's time to get smarter, real fast.

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 09:47 AM (xQX/f)

16 14 @insomniac -

I have that movie, have not had time to watch it. Kid friendly?
Posted by: Penfold at March 18, 2015 09:47 AM (Fbt5B)

Not so much.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 18, 2015 09:47 AM (2Ojst)

17 Iowans are smart freedom and liberty loving citizens.

Posted by: Luap Nor at March 18, 2015 09:47 AM (+rINk)

18 Frankly, I think Iowa is killing us.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 09:48 AM (MMC8r)

19 Staffers exist to make the candidate look good, candidates don't exist to take hits for 3rd or 4th tier advisers (and she was an adviser not in a policy making position so her personal views are less relevant).

When staffers become the story, staffers go.



^^^^^^^^
This.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 18, 2015 09:48 AM (thFxz)

20 6 Too much inside baseball. He did the right thing, if she is stupid enough to tweet shit like that, she is a train wreck waiting to happen.

--

Yup. I agree.

Posted by: @votermom at March 18, 2015 09:49 AM (cbfNE)

21 I will give Walker one credit. Campaigning hard in Iowa is not his fault. For reasons which I have posted to infinity and beyond the RNCe insists on holding the first primaries in blue States.


Iowa should NOT be at the head of the list. We should be running primaries by order of the percentage they voted for Republicans in the last election. That would put Iowa in the bottom 25%.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 18, 2015 09:49 AM (wlDny)

22 Even if what Mair said was true, she stepped on her dick in a very public way, and therefore stepped on Walker's dick. That's not what you want from your outreach people.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 18, 2015 09:49 AM (2Ojst)

23 I would place campaign staffers somewhere below assistant crack whore, and just above lawyers on the despicable jobs list (yes, there are exceptions, I'm not calling everyone who does it despicable, I have met some quite nice crack whores).

If you find one who would be fiercely loyal to the candidate, then maybe you think twice before canning them. But what are the odds of that happening? Lower than a Cubs World Series win, or is that a bit too harsh?

Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 09:50 AM (TOk1P)

24 If there is one thing that I have always felt has been a concern about Walker is some personnel decisions he has made throughout his career in politics. One part of it is I think he's a bit too trusting at times of what some advisers will tell him in regards to personnel and the other part of it is I think he truly is a no drama type who doesn't worry about much else than what they can offer in the position they are hired for until it gets in the way of a message he is trying to get across.

Mair seemed qualified and knowledgeable for what she was hired for, but outspoken snark on Twitter and elsewhere on hot button topics caused a distraction from the message Walker wanted to get out there.

Won't wreck him but that won't stop the circular firing squad from making the next effort as soon as possible.


Posted by: H Badger at March 18, 2015 09:50 AM (n/0Nw)

25 I was struggling to remain optimistic about Walker before this. But I scratched him off the list with this hire. It demonstrated incompetence, but more importantly that I can't trust him on immigration which is my non-negotiable issue. I will not, under any circumstances, vote for this man. I think Jeff Sessions is the only Republican I could support anymore.

Posted by: Emmett Milbarge at March 18, 2015 09:50 AM (nFdGS)

26 It's not about Iowa. It's about hiring a high-profile staffer who has contempt for the base that thinks amnesty is a threat to republic. (yeah, I know, it's over) Hiring this media darling, according to Drew, was a reveal that Scott is just another shill for the Chamber of Commerce.

Posted by: Mr. Mystery at March 18, 2015 09:51 AM (VK1RM)

27 Does this mean there won't be a bonfire and human sacrifice later? Harumph!

Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at March 18, 2015 09:51 AM (NeFrd)

28 17
Iowans are smart freedom and liberty loving citizens.

Posted by: Luap Nor at March 18, 2015 09:47 AM (+rINk)

That love them some ethanol subsidies and wrestling, don't forget wrestling.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 09:52 AM (0FSuD)

29 >>>>Amnesty is his Achilles Heel. If he doesn't address that forcefully, he won't receive conservative support. Thus far he doesn't appear to be addressing that at all.
.
.
.
.Uh, I think he addressed it pretty well right there by letting her go. She was going to be very low hanging fruit if he kept her on.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at March 18, 2015 09:52 AM (4oSLk)

30 (and ridiculously her dual UK-US citizenship)

Wait what? What the? What?

I have not followed this story closely, at all, but my instant take was hey a staffer went out of her way to insult Iowa and then people got pissed and it's an incredibly basic rule that if you make the boss look bad you get fired. How is this a controversy?

Now, if you want to say that hey this reflects poorly on Walker for hiring her without doing due diligence as to her prior public tweets, that's fair.

Posted by: alexthechick - Hey anyone seen my parrot? at March 18, 2015 09:52 AM (mf5HN)

31 That being said, now that she's out of a job, if she wants to flame throw at Iowa, I'll help her buy the gasoline.

Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 09:52 AM (TOk1P)

32 It increases my respect for Walker.
One of the big problems with McCain way back was him not firing staffers who were sabotaging his campaign (by sabotaging Palin).

Posted by: @votermom at March 18, 2015 09:53 AM (cbfNE)

33
But I scratched him off the list with this hire.

She worked for him for one day.

And she's right about the primacy of Iowa sucking, but if your boss wants to win Iowa you can't say that.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (JtwS4)

34 Earth to Iowa: get over yourselves.

Posted by: great big Banana Republic at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (+kznc)

35 Barack Obama is a SCOAMT.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (kff5f)

36 He did the right thing and not let this staffer become the story for long.

Walker is my Governor and I support him. He is not perfect but a good man and I believe will make a good president. I'm glad we are at least trying to rally around a conservative early and NOT let the RINO establishment pick our candidate.

We have to establish a few basic principles that we agree on for him, hope he lives up to to them and blow off all the extra noise we hear from those who want to destroy him (Jeb).

This is going to be a long election and we can't let the media or infighting to destroy all viable candidates before the regular people get interested.

Posted by: bossy barbara at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (F2IAQ)

37 "Yes, Iowans are obnoxious about their supposed superiority in vetting candidates. Spoiler, they aren't. In years without an incumbent the winner of the caucus has only gone on to win the nomination twice (Dole in 96 and George W. Bush in 2000) and only one of them went on to win the general. That's not an impressive record."

If I ran the zoo, states where the primary/caucus voters selected a candidate who went on to lose the general election would find in the next primary cycle that they had been moved to the back end of the calendar.

Disincentivize failure.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (noWW6)

38 From the dead thread I wrote:

"I hope she finds a new perch from which to safely opine.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 18, 2015 09:31 AM (JtwS4)


There's this whole thing about biting the hand that feeds you. More people should ponder the eternal truth of that message.

Don't tug on Superman's cape
Don't spit into the wind
Don't pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger
And don't mess around with Jim."

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Checkered Pasts Lead the Spring Styles at the Outrage Outlet! at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (hLRSq)

39 Personally ... just don't see why it matters.


No President is going to swoop in and save the day. The die has been cast.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (Lk/fE)

40 Local newspaper lead story? Take a guess?



Gheys get to be married in the Pres USA churches. A burning issue for all no doubt.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (0FSuD)

41 Burn it down.
Scatter the stones.
Salt the earth where it stood.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (kff5f)

42 No President is going to swoop in and save the day. The dieDEBT has been cast.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 09:54 AM (Lk/fE)


FIFY

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 09:55 AM (0FSuD)

43 "Uh, I think he addressed it pretty well right there by letting her go. She was going to be very low hanging fruit if he kept her on."

I'm still not convinced. There's a lot he could do to clarify his purported anti-amnesty bona fides.

But in fairness to Walker, I'm not likely to believe much of what any GOP candidate says on the issue. The GOP brand is fucked, as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: Cloyd Freud, Unemployed at March 18, 2015 09:55 AM (lG2E3)

44 "I'm all for fighting-fighty candidates but there are a few stops on the continuum between "nope, there's no hill to die on" and "My online outreach director is the hill to die on."
----

FWIW, here's my rx.

What I saw was an overly enthusiastic attack on Mair (and, by extension, Scott Walker) by Matt Boyle in Breitbart -- but I also thought there was merit to his piece that got completely lost in (what looked to me like) a somewhat personal attack.

What I also saw was a slew of conservative pundits/writers/consultants who personally know and like Mair go to Eleventy at Boyle, Breitart.com, the IA GOP, and the entire state of Iowa in defense of this gal.

What I didn't see, in all of this brouhaha, was ANYONE who was flaming out Iowa over ethanol acknowledge Boyle's point that Walker pandered to IA on ethanol/RFS. I saw a lot of excuse-making about how evil IA is (and, yeah, I think it sucks that they go early in the GOP primaries too), but a complete pass given to the candidates for pandering to IA.

What I also did not see was any acknowledgement that politicians' staffers are made an issue ALL THE TIME. On Monday, Matt Lewis of the Daily Caller dropped a hit piece on Ted Cruz's aide. Also on Monday, Redstate dropped a hit piece on Perry over a staffer. Last week, Rubio was criticized over his hires. And have we all forgotten all the shitstorm that hit when Rick Perry hired the Wrong People for his legal defense team last year?

The also thing that irritated the shit out of me over Ms. Mair's actions - and the full fledged freakout defense of them - is that she's a professional communications person. Representing candidates. But she doesn't know to not drop flaming Tweets directly related to her job in politics on Twitter under her own byline? Are you kidding me?

This wasn't Ms. Mair dropping some innocuous statement about something unrelated to her job. This was her being an asshole in public about a key aspect of her job using the very medium whose use she is supposedly expert.


I don't know this gal. But she used poor judgement. VERY poor judgement. She received completely predictable blowback for that judgment.

Whether or not Boyle has some personal (or politically motivated) axe to grind, I thought the defense of her yesterday struck me as over the top and motivated by things other than "what's best for a politician's campaign."

Was it because she's a well-liked gal? Or simply because she, unlike the other examples I cited, was simply a gal (and this was some weird chivalry thing)? Or just an effort to distract us all from the fact that Walker pandered (and flipped) on ethanol/RFS?

I don't know, but I'm getting sick of this reflexive eleventh-level defense of all things Scott Walker.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 09:55 AM (9BRsg)

45 Also has President Shit Midas ever fired anybody?

Nope.

Posted by: @votermom at March 18, 2015 09:56 AM (cbfNE)

46 Meanwhile, the Democrat frontrunner committed felonies with state secrets.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 09:56 AM (MMC8r)

47 Wow. I find myself surprised.

It wasn't "blah blah Boehner, blah blah perfidy, blah blah rant."

Well done!


That said- I don't care. Walker hired someone. That someone stepped in it. Walker fired that someone.

Why is this controversial?

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 09:56 AM (kff5f)

48 With regard to Liz Mair, out here in the SF Bay Area, I fairly frequently these days come across self-described "social media consultants" and "digital media coordinators" and whatnot. Mair types.

Other than their being paid a shit-ton of money, I have never been able to figure out what any of these people actually *** do ***.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 09:57 AM (noWW6)

49 No shit Nip.

Cut. Jib. Newsletter ?

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 09:57 AM (Lk/fE)

50 Gheys get to be married in the Pres USA churches. A burning issue for all no doubt.

Not surprised. PCUSA sold out to leftism a long time ago.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 18, 2015 09:57 AM (2Ojst)

51 Jazz Hands is upset about it.

That's why I support Walker in this.

Posted by: @JohnTant at March 18, 2015 09:57 AM (PFy0L)

52 You know when you watch a child trying their hardest to look all grown up while they explain their righteous indignation to you?

http://tinyurl.com/p6v29qj

Too damned funny.

White House avoids congratulating Bibi.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 18, 2015 09:57 AM (BZAd3)

53 "Also has President Shit Midas ever fired anybody?"

::: quietly raises hand in back row :::

Posted by: Former Inspector General Gerald Walpin at March 18, 2015 09:58 AM (noWW6)

54 In her own words...

I worked for Scott Walker…I'm pro-gay-marriage and I'm also pro-choice.

I'm actually a long-time gay rights supporter. I am on the board of the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry. I was on the board of GOProud. I've been on the record as supporting same-sex marriage for far longer than the vast majority of Democrats or liberals.


Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 09:58 AM (xQX/f)

55 If you work in politics its never a good idea to show open contempt for voters. What was that chinese proverb? Dont bother to open a shop if you dont like to smile?

The professional conservative commentariat didnt exactly cover itself in glory with its reaction. Sticking up for a GOP apparatchik who insults voters/lowly commoners because she is a friend looks pretty incestuous to me.

If the MSM outlets did that for a Democrat we would get rants about the "New Class" from conservative media and rightly so.

Posted by: Elize Nayden at March 18, 2015 09:59 AM (efWIZ)

56 The media in Milwaukee and Madison could take some pointers in how to destroy conservative candidates just by reading conservative blogs and forums...


SHEESH!

Posted by: H Badger at March 18, 2015 09:59 AM (n/0Nw)

57 I was struggling to remain optimistic about Walker
before this. But I scratched him off the list with this hire. It
demonstrated incompetence, but more importantly that I can't trust him
on immigration which is my non-negotiable issue. I will not, under any
circumstances, vote for this man. I think Jeff Sessions is the only
Republican I could support anymore.

Posted by: Emmett Milbarge at March 18, 2015 09:50 AM (nFdGS)


Incompetence? There are people who work on campaigns. They either have the skill to do their jobs, or they don't. Seems this one didn't. However, she was credentialed.

Now, the point where I would disagree with you or anyone else is the need for a purity test for all staffers. Not all of them are going to be on board with your positions. Guess what, they aren't hired because they agree with you on 100% of the stuff YOU think is important. Can they do the job, that's the only real question, and speaking out on a topic that contradicts the candidate's position means that no, no they can't.


Incompetence would have been not firing her.


Think of the poor chap who hired Lee Oswald at the Texas Book Depository. He saw a guy who could move boxes and stuff. Had he known the guy was going to pop a few shots at the President, he probably wouldn't have hired him. I bet he fired him afterwards though.

Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 09:59 AM (TOk1P)

58 Reason Number One to detest the Iowa caucuses: It was in Iowa that Jimmah first came to prominence in 1976.

Kowtowing to RFS junkies is not good for the country. Kowtowing to RFS junkies that think Rick Santorum and/or LuapNor are a good idea is just plain old stupid.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 09:59 AM (659DL)

59 54 Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 09:58 AM (xQX/f)



So she supports all the Gaystapo's positions, is pro-open borders, and pro-amnesty. Is she actually a Republican?

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 18, 2015 10:00 AM (wlDny)

60 >>>White House avoids congratulating Bibi.
.
.
.Why would you expect anything different? He hate Bibi very strongly because he feels he got dissed by him. Heck he even sent his people to Israel in a losing attempt to influence the election and even somehow funneled Federal $$$ to do it.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at March 18, 2015 10:00 AM (4oSLk)

61 Checking 270towin.com, Iowa's gone for the Democrats 4 out of the last 5 presidential elections.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 10:01 AM (MMC8r)

62 The Mickey Kaus piece on FoxNews was excellent. And accurate.

FoxNews is pro-Amnesty. And that's our opposition media.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 18, 2015 10:01 AM (ZPrif)

63 And lest I omit the most important part of this story:

This reliance on recycled political consultants EVERY SINGLE CAMPAIGN is going to kill the Republic. No, I'm not being hyperbolic.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 10:01 AM (659DL)

64 Walker supports welfare for rural white farmers. He is pro welfare state for whites.

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:01 AM (eohvy)

65 "Also has President Shit Midas ever fired anybody?"

General Stan McChrystal.

Over a _Rolling Stone_ article filled with inflammatory quotes which a later internal Pentagon inquiry concluded to have been without any factual foundation.

An article written by a junkie "journalist" who went on to die in a high speed car wreck with various drug-of-abuse residues in his system at autopsy.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 10:02 AM (noWW6)

66 Plus the caucus system is stupid.
-----------------------------

At this point, what difference does it make?

Posted by: Queen Hillary at March 18, 2015 10:02 AM (VndSC)

67 Is she actually a Republican?

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 18, 2015 10:00 AM (wlDny)


Sadly, Vic, these days she's more Republican than you are.

*WE* are the RINOs now.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 10:02 AM (kff5f)

68 In my alternate dream world the presidential primaries go like this.

The states are divided into five groups of ten each (those extra seven states don't get a vote), selected alphabetically or by random drawing of names out of a hat (we still use hats, right?) Each presidential election cycle the five groups hold their primaries at two-three week intervals (giving candidates time to move up or down in between). At the end of 10-15 weeks the candidate with the most delegates is the nominee. The group that voted first this time around moves to last four years from now, so a rotating opportunity to be among the early primary states comes around every 20 years.




Oh, and in my universe we use super-delegates for heating fuel.

Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at March 18, 2015 10:02 AM (NeFrd)

69 And somebody just shit on the thread...

Posted by: Cloyd Freud, Unemployed at March 18, 2015 10:02 AM (lG2E3)

70 Oh. Good. Hector is here. My day is complete.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 10:03 AM (kff5f)

71 I actually dreamed about Walker last night. I don't know why.

He was giving a speech and I was helping to pass out bumper stickers for him. That was it.

Either I'm thinking about 2016 too much or my mind has run out of bendy positions to imagine Jessica Rabbit in. Not a good sign.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 18, 2015 10:03 AM (zF6Iw)

72 Why is this controversial?

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 09:56 AM (kff5f)


It becomes controversial because there are people who have particular issues and intensities on those issues that they think are of utmost importance. Anyone who agrees with them on that issue is their ally unto death. Any attack on that issue's supporter - even if for something else and totally justified - is the most heinous atrocity and example of treachery ever.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Checkered Pasts Lead the Spring Styles at the Outrage Outlet! at March 18, 2015 10:03 AM (hLRSq)

73 Scott Walker is the candidate of the white trash welfare leeches.

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:03 AM (eohvy)

74 Iowa is really a blew state.

Posted by: Roy at March 18, 2015 10:04 AM (VndSC)

75 62 FoxNews is pro-Amnesty. And that's our opposition media.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 18, 2015 10:01 AM (ZPrif)

They have always been pro-amnesty and they like them some RINOs, and that is the most conservative part of their staff. Most of the actual reporters are Democrats just like all the rest of the news media.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 18, 2015 10:04 AM (wlDny)

76 Of course they go Democrat, zap.


They believe it is appropriate for government to circumvent the free market, by taking the money of some and diverting it to themselves via ag subsidies.


I call that Socialism ... but for shit's sake we can't say that about red blooded, god fearing 'Merican farmers.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:04 AM (Lk/fE)

77 Yeah, good for Mickey Kaus for quitting the Daily Caller. Tucker Carlson is an unprincipled weasel.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:04 AM (9BRsg)

78 The also thing that irritated the shit out of me over Ms. Mair's actions - and the full fledged freakout defense of them - is that she's a professional communications person. Representing candidates. But she doesn't know to not drop flaming Tweets directly related to her job in politics on Twitter under her own byline? Are you kidding me?

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 09:55 AM (9BRsg)



Okay, thank you, I'm not the only one who was like wait a professional communications person is flamethrowing on twitter and she thinks that's okay? Yeah, that right there would give me great pause in hiring her. Not so much for the content as it is for the obvious matter that people will use her statements against her clients. It also calls into question the wisdom of the person who hired her in the first place as this is easily discovered. Due you due diligence when hiring people. If you don't, I will factor that into my evaluation of your executive skills.

Re: Walker and pandering. Ahem. BC and I discuss this in the new podcast and let us just say we are not best pleased.

Posted by: alexthechick - Hey anyone seen my parrot? at March 18, 2015 10:05 AM (mf5HN)

79 Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 18, 2015 10:03 AM (zF6Iw)


***


She's not bendy, she's just drawn that way.

Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at March 18, 2015 10:05 AM (NeFrd)

80 Tucker Carlson is an unprincipled weasel.

Snappy dresser, though.

Posted by: Ru Paul at March 18, 2015 10:05 AM (lG2E3)

81 "I get why people think this is a misstep by Walker but in the end I think he did the obvious and right thing. "


Well, of course you do.

All things in a presidential run are perception. What he should have done is this:

Make a statement that this staffer has certain skills that are useful to the campaign and that is why she was hired - not to give advise on Iowa. Say that your sure she other ideas that are not exactly the same as what you think.

Then say "here's a news flash for you" and explain that the kid that drove the van you rode in today has a different idea than you on foreign relations. Then say "I'm not going to fire him either".

Talk about how people like Obama are in a bubble because no one will voice an opinion other than the approved one. Say that you're not like that and you welcome different views.

In the end, you're open minded and can't be pushed around by whining media.

You're a BadAss.

Perception is good and you're

Posted by: jwest at March 18, 2015 10:05 AM (9ZZd+)

82 Of course they go Democrat, zap.


Helluva stupid place to make the bellwether of conservative politics, then.

Honestly, that trumped-up little state should be polled dead fucking last.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (MMC8r)

83 @54

How did that resume get past anyone in WI? Is she a lesbo or just owns a Subaru?




Speaking of that. The stupid of some people amazes me. Old Volvo in grocery store parking lost. I mean I think it was a 240? Anyway, has a coexist sticker on it AND a Star of David Rainbow sticker. Guess no one has told her Mohammedans want to kill Jews and Lesbos?





So the owner comes out, 60 asst manager of store, rough looking. I wanted to axe but I didn't

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (0FSuD)

84 So she supports all the Gaystapo's positions, is pro-open borders, and pro-amnesty. Is she actually a Republican?
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 18, 2015 10:00 AM (wlDny)


In name only, perhaps. She's basically Obama.


Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (xQX/f)

85 Perception is good and you're

Oh, fill in the blank time. Fun.

Posted by: @JohnTant at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (PFy0L)

86 Tucker Carlson is an unprincipled weasel.

Tucker Carlson is Ronan Farrow in a bowtie.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (659DL)

87 I don't know, but I'm getting sick of this reflexive eleventh-level defense of all things Scott Walker.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 09:55 AM


None of us -- well, outside Wisconsin, anyway -- have to worry about whether to vote for Walker yet. There's more than a year to go before that happens.

Right now, I'm not impressed. See: Amnesty, ethanol. The latter doesn't mean too much, at least to me, but the former is a Very Big Deal. It's Jebbie Boooosh territory, and I'm not buying anyone who gets all compassionate about rewarding the illegals for being illegal.

With that in mind, I don't care who he hires to run his campaign. At voting time, I sure as hell will care.

All of the potential wannabe Presidents (except Krispy Kreme, Jebbie and Teh Mutt) have to sell themselves to me, and I'm not going to make my pick early. They all have a chance, one that's theirs to use or lose.

Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (P8YHq)

88 Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 09:59 AM (TOk1P)

It was incompetence to have not foreseen that this hire would be a major problem. There was nothing he knew about her last night that he didn't know (or at least should have known) before he hired her.

Posted by: Emmett Milbarge at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (nFdGS)

89 So she supports all the Gaystapo's positions, is pro-open borders, and pro-amnesty. Is she actually a Republican?

--

Yep. Just not a conservative.

Posted by: @votermom at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (cbfNE)

90 Bad operational decision on her part, choosing to approach a topic that most acknowledge needs addressing by lighting the topic on fire, rather than bringing thoughtful discussion to the subject.


Bad tactical decision on her part for choosing to bring said topic up at a really bad time for her employer's nascent Presidential campaign.


Bad strategic decision on Walker's part for hiring her in the first place.


Trying to convince voters that he's not a RINO squish, he then hires an outspoken SSM/abortion/amnesty supporter. Square, meet circle.


It's a joke of a situation from top to bottom.

Posted by: Kinley Ardal at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (9LuAk)

91 "This reliance on recycled political consultants EVERY SINGLE CAMPAIGN is going to kill the Republic."

I scratched Rick Perry off of my 2016 dance card after he hired (a) one of the McCain '08 campaign brain trust, and (b) the son of the guy who ran the disgraceful Thad Cochran re-election campaign in MS, the one that smeared Tea Party members as racist Klansmen.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (noWW6)

92 Shit Midas. That's a new one to me, and I think you've just described Obama's superpower (and/or superhero name) perfectly.

Look! On the ground! It's a turd! It's an open sewer! It's Shit Midas!

Posted by: Cato the Rebel Without a Party at March 18, 2015 10:07 AM (3HxZe)

93 Okay, thank you, I'm not the only one who was like wait a professional communications person is flamethrowing on twitter and she thinks that's okay?

Yeah, you're not.

Though, from a philosophical perspective, Ace now has to defend her and say it's wrong to fire her for just exercising her freedom of speech.

He seems to have missed the part where someone whose job is to represent me in public... represents me in public.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 10:07 AM (kff5f)

94 Now, the point where I would disagree with you or anyone else is the need for a purity test for all staffers.


Not all of them are going to be on board with your positions.


Why hire the enemy?
"If they're not for you, they're agin' you".

Posted by: rickb223 at March 18, 2015 10:07 AM (thFxz)

95 *WE* are the RINOs now.
Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 10:02 AM (kff5f)

And will be until we also cast off the name and forge our own identity. It's time.

Posted by: Cato the Rebel Without a Party at March 18, 2015 10:07 AM (3HxZe)

96 He just may have saved his campaign with this move only if he can learn from his original mistake. If she is as smart as some say then she was a ticking time bomb for his campaign. She could have easily undermined his efforts and as she seemed to be Progressive I would have giving the odds of it happening at 100%.

Posted by: Walknot at March 18, 2015 10:07 AM (FnHBZ)

97 Isn't the stupid Iowa caucus open? Huck usually wins because he goes out and gives all the preachers money to drag their people to the meeting.



He or Rand Pauls loonies.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:08 AM (0FSuD)

98 Perception is good and you're

Posted by: jwest at March 18, 2015 10:05 AM (9ZZd+)


Nobody cares what the van driver thinks on the issues.

People do care what the communications director says because that is part of her job description.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Checkered Pasts Lead the Spring Styles at the Outrage Outlet! at March 18, 2015 10:08 AM (hLRSq)

99 Perception is good and you're good with the base.

(don't know why it cut off the last few words)

Posted by: jwest at March 18, 2015 10:08 AM (9ZZd+)

100 It's not like he put America's secrets on his own private, easily-hacked email server.

This incident is about as minor as one can get.

Posted by: eman at March 18, 2015 10:08 AM (MQEz6)

101 @76
Welfare for white farmers is good. Welfare for minorities is bad. That is how Conservatives view the world in 2015.

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:09 AM (eohvy)

102 I predicted this.

Posted by: Nostradamus at March 18, 2015 10:09 AM (evdj2)

103
It also calls into question the wisdom of the person who hired her in the first place as this is easily discovered. Due you due diligence when hiring people.

You're hiring a communications girl. You vet her previous tweets and understand that she has some non-conforming viewpoints. That shouldn't be a disqualifier.

You expect that when she takes the communications job she is acting as your agent and will stifle her non-conforming viewpoints because you're paying her to be your agent.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 18, 2015 10:09 AM (JtwS4)

104 OK, off to Costco, can I get anyone something?

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:09 AM (0FSuD)

105 Make a statement that this staffer has certain skills that are useful to the campaign and that is why she was hired
---

But her expertise is in communications.

And she communicated POORLY.

Look, if she wants/needs to swear on Twitter and insult Iowans on Twitter etc, she should set up a second unverified/anonymous account.

What ticks me off about this rush to defend every thing someone says on Twitter is that most of the cases we hear about are people who make these ill-advised tweets under their name and their status as Important Expert. Their egos are so huge that they just can't resist dropping bombs with their verified/known accounts... instead of setting up a second account as just some nobody.

They're free to do it, of course, but let's not act shocked when it bites them on the ass.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:10 AM (9BRsg)

106 And once again Twitter proves to Russian Roulette for the Digital Age.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 10:10 AM (MMC8r)

107 OK, off to Costco, can I get anyone something?


Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:09 AM (0FSuD)

Some lawn chairs would be good.

Posted by: Kinley Ardal at March 18, 2015 10:10 AM (9LuAk)

108 I agree Zap.


But hell ... show me who ISN'T trying to use Government as a perk system anymore. Just about everybody's currying favor.


I like to think I coined the phrase DEMOCRATIC FEUDALISM ... but I probably didn't.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:10 AM (Lk/fE)

109 First they came for the online outreach directors, but I wasn't on online outreach direc--- ...

... yeah, that's ridiculous.

Posted by: FireHorse at March 18, 2015 10:10 AM (lHZsI)

110 @91
The tea party of 2015 is a reincarnation of the Klan.

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:10 AM (eohvy)

111 I bet we can make Hector explode by totally ignoring his poop-smearing.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 10:11 AM (MMC8r)

112 OK, off to Costco, can I get anyone something?


Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:09 AM (0FSuD)


Curious if your Costco sells cigars? The one near me used to, but they stopped. Wondering if it was a chain-wide thing....

Posted by: @JohnTant at March 18, 2015 10:11 AM (PFy0L)

113 Enough about Scott Walker. What about Hillary's Walker ?

Posted by: Sphynx at March 18, 2015 10:11 AM (OZmbA)

114 Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 10:11 AM (MMC8r)

Greasemonkey + Ignore User script (thanks Toby!) = No Hector.

It's beautiful.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at March 18, 2015 10:11 AM (kff5f)

115 Ignore the nitwit, please.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 10:12 AM (659DL)

116 111 I bet we can make Hector explode by totally ignoring his poop-smearing.
Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 10:11 AM (MMC8r)

He's just trying to emulate his hero. You know, Shit Midas.

Posted by: Cato the Rebel Without a Party at March 18, 2015 10:12 AM (3HxZe)

117 I don't know you are. I don't know what you want. If you want money, I don't have it. What I do have are a very particular set of communication skills. Skills that I've developed over the course of sending out numerous Tweets. Skills, that make me a nightmare for people trying to run for President.

Posted by: Liz Mair at March 18, 2015 10:12 AM (2Ojst)

118 Posted by: alexthechick - Hey anyone seen my parrot? at March 18, 2015 09:52 AM (mf5HN)

Walker had to fire her.

What concerns me is "Iowa first fucks up the primaries" has become a heresy position.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) who misses sleep at March 18, 2015 10:12 AM (HDwDg)

119 Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 09:59 AM (TOk1P)



It was incompetence to have not foreseen that this hire would be a
major problem. There was nothing he knew about her last night that he
didn't know (or at least should have known) before he hired her.

Posted by: Emmett Milbarge at March 18, 2015 10:06 AM (nFdGS)


She was a communications consultant or assistant, or whatever. She communicated badly. That's why she deserved to be fired. So no, I would say there was no way he could or would have foreseen this.


You seem to want a purity test for all staffers. That's fine. It's unrealistic, but that's what you want. Almost nobody campaigns for higher office with a staff filled with like-minded people though. Only one I can think of is Todd "Rapin" Akin, so.....

Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 10:12 AM (TOk1P)

120 Enough about Scott Walker. What about Hillary's Walker ?


Posted by: Sphynx at March 18, 2015 10:11 AM (OZmbA)

The walker is her e-mail server.

It is also Skynet.

Hillary is a Terminator.

Posted by: Kinley Ardal at March 18, 2015 10:13 AM (9LuAk)

121 Some lawn chairs would be good.


Posted by: Kinley Ardal at March 18, 2015 10:10 AM (9LuAk)

Those Tony Biama ones for the beach are in. What color? Also, JJ and Nevergiveup, they have that nasty G fish shit in a jar anyone want one for Passover?

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:13 AM (0FSuD)

122 I first saw the monicker "President Shit Midas" here on some thread or other. It is a perfect descriptor.

Posted by: @votermom at March 18, 2015 10:13 AM (cbfNE)

123 "Those who demand perfection eat a lot of poo."

-Socrates

Posted by: eman at March 18, 2015 10:14 AM (MQEz6)

124 I think people need to face some facts in regard to this entire incident. The media will absolutely pounce on anything potentially derogatory about any Republican candidate without hesitation in an effort to kill that candidates chances in the general election. They are invested in destroying any Republican that can or will challenge Hillary.

Walker got out in front of this problem and took care of it. Sure he might have made a mistake in hiring her, but he is human and he is going to make mistakes.

The bottom line is, he and all of the other candidates need to constantly be checking their sixes in regards to what they say, who they hire and drink a big cup of STFU before they start talking about their positions on anything until they sit down with their staff and families and talk it out first. They know what stuff is important to voters and even more importantly, they know, or they should know by now, that the media is out to get them with stupid gotcha questions that have nothing to do with issues.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at March 18, 2015 10:14 AM (4oSLk)

125 Curious if your Costco sells cigars? The one near me used to, but they stopped. Wondering if it was a chain-wide thing....

Posted by: @JohnTant at March 18, 2015 10:11 AM (PFy0L)

Yep, they use to sell high end cigars. PC Polesse must have gotten to them.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:15 AM (0FSuD)

126 How about, if we ever get another crack at a Republic, we just shit-can the notion of direct elections for the most part.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:15 AM (Lk/fE)

127 How about, if we ever get another crack at a Republic, we just shit-can the notion of direct elections for the most part.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:15 AM (Lk/fE)

128 What concerns me is "Iowa first fucks up the primaries" has become a heresy position.

--

If you are a candidate it is. The way to depose Iowa would be for the state parties to do it.

Posted by: @votermom at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (Nuir/)

129 The Aaron Schock thread yesterday contained much the same thing. Defense of Schock because of his associations and/or professed views despite what he had actually done.

He acted like an idiot and I am not defending it because I think he is some ally or that he is some sort of proxy for my beliefs and therefore must need to be protected. Same with this woman.

"Liz, you had one job; one job...."

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Checkered Pasts Lead the Spring Styles at the Outrage Outlet! at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (hLRSq)

130 BurtTC: "Almost nobody campaigns for higher office with a staff filled with like-minded people though."

Right-o. But some people get into politics thinking they're going to influence policy and "make a difference" and such while losing site of the ageless wisdom imparted by The Rock when he was bad guy: "Shut your damn mouth and know your damn role."

Posted by: FireHorse at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (SgXEz)

131 Now, the point where I would disagree with you or anyone else is the need for a purity test for all staffers.





Not all of them are going to be on board with your positions.





Why hire the enemy?

"If they're not for you, they're agin' you".

Posted by: rickb223 at March 18, 2015 10:07 AM (thFxz)


Enemy? Enemy on what, thinking Iowa is full of a bunch of corndog eating weiners?


I gotta say, I can't say she's my enemy on that topic.

Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (TOk1P)

132 I'll just leave this here

http://tinyurl.com/krxbhwb

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (tr/8D)

133 How about, if we ever get another crack at a Republic, we just shit-can the notion of direct elections for the most part.

It is my understanding that my crowning as Emperor will remove the need for elections.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (659DL)

134 You're hiring a communications girl. You vet her previous tweets and understand that she has some non-conforming viewpoints. That shouldn't be a disqualifier.

You expect that when she takes the communications job she is acting as your agent and will stifle her non-conforming viewpoints because you're paying her to be your agent.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 18, 2015 10:09 AM (JtwS4)



The non-conforming positions aren't the disqualifier.

It's the expressing those positions with bitchery and snark and in a non-professional way when that person is a communications professional that is the problem. I went back and read through some, though by no means all, of her tweets and, I'm sorry, there is no possible way in hell that someone who is in communications as a professional should be putting stuff like that out on twitter.

Of course it lacks context and of course it's difficult to read tone on twitter. You are a freaking communications professional. It is, literally, your job to know that. You demonstrated that you do not know that. That is disqualifying because it shows that you do not understand the world I will be paying you to understand.

Now, is this the hugest deal in the world? Nope. But it is a data point.

I'm still hung up on the bit about attacking her for having dual citizenship. What the hell does that have to do with anything?

Posted by: alexthechick - Hey anyone seen my parrot? at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (mf5HN)

135 "Nobody cares what the van driver thinks on the issues."

Except of course in this administration, where the van driver ends up being elevated to a post on the National Security Council.

Tommy Vietor, dude.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (noWW6)

136 Here's her website link

http://www.lizmair.com/biography.php

Good riddance. Better now then later, if there is
a later.

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (xQX/f)

137 In Tunisia, which had been the only success of the Arab Spring and as far as I can recall terrorism-free, there has just been an attack in which 8 people have been killed (7 tourists) and scores more injured at a museum across from the parliament building.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (JtwS4)

138 Not sure why Walker the Republican gets a pass from DrewM, but every other Republican earns the fiery scorn of 10,000 suns from him.

Posted by: chemjeff at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (9GG/0)

139 Yep, they use to sell high end cigars. PC Polesse must have gotten to them.


Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:15 AM


They got Valu-Rite? If so, pick me up a quart.

I think Valu-Rite is banned in MA. Everything else is....

Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (P8YHq)

140 Scott Walker should be thankful that his online outreach director never took a trip to South Africa.

Posted by: FireHorse at March 18, 2015 10:18 AM (lHZsI)

141 Posted by: @votermom at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (Nuir/


Dunno how that'll work honestly. Every time someone moves up a primary (which is also stupid) they get hammered.

And then there's the weird case of MO. Our primary dates are actually ensconced in law somewhere. They usually get changed, but every so often the governor of the opposing party (hi Nixon you fucking coward) vetoes it and chaos ensues (see 2012.)

MO wasn't *trying* to move up our primary, we got fucked. The party still threatened to hammer us, so we did an emergency caucus.

I mean FFS, that's messed up.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) who misses sleep at March 18, 2015 10:18 AM (HDwDg)

142 Speaking of walkers for Hilary!. I think this model is a good choice for her.

Rolling wheels, a backrest and a seat that can convert into a potty chair if she has to pee in a hurry and we older gals all know what that feels like.

http://tinyurl.com/kfzbstt

Anyone else have another selection for her.

Posted by: bossy barbara at March 18, 2015 10:18 AM (F2IAQ)

143 Gasp! Drew writes something positive!

Good take, Drew, by the way.

Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at March 18, 2015 10:19 AM (shFKH)

144 Not sure why Walker the Republican gets a pass from DrewM, but every other Republican earns the fiery scorn of 10,000 suns from him.

Racism?

Posted by: Your Starbucks Barista at March 18, 2015 10:19 AM (MMC8r)

145 I was thinking more along the lines of House members pick a president from the current sitting Governors ...


... but screw it, I'll get with the times. What patronage can you promise me to support your emperorship ?

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:19 AM (Lk/fE)

146 Tommy Vietor, dude.


Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (noWW6)


Nobody cared what Tommy the van driver thought about issues.

Tommy the spokesperson? Yeah, now that is a different story altogether.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Checkered Pasts Lead the Spring Styles at the Outrage Outlet! at March 18, 2015 10:20 AM (hLRSq)

147 Nobody is saying to keep her.

As I mentioned, it's a game of perception.

Stick up for your employee - people like that.

Make it clear her position isn't your position - solves the Iowa problem.

Show that the media isn't in charge of your campaign - you call the shots.

After everything calms down, shift her sideways then out - quietly.

The main point is to turn lemons into lemonaide by not appearing to be a toss-the-underling-under-the-bus pussy.

If Walker wants any more good advice, I'm available at 40K/month and 7% of ad buys.

Posted by: jwest at March 18, 2015 10:20 AM (9ZZd+)

148 BurtTC: "Almost nobody campaigns for higher office with a staff filled with like-minded people though."



Right-o. But some people get into politics thinking they're going to
influence policy and "make a difference" and such while losing site of
the ageless wisdom imparted by The Rock when he was bad guy: "Shut your
damn mouth and know your damn role."

Posted by: FireHorse at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (SgXEz)


Exactly. Hence, her firing.

Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 10:20 AM (TOk1P)

149 >>Posted by: chemjeff at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM

I didn't interpret this as him giving Walker a global pass (see his link to the "I have questions about Scott Walker" post), just a pass on firing this gal.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:20 AM (9BRsg)

150 What patronage can you promise me to support your emperorship ?

...
...
...

Idaho.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 10:20 AM (659DL)

151 @134

Well put. You can't do your job, you are fired.



Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:21 AM (0FSuD)

152 alexthechick: "I'm still hung up on the bit about attacking her for having dual citizenship. What the hell does that have to do with anything?"

Obama's still president for another 22 months and the way his foreign policy is going we might be at war against the United Kingdom by the time Scott Walker takes office.

(And no, I haven't seen your parrot.)

Posted by: FireHorse at March 18, 2015 10:21 AM (SgXEz)

153 Here's her website link
[...] Good riddance. Better now then later, if there is
a later.

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM


Jeebus. Read her bio and tell me why anyone would hire her. Pompous little twit who uses trendy goobledygook to mask a total lack of intelligence.

My opinion of Walker drops very slightly because he didn't read that link and go "ewwwwww...."

Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:21 AM (P8YHq)

154 77
Yeah, good for Mickey Kaus for quitting the Daily Caller. Tucker Carlson is an unprincipled weasel.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:04 AM (9BRsg)


Why do you say that? Seriously. I kind of like the guy. Want to know.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:22 AM (0FSuD)

155 It is my understanding that my crowning as Emperor will remove the need for elections.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 10:16 AM (659DL)


It is my understanding that we already have an Empress and she needs no consort.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 18, 2015 10:22 AM (zF6Iw)

156 Old rule of hiring:

"A" level executives hire "A" level subordinates.

"B" level executives hire "C" and "D" level subordinates.

When you see tin-eared hiring decisions at the campaign staff level, pause and stop and think about whether the hiring decisions at the elected-governance level would be any better thought through.

It was clear to anyone who was paying attention, even before his election, that supposed "conservative Republican" Ahnuld der Groppenfuhrer was going to be a crummy Governator of Commiefornia, and tilt strongly to the left, and sure enough, that's just how things shook out.

What was the tell? The patterns of his campaign staff hiring.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 10:22 AM (noWW6)

157 Circa ... Your vocation does not concern me. I just want to know what graft I can get from you.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:22 AM (Lk/fE)

158
I went back and read through some, though by no means all, of her tweets and, I'm sorry, there is no possible way in hell that someone who is in communications as a professional should be putting stuff like that out on twitter.

You did research. Isn't that cheating?

Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 18, 2015 10:23 AM (JtwS4)

159 They got Valu-Rite? If so, pick me up a quart.

I think Valu-Rite is banned in MA. Everything else is....


Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (P8YHq)

No booze in NC stores, only in SC. Sorry.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:23 AM (0FSuD)

160 I think she also called New Hampshire ' a red headed step child' and said ' Texas is too big for their britches '.

Posted by: WTF at March 18, 2015 10:23 AM (U8pol)

161 In Tunisia, which had been the only success of the Arab Spring and as far as I can recall terrorism-free, there has just been an attack in which 8 people have been killed (7 tourists) and scores more injured at a museum across from the parliament building.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM (JtwS4)



Oh no.

Also I kind of hate myself more than usual because my immediate response was bet they were going for the museum to destroy more history rather than oh dear God eight people are dead.

Posted by: alexthechick - Hey anyone seen my parrot? at March 18, 2015 10:23 AM (mf5HN)

162 Not sure why Walker the Republican gets a pass
from DrewM, but every other Republican earns the fiery scorn of 10,000
suns from him.



Racism?

Posted by: Your Starbucks Barista at March 18, 2015 10:19 AM (MMC8r)


That is so freakin' funny on several levels.

Posted by: BurtTC at March 18, 2015 10:23 AM (TOk1P)

163 Tiny academic correction, Drew.

Your description of a presidential run (how hard it is) is very good.

But there are exceptions. Obama was handed everything on a silver platter. His constant gaffes and missteps mattered not. His campaign was a parody of a mindless campaign - people fainting at his speeches, etc.

Obama was subjected to as much pressure, challenge, and scrutiny as Saddam in his last "campaign". Thanks to the collapsed civic culture ("ooh, .... he's ... black!!") and the transformation of the press into an arm of the leftest wing of the Dem Party.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 18, 2015 10:24 AM (afQnV)

164 It is my understanding that we already have an Empress and she needs no consort.

This is for Morons.

I, on the other hand, am talking full-blown Napoleon/Palpatine/Genhis Khan. for the greater good, of course.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 10:24 AM (659DL)

165 Now, is this the hugest deal in the world? Nope. But it is a data point.

I'm still hung up on the bit about attacking her for having dual citizenship. What the hell does that have to do with anything?
---

We have entered the phase of the pre-primary wherein people who've started to align behind specific candidates are using their soap boxes to drop steaming - and sometimes dishonest - turds on other GOP candidates and their teams.

FWIW, I read (an opinion - no proof) that Boyle is lined up behind a different candidate. His column definitely had a distinct whiff of personal attack to it, imho. And that's too bad b/c he actually made some good points, but they were lost in the blowback.

It blows chunks. It makes it nigh on impossible to tell what Reality is and what's spin.

It seems like this shit really ramped up after CPAC.


BTW, I almost blew a gasket when Eric Erickson's open letter to Walker (in defense of Mair and invoking Christian values, no less) hit my timeline given that Redstate dropped a hit piece on another candidate over a staffer ON THE SAME DAY.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:25 AM (9BRsg)

166 I mean, I like Walker myself, if the election were today I would vote for him over all the others, but I also think he is being given more of a pass than other Republicans might be because (a) he is a fighty fighter and (b) he's not in DC.

If some House Republican had done something like this I am pretty sure DrewM and a lot of other people would be in "LOL idiot Republicans once again" mode.

Just pointing out the double standard, is all.

Posted by: chemjeff at March 18, 2015 10:25 AM (9GG/0)

167 Oooh ...


... Circa vs. Garden Gnome - a duel to the death for the Emperor's Crown AND the hand of Empress Alex.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:25 AM (Lk/fE)

168 I just want to know what graft I can get from you.

...
...
...

Kansas.

Hurry, only 48 left and who wants to get stuck with Rhode Island?

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 18, 2015 10:26 AM (659DL)

169 A libertarian Republican and Arsenal FC fan, Liz served as Online Communications Director at the Republican National Committee during 2008, where she led an aggressive and groundbreaking online media outreach effort aimed at electing John McCain, Sarah Palin and Republicans across the country.
FAIL

During the 2010 cycle, she advised Carly Fiorina on online communications.
MORE FAIL

She also consulted for Gov. Rick Perry during his presidential run.

MORE FAIL

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 10:26 AM (xQX/f)

170 Sorry to rain on everyone's day, but this will bring a tear to your eye:

http://tinyurl.com/kz2l34z

Libs sad that Bibi is happy about Obama's butt hurt.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 18, 2015 10:26 AM (BZAd3)

171 >> Nobody is saying to keep her.

That's not true. Half of the conservosphere yesterday was saying to keep her. It was ludicrous.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:26 AM (9BRsg)

172 and said ' Texas is too big for their britches '.



Penis envy is pitiful.
Bless her heart.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 18, 2015 10:27 AM (thFxz)

173 I think she also called New Hampshire ' a red headed step child' and said ' Texas is too big for their britches '.

Well, that is true about New Hampshire, They are kinda weird.

But Texas? Also true, but that is why they are awesome.

Posted by: chemjeff at March 18, 2015 10:27 AM (9GG/0)

174 All of us down at the Brattleboro Women's Reproductive Health Choice
Clinic think President Obama should tell that Wlker Governor Guy to stop lying about Hillary and everything. When Bush lied about our Presdent of Color that was OK with everyone. If Hillary is elected (We Hoope) the world will love us again and we can show them we hate Bush too and trying to fix the problems he created.

Posted by: Mary Clogginstein from Brattleboro, VT at March 18, 2015 10:27 AM (Sd++4)

175 You did research. Isn't that cheating?
Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 18, 2015 10:23 AM (JtwS4)


*hangs head*

I'm sorry, I've violated the Moron Way.

*trudges off to mix up some of ace's flea dip in penance*

Posted by: alexthechick - Here SMOD SMOD SMOD at March 18, 2015 10:27 AM (mf5HN)

176 104..Nip Sip.....For gawds sake, don't get one of their rotesserie chickens! Hubby and bought one on Saturday. I served it.with steamed rice and grilled vegis. We were both sick as hell from 1 am on Sunday until late.Monday...

Never again.

Posted by: Russkilitlover at March 18, 2015 10:28 AM (sms5W)

177
Scott Walker is the candidate of the white trash welfare leeches.

Posted by: Authentic Republican


Clearly factually incorrect.

I'd vote for him, and not a welfare leech. The white trash part could be up for debate.

Posted by: Moderate Salami at March 18, 2015 10:28 AM (/Ho8c)

178 @165

I think we all have Hope that Walker is the one. Don't eat you own. I agree with everything said about the stupidity of this hire to begin with.



He seems to have no problem running WI, so were are the grown up in this campaign now?

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:28 AM (0FSuD)

179 @138
It is very simple. DrewM is a white trash xenophobe like Scott Walker.

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:28 AM (eohvy)

180 No previous experience truly prepares you for it.

So I was truly prepared!

Posted by: Barky O'Douche at March 18, 2015 10:28 AM (ZBGyR)

181 They got Valu-Rite? If so, pick me up a quart.

I think Valu-Rite is banned in MA. Everything else is....
Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:17 AM


You just have to know the right people.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 18, 2015 10:28 AM (h4vJk)

182 "In Tunisia, which had been the only success of the Arab Spring and as far as I can recall terrorism-free, there has just been an attack in which 8 people have been killed"

Also, in Yemen, which was supposed to be the marquee showplace for Obama's "strategic patience" in containing radical Islamic expansion, the U.S. backed government has now for all intents and purposes collapsed, and the country has been taken over by jihadis.

Five hundred million dollars worth of arms supplied by Uncle Sugar are now in jihadi hands, including a bunch of coveted night vision goggles. The ability for infantry to fight efficiently at night has been one of the American military's game changers, and it's one the jihadis have wanted from the outset to be able to emulate. Now they can.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 10:28 AM (noWW6)

183 Same with this woman. "Liz, you had one job; one job...."

If my gunnery officer is shooting the shit outta stuff for no damn reason, that person should go. If i hire a driver, and they rack up DUIs or reckless driving charges, they're gone.
If a communications director can't be trusted near a live mic, pack your shit and leave.

Posted by: Blue Hen at March 18, 2015 10:29 AM (Spluw)

184 I vagel recall an attack about 10 years ago in Tunisia - a gas truck or something?

Posted by: Baldy at March 18, 2015 10:29 AM (sEXjW)

185 So...campaign person to work in Iowa insults Iowa and gets fired?

And people complain stupid was treated as a firing offense?

Da heck?

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Unrepresented Christian Objectivist at March 18, 2015 10:29 AM (DT3rQ)

186 But are Scott Walkers tits, like, huge?

Posted by: Only the important things at March 18, 2015 10:30 AM (2uzAd)

187 176
104..Nip Sip.....For gawds sake, don't get one of their rotesserie
chickens! Hubby and bought one on Saturday. I served it.with steamed
rice and grilled vegis. We were both sick as hell from 1 am on Sunday
until late.Monday...



Never again.

Posted by: Russkilitlover at March 18, 2015 10:28 AM (sms5W)

Strange. I get one every week. Love them, one in frig now. Never gotten sick. Sounds like oven was not hot enough. I would report it AND they will give you your $4.99 back. Give them another try.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:30 AM (0FSuD)

188 @177
At least you are honest about being white trash. I respect people who are honest. Walker is your guy because he is one of you. I have the man because he represents a segment of this nation I despise.

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:30 AM (eohvy)

189 I don't care who we run, as long as we win.

No one but Walker, right now, looks like the one we need to beat Hillary, and have no doubt, she will be their nominee. She and Bill and Cheryl and Huma can beat Zero and Mooch and Val.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at March 18, 2015 10:30 AM (U6f54)

190 Libs sad that Bibi is happy about Obama's butt hurt.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 18, 2015 10:26 AM


Since I don't get out much, I have no idea who or what a "John Heilmann" is. But if I met him in the street, I'd say "those Israeli voters sure stuck it to Choom Boy, didn't they?"

Which they did. Better than many alleged conservatives in this country have done.

Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:30 AM (P8YHq)

191 I think Valu-Rite is banned in MA. Everything else is....
Posted by: MrScribbler

You just have to know the right people.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState


Or be mindful of where the nearest state border is.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Unrepresented Christian Objectivist at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (DT3rQ)

192 186
But are Scott Walkers tits, like, huge?


Posted by: Only the important things at March 18, 2015 10:30 AM (2uzAd)

Not as big as mine,

Posted by: the State Department Ginger at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (0FSuD)

193 Shorter jwest: fuck up, move up.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (2Ojst)

194
BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE!
Posted by: Walker-Khorne 2016 at March 18, 2015 09:40 AM (CMbMd)


You forgot the "Crown of Cheese" that was originally referenced.

For about two centuries and more the Dems have been fielding so called moderates that are actually progressive/socialist/pro-slavery/whatever. This was the original Van Buren ploy to get a broader coalition behind a single candidate, and has devolved into a giant MSM shielded deception program to hide the actual aims and beliefs of the candidates.

I wonder if such a thing would be possible... I mean instead of the GOP running a progressive liberal as a conservative, but a real conservative pretending to be a lib-prog squish.

Posted by: Kindltot at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (t//F+)

195 Same with this woman. "Liz, you had one job; one job...."



"Look at the flowers Lizzie"

Posted by: rickb223 at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (thFxz)

196 A year from now something else will be on our minds.

Posted by: eman at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (MQEz6)

197 Just to be clear, I was being sarcastic.

Posted by: WTF at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (U8pol)

198 I'm surprised, Drew. I'd have thought you'd not back someone who obviously graduated from the Mitch McConnell Advanced School of Fighting Everyone But Big-Government Republicans.

Posted by: Jimmie (@jimmiebjr) at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (bofTB)

199 In a presidential campaign, mistakes are something the other guy does.

Never apologize.

Ever.

For anything.

It never, ever helps. All it does is confirm every bad thing anyone ever said about you.

Posted by: jwest at March 18, 2015 10:32 AM (9ZZd+)

200 People done forgot about poor white trash, and if that ain't country I'll kiss your ass.


Would make a nice campaign slogan.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:32 AM (Lk/fE)

201 I don't care who we run, as long as we win.

If you define "we win" as "our agenda and values are advanced", great. If you define it as "someone with an R instead of a D in office", you need to relearn how this game is played.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Unrepresented Christian Objectivist at March 18, 2015 10:32 AM (DT3rQ)

202 She also consulted for Gov. Rick Perry during his presidential run.



MORE FAIL

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 10:26 AM (xQX/f)

So does this mean she sucks a dick as well as I do?

Posted by: the State Department Ginger at March 18, 2015 10:32 AM (0FSuD)

203 I kind of wish the same folks who are going after social media outreach directors could have successfully undermined the influence of Stuart Stevens or Steve Schmidt in previous campaigns! Go after big fish.

Posted by: MTF at March 18, 2015 10:32 AM (LISuA)

204 Why do you say that? Seriously. I kind of like the guy. Want to know.
---

Kaus wrote a column for Daily Caller taking Fox News to task for what he perceives to be a tacit pro-amnesty stance (b/c he feels Fox is not spending enough time covering it and trying to distract people w/ their other coverage).

He posted it at DC (b/c he was on staff there).

When he woke up the next morning, it had been taken down by Tucker Carlson. Carlson's reason was that there could be no criticisms of Fox News at the DC b/c he (Carlson) contributes there. So Kaus quit.

Look, if Fox News OWNED the Daily Caller, that'd be one thing. But I don't think that sort of editorial policy is appropriate just b/c Carlson wants to protect some sweet gig he has at another media outlet.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:32 AM (9BRsg)

205 Can't we all just get along?

Posted by: Your Starbucks Barista at March 18, 2015 10:33 AM (MMC8r)

206 I'm a happy racist that loves attacking people because of the color of their skin. And i like to pretend that the klan has nothing to do with me.

Posted by: genuine rethuglickkkkkkkan at March 18, 2015 10:33 AM (Spluw)

207 196
A year from now something else will be on our minds.

Posted by: eman at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (MQEz6)

Me in that center fold?

Posted by: the State Department Ginger at March 18, 2015 10:33 AM (0FSuD)

208 In Defense of Scott Walker:

1. He's better than everyone else in the GOP

Fin

Posted by: Roadrunner at March 18, 2015 10:34 AM (nWv04)

209 My loafers are light as feathers.

Posted by: Tucker Carlson at March 18, 2015 10:34 AM (lG2E3)

210 205
Can't we all just get along?

Posted by: Your Starbucks Barista at March 18, 2015 10:33 AM (MMC8r)

Yes, but first you will blow me.

Posted by: Mel at March 18, 2015 10:34 AM (0FSuD)

211 When you can't fire an idiot without major blowback, something is definitely wrong.

Posted by: WTF at March 18, 2015 10:35 AM (U8pol)

212 Or be mindful of where the nearest state border is.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Unrepresented Christian Objectivist at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM


Oh, I DO know where that is, and it doesn't take long to get there.

The downside is that the nearest border is with Noo Hampshuh, and who wants to go there? After that, it's a relatively short jump to either Maine or Vermont.

Getting the picture yet?

Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:35 AM (P8YHq)

213 Look, if Fox News OWNED the Daily Caller, that'd be
one thing. But I don't think that sort of editorial policy is
appropriate just b/c Carlson wants to protect some sweet gig he has at
another media outlet.



Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:32 AM (9BRsg)

Thanks, I agree. Disappointing, petty and STUPID. What the hell was he thinking? This would make him look good?

Posted by: Mel at March 18, 2015 10:37 AM (0FSuD)

214 off mel sock

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:37 AM (0FSuD)

215 WSJ headline: "Israeli Voters Say Now isn't the Right Time for Peace"

Heh

Posted by: SpongeBobSaget at March 18, 2015 10:38 AM (zauWW)

216 Who actually hired her? Does anybody think Walker actually does all the hiring? I'm guessing another consultant-class staffer hired her, and when the shitstorm started, Walker made the decision to dump her. At least that's what I'm hoping happened....

Posted by: stinkylegs at March 18, 2015 10:39 AM (s3xUJ)

217 These writers in DC seem to move around a lot.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:39 AM (0FSuD)

218 A year from now something else will be on our minds.

Posted by: eman at March 18, 2015 10:31 AM (MQEz6)

Me in that center fold?
Posted by: the State Department Ginger at March 18, 2015 10:33 AM (0FSuD)

You meant a day didn't you?

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at March 18, 2015 10:39 AM (KbNXw)

219 'social media outreach directors'

With "Under construction" in the banner of
her website. I haven't seen that since the late
90's. I guess it's young and hip again.

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at March 18, 2015 10:39 AM (xQX/f)

220 "When you can't fire an idiot without major blowback, something is definitely wrong."

It's the hiring of the idiot in the first place that is of concern.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 10:39 AM (noWW6)

221 @MrScribbler

You could always go to Rhode Island.

Posted by: Penfold at March 18, 2015 10:39 AM (Fbt5B)

222 Mel ...


... I'm gonna' go out on a limb here and guess that Tucker Carlson was thinking his loyalties lie with Person, Party, and Principles - in that order.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 18, 2015 10:40 AM (Lk/fE)

223 One of the biggest things wrong with modern politics on the right? The consultant-industrial complex, that continually enriches itself from failed campaign after failed campaign.

Posted by: Cato the Rebel Without a Party at March 18, 2015 10:40 AM (3HxZe)

224 OK, now really going to Costco so I will get there before the hot dog line gets too long.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:40 AM (0FSuD)

225 Don't care. All I know is the primary process needs to be nuked from orbit. There is nothing I can do that has any effect whatsoever on who gets the nomination. I'm completely locked out of the process, so I can't care who wins, expect perhaps as an idle spectator.

I do care that the country would be better off if we didn't have to keep promising corn money to Iowans.

Posted by: stace at March 18, 2015 10:40 AM (ImzkZ)

226 187...Nip Sip. I have been buying them for years as my go to no food in fridge quickie dinner alternative. However, once you go through a bout of food poisioning, you can't even think about that food without your stomach contracting. Costco churns out those chix all day long. I think this particular store.probably did not attend food.handling 101. I intend to.go back and observe. Also,.yes, I will be calling the.store.manager.

Posted by: Russkilitlover at March 18, 2015 10:41 AM (sms5W)

227 223 One of the biggest things wrong with modern politics on the right? The consultant-industrial complex, that continually enriches itself from failed campaign after failed campaign.
Posted by: Cato the Rebel Without a Party at March 18, 2015 10:40 AM (3HxZe)

They are corrupt scum, lower than whaleshit. Our TX Lt Gov even had money stolen from him by his campaign consultant.

Posted by: stace at March 18, 2015 10:42 AM (ImzkZ)

228 224 OK, now really going to Costco so I will get there before the hot dog line gets too long.
-------------------------

You sound like it's a Presidential press conference or something.

Posted by: Roy at March 18, 2015 10:42 AM (VndSC)

229 The downside is that the nearest border is with Noo Hampshuh, and who wants to go there?

I was talking procurement, not exit strategies.

And I like New Hampshire. Or I liked it when I visited 12 years ago anyway. Y'all could have turned it into a gigantic Triffid hothouse since for all I know.

Scroot, yer on yer own, I'm too sober for this.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Unrepresented Christian Objectivist at March 18, 2015 10:42 AM (DT3rQ)

230 You could always go to Rhode Island. Posted by: Penfold at March 18, 2015 10:39 AM

Farther away. Hell, I could go to Connecticut, too! Five states I have no desire to ever visit again (though NH doesn't have sales tax).

Or just swim out into the Atlantic 'til I hit Yurp or the UK.

Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:43 AM (P8YHq)

231 I'd say its time to begin constantly pestering Tucker Carlson with questions on amnesty.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 18, 2015 10:43 AM (MMC8r)

232 Not to worry. We get a GOP resident in the White House, control of congress, and appoint some judges, and the news media will love us. The radicals will shut up, and we'll have peace at last.

You'll see.

Posted by: Xylan le Kronlaist at March 18, 2015 10:43 AM (fhuGW)

233 As a conservative I am concerned about the effect Walkers enormous gaffe will have on the trust level of his supporters. He has failed to address the elements that are tearing apart htis country like tuition costs and the failure to have a national discourse on race.
This continual stream of failures at this critical point makes me believe that he is not suitable to be president.
Because of this trust deficit I have no choice but to support Elizabeth Warren as the only suitable candidate.

Posted by: SJBarrista at March 18, 2015 10:44 AM (t//F+)

234 So, I watched John Wick last night. Cool flick, a little too long, but the fight choreography was a thing of beauty.
Posted by: Insomniac at March 18, 2015 09:46 AM (2Ojst)

The hero was amazingly bulletproof and the bad guys were amazingly inept. I realize it wouldn't be much of an action movie if the hero gets killed in the first five minutes, but this 'unstoppable killing machine' business is getting old. It seems it's the American equivalent of theFlying Tigers, Hidden Dragons school offight choreography where peoplefly among the treetops and do triple somersault back flips on tabletops and the like.

And by the way, who in hell would ever seek a job as an evil villain's henchman, anyway? It's like enlisting for a six-year stint as an imperial stormtrooper or going for that redshirt security gig in Starfleet.

Posted by: troyriser at March 18, 2015 10:45 AM (7F9i5)

235 "We want to congratulate the Israeli people for the democratic process for the election that they just engaged in with all the parties that engaged in that election."

A man from Mars might well infer from Obama's reaction that democratic elections were something new thing in Israel.

Posted by: toby928(C) at March 18, 2015 10:45 AM (evdj2)

236 Scroot, yer on yer own, I'm too sober for this.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Unrepresented Christian Objectivist at March 18, 2015 10:42 AM


And yes, NH is a beautiful state. Loved Mt Washington, would love to go there every summer day.

But if any state ever needed a border with Texas to escape across speedy-speedy, MA is it.

Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:46 AM (P8YHq)

237 If anyone wants a chuckle, click the "NSFW message to Obama" (from Bibi) link in the banner on front page. Little victories are all I have these days...

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at March 18, 2015 10:47 AM (5buP8)

238 Also, that English is a second language at the Whitehouse.

Posted by: toby928(C) at March 18, 2015 10:47 AM (evdj2)

239 "The hero was amazingly bulletproof and the bad guys were amazingly inept."


How about "Banshee"?

For a small Pennsylvania Amish town, they sure do pile up the body count.

Posted by: jwest at March 18, 2015 10:47 AM (9ZZd+)

240 Frankly, her tweets were stupid. They were poorly written and insulting. We can agree that the Iowa maybe shouldn't have the frontrunner status, but as a face of an campaign (or at least as as staff member), you do have to be diplomatic in your handling of it. I think letting her resign actually is a good thing. It shows Walker is starting to get it. He can't allow her to be a loose cannon for him. To EE's point about he should have fired her - well maybe she didn't want to get fired. Most people don't. Maybe letting her resign was the diplomatic way to handle this problem.

Posted by: SH at March 18, 2015 10:48 AM (gmeXX)

241 But if any state ever needed a border with Texas to escape across speedy-speedy, MA is it.



Which is why OK, AR, & LA are where they are.

Buffers.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 18, 2015 10:48 AM (thFxz)

242 Jeebus, THAT was the official US comment on the Israeli elections?

Articulate English has been mostly a dead language inside the Beltway for a long time. But the group of sub-mediocrities and idiots who have been feasting there for several years now on the rotting corpse of the republic have among their many unimpressive qualities basically no communication skills.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 18, 2015 10:49 AM (afQnV)

243 The Breitbart rabble-rouser practically asked her why she hates America. Having dual citizenship does not make one hate America.

Agree to disagree here.

The Left will be more than happy to vet the GOPe. But hey, fire away, circular firing squad. I got no skin in this game. Fcuk the Dems and the Dem-lite GOPe. A pox on both their houses.

Posted by: Citizen X at March 18, 2015 10:49 AM (7ObY1)

244 Art thread up.

Posted by: HH at March 18, 2015 10:50 AM (Ce4DF)

245 Harper has congratulated Bibi.

I've been thinking. This isn't the first ME election the JEF as meddled in. He did it in Egypt. Everytime he does, it destabilizes the government leading to a collapse. Herzog was a fool. He was being used. The JEF meant to collapse Israel from within. From his point of view, israels collapse solves a lot of problems. Knowing these assholes, it isn't over. Time for constant haranguing in the press. And protests in the street. Sanctions. Divestment. Boycotts. And allowing the UN and the world court to savage Israel. This is not the end. This is the beginning

Posted by: ThunderB, PinUpWhoreBabyMachine at March 18, 2015 10:50 AM (zOTsN)

246 @204
Kaus is a remnant of the Dixiecrats. Fox is very anti- Latino and blames them for every I'll in this country. What more doss Kuas want for Fox to advocate death camps?

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:50 AM (eohvy)

247 I do care that the country would be better off if we didn't have to keep promising corn money to Iowans.

Texas gets more farm subsidies than Iowa, and Illinois is a very close third, but no one ever talks about cutting them off. I wonder why.

Posted by: HR braucht ein Bier at March 18, 2015 10:50 AM (/kI1Q)

248
And yes, NH is a beautiful state. Loved Mt Washington, would love to go there every summer day.

But if any state ever needed a border with Texas to escape across speedy-speedy, MA is it.
Posted by: MrScribbler at March 18, 2015 10:46 AM


If I had the chance, I'd be over that border in a heartbeat. NH, that is.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 18, 2015 10:50 AM (h4vJk)

249 Having dual citizenship does not make one hate America.

It's not a mark in your favor, imo.

Posted by: toby928(C) at March 18, 2015 10:51 AM (evdj2)

250 It's sad that it's so pinko, but I always liked Vermont more than New Hampshire. NH feels too influenced by Bostonians. Vermont had its own personality.

Posted by: McY-not at March 18, 2015 10:51 AM (9BRsg)

251 "We want to congratulate the Israeli people for the democratic process for the election that they just engaged in with all the parties that engaged in that election."

Protip: take the bong hit *after* writing the press release.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 18, 2015 10:51 AM (noWW6)

252 Here's my thoughts as to Iowa and the RNC. Feel free to tell me where I go wrong.
Drew is right in that it isn't the candidates job to tell Iowa they aren't all that. It is the job of the RNC.

The RNC loves Iowa because it is a moderating state. By that I mean you have to kiss the ass of King Corn, and by extention, all the crony capitalism that goes with it. If you do that well, you're probably not a fire-breathing conservative.

So don't expect to see anything change regarding Iowa's status. RNC and GOPe love it the way it is.

How do you guys see it?

Posted by: OneEyedJack at March 18, 2015 10:51 AM (XmOA9)

253 And by the way, who in hell would ever seek a job as an evil villain's henchman, anyway?

AND, why does the Evil Henchman always want world domination? I mean, seriously, you want to be the King of Liberia?

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at March 18, 2015 10:52 AM (5buP8)

254 and have no doubt, she will be their nominee.
Posted by: the littl shyning man at March 18, 2015 10:30 AM (U6f54)


Yuppers. We're already in Stage 2 of Hillarygate, which is being played like every other lib scandal.


1. Deny any wrongdoing.
2. OK, there was wrongdoing, but Booosh - in the case of the separation form, Rice and Powell. (Bonus points for obfuscating the issues, making it just too darn hard for LIVs to follow)
3. Dude, that was like, a long time ago.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at March 18, 2015 10:52 AM (vgIRn)

255 @243
I would take the GOPe or Dems over the KKK white trash tea party.

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:52 AM (eohvy)

256 Hector's schtick is way past boring. Why can't the banhammer remove his droppings, permanently? Not the first to ask this, but at least he should be MUMR'd.

Those replacement comments for MUMR are hilarious. The management could craft a series of racist-themed MadLibs for our sad little Hector.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 18, 2015 10:54 AM (afQnV)

257 @252
Iowa voters are national socialist. They are reactionary on social and racial issues. They are pro socialist when it comes to their issues. The only reason the RNC puts up with Iowa has to due with needing the support of white trash vot rs.

Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:55 AM (eohvy)

258 Who is this State Department Ginger person of whom you speak?

Posted by: Moderate Salami at March 18, 2015 10:55 AM (/Ho8c)

259 Staffers are not supposed to be obnoxious a-holes. She was. Now she is gone. He doesn't have time for this and she had worked for him a day and a half which means she was trouble from the beginning. Double citizenship and she wasn't even born in the UK or UK parents. Really? And pro-amnesty? No. Get out and don't waste my time. Good for Walker.

Posted by: Lester at March 18, 2015 10:56 AM (2UPXV)

260 Dual citizenship is a major problem. There are no reasons for this status besides dishonest ones.

My first reaction is: so you root for the Yankees AND the Mets?

My second reaction is: Do you get to vote in both places?

My third reaction is: Do you pay taxes in both places?

I do understand, having been born abroad with "dual citizenship", why certain expats need to have this status for their children. But at a certain age, the kid needs to decide.

This business of adults adding passports to their wallets is just dishonest. We used to be able to collect drivers licenses from different states too. That was for honest, collector reasons too, right?

Posted by: scottst at March 18, 2015 10:57 AM (Ltygl)

261 He got a lot of flack for this because his
strongest support is coming from the conservative base and they are
uniformly against amnesty.
Posted by: Vic
..................
Which is why I have predicted he will stay at the same place in the polls where he is now. He is a hero to the very conservative base, but he cannot win a primary with just them.. so he waffles and flips and tries to please everyone.. which will only erode his support by the base.

I'm still hoping Perry jumps in.. or Pence.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at March 18, 2015 10:59 AM (so+oy)

262 Texas gets more farm subsidies than Iowa, and Illinois is a very close third, but no one ever talks about cutting them off. I wonder why.
Posted by: HR braucht ein Bier at March 18, 2015 10:50 AM (/kI1Q)

Texas is also much larger than Iowa and IL. We should cut them all off, but most of all the ethanol mandate, a product that no one likes and wouldn't buy voluntarily.

Rick Perry was one of the only candidates to come out against ethanol in 2012, and see where that got him. He had other problems, but his position on ethanol didn't help him in Iowa.

Posted by: stace at March 18, 2015 11:02 AM (ImzkZ)

263 255 @243
I would take the GOPe or Dems over the KKK white trash tea party.
Posted by: Authentic Republican at March 18, 2015 10:52 AM (eohvy)

Then you like the crony capitalism.

Posted by: stace at March 18, 2015 11:05 AM (ImzkZ)

264 Loser with outspoken friends in high places among the twitterati. Should never have been hired, and surely won't be missed.

Said Joe ConservativeBase: "Liz who?"

Posted by: bofh at March 18, 2015 11:06 AM (ggyaL)

265 Who cares? I don't live in Iowa, and the primary for my state is late in the season. If all the good candidates have been sent packing thanks to buttholes in IA, NH, and SC, well then fuck you RNC. If your candidate sucks or you continue to be pussies in the next 2 years then you can without my money and possibly without my vote.
I like Walker but it's a little early for me to start jizzing over just one candidate. I'll nut after Hewitt's debate.

Posted by: Bruce Jenners Plastic Vag at March 18, 2015 11:11 AM (8Re8t)

266

OK, off to Costco, can I get anyone something?


Posted by: Nip Sip at March 18, 2015 10:09 AM (0FSuD)


------------------------------

Yeah,, I need a couple of tennis balls for my walker..

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at March 18, 2015 11:12 AM (HSmrB)

267 PS it's never a good idea to be an asshole on Facebook or Twitter under your real name. Be an asshole in the blog comment section under a name of celebrity anatomy

Posted by: Bruce Jenners Plastic Vag at March 18, 2015 11:14 AM (8Re8t)

268 Who said anything about dying on a hill?

Oh, you did.

Drew, I cannot appreciate your analysis. Too inside-y. I would MUCH rather a candidate do what he will and step on establishment toes as if they are not even put in the way. Ignore them. You say yourself, Iowa, shut up, and then to the candidate, it's really not your fight, not your hill to die on, or not properly placed on the dying hill continuum. Nonsense. Make your choices for the reasons you have and stick with them and let establishment voices scream all they wish. If they want to be heard, want to be headed, then they will have to stop being establishment voices, or else nothing unhappy will change, nothing unsatisfactory will change, and you pay your dues to the people and forces you'd like to see gone. No. Drew. You overanalyzed and from the point of view of insider establishment, not rebel tearer downer and noise ignorer.

Posted by: bour3 at March 18, 2015 11:37 AM (5x3+2)

269 Scott Walker earned more of my trust by this quick firing. He ACTED. Made a decision. Did it swiftly. Is moving on. Literally like a boss.

Refreshing, isn't it?

Posted by: Bluey Raisin at March 18, 2015 11:43 AM (jwlNk)

270 Fuck Iowa. Fuck ethanol subsidies. Only thing that comes out of there are good college wrestling teams and a couple spectacular blondes.

Posted by: SGT Dan's Cat at March 18, 2015 11:56 AM (zNKCm)

271 So there is a job opening for Ace?

Posted by: Jean at March 18, 2015 12:03 PM (ztOda)

272 I have some serious doubts about Walker, I have serious doubts about my current favorite Ted Cruz.

I don't see anyone out there who is balls to the wall about the 2nd Amendment, Common Core, Amnesty and Obamacare.

all of them fall horribly short of my expectations in one or more of these critically important areas.

it is incredibly frustrating.

having said that it pisses me off even more that establishment types spend more time tearing down even nominally conservative candidates rather than focus in the progs.

Posted by: Shoey at March 18, 2015 12:23 PM (vA94g)

273 Gotta go with Malor on this one, Drew - and I'm a little surprised, would've assumed you cobs would be role-reversed on this.

Aid to Federally Dependent Children of the Corn needs to stop - pull them off the nipple. "This is what candidates do" is too damned easy to say. This is what they do when they're going to give us more politics as usual.

If Walker is this cowed by the special interests in freaking Iowa, how am I supposed to believe he's going to fight for anything bigger if I send him to D.C.?

And even from the "realistic" point of view, Machiavelli would advise doing your dirty unpopular business first and giving the butthurt time to heal (not that Iowa's dolewalla farmers will ever forgive or forget, but other states could give a shit).

It only takes a few caves to go from Reagan 2.0 to Pawlenty 2.0. Walker's Throne of Skulls is looking less impressive with stronger stage lighting.

Posted by: SocietyIs2Blame at March 18, 2015 02:54 PM (QKIQb)

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