Joe Klein on president McCain (via Steve Benen):
To put it as simply as possible, McCain — and his cohorts — are trying to score political points against the President in the midst of an international crisis. It is the sort of behavior that Republicans routinely call “unpatriotic” when Democrats are doing it. I would never question John McCain’s patriotism, no matter how misguided his sense of the country’s best interests sometimes seems. His behavior has nothing to do with love of country; it has everything to do with love of self.
I think that’s about right. But, I have to ask: how can you say that someone is selling his country down the river out of love for himself without questioning that person’s patriotism?
Update. Atrios has a good answer to this question:
[I]t’s because John McCain is a severe narcissist. He certainly doesn’t think he’s putting himself ahead of country, he’s just not really able to distinguish between the two.
That’s exactly it, I think. McCain’s self-aggrandizement isn’t cynical, it’s based on the belief that what’s good for John McCain is good for the United States. It’s the same way that all the flag pin stuff isn’t just political posturing, it’s based on an actual belief in the power of the Tinkerbell strategy.
Dreggas
Well McCain loves his country, he just loves himself more. Of course it does make ones head hurt when trying to do the necessary twisting and turns to make that “ok” but wingnuts are impervious to that kind of headache.
The Moar You Know
Shut up, that’s why.
Comrade Jake
McCain’s entire campaign was an exercise in explaining to the American people why we should all love him as much as he loves himself. After that, none of this bullshit is surprising.
Ash
You can’t. But McCain and Klein are both old dudes, they probably have some sort of unspoken understanding.
Also, re: the press conference going on now. How is it possible that Major Garrett makes an asshole out of himself EVERY time he speaks? That takes talent.
JosieJ
Because Klein’s still not brave enough to “go there” and call McCain out on his lack of patriotism.
Still, kudos to him on serving a nice steaming cup of STFU to McCain.
The Moar You Know
I would. And his handling of the Iran situation has been so ham-fisted and unhelpful that even people who voted for him (and I know quite a few, unfortunately) are horrified.
forked tongue
Yeah, I guess the idea would be that while McCain does love the good ol’ USA, this particular behavior is not motivated by that love. Or something.
Or, maybe Klein is pulling a Marc Antony with that “I would never question John McCain’s patriotism”? Naaahhh….too good.
Harry_the_Hop
McCain knows himself to be a patriot, ergo, any action he takes is patriotic. Deciding between the two was never a conscious choice.
Zifnab
I thought selling someone down the river so you could satisfy your own selfish momentary desires WAS patriotic. Maybe I’ve been doing it wrong.
cleek
For John McCain is a patriotic man,
So are they all, all patriotic men
Cruel Jest
@The Moar You Know: I was going to say, “Because he’s a Republican, silly!” But yours is much better.
Bill E Pilgrim
“I would never question John McCain’s patriotism” is a disclaimer, an obligatory genuflection, the kind of thing you’re obligated to say before going on to say, question his patriotism.
Which Klein certainly did. Preferring to score cheap political points rather than support what’s best for the country –which is in Klein’s own estimation what McCain is doing — what else would you call that?
It reminds me of someone’s campaign last year in fact, ah yes here it was:
Hedley Lamarr
All McCain has ever wanted is to live up to that III behind his name.
PeopleAreNoDamnGood
The question you are asking presupposes something that is not true. Namely, that intellectual integrity is the standard.
It is not politically correct to question the patriotism of McCain owing to his POW history. Period.
McCain is fully aware of the fact that the POW card trumps just about every other card in the deck, and trust this Arizonan who has watched McCain for many years, he never hesitates to show that card when necessary, or to push the envelope in ways others would not, because he knows he has the card in his hand.
McCain is not just politicizing the Iran conflict. McCain has been politicizing his own background since the day he entered politics. His whole career is a play on the POW card.
Jim Pharo
You suppose McCain is a far more thoughtful person than he has shown himself to be time and time again.
SInce you are a thoughtful person, it might be hard for you to fathom that McCain is indifferent to charges of megalomania, or hypocrisy, or even factual inconsistency, since to him it all makes sense.
If only he were in charge and everyone had to listen to him, we would all be happy.
These guys are just old white guys, nothing more. The fact that they have survived to old age is not a testament to their toughness as much as it is evidence that surviving isn’t that hard…
Adrienne
OT:
Obama is kicking ass and taking names in his press conference.
Just watched an awesome smack down of Chippy from Fox. Awesomesauce.
Then he bitch slapped Chuck Todd.
eric k
Writing “I would never…” and then preceding to do exactly what they said they wouldn’t is some of the lamest CYA, but oh so serious journalists do it all the time.
Death By Mosquito Truck
Remember John McCain’s blazing good judgment about the situation in the Republic of Georgia during the campaign? Me neither. At least he’s consistent.
Face
And I care about what Joe Klein says because?
Tiparillo
Because what’s good for John McCain is good for the USA! As McCain goes so goes the country. Only he loves the country enough to know that what is the very best for him – and it.
Ash
@Death By Mosquito Truck: Well, I don’t think any of us will ever forget those few glorious moments when we were all Georgians, now.
The Saff
I yelled at Reid as he asked his STUPID question. God, no wonder people hate the MSM. What a bunch of morons!
Obama does a good job handling these chuckleheads.
Death By Mosquito Truck
@Ash: Didn’t John McCain suggest we go to war with Russia? Based on that, I’d say his response thus far to Iran has been fairly muted.
Hunter Gathers
@Adrienne: Shorter Obama: Piss Off, Major Garret.
hells littlest angel
John McCain: “L’etat cest moi.”
dave™©
Why not?
Xenos
Because patriotism to a liberal or a moderate is a pragmatic thing – it is what someone does for their community and for their country that demonstrates patriotism. For conservatives or authoritarians patriotism is a state of mind and an emotional sensibility. If you follow the kitschy formula and demonstrate the right tastes and attitudes, you are patriotic, and because you are patriotic you are a good person, and because all good people are patriotic, those who do not demonstrate the right tastes and attitudes are bad people.
Kundera nailed it when describing the moral decadence of left-wing kitsch. The point of this type of patriotism and idealism is the idealist holds up ideals in order to elevate himself.
Ever listen to Hannity’s radio show? Every caller congratulates Hannity for being such a good, patriotic American, and he returns the praise. And they never get tired of the pointless, smug circle jerk. Talking about their patriotism makes them feel good, like a drug. As long as you promote this kitsch, you are being patriotic, and the practical effects of your policies are irrelevant.
Comrade Stuck
@Hunter Gathers:
He just punked Jake Tapper and the angels sang.
John Cole
Some of us are not near a television. What are the questions these guys are asking regarding the press conference?
Xenos
@Face:
Over the past year he has gotten much, much better. Maybe he has taken the criticism from the commenters at the Swamp seriously. He has his issues, but has started practicing journalism with some intellectual integrity, and it is a good thing.
sparky
@Zifnab: win. also.
Dreggas
@Adrienne:
I want details can’t watch at work WAHHHHHH!
Comrade Stuck
@John Cole:
health care – will you veto a bill with no public option?
Answer- no line in sand, it’s still early. BUT if bill doesn’t deal with lowering costs will be a no go. And I support the PO to lower cost. (*doesn’t give any other possibilities to do this)
** me – could be because there is none. read between lines.
J.A.F. Rusty Shackleford
@John Cole:
Mainly…
Why did it take you so long to talk tough to Iran and would you have talked tough if John McCain hadn’t forced you?
If there is a “public option” for health insurance how will private insurers be able to raise our rates and deny us care?
Do you still smoke? And, if so, do you stub out the butts on the hands of little children?
bobbo
At least Klein left it at “I would never question John McCain’s patriotism.” I heard David Schuster on Stephanie Miller say, “If John McCain were president, he wouldn’t be saying these things, but . . .” They always give McCain the benefit of the doubt, reality notwithstanding. You just can’t get a pundit to say straight out, “John McCain is nuts.”
Broken
I remember how much John McCain loved the Iranian reformers when Katami was president.
valdivia
I second John since I am not near a tv and want to hear how he is smacking them around.
r€nato
Jake Tapper really got humiliated. I can’t give a blow by blow; suggest catching it later on YouTube or wherever.
Comrade Stuck
On Iran
Obama – John Mccain and the Huckleberry ain’t presnit. I am.
gbear
@Hedley Lamarr:
karma’s a bitch.
Wish I could be watching the Obama smackdown. Go prez!
matoko_chan
If McCain, or Someone’s Sick Grandpa as I prefer to call him, had loved his country he would have backed someone younger in his party for president.
A 72 year-old 4x melanoma survivor is only running on megalomania and naked ambition.
Also, Sarah Palin.
Left Coast Tom
@Death By Mosquito Truck:
Remember his blazing good judgment about the economic meltdown?
Although to be fair, he didn’t propose bombing anyone over it.
freelancer
Wow, seriously. Screw the entire Washington Press Corps.
Comrade Jake
@John Cole:
Ambinder has some notes up on the presser.
Bill E Pilgrim
Slightly OT, the Republicans’ big tent strategy seems to have been a complete success. In reverse-vampire fashion, that is.
valdivia
@r€nato:
oh knowing that Tapper boy got humiliated is enoughf or now. sweet music to my ears.
r€nato
@gbear:
it’s really a thing of beauty. Obama did a hat trick, 3 reporters in a row (Tapper was the 2nd) got served by Obama. Nothing gets by this guy.
FYI, watching the presser with my mom, a hardcore Republican and she is LOVING herself some Obama.
The GOP is so fucked, at least as long as this guy is in the WH.
Ash
@John Cole: Some douchebag asked him about his smoking habits.
Why don’t you assholes just ask him about Jon and Kate already? ARGHHHHHHHHHHH. YOU ALL SUCK.
r€nato
@valdivia:
Tapper got, as the young ‘uns like to say these days, served.
You gotta make a post of the YouTube video once it’s up, John.
Adrienne
It’s really hard to give a play by play. You know Obama. He’s so nuance-y and stuff.
My fave:
Why did you take so long… did McCain and Graham calling you timid weak have anything to do with it?
Obama: What do you think? (SMACK!)
Shorter Obama: Bitch please.
r€nato
@Ash:
…a question about his smoking, very crudely disguised as a question about the new smoking law he signed.
JL
Tapper… Is the public plan non negotiable? Won’t the Public Plan drive the insurance companies out of business because the government is driving private companies out of business..
Obama… Reform has to control costs and provide relief to the under and uninsured.
The concern would be valid if the the public plan was subsidized then that would different. If it turns out the public plan can reduce administrative costs then private companies should be able to do that also.
New rules for private companies that you can’t cherry pick.
Now they take premiums and try to avoid coverage.
If they can’t compete then the American people need to know why.
If we don’t do anything, businesses have no choice but to raise employees share and in some cases they will not provided health ins.
Obama is in a snippy mood. Jake tried to make a funny about Spock and Obama asked if he was making fun of his ears.
With Margaret she wants to know how many cigs he smokes a day ( I can guarantee you that he will have one as soon as he walks out of the room with these asses.)
She points to the legislation he signed. He said that her question had nothing to do with the legislation but she wanted to ask about whether he falls off the wagon. The legislation was to protect kids not him and he does not smoke daily. \\\\
I like this snippy Obama.
oh really
Perhaps McCain loves his country because it “gave birth” to and nurtured him (not in the literal sense, what with Panama and all), but in the sense that ultimately it was in the USA that John McCain became the greatest human being ever to have trod the Earth.
PeakVT
It is the sort of behavior that Republicans routinely call “unpatriotic” when Democrats are doing it.
Did the Democrats hassle Bush to involve the US in something it shouldn’t for political gain? I remember (some of) the Dems hassling Bush NOT to get the US involved in something it shouldn’t, and it ended up being a political loser – until they turned out to be right. I suspect Klein is attempting to be Fer’n’Balunced™ here.
Paul L.
I guess this John Kerry quote is no longer gospel to progressives,
“No wonder Thomas Jefferson himself said: ‘Dissent is the greatest form of patriotism.’ “
A Moment I’m Glad I Voted for This Guy
Even funnier is two days later (after checking the polls/focusgroups) Obama said he agreed with him.
Comrade Stuck
@r€nato:
Of all his pressers so far this one was the absolute best. Unbelievable intellectual command of the issues related to questions asked. And when called for, a steely sharp response to his critics, and to the Iranian government. Done without taking sides and giving the Mullah’s an opening. Scary good, really.
And also communicating what he wants without offending the delicate sensibilities of democrats in congress pertaining to separation of powers, but hinting at some point there will be some reckoning.
PeopleAreNoDamnGood
Obama:
I am limited to video clips for the time being. So far, this quote is my favorite.
The White House press corps, and their patrons, the GOP, are in over their heads with this guy.
matoko_chan
Obama said justice at least 5 times and not “democracy” one single time. He gets it. After Bush, democracy is a dirty word in MENA.
He made the MLK comparison again.
That is powerful for the Shi’ia…the Green Wave is also religious non-violent protest, but the religion is Shi’ia Islam instead of Christianity, and the oppressed citizens are not blacks, but women and youth.
It is like Obama is speaking to two wholly different audiences at the same time.
Ash
Also, Chuck Todd was his usual douchey self and asked some stupid question
Obama: You guys are on a 24-hour news cycle. I’m not. NOW STFU YOU MORAN.
Death By Mosquito Truck
If only he had a campaign to suspend, Iran would be saved.
matoko_chan
hehe, the press corp got served.
I like the new gangstah Obama.
gnomedad
It’s really amazing how his handlers anticipated all these questions for the teleprompter script.
Death By Mosquito Truck
@Paul L.:
Don’t be looking for a handout from me, troll.
comrade scott's agenda of rage
How else would we have this super awesome thread?
I mean Tunch and Lily gotta sleep sometime.
Ash
@gnomedad: Oh come on, you know full well that all these “reporters” give his staff their questions days before hand, and willingly submit to getting their asses handed to them so succinctly by Teleprompter in Chief.
gbear
@Comrade Stuck:
Oh yeah?! But Bush was the decider! And he told jokes! And he didn’t need a telepromptor! How can you think that just having really smart answers at your fingertips is better? How weak.
Death By Mosquito Truck
@comrade scott’s agenda of rage:
Sleep?? They got no time to sleep learning song and dance routines. They’re in show business now!
JL
@Ash: How many of the reporters left the room and headed for a bar to drown their sorrows?
It is so great to have a President who is not afraid to answer questions.
YellowJournalism
Because to question McCain’s patriotism is unpatriotic. Also.
I can’t stand the POW card being played constantly by McCain and his supporters. They act like being a veteran makes you untouchable to criticism (unless you’re a Democrat). My grandfather was a veteran who went through a lot of shit, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t an insufferable bastard who was mean to his wife and kids and cheated the government for years because it was “owed” to him.
r€nato
going back to Joe Klein, can you imagine (as JK wrote) if Johnny Walnuts were president during this Iranian revolt? Just think about his bellicose and intemperate statements during the Russia-Georgia conflict.
McCain would have single-handedly crushed the revolt by now by coming out and openly supporting the protesters and taking advice from Bolton to intervene militarily (‘we’ll be greeted with sweets and flowers! for reals this time, for sure!!!’).
Comrade Stuck
@gbear:
I misunderestimate.
r€nato
@YellowJournalism:
Dude, he doesn’t even have to play it. The press – like Klein – repeatedly self-censor and pull punches when it comes to John McCain.
JL
Boehner, Pence and Barbour are going to have their press conference at two. Must be time for me to run errands.
Bill E Pilgrim
Whole thing is up on video now at c-span.
The Grand Panjandrum
@John Cole: Obama spent more than an hour in front of these babbling idiots and NOT ONE fucking question about our two land wars. And they wonder why they are no longer taken seriously.
Q: McCain thinks you are a sissy, what do you say Mr President.
Q: You do know smoking is bad for you, right?
Q: Is the public option non-negotiable?
Q: Is the public option non-negotiable?
Q: Is the public option non-negotiable?
Obama PWNED these pearl clutching, inside baseball playing, numb nuts … Jesus, we still have troops dying and these people have to asked the stupid? ……. I want Matt Taibbi on the WH beat …
binzinerator
@Xenos:
This. Very good observation.
KG
I think y’all are looking at this wrong. McCain sees himself as the country, therefore, the self-love is patriotic. And doing things that are in his own self-interest are thereby in the greater national interest, and thus patriotic.
I would like to say that this is unique to McCain, but I think most people who get that close to political power, for that long, begin to think like this. As someone smarter than me once said: power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Death By Mosquito Truck
Obama will never be as good as Bush until someone throws a shoe at him and he catches it, turns around and hits a jumper with it from forty feet.
The Grand Panjandrum
@John Cole: Obama spent more than an hour in front of these babbling idiots and NOT ONE fucking question about our two land wars. And they wonder why they are no longer taken seriously.
Q: McCain thinks you are a sissy, what do you say Mr President?
Q: You do know smoking is bad for you, right?
Q: Is the public option non-negotiable?
Q: Is the public option non-negotiable?
Q: Is the public option non-negotiable?
Obama PWNED these pearl clutching, inside baseball playing, numb nuts … Jesus, we still have troops dying and these people have to ask the stupid? ……. I want Matt Taibbi on the WH beat …
r€nato
@JL:
hell, I want to have one after that presser, it was almost as good as sex.
And I hate cigarettes.
Napoleon
@Adrienne:
Your post is from right about when I got in the car and turned it on the radio. The first question I heard was a total BS question that sounded like it was written by Eric Cantor and was based on lies and BS assumptions from start to back. Is that what you are talking about?
r€nato
@Death By Mosquito Truck:
i’d take a bet on that. It would be nothing but net.
Laura W
@r€nato: I was just thinking about you. When you gonna collect our pennies for your gorgeous photos??
Haaaaaaaaaaa!
gnomedad
@The Grand Panjandrum:
I’m not entirely unhappy that these “questions” come up; the noise machine injects them into the atmosphere anyway, and it gives Obama a chance to counteract them, which he does quite well. Not that I wouldn’t prefer real questions.
JK
I’d love to see someone compare the number of tv appearances of John Kerry in the 6 months after his defeat by George Bush with the number of tv appearances of John McCain in the 6 months after his defeat by Barack Obama. I don’t think Kerry did anywhere near the number of interviews that McCain has done.
McCain forfeited his right to be taken seriously as soon as he selected airhead Sarah Palin to be his running mate. He clearly and frequently questioned Obama’s patriotism and yet he continues to be feted by the MSM as if he’s a conquering hero. Fuck the MSM for running to McCain every 5 minutes to seek his opinion and fuck McCain for being an obnoxious scumbag.
Ash
Just saw an ad for McCain on Larry King Live. Jesus, the amount of cobwebs that are gonna be in that room with the two of them will be suffocating.
Face
How is this getting pwned? Y’all are characterizing this as if Obama came out and said “Y’all can just shut your fucking traps with these unitarded questions” or something. He didnt say anything like this.
He’s not snippy, he’s being pithy.
Woodrow "asim" Jarvis Hill
@Ash:
I remember thinking “did he just smack down Todd that hard”? He shut Todd off like a light switch.
I think Todd’s great with numbers, and with politics-as-game. As an actual corespondent, he’s a trainwreck; he’s all Village and no nuance, as you might expect form someone stuffed into the job.
And Obama knows he’s working with people’s lives here with Health Care, and the risks of an intemperate remark exploding Iran. Pity no one else in Washington seems to be able to figure that out.
LD50
@r€nato:
The bottom line is despite the GOPs hysterics, and despite the rightwing noise machine, and despite the Village’s idiocy, Obama is simply smarter than all of them.
Obama understands how to handle them VASTLY better than they know how to handle Obama. They’re keep treating Obama as tho he’s Dukakis or Kerry, even tho it never works, because they have no idea what else to do.
Since 1994, Natural Selection within the GOP has selected solely based on belligerence, not intelligence or perceptivity. So they got stupid and lazy. Now belligerence doesn’t work and they’re fucked.
Ash
@Face: Well since he can’t actually come out and say “Every single one of you is a moron and simply being in the same room as you is depleting the gray matter in my brain,” he got as close to it as he could.
LD50
Fuck, I can’t find any place on the internet that’s posted any of this stuff yet!
Face
@Ash: I’d actually prefer if he blew through the pretense and niceties and just said “Any of you dumbfucks have a real question to ask?”
Notorious P.A.T.
Great. Now let’s see him do the same to the shitheads in his own freakin’ party who are trying to kill healthcare reform.
Bill E Pilgrim
@LD50:
It’s on c-span, click to see my post above, here:
@Bill E Pilgrim:
r€nato
@Laura W:
i am returning mid-July and then I will gladly send y’all the pix you requested. Thanks for your patience and your interest!
JL
Did anyone watch the repubs? I like when they say but, but, but all in unison. I missed today’s episode of we’re just a bunch of asses who know nothing.
valdivia
@JL:
missed that too? what were they up to? do i even want to know?
David in NY
Oooh, oooh, I wish somebody would really do what JK suggested, which I myself thought of last night:
I’d love to see someone compare the number of tv appearances of John Kerry in the 6 months after his defeat by George Bush with the number of tv appearances of John McCain in the 6 months after his defeat by Barack Obama. I don’t think Kerry did anywhere near the number of interviews that McCain has done.
The Saff
I was wondering the same thing when Chip the dip from CBS News quoted McCain in his lame-ass question. Who cares what McCain thinks? Last I recall, he lost on November 4, 2008.
It’s pretty sad Obama has to keep reminding the WH press corps, “I’m the president.”
matoko_chan
The refuglicans are like stupid, petulant children…..except that they are all so old.
>:(
Adrienne
@Napoleon:
Dude. You’re gonna have to be a tad bit more specific than that. These assholes were insufferable.
@Notorious P.A.T.:
I think he’s getting there. He’s playing the statesman right now. But you have to realize that the dynamic btw the Prez and the press is wholly different than that btw the Prez and Congress – even those members in his party.
Nonetheless, I have a hard time believing that the Chicago-style political syndicate operating out of the West Wing is not prepared to seriously twist some balls to get the Prez’ flagship legislative campaign promise passed. If you or anyone else thinks he’s gonna let some pansy assed weak willed Democrats sabotage health care you’re more insane than John McCain.
Much smarter bet to put your money on Obama.
Adrienne
Well, saying “What do you think?” was pretty damn close if you ask me. Just shorter.
valdivia
now there is outrage–outrage I tell you–that Nico Pitney got called before Ap or reuters and that Obama knew–gasp–that Nico was collecting questions from Iranians on the net. Are these people for real? This is their takeaway from the presser.
head. explodes.
Joel
@Ash: Sort of like the talking points from Wingnut High Command?
Nellcote
GOPolitico is already up with Drudge-bait regarding Nico Pitney’s “set up” question to the Prez.
Clearly the Prez called on Nico because he had a question from an Iranian correspondent. Not exactly conspiracy material.
croatoan
John Sidney McCain III is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life.
Paul L.
@Adrienne:
For Obama acolytes Smackdown == Blatantly lie to his face.
Like the Ayers “Smackdown”
Peno Goble
This reminds me of the story when more than 50 years ago, then-General Motors President and future Defense secretary was asked if he could make a decision that would be good for the USA but wouldn’t benefit GM, Charles Wilson reportedly said “For years I thought that what was good for our country was good for General Motors, and vice versa.”
It seems that the old myopic, my way or the highway view is John McCains mantra despite being relegated to the sidelines once again
Patrick
At least McCain believes what he is saying now. It was clearer to me that he was being just petty and a sore loser when Obama, as a courtesy, asked him the first question at a “fiscal responsibility summit” and McCain took the opportunity to try and zing Obama about the cost of the presidential helicopter.
JK
John McCain is an obnoxious, egocentric, intellectually dishonest, and mentally unstable scumbag.
Svensker
@Ash:
I heard they were gonna get Pat Boone to do a jingle for the two of them. Or maybe it was Perry Como… Trying to get the young folk, doncha know.
Wolfdaughter
Doug and everyone else:
I am deeply disappointed in all of you snarkmasters and snarkmistresses! The BEST line in Klein’s post, and indeed one of the alltime best, is:
“Hip-shooting onanism”–I’m tempted to adopt that as a byline for myself. Paraphrasing the spiritual song “Dry Bones”, I’ve often said about my immediate family and myself that “De foot bone connected to de mout’ bone”. But none of us are in a position to have even close to the negative impact that McCain can have. We’re just little people.
I thought Obama was brilliant at the presser today. The most gifted pol (in general the best sense of the word) that I’ve seen in my 63 years.
grumpy realist
I remember talking to someone during the campaign who was worried that Obama would be “too soft” to deal with the brain-damaged idiots surrounding the presidency. I looked at her and said: “he’s a politician from Chicago. You still worried?” She laughed and admitted she had forgotten that aspect….
Elie
Wolfdaughter @ 112 —
Ha,ha,ha,ha, — “Hip shooting Onanism”
My goodness — these folks are like eating Fugu — its an enjoyment (their funny empty stupidity) that is laden with the danger of death (if any of them actually are empowered to do anything) —
How the hell do we get people like this in office? How did McCain survive routine scrutiny at key check points in his life when someone should have been evaluating his character and basic intelligence?
Elie
Adrienne @ 101 and 102
Absolutely agree that Obama is lining it up—
To make a game analogy — he is making feints into the camp of the various enemies…seeing who responds, who is quiet, what they are saying — and also his team is doing some killer research…
My favorite response of his today was his response to the half wit that asked whether he wanted to “drive the insurance companies out of business” with the public plan. The President’s response was like the kill thrust of the saber put to the bull in a bullfight: paraphrased ” well if the companies are already doing well in keeping prices low, why are they intimidated by the government who according to them can’t do anything right?”
They are NOT playing with a chump. That said, I think that healthcare is going to be 3-D chess mixed with high opera — they will come at him with everything – both subtle and obvious…a good thing he trained in one of the most ruthless political environments in the country…. Chicago
Tiparillo
Nicely summed up – hadn’t thought of it in those exact terms.
prospero
I am having severe spasms of the rofls at the notion that this counts as Klein “standing up to” McCain. Really? Does anybody remember how epic the vitriol was spewed at Gore and Clinton? This is a sad little fucking half-retarded bastard child apologizing for his crazy uncle by reminding everybody that, back in his day, the crazy old uncle was a hell of a guy. Maybe if the little bastard is really grateful and does a super-good job he’ll get to stay in the house and keep his seat at the table.
Except McCain was never a hell of a guy. I don’t really give a shit if he got himself captured during a war. Kerry was fucking maimed in the war then he was maimed again by the press corps. McCain was born a spoiled asshole, lived his life as a spoiled asshole and he will die (one day, mercifully) a spoiled, self-righteous, senile asshole. Fuck him and fuck Klein.
There’s nothing about McCain that isn’t cynical posturing and there’s nothing about narcissism that precludes cynical posturing. Seriously, guys, the right phrase is “self-obsessed asshole.” Anything else is too clinical and blame evading for ol’ chipmunk cheeks.
matoko_chan
Sick Grandpa is on Larry King now.
He doesn’t look well, and he isn’t making much sense..
I think he should just go home and try to feel better.
DougJ
Yeah, that’s good. I don’t know how I missed it.
Porlock Junior
I wouldn’t say that Eric K is being too mean about time-honored rhetorical techniques, but Cicero did this sort of thing all the time, and he’s an official high-class classic. His stuff plays well on stage to this day.
Fulcanelli
@Xenos:
I think that’s the definition of a cult.
RememberNovember
well he’s got an airfield that was named after his father, a battleship named after him,what’s next. Oh I know, a cemetery where they can interr all the Americans he wants to kill with his drumbeat warmongering.
chrome agnomen
prospero @ 117
word