• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • About Us
  • Lexicon
  • Contact Us
  • Our Store
  • ↑
  • ↓
  • ←
  • →

Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.

Everybody saw this coming.

Disagreements are healthy; personal attacks are not.

Republicans in disarray!

The real work of an opposition party is to oppose.

If rights aren’t universal, they are privilege, not rights.

You can’t attract Republican voters. You can only out organize them.

Live so that if you miss a day of work people aren’t hoping you’re dead.

Speaker Mike Johnson is a vile traitor to the House and the Constitution.

There is no compromise when it comes to body autonomy. You either have it or you do not.

He seems like a smart guy, but JFC, what a dick!

When you’re a Republican, they let you do it.

Sadly, there is no cure for stupid.

A norm that restrains only one side really is not a norm – it is a trap.

Nothing worth doing is easy.

They are not red states to be hated; they are voter suppression states to be fixed.

rich, arrogant assholes who equate luck with genius

A democracy can’t function when people can’t distinguish facts from lies.

Polls are now a reliable indicator of what corporate Republicans want us to think.

Michigan is a great lesson for Dems everywhere: when you have power…use it!

I really should read my own blog.

After dobbs, women are no longer free.

We are aware of all internet traditions.

Come on, media. you have one job. start doing it.

Mobile Menu

  • 4 Directions VA 2025 Raffle
  • 2025 Activism
  • Donate with Venmo, Zelle & PayPal
  • Site Feedback
  • War in Ukraine
  • Submit Photos to On the Road
  • Politics
  • On The Road
  • Open Threads
  • Topics
  • Authors
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Lexicon
  • Our Store
  • Politics
  • Open Threads
  • 2025 Activism
  • Garden Chats
  • On The Road
  • Targeted Fundraising!
You are here: Home / Elections / Election 2010 / In Their Own Words

In Their Own Words

by John Cole|  September 23, 20105:46 pm| 29 Comments

This post is in: Election 2010

FacebookTweetEmail

This was sent along to me, and it really is quite brilliant in its simplicity:

Be nice if Democrats running for Congress could figure this out.

FacebookTweetEmail
Previous Post: « Open thread
Next Post: At Least Rod Tidwell Had a Decent Victory Dance »

Reader Interactions

29Comments

  1. 1.

    Zifnab

    September 23, 2010 at 5:48 pm

    Be nice if Democrats running for Congress could figure this out.

    They way they’re running right now, it amazes me how they got elected to begin with.

  2. 2.

    Sentient Puddle

    September 23, 2010 at 5:53 pm

    Wait what? Boehner actually said that to describe the plan?

    Fuck, this is the kind of gift that makes the Democrats look like they’re to blame if they lose even a single seat.

  3. 3.

    Jim Crozier

    September 23, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    Would be nice if that was a campaign ad for every Democrat across the country.

    It would also be nice if Blue Dog retardatrons hadn’t forced Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to scrap the idea of putting the Republicans in a VERY difficult position by making them vote on whether or not they would extend middle class tax cuts and daring them to vote it down simply because the rich folks tax cuts weren’t included.

    Sadly, there’s theory and then there is the reality of the Democratic party that hasn’t changed during my entire lifetime: They have no balls.

  4. 4.

    Allison W.

    September 23, 2010 at 5:56 pm

    I think its the public that needs to figure this out. Ya know, those so-called Independents running back home to the GOP, the voters who think that Dems aren’t in trouble, the voters who think there is no difference and the voters who think there might be small chance that Republicans might change (ahem, Sully).

    That was a brilliant video by the way and I don’t say that often. If only money can be raised to put that on the air.

  5. 5.

    Wile E. Quixote

    September 23, 2010 at 5:57 pm

    Yeah, or how about hammering on the Contract with on America and how many of those promises were kept.

  6. 6.

    Politically Lost

    September 23, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    Oh, thank goodness, they are not going to do anything differently.

    When all you have is a sledgehammer…stop hitting yourself in the head.

  7. 7.

    Allison W.

    September 23, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    @Wile E. Quixote:

    Dems already have a video for the Contract On America. I don’t know if they plan on airing it however.

  8. 8.

    Jay in Oregon

    September 23, 2010 at 6:01 pm

    So, 21* pages to say “we ain’t changing nothing”? Beautiful.

    *Not to mention that there are about 5 pages’ worth of blank and half-filled pages…

  9. 9.

    wasabi gasp

    September 23, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    Don’t go changing to try and please me, you never let me down before.

  10. 10.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    September 23, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    Just seeing if I can post from the new phone.

    ETA: Droid is go!

  11. 11.

    cat48

    September 23, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    They are getting $450M from PACS that have pledged to Repubs. That doesn’t include money laundered thru Chamber of Commerce & Rove’s. They should win. The media has already called the race 5 wks ahead of time & it’s a done deal, but I’m going to keep on with what GOTV I can do.

  12. 12.

    Jager

    September 23, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    Imagine if GM announced a new car, full sized, lots of power, loaded with features like a cassette player and claimed it would get 55mpg and then rolled out a “brand new” 1980 Chevy Caprice and called it a 2011 “full sized car for America”. (of course your mileage may vary) Do you think any one would buy it? GM would go toes up over night.

    Why then are Americans buying into the Republican’s repackaged ’80s bullshit, its not new, its the same bullshit they’ve pedaled since Reagan.

  13. 13.

    Delia

    September 23, 2010 at 6:18 pm

    Perfect answer to those insane “Miss Me Yet?” billboards, whose reason for existence I’ve never been able to understand.

  14. 14.

    RalfW

    September 23, 2010 at 6:24 pm

    @Jim Crozier: “Would be nice if that was a campaign ad for every Democrat across the country.”

    I’ve tweeted the vid, will Facebook it, there are a lot of unpaid ways of moving this message. We’re not helpless in this.

    Just because the Blue Dogs are turtles on their backs doesn’t mean we have to be. Juicer’s Act Blue is $10 away from $20K. That’s some enthusiasm…

  15. 15.

    J sub D

    September 23, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    We pledge to make government more transparent in its actions, careful in its stewardship, and honest in its dealings.

    Had your chance from Jan. 2001 to Jan. 2007. I don’t believe you.

    Our plan stands on the principles of smaller, more accountable government; economic freedom; lower
    taxes; fiscal responsibility; protecting life, American values, and the Constitution; and providing for a robust
    national defense.

    Means nothing. The line about fiscal responsibility makes me laugh. My memory is longer than four years.

    With common-sense exceptions for seniors, veterans, and our troops, we will roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels, saving us at least $100 billion in the first year alone and putting us on a path to balance the budget and pay down the debt. We will also establish strict budget caps to limit federal spending from this point forward.

    You could sail the Queen Mary (full of borrowed money) through that loophole.

    Y’all should know by now that I think the last 20 months has been a governing disaster, filled with lies, broken promises and deceptions. I just want to make it clear that I don’t buy this Republican propoganda for a minute either. I remember Bush the Lesser’s administration, aided and abetted by de facto GOP majorities in both houses for the first six years.

    It is apparent that neither major party has the courage or honesty necessary to aggressively address the major problems facing our nation. They (both Team Blue and Team Red) are first, last and only concerned with the trappings of power.

    It’s third party votes or leave it blank for me from now on. I will no longer contribute to lending legitimacy to the fiasco
    in Washington.

    /Rant

  16. 16.

    Jay in Oregon

    September 23, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    @J sub D:

    We pledge to make government more transparent in its actions, careful in its stewardship, and honest in its dealings.
    __
    Had your chance from Jan. 2001 to Jan. 2007. I don’t believe you.

    A-fucking-men.

  17. 17.

    Dennis SGMM

    September 23, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    Has anyone who failed to get re-elected ever lost their home as a result? I doubt it. For many of us, losing our job is the precursor to losing everything – for them it just means that they’ll have to openly peddle their influence and their connections rather than having to pretend that they’re not venal little toads.

    There’s also the fact that neither party has to do an effective job of dealing with America’s problems anymore. The Republicans rile up their base with “Vote for us, even if we suck, because if you don’t then the Godless Democrats will make you all get gay married and then have an abortion.” The Democrats insist that you must vote for them – even if you have to hold your nose while doing so – because otherwise “Sarah Palin will become Queen of America for Life and the fundies will make everyone dress like the cast of Little House on the Prairie.”

    At times like these it’s a pity that there isn’t a stronger word than “fucked.”

  18. 18.

    TuiMel

    September 23, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    @Jay in Oregon:
    And yet, many “independent” “thinkers” will fall for this crap. I have not felt so depressed about the political prospects of this nation since November 3, 2004. I spent yesterday writing donations to Democrats. I spend today writing donations to the Humane Society. Guess which activity makes me feel like my money will be well-spent?

  19. 19.

    TuiMel

    September 23, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    @Dennis SGMM:

    At times like these it’s a pity that there isn’t a stronger word than “fucked.”

    Why not go with “wicked fucked”?

  20. 20.

    Dennis SGMM

    September 23, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    @TuiMel:

    That’s more like it. had our long-ago antecedents been subject to party-politics rather than mere disease, brigandage, and Jus primae noctis, they might have come up with a stronger word.

  21. 21.

    joeyess

    September 23, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    Alright! Someone picked up on it! Thank you, John. I sent this to Atrios, Digby, you, TPM, Crooks and Liars, etc, etc….. Balloon Juice and my friend, Laffy, at The Political Carnival were the only progressive blogs that has managed to see the simplicity of the argument. BTW, that simple message, a mac and all of 25 minutes was all it took to put together. I wish the Democrats were on the stick.

  22. 22.

    danimal

    September 23, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    Just saw this because I can’t watch video at work.

    OMG, how difficult is this game? Dems take 3 sentences to clear their throats while GOPers run around saying “tax cut, tax cut, TAX CUT…”. Short, punchy messages work, especially when repeated.

    Love the message. Keep it simple, stupid!

  23. 23.

    KCinDC

    September 23, 2010 at 11:24 pm

    I don’t have cable, but from Twitter it sounds like Jon Stewart had great clips of Boehner pledging in 1998 and 2010. Will be looking for them online.

  24. 24.

    John Bird

    September 24, 2010 at 1:09 am

    I wonder if voters would remember their absolutely awesome three-bubble plan.

    Because that is literally the plan they are proposing. Again.

  25. 25.

    BDeevDad

    September 24, 2010 at 1:48 am

    @KCinDC: He summed up Boehner as an ex-boyfriend who wants you to take him back even though he is still going to try to fuck your sister. It was brilliant.

  26. 26.

    publiusmaximus

    September 24, 2010 at 3:23 am

    I have a plan to end progressive and liberal Democrats frustrations with conservatives in both parties.

    Search the net on any search engine for the phrase “help me change america” in quotes and go to the first or second link.

    You will no longer get frustrated by conservatives in both parties towing the corporatist line.

  27. 27.

    publiusmaximus

    September 24, 2010 at 3:37 am

    Oh and please refer to the other party as:

    The RepubliKLAN Party

    or

    The GOPranos

  28. 28.

    'Niques

    September 24, 2010 at 7:20 am

    I keep saying . . .

    It’s a simple choice.
    Democrats defend the NEEDY.
    Republicans defend the GREEDY.

  29. 29.

    debbie

    September 24, 2010 at 8:37 am

    Republicans have a real problem with this belief of theirs that just saying something makes it so.

    The enthusiasm gap? So what? I was unenthusiastic (if not totally discouraged) for each of the 20 years that a Bush or a Reagan was in charge. I wasn’t inspired by any of the choices coming out of the Democratic Party either, but that didn’t stop me from voting once in those 20 years.

    I think if the GOP is assuming that people will be too discouraged to vote, they’ll end up being very surprised in November.

Comments are closed.

Primary Sidebar

On The Road - twbrandt - Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan 7
Image by twbrandt (7/18/25)
Donate

Recent Comments

  • Sister Golden Bear on Saturday Late Morning Open Thread (Jul 19, 2025 @ 4:18pm)
  • mayim on Saturday Late Morning Open Thread (Jul 19, 2025 @ 4:15pm)
  • Craig on Excellent Read: ‘William F. Buckley’s Bill Never Came Due’ (Jul 19, 2025 @ 4:14pm)
  • billcoop4 on Excellent Read: ‘William F. Buckley’s Bill Never Came Due’ (Jul 19, 2025 @ 4:12pm)
  • WaterGirl on Saturday Late Morning Open Thread (Jul 19, 2025 @ 4:10pm)

Balloon Juice Posts

View by Topic
View by Author
View by Month & Year
View by Past Author

Featuring

Medium Cool
Artists in Our Midst
Authors in Our Midst
No Kings Protests June 14 2025

🎈Keep Balloon Juice Ad Free

Become a Balloon Juice Patreon
Donate with Venmo, Zelle or PayPal

Calling All Jackals

Site Feedback
Nominate a Rotating Tag
Submit Photos to On the Road
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Links)
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Posts)
Fix Nyms with Apostrophes

Social Media

Balloon Juice
WaterGirl
TaMara
John Cole
DougJ (aka NYT Pitchbot)
Betty Cracker
Tom Levenson
David Anderson
Major Major Major Major
DougJ NYT Pitchbot
mistermix

Keeping Track

Legal Challenges (Lawfare)
Republicans Fleeing Town Halls (TPM)
21 Letters (to Borrow or Steal)
Search Donations from a Brand

Donate

Site Footer

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Comment Policy
  • Our Authors
  • Blogroll
  • Our Artists
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Dev Balloon Juice · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!