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Another Open Thread

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Chris Hayes is just great. He’s hosting KO, and it is the first time I’ve watched the show in a long while without cringing. Hayes does such a good job advocating the liberal/progressive position without coming across as a poseur, a whiner, an aggrieved wimp, or an asshole. And he rights pritty gud two.

I give him two thumbs up, even though sometimes his glasses remind me of Sprockets (even though they aren’t round).

*** Update ***

I’m just such an asshole. I praise a guy, but can’t help but get in a dig about his appearances. Le sigh. And I’m in no position to be critiquing people’s appearances.

Reader Interactions

64Comments

  3. 3.

    mellowjohn

    “This time I really, really mean it.” –John Cole

    “Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in.” –Michael Corleone

  5. 5.

    schrodinger's cat

    John Cole @ top

    to BJ commenters,

    “I just can’t quit you.”

    also too,

    Going Galt, you are doing it wrong.

  6. 6.

    You Don't Say

    I was watching him thinking I wish he’d replace Olbermann. He’s not that polished but he’s smart and knowledgeable. And did I mention he’s not Olbermann?

  9. 9.

    schrodinger's cat

    John [email protected] top

    I’m just such an asshole. I praise a guy, but can’t help but get in a dig about his appearances. Le sigh. And I’m in no position to be critiquing people’s appearances.

    ETA: BTW what are these sprockets that you speak of?

    Why don’t you post your pic, we can return the favor, don’t worry we will be gentle.

  11. 11.

    eemom

    he’s a total cutie. Also he is another HCHS alum, together with Elena Kagan and yours truly. And Bruce Schneier. And Steve Gilliard.

    Though little Chris wasn’t even born yet when the rest of us were there.

  13. 13.

    Bnut

    Anyone wishing to see a mix of atheism, conservatism, anti-naturalism, evolutionary misunderstanding and plain ole’ dumbassery should read this POS by S.E. Cupp about letting polar bears go the way of the dodo.

  14. 14.

    RosiesDad

    Every time I see Chris Hayes on TV or hear him on the radio, I wonder why the administration doesn’t hire him to help with messaging. (His wife works for the Obama White House.) He has such a good handle on facts and figures and is great at framing arguments in such a way that Republicans just look stupid trying to refute him.

    (He did a great job on Congressman Dave Camp, who will be the next chair of Ways and Means, on Morning Joe a couple of weeks ago. The video is up on Camp’s website; his exchange with Chris runs from about 7:40 – 8:30.)

  15. 15.

    Death Panel Truck

    @stuckinred:

    I like KO.

    I liked K.O., too. In 2005, when I first started watching Countdown, he was as calm and level-headed as Chris Hayes is now.

    But it all went to his head, and he morphed into a pompous, insufferable ass. I feel like I have to wipe the spittle off my TV screen every night. I now make a point of watching only when Hayes is subbing. MSNBC ought to give him a show of his own.

  16. 16.

    Anya

    @Cole

    I’m just such an asshole. I praise a guy, but can’t help but get in a dig about his appearances. Le sigh. And I’m in no position to be critiquing people’s appearances.

    Pictures or you don’t exist.

  17. 17.

    Emily L. Hauser/ellaesther

    A) I’m impressed that when you opened that other Open Thread and said you were leaving for real, meaning that you would see us in an hour? It actually took more than two. There may be a smidgen of hope for you.

    B) Were you to let us know what you look like, we would be better able to judge your update. AHEM.

  18. 18.

    SIA

    Chris Hayes is just great. He’s hosting KO, and it is the first time I’ve watched the show in a long while without cringing. Hayes does such a good job advocating the liberal/progressive position without coming across as a poseur, a whiner, an aggrieved wimp, or an asshole.

    __
    I’m watching Countdown for the 2nd night in a row after skipping it since KO’s scolding the president during the tax debate. I’m over these purist clowns and their sanctimony. Chris Hayes is calm, cheerful, and smart. I can deal with him.

  21. 21.

    Emily L. Hauser/ellaesther

    @schrodinger’s cat: As I live in Hemingway’s hometown, and my grandmother was Hemingway’s sister’s best friend (for real) from when they lived across the street from the Hemingways (for real!), I think that means that John Cole and I are nearly related.

    I also think that means he should send me an updated photo. Since we’re family, n’ shit.

  23. 23.

    Mike Kay (Democrat of the Century)

    Digya know DADT is “small potatoes” and a “crumb” to keep the base in line. No really, that’s what some leftys are saying on blogs.

    I knew there were self-hating gays, self-hating jews, self-hating blacks, self-hating women (as personified by phyllis schlafly), but I didn’t know there were self-hating leftys.

    of course, there are self-hating leftys, they’re known today as neo-cons (most of them are former marxists and Trotskyites). This really about obama derangement syndrome. Like the wingers, the leftys can stand seeing obama score a victory, so they’ll do anything to delegitimatize his accomplishments, even ones they want.

    Sadly, this makes them as crazy as the Kansans who vote against their own self interest.

    One day I’d like to find out how Obama drove them crazy.

  24. 24.

    gnomedad

    I’m just such an asshole. I praise a guy, but can’t help but get in a dig about his appearances. Le sigh. And I’m in no position to be critiquing people’s appearances.

    ZOMG, empathy. You’re in deep, dude.

  25. 25.

    SiubhanDuinne

    I always really liked Chris Hayes as a guest, but until recently have not been that wild about him as a sub host for KO. But like many of you, Keith is beginning to annoy the fuck out of me — and CH is kind of growing on me. Was out doing a bit of shopping this evening and didn’t see Countdown, but if I’m still awake I’ll watch the rebroadcast.

    Right now I’m having red wine and dark chocolate-covered espresso beans: an awesomely good combination. (Notice I got three of the basic food groups in there.) and listening to a lovely program of Xmas choral music on the elitist DFH librul NPR station.

  27. 27.

    suzanne

    Hi, cudlips. :)

    Wanted to let you know that, uh, there’s a baby. :) Mia Rosalia was born healthy and beautiful yesterday at 5:13 pm, weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and is 20 inches long. I am doing just great—no seizures, minimal, ahem, damage, and most importantly, *the epidural worked* this time. The induction, birth, and hospital stay have been very positive experiences, and we’re going home tomorrow morning. I sent John a photo, but I don’t know if he checked his e-mail yet. I’ll upload some images to my Flickr when I get home and share links then.

    Anyway, I really am so grateful for all of your kindness and good wishes… my husband, Mia and I are all very blessed.

    P.S.: I haven’t been all that tuned into politics for the last couple of days, for some reason. But realizing that another barrier to equality fell today made me really hopeful for my daughter’s future. Fuck yeah.

  28. 28.

    Redshift

    I still like Keith (though I find Rachel more informative), but Chris Hayes has gotten a lot more polished since he first started subbing for both of them. Plus, as long as we’re being shallow, he somehow looks less like a twelve-year-old than when he first started.

    I think Keith went a bit overboard on the tax deal, but I have very mixed feelings about it, and I can’t really fault anyone for forcefully advocating about it on either side.

  29. 29.

    schrodinger's cat

    @suzanne: Congratulations! Suzanne, will wait for the pics with bated breath.

    ETA: I iz not a cudlip, whatever that is, kittehs no has lips, kthxbai

  30. 30.

    Redshift

    @suzanne: Congratulations!

    I haven’t been all that tuned into politics for the last couple of days, for some reason.

    Well, to get you caught up, let’s just say that Mia was one of a number of good things that came into the world in that time. *g*

  34. 34.

    Svensker

    @suzanne:

    Hey, Mama Cudlip!

    Yay, you! Such happy news and extra hoorahs for the medication working this time.

    Looking forward to piccies.

    Yippee again!

  35. 35.

    JCT

    @suzanne: Awesome! She’s a perfect size.

    Congrats to all — and good news re: the epidural. They botched mine with my second kid and I ended up with a spinal leak. Sucked big time.

  42. 42.

    Linda Featheringill

    @Suzanne

    Congratulations. Looking forward to the pics of Mia.

    I don’t mind being called a cudlip. Cudlips have a quiet dignity and serve a purpose. And, contrary to rumor, they do have self awareness.

    :-)

  44. 44.

    SiubhanDuinne

    But like many of you, Keith is beginning to annoy the fuck out of me

    Um, I didn’t mean this the way I think it came out :-\

  46. 46.

    YellowJournalism

    @suzanne: Her name is beautiful. Congratulations! Enjoy your early Christmas gift.

    and most importantly, the epidural worked this time.

    As someone who had it wear off the last time I did it, I’d say that’s the best gift of all…maybe even a bigger congrats is in order! : )

  49. 49.

    Comrade Mary

    @suzanne: YAY! YAY! YAY! Glad to hear the blessed epidural worked and that Mia was a healthy yet considerate weight. Can’t wait to see the pics!

  52. 52.

    Gravenstone

    Three times I’ve let Rachel give way to Lawrence O’Donnell’s show. Three times he’s introduced his panel, starting with Jane Hamsher. Three strikes, he’s out. Not gonna bother again.

  55. 55.

    Anya

    @Gravenstone: I am with you. If I had a gun I would have shot my freaking monitor. Hamsher and the toad who wrote a book about how awful Obama is are really annoying me. O’Donnell is not yelling at them this time and Ezra is so polite.

  60. 60.

    catdevotee

    Rachel called Chris Hayes “lambchop”. You have to admit, he’s really cute… and even better, he’s a smart, articulate journalist. I agree that at first he seemed very uncomfortable when subbing for hosts, but now he seems completely at ease. I would love to see him get his own show.

  61. 61.

    Jills

    John, you’re just jealous because women think he’s adorable in addition to being smart and witty. He’s even toned down that overcaffeinated hyperactivity he tends to have in his demeanor.

  62. 62.

    snarkyspice

    He is adorable. No doubt about that.

    Didn’t realize he was covering for Keith as I gave up on him months ago. But my Tivo still records his show, so I’ll check it out to see lambchop.

  64. 64.

    AxelFoley

    Oh, and @suzanne, we’ve never communicated here, but congrats on your sweet addition to your family.

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