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You are here: Home / Politics / Domestic Politics / An Inspired Choice

An Inspired Choice

by John Cole|  April 6, 201110:56 am| 127 Comments

This post is in: Domestic Politics, Politics

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Lost in all the news yesterday is the fact that Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been picked to head the DNC, and when I heard the news, I swear I cheered. Hands down, she has been the most effective advocate for the liberal cause that I have seen on television the last couple of years. She’s feisty, smart, not afraid to call out bullshit, and considering what she has gone through personally the past few years, one tough cookie. She is just the kind of advocate the party needs, and I have to wonder if things would have been different in 2010 had she been there instead of Kaine. Not to dump on the man, but he was basically invisible, and every time I saw him talk, he seemed like the human equivalent of melba toast with a serving of unsweetened oatmeal.

Wasserman Schultz is an inspired pick, just the kind of advocate we need going into 2012 and beyond, and she is someone who should really help the party. I’m excited.

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Reader Interactions

127Comments

  1. 1.

    Dave

    April 6, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Solid choice. Her and Weiner are two of the only Democrats in the House who consistently call the GOP on their bullshit with the derision it deserves.

  2. 2.

    Ellie

    April 6, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Oh, man, I so agree about DWS. I was burbling about this so much at dinner last night, I think people at other tables were looking at me like I was a crazy woman.

    Also agree about Kaine’s demeanor. OTOH, I so hope that he, rather than George “George Bush without all the intellectual rigor” Allen, is our next senator.

  3. 3.

    BGinCHI

    April 6, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Agreed. The GOP is shitting its pants over this one.

    Where, oh where, has that wonder boy from WI been? You know, the one who’s running the GOP? I’ve seen Mike Steele on TV more than I’ve seen him.

    Wonder why.

  4. 4.

    General Stuck

    April 6, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Most excellent choice, if I do say so myself. And just did.

  5. 5.

    Bobby D

    April 6, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Yes, she does quite well, stays on message, isn’t a mealy-mouthed DLC centrist agenda spouting moron.

    This is incredibly petty on my part, but on TV the old “watching with the sound off” thing applies, so I wish she’d soften up the hairdo a bit. Sometimes it looks aggressively pointy, tighly curled, shiny, and almost greasy. Yes, it’s petty but I think a “softer” looking hair style subconsciously balances the harder message stance. Women in power walk a fine line between being perceived as agressive vs. a bitch, so petty optics like hair do have an effect.

    Glad to have the lady from Florida in charge. Just wish Grayson was still serving with her from the Sunshine State.

  6. 6.

    Dexter

    April 6, 2011 at 11:05 am

    OT: But it looks like in WI judgeship election Kloppenburg is leading by 447 votes.

  7. 7.

    mikefromArlington

    April 6, 2011 at 11:05 am

    @Dave:

    Exactly what I thought when I heard of the choice.

    Imagine those two running together in 2016. It would be explosive.

  8. 8.

    Culture of Truth

    April 6, 2011 at 11:05 am

    She’s also younger, energetic, and fun (and funny) all of which help.

  9. 9.

    Sentient Puddle

    April 6, 2011 at 11:06 am

    @BGinCHI:

    Where, oh where, has that wonder boy from WI been? You know, the one who’s running the GOP? I’ve seen Mike Steele on TV more than I’ve seen him.

    The party chairman’s job is to raise money first. Advocacy is way the fuck down on the list of priorities. By all accounts that I’ve heard, Preibus is doing pretty solidly at his primary task (although with Steele as the baseline, a non-sentient ham sandwich would also look spectacular).

  10. 10.

    Comrade Mary

    April 6, 2011 at 11:07 am

    I love DWS. Nice to see her in a place where we’ll see her!

  11. 11.

    beergoggles

    April 6, 2011 at 11:07 am

    I cheered too. Pity I’ve just gotten used to using actblue and ignoring the DNC though.

  12. 12.

    grandpajohn

    April 6, 2011 at 11:08 am

    @Dexter: With only 5 precincts not reporting and 2 of those are in milwaukee

  13. 13.

    kdaug

    April 6, 2011 at 11:08 am

    @Bobby D: I’m fine with bitch. I wouldn’t object to snarling, rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth bitch.

    It’s time to go on the offense, and DWS has proven she can do it.

    (I mean, who the hell keeps campaigning while undergoing treatment for breast cancer?? She’s as tough as Pelosi. DWSmash?)

  14. 14.

    sixers

    April 6, 2011 at 11:08 am

    I saw this watching Chris Matthews last night. Good choice I guess.

    One thing I’ve noticed lately about Matthews is his theory that he created Michele Bachmann because she said something crazy on his show one time. She’s popular because she’s crazy and so is the far right and she’s been crazy for longer than she appeared on his show that not too many people watch. That little bit of arrogance on his part annoys me for some reason.

  15. 15.

    TheMightyTrowel

    April 6, 2011 at 11:09 am

    Hey, Cole! Don’t insult my unsweetened oatmeal by comparing it to a Blue Dog like Kaine!

  16. 16.

    gil mann

    April 6, 2011 at 11:09 am

    I have to wonder if things would have been different in 2010 had she been there instead of Kaine

    In fairness to Kaine, he had to do the same job forward and in flat heels.

  17. 17.

    Brachiator

    April 6, 2011 at 11:12 am

    Wasserman Schultz is an inspired pick, just the kind of advocate we need going into 2012 and beyond, and she is someone who should really help the party. I’m excited.

    Did someone call for the Pointer Sisters?

  18. 18.

    Bobby Thomson

    April 6, 2011 at 11:13 am

    @Sentient Puddle:

    The party chairman’s job is to raise money first. Advocacy is way the fuck down on the list of priorities.

    This. Pretty hard for a Republican to screw that up, too, though Steele managed.

  19. 19.

    Carnacki

    April 6, 2011 at 11:13 am

    I have a crush on her because of her hair. Is that wrong?

  20. 20.

    Bill H.

    April 6, 2011 at 11:14 am

    When she was campaigning for Clinton I liked her even though I despised Clinton, and I always looked forward to hearing from her. When Clinton lost and she started backing Obama, I was very impressed with the manner in which she did that and the complete enthusiasm with which she supported his election. Then, to find out that she was doing all of that while battling serious cancer and multiple surgeries. Awesome lady.

  21. 21.

    BGinCHI

    April 6, 2011 at 11:16 am

    @Sentient Puddle: I was afraid that would be the answer.

    “Buried deep inside the Death Star….”

  22. 22.

    Bill H.

    April 6, 2011 at 11:18 am

    @sixers:

    One thing I’ve noticed lately about Matthews is his theory that he created Michele Bachmann because she said something crazy on his show one time. … That little bit of arrogance on his part annoys me for some reason.

    Yes, I too am becoming very annoyed with Chris at that. That is an ego trip that we don’t need.

  23. 23.

    nisl

    April 6, 2011 at 11:20 am

    Man, I couldn’t stand her when she was supporting Hillary during the last presidential primary. But then I was an Obama supporter. Now, though, I love her! She is an inspired pick. She doesn’t suffer fools, which is good, because the other side of the political divide has a LOT of fools!

  24. 24.

    Baud

    April 6, 2011 at 11:21 am

    FTA:

    Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida was named Tuesday as the new chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, with President Obama selecting her to lead the party’s fund-raising and organizational efforts heading into the 2012 election cycle.

    I’m sure John didn’t exclude this information on purpose, but given that I would likely be considered an Obot in some some circles, I felt it was my duty to point this out.

  25. 25.

    some guy

    April 6, 2011 at 11:23 am

    in 2010 Lil Debbie was doing the same thing she was doing in 2008 at the DCCC, helping to keep South Florida Republicans safe and warm and comfortable in their US House seats.

    if you like faux liberals you will go gaga over Lil Debbie. if you like the Democratic Party representing the interests of working people you will be less than thrilled that Obama has put her in as DNC Chair.

  26. 26.

    Barb (formerly Gex)

    April 6, 2011 at 11:23 am

    Between her and Pelosi, I’m beginning to wonder if having balls is a *bad* thing in politics.

    ETA: Add Warren to that list too.

  27. 27.

    Trinity

    April 6, 2011 at 11:24 am

    I’m with you Cole! I cheered too when I saw that she was selected. That woman is smart, tough, and does not suffer fools lightly. Good times to come. :)

  28. 28.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 11:25 am

    Very pro-Deb here. This is really good news.

    @gil mann: Awesome.

  29. 29.

    Judas Escargot

    April 6, 2011 at 11:25 am

    I heard this announced on Maddow* last night and let out such a barbaric yawp that Future-Misses had to yell upstairs to ask WTF happened.

    It’s an awesome choice, IMO.

    (*Maddow Maddow Maddow Scott Brown Maddow Koch Brothers Alex jones Maddow)

  30. 30.

    Mnemosyne

    April 6, 2011 at 11:30 am

    Anyone else find it interesting that Blue Dog Tim Kaine is out along with most of the Blue Dogs in the House?

    Kaine was going to be out on his ear anyway after that disastrous midterm, but it’s interesting that there doesn’t seem to be a desire to cater to them anymore.

  31. 31.

    geg6

    April 6, 2011 at 11:30 am

    DWS is one tough cookie. She’s a younger and more PR savvy Nancy SMASH!

  32. 32.

    piratedan

    April 6, 2011 at 11:31 am

    she’s part of that dynamic “girls club” that also has Sen. Gillibrand and Rep Giffords. All of them pretty dynamic hard working ladies. Liked her appearances on KO’s show and with the rest of the lean forward crew on MSNBC. She’s a bit drier than Rep Weiner (who isn’t?) but her outrage and patience for “teh stupid” is well documented. I suspect she’s gonna make us happy to be Dems again.

  33. 33.

    Sentient Puddle

    April 6, 2011 at 11:32 am

    @Mnemosyne:

    Blue Dog Tim Kaine

    Are we defining a Blue Dog as “Democrat we don’t like for whatever reason” now?

  34. 34.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 11:32 am

    @Mnemosyne: You know he’s running for the Senate in Virginia, right?

  35. 35.

    beemer

    April 6, 2011 at 11:32 am

    some guy is absolutely right. DWS refused to endorse Democrats in Congressional races against her GOP “friends” in So Fla seats in ’08. This wouldn’t have been as bad as it was if she hadn’t been Chair of the DCCC Red to Blue team.

    I just hope she isn’t “friends” with any of the GOP Presidential candidates.

    Give me Howard Dean any day.

  36. 36.

    Suck It Up!

    April 6, 2011 at 11:33 am

    @Mnemosyne:

    How much out can he be if the WH encouraged him to run for US Senate?

  37. 37.

    eemom

    April 6, 2011 at 11:33 am

    @Mnemosyne:

    um, he’s running for Jim Webb’s Senate seat here in Virginia. He was begged to.

  38. 38.

    Culture of Truth

    April 6, 2011 at 11:35 am

    Traditional Values Coalition president Andrea Lafferty:

    “Way to go DNC. You found the candidate who best fit your profile for DNC Chairman: a junkyard dog who is mean, nasty, shrill, able to screech at a moment’s notice, aggressive, and of course able to manipulate the facts and always uncompromising.”

  39. 39.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 11:36 am

    @piratedan: I love Weiner so much that he has more than once made an appearance in my daydreams, if you catch my drift, but I think he’s best employed as a very vocal member of Congress. Schultz’s temperament is much better suited than his for DNC chair: she is brave and bright and candid and she doesn’t back down, but her manner is such that she also doesn’t scare away the only-half-paying-attention independents. She walks the line brilliantly.

  40. 40.

    J.A.F. Rusty Shackleford

    April 6, 2011 at 11:38 am

    From what I’ve read over the last two days it seems like 99.9% of Democrats are excited about Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

  41. 41.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 11:38 am

    @Culture of Truth: I don’t understand why they didn’t just call her permanently PMSing. This kind of self-restraint is new.

  42. 42.

    Chris Grrr™

    April 6, 2011 at 11:40 am

    I don’t understand the optimism, but will try to keep an open mind.

    As things stand, it doesn’t seem that a handful of Democratic legislators with spines can overcome the reticence of their august peers. I’m of the camp that would like to see elected voices of reason clogging up the intertubes and op-ed pages and media channels, even if the only invites they can get are to public access shows.

    The thought of working through another campaign cycle on the strength of “at least they’re not as diabolical as the Republicans” just fills me with despair.

  43. 43.

    piratedan

    April 6, 2011 at 11:42 am

    @shortstop: no arguments from me Shorty, I hope that she is more aggressive than Kaine was in the handling of national ads, someone needs to call out the fallacy of the Republican doctrine, simple and to the point stuff that was completely lacking under Kaine’s watch. Last year’s election effort was a surrender and the message should have been made clearer, namely, do you REALLY want to turn over control the idiots who got us here in the first place? The only signature ad I remember seeing was the “I remember” ads

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDr_h9AjQFI

    this should have been on the air endlessly and wasn’t

  44. 44.

    Ellie

    April 6, 2011 at 11:42 am

    @Culture of Truth: That’s pretty rich: Conservatives calling Dems “uncompromising.”

  45. 45.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 11:42 am

    @Chris Grrr™:

    As things stand, it doesn’t seem that a handful of Democratic legislators with spines can overcome the reticence of their august peers.

    I don’t disagree, and I don’t think anyone’s arguing that DWS can do all the heavy lifting solo — but a good DNC chair is better than a bad DNC chair, and we’re celebrating that progress.

  46. 46.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 11:44 am

    @piratedan: Yeah, I knew we were on the same page — wasn’t disagreeing with you, just thinking aloud.

  47. 47.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 11:44 am

    Idiots. DWS has already, or will soon be, assimilated.

    That, or she will be silenced and marginalized, reduced to a money-raking machine with no influence on policy, as was Howard Dean before her.

    Obama is the head of the party and the figurehead chairperson will do his bidding or be removed.

    Why is it, exactly, that you fools pretend not to know this, and that anything will change with the Dem party as a result of this superficial personnel change? That’s what I really want to know. Is it just that you get a thrill from seeing someone on TV who seems to be on your side?

  48. 48.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 11:46 am

    @mikefromArlington:

    Imagine those two running together in 2016. It would be explosive

    Do you REALLY think the superficial, stupid, shallow American electorate is going to elect “President Weiner?”

  49. 49.

    BGinCHI

    April 6, 2011 at 11:48 am

    @Tim, Interrupted: It’s early, but I think you get the Angry Dick of the Day Award.

    Congrats.

    You win a shiny new blood pressure cuff. Use it.

  50. 50.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 11:51 am

    @BGinCHI:

    It’s early, but I think you get the Angry Dick of the Day Award.

    Typical. No response to the point made, because you can’t apparently muster one, being as you are in mid orgasm over a dnc head appointment. Have a nice time touching yourself over meaningless bullshit.

  51. 51.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 11:51 am

    @Tim, Interrupted: This reminds me of Norman Rogers.

  52. 52.

    kdaug

    April 6, 2011 at 11:52 am

    @Judas Escargot: Oh, you are SO on their list now.

  53. 53.

    Allan

    April 6, 2011 at 11:53 am

    And meanwhile, did you see who’s been tapped to fill the job on an interim basis until DWS can officially be voted in?

    Donna Brazile!

    Yesterday, a fellow Tweeter suggested Brazile for the job, which I enthusiastically seconded and sent her a tweet backing her for the job. Notice how she responded to me (she responded to me! I was thrilled):

    aha! I am too opinionated for those cautious folks!

  54. 54.

    Sentient Puddle

    April 6, 2011 at 11:54 am

    @Tim, Interrupted: I think the fact that the blockquote tags are mixed up make the rage in this post even more hilarious.

  55. 55.

    BGinCHI

    April 6, 2011 at 11:55 am

    @Tim, Interrupted: I don’t argue with idiots. Sorry, Charlie.

    Plus, your content-free rant really doesn’t say anything beyond calling people “fools.” You know, sport, we get that the Dem Party is frustrating. We’d just like to see it move, even if incrementally, to the better instead of the worse.

    They could have chosen an Evan Bayh.

  56. 56.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 11:58 am

    @Sentient Puddle:

    I think the fact that the blockquote tags are mixed up make the rage in this post even more hilarious.

    I am curious as to why you believe “rage” is in anyway involved?

  57. 57.

    acallidryas

    April 6, 2011 at 11:59 am

    Not to dump on the man, but he was basically invisible, and every time I saw him talk, he seemed like the human equivalent of melba toast with a serving of unsweetened oatmeal.

    Yup. That pretty much covers my feelings on Kaine. It’s why I’m somewhat less than excited about the upcoming Senate race. Ah, well. At least the GOP primary featuring people who think George Allen is too reasonable will be entertaining.

  58. 58.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 11:59 am

    @BGinCHI:

    We’d just like to see it move, even if incrementally, to the better instead of the worse.

    New slogan: Democratic Party: INCREMENTS you can believe in!

  59. 59.

    bemused

    April 6, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    @Culture of Truth:

    Whoa, I hadn’t heard of this Lafferty woman before but just reading your quote, I don’t think she should say anything about junkyard dogs.

  60. 60.

    Suck It Up!

    April 6, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    @Allan:

    She’s too opinionated? that’s news to me. I’ve seen a lot of people comment that she’s too wish washy with the other side.

  61. 61.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    I am a regular commenter here because I enjoy Cole’s amiable grump schtick, and a few of his political insights, and I like abusing him because of his wingnut past.

    All that said, how is that any of you trust this man who would go from one extreme of wingnut true believer to the other extreme of Democratic party establishment cheerleader/Obot?

    Doesn’t the quick and violent severity of that outlook give any of you pause and call into question for you Cole’s standing as a credible advocate for anything? Do you think the pro-Dem thing might just be a schtick? Possibly? Just maybe?

    Why not, after JC’s experience with the Bushies, find a healthy skepticism in the middle and call bullshit where it merits calling, without becoming a starry eyed advocate. Doesn’t smell right.

    We’re being played, but I’ll enjoy the ride and keep coming back. I do love the sweet sting of the bitter insults here in comments.

  62. 62.

    Judas Escargot

    April 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    Why is it, exactly, that you fools pretend not to know this, and that anything will change with the Dem party as a result of this superficial personnel change? That’s what I really want to know.

    I love the smell of smug, facile nihilism in the morning.

    Smells like… Defeat.

  63. 63.

    debit

    April 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted: 50 state strategy, bitch. Dean wasn’t supposed to have influence on policy, he was supposed to get Dems elected, which he did.

  64. 64.

    BGinCHI

    April 6, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted: Your new t-shirt:

    Cynical Fantasist

    Since 1969

  65. 65.

    Suck It Up!

    April 6, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    yes, Tim. Poor True Progressives are always silenced by The Man. Always the victim.

  66. 66.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    @Allan:

    And meanwhile, did you see who’s been tapped to fill the job on an interim basis until DWS can officially be voted in? Donna Brazile!

    Allan, OMG. Could there be a MORE spineless, groveling sycophant of beltway dem uselessness than Donna Brazile? You too are an idiot.

    But “oooh, oooh, OMG, she TOTALLY tweeted me!!!!!!”

  67. 67.

    Mike E

    April 6, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    Yeah, Gov. The Scream was so marginalized that he presided over the greatest Dem winning streak in modern times. Or maybe all times. 50 state strategy=kick those fuckers in the teeth, where ever. Hello.

    DWS would do well to emulate his style and tickle the Democratic Wing of her party more often. If she does, I just might re-register ‘D’…

  68. 68.

    Bulworth

    April 6, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    Insofar as the DNC chair can help by providing a respected and substantive voice in the political debate, DWS will help a lot. To the extent the DNC chair is more about organization (Dean, 50-state outreach, etc), then I don’t know. But the naming of DWS made me rather happy as well.

  69. 69.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    @Judas Escargot:

    Smells like… Defeat.

    Fool. I cheer for america, which is being destroyed, not for one of your stupid establishment political dynasties.

  70. 70.

    Chris Grrr™

    April 6, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    @shortstop:

    but a good DNC chair is better than a bad DNC chair,

    Time will tell. In most matters the truth of your words would be unassailable.
    After dumping way too much time into campaigns in a depressingly red Florida congressional district, it is to be hoped that I simply wasn’t paying sufficient attention the last time there was a “good” DNC chair, and am being grouchy when I tend to wonder if anything would turn out differently (in D.C.) if there was no DNC chair at all.

  71. 71.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    @debit:

    50 state strategy, bitch. Dean wasn’t supposed to have influence on policy, he was supposed to get Dems elected, which he did.

    Exactly, douche. They silenced him and turned him into a money machine. Turning over gazillions of dollars to an establishment over whose policies he had zero influence. May have been good for the dem party establishment, but not for dean’s soul and not for america.

  72. 72.

    Suck It Up!

    April 6, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    Democratic Party: INCREMENTS you can believe in!

    I much prefer increments than curling up in a corner, holding onto my principles for dear life while crying that everything is Obama’s fault.

  73. 73.

    Mike E

    April 6, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted: Ahh, T,I can peer into souls. Satan, be gone!

  74. 74.

    Virginia Highlander

    April 6, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    For the record, Kaine is a decent guy. I live just a county away from where he grew up. Even my parents, rabid Republicans that they are, have voted for him in every election.

    Agreed that he was utterly worthless on the national stage.

  75. 75.

    OzoneR

    April 6, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    New slogan: Democratic Party: INCREMENTS you can believe in!

    and that’s bad because?

  76. 76.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    @BGinCHI:

    Cynical Fantasist
    Since 1969

    Actually more like since 2000, when Donna Brazile and the spineless Gore turned over the country to an opponent he defeated, and then most definitely since 2004, when Kerry managed to “lose” to a dumbass warmonger and then phoned in his concession as he left for vacation with Mrs. Ketchup.

    These people do NOT care about you or your beliefs or your goals. Those of you pretending otherwise are the “fantasists.”

    I like that word, btw.

  77. 77.

    OzoneR

    April 6, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    Of course that doesn’t stop the circular firing squad.

  78. 78.

    The Sheriff's A Ni-

    April 6, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    I see it’s Tim’s shift at American Majority today. How is the pay for instigating liberal circular firing squads?

  79. 79.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    @Suck It Up!:

    Poor True Progressives are always silenced by The Man. Always the victim.

    Don’t know if you are referring to me or Howard Dean, but I’m nobody’s victim, fool. YOU are the victim because you still buy into the bullshit and do the bidding of the establishment dems, all with a happy face. Which is actually worse: You participate in your own victimhood.

    And no, I don’t trust Dean either, because I would want to know WHY he would become part of the machine that destroyed him…there has to be an ulterior motive, and it can’t be a positive thing.

  80. 80.

    Jinchi

    April 6, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    he seemed like the human equivalent of melba toast with a serving of unsweetened oatmeal.

    Sounds like a great choice to keep the Virginia Senate seat in the Democratic column.

  81. 81.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    @The Sheriff’s A Ni-:

    How is the pay for instigating liberal circular firing squads

    ?

    How is the pay for being a mindless automaton?

    You are confusing the terms “Democrat” and “Liberal.”

    Not the same. Not by a mile.

  82. 82.

    The Sheriff's A Ni-

    April 6, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted: Considering the quality of your posts, I’m going to guess minimum wage.

  83. 83.

    hilts

    April 6, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    The most effective advocate for the liberal cause that I have seen on television the last couple of years

    I was very impressed with Debbie Wasserman Schultz during her appearance on Donny Deutsch’s CNBC program several years ago. She was criticizing George Bush’s abuse of presidential signing statements and was ridiculed by fellow guest Charlie Gasparino. Gasparino claimed voters couldn’t care less about the issue and that Schultz was wasting her time discussing it. Despite his incredibly obnoxious behavior, Schultz maintained her poise and explained why Bush’s abuse was important and why voters should care about it.

  84. 84.

    kay

    April 6, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Good post John Cole, and I agree completely.

  85. 85.

    Uncle Clarence Thomas

    April 6, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    @some guy:
    .
    .

    if you like faux liberals you will go gaga over Lil Debbie.

    You are correct, and those dull sounds you hear are a balloonbagger circle pop in progress.
    .
    .

  86. 86.

    OzoneR

    April 6, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    @some guy:

    if you like the Democratic Party representing the interests of working people you will be less than thrilled that Obama has put her in as DNC Chair.

    Yeah, Debbie Wasserman Schultz is such an enemy to working people, sure.

  87. 87.

    4jkb4ia

    April 6, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    You answer your own question. If John actually cheers about something that isn’t the Steelers, it might be worth some serious attention.

    And Howard Dean was able to execute the 50-state strategy and to restrain the Clinton partisans as head of the DNC. That was very important for 2006 and 2008.

  88. 88.

    Barb (formerly Gex)

    April 6, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted: No shit. I mean, ever bit of progress that has been made since the time of the Constitution has just been a total sellout of the progressive goal. All or nothing, I say!

  89. 89.

    Barb (formerly Gex)

    April 6, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    I wonder, John, back in the day, were the hardcore “the GOP isn’t conservative enough” griefers as tedious as the true progressives?

  90. 90.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Excellent. Hamhanded troll completely derails another thread with the enthusiastic participation of the crowd.

  91. 91.

    Pangloss

    April 6, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    She has doubled her Twitter followers in less than 24 hours.

  92. 92.

    BGinCHI

    April 6, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted: I agree with everything you say here, and would like to sink my bootheel into several faces you mention.

    But it’s still no excuse for demanding absolute change in a country that will never, ever swing anything but slowly.

    Frustrated, yes. Cynical, trying not to be.

    Alcohol, required.

  93. 93.

    4jkb4ia

    April 6, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    It wasn’t quick and violent. You remember it wrong. I think it was about a year between Schiavo and when John went down to that registry office, and he said that he could have registered as an independent but he wanted to make a statement. And certainly he didn’t become an Obot overnight. I can dig out the post around South Carolina where the pressing issue of our time was who of Obama and HRC was more racist/sexist, John said, “I am sick of both of them, I am writing in Dodd”, and I CLAPPED for John. 3 years later. That was indubitably the John Cole I used to know, who I liked so much, and not any mythical creature or daydream, of any sort.

  94. 94.

    kay

    April 6, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    @Barb (formerly Gex):

    I went to a Democratic women’s group dinner last night. There are two Democrats who appear on cable tv that they mention.

    Wasserman-Schultz and Sherrod Brown. This is Ohio, so Brown-pride is a given, but they like Wasserman-Schultz because she’s a strong advocate who talks about things that actually affect them.

    I think she’s a good choice.

  95. 95.

    brendancalling

    April 6, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    well, I’m not sure. I agree that Kaine has all of the appeal of cold, day-old oatmeal, but is Wasserman Schultz really a fighter? last I paid attention to her, she was refusing to endorse a democrat in Florida because of friendships she (DWS) had with two republicans.

    I do not want to see a repeat of THAT stunt.

  96. 96.

    RedKitten

    April 6, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    Doesn’t the quick and violent severity of that outlook give any of you pause and call into question for you Cole’s standing as a credible advocate for anything? Do you think the pro-Dem thing might just be a schtick? Possibly? Just maybe?

    Um, no. Because it wasn’t that quick, and because you obviously haven’t been paying attention.

    John is much like we Canadians. We keep our loyalties to a party until we can’t even bear to look at their faces anymore. John was a Republican because he believes in fiscal conservatism and small government — all things for which the Republican Party USED to stand. And as the party inched farther and farther from those ideals, and more and more towards the crazy-fest that it is now, John grew more and more disenchanted with them, finally culminating in the last-straw of the Schiavo affair. Up until that point he continued to defend them, primarily because a) he’s fiercely loyal, and b) he’s so pigheadedly stubborn, it’s not even funny.

    But if it makes you feel superior to think that we’re all fools being played by a master of subterfuge, and that you’re the only one smart enough to see through the ruse, then you go right on ahead there, sport.

  97. 97.

    Judas Escargot

    April 6, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    Fool. I cheer for america, which is being destroyed, not for one of your stupid establishment political dynasties.

    I am compelled to deal with the world as I find it.

    Sorry.

  98. 98.

    Mnemosyne

    April 6, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    @shortstop:
    @Suck It Up!:
    @eemom:

    Ah, good to know that the Democratic Party is still rewarding failure. Oh well.

  99. 99.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    @Mnemosyne: Nice 180. I’ll take that to mean you had no idea.

    Kaine was a very popular governor, IIRC (Virginians, weigh in), and is probably the best chance the Democrats have to retain that Senate seat given the climate in Virginia right now.

    He was a terrible DNC chair, and I’m glad he’s going, but it makes no sense to compare the two jobs. If he’s elected, he won’t be a progressive, but neither was Webb and neither will any Democrat Virginia manages to put in the Senate right now. Interestingly, George Allen is even less progressive.

  100. 100.

    dadanarchist

    April 6, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    I hate to piss on the parade, but Debbie is another ultra-Zionist Israel hawk.

  101. 101.

    Mnemosyne

    April 6, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    @shortstop:

    Nice 180. I’ll take that to mean you had no idea.

    Pretty much. But thank you for the sarcasm.

  102. 102.

    OzoneR

    April 6, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    @dadanarchist:

    I hate to piss on the parade, but Debbie is another ultra-Zionist Israel hawk.

    so are like half or more of Democratic voters, whats your point?

  103. 103.

    Paul W.

    April 6, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    @piratedan:

    Dan, my thoughts exactly. Having lived in NYC for 7 years now and seeing Gillibrand rise from a red district House member to an amazing Senator. 2012 is shaping up, we just need to follow through.

  104. 104.

    Fallsroad

    April 6, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    Debbie Wasserman Schultz is quick on her feet in the short circuit arena that is cable TV spews. She is good at eviscerating Republicans without appearing too nasty or mean (Rethugs feelings are so delicate).

    I enjoy watching her.

    She is also a very very good friend to the financial sector, so watch as the DNC fields and backs even more candidates who are also tools of Wall Street.

  105. 105.

    Chris G

    April 6, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    @shortstop: Kaine, unlike Allen, has won a statewide election in Virginia in this century. He also comes across as a decent guy, which I hope will be a stark contrast with George Felix Allen Jr.

  106. 106.

    C F

    April 6, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    I am not sure if DWS is such a good choice. From what I remember, she’s all for blue dogs and is a radical Zionist.

  107. 107.

    Xantar

    April 6, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    I get it. Tim, Interrupted is Excalibur.

  108. 108.

    asiangrrlMN

    April 6, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    I admire and respect DWS. Every time I’ve seen her on Rachel’s show, she (DWS) hasn’t pulled any punches. I think this is a wonderful choice. Plus, I love her voice.

  109. 109.

    joe from Lowell

    April 6, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    I cheered, too.

    I’ve been talking up DWS for years.

    She’s going to be the first woman President, and the first Jewish President.

  110. 110.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    @shortstop:

    Excellent. Hamhanded troll completely derails another thread with the enthusiastic participation of the crowd.

    So…let’s recap: Anyone who disagrees with a JC post, and does so aggressively, is a “troll.” (Nevermind I’ve been posting here for four years). Anyone who disrupts a Dem-establishment-cheering circle jerk of happy happy is a troll.

    You are an idiot.

  111. 111.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    @Suck It Up!:

    I much prefer increments than curling up in a corner, holding onto my principles for dear life while crying that everything is Obama’s fault.

    Do I seem “curled up” to you, dumbass?

  112. 112.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    @Pangloss:

    She has doubled her Twitter followers in less than 24 hours.

    hahaha…yes, and THIS is what is important! A twit’s twitter follower volume!

  113. 113.

    shortstop

    April 6, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    @Chris G: That was snark about Allen. Right now they’re polling about even, I think, but I remain confident that Virginia will do the right thing this time after fucking up deluxe with Governor Smiling Sociopath.

  114. 114.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    @RedKitten:

    But if it makes you feel superior to think that we’re all fools being played by a master of subterfuge, and that you’re the only one smart enough to see through the ruse, then you go right on ahead there, sport.

    OK, sport!

    It is just a theory at this point. I have no way of KNOWING for sure, which is why I posited my thoughts regarding this in question form. Do I feel “superior?” Hmmm…I don’t think so, really. No more so than the natural human reaction to do so in a like situation…no more superior than the commenters who constantly call me names every time I question Dem sycophancy.

  115. 115.

    joe from Lowell

    April 6, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    Quick, who am I?

    “Bwah-hah-ha! Puny Hu-mans! I’m the only one who really knows what’s going on, man!”

    Any guesses? Anyone?

  116. 116.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    @Judas Escargot:

    I am compelled to deal with the world as I find it.

    Seriously, how do you see it as not dealing with the world to withdraw from a corrupt process and refuse to cheer on the least offensive side?

    There is no legal or moral compulsion to participate in the american political process, as it is. And if you think the entire world consists of that process, you are missing 99.9 per cent of what goes on.

  117. 117.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    @joe from Lowell:

    Quick, who am I? “Bwah-hah-ha! Puny Hu-mans! I’m the only one who really knows what’s going on, man!” Any guesses? Anyone?

    Troll! I say you are a mean troll!

    It really is not my fault that you are too blind to see in front of your nose, Joey.

  118. 118.

    joe from Lowell

    April 6, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Stomp stomp stomp! Puny Hu-mans!

    …Hu-mans? Your words hurt, Hu-mans!

    Stomp stomp stomp!

  119. 119.

    Splitting Image

    April 6, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    no more superior than the commenters who constantly call me names every time I question Dem sycophancy.

    Calling who names? Your first contribution to this thread was “Idiots”.

  120. 120.

    mai naem

    April 6, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    I like DWS. I know about the Florida stuff but I still think she kicks ass.

  121. 121.

    Ron

    April 6, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    This was awesome. As she was appointed to this position by Obama, it seems to me this was a move to make his base happy. If so I’m just happy he even is paying attention to the fact he has a base.

  122. 122.

    Tim, Interrupted

    April 6, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    @Splitting Image:

    Your first contribution to this thread was “Idiots”.

    God yes. I have learned well the way of the BJ Commentariat. First strike insults are simply good pre-emptive, defense.

  123. 123.

    lacp

    April 6, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted: I prefer your frequent use of “fool.” The Mister T allusion is charmingly retro.

  124. 124.

    jak

    April 6, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    @some guy:

    I had forgotten this. Thanks for pointing it out.

    She saw that the republican opponents received little if any support from the DCCC.

  125. 125.

    dugmoor

    April 6, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    “…he seemed like the human equivalent of melba toast with a serving of unsweetened oatmeal.”

    This is why I read you.

  126. 126.

    SarahT

    April 6, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    @gil mann:
    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!!!

    HA !

  127. 127.

    Judas Escargot

    April 6, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    @Tim, Interrupted:

    Seriously, how do you see it as not dealing with the world to withdraw from a corrupt process and refuse to cheer on the least offensive side?

    When you give up, the Shitheads win by default.

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