8.42 pm. Man, he can even talk me into higher taxes. Here’s how: he actually makes a simple case that we cannot have something for nothing. I get that. I know that. Of course, if all the federal government were doing were good schools and good roads, most of us would not be whining. And, of course, the little rant against complexity and loopholes cannot do him any harm.So far, this is a masterful performance. Having watched nothing but ads and soundbites and speeches for the past few weeks, I’d forgotten a little bit what a class act he can be.
Bwahahahahahaha! “Class act,” in the context of taxes? “Masterful,” in the context of debates?
8.34 pm. What a great moment in the history of race relations that a black presidential candidate can say that he would not have nominated Clarence Thomas - because he wasn’t qualified enough! And, of course, I’m relieved that he takes issue with John Roberts’ view of executive power.
Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!!! Lack of qualifications? That’s the pot calling the kettle . . . racecard. You could maybe make this shit up, but what would be the point? I mean, there’s something to be said for specialization in economies of production, wot?
In his color-coded article, “The Color-Coded Campaign,†John Heilemann doesn’t just hint that racial prejudice will prevent Barack Obama from winning the White House. He states it directly and without equivocation. The reason America’s first black major party presumptive presidential nominee hasn’t blown out the intractably boring and uninspiring John McCain in the polls, given “surging†Democratic voter registration and voters’ disenchantment with Republicans, is his skin color.
It wouldn’t have anything to do with Obama’s liberal beliefs, inexperience, gaffes, and inconsistencies, would it? No, it’s because he’s black, says Heilemann and other liberals. Lurking just below the surface of any white person’s criticism of Barack Obama is racial bias. Heilemann’s article leaves the impression that Obama longs to take the high road and rise above such distractions; Republicans and other white people just won’t let him.
What the hell does some lilywhite potato eater like La Shawn know about it?
Comment by thor on 8/17 @ 9:04 pm #
Barack does conduct himself with a certain grace and classiness. Even Bill O’Reilly admits that.
Comment by Dan Collins on 8/17 @ 9:07 pm #
It’s just funny, coming from socialist supporters, thor.
Comment by B Moe on 8/17 @ 9:11 pm #
His answer on abortion is stunning it its insincerity:
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/08/17/there-are-a-lot-of-things-above-obamas-pay-grade/
“above my pay grade” is going to haunt him forever.
Comment by thor on 8/17 @ 9:12 pm #
Yes, they slobber on Obama’s cufflinks.
He’s just a duuuuude running for President. It’s not like he’ll leave a stain in the Lincoln bedroom that can’t be cleaned in 4-years.
Comment by B Moe on 8/17 @ 9:50 pm #
I am starting to think the Democrats just like losing.
http://tinyurl.com/6p8pnv
Comment by Sdferr on 8/17 @ 10:07 pm #
D’ja’all see the pounding some poor Gay dude working at a Men seeking Men website took when the activists found out he had contributed money to McCain? If you run in certain circles you gotta watch your back if you want to support the fascists these days or plan on losing your job.
Comment by Bob Reed on 8/18 @ 2:03 am #
You didn’t seem to be swayed by O!
RACIST
Comment by Alec Leamas on 8/18 @ 2:39 am #
I think the dirty secret of Obama’s race problem isn’t the purported racist conservatives (I voted for Lynn Swann, dammit!), it is certain otherwise reliable slices of the Democrat coalition that aren’t enthusiastic about voting for him, in part out of racial resentments.
My firm does some Labor work for certain of the trade Unions in Philadelphia, and as a result from time to time minor matters for tradesmen cross my desk to be resolved as a favor to certain Partners. In addition to having grown up with a lot of these kinds of guys, I get to talk with them now and again about different things - they more or less openly volunteer their disdain for Obama. There are the guys who are part of the Democrat “groundgame” in other cycles, but the (admittedly anecdotal) evidence I have seen is that they are very likely to sit this election out entirely. Recall how poorly Obama did in relation to what was expected of him in the primaries in Philadelphia and surrounding counties, and I think we have a model for how he may underperform in the general. The Republican Presidential losses in Pennsylvania in recent years has been due to an insurmountable advantage of a few hundred thousand votes out of Philadelphia (some to many not legitimate) that the rest of the state cannot overcome. Without the turnout and participation of 1/3 to 1/2 of the Philadelphia, he is going to have a real problem in Pennsylvania.
I also think that the fourty-something and older white wimmin, having been “Fredo-ed” in their collective view, are going to be a missing arrow in the O! quiver come November.
In sum, despite Obama’s low polling in relation to the (media) expectations, I think he will grossly underperform even the low polling, because of the low enthusiasm cum outright rejection by foundational elements of the traditional Democrat coalition. Call it the Bradley or Wilder effect or whatever, but I think November is going to surprise a lot of people.
Comment by B Moe on 8/18 @ 2:47 am #
Spot on, Alec. Folks on the right have plenty of reasons to vote against him besides race, it is the rank and file democrats who agree with his policies but still won’t vote for him that are the racists. And nobody on the left wants to talk about them at all.
Of course if he keeps up with these “above my pay grade” statements it will be a moot point anyhow.
Comment by Alec Leamas on 8/18 @ 3:27 am #
“it is the rank and file democrats who agree with his policies but still won’t vote for him that are the racists.”
I also think the problem with Labor is a cultural one - you advance in the trades through an apprenticeship, and slowly and steadily rise in seniority, pay, and status within the Union. Generally, there aren’t meteoric rises no matter how good of a Carpenter or Iron Worker you are. The popular figure of Obama is the antithesis of this ethic, which, combined with the racial/affirmative action flavor of his campaign is going to prove troublesome for him. There is little affection for a young fancy-pants hot shot who knows everything already.
The trades here are dominated by white Catholic (another problem for O!) men - you pretty much have to be related to get an apprenticeship - and are currently getting the squeeze from the City to have those apprenticeships allocated with a view towards racial diversity. There is so much in this soup that is just wrong for Obama here - I just don’t see him doing well at all.
Comment by The Apologist on 8/18 @ 4:52 am #
Someone tell me again why thor won out over Karl. It was for thor’s usefulness as a foil right? Couldn’t we just dredge the Democratic Underground or KozKid comment threads after a conservative is diagnosed with cancer and get the same result?
Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it was the overwhelming fragrance of his sincerety.
Comment by poppa india on 8/18 @ 4:57 am #
After eight years in a union job at the Philly Navy Yard and ten years in a union job at the Very large phone company, I don’t think O! will do well in PA with traditionally democratic union voters. Some of it may be racial, but some of it is cultural. Pols like Obama, white or black, just rub these guys the wrong way.