Has the modern American Right worked itself into such a frenzy over finding anyone to defeat Obama in the upcoming 2012 election cycle that they have already been defeated themselves?
That was my first thought after watching this?
And the Right are clearly not pleased when their overzealous nature in regards to "trumping" Obama's ability at a second term.
Just think about the names that are already in the contender pool: Palin, Bachman, Huckabee, Romney, Santorum, Gingrich, Paul, and Trump. Not one of them has the solid credentials that the modern American Right claim are required, save perhaps Romney. And as far as Trump is concerned, he's more of a "self-promoter" and is likely doing this simply to boost his own visibility.
This is the problematic nature of the Right's 2012 narrative - favoring the gimmick, the rhetoric, over solid policy for the country. It seems that with every news cycle, the current situation in Egypt for example, the Right is more concerned with speaking about how Obama is failing at handling it, while not offering examples of how it should be handled.
Make no mistake, the 2012 election cycle is now in full swing, and it's already getting quite interesting.
EXIT QUESTION: After Ron Paul swept the CPAC straw poll last year, and Fox"News" doing their best to spin it as a fluke, or that the Paulbots rigged the results, who do you think will win this year. Certainly not Palin, as this is the third year in a row she snubbed the convention.
Showing posts with label CPAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CPAC. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What Is A Gay Conservative?
Hot Air does a little damage control after Bryan Fischer's and Ryan Sorba's anti-gay rant at CPAC10:
Someone using the internet handle of "Doctor Zero" over at Hot Air took to the challenge of not only defending the websites new corporate masters as well as standing up for people he/she refers to in the title as "gay conservatives".
While the author's seemingly endless preamble dives headlong into the issue without really addressing who this mysterious group of people are - aside from mentioning GOPROUD a few times - he/she really didn't "defend" anyone, instead favoring ideological babbling and attacking the actions of the Obama administration that focus on what was apparently his/her intended thesis. This, at least to me, is not surprising in any way.
This has lead me to ask the following question - how can one honestly be a gay conservative?
Certainly, there are people within the gay community that hold conservative ideals ( low taxes, personal responsibility, limited government intrusion, et al ) but when you see how the modern conservative movement reacts to everything ( and has limited ideas on how to better the country ) you begin to wonder exactly why anyone within the gay community would want to be seen as a part of that movement.
Someone using the internet handle of "Doctor Zero" over at Hot Air took to the challenge of not only defending the websites new corporate masters as well as standing up for people he/she refers to in the title as "gay conservatives".
While the author's seemingly endless preamble dives headlong into the issue without really addressing who this mysterious group of people are - aside from mentioning GOPROUD a few times - he/she really didn't "defend" anyone, instead favoring ideological babbling and attacking the actions of the Obama administration that focus on what was apparently his/her intended thesis. This, at least to me, is not surprising in any way.
This has lead me to ask the following question - how can one honestly be a gay conservative?
Certainly, there are people within the gay community that hold conservative ideals ( low taxes, personal responsibility, limited government intrusion, et al ) but when you see how the modern conservative movement reacts to everything ( and has limited ideas on how to better the country ) you begin to wonder exactly why anyone within the gay community would want to be seen as a part of that movement.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Promoters Are Not Pleased
It's not been a great start of the year for conservatives or the media that coddle to them.
Remember when Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade were whining that people weren't talking about the massive success that was CPAC10? Seems like it wasn't a "complete" success.
Remember when Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade were whining that people weren't talking about the massive success that was CPAC10? Seems like it wasn't a "complete" success.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Success By Who's Criteria?
It's always puzzling when Fox"News" pulls out the "mainstream media" talking point. After all, don't they realize what "mainstream" means? If you have a larger audience share than anyone, YOU'RE the mainstream.
That aside, we get expert analysis from alleged "comedian and filmmaker" Steven Crowder. I guess the criteria for being a comedian AND a filmmaker is pretty low too.
Oh, so it's a success only from a "student" or "young-peoples" standpoint, even though most of the speakers were career politicians and Ron Paul ( who got the straw poll votes of the "young, student" demographic ) and this Crowder character claims they will lead the movement forward.
Turns out that even a prominent voice at Fox"News" didn't care so much for this event either.
While some within the conservative movement will largely ignore Huckabee's statements, we shouldn't forget that he's a frequent guest on O'Reilly and Hannity's program, so it's not like his opinions aren't valued by the villagers.
But it's Crowder's statement that people like "culture warriors" Ann Coulter, Beck, and the ever blubbery Breitbart are the "leaders" of the movement. If that's really the case, I'm not to terribly worried about anyone that attended or spoke at CPAC10.
That aside, we get expert analysis from alleged "comedian and filmmaker" Steven Crowder. I guess the criteria for being a comedian AND a filmmaker is pretty low too.
Oh, so it's a success only from a "student" or "young-peoples" standpoint, even though most of the speakers were career politicians and Ron Paul ( who got the straw poll votes of the "young, student" demographic ) and this Crowder character claims they will lead the movement forward.
Turns out that even a prominent voice at Fox"News" didn't care so much for this event either.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee blasted the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Saturday as outdated, nearly corrupt and unrepresentative of the conservative movement.
Huckabee, a 2008 Republican presidential contender and potential 2012 candidate who had spoken at the conference for years, said the reason he blew it off this year was that the meeting has become dominated by libertarian activists.
While some within the conservative movement will largely ignore Huckabee's statements, we shouldn't forget that he's a frequent guest on O'Reilly and Hannity's program, so it's not like his opinions aren't valued by the villagers.
But it's Crowder's statement that people like "culture warriors" Ann Coulter, Beck, and the ever blubbery Breitbart are the "leaders" of the movement. If that's really the case, I'm not to terribly worried about anyone that attended or spoke at CPAC10.
The Paul-try Movement or Bye Bye Barbie
I was rather surprised to hear the results of the CPAC "straw poll" over the weekend that gave Ron Paul a substantial victory.
Knowing that Ron Paul supporters have the ability to be more "grass-roots" than their Tea Bagger counterparts ( even though those same people ascribe of many of the ideals that Ron Paul espouses ) what was even more surprising was that Sarah Palin scored in the single digits - here's the breakdown:
Nearly a quarter of those that voted did so AGAINST Sarah Palin. What's that all about? What happened to her stature as a conservative giant. The Caribou Barbie to Ronald Reagan's Cowboy Ken? What does this say about conservatives at CPAC and those at the Tea Bagger shout-fests?
Some will chalk this up to the "Paulites" ability to infest events such as this and turn the tide in their favor. Then again, not all of the alleged 10,000 people that attended this conference voted. A reported 2400 only took part in the straw poll.
Another interesting take-away from this is the fact that one rather prominent conservative blogger claims that the fact that 48% of those voting were students shows a lack of, well, adult responsibility.
Back to the number of those that voted, what does this say about the apparent 7600 people that DIDN'T think it necessary at all to vote. I mean, Sarah Palin was on the ticket for god sakes. If conservatives are all about the gimmick of Palin, why not take part in this gimmick? Has she lost some of her mojo, or is this a reflection of the way conservatives lack the ability to pay attention to what's going on around them unless some prominent figure is on stage or on Fox"News" filling their head full of piss and vinegar?
Who knows, really. None-the-less, CPAC10 was what it was intended to be - a red-meat Bacchanalia more concerned with creating the illusion that conservatives knew "what was happening" and not really providing any substance to the socio-political discourse within America.
In a strong reflection of just how strong his standing remains within the die-hard conservative community, Texas Republican and 2008 presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul won the Conservative Political Action Conference straw poll on Saturday, earning nearly one-third (31 percent) of the entire vote. The crowd, however, booed heavily when the results were announced.
Knowing that Ron Paul supporters have the ability to be more "grass-roots" than their Tea Bagger counterparts ( even though those same people ascribe of many of the ideals that Ron Paul espouses ) what was even more surprising was that Sarah Palin scored in the single digits - here's the breakdown:
Texas Rep. Ron Paul - 31 percent
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney -- 22 percent
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin -- 7 percent
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty - 6 percent
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich - 4 percent
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee -- 4 percent
Indiana Rep. Mike Pence - 5 percent
South Dakota Sen. John Thune -- 2 percent
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels -- 2 percent
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum -- 2 percent
Mississippi Gov. Hailey Barbour - 1 percent
Other - 5 percent
Undecided - 6 percent
Nearly a quarter of those that voted did so AGAINST Sarah Palin. What's that all about? What happened to her stature as a conservative giant. The Caribou Barbie to Ronald Reagan's Cowboy Ken? What does this say about conservatives at CPAC and those at the Tea Bagger shout-fests?
Some will chalk this up to the "Paulites" ability to infest events such as this and turn the tide in their favor. Then again, not all of the alleged 10,000 people that attended this conference voted. A reported 2400 only took part in the straw poll.
Another interesting take-away from this is the fact that one rather prominent conservative blogger claims that the fact that 48% of those voting were students shows a lack of, well, adult responsibility.
Back to the number of those that voted, what does this say about the apparent 7600 people that DIDN'T think it necessary at all to vote. I mean, Sarah Palin was on the ticket for god sakes. If conservatives are all about the gimmick of Palin, why not take part in this gimmick? Has she lost some of her mojo, or is this a reflection of the way conservatives lack the ability to pay attention to what's going on around them unless some prominent figure is on stage or on Fox"News" filling their head full of piss and vinegar?
Who knows, really. None-the-less, CPAC10 was what it was intended to be - a red-meat Bacchanalia more concerned with creating the illusion that conservatives knew "what was happening" and not really providing any substance to the socio-political discourse within America.
Friday, February 19, 2010
But I Thought They Didn't Have An Agenda
Erick is just saying what everyone already knows.
This is probably the only true statement made from that stage so far. Probably the only true statement that's going to be made all weekend.
This is probably the only true statement made from that stage so far. Probably the only true statement that's going to be made all weekend.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Irony Isn't Lost On Anyone
More teleprompter blathering.
Seriously, is this is best material they can come up with?
Let's have another face-to-face with Obama and Republican politicians and take not again of how Obama really doesn't need a prompter to kick some serious ass.
Seriously, is this is best material they can come up with?
Let's have another face-to-face with Obama and Republican politicians and take not again of how Obama really doesn't need a prompter to kick some serious ass.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Conservatives Finally Turning On The Fringe Members
It was only a matter of time before members of the conservative movement began to not only reject, but actively attempt to distance themselves from the drooling sychophants that continually espouse that Sarah Palin is tantamount to the second coming of Christ.
Because no one in the world, and ABSOLUTELY no one within the conservative movement, can be critical of Palin without facing the drooling, neo-drunken, wrath of John Ziegler.
It's become no suprise that some of the most popular conservative bloggers and their commenting base have not only aligned themselves with Palin, but are increasingly more and more aligning themselves with the more radical, more fringe, elements of conservative ideology.
The modern conservative movement - which is embracing the sophomoric tactics, themes, and ideals of their fringe compatriots - are more concerned with the gimmicks, the tricks and flourishes, of rhetorical gameplay than honesty and intellectual integrity in the socio-political realm.
In his movie "Media Malpractice: How Obama Got Elected and Palin Was Targeted," Ziegler went after the mainstream media for perceived liberal bias and slights against the Alaska governor. This weekend at the Western Conservative Political Action Conference (WCPAC), Ziegler went after a target closer to home: David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union. In the end, the documentarian gets cursed at and kicked out of the conference. In response he's put video of the entire encounter on Mediaite.
Ziegler was after Keene for criticizing Palin, but he also attacked the conservative leader for supporting Sen. Arlen Specter (pre-party switch) and reportedly trying to sell his group's support to FedEx.
Because no one in the world, and ABSOLUTELY no one within the conservative movement, can be critical of Palin without facing the drooling, neo-drunken, wrath of John Ziegler.
It's become no suprise that some of the most popular conservative bloggers and their commenting base have not only aligned themselves with Palin, but are increasingly more and more aligning themselves with the more radical, more fringe, elements of conservative ideology.
The modern conservative movement - which is embracing the sophomoric tactics, themes, and ideals of their fringe compatriots - are more concerned with the gimmicks, the tricks and flourishes, of rhetorical gameplay than honesty and intellectual integrity in the socio-political realm.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Loving Your Founding Documents So Much That You Don't Know Them
Limbaugh, like so many conservatives that claim to, knows the details of the constitution to such a degree - to be able to detail them to such a point - that they are willing to to quote them for all of their fanbase.
Too bad that wasn't from the Constitution, Rush.
More from Think Progress
We love and revere our founding documents, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. [Applause] We believe that the preamble to the Constitution contains an inarguable truth that we are all endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, among them life. [Applause] Liberty, Freedom. [Applause] And the pursuit of happiness. [Applause] Those of you watching at home may wonder why this is being applauded. We conservatives think all three are under assault. [Applause]
Too bad that wasn't from the Constitution, Rush.
However, it’s is the Declaration of Independence — and not the Constitution — that affirms the equality of all men and man’s inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; the Preamble to the Constitution focuses on establishing “a more perfect Union.” Ironically, after revealing his ignorance of America’s founding documents, Limbaugh told his conservative competition that “the Constitution doesn’t need to be redefined. Conservative intellectuals, the Declaration of Independence does not need to be redefined and neither does conservatism.”
More from Think Progress
CPAC's Gimmick: Jonathan Krohn
I can't count the number of times that I have read a multitude of conservative/ideological postings and comments that talk about "using children as shields". While those rants were primarily used as their own type of "use children in order to protect your ideological nonsense" tripe, I'm starting to think that Jonathan Krohn ( author of "Define Consevatism" ) is just another gimmick of the movement that he allegedly espouses love and adoration for.
Make no mistake, the boy is as sharp as Coulter's forked-tongue and able to articulate in ways that would make Hannity and O'Reilly blush. But, is he the alleged "prodigy" that the right-wing is now holding-up as a shinng example of courage, or he is just "coachable"?
As is seen in many lunatic-fringe, conservative, families, the parents favor indoctrination over free-will. Is this another case of such? Who knows. But, what happens after CPAC..........?
And, true to fashion, he gets put on Fox"News"
Having watched these clips over and over since they were originally posted, I have noticed one thing that should be pointed out - he's not saying anything that people 3 times his age haven't said.
When you realize this, that is the point when you begin to see that even though Jonathan is a very confidant speaker, his message falls as flat as those that he may call his heroes. That being said, it's no wonder that he was published at 13. What publisher of far-right ideological drivel does't dream of a teen that is willing to espouse those viewpoints that he/she won't fully understand until they are older.
Chalk this one up to another case of the conservative movement favoring gimmicks over substance.
Make no mistake, the boy is as sharp as Coulter's forked-tongue and able to articulate in ways that would make Hannity and O'Reilly blush. But, is he the alleged "prodigy" that the right-wing is now holding-up as a shinng example of courage, or he is just "coachable"?
As is seen in many lunatic-fringe, conservative, families, the parents favor indoctrination over free-will. Is this another case of such? Who knows. But, what happens after CPAC..........?
And, true to fashion, he gets put on Fox"News"
Having watched these clips over and over since they were originally posted, I have noticed one thing that should be pointed out - he's not saying anything that people 3 times his age haven't said.
When you realize this, that is the point when you begin to see that even though Jonathan is a very confidant speaker, his message falls as flat as those that he may call his heroes. That being said, it's no wonder that he was published at 13. What publisher of far-right ideological drivel does't dream of a teen that is willing to espouse those viewpoints that he/she won't fully understand until they are older.
Chalk this one up to another case of the conservative movement favoring gimmicks over substance.
Blumenthal V. Ziegler
Max Blumenthal has this vry direct, very unashamed style of interviewing. He's very calm in his approach, but his questions - while delivered in a calm, rational fashion - are far more relevant and sharp than most in the media.
Here's what happens when he bumps into John "Don't Hold Sarah Palin To Any Type Of Standard" Zeigler at this years CPAC.
Max Blumenthal has more at his posting from The Daily Beast
Here's what happens when he bumps into John "Don't Hold Sarah Palin To Any Type Of Standard" Zeigler at this years CPAC.
Max Blumenthal has more at his posting from The Daily Beast
Why the rage? Well, the roots of Ziegler’s fury lay in a series of reports I produced in 2006 about the factually challenged TV movie The Path To 9-11, in which I laid out the film’s ulterior right-wing agenda......In early 2008, I received a series of emails from someone calling themselves “Konrad Ziegler.” “I am producing a documentary on how "The Path to 9/11" got essentially killed in 2006 and I am wondering if you would be willing to do an interview with me and take a victory lap for your role in helping to create that reality,” the mysterious filmmaker, “Konrad,” wrote me in an email. Given the unusually cryptic nature of his request, I declined to respond.
When the film Blocking The Path To 9-11 appeared, my suspicions were confirmed—“Konrad” was actually John Ziegler. Variety panned Ziegler’s documentary, calling it “tedious.”
Friday, February 27, 2009
As If You Needed More Proof: Pt IV
I'm still wondering how conservatives think that they are ever going to regain a majority acting like this:
Then there's conservatives favorite indicted man, Tom DeLay:
More from Think Progress
DeLay's and McConnell's comments provide a window that looks out onto the vast landscpe of the conservative mind. And do you know what you see?
Nothing.
They are more concerned with obstruction than progress. More involved with their own self-interests than with the interests of their country. Are more interested in gimmicks and the theatrics of the political lifestyle than advancement of their country.
It's almost as if they don't understand - nor try to understand - anything outside their limited sphere of understanding.
Honestly, if these people are holding up Limbaugh as the golden-calf of the Right, they obviously have no idea what the bulk of the country is about, what it needs, and what it strives to be.
Then there's conservatives favorite indicted man, Tom DeLay:
More from Think Progress
DeLay's and McConnell's comments provide a window that looks out onto the vast landscpe of the conservative mind. And do you know what you see?
Nothing.
They are more concerned with obstruction than progress. More involved with their own self-interests than with the interests of their country. Are more interested in gimmicks and the theatrics of the political lifestyle than advancement of their country.
It's almost as if they don't understand - nor try to understand - anything outside their limited sphere of understanding.
Honestly, if these people are holding up Limbaugh as the golden-calf of the Right, they obviously have no idea what the bulk of the country is about, what it needs, and what it strives to be.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
As If You Needed More Proof: Pt III
Curious about what's going on at the CPAC conference?
Yep, that's right, Cliff Kincaid - head of "Accuracy" In Media - seems to think that the thouroughly debunk notion that Obama was not born in the US is something that still needs to be explored.
Apparently the audience agrees.
And the guy can't even quote Hendrix correctly.
So, how exactly is a song about unrequited feeling for a woman that is out of your grasp, and your urge to express that emotion in song, have anything to do with conservative ideology and Kincaid's irrational fears of what Obama is and what he will do to this country?
Yep, that's right, Cliff Kincaid - head of "Accuracy" In Media - seems to think that the thouroughly debunk notion that Obama was not born in the US is something that still needs to be explored.
Apparently the audience agrees.
And the guy can't even quote Hendrix correctly.
Manic depression is touching my soul
I know what I want but I just don't know
How to, go about gettin' it
Feeling sweet feeling,
Drops from my fingers, fingers
Manic depression is catchin' my soul
Woman so weary, the sweet cause in vain
You make love, you break love
It's all the same
When it's, when it's over, mama
Music, sweet music
I wish I could caress, caress, caress
Manic depression is a frustrating mess
Well, I think I'll go turn myself off,
And go on down
All the way down
Really ain't no use in me hanging around
In your kinda scene
Music, sweet music
I wish I could caress, caress, caress
Manic depression is a frustrating mess
So, how exactly is a song about unrequited feeling for a woman that is out of your grasp, and your urge to express that emotion in song, have anything to do with conservative ideology and Kincaid's irrational fears of what Obama is and what he will do to this country?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Somewhere, Rich Lowry Is Crying And Rocking Himself Back And Forth
Think Progress is reporting that Sarah Palin is backing out the the 2009 CPAC.
Considering that, while people discuss this and Palin's possible motives for backing out, the lunatic-fringe conservatives attempt to convince others that they are "afraid" of Palin.
What they should know is that Palin isn't so much someone to be feared than she is a person that is just a joke.
Palin's excuse of being "too busy governing" seems to be pretty pathetic an excuse.
If, in fact, Palin opts to retract her decline of invitation and actually show up at the CPAC, she needs to attempt to convince people that she isn't the dithering simpleton.
Also, since Palin has formed her own PAC, I would imagine that she is more concerned with herself than anyone else. What else is new?
“We’re obviously disappointed,” said a CPAC official. A spokesman for the three-day confab, organized by the American Conservative Union Foundation and others, said that Palin, the popular former vice presidential nominee, had indicated she would be able to attend but cited “duties of governing” in bowing out. Instead, she will send in a taped message.
Considering that, while people discuss this and Palin's possible motives for backing out, the lunatic-fringe conservatives attempt to convince others that they are "afraid" of Palin.
What they should know is that Palin isn't so much someone to be feared than she is a person that is just a joke.
Palin's excuse of being "too busy governing" seems to be pretty pathetic an excuse.
If, in fact, Palin opts to retract her decline of invitation and actually show up at the CPAC, she needs to attempt to convince people that she isn't the dithering simpleton.
Also, since Palin has formed her own PAC, I would imagine that she is more concerned with herself than anyone else. What else is new?
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