What think of the Friday night 6th District debate?
October 28th, 2006 – 12:22 PM by Eric BlackHere’s my lame coverage of last night’s League of Women Voters Bachmann-Wetterling-Binkowski debate.
What did you think of the debate?
150 Responses to "What think of the Friday night 6th District debate?"
Hands down Michelle. Patty kept looking down at her notes and seemed extremely unconfortable.
I didn’t see the debate yet. How many times did Bachmann get Kim Jong-il’s name wrong during the debate? A friend of mine just called and said it was “four times.†I think that’s kind of strange for a candidate who’s claiming that she’s a better choice on national security issues than Wetterling or Binkowski. Given the fact that Bachmann’s been posing as some kind of local expert on national security matters on talk radio lately, and the fact that she’s devoted a 22 month run-up for a seat in Congressâ€â€it’s quite significant that she still doesn’t know the name of the nuke-chasing dictator of North Korea.
It also leans credence to one of the newspaper editorials about Bachmann: that’s she’s “surprisingly shallow.â€Â
I thought Binkowski, who I didn’t know anything about previously, performed the best — not that it will help him.
The opening shot of the three of them standing there looked like a skit from Saturday Night Live. How tall is that guy?
heh. If elections turned on debate performance, we’d have a different president.
Here’s a Big Question for you, Eric. Why are you OBSESSED with the 6th District race, but you never, ever mention the 2nd District race pitting John Kline against Coleen Rowley?
Do you live in the 6th District, Eric?
Andy says:
October 28th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
Here’s a Big Question for you, Eric. Why are you OBSESSED with the 6th District race, but you never, ever mention the 2nd District race pitting John Kline against Coleen Rowley?
Because the religious nut is news=If Michele goes to Washington it will be an embarassment to Minn..
Everyone knows that Kline is a do nothing congressman with a lead.
Did I miss something? Was there a televised debate with the 2nd District candidates?
I saw the claim that Ms Bachman is Wisconsin Synod and that the synod believes that the Pope is the antichrist in CityPaper and did not believe it. They were right.
Ms. Bachmann is a congregant of Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, a congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. http://www.michelebachmann.com/article.asp?ARTICLEID=72
The church doctrine on the papacy is here.
http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?2617&collectionID=795&contentID=4441&shortcutID=5297
It is fair to ask, given that Ms. Bachman believes that her faith should be projected onto public policy with regards to gay and lesbian people, what her faith tells her about public policy regarding the Pope and Catholics. Would she support withdrawing our Vatican representative, not allowing a priest to give the Congressional invocation, withdrawing the tax exemption from Catholic churches, or not allowing federal funds to go to faith based initiatives to Catholic organizations.
Andy,
Following your logic, then he should also cover McCollum vs. Sium and Oberstar vs. Grams…but those aren’t races. The reason the 6th District is high-profile is because there is actually a chance that either candidate could win.
On the debate front, all I noticed was how uncomfortable Wetterling was whenever she had to go off her talking points. She may be a great lady, but what a terrible speaker. She thinks on her feet about as well as Glen Mason.
apparently, afterwards, kstp radio tried to do a mini debate with them but pw left during a commercial when she was questioned about her lying commercials.
Patty Wetterling Quits Debate
October 27th, 2006 by: Jeff Kouba
No, not the televised debate on Channel 5. It’ll take me a little while to go through that one. I’m talking about what happened afterwards.
Immediately following the televised debate, which ended at 8pm, Bachmann, Wetterling and Binkowski were invited to appear on the radio, on KSTP 1500 AM, with host Dave Thompson. It didn’t seem to be planned ahead of time. Thompson said he didn’t have any prepared questions.
But, Thompson asked some questions of the candidates, and after awhile Thompson asked Wetterling about her false ads attacking Bachmann. I’ll get to that in more detail in a bit, but Thompson asked some direct questions, and asked Wetterling to explain and defend the ads.
After that exchange, during a commercial break, Wetterling quit. She left. She put down her headphones and left. Thompson later said “I don’t think she liked my line of questioning on the ads.â€Â
What kind of candidate can’t handle direct questions? How would she hope to succeed in the rough and tumble world of Washington politics if she runs away when the going gets tough? What kind of Representative would she be if she can’t stand up and take responsibility for her own actions?
All the masochists will vote the sadist, Bachmann.
vote for
I thought Bachmann did very well in the debate. Wetterling didn’t look very comfortable and I don’t want to have that as the indicator of who is best for Congress, but the reason she didn’t look good was because she isn’t very familiar with the issues, and she has to rely on notes. I’m glad Bachmann pointed out the facts on partial birth abortion, and the democrat’s praise of Rep. Studds who had sex with a page. Nancy Pelosi, who Wetterling says she will vote for House Speaker if the Dems take control, voted to put Studds into a leadership position after Studds had sex with a page. Kind of strange for Patty to support a Congresswoman who voted to put a “molester” (by Wetterling’s standards) into a leadership position. I heard today that the Wetterling camp is telephoning a recording of a pastor endorsing Wetterling around to sixth district residents. From what I heard this is illegal to have a recording and the voice has to be live. Its amazing to see how Patty and Binkowski are defending Bachmann on her faith because they probably realize Bachmann’s faith is helping her campaign. Even though the media can’t stand it.
ramrod–
I think it’s a mistake to dismiss Wetterling as “unable to succeed in the rough and tumble world of Washington.” I think she’s already proved that she’s good at that; you have to remember how successful this woman was at getting legislation passed even when she didn’t hold any elective office.
Don’t you worry about her. Worry about Bachmann. Her six years in the legislature indicate that she really doesn’t give a damn about getting anything passed or not–for Michele, it’s all about keeping the special interests happy, keeping her fundamentalist base excited, and keeping her name in the papers.
The legislation she got through amounts to practically nothing, given the fact she’s been in the Senate for six years. On numerous occasions Michele voted against the schools and economic interests in her own district, and she was a key factor in holding up the state’s bonding bill for a year so she could publicize her unsuccessful no-gay-marriage amendment–at a tremendous cost to Minnesota in terms of jobs and infrastructure.
Look for more of the same if Bachmann goes to Congress. Her record shows that she really doesn’t give a damn about anythin except anything except her fundamentalist political career prospects. For that nut Bachmann, it’s all about that nut Bachmann.
i am not a big bachamann backer, but to say pw is a proven statesman is a stretch. i would wager she didnt write a word of the bill , but was the figurehead for it.
Sorry for the duplicate post, but I think it’s important to show how hypocritical the Dems are, especially with the Foley story.
October 27th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
It’s ironic that if Wetterling and other liberals take over the House, Nancy Pelosi will become speaker and she doesn’t seem to have the same child protection interests as Wetterling. If fact, being a San Fransicko liberal, she backs NAMBA (Man/Boy Love Association). Read More……
************************
When Nancy Met Harry
By Jeffrey Lord
Published 10/5/2006 12:08:06 AM
The Pride Parade.
That’s what it’s called in San Francisco when the community gathers for a parade during the annual San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration. It is, by all accounts, a wingding of a celebration, too. As the San Francisco Chronicle, the media sponsor of the Pride Parade, put it in their special section devoted to the celebration in 2001, the parade is “the granddaddy, grandma and grandtrannie of ‘em all.†(That would be trannie as in “transvestite.â€Â)
The paper, bursting with civic pride, was also pleased to publish the marching order of the parade and all its celebrants. It’s quite a list. A who’s who of San Francisco. Then Supervisor and now Democratic mayor Gavin Newsom, members of two Democratic Clubs, California Democratic legislators, the police, sheriff and fire departments and even the director of the Golden Gate Bridge were marching right alongside celebrants from Vulva University, The Stud Bar, and Leather Pride.
It is, in short, the San Francisco political establishment whooping it up with its constituents.
What interests in all of this in light of the unfolding scandal involving Florida Republican Rep. Mark Foley and his mind-boggling e-mails to a young House page are the participants in spots number 31 and 34 of the Pride Parade.
Celebrant number 31 was the late Harry Hay. Harry, it seems, was quite the guy. In fact, it is not too much to say that he was famous in San Francisco. He was famous not only as a founder of the gay rights movement, for his one-time relationship with actor Will Geer (who played Grandpa Walton on The Waltons TV series,) he was also known for being featured in the 1976 documentary film of gay life titled Word Is Out. When he died the following year after the parade, at 90, the New York Times Magazine featured him in “The Lives They Lived,†its annual pictorial salute to famous Americans who had passed away during the preceding year. In addition to laudatory obits in both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, the Chronicle did a considerably flattering obituary. “Harry Hay, gay rights pioneer, dies at 90.†The paper favorably notes a number of things in Harry’s life, including his left-leaning politics, his connection with the Communist Party in the 1930s and his founding of “The Mattachine Society,†a group the Chronicle calls “the first sustained homosexual rights organization in the United States.â€Â
Fair enough. The Chronicle, however, left something else out of the obituary entirely. It was a very strong belief held by Harry Hay that, if one is to believe all the attention devoted to Harry on the Internet, was common knowledge in San Francisco.
Harry Hay was a fierce advocate of man/boy love. While The Chronicle simply ignored Harry’s views, the North American Man/Boy Love Association was only too delighted to put up a collection of Harry’s views on the need for young boys to have older men as sexual partners. Here’s just a sample taken from a talk at a New York University forum sponsored by a campus gay group in 1983.
Said Harry: “Because if the parents and friends of gays are truly friends of gays, they would know from their gay kids that the relationship with an older man is precisely what thirteen-, fourteen-, and fifteen-year-old kids need more than anything else in the world.â€Â
In short, San Francisco’s beloved Harry Hay was a vigorous and well-known advocate of older men having sex with young boys. He was a fearless and quite famous advocate for Congressman Mark Foley’s behavior.
Which makes one curious about the presence of marcher number 34 in the 2001 Pride Parade. Marching a mere three spots away from the famous Harry Hay, no doubt waving and smiling to the crowd, was, as the Chronicle logged her in the Official Guide and Program Parade Lineup: “U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi.â€Â
That would be now Democratic leader of the U.S. Congress and the candidate of the Democratic Party to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, the official third in line to be President of the United States.
Surely this is a different Rep. Nancy Pelosi from the one who currently has on her website as Minority Leader the following statement:
“Republican leaders admitted to knowing about Mr. Foley’s abhorrent behavior for six months to a year and failed to protect the children in their trust. Republican Leaders must be investigated by the Ethics Committee and immediately questioned under oath.â€Â
Abhorrent behavior? If men having sex with children is “abhorrent behavior†then it seems it would be quite logical for a United States Congresswoman to stand up and protest the presence of one of its leading advocates having a place of honor in a civic parade  a parade in which she herself would be marching mere steps behind him.
If Representative Pelosi took the time to condemn Harry Hay’s presence in the Pride Parade, there is no evidence that I can find. Nor did she refuse to march in the parade as a protest of Mr. Hay. Nor did she issue a statement warning parents that they were bringing their kids to a parade where Mr. Hay was one of the featured attractions.
What Representative Pelosi chose to do instead  as did much of civic San Francisco  is blithely give a wink-and-a-nod to ole Harry and his interest in little boys.
Not only does a moment like this unintentionally reveal the mindset of what Representative Pelosi and her fellow Democrats may really think but can’t  yet  support. (This is, after all, the city where now-Mayor Newsom took it upon himself to break new cultural ground by authorizing the performance of same-sex marriages  in violation of California law.) It also raises the question of whether the acceptance of Harry Hay and his views is a snapshot of a larger, unspoken agenda that San Francisco Democrats want the national Democratic Party to eventually pursue when they return to a Congressional majority  and the White House. After all, if Harry Hay’s views were not only celebrated in a parade in San Francisco but were not even thought out-of-the-mainstream enough to draw the slightest protest from Ms. Pelosi, why should there be protests over a move to eventually change the laws about men having sex with boys in Pennsylvania or Missouri or Virginia?
There’s two words for that kind of agenda.
“Abhorrent behavior.â€Â
Jeffrey Lord is the author of The Borking Rebellion. A Reagan White House political director, he is now a writer in Pennsylvania.
ERIC, I THINK YOU NEED TO TELL THE READERS THAT WETTERLING WALKED OUT DURING A CANDIDATE FORUM ON A LIVE 50,000 WATT RADIO STATION. IT’S YOUR DUTY AS A JOURNALIST
joe, now you know the red star will not betray its candidates. they don’t investigate a word from klobuchar either. whatever she says is gospel and no need to look any further.
Joe,
If Michele Bachmann would have done something like that, the liberal media would be all over it.
I guess this is a good test for Eric Black. Will he answer your question?
Can a congressional candidate whose faith says Catholics follow Satan win in a district that’s 30 percent Catholic?
That’s the question in Minnesota’s 6th congressional district, where Republican Michele Bachmann belongs to a religious denomination that says “the papacy is the very Antichrist.”
The race between Bachmann and Democrat Patty Wetterling is one of the most competitive in the country. Bachmann is one of the most extreme right-wingers running for Congress this year, and she has suffered criticism for saying that global warming is not real, that Terry Schiavo was “healthy,” and that God has specifically sanctioned her candidacy over others.
According to her website, Bachmann attends Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minnesota. This congregation belongs to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), one of the most right-wing Lutheran denominations. Not to be confused with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America or the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, WELS broke with its denominational brethren because it felt they were abandoning core biblical principles and doctrine.
For WELS, anti-Catholic belief is no anachronism left over from the European Reformation. In 1958, WELS wrote a doctrinal statement reaffirming the scriptural foundation and historical accuracy of the understanding that the papacy is the Antichrist. That statement was unanimously adopted by WELS in 1959 without any dissent. It reads:
Therefore on the basis of a renewed study of the pertinent Scriptures we reaffirm the statement of the Lutheran Confessions, that “the Pope is the very Antichrist” (cf. Section II), especially since he anathematizes the doctrine of the justification by faith alone and sets himself up as the infallible head of the Church…We thereby affirm that we identify this “Antichrist” with the Papacy as it is known to us today…We reject the idea that the teaching that the Papacy is the Antichrist rests on a merely human interpretation of history or is an open question. We hold rather that this teaching rests on the revelation of God in Scripture which finds its fulfillment in history. The Holy Spirit reveals this fulfillment to the eyes of faith.
This statement is one of only nine core doctrines listed on WELS’s website, suggesting it is particularly important to the denomination.
Might Bachmann disagree with this rabid anti-Catholicism? Perhaps, but WELS insists that members and congregations agree on the fundamental doctrines of the church in order to remain in communion with it. This We Believe, a booklet created by the WELS to summarize its main teachings, states:
We believe that God directs believers to acknowledge oneness in faith with Christians whose confession of faith submits to all the teachings of Scripture (John 8:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22). We believe, furthermore, that individuals through their membership in a church body commit themselves to the doctrine and practice of that church. To assert that unity exists where there is no agreement in confession is to presume to look into people’s hearts. Only God can look into people’s hearts.
Therefore, Bachmann is either anti-Catholic or rejects a fundamental teaching of her own denomination – a denomination that requires obedience.
According to the latest religious census (American Religion Data Archive, 2000), the largest denomination in Minnesota’s 6th congressional district is Catholicism. The census shows 247,642 Catholics in the district, accounting for about 30 percent of the total population. Word of Bachmann’s commitment to an anti-Catholic religious faction hasn’t yet gotten out in this campaign season. One wonders how Bachmann, who is running on her Christian credentials, would, if elected, handle her commitment to represent the interests of a group that she appears to believe is following Satan.
FaithfulDefocrat,
You are full of Barbara Streisand (BS).
No matter how badly you hate Christians, they still don’t want to “convert or kill” others like Muslim’s believe.
It’s amazing how the Democrats hate religion, but endorse Keith Hakim Ellison because he is a Muslim.
“Faithful”, please
Did she say it, no a blog said it on a liberal newspaper that endorse Wetterling. A blog!!! Now for the star tribune that’s enough to run on that story because they don’t check their sources, but as a “faithful democrat” I am surprised that you would also run with the story and just accept it as a fact. Sad! The truth is like Muslims, they believe everyone other than a Muslim is an infidel thus Satan. Wetterlings own religion deals with Buddhist and Hindu mix. Which if you look it up is way more extreme that Bachmann’s religious views. That being said, Bachmann refuted any thought that she believes that the Pope is the antichrist.
I did hear the interview on line and when Michele tried to explain the difference between taxes and also how the senate has no control over property taxes she shriveled up and left. She can’t take it, she needs her notes to help her get threw a debate.
Our Country was founded by Christians like George Washington which made our country great. America has invented the vast majority of technology and the world has benefited from it. What has the Islamic world ever had to offer? They have never invented anything because they are to busy praying all day and marrying their cousins if available (many women are taken because of rampant bigamy).
How many times did Bachmann get Kim Jong-il’s name wrong during the debate? A friend of mine just called and said it was “four times.”
Wrong. I taped it & I’ve watched the first half of it. Your friend should know that Sen. Bachmann refered to Kim Jong Il & Kim Il Sung.
I think it’s a mistake to dismiss Wetterling as “unable to succeed in the rough and tumble world of Washington.”
Frankly, I thought that was pretty wimpy when I read that she left the interview faster than her feet would take her.
The other thing that I’d mention that’s utterly disturbing about her is that she’s Pelosi’s Puppet. I’ve followed the debates & I’ve read her Issues page (once she got one for her website). As I wrote here, I’ve yet to hear Wetterling say anything that’s even slightly different than Pelosi has said.
Furthermore, she’s clueless about this Constitutional principle called separation of powers. During her brief time on talk radio last night, St. Patty said that Sen. Bachmann voted to raise property taxes.
The state legislature doesn’t vote on property taxes because they’re prohibited under Minnesota statute.
We can’t afford to elect someone who’d be Pelosi’s Puppet until she knew enough about the issues to think on her own.
Yes about the radio station it is a conservative one that was doing the mini interview with both candidates and not one that was planned. So I am sure it was Bias towards Michelle and would hammer Patty. So why get hammered and Michel when confronted just denied her wrong commercial or she just hid in a bush.Like they probably did not bring up the fact that it was not Micheles beliefs but that a Minister durring a congregation told people he would vote for her.
The Pelosi backs NAMBLA post is a joke. Harry Hey wasn’t a member of NAMBLA. What he advocated was allowing NAMBLA in gay pride parades which caused rifts within the gay movement. He was even kicked out of an organization that he founded because of his more radical views. NAMBLA was not in the parade that Pelosi was in. Harry Hey was in that parade and it was in 2001. And Pelosi didn’t walk with Hey.
The American Spectator which is where this article is from is a conservative rag funded by billionaire Richard Mellon Scaife. The original article that has the Hey quote doesn’t even have a link to verify it. And since Hey has been dead since 2002 he won’t have anything to say about it.
It’s laughable to try to portray Dems as hypocrites b/c Pelosi was in a gay pride parade that Hey was also in. Just shows the desperation of the Repubs that they grasp as such straws.
And this is a coordinated Repub attack. A CA Repub is trying to paint his opponent as a supporter of NAMBLA because he’s a member of the ACLU. If that’s the case then Limbaugh accepting assistance from the ACLU must also support NAMBLA.
It’s interesting that anyone who disagree’s with Bachmann is labeled a Christian hating Democrat. But just for the record, I am a Republican BPOU Officer. As for the defenders of Bachmann, I have to wonder how many of them are paid staff, because the rabid bias is showing quite clearly.
So Bachmann staffer’s here’s a question, if Bachmann is doing so well, why is the Republican State party needing to pay for people to door knock for about 4 hours and get paid $50 bucks,..by the way, does that make them an employee of the Republican State Party. Not that it matters, because only those “select’ people that are chosen, mostly in the Woodbury area need apply, because no one else is eligible.
All this is not a suprise with Sen. Brian Leclair (SD56) orchestrating the nomination process at the 2005 State Central Committee , Pulkrabek doing his character assasination routine, and Ron Carey riding in as the White Knight, all to defeat Ron Eibensteiner for State Party Chair. Pulkrabek’s little run to Bachmann after he pulled out, yelling “See that, It worked!!” was the giveaway. ..All 350 delegates there heard it… We now have the entire Republican Party working only for Bachmann, without regard to anyone else on the Republican ticket.
OK, Bachmann and her group won, but at what cost, and are they prepared to paid the price of losing the State of Minnesota. Because they will be the first to point fingers everywhere else but where it belongs, on themselves.
Why don’t you use google to educate yourself dare2 instead of finding sleaze to throw at Democrats.
Ibn Sina, philosopher and physician. Produced a standard medical text in the 10th century that was still in use in the 17th century.
Al-Tusi, astronomer. His mathematical models were essential to the work of Copernicus in proving that Earth travelled around the Sun.
Abu Jafar Muhammad, mathematician. Gave us algebra and algorithms that were central to the development of modern computing.
Ibn al-Haytham. His work on vision and light helped Newton formulate his theories on optics.
more: http://tinyurl.com/a4fge
Present-day Iraq occupies the greater part of the ancient land of Mesopotamia, the plain between Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Some of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations were developed in this area. Therefore the region is often referred to as the cradle of mankind. More: http://tinyurl.com/wkrpo
Since my comment with the links is awaiting moderation I’ll repeat a portion of it:
Ibn Sina, philosopher and physician. Produced a standard medical text in the 10th century that was still in use in the 17th century.
Al-Tusi, astronomer. His mathematical models were essential to the work of Copernicus in proving that Earth travelled around the Sun.
Abu Jafar Muhammad, mathematician. Gave us algebra and algorithms that were central to the development of modern computing.
Ibn al-Haytham. His work on vision and light helped Newton formulate his theories on optics.
dave, you are a christian hating democrat.
STAR TRIBUNE: TWO OPPONENTS TEAM UP AGAINST ELLISON IN DEBATE
“The debate turned to personal problems when the candidates were asked whether they would repeal President Bush’s tax cuts. Ellison said he would. Lee said she would for the top tiers. Fine said the cuts should be made permanent and then he said of Ellison, ‘It’s easy to … increase taxes when you don’t pay your own.’
Ellison responded by saying he does pay his taxes and called Fine’s comments ‘another smear.’
Lee came back at Ellison by saying, ‘That’s not a smear. Keith didn’t pay his taxes in five out of eight years.’
Ellison jumped in saying, ‘Not true.’ After the debate, he noted that the taxes, even when overdue, were always paid.
DaveLef – I have posted previously stating that I found several of the comments where hateful toward Bachmann and Christianity. I find it offensive to call someone a “Jesus jockey” or a “Christo-fascist”. I will stand up against anyone who ridicules another because of their race or religion. I believe, after reading these blogs that many of the liberals here ridicule those of the Christian faith. I have been called a Republican just because I took offense at the Christian hate speech.
Just to set the record straight, I have never given money to ANY political party and am not employed by any. I also do not live in Bachmann/Wetterling’s district and quite frankly think they both deserve to lose.
“What did you think of the debate? “ Since you ask, here is what I thought. Please note that these thoughts are filtered through the mind of a Christian and die-hard Democrat who door-knocked for Kerry in ’04 (a sad, sad November. I wasn’t big on Kerry, but he HAD to be better than Bush (didn’t he?)). After the debate, I found myself strongly convinced of three facts:
#1: Michelle Bachmann is either crazy or a phony. She clearly dodged the question twice when pressed about whether she believed a woman should be subservient to her husband, and gave a quite wishy-washy answer to whether God, in fact, told her to run. She was either exaggerating and using religion to her advantage at her church speech, or lying when answering the question on debate night. I wish one of the other two had asked her, “if your pastor and/or husband ask you not to vote for a bill that you honestly believe is good for Minnesota, would you vote for it?â€Â. I also don’t understand how having 24 foster children makes one eligible for congress. It would seem to me that either her career was ignored or her children were. And if neither of those things are the case, then they weren’t really her foster children and she should stop using them as credential.
#2: Patty Wetterling is very easily shaken, a bad trait in a congresswoman. She completely fell apart when they were given 30 seconds to rebut the open questions, mumbling about how much time, then about some random recent talking point, and finally ALMOST hitting on a valid rebuttal, only to forget the word “relocateâ€Â. This will seriously undermine her authority with others in Washington, I would think, and make Minnesota look really bad.
#3: Binkowski is very young. Honestly, that’s the only thing I came away from the debate thinking about him that was in the negative. To be honest, I had just planned to check down the list of dems on the ballot, and never gave the election a thought this year. I stumbled upon the debate, and watched. I wish Binkowski had been a little more aggressive in his rebuttal of the answers to his open questions (instead of pandering to the welfare concerned), but at least his questions were probing and not overly venomous. I only wish I didn’t know for a fact that my vote for him would be a throw-away.
So, I went into the debate thinking the democrats had a good chance at gaining some ground, and left it nervous for the state of Minnesota. Here we go again.
“dare2sayit says:
October 28th, 2006 at 6:16 pm
I think it’s important to show how hypocritical the Dems are . . . with the Foley story.”
Yeah, you’re right. Foley and those who allowed him to continue to prey on adolescent boys (Hastert, et al.) are a great group of guys compared to Democrats.
What kind of infantile mind will defend any abomination, as long as it comes under the label “Rebublican”? What kind of simpleton sees everything through an “us vs. them” lens? The abysmal quality of much of the American electorate is disgusting and shameful.
“Team Ramrod says:
October 28th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
i got a student loan . . . to pay for college through grad school.”
Whatever grad school you attended obviously didn’t teach students to think. I’m stunned, frankly, that with your simplistic, troglodyte views that you have more than a handful of years of formal education. I guess you’re proof the education system is letting America down.
Team Ramrod says:
October 28th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
What kind of Representative would [Wetterling] be if she can’t stand up and take responsibility for her own actions?”
She would be like 98.5% of the others. Plus like everyone at the White House. So I guess she’s ready to serve.
Gary Gross wrote in and said Bachmann didn’t get the North Korean dictator’s name wrong.
Gary wrote: Wrong. I taped it & I’ve watched the first half of it. Your friend should know that Sen. Bachmann refered to Kim Jong Il & Kim Il Sung.
Well, my friend happened to read Gary’s attempt to correct him. Here is his reply:
“Not true.
Each time was Kim il Jong — there was no reference to the father in her answers. She wasn’t mispronouncing his name, she was getting the son’s name wrong.
My only mistake: Bachmann got the name wrong three times (in two separate statements about 20[?] minutes apart).”
So there we are. Two people watch the same video and come away with two completely different realities–symptomatic of this election. So I will watch the thing myself and see if I can straighten this thing out for myself.
Dora,
Can you list any contributions Muslims have made to the cililized world since Christ was in diapers?
Besides Kim Ill, they are the main cause of trouble in the world today, and yet liberal Democrats want to put one in Congress. How stupid is that?
It is a sign of intelligence and good judgment to give AM 1500 a passing single digit salute. If Wetterling did the intellectual equivalent of that, it is a sign of good sense if not common sense. It deserves praise as such.
Congress ia largely about staff. Wetterling will have good staff because she is a good and not a hateful person and she will listen and weigh opinions. She is no demagogue. She is no idealogue.
Wetterling is pragmatic and has a respect for following geneartions – wanting them well educated and knowledgeable in science, math and engineering as well as the humanities; and not wanting them saddled with massive amounts of public debt via deficit financing and ill-advised tax cuts.
The same criticism ramrod and others make of Wetterling, not a fact wonk, was used in praise of Ronald Reagan – no micro-manager, someone capable of delegating. Where is that particularly capability shown in Bachmann except for her claiming to be oriented to delegating her career decisions to Marcus Bachmann and GOD and then being “submissive?”
And I think the earlier comments about Bachmann doing nothing for six years but having her cable bills and appendectomy paid for from taxpayer funds, while being an ineffective career politician seeking headlines – all of that seems to ring true and be cause for concern.
And crouching behind bushes peeping at a gay rights rally and screaming and running out of a lavatory in Sartell; is this actions of a balanced person?
Finally, bringing half the entire Bush administration into town for fundraising and declaring herself a willing rubberstamp for failed policy – that seems to ice the cake. Is there a single Bachmann news paper endorsement? St. Cloud Times recently picked Wetterling, as did Strib, PiPress, ECM local papers in the Sixth District, and police and firefighters and nurses respect and endorse her.
Bachmann has NRA, CWFA, Tim and Beverly LaHaye and National Chamber of Commerce as her endorsements – and Dobson. Add that up – end times and rapture, guns, fundamentalist-activist, and business interests wanting record Big Oil and Big Pharma profits while healthcare reform is needed and Wetterling is committed to pursuing it.
What’s to not like about Wetterling on the issues – that she wants a tax system more favorable to the middle class than to the wealthy? That seems to be Mark and team ramrod’s position. That she wants the genearls to take the Pentagon back from the neocons and let them implement a sound exit strategy from Iraq and Afghanistan? That she would have opposed federal tampering with Terry Schiavo’s family – her husband’s decision-making? I don’t see a thing to like about Michele Bachmann. Zero. Wetterling’s ahead on every issue that really matters in the Sixth District.
dare2- Serious Astronomy advanced from the bases laid by the Greeks, via the Arabs, and they were navigating the Indian Ocean well before the Crusades failed [the Muslims won]. Failure of the Crusades meant that western Europe needed to develop navigation also, with Copernicus and Galileo and Tycho Brache leading the way with a reactive bothersome Church trying to interpose itself and hold science back in order to promote the Church’s secular aims.
Now back to the real Big Qeustion, with that dare2diverge attempt put aside.
interesting. my comment with the links to the contributions that mulims have made disappeared into cyberspace since I don’t see it here.
Your posts show how ignorant you really are dare2. Use “the google” to educate yourself rather than trying to tear down Democrats.
I have yet to see someone post a cogent comment about anything wrong with Nancy Pelosi. Did she mire the country in lost neocon enterprise, while loading deficit woe upon future geneartions? That was NOT Pelosi who made those major mistakes. Look at it this way – Wetterling aside – measure Bachmann against Pelosi, and Bachmann’s several notches lower on every meaningful scale.
I find it interesting that many of you are afraid to speak of Binkowski. Young?-yes. Informed?-undoubtedly. Notes at debate?-NONE. Willing to speak his mind? Clearly. Interesting that Minnesota would rather be represented by those who obviously have to be coached on issues and rely heavily on notes to get to their talking points (Both Wetterling and Bachmann)than be insightful enough to send a bright, young passionate man to Washington.
Dora – As best as I understand it, the “awaiting moderation” impound attaches upon a scanning program detecting the lead http… of a link. If you just post the URL, absent that lead making it a link, you don’t get lost-in-impound until EB lifts the sanctions. It’s done, I think, so that folks don’t flog their own blogs on BQ which is a sensible and proper aim.
And, your condensed posting w/o the links made it and put facts in place to counter bald biased speculation by one who appears more prone to criticize than analyze [link to dare2's website & judge for yourself - it seems short on analytical content to me]. Dare2 commenting on BQ looks to be more measured and thoughtful, and more argumentative-persuasive here than conclusory-derisive as on his website. I also think his voice, as someone not a Bachmann insider or staffer, adds something to everyone’s considerations.
I believe that the only way third parties will ever have a chance at election is if we have instant run-off voting.
We can talk all we want about how good Hutchinson or Binkowski are but they will never get enough votes to win. That’s just a fact.
It’s nice to think that we would vote for the most qualified candidate but that just isn’t reality. The two major parties have it locked up and there just aren’t enough of us willing to go outside them, especially this election. Many people are afraid that casting votes outside of the two major parties will hand the election to the very person that they don’t want to win. It’s frustrating, but true.
Eric, my links do have the leading http. It’ll show up or not.
I disagree with your view of dare2′s comments. Everyone else can form their own opinions.
Ruby – I think Binkowski would be GOP if the Ladig types in GOP had not been waylaid and/or jettisoned a while ago by zealous others wanting a bigger and stronger voice in directing GOP directions.
It will be up to people such as Ladig and Binkowski, and Krinkie, to either shift to the IP and make it a real factor, or to retake control of the GOP.
Binkowski is not mentioned much because the perception is that voting for him will not make a difference – too little money and too little polling strength, which are probably linked factors. It is a chicken-egg situation where without strength he is percieved as a marginal candidate while being marginalized has made it hard for him to gain strength. The press took too long to seriously mention him.
Dismissing Binkowski’s candidacy over his age is an insult to young people.
I was young once but I was not unfit, and to suggest that his relative age makes him unfit or less fit than Bachmann, or Wetterling even who clearly is the more fit of the major party candidates, is dead wrong and should stop.
On the issues I disagree with a lot of what he says and stands for, but Binkowski is far, far, far closer to plain-vanilla Goldwater-GOP than Bachmann, who adds things Goldwater never would have considered helpful or desirable or political matters of State.
everyone, all together now. michael blaine is the smartest person in the world! now, michael can feel better about himself in knowing that, indeed, he is the smartest person in the world. keep your promises michael and not come back now. you have been validated, even though it was not true to any point. now, go douse your incense, open the curtains, tell mom you will get a job tomorrow and go outside and try to speak to people in the REAL world for a change. i would put my education, life experience, and knowledge up against you anyday.
Dare2 says: “Can you list any contributions Muslims have made to the cililized world since Christ was in diapers?”
Are you serious? Umm, the short answer is ALL of them.
Muhammad lived about 600 years after Jesus- there was no Islam when Christ was in diapers.
Unbelievable ignorance. You would think you would at least know the basics of the religion you hate.
It’s a tough decision. I’ve already voted absentee and agonized over the governors race. Vote for Hutchinson because I truly believe he’s the best candidate, or put my vote where it will surely count more?
Dora, don’t froget Ibn Buttuta- whose exploration of North Africa and Asia rival Marco Polo.
tr & MB – Last tr comment was a gratuitous insult, and in this two candidate situation, tr & MB — MB you have my firm vote.
Wow, the Republitrolls are really out in force, eh? Condemning Patty Wetterling for refusing to go on a right-wing hate-radio station (one of the Hubbards has quite the Nazi memorabilia collection, I seem to recall) is like taking pot shots at Winston Churchill for refusing to fly to Berlin to be interviewed by Hitler.
As for the debate itself: I decided to try and watch it as an unbiased observer, but didn’t get very far as I was distracted by that damned mustache and grating voice of Bachmann’s. And I thought that City Pages was exaggerating it in the cover art they did of her; turns out they’d actually toned it down.
Swear to God, I kept looking at her and seeing a particularly obnoxious teacher I had in sixth grade; she had a big ol’ dark mustache and a grating voice, too. She needs to get that sucker waxed, and soon, or insist on softer lighting next time. (I will give Bachmann this: Unlike my sixth-grade teacher, she wasn’t wearing a blouse so sheer you could see her bra straps through it.)
In the EB linked article on the “debate,” EB writes:
“Bachmann, the only supporter of the Iraq war on the stage, said that ‘it’s not the Iraqis we’re fighting, it’s terrorists.’”
That is a shopworn and false canard. It is warmed over Bush-speak. We invaded, we are fighting the Iraqi people who want no occupation and no puppet government. That is exactly as we’d fight if it were the Russians doing it to us here in this nation. It is patriotism, on the part of Iraqis, and it cannot be logically faulted by those who would expect patriotism of people born and raised to adulthood here in the US of A. Only a hypocrite could deny a right of the Iraqi people to be patriotic to their nation and faith against invading forces.
Bachmann’s out-of-touch stance is mirrored by both of her opponents disagreeing with her position, and by Strib’s very mild and gentle editorializing over a lost flock and a presidential shepherd’s errors, at:
http://www.startribune.com/561/story/771675.html
Now it must be noted, there are SO MANY other reasons to oppose Bachmann that error on this point is cumulative rather than determinative.
Michele Bachmann has brought in her GOP money rainmakers and has put the funds all in DC in the hands of a Bush-allied money manager, Kieth Davis, and all indications suggest she has sold a rubberstamp on things related in any way to foreign affairs and taxation.
Again, her Iraq stance is cumulative and not decisive, and EB gave the point a proper amount of attention in generally covering what was largely a non-event.
Bachmann’s main threat to reasonableness is her domestic agenda for the rest of us, indeed, against the rest of us; and her willingness to damage public education at the K-12 and higher education levels, and her eagerness to interject superstition into the K-12 curriculum.
Add to that her opposition to reasonable health care reform [reflected by her avoiding provision of health care for her own employees to keep larger profits], and her taking money from LaHaye end-times rapturists and ASSS members wanting to abolish public education and end all government involvement in education, and we have a candidate deserving both scorn and opposition.
WAY TO GO PATTY!
Again, I expressly applaud Wetterling walking out on the talk radio AM 1500 ambush in the way I wish EB would have walked out on talk radio man, Hewitt.
All of those folks deserve disdain for how they operate, and Wetterling was proper in showing disdain.
BRAVO PATTY! It was an act of courage and sound judgment. It shows you have what it takes to not be led into stupid, disruptive and unproductive nonsense once you get to DC and have to focus on the real business of Congress.
I call that coward if you can’t defend yourself against the opposition; like Michele has, than you have to right to enter a public office. What kind of leader runs at the face of someone with an opposing view point? Someone who is intolerant, THATS WHO! If you’re going to dish it out, you better be able to receive it. Here in America we can have an opposing view point and defend it against others with another view point. It is not France!
PW – That’s a little like criticizing Mark Kennedy for looking dorky. It’s when what each of them says that comes out sounding dorky, or disruptive, or dumb, that it is time to criticize what’s between the ears as opposed to the face in front or the delivery voice. It is the same kind of mistake as some made, having voted for Reagan because he “looked” presidential, or that some in the press called him “a great communicator” when he was more a slogan monger. It is the mistake that would suggest Paris Hilton would make a candidate for office – she could modulate the voice, look good, but the ideas would be popcorn.
But, PW, Bachmann deserves a bit of that because of all the GOP purile set talking about her being a hot number, or such. Have to look our best for the President, her vally-girl babble over Bush, adds to that morass, so jumping her appearance as tacky has a charm to it, for those who disapprove of her candidacy already for a multitude of other reasons.
I also find her voice, and her emoting, especially in the Living Word roadshow video segments, to be counterproductive to anything about her being taken seriously, except for her being the GOP candidate where too many are kneejerk GOP voters, regardless.
E – If you consider walking out on idiocy as ineloquent, and an improper answer, we disagree. Staying and wasting more of her time would have shown bad judgment on Wetterling’s part. She had concluded a LWV session which was balanced, and when confronted with unbalanced attack, leave them to say what they will. Who listens to that trash, anyway? Nobody I know, except one individual, intelligent enough but a clear kneejerk GOP person. I expect even those rightwing talk radio types don’t waste anytime listening to one another. They probably have hirlings to listen and steal material so that they all say the same thing ad nausium. That’s my guess, but actually listening to each other, I doubt it.
phonyx woman sounds like the ugly woman at the office who has to spread rumors about the attractive successful coworker, and say she slept her way to a promotion. if we start attacking candidates personal appearances, it is time to dismantle this forum.
maybe everyone here who works for a campaign or a campaign oriented blog should fess up so we know who the plants are.
Name:Eric Zaetsch
Location:Twin Cities exurbs, Minnesota
I am 60+ years old, with various degrees; and worked as a lawyer, in the chemical industry, and a year teaching highschool science. Lived in St. Louis, New Orleans, Kingston, Ont., Toronto, Buffalo, Seattle, and most recently, Twin Cities exurbs. I own a Union Civil War sabre that was owned by the family in New Orleans, and I wish I knew the history of it. I spent one year in New Orleans, at a segregated public school, Robert E. Lee school, in 1954 when Brown was decided; I saw only one Mardi Gras, at ten years old in the ’50′s and that is a great thing for a kid. I wish I had psychic powers so I would not have to read email and do downloads – I would already know what it all said.
Here are a few reasons why a liberal Democrat controlled Congress would be very bad for America.
********************************
If Democrats remain true to form, here’s what Pelosi’s Congress will look like, according to Washington Analysis and other sources – along with each Democrat’s “liberal quotient,” the Americans for Democratic Action’s rating based on lawmakers’ support for the liberal position in key votes:
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House (95 percent liberal quotient).
Pelosi represents a district including most of San Francisco – a seat that has been in Democratic hands since 1949 – and is one of the most liberal members of the House. She voted against all of the following issues: cutting taxes by $70 million, renewing the Patriot Act, reducing the death tax, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and making it a crime to desecrate the U.S. flag. She supports gay marriage, and backed legislation allowing overseas military facilities to provide abortions for women in the military and military dependents.
The would-be Speaker also backed a measure calling for a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, supported a bill requiring a 72-hour background check for persons buying weapons at gun shows – and opposed a bill strengthening the enforcement of immigration laws.
Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader (95 percent).
He is currently the minority whip and has represented a Maryland district south of Washington, D.C., since 1981. His recent voting record on key issues is virtually identical to Pelosi’s. Hoyer was chairman of the Democratic Caucus, the fourth-ranking position among House Democrats, from 1989 to 1994.
He has admitted to being a “tax-tax, spend-spend” Democrat, and The Washington Post said Hoyer is “among the House’s 10 most prodigious suppliers of pork.”
Rahm Emanuel, Majority Whip (100 percent).
The representative from the north side of Chicago would take the powerful position once held by Tom DeLay. Emanuel is the co-author of “The Plan: Big Ideas for America” – the Democrats’ attempt at echoing the GOP’s “Contract with America” that helped them gain control of the House in 1994. Emanuel was director of finance for Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign and a top aide to Bill and Hillary from 1993 to 1998. He is currently the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and is known as one of Congress’ most combative Democrats in the House. Pundit Ann Coulter has called him “the Democrats’ pit bull.”
Charles Rangel, Ways and Means Committee (100 percent).
Rangel would become chairman of the most powerful committee in the House, with jurisdiction over taxes, trade, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Rangel has voted against the Bush tax cuts and opposes the estate tax repeal. He’d likely back a windfall profits tax on oil companies, and has also called for the renewal of the military draft. Rangel has been arrested three times for taking part in protests, and has compared President Bush to Bull Connor, the police official in Birmingham, Ala., who led attacks on civil rights protesters in the 1960s.
Barney Frank, Financial Services (100 percent).
The congressman from Massachusetts is a staunch liberal who would surely not be as favorable to the banking or financial services community as the current chairman, Michael Oxley of Ohio. He would also support more consumer protection and regulation of credit rating agencies, and he opposes a ban on Internet gambling. Frank, who is openly gay, is the founder of the National Stonewall Democrats, the national gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democratic organization.
John Conyers, Judiciary (95 percent).
Conyers, who represents a Detroit-area district, is one of the most outspoken liberals in Congress, and is the prime sponsor of a resolution seeking to investigate whether President Bush has committed impeachable offenses regarding Iraq. He frequently posts to the liberal blog Daily Kos, and appeared in Michael Moore’s movie “Fahrenheit 9/11,” saying that most members of Congress “don’t read most of the bills.”
Henry Waxman, Government Reform (100 percent).
One of the most influential liberal members of Congress, Waxman represents a district that includes Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica and West Hollywood. According to his Web site, universal health insurance, reproductive rights, AIDS, and environmental standards are among his top priorities. In 2004, Waxman was sharply critical of federally funded abstinence education programs.
John Dingell, Energy and Commerce (95 percent).
Dingell, the longest serving House member, would take over the committee. The representative from a district south of Detroit is a strong supporter of national health care, organized labor and social welfare programs, and is known for his tough oversight of businesses. But he has voted against clean air bills that could negatively impact the auto industry.
Ike Skelton, Armed Services (75 percent).
Skelton of Missouri, a 15-term congressman, has fought defense cuts and is mostly hawkish on defense matters. But he recently urged President Bush to begin planning for a withdrawal from Iraq if sectarian violence escalates.
David Obey, Appropriations (100 percent).
Unlike Skelton, Obey – with oversight of the defense budget – would probably seek to cut into some major defense programs and spend more on domestic programs. Obey, who has been in Congress since 1969, has called for much higher Congressional oversight of administration spending.
George Miller, Education and Workforce (100 percent).
A close ally of Pelosi, Miller would propose cutting interest rates for student loans and increasing fees on banks and other financial institutions in the student lending business, according to Washington Analysis. The representative from California’s Bay area pushed for an investigation of the Bush administration’s hiring of Armstrong Williams to promote the No Child Left Behind law.
Bennie Thomson, Homeland Security (95 percent).
Thompson of Mississippi would become one of three African-Americans to chair a major committee. He’s a soft-spoken but tough congressmen who has been diligent in attending to homeland securities issues. After Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the Gulf Coast, he called for a careful review of Red Cross activities in times of disasters.
Tom Lantos, International Relations (95 percent).
Lantos represents part of San Francisco and areas to the South. He is the only Holocaust survivor in Congress and a staunch supporter of Israel. Lantos supports gun control, gay marriage rights, and marijuana for medical use. In April 2006, he was arrested for disorderly conduct in front of the Sudanese embassy in Washington for protesting alleged ethnic cleansing in Darfur.
Louise Slaughter, Rules (95 percent).
The representative from Western New York is the chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and another frequent poster to Daily Kos, and would use her position to further the program of the Democratic leadership.
Jim Oberstar, Transportation and Infrastructure (90 percent).
Oberstar of Minnesota, a 16-term veteran of Congress, is thought to be the most knowledgeable elected official in Washington – on either side of the aisle – on transportation issues. He has a liberal voting record, but opposes abortion and gun control.
John Spratt, Budget (90 percent).
The congressman from South Carolina currently serves as assistant to Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. He is known as a moderate Southerner who opposes deficit spending.
Jane Harman or Alcee Hastings, Intelligence.
It’s unclear who would gain the sensitive position of chairman of the Intelligence Committee. Democratic leaders might bypass Jane Harman of California, the ranking member, in the belief that she has been too accommodating to President Bush, and give the chairman position to Alcee Hastings of Florida. That move would be sure to draw GOP fire, since as a federal judge Hastings was impeached and convicted 18 years ago on charges of extortion, perjury and falsifying documents.
Other Democrats in line for the chairman position include Colin Peterson of Minnesota, Agriculture (65 percent).
Nick Rahall of West Virginia, Resources (90 percent).
Bart Gordon of Tennessee, Science (90 percent).
Nydia Velazquez of New York, Small Business (100 percent).
dare2 all you can do is regurgitate what the RW hate Americans first crowd says.
DaveLef – Can you contact me offline about your claims about the party chair elections – and Bachmann’s role? There are many who believe that Ron Carey as party chair has taken the party in a disasterous direction. lloydletta@gmail.com.
Ryan my post with the links has still not shown up. The links provide info about many more contributions.
You would think you would at least know the basics of the religion you hate.
What comes to mind is, ‘don’t confuse me with the facts’. Unbelieveable ignorance indeed.
I did gain knowledege that Wetterling had to go up north after the debate so she did start the interview (with conservative) radio and decided it was biased and left durring the commericail break. On the other hand Bachman hid in the bushes to see a debate and when caught yelled.
Wait did you say $50. to get people to vote and from woodbury. WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So in congress will she who else will she pay? For the republicans here something interesting Klubachar said no to a debate for channel two.
Blog rule number one: don’t feed the trolls. So I’m going to let dare2′s comments pass by.
blog rule #2, for paradox. please try to write so adults can understand your point. do they not let sharp objects in your room?
“dare2sayit says:
October 29th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
[H]ere’s what Pelosi’s Congress will look like, according to Washington Analysis and other sources . . .”
All of the Representatives named after this point sound great; each one much more competent and knowledgeable about policy issues than the incumbent.
I am not a very big fan of the Democratic Party, but this leadership slate would do more for America and more for me than the current group of warmongers, spendthrifts, kleptocrats and pedophilia enthusiasts.
Bring’em on!
everyone, all together now. michael blaine is the smartest person in the world! now, michael can feel better about himself in knowing that, indeed, he is the smartest person in the world. keep your promises michael and not come back now. you have been validated, even though it was not true to any point. now, go douse your incense, open the curtains, tell mom you will get a job tomorrow and go outside and try to speak to people in the REAL world for a change. i would put my education, life experience, and knowledge up against you anyday.
How many times did Bachmann get Kim Jong-il’s name wrong during the debate? A friend of mine just called and said it was “four times.â€Â
Gary Gross wrote:
Wrong. I taped it & I’ve watched the first half of it. Your friend should know that Sen. Bachmann refered to Kim Jong Il & Kim Il Sung.
Gary Gross is wrong. I just watched it, and I don’t know what Gary taped, but it is certainly true that Bachmann got North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il’s name wrong at least three times during the debate.
I was unable to watch the end of the debate because the link cut out on me. But I was able to transcribe some of the remarks by Bachmann:
1) Bachmann: “Kim Il-Jong of North Korea, Amhadinejad of Iran, Chavez of Venezuelaâ€â€I don’t think these are rational actors.â€Â
2) Bachmann: “…our decision not to talk to Kim Il-Jong caused him to go down this path to nuclear weapons.
3) “Kim Il-Jong is not going with nuclear weapons because we refused to talk to him.†This third failure to get it right was especially embarrassing, since she blew the dictator’s name at the same time she was charging that Wetterling was the one in debate who was “incredibly naïve and ill-informed†about North Korea. (Wetterling, by the way, mentioned the dictator at least twice and got his name right both times. I didn’t notice Binkowski getting it wrong; I was busy counting the Bachmann errors.)
So that’s three times. Doesn’t inspire confidence, especially given the fact that Bachmann’s had more than twenty months run-up to this election to study these vital national security issues. If she hasn’t even bothered to learn the guy’s name, she can’t really make a solid contribution on the North Korea issue, can she? I conclude she’s not really as interested in the whole North Korea nukes thing as she should beâ€â€but the fact that she can’t even get the guy’s name right won’t stop her from telling people she’s the “national security policy” candidate.
If you are reading this, Michele, remember: it’s “Adolf†Hitler, not “Arthur†Hitler.
i would imagine pw’s experience in child matters will be extremely important and relevant when dealing with international terrorism and financial issues.
It’s funny that people try to smear the Democrats on raising taxes when the Republicans have outspent every admnistration ever in history; they just don’t seem to think it’s necessary to have a plan for paying the bills. It’s like running up your credit cards to the max and then not opening your mail for six years and swearing that there’s no problem, not that you’ve heard about anyway.
If memory serves, the current occupant of the White House had never even been to Europe prior to assuming his current position, let alone the rest of the world. He’s incapable of correctly pronouncing the word “nuclear” even though he is the guy with his finger on the button. His only experience in business was in getting repeatedly bailed out by his dad’s friends until he was able to make a profit on his own with a little insider trading coup. I guess my point is, God help us all, being unqualified doesn’t seem to hold anybody back these days.
Quite with the personal atacks I was just stating a fact. Who will win Michele because she is smooth , looks good and it is republican district. Patty did not use her record in congress and the money is not there.
the first 100 Days of Nancy Pelosi’s America.
Day 1: Party like it’s 1992; citizenship for all Gitmo detainees; a blanket amnesty; and a “Circle of Healing†ceremony held on the Capitol steps.
Day 2: The troops in Iraq will leave, walking in reverse, as if someone is playing the tape backwards; special construction brigades will quickly repair all the buildings destroyed since the 2003 invasion; and the last American out will reinstall Saddam. Thereafter, whenever someone criticizes America for invading Iraq, we’ll look quizzical and say we don’t know what they’re talking about.
Day 3: Bush tax cuts repealed, so the upper 10 percent in income pay 67 percent of all federal taxes instead of 66 percent. That will make all the difference.
Day 4: Peace Corps sent en masse to Middle East to apologize personally to everyone and hand out gas-soaked flags and matchbooks. Burn one on us! Don’t you love us now?
Day 5: Peace Corps Hostage Negotiation Unit commissioned.
Day 6: Gay marriage legalized by congressional voice vote, so no one has to go on record. (This allows gay Democratic congressmen to vote no without being outed.)
Days 7-100: Impeachment hearings. Sure, Pelosi has said she’s against them. But as she promised: The children will be in charge. They’re cranky if they don’t get their way.
Can you spell d-e-s-p-e-r-a-t-i-o-n? Who’d you cut and paste that one from ramrod?
uh, i think it was lileks. i forget, i thought it was funny though.
I think desperation is funny too.
About the debate?
I was disappointed that they pre-empted “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
I couldn’t stand to watch either one of them and gave up after about 10 minutes.
Ramrod-
It is funny. And about 90% accurate.
It’s 100% ridiculous jeffs. And if you believe it you’re 100% desperate.
I cannot believe that everyone refuses to recognize this Binkowski guy as a legitimate candidate. Granted, he’s very young- but he clearly stood out in my mind as the winner of that debate. The post by stc-dem a while back indicated the same thoughts, with the typical follow-up comment that a vote for him would constitute a “throw away” vote. Only in a country this screwed up can we continue to vote for candidates that do not strike us as the best available option; and then gripe about the results that we get.
If I lived in this district, I would cast my vote for the guy, simply based on the fact that he was the only one with enough spine to support a gas tax pubicly.
Debate results:
All Patty can hope for is not to many undecided voters were watching. She came across as totally baffled by the process.
Jay, nicely put. I agree on the gas tax, which is one reason I support the Independence Party in general.
But to reiterate your point, the problem with most voters is that they’re too worried about who everyone else is going to vote for. Its amazing to me that people will pick a candidate they don’t like over one they do like, because they think the one they like won’t win. Huh? Why not vote for the one you like & tell your friends why you’re going to vote for them?
I’m with ya, man. It is really kind of symbolic of what our society as a whole has become…….no one seems nearly as concerned over what they have or don’t have, as they are pissed off over what someone else may have or not have. We have become consumed with being able to say we voted for the person who won, rather than the candidate who we may have found the most favor in winning. Very backward thinking.
Were there really this many people picked last at kickball when they were kids?
I think it’s a myth that in the past candidates won because they were the best candidates. I don’t think people today are any less informed voters than 20 or 30 years ago. Just like we tend to think that negative campaigning is a recent phenomenon.
bsimon – if I lived in the CD6 and voted for Binkowski, and then Bachman won by 1 vote, I’d hate myself forever. That’s why people won’t vote for Binkowski. If it became clear that he had enough votes to compete, he’d get a flood of support from people like myself. I like the guy but Bachmann scares the hell out of me.
Ed;
I hear ya, I had the same problem with the Govenor’s race. I had no intention of voting for Pawlenty, because he didnt veto the twins legislation, among other things, but I dont think Hatch is for me either. So I voted (absentee) for Hutchinson. Although there are a couple of things on thier platform I dont necesarily like, I liked it better than the Dems platform.
The other, and more important issue, is voting for IP candidates when you feel they are the best choice keeps up thier percentage for consideration as a major party. This impacts thier funding and access to debates. So even if you feel this one dont have a chance, that may not be the case a couple of years down the road.
Ed;
One clarification. While I hear what your saying, the results would be a disaster for me if Wetterling won by one vote if I lived in the 6th.
if you went to the racetrack, would you put your bet on the pretty horse or the one you that will win. in other words, you wouldnt bet on a loser. the indys really have no shot this time around, so you are best off voting the second choice if indy is your first choice. one good thing though, i hope fitxgerald drains all kinds of votes away from the useless klobuchar
Best Proof That The Democrats Will Win The House Next Week (And That John Conyers Will Chair the House Judiciary Committee):
Dick Cheney’s been caught shredding evidence! Geez, it reminds me of the Yuletide 1992 Shredding Party that George Herbert Walker Bush held in order to keep his butt out of prison.
Best Proof That The Democrats Will Win The House Next Week (And That John Conyers Will Chair the House Judiciary Committee):
(Ticky Dick’s evidence-shredding reminds me of the Yuletide 1992 Shredding Party that George Herbert Walker Bush held in order to keep his butt out of prison. What was this again about honest Republicans?)
Les – why would Bachmann be better than Wetterling? Do you really want a senator who never wanted to be a senator but gave it a shot because God called her on it? Do you want a senator who does whatever her husband tells her to do? Why doesn’t her husband run for office instead?
wow, phonyx woman, from wonkette. now i know it to be true. i am not sure even dora would use this site for info, but she probably does. i would imagine the msm would be on this if there is anything to it.
are you sure that isnt the sandy hambergler house?
“if I lived in the CD6 and voted for Binkowski, and then Bachman won by 1 vote, I’d hate myself forever. That’s why people won’t vote for Binkowski.”
I bet there are plenty of people who say the same thing about being scared of Wetterling, so instead of voting Binkowski, they hold their noses & vote for Bachmann.
That’s exactly right. I was just giving the example from my personal position. But you’ve hit the nail directly on the head. It’s sad but true.
So if I am hearing everyone correctly, the mentality here seems to be that the election process is more about trying to limit or prevent something that is already prevalent, versus trying to use your vote to support a candidate that you actually feel could bring about true change. Call it “reactive vs proactive” or “band aid vs cure”…..whatever you feel most comfortable with.
Bottom line is that as long as everyone is too chicket sh*t to vote their conscience, we will be stuck with a government that is largely ineffective. Jesse Ventura made a complete jackass of himself(yes, I voted for him)but he did something that no one thought could happen: By winning that election, he actually forced the GOP and DFL to take notice of public opinion; and for a BRIEF time he actually got the state legislature to cooperate. Granted, they found a way to unite to work AGAINST HIM, but they were forced to unite- and that got some things done. After both parties sensed that the voters were getting sick of Jesse, it reverted back to politics-as-usual in St. Paul.
These clowns (GOP/DFL) WILL take notice of voters’ desire for more mainstrean candidates IF WE SHOW THAT DESIRE AT THE POLLS. Otherwise, expect more of the same.
Word.
Good news for anyone who prefers Binkowski, but also has a strong preference between Bachmann and Wetterling: the race isn’t going to be close, Bachmann will win by 50,000 votes. There’s no need to worry about wasting your vote, if enough people vote for Binkowski Bachmann might finish under 50% which will make the ineffective state senator even less likely to be effective in Washington.
Bewate where you get your info. on Bachmann Eva Young and her DumpBachmann site are the perfect example of uber-obsessive anti-Bachmann fascists who watch her every breath. Young has a personal vendetta against Bachmann, so its my contention that everything she says about Bachmann should be taken with a heavy grain of salt. Just sayin/
Hey, Ramrod: “Gitmo” is not a place; it’s called Guantanamo.
Mike – if we’re worried about personal vendettas, then we better everything that Ramrod has to say about Klobuchar with the same “heavy grain of salt”.
People who prefer Binkowski definietely should vote for him.
Our political system needs much, much more competition to become healthy.
what is it with gitmo, michael, when did i mention it? I know a little about gitmo too, michael. i spent three weeks there once on a cross training op, back in 90 or 91(?) what would your little radical mind want to know about it?
i would vote for my michaels left nut before i would vote for klouchar. she is worthless. word!
ed, one big difference between me and eva young is that i do not blog and obsess with her. i do not run a website concerning her either. i also doubt that eva works with bachmann like i work with klo-useless. other than that, yeah, we are alot alike?
TR says “ed, one big difference between me and eva young is that i do not blog and obsess with her.”
Yet, in the submission above that one he says “i would vote for my michaels left nut before i would vote for klouchar. she is worthless. word!”
TR – I think you are a bit schizophrenic if you don’t see yourself as obsessing over Klobuchar. I know that if I could go back through your posts from the last month I would find at least 100 submissions where you slammed or ripped her. Apparently you think doing it over and over and over again is going to help you make a point. Instead it just makes it more obvious that you have a vendetta. It’s your choice to not like her, but the rest of us are getting tired of reading your venomous comments every day. We get the point already.
So exactly how closely do you have to work with her? By the way, I would think you would want her to get elected so you wouldn’t have to work so closely with her any more.
So exactly how closely do you have to work with her? By the way, I would think you would want her to get elected so you wouldn’t have to work so closely with her any more.
i will not give my title as to not incriminate me and protect against reprisals. but you are right, that is the one silver lining to her winning- we would be rid of her. would anyone like to wager the crime rate will drop then too with the successor? especially pete lugar.
by obsess, i did mean i do not have a website solely designed against her like eva, and i believe i comment on a vast array of topics. it is difficult for us who right of center to hold up against the red star’s army they have assembled here.
TR- I think it’s great that you are near the center, no matter what side of it you are on. The only problem is that you are such a jerk to the other posters. I stopped taking you seriously when you wouldn’t quit bantering about Klobuchar and continued to make fun of everyone who posted anything left-sided. If you really want to be taken seriously, quit presenting yourself as such an ass. I’m sure you have important things to say, but I can’t get beyond your affrontive comments.
So Ed; Why have you not mentioned the affrontory issue to Phoneix Woman? She’s the most blantant name caller I’ve seen on these pages.
I have not been engaged in exchanges with PW, but I have been with TR. I’ll admit, as I look back at her posts, that she could certainly use less venomous rhetoric as well.
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm leave for a couple of days and everything goes bonkers. lol
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