The MSM On John McCain's CampaignHere we go again. Another day, another negative McCain story.
Republican John McCain has been slow to take advantage of his potential head start for the
presidency against Democrats, who are better organized and generate
more excitement among voters.
Hmmm..... anything in there about the divisive race among the Democrats? Not really... they seem to assume Obama is the presumptive nominee despite neither candidate being able to clinch before the convention unless the other drops out.
The private frustration is starting to bleed into public fretting, especially as Democrat Barack Obama this week called together supporters in swing states for meetings about November. In Iowa,
Colorado, Florida and elsewhere, aides and volunteers planned to meet
soon about the fall's election — even before Obama has secured the
necessary delegates to be the nominee.
Obama kept his storefront office in downtown Columbus after his
March 4 primary loss and invited backers there Thursday "to discuss our
plans for the coming weeks as we make the transition from the primary
season to the general election campaign," according to the public
invitation.
1
Okay, I read that article a couple of times. Maybe I need new glasses. But how is describing that Obama is already organizing at the local level whereas McCain is waiting until at least next month biased?
Posted by: kishnevi at 23 May 2008@11:26:40 (gkwrQ)
2
(Why on Earth am I defending McCain? Oh yeah, I hate the MSM!
)
The articledescribes the McCain campaign as slow, dull, unenthusiastic, and underfunded... while contrasting Obama as all positives and as the presumptive nominee.
McCain's campaign would hardly agree with how they are being characterized, and with new McCain stories (usually with a negative slant, granted) in the news every day (such as the speech in Florida that we both posted about), his campaign is clearly more active than they describe in the article.
The whole point is to make it look like McCain has squandered an opportunity to campaign heavily when he is in fact doing so. If he was more focused on the local level (which they admit would be unusual anyway), they would say that he ignored the big picture. Because he is doing the smart and standard campaigning for this stage of the election, they have to criticize him for not doing what nobody would do at this point... focus on local campaigning when he is not in play at the local level right now.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 23 May 2008@12:13:57 (Q5ggV)
3
What about this (from the article)? "In a lot of the states, we had folks on the ground September of the
year before," said Republican strategist Kevin Madden, who was Bush's
chief spokesman for swing states during 2004. "We did it, literally,
precinct by precinct, and folks were doing it street by street."
Obviously this year is different, but the principle is the same--local organization comes far out, in fact before the national campaign gets into stride.
And in 2004, it was the local organizing that was important, because it was turnout that was important. I know here when I went to vote (Badnarik, virtous libertarian that I are) there was a long line (well, not enormous, but extremely long for that time of the morning), in which almost everyone was voting for Kerry. (This is Broward, and I live in one of the more heavily Democratic parts of Broward, which means lots of Democrats..) I went home figuring that was a very good sign for Kerry. And turnout was big in South Florida. But we learned that night that turnout had been even heavier in North Florida, which is Republican territory, and heavy enough to beat the massive Democratic turnout.
So local organizing is a good thing, and if the Demoncrats are outorganizing the Repugnants locally--well, I guess the Repugnants have only themselves to blame. But I think the point the article makes is legitimate criticism, not a sign of bias.
Posted by: kishnevi at 23 May 2008@18:14:10 (Mcbdi)
4
I would say that since McCain is already a nominee and Obama isn't, the article trying to give the impression that it's Obama's race to lose is far from legitimate.
McCain's campaign is hardly the disorganized mess that they describe and he does have supporters. He's also been very active, even though most of what gets reported is cast negatively. As I said before, it's going to worsen as the election nears and I'm pointing out the progression. McCain (and most of the down-ticket GOP) is going to get stomped in November and more conservatives and libertarians get disgusted with his positions on the issues they care most about.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 23 May 2008@20:41:43 (Q5ggV)
Justice Denied
The guy commits murder and confesses. Sentenced to death, he gets a delay while the Supreme Court decides whether lethal injection constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. After the Supremes decide that things don't have to be guaranteed perfect (paraphrasing there) for them to be Constitutional, an execution date is scheduled. Two hours and thirty minutes before he's to be executed, a phone call comes in... is it the Governor? more...
Links Around The Moronosphere
Some very good offerings today... from photoshops (S.Weasel!!), to e-card fun at The Pillage Idiot, to another example from the "Religion of Perpetual Offense" at The Drawn Cutlass, and more.
Make sure to leave a comment at doubleplusundead's to let him know how appreciated his hard work is. If he stops, then I'll have to do it... and that would suck.
2
dude, you've linked me a bazillion times... If I thanked you every time you sent me traffic, plus all the other help you've given with the blog and the bleg, I'd never have time to write regular posts. Besides, when the few folks who come here are sick of done reading my stuff, they can go on to the quality-stuff from at your place.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 21 May 2008@19:23:33 (Q5ggV)
That's Gonna Leave A Mark
John McCain's chief media consultant has left the campaign because he doesn't want to work against Obama.
Mark McKinnon, the chief media consultant to McCain, wrote in a
campaign memo last year that if Obama won the Democratic nomination, he
would not actively campaign against him. With the results of Tuesday
night's primaries in Kentucky and Oregon, Obama claimed he had a
majority of convention delegates.
Even though Obama hasn't been named the nominee, McKinnon decided to leave now anyway... although he promises he's still going to vote for McCain.
He said last year that he didn't want to work against an Obama
candidacy. Electing Obama "would send a great message to the country
and the world," McKinnon said at the time, although he added that he
intended to vote for McCain.
Iranian Teen Permitted To Remain In UK
Remember the Iranian teen who went to the UK for school and was almost deported after requesting asylum? I first wrote about it here, then had a follow-up post here. He feared being returned to Iran because while he was at school his boyfriend was found out and executed for being a homosexual. The young man's appeal has been granted and he will now be able to avoid his own execution by the Iranian government.
The U.K. Border Agency said on Tuesday that Mehdi Kazemi will be allowed to remain in Britain. Kazemi came to England to study English in 2005. He discovered his boyfriend had been charged in Iran with sodomy and hanged.
This should have been a no-brainer, but the end-result is good.
New Meaning Of The Word Violence
According to the Associated Press, this is the "latest act of violence" by Orthodox Jews against Christian missionaries. How many were killed or injured again?
Make your guess, click the button to find out how close you came,
Zero
then read the story to see how fair the AP is. More below the fold.
1
actually, these folks can get very out of hand. I'd have to go digging, but Israeli ultraOrthodox have a habit of throwing stones at cars that drive on the Sabbath and women who don't dress "modestly"; and they had a nice little riot and send out death threats when a Gay Pride parade was scheduled in Jerusalem a couple of years back--rioted enough to force cancellation of the parade and then, when a second attempt was scheduled a few months later, turn it into a nonambulatory rally at a suburban soccer stadium. And they're usually close to the settler movement, including the guys who like to provoke Arabs in Hebron and shoot or rough up stray Arabs in the West Bank for no reason at all (by which I mean, said Arabs are going about routine things and making no attempt at the time to be violent towards anyone else) [not to mention Yigal Amir and Baruch Goldstein].
And given the fact that burning of books in Jewish history is often the prelude to the burning of Jews by the people who first burnt the books, one would think the people in Or Yehuda would have looked for other means of disposal (although perhaps they were simply hewing to a ruling in the Talmud that says books by "heretics" should be burnt even if they contain Divine Names).
Posted by: kishnevi at 21 May 2008@12:12:53 (ntdZU)
2
Yet, it's not violence. The story sensationalizes and misrepresents what happened. I will say I'm glad you're around to give the backstory that the MSM doesn't.
Like the earlier "hate the MSM story" (I left a comment at your site btw), I get to pick the low-hanging fruit and you're there for the in-depth. See why I had to put you on the blogroll?
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 21 May 2008@12:34:21 (Q5ggV)
3
You know, you're making it awfully hard for me to qualify for the moronosphere.
Posted by: kishnevi at 21 May 2008@15:44:51 (406FR)
4
Shhhh.... if they start looking at you funny, make an Ewok joke or talk about the cinematic history and technical expertise necessary for "Tron" to become such an instant blockbuster and film classic. That always throws them off.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 21 May 2008@15:51:05 (Q5ggV)
Posted by: Machinist at 21 May 2008@17:58:51 (yFIK0)
6
Heh... nicely done Sir. Subtle, yet snarky. If they could make the circuit-pattern glow, I'd get one. Just for Halloween... yeah, that's what it would be for.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 21 May 2008@18:15:06 (Q5ggV)
Posted by: sillyblindharper at 21 May 2008@18:32:16 (5+XEL)
8
That looks photoshopped Gentle Lady, but even then, it needs more neon... much more neon!
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 21 May 2008@18:39:50 (Q5ggV)
9
The guy has guts though... the door is clearly unlocked.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 21 May 2008@18:42:06 (Q5ggV)
10
You're right about more lights! Fortunately, there's a tutorial on how he made it and the kind of light ropes he used... I'll expect photos of you next Halloween. And photos of the kids reaction.....bwahahaaaa.
Posted by: sillyblindharper at 21 May 2008@19:24:48 (5+XEL)
What Media Bias?
Two stories came up on the Reuters feed at the same time just now. One was about Obama, and one was about McCain. They're not even trying to hide it anymore.
Just contrast this...
Obama to take big step in Democratic race
Obama expects to claim a majority of pledged delegates won in
state-by-state races after Tuesday's returns, but he will still be
about 75 short of the 2,026 needed to clinch the nomination without
further help from superdelegates -- party officials who are free to
back any candidate.
With this...
McCain to mark Cuban day with new attack on Obama
Obama's vow to hold direct talks, without preconditions, with
leaders of countries hostile to the United States, including Iran,
North Korea, Syria, Venezuela and Cuba, has given McCain a broad
opening to attack Obama over foreign policy.
He pounded Obama on Monday for pledging to meet the leader of Iran,
saying to do so would reward a government in Tehran dedicated to
destroying U.S. ally Israel.
At a town hall meeting in Miami, McCain planned to accuse Obama on
Cuban Independence Day of wanting to soften the decades-old U.S.
embargo against the communist government of Cuba.
Any difference in tone or content? It seems like it to me. Not only that, the McCain story is more about Obama than McCain. The pro-Obama story mentions McCain briefly... more...
hmm.... so they have. I didn't think to get a screencap, but I think my credibility is probably higher than theirs (my dog's credibility is higher than theirs) so folks will believe it was there. I'll know better in the future. Thank you Sir.
I wonder if Google cache would have it?
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 20 May 2008@15:56:30 (Q5ggV)
4
I'm beginning to get a very serious malaise because of the hopelessness the media gives to me.
Posted by: Moron Pundit at 20 May 2008@20:43:33 (8Dgzz)
New Addition To The Blogroll
Very intelligent and insightful. This could very well end up being on your daily "must read" list. Check out kishnevi's blog, "Horseman, Pass By!". You have my money-back guarantee* that you won't be disappointed.
* Money-back guarantee only applies if you don't pay any money, don't ask for money from me or your parents, or in any way imply you're gonna make some money off the guarantee. Void where prohibited... which is everywhere. Parse it all you want, just don't expect any coin, m'kay?
There are different types of intelligence, right? Traditional cognitive or academic intelligence, emotional intelligence, etc... you're a genius in your ... what to call it? I've got it! "Special" intelligence! (I hear you even have your own Olympics!! Good job, here's a hug... a virtual one, 'cuz that real-life hugging thing... I was drunk, ok? That's my story and you said you'd back me... oh wait, you meant... never mind.)
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 19 May 2008@11:26:08 (Q5ggV)
Posted by: Old Iron at 21 May 2008@05:00:10 (tD0Cq)
6
Have you ever had the chance to be a "designated hugger" at a Special Olympics? Jump at it if the opportunity comes your way, it's going to brighten your entire week.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 21 May 2008@05:03:16 (Q5ggV)
"Now, if you excuse me, I need to figure out
     something very intelligent and insightful to post."
You know what? I think I am beginning to hate the blogosphere...because there are just too many intelligent people making legitimate demands on my time.
Feh.
Posted by: EW1(SG) at 22 May 2008@21:42:17 (YcNsA)
9
Well, when you're tired of them... come on back here, m'kay?
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 22 May 2008@21:52:59 (Q5ggV)
10
EW1--If you want, I can put up some dumb stuff. In fact, I'm getting ready for another round of FRDY CT BLGGNG, and if that's not dumb, what it?
(Well, actually, compared to a pro Obama site, it's not dumb, but you get you my drift.)
Posted by: kishnevi at 23 May 2008@10:54:52 (gkwrQ)
Oh Noes!!!! We're Doomed!
Prince Charles is the latest "big-name" (feh!) to get sucked-in by the global-warming/climate-change/AGW/muddy-thinking imbeciles and proclaim that unless something is done RIGHT NOW!!!!, catastrophe will strike us all down.
"We will end up seeing more drought and starvation on a grand scale.
Weather patterns will become even more terrifying and there will be less and
less rainfall," he said.
"We are asking for something pretty dreadful unless we really understand
the issues now and [the] urgency of them." The Prince said the
rainforests, which provide the "air conditioning system for the entire
planet", releasing water vapour and absorbing carbon, were being lost
to poor farmers desperate to make a living.
So, how much money is it going to cost to avoid all the children and little puppies getting killed by "weather"? more...
1
Sometimes that man/boy makes me embarrassed to be a Brit. Then I forget all about him again. He's been saying stupid things for years now...we try to ignore him. Gently
Posted by: sillyblindharper at 18 May 2008@05:17:22 (5+XEL)
He should try to be more like his Mom. Or his sons. Or anybody who isn't an addle-brained twit.
I probably could have been a bit more gentle. Sorry Gentle Lady.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 18 May 2008@05:32:31 (Q5ggV)
3The Prince said the
rainforests, which provide the "air conditioning system for the entire
planet", releasing water vapour and absorbing carbon, were being lost
to poor farmers desperate to make a living.
That's right. Let the farmers starve, as long as we can hug a tree. Most greenies at least have the sense to blame Big Evul Corporations, so their insensitivity isn't quite so blatant.
There are times when I've agreed with him--like when he claimed that modern architecture is mostly ugly--but most of the time he should observe the rule of royalty--shut up unless you know it's totally inoffensive and not even a jihadi will get upset.
Posted by: kishnevi at 18 May 2008@16:40:19 (vbyOY)
Ahh, water vapor is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. If he believes global warming is a threat then it would seem he should be in favor of logging or burning these forests to reduce the water vapor pollution.
Twit!
Posted by: Machinist at 18 May 2008@17:05:39 (yFIK0)
Hi kishnevi, a jihadi can manufacture angst, anger, and upset out of anything.
Mac, if you insist on bringing science into the argument you're going to end up in the Tower of London. (He can do that, can't he Harper?) If I end up there with you, you're going to be joining our Gentle Lady on the ban-roster here (you know... she's never complained about it either... good sport, eh?)
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 18 May 2008@17:14:24 (Q5ggV)
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 18 May 2008@20:30:34 (Q5ggV)
10"That's right. Let the farmers starve,
as long as we can hug a tree."
And if y'all don't already know how I feel about that sentiment, let me remind you~
The kind of idiot that indulges in that kind of thinking shouldn't be allowed to make any more complex decisions than whether to have the macaroni and cheese out of a box, or the ravioli out of a can for lunch.
Posted by: EW1(SG) at 18 May 2008@20:49:11 (YcNsA)
11
Hey, we could make a very cozy hang-out in the Tower. What a great place to set up a proper library. I get the big room at the top! We could do some serious science with a building like that. You know, it was an armory once. BOOM! Look! A Chicken!
No princes allowed...
Posted by: sillyblindharper at 19 May 2008@00:55:25 (5+XEL)
Posted by: Machinist at 19 May 2008@01:36:51 (yFIK0)
14
SBH, you can take the armory. But I claim first dibs on the building where they keep the crown jewels. I could use some serious bling.
Posted by: kishnevi at 19 May 2008@10:28:44 (DqtzB)
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Ok, Kishnevi, you've got the crown jewels but save a bezoar for me. I could get myself poisoned if we start dabbling in chemistry. I'm pretty rusty.
Posted by: sillyblindharper at 20 May 2008@02:35:23 (5+XEL)
Senator Kennedy In The Hospital
Just heartfelt wishes for his speedy recovery and retirement. Not even going to link a story because there aren't really many details beyond possible stroke or seizure and he was able to call his family. Prayers for his family please.
Sites are added to the Moronosphere and Gerbil Nation blogrolls by request. I got everyone on there who was there when they were made, so email me if you know of a new addition. Some of these are on the main blogroll as well and will remain duplicated.
The main blogroll is at my own discretion. I gratefully accept suggestions by email, but I don't do blogroll exchanges. If a site is there, it's because I personally recommend it. If it's one that is not updated often, check out the archives and you'll probably see why it's there. I will rarely remove a site from the main blogroll once it's there.
Recent Comments
sillyblindharper
*rustle, rustle* **looks around empty thread** SQUEaK! entry
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Stash
About Me
I am a Psychiatric Nurse who retired from the Army after 24 years total service. I started out as a Private E-1, made Sergeant E-5 in 23 months, then went to nursing school and ROTC to get commissioned. I am interested in politics where I lean heavily conservative, movies, music, and books. Hopefully you will enjoy what you see and come back often.
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