OPEN THREAD: Repudiation!

We're taking the day off today- have at it:

~ George Bush: Repudiation without humility.

~ Evil genius Karl Rove: not so genius...

~ Rush Limbaugh: now says he knew this would happen all the time. He predicts a liberal hell was created last night for the American people which, he says will lead to a total victory for Republicans in 2008.

~ Rumsfeld: outa there!

~ Joe Lieberman: the sleaziest politician in the land, (listen for him on Sean Hannity today).

~ Sean Hannity: Republicans lost because they weren't conservative enough.

Comments

[chucks]

OUCH!
I feel my pain.
But this is America and I will support the choices of the majority and pray that you are right and the country does move foreward.
Of course I am used to being in the minority just by being an R in a D state. I will still scream to keep my tax cuts and to get some kind of reform in Social Security.
Maybe with Rumsfield gone, we can get together to end or win the wars.
Good luck, the ball is in your court now.
Chuck
The newly humbled R

[sparky]

thank you Chucks. We intend to keep those D's accountable.

You are a very gracious R...wish more were just like you.

[Thom]

Very well put, Chucks...Bush was very gracious in defeat today. His news conference was painful (in many ways) but in response to a question about how he will deal with Pelosi, who called him names...he gallantly said he knows the difference between campaigning and governing.

I (for one), am rather glad this happened. The out-of-control-spending Rs needed a b@tch-slap...and the gridlock over the next two years will limit the damage the Ds can do. Also, Hillary will see to it that the Ds don't go crazy, because that would impact her future plans.

All in all, not a bad scenario. We almost have the best of all possible worlds!

[Duffman]

I can't friggin believe such a big deal is being made over these election results. Doesn't any one realize that the news of the day is Britney filing for divorce...come on folks lets get our pririties straight here.

[Fremont]

Right, Duff....and tonight we will be hearing that Bush "lusted in his heart" for Nancy Pelosi and was always a Democrat in his soul...
Hey, Chux, what changes in Social Security would you like to see?

[The Failure Called Shiers]

I'm dying to hear Shiers Wednesday night.

Shiers how are you going to defend this avalanche victory for the Dems?

You're an idiot!

[chucks]

Oh, I don't know. I look at that soc security statement that is sent to me now and than and see all the money that I and my various different employers have put in the last forty years and think about what it would be worth today if just left in a 4% passbook rate savings account. A crap load more than I will ever see.
It is too late for me and my generation, but maybe not for my kids or grandkids. Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush II as well is who knows how many senators and congresspeople all knew better than I, so they spent it. Every last damn dollar. Nothing left. All spent.
You young people better pay attention. Stuff it in your 401k's, IRA's or whatever option you have. When you give it to the govment they spend it on whatever program that they feel is important at that moment. What is important now is what will get them reelected for 2, 4, or 6 more years. But do not worry, we will plug the dyke when SS runs low. It is a ponzi scheme. Against the law if we do it, but ok when they do it.
I would like to see my kids and grandkids get to put it in an account that is theirs. At least put in half in a personal account. Draw off an amount monthly in retirement. When you die, expect the govment to confiscate the balance. Leave to the actuaries to figure what you can draw off.
Who really knows. Like I said, not I. I just know that ponzi schemes always fail and somebody gets burned.
Ball is in your court.
My team blew it.
Chuck

[lukobe]

Oh c'mon...Lieberman sleaziest in the land? That's some pretty stiff competition.

I am just glad to see more I's in Congress.

[Duffman]

Any one catch Dori's show today? How'd he handle it?

[JDB]

Limbaugh and Hannity both insist that if the Republicans had just run as conservatives, they would have won.

Ask Rick "Man on Dog" Santorum how well that worked. Oh well, he may have a chance now to visit the State of Pennsylvania.

[Thom]

Duffman...Dori has been just as gracious as our President was in his news conference this morning.

[JDB]

I stayed up way to late last night. However, it was worth it just to listen to Chris Mathews. Fox was on their third coverage team (apparenlty Brit Hume either turns into a bat at midnight, or just had to go home and cry), but Mathews wouldn't leave the ship. I finally fell asleep after catching up with the Daily Show/Colbert Reports coverage (Stephen had his "red" America cake for when the Republican's won, and his Osamma Bin Laden "Devil's Food" cake for when the terrorist won) at 2am, 5am EST, and Mathews was still going, punch drunk as hell. Up until that point, I thought it was good coverage, since Olbermann was having fun, and there was some good energy and analysis (especially when the brought in Brokaw, Williams and Russert after 10p). Fox was just dreary, like attending the funeral of someone that no one really liked that much.

I spent most of 9-11p listening back and forth between KTTH and KVI. KTTH was the better coverage, although both were notable for how delusional everyone was. Shram was a nice balance for KVI, though, and when they get serious, there is much more weight (with Carlson/Wilbur/Schram and what's his name).

Medved is interesting, and Bose is pretty good, but, dear God, Sytman is just annoying as his analysis consist entirely of repeating the names he heard people called at U(SP). (Aside, does anyone really think that "Cantvotewell" is really that clever?) Still, if you wanted the local scene (and why else listen to local radio), it was John Carlson who at least got you the information. Thanks John.

[sparky]

Dori insisted to all callers this afternoon that external forces, such as the Dems winning, have NO effect on his life.

ok

Medved was awfully condescencing to "Losertarians", although I have never listened to him before so maybe he is like that all the time.

Early this morning, Kirby Wilbur was saying that this meant that the Republicans would DEFINITELY
win the Presidency in 2008.

ocay.....

the only reason I listened was Big Eddy sounded totally wasted and it was disgusting to hear him giggle so much...so I decided to explore the dial for a change.

[bj]

Dori gracious? Maybe on a superficial level, but I thought the graciousness was pretty thin. His actual take was "I don't get happy or disappointed over elections because everything else in my life is so much more important, and anyone who does is a loser [his word exactly]."

Which I paraphrase as: Anyone who works or volunteers in the political process, on either side, because they care about their beliefs, or anyone who recognizes that the government we vote for at every level does affect our society, should get a life...

What a jerk.

Later he had on his regular "political analyst" from some neocon think tank back east, who said that it was a victory for conservatives, because the dems who won were really conservatives in disguise. Yeah, sure...

[lukobe]

Well--it wasn't a left-wing sweep.

[Thom]

No...bj...I think Dori meant that we're not going to go into therapy, like many Ds did after 2004. It was well documented by the NYT and others.

It's driving the Ds nuts that we're not suicidal as they were.

We have a life....

[sparky]

Which Dem is being driven nuts?

[Thom]

There were a couple of callers to Dori's show today that just INSISTED he HAD to be DEPRESSED over the election.

It was funny, because I had the same reaction Dori did. If you look at my post way up top, you'll see my reaction to the election.

The callers were just funny because of their insistance.

I think Dori made a misstatement when he labeled all people who are passionate about elections as "losers"...but people who INSIST you MUST be DEPRESSED are wackos.

[Dana]

How did Pistol Packin' Pam Roach and her offspring do?

[adc]

What a beautiful night. Despite homes floating down rivers, I felt the sun shining.

I hope the lefties realize that it was almost all eastern moderate and conservative dems, who painted the map blue last night.

If the lefties think for one minute that the Webbs and Testers are suddenly going to support unrestricted abortions, gay marriage, or gun controls of any kind, they're in for a surprise.

Last night's election does present dems with the opportunity to realign this country politically for a generation or more.

If they head down the impeachment path, they'll be out in 2008. If they focus on the interests on the lower and middle classes, they could form quite a machine.

Time will tell. Who knows, even the south could be blue by 2012 if the dems play their cards right.

[adc]

What a beautiful night. Despite homes floating down rivers, I felt the sun shining.

I hope the lefties realize that it was almost all eastern moderate and conservative dems, who painted the map blue last night.

If the lefties think for one minute that the Webbs and Testers are suddenly going to support unrestricted abortions, gay marriage, or gun controls of any kind, they're in for a surprise.

Last night's election does present dems with the opportunity to realign this country politically for a generation or more.

If they head down the impeachment path, they'll be out in 2008. If they focus on the interests on the lower and middle classes, they could form quite a machine.

Time will tell. Who knows, even the south could be blue by 2012 if the dems play their cards right.

[bj]

Dori (cont.) --

And, he somehow managed to segue to a harangue about "problems" with the King County election department and how they (whatever problems he was referring to, not exactly an issue with anyone else in the media), and how they were obviously caused by Ron Sims.

What a jerk.

[Fremont]

Duff, where are you getting your information that all the Social Security money "is spent...nothing left...every last dollar"? Do you truly believe that you will not be able to collect any money when yu retire or become blind or disabled?
No law has prohibited you from investing in Exxon, Enron, or any other account...I'm sure you've amassed incredible sums for your future.

[Fremont]

Sorry...my last post should have been addressed to Chux. Apologies, Duff....

[Thom]

Got it wrong again, bj...

Dori and Dave Ross BOTH noted that King County only had 13% of the ballots counted by 11 p.m. last night. That's appalling by any standards.

Dori was noting that this was wrong on so many levels because King Co. has been under such scrutiny. Shouldn't they have been more proactive?

The Elections office falls under Ron Sims' jurisdiction. Ultimately, it is his responsibility.

[31st voter]

Dana: "How did Pistol Packin' Pam Roach and her offspring do?"

Well, after an exceptionally nasty 31st District race, Pistol Pam is ahead with 52%. Her son, Dan, is also leading with 52.6%.

I have to say, I think Yvonne Ward, Pam's challenger, would have won easily if not for the DUMBEST tv ad ever. I really, really mean that, and I voted for Ward. If you remember the classic Rainier Beer ad, where the motorcycle goes by with Mt. Rainier in the background and on top of the audio of the bike is a long, drawn out "Raaaaainnnnieeer Beeeer", well, now imagine that with Ward driving by in leather and the audio is "Yvvvvvoooonnneee Waaaaard". Cripes.

[adc]

Any newer news on Darcy? Last I heard, Sheriff Nice Hair was ahead by 2,500 or so.......

I'd love to know which precincts are left to be counted.

Also, seems to me that Adam Smith is a real class act. Always seems to be in the background gettin' 'er done, quietly. No fan fare, no bomb throwing or disrespect.

I think Adam's the kind of guy that both sides of this state could vote for.

IMHO, a good gubernatorial race would be Adam Smith vs. Rob McKenna. Well, good for Dave Ross listeners, boring for others.

Both are intellectuals, both are competent, both are well spoken, and both are class acts. State voters win either way.

The only losers would be KVI and Rushbots, aching for sleaze and gutter politics.

[Thom]

The only losers would be KVI and Rushbots, aching for sleaze and gutter politics.

Wrong, adc...McKenna and Smith are both obviously itching for higher office.

The KVI listeners I know respect both.

[joanie]

Couldn't wait to get home and read your posts. Nothing left to say except . . . wonder what we're all gonna talk about now.

Interesting comments everyone. Agree with BJ, Dori was in quiet denial. Feigned indifference.

Right on, Fremont. If they'd quit borrowing our social security to pay for the damn war, perhaps it could pay for itself as well. Why does it have to go into the general fund? Make it an investment. Easy to fix.

Also, Bush said he'd sign the minimum wage bill; Waxman is going to work on the bankruptcy bill (like to see it overturned) and I hope someone takes another look at some of the environmental wreckage incurred by Bush's executive orders. Just to mention a few.

[lukobe]

Joanie, are you suggesting having an ACTUAL Social Security trust fund? I think that would be an excellent idea...and it would be nice if it could be invested other than in government bonds, though I know that would be a logistical nightmare.

[lukobe]

btw good post adc. better than the south going blue in 2012 would be another couple colors on the map...

[Trip]

A Democratic woman is now 3rd in line for the Presidency of the United States, in my lifetime.

Bush is now the lamest of ducks. Rove is completely humbled.

The words "subpoena power" are sending chills through the GOP ranks.

Folks like Tancredo, Musgrave, Tom Coburn, Inhofe, Brownback are in the MINORITY, where they can't do much damage.

We may finally get to see who was in Cheney's energy meetings.

Hell, we may even get habeas corpus back.

Now THAT'S progress.

[joanie]

But Trip, do we have a two-thirds majority to override vetos? Will the Dems get to the bottom of issues or will they revert to their usual "nice guys" status?

I so want to see Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld held up to scrutiny in some international court somewhere . . . Rice also.

[joanie]

Here's a pic of Sharkansky and Goldy at Drinking Liberally.

[Trip]

joanie:

I share your fears about Dems reverting to "nice guys" and actually heeding the calls for conciliatory tones and a "spirit of bipartisanship" coming from Republicans today.

After all, these are the same people who tried to kill the filibuster to pack the courts with their hairiest, knuckle-dragging troglodyte judges.

Norquist himself said "bipartisanship is another name for date rape". Hell, just last week Bush said a vote for Dems is a vote for the terrorists.

Remember what they were calling you right after 9/11.

"Unpatriotic." "Elitist fifth columnists". "Objectively pro-terrorist".

Now they want YOU to play nice.

Personally, I think a little bit of payback is in order just so the message is sent: what comes around goes around.

If, say, you stack your Ethics Committees with rubber stamps to keep your indicted ass in the seat, or if you tinker with the timing rules so that the other side never gets a say at all...then those tools will be used against you when the flip comes.

Stay frosty, Dems, can't let your guard down for a minute around those guys.

[sparky]

It is critical that we keep on them, though. We cant sit back and just "expect" them to do the right thing. They are going to be getting a lot of pressure from the media who will report every little burp and fart, and it will be easy to want to avoid criticism. For an example--Joe Biden is already saying that Gray would make an "EXCELLENT" choice as a replacement for Rumsfield. Gawd. This is a man who helped arrange financing for Osama. This is a man who filtered "intelligence" until it met the needs of the administration. Joe Biden needs to do his research.

[sparky]

Oh that's GATES, not GRAY....my bad

[Tommy008]

Ron and Don played the clip several times of Bush publicly dissing little Karl Rove in his press conference yesterday. A reporter asked him how his reading speed contest was going with Rove, apparently referencing some nonsense that Bush had brought up in happier days. Bush replied that he was losing and went on to say, in a "not joking" voice-"I guess I was spending more time on the campaign than Karl was". Mr. Loyalty seems to be discarding his old persona, as things get a little tough.. Even Kirby Wibur siad it didn't sit right with him the way Bush cashiered Don after giving him a full vote of confidence just last week. When even Kirby is now on your ass, George, you got problems.

[sparky]

Its the syphillis...his brain is starting to get holes in it...

[Duffman]

Excellent Sparky; I doubt Biden has ever had an 'original' thought.

[adc]

I've been around long enough to know this "bipartisan cooperation" will last until just after this Sunday's talking head shows.

Starting Monday, the velvet gloves will be put on, with gentle rhetorical knife pokes here and there. By MLK Day there will be blood in the aisles of Congress.

Things are about to get very ugly for high ranking R's, no doubt about it. The size of the legal funds each will require, will depend on how close they allowed themselves to get to the graft, corruption, and lies, that have become synonomous with the national Republican party.

By next June, many will only be able to dream that their problems would be as small as a DNA stain on a blue dress.

Their only salvation will be the fact that their head cheerleader is just as crooked as they are, and will pardon the whole lot of them before he stumbles out of office in 2 years.

And so it goes, another chapter in our great American experiment!

[joanie]

Sparky: Gawd. This is a man who helped arrange financing for Osama. This is a man who filtered "intelligence" until it met the needs of the administration. Joe Biden needs to do his research.

Sparky, according to tonights radio, Gates was even involved in the original October surprise - while serving Carter he was covertly arranging to sell arms to Iran for the Republicans and working to arrange the release of the hostages after the election. Again, got it on Democracy Now tonight. It was a totally revealing and documented discussion. It blew me away! Wish you all could have heard it.

[joanie]

C'mon Duffman. That plagiarism charge didn't really stick if you allowed that he cited his source as often as he didn't . . .

I don't like glamour-puss Biden anymore; but, did think he took a bad rap for that charge. This game of gotcha in politics reduces it to carnival crap.

[Thom]

From Joanie:

Will the Dems get to the bottom of issues or will they revert to their usual "nice guys" status?

No. They will have a Nazi-like "gay outing" by Bill Maher on "Larry King Live" last night and on Bill's own show (as he promised) tomorrow night. Get the pink triangles ready. The Dems are on the march!

[chris]

LOL Like most of the 'boys' who frequent 1600 these days eh? Like Jeff Gannon, Mark Foley and Ted Meth Haggard and don't forget Denny Hasturd the Basturd and his gay lover chief of staff who lives with him. Cmom Thom, if the shoe fits, you guys should wear it. Don't be ashamed. That is one big log cabin.