That might be one way to approach it. Have the Secret Service make it clear that a threat to Obama's life, will be treated seriously.

Posted at October 10, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Anti-Obama Fury Spills Over Into Down-Ticket Contests: "Bomb Obama"

While Greg and TPM deserve a lot of praise for staying on this issue of the extreme anger that McCain and Palin are intentionally whipping up, Greg nullifies his premiss, somewhat when he writes:

"Asking the McCain campaign to stop insinuating that Obama is a terrorist is probably a bit much to expect."

Insinuating that Obama is a terrorist has no place in a politician's bag of tricks. For one thing, it simply isn't true.

Posted at October 10, 2008 1:41 PM in response to Anti-Obama Fury Spills Over Into Down-Ticket Contests: "Bomb Obama"

Great idea. The loons are getting all of the press, even though there are relatively few of them.

Posted at October 10, 2008 1:04 PM in response to Anti-Obama Fury Spills Over Into Down-Ticket Contests: "Bomb Obama"

Shill - –noun
1. a person who poses as a customer in order to decoy others into participating, as at a gambling house, auction, confidence game, etc.
2. a person who publicizes or praises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty.
–verb (used without object)
3. to work as a shill: He shills for a large casino.
–verb (used with object)
4. to advertise or promote (a product) as or in the manner of a huckster; hustle: He was hired to shill a new TV show.

The word originally denoted a carnival worker who pretends to be a member of the audience in an attempt to elicit interest in an attraction.

Posted at October 9, 2008 8:42 PM in response to McCain Supporter Rants About "Hooligan" Obama And "Socialist" Takeover -- And McCain Agrees

Yes! 50 points for Tena!

Her name was Madame d'Haussonville and according to the NY Times:

"The sitter had the distinction of being the great-granddaughter of Jacques Necker, who had served Louis XVI as director-general of finances, and the grand-daughter of Madame de Stael, in her day one of the most fascinating women in Europe. But she was also a remarkable person in her own right and the author, among much else, of a two-volume life of Byron and an unpublished autobiography that is remarkable for wit, candor and breadth of perception."

Not just cute but smart too.

Posted at October 9, 2008 3:55 PM in response to McCain's Hero Petraeus: "I Do Think You Have To Talk To Enemies"

The prospect for the military of having John McCain as C-in-C must be a bit worrisome. McCain is erratic, angry, driven by his emotions and no doubt thinks of himself as an expert on military matters.

For the more reasonable types at the Pentagon, the mere idea of having McCain as president could be nightmarish.

Posted at October 9, 2008 3:29 PM in response to McCain's Hero Petraeus: "I Do Think You Have To Talk To Enemies"

Very clever stuff. I especially liked:

"a tattered copy of the book "Accusations of Fascism, Communism, Terrorism, Drug Use, Pedophilia, Islamism, Adultery, Pandeism, Cannibalism, Cubism, Miscegenation, and Spousal Abuse...for Dummies!" but way too long for TPM."

>b

Next time, give us a paragraph or two, at most.

Posted at October 9, 2008 3:23 PM in response to McCain's Hero Petraeus: "I Do Think You Have To Talk To Enemies"

Oooh. Love the "projector" line.

It makes sense that Petraeus would identify more with Obama than McCain. Much more similar in outlook and temperament.

Posted at October 9, 2008 2:35 PM in response to McCain's Hero Petraeus: "I Do Think You Have To Talk To Enemies"

As much as I hate to admit it, you're probably right.

At the time, it seemed like she opened the door to racist attacks but actually she and especially the media played the Wright thing to the point of nausea.

Everyone is sick to death of it, which is why McGrumpy is sticking to Ayers.

Posted at October 9, 2008 2:18 PM in response to Obama To Hit McCain For "Erratic And Uncertain Leadership"

Re: The secondary Narratives are also ones the McCain Campaign didn't want to keep talking about:

* McNegative
* McLiar
* McEratic

Add to that McGrumpy and McGrudge. McPeevish too.

Posted at October 9, 2008 2:01 PM in response to Obama To Hit McCain For "Erratic And Uncertain Leadership"