Wherefore Art Thou Shirt? + Election Party Announcement
WE INTERRUPT THIS ELECTION WITH A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE
A few weeks ago, I sacrificed my technicolor-blinky-shirt for Obama. In the first ever Shirt Off for Obama, supporters and detractors of the shirt had the opportunity to donate in favor of saving the shirt or losing the shirt. In an extremely close and contentious election that made the Democratic primary look like beanbag, the Anti-Shirts won narrowly (though some have faulted me for a Gore-like hesitance to contest the results). More importantly, we raised $1,382 for the Obama campaign and $200 for Jim Martin's Senate campaign in Georgia. I shed the shirt for a picture of myself on a playground bouncy horse. TPM then upgraded its software, and I lost my head.
WANTED FOR
Assault, Abduction, Bigamy,
Multi-Self-Recommending
Armed and Dangerous
Some of you have since inquired about the whereabouts of the shirt. I'm sorry to relate this sad tale. The shirt had grown accustomed to its celebrity status and in truth had become something of a diva. In it's heyday, the shirt partied with Monica Lewinsky's dress and John Edward's haircut. There were also rumors of wild orgies with most of Sarah Palin's wardrobe. To have been cast off like an old blinking rag was a great blow to its ego. It started drinking heavily with the other TPM rejects, including LisB's flashing hair and my decapitated head as well a number of blog posts that didn't survive the software upgrade. Tattered and faded, lacking any means to support itself, the shirt turned to crime, kidnapping stray socks from the laundry and prostituting them in thrift stores of ill repute. I lost track of it soon after but heard that it was consorting with some sordid characters. Alas, I had no idea how sordid. The shirt has resurfaced. I have the link to its location, but I warn you, it's not a pretty sight. I offer the link only as a cautionary tale so that others may avoid a similar fate. Here is the shirt.
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I would like to try to redeem this sad post with happier thoughts. For any of you in the New York area, I will be hosting an election party at the Village Lantern at 167 Bleecker at Sullivan St. Please come by to watch the action and if all goes well, celebrate like crazy people. Here is the full description. I also encourage anyone else throwing or attending an election party, or even hanging out in a bar, to announce it for fellow TPMers in the comments section. And for those of you who are watching from home, tune in to dagblog.com to see Articleman live blog the results with his usual wit and insight.
Late update: There is a possibility that a German news station will cover the election party, which is surely very exciting for the three of you who watch German news. I'm not sure which station but will update this page If it looks like it will happen.
Wow! Can a shirt sink any lower?
November 2, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's one way to guarantee a packed party, Genghis. Threaten stay-at-home's with Articleman, live blogging the results with his "usual wit and insight."
You sick bast*d.
November 2, 2008 11:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
I take it you'll be parachuting in then.
November 2, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
This party's planet-wide, G-man. People up here, coast-to-coast, are already jammin', and I'm hearing the same from Europe and beyond. I'm not kidding. We've all wanted this for a long time.
So 1st round at your party - for all you American maniacs on the ground, who've been working the phones, pounding the pavement, contributing money, working like hell - is on me. Just do what the gywo man says first, and Bring It On Home.
Here's cheers from the North Country. Smoke those bastards outta there Tuesday, willya?
November 2, 2008 11:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's do it for Canada.
Thanks for the virtual beer. As long as it's not Molson.
November 2, 2008 11:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Naw, do it for Nebraska. Or Utah. Those poor sods need the help.
Virtual beer? That'd be Coors, wouldn't it?
November 3, 2008 12:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
thanks for the pep talk and the 1st round! I'm coming to you here from the front lines of Cleveland from the laptop computer of my random volunteer house woman who thinks my name is Ann (it's not). I canvassed for 8 hours or so today and then did some data entry just for fun... I am still awake because 1. in the campaign bubble we are too busy for media and so I am getting caught up on news and commentary and 2. too fired up to sleep! It's November 3rd!
November 3, 2008 2:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Data entry for fun." Ouch, worrying, that. That's Level 7. Well on your way to complete collapse.
However, still two levels to go. KEEP RUNNING!!!!
Rock 'em, Sock 'em, Ann. ;-)
November 3, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now I know why I saw a picture of your shirt in my local post office. Of course, the description said the shirt was armed. Apparently, it did find work as a button man for a while and was almost collared as a result.
November 3, 2008 12:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm opposed to puns on principle, but that was clever.
November 3, 2008 1:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just trying to keep this thread alive.
November 3, 2008 1:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Will there be dancing at this party???
November 3, 2008 2:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. Thanks a lot. I've always tried to believe my lost socks had gone to a better, even drier, place. But I know there's only one thing "thrifty" people do with just one sock and . . . wait, if John McCain is wearing the shirt under his jacket, and the shirt is still lining up johns for the socks . . . omg.
November 3, 2008 2:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Genghis:
The shirt has held up well and is obviously a good sport. . .shirt.
But, seriously Genghis, you have managed to keep us smiling for months and you are without a doubt one of my nice guy heroes. Alas, I will be spending Election Eve at home with the baby, while my far more social wife will be out celebrating this momentous occasion with her friends. I'll have to let them know about your shinding. Enjoy and be merry and have fun; you've earned it.
I look forward to a toast and a prayer for our new president and this country and the people of all nations, and I know that you will appreciate that along with the prayer will come a single malt or two for good measure. Cheers to a good thing; it is a very good thing indeed.
Bruce
P.S. My son, whom you've met, and one of my daughters will be in Grant Park for the celebration. They are both in a lottery to get up close and I'll make sure at least one of them takes pictures.
November 3, 2008 9:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
You know the feeling's mutual, Bruce. Sorry that you'll miss the event, but a baby is not bad company. Give us a shout out by commenting on A-man's blog--we'll be watching it from the bar. I'll look for your son on TV.
PS I figure that I'll take a respite from politics after the election, but I'll be back.
November 3, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
G. During the respite, might I suggest a brief shopping expedition? Apparently Articleman has great taste in clothes. In fact, he and Dij were just discussing how nice you'd look in Lederhosen. All 1,170 of their friends on that blog seemed to agree.
Bruce. Where's this baby's commitment? Kids today... apolitical, laying around all day sucking back drinks they like they fell from the sky. Probably doesn't even know that Virginia split its Electoral Votes in 1892, much less WHY. I say, lash the ungrateful little beast to the sled, go to the party, and let the Huskies do the child-minding. Maybe leave some beef jerky under the blanket in case the party runs late. Gotta show these kids what being a Democrat's all about.
November 3, 2008 10:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Quinn,
This varmint is not only ignorant of politics, but she doesn't even like politics and, having read some of your comments, she is convinced that we're all nuts in general, and that Canadians are just totally whacked. But, quinn, if you can get down to NYC for tomorrow night, I'll spring for a sitter and buy you drinks all night long!!!
Now, more importantly, I just got a call from my son, who is a freshman at Northwestern. Friends, we are going to win in Indiana and here's why. Son gets a call one-half hour ago from the Evanston Democratic Party or whatever. They tell him, get on this bus to Indianapolis at 5:30 central and get ready to work all day down there tomorrow to get out the vote! They're bussing them in, putting these kids up in a hotel, and having them work all day tomorrow.
If Indiana was not in play they wouldn't bother, right? This is hot, this is big, and between my kid and Orlando, we're gonna win in Indiana. You can't make this stuff up. Even this crusty ole' Clinton supporter can't help loving this.
Meantime, the kid asks me what he is supposed to tell his choir teacher about missing practice tonight. Should he lie? Parental advice on this one anyone? :)
November 3, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think the truth is a pretty good excuse, IMO.
November 3, 2008 4:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's what I told him too.
Sad news, I just got an e-mail that Senator Obama's grandmother passed away. Rest in peace.
Damn that's sad.
November 3, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is sad. I remember where I was when both of my grandmothers passed away. It was easier the second time, I think largely because we knew it was coming, and that her death meant the end to her pain. Doesn't mean it was easy, of course.
November 3, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Death is never easy. I assume her pain was eased in large measure by seeing how far her grandson has gone. She must have been very proud of him.
November 3, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Cheers Bruce. I'll be the dude with Genghis.
He'll be the dude in the Lederhosen.
November 3, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh now THAT was nice comment placement TPM. Jeez Laweez.
Meant as reply to Bruce's Cafe New Yawkas mention, below.
Ouch.
November 3, 2008 6:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for the offer Bruce. Would love to celebrate next time I'm in town though. (And seriously, I am through town every year or so. Both criminal intoxication & shirt theft rates tend to spike around that time. Not sure the causal arrow there.)
And yes, your son getting the call is a very good sign. I think this thing is gonna be a Demo-stomp. Only question is how much can the other guys gum up the voting and/or misplace ballots.
As for O's Grandma, I just cannot imagine going through all this, all these years, and then... the night before. He'll be going through an emotional warp tomorrow. Poor guy.
November 3, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Quinn:
We Cafe New Yawkas shall hold a celebration for you on your next trip to town. Tell us when.
Bruce
November 3, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, this thread got a second wind while I was away. I'm in for the quinnathon. I still still owe you a beer.
Tragic about Obama's grandmother. Imagine what he must be going through right now. I wonder if the information is even able to sink in in the midst of all this. I'm glad that he took the time to visit her.
November 3, 2008 7:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought Orlando was taking Indiana blue all by herself, force of nature that she appears to be. You're telling us it's not a lock yet?
November 3, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Insurance, that's all, and Orlando is too much of a nervous wreck to give us an accurate read anyway. :) Worry not, the Northwestern Wildcats are on their way!
November 3, 2008 5:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, ok. I figured she's probably finishing up about now on her fourth or fifth round of canvassing the entire quadrant of the state where she lives. ("Now, the first four times you told me you're solid Obama/Biden. Still true? Tell me it's still true, please! Please! And that you'll stay in line tomorrow until you get to vote? No matter what!! Please, please...")
November 3, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Orlando's a MACHINE.
Granted, after 96 hours straight canvassing she's a sleep-deprived, red-eyed, amphetamine-fuelled machine, but nonetheless, impressive.
I'd hurry up with that socialized medicine thing, though. There's gonna be 000's of Obama volunteers hospitalized for exhaustion sometime, ohhhhh I'd say, about Tuesday night around 8:00.
November 3, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Goodness gracious. Now there is word Obama's Nevada campaign manager died of a heart attack today. 44 years old. Condolences to the family and friends and to the folks in Nevada who worked with him. More heavier hearts tonight.
November 3, 2008 8:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
In DC, I will be at Bar 1331 on Pennsylvania just a few blocks down from the White House, starting around 5p. Once I get drunk enough on their relatively less expensive liquor, (and presumably after Obama has been declared the winner), I might move over to the Lobby Bar in the Ritz on 22nd. If you'd like to come, just reply-comment here and I'll reply-in-kind with details by which to identify me.
If one night just isn't enough for you:
On Wednesday, there will be a "winner's" celebration at Top Of The Hill on Pennsylvania Avenue starting @ 6pm, and a "drown your sorrows" hangout at the 18th Amendment also on Pennsylvania.
I'll be seeing you at Top Of The Hill!
Hope the McCain folks will cross over the block to join us.
November 3, 2008 11:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Also, for those technically inclined folks who I know tend to read Genghis' blogs - any thoughts on how to troubleshoot the Comments and Recommended sections of my blog? They do not seem to be updating at all since Oct 26th.
I just recommended this very post, but to no avail - didn't seem to show up under my "recommended" list. Maybe it's a great right-wing conspiracy against Genghis?
November 3, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Log out... and log in again (which should include reentering your password, etc.)
If that still doesn't work, log out, delete the cookies for "talkingpointsmemo.com", and log in again.
November 3, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. Will give it a try. Though I have set Firefox to automatically delete all cookies at session end.
November 3, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
No joy.
I'm sure you are crazy busy, but if you don't mind, could you please take two seconds to glance at my blog? Tell me if you are seeing any comments or recommendations after the 26th.
Many thanks.
November 3, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I saw something from artappraiser that said when you post on one of your old post, it will automatically refresh your comments and recommends. Or when you create a new post, it automatically refreshes your comments and recommends. Otherwise, it's pretty haphazard.
November 3, 2008 12:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, many thanks Dijamo. Will go try to post an empty and useless 'dummy' post right now (as opposed to my usually brilliant, genius and incredibly insightful posts ;D ).
PS. You're looking gorgeous as always!
November 3, 2008 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks :). Enjoy the party in DC tomorrow but save some energy for the real party in January!
November 4, 2008 12:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
I knew it! I would have had thousands of recs if it weren't for those pesky right-wings. We'll get them yet!
PS I see your latest recs & comments.
November 3, 2008 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I see them now too - after following Dijamo's advice. So, perhaps it is necessary to update one's own posts to force updates to Comments and Recommendeds.
Sucks for you guys - now you'll be forced to ignore more of my useless crap. MuHaHaHaHAAA!!!
November 3, 2008 12:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I see them now too - after following Dijamo's advice. So, perhaps it is necessary to update one's own posts to force updates to Comments and Recommendeds.
Sucks for you guys - now you'll be forced to ignore more of my useless crap. MuHaHaHaHAAA!!!
November 3, 2008 1:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sad to see the depths the flashing shirt has sunk to but at least it was for a good cause. :0(
Sadly I won't be able to attend the Manhattan celebration because I plan to drive around Staten Island like a mad person screaming "Suck on that Republicans!" as we turn the only GOP Congressional seat in NYC blue :)
November 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Are you sure that's prudent?
November 3, 2008 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mebbe some introductions are in order, Genghis.
Dijamo... this is Prudence.
Prudence... Dijamo.
(Not sure they'll have much in common G, but worth the effort. You're clearly an optimist.)
November 3, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Enjoy the party, Genghis. Let's hope there will be much to celebrate. I have grown weary of the endless prognostications and pre-election coronations. I will go out on a limb and offer my prediction. The candidate with the most electoral votes will win. Would it be too much to ask that that candidate also be the one with the most votes? Not sure about that one. Regardless of who it is, the next President will be facing a real *&$^#)@-storm. All the more reason to celebrate now, before the bill comes due.
I will be home with the baby and two people who will actually be rooting for a McCain win. They are the only two people I know who feel that way. A gay couple, in fact. One a professor and the other a journalist. I never could quite figure where they were coming from, but whatever. Fortunately, neither is American so they can't vote.
Live blogging in general strikes me as a tedious endeavor for both writer and reader alike, though I certainly appreciate Articleman's wit and wisdom. I also would be torn between my desire for a big Obama win and not wanting to see AM clucking that his prediction of an Obama victory in Arizona or some other "red" state has actually come true. Still, I will try to tune in for a little flavor.
You've been an entertaining read these past few months. Too bad my schedule has not permitted more activity here.
Onward.
November 3, 2008 12:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
A baby and two McCain supporters. Now that's an election party.
I'll happily grant A-man the opportunity to gloat if it means a few more red states for Obama.
PS I always enjoy your writing as well. My schedule has not permitted more activity here either, but that hasn't stopped me.
November 3, 2008 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I too will happily tolerate A-Man's gloating if some of his predictions come true. We should be so lucky.
Thanks for the complement. I will hopefully be back in full force after the election. That is when the real fun should begin.
November 3, 2008 1:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
The shirt was a diva. That says it all.
November 3, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
I put up a serious post, my last before the election:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/genghis/2008/11/contrary-to-president-bushs-as.php
November 3, 2008 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
FYI: Your headline says, "Why are you, shirt?" I suspect that is not what you intended.
Common error.
November 3, 2008 7:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's hilarious. All these years I thought it was "where" without even thinking about it. "Why" makes so much more sense in the context of the speech. Thank you for the correction. It's good to have you back, btw. You stayed away longer than I anticipated.
November 3, 2008 8:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're welcome.
It's good to be back now that the TPM primary election is finally over.
November 4, 2008 10:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think it vastly cruel and I can only blame The Chinghis for throwing his shirt out into a life of crime. Seriously. What else is a shirt to do?
I did try to save it, but was overruled by the over-rationalist obstructionism of Clearthinker. Of course, God only knows what his ex-avatar is up to. Probably mugging people and forcing Kool-Aid down their throats. eeek!
The Village Lantern? Way cool and perfect for watching election returns. I hope you all have fun.
I'll be watching with some friends at a sports bar, and then onwards home to get a pile of fraking work done. *sigh*
November 3, 2008 7:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
I did a debate party there as well. Yeah, great spot. The manager is really cool too.
I firmly protest the notion of work being done on the night of the election. It's like the sabbath.
November 3, 2008 8:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Waitta minute! While I blush with pride at being called an overrationalist, I take objection to the obstructionalist label. In fact, I let Genghis play the judge and jury on this one -- he had the facts.
I can't help it if he did the right thing.
On that other topic, I believe, when last seen, my avatar was stoned.
November 3, 2008 9:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Genghis, you are way too young to know about this, but there was once and Irish folksinger who (in 1968 on the Smothers Brothers show) anticipated your "shirt feelings." Go here, and skip to 2.05 minutes if you must: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYVTHUtBm6I
"I Love My Shirt" by Donovan! I actually have the album, yes the 33 speed album featuring this song.
OK, I'm an old fogey, but at least I can remember!
November 3, 2008 8:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Awesome. Thanks for the viddy. I used to watch the Smother Bros with my dad, but this act preceded me by a few years.
November 3, 2008 8:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Correction: Donovan is Scottish.
November 3, 2008 9:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Which means I need to edit my comment on Donovan:
He may be crrrrrrrrap! But he's OUR crrrrrrap!
;-)
November 3, 2008 9:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Man, shirt. I thought I knew you. You used to be about the music.
November 3, 2008 9:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Funny, I own "Beat Cafe," but I didn't pay attention to the artist's name until you commented on it and so didn't connect Donovan with a young hippy singing about his shirt on the Smothers Bros.
November 3, 2008 9:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
OMG.....if MY HAIR ends up on McCain's head tomorrow.....
November 3, 2008 9:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Definitely a shirt-tail tall-tale. :)
Bravo!
November 3, 2008 10:42 PM | Reply | Permalink