jfields's Blog

jfields Commented on Poll: Specter Barely Leads Sestak In Dem Primary by Eric Kleefeld

2009-10-15T15:48:39Z

TPM should not publish a single Foxmussen poll, ever, without linking to a detailed disclaimer article showing the history of Foxmussen polling and its rather poor record of reflecting reality.

To do otherwise is wasting our time and wasting TPM resources in efforts which will inevitably mislead TPM readers—and serve Foxmussen's interests and the interests of its patrons.

jfields Commented on Behind Montana Jail Fiasco: How Private Prison Developers Prey On Desperate Towns by Justin Elliott

2009-10-12T22:07:56Z

This is all very easy to solve.

Private prisons of any kind should be illegal. Period. There's no justification for running this as a for-profit industry, and lots of reasons not to.

jfields Commented on Fighting Words: Fox News Lashes Back At White House by Rachel Slajda

2009-10-12T22:01:11Z

Uh, no, it's not 'very clear' that Fox has a 'news group'.

If it is so clear, perhaps you can explain to us what that 'news group' supposedly is?

What's clear is precisely what Ms. Dunn said: FOX is a de facto arm of the Republican Party. There is no attempt to be a legitimate news network. Anyone who thinks otherwise is both ignorant, and an idiot. All one need do is to look at who owns and runs Fox News. No other work is necessary.

jfields Commented on RedState's Erickson Compares WH Health Care Spox To Joseph Goebbels by Rachel Slajda

2009-10-12T19:17:48Z

What he means is, HE cannot "parody the left," because he's not smart enough. What refreshing honesty!

jfields Commented on AHIP Gave White House No Notice Of Pending Report Despite Meeting Last Wednesday by Christina Bellantoni

2009-10-12T18:07:54Z

Let's not put it all on Karen Ignagni. I would say that any exec currently making eight figures off the current state of affairs is just as culpable.

There's plenty of evil and blame to go around, here.

jfields Commented on Fox News Sunday Panelist: Obama's Nobel Is 'A Farce']]> by Ben Frumin

2009-10-12T17:35:48Z

Liz wants to "send the mother of a fallen American solider to accept the prize on behalf of the U.S. military"? Let's see. That'd be a bit like the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, and then sending Mean Joe Greene to accept the trophy on behalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I think Liz is a bit unclear on the concept of who won.

jfields Commented on How They Pick Nobel Laureates by Rachel Slajda

2009-10-10T00:14:42Z

Double amen. The authentication system here is a nightmare.

jfields Commented on After Pelosi Hits Back, NRCC Holds To 'In Her Place' Comment by Rachel Slajda

2009-10-08T18:59:02Z

I'm about ready for the trend of publicity-seeking celebrity generals to end, personally.

jfields Commented on After Pelosi Hits Back, NRCC Holds To 'In Her Place' Comment by Rachel Slajda

2009-10-08T18:52:28Z

Isn't it fascinating that the NRCC statement says "white males"? How precisely did race enter into this?

jfields Commented on National Security Adviser: Afghanistan Not In 'Imminent Danger Of Falling' by Ben Frumin

2009-10-04T14:47:18Z

Because Nixon Administration holdovers are no longer in charge? Sorry, it's the best I got.

jfields Commented on Conservatives Revel In America's Olympic Defeat by Rachel Slajda

2009-10-03T19:40:47Z

Three hours in Copenhagen, while multitasking, to try to bring a multi-billion-dollar event to the US? We're supposed to be upset?

This doesn't even pass the laugh test.

jfields Commented on Newsmax Columnist: Military Coup May Be Needed 'To Resolve The Obama Problem' by Rachel Slajda

2009-10-03T19:34:25Z

I have one simple comment about this. Rancher W spent 487 days of his Presidency at Camp David, and a whopping 490 days at his "ranch"...you know, the ranch he has mysteriously forsaken for a mansion now that he's out of office? That one.

Three hours in Copenhagen, while multitasking, to try to bring a multi-billion-dollar event to the US? We're supposed to be upset?

This doesn't even pass the laugh test.

jfields Commented on The Rasmussen "Presidential Approval Index": Is This Newer Measurement Worth Anything? by Eric Kleefeld

2009-07-30T00:35:28Z

Rasmussen didn't get dubbed "Foxmussen" for nothing. The label is apt.

jfields Commented on Damage Control: GOP Bosses Coming Down Hard On Birthers by Eric Kleefeld

2009-07-29T17:14:35Z

I'm surprised that Josh, the other TPM writers, and TPM readers haven't figured out this latest birther gambit yet. Isn't it obvious? The birther story has been allowed to fester for almost a FULL YEAR now. It's firmly rooted in the minds of every single nutjob that the right-wing wanted to reach with the story. So, what's the cost of supposedly debunking the story now? Nothing! The wackos will remain convinced, and the right-wing pundits like O'Reilly and Coulter can use this to appear halfway reasonable; after all, they are being noble and admitting the obvious truth about this 'story', right? How honest of them; how honorable! Meanwhile, all of the political benefits of painting Obama as some sort of scary alien Kenyan person remain intact.

Of course they're willing to knock the story down! The lie has already had all of its intended effects.

jfields Commented on Feinstein To Critics: It's Not The Public Option--It's The Mandate by Brian Beutler

2009-06-24T03:06:16Z

I especially love how Feinstein speaks of "the mandate" (not "a mandate"), as if it's a done deal, and the only option on the table.

Fuck the mandate, Feinstein. We want a real public option. THE public option, in case you need reminding, is ALREADY a waffling compromise; it's a back-off position from single-payer, which is what we really need.

There is no need to waffle and back off further, and a lot of Americans will not tolerate it. Which means, to be plain, that we will try to get you booted out of office if you stand in the way of a real health care plan. Capisce, Diane?

jfields Commented on Conservatives Launch Full Court Press On IG Firing by Zachary Roth

2009-06-19T22:04:57Z

I have a better idea.

Why doesn't Obama immediately fire ALL Bush appointees? Clean house. Every single Bush appointee that serves that the pleasure of the President should be canned. If the Repugs want something to bitch about, great.

jfields Commented on Creigh Deeds Wins Virginia Gubernatorial Primary, Stomping McAuliffe And Moran by Eric Kleefeld

2009-06-10T06:58:30Z

I echo those who are not big fans of McAuliffe. I am a big fan of the Clintons and all, but McAuliffe is no Clinton; he's a Clinton enabler. A Clinton without any of the heft. As smarmy as you might think Bill and/or Hillary are, I don't know very many intelligent people who would deny that they have substance as well. McAuliffe? He's all political animal and nothing else.

jfields Commented on Sestak: Union Reaction To Specter Shows They Worry He's A 'Flight Risk' by Brian Beutler

2009-06-09T20:47:41Z

What difference does it make whether the Dem leadership extracts some kind of mythical 'confirmation' from Specter about whether he'll bolt?

It should be quite clear by now that Specter will do whatever he needs to do to stay in the Senate and have the most power. Period, paragraph.