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They Went for the Political BS

by Steven D
Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:11:55 PM EST

What do Republican Talking Heads really think about the Palin pick? Well, Peggy Noonan (h/t to our own Drew J Jones ) tells us that Palin was not the most qualified woman as McCain's veep pick: "Most qualified? No. I think they went for the -- excuse me -- political bullshit about narrative." Take a listen to this conversation between Noonan and Mike Murphy during a commercial break on MsNBC today. It's about 50 seconds into the video:

Nonetheless you won't get many, if any GOP sources to go on the record complaining about McCain's choice about Palin. They are all in lockdown mode, loudly proclaiming that they are foursquare behind Johnny Mac's decision whenever a reporter wanders by. But in their heart of hearts? Well, you heard the evidence from two of the conservatives most diligent water carriers yourself. They think Palin doesn't belong on the ticket.

Hell, maybe I'm wrong and Booman is right. Maybe the GOP powers that be will hold an intervention and convince McCain to dump her. I don't think he'll back down even if they do, but then I never thought I'd see him playing footsie with Karl Rove and showing George Bush (on camera) some of that classic Republican man love.

Update [2008-9-3 17:16:37 by BooMan]: Rough transcript:

Murphy: You know, because I come out of the blue swing state government work. Engler, Whitman, Thompson, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush. And these guys, this is all how you want to (inaudible) this race. You know, just run it up. And it's not gonna work.
Noonan: It's over.
Murphy: Still, McCain can give a version of the Lieberman speech to do himself some good.
Noonan: I saw Kay this morning
Murphy: They're all bummed out. I mean, is she really the most qualified woman they could have turned to?
Noonan: The most qualified? No. I think they went for this, excuse me, political bullshit about narratives and (inaudible) the picture.
Murphy: Yeah, but what's the narrative?
Noonan: Every time the Republicans do that because that's not where they live and it's not what they're good at and they blow it.
Murphy: You know what's really the worst thing about it? The greatness of McCain is no cynicism and this is cynical.

They Went for the Political BS | 24 comments (24 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: They Went for the Political BS (4.00 / 2)

Everyone is talking about Palin these days. People who don't normally talk about politics at all. And people aren't the least bit happy with this.

It seems every day there is something else that comes out about her. The McCain campaign is reeling right now like they got the wind knocked out of them. We just need to make sure that they never regain their footing..

I agree with Obama that the thing about the kids ought to be off limits. The lack of experience, the ties to AIP, her radical views on other issues, and her tyrannical management style are a feast of issues for us to chew on.

by ericy on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:35:35 PM EST

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 0)

I can't remember the last time a governor who was under investigation by a special prosecutor for abuse of office received his or her party's nomination for Vice President, can you? So I guess that's another first for Sarah Palin.

John McCain hates my wife because she's a "gook."

by Steven D on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:43:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They Went for the Political BS (4.00 / 2)

the fact that they are still holding on to their story that a full vetting process was conducted is beyond laughable. i didn't think McSame could surprise me, but have to admit that he did with this one.

Latino Político | "We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit." - Octavio Paz

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail.com) on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:50:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They Went for the Political BS (4.00 / 2)

Well, apparently he really wanted Lieberman on thge ticket very badly and when he was told "no" at the last minute by the fundie crowd (i.e., Council for National Policy) he went with the choice of a pro-life woman without giving it much thought or consideration. It was a "Hail Mary" pass (to use a religious football metaphor), and he's been scrambling around ever since he threw it.

John McCain hates my wife because she's a "gook."

by Steven D on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:56:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They Went for the Political BS (4.00 / 4)

word of advice: every single time a Palin storyline comes about, it should be redirected as an example of McCain's lack of competent judgement to govern. This is more of the same type of political appointments and rewarding of (bad) GOP behavior that gave the nation Harriet Myers, Alberto Gonzales, Michael Brownie, Monica Goodling, etc etc etc etc. It's not leadership, it's pure political calculation at the expense of what's best for the country. Always, always, always redirect the fire at McCain.

Latino Político | "We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit." - Octavio Paz

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail.com) on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:40:42 PM EST

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 0)

True.

John McCain hates my wife because she's a "gook."

by Steven D on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:47:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Political BS (none / 0)

Thats it! We deserve both parties to run competent individuals. Not tricks or flea shows or cardboard cut outs. What is wrong with McCain? Does he feel like the country owes him? He is either misguided, a bitter cynic or completely incompetent. This pick is an insult to everyone.

"We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad morals; now we know that it is bad economics;" - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

by Salunga on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 07:17:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 0)

"Always, always, always redirect the fire at McCain."

YES! Palin is not the issue. McCain's lack of judgment is.

by Hurria (Muslawia@gmail.com) on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 07:52:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They Went for the Political BS (4.00 / 2)

My father died when he was 73. About a year before that, he and my mom sat down with us children and explained to us his will and what he had in mind when he last revised it. I'm thinkin' that all politicians--and particularly 72-year-old politicians--should draw up a political "Last Will and Testament" for their constituents. In McCain's case it would be:

I, John S. McCain, being of (disputed) sound mind, do hereby bequeath to you, the people of the United States and to the world I stand astride as a mighty colossus,...Sarah Palin. May God have mercy on my soul and good luck.

by Brad on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:55:36 PM EST

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 1)

this is such a gift. what a great illustration of how very cynical today's politics has become. These GOP talking heads hate this choice and think the race is over and yet they go out there and sell the bad meat with everything they've got. I hope this wakes people the fuck up.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:14:59 PM EST

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 1)

It'll be a hit on the YouTube, but I wonder how these comments will or won't be referenced by the talking heads tonight? MSNBC can't do it, they'd lose Noonan and Murphy, so will it be noted by CNN (we know Fox won't) or the other networks?

by RollaMO on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:15:29 PM EST

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 0)

Maybe CNN, though I doubt it. If this had happened at Fox, though, maybe CNN and MsNBC both would have gone with it.

But I want to know who leaked this at MsNBC? Someone's head is going to roll for this. I'm sure some poor corporate schmuck is getting chewed out right now for letting GE's senior management get embarrassed while they are attending the RNC.

John McCain hates my wife because she's a "gook."

by Steven D on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:22:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 1)

There's just no way McCain can dump her, no matter what "family duties" excuses they try to sell. This is all soap opera, don't forget. That's what they went for and now they're stuck with it. Here's what happens if she leaves the ticket for whatever reason:

He used her and then threw her away.

You don't survive that in soapland.

Bush is "the first President to admit to an impeachable offense." --Former Nixon counsel John Dean

by DaveW on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:32:52 PM EST

Huh? You think so, eh (none / 0)

The rumor hitting now is that she had an affair with Todd's business partner.

This is from the Corner:

"Another Incredible Allegation" -- What The Enquirer Is Saying About Palin [Byron York]
Concerning the allegations in the new National Enquirer of an extramarital affair involving Sarah Palin, I called the tabloid this afternoon and asked for a copy of the new story. They obliged, and here is the portion of the story dealing with the alleged affair:
Another incredible allegation emerging from the family war is that Palin, a mother of five, had an affair with a former business associate of her fisherman husband, Todd.
"Todd discovered the affair and quickly dissolved his friendship and his business associations with the guy," charges an enemy. "Many people in Alaska are talking about the rumor and say Todd swept it under the rug."

by dataguy on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 06:01:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

FULL DAMAGE MODE - ALL HANDS ON DECK (none / 0)

The McStupid camp is in full panic mode:

McCain Camp Knocks Down Enquirer's Palin Rumor
Posted by John Bentley| Comments6
(CBS)
From CBS News' John Bentley:
(ST. PAUL, MINN.) - John McCain's campaign threatened legal action against the National Enquirer today for running a story about McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, allegedly having an affair with her husband's business partner.
"The smearing of the Palin family must end. The allegations contained on the cover of the National Enquirer insinuating that Gov. Palin had an extramarital affair are categorically false. It is a vicious lie," said McCain senior adviser Steve Schmidt.

by dataguy on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 06:04:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FULL DAMAGE MODE - ALL HANDS ON DECK (none / 0)

Makes you wonder if some GOP operative leaked the "affair story" (true or not it doesn't really matter) to the Enquirer so McCain can play up the mean old librul media angle. It smells like a ratfuck operation at this point.

McCain wants everyone focused on the sex scandals (why else bring the boyfriend to Minnesota and meet him publicly with press in tow) to obscure all the other stories about her incompetence, her lack of qualifications to be President, her lies about her record, her abuse of office, her bizarre religious views, the book banning incident as mayor, etc. He and his staff know that the media will gravitate toward the sex angle (which they think will help them), so they are deliberately making sure it stays in the spotlight.

John McCain hates my wife because she's a "gook."

by Steven D on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 06:17:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FULL DAMAGE MODE - ALL HANDS ON DECK (none / 0)

At this point, the sex scandal would be the killer, because it would cut straight to the heart of the GOP base. Their great up-and-coming savior, Sarah Palin, would be revealed as both a nutcase and a fraud.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to you country.

by Drew J Jones (blahblahblah@blahblahblah.com) on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 06:22:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FULL DAMAGE MODE - ALL HANDS ON DECK (none / 0)

anyone see Sen. Larry Craig at the Republican Party Convention?? Because were talking about Sex scandals..

by americanforliberty on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 07:53:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

So, this STRENGTHENS her candidacy? (none / 0)

Do I have that right?

by dataguy on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 06:22:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FULL DAMAGE MODE - ALL HANDS ON DECK (none / 0)

Nobody's going to think the Enquirer is liberal media. It's too bad, but scandals like this will do more to damage her credibility on political issues than any amount of facts. Once she's widely seen as nuts or dishonest, all the other charges will be rehashed in a much less sympathetic tone. Just the way it works.

Bush is "the first President to admit to an impeachable offense." --Former Nixon counsel John Dean

by DaveW on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 06:33:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FULL DAMAGE MODE - ALL HANDS ON DECK (none / 0)

I think she will get dumped, Alaska is like the Northern version of Louisiana politics. A corrupt politician is just a sitting "grand jury" away. I think that is why you heard the rumor Sam Brownback might be McCain's AG if McSame is elected.

by americanforliberty on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 07:52:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FULL DAMAGE MODE - ALL HANDS ON DECK (none / 0)

I think the simpler explanation is that McCain is just shooting from the hip. He's from the George Bush school of management--once you've made a decision don't let the facts get in the way, you just act like you totally nailed the decision. Getting things horribly wrong doesn't phase these guys.

Hence, McCain figures he'll double down on the Pallin bet and publicly welcome her family's baggage with open arms. McCain seemed to gamble by meeting that young Alaskan "redneck" at the tarmac. I don't know how to describe it but it just seems weird. Maybe McCain sees a bit of himself in the boy or thinks the boy is acting with honor and doing his duty to marry his baby's mamma. Or something.

I really don't think Jonny Mac is in control of events here and he seems to be flailing about and shooting wildly. Hey, my only advice to him is to put on some cool sunglasses, drive around in an open jeep and practice looking resolute. He should go full out Patton.

by SFHawkguy on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 08:03:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 1)

Oh yeah, I'm posting that. This one's spreading like wildfire.

And the truth shall set you free, Peggy.

More at Zandar vs. The Stupid.

by Zandar1 on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 05:46:03 PM EST

Re: They Went for the Political BS (none / 0)

Here's a better transcript, from HuffPost (no offense, Boo...):

Chuck Todd: Mike Murphy, lots of free advice, we'll see if Steve Schmidt and the boys were watching. We'll find out on your blackberry. Tonight voters will get their chance to hear from Sarah Palin and she will get the chance to show voters she's the right woman for the job Up next, one man who's already convinced and he'll us why Gov. Jon Huntsman. (cut away)

Peggy Noonan: Yeah.

Mike Murphy: You know, because I come out of the blue swing state governor world: Engler, Whitman, Tommy Thompson, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush. I mean, these guys -- this is how you win a Texas race, just run it up. And it's not gonna work. And --
Story continues below
advertisement

PN: It's over.

MM: Still McCain can give a version of the Lieberman speech to do himself some good.

CT: I also think the Palin pick is insulting to Kay Bailey Hutchinson, too.

PN: Saw Kay this morning.

CT: Yeah, she's never looked comfortable about this --

MM: They're all bummed out.

CT: Yeah, I mean is she really the most qualified woman they could have turned to?

PN: The most qualified? No! I think they went for this -- excuse me-- political bullshit about narratives --

CT: Yeah they went to a narrative.

MM: I totally agree.

PN: Every time the Republicans do that, because that's not where they live and it's not what they're good at, they blow it.

MM: You know what's really the worst thing about it? The greatness of McCain is no cynicism, and this is cynical.

CT: This is cynical, and as you called it, gimmicky.

MM: Yeah.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

by pateacher on Wed Sep 3rd, 2008 at 09:39:04 PM EST

They Went for the Political BS | 24 comments (24 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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