Good morning Christy. Wow, that high school thing is really sad. This morning on The Today Show

NBC’s David Gregory thinks Sotomayor’s personal story will evoke scrutiny. But, it was a positive for the last nominee, Samuel Alito.

I know! Going back to a high school rival — that just smacks of pitiful desperation (or famliy friend willing to blab), doesn’t it?

It sure does. I would think as a reporter, why I would even touch a story like that. This isn’t American Idol it’s the Supreme Court for crying out loud.

And get Laura Ingraham in to do her ridicule snark about the hard life story from Princeton to Yale…..how pitiful. Very similar to Clinton’s hard life story from Hope….a single mother, hard working, and the power to of boat load of brains. What’s wrong with that, I ask, Sean, Laura, Rush……No, I won’t wait for an answer of hate & ridicule.

Morning Christy
Newt Gingrich is the embodiment of all that is vile in our body politic.

Hey when the presidential race was still going on, the idjits tried to make something that Obama wrote in kindergarten an issue.

Well, aren’t we all the very same person we were at the age of 5? *g*

Not unless you’re a Republican… ;)

Laura Ingraham clerked for Clarence Thomas and has often talked about his life experiences when his legal opinions are questioned as justification for his rationale. Hypocrisy much?

I like the words odious and unctuous when speaking of Gingrich. I think they really capture his essence. *g*

Thank you Christy for really nailing the media for their part of this. Its car chase television and if they don’t have a car chase they’ll make one. Anything for conflict that leads to ratings.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m feeling rather blah this morning. No idea if its a lack of sleep or too much legal opinion reading or what, but the coffee is not sufficiently kick-starting my brain today.

What’s up with everyone else this morning? Anything making you laugh — I could use a giggle…

The high school rival story really was the last straw for me on that count, Joel. Could the “gin up the ratings” idiocy get any more pathetic than that?

Got to be pleased that Joe Sestak is mounting a challenge to Spector. The power brokers are lining up to take him on. Time to invest in popcorn,

via CNN: Ed Rollins attempts to save the Republicans from themselves

Somehow, and maybe this is just me, but somehow Joe Sestak doesn’t strike me the sort of guy who gives a rat’s ass what Ed Rendell’s pals want from him. Which could definitely make for a popcorn-a-riffic next few weeks.

Someone here (somewhere on the lake) told this joke:
So, a skeleton walks into a bar and orders a gin tonic and a mop.
*
Trying to respond to two of your comments at once.

I’m upset but not surprised that this would come from NPR. What happened to this once great media outlet? They are no different these days from any of the crap on cable TV (not counting Keith or Rachel of course). I wonder how many Republicans they will have on over the next few days to ask about this nomination & ask softball questions to.

The utter lack of inhibition on the part of really stupid people to reveal their unbelievable stupidity on television is the dreadful legacy of the horrid daytime chat shows from Oprah Winfrey to Jerry Springer to even worse (the mind boggles, the intelligence circuits melt).

Co-worker found 2 baby tigers, 2-3 weeks old, while visiting her Dad’s place over the weekend. Got nursing stuff and had a lady who was going to take them. Brought them to work Tuesday. These 2 are gonna be some kinda socialized. Lady backed out so yesterday co-worker’s son took them. Had them at the office all morning yesterday. Nothing much gets done with baby tigers in the office. He’s already hooked. He and girlfriend will make great parents for these 2.

New Party of No slogan: Be as dumb as you can be (with apologies to Army’s Be All That You Can Be)

Off to swim in the great capitalist cesspool.

Be good to yourselves, and all other living things.

Namaste

I just can’t believe that this got through the editor wall as a legit news piece.

I was on a press call that the WH set up yesterday afternoon with various legal types regarding Sotomayor, and Nina Totenburg was on the call as well. Nina has years of covering SCOTUS and could do any number of angles on the court, Sotomayor and the political back and forth…and instead they go with “high school grudge match.” Really sad.

I think you were making a ha ha with that, but in some ways we are.
Even in pre-school and kindergarten, certain personality traits start showing up. There’s the kid who will share his twinkie with a friend, and there’s also the one who will snatch her friend’s snack when she’s looking the other way.
Although, there are some humans who deal in introspection and want to overcome their human weaknesses.
As truly sad as the topic of this thread is, I think it’s a fascinating topic for discussion.

See, now that sounds like a fun day at the office. :)

And good luck with that from a man who helped make them the drudge they are today. *g*

It is shocking sometimes to see and hear the crud that drips out of some people. There are no walls, no lines that some of these folks will not cross. What is up with that?

I tend to think about things in terms of “would I be ashamed for my granny to read this” I suppose. She was fiesty, but insisted on manners in social settings. I think some of these folks never learned self-disciplined limits.

Good Morning Christy and Firedogs,

too late Ed. we’re only a day and a half in and they’ve already given us spicy foods = bitch, funny sounding name, and a tweet from Auschwitz -

have been chuckling about the calculations behind this well qualified choice since the announcement. a latina ? ayfkm !

everyone knows what happens to this crowd when race/ethnicity – are in the mix

POTUS has handed them the Acme Anvil, Pulled the pin on the grenade bouquet, your analogy here:________

NPR is actually *worse* than the other outlets because we’ve been accustomed to expect something more from them (though I no longer do), but they offer up the same drivel thus making it “legitimate.”

Hey there, SD. My neighbor found three baby tigers yesterday. He is so excited to be taking care of them. They are a hiss-fest in back of the dog kennel where they will temporarily reside–hoping we can catch the mama and get her fixed and released.

They are just old enough to learn to eat out of a dish, but it is probably frightening for mama. Anyway, hoping to lure her in and let them hang together for a while more.

Such a burden to have to help socialize them.

GM, Christy. Hope you don’t mind the interruption.

All this makes me really happy I wasn’t nominated, given that thing I did with the goat back in high school.

Dammit. Now I have coffee all over my shirt. *g*

Perhaps we can start a contest for the most outrageous and offensive comment – I would nominate Glen Beck & the diabetes remark.

Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, a finger shake at Attaturk for subjecting me to the Harriet Miers bad eyeliner picture as the morning greeting this morning. Every time I see it, I want to give her a make-under in the worst way. (And yes, I do know that it’s catty. But honestly — heavy navy blue eyeliner? What was she thinking?)

Oh, me too. But, here’s a confession. When I read Knut’s comment, I thought, well, several things, but I thought, gee I guess Knut is a guy. Then, I wondered if girls have sheep/goat stories. Does that make me sexist?

Where is diabetes in the ranking for affirmative illnesses on SCOTUS? Or did that already go to Thomas for being first to stop speaking, whatever illness that is?

I don’t know about goat stories, but there’s always the myth about Catherine the Great and her horse. *G*

That could turn over some awfully ugly rocks. Agreed that the diabetes comment was pretty putrid. Anyone see things that are worse? Because I’m certain they are out there.

I was waiting for that, because I thought of that too. And, OMG, it’s not even 7:00 am here.
Goats and Harriet Miers’ eyeliner! Yikes.
Can we talk about twinkies instead? (But, I am finally smiling this am.)

we haven’t heard from DeLay yet

In case it’s not obvious, the US has devloved into “ALL POLITICS – EVERY DAY.” There are no more “election cycles.” Just pure divide & conquer attack politics, 24 X 7 X 365.

Now whom do you suppose orchestrates this reality? To what ends?

The bright, shiny object du jour is preventing us from arresting and convicting the co-conspirators and war criminals that would remain in the headlines, but for “their” efforts to distract – and in so doing, alter the news cycle to their benefit.

Who are “they?”

Start with David Rockefeller and AIPAC and GHW Bush and the CFR and the NWO.

They are manipulating you via disinformation and false realities though the media that they control.

THAT is the story.

Honestly, though, don’t you think it’s only a matter of time? Because hearing from Tom DeLay on what’s best for the rule of law is just an inevitable moment in the sideshow, isn’t it?

Barf.

In Newt, I see Randy “The Ram” Robinson, Mickey Rourke’s character in the “Wrestler.”
A man who was addicted to fame, gave up everything for it and continues to pursue it even though the world has long past him by. It is truly a tagic tale.

Please, don’t make me. I don’t yike him.
And, back to the NPR story. Sad? Yes. Surprising? No. Because, to authentically cover the nomination, they would have had to anticipate the president’s decision and do, like, a weeks worth of reading legal opinions written by Sotomayor. And, what journalist has the brains and time to do that? Oooh, pick me, I know!
Christy Hardin Smith. You’re a gem.
I love your new haircut and flattering make-up. *g*

Oh please let him get bad plastic surgery, collagen injections and a funky wardrobe. Make my day.

frankly, the prize will have to go to Newt. they’re all outdoing one another in artistic expression, but tweeting from Auschwitz ?? he takes technical difficulty in a walk

Expect him to pop up on Hardall any day now.

That still blows my mind. Crass doesn’t begin to touch that.

How sad that I was thinking the same damned thing — either that or any show on Fox.

Tweety just loves him some Tom Delay, I believe he admires crass political balls.

Christy: Your description of Gingrich’s plan to regain political power in order to run for President is similar to the Bushies. The father Bush, as head of the RNC, reigned in much money and support as payment to his many favors he dished out thru the years; hence, the making of George W. Bush and the disaster that came forth.

When I watched “The Wrestler” I kept thinking, is this the same guy who was in “9 1/2 Weeks.” Hopefully, time has been kinder to Kim Basinger than Mickey Rouke.

As for Newt, in terms of looks, it is very hard to lose what you never had.

None of these folks are going to be running in a general election. Just think about the ads to show their “character”.

And in this economy, who exactly besides retired ditto-heads on Social Security are giving them money through direct mail and email ads?

It’s taking the old tactics out for a last hurrah from the base. Jeff Sessions is making a big mistake by drawing out this nomination; if he was politically astute, he would seek confirmation next week so that they could send mailings out about something else. But Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III is out in right field smelling the flowers.

It’s pretty much how all presidential aspirants do it, frankly. You travel around the country doing fundraising bits for folks in Iowa, New Hampshire…all the early primary states. You court influential governors and money people by paying homage to their political PACs and/or pet politically connected 501(c)(3)s.

You set up your own versions of that so they can pay for your expenses. (See the recent Sarah Palin PAC set up in VA for just that purpose.)

You collect IOUs by doing this, and you expect them to come back to you when you run for something bigger. Gingrich has his eye on 2012 — whether he can actually collect any IOUs will tell him whether he should keep that going, or just use this latest round of “pay attention to me” buzz hounding for personal fundraising and another book tour instead.

My favorite Mickey Rourke film was The Pope of Greenwich Village.

Jane has a new post up for our perusal: “Kraft Says We Can Haz A Food Safety Bill”

Pat Buchanon, with his affirmative action crap, has got to be in contention.
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/…..sotomayor/

Jane has a new post up back at The Lake

Mine was an early ensemble movie that he did called “Diner.” Great film.

Anyone that any Democratic president nominates to SCOTUS will instantly be denounced as a doctrinaire far-left fanatic by the Republicans. It’s a knee-jerk reaction with them. So, I’d like to see Obama’s next nominee be a real liberal. Give those people something to whine about.

Honestly, that one was just idiotic spew, wasn’t it? Sometimes, you need to turn off the tap on your stream of consciousness.

I don’t remember Diner, great cast, thanks for the link.

Agreed. They are going to whine regardless.

Did you see the interview between Shuster and that Wheeler guy? When asked who he thought would make a good SCOTUS nominee, he answered Pat Buchanan. Unbelieveable.

Yeah. Pat Buchanan on SCOTUS?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I’ve been trying to figure out what’s up with Sessions. He’s vacillating back and forth — and I wonder how much of that has to do with outside group pressure or threats on some level with fundraising or whatever from the far right.

It may be that the GOP leadership in the Senate is genuinely perplexed in how to reconcile having no real objectionable material on Sotomayor from her opinions/writings/etc versus the level of crazy now demanded by so much of their base? They built these people into this anger-mongering horde the last few years, replete with the anti-immigrant nutballs, and now they will reap what they have sown, perhaps.

It’s puzzling to watch them spin in circles and chase their political tails at the moment, though.

late to the party again.

just wanted to congratulate Christy on the title to this post. *G*

i heard on “morning joe” (I know – JS is hard to take)that the Dems have always “savagely”attacked any and all republican nominees to Supreme Court; and in particular Clarance Thomas. His morning panel all agreed — without a word in defense of Anita Hill. Clarance Thomas came from humble beginnings, worked hard to attain greatness and was a decent human being who was crucified by the Democrats. The comparison being that the republicans have every right to go after Sotomeyer, even tho she has humble beginnings, working hard to achieve — just like Clarence Thomas. I remember vividly the Senate hearings on Clarance Thomas and the allegations of Anita Hill. Since I believed her, it was a no brainer for me to be against CT. Today, it seems no one gives any credibility to AH’s story. Even so, there is no comparison to validate the attacking of SotomeyerIMHO

Those ditto heads are the same folks who still send money to televangelists, they pay to be told what they want to hear.

have really enjoyed watching his and Cornyn’s little dance. and agree with you on all of the above

no matter their motivation, even if somehow they decided to be the grown ups here, nothing’s going to stop the crazies – next stop, a firm 17% JAR

The clown that said Sotomayor was unacceptable because Obama nominated her was probably the most honest reflection of the rethugs.

Truth can sometimes inadvertently dribble out. The key is finding it when it happens. I just happened to have my teevee on for that one. *g*

Couldn’t help myself — it just seemed so perfect on so many levels. *G*

I heard the NPR thing, Christy, and was , like you, amazed. The old high school rival really sounded the part. She graciously conceded that she never doubted Sotomayor would make good use of the favoritism and special treatment she received in high school. I could almost see an arched eyebrow and raised pinkie as she condescended.

Do yourself a huge favor and click through that link on the NPR story. It’s a Jesus General post on it that had me rolling with laughter. *g*

This may do it….no giggle until talking about Laura’s attacks on Obama for his trip to Nevada…it is so apparent she has to attack b/c she has nothing to contribute……

Now the giggle….(I can’t believe I’m going to do this….) I’ve been doing medical “specimens”…no details…all week, for tests. No fun and very trying….making my 3rd trip to the lab (thus hearing the above LI) the lab lady looked confused/questioning the product I was handing to her……only b/c it was the tacos (my reward) that I had picked up en route. Big laugh….I came back and said “will you trust me?” She said only if I look….(It’s a little scary b/c my mother used to do these Mr MaGoo kinds of things….well, she lived to 98.) Only for you, Christy.

Doona forget the word, smarmy, lassie. When speakin’ o Newt, smarmy is nearly as goo’ a’ when speakin’ o Dubya Boosh.

I still don’t get the logic behind the GOP thinking that attacking empathy is a good strategy.

http://progressnotcongress.org/blog/?p=731

Okay, I will. Otherwise, I don’t mind seeing the carnival barkers trying to attract rubes to their increasingly freakier shows. Have a good one!

The media thrives on conflict. And, sadly, will give air time to anyone who gives it to them.

Late to the party as per usual, but the above is so true.

The media looks at any topic and thinks “Food Fight!”

As for Newtie, I can’t think of anything more delusional than him contemplating a run for POTUS.

The gods wouldn’t possibly be that good to us; Obama would have a landslide of historic proportions.

I just listened to Pesca’s piece of work. My favorite line was, “Angela Landrew has put the disappointment behind her.” Yeah … right. That’s why we’re hearing all about it now.

As a former carny in my youth, I resent that remark *g*

Sometimes we look at these events through the wrong end of the telescope, and we vastly enlarge the role of bottomfeeders in the process. The fringe loons are not interested in the final results, which means this candidate will go to that court. They are preening for their constituents. If they grew like fungus out of a petri dish of various bacterial sortings, that’s the extent of their vision. That Limbo character has millions of cracker cretins who will listen to him, and he is better able to reach them if sensible humans are making wise decisions anywhere, because that always galvanizes the rabble. I tell ya, I turn off Countdown and Rachel when they give so much time to these nattering nonentities. We are going through great upheavals of news cycles starring a dud has-been who engineered the greatest belly flop in national history and has an approval rating somewhere in the teens. One important feature of the news bidness is less how than on what they report.

A bit of fresh digging on the money behind the anti-Sotomayor ad that hit the airwaves recently up top.

This is all Kabuki Theater. Republicans and Democrats play their parts and raise money from the still believers. I no longer wish to be an extra in this drama or contribute one more dime to Dems. I’m sending my money to Physicians for a National Health Care Plan and Food Democracy Now.

Sotomayer has been vetted. She is business friendly like Ginsberg. All this racist, gender, personality, background is chatter to keep any real left discussion away from Sotomayer’s corporate friendly and anti class action opinions, not to mention first amendment questions. We of the awful left are forced into some defensive crouch while both sides as Christy suggests gets campaign money with these personal attacks aka theater. Meanwhile people are dying.

This is the best the left will get from any Obama nominees. Moderate right of center appointees with authoritarian bent or elitist paternalistic libertarianism. My only hope would be that she might go more left after weighing in on decisions that confront ordinary people.

fly-by–christy–one other ‘tack’ they are taking was on glenn beck last night…i have looked all over for the clip–because she used a quote from norman thomas about excellence, she is a socialist..unreal.

i wrote an oxdown about it
http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/5502

In the ’80’s and ’90’s, I had NPR on all the time, except when I was watching something on PBS. NPR is now essentially un-listenable, in my opinion; Morning Edition completely so. Starting in Gingrich’s era, the right began re-molding public broadcasting, and the current NPR is the product.

Let me refer everyone once again to a website that’s been around a couple years, and though I have no connection to it, I think it deserves our support (hits, comments, etc.):

http://nprcheck.blogspot.com/