An embarrassing moment on MSNBC today, as host Contessa Brewer introduced the Rev. Jesse Jackson as "the Rev. Al Sharpton." An apologetic Brewer said that her script was mistaken and added that she knew it was Jackson just by looking at him. The highlight is Jackson's stone expression during the exchange.
Here's the video, courtesy Gawker.com, under the header, "They All Look Alike."
categories: All Politics Is Loco
There's another controversy brewing in the House of Representatives. It may not have the drama of the Joe Wilson "You lie!" outburst. It may even be a faux controversy. If nothing else, it's another example of what's passing for debate on the House floor.
On Tuesday night, freshman Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL), speaking on a near-empty House floor, decided to give his interpretation of GOP plans to overhaul health care:
The Republican health-care plan for America: Don't get sick. ... The Republicans have a backup plan in case you do get sick. ... If you get sick, America, the Republican health-care plan is this: Die quickly! That's right, the Republicans want you to die quickly if you get sick.
Over-the-top rhetoric? Without a doubt. On the same level as Wilson's "You lie"? Republicans certainly think so.
Continue reading "Animal House: Going From Wilson's 'You Lie' To Grayson's 'You Die'" >
categories: All Politics Is Loco
Maybe, maybe not.
It's hard to be neutral about Sarah Palin; in fact, I don't know anyone who is. And it's hard to find someone who really understands what led to Friday's shocker in which she announced her resignation as governor of Alaska.
It was not unexpected to hear her say she wouldn't seek re-election in 2010. That made sense, as her numbers had drastically fallen back home since she was selected last summer as John McCain's running mate. Plus, she had been feuding with state lawmakers, the budget is in turmoil, and she has gone through the wringer with assorted investigations into her activities (many of them, to be honest, were politically motivated).
While Govs. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were elected president while still in office, the norm is to be a non-incumbent if you're seeking the White House. Ronald Reagan could have, but decided not to, run for a third term in California in 1974, probably to prepare for a 1976 presidential bid. Mitt Romney opted out of a re-election bid in Massachusetts in 2006 to seek the presidency in 2008. Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty is doing the same in 2010 for presumably similar reasons. (For the record, Govs. Jimmy Carter and Mike Huckabee left office because of term limits.)
But none went so far as to quit in the middle of their term, as Palin is doing (effective July 26). And no one is really sure why.
Continue reading "Forgetting Sarah Palin? How About Trying To Understand Her?" >
categories: All Politics Is Loco
It's apparently official: Joe the Plumber won't run for office. And you can thank, or blame, God for that.
Writing in the WorldNetDaily blog, Chelsea Schilling tells us that Joe Wurzelbacher is back on the political scene, planning to attend tea parties on the Fourth of July for the purpose of "taking America back." He's going to speak in Conroe, Texas, on July 2 and then in Austin the following day.
But what about a run for office from Joe himself?
It doesn't look like it's going to happen. Said Joe, "I hope not. You know, I talked to God about that and he was like, 'No.' "
categories: All Politics Is Loco
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