Posts Tagged ‘scott brown’

Live blog of Palin Speech.

Posted: February 6, 2010 by datechguy in internet/free speech, opinion/news, war
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9:03 p.m. Breitbart introducing her CNN & MSNBC ignoring him

9:05 p.m. Calls out the vets and salutes them.

9:07 p.m. “CSPAN you might not be welcome at the Heathcare negotiations but you are welcome at the Tea Party convention.” ZING!

9:08 p.m. Gives a shout out to Scott Brown, in many ways he represents what this movement is all about. Talks about the Dems passing blame about the loss in Mass.

9:09 p.m. “They won’t blame their agenda and that’s what got them into this mess.”

9:10 p.m. Democrats own this. When you have supermajorites one would think that went without saying but nobody in the media seemed to want to say it. “If this can happen in Massachusetts it can happen anywhere.”

9:11 p.m. “Competitive primaries are democracy in action.” Shades of Mayor Wong. “May the best ideas win.”

9:13 p.m. “Don’t let any one leader define the movement.” I’m sure the media will laugh at that considering her speech. She calls the soul of the movement the American people.

Hasn’t she read Jacob Weisberg? The people are the problem

9:15 p.m “On Christmas day the system did not work.”

9:16 p.m. “There are questions we would like to have asked this terrorist before he lawyered up.” CNN and MSNBC made a big mistake broadcasting this. They will have to unspin this stuff to people who would not hear this straight.

9:18 p.m. “We need a commander-in-chief not a professor of law.” This is really gotta hurt.

9:20 p.m. Questions the administration lack of support for Iranian dissidents.

9:21 p.m. Gives president Obama credit for following advice of the generals, seems to be a bit hesitant in her speech at times.

9:22 p.m. Robert Stacy Smittyis live blogging too.

9:23 p.m. Take a lesson from JFK all your problems are not the fault of your predecessor. Ouch.

9:24 p.m. The bailouts have become a slush fund, asks were are the consequences for the bad choices of Wall Street, that is one thing that Obama might echo.

9:26 p.m. Borrowed printed up made up dollars, we can’t sustain the programs funded by them. “It’s tough to tell people no in tough times.”

9:27 p.m. “how’s that hopey changy thing working out for ya?” , hits Joe “nobody messes with Joe” Biden , “they held that transparency meeting behind closed doors.”

9:29 p.m. Mentions the phantom districts and the overruns. “The list of broken promises is long.”

9:31 p.m. Reminds us of the promise of having bills online 5 days before being voted on. “We are drowning in debt and many of us have had enough.” This has to be the first time a lot of the viewers on MSNBC have heard any of this stuff.

9:32 p.m. “We’re stealing opportunities from our children.”

9:34 p.m. Calls for lower taxes for small business, this part is republican boiler plate. “They need to get government out of the way.”

9:35 p.m. Take the reset button from Putin and give it to congress on healthcare. Talks about allowing insurance over state lines and tort reforms.

9:37 p.m. We need all of the above on energy, give Obama a shout out on Nuke power but wants more than words. Attacks Cap and “tax”.

9:38 p.m. How can we best serve?…I had the honor of the lifetime in 2008… they want us to keep on fighting…We don’t need a leader like we’re a bunch of sheep.”

9:39 p.m. Gives a shout out to Stupak, “When we can work together we will.”

9:41 p.m. “The constitution provides the best roadmap for the most perfect union.” That is a tee shirt.

9:42 p.m. Says we shouldn’t have to apologize for our troops who are a force for good. Heads just exploded at MSNBC. Calls for civility.

9:45 p.m. “There is nothing wrong with American that we can’t fix as Americans.”, “Government working for the people is what this movement is all about.”

Just over 40 minutes. Ed on MSNBC calls it an “interesting” speech, Bob Shrum calls her a “Merchant of hate with a smile.” It’s going to be hard to sell that to people who actually heard this.

Palin Q & A. Didn’t know that was coming.

Q: How do you see the future of the 3rd party movement? “The republican party would be smart to absorb as much of the movement as possible.” That’s what normally happens to 3rd parties.

Q: What do you want to see from candidates here? A: Limited gov. Mentions we won’t agree on everything but the basics are important.

Q: What are the top 3 things to be done when he have a conservative congress? A: “Reign in spending and develop our resources (Green heads exploding now), not being afraid to go back to our roots as a God fearing nation not being afraid of saying we don’t have all the answers as fallible men and women. (MSM & Allahpundit heads exploding again) Don’t be afraid to proclaim their alliance with their creator.

9:53 p.m. “Who cares what the lamestream media says about us!” That’s going to stick.

9:55 p.m. “It’s cool to see blue dog dems peeking in under the tent of the movement.” Says they will come out of the closet as believers in conservatism.

9:56 p.m. Q: What is the Palin plan? A: “Support those who understand the foundation of our country.”, and echo’s Reagan’s “We win, they lose.”

9:58 p.m. I don’t think she knows CNN & MSNBC are carrying this.

9:59 p.m. She will endorse and campaign for candidates during this election.

10:01 p.m. “Don’t fake it.”, it builds distrust. Avoid promises you will not keep. MSNBC cuts away. CNN stays with it misses something key about her speaking fee happy to give it back. MSNBC is in full attack mode with Neil Boratz as their counter voice but attacks her for speaking up for life, of course he does..

CNN is replaying it or at lest seems to be doing so.

My final election report comes after Scott Brown…

Posted: February 4, 2010 by datechguy in elections, opinion/news
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…has been sworn in.

Just got back from the Alamo restaurant where I met a friend and mentor from my first computer job for lunch.

The food is good, not as spicy as I’m used to, but the portions were generous and the people pleasant and the ambiance enjoyable particular for a history buff. The tacos were less spicy but had a generous portion of meat and the Fajita was very tasty. I still prefer the Boarder Grille and Bar but I’d eat there again without hesitation.

During that very late lunch I told my friend the entire story of Stacy’s week here in Fitchburg. He was totally fascinated by it.

And then he told me about his Polling place in Sharon Mass. He is a very liberal man in a very liberal town that ended up going for Coakley. He and his wife shake their head when they know I watch Fox and listen to Rush:

When he went to the polling place there were a bunch of Brown supporters in the cold holding signs for their candidate.

There were a pile of Coakley signs leaning against the building facing down.

He was VERY surprised at the Brown win he couldn’t believe that he could pull it off. When I asked him if that’s because he thought democrats would turn out or because he thought it would be stolen if it was close, he demurred saying he thought national democrats wouldn’t allow it. Make of that what you will.

Because of the long story and a train cutting across Rte 117 on the way home I didn’t get to see the Brown swearing in on TV.

But now comes the time to govern. If he does so honestly and above board and makes sure people understand why he takes the positions he does, he will do fine.

Update: Oh and Robert Stacy is on the road again.

Yes, that’s right, folks. Despite the law-enforcement dragnet across Virginia and Tennessee — “Be on the lookout for a black 2004 KIA Optima . . .” – I have arrived at an undisclosed location in Birmingham. Political intrigue and shenanigans are afoot down here in God’s country, and I’ll be updating regularly.

While en route — 785 miles in 15 hours, including a two-hour nap in the car this morning at a rest area near Bristol, Tenn. – I had several phone conversations with Alabama political activists. I’m learning more about the scandals swirling around state attorney general Troy King. A parade of King’s aides have been called before a federal grand jury, and the “Truth On Troy” blog has more.

Down in the Wiregrass Country (2nd Congressional District), Tea Party candidate and Marine Corp veteran Rick Barber slammed the Obama administration’s proposal to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

I met Rick Barber during the Brown campaign, he was up north volunteering to help out. He seems a decent enough fellow. I’d have no problem voting for him. I’m not familar with his opponents in the primary to make a judgement on them.

Because of the local stuff…

Posted: February 3, 2010 by datechguy in elections, internet/free speech, oddities, opinion/news
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…I haven’t touched the national news today.

Lucky for you the other blogs are on the ball:

Robert Stacy give the Port-Mortem on the Illinois results that were less than what might be desired:

Second-guessing campaign strategies is a fascinating sport. However, if there is any New Media takeaway from the Illinois gubernatorial primary, it is this: Campaigns would be wise to engage the blogosphere early in the election cycle, rather than to treat online outreach as an afterthought.

Mark Hemmingway touches on Excitable Andy’s latest foray into Bloggers Alzheimer’s on the subject of Sarah Palin:

At what point does Andrew Sullivan’s derangement over Sarah Palin and his bizarre conspiracy theories about how her son was really birthed by her daughter become an issue for an otherwise respectable publication such as The Atlantic? If his employers don’t take action over this blog post of his, then we’re totally through the looking glass:

RSM recommends Ace of Spades on the subject is a tad vulgar for my taste.

The lonely conservative notes that if there is one thing you can say about this administration is they are consistent.

President Obama can’t stop pointing his finger at George Bush for his troubles. It’s getting so old. Every president faces challenges, Bush did. But Bush didn’t have a filibuster proof majority to work with, the way Obama’s had for the past year.

I think the reason he might not go for a 2nd term is he will have nobody else to blame.

Dan Riehl notes that Scott Brown is a real equal opportunity employer.

“I just go — I don’t care who they are as long as they’re good people and they’ll be trustworthy and loyal and they’ll do their jobs, I don’t care. Kennedy had some of the best people in the country and I’m honored to have some of them

Well we know these guys are discreet.

The camp of the Saints crowns a new leader of the free world:

Israel has no choice: The United States and the other nations of The West will not act to protect the Free World against the threat of a nuclear Islam, so it must bear the burden. Benjamin Netanyahu IS the leader of the Free World.

I still think it might be a bluff.

Don Surber sees projection on the left:

As Obamania winds down and it inevitably was fated to do — taking with it the hopes for a Europeanized America complete with socialized medicine, leaders on the left will ratchet up their rhetoric.

It is a sign of a political moment dying.

Legal Insurrection approves:

Keep calling the majority of Americans crazy and dangerous and extremists and “teabaggers.” Every time you do it we gain votes.

They are not called the angry left for nothing.

The Libertarian Popinjay notes a pet that you don’t want to own.

Meanwhile Peg agrees declares Global Warming a religion:

Arguing with people who exhibit this sort of behavior is like arguing with those who have strong religious beliefs. Their beliefs are rooted in faith; not hard evidence.

In a free nation, they are surely entitled to believe what they wish. But, the rest of us should not be held hostage to their religious beliefs. Let’s not twist our economy and freedoms to align with faith. Let the rest of us to be free to act on what many of us believe: that the earth’s atmosphere and temperature is the result of many factors, and that it is unclear that man has more than a tiny impact on what happens to them

Where have I heard this before?

American Freedom likes Vernon Parker for Az 3rd and unlike Chris Matthews doesn’t forget his race…

You don’t need to forget with Mayor Parker you never notice the color of his skin and he shouldn’t be stereotyped by it. What you do pay attention to his belief in the American people, Love of Family and Country. His belief in a smaller government, creating jobs, reviving the economy, not raising taxes, lowing the deficit and giving those less fortunate a hand up not a handout.

Will the media even notice?

Ruby Slippers is feeling VERY optimistic:

Momentum has a way of shaking stronger candidates out of the trees. The Senate may still be a long shot but it is looking less like a long shot than it did before Massachusetts. There is a lifetime politically between now and November, but as of now, the ball is clearly in our court

What’s that line from the Patriot? Aim Small Miss Small.

And finally American Glob is sick of all the bowing by the president:

Weasel Zippers caught this photo of Obama bowing to… The mayor of Tampa, Florida.

Does President Obama have a single advisor smart enough to tell him to stop bowing to people? Can you picture Reagan doing this? Washington? Lincoln? JFK? Carter???

I don’t know looking at the picture I think it was just an excuse to check out her legs.

“He has to follow through”

Posted: January 29, 2010 by datechguy in Uncategorized
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“The soldiers like the thin mints.” said the girl scout when asked and the rest nodded. The thin mints joined the box on the side of the table where people buying cookies for the troops put them. As the girls took the money the two scout mothers, cold but uncomplaining, watched with approval as their troop plied their trade outside of the church.

“I was very surprised when he won.” said the taller of the pair and her fellow nodded in agreement. A native of the midwest who settled in Massachusetts after marriage, she was surprised at how democratic and liberal her new home was. Usually on election days her husband and herself voted the same side. This time however her spouse supported Republican Scott Brown.

Once the name was spoken the young scouts started talking about how cool they thought he was. This was in diametric opposition to the two leaders both of whom cast votes for Martha Coakley on the 19th.

The kids interest was not unique, at the school where she works the students reaction pleasantly surprised her. “The 8th grade students were really excited by the election.” she noted, “I had never seen them interested in any election in the past.” Like her own household the support was divided by gender. The Boys liked Brown and the girls were for Coakley, but it was their attention to the race that pleased her most.

Other Coakley supporters also expressed surprise: “I can’t see how he can credibly support the Massachusetts Healthcare plan and oppose the national one when they are basically the same thing.” said a 40 something system tech preparing for a night of Dungeons & Dragons. Another man who voted Coakley at the same game thought it odd that democrats would vote against their party “…because someone doesn’t play nice?”

Yet that was the very sentiment of a 30 something mother at the butcher shop who changed her mind on election day. It was the non stop negative ads that finally turned her away from the Candidate that only 4 days before she had supported happily to my face.

The Coakley voters surprise existed among Brown supporters as well, unable to convince themselves that their candidate would overcome the power of the Massachusetts Democratic Machine. When asked what they thought made the difference in the end, there was one constant answer. “I don’t think the heath care plan is a good idea”, expressed a Brown supporting woman at the local bakery. That sentiment was repeated over and over by voters on both sides. Martha Coakley’s unwavering support for its passage was costly and the President’s appearance only emphasized that fatal support.

Yet consider: Against an unexciting candidate supporting the most unpopular position of an administration declining in popularity, a strong dynamic candidate with a solid background, a personable touch to delivering a positive appealing message only managed 52% of the vote. Photoshops and victory parties not withstanding he needs to take that number to heart.

With only 2 years till he is up for election the question becomes: With healthcase resolved by then, how can Scott Brown win that majority when he faces a more prepared candidate running a better campaign? What will he have to do to persuade voters who voted for him once (and those he who didn’t) to pull the lever for him a 2nd time?

Among the gamers they accepted that he wouldn’t be supporting the healthcare bill that he so vigorously opposed but their issue was the Republican Caucus. “If he is just going to vote in lockstep with the Republicans to block everything he can’t get my vote.” (they might take heart from this story from the Herald today).

For most, both Brown and Coakley people the answer was the same. “If he can fulfill his promises he can win my vote” said the shorter of our Girl Scout Leaders. The mother of 4 thought he deserved a chance to see what he can do, expressing hope that the election would persuade democrats statewide to be more attentive to the people and less in lockstep with the Boston Machine. Her fellow agreed on both counts as did the woman in the Bakery and her husband. “He has to follow through.” she declared saying it’s one thing to promise changes, it’s another to actually make them happen.

The question really becomes a matter of voter perception. Will they see him for what he is: a junior senator of the minority party with one vote among 100, or will they imbue upon him all the hopes and dreams for a different direction in Washington? If they see the former then he is likely to succeed, if the latter then they likely will be disappointed.

However I suspect one person at least will not be. When asked what she will need from Scott Brown to earn her vote a second time our last minute decider answered with a single word: Integrity!

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