2008 Primaries Thread 2: THE QUICKENING

just saying -- there was perhaps a legitimate reason for pulling the weapons screening; the secret service is not obliged to justify that move. and to imply that it was somehow a planned or careless negligence shows pretty bad faith towards the secret service, who i would generally trust to do their job.

Ethan's got a point, but presidents aren't involved in debates. After this year we won't see th candidates in this context until 2012.

Is Hillary going to move the presidential office if she gets elected? Or is she really going to sit in the oval office every day, knowing her husband did not have you know what with that you know who there?

(also: OTM - debates and speeches are pointless and completely irrelevant re: actually being the president)

shes gonna sit there smoking cigars laughing maniacally.

Well, unless there's a really good reason they're not sharing -- with us or, apparently, the Dallas Police, who were also upset by the order -- and given their stated reasons for the order -- they were worried abour delaying the event too long and the crowd ''seemed friendly'' -- I'd say they weren't doing their jobs well, at least in this limited instance.

I thought they both looked fine last night. I have grown to increasingly like HRC's stump speeches and debate performances and Obama, while not at his absolute best was okay, though anybody who is likely to choose or change their vote based on one debate is a bit of an idiot, imho.

debates and speeches are pointless and completely irrelevant re: actually being the president

I agree with you on debates being a rather artificial, collegiate forensics team, type of competition, with limited relevance to the Presidential job description. Speeches, on the other hand, are an important part of what a President does - it's an important part of how he communicates his vision to the people.

I too am impressed with Hillz debate performances up to the point that she drops a stinker like the Xerox line. Who the hell is advising her? Saying crap like that does nothing to help her likability factor. Basically, if Hill was just herself and brought it without having to resort to dirty tactics or crummy lines fed to her by her campaign advisers or her husband I would love her a whole lot more.

daniel, i definitely think it's an event worth noting but i really don't see any basis for outrage in one incident alone; if obama's security detail continues to show laxity -- if it becomes a trend -- it will and should raise some serious questions.

and again, that you don't think they have a good reason for not justifying the move to the public shows bad faith on your part.

debates and speeches are pointless and completely irrelevant re: actually being the president

I disagree. The bully pulpit is a trump card various Presidents have used against recalcitrant Congresses. It can be very powerful when well used and a Pres who lacks the ability to appeal directly to the people (and the press), almost invariably pays for it.

HRC has a glaringly tin ear, sometimes.

Bad faith? How? Look, if they said, ''We had our reasons, and we can't share them with you,'' okay, maybe. But to offer a threadbare reason means you can examine it.

And I'm not suggesting intentional misconduct. I'm suggesting (particularly forseeable) negligence.

And even though debates are not part of the president's job description, I think they do offer the public a chance to see the candidates put on the spot, forced to think on their feet, and to see how they react to pressure. So for that insight into their personality and intellect, as well as their ability to memorize lots of policy details, I think it is valuable.

Saying crap like that does nothing to help her likability factor

A nice imitation of Tim Russert.

woah, check cnn.com

Reports: An officer escorting Clinton's motorcade in Texas has died after crashing her motorcycle

brenda February 21st, 2008 11:14 am ET
I have watched cnn for a long time, but with all the bad reporting about Hillary Clinton and pro reporting for Obama I and going to stop watching cnn. I am very upset because cnn was my resting and relaxing time. I am very disapported with your reporting.

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa080222_wz_officerhurt.197253ed.html

cnn was my resting and relaxing time

brenda otm

I am very disapported with you

Wolf Blitzer is such a Hilz booster though!

as for this concluding ovation for Hil, maybe it came mostly from Obama's crowd?

http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/02/did_anyone_else_think_hillary_clintons_c

i don't know, at the time i really thought they gave a standing ovation because it was just the end of the debate!

that's what I thought too

Really? I thought her closing statement was the high-point of her debate performance.

Wait, I thought folx who actually attended these things would want them to go on forever, like gabbneb.

I thought her closing statement was the high-point of her debate performance.

I dunno I'm never moved by these bullshit "I feel your pain" rhetorical displays. that's just me tho. It seemed to me like everybody stood up and clapped cuz she a) made some nice speechifyin for once and b) it was the end

"let me tell you about [insert name], who lost their [insert precious possession], after so many years of [working hard/serving their country], that's not the America I know" = zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

you don't know any of these people and live in a hyperisolated bubble of security gimme a break.

who is more isolated? ts: Hillary Clinton vs. Shakey Mo Collier

I'm sorry did you say something? who let you through my phalanz of armed guards and handlers?

i guess you can't hear me through the Teachers' Association representatives and firefighters who are thronging you for autographs

I guess he can't hear you through the sanctimony.

I'm fairly certain Hillary Clinton - like the majority of the world's rich and powerful - can't remember, much less describe, the last time she went shopping for groceries, or rode a bus, or had an interaction with a stranger that was not mediated by several layers of security, press, and consultants. gimme a break. these people are not normal, average folk, the "I AM ONE OF YOU" rhetoric is always always bullshit.

I'm fairly certain the Cookie Monster - like the majority of the world's rich and powerful - can't remember, much less describe, the last time she went shopping for groceries, or rode a bus, or had an interaction with a stranger that was not mediated by several layers of security, press, and consultants. gimme a break. these people are not normal, average folk, the "I AM ONE OF YOU" rhetoric is always always bullshit.

thats not true cause why? i saw hillary on the 38 just the other day1

COOKIE MONSTER FOR PRESIDENT

HE UNDERSTANDS MY NEED FOR COOKIES

I had to change the channel several times last night because, as an Obama supporter, it was just brutal to watch him ramble on in his answers. As noted above, he stumbles through these responses, lacking the confidence that Hillary obviously has.

Another thing. this one really bothers me. Obama has gotten into the habit of answering questions with "I will be happy to debate that this with you." ANd then moves onto a different subject. I just want to scream, You are in a debate now! I'm surprised Hil hasn't called him out on that one.

dude cookie monster is not a chick

to go by hillary's remarks last night, she spends most of her time on the campaign trail having her arms grabbed at.

cookie monster/tacos 08

dude cookie monster is not a chick

dude how do you know this

His mother calls him "son." BTW, plz do not front on this.

Any cookie monsters I've ever known have been chicks.

Before his first cookie, he was called "Sid." This is not a girl's name!

Also, voiced by Frank Oz!

so is miss piggy.

Frank Oz voiced Miss Piggy as I recall xpost

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/thumb/e/e1/Anth03sept08e.jpg/300px-Anth03sept08e.jpg

BE REAL PLZ

Her name is Miss Piggy, you fule!