If you missed the Democratic debate last night, let me bring you up to speed.
First half hour: total bullshit
Second half hour: total bullshit
Oh, wait… was that an issue in there?
Nope. Sorry. That was a commercial break.
George Stephanopoulos should be ashamed of himself. ABC should be ashamed of themselves.
First, ABC turned a political debate into a “TV Show” and aired the debate on a TIME DELAY for the West Coast. Apparently it was important to get as much rating juice out of the coverage as possible. Never mind pretending like the media is still interested in public access.
George Stephanopoulos was one of the “moderators” of the debate. He’s an educated, experienced political correspondent.
Or at least, he usually is.
Last night he was a talk show host who seemed to be taking cues from a producer about which buttons to push to get the crowd riled up. I was waiting for a demand for a DNA test and a surprise ex-stripper lover.
The first half of the debate was spent discussing crap that has absolutely nothing to do with anything that matters.
THIS is what is wrong with politics today. THIS is why people stop voting.
Was there or wasn’t there sniper fire? Is your ex pastor a jerk or not?
Who the hell CARES?
Let me be clear: I’m supporting Obama.
Because I am opposed to “mandated” health care.
Because I think we need to get out of Iraq.
Because I believe in his economic plan.
Because I think we need a changing of the old guard.
Because I believe that he has common sense and brains and integrity.
NONE of which was discussed last night.
ARggggghhghghghghghgh
Popularity: 2% [?]
Posted in Serious Discussions - Politics, Religion, Society, uncategorized
I hate all politicians. You can tell when they are lying because their lips will be moving.
Nobody™’s last blog post..They are pinball wizards
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I think it rather odd that you are voting democratic and don’t like the buttsex
I’m just sayin…
*please dont’ beat me! I’ve been drinking and listening to YOU!*
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Dang, so sorry I missed it. Not.
Suebob’s last blog post..Do you ever get sick of yourself?
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I would have watched the debate except my cable box was broken. Oh, and I was playing Wii. Oh, and I had a million other things that would be more exciting to do than watch a party slowly tear itself apart to give the election to McCain.
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I didn’t watch it because I cannot stand to hear Hillary speak anymore. Seriously, give me Obama or give me death
Hilly’s last blog post..Lord, I Was Born A Rambling Woman….
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I turned it off. Rev. Wright? The Weather fucking Underground? Lapel Pins??? Bitter-gate?
It was unbelievable. I knew there would be some of that cause Charlie Gibson is known to work straight from RNC talking points. And we all knew that Georgie would try to help his old boss’s wife out some, but holy shit.
Not a single question on healthcare.
One question on Iraq.
None on Iran.
One on the housing crisis.
Talk about a couple of out of touch elitists! Chuck and George are complete morons.
Jay’s last blog post..PFC #3 …
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I will never watch a political debate. Because as you stated so eloquently
ARggggghhghghghghghgh
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Sadly, I’m not so sure the majority of the voters out there care about the issues, either. They want to know that their politicians aren’t having gay sex in airport bathrooms or getting a blowjob in the oval office.
They don’t care about healthcare, or the economy, or the war. That stuff is depressing and not remotely interesting.
Jerry Springer will always have bigger ratings than CSPAN.
jester’s last blog post..Shiny’s Got Some ’splainin to Do
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I picked Obama a long time ago, but only caught part of the debate (in between ribald chats on a chat room). I can’t believe how “marketed” the debate was…. it was embarrassing to Obama and not very successful for Hillary.
How soon can November get here? Not soon enough.
martymankins’s last blog post..You Know You Have Too Many Gadgets When…
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I saw it too. YES I was at work, but my residents have TV’s right? And it just so happens the ones turned to the debate needed the most time tonight. :angel:
I was really so optimistic and idealistic about eh three months ago. But I am embarrassed and ashamed now at what both are doing. Yes, even Obama.
But I did think the clip of Hillary taking a shot of whiskey was funny – not tonight but I saw it today.
Britt’s Mom’s last blog post..YAY For Wine Coolers and Getting My Period!
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I would have watched it, and I likely would have been pissed off. I’m fairly conservative (believe it or not) so I won’t be voting for either of the Democrats no matter what. But I have to say that Hillary is doing nothing but digging an embarrassingly deep grave every moment that passes. Never DID like her.
Karl’s last blog post..Little Karl was a Hell of a Writer
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Sometimes I worry that you hold too much in Britt. Tell us how you feel – don’t stuff all those feeling down.
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I’ve voting democrat but was undecided until Obama visited my state, Pennsylvania. He made a statement that all small town Pennsylvanians cling to their religion and guns…uh WTF? Wrong state because that’s not small town Pennsylvania in any way. He doesn’t know my state so he lost my confidence.
I need experience not hope. Hell, I need that in all areas of my life right now.
I never talk politics unless it’s with my family or very trusted friends because it gets into an intense debate so I’ll be moving right along before someone wants to burn me at the stake.
Peace, love and happiness…
:peace:
Lisa’s last blog post..A Few Things…
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I’m sure if he would just wear a flag pin, this would all work out brilliantly. But nooooooooo.
Yes, I agree. It was another horse and pony show. And frankly? I thought they ganged up on him (Charlie too) and he didn’t come off looking to good.
Hilary scared me with her ability to smile like a wicked robot on cue. That must have taken years of practice and/or surgery.
God help us.
Kimberly’s last blog post..On the Mouth, Please.
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There was something else on last night other than Yankees-Red Sox?
Mr. Fabulous’s last blog post..Where are the killer robots?
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I didn’t watch the debate. I thought about it but nah. I just want them to pick a nominee already so we can get on with it.
I also just wanted to leave a comment because for weeks now your blog won’t take my comments and then all of a sudden it takes it yesterday and despite the fact that I put all my info in calls me “anonymous”. So, I’d like to see what happens today.
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Nobody™: :rolleyes:
TSM: the current republican administration is pretty adamant about screwing you in the ass.
They just want to remind you that “it’s for your own good” the entire time.
Suebob: yeah, I can honestly say I hope most people DIDN’T watch – except maybe to hear Obama’s explanation of being “obsessed” with non issues – including about Hilary.
avitable: blah blah blah
Hilly: I’m damn near to that point myself. I no longer believe she gives two shits about this country as much as she does getting what SHE wants.
Jay: yeah, it was freaking absurd.
And it’s hot that you get that, BTW.
Mary: the last one I saw was amazing. This one, not so much.
jester: it’s not that they don’t care.
It’s that they don’t think it will matter who is in office.
And THAT ladies and fucking gentlemen is what Obama was talking about when he said “bitter”.
martymankins: yeah, neither of them came out too well.
Britt’s Mom: taking a shot of fucking whiskey… arghhh… don’t get me started.
Karl: no matter what? Really? Just line down the middle I’m a conservative so the R candidate PROBABLY represents me best???
claudia hall christian: I know, it’s a curse.
Lisa: I don’t want to burn you at the stake, but I do wish more people GOT what he was saying.
Basically:
“People vote for or against Abortion or Gun Control – not new jobs, social security, etc. – because THAT is what they feel like they might be able to change or not.”
Kimberly: yeah, I think I’m going to wear a flag pin in protest. Or something. Idiots.
Mr. Fabulous: :crazywife:
Anonymous: it won’t take your comments? Damn it. Must be some kind of bug I need to look into.
I wonder if it’s the comment luv. I might have to disable that for a little bit.
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I actually did watch it.
I felt Obama pwned Hilary.
I felt the issues they covered were Pennsylvaniacentric… which makes sense since that is the primary coming up.
If I was on the West Coast, I’d want the time delay. No reason to pre-empt Access Hollywood.
NYCWD’s last blog post..Reading More Than Writing
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if Obama does not win the Democratic nomination it will prove this guy’s theory, I think, with 100% accuracy.
And that would be bad.
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Yes, this has gotten entirely out of hand. It started out as the first election I’ve been excited about in so many years, and now it’s becoming a joke. Pick the frickin’ candidate, let’s have an election, and let’s move the fuck on, shall we?
GAWD.
maggie, dammit’s last blog post..Am I doing it all wrong?
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It was only a matter of time before political debates became more about ratings than actual substance regarding what these people would do as the most powerful person on the planet. I just get the feeling that for most Americans (who couldn’t give a shit anyway) that it’s like voting for prom queen, not voting for the leader of the free world who has a say in your and your family’s well-being.
I’m just sayin’.
Coal Miner’s Granddaughter’s last blog post..Dive! Dive! Dive!
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I didn’t see the debate (the time difference over here made it difficult) but I caught some of it later and I was disappointed too. And depressed. I wish Hillary would bow out gracefully and leave Obama to it. This is an election which has ramifications for the rest of the world too, not just America. It would be upsetting if Hillary’s inclination to hang on to the bitter end affected the vote and McCain got in. I think I’ll just give up if that happens.
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IF I were a democrat I would support Obama too for almost all of the reaswons you said, except the Iraq thing.
Don’t you think that we should stay in Iraq and finish what we started? I didn’t think we needed to be there in the first place, but I would like to see some follow through on it since so much time, money, and lives have been tossed into it.
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It is ALWAYS about the ratings….
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i was afraid to getting the heebiejeebies so i avoided it altogether and watched good quality tv…ANTM and Big Brother, baby!
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I was telling Nilsa in the comments to my post today that a local DJ was telling his cohost (who admitted to watching last night’s debate) that there was only one other person besides her who was watching and that was John McCain, who was laughing his ass off at the seeming internal collapse of the Democratic party. I’m glad I didn’t watch.
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I have heard from several friends what a farce last night was. Honestly, until now, I had not really cared about the Democrats (don’t hate me, I like McCain) and thier little pissing contest.
But after last night, I would rather have a GOOD RACE between Obama and McCain, then a fucking Tabloid Fest of an election.
I would actually be OK with Obama, if he wins. Hillary needs to go.
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Hillary has the smallest, tightest mouth. It’s like the words have trouble coming out of such a tiny hole. I felt that Obama was frustrated too. Like, ‘why aren’t we talking about something that matters!?’ I was so irritated by the “debate” I switched to American Idol…another place where your vote doesn’t really count.
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I have yet to watch a debate and this is the reason why. And even when real questions are asked, nobody really answers them.
If I could find someone dumb enough to give me the money, I would love to run for president and just tell it like it is and let the chips fall where they may.
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“Big Brother”…Natalie or Sharon?
“The Debate”…Obama or Hillary?
Sorry, “Big Brother” won. Actually, I’m not sorry after I’ve all I’ve heard. I’m glad I didn’t waste my time watching the debate.
Linda~
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Neither of them have impressed me. I was never a Hillary fan. Even now she has lost any ounce of respect I may have had for her.
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I’m falling deeply, DEEPLY in love with you.
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Adam said it best. Not the bullshit about the Wii and broken cable boxes… but the democrats tearing each other apart and handing it over to McCain.
McCain has said that economics is not his strong suit and right now we have serious economic problems. So either he needs to show how he can improve that… or some people who vote R because it’s their “team” need to wake up and really look around.
I’ve lost all respect for Hillary. Obama – well, I’m none to fond of his gaffe last week or earlier this week. Quite frankly, the whole thing disgusts me. IMO the Democratic party is imploding.
On the flip side – with the all the Obama / Hillary stuff can you imagine how much McCain has to be saving in campaign funds just by keeping his mouth shut?
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Mr. Fabulous you would have better spent your time watching ANYTHING else. Oh ya we are NEVER getting out of Iraq unless it is to go into Iran. Take that to the bank…
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You know what would make a REALLY good political debate? Something like Pants off Dance off… only with issue points.
Yeah, strip political debating! Lets expose some politicians! THEN I bet we get a change away from the “old guard!”
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NYCWD: really? flag pins are relevant in Pennsylvania?
Jeez, and I thought Florida was backwards.
Now GUN CONTROL I can see.
RW: I have a feeling that book would depress the shit out of me.
maggie, dammit: I think it’s going to take more people being willing to stand up and say “I don’t give a shit about THAT, tell me about THIS” and telling the media to suck it.
CMG: if I let myself believe that, I have to seriously think about moving out of the country.
Selma: you and me both.
debkitty: no, I don’t think we should stay in Iraq. I think “what we started” was a complete fucking joke. I think staying because “well, shit, we started it” is tantamount to staying in an abusive relationship because you have kids.
themuttprincess: I’m starting to think I am the last of the Optimists.
ali: I tivo’d ANTM.
kapgar: yeah, I’m sure republicans everywhere were celebrating.
Cissa Fireheart: yeah, I don’t think “electability” is the same as “they will fight dirty, and so can I.”
sizzle: I got that sense from Obama too. Poor guy.
Finn: and then people would be yelling at you for calling them bitter.
Linda~: *sigh*
Mindy: I have a hard time understanding how people aren’t impressed by Obama. I mean, I get that some people aren’t – I just don’t see how.
Angie: :heartbeat:
AmyD: I can’t even tell you how much it pisses me off when people refer to what Obama said as a “gaffe”.
What he said was dead fucking on. It’s just been manipulated to mean something completely different.
Father Bob (Red Sox Fan): again with the optimism.
Y2K Survivor: my money is on Obama in that case.
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I didn’t watch. NO TV.
Am I in FL yet? No? sigh.
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Britt, it doesn’t matter whether it was dead on or not, you don’t offend the people you want to vote for you and certainly not while your in San Francisco and you are essentially bagging on people on the opposite coast.
It hasn’t been manipulated – the man said it and backed it up. Don’t get me wrong, I prefer Obama to Hillary – but seriously, it was a gaffe and it definitely showed a bit of an elitist viewpoint. There is no other way to take “people cling to religion and guns because they are pissed off that there are no jobs.” (that is NOT a direct quote, but it’s not too far off of the sentiment.)
I’m not saying I don’t agree with his sentiment (to a certain degree) I’m just saying – maybe he ought to wait until he is elected before pissing people off. It was a bad PR move. Bad.
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Um, actually, he was talking about what people vote for.
And damn straight it’s been manipulated.
He wasn’t saying “people cling to their religion because they are too stupid to know better” – which is the way it’s been interpreted.
He was saying that the gov’t has failed people economically, and so they stop basing their votes on the economy and start holding rallies about the Gays Right To Marry – because at least THAT is something that Washington will listen to them about.
It amazes me that people either don’t see that, or do and consider that elitist.
If that’s elitist, than so am I.
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Well, you could be. Especially if you are for politics.
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I knew it was going to be a farce, so I didn’t even bother to watch. Another Obama supporter here, btw.
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Britt, I am pretty sure you are in my head because there is nothing I can think of that I disagree with. The only difference is that you articulate it so much better.
It frustrates me that some blame Obama and Hillary when much of the responsibility is in the hands of the moderators. Who comes up with these ridiculous questions? as if they matter. In addition, does society honestly expect politicians to never say anything that they regret or that gets so twisted and taken out of context by “us”? Do we hold our friends and family members to such a high standard? Hell no. Cut them some slack and give them some credit for being dedicated, they are giving so much up to work toward this nomination, I honestly think they both care a great deal about this country.
I do agree that this is dragging out and people are getting a little tired of all of this drama…we should do what we can to maintain our enthusiasm and belief in this election. It is a huge deal and if the Democrats screw this up for the 3rd time, I think I will move to a different country.
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Britt – it was a bad PR move. It was a bad thing to say and it doesn’t matter HOW he meant it, it only matters how the people take it. And, people were offended.
If I were up for a job the last thing I would do is go around offending people that have the power to give me that job.
Everything can be manipulated… but just because someone is offended by what he said – does not make it ok to brush it off as “being manipulated.”
Like I said, I personally agree with what he’s saying and the way you are interpreting it. But, the fact remains it was probably a poor choice of words: religion and guns – wow. Talk about two hot buttons that are EASILY manipulated and twisted back around on him. That’s poor strategy, poor PR and a poor, poor choice of words. It could have been said in a much better way.
These people talk about uniting the country as a whole, Britt, but the problem remains that when you SAY something like that, no matter what the INTENTION was, it DIVIDES. A different choice of words, rather than GUNS and RELIGION might have been a better route to take.
Why? Let’s face it, the Democrats have a reputation (well earned or not) that they see religion as being backward and guns are something they want to completely remove from society.
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I appreciate the update and agree. It’s like reality show politics. I’m hoping for Obama. He and his wife are so real and represent me when they speak. Hillary maybe once was but now she seems so trained and calculated.
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Ditto, Ditto, Amen. Yup. What you said.
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I started out with the best intentions to watch the debate but going over that old crap got it off on the wrong foot. When the flag pin “issue” was brought up that was it for me. I’m deciding who to vote for based on skits on Saturday Night Live. They should have a ball with last night’s debacle.
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Poppy: not yet!
themuttprincess:
Laura: welcome to the Happy Party mah sistah!
Kimberly: yeah, I keep thinking about the fact that two of the most important men in my life (dad, grandfather) are racists.
And yet, I would never in a million years “disown” them – publicly or otherwise. And I sure as fuck am not a racist.
We can carpool to Canada.
AmyD: personally, I’m tired of this election being about “PR”.
I would rather listen to someone who tells it like it is than listen to someone who is so busy trying not to offend or piss anyone off that all they are left with is the option of blowing smoke up my ass.
Tell me what you believe, honestly. Tell me who you are, honestly. Tell me what your plan is, honestly.
And then let ME decide if I agree with that or not.
colleen: I actually don’t know much about his wife.
Michele: *whew* I’m not alone!
Summer: yeah, I think that was the point I threw a pen at the TV and stormed out to smoke.
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Oh don’t cry. It will get better eventually. No matter who is president. I just hope it is sooner rather than later….
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In Pennsylvania flag pins are extremely important.
Just as playing the national anthem at noon on every radio station is.
Just as keeping your guns in your home is… but that’s really to threaten those who will burn the flag.
The war in Iraq is also a major Pennsylvania issue since most of PA’s National Guard units have been moved into other locations such as Bosnia and Germany while enlisted soldiers are in Iraq.
The state is extremely patriotic… but he is right when he calls some of them “bitter” because the promises of a better economy have not materialized as promised.
Everyone loves watching “The Office” which is based in Scranton… funny thing is there really are not many businesses left there, or for that matter Wilkes-Barre (the birthplace of Planter’s Peanuts) which is an area that is more representative of the state as a whole as opposed to Philadelphia… who have their own issues.
The truth is, religion is dominant there because it fills in a void. Church socials, picnics, and events provide the entertainment and recreation options that businesses don’t provide there. Hell… I had to drive 37 miles through a ton of towns, Scranton itself, and to the edge of southern Wilkes-Barre to get to a comic book store. Church was three blocks away.
What he said was the truth, and not an elitist view. It is the view of someone who has actually witnessed it.
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Read the book Free Lunch by David Cay Johnston if you want a really good look at what’s happening to this country and the average citizen. If you’re smart it’ll make you angry. Real frustrating. Love your blog, by the way.
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i totally hear you. i couldn’t stand to listen. from Bosnia to Reverend Wright to NOBODY ANSWERING ANY QUESTIONS IN A STRAIGHTFORWARD MANNER, i just couldn’t stand it. i turned it off after twenty minutes.
i hate politics and have for many years. the way i see it, i’ll make my final decision well after all the mud slinging, and when the dust settles. until then it’s just too infuriating, and last night is a good illustration as to why.
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Sadly, getting the troops out of Iraq will mean we’ll be back there in another ten years or so. Anyone here remembering the Gulf War? Oh, and how about Korea? We’re still posting soldiers there, and I know that we’re still running intel on them. (Having friends in spy MOS is great for stories, let me tell you).
Getting the troops out, while it will save us money, the next ‘religious’ rebel group will try to blow us the fuck up when they’re old enough.
And that, darling, is why I support that whole Viking mentality of ‘never leave a man, woman, or child behind who can carry a sword’. Hard to have someone grow up to hate you (simply because you’re an American) when they’re dead.
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Now I do not feel bad for deciding to watch ANTM instead… though the whole PR thing–isn’t bowing to PR the same thing that gets a candidate labelled a flip flopper? I mean, isn’t it (on a very simplified level) the same thing as saying “I love guns! Please elect me!” in Texas and then going to San Francisco and saying “I hate guns! Please elect me!” ? Playing to PR is one of the reasons Hilary is so vilified, right?
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I agree with you 100%. It was a farce.
You’re pretty smart for a blonde! (I KEED!!) :kiss:
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Calling it a debate pisses me off because it’s hardly a debate. It’s just another stump of the same crap they spew every day on the news. ALL news reporters should be ashamed. Ask the questions we want answers to and ask them to the people who currently make decisions. UNtil a candidate can be honest and open with me, I say fuck them all!
All I know for the election is I’m voting Democrat. Republicans have screwed us up enough the past 8 years…
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Britt, I know you weren’t trying to burn me at the stake but Obama was referring to job loss and this is exactly what he said:
“And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”
That’s what I meant when I said he does not understand what Pennsylvanians are like at all.
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themuttprincess: me too
NYCWD: you’re so smart. :heartbeat:
Northern Pirate: I’ve actually had that recommended to me before. I should read that, thank you.
Crys: yeah, it’s frustrating because debates SHOULD be a good opportunity for people to learn more about the candidates, but it’s a tool that’s being wasted.
Marissa: daYUM girl. LOL
Erin: yep, exactly.
metalmom: probably because I’m a DIRTY blonde.
Hockeyman: assuming we actually get to vote in this state, right?
Lisa: well, I’m not Pennsylvanian, so I suppose I can’t say much more on that.
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You and I are merely months apart, and I can SO relate to your feelings here. I feel cheated!
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I have to say I think Adam is right, though – the Democrats seem to piss away every single election and the damn party is too split. It really makes me mad (another Obama supporter here, too)!
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“And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”
I AM a Pennsylvanian. Many ARE bitter. Bitter because regardless of which side of the aisle our “representatives” sit on – they don’t “represent”. Bitter because we are lied to, then lied to again, and then we listen as politicians do nothing more than slam the other party and their “followers” so that all of US… the voters… are pissed at each other, hating each other, so that the politicians can carve us up into small little pieces – “here, you take white men 40-50 and we’ll take soccer moms”
We’re bitter because our politicians seem to lack even one dose of common sense between the lot of them.
This comment got really long, so I finished it on my blog, because I was too embarrassed to post it here..
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I second what Annie said. I’m from Northwestern PA, in a county that is frequently forgotten on the grand scale,, and our local politicians, well, suck.
I think in the nine years I’ve been voting, I’ve only like two candidates that have run, and they are currently in office now doing good jobs. It also pisses me off and makes me bitter that many politicians forget us or drown us in their farce of policy meant to mislead us.
Annie, I can SO relate to you too!
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