Republicans: Bad.
Pelosi: Worse

And can you folks make Term Limits your next big issue?

Your two main points — that Politico is an integral part of the conservative message machine, and that Democrats failure to fund media — are critical for all of us to understand. Especially our opinion leaders and funders.

It is arrogant to believe our progressive ideas are so good they can win on their own. We often think we can magically resist the infrantry, the tanks and the air support of the Right with our brilliant ideas. In many ways, we are like the person who claims to write the Great American Novel — so great publication is unnecessary.

It takes presence, persistence, discipline and money to change today’s political opinion environment. Intelligence helps, but if I had to choose I’d trade it for those four qualities. That is, after all, what the Right has done. And they seem to win, even when they are behind.

This is very discouraging. Don’t they remember who launched Mike Allen into the stratosphere on Politico’s day one, by calling on him FIRST at a presidential press conference? Why would Democrats trust anything so loved by George W Bush.

The Albrittons aren’t just Republicans, they were the BCCI bankers, the Saudi’s bankers, and one of the most corrupt banks in the world. They were the repository for funds for every right-wing dictator and political movement in the world.

This is all very discouraging.

I read Politico mainly for its comic value.

Even with the overwhelming evidence, I still find it difficult to believe they can be quite as big a bunch of a**es as they show every day.

I thought it was obvious that Politico was created specifically as Drudge Report 2.0, now with more subtlety. The GOP puke funnel needed a more legitimate face for their propaganda, and Politico is it.

I say I thought it was obvious, but certain blogs with lots of journamalism friends (*koff* TalkingPointsMemo *koff*) kept legitimizing it by linking to them. At least now they’re realizing what Politico is, but jeez. It was blatant from the get-go.

The Republicans spent the years after Watergate working to take over the media. Rich lefties and Dems only started to wake up about a decade ago, but when they found out that actual monetary and physical commitment was required, they rolled over and went back to sleep.

I’m uneasy with the idea that Progressives need to fund (read own) more media outlets. That just leads to more echo chamber noise.

I guess I still adhere to the quaint notion that media outlets should be independent and non-profit; news labeled news and opinion labeled opinion.

Hey torgo, how ’bout we bring back the Fairness Doctrine?

Thank you. I thought I was going nuts. Almost every time I see a Politico hack, I think, “What the ….?” And then see Democrats swarming to them.

Thank you for confirming what I had noticed myself. Just more of the Beltway garbage, I guess. In fact, every time a DC “journalist” is on teevee, I think of them at a cocktail weenie soiree and laugh.

It’s a huge flaw in the Democratic funding structure that the left doesn’t like to fund media

It’s not quite obvious that this is a flaw. It might have something to do with independence. Not much is to be gained exchanging one propaganda organ for another.

Like minds.

Sorry, we already have a viable mechanism for “term limits.”

It’s called “Elections”. You might have heard of them, since they occur frequently, usually every two to six years depending on the office.

And it is possible to kick incumbents out. Just ask folks like Al Wynn, Norm Coleman, Liddy Dole, etc.

I don’t spend any time a Politico’s main page, but I think Politico 44 is pretty well done.

It gives me what’s going on in Washington in almost real time, gives me Obama’s schedule, and provides a recap of Gibbs’ briefing if I can’t catch it live.

I’d be glad to head to a more progressive site that does all the above if someone knows where it exists.

I’m uneasy with the idea that Progressives need to fund (read own) more media outlets. That just leads to more echo chamber noise.

The Fairness Doctrine would fix that, by getting rid of media concentration and biased networks. Wouldn’t affect web sites, though. But radio and TV, yeah. And to hell with Stephanie Miller and Thom Hartmann, they’re wrong about not wanting it back. They can still have their shows, their radio stations just can’t be 100% one-sided.

Like Politico, when encountered here:

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So why wait around griping? At Netroots, talk it up and put the plan together to start “DCDK” (”D.C. DailyKos”) Start by hooking in “This week in Congress…” and add “This week in Congress for those outside the beltway…” No? Okay For schmoozing the big egos you mention, to get them away from Politico, try feature interviews with members of Congress… A couple a day. Dumb idea? I’d read it.

There is a reason Politico is nicknamed Drudgico.

Citizen torgo:

You came out and saw yer shadow, now go back under the bridge like a good little troll.

Not Dumb

Why don’t you start with the Republics who signed the “Contract with America” and are still in office?

When Democrats Sing Politico’s Praises, They Sing in the Republican note of dough….and me.

Simply a variation on Through the Looking Glass, more like being caught inside a prism or hall of mirrors where the only thing you see, no matter which direction you look, is yourself.

Wasn’t it a contract ON America?

Term Limits have worked so well in California. The lobbyists own the state house.

They really should rename themselves PolitCo

-a take on PolitBureau.

Democrats are don’t know how to play hardball. Now Grassly is saying the Obama would give up the public option in favor of “co-ops.” The American people and Obama supporters are being taken for chumps. Republicans control the media and the Democrats play nice far too often. Single payer is the only real way to lower the cost of healthcare and provide universal coverage. The “for profit” model will not work but most Democrats and Obama can’t let go. Things are going to have to get a lot worse for people before they realize the system is beyond repair or reform.

Me thinks you are a bit naive thinking we can simply vote out the varmints. Incumbents simply have too many things in their favor. Yes, sometimes they screw up so very badly they still lose but consider the fact Congress has a 14% approval rating but a 90%+ re election rate and you see the enormity of the problem.
Your totally missing the big picture….or maybe you are not. You Progressive types like Democrats no matter how bad….the Dems are the majority right now. Oh, I get it. Term limits would hurt your cause so you “just say no” even though in your heart you know it is right for the country.
Actually that’s pretty silly too since just becasue a Dem is forced out with term limits doesn’t mean he will not be replaced with another Dem.
Still, I see your point. Let the country be damned.

I’ll start with anyone you wish.

Very true. Elected officials are just looking for what they can get now. There’s no long term view because none of them will be in the same job for very long. It makes them all dogma lawyers instead of practical problem solvers. In CA, the Republics got their wish and it’s been bad. Unfortunately, Republics are not honest enough to admit it so it will not be fixed soon.

Everything you need to know about Politico:

In addition to his long-time Ronald Reagan connections, Politico CEO Frederick Ryan was also, along with Jonathan Bush and Joseph Allbritton, himself a Board Member
of the scandal-ridden Riggs Bank, which was involved with hiding money for the Saudis, fined $25 million, then fined $16 million, and which invited the dictator Pinochet to open an account after Pinochet was widely accused of corruption, illegal arms sales, and torture. Riggs was involved with improperly transferring oil revenues for Equitorial Guinnea, and was investigated for possible involvement with various aspects surrounding 9/11.

When they’re done rolling the tanks through Lackawanna, how about heading to the Allbritton estate.

California made one giant blunder. They set too short limits (six years). The first two year the newbies are still looking for the bathroom, the next two they actually get a little work done. The last two they are lining up a good job outside.
Term limits need to be longer than six years.

Sorry to rock the boat and make you all think.
Actually, I’m not sorry.

I agree, but many seem to think that simply voting is a way to toss them out.

It is when you have a decent choice.

Term limits is an interim solution UNTIL all elections are publicly financed and NO private money can be used.

I’m for them for now.

I never hear the term statesman used much anymore.

I once heard that a politician is one who just wants to get reelected.

A statesman wants to do what’s right for his/her constituents.

I guess I answered my own musing as to why I don’t hear the term statesman used anymore.

Pelosi – bad.
Republicans – War criminals and sexual perverts.

Trolls don’t rock the boat they pull the cork out of the bottom and sink along with passengers and crew.

Jon Kyl, AZ

Dakine,

IF we had alternatives to vote for elections work. We don’t. We don’t have primary challenges because they are too expensive – it’s david against goliath.

Don’t you get it?

I agree, simply tossing them out only allows for someone else to come in and assume the position. So long as the money is there… they all have a price.

What is inherently wrong with opening up elected office to more citizens by having reasonable term limits for each office.

Why do we need dynasties and old farts running the commities who have been on the take for decades?

Good elected officials have PLENTY of elected posts to run for if they want to stay in the game.

Seniority is killing the country.

For profit lobbyist (corporate) should be unlawful. If corporations want to make an impression on congress, let them take out an ad or write a letter.

BTW, according to Politico’s own polling, 58 percent of Americans don’t trust Pelosi. And wouldn’t you know it, according to Politico’s own polling, 57 percent of Americans don’t trust Sarah Palin. Can’t wait for Thrush’s exposé about how Palin is among “the most despised” political figures in America. Wake me when it arrives.

Actually Pelosi and those like her are fused at the hip to most major corporations in the country. They are bought and paid for and therefore would never bite the hand that feeds them. I trust Pelosi about as far as I can spit, and at present I have about as much moisture in my mouth as 99 percent of Death Valley. She’s one of the Ultra Rich and she knows that as long as she remains in power she will never have to worry. Those who are in the same bracket as she will circle their wagons to keep her wealth and power secure, you can be sure about that. Perhaps one day people will learn that what FDR did was for the people and progressive doctrines benefit us all. Conservatives believe that those who got, get to keep, and those who don’t, will never get.

Personally I would like to see Pelosi’s Payout from big pharma delivered by an air drop over her house in sacks of Silver Dollars. Wouldn’t you like to see the line of garbage trucks it would take to dig her skanky ass out from under that payment??????

Just this old Chief’s 2¢

the office of presidency has a term limit…

There is not inherently wrong with a term limit.

I ain’t defending the Republican…I voted for Obama. Still, in his heart of hearts Obama has to be embarrassed by the likes of Pelosi, Frank and several other fellow Dems. I know I am.

@30

Allan,how right you are. James Baker(GWB’s BFF) owned Republic Bank which merged with Riggs.
This is all tied in with BCCI.

Here’s a few links:

The CIA and Riggs Bank – Democratic UndergroundJames Baker III, Octafish, Jan-10-05 01:05 AM, #13. Riggs Bank is run by *’s uncle! n/t, bikewriter, Jan-08-05 12:43 PM, #11 …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/…..all… – Cached – Similar

Context of ‘September 10, 2004: Troubled Riggs Bank Added to Saudi …The payments are made through Riggs Bank, a bank which appears to have turned a ….. James Baker, former Secretary of State and close associate of the Bush …
http://www.historycommons.org/context…..ggslawsuit – Cached – Similar

[CTRL] Bush’s Uncle Caught Laundering Money to TerroristsAt the same time, Allbritton increasingly bought stock in Riggs Bank in Washington. … contract came thanks to Secretary of the Treasury James Baker III. …
http://www.mail-archive.com/ctrl@list…..14290.html – Cached – Similar

The Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend | Crooks and LiarsJan 6, 2009 … Riggs had catered to high-end foreign customers and the diplomatic … Meanwhile, back in Texas, First Interbank merged with Jim Baker’s Republic Bank, … This Saudi-financed merger of the Bush bank with the Baker bank …
crooksandliars.com/node/25043 – Cached – Similar

With Emanual as chief of staff I’d highly doubt he’s embarrassed by Pelosi. Rhamm is cut of the same cloth.

Sadly, I’m very much afraid that’s right.

I’d like to believe it was because people didn’t understand just how bad it was already, but….

The country works fine for the wealthy and corporations and their shareholders. They have low tax rates, the best health care and housing, food, vacations, properties .. the best. They have access to congress to protect THEIR interests. Their children do not fight wars or go to public schools. They have expensive lawyers who help them legally and quasi legally avoid responsibility and accountability for the actions and receive special treatment in life. The are the “success” stories in America.

But that’s only 1% of the country.

The rest are NOT SUCCESSFUL. We are the slacker failures who want the rich to give us everything and we don’t want to work for it (like they supposedly do).

America is a failed state.

Bravo!
At least with term limits there is a chance that someone in their final term would do the right thing since re election is not an issue.
Of course before that final term I agree almost all of them are for sale. But see response 33. That would be a good final solution but it couldn’t come as quickly as term limits.

The same in FL. Lobbyists write almost, if not all, the legislation that comes out of Tallahassee.

Indeed.

Sadly, again, nobody would get it. Don’cha know the Cold War is over, and we can forget everything some of us once knew?

He’s not embarrassed. Obama is a corporatist or afraid of the and won’t upset the apple cart. He’s no progressive. He smart enough to know what’s right, but won’t lead.

He called the police action stupid and he was right. The arrest was illegal and the charges dropped. If it wasn’t stupid Gates would be arraigned and facing a trial. Obama was beat down and he turned it into a kumbaya moment.

Gates should sue for defamation and harassment. Let the cops defend themselves. I’d like to see the case they’d make. It too would be stupid.

Actually, I’d say you haven’t had an original thought since you quit shitting yellow.

RE: “America is a failed state”

There are many things I do not agree with you Progressives on but the statement above is one thing I agree 100%. We are an empire at the end of the road.

Missed the point. This post is about how Politico frames things, not about Pelosi.

OK, that’s an intelligent response.

Don’t know in what context Obama would be embarrassed. Obama is a moderate; is he embarrassed because Pelosi & Frank are too far left, or too far right?

Personally, IMO, 90 percent of Congress, both sides of the aisle, are bought & paid for. These politicians respond to two things: Money, and fear of being ‘outed’ for corruption, morality, whatever. Since voters don’t have a money/influence advantage, we need to use the other method. Got any good dirt we can use?

Fact:

America is run by the major corporations which control the key sectors of the economy – not the voters who work for those corporations.

Unless and until we are free from the control of corporations, including the media, the MIC, the insurance and banking “industries” the health care “industry” and the energy “industry” nothing will change.

You may get tossed a crumb to shut you up.

America is a shadow of her former self – and now a failed state which seems to have taken down the world’s economy with it.

I haven’t heard that expression since I quit shittin’ yellow-and that’s a looong time ago.

My grandmother used to say that.

She was southern,too.

The republics are aweful and out of ideas. There are new scandals and revelations daily. They desperately need to point out the shiny objects to divert attention away. They still don’t understand that pratically the whole damn country is on to them.

If people were objective they would toss most of the republican not only out of government but IN to jail.

But too many Americans are brain dead.

Could not agree more!
It’s where my anger for Pelosi mostly stems from. There was NO reason for her to take impeachment off the table for the most corrupt administration ever.
Impeachment, it’s not just for blowjobs!

No, but the politicians themselves will supply us with some no doubt. I work in taxes and more than one House Ways and Means Chairmen left town under a dark cloud.

Then they wanted to know if people at Politico read the blogs, and if they had any influence over what people at Politico thought

I am going to cry, that is so sad. These people do not realize that blogs reach people who have contempt for Politico who might support them in getting stuff done for the public and all.

I have sharply realized my slavery to the NYT as they have reported that Merce Cunningham has died, and I considered this to be a very sad thing having seen none of his dances whatever. He was far from done making work, and IIRC he has legal documents to the effect that his company will disband next year.

I considered commenting on the story at Politico – to point out a few neglected facts, after all….but I can’t see registering at that site. Besides, I scanned a few comments – anything sensible would just get lost in all the vitriol.

I didn’t want to stress you out with anything too complex.

Most Democrats act and vote like Republicans. Why wouldn’t they want to appear in a Republican vehicle like the Politico?

@58

Your post remminds me of the oration by Arrthur Jensen to Howard Beale in the movie “Network.”

Not that you are rhapsodizing in favor of corporatocracy as Jensen does, but that solilquoy by Ned Beatty is STILL etched on my mind 30 years later.

It was a satire piece by Chayefsky,but it was prescient,in the final analysis.

Anybody got a linky to that scene?

The repueks have demonstrated that they will ALWAYS attempt to discredit and block any democratic administration.

The only way to stop them is to destroy them or help them destroy themselves, but that’s taking too long.

but this is true…. sadly.

@70

From Network (1976)

Arthur Jensen:

“You have meddled with the primal forces of nature, Mr. Beale, and I won’t have it. Is that clear? You think you’ve merely stopped a business deal? That is not the case. The Arabs have taken billions of dollars out of this country, and now they must put it back. It is ebb and flow, tidal gravity. It is ecological balance. You are an old man who thinks in terms of nations and peoples. There are no nations; there are no peoples. There are no Russians. There are no Arabs. There are no third worlds. There is no West. There is only one holistic system of systems; one vast, interwoven, interacting, multivaried, multinational dominion of dollars.

It is the international system of currency which determines the vitality of life on this planet. THAT is the natural order of things today. THAT is the atomic and subatomic and galactic structure of things today. And YOU have meddled with the primal forces of nature. And YOU WILL ATONE. Am I getting through to you, Mr. Beale? You get up on your little 21-inch screen and howl about America, and democracy. There is no America; there is no democracy. There is only IBM, and ITT, and AT&T;, and DuPont, Dow, Union Carbide, and Exxon. Those are the nations of the world today.

The world is a business, Mr. Beale; it has been since man crawled out of the slime. Our children will live, Mr. Beale, to see that perfect world in which there’s no war or famine, oppression or brutality – one vast and ecumenical holding company, for whom all men will work to serve a common profit, in which all men will hold a share of stock – all necessities provided, all anxieties tranquilized, all boredom amused. And I have chosen you, Mr. Beale, to preach this evangel.”

See ya all later, got to go back to work. Seems to me (been sayin’ it for years) about the only way to get rid of lobby influence is to fund campaigns exclusively by public taxpayer funds, no lobby money or private donations allowed. Everybody gets “X” amount, and the gov’t forces the radio/TV networks to give equal time (free – in exchange for us continuing to let them use our airwaves).

@71

We need a modern day Howard Beale to lead the dissatified,disillusioned populace to throw open their windows(and close their wallets)and collectively yell out,

“I’M MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE!”

If you’re going to accuse her of taking big money from pharma, please provide a link. All that information is publicly available.

So Donna Edwards beatin Al Wynn in a primary was just my imagination?

Sometimes, it takes more work to knock off an incumbent but it is possible.

You obviously believe the Republican theme that term limits are a wonderful cure-all/panacea.

They’re not.

In response to tejanrusa upthread re:politbureau

politburo: Definition from Answers.com
The Politburo, or Political Bureau, was the most important decision-making and leadership organ in the Communist Party, and has commonly been seen as …
http://www.answers.com/topic/politburo – Cached – Similar

Whoa, now that Al Wynn-never met a Repube corporate donor he didn’t like.

I am so glad that Donna knocked the win out of Wynn.

Term limits are a gimmick the right wing and Republicans have been promoting for years.

@78

Might not that be some Republican posturing,like Brer Rabbit begging NOT to be thrown in the Briar Patch?

After all term limits could discourage those looking for an extended stay at the public teat and trough from running for office to begin with,no?

Term Limits are not a republican theme. here in NYC we voted for them for mayopr but Mr B a republican didn’t like them. he bought his mayority 2 x and he’s trying for a third.

Term limits are perfectly rational and fair and democratic.

There are plenty of competent people to hold office and give them a chance. R’s have no ideas to run on anyway and seems as if they are losing their “mandate”

The problem is old codgers who won’t go away and do too much damage. Good people will find a way to come back and do their thing. Old bastards are just in it for the money and the power and of course… become lobbyist.

The only cure all will be when/if corporate and lobby money is completely and totally removed from every election from local to national.

Why are term limits a republican gimmick. please explain.

George Radanovich (R) asshole ran on term limits. He promised that he would only serve 2 terms. Needless to say the bastard is on his 4th term. The pukes might talk about term limits but they don’t really want them.

We need to clean up congressional district lines
we need public finance
we need no corporate lobbying
we need more transparency in government
we need more accountability

term limits have nothing to do with any of the above.

the problem isn’t term limits it’s integrity and honesty and of course intelligence and competence.

It’s not how long they stay in office (term limits.) It’s who they must sell themselves to in exchange for getting elected & re-elected ad nauseum.

When money, sex, power and social access trump fidelity to the oath sworn to defend the Constitution, and implicitly to represent their citizen constituents, the system is run for the sole benefit of those bestowing those trump cards.

It’s Wag the Dog meets Jurassic Park.

Correct. Remember that wave of Republican Congress people who campaigned on that issue in the 90’s? Like Sue Collins who said she’d only run for two terms? She’s working on her third term now. Betcha most of them have forgotten that pledge, too. Maybe torgo2009 can spend his time convincing these liars that ran on term limits to fufill their promise and leave.

Here’s the deal. I don’t want to be told who I can vote for. If that person does well, I reward him with my vote. Money follows Republicans like stink on roadkill. Term limiting Democrats that actually work in our best interests is the only way for Republicans to get into the game.

Instead of term limits, lets do public financing of elections. Then our Congress people are not beholden to corporations to underwrite their elections. They don’t have to spend 50% or more of their time doing fundraisers to finance their elections and can focus on doing the people’s business.

Couldn’t agree more. We need a firewall between Congress and Big Business if we are ever going to get real reform done there.

President Obama has announced three bedrock requirements for real health care reform:

Reduce Costs — Rising health care costs are crushing the budgets of governments, businesses, individuals and families and they must be brought under control
Guarantee Choice — Every American must have the freedom to choose their plan and doctor – including the choice of a public insurance option
Ensure Quality Care for All — All Americans must have quality and affordable health care

if health insurance reform be the law of the land without a public option; it will only be more money for the health care industry just as the 2003 medicare modernization act and medicare part d.
the next grass roots movement will be public financing of all elections; so blue tics, republicans and sen. baucus take heed and manage your lobbyist funded wealth management well because it will come to an end!

No link but I remember the movie well. It’s one of my favorites.

I’m sure you remember…..”I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!”
Come to think of it that line would play pretty well today.

I would go along with that (public financing of campaigns). Is it possible to actually get it done? If so, sign me up.

The congressional district line clean up is a very good point.