I know I'll get flack for this because we are supposed to be pulling together for the good of the Party. But I'm here to tell you, from all outward appearances, there's no one minding the store.
Feeling in a feisty mood, I turned my TV to Hardball last night. Who would be skewered tonight? Oh goodie, I thought, he's got a Democratic and Republican strategist squaring off against each other on the Bolton and upcoming Court nominations. I settled in for a good debate.
The Republican was a chipmunk faced fellow with pasted on plastic hair. The Democratic side was represented by a perky 30 something. Her hair was tastefully frosted. She looked spirited.
What happened next was pathetic. Ok, I know Chris Matthews' job is to lob zingers across the plate so fast you can't catch your breath, but don't they prepare people for this show?
Mr. Plastic Hair was cool calm and collected. The Reps, besides providing a pre-program intensive with Carl Rove or the like, probably have the foresight to slip their guy some valium.
Besides snorting in derision and making faces at Mr. Plastic Hair's comments, "our" girl (and I say that in all deliberateness) took spirited to new heights, twitching and bouncing in her seat as she managed to completely blow questions on the line of "when did you stop beating your wife?"
Here's a virtual transcript of the exchange. Chris Matthews: "Are the Democrats opposed to John Bolton?"
Dem. Strategist: "Well, Yah!" Snort, twitch.
CM: "Oh, so this request for more information really IS a stalling tactic!"
Ms. DS: "Is not!"
Mr. PH: "Well, Chris, as the Republicans have pointed out time and again, if it wasn't a stalling tactic, the Dems would go for the up or down vote."
Ms. DS: "Well, of course, they don't listen to MY advice!"
CM: "Oh, you would advise them to go for the up or down vote?"
Ms. DS: "No."
Mr. PH: "I rest my case."
Ms. DS: Sputter, twitch, snort.
CM: "OK, how about the Supreme Court nominations. What if Bush nominated Antonin Scalia for Chief Justice. Would the Dems filibuster that?"
Ms. DS: "They can if they want to, so there!"
OK, I exaggerate a little. But not much. (Go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8058417/ for the actual transcript.) A 14 year old debate team member could have done a better job. A middle school teacher wouldn't let her charges loose without some advance knowledge of the format.
Or is this the best the Dems can do?
I KNOW we have progressive minds who can keep their heads even in these trying situations. Or is it a Republican plot? Was this kid a ringer masquerading as a Democratic strategist?
Who's in charge here anyway? First the Dems go all Republican lite; then they send in the Valley Girls. If we want to be taken seriously, we have to act serious, even when faced with the ludicrous. Not to say we should go all dull and pedantic. But if this girl was a Democratic Strategist, I'm James Carville.
Speaking of which, where IS the Ragin' Cajun these days? Ragin' is one thing. Twitching and blathering quite something else.
I hope someone is noticing the difference. Dr. Dean, are you paying attention?
3 comments:
You ask "Who's in charge here?" Well, obviously, the Republicans.
I have figured out that one way to thwart the drug companies is not to take their drugs - like Valium. I stay off the tranquilizer by not watching shows like Chris Matthew. I avoid FAUX News. These propaganda machines don't deserve an audience.
OK, Sorry for the rant. Nice blogspot
Oh, bring back the Cajun! I am still reading his last book because it makes me feel better just knowing he exists!
From Helen in Marin:
NO!
I saw it too and to describe her as incompetent is an understatement. We just cannot afford well intended, but self righteous and unprepared in the extreme. Chris Matthews, in my view, has to be taken in small doses though I too am somewhat drawn to the likes of him and even Don Imus because of the guests. By the way Don Imus is doing the first interview with Bob Woodward about "Deep Throat" on his show Thursday morning, MSNBC 3:00AM to 6:AM PDT if you want to tape it.
Back to Matthews. Some time ago, Charlie Rose had Wm F. Buckley on for the full hour. Rose asked Buckley to name some prominent names in the "liberal media" that the right is always complaining about. After an uncomfortably long pause, he answered, "Walter Cronkite." Charlie ammended his question, which was clear the first time, and emphasized, a current name. Again a lengthy silence, followed by the name "Chris Matthews." They both (honestly) convulsed in laughter and both almost in unison said that Chris Matthews has only the ideology of Chris Matthews - no other loyalties - so much for Tip O'Neil... It seems that Chris Matthews has a desperate need to belong in the Georgetown, Alexandria Dem social set.
But the transcriipt of yesterday's show was almost the boiler plate for how destructive a Dem representative can be especially because a lot of college kids watch Matthews.
Interestingly, recently, Crossfire had a person who would be your dream Dem representative for these left x right debate shows. His name is Simon Rosenberg with NDN (National Democratic Network) which you probably know well. He just buried the raving, interrupting, etc etc Republican rep by being fully informed about subject of the day AND history and he presented his arguments articulately and briefly and in a calm, confident manner.
Hope the young Jenny is forced to watch a video of her performance with James Carville "commenting."
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