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#51 2008-08-29 10:47 am
- user
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- From: I'm not getting you down, am I
- Registered: 2001-10-15
- Posts: 16033
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
It's an assertion based on conditions on the ground.
Aw, he's no fun, he fell right over.
Unless you become as little children, there's no way you will believe this crap.
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#52 2008-08-29 10:47 am
- Tallgeese
- Sternly Advising
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Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
Farmerkev wrote:
ScifiterX wrote:
Most historians are already comfortable claiming Bush is the worst president yet and nearly those who say it's too early to make that sort of claim agree he is among the worst.
You have a link for that?
Last edited by Tallgeese (2008-08-29 10:47 am)
I still believe in liberalism today as much as I ever did, but, oh, there was a happy time when I believed in liberals.
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#53 2008-08-29 10:50 am
- everlong554
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- Registered: 2003-12-24
- Posts: 6865
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
bratboy wrote:
everlong205 wrote:
Trying to link Mcain to Bush and describing it as Bush's third term is. It's not technically the case, and of course don't even get into the personal attacks on Bush made by democrats over the past 8 years. Saying that Mccain is a third term of Bush is trying to tie all those smears together and simpy wrap them around mcain's neck.
No, it's tying together all of those failed policies (some of which McCain initially opposed and then flipped on). He's got the voting record to prove it.
I expect that in politics, so I'm not arguing how dare the dems do it. I'm just saying don't then sugggest that Obama is somehow actually acting in a bipartisan manner or not engaging in such attacks.
He's a politician.I most certainly wouldn't claim that he's "bipartisan." I do believe that McCain's camp has stooped much lower so far, engaged in much greater blatant personal character attacks, and I expect more to come.
Hey, McCain learned the hard way...and then went quickly running for advice from the man whose campaign tactics he condemned in 2000.
Not all of Bush's polices are in fact bad policies. And many in fact have been voted for by democrats. Again, you're not actually suggesting which policies that were voted on are good or bad (or whether someone like Biden also voted on said policies for example) or should have been voted for. Its a smear of generalizations. Bush bad, democrats good.
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#54 2008-08-29 10:52 am
- bratboy
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- Royal Wombat

- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
everlong205 wrote:
Not all of Bush's polices are in fact bad policies.
That's up to the american people, I guess?
And many in fact have been voted for by democrats. Again, you're not actually suggesting which policies that were voted on are good or bad (or whether someone like Biden also voted on said policies for example) or should have been voted for. Its a smear of generalizations. Bush bad, democrats good.
Oh come on, you're not even trying.
Is it also unfair to point out that John McCain is a Republican given the toxic nature of the brand these days? You voted the man into office, don't blame me for his contagious unpopularity.
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#55 2008-08-29 10:53 am
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- From: I'm not getting you down, am I
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- Posts: 16033
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
It's still not a personal attack.
You doody-head.
Aw, he's no fun, he fell right over.
Unless you become as little children, there's no way you will believe this crap.
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#56 2008-08-29 10:57 am
- everlong554
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- Registered: 2003-12-24
- Posts: 6865
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
bratboy wrote:
everlong205 wrote:
Not all of Bush's polices are in fact bad policies.
That's up to the american people, I guess?
And many in fact have been voted for by democrats. Again, you're not actually suggesting which policies that were voted on are good or bad (or whether someone like Biden also voted on said policies for example) or should have been voted for. Its a smear of generalizations. Bush bad, democrats good.
Oh come on, you're not even trying.
Is it also unfair to point out that John McCain is a Republican given the toxic nature of the brand these days? You voted the man into office, don't blame me for his contagious unpopularity.
And yet he's even in the polls with Obama, despite such a toxic reputation. And congress itself has an approval rating lower than the president.
"YOU DISGUST ME!!!!"
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#57 2008-08-29 11:02 am
- bratboy
- laden with emotion
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- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
everlong205 wrote:
And yet he's even in the polls with Obama, despite such a toxic reputation. And congress itself has an approval rating lower than the president.
OK, now you want it both ways. Are you trying to make the case that it's fair to associate McCain with Bush, or unfair?
(Congress's approval rating generally stays pretty low. On a seat-by-seat basis, the Republicans are still more vulnerable. The polls aren't even anymore, either...gallup had Obama up 48-42 as of yesterday. The state-by-state analysis is even worse for McCain.)
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#59 2008-08-29 12:52 pm
- bratboy
- laden with emotion
- Royal Wombat

- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
Obama now up 49%-41% in today's gallup (margin-of-error +/- 2). I wonder if he'll break 50% after this speech (neither candidate has in the gallup as of yet, IIRC).
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#60 2008-08-29 1:12 pm
- everlong554
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- Registered: 2003-12-24
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Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
bratboy wrote:
everlong205 wrote:
And yet he's even in the polls with Obama, despite such a toxic reputation. And congress itself has an approval rating lower than the president.
OK, now you want it both ways. Are you trying to make the case that it's fair to associate McCain with Bush, or unfair?
I'm not arguing that its unfair to do so. That's politics and I expect scurrilous attacks in politics. I'm just saying lets at least call it what it is and not pretend that somehow Obama is not engaging in it and is acting as if he is above the fray. What a crock.
"YOU DISGUST ME!!!!"
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#61 2008-08-29 1:15 pm
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- Your plastic pal who's fun to be with

- From: I'm not getting you down, am I
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Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
But you were calling it a personal attack, dood.
Aw, he's no fun, he fell right over.
Unless you become as little children, there's no way you will believe this crap.
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#62 2008-08-29 1:16 pm
- Tallgeese
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- Posts: 34096
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
So does everlong represent mainstream Republican thinking, which is to say that comparing someone to Bush is a "scurrilous attack"? If so, 
I still believe in liberalism today as much as I ever did, but, oh, there was a happy time when I believed in liberals.
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#63 2008-08-29 1:23 pm
- bratboy
- laden with emotion
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- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
everlong205 wrote:
I'm not arguing that its unfair to do so. That's politics and I expect scurrilous attacks in politics. I'm just saying lets at least call it what it is and not pretend that somehow Obama is not engaging in it and is acting as if he is above the fray. What a crock.
I see no problem with pointing out that McCain supports the President and most of policies. That you're attempting to call such a charge a "personal attack" is frickin' hilarious.
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#64 2008-08-29 1:25 pm
- bratboy
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- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
Saying Obama doesn't have "experience" is a personal attack because being 'inexperienced' is bad and suggesting he doesn't have enough experience is guilt by association!
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#65 2008-08-29 3:10 pm
- Farmerkev
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Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
Since Bush has reversed position on many of the most controversial items to what the other side has been clamoring for Obama will also be extending a 3rd Bush term.
Kind of a kick in the ass isn't it.
Do your part to combat global warming.
Eat a cow.
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#66 2008-08-29 3:24 pm
- bratboy
- laden with emotion
- Royal Wombat

- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
Farmerkev wrote:
Since Bush has reversed position on many of the most controversial items to what the other side has been clamoring for Obama will also be extending a 3rd Bush term.
Kind of a kick in the ass isn't it.

What is with you guys today....
I would love to hear the GOP adopt that line of argument. I think it would prove highly effective. 
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#67 2008-08-29 3:38 pm
- Farmerkev
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Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
bratboy wrote:
Farmerkev wrote:
Since Bush has reversed position on many of the most controversial items to what the other side has been clamoring for Obama will also be extending a 3rd Bush term.
Kind of a kick in the ass isn't it.
What is with you guys today....
I would love to hear the GOP adopt that line of argument. I think it would prove highly effective.
Actually, I read it in Newsweek and it made more sense than I cared to admit.
On the other hand, you guys are so far out in left field at the moment it seems prudent to attempt to try to get you to see home plate again.
Do your part to combat global warming.
Eat a cow.
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#68 2008-08-29 3:42 pm
- everlong554
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Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
bratboy wrote:
everlong205 wrote:
I'm not arguing that its unfair to do so. That's politics and I expect scurrilous attacks in politics. I'm just saying lets at least call it what it is and not pretend that somehow Obama is not engaging in it and is acting as if he is above the fray. What a crock.
I see no problem with pointing out that McCain supports the President and most of policies. That you're attempting to call such a charge a "personal attack" is frickin' hilarious.
Pointing out that he supports many of bush's positions is accurate. (though he also doesn't support many of his positions). Saying its a third term of George Bush is a personal attack, as its disingeous based on a smear. Bush is not running a third term nor is he serving in Mccains administration in any way, nor does Mccain have the name Bush. One could just as easily say, and why not I will, Obama is trying to have a second Carter term.
That is a character attack. Its not literally true, but I'm trying to smear obama by suggesting that in fact he is just like Carter and thus his term would be a repeat of the malaise of Carters admin. It doesn't mean that I can't make the argument or that its not an accurate comparison (in my view). Only that it is a character attack.
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#69 2008-08-29 3:46 pm
- bratboy
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- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
Farmerkev wrote:
Actually, I read it in Newsweek and it made more sense than I cared to admit.
On the other hand, you guys are so far out in left field at the moment it seems prudent to attempt to try to get you to see home plate again.
Oh please, attempt to persuade me. Electing Obama (the last time I checked rated one of the most "liberal" senators in Washington) would be an extension of the Bush administration.
Go. Make an argument.
(Perhaps you should consider putting down the Newsweek!)
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#70 2008-08-29 3:48 pm
- Farmerkev
- Official Dementor
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Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
bratboy wrote:
Farmerkev wrote:
Actually, I read it in Newsweek and it made more sense than I cared to admit.
On the other hand, you guys are so far out in left field at the moment it seems prudent to attempt to try to get you to see home plate again.Oh please, attempt to persuade me. Electing Obama (the last time I checked rated one of the most "liberal" senators in Washington) would be an extension of the Bush administration.
Go. Make an argument.
(Perhaps you should consider putting down the Newsweek!)
Perhaps you should lay off the troll and start thinking again.
Do your part to combat global warming.
Eat a cow.
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#71 2008-08-29 3:49 pm
- bratboy
- laden with emotion
- Royal Wombat

- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
everlong205 wrote:
Pointing out that he supports many of bush's positions is accurate. (though he also doesn't support many of his positions). Saying its a third term of George Bush is a personal attack, as its disingeous based on a smear. Bush is not running a third term nor is he serving in Mccains administration in any way, nor does Mccain have the name Bush. One could just as easily say, and why not I will, Obama is trying to have a second Carter term.
Good, try that argument and see how well it works.
That is a character attack. Its not literally true, but I'm trying to smear obama by suggesting that in fact he is just like Carter and thus his term would be a repeat of the malaise of Carters admin. It doesn't mean that I can't make the argument or that its not an accurate comparison (in my view). Only that it is a character attack.
Discussing policy is not discussing character. Drawing connections between similar policy decisions is not about character.
Christ, you must really have a low view of Bush! The mere mention of his association is slanderous!
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#72 2008-08-29 3:52 pm
- bratboy
- laden with emotion
- Royal Wombat

- From: Austin, Texas
- Registered: 2003-01-19
- Posts: 34106
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
Farmerkev wrote:
Perhaps you should lay off the troll and start thinking again.
I'm a "TROLL" now?
"One thing we've learned is there's a difference between being disappointed and having madmen in authority."
--Paul Krugman
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#73 2008-08-29 3:53 pm
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
Kev. . . go ahead, make the argument. I'v got a beer and I'm ready for some entertainment.
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#74 2008-08-29 3:55 pm
- menglish
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- From: Palo Alto, CA
- Registered: 2003-03-13
- Posts: 547
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
everlong205 wrote:
bratboy wrote:
everlong205 wrote:
I'm not arguing that its unfair to do so. That's politics and I expect scurrilous attacks in politics. I'm just saying lets at least call it what it is and not pretend that somehow Obama is not engaging in it and is acting as if he is above the fray. What a crock.
I see no problem with pointing out that McCain supports the President and most of policies. That you're attempting to call such a charge a "personal attack" is frickin' hilarious.
Pointing out that he supports many of bush's positions is accurate. (though he also doesn't support many of his positions). Saying its a third term of George Bush is a personal attack, as its disingeous based on a smear. Bush is not running a third term nor is he serving in Mccains administration in any way, nor does Mccain have the name Bush. One could just as easily say, and why not I will, Obama is trying to have a second Carter term.
That is a character attack. Its not literally true, but I'm trying to smear obama by suggesting that in fact he is just like Carter and thus his term would be a repeat of the malaise of Carters admin. It doesn't mean that I can't make the argument or that its not an accurate comparison (in my view). Only that it is a character attack.
If you were to provide some evidence that Obama has supported Carter 90% of the time it is most certainly not a character attack to claim that Obama would be like a 2nd Carter term.
Saying "a third Bush term" is shorthand for "Their policies are very similar, they've agreed alot in the past, there is every reason to believe that a McCain presidency will look alot like the Bush presidency has". You can disagree with the conclusion, but drawing that conclusion from the verifiable premises isn't a character attack, it's just making a statement about McCain's policies and history.
It's not disingenuous or based on a smear, it's not a literal statement. It's a simile.
"If you run, you're guilty, and I'll catch you" -- Titus the Neo-Con
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#75 2008-08-29 3:56 pm
Re: Somehow the Dems didn't screw it up
everlong205 wrote:
bratboy wrote:
everlong205 wrote:
I'm not arguing that its unfair to do so. That's politics and I expect scurrilous attacks in politics. I'm just saying lets at least call it what it is and not pretend that somehow Obama is not engaging in it and is acting as if he is above the fray. What a crock.
I see no problem with pointing out that McCain supports the President and most of policies. That you're attempting to call such a charge a "personal attack" is frickin' hilarious.
Pointing out that he supports many of bush's positions is accurate. (though he also doesn't support many of his positions). Saying its a third term of George Bush is a personal attack, as its disingeous based on a smear. Bush is not running a third term nor is he serving in Mccains administration in any way, nor does Mccain have the name Bush. One could just as easily say, and why not I will, Obama is trying to have a second Carter term.
That is a character attack. Its not literally true, but I'm trying to smear obama by suggesting that in fact he is just like Carter and thus his term would be a repeat of the malaise of Carters admin. It doesn't mean that I can't make the argument or that its not an accurate comparison (in my view). Only that it is a character attack.
Thing is I wouldn't consider a comparison with Carter an attack on Obama. Same with George Bush Sr, Clinton, or Reagan. If you truly believed George W Bush was a decent president then you not be so pissed about McCain being compared to him.
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