Monday's Chicago Tribune featured the article "Powell 'still a Republican': Rebutting critics, he criticizes party's far right voices." The article starts:
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell warned Sunday that ideological conservatives, particularly radio commentator Rush Limbaugh, have gained a hold over the Republican Party that risks driving the GOP into an extended exile from power.Powell cast his warnings in unusually personal terms as he answered recent charges from two champions of the Republican right -- Limbaugh and former Vice President Dick Cheney -- that he was no longer a Republican.
"Rush will not get his wish, and Mr. Cheney was misinformed," said Powell, whose resume includes work as military adviser to President Ronald Reagan, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush's Cabinet. "I am still a Republican."
Obviously, the "far right voices" referenced in the piece's headline are those of Limbaugh and Cheney.
If Rush Limbaugh is on the far right, surely MSNBC's Rachel Maddow qualifies to be characterized as far left. Yet only last month, the Tribune carried an article from the Los Angeles Times (another Tribune newspaper) that asked this burning question about Maddow:
Politics, not to mention television, thrives on conflict, but how much of that will there be with a left-leaning host in a time of a left-leaning president?
So Maddow and Obama are merely left-leaning. That was also used in a June, 2007 Chicago Tribune article titled "Carefully crafting the Barack Obama 'brand.'" Describing how Obama went about writing "The Audacity of Hope," it notes:
In keeping with the original game plan, staff members spent nights and weekends scouring the chapters as they rolled in, looking for potential political pitfalls -- a vetting committee Obama didn't have when he published his earlier, more provocative memoir.For instance, when Obama was seeking to name someone as the epitome of left-leaning politics, an aide urged him to use a House member instead of a Senate colleague. So the book names now-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), though Obama's voting record is similar to hers.
Clearly, "left leaning" is the description of choice when it comes to liberal extremists. In a short blurb that appeared last September 12, the Tribune reported:
MSNBC dumped high-maintenance and allegedly left-leaning yakkers Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews from election anchor duties. Some of their critics cheer as they tune back to "Fair and Balanced" Fox News.
Allegedly left-leaning yakkers? Who does it take, you may ask, to drop the allegedly, Fidel Castro? As it turns out, not necessarily. On November 2, the paper's television critic wrote:
In another skit, (actor Ben) Affleck played a scarily intense version of the left-leaning Keith Olbermann, host of MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann."
And all this time I've considered the real Olbermann to be the scarily intense version.
So now we've been instructed that Obama, Pelosi, Olbermann, Matthews and Maddow aren't liberal extremists as many of us have thought. They aren't far left voices. They're just left leaning. Sort of like the Chicago Tribune.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
If Maddow and Pelosi leaned
May 26, 2009 - 00:35 ET by ConservativeRexIf Maddow and Pelosi leaned any further left they'd be parallel with the ground.
Nancy with the laughing face
May 26, 2009 - 00:38 ET by Mike Bates“I think if Speaker Pelosi were still capable of human facial expression, we’d see she’d be embarrassed.”
Alex Castellanos
KOOK PICKS A KOOK FOR SC
May 26, 2009 - 08:03 ET by reelman46A RADICAL PICKS A RADICAL
Sotomayer is (of course) a far far left activist judge who believes in
legislating from the bench...
Any media talk of a tough confirmation will be a lie...Any media talk
of moderation will be a lie...
Any media talk of her moderating after being on the SC will be a lie...
(the SC lefties never moderate, there is no record of that, ever)
Any media talk of her track record being moderate will be a lie...
Sadly, a Bush (of course) started her promotions so that will be said a
thousand times as some sort of moderate signal...its NOT...
ONLY her voting record and decisions count...not some tough
upbringing...but that is all you will hear...
few of her far out decisions will be explored...its another HISTORIC
appointment...so there you go.
As expected, a radical kook lefty prefers radical kook lefties
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)
Sotomayer
May 26, 2009 - 09:38 ET by Mike BatesObama says he consulted with advocacy groups in selecting her.
I'm sure ACORN appreciated the input.
If the O's are just left-leaning
May 26, 2009 - 05:06 ET by DeskpilotThen NASCAR Races would take up THOUSANDS of acres and be run in just a few laps:
http://bp2.blogger.com/_zsCK0TdGnPA/SCFk05kkoZI/AAAAAAAACKA/WrSvbcAG_MQ/s1600-h/LHC.jpg
*Quick math - 17 mi Circumference/ Pi(3.14159)=5.411273 mile Diameter. D/2= 2.795636 mi Radius thus:
R^2 (7.320468miles) * Pi (3.14159) = Area (22.99791 miles)=14,718.661568 ACRES
How would you like to wait for about 11 minutes for a lap to complete?
(Too much coffee this morning)
BTW - http://www.nascar.com/video/cup/2009/05/25/cup.cha.high.two.nascar/
Well Done NASCAR
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, You're welcome - Deskpilot, AM(H)1 (AW), USN (Ret)
That's why the left
May 26, 2009 - 05:54 ET by motherbeltThat's why the left ridicules NASCAR fans...all that corny patriotism!!
Stupid rednecks. They even have a prayer before every race! \sarc
Did you notice that when they showed the stands, the hats that all came off automatically, without them being told?
Nascar fans have more class and love of country in their little fingers than self-promoting liberals like Pelosi and Reid in their whole bodies.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
NASCAR fans, MB
May 26, 2009 - 09:40 ET by Mike BatesNascar fans have more class and love of country in their little fingers than self-promoting liberals like Pelosi and Reid in their whole bodies.
Watch out, or they'll start being included on Homeland Security warnings.
<sound of duct tape ripping off roll>
May 26, 2009 - 05:29 ET by motherbeltOK, now I'm set. I have to tape up whenever I see another article about Powell still being a Republican.
Of course they are only left-leaning, Michael.
You do know that they are all "centrists" don't you?
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Do you think
May 26, 2009 - 05:57 ET by MOONSTRUCKif we ignored maddow, olberman, matthews etc. they would go away?
I shudder everytime I read something from these liberal, head-in-the sand-liars. Maybe one of these days they will get a big dose of reality. But the way they cover for their new king I don't see it happening anytime soon, if ever.
if we ignored maddow,
May 26, 2009 - 06:02 ET by motherbeltif we ignored maddow, olberman, matthews etc. they would go away?
Heck, I don't even care if they go away mad!
Apparently that doesn't work.....look at their ratings, and they're still around.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Do you think
May 26, 2009 - 09:42 ET by Mike Batesif we ignored maddow, olberman, matthews etc. they would go away?
No, because their fan club contingent within the MSM would keep promoting them.
Not Hard To Explain
May 26, 2009 - 06:06 ET by GeneralAlHey Michael, don't be upset at the Trib's definition of left and right! Its easy to see their egotism displayed in the use of these terms! These people see themselves as the epitomy of everything that is moral and good. Therefore they view themselves as normal! Since we counter their views, the farther we move away the more extreme we become! They are the Ostriches with their heads burried in the sand! You will never get a reasonable result from an unreasonable perspective!
don't be upset
May 26, 2009 - 09:44 ET by Mike BatesHey Michael, don't be upset at the Trib's definition. . .
I'd say it's more like a generalized irritation, General.
General Powell, Posterboy for wishy-washy
May 26, 2009 - 06:19 ET by richb313Before the US comitted troops to the first Gulf War Powell was privately concerned about comitting troops to come to the aid and defense of Saudi Arabia. He did not want us in it and thought that GHW Bush was bening simplistic. From the accounts I have read he hid most of his concerns from the then President Bush. It is an example of how Powell is a political animal. He was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs at that time. It was actually his duty to raise any doubts or concerns about any administrtions policies. The executive in the form of the President needs to hear all opinions, especially opinions that run contrary to his, it is the only way anyone can reach a reasoned choice of action.
To General Powells credit when President Bush came down firmly in support of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Gen. Powell saluted smartly and carried out his orders to the best of his ability. He made good choices especially by appointing Stormin Norman as the Segional Commander.
Powell always wants to see which way the wind is blowing before he commits. That is what I find a little distasteful about him. He keeps demonstrating that tendency all the time. He always waits until enough people have come out with thier opinions, reads popular sentiment then offers his wisdom. That is not a true leader but it is political.
The plan is unfolding. OPEN YOUR EYES!!!
May 26, 2009 - 06:48 ET by c5thenThere has been an onging plan over the last 30 years (at least) to slowly move the Republican party closer to the "middle" of the political spectrum. This will inevitably move the political center of the US closer and closer toward the far left and allow more and more people to accept socialistic ideas as "moderate". This isn't happening in a vacuum either. Various crises are orchestrated to make it appear that the socialist ideas are what we need "for the moment" and as a temporary "fix".
It's all a very sophisticated charade. I know that I sound like my tin-foil hat has slipped, but look at the current situation and then go look back over recent history and see if I'm crazy. It is all centered around the Federal Reserve. Ask yourself this question: "When did the Federal Reserve change from being the central bank of this country to being the managers and arbiters of the world economy? Which bill, passed by Congress and signed by a President, increased their powers and their authority from the original Federal Reserve Act that created them?
True conservatives have a choice to make (and soon). Either stay with the GOP and try to slowly take it back from the usurpers, or leave and form a new conservative party.
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
www.loyaltoliberty.com
Eyes wide open
May 26, 2009 - 11:05 ET by danebramageI don't disagree with your take on the Fed, c5then, other than to point out that it's not the arbiter of the world economy. The World Bank is. The Fed is just its American branch, which happens at the moment to be first among equals. But that could change.
As for the efforts to move the Republican Party closer to the center, see my comments down the page a-ways (at "It's no accident"). The Left wants to be seen as occupying the center, plus it naturally wants to be in control of both parties. Hence, the effort you're talking about.
Btw, glad to see your a Keyesian (as opposed to a Keynesian). I post as jnewl and James the Least on loyaltoliberty.com.
I don't give a crap what
May 26, 2009 - 07:03 ET by RowaneI don't give a crap what this EX-Republican says, its people like him that have caused all the problems and he needs to just go away.
My tin foil hat has also slipped, I guess
May 26, 2009 - 07:23 ET by PA ConservativeCouldn't agree more with your post. Has anyone figured out that it is the people on the far left that are trying to dictate which way the REPUBLICAN party moves? How totally ridiculous. And, what is even more ridiculous is that some in our party are actually heeding their advise. People, WAKE UP!!! We cannot allow our country to continue to drift left. Now is the time for the Republican party to find its conservative voice and values. Are we supposed to move to the center after the Dims have elected the most radical LEFT WING president in history??? That entire premise is laughable. We need to stand up and re-claim our party and its values. We cannot have our positions dictated by our "friends" on the left or the RINOS that inhabit our party now.
PAC
That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends,
it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to
institute new government...
It's hilarious the way
May 26, 2009 - 08:44 ET by HockeyKidIt's hilarious the way lefties try to portray the political spectrum as somehow being bipolar, with "good" being somewhere in the middle. Thus left-wing and right-wing are bad, but it's impossible to be left-wing in their calculus.
In reality, the spectrum is linear, running from right to wrong. So right-wing is just "closer to always right" and left-leaning is "wrong more than half the time". Of course, it's plain to see by their actions that Maddow and her ilk are solidly left (i.e., always wrong). Funny thing is, they're proud of it.
Looking forward to "The Goode Family" tomorrow night...
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
I won the "Homophobic commentary of the Day!
May 26, 2009 - 09:13 ET by urbuggenmeHOW "BOUT THIS! I won the "Homophobic commentary of the Day! from this lesbo' for comments about Rachel "Ray Charles" "Strap-on Madcow" Maddow
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/sexist/2009/04/07/homophobic-commentary-of-the-day/
Wow... what a kick in the ass!
I tried to explained to ‘he/she/it’ that the tags are what the “liberal Main Stream Media” is now “name calling’ people in America with ‘conservative values’As of yet no reply; but a good thing is ...NO ONE reads or comments to her/its blog/post....
Homophobic Commentary of the DayPosted by Amanda Hess on Apr. 7, 2009, at 12:24 pmFrom a Newsbusters post on Rachel Maddow hosting the Cable Positive Power Awards ceremony honoring HIV/AIDS educators comes this comment, courtesy of “urbuggenme“:I am a respectable redneck, bigoted, racist, gay bashing homophobe, democrat slamming, liberal trashing, ACLU cussing, gun toting, Muslim hating, SUV driving - gas guzzling, cigarette smoking by the No Smoking sign, beer drinking, meat eating, resource wasting, free porno watching, God Fearing Christian…employed full time.Great. But how does “urbuggenme” account for homosexuals like Maddow, who spend their time eating vegetables, saving resources, and loving Muslims—and still manage to hold down full-time jobs? Homosexuals with jobs! The gay agenda, it has gone too far.
One Response to “Homophobic Commentary of the Day”
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Amanda,
Thank you so much for honoring me with the “Homophobic Commentary of the Day” … that means so much to me!
I would just like for you to know that all these little names and remarks are being listed because this is what the “Main Stream Media” has started calling “The Extreme Right Wing” of the conservative party. I am not “Extreme”; “Right winged” or even a (dirty word) REPUBLICAN…
this is how the media is now “name calling” anyone with American conservative views. And this list is growing daily. as of today it is up to this:***I am a respectable, right winged extremist, tea bagging, trailer park living, bigoted, racist, gay bashing homophobe, democrat slamming, liberal trashing, ACLU cussing, gun toting, Muslim hating, SUV driving - gas guzzling, hippies must use the side door to enter, cigarette smoking by the No Smoking sign, beer drinking, meat eating, resource wasting, free internet porno watching, issue mongering, conspiracy theorists, God fearing Christian, hanging on to my guns and religion, under investigation by the CIA employed full time, white trash, taxpaying redneck***Why not call me the “N” word? *racist is racist* no matter if its just a “cracker” or a “queer”…I have friends of differing opinions and life styles, we all get along and have fun together all the time! I lost my best friend in the world to AID’s in 1987AND NO I DO NOT LIKE “Strap-on” Rachel “Madcow” Maddow. She is one of the worst “name calling” Racists out there! In my arrogant opinion!
You go Amanda... maybe someday you will actully get someone else to reply to one of you're blog's
chicago tribune
May 26, 2009 - 09:16 ET by east tennessee johnFellow bloggers may find this hard to believe but when I was growing up in Chicago, the Trib was considered the "conservative"newspaper. True. Also, how can Ge. Powell call himself a Republican votew for Obama and advocate bigger government? What's his philosophical basis for the GOP?
The Trib was a conservative newspaper
May 26, 2009 - 09:48 ET by Mike BatesFellow bloggers may find this hard to believe but when I was growing up in Chicago, the Trib was considered the "conservative"newspaper.
I think that's based on how it was many decades ago (the 50s and earlier), but it's been more liberal for a long time now. By '76, for example, the paper endorsed Jerry Ford over Ronald Reagan.
Colin Powell's comment that "I am still a Republican"...
May 26, 2009 - 09:26 ET by ThalpyColin Powell's comment that "I am still a Republican" is as irrelevant today as it's ever been. John McCain's nomination was accomplished with the aid of MSM and cross-over Democrats giving Republicans the weakest, "big tent" choice possible for a presidential candidate--ever. General Powell's Republican centrism provides just more of the same. Another general, General Norman Schwarzkopf, said that, "Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without your accordion." If we have to do battle with the Democrats without Colin Powell...
→ He's a Republican
May 26, 2009 - 09:31 ET by Cool ArrowIn fact, just last week I heard Rush Limbaugh resign as the titular head of the Republican Party and he promptly named Colin Powell as the titular head of the Republican party.
We should listen to titular head Powell.
What does a titular head do, CA?
May 26, 2009 - 19:14 ET by ThalpyWhat does a titular head do, CA?
Didn't You Know?
May 26, 2009 - 10:05 ET by EdCoyneOh, you didn't know? They (the media) seem to make "leftist" sound a whole lot better than "right-wing", too!
Ed Coyne
www.PoliCalc.com
It's no accident
May 26, 2009 - 10:43 ET by danebramageYeah, the problem for the left has always been how to identify their friends to one another without casting them as anything but centrists. They want to signal to their minions that Mr. X is a true-blue lefty, but they don't want to actually say that because...well, because truth and honesty are anathema to them. So they've come up with "left-leaning," which implies that Mr. X stands smack-dab in the center, but "leans" left.
As opposed to us right-wingers, who stand waaay outside the center, over on the very right edge. Every single one of us. We're all "extremists" and "far right."
It really hurt them when they lost the name "liberal." Before about the seventies, a liberal was thought of as something good, or at least not anti-American. But then when the word became associated with Marxism and Marxists, it fell out of favor with the populace. That left them with no positive way to identify themselves. Now they seem to have settled on "progressives" as a noun, as well as sophistries like "left-leaning" as adjectives.
We need to hammer away at the name "progressive" just as we did with "liberal." Whenever someone on the left is being talked about negatively, we need to consciously call them "progressive" so that that name gets associated with their disgusting policies and character just like "liberal" did.
typical liberal play: call
May 26, 2009 - 11:42 ET by wiwftypical liberal play: call any opponents to your policies "extremists".
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Saying Obama "leans left" is like saying Pol Pot...
May 26, 2009 - 12:41 ET by R D Helm...had a few totalitarian tendencies.
As for Maddow, she is just your basic, run-of-the-mill useful idiot.
-Dave
→ Pol Pot
May 26, 2009 - 12:42 ET by Cool ArrowHe was just a misunderstood environmentalist.
I can't take Maddow today,
May 26, 2009 - 12:51 ET by bigtimerI can't take Maddow today, or Powell and his blathering tripe, let alone the Chicago Tribune.
I just heard part of what Liz Cheney had to say on Fox...I love that gal...please run for Prez Liz...please!
She is the strongest voice we have out there politically speaking....she is concise, minces nothing, stands by her convictions...we sure need her...I love Bachmann and Blackburn also, but this gal is something else too.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Wonder how much in handouts
May 27, 2009 - 02:38 ET by RR GOPWonder how much in handouts they're seeking?
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).