What Happens in Vegas (Maybe): GOP Looking to Bring Republican National Convention to Vegas

The RNC in Sin City? Well, that's a natural fit, isn't it? Actually, I hope this happens, if for no other reason than a positive effect on our local economy. Kevin Wall, the rather dim host of a local right-wing radio show, speculated (with a sneer in his voice) that Senator Harry Reid would work behind the scenes to thwart the event from coming here. I can't imagine why he would. It's going to happen somewhere, why not here? I mean, I'm not thrilled about having 2016's roster of loony birds here, but the economy could always use the help. The funny part is, Nevada's state Republican Party apparatus is notoriously bad, and fraught with problems. Can they get their act together?

[Excerpt]

Las Vegas vying to host 2016 Republican National Convention



Image from Huffington Post

Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki announced today he’s leading an effort to attract the Republican National Convention to Las Vegas in 2016.  Although the convention is years away, several cities across the United States will be competing in 2014 to secure the right to host the large convention. . .

Read more at: Las Vegas Sun

Republican National Committee Using George W. Bush as Fundraising Opportunity

Thanks W? Yeah, thanks a hell of a lot, George.
By the way, dumb asses, it's missing a comma.

I, along with millions of Americans, got an instant refresher course in all things Dubya over the last couple of days. In some cases, George W. Bush's tenure at the White House was glossed over, but I didn't see very much that actually tried to play his presidency off as a success. Mostly, it was just polite and respectful. Perhaps too respectful for my taste. I know that my political ideology colors my views, but to be fair, much of my current ideology was shaped in reaction to the eight years of Bush/Cheney! And watching that little weasel on television with his insipid answers to vapid questions (Q: What do you do with your time; A: Paint 2-3 hours a day!) just brought it all back. How embarrassed I was watching him represent our country.

Listen, I'll cop to having a case of Bush Derangement Syndrome, but unlike current sufferers of Obama Derangement Syndrome, I had an honest, earned case of it. There wasn't as much making crap up then, inventing things to get torqued about. Oh, we nitpicked, sure. And we wondered what that boxy thing was on his back during the debate. And why he had that weird gyrating jaw when he talked. Wondered what the real story was behind the pretzel incident, and the falling off the bike incidents. . .mostly, all of that stuff just made us wonder if he was still on the sauce or the blow. But we didn't question his paternity, his citizenship, his religion, his sexuality or his patriotism. We thought he was a dolt, in over his head, with a collection of incompetents and/or amoral opportunists working for him. I could write a 10,000 word post for all of the solid reasons why I despised the Dubya Bush administration, but will save time, and just refer you to the bulk of this blog from its inception until January 20, 2009!

My take on best uses for the RNC's new image. Like it?

And George, if you can't tell after that, NO! We don't miss you yet! NO! We will not thank you for anything but leaving and going away. And, Mr. Reince Priebus, if you think that stupid sticker is going to work wonders for the RNC, I've got to think you're demented. Many Bush voters are loathe to admit it now. Fewer would display any kind of "W" sticker on their car. And any revenue you gain from this little endeavor is more likely to be overshadowed by the scorn heaped upon it. And also very likely to generate a whole new internet meme built ironically around it. I'll do my part.

Get yours here though, if you feel moved: Republican National Committee

Republican National Convention, Day 1 (ish)

I got a late start to blogging, due to the attention I was paying to MSNBC's Republican National Convention coverage, and to my 600+ Twitter feed. Word of advice if you're nursing a four-day-old sinus headache: doing this sort of activity is inadvisable. Ouch. . .

So, here is my take on the first full day of the RNC (the original day 1 having been postponed due to Hurricane Isaac). I caught Rick Santorum, who gives a great speech, even if I disagree with 100% of its content. He managed to kick the gays, but in an awkward comment. Somehow, straight people aren't getting married because of gay marriage? Or something. Anyway, Rick's speech was scarcely different from ones he gave during his campaign, with a pasted-on "vote for Mitt" in a few places.

Scott Walker, who is a rock star in the GOP these days (and don't get me started on vexing GOP heroes like Sarah Palin and "Joe the Plumber," or we'll be here all night), but his speech was meh. A bit droney, nothing too surprising. I didn't get to see a couple of other speakers, because the MSNBC team was talking, but I really don't think I missed much, based on my Twitter feed's reactions.
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And then came Ann. During her speech, I found her awkward, if endearingly so. I think her attempts to humanize Willard alternatively fell flat, or just came across as woefully unconvincing. I didn't buy her hard-scrabble story of their basement apartment, or that either of them is--particularly--just like us. Anyone (and hopefully everyone) feels for Mrs. Romney, and her health struggles. I'm sure it was even hard on Mitt (assuming that at least in private, he has ordinary human emotions). But I find it impossible to forget that the Romneys never had to worry about their finances during their difficult time. A significant portion of any health emergency is the financial element, and the Romneys were lucky enough to be spared the stress that comes with that. "Obamacare" may not be perfect, but it's a first good step to ensure that we regular people have some of that fear alleviated.

Despite my being underwhelmed (as was most of my Twitter feed), the media has quickly seized upon Ann as the star of the night. I'll let her have that, she was okay. Though I take issue with her comment that she and Mitt have a "real marriage." As opposed to? And then Willard was practically wheeled out, surprising no one, and looking more wooden than usual.

The over-arching theme of Mrs. Romney's speech was "love," and when New Jersey Governor Chris Christie lumbered out, he quickly stomped on that, declaring it was not love but respect that was called for. Now, let me say straight up that I don't "get" Christie. I'm concerned when I see him that he's going to have a heart attack as I watch. I'm not beyond a fat joke but that's not an attempt to be funny, he looks startlingly unhealthy. And when he gets wound up, it just doesn't look safe to me. [Story continues below]

You can include Christie in the right-wing hero camp with those I mentioned above. He's abrasive, rude, arrogant and just basically dick-ish. His speech--like some of the others--seemed to be removed from the Mitt Romney campaign, with a Mitt endorsement lazily grafted on. Christie's speech came off like a 2016 audition, with no particular enthusiasm for the party's actual candidate.

All-in-all, even with my headache, it wasn't as painful as it could have been. Yes, most of the speakers used talking points based on falsehoods (welfare, "you didn't build that"), but an average day of FOX "News" contains more Obama-bashing, and a sense of coordinated partisanship than this night of television did. It certainly wasn't a pep rally atmosphere, like Obama's 2008 convention. . .or even McCain's.

[Excerpt]

Ann Romney Speech At 2012 Republican Convention: Mitt 'Is The Man America Needs'

Ann Romney, 63, was making her national debut at the Republican National Convention late Tuesday in a speech designed to introduce the country to the man she knows better than anyone. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post 

GOP's Tampa RNC Convention to be a Gay Old Time!

I may have to send The Other Half on a reconnaissance mission if he should be in Florida during the Republican National Convention. Something tells me, if he installed Grindr or Scruff or any of many Android apps on his phone, the RNC would light that dang phone up. On the other hand, I better not!

Grindr for the GOP Convention from Joshua Malina

Jon Stewart on the FOX "News"/RNC Connection

Brilliant as always.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
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Reince Priebus Elected RNC Chairman

Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Steele has left the building! Yes, everybody's favorite blue Muppet punching bag has been supplanted by the new guy. A guy with a--let's face it--foreign name. Almost un-American, wouldn't you say? Rinse Prius? Reich Precious? Rich Prepuce? WTF? Doesn't the Republican National Committee know that their base is 'Merican? What's with this French or Russian or whatever shit? Really?

[Excerpt]

Reince Priebus Elected RNC Chairman



The national Republican Party, coming off huge election victories but facing a $22 million debt and an internal war over identity, ousted chairman Michael Steele Friday and chose Wisconsin party chief Reince Priebus to lead in the run-up to the 2012 presidential race. . .


Read more at: Huffington Post

RNC Chair Hopefuls No Brain Trust

Image from source, Randi Rhodes

I happen to believe that most occupants (and likely most candidates) for the chairman slot of either the Republican or Democratic National Committees are insufferable. The only one I've been able to stand in a very long time was Howard Dean. I think it is the job requirement of all political spin, all the time. There is very little room for unvarnished, unadulterated truth coming from the head of either organization. So, I'm not overtly partisan when it comes to my opinion of either position. But there is still a difference. Take for example the complete idiocy and/or bigotry coming from the current slate of RNC Chair hopefuls.

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Dumb & Dumber

. . .It’s a good thing the debate to be the new chair of the RNC isn’t an episode of Jeopardy, because Republicans wouldn’t do too well on “Great Literature” (video below). When the candidates were asked to name their favorite book, chair hopeful Ann Wagner thought they asked for her favorite bar, and said “probably my kitchen table.” When the question was explained to Wagner, she said her favorite book was “George Bush’s new book.” The sad thing is I would vote for a person who sits and drinks at their kitchen table over anyone who would read George Bush’s book. . .

Read more at: Randi Rhodes

RNC: Marriage is Foundational to Life, But Gays Aren't Allowed

Image from FunnyAdult.net

This is a fundamental contradiction that has been one of the few consistent things about the years long battle for same-sex marriage. Pro-"traditional" marriage advocates will go on at length about how important, how vital, how foundational marriage is to society, and people in general. Why, we'd crumble without it! But, gay people are not allowed in. Nope, for them, it isn't important, vital or foundational. Unless they marry an opposite sex partner, which they are allowed to do. But then, when the marriage falls apart (because one of the participants is gay. Duh.), they'll still be chastised. There is no winning here for the gay person, and there is no logic for the "just say no to teh gay" bunch.

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RNC Candidates: Marriage Is ‘Foundational In Our Lives,’ But Gay People Should Be Excluded



During today’s RNC debate, all four candidates vying to replace current RNC Chairman Michael Steele reiterated their opposition to expanding marriage rights to gay and lesbian people, insisting that marriage can only be defined as a union between one man and one woman. The frontrunners for the position — Steele and Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus — also walked a tight rope of sorts, arguing that while marriage formed the foundation of American society, culture and history, excluding gay people from that all-important institution did not deny “dignity” to the LGBT community. . .
 
Read more at: Think Progress

RNC Chair Michael Steele is a "Disaster."

Well, duhhh!  To Democrats, Michael Steele is the gift that keeps on giving. Funny that now that the November elections are looming, he's suddenly absent from the Sunday morning political talk shows. 

[Excerpt]

GOP strategist says RNC Chairman Michael Steele is a ‘disaster.’



Michael Steele’s term as Republican National Committee Chairman has been riddled with controversial verbal missteps that have roused the scorn of his Republican colleagues. His most recent gaffe in mischaracterizing the Afghanistan war prompted an outcry among prominent Republicans who called for his ouster. Remarking on the appearance of “Shadow RNC” Chairman Ed Gillespie over Steele as the RNC mouthpiece, Face the Nation’s Bob Schieffer asked GOP strategist Ed Rollins today whether the GOP should “do something” about Steele. Rollins doubled-down on his dismissal of Steele’s efficacy, calling him a “disaster” who has “failed miserably” in his mission. . .

Read more at: Think Progress

Sarah Palin To Run The RNC?

After the long holiday weekend, I'm finding blogging a little harder to get into. So, I'm posting a few easy--but entertaining and relevant videos, to get the ball rolling. This one has Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks guest-hosting The Dylan Ratigan Show. The subject? Sarah Palin as head of the RNC!

Michael Steele in Hot Water Over Remarks About Afghanistan

Image from source, CBS News

Michael Steele, the leader of the RNC has made a habit of stepping on rakes.  But this most recent "candid moment"--complete with a doozy about Afghanistan being Obama's chosen war--might just be his undoing.  Are we almost rid of one of the Republicans' long list of cartoon characters? Maybe not.  Think of Sarah Palin.  When she screws up, they love her even more. But then, Michael Steele doesn't shoot moose, and you know, have boobies.

[Excerpt]

Michael Steele: Afghanistan is "War of Obama's Choosing"

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele suggested at a Connecticut fundraiser that Afghanistan is "a war of Obama's choosing" despite the fact that it began years before the president took office.



As criticism of his comments grew Friday, Steele issued a statement saying that he supported the U.S. troops, but did not address his factual mistake. . .



Read more at: CBS News

GOP Short of Cash

Image from source, Politico

Maybe they can hit up BP for a loan?

[Excerpt]

RNC woes put party in cash crunch

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele’s internal housecleaning is winning plaudits from GOP committee members who hope it stops the barrage of negative publicity that the party has endured in recent months over controversial spending.



But even as the embattled chairman moves to demonstrate that he is holding aides accountable for lapses in judgment that included underwriting a night out at a bondage-themed nightclub, some Republican state chairmen are expressing concern that the committee’s underlying cash crunch could hamper their campaigns in November’s midterm elections. . .

Read more at: Politico

Thanks to Tracy for the link.

RNC Sends Out Fake "Census" Again

Image from AppletreeBlog

I live by a rule when it comes to salesmen and sales pitches: if you're trying to trick me, you have nothing I want to buy. This goes for SPAM emails, junk faxes, junk mail, car salesmen with nebulous "fees," religious hucksters and political campaigns and committees. Not only do I think that these kinds of swindles are distasteful, but I've got to wonder, what do they think of me? If I'm tricked by this pitch, and they make their sale, I'm no better than a mark. A rube.

That's not so terrible for a salesman. What do they care if I'm gullible? Hey, they made a sale. But for a politician or group of them, if they're looking at me like a sap, they're going to govern like I'm a sap. I already know that people like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh must have contempt for their audiences with the load of bull they're selling. But the actual, official politicians? They're trying to build a reliable constituency. That's why undelivered campaign promises tend to turn some voters away from a party. What happens if it's worse than that, and they actually set out to sucker people?

The GOP/RNC have sent me many pieces of campaign literature, since I was until a few years ago a registered Republican. They essentially lost me in 1992, but I didn't make it official until 2006. So I get their sales pitches. And more than one of their mailers has been a "push poll," designed to look like something more official. I've reported several of them here. But at a time when an actual census is being mailed out, and when Americans are required by law to respond to them, a fake "census" is particularly egregious. The truth is clear: The RNC and GOP have no respect for their constituents.

[Excerpt]

Maloney, Clay, McHenry criticize RNC 'census' mailer

Officials of both parties are sharply criticizing a fundraising mailing from Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele they say could be confused with official correspondence regarding this year’s Census.

The fundraising letter comes in the form of a “survey,” a frequently used device for partisan fundraising, but this one has a twist: calling itself the “Congressional District Census,” the letter comes in an envelope starkly printed with the words, “DO NOT DESTROY OFFICIAL DOCUMENT” and describes itself, on the outside of the envelope, as a “census document. . .”

Read more at: Politico

RNC "Satire" Ad

More evidence that the GOP is lacking in a sense of humor. This is satire?



So funny, I forgot to laugh.

Olbermann: RNC Renames Democratic Party. . .WTF?

Perhaps you've heard that the Republican National Committe is convening an emergency session, to vote on a new name for the Democratic Party. There's enough for a WTF? segment right there. But what they're actually doing is voting on what the RNC will call the Democratic Party, instead of using their actual name. Yes, they want to call it the "Democrat Socialist Party" instead. This constitutes an emergency, apparently. That's some grand plan!

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Michael Steele, the First 100 Days

That whole "100 Days" thing in the news for President Barack Obama was rather tedious, wasn't it? They drug it out from day 90 or so, on through and past day 100. And it's just an arbitrary number, with no real significance. Well, whatever.

Far more entertaining is Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele's first 100 days! They've been. . .um. . .not so good for Steele himself, but manna from heaven to bloggers and comedy writers. Enjoy.

Uh-Oh! Is Newly Elected RNC Chairman in Legal Trouble?

Image from source, Washington Post

The fact that Michael Steele, the newly-elected chairman of the Republican National Committee, is a regular FOX "News" contributor is enough for me to be extremely suspect of his scruples. And this story doesn't sound good. . .

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Steele's Campaign Spending Questioned

Michael S. Steele, the newly elected chairman of the Republican National Committee, arranged for his 2006 Senate campaign to pay a defunct company run by his sister for services that were never performed, his finance chairman from that campaign has told federal prosecutors. . .

Read more at: Washington Post

RNC Releases Ad Critical of Passage of Bailout

This campaign just gets weirder and weirder. John McCain declared himself the winner of the debate before it happened--in fact, before he eve agreed to participate. Then, McCain claimed responsibility for passage of the Wall Street bailout, right before it failed to pass.

Now, the Republican National Committee has released an ad attacking Barack Obama for his role in passing the bailout bill--something that hasn't even happened yet. What's more, McCain actually supports the bill. The mind wobbles. . .

[Excerpt]

Does new RNC ad undercut McCain message?



A new advertisement released by the Republican National Committee may undercut GOP presidential candidate John McCain’s message. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

RNC Spending Big Bucks to Find Rove's Emails

Photo from RawStory.com

Yes, yet another Karl Rove story, forwarded to me by Stupid Monkey Planet (a "brother" blog starting up in January, stay tuned). It would seem that Karl Rove is costing the RNC--an organization with less money in its coffers than usual--because of his email scheme. I'm having trouble feeling sorry for them, having used Karl's "skills" so extensively.

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E-Mail Search Takes Byte Out of RNC Coffers

Nothing comes cheap in Washington, including Karl Rove's missing e-mails. Just ask the Republican National Committee, which seems to be spending a pretty penny looking for them.

Earlier this year, it was discovered that Rove and other White House aides had been using private e-mail accounts at the RNC to send messages about controversial government matters, such as the firings of U.S. attorneys. When investigators came calling, the RNC couldn't find the e-mails but promised to look. . .

Read more at: Washington Post