The most recent 20 comments posted to Electrolite by Scott B:

I think the current administration was really hoping that the retribution thing would just take care of itself and leave the whole place deserted.

Quite frankly, I think the only plans the hawks can develop are ten words or less. Funny, but I think there may be convergence between American foreign policy and move pitches. I can imagine "It's like the first Persian Gulf with the messianic overtones of the End Times! I've already focus grouped it, and it tested really well with our 45-65 year old male top wage earners!"

Argh.

I can't quite imagine any of my City Council members speaking with such candor. 'Tis a pity, really.

For heavens sake, Patrick, just link to your Amazon wishlist!

And good luck to you Iain!

Quick interjection-

Ann Coulter is pals with Miguel Estrada and other members of the Federalist Society. These are not lightweight blowhard Limbaugh listeners, these are men (and a few women) who seek to occupy the most powerful offices in the land. Her inflammatory rhetoric helps provide cover for neo-conservative activism by groups like the Federalist Society. I suppose that may not be "influence" but it definitely serves the far right's agenda.

Ann Coulter is nuts, however, she is in the media constantly. That fact, in itself, carries the weight of authority for a lot of people. This is lamentable.

One cannot equate Coulter's ideas with common liberal dogma, no more than you can say Jimmy the crazy street hobo's hallucinations are on par with Alan Greenspan's thoughts on the economy. One is pure wanton fantasy and the other actually has some rational basis in a common reality.

In my view, the core of liberal thought is altruistic. It may screw up the economy and raise tax burdens, but there are clearly good intentions at work. In Coulter's body of thought (if you can call it that), she cannot put forward a single cogent idea. There is no central core belief, other than a relentless, centerless criticism that eats at the edges of a humanistic view of governance. In short, she's a crank.

I'm all for asking the FCC to start enforcing the equal time doctrine, though Michael "Invisible Hand" Powell would never in a million years enforce any such thing. Nonetheless, I'm taking suggestions for liberal media darlings.

charlie b.,

The problem with Mr Bush is that no one honestly believes he could be "trained" to speak so eloquently. Mr Bush appears to be a bit dim, particularly in establishing an appropriate rhetorical tone.

Contrasting the LTC and the alleged leader of the free world remains a valid commentary on their respective native abilities. One worked his way up a meritocracy, the other's name is George Bush.

Erik,

I think the Democratic Party will not have to worry about the Greens if they can motivate their core voters to turn up in November. I hope that they'll make use of Bush's mistakes and not try to pull any punches, because they're going to need to throw down to get their voters excited again. Gore and company were far too genteel. Given Gore's treatment by the media, I was surprised that he seemed so bloodless and passive about it, which only served to dishearten a lot of people.

I should clarify that I'm not David Scott Marley, but Scott Betts in the previous "Scott" comment.

I should clarify that I'm not David Scott Marley, but Scott Betts in the previous "Scott" comment.

The argument that voting Green would help move the Democrats back to their core is specious at best.

There is no evidence to support this notion of changing a party from without, and intuitively it would seem to only sap the energy and drive of the Democratic party. Granted, the Dems' strategy to move right to absorb some the GOP's space is a colossal failure and contributed greatly to the exodus of progressives. True this hurt the Dems and may reconsider their strategy, but the end result is the Bush adminstration, which by all measures, is a hell of a lot to ask of your fellow citizens.

The lessons from the '00 and '02 elections are manifold. One thing The Dems have to do is invigorate their base, and can do this in part by courting Greens to work within the Democratic Party on traditional Dem planks. Another thing they have to do is illustrate the profound differences between themselves and the GOP and in a manner that is consistent, unwavering and strong. The Dems will not do well if they don't win a few shouting matches.

I personally am going to go all out volunteer crazy come next election cycle (for the Democratic Party) and from what I gather here, I won't be alone. I sincerely hope that those who voted Green in '00 reconsider come the next election.

cheers,
Scott

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