Everybody has bad hair days

Clintonhair Some conservatives mocked Hillary Clinton’s recent “bedraggled” photo. Matt Drudge titled it “The Toll of a Campaign,” and Rush Limbaugh questioned whether “this country want(s) to actually watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis.”
Superficialities and sexism aside, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd took the photo flap as an opportunity to wonder why we’re still not sure who Clinton really is.
"Back in the ’92 race, Clinton pollsters devised strategies to humanize her and make her seem more warm and maternal. Fifteen years later, her campaign is devising strategies to humanize her and make her seem more warm and maternal. The public still has no idea of what part of her is stage-managed and focus-grouped, and what part is legit.”
Posted by Kristin Mehler

114 Comments

  1. kansas
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:24 am | Permalink

    fuwaaahhhhhaaaaaaaaaa!!!

    gurgles…

  2. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:30 am | Permalink

    If White House employees belonged to a labor union, the complaints against Hillary would make interesting reading. Hillary is a tyrant. The reason she need to be “humanized” is that she is such a difficult, mean-spirited person, in real life.

    http://www.mediaresearch.org/BozellColumns/newscolumn/2007/col20071212.asp—-”After Clinton’s high-toned remarks, however, her critics pointed to her own reputation for an explosive temper. In 2000, a book famously reported that she said, “You f—ing Jew bastard!” more than two decades ago to a campaign aide. Jerry Oppenheimer’s “State of a Union: Inside the Complex Marriage of Bill and Hillary Clinton” cites three sources who heard the remark.”http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=39329

    Hillary treats those around her like dirt. You will be hard pressed to find another, former First Lady as disliked by Secret Service, Marine Guards, waiters, maids and others, as Hillary.

  3. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:46 am | Permalink

    Type The Hillary Project into your browser.

    When you get to the webside, type “potty mouth” into the Hillary Project search tool.

    You will come up with quotes of Hillary cussing out security details, for simply saying “hello” or “good morning”.

    The Eagle will not let me post the link.

  4. Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:04 am | Permalink

    Sigh. . .whatever.

    I’m no Hillary fan (refer to. . .about everything I’ve ever posted here!).

    Welcome to the tabloid age! One crappy photo defines you! (Dick Cheney’s ’sneer’ did, of course, define him–but it was because of WHO HE WAS, not the pose!).

    Could we possibly TRIVIALIZE the reality of choosing our leaders MORE? (The answer–unfortunately–is HELL YES! Kevin Martin is leading the way. . . )

    P.S. Screw Maureen Dowd. More talk about personalities. News flash: We’re not electing a friggin’ game-shot host!

    Sigh. . .

  5. Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:10 am | Permalink

    The Eagle will not let me post the link.

    Posted by: econ101 | December 20, 2007 at 01:46 AM

    It’s not the specific link, Paul–everyone’s getting nailed. Technology coded and/or configured by the clueless.

    Oh well.

  6. XXX
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:57 am | Permalink

    Sigh….Could we possibly trivialize this election further?

  7. Pleefer
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 6:31 am | Permalink

    “American Idol-Presidential Race”

    At least with Ron Paul, the media doesn’t give him time anyway. So he isn’t being trivialized, he’s just not being considered at all. But if folks in this country want to clamour over a candidates friggin hair instead of over ideas, then I don’t care what happens to this country. If we are so vain as too decide our leaders over how “sexy” they are, then I want the evil Arabs to kill us. Shit, anyone should kill us all. If we can’t outgrow all of the bs clique/popularity contest-high school crap then I want this country to cease to exist.

  8. stumper
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 6:50 am | Permalink

    Sigh . . . good ole people lovin’, drug soaked rush to the republicans rescue again. Can’t have a woman gettin old, now, can we.

  9. Fun, Fulsome Female
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 6:57 am | Permalink

    Screw Rush Limberger.

    He’s a fat, grotesque, balding, bloated, egotistical, hypocritical, Oxycontin-totin’ oaf of a “man” (and I use that term lightly. If he hadn’t been a celebrity, his big fat butt would be in prison for drug trafficking – right this very minute!

    Who #$%^ing CARES if Mrs. Clinton takes a less-than-flattering picture? Is this illusory issue what the presidential election is about?

    Let’s be clear: She’s a politician. She’s a brilliant politician. Putting up with her plethorically philandering hubby probably took a toll on her outlook on life. Playing the political game(s) in Washington probably took a toll on her as well.

    Here’s the thing: I don’t care for politicians – any politicians. But we’ve got to elect someone who will propel our country forward. Will that person be Bill’s better half? I’m not sure yet.

    But it sure as hay-ull ain’t one bad hair-day that’s gonna determine my vote.

    As for good ol’ Rushie-poo: I agree with Howard Stern’s benevolent admonition: Let’s strip the fat freak naked, bend him over, grab a cattle prod….and………

    Let the bonhomie bake right in……..

  10. political_mama
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 7:18 am | Permalink

    Oh I know this whole picture thing has pee’d me off, they’re talking about it in other blogs too. Talk about petty and so incredibly sexist. Yeah Rush is the sexist of the sexist- probably why he’s been divorced so many times. And he’s sure pretty to look at aint he?

    and Paul, stop posting bs.

  11. Mary Caruso
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 7:44 am | Permalink

    Wouldn’t it be nice if women were judged by their character and accomplishments instead of their appearance? Some things never change.
    Of course if that were true, I don’t know if Hilary would fair any better.

  12. ksagnostic
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 7:52 am | Permalink

    So according to Rush Limbaugh, the British are much tougher than we are. After all, they had Margaret Thatcher.

    “Rush Limbaugh questioned whether ‘this country want(s) to actually watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis.’”

    Dumbest. Argument. Against. A. Clinton. Presidency. Ever. What an asshat.

  13. ksagnostic
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 7:53 am | Permalink

    And Rosell, you really are living up to the shill lable aren’t you, using Bozo Bozelle and Worldnut Daily as sources.

  14. Kev
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 7:58 am | Permalink

    John Edwards never has bad hair days! ha ha ha!

  15. outlander
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:04 am | Permalink

    I see botox in Mrs. Clinton’s life, and soon. John Kerry can tell her all about it.

    Personally though, I find Mrs. Clinton much harder to listen to than to look at.

  16. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:08 am | Permalink

    “Sigh….Could we possibly trivialize this election further?

    Posted by: XXX | December 20, 2007 at 04:57 AM ”

    Of course not. Repukes and their shills in the media don’t want to discuss substance.

  17. lindainks55
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:24 am | Permalink

    They have no substance to talk about. When we get a thread about one of the Republic candidates it quickly becomes a trash the Democratic candidates discussion. If they have anything else they haven’t shared it here.

  18. GMC70
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:43 am | Permalink

    Apparantly, Rush was much kinder to her than Dowd. Rush’s site (I was directed there by Instapundit) discounted the photo and pointed out the obvious: we all have days we don’t look particularly good, or we’re tired, and it’s irrelevant.

    No, it’s not the messages that she doesn’t intend that are troubling with Hillary!, it’s the messages she intends to send. Seen here “Christmas” ad? What a sense of entitlement she has. A statist tyrant, through and through. Ugh.

  19. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:46 am | Permalink

    If looks mattered in a presidential race, fredrick of hollywood wouldnt have made it out of the starting gate.

    Oh, wait, he kinda didnt….

    When people cant attack a woman on substance, they always go to her looks.

    Double standard.

  20. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:47 am | Permalink

    Heh, the spam bot.

    Too bad they dont have a STUPID bot here…

  21. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:48 am | Permalink

    …or a liar bot.

    There would be fewer con posters if they did.

  22. J R
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:51 am | Permalink

    The editors shame themeselves and this forum by re showing this obviously doctored pic here.

    I watched the Senator in a Cspan appearance the other day. I really liked alot of what she had to say.

    The tax cuts for the super rich? Gone.

    Subsidies for the oil companies. Yup gone too.

    I encourage readers to better get to know the candidate. Do be careful as to your resources though. There is no shortage of people ready to TELL you what you should think of her.

    Rush, Hannity, Econ

    Are you going to trust them?

    Don’t.

  23. littlejohn
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:53 am | Permalink

    Yeah, in the picture, Hillary looks like a haggard ol wench. Big deal. Look at the pictures of Presidents on Inauguration day and the day they leave office. Wears them out. I don;t like Hillary, but I really don;t care what she looks like one way or the other. I dislike her because of who I perceive her to be, not by what she looks like.

  24. GMC70
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 8:57 am | Permalink

    While I’m not a Rush fan, and I haven’t read the Dowd article, Rush’s comments are a defense of Hillary and an indictment of a society that puts so much emphasis on looks.

    I’d post the link, but the ‘bot don’t like it.

    But that doesn’t fit the narrative on Rush, so we get, instead, simplistic drivel like Kristin’s post at the start of this thread.

    JR, our local Rush “monitor” (that still makes me laugh) may have his own take, of course, but it seems to me Rush has been unfairly tagged with this one.

  25. J R
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 9:03 am | Permalink

    Yup I heard the Rush line on this pic.

    Pretty gymnastic his rhetoric on it.

    It boiled down to…

    Americans are an appearance centered culture. Are they REALLY ready to watch the effects of the Presidency on a woman?

    Rush Limbaugh is a pig.

  26. Hank Price
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 9:31 am | Permalink

    Thanks J R!

    Since I work when Hannity and Rush are on I really appreciate your ability to condense their shows down to the few words we really need to know.

    I my not renew my subscription to Rush 24/7. No need.

  27. J R
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 9:36 am | Permalink

    One CAN work and carry a radio.

    Unlike some, I am not gifted the capacity to “work” and blog.

    Backhanded shot returned to sender.

  28. littlejohn
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 9:40 am | Permalink

    It boiled down to…

    Americans are an appearance centered culture. Are they REALLY ready to watch the effects of the Presidency on a woman?

    Rush Limbaugh is a pig.

    Posted by: J R | December 20, 2007 at 09:03 AM

    In this case, Rush is right. America is a visually orientated, appearance centered society. Men and Women both are culpable.

    America, in this regard, is a pig.Limbaugh merely pointed out the obvious. And no, I don;t listen to Limbaugh, Hannity, etc. I actually work for a living

  29. Max
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:00 am | Permalink

    Kristen’s point is NOT the god-awful photo of Hillary.

    Kristen’s point is that Senator Clinton is cold-hearted and unfriendly, and such a chameleon that it’s difficult to know where she really stands on any issue – unless you study her past.

    Despite years of work to mold her image into something that is warm and friendly, she cannot completely hide her cold-hearted and power-hungry CORE. She will do or say ANYTHING to get elected. The End justifies any cold-hearted, cruel, and deceptive Means that she uses to ‘win’.

    She can’t act warm and friendly and be likeable, because she ISN’T. The more she talks, the less she can hide, and the lower she falls in the polls.

    What’s there to like? What IS there to like? I haven’t seen a specific list from anyone, anywhere, anytime, ever!

    “Back in the ’92 race, Clinton pollsters devised strategies to humanize her and make her seem more warm and maternal. Fifteen years later, her campaign is devising strategies to humanize her and make her seem more warm and maternal. The public still has no idea of what part of her is stage-managed and focus-grouped, and what part is legit.”

  30. wes
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:08 am | Permalink

    This article serves to counter and expose that shameless misleading of the public about the true character of America’s two supreme actors and how they talk in private, and not so private.Link: http://sonic.net/maledicta/clintons.html

  31. door king
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:30 am | Permalink

    She might be mean, but she makes sense. Obama makes the most sense: He said the other day that America’s health crisis is essentially a diet crisis. In other words, he’s damned smart. I’m for Edwards though. He can win. Hillary can’t, she’s female; Obama can’t, he’s black. But of course, if the Pukes select Romney or Hackberry, or whatever his name is, any Democrat could win. America is fed up with religious nut cases.

  32. Max
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:33 am | Permalink

    Oh, she makes sense.

    On what, specifically?

  33. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:38 am | Permalink

    Libs on this board have criticized Fred Thompsons looks.Libs on this board have called Mitt Romney a “Ken Doll”.Sexism, in my opinion, is the act of measuring men and women by different standards.—–One other point. I do not think the photo was retouched or doctored or photo-shopped.

    If it was, do you not think that one of the experts, on some Blog, would have discovered that fact, already? It is fairly easy for the experts to detect a doctored photo.

    You liberals just can’t handle the truth, can you?

  34. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:42 am | Permalink

    The liberal LIE, in Hillary’s case, is that, somehow, conservatives won’t vote for a woman.

    Nothing could be further from the truth.

    If a man treated those around him like dirt, called security guards “pigs” and cussed out the help on a regular basis, like Hillary had done, I would not vote for that man, either.

    Hillary is a tyrant. Those who have worked for her do not like her.

    Try finding someone with a warm story about Hillary bringing a basket of food, after a death in the family.

    Try finding someone with a warm story about Hillary comforting an employee, after any personal tragedy.

    If such stories existed, we would be hearing them.

    Instead, we get lots of expletives.

    Hillary seems to cuss more than Nixon or LBJ.

    We did not let the men get away with it.

    Do we give Hillary a pass?

    Wouldn’t THAT be “sexist”?

  35. littlejohn
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:43 am | Permalink

    After Maureen Dowd spends several inches ripping at the “critics” of Hillary, and actually making a few good points, she FINALLY gets to the heart of the matter

    “Hillary doesn’t have to worry about her face. She has to worry about her mask. Back in the ’92 race, Clinton pollsters devised strategies to humanize her and make her seem more warm and maternal. Fifteen years later, her campaign is devising strategies to humanize her and make her seem more warm and maternal.

    The public still has no idea of what part of her is stage-managed and focus-grouped, and what part is legit. It’s pretty pathetic, at this stage of her career, that she has to wage a major offensive, by helicopter and Web testimonials, to make herself appear warm-blooded. ”

    Maureen is right about Hillary, at the least.

  36. reader
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:51 am | Permalink

    I don’t know that much about Hillary Clinton. But I do know about the people I read here that hate her so much and I don’t like them. If they hate Hillary she probably is ok with me.

  37. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 10:57 am | Permalink

    Dont get me wrong.I WANT Hillary to be the Democrat nominee.Hillary has the highest negatives of anyone else running for President.40% would not vote for her, under any circumstances.
    The next runner up is Rudy, with only 20% saying they would never vote for him.

  38. Dumber
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:03 am | Permalink

    I’m too dumb to know anything about Hillary. She’s only been a public figure for 15 years.

    Mean people on this blog don’t like Hillary. I don’t know why. I am too stupid.

    I don’t like mean people, so I guess I must like Hillary.

  39. reader
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:10 am | Permalink

    Just like I said the people who don’t like Hillary Clinton are not good people. I’ve never voted but my brother in law is a Republican and he is a jerk too. If I vote this time I am going to vote for Democrats. They talk about solving problems instead of blaming people for them.

  40. Bruno
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:13 am | Permalink

    The Pope and Hillary Rodham Clinton are on the same stage in front of a huge crowd.

    ‘Her Majesty’ and His Holiness, however, have seen it all before, so to make it a little more interesting, the senator says to the Pope, “Did you know that with just one little wave of my hand I can make every Democrat in the crowd go wild?”

    Before the Pope can concede her point graciously, she shows him. Sure enough, the wave elicits rapture and cheering from every democrat in the crowd. Gradually, the cheering subsides.

    The Pope, not wanting to be out done by such a level of arrogance, considers what he could do. “That was impressive. But did you know that with just one little wave of MY hand I can make EVERY person in the crowd go crazy with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display like that of your subjects, but will go deep into their hearts, and they will forever speak of this day and rejoice.”

    The senator seriously doubts this, and says so. “One little wave of your hand and all people will rejoice forever? Show me.”

    So the Pope slapped her.

  41. littlejohn
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:15 am | Permalink

    Dear reader-

    Please inform yourself before voting. It is a precious right, use it preciously. Otherwise, we all suffer for your admitted ignorance–note, I did not say stupidity—. My ex sister in law is a two timing bxyh. She is a Democrat. So, should I vote Republican?
    You are either very young, or a fake. I hope it is your youthfulness.

  42. kansas
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:16 am | Permalink

    So the Pope slapped her.

    Posted by: Bruno | December 20, 2007 at 11:13 AM

    heh heh

  43. littlejohn
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:18 am | Permalink

    Bruno-

    I don;t care who you are, that’s just plain funny. Thanks

  44. The Phantom
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:18 am | Permalink

    So, they’ve finally upped the conversation from her thighs to her face! How shallow. Thompson on the other hand is an old geezer. Romney, an empty suit.

  45. reader
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:22 am | Permalink

    I read here sometimes but who talks about this stuff all the time? I just never figured it made much sense to vote because it doesn’t count anyway. But the more I find out it is like voting for Republicans is like voting for your boss. And I’ve never had a boss that wasn’t a jerk too. At least Democrats try to be for the people. Or they say they do. Republicans just keep saying stuff about God and trying to tell me what to do.

  46. littlejohn
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:23 am | Permalink

    Personally, I don;t care about her thighs, or her face. I have no intention of getting anywhere near either one.

  47. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:27 am | Permalink

    More dirty tricks, by Hillary.
    This time that “right wing” ABC News ran with the story.

    Well, Eagle wont let me post the link.

    However, the IP Address for Clinton’s official site is the SAME IP for 2 anti-Obama sites.

  48. XXX
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:28 am | Permalink

    The liberal LIE, in Hillary’s case, is that, somehow, conservatives won’t vote for a woman.

    Nothing could be further from the truth.Posted by: econ101 | December 20, 2007 at 10:42 AM

    And here we have the conservative lie.

  49. stumper
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:28 am | Permalink

    Rush 24/7? Good grief, do people really dispense with thinking and leave that to rush? No wonder pain pill use is on the upswing. And I still contend if there was money in lib radio, rush would be the first in line to grab his share. After, of course, he ran over coulter to be first in line.

  50. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:33 am | Permalink

    XXXThere are several women that I would support, on a Presidential ticket.Hillary is not qualified.Hillary is a tyrant.Hillary is dishonest.

  51. CapnAmerica
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:36 am | Permalink

    What woman would you support, Econ?

    (This should be good . . . )

    Let me guess: Libby Dole.

  52. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:56 am | Permalink

    I had hoped that Condi Rice would run.I do not know her positions, on all the issues, but I do like her.Just by running, it would make a statement about the GOP.

    Also, I do like Libby Dole.

    I like Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson.

    I like this lady, from Florida:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ileana_Ros-Lehtinen

  53. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:57 am | Permalink

    Unfortunately, those born outside the USA can’t be President.

  54. Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:13 pm | Permalink

    I dont think female looks has much to do with this… Consider Mrs. Gandhi; Mrs. Thatcher; Ms. Meir.. And that woman who was elected in Pakistan?? And how about that loony tunes woman that used to be President in the Philippines?? Lots of not so good looking females in that list!!

    It seems like they have nothing else to go off on about Hillary, so they have stooped to the lowest denominator left… He looks… her sexuality… the size of her Thiz… I suppose next they will go for bags under her eyez…

  55. Hank Price
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:19 pm | Permalink

    Hey stumper,

    An amazing number of people subscribe to Rush. I am one of them. I get several emails from servicemen that I have donated a subscription to also. Wonderful, thoughtful patriots.

    I get my information from various sources. A project that I am working on requires it.

    I also subscribe to Stratfor.com. Very informative. I also subscribe to the WSJ. I am very fortunate to be at a place in life that I can afford to afford who I give to and get from who I want.

    Your statements about Rush and his listeners merely highlights your own personal ignorance. His listeners are generally very intelligent and well read.

  56. Hank Price
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:25 pm | Permalink

    I aggree Paul,

    There are several conservative women that I could support for president. Rice tops my list.

    I don’t like Libby Dole or Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Nice competant Senators but they’ve both said and done things in the past that would lesd me to believe that they aren’t tough enough.

    Hillary? I think she’s tough enough, just not my political persuasion. If she was elected it wopuld be Slick Willy II. She’d spend the first four years getting re-elected and the last four years on her ‘legacy’.

  57. littlejohn
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:28 pm | Permalink

    Hey Chas-

    I tried to post to your comment about worldwide female politicians, but the spamblocker got me. My reply was in essence that those you name are not Americans. America is fixated on looks. I disagree with that persuasion, strongle, but it is still the truth for a huge amount of the populace.

  58. Self-Possessed and Sexxee
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:32 pm | Permalink

    On second thought – maybe FatF#$%Rushie ought to be elected prez.

    This way, if I ever re-injure my back again, and the agony compels me to seriously consider hurling myself into oncoming traffic, I’ll have a steady supply of Oxycontin at my fingertips! I know I will – ’cause it’s Rush-doodle’s fave-rave drug frappucino!

    My gosh – if the dude weren’t such a scrotal sarcophagus, I’d actually feel sorry for his travails of yore. ‘Cause a severe back injury ain’t pretty. There’s nothing one can “put” on an injury like that to numb the pain – except for prescription painkillers.

    I’ve endured opiate withdrawal – twice – once in 2003 and once last summer – and that ain’t utopic, neither. Of course, I wasn’t as prodigious a user as the radio pitviper was, so my withdrawals weren’t as bad. Incessant sweating, continual crapping, bilious bombast, inane blatherings…….

    Hey, that sounds like Rushie on a good day!

    Has he kicked his dope habit – one wonders? Someone nominate this bloated toad for prez! We need a drug addict in the White House! At least we wouldn’t have to worry about Rushie dallying with the interns – because opiate usage does tend to plunder the sex drive to smithereens.

    Ozzy Osbourne said it best, “Miss A-bleeping-merica could walk past me – stark naykid – and there’s nothin’ goin’ on in me shorts!”

    Let’s nominate Rush for Chief Executive! Right now!

    My goodness – the brilliant things ex-opiate users come up with. I’m completely overwhelmed by my good taste………………………………….

  59. annie moose
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:33 pm | Permalink

    rush’s pick for el presidente;

    http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blpic-marycarey.htm

  60. Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:52 pm | Permalink

    littlejohn — unfortunately, you are probably right. Also, unfortunately, I think this particular photo of Hillary is SO corrupted by somebody’s “art” program, that it is totally fake! Looks more like they morphed it up about 20 years, and makes her look amazingly like her mother! JMHO

  61. Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

    I also wish the extreme right would stop putting out their blatant lies about Obama’s muslim religion.

    I know the Church where he is a member. I know the Pastor. They are NOT muslim. I wish his campaign guru’s would make more use of Obama’s mother and grandmother in their campaign. It might wake up America a little more.

  62. Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:01 pm | Permalink

    Dang Chas, is there anyone you do not know or anything you have not done or tragedy/victim status that has not happen to you or someone you know?

  63. Tracy
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:04 pm | Permalink

    Hey, Econ—You don’t believe Hillary should get a pass for cussing out the maids/waiters, etc. What about the temper tantrums that George W. throws each and every day? Ever heard of that guy taking a basket of fruit to a wake or taking time to cheer up a depressed co-worker? Pull your head out of the clouds and say what you want: You want our Presidents to be Alpha Males and you want our Vice Presidents to be compassionate women. Guess what, though? It’s the 21st Century and times are changing.

  64. Hank Price
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:08 pm | Permalink

    Dear Chas.,

    In this day and age if the photo had been altered the fact would be all over the BLOGs.

    The original picture would be beside the doctored picture and they would even know who did it.

    I’m sorry, the picture isn’t doctored. Live with it.

  65. J R
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:08 pm | Permalink

    I WANT a President who can swear.

    That is all Republicans understand, loud, mean and in their face.

  66. GMC70
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:10 pm | Permalink

    “I also wish the extreme right would stop putting out their blatant lies about Obama’s muslim religion.” – Chas

    Uh, the “extreme right?” Try Hillary’s campaign, through her operatives. She, of course, denies any such thing. Typical from the Clinton machine.

    http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4032659&page=1

    http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071220/D8TL2V601.html

    http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1207/Kerrey_digs_a_little_deeper.html

    You really think Hillary has no part in this? REALLY?

  67. Hank Price
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:10 pm | Permalink

    Chas.,

    It isn’t the right that’s making a big deal about Opra’s candidate.

    It’s the Hillary camp.

  68. Hank Price
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:12 pm | Permalink

    Beat me to it GM

  69. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:17 pm | Permalink

    The majority of the voting public would be disgusted to learn how badly Hillary treats those that she feels are “beneath” her.

    Alpha males? There are plenty of strong men, and women, who have far more sympathy for individuals than Hillary.

    Hillary is a cold hearted, mean-spirited, vindictive person.

    You women who support her so much, would be absolutely disgusted at a man that behaved like Hillary.

  70. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:20 pm | Permalink

    Hillary is the one who is attacking Obama.
    Check out this “right wing” link.http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4032659&page=1

  71. CapnAmerica
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:20 pm | Permalink

    Miss A-bleeping-merica could walk past me – stark naykid – and there’s nothin’ goin’ on in me shorts!

    *****

    Interesting, SS.

    I guess that explains Rush’s three failed marriages AND his deafness.

    Doesn’t explain his dumbness though.

  72. J R
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:22 pm | Permalink

    Yeah I think it’s pretty generally figured Rush is firing blanks or unable to fire.

    Nice knowing that he won’t reproduce.

  73. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:34 pm | Permalink

    TracyWhat would you think of a man who hired a PI to harass a woman?

    Hillary did hire a PI to harass Katleen Willey:http://www.hillaryproject.com/index.php?/en/story-details/pi_admits_hillary_paid_him_to_harass_willey/

  74. Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:46 pm | Permalink

    Posted by: Self-Possessed and Sexxee | December 20, 2007 at 12:32 PM

    Wow: I’ve lived long enough to see someone use a Sonic Youth reference as a nic.

    Who’d thunk it back in ‘87?

  75. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 1:50 pm | Permalink

    “It’s total fantasy,” he told WND. “No, that’s too kind; it’s a lie.”

    Sure Paullie – a bitter enemy of the Clintons continues spewing her hate and for you it is gospel.

  76. TDT
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 2:38 pm | Permalink

    Why is “econ” suddenly not capitalizing his “E”? I know Paul’s a nut, but this may not be the nut we think it is.

  77. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 3:44 pm | Permalink

    Actually, I changed from the cap to the small to see it it would help me past the filter.Ya, it does.Try it.

  78. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 3:44 pm | Permalink

    And — I switched to cashews today.

  79. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 3:47 pm | Permalink

    BenIf you would do a little research, you would see that there are several sources on Hillary’s foul mouth.You would rather call ME a liar, than go back and read the quote, and the 3 sources, they say she did say it?And, you consider Bill Clinton, who was impeached and disbarred for lying under oath, to be a credible witness? Not like he is biased or anything, is it?

  80. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 3:48 pm | Permalink

    I read the source. A veteran hater. As for Clinton’s impeachment that was the most partisan exercise I have ever seen.

  81. annie moose
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 3:54 pm | Permalink

    Piss and moan about Hillary all you want, it”s still the economy stupid.Morgan Stanley has issued a full recession alert for the US economy, warning of a sharp slowdown in business investment and a “perfect storm” for consumers as the housing slump spreads.Federal Reserve chairman Ben BernankeFed chairman Ben Bernanke will be hoping he can keep the US economy from recession# The latest news and analysis on the credit crisis# Banks ‘acted to prevent major slump’, says Tucker# Comment: Banks have $100bn, but no magic wand

    In a report “Recession Coming” released today, the bank’s US team said the credit crunch had started to inflict serious damage on US companies.

    “Slipping sales and tightening credit are pushing companies into liquidation mode, especially in motor vehicles,” it said

  82. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:02 pm | Permalink

    But BenDid he tell the truth?And why did Clinton get disbarred for lying?

  83. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:09 pm | Permalink

    annieMany of the libs on this blog dont care if US Auto companies go broke.

    However, let me bring you up to speed on the rest of your worries.

    The investment market is made up of bulls and bears.

    Banks are, generally, bearish in their predictions concerning the stock market. They want deposit accounts.

    Likewise, bond traders tend to be bearish on the economy, as this can help bond values, if the economy weakens. At least, a recession is very good for AAA rated debt.

    Junk bonds do poorly in a recession, but they actually do much better than any other debt instrument when inflation and interest are rising.

    Having said all of this, EVERY opinion that you sited has a vested interest in trying to get the public to believe what they said.

    Let is put it all in perspective:

    If EVERY subprime loan issued in the last few years when broke, TODAY, and if the house backing that mortgage was completely worthless, the TOTAL loss to the US economy would be roughly the same as a 1.5% drop in the total stock market capitalization of the United States.

    It is not a big deal. In fact, it has been greatly overblown.

    I would add another point: “Corporate Welfare” is truly at work here. Many of these lenders are trying to scare our politicians into bailing them out.

    Apparently, that is working, huh?

  84. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:15 pm | Permalink

    As I recall he resigned the bar.

  85. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:17 pm | Permalink

    And Paul – “he” (the PI) called Willey a liar.

    “It’s total fantasy,” he told WND. “No, that’s too kind; it’s a lie.”

  86. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:17 pm | Permalink

    3rd QTR GDP growth is very high, at 4.9%.http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20071220\ACQRTT200712200930RTTRADERUSEQUITY_0636.htm&selected=9999&selecteddisplaysymbol=9999

  87. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:19 pm | Permalink

    Lets hope it continues. One red flag I noticed was inventory growth. I hope that doesn’t trip us up. I have a bad feeling about the 4th Qtr.

  88. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:20 pm | Permalink

    Not exactly Ben.This right wing link might help you:http://archives.cnn.com/2001/LAW/10/01/scotus.clinton/

    Here is another right wing link for you:http://famguardian.org/Subjects/LawAndGovt/News/ClintonDisbar-011001.htm

    CNN and the Associated Press, two KNOWN “Clinton Haters” huh?

  89. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:21 pm | Permalink

    BenAs far as the PI goes, his contract might REQUIRE him to deny that there is a contract. What he says doesnt matter.

  90. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:22 pm | Permalink

    I stand corrected on that aspect. The PI still called the professional hater Willey a liar about her bogus claims.

  91. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:38 pm | Permalink

    There are lots of women who claim that Hillary caused them grief, in her “bimbo eruption” defense of Bill’s political career.Are all of them lying?

  92. annie moose
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:42 pm | Permalink

    Paulie,The banks sold loans to people that could not afford them. They took a fee.

    Loans were packaged in exotic instruments called collateralized debt obligations. These were sold to investment banks.

    Investment banks added more layers of junk. These were sold to hedge funds.

    Hedge funds sold the to pension funds.

    Everything was fine until housing stopped inflating and someone asked how much these funds were worth.

    For an detailed explanation see:

    http://calculatedrisk.blogspot.com/

  93. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:45 pm | Permalink

    Paul – I met a few professional haters at a radio talk show conference in Santa Monica CA about 10 years ago. They told me they had the financial means to get pretty much any claims they wanted against the targets of their hatred. They were very well financed.

  94. Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:50 pm | Permalink

    Sort of like Moveon.org Ben? :)

  95. Ben
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 4:54 pm | Permalink

    Not even close kansas – these guys predated moveon by a decade and had MUCH more financing. Mellon-Scaife was quite generous to them.

  96. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 5:00 pm | Permalink

    annieI dont wish to brag, but I knew everything you just posted, more than a year ago.I know that the hedge funds screwed up.I know that the lenders screwed up.I know that the borrowers screwed up.I just dont see how this completely ruins the economy.It will only lead to a recession if we do not handle it properly.

    CMO’s, or Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, have been around for a long, long time.

    They aren’t all bad.

    The problems here were, primarily, in the corners that were cut, on the sub-prime area of the market.

    There are some appraisers at fault, for placing too high of a value on some property.

    There are some lenders at fault, for poor “due dilegence” on their lending practices.

    There are thousands of borrowers at fault, for buying more house than they could afford.

    The market is dealing with this.

    Yes, it sucks, but there has rarely been a year, in history, where some area of the economy wasn’t going through some problems.

    The main issue that has to be worked out is cash flow for some of the lenders. Lowering US rates helps there.

    As far as keeping borrowers out of trouble, in general, that is harder. Most of these ARMS use the LIBOR, which is not just a US market indicator.

    Most of the troubled loans would have “push back” provisions — meaning that if the loan was less than 1 year old, the lender would have to “eat” the loss, NOT the hedge fund or mutual fund or CMO.

    Again, I am upset at those who didnt do their jobs well, in all of this.

    However, if interest rates had remained low, we might not have ever heard about the illegal activity.

    Back when the Savings and Loans had problems, we had the same issues.

    Debt institutions can “lend long and borrow short” if short term rates are too high.

    Inverted yield curves and other problems CAUSED this mess, for the most part.

    The mess itself exposes some bad practices, but the mess was not caused, entirely, by those practices.

    Again, it is a very small problem, in terms of the US economy.

    It is a very big problem, for the lenders and hedge funds and mutual funds and CMO’s directly involved.

    It would become a problem, for the entire economy, perhaps, if the financial sector did not deal with this appropriately.

    I think that they are, so far.

    Merril Lynch has had a house cleaning. Other firms are doing the same.

    Yes, it all sucks, it is very sad and very frustrating.

    All I am saying is that the “doom and gloom” are not warranted.

  97. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 5:04 pm | Permalink

    Sorry, I should have said CAN’T

    “Debt institutions can “lend long and borrow short” if short term rates are too high —

  98. political_mama
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 5:12 pm | Permalink

    No, the photo may not be doctored as in, photoshopped, but my husband knows how to make pictures flattering or unflattering based on light, angle, etc.

    Take a look at what I found of another badly taken photograph…

    http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2006/12/015895.php

    we all have pictures that turn out better than others. This is ridiculous.

  99. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 5:18 pm | Permalink

    Banks, in general, need to borrow at a lower rate than they lend, and keep the spread or the difference.If you watch the “yield curves” or the differences between short and long term rates, the spread between the rates really matters, especially when we get short term rates that are, at times, higher than the long term rates.

    However, I dont want to oversimplify.

    These “brokered loans” and mortgage brokers, in general, kind of took over, after the S and L mess.

    Now, the original brokers or mortgage lenders played “chicken” floating bad paper with their fingers crossed, knowing that, should rates go up, they might have to “eat” the loan. However, if the borrower made it past the 1 year or longer “wash back” period, the originator of the bad paper was “off the hook”.

    Me? I don’t like the bond market, or the debt market, personally. I would rather let my mutual fund managers deal with all of that stuff.Many large mutual funds hold mortgages, the vast majority are doing just fine.

    The problem comes with the original lenders.

    YES, that is where the problem started, however, they have cash flow problems NOW because of the loans they have to “take back” and the cash flow being tied up in property management, something they really don’t want to do.

    Can you say “Madison Guarantee Savings and Loan”?

  100. WAR
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 6:08 pm | Permalink

    We can’t tell what part of Clinton is legitimate for two reasons: (1) she is a woman; (2) she is a politician. Yes, reason No. 1 is my conditioned sexism leaking out (I’m from that older generation where sexism wasn’t yet politicaly incorrect, you see). But I have no apologies for reason No. 2. A female, liberal, politician. I have more faith that my old ‘65 Chevy pick-up truck will provide more service to me during the next administration.

  101. econ101
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:46 pm | Permalink

    This Blog, and the Eagle, have given Rudy a hard time about his family problems.I think it is only fair to ask why Hillary has not helped her brother out, here:

    http://www.nypost.com/seven/12202007/news/nationalnews/hills_brother_a_deadbeat_514395.htm

  102. J R
    Posted December 20, 2007 at 11:58 pm | Permalink

    And so it would be fair to speculate on YOUR family situation also there Pauliecon.

    Why don’t you tell us about that?

    Or…

    I could make assumptions as you do.

  103. Posted December 21, 2007 at 12:37 am | Permalink

    It could be that Hillary’s brother does not wish to be included in news stories, or followed by papparrzi… They have the right to NOT be included… Not everybody craves the attention of the Bush dynasty, or the Kennedy Empire!!

  104. econ101
    Posted December 21, 2007 at 12:47 am | Permalink

    I am not running for public office. However,
    Hillary just ran a TV ad with her MOTHER!I believe that Hugh Rodham, Hillarys BROTHER married Barbara Boxer’s son, while the Clinton’s were still in the White House, as a rather public event. Please correct me if I am wrong there.

    It is a legitimate question, is it not? Hillary says she is going to help the world, and give us all everything we want, without cost. Her Christmas advertising, running in Iowa, says pretty much that she is a female versison of “Santa Claus” giving away goodies.

    Charity begins at home! Hillary and Bill are wealthy. Hillary controls more money than all of the Bloggers, on this Blog, put together, along with the entire editorial staff of the Eagle.

    I don’t get it. If she wants to use her mother, in TV advertising, her mothers SON beccomes an issue, right?

    I do not pick on anyone elses family, on this Blog. As voters and Bloggers, I do not think we deserve the scrutiny of a candidate.We are deciding who to vote for.If I decide to run for public office, there are still some rules of decorum, but I would expect to have less privacy.

    However, if anyone wants to meet my two youngest children, they are with me every weekend. I have joint custody with my exwife. We are on good terms. I live 3 blocks from them. They are over here all the time.

    My 3 oldest are adults. They are over here frequently, too.

    Especially my oldest, as I take care of a very disabled, and very special, grand daughter just about every morning, as the oldest goes to work before Rainbows opens. In fact, I just got through caring for her for a 2 week stretch, with a little help from the other grandparents. It is very hard to get a babysitter for a 5 year old child that eats most of her food through a tube in her stomach

    That grand daughter has never used a DIME of taxpayer money. My daughter busted her tail at her job, and now supervises up to 80 people, at a job that pays my grand daughters health insurance.

    I pay my own health insurance, as well as half the dental and medical co pays on my youngest two children.

    Now, I do not want this subject to come up again.

    I would spare no expense, and would push the limits of the law, to protect my children, as I am sure most of my fellow Bloggers would do.

    This subject is now closed.

    Any harm, any slander, any liable, against my children, as retaliation for my opinions on this Blog, will be dealt with in the most severe terms.

  105. Posted December 21, 2007 at 2:06 am | Permalink

    Hillary’s BROTHER married Boxer’s SON??? Hmmmmm and here I thought gay marriage wasnt allowed???

  106. Billy Bob
    Posted December 21, 2007 at 8:28 am | Permalink

    You think she is having a bad hair day, wait till she gets in office. Your hair will be bad for at least eight years, and probably for many years after. You think the eight years were bad with her as the first lady, wait till she is the head person in charge and Bill is the first grouper (Watch out travel people). Keep an eye on all the parks for dead bodies. I wonder which state secrets will be sold to the chinese this round, and which enemy knocking at the door will she invite in. Have fun.

  107. econ101
    Posted December 21, 2007 at 10:04 am | Permalink

    SorryGood catchHillarys brother married boxers daughter.LOLI was upsetSorry.

  108. econ101
    Posted December 21, 2007 at 10:14 am | Permalink

    I would add that Hugh Rodham, himself, is a bit of a political player. He was involved in 2 of the Clinton White House pardons:

    http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,100329,00.html

  109. econ101
    Posted December 21, 2007 at 10:14 am | Permalink

    I would add that Hugh Rodham, himself, is a bit of a political player. He was involved in 2 of the Clinton White House pardons:

    http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,100329,00.html

  110. The Phantom
    Posted December 21, 2007 at 2:56 pm | Permalink

    You Clinton Haters will have fun, two Clinton presidents to hate!

  111. econ101
    Posted December 21, 2007 at 3:13 pm | Permalink

    Phantom.I want Hillary to be the Democrat nominee.She will give us back our Republican majorities, in Congress.

  112. J R
    Posted December 21, 2007 at 3:36 pm | Permalink

    When you wish upon a star….

  113. Priceless
    Posted December 26, 2007 at 3:52 pm | Permalink

    Haircut $8

    BDU’s $100

    Knowing you just mocked the “smartest woman on earth right under her fat elitist nose: Priceless!!!

    http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blpic-hillarysoldier.htm

  114. News Flash
    Posted December 26, 2007 at 3:57 pm | Permalink

    Clinton and her driver:

    http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blpic-hillarydrivingmiss.htm