A tweet neither side could really disagree with...

[NeedMoreLike84]

Michael Ian Black:

Everybody already knows who they're going to vote for, so can we just do the election this weekend?

[Melody]

True fact.

All this election crap is doing is to raise my blood pressure.

[hueytaxi]

And yesterday the news reports that Romney and Obama campaigns are spending more money in the Tampa area than any other at this time. Seems they are back to back at every break.

[TheCouga]

And yesterday the news reports that Romney and Obama campaigns are spending more money in the Tampa area than any other at this time. Seems they are back to back at every break.

Tampa's the swing area of Florida. The North and Southwest are crimson red, and the Southeast is deep navy blue. They pretty much balance out, so it's the I-4 corridor that takes the state.

[Gehringer_2]

Michael Ian Black:

Everybody already knows who they're going to vote for, so can we just do the election this weekend?

You know, thereby hangs a tale. If you ever wonder why you hardly ever talk to anyone who doesn't think that our campaign system is broken but yet any kind of national movement or crusade never seems to quite get off the ground on the issue, just consider for a moment who the *recipient* of all those millions in campaign funds is when they get spent. Can you spell "M.A.I.N.S.T.R.E.A.M.M.E.D.I.A.?

They will never report it as bad as it really is because it's THEIR gravy train!

[shauntacular]

That's funny. Thanks for reminding me to follow Michael Ian Black. You know -- if they would just put The State back on the air I would watch MTV again!

Oh wait, no I wouldn't -- I'm a DirecTV subscriber :(

[Edman85]

And I'd be doing the same thing tomorrow either way: not voting.

[Oblong]

Who is Michael Ian Black other than the guy I would see in those VH 1 "I love the xx's" episodes? Serious question. That's the only thing I've seen him in. Funny dude.

[screwball]

We don't need to vote, the corporations are doing it for us.

[rhino]

You know, thereby hangs a tale. If you ever wonder why you hardly ever talk to anyone who doesn't think that our campaign system is broken but yet any kind of national movement or crusade never seems to quite get off the ground on the issue, just consider for a moment who the *recipient* of all those millions in campaign funds is when they get spent. Can you spell "M.A.I.N.S.T.R.E.A.M.M.E.D.I.A.?

They will never report it as bad as it really is because it's THEIR gravy train!

How true.

I've often thought if I really want to make money, I have to somehow find a ticket for a ride on the government gravy train. I'm not particular about where I sit, as long as I get on board.

[chasfh]

And yesterday the news reports that Romney and Obama campaigns are spending more money in the Tampa area than any other at this time. Seems they are back to back at every break.

This is the advantage of living in a locked up state: I haven't seen a single ad for either Romney or Obama on any local station.

[chasfh]

Who is Michael Ian Black other than the guy I would see in those VH 1 "I love the xx's" episodes? Serious question. That's the only thing I've seen him in. Funny dude.

I first saw him as the guy who played the bowling alley employee on the TV series "Ed".

[chasfh]

You know, thereby hangs a tale. If you ever wonder why you hardly ever talk to anyone who doesn't think that our campaign system is broken but yet any kind of national movement or crusade never seems to quite get off the ground on the issue, just consider for a moment who the *recipient* of all those millions in campaign funds is when they get spent. Can you spell "M.A.I.N.S.T.R.E.A.M.M.E.D.I.A.?

They will never report it as bad as it really is because it's THEIR gravy train!

The media are also the main perpetrators of the canard "America Is The Greatest Country In The World". This canard, which is widely and unquestioningly accepted by even the sharpest of critics, covers a whole lot of sins and helps repel any groundswell movement to effect real systemic change in this country.

[NeedMoreLike84]

Who is Michael Ian Black other than the guy I would see in those VH 1 "I love the xx's" episodes? Serious question. That's the only thing I've seen him in. Funny dude.

He was on the State and as chasfh said, a show called Ed. Funny guy.

[ROMAD1]

The media are also the main perpetrators of the canard "America Is The Greatest Country In The World". This canard, which is widely and unquestioningly accepted by even the sharpest of critics, covers a whole lot of sins and helps repel any groundswell movement to effect real systemic change in this country.

you like some other country better?

[chasfh]

How true.

I've often thought if I really want to make money, I have to somehow find a ticket for a ride on the government gravy train. I'm not particular about where I sit, as long as I get on board.

You need connections to get on that train, and in the overwhelming majority of cases, the way to get those connections is to be born into the right family.

[chasfh]

you like some other country better?

Nope. I like this country the best.

[John_Brian_K]

You know, thereby hangs a tale. If you ever wonder why you hardly ever talk to anyone who doesn't think that our campaign system is broken but yet any kind of national movement or crusade never seems to quite get off the ground on the issue, just consider for a moment who the *recipient* of all those millions in campaign funds is when they get spent. Can you spell "M.A.I.N.S.T.R.E.A.M.M.E.D.I.A.?

They will never report it as bad as it really is because it's THEIR gravy train!

TV network exec, writers and reporters gave 88% to Obama in 2008 | Attack Machine


"Senior executives, on-air personalities, producers, reporters, editors, writers and other self-identifying employees of ABC, CBS and NBC contributed more than $1 million to Democratic candidates and campaign committees in 2008, according to an analysis by The Examiner of data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.

The Democratic total of $1,020,816 was given by 1,160 employees of the three major broadcast television networks, with an average contribution of $880.

By contrast, only 193 of the employees contributed to Republican candidates and campaign committees, for a total of $142,863. The average Republican contribution was $744."

[chasfh]

What's the mix over at Fox?

[shabba4detroit]

Who is Michael Ian Black other than the guy I would see in those VH 1 "I love the xx's" episodes? Serious question. That's the only thing I've seen him in. Funny dude.

He was the guy from The State that didn't get cast in Reno 911.

[TheCouga]

The media are also the main perpetrators of the canard "America Is The Greatest Country In The World". This canard, which is widely and unquestioningly accepted by even the sharpest of critics, covers a whole lot of sins and helps repel any groundswell movement to effect real systemic change in this country.

It's pretty much common sense that people who never question themselves and make their lives/operations/ideas, etc. beyond introspection and criticism are laying the groundwork for their own failure. The secret to being a strong person, organization, etc. is constructive criticism.

Somehow, conservatives have turned this into a bad thing. If you criticize the nation, it means you like other countries better and you hate America. Most people beyond a 4th grade education level can realize what baloney this claim is, but, to no surprise, that hasn't stopped the conservative movement from harping on this non-stop.

[ballmich]

Romney hasn't even won the GOP nomination yet.

[ballmich]

And I'd be doing the same thing tomorrow either way: not voting.

I'll be voting, obviously not for the status quo, however.

I hear a lot of people who say that not voting is the correct route. Their rationale is that if turnout is so low, not sure what that percentage is, that the government is illegitimate and not consented to by the people. My personal belief if that no one cares what the turnout looks like. A republican or democrat will raise their arm as victor, and anyone outside the power circle will be shut-off like normal, no matter how many people choose to vote. Romney's tactics throughout all the state GOP conventions and delegate selection process, is very telling.

[ballmich]

How true.

I've often thought if I really want to make money, I have to somehow find a ticket for a ride on the government gravy train. I'm not particular about where I sit, as long as I get on board.

That's interesting. I've always avoided any and every possibility of working for the government for the sole reason that I want to make money. In retrospect, I never really viewed a government career through the possibilties of corruption and selling out my country, family and neighbors. I wouldn't say that I'm incorruptable, I'm not sure that many people can claim that, but it's not something that really occurred to me.

Opportunity missed on my part.

[apabruce]

Political ads are why DVRs were invented.

[chasfh]

Romney hasn't even won the GOP nomination yet.

Who else has a good chance to at this point?

[Lousluggage]

He was on the State and as chasfh said, a show called Ed. Funny guy.

He was also the Mac guy in those kind of annoying "I'm a Mac" and "I'm a PC" commercials from a few years ago, IIRC.

[screwball]

He was also the Mac guy in those kind of annoying "I'm a Mac" and "I'm a PC" commercials from a few years ago, IIRC.

Ah! Now I know who it is. I always wanted to yank that piece of hair off his chin.

[screwball]

That's interesting. I've always avoided any and every possibility of working for the government for the sole reason that I want to make money. In retrospect, I never really viewed a government career through the possibilties of corruption and selling out my country, family and neighbors. I wouldn't say that I'm incorruptable, I'm not sure that many people can claim that, but it's not something that really occurred to me.

Opportunity missed on my part.

I feel the same way, and we've had enough conversations I think we both know we are being truthful when saying that.

That said, I think there is a whole bunch in power who are not like that, and I would go long (or the over) on any over/under they gave us.

Damn shame even to think that way prolly.

[ballmich]

Who else has a good chance to at this point?

Does anyone have a good chance at winning right now? There is a pending federal lawsuit that would unbind all delegates.

[chasfh]

Does anyone have a good chance at winning right now? There is a pending federal lawsuit that would unbind all delegates.

What I am actually asking is: if not Romney, then who? Romney was thought to be the least obnoxious choice in a bad slate of candidates, and he's a nose-holder for lots of Republicans. If there were someone better who wanted the nom, wouldn't he or she come forward by now?

[ballmich]

What I am actually asking is: if not Romney, then who? Romney was thought to be the least obnoxious choice in a bad slate of candidates, and he's a nose-holder for lots of Republicans. If there were someone better who wanted the nom, wouldn't he or she come forward by now?

Why would someone come forward right now, when all primaries have been held and the delegates are almost done being selected? They would look pretty foolish. Odds are that Romney gets the nomination, but it hasn't happened yet.

However, I guarantee you that if the delegates were unbound via the federal lawsuit and the process became a free for all, you would start to hear the names of politicians who would want the nomination. I've heard the names of those interested, through some people that I know -- no one that I'm interested in voting for, but others? We'll see.

That said, there can only be two nominees for the first round of voting: Romney and Paul. You need a plurality of five states to be nominated from the floor on the first round. So even if someone else was interested in this point, you won't hear about it publically (other than speculation), unless we get to a second vote. Then the power brokers will come out of the woodwork.

[chasfh]

Why would someone come forward right now, when all primaries have been held and the delegates are almost done being selected? They would look pretty foolish. Odds are that Romney gets the nomination, but it hasn't happened yet.

However, I guarantee you that if the delegates were unbound via the federal lawsuit and the process became a free for all, you would start to hear the names of politicians who would want the nomination. I've heard the names of those interested, through some people that I know -- no one that I'm interested in voting for, but others? We'll see.

That said, there can only be two nominees for the first round of voting: Romney and Paul. You need a plurality of five states to be nominated from the floor on the first round. So even if someone else was interested in this point, you won't hear about it publically (other than speculation), unless we get to a second vote. Then the power brokers will come out of the woodwork.

You're not hearing where I'm coming from. You're answering my question from a technical standpoint. That's not the angle of my question.

[rhino]

That's interesting. I've always avoided any and every possibility of working for the government for the sole reason that I want to make money. In retrospect, I never really viewed a government career through the possibilties of corruption and selling out my country, family and neighbors. I wouldn't say that I'm incorruptable, I'm not sure that many people can claim that, but it's not something that really occurred to me.

Opportunity missed on my part.

I guess I should have been more specific. I don't think working for the government will make someone wealthy and i wasn't speaking about corruption. What I meant was to get a government contract for something, like Haliburton or Locheed Martin. Or be in the position to take part in the political advertising windfall that happens every 4 years. Just some type of business where you can be first in line to receive those freshly printed Benjamins from the government instead of at the end of the line.

[Oblong]

I guess I should have been more specific. I don't think working for the government will make someone wealthy and i wasn't speaking about corruption. What I meant was to get a government contract for something, like Haliburton or Locheed Martin. Or be in the position to take part in the political advertising windfall that happens every 4 years. Just some type of business where you can be first in line to receive those freshly printed Benjamins from the government instead of at the end of the line.

If I had to do it all over again I'd like to be a political operative. You don't need to be principled. Just be a good PR guy, like an advertising firm. I'm not saying I would have been good at it but it looks to be a very lucrative field with billions spent every 4 years. Yeah, I'd be a whore.

But apabruce brings up a good point. Will political campaigns face the issue in coming years as more people take control over their viewing habits via DVR, Netflix, and other streaming services?

[Antrat]

He was also the Mac guy in those kind of annoying "I'm a Mac" and "I'm a PC" commercials from a few years ago, IIRC.

I believe it was another guy named Justin Long that was in those commercials as the Mac guy.
I can see why people would get them confused though.

[hueytaxi]

The media are also the main perpetrators of the canard "America Is The Greatest Country In The World". This canard, which is widely and unquestioningly accepted by even the sharpest of critics, covers a whole lot of sins and helps repel any groundswell movement to effect real systemic change in this country.

Don't know if you have seen the HBo show "Network News". Here is a scene from the opening show......some languagge is not appropriate.
» HBO’s Newsroom: “America is not the Greatest Country in the World” Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind!

[chasfh]

Don't know if you have seen the HBo show "Network News". Here is a scene from the opening show......some languagge is not appropriate.
» HBO’s Newsroom: “America is not the Greatest Country in the World” Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind!

I have seen it. I thought the show's third episode was a mild improvement over the first two. Or maybe I'm just getting used to the characters.

As I say, America is the best country for me to live in. I was born here; I understand how things work here; Major League Baseball lives here. All important things for me.

And if we define "greatest" as being the biggest badass in the world, able to clobber every other nation state in the world economically or militarily, that's the US in spades.

But as suggested by that soliloquy you liked to, we fall short in far more basic quality of life metrics than we should. My point was that the specter of that canard is what keeps us the people from pushing for solutions for the shortcomings we have. Because that canard squelches almost every conversation we start about it.

[NeedMoreLike84]

He was the guy from The State that didn't get cast in Reno 911.

Doesn't make him not funny.

[hueytaxi]

Chasfh,
Watched the third episode this afternoon and it is maturing. I may be a regular. The issues in 2.0 make me think that a survey at the last election may have accurately depicted my answers as a centerist rather than a true conservative. I love the social sharing and my wallet objects. Therefore I am torn.