The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

On Not Being Lured Into Mis-Underestimating President Obama

Posted on | August 29, 2010 | 39 Comments

by Smitty (h/t Rhiel World View)

I just don’t see the value in belittling the President over a still shot. Or non-grasp of basic athletic skills. Granted, it’s been tradition at least since Chevy Chase used to go after Gerald Ford on SNL. I remember reading that Ford used to have a sense of humor about it. But commencing with W., the personal ad hominem seems to have gone beyond the dozens and into the realm of propaganda.

If you have a video clip of BHO demonstrating a non-grasp of depth perception, fine. But ‘less is more’ when it comes to this sort of thing. The ‘Boooosh is an idiot’ line was equally tiresome, recall.

Did you notice the country is in a financial crisis? Let’s collaborate on holding the GOP feet to the fire:

[DeMint] warns: “This may be our last chance with voters, because if we’re given the majority . . . and don’t reform Washington, everybody is going to say, ‘What’s wrong with these guys? We need a third party.’”

Category: Barack Obama

Comments

39 Responses to “On Not Being Lured Into Mis-Underestimating President Obama”

  1. Lisa Graas
    August 30th, 2010 @ 2:15 am

    I agree with Demint, but I tend to think that Reagan conservatism would go over much better than libertarianism. If the new leadership in Washington goes too far in the opposite direction of Obama, the result will be a “Tea Party” effect from the Left. When we all stopped talking about Ronald Reagan and started talking about “anchor babies”, I think something went very very VERY wrong. We’ll see.

  2. Lisa Graas
    August 29th, 2010 @ 10:15 pm

    I agree with Demint, but I tend to think that Reagan conservatism would go over much better than libertarianism. If the new leadership in Washington goes too far in the opposite direction of Obama, the result will be a “Tea Party” effect from the Left. When we all stopped talking about Ronald Reagan and started talking about “anchor babies”, I think something went very very VERY wrong. We’ll see.

  3. wormme
    August 30th, 2010 @ 3:06 am

    Lisa is absolutely right. And I say that as small-l libertarian. No actual libertarian can support the current Democrats. The Elephants can stress social conservatism more than usual, and gain more votes than usual, as long as they really push the monetary conservatism.

    The catch is the Republican Party leadership. Half that Beltway bunch are more like Democrats than they are Reagan conservatives.

  4. wormme
    August 29th, 2010 @ 11:06 pm

    Lisa is absolutely right. And I say that as small-l libertarian. No actual libertarian can support the current Democrats. The Elephants can stress social conservatism more than usual, and gain more votes than usual, as long as they really push the monetary conservatism.

    The catch is the Republican Party leadership. Half that Beltway bunch are more like Democrats than they are Reagan conservatives.

  5. World's Only Rational Man
    August 29th, 2010 @ 11:28 pm

    […] Prof. Jacobson’s place.  Then saw that smitty dislikes ad hominem attacks on this sort of […]

  6. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 3:37 am

    “Bring the gotdamned O-brella under the gate!”–Dan Reihl

    The 2-D photo could be misleading to the untrained eye. The Umbrella diameter could as well be slightly larger than the inner width of the gate. Anyone who is talented and interested can do the geometry and the math keeping the angles and perspectives in mind, there is enough detail in there to reach an accurate conclusion.

  7. waylay
    August 29th, 2010 @ 11:37 pm

    “Bring the gotdamned O-brella under the gate!”–Dan Reihl

    The 2-D photo could be misleading to the untrained eye. The Umbrella diameter could as well be slightly larger than the inner width of the gate. Anyone who is talented and interested can do the geometry and the math keeping the angles and perspectives in mind, there is enough detail in there to reach an accurate conclusion.

  8. AngelaTC
    August 30th, 2010 @ 3:55 am

    I’m not a Reagan hater, but government and the debt grew bigger under him, too.

    I don’t envy any conservative in DC these days. Nobody wants to cut the military, the “compassionate conservatives” won’t go for any talk of entitlement cuts, and of course raising taxes is never supposed to be on our table. Of course, we could just inflate the debt away, but that’s a horrible thing to do to the populace.

    Plus I have my doubts that anybody is serious about repealing Obamacare. Washington never passes on a chance to run a new program.

    The only thing that could fix this IMHO would be to repeal the commerce clause, and get the federal government out of just about everything. But that’s a long term solution – in the interim, we’ve got a lot of bills that will be coming due, and I can’t imagine what it will take to actually fix things.

  9. AngelaTC
    August 29th, 2010 @ 11:55 pm

    I’m not a Reagan hater, but government and the debt grew bigger under him, too.

    I don’t envy any conservative in DC these days. Nobody wants to cut the military, the “compassionate conservatives” won’t go for any talk of entitlement cuts, and of course raising taxes is never supposed to be on our table. Of course, we could just inflate the debt away, but that’s a horrible thing to do to the populace.

    Plus I have my doubts that anybody is serious about repealing Obamacare. Washington never passes on a chance to run a new program.

    The only thing that could fix this IMHO would be to repeal the commerce clause, and get the federal government out of just about everything. But that’s a long term solution – in the interim, we’ve got a lot of bills that will be coming due, and I can’t imagine what it will take to actually fix things.

  10. Joe
    August 30th, 2010 @ 4:30 am

    I think bashing Obama personally actually helps him. And anyway, I do not hate Barack Obama for being himself (I am sure he would be okay to meet at a party), I hate his policies. They suck.

  11. Joe
    August 30th, 2010 @ 12:30 am

    I think bashing Obama personally actually helps him. And anyway, I do not hate Barack Obama for being himself (I am sure he would be okay to meet at a party), I hate his policies. They suck.

  12. Joe
    August 30th, 2010 @ 4:31 am

    So you are right, we should focus on the policy issues and not take our eyes off the ball. Personal attacks distract.

  13. Joe
    August 30th, 2010 @ 12:31 am

    So you are right, we should focus on the policy issues and not take our eyes off the ball. Personal attacks distract.

  14. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 4:43 am

    A simple rudimentary calculation tells me the average diameter of teh umbrella is larger than the inner width of the gate.

    If the photo is taken from about 25, 30 or 35 degrees angles, the actual width of the gate would be 1.1, 1.15 or 1.22 times respectively greater than the one that would appear in the offset photo. The approximate diameter of the umbrella appears to be easily greater than 1.2 times the inner width of the gate as measured in the offset photo.

  15. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 12:43 am

    A simple rudimentary calculation tells me the average diameter of teh umbrella is larger than the inner width of the gate.

    If the photo is taken from about 25, 30 or 35 degrees angles, the actual width of the gate would be 1.1, 1.15 or 1.22 times respectively greater than the one that would appear in the offset photo. The approximate diameter of the umbrella appears to be easily greater than 1.2 times the inner width of the gate as measured in the offset photo.

  16. Roxeanne de Luca
    August 30th, 2010 @ 4:44 am

    On to more important matters: What the hell is Michelle Obama wearing and why is it so hideous?

  17. Roxeanne de Luca
    August 30th, 2010 @ 12:44 am

    On to more important matters: What the hell is Michelle Obama wearing and why is it so hideous?

  18. Randy Rager
    August 30th, 2010 @ 4:53 am

    She’s wearing the White House drapes (again), and it’s so hideous because Wookies have no fashion sense.

    I’ll be here all week! Try the meatloaf!

    Did that Harvard grad not think to lower the umbrella, turn in sideways, then raise it again? Typical Harvard grad, the brains have been educated right out of him!

  19. Randy Rager
    August 30th, 2010 @ 12:53 am

    She’s wearing the White House drapes (again), and it’s so hideous because Wookies have no fashion sense.

    I’ll be here all week! Try the meatloaf!

    Did that Harvard grad not think to lower the umbrella, turn in sideways, then raise it again? Typical Harvard grad, the brains have been educated right out of him!

  20. Someone Is Making Sense About Obama…DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HIM! | Pierre Legrand's Pink Flamingo Bar
    August 30th, 2010 @ 12:54 am

    […] Did you notice the country is in a financial crisis? Let’s collaborate on holding the GOP feet to the fire: On Not Being Lured Into Mis-Underestimating President Obama : The Other McCain […]

  21. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 5:06 am

    @Roxeanne de Luca

    Michelle has a loving husband, it doesn’t matter if people, who find it hard to even find a date, with all their refined dress sense and appearance consciousness have an opinion not.

  22. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 1:06 am

    @Roxeanne de Luca

    Michelle has a loving husband, it doesn’t matter if people, who find it hard to even find a date, with all their refined dress sense and appearance consciousness have an opinion not.

  23. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 5:18 am

    Did that Harvard grad not think to lower the umbrella, turn in sideways, then raise it again?

    You could simply close the umbrella and open it again. But i suppose it was raining and he was sheltering Michelle (and himself) even as he is moving the umbrella over the gate. Now, that’s a natural reaction and also the most efficient way to get the umbrella across without hindering the basic function of the unfurled umbrella (supposed to be over your head always) in doing so.

  24. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 1:18 am

    Did that Harvard grad not think to lower the umbrella, turn in sideways, then raise it again?

    You could simply close the umbrella and open it again. But i suppose it was raining and he was sheltering Michelle (and himself) even as he is moving the umbrella over the gate. Now, that’s a natural reaction and also the most efficient way to get the umbrella across without hindering the basic function of the unfurled umbrella (supposed to be over your head always) in doing so.

  25. Steven
    August 30th, 2010 @ 7:14 am

    The dozens are alive and well:
    http://stevengivler.blogspot.com/2010/08/rangel-vs-obama-first-round.html

  26. Steven
    August 30th, 2010 @ 11:14 am

    The dozens are alive and well:
    http://stevengivler.blogspot.com/2010/08/rangel-vs-obama-first-round.html

  27. Aside: The Other McCain On Giving PBO A Break » Pirate's Cove
    August 30th, 2010 @ 9:19 am

    […] The Other McCain: On Not Being Lured Into Mis-Underestimating President Obama […]

  28. Joe
    August 30th, 2010 @ 2:42 pm

    waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 1:06 am
    @Roxeanne de Luca

    Michelle has a loving husband, it doesn’t matter if people, who find it hard to even find a date, with all their refined dress sense and appearance consciousness have an opinion not.

    @waylay. I know I said I would lay off the snark to Obama, but Michelle is different.

    So is this an example of once you get married you can let yourself go? It looks like Michelle is dressed for cleaning out the garage.

  29. Joe
    August 30th, 2010 @ 10:42 am

    waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 1:06 am
    @Roxeanne de Luca

    Michelle has a loving husband, it doesn’t matter if people, who find it hard to even find a date, with all their refined dress sense and appearance consciousness have an opinion not.

    @waylay. I know I said I would lay off the snark to Obama, but Michelle is different.

    So is this an example of once you get married you can let yourself go? It looks like Michelle is dressed for cleaning out the garage.

  30. David R. Graham
    August 30th, 2010 @ 6:57 pm

    I think Roxeanne was speaking also, if not mostly, of the hair. The dress is African typical, unremarkable. But the American wig has been absent for a few weeks now. Roxeanne seems to be calling attention to that, backwardly.

    Ad hominem is the essence of every argument, statement and observation whatsoever. It can be distinguished but not separated from other kinds of argument or concern.

    Calls to eschew it deny the nature of communication.

  31. David R. Graham
    August 30th, 2010 @ 2:57 pm

    I think Roxeanne was speaking also, if not mostly, of the hair. The dress is African typical, unremarkable. But the American wig has been absent for a few weeks now. Roxeanne seems to be calling attention to that, backwardly.

    Ad hominem is the essence of every argument, statement and observation whatsoever. It can be distinguished but not separated from other kinds of argument or concern.

    Calls to eschew it deny the nature of communication.

  32. Roxeanne de Luca
    August 30th, 2010 @ 8:40 pm

    You know, waylay, there’s an alternative to looking like a fool as you pass the umbrella over the gate and closing it entirely: draw your wife closer to you, and then partially close the umbrella so that it fits through the gate but covers your head, then re-open it on the other side.

    Or, you could pass it through to your wife on the other side, but you might notice that Michelle is wearing a “What the hell are you doing, you fool” expression on her face.

    —-

    Thanks for getting it, David and Joe.

    waylay, could you explain this comment?

    Michelle has a loving husband, it doesn’t matter if people, who find it hard to even find a date,

    First, as Joe said, there’s little need to let yourself go after marriage; in fact, marriage is the time to step up your game. Second, who are these people who find it hard to get a date and are criticising the way she dresses?

  33. Roxeanne de Luca
    August 30th, 2010 @ 4:40 pm

    You know, waylay, there’s an alternative to looking like a fool as you pass the umbrella over the gate and closing it entirely: draw your wife closer to you, and then partially close the umbrella so that it fits through the gate but covers your head, then re-open it on the other side.

    Or, you could pass it through to your wife on the other side, but you might notice that Michelle is wearing a “What the hell are you doing, you fool” expression on her face.

    —-

    Thanks for getting it, David and Joe.

    waylay, could you explain this comment?

    Michelle has a loving husband, it doesn’t matter if people, who find it hard to even find a date,

    First, as Joe said, there’s little need to let yourself go after marriage; in fact, marriage is the time to step up your game. Second, who are these people who find it hard to get a date and are criticising the way she dresses?

  34. Roxeanne de Luca
    August 30th, 2010 @ 8:46 pm

    By the way, gentlemen, the attire clashes. Horribly. Now, y’all are red-blooded American men (well, not waylay, but liberal men don’t really deserve the moniker), so you don’t do fashion, but that is just a hideous combination of clothing.

    Somewhere in the world, there may be a top that goes with that skirt (hint: it probably matches), or a skirt for that bottom, or a top that does not look so bad on Michelle, but that outfit isn’t it.

  35. Roxeanne de Luca
    August 30th, 2010 @ 4:46 pm

    By the way, gentlemen, the attire clashes. Horribly. Now, y’all are red-blooded American men (well, not waylay, but liberal men don’t really deserve the moniker), so you don’t do fashion, but that is just a hideous combination of clothing.

    Somewhere in the world, there may be a top that goes with that skirt (hint: it probably matches), or a skirt for that bottom, or a top that does not look so bad on Michelle, but that outfit isn’t it.

  36. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 9:00 pm

    Second, who are these people who find it hard to get a date and are criticising the way she dresses?

    Look in the mirror, Miss de Luca.

  37. waylay
    August 30th, 2010 @ 5:00 pm

    Second, who are these people who find it hard to get a date and are criticising the way she dresses?

    Look in the mirror, Miss de Luca.

  38. Roxeanne de Luca
    August 30th, 2010 @ 10:40 pm

    Oh! I get it! Since the doctor and I are serious, and I’ve met his parents, it’s not an official “date” when he takes me out to dinner.

    But I’m still missing how that is a cause for your scorn to me…. 😀

  39. Roxeanne de Luca
    August 30th, 2010 @ 6:40 pm

    Oh! I get it! Since the doctor and I are serious, and I’ve met his parents, it’s not an official “date” when he takes me out to dinner.

    But I’m still missing how that is a cause for your scorn to me…. 😀