September 25, 2010

Russ Feingold distances himself from the Democrats.

In this pretty damned brilliant ad:



At first, I was all Why are they showing him chewing?... but then, the camera pulls back... and Russ is the loneliest Senator of them all.

This ad reaches the part of me that would find it very hard to vote against Russ. I hate to lend support to what the Democrats have been doing over the last 2 years. But Russ... Our Russ...

IN THE COMMENTS: Irene tells the story of the time her mother rubbed Feingold's head and said "Such a nice boy."

83 comments:

Unknown said...

Come Ann, he has been part of the problem and will still vote with the democrats 95% of the time if he gets elected. Don't be sway by some souped up ad. Look at the records.

Ann Althouse said...

"souped up"?

Good lord, that was geezerly. With the string music and the veterans and the old woman and the empty table... it was funereal.

Paul said...

Thanks for demonstrating why the nineteenth amendment was such a bad idea.

Triangle Man said...

The ad says he's good for Wisconsin families and small business and against wasteful spending. Who is running against him? What they got going on?

Clyde said...

I'm sure that almost every member of Congress can point to some good things that they have accomplished for their constituents. That doesn't change the fact that they've been spending money at an insane rate, money that we don't have. Senator Feingold is, indeed, part of the problem.

Rialby said...

Didn't someone say something about being irrational just last week?

Rialby said...

The liberal advocacy group Americans For Democratic Action gave Feingold a 98 percent. Congrats Ann, you've proved again that you're an unreconstructed leftist.

Ned said...

Yup...the obamaites will have to be drug out kicking and screaming...right with russ...hey dems...you are not welcome here

tim maguire said...

And then there's the McCain-Feingold Incumbent Protection Act.

If you care about free speech, then you should be chomping at the bit to get rid of Russ Feingold.

Unknown said...

Yeah, if you want Ann Althouse to vote for you, just nudge at her emotional string. Look at how she voted for Obama and now Russ Feingold is tugging at her emotional string.

Unknown said...

Ann, Ann, Ann...

This is how you ended up voting for The Zero.

You let that great big heart of yours get in the way of those conlawprof neurons that tell you, "No more Lefties".

PS "Souped up" isn't geezerly. It's cool, it's 50s, it's Buddy Holly.

You need to get your head out of the 60s. The 60s weren't cool. The 60 were Commie.

Commies ain't cool.

PPS "By cracky" is geezerly.

Ann Althouse said...

Oh, come on now. The ad is effective because it resonates with things we know and have internalized over the years. I'm not saying the ad will make me vote for him, only that the ad prompts me to remember things about Russ Feingold that I like and respect.

AllenS said...

Sure, Russ. No doubt that you're the only Senator working for the Veterans. Duro Bag of Hudson, WI., is closing the plant down, and moving operations to some other plant in a different state. Polaris of Osceola, WI., will be all gone in less than two years. 500 jobs, poof! Well, at least you'll get the Professor's vote.

Ann Althouse said...

Perhaps those of you who instinctively make anti-female statements and assume I act directly on pure emotion are yourselves in automatic mode. Look to yourself? Your reaction to me doesn't look terribly contemplative and deeply reasoned.

Irene said...

I didn't like this "Garage Door" ad when I first saw it because it reminds the viewer how long he's been in office.

On a second view, I found the ad somewhat endearing. Here's why.

Shortly after Feingold won his first Senate election, our family was shopping at Hilldale Mall. Feingold was sitting on one of the benches in the indoor atrium, near where the University Bookstore stood. Mr. Irene walked up to him and congratulated him. Mr. Irene then explained to my mother that Mr. Feingold had just been elected to seat in the Senate. My mother leaned over the sitting Feingold and rubbed his head, saying, "Such a nice boy." Feingold looked up at her with a charming, smile, and said, "Thank you, Ma'am."

In both ads, Feingold is good at distancing himself from the pack.

Lincolntf said...

Aw, Poor Russ. Votes for everything that his Party leaders tell him to, but he's just so darned independent they can't stand to eat lunch with him. Senator, maybe if you didn't believe in fairy tales like Global Warming,universal healthcare at no cost and effective diplomacy through apology, then you and your Party wouldn't be so marginalized.
Sadly, there may be enough Wisconsins who share Althouse's emotional reaction to the ad. Much to the campaign's credit, they know who to target.

Quaestor said...

Don't allow yourself to be played. Vote with your frontal lobes and not your cerebellum.

You're a law professor, ferchrissak. You're supposed to be smart, a brain on legs that can't be swayed by clever technique.

Yeah, Feingold says he's against wasteful spending. But then who isn't? Nobody can campaign on "I'm for wasteful spending, 12-digit sovereign debt, defeat abroad and unemployment at home."

Feingold's ad begs a shitload of questions, and I'm surprised you've been nibbling at his bait like a freshman liberal arts major.

Roger J. said...

Professor--it was nothing but political fluff--no different than the Obama stuff (or for all the republican stuff for that matter).

So this inspires to vote for Russ Russ because of this ad? Sounds like the same reason you voted for Mr Obama. As a commenter noted above you arent making a strong case for the 19th amendment.

Rialby said...

I made no anti-female comments. YOU said you acted irrationally in voting for Barack Obama. Yet YOU continue to write posts which indicate you're unhappy with Washington's spendthrift ways.

And then YOU indicate you just can't get enough of politicians like Russ Feingold, a Progressive's Progressive. Are you truly a moderate or are you a Progressive in weak disguise?

Roger J. said...

didnt read all the way thru the comments before I posted--I see the professor gets a bit feisty when challenged.

Chase said...

This ad reaches the part of me that would find it very hard to vote against Russ

Sadly, Professor Ann (and I mean this with the utmost respect), you and people who vote emotionally like are the problem. It was what elected Obama and Pelosi and Reid and look at the shithole you - yes all of you who voted that way are responsible for this - have put America in to.


To you who voted with Ann in 2008:

On behalf of all Americans, especially those with the foresight to realize an imperfect McCain Presidency would not have given us Obamacare, a 10 trillion national debt for the next 5 generations, and a nuclear Iran - thanks for nothing.

Unknown said...

Be strong. The future of the nation depends on it.

Clyde said...

The main difference between Republicans and Democrats is that Republicans will usually ask, "What do you think about...?" while Democrats will usually ask, "How do you feel about...?" Barack Obama was the quintessential Democrat candidate because he was all about how he made the voters feel about themselves.

kimsch said...

"He's our Russ", goes to prove the point "all politics are local".

Congress is shitty but "my" rep is okay...

Not mine though. I wrote my rep (Bean) with specific concerns re Obamacare and my almost 20-year-old disabled daughter. She replied with a long winded boilerplate letter (also posted on her website) that did not address any of my concerns at all.

Unknown said...

Occasionally Ann makes blog posts that are clearly an attempt to help her generally vitriolic and irrationally outraged audience get past the polarization that their Messiahs at Fox News have choked them with for so many months and years, and when she does so, the denial and paranoid deterrence of such folks is sadly obvious in posts like the sexist "Paul" who attempts to damn the fact that women in general have the right to vote simply because he does not agree with Ann on one particular point, which to him and others who this blog generally attract makes her an impure Republican and probably a "RINO."

I bet Ann sits at home rolling her eyes and shaking her head at how bigoted and idiotic most of her readers are, especially when it shows in posts like these.

Thanks for being a rational conservative, Ann.

Roger J. said...

professor a: not a dimes worth of difference between your voting rationale and those of louisiana democrats who voted for huey long.

And you are absolutely correct--it isnt really an issue of women voters as much as uninformed voters of either gender who vote with their hearts rather than their brains.

ricpic said...

Russ Feingold: small government hero. Ha ha ha.

Roger J. said...

Mr Walter--please enlighten--in what way is a preference for Senator F a rational choice? And why would my vote in opposition (although not a Wisconsin resident) be an irrational choice?

bagoh20 said...

I don't care if a candidate eats puppies, if he's gonna reduce spending and the scope of government, then he'll get my vote. Our house is on fire. I just want to know if you're bringing water. I don't care what else you did, who you love or what kinda house you live in. Put the damned fire out.

Too many people don't realize how bad the fire is - how it may already be beyond control. They think it's not that bad, and nothing new. They are wrong. I don't think we can prevent disaster, because we just don't have the will, but I hope we try.

Any reduction will help, and there is the chance that if we release the power of free markets enough, it will surprise us again, with self feeding prosperity that overpowers the gutless tendency to waste human potential by trying to eliminate risk.

Lincolntf said...

Principles?
The good of the country?
Common sense?
Nah, better to just go with the guy who hires the best ad agency and tells the smoothest lies. That's the ticket.

Sometimes I really wonder how this country has lasted as long as it has.

Chennaul said...

Oh gawd dammit-

Get me the emotional Althouse tag-

STAT!

[off to go look at this-Hollywood production....]

Anonymous said...

Oh, come on now. The ad is effective because it resonates with things we know and have internalized over the years.

I don't understand ... What do you "know" about Feingold that this ad brings out?

Do you really believe that other Democrats shun him? Do you really believe that his policies differ from other Democrats' policies? Do you really believe that Feingold's voting record hasn't contributed to the situation we're in?

For that matter, do you really believe that the Supreme Court was correct in ruling that McCain-Feingold was constitutional?

Chennaul said...

Oh LMAO!

The manipulation is complete.

Ummm he's got the apporval of all the vets in Wisconsin-ya at 44% in his last poll I find that one hard to believe....

And then he has the obligatory racial "balance" in his ad right?

Or the "correct" one....

I've been to Minnesota-ummmm-Whiteville baby-but Russ found an Asian, and a- oh forget it.

Reminds me of the Canadians and the Olympics where they wore out this one damn Mountie cuz he was.....anyways.

Then we have the "one is the loneliest number" routine at the end.

Bulldonkeys alert!

Watch C Span poor Russs isn't all alone.

Gawd!

Ummmm want proof-how many times was he the Lone Ranger voting against their policies?

Now Ben Nelson of Nebrraska might have an argument but Russ is stealing his schtick!

Joe said...

(The Crypto Jew)
Thanks for being a rational conservative, Ann.

By which I assume you mean, “Thanks for voting for Pelosi/Reid/Obama’s agenda, because most votes in DC are PARTY LINE Votes. And so no matter what Feingold SAYS about an issue, how he’ll vote is with his caucus and his President.”

And so Feingold voted for Obama Care and the Porkulus Bill? And you, Althouse, think that this ad should sway you to vote for him?

You weren’t insulted Althouse, people are calling you on your “position.” Insulted for your weight, hair colour, ethnicity, and the like is being “insulted”…being told that you are being irrational is not an insult. It might be WRONG, but it’s not an insult, and neither was it “anti-feminist.” I’d say it was foolish to vote for Obama, seemingly regret it, and then turn around and vote for Feingold, on the basis of what he SAYS, whether you were a man or womon.

Chennaul said...

Hey I gotta go but here's an exercise for you Althouse;

In your history of voting are you always voting for the candidate with the most hair?

How about the cutest one?


[btw-tes chaussettes-c'est une tragedie.]

chuck said...

Oh, I expect you will follow the path of least resistance. Justified by clever rationalizations, of course. The election of 2008 was remarkably entertaining in that regard, so many smart people bullshitting themselves. And because they were so smart they generally succeeded.

I found the ad empty of specifics, it seemed more aimed at emotional manipulation. But the mention of health care did catch my attention. Looks like Russ is going to double down and defend the HCR. He probably hasn't much choice, and maybe he really does think it is a good thing.

Roger J. said...

hmmm "geezerly"-- so that could not be construed as an ageism term professor? so its OK for you to use a term like that and get the vapours when someone uses the N word or is critical of the 19th amendment?

Get your thinking together Professor--youre all over the map

Chennaul said...

Oh cripes one more comment-

I really do think that Liberals are screwing up the campaign ads of Republicans.

It's subtle but it's there.

Reid actually alluded to it, and rubbed Sue Lowden's nose in it.

Currently in one of Angle's ads all you see are old white people.

It's interesting isn't it.

Carly Fiorina has a particularly bad ad out right now.

Chennaul said...

There's even a Tea Party ad out right now, that looks really good but at the end leaves a really bad aftertaste that benefits Democrats.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps those of you who instinctively make anti-female statements and assume I act directly on pure emotion are yourselves in automatic mode.

In which case their pushback is predictable and, under your own Todd Henderson standard, you're not entitled to complain about it. Right?

Ritmo Re-Animated said...

Oh wow! Judging people for their own individual strengths and accomplishments! Who came up with that idea?

EnigmatiCore said...

That feeling you are having, Althouse?

It likely comes from the same part of your consciousness that led you to vote for Obama.

Just sayin'

kjbe said...

Well, I'd agree with you, it's an effective ad...and a good reminder of what I, too, respect about him. I'd also add, that it's the same respect that he's even gotten from the conservatives in my own family. To me, that speaks volumes.

Funny, you never (I never) hear any one around here say, "But Herb...Our Herb..."

Roger J. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Roger J. said...

Senhor Ritmo--I will stipulate that its always best for people to make decisions on things politicians actually do, this post by the professor was at the emotive level (re an ad) versus what Mr Feingold has actually done.

and I think the critical comments have been directed at the emotive basis rather than the rational basis--of course your reading may vary

The Crack Emcee said...

Perhaps those of you who instinctively make anti-female statements and assume I act directly on pure emotion are yourselves in automatic mode. Look to yourself? Your reaction to me doesn't look terribly contemplative and deeply reasoned.

We're not being "contemplative and deeply reasoned" - we're voting conservative - that's all that matters. Is a vote for Sarah Palin "contemplative and deeply reasoned"? No - she's deeply conservative. Christine O'Donnell? Same thing. Go down the line of Tea Party candidates and you'll find the same thing, over and over:

If they aren't truly conservative they don't get a vote - period.

Enough is enough.

PS

As one Rush listener to another, you know this:

The goal is to win - not to get along with Democrats but to beat them. Everything else is a distraction from the goal:

Gaining our country back.

The Crack Emcee said...

I agree - it's totally sexist to think women - especially feminists - think this way:

More than 20 years ago, Meredith Maran falsely accused her father of molestation. That she came to believe such a thing was possible reveals what can happen when personal turmoil meets a powerful social movement. In her book "My Lie: A True Story of False Memory" (the introduction of which is excerpted on Salon), Maran recounts the 1980s feminist-inspired campaign to expose molestation, which hit feverish levels in 1988 with the book 'The Courage to Heal." As an early reporter on the story, Maran observed family therapy sessions, interviewed molesters and steeped herself in cases where abuse clearly took place. Meanwhile, she divorced her husband and fell in love with a woman who was also an incest survivor. Maran began having nightmares about her own molestation and soon what had been a contentious relationship with her father turned into accusations of unspeakable crimes. Eventually, she came to realize the truth. She was the person who had done wrong.

Toward the end of her memoir, her father asks her, "What I really want to know is how the hell you could have thought that of me."


She didn't, Pops, you were just imagining things.

Any man who notices strange behavior by women - like going back on an easily-implemented plan to take back the country - is sexist and delusional. It's you who have the problem.

And they'll tell you so every time.

The Crack Emcee said...

And hey, Pops, call your former son-in-law and tell him how screwed up he is, too. Then have him call all the other fathers and sons who got swept up in that "1980s feminist-inspired campaign,...which hit feverish levels" resulting in a bunch of wrongly convicted men who are now expected to view them as "goddesses", like Elizabeth Taylor, because she's so beautiful.

Look at how beautiful Liz is - as you sit in jail watching your country being handed to those feminists who put you there.

Madness, I tell you. It's sheer unadulterated madness.

Made even worse because no one - absolutely no one - will admit how far down the rabbit hole we already are.

Ann Althouse said...

"We're not being "contemplative and deeply reasoned" - we're voting conservative - that's all that matters."

As my post indicates, I'm fully aware of that option and strongly drawn to it. But I hate to see Russ go down.

He's way behind in the polls now, and there is something really sad about it.

In ordinary times, I would say: I want a mix of people in Congress, conferring with each other in something that has some resonance with the ideal of deliberative democracy. In that coming together, there should be voices from across the ideological spectrum. There need to be liberal voices, and there is no more admirable liberal voice than Russ Feingold's. Weed out the lesser liberals, but leave Russ Feingold.

But these are not ordinary times.

Unknown said...

Ann Althouse said...

Perhaps those of you who instinctively make anti-female statements and assume I act directly on pure emotion are yourselves in automatic mode. Look to yourself? Your reaction to me doesn't look terribly contemplative and deeply reasoned.

I can't speak for anyone but myself and I was kidding.

Mostly.

What caught me, though, was the line, "This ad reaches the part of me that would find it very hard to vote against Russ.".

Like it or not, that conveys a message of emotional attachment. Perhaps not to you, but to a good many readers. I just thought it was a nice little set up for some good-natured ribbing.

Big Mike said...

Perhaps those of you who instinctively make anti-female statements and assume I act directly on pure emotion are yourselves in automatic mode.

It's not a particularly brilliant ad, and most of what it says is balderdash. He hasn't signed on as a co-sponsor for S. 3447, aka the Post-9/11 GI Bill. I guess Iraq and Afghanistan veterans can just go scratch when it comes to post-service education in his eyes. He votes against pay raises that he knows are going to take place regardless of his vote? How courageous!

So when you say that the "ad reaches the part of me that would find it very hard to vote against Russ." Then you close out with "Our Russ ..." italicized, what are we supposed to assume other than that you are responding emotionally to "your Russ."

Anonymous said...

As my post indicates, I'm fully aware of that option and strongly drawn to it. But I hate to see Russ go down.

There are people in Russia who rejoiced when the USSR fell, but who still kinda missed Comrade Stalin as well. Cognitive dissonance, anyone?

In ordinary times, I would say: I want a mix of people in Congress, conferring with each other in something that has some resonance with the ideal of deliberative democracy. In that coming together, there should be voices from across the ideological spectrum. There need to be liberal voices, and there is no more admirable liberal voice than Russ Feingold's. Weed out the lesser liberals, but leave Russ Feingold.

Well, we only replace one-third of our senators each election cycle. I assure you -- whether or not Russ Feingold is re-elected, there will still be plenty of left-wing Democrats in the Senate to make their "liberal voices" heard.

If we could somehow save Russ Feingold but cast out Tom Harkin, Dick Durbin, and Barbara Boxer in exchange, then I might agree with you.

Paul said...

"There need to be liberal voices"

No there don't.

"Liberal" = radical egalitarianism at this point and it is antithetical to the classical liberal precepts of equality of opportunity and individual rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Period.

Roger J. said...

Professor--you got your butt handed to you on this post. Love your blog but this wasnt one of your bright and shining moments

Pastafarian said...

Althouse said: "There need to be liberal voices, and there is no more admirable liberal voice than Russ Feingold's."

I'll agree with you on this much: Feingold has always seemed to be a decent and honorable man, better on that score than many Republicans.

However, I'm not convinced that liberal voices are needed in the House and Senate. I understand the argument: The wisdom of crowds and all that. But where does it end?

To have a diverse deliberative body, do we need to include Communists and Nazis? I think you have to draw a line somewhere.

I agree that we should have a diverse group, spanning the political spectrum from Joe Lieberman on the left, to Inhofe on the right. Anything to the left of Lieberman is dead weight and should be jettisoned.

Unfortunately, that includes some decent, honorable people, whose only flaw is the fact that they think that the government actually owns everything, and that we're entitled only to what the government decides to leave us.

Irene said...

Mom, frontpaged.

Woosh!

Issob Morocco said...

Ann, you need to let that part of your psyche go.

Chennaul said...

Well all politics is local...

Nevada is awfully attached to the status of Harry Reid being the majority leader.

Here's the thing and it's important-
Has Russ Feingold done anything to allow Republicans to be -heard?

During truly transformative debates-like the health care debate?

The $800 billion stimulus?

Althouse, please watch Lindsay Graham addressing this very issue-how Republicans were absolutely shut out during the stimulus debate-in that supposedly deliberative body the Senate-

you tube

What did Russ Feingold do about that?

[wv:maternal-holy crap that's almost scary]

Sprezzatura said...

Don't worry cons, Althouse won't vote for him.

[And, if she does, she'll probably lie about it so as to spare y'all from your inevitable and unbearable mental anguish that she knows would result. You are an emotional bunch.]

Chennaul said...

Plus the odds that vets are for him-that's really low.

If Russ Feingold is at 44% with all voters considered, where do you think he polls with older white guys?

It's absolutely stealing their voice, getting people to feel sorry for vets and at the same time negating in all probability how those vets would actually vote for him.

These guys fought for the rights of Americans, and this in effect disenfranchises their vote.

It's gross.


It could be that in Wisconsin they vote in a vastly different manner-but the polls that have Russ Feingold at 44% wouldn't support that hypothesis.

Chennaul said...

Althouse-

Is there really something wrong with emotion?

Obama's problem is that he doesn't care enough.

Chennaul said...

btw-

Where are you getting the idea that somehow the Democrats are going to be the minority in the Senate?

Lincolntf said...

Obama's problem is that he doesn't know enough. By a long shot.

The Crack Emcee said...

murgatroy666,

If we could somehow save Russ Feingold but cast out Tom Harkin, Dick Durbin, and Barbara Boxer in exchange, then I might agree with you.

Hell, give me just Boxer and Harkin and I'd go for that, too.

Make me an offer for Harkin alone - I want Harkin gone - c'mpn, somebody! Anybody! Everybody!

Screeeeeeam!

Bob said...

Please tell me what has Russ done to reform government? He's a "nice guy", he talks nice, he acts moderate - hence he's "comfortable".

Maybe we need some hard-headed, cold hearted, sceptical, cheap SOBs for the next few years. Because we're writing checks but there's no funds to cover this binge.

Chennaul said...

Lincolntf-

Well there's that too.. It's a damn bad combination.

dick said...

We went through that with you before with Obama. You were told by a large number of your commenters to look at what he did rather than what he said and you went all "pragmatic" on us and voted for Zero. Now you sound as if you are doing the same thing all over again. Maybe he did do a couple of things you support but it was his support for Reid and Pelosi and Obama that got us into this mess we are in now and you look as if you are going to vote for the same crew all over again. You can say you aren't but the signs are out there all over the place. When are the academics going to start looking at what people do rather than what they say. It is those who listen rather than actually look at the reality who vote this same way. "I don't like what this admin is doing but MY congressman or MY senator is not part of the problem" and that is even after he has voted right along with them most of the time. You are just trying to fool yourself and fool your readers by not admitting it.

ndspinelli said...

I disagree w/ many, probably most, of Feingold's votes. But, he's honest and real. Remember, during the Clinton impeachment he was the lone Dem to vote that THERE BE EVIDENCE HEARD. He got a lot of shit for that, as he has for other votes. Feingold always gets my vote.

Calypso Facto said...

Considering the way Feingold and his cronies have hijacked the country, I'm tempted to call Ann's emotionalism Stockholm Syndrome.

Ned said...

Liberalism is a LIE...those that espouse it know it...but it makes them feel so damn good to call themselves a liberal. obama has fully exposed it for the CANCER it is and radiation starts in November...sorry althouse...the country can no longer afford your "feelings" for russ and the like...

Big Mike said...

Allahpundit pwns you, Althouse: dissection of Feingold's ad here

roesch-voltaire said...

Hard not to vote for one of the most ethical and independent members of congress. To vote for panders who mouth a few conservative slogans but look cute seems to be the dominate emotion expressed by males on this blog-- I'll take Althouse's side on this one.

Anonymous said...

I share the same birth date with Russ Feingold. I support him. I campaigned for him before.

FedkaTheConvict said...

None of these clever ads will matter come November because the Democrats will still suffer a resounding defeat.

Just look at the top of the ticket in Wisconsin. There is no way that Walker gets less than 60 percent of the vote in Milwaukee County. He's the current County Executive and has handily won three elections in a Democrat dominated county. He's "their Scott" which means he will win the governorship by a large margin. And Walker's strength/coattails in Milwaukee County means that Ron Johnson will beat Feingold. Worse yet if those voters choose a straight Republican ticket.

In the last 30 statewide races, no one has lost when they secured 60 percent of the Milwaukee County vote.

Personally, after my experiences with Feingold during two health care forums in Racine County this last winter, I can't wait to see him defeated.

traditionalguy said...

Loyalty to a Russ Feingold for occasionally speaking against a Democrat myth is pretty weak. Remember he always manages to vote for our destruction when he is not grandstanding as a thinking man. He dresses up in a false flag clothes when he acts as if he is an independent thinker. In the end he only joins our enemies for the cash. Let him go.

Methadras said...

Right Ann. So your emotional sympathies are going to lend themselves for voting to continue the perpetual incompetence and fecklessness that has housed itself in the Senate. Female, she is fickle. Sometimes confused.

Anonymous said...

Part of the appeal of Buckley is his understanding, and mockery, of the fact that people vote irrationally in many cases, and there is not a damn thing he, as great as he was, or us, could (can) do about it.

The back of WFB's book The Unmaking of a Mayor about his NY Mayoral campaign is entirely a testament to this fact, and he points out time and time again in his columns the same lame Democrat slurs about the rich and taxes and Republicans hating children et. al. will never cease, and are sadly effective.

Especially in academia, for obvious reasons of (as Buckely called it in On The Firing Line) hubris, "all but unadulterated."

Kansas City said...

Fascinating to read this thread.

Big Mike cites a very persuasive take down of the ad. It you listen closed to it, the ad is a fraud - he does some stuff to support veterans, so some unidentified veterans support him; he does some stuff to try to keep jobs (apparently unsuccessfully), so some other unidentified people support him.


Then the culmination of the add is the lunch table fraud. He claims his pay raise bill alienated him from others, yet the bill was passed unanimously.

I have never understood Fiengold's appeal. He simply votes hard left virtually every time. Yet, he somehow manages to creat this maverick type image that even Ann falls for. From this ad, it seems to be masterful manipulation.

I think he is exactly the kind of long time liberal politician that needs to be beaten this time.

Anonymous said...

"The first annual YearlyKos convention is scheduled for June 8-11, 2006 in Las Vegas. The convention is designed to bring together the liberal community which has grown around the influential DailyKos blog, which has over 350,000 members and receives more than 4 million unique reader visits each week.

Senator Reid is a DailyKos member, and has posted a few blog entries there. Other prominent political members of DailyKos include Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI)."

http://usliberals.about.com/b/2006/01/03/senator-harry-reid-to-speak-at-dailykos-convention.htm



Heck, sounds like our Russ is a centrist without a party to me, I'm thinkin' a votin' Feingold for change that matters!

Kansas City said...

The more I think about it, the worse this add seems. Feingold has been in the senate for 18 yers and he has nothing really to say about it in terms of accomplishments? He no doubt is a smart guy who knows the add is manipulation, yet Ann likes him for it? I don't expect much from politicians, but someone like Feingold, who claims to be a maverick or different because his purported honesty, should bring something real to his ads.

TosaGuy said...

His ex-wives don't eat with him either. Maybe he is just a prick that no one wants to hang out with.

VW: torking

Kansas City said...

I imagine Feingold is a difficult guy to get along with, who has managed to present a different persona. It is clever but further damaging to Feingold in my eyes that he artfully uses the "same house" bit in his commercial, when his wife is no longer there.

Roadkill said...

Kansas City said: "Feingold has been in the senate for 18 yers and he has nothing really to say about it in terms of accomplishments?"

That's because - his claims of independence notwithstanding - Feingold is a party line voter, and his votes over the past 2 years in particular are deeply unpopular.

So like the slight of hand artist that he is, he manufactures a maverick-y, populist image of himself to distract inattentive voters from what has really been doing all along - voting for bigger government, higher taxes, and more federal control over our lives.

I say let him continue to dine alone - just not in the Senate Dining Room.