DISQUS

adelinesdad · 1 month ago

Back in the good ol' days we waited until people actually made a fool of themselves before mocking them, rather than doing it right after they've shown some spine. It is all in the name of progress I suppose: it is much more efficient this way.

Wouldn't it be a better use of time to praise him for saying this and get behind him so that maybe he will be less inclined to apologize? No, I guess that would kill one of the best talking points the Democrats have going for them.

tidbits · 1 month ago

No apology.

But, if there is no apology, who will report that Cantor didn't apologize, and how long would he/she/they wait to report it? My prediction: there will be no apology and the fact that there is no apology will never be reported.

AustinRoth · 1 month ago

My prediction: there will be no apology and the fact that there is no apology will never be reported.

Are you implying that TMV is as unbiased, unslanted, and as fair towards Republicans as say the NYT or the LA Times?

SteveK · 1 month ago

I give Cantor four days until he's planting the dirty kiss on Rush's behind.

There she goes again... It seems like Sil just can't get beyond telling gay jokes! :-)

tidbits · 1 month ago

For the life of me, I don't understand some people's problem with TMV's center-right slant, and the constant victim-role-play every time they whine about it...and whine about it...and whine about it...and whine - well you get the point. At least the center right bias at TMV draws comments, most of which are pretty good, other than the "poor-persecuted-ideological-minority-victim-is-me" whining about being shackled to a keyboard and forced at gunpoint to read TMV.

nicrivera · 1 month ago

As far as bias goes, I think its important to distinguish between partisan bias and ideological bias.

Partisan bias refers to bias towards one particular political party. One unfortunate result of partisan bias is that some people become so strongly attached to a political party that they begin to adopt a "my party, right or wrong" type attitude. Another unfortunate result of partisan bias is that because partisans will often put party first and principles second, such partisans will often become unmoored from any set of coherent, consistent political beliefs and instead adopt whatever platform the party offers at that time.

Ideological bias refers to bias towards a particular set of political beliefs. It can be progressive, conservative, libertarian, or even communitarian. The point is that a person with a strong ideological bias will often adhere to a set of particular beliefs even when others abandons such political beliefs when it becomes politically inconvenient. One unfortunate result of ideological bias is that some people will believe in a particular political philosophy so strongly that they will adhere to that political philosophy even after facts have discredited the utilitarian aspects of such a philosophy.

In general, I have much more tolerance for ideological bias than for partisan bias. Ideological bias is inherent in anyone who is able to engage in abstract thinking. People with a strong ideological bias might be wrong (and in some cases, very wrong), but at least they think for themselves and are willing to stand up for their political beliefs.

Partisan bias, on the other hand, is not inherent; it is merely herd mentality and can be avoided if people simply avoid forming strong attachments to a single political party. I have a very difficult time respecting people who place party above principles. Moreover, it is very difficult to engage in political dialogue with someone whose principles are inconsistent and incoherent and fluctuate with according to the prevailing political winds of fortune, as is common among partisans.

Everyone here at TMV, myself included, has an ideological bias, however weak or strong. It cannot be helped, nor should we be ashamed of it. It is the diversity of thought here at TMV that I feel is one of TMV's strengths.

As far as partisan bias goes, I certainly do not think that TMV maintains an even balance between the two major political parties at all times. However, there are a handful of people at TMV who do have a strong record of avoiding partisan bias and offer a set of political opinions not to be found in either of the two major political parties.

SteveK · 1 month ago

Ya gotta love those TMV bashers they're so original.

One dislikes TMV so much that he's made 8461 comments here [sigh]... the other 2249. You must be doing something wrong Joe giving these unhappy, badmouthing, woe-is-me righties a voice here on your super-liberal left-wing blog. /snark

The "TMV is biased" game is just silly boys, if TMV were biased and slanted, like say RedState or PoliGazette, you'd have been dealt with a long time ago in the traditional, time honored wingnut manner... BLAM!

VeratheGun · 1 month ago

Eric Cantor is SO smarmy. I know politicians in general are smarmy, but I can't even stand to look at this guy. Just took an instant dislike to him. And I can't even say that about Rush--he reminds me of my dad.

redbus · 1 month ago

Wouldn't it be great if no one was running either party, i.e. Repubs and Dems could vote their own conscience, or the best interests of the constituents who sent them there, without any arm-twisting from party leaders? That would be great political theater!

ProfElwood · 1 month ago

If we allowed silliness like that, then principles might follow. That might lead to honesty, intelligent debate, concern for long term effects... it's a slippery slope.

redbus · 1 month ago

Hey PE, that one gave me my first laugh of the day...thanks!

JSpencer · 1 month ago

Usually when I see the word, "hatred" used in political discussion, it's a hyperbolic reaction more than it is correct word usage. I believe the more accurate word is usually "disdain", or perhaps "disgust.

As for the midterms, it's common for the pendulum to swing, even when levels of partisanship are low, so you could be right, but we'll have to wait and see. Lots could happen between then and now...

So AR, when you refer to high levels of republican party leadership, who are you talking about? The media standard-bearers or the republican "leadership"? I only ask since it's become harder to tell who is running the GOP.

AustinRoth · 1 month ago

JS -

Gee, sorry I wasn't clear enough. I am not sure how I can make you understand, frankly, what I meant.

I mean, I said 'Republican leadership'. You ask 'the republican "leadership"'. Does that mean you only understand words in quotations? I did now put it in quotations, so perhaps that will help clear this up for you.

JSpencer · 1 month ago

Yikes! I didn't think Cantor had it in him to go even that little distance. Based on retractions from other republicans who tried to get up on their hind legs that way, I guess I won't hold my breath.

Rambie · 1 month ago

"(Hope Cantor’s staff is ready to get a big case of tea bags…)"

LOL... (retracted comment about how Cantor will be sucking on Limbaugh's tea bags by Monday)

dduck12 · 1 month ago

Sorry, Lemmings say we head for the center of the cliff. I'll give even money, no make it two to one (with Obama bucks).

AustinRoth · 1 month ago

Gee Joe, I know your hatred of Rush is only exceeded by your obsession with Palin, but do you really think he just did this on a whim?

I say Republican party leadership at the highest levels see a real opportunity developing for the mid-term elections to be better than they could have hoped for even 6 months ago, and are starting a new, long-term plan of attack for the 2010 mid-terms. When you are the out-of-power party, regaining control always means tacking to the center.

Silhouette · 1 month ago

I give Cantor four days until he's planting the dirty kiss on Rush's behind.

Put me in for $10

vey9 · 1 month ago

" (Take Bets On Apology Date Now)"

Does this mean there is a pool? I'm in for a buck.

karenvogel · 1 month ago

I'm just relieved a Republican said something. Maybe this time someone else will back him up. I bet there's no apology.

Silhouette · 1 month ago

Hey Stevo, I only said that half in jest because of Olberman's commentary last night on his show where he counted I think a dozen or two references Pus Windbagh had made to his anal region on his show over the years.

I thought it might titillate old Pus...lol.. still though, put me in for an apology in four days.

DLS · 1 month ago

"Wouldn't it be a better use of time to praise him for saying this"

This is what a typical person, or a moderate, would do. Joe, and this Web site, are not moderate.

Rudi · 1 month ago

At least no brought up Limpbaughs Anal Cysts. ;-)