I used to like The Daily Show when Jon Stewart first started. But it's unwatchable now. How Jon Stewart can pander to the left and still think he's independent is beyond me.
The way he told off Tucker Carlson and the co-host Paul Begala on Crossfire was brilliant.
But I think it's high time he gets a taste of his own medicine.
This is part of why I'm hoping for a Democratic administration to be elected in 2008 (at least so long as it's not someone like Obama): it'll probably force folks like this to at least start to rethink their prejudices and their proud ignorance.
Or, alternatively, “folks like this”, flushed with victory, will decide to press their advantage and urge the removal of the American boot from the neck of the poor dears who only want the freedom to persecute their own people in peace.
I miss Craig Kilborn. He managed to be funny and relatively nonpartisan, whereas Stewart just panders to lefties. That was when the show primarily mocked news, rather than Republicans.
Now the audience is heavily stacked to the left, so if Stewart does wander off-message, the non-lefty jokes fall flat.
This is part of why I'm hoping for a Democratic administration to be elected in 2008 (at least so long as it's not someone like Obama): it'll probably force folks like this to at least start to rethink their prejudices and their proud ignorance.
Or, alternatively, “folks like this” will just come up with new jokes and not change one iota.
This is part of why I'm hoping for a Democratic administration to be elected in 2008 (at least so long as it's not someone like Obama): it'll probably force folks like this to at least start to rethink their prejudices and their proud ignorance.
I used to think so, but reading left-wing blogs I've begun to fear they've abandoned all pretense of principle and are simply going to seize as much as power as they can, following the model of Hugo Chavez, on the basis that their agenda is too important to be left to the vagaries of liberal democracy.
Al Gore, in particular, is sounding a bit too messianic.
That's because you don't get it. Dean, you used to have it, but now it's gone. My Christmas and New Year's wish for you is that you experience a great personal epiphany and return to what you know in your heart to be true. Hopefully it's not too late.
I'll just be honest and submit to be numbered among those who "don't get it".
First, they came for those who 'just didn't get it'. I didn't say anything because I got it [even though the joke amounted to little more than smirking].
Valjean - it's just not funny anymore. Its sorta like watching some old drinking buddy in mid-40's, at the same stool, in the same bar, telling the same jokes, and feeling nothing but pity.
It's discouraging in the extreme to see whole groups of otherwise smart people in one breath sneer about Fox News having a demagogic hold over people's information flow, and then in the next breath puff up their chests and brag about how much smarter and more free-thinking they are because they watch the Daily Show.
People like that exist... but most people know 'The Daily Show' is a comedy show. It has a clown as it's anchor and it unabashedly edits politician's statements to create something that is funny. There is no intellectual bubble here. Even Jon Stewart himself said that if people are reporting that they get their political information from his show then that is a sad thing.
I love how people compare Fox News with Jon Stewart. Fox News is supposed to be a legitimate news channel. However it, like Jon Stewart is a comedy show. If the touted themselves as comedians instead of journalists then the comparison would be a little more realistic. Comparing Jon Stewart to someone like Dennis Miller whom is a comedian on the other end of the political spectrum might be more appropriate.
The sad truth is, this administration is probably the most absurd and scandal driven administration I can ever remember. Some people really want to believe that we are doing the greatest thing ever right now and they cling to that fantasy because they can then deny the accusations of 'I told you so' they desperately are trying to avoid. They will ignore the jeers and wisecracks that Jon Stewart makes about the media, and the absurd, childish, and laughable campaign tactics of the Democratic candidates. Then they will take any criticism of the Bush Administration, forget anything else except for those statements, and label it as an intellectual bubble.
Here's an intellectual bubble for you:
The Iraq war was totally worth it and in the end we will prevail and this will help establish peace in the middle east. Bush did the right thing by sending in only a small amount of troops against his Secretary of State, and former Military General's because it reduced the costs of the Iraq war. This will make a large impact on terrorism. Neo-Cons are good to have in office because the lower taxes and do not deficit spend.
Cost of Gulf War in 1991 $71 billion(High) with $53 billion of that being donated by other countries $36 billion of which was donated by the Gulf States. ($106 billion total counting inflation).
Cost of the Iraq War today: $378 billion
But it's lasted a lot longer than the first war, so we should look at the results.
American Deaths 1991:358
POW's Captured in Gulf War 1991: 71,2004
Enemies killed 1991: 100,000
Civilians killed 1991: 35,000
So the results should be better right?
American Deaths 2007: 3,098
POW's Captured in Iraq War 2007: 23,000 (Coalition) 37,000 (Iraqi security) 60,000 total
Enemies Killed 2007: 10,800 Iraqi (No info released since 2003?) and 19,429 insurgents (up to date)
Civilians Killed 2007: 78,692
So we've been fighting longer, so we spend more and have more casualties. You can loosely justify that and I accept that. But the results should also be a lot more promising too right? So far we've killed 1/3 the number of enemies and twice the number of civilians. This is not, by the way, the deaths being reported by car-bombings and other insurgent violence that affects the people there. Some folks estimate over a million Iraqi deaths from various violent causes since the war began.
But the Iraq War is good and the President is doing an awesome job. Our dollar fell below the Canadian dollar for the first time since 1976, the era of Jimmy Carter. That's quite a portent.
Intellectual Bubble indeed. Count me in the intellectual bubble.
I think I do get the reason no 'enemy casualties' have been counted since 2003. That's because Saddam's Military ceased to exist in 2003. New Iraqi Military is an ally of US Military and therefore can't be considered an enemy. Insurgents deaths continue to be counted.
I still don't get if there is a direct connection between Iraq war and dollar devaluation. And what it might portend? Last time it brought forth 'Morning in America' (iirc).
Some folks "estimate" lots of unsupportable claims to further their political ends.
Which is why I posted the total for civilians killed in the data as 78,692 instead of 1,078,792. That one million is a number that is being wildly estimated and all over the place since it counts violent deaths which may not be from insurgents or military presence.
I think I do get the reason no 'enemy casualties' have been counted since 2003. That's because Saddam's Military ceased to exist in 2003. New Iraqi Military is an ally of US Military and therefore can't be considered an enemy. Insurgents deaths continue to be counted.
Yeah that is the most likely reason, but no official statement was made that I could find thus the question mark.
I still don't get if there is a direct connection between Iraq war and dollar devaluation. And what it might portend? Last time it brought forth 'Morning in America' (iirc).
Well one, it portends another era of Malaise. Two, it has less to do with the Iraq and more to do with our government's incredible deficit spending. The $383 billion spent on the war is but a drop in the hat compared to the numbers that our national debt has soared to.
A cap increase what... 4 or 5 times in the last 6 years? Most of which were Republican? Don't get me wrong, those caps have to be increased or the government defaults on it's debt. We wouldn't want that would we? So guess we get to sit on 68% of our GDP worth of debt. I can't wait until the new President is sworn into office and all the scandals are released as to where the pork that is obviously inflating our spending is going. Should be entertaining.
Are you afraid we elect another Carter? Even if, we can still elect another Reagan after that (if history is any guide).
We already did. Bush is like Nixon Ford and Carter rolled into one.
Sounds like somebody's still holding out for Fitzmas...
Not really there's some Democratic pork as well. Honestly, if Cheney can shoot someone in the face without going to jail what's an indictment going to do? If they are really crooked, there will be no punishments anyhow. But again you assume I am a lefty. I am not I am a fiscal conservative and well sort-of on the fence socially. Bush is not what people think "Republicans" are because he is a crazy Neo-Con. Neo-Cons are not fiscal conservatives nor are they a party of people that show any inclination of regarding people as equals. Unless of course you are a rich, Christian or Jewish person that is not a homosexual then you're golden. I find it laughable, the concept of deficit spending to try and stimulate the economy. It IS a classic neo-con philosophy. The last time the debt was this bad we were still trying to pay off War Bonds from the Korean War.
But enough about Neo-Con stupidity, did I even mention Scooter Libby. I never even gave a shit about that. The president can fire anyone he wants at anytime, as he well should be able to do. This kind of crap happens all the time.
When Clinton left office there was a small house of cards that got knocked down and some intangable monies that ended up not even existing at all in certain corrupt markets got exposed. When this presidency leaves office it should be a hoot.
The numbers speak for themselves. You're the one that brought up the Plame incident, I never mentioned it. That's quite delusional reading arguments that aren't there.
Then again you choose to ignore obvious facts that show this war has done little if anything at all to improve anything for us. More importantly that this administration has done anything to improve anything whatsoever. Look, only 28% (year average) approve of how things are going right now. I am assuming that you are one of those 28%. You may not be; but if you are, that makes you delusional, not me.
Then again, when delusional people have nothing to counter with they fall upon ad hominem attacks to placate their egos. That's fine. I forgive you because you can't help it.
Come over here and pop it then make a real argument.
12.19.2007 9:42am
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
The way he told off Tucker Carlson and the co-host Paul Begala on Crossfire was brilliant.
But I think it's high time he gets a taste of his own medicine.
Or, alternatively, “folks like this”, flushed with victory, will decide to press their advantage and urge the removal of the American boot from the neck of the poor dears who only want the freedom to persecute their own people in peace.
Now the audience is heavily stacked to the left, so if Stewart does wander off-message, the non-lefty jokes fall flat.
Or, alternatively, “folks like this” will just come up with new jokes and not change one iota.
I used to think so, but reading left-wing blogs I've begun to fear they've abandoned all pretense of principle and are simply going to seize as much as power as they can, following the model of Hugo Chavez, on the basis that their agenda is too important to be left to the vagaries of liberal democracy.
Al Gore, in particular, is sounding a bit too messianic.
First, they came for those who 'just didn't get it'. I didn't say anything because I got it [even though the joke amounted to little more than smirking].
Valjean - it's just not funny anymore. Its sorta like watching some old drinking buddy in mid-40's, at the same stool, in the same bar, telling the same jokes, and feeling nothing but pity.
People like that exist... but most people know 'The Daily Show' is a comedy show. It has a clown as it's anchor and it unabashedly edits politician's statements to create something that is funny. There is no intellectual bubble here. Even Jon Stewart himself said that if people are reporting that they get their political information from his show then that is a sad thing.
I love how people compare Fox News with Jon Stewart. Fox News is supposed to be a legitimate news channel. However it, like Jon Stewart is a comedy show. If the touted themselves as comedians instead of journalists then the comparison would be a little more realistic. Comparing Jon Stewart to someone like Dennis Miller whom is a comedian on the other end of the political spectrum might be more appropriate.
The sad truth is, this administration is probably the most absurd and scandal driven administration I can ever remember. Some people really want to believe that we are doing the greatest thing ever right now and they cling to that fantasy because they can then deny the accusations of 'I told you so' they desperately are trying to avoid. They will ignore the jeers and wisecracks that Jon Stewart makes about the media, and the absurd, childish, and laughable campaign tactics of the Democratic candidates. Then they will take any criticism of the Bush Administration, forget anything else except for those statements, and label it as an intellectual bubble.
Here's an intellectual bubble for you:
The Iraq war was totally worth it and in the end we will prevail and this will help establish peace in the middle east. Bush did the right thing by sending in only a small amount of troops against his Secretary of State, and former Military General's because it reduced the costs of the Iraq war. This will make a large impact on terrorism. Neo-Cons are good to have in office because the lower taxes and do not deficit spend.
Cost of Gulf War in 1991 $71 billion(High) with $53 billion of that being donated by other countries $36 billion of which was donated by the Gulf States. ($106 billion total counting inflation).
Cost of the Iraq War today: $378 billion
But it's lasted a lot longer than the first war, so we should look at the results.
American Deaths 1991:358
POW's Captured in Gulf War 1991: 71,2004
Enemies killed 1991: 100,000
Civilians killed 1991: 35,000
So the results should be better right?
American Deaths 2007: 3,098
POW's Captured in Iraq War 2007: 23,000 (Coalition) 37,000 (Iraqi security) 60,000 total
Enemies Killed 2007: 10,800 Iraqi (No info released since 2003?) and 19,429 insurgents (up to date)
Civilians Killed 2007: 78,692
So we've been fighting longer, so we spend more and have more casualties. You can loosely justify that and I accept that. But the results should also be a lot more promising too right? So far we've killed 1/3 the number of enemies and twice the number of civilians. This is not, by the way, the deaths being reported by car-bombings and other insurgent violence that affects the people there. Some folks estimate over a million Iraqi deaths from various violent causes since the war began.
But the Iraq War is good and the President is doing an awesome job. Our dollar fell below the Canadian dollar for the first time since 1976, the era of Jimmy Carter. That's quite a portent.
Intellectual Bubble indeed. Count me in the intellectual bubble.
I still don't get if there is a direct connection between Iraq war and dollar devaluation. And what it might portend? Last time it brought forth 'Morning in America' (iirc).
Some folks "estimate" lots of unsupportable claims to further their political ends.
Which is why I posted the total for civilians killed in the data as 78,692 instead of 1,078,792. That one million is a number that is being wildly estimated and all over the place since it counts violent deaths which may not be from insurgents or military presence.
Yeah that is the most likely reason, but no official statement was made that I could find thus the question mark.
Well one, it portends another era of Malaise. Two, it has less to do with the Iraq and more to do with our government's incredible deficit spending. The $383 billion spent on the war is but a drop in the hat compared to the numbers that our national debt has soared to.
A cap increase what... 4 or 5 times in the last 6 years? Most of which were Republican? Don't get me wrong, those caps have to be increased or the government defaults on it's debt. We wouldn't want that would we? So guess we get to sit on 68% of our GDP worth of debt. I can't wait until the new President is sworn into office and all the scandals are released as to where the pork that is obviously inflating our spending is going. Should be entertaining.
We already did. Bush is like Nixon Ford and Carter rolled into one.
Not really there's some Democratic pork as well. Honestly, if Cheney can shoot someone in the face without going to jail what's an indictment going to do? If they are really crooked, there will be no punishments anyhow. But again you assume I am a lefty. I am not I am a fiscal conservative and well sort-of on the fence socially. Bush is not what people think "Republicans" are because he is a crazy Neo-Con. Neo-Cons are not fiscal conservatives nor are they a party of people that show any inclination of regarding people as equals. Unless of course you are a rich, Christian or Jewish person that is not a homosexual then you're golden. I find it laughable, the concept of deficit spending to try and stimulate the economy. It IS a classic neo-con philosophy. The last time the debt was this bad we were still trying to pay off War Bonds from the Korean War.
But enough about Neo-Con stupidity, did I even mention Scooter Libby. I never even gave a shit about that. The president can fire anyone he wants at anytime, as he well should be able to do. This kind of crap happens all the time.
When Clinton left office there was a small house of cards that got knocked down and some intangable monies that ended up not even existing at all in certain corrupt markets got exposed. When this presidency leaves office it should be a hoot.
No, just delusional.
The numbers speak for themselves. You're the one that brought up the Plame incident, I never mentioned it. That's quite delusional reading arguments that aren't there.
Then again you choose to ignore obvious facts that show this war has done little if anything at all to improve anything for us. More importantly that this administration has done anything to improve anything whatsoever. Look, only 28% (year average) approve of how things are going right now. I am assuming that you are one of those 28%. You may not be; but if you are, that makes you delusional, not me.
Then again, when delusional people have nothing to counter with they fall upon ad hominem attacks to placate their egos. That's fine. I forgive you because you can't help it.
It's a very large bubble. Perhaps it is you in the bubble.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.