How to put Democratic leaders on the defensive just like Chris Matthews 'got' Cong. Pence yesterday

self | May 6, 2009 | self

[BlueStateBlues]

Chris Matthews used a gotcha question about evolution to ambush a GOPer off his game yesterday, and gloated about it today. Now here's a way conservative reporters can get prominent Dem. leaders and other liberals to cross a line, hem and haw, or look stupid: "Sir or Madam, are you an ape? Are you a great ape? Answer this question directly, yes or no."

[NicknamedBob]

"Unless of course what you’re saying somehow doesn’t apply to liberals -- (people who have the unmitigated gall to disagree with me)?

OR has everything to do with God and nothing to do with science?"

Uh-oh.

You've just stuck your feet into someone else's shoes.

.

Funny how that can make you look at things differently.

As Dr. Wayne Dyer has said, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

[tpanther]

OK...now all we have to do is examine the evidence!

You know...evidence?

Hmmmm...

nope.

Sorry.

No dissent is allowed!

(Unless of course you’re willing to show us some ... ahem ... *evidence* otherwise?) ;)

[NicknamedBob]

It might make things simpler if you would define what it is you’re willing to accept as evidence.

All I have to offer is everything you have seen and thought about in your life.

Is that sufficient?

[Ken H]

Proving the Hissy Fit has no idea what he's talking about.

He may or may not be an ape, but I think we all agree he's a panzee!

[From many - one.]

Those of us who may be Jews, Hindus (most of India), non-literalist Chrittians etc. are only welcome on these threads if we keep our place.

[NicknamedBob]

Is any of that supposed to be comprehensible to an English-speaking audience, or are we just flinging poo?

[Ken H]

Eh wot? It was just a mild barb directed at Chris Matthews.

[NicknamedBob]

Ah. I see.

I’m sure Mr. Matthews will have a scathing retort for you just as soon as he thinks of something clever.

[Alamo-Girl]

Indeed, the silence is deafening.

[Phileleutherus Franciscus]

Evolution is the liberal position. Period. More conservatives understand this than not.

If that were true, it would be a horrifying bit of info, since it would mean conservatives are electorally doomed and, well, not that bright. Fortunately, you're wrong.

Science isn't "liberal". Science isn't "conservative". Science is the single best method humans have ever come up with for understanding and manipulating the world around us. The Theory of Evolution is a scientific theory. Sure, it is changing. All theories change. The problems with the theory of gravity actually dwarf those of evolution, so if you want to bash science, you might have more luck with that.

However, I can see reason isn't going to go very far in this discussion, so do enjoy your echo chamber.

[NicknamedBob]

"Indeed, the silence is deafening."

Is that not what you wished to achieve?

Let me quote something that is one of my favorite sayings.

"Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management."

It would seem, with that caveat, that opinions expressed by such as OH4life would be, if not welcomed, at least tolerated for the sake of discussion.

If your goal is to convince others of the soundness of your arguments, the righteousness of your cause, if you will, then well-moderated discussions between people who may disagree, but do so with relative politeness and deference to others' opinions should offer a proving ground for polishing debate tactics and procedures, not a killing ground for wayward travelers who may have strayed from the path of your orthodoxy.

[metmom]

What has all that got to do with the comments we made on the research presented in this thread?

The domestication of the russian silver fox. (40 year fast track evolution)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/807641/posts

Did you get as far back as post 87?

[NicknamedBob]

"What has all that got to do with the comments we made on the research presented in this thread?"

I suppose nothing. Why do you ask?

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for sharing your concerns, dear NickNamedbob!

If your goal is to convince others of the soundness of your arguments, the righteousness of your cause, if you will, then well-moderated discussions between people who may disagree, but do so with relative politeness and deference to others' opinions should offer a proving ground for polishing debate tactics and procedures, not a killing ground for wayward travelers who may have strayed from the path of your orthodoxy.

AFAIK, the only ones who are get banned for their views are actual trolls. This forum is, after all, conservative - so liberals should not expect to be welcomed here.

[metmom]

That’s what I thought.

[NicknamedBob]

Consider it a handwave.

[metmom]

If your goal is to convince others of the soundness of your arguments, the righteousness of your cause, if you will, then well-moderated discussions between people who may disagree, but do so with relative politeness and deference to others' opinions should offer a proving ground for polishing debate tactics and procedures, not a killing ground for wayward travelers who may have strayed from the path of your orthodoxy.

Why are you telling us this? You're preaching to the choir.

You should have alerted (warned) your compatriot there instead. Based on his posts on this thread, he could have used the advice. But it's too late now for him. Maybe you can catch him next time around.

[NicknamedBob]

"Why are you telling us this? You're preaching to the choir."

It seemed a good opportunity. On most occasions, I find only the choir in attendance.

[steve-b]

A more rational viewpoint

[tpanther]

Actually, had you bothered to read, you’d understand I’m not wrong.

And try to focus, the subject is evolution, not science. I know the programming runs deep.

Did you bother reading the evidence?

Or does evidence only matter when it comes to what liberal professors spoon feed to you concerning evolution?

Echo chamber...?????

Good grief, do liberals EVER not project on these threads? EVER?

Are you purposefully employing every single failed liberal tactic or just this new for real?