Damn Dirty Democrats

The Weekly Standard ^ | 11/04/2002 | Jonathan V. Last

[Pokey78]

Once the party of hope and idealism, the Democrats are now the party of dirty tricks.

A DEFINING MOMENT isn't about reality, it's about unconscious public perception. For example: Dan Quayle will forever be remembered for his "misspelling" of the word potato, not because it was an important event, but because the public already suspected he might be a dummy. John Ashcroft will forever be a religious nut because the curtain over the boob symbolized what people suspected--that he was a little too devout for centrist America. Never mind that Quayle is both bright and capable or that Ashcroft isn't a Wahhabi nutcase (or that he never asked for the curtain). Those caricatures are now cut into stone.

And so it may be for the Democratic party today. For two generations Democrats have coasted on the caricatures established by FDR and JFK. The Democrat from Central Casting was a slightly corrupt, slightly dopey do-gooder with stars in his eyes and gold in his heart. But a new Democratic caricature emerged this fall: One of the power-obsessed politician who will do anything to win.

Just consider the face of the Democratic party over the last few months:

-In South Dakota this fall, Democrats have pushed heavy voter-registration drives with Indians. So heavy, in fact, that lots of dead Native Americans signed up. State and federal authorities are investigating.

-In a September memo from the Detroit mayor's office, it was revealed that Detroit has 600,000 registered voters, only about 450,000 of which are legitimate. And you can bet those phantom voters haven't been trending Republican.

-In New Jersey, Democrats stood behind embattled senator Robert Torricelli, despite the fact that he was under federal investigation. Until he fell behind GOP challenger Doug Forrester in the polls. On the last day of September, Dems pushed Torricelli aside and brought in replacement candidate Frank Lautenberg, even though the law clearly stated that it was too late for a substitution. Democrats broke the law because, they insisted, New Jersey's citizens were entitled to a choice between major-party candidates. (In a related story, Democrats declined to field a candidate against Republican Virginia senator John Warner since Warner looked so formidable in early polling.)

-At a September debate in Maryland between the candidates for lieutenant governor, supporters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kathleen Kennedy Townsend passed out Oreo cookies to mock black Republican hopeful Michael Steele. At another debate that month, between Townsend and Republican Bob Ehrlich, Democrats also passed out Oreos--and then led the crowd in raucous booing of Ehrlich's wife and elderly parents. Afterwards, Democrats keyed the cars of several Ehrlich supporters.

-During October in Montana, Democratic senator Max Baucus ran an ad not-so-subtly insinuating that his opponent, Mike Taylor, was gay--closing the attack spot by saying darkly, "Mike Taylor. Not the way we do business in Montana."

-In an October debate in South Carolina, Democrat Senate candidate Alex Sanders attacked Lindsay Graham for having Rudy Giuliani stump for him. About Giuliani, Sanders said, "His wife kicked him out and he moved in with two gay men and a Shih Tzu. Is that South Carolina values? I don't think so."

-A few days ago in Hawaii, GOP gubernatorial candidate Linda Lingle, who's running neck-and-neck with her Democratic opponent, became the target of a whispering campaign claiming that she, too, is homosexual.

-In Iowa, Tom Harkin spent autumn in Tape-gate. As the Washington Post explained, "Harkin's campaign provided a digital recorder to a former Harkin aide to take to a Sept. 3 strategy session of the Ganske campaign, to which the former aide had been invited. The campaign then leaked a copy of the recording to an Iowa reporter. Harkin's campaign staff first denied any involvement, then admitted to it. Harkin dumped his campaign manager and fired a young, low-level aide, whom the campaign said was solely responsible for getting the former Harkin aide, Brian Conley, to record the session."

-And then, of course, there was the Wellstone affair last week (see the above now-famous photo). At the memorial service Democrats whipped the crowd into a partisan fervor, chanted "We Will Win," and generally had a rollicking good time while the 20,000 attendees booed Wellstone's Republican colleagues who had come to pay their respects.

The Democrats haven't just become Nixon, they've become the exaggerated liberal nightmare version of Nixon: Today Democrats are what they believe Nixon was.

The change didn't happen overnight. For a couple years now--since 1992ish, to be more exact--Democrats have been showing signs of a desperate, win-at-any-cost mentality. It started with Clinton's women and then his fund-raising and impeachment. It carried over to Gore's challenge to the 2000 election and Tom Daschle's unprecedented obstruction of George W. Bush's judicial nominees.

(As a side note, last Friday on Blanquita Cullum and Janet Donovan's radio show, "The Beltway Broads," I asked Orrin Hatch if there was any weight to the charge that Republicans had been just as bad with Clinton's nominees. The straight-laced Mormon said those arguments are "pure B.S." Also, he interestingly noted that "we may get one or two [Supreme Court] nominees before the end of the year.")

None of this has been lost on the public. And the angry chants and rabid cheering from the Wellstone "memorial" may have provided the Democrats with a new defining moment. Once the party of JFK and FDR, the Democrats are now the party of dirty tricks.

[biblewonk]

I hope we never sink to anything like what this article reports. I'd rather lose well than win like a heathen. I'll just trust the Lord with the rest.

[makoman]

I guess the Democrats would like to shut down the country until their candidate wins. This partisan backstabbing is shameful!

[pgyanke]

I don't have enough time to read all of the posts right now so I hope I'm not repeating what's already been said but...

One of the most striking realities to come out of this election debacle (to me) is the fact that Democrats are a party and Republicans are individuals. You expect a Republican to consider the party's input and vote his conscience. You expect a Democrat to vote straight party line.

Nowhere have they shown this more demonstrably than in their candidate swaps. By declaring their right to change candidates and not even consider the will of their constituencies, they are admitting that one Democrat is the same as another. No matter who you elect, they will vote the same way.

The Republicans? We're so fair, we give our opponents the advantage.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see this change! Stay fair. Keep being individuals who think and vote by your conscience. However, don't sell the farm in the process.

Prosecute crime for what it is and sooner or later your political opponents will all be incarcerated or reformed to an American model. Either result suffices.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

He got all emotional, said he hated politics and would agree to no longer vote if I would simply never bring up the subject to him again.

Take him up on it, Dutchgirl! There are many mixed marriages in the country. Your husband is admitting that you're right. He may come around on his own some day. You've obviously challenged him.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Shining the light on Dirty Rats, ping!

Clinton and Democrat leaders are telling their party members that there will be Dem.attorneys posted at every precinct to prevent poll watchers from challenging ANY ballots. Link

``I don't want anybody here to take anything for granted. I expect every single one of you will be out there voting,'' - Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.

[ST.LOUIE1]

GET OUT THE VOTE BUMP!

[Hatteras]

"My Grandmother wouldn't even speak the word Democrat if there were children in the rooom, she'd say Bastards instead."

- Pj O'Rourke, "Republican Party Reptile"

[backhoe]

I'll send those links in the next email. Word will get out!

[Landru]

"...my husband is a Dem....said he hated politics and would agree to no longer vote if I would simply never bring up the subject to him again...I am considering his offer. I'm looking for input, here."

No disrespect intended; but, you're *looking* for input??
Good grief woman, strike while the iron's hot!!

Now about your being a conservative, and, entering into Holy matrimony with a 'Rat??
Wellll...

...you know what Dr. Laura say's about mixed-faith marriages, right? {G}

[Dutchgirl]

He's not admitting that I'm right. Admitting I am right would require him to renounce his family upbringing. He is only admitting that he is worn down. Earlier in the weekend, I discovered he had let his life insurance lapse, and I was on him like white on rice, demanding to know if he intended to leave me and our minor children at the mercy of the Social Security system, should the worst happen. He hates when I personalize my political arguments with him.

Conservatism is living and breathing to me, because it is tied up in my moral beleifs. God is not neutral, and if we would be like Him, we can't sit on the fence-especially on issues like abortion and family values. I feel a duty to my husband and family to try to avoid conflict in the home- and hubby is making an effort. I just don't know how much a bargain like this will cost me. I am one of those people who won't give their word unless they know they will keep it.

I know there are fellow FRepers who share this sense of honor, who are also passionate about their beliefs. Is it doable? Anyone else in a similar situation? He's not asking me to give up Free Republic or my beliefs, just keep politics out of the house.

[Mamzelle]

Actually, it'd be just fine for me if Ashcroft was uncomfortable being photographed with some bronze background boobs as "antlers"--you know how cute and clever a photographer can be. That's what I thought it was all about. ..

And if anyone grouses, reply--"You could always put a Democrat Thong on her, instead."

[E Rocc]

I liked what P.J. O'Rourke once said about his grandmother, "She never used the word 'Democrat' in the house, she used the word 'bastards' instead."

He also said that in his hippie days his grandma got suspicious and asked if he was becoming a Democrat. When he replied that he was a Maoist she answered "just as long as you're not a Democrat".

-Eric

[E Rocc]

The Democrats haven't just become Nixon, they've become the exaggerated liberal nightmare version of Nixon: Today Democrats are what they believe Nixon was.

In other words, what Lyndon Baines Johnson was.

Johnson allegedly about defecated himself when it became clear the Walter Jenkins arrest would become public before the election. Not so much because of what he thought Goldwater might do with it (intellectually, he knew Goldwater was an honorable man and wouldn't do much) but because of what he would have done with it, had it happened to an opponent.

-Eric

[pgyanke]

Interesting thought. It dovetails on what I've always thought about Democrats...and they continue to prove: they are an interesting study in projection. All of these evils they accuse Republicans of WANTING to do, THEY DO.

Just a few examples: raised taxes on Social Security income, curry favor with special interests (especially big business and celebrity interests), favor special rights based on social status, advocate lawlessness, encourage our enemies, control personal actions and thoughts, take political advantage at funerals, cast aspersions regarding an individual's sexuality, silence political speech when they disagree... and this is only a list from the top of my head.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

That longtime family party loyalty is a tough one. Do you remember what finally turned you away from our American leftist cultural upbringing? Most Republicans, I've found, did not learn conservative values at home, but rather had their eyes opened through an event, seeds of doubt, GOP talking points that accidentally made it into the mainstream media.

For me it was a C-Span John Birch speech on education a few years back, followed by Rush, followed by Clinton's Monica mess, followed by Elian, followed by FR, followed by election 2000...

That would make a great vanity thread - advice from other 'mixed' marriage Freepers. Good luck. (^:

[ForGod'sSake]

LOL...I've got Julia's RepugnantReptile Right here, baby...

Har! Mud my man, the lady(?) is probably lookin' for something that's full grown! Great article, and exactly one like I've been looking for to share with the bleaters. Thanky fer the ping MUD.

FGS

[Mudboy Slim]

"Now about your being a conservative, and, entering into Holy matrimony with a 'Rat?? Wellll...you know what Dr. Laura say's about mixed-faith marriages, right?"

I'm gonna tell MissuzMUD what you said, Landru, and yer gonna be sorry...MUD

[Mudboy Slim]

"...something that's full grown!"

I hope I never git full-grown...MUD

[Landru]

"For me it was a C-Span John Birch speech on education a few years back, followed by Rush, followed by Clinton's Monica mess, followed by Elian, followed by FR, followed by election 2000..."

HA!
I could be mistaken but I recognize your experience for the only thing it could possibly be.
Given the fact one omits any one of those events, & things could be completely different, today.

...yes; the epitome of, "Divine Guidance."

[Mudboy Slim]

"Prosecution...NOW!!"
(To be sung to Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row"*)
*(9th Track on Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited"...soon to be revisited by MUD)

Right's sellin' postcards of Re-Impeachment...
We're kickin' Slick outta town!!
The bettin' parlors're filled with Patriots...
The FReepers are in town!!!!
We listen to the Maja Rushi...
He's got us in a trance...
One hand is at the throat of the Lib'rals...
The other's behind his back!!
And the S.S. dudes, they're our FRiends...
They lurk, therefore, they know...
That these FReepers and I...Left knows we're Right...
As we March Against Left's "'HO"!!!

Yes, bin Laden, he is so sleazy...
"It takes MUD to know scum!" MUD smiles.../=^D!!
Slick underestimates MUD's moxie...
MUD's gonna drive bin WILD!!!
Then, here comes T-Mac...vile Terry...
The Chairman...of Left's Dee-N-See!!!
So MUD says, "Ashcroft...YOU SHALL INDICT T-Mac... By Christmas Eve!!"
Mudboy pleaded with the Left...
"Won'tcha let Slick Willie go?!
Is Slick's Legacy really worth...
Yer givin' up yer SOUL?!"

And now Left's goons do Clinton's bidding...
Left's stars...have they really no pride?!
They support the Vile Rapist...
So us "Nazis" won't stop INFANTICIDE!!
All except fer FoxNewsChannel...
TeeVee Networks should be ashamed...
Fer ignorin' TYRANNY...
Historians shall lay blame!!
And us Right-Wing Christians...we're FReepin'!!
We're singin', "Slick is just MUD'z 'HO!!"
Slick's gonna FEEL the vengeance of the Right...
Willard's Prison-Bound!!

Young Chelsea, she's soooo CORRUPTED...
Poor girl, Webb's daughter's been laid...
On her twenty-second birthday...
Her young future's already stained.
To her, Truth must be soooo pedantic...
Her mind can't shake Left's bent...
Her Daddy may sleep with her best FRiends...
But that's just "Fine" with the Left!!!
'Cuz all Left's lies depend upon...the Media...YES, THEY KNOW!!!
Chelsea spends her time askin' Reno,
"Why's my Dad a 'HO?!!"

Clinton tells lies like the Taliban...
Don't Left know Slick's Populism's BUNK?!!
Fascist goals taint Left's PowerWhores...
And their friends, the Chi-Com Monks.
Billzabubba seems vacuously FRightful...
Yet, Slick's thugs pose no real threat...
'Cuz while Bill's off drainin' his pipe...
MUD's Dethronin' EX-Pres-i-dent!!!
You folks may think we can't git Slick...
But Re-Impeachment's "ON", I KNOW!!
Bill'll pay the price fer his Vile TREASON!!!
Fer the Slaughter at Waco!!!

Med'yuh Whore'd...it sleeps thru MURDER!!
Right must wake the SHEEPLE up!!
This is no time fer patience...
Mudboy's singin', "THE GIG IS UP!!!"
Lord has cursed the Ozark Loser...
Put MUD in charge of fightin' Whorealdo...
Help Doc Raoul FReep with Angelwood...
Militiamen are kewl!!
We all play on the FreeRepublic[.com]...
Come and join us, folks...
If you folks care about yer Country...
DEMAND PROSECUTION...NOW!!!

In DeeCee streets, Left fails their Victims...
Democrats're a Party Fer Elites...
Left's Pantheon of Heroes...
Are but Pimps fer the Fed'ral Beast!!
Left is spoon-feedin' FEAR to the Masses...
In hopes State Power will endure...
Men, Lib'rals KILL Viable Young Infants...
To call that "CHOICE" seems quite absurd!!
Still, the NAGS* are shoutin' at pregnant girls...
"Come join us, gals, we got Roe...
That "tissue mass" is just yer punishment...
Abort IT, girl...then we'll own yer SOUL!!"

*(NAGS=National Association of Gals)

Way past midnight, INS Agents...
Led by that Ol' Reno Shrew...
Raged down upon young Elian's home...
Guns aimed at the camera crew!!
Then Slick sent Elian back to Castro...
Poor kid dreams of bein' FRee!!
Re-Enslaved on Slick Willie's orders...
With Castro pullin' strings!!
If Liberty's such a hassle...
Tell them Socialists to go...
'Cuz this Country was founded by Patriots...
Chantin' "Sic Semper Tyrannis!!!"

FReepers, be Heroes...JOIN US!!!
The Culture War is "ON!!"
Bold Mudboy is singin',
"Is you Right or is you Wrong?!"
And George Orwell and J.R.R. Tolkien...
Forewarned against Tyrannic Power...
While my darlin' Jewel joins the Right...
She and MUD're tradin' flowers!! [LOL!!]
Return, my FRiends, to Liberty!!...
Victory goes to the BOLD!!
Folks, this Country must rethink how much...
We love...Equal Justice Fer ALL!!

(Sweet Mudboy harpin')

Yes, MUD conceived a letter yesterday...
In response to the one Slick wrote...
Clinton asked MUD, "How much to stop this?!"
MUD sang, "Slick, yer a FReepin' JOKE!!!
Them FReepers that I've mentioned...
Slick, I know them, they don't play!!
Folks, we gotta re-arrange this Nation...
And teach them Lib'rals about SHAME!!
Fight now...Warriors Fer the Good...
Just save yer excuses, bro...
Help MUD FReep the EX-President...
Fer Condamnation...NOW!!!!

(MUD harpin' and strummin')

Mudboy Slim (8/21/00)

BWAHA..MUD