Christensen on Shuler at Civitas.
Anglico on Christensen on Civitas.
Too bad Shuler doesn't have some kind of forum to speak for himself. Oh wait, he does.
NCRR reports on a panel discussion: A member of the audience asked the panel if in effect, Giuliani could overcome perceived weaknesses in social conservative issues that would cause the "Christian right" to support him. At this point, Bill Lee made some very telling observations, which in my opinion the so called "Christian right" should wake up to. Bill said in essence that the Christian right is no longer a monolithic block. In the polling that he has done, he has not seen the so-called Christian right achieve a majority for any candidate. I think this may be an issue or at least a cause of concern for the Conservative Cause in the way the movement communicates with and motivates the self identified "Christian right."
Update: Shuler video from RyanR:
His speech had very little to do with politics... here is the section that did.
I expect the BlueNC crowd to watch that and savage him for being a sellout, and friends of mine to watch it and savage him for being phony.
I tend to agree with Norquist, who was absolutely hilarious in the session that followed Shuler's. Let's just say Christensen only reported his comments that were family-friendly.
Also entertaining was Patrick Ballantine, who spoke before Shuler. He quipped, "Yeah, I heard about those people in the elevator complaining that they had to listen to a Democrat over breakfast. You know what's even worse? Someone in my elevator this morning asked, Hey, aren't you Heath Shuler?" Shuler's wife shifted uncomfortably in her seat at this point as the crowd roared wih laughter.
Posted by: Ryan R. | Apr 29, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Tell us more about Grover's remarks, if you would...
Posted by: Ed Cone | Apr 29, 2007 at 11:45 AM
So what's the verdict?
My take:
Shuler accomplished nothing of note.
Grover revealed the true source of the current environment of political extremism.
Civitas was exposed for being a partisan organization that doesn't deserve tax-exempt status.
And a new think tank was born.
Net net? I'm glad he went.
Posted by: Anglico | Apr 29, 2007 at 12:08 PM
I won't repeat his worst comments... not only do they not add anything to the discussion, but I'm afraid they may raise Anglico's blood pressure to an unsafe level.
He did, however, point out that not only are there no Blue Dogs in the current leadership, but also that they've basically toed the Pelosi line on everything of substance since the session began. He noted that while it's great Heath feels important because they could potentially stall a bill from passage, in reality it would never happen, and everyone knows it.
There was side chatter among many of those attending that efforts were underway to flip Shuler to the Republicans. This is of course mindless and unsubstantiated, but given that the Civitas straw poll taken during the conference showed a majority of attendees favored Giuliani, it might show hints of moderation among what were thought to be the most conservative activists in the state.
By the way, Anglico, get off the whole tax-exempt thing. It's a weak argument and you sound childish parrotting it day-in and day-out. If you want to keep making it, at least take it all the way.
Posted by: Ryan R. | Apr 29, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Weak arguments work just fine in the public arena, thank you. Just look at the entire political agenda of the North Carolina Party of Greed. And as for sounding childish, that's never really bothered me. I figure it's a perfectly appropriate response to 9 out of 10 right wing talking points.
Posted by: Anglico | Apr 29, 2007 at 01:11 PM
Ryan, you are kidding, right, about Norquist saying things you won't repeat?
Posted by: Ed Cone | Apr 29, 2007 at 01:27 PM
No, I'm quite serious. He got laughs for some parts of it, but I don't think they necessarily helped make his case.
Posted by: Ryan R. | Apr 29, 2007 at 01:37 PM
So...nationally-known speaker at widely-publicized event featuring numerous public officials makes remarks that...what? C'mon, Ryan, write it up for us.
Posted by: Ed Cone | Apr 29, 2007 at 01:42 PM
Can't, sorry... I wasn't taking notes, so without the context they'll just sound cruel and insensitive. They were expressing his strong distaste for Shuler and his tax-hike votes, that's all I'll say.
Posted by: Ryan R. | Apr 29, 2007 at 01:48 PM
I'm guessing they not only "sounded" cruel and insensitive" ... they probably WERE cruel and insensitive. Especially coming from the guy who wants to drown government in the bathtub, etc.
Sure you're not simply closing ranks because you're embarrassed by the so-called Republican leadership? Just wondering.
Posted by: Anglico | Apr 29, 2007 at 01:57 PM
I'm certainly not embarassed by the guy, he's one of our greatest leaders. Out of context, however, his comments would be touted by people like you as some kind of proof that all Republicans are evil zombies from space who have come to take over the world.
That is the conspiracy this month, right?
Posted by: Ryan R. | Apr 29, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Moreover, if you'd like to discuss remarks made this weekend, I think it's the Democrat leadership who are themselves embarassed.
Posted by: Ryan R. | Apr 29, 2007 at 02:25 PM
Out of context, however, his comments would be touted by people like you as some kind of proof that all Republicans are evil zombies from space who have come to take over the world.
That is the conspiracy this month, right?* Ryan
Speaking of Republican neo-con conspiracies Ryan! Did old Alien Lizard Norquist, say when was going to return those Jack Abramoff checks? Or is he going to wash them though Ralph Reed again?
After all old Norq promise to return the Abramoff hot money a year ago? Must be some cash flow problem that Norq is having for the " Tom" delay.
Posted by: Connie Mack Jr | Apr 29, 2007 at 05:04 PM
Thanks Ryan.
Every now and then I have to relearn the importance of ignoring unproductive discussions here at Ed's Place. This lesson has been relatively painless, for which I am most appreciative.
Cheers!
Posted by: Anglico | Apr 29, 2007 at 05:29 PM
I was going to say the same back around the "party of greed" comment, but you're right. If we want unproductive nonsense, BlueNC is probably the more proper forum.
Posted by: Ryan R. | Apr 29, 2007 at 05:51 PM
"It's a weak argument and you sound childish parrotting it day-in and day-out."
Simply a product of fear and paranoia, which has become SOP.
Posted by: Bubba | May 01, 2007 at 09:05 AM
Simply a product of fear and paranoia, which has become SOP.*Bubba
Right Bubba! a light day with fear and paranoia not existing with monday's body count.
Monday: 1 Marine, 119 Iraqis Killed; 158 Iraqis Wounded
Posted by: Connie Mack Jr | May 01, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Anglico on Max Borders at Civitas. Meet the newest bad-boy blogger from the fright wing fringe.
It's actually pretty funny. I linked to his photo and site, so he replaced his picture with one of a baby flipping the bird. I think it's really him. Especially given this heart-warming quote, which he delivered in his previous job.
Nice. I can see why the Civitas Creepshow hired this clown.
Posted by: James | Oct 04, 2007 at 08:18 PM