I know I still shudder at the memory of the "purple Band-Aids" at the Republican convention. I was aghast that the "party" permitted such a tasteless demonstration.

The Swift Boat campaign was designed to, pardon my language, shit all over John Kerry ... the narrative being -- aside that he was a liar, who took credit not due him -- but also that part of his "getting away with it" was due to his privileged background (see also Al Gore) and liberal-biased confederates. The extremely resentment of the Winter Soldiers and Kerry's leadership thereof, which explained the number of other "vets" eager to smear him was mentioned only in passing if at all.

So, it appeared that a cadre of people who SHOULD HAVE been brothers-in-arms of John Kerry, for "deeply principled reasons," going against all those "unspoken" rules of military camraderie, hated him.

It was a fairly complex narrative, the counter-arguements to which had been well thought out (likely story boarded) in advance.

The glee exhibited at the Republican convention also suggested that "a lot of people" ready willing and able to be seen publically on national TV support the Swift Boaters ... and then there was the MSM willing to saturate the "news" with these people because "being controversial" is "new" these days.

I know they drove the Democrats nuts ... but whose vote did they affect and how... did they change how Kerry or Edwards campaigned ... It was saturation coverage. It often drowned out the Kerry campaign (again "demonstration" it was more important, more "news worthy" than the campaign -- it was a urgent "question" to be discussed endlessly).

=========================================================

Anyway, I've been thinking about the McCain "He's not who you think he is campaign" and wondering if some thought into "who you're trying to reach" and "what effect on them is your intent."

There are the 28% Bush diehards who are likely "beyond reach" ... Racist Americans who would never vote for someone as exotic as Obama are also likely beyond reach.

Those fabled "undecideds" and post-Hillary Democrats uncomfortable with Obama might be surprised to find out just how much the "real story" diverges from the myth, however, the persistent refrain is that being rich (and all the privileges there of) isn't a bad thing ... it's a good thing, this is capitalism after all! (even if they, as Glenn demonstrated, used Kerry's wife's inherited wealth against him, though I would add that also intersected the he's not what you think Swift Boat narrative in places.)

I think the hardest part will be find a handful of people willing to do the "talking head" guest slots on the MSM to discuss endlessly why this disparity between reality and myth is "important."

The Swift Boat model had "shocking revelations" in a book "backup" by that cadre of men who were endlessly available to fill air time ... shades of "missing white girl" coverage... god knows it's success (which again should be quantified) wasn't about "facts"

... yeah, that guy ... the guy who testified to the UN even though he thought a lot of the "intelligence" he was reading was bullshit.

I trust Powell is smart enough to say "thanks, but no thanks" and stay retired.

Yes, Colin Powell WAS a hero to some people ... but to run for office would be to put his entire sordid career (going all the way back to My Lai) on the stand...

Just say no!

... but to think McCain's camp would ask -- priceless

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I feel good about Biden even though I've disagreed with him often (he's more than just a bit of a hawk, but most of the folks on those subcommittes are -- the MIC koolaid is probably of the triple-X strength) ... He has a lot of energy and enthusiasm and is a good contrast to the more "cerebral" Obama.... and he's REALLY smart and knowledgeable from what I seen. He can think and talk on his feet, even if he occasionally stumbles.

then he was gone .... awwwwwwwwww.

Particularly, again, by right wingers demonizing "the left" ... I'd say this is definitely the wrong crowd for them.

kerfuffle ... I can't tell if she think she sees something (oh clever girl) that we're all missing or is she just get amusement out of trying to shock people and/or ruffle feathers.

Sinclair Lewis said: "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."

But that was in 1938 and we're much more sophisticated now ... and many would argue it's already here.

Fascism in America wouldn't be caught dead in somebody else's trappings.

Maureen also doesn't seem to appreciate that there has already been so much hype about "Obama as savior" that her little "theory" just sounds like more of the same ... and she thought she was being "original"

thank

you

so

much ....

I cannot emphasize how influential and EMPOWERING it was to have someone as glamourous as Diana Ross calling out her "unappreciative" imaginary boyfriend to all us young girls trying to learn to stand up for ourself ...

Often dissed as too synthetic, too manufactured, the Great Diana Ross inspired the generation of pre-teens and teens that I was part of ...

Check it out... ya might learn something ...

yeah, me, I feel manipulated and used ...

link on my name

don't let anyone silence YOU ... keeper of the true faith... let's watch those surging poll number together, shall we?

and banishment of any "doubters" ... by their intolerance, so you will know them.

get over yourself first.