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Today's Topic

Too Hot to Handle

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#1 of 7

     Posted Nov-2 3:06 PM   
Jim1
 
From  Jim1  Posts 1771  Last Nov-24
To  All      [Msg # 147829.1 ]    
It's a rare political bird who can cause consternation in both political parties, and Alan Grayson's managed to do it by engaging in "pugilistic, outlandish rhetoric" that's set Capital Hill on fire. Republicans loathe him and Democrats can't get enough of his rhetoric that's single-handedly altered the course of the national health care debate. The venerable New York Times doesn't know what to make of him and calls Grayson  the Liberals' Problem Child.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/01/weekinreview/01herszenhorn.html?scp=1&sq=Alan%20grayson&st=cse

It's a hot moment in history and something is happening around the globe. Grayson seems to get this at a moment that demands hot rhetoric, and this self-made millionaire businessman and lawyer/economist isn't afraid to take on establishment politics as usual. It's just not good enough.

Historically, the leaders of the Democratic Party used to all speak like Grayson, ie. sharp pointed comments on what the right/Republican Party's real agenda was. From FDR to Truman ("I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it's hell."), the Democratic Party spoke in a language that the common man understood.

What's made this man "hot" in politics?   

Is he a breath of fresh air, or too scary to consider?

Edited Nov-2   by  Jim1

Edited Nov-3   by  Barbara/Sysop
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#2 of 7

     Posted Nov-2 8:15 PM   
Dave [Sysop]
 
From  Dave [Sysop]  Posts 16114  Last 9:12 AM
To  Jim1      [Msg # 147829.2 Message 147829.2 replying to 147829.1 147829.1 ]    
Too scary for the established "get along, go along" crowd.  Exactly what the party needed IMO.

What a breath of fresh air.

 


Sarah Palin for 2012 - 2014 ½ :
When the going gets tough, quit.

Best political toons and jokes on the web.
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#3 of 7

     Posted Nov-3 9:10 AM   
Jim1
 
From  Jim1  Posts 1771  Last Nov-24
To  Dave [Sysop]      [Msg # 147829.3 Message 147829.3 replying to 147829.2 147829.2 ]    
Is it fascinating that "civlity" begins to dominate the Washington media columns now?  

Suddenly,  after Newt Newt Gingrich blamed Susan Smith's murdering  her own children on liberalism,  and conservatives collectively yelp Barack Obama is a black racist who hates America,  the media and their gasbags begin to wring their hands over decency, morality and incivility in the public discourse.

What's the problem with Grayson making people uncomfortable ?   Let's see....


1) Good politicians have egos - check

2) Good politicians stand up for their principals - check

3) Good politicians are always on the offensive - check

Sounds like Grayson is a good politican.

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#4 of 7

     Posted Nov-3 9:29 AM   
Barbara/Sysop
 
From  Barbara/Sysop  Posts 2142  Last Nov-23
To  Jim1      [Msg # 147829.4 Message 147829.4 replying to 147829.1 147829.1 ]    
This "problem political child" has surpassed James Carville (a favorite of mine) as a politician who doesn't mince words or care what someone else wants to make of what he says. Grayson makes Carville sound like a pure, southern gentlemen. <s>

>>What's made this man "hot" in politics? <<

My guess is that Grayson is fulfilling the cravings of true liberals residing on the far Left; they've longed for someone of this caliber, someone who isn't timid or obliging when it comes to telling it like it is.

“A lot of people think a Democrat with guts is some kind of mythical creature like a unicorn, but it doesn’t need to be that way,” Mr. Grayson said in an interview to explain his approach.

Interesting that Michelle Bachmann doesn't think Grayson should tone it down, and it's the one statement from her that I can agree with.

If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. - Gen. George Patton
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#5 of 7

     Posted Nov-3 9:46 AM   
Jim1
 
From  Jim1  Posts 1771  Last Nov-24
To  Barbara/Sysop      [Msg # 147829.5 Message 147829.5 replying to 147829.4 147829.4 ]    
<<This "problem political child" has surpassed James Carville (a favorite of mine) as a politician who doesn't mince words or care what someone else wants to make of what he says. Grayson makes Carville sound like a pure, southern gentlemen. <s>>>

I tend to lean toward Grayson's redefining populism in the 21st century because the congeniality from the days of Tip O'Neil drinking with Ronald Reagan in the White House are over.  

I like the way Barney Frank put it:

“I welcome Grayson’s taking the fight to them. I think he has got to be a little more careful about his punches, but I am glad he’s throwing them.”
....
Edited Nov-3   by  Jim1
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#6 of 7

     Posted Nov-3 10:26 AM   
Barbara/Sysop
 
From  Barbara/Sysop  Posts 2142  Last Nov-23
To  Jim1      [Msg # 147829.6 Message 147829.6 replying to 147829.5 147829.5 ]    
>>“I welcome Grayson’s taking the fight to them. I think he has got to be a little more careful about his punches, but I am glad he’s throwing them.”<<

Barney Frank's statement isn't surprising, and I bet a lot of Democrats either publicly or privately agree with it. We could use a few more Democrats encouraging a bit fiercer, outspoken politicians to counter the Republican playbook plan to call us weak.

We need this type of fresh "fight" in every area: Health, Afghanistan, Iraq, Economy, and anywhere we've been seen as weak. Even when we're not being weak, but (as in the president's studies, unhurried decision about Afghanistan) committed to making the best, most informed decisions about issues that have - or will have a profound effect on all on us, the Republican machine has so far done their evil best to make us appear wishy-washy.

Grayson doesn't appear to be in the mood to play that game anymore.

If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. - Gen. George Patton
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#7 of 7

     Posted Nov-3 10:35 PM   
Dave [Sysop]
 
From  Dave [Sysop]  Posts 16114  Last 9:12 AM
To  Jim1      [Msg # 147829.7 Message 147829.7 replying to 147829.3 147829.3 ]    
Oh to have two of them.  And imagine what the party would be with three of them.

And yes it is amazing how the press now wants civility back after their pets aren't in charge.

 


Sarah Palin for 2012 - 2014 ½ :
When the going gets tough, quit.

Best political toons and jokes on the web.
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Today's Topic

Too Hot to Handle

  
 
     
 
 

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