The Conservative Blogosphere's Idea of Journalism

Erick Erickson linked to this Ace of Spades blog post. The crew at Ace has been doing their usual muckraking journalism. The Ace crew believe that MSNBC is allowing Debbie Wasserman-Schultz to read her answers off of a teleprompter. Their evidence is Wasserman-Schultz mispronounced a word.

What the hell happened to Debbie Wasserman Schultz? Bizarre. http://t.co/SLqGMAx5Lh

— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) November 7, 2013

Wasserman Schultz said Rubio has zero credibility and that--and this is where it gets weird--Americans "were not misled." Except she said "mizled." It looked like she had her big conclusion written into the teleprompter and that "at the end of the day" was the signal she was starting to read it.

Here is the video Ace of Spades posted.

Wasserman-Schultz performed rather poorly during her MSNBC interview. However, what evidence does Ace of Spades have that Wasserman-Schultz used a teleprompter? Viewers cannot see what Wasserman-Schultz is looking at. I am no fan of Wasserman-Schultz and it pains me to defend her. It is just amazing conservatives obsess over stupid conspiracy theories in their head.

What Allen West Said

The Patrick Murphy campaign has created the website WhatWestSaid.com. The website feutures the outlandish quotes of Congressman Allen West.

Some gems from Allen West.

Social Security disability... is a form of modern slavery."

"I believe there's about 78 to 81 members of the Democratic Party that are members of the Communist Party."

"President Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi... get the hell out of the United States of America. Yeah, I said hell."

[Obama] does not want you to have the self-esteem of getting up and earning and having that title of American. He'd rather you be his slave."

There was West's attack against Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. The offense Wasserman-Schultz committed was correctly pointing out that West supports Medicare cuts.

You are vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the US House of Representatives.

West then shows what a tough guy he is by using threatening language against a female member of Congress.

Let me make myself perfectly clear, you want a personal fight, I am happy to oblige.

If West really wanted a fight, he would have ran against Wasserman-Schultz in 2010. West lives in her district. West decided to run against the vulnerable Rick Klein. So much for being a tough guy.

Truman National Security Project Roundtable

The Truman National Security Project will hold a press availability. The even will be held on Monday, at 4:30 PM, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Afterwards there will be a roundtable discussion with mititary veterans and Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. Information about the event is below.


WHO: Florida military veterans:
Leo Cruz, US Navy veteran
Eric Arens, US Navy veteran
Reamonn Soto, US Marine Corps veteran

WHERE: In front of 1002 E. Palm Avenue (Children’s Board of Hillsborough County) Tampa, FL 33605

WHEN: Monday, January 30, 2012 at 4:30 PM Eastern

Quote of the Day

"If Joseph Goebbels was around, he’d be very proud of the Democrat Party, because they have an incredible propaganda machine."

Rep. Allen West

West was condemned by Democrats for comparing the party to Adolf Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda. Hitler was responsible for the Jews murdered during the Holocaust and the deaths of millions of American soldiers.

West then attacked the media was quoting him.

"Once again, you guys will take whatever I say and you will spin it to try to demonize me or demagogue me,” West added. “What I'm talking about is a person that was the minister of propaganda. And I'm talking about propaganda. So please. I'll be prepared to wake up tomorrow and you guys make up some crazy story. Whatever."

For someone who like portraying himself as a tough guy, West does a lot of crying. If West want to get better press than he can start by using less inflammatory rhetoric. Remember West's attack on Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.

"You are the most vile, unprofessional ,and despicable member of the US House of Representatives.

West's reason for calling Wasserman-Schultz names was because the DNC chairwoman correctly pointed out that West support Medicare cuts. It wasn't like Wasserman-Schultz said something about West's Mama. West's idea of being a tough guy is picking a pointless fight with a breast cancer survivor. What a big man.

Update: West cries to the media about how he was not comparing the Democratic Party to Joseph Goebbels. West then sends a letter to Rep. John Conyers comparing Democrats to Goebbels. West just can't help himself.

“Mr. Conyers, The Democrat Party does indeed have a vicious propaganda machine. It espouses lies and deceit and the Master of deceptive information would truly be proud,” West said, referring to Goebbels. “I have been personally attacked and denigrated on countless occasions. I do not appreciate your letter … Truth is Powerful Sir! Steadfast & Loyal, Allen.”

I guarantee that West will go to Fox News and cry about how Democrats and the media are picking on him for correctly quoting his words. West will not point out to Fox News that a study by Fairleigh Dickinson University found that viewers less informed after watching the conservative news network. West doesn't mind "deceptive information" from a news network, if the network in question gives him positive coverage.

Allen West's Bad Week

The Fix's Chris Cillizza awards Rep. Allen West the Worst Week in Washington award. West freaked out because Rep. Debbie Wasserman Sshultz correctly pointed out that West supported Medicare cuts. The video below is Wasserman-Schultz's comments on the House floor. There was no personal attack against West.



West made his attack personal in an email.

You are the most vile, unprofessional ,and despicable member of the US House of Representatives.

Wasserman-Schultz's respone has been brilliant. Wasserman-Schultz says West is cracking under the pressure of having to defend cutting Medicare.



Wasserman-Schultz hasn't complained about the attacks against her. The same can't be said about West.



West got elected by portraying himself as a tough guy. West is so tough that he goes on conservative-friendly news outlets to complain that a woman is picking on him. The tea partier dost protest too much.

Quote of the Day

"I must confess, when I see anyone with an Obama 2012 bumper sticker, i recognize them as a threat to the gene pool."

Rep. Allen West

That comment should show how unserious West is about governing. If West was to become president he would never get anything accomplish in domestic affairs or foreign policy because he couldn't keep his mouth shut. West will never become president. He will be lucky if he holds on to his House seat. 2012 is not going to be a tea party year.

Update: West is picking a fight with Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. West's feeling were hurt by what Wasserman-Schultz said about him on the House floor. West lacks discipline. Calling a fellow member of the Florida Congressional delegation "vile, unprofessional, and despicable" is just dumb. Particularly, since West is infamous for picking fights and using over-the-top rhetoric.

From: Z112 West, Allen
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 04:48 PM
To: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie
Cc: McCarthy, Kevin; Blyth, Jonathan; Pelosi, Nancy; Cantor, Eric
Subject: Unprofessional and Inappropriate Sophomoric Behavior from Wasserman-Schultz

Look, Debbie, I understand that after I departed the House floor you directed your floor speech comments directly towards me. Let me make myself perfectly clear, you want a personal fight, I am happy to oblige. You are the most vile, unprofessional ,and despicable member of the US House of Representatives. If you have something to say to me, stop being a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up. Focus on your own congressional district!

I am bringing your actions today to our Majority Leader and Majority Whip and from this time forward, understand that I shall defend myself forthright against your heinous characterless behavior……which dates back to the disgusting protest you ordered at my campaign hqs, October 2010 in Deerfield Beach.

You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!

Steadfast and Loyal

Congressman Allen B West (R-FL)

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz at Netroots Nation

I haven't been able to find a video of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz's speech at Netroots Nation. Reading the transcript reminds me how much I miss Howard Dean as DNC chair. I generally like Wasserman-Schultz, but she needs to be more inspiring. Perhaps the speech was better live. At least that is my hope.

A bit of good news is Wasserman-Schultz indicated that the Justice Department will fight the restrictive voter laws signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott.

Hello! It’s great to be at Netroots Nation with all of you!

This is my first trip here and I’m very excited about it.

A couple of months ago, I was privileged to get a call from the President of the United States. He was calling to ask me to serve as the Chair of the DNC.

When the President calls and asks you to do something, the answer is “Yes!” But, more importantly, as a “gimme the ball” kind of person, I was thrilled that the coach put me in!

In 2008, President Obama ran a campaign powered by people at the grassroots level. You know that, because you were an essential part of his grassroots team! As the name of this conference implies, the netroots brought our nation together for President Obama.

Read more »

Will Justice Department Challenge Florida Election Law

The Florida Congressional delegation asked the Justice Department to investigate the new election law signed by Gov. Rick Scott.

Florida Democrats Seek Investigation of Radical Elections Overhaul

Deutch Authors Letter to Department of Justice

(Boca Raton, FL) Today, the Democratic congressional delegation of Florida united to express their serious concerns over H.B. 1355, the radical and far-reaching overhaul of Floridians’ voting rights currently awaiting Governor Rick Scott’s signature. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-19), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23), Kathy Castor (FL-11), Frederica Wilson (FL-17), Wasserman Schultz (FL-20), and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) request an evaluation of the bill to determine possible violations of the Voting Rights Act. The Department of Justice has the authority to review state law and block implementation if provisions are determined to disenfranchise voters.

“The role of government should never be to curtail the registration of newly eligible voters or hinder Americans from exercising the most fundamental democratic right afforded by our Constitution,” the delegation writes. “We are confident that any honest examination of this legislation will determine that it is in clear violation of the Voting Rights Act.”

H.B. 1355 contains unprecedented restrictions of the voting rights of Floridians. It all but eradicates voter registration drives conducted by volunteer-based, third party groups like the League of Women Voters, the Boy Scouts of America, and the NAACP. The legislation will also force dozens of legitimate voters to cast provisional ballots by eliminating a decades-old law enabling Floridians with proper identification to update their names and addresses at the polls due to a military family move, marriage, or divorce. H.B. 1355 also slashes the early voting period from 14 days to 6, posing a special challenge to working Floridians and elderly voters who cannot wait on the long lines of Election Day. Additionally, the bill places new restrictions on the validity of absentee ballots, determining them illegal if signatures do not closely enough match those on older state documents.

Read more »

Schultz & Ros-Lehtinen on ENDA

Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Ileanna Ros-Lehtinen are 2010 "Voice For Equality" honorees. Equality Florida noted Schultz's and Ros-Lehtinen work as co-sponsors of Employment Non-discrimination Act (ENDA).They told Equality Florida they support ending DADT and Florida's gay adoption ban.

Wasserman-Schultz No on Bush Tax Cuts

Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz goes on to Fox News to advocate not extending the Bush tax cuts.

Wasserman-Schultz v. Tea Party

Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is taking the fight to the Tea Party. She will be campaigning across the country for Congressional candidates.

“I’m running for re-election in my own district, and I’m going to spend plenty of time there,” she said after the announcement. “But I’m also going to spend time around the country trying to help my colleagues who are in tough races get re-elected and also Democratic candidates who want to bring about the change that Americans asked for in 2008.”

Wasserman-Schultz has unveiled a mock Republican Tea Party of America contract. The sad thing is all of these policies have actually been proposed by Republicans. Republican congressional candidates Vaughn Ward and Raul Labrador voiced their support for repealing the 17th amendment. So much for the right to vote for your U.S. Senator.

1. Repeal the Affordable Care Act (Health Insurance Reform)
Put insurance companies back in charge, repeal tax credits for small businesses, allow insurance companies to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions and to drop coverage when a person gets too sick and make prescription drugs for seniors less affordable.

2. Privatize Social Security or phase it out altogether
Turn the guaranteed retirement benefits of America's seniors over to Wall Street CEOs by putting Social Security at risk in the stock market or, as some Republicans have called for, phase out Social Security altogether and end a program millions of American seniors rely on for their survival.

3. End Medicare as it presently exists
Phase out and end Medicare as it presently exists for future generations of seniors -- ending Medicare's guaranteed healthcare benefits for more than 40 million American seniors -- and replace it with a voucher system which will result in higher premiums and fewer services for seniors.

4. Extend the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy and big oil
At a cost of nearly $700 billion, extend the Bush tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and big oil, which are set to expire and which have and will continue to explode the federal budget deficit.

5. Repeal Wall Street Reform
Roll back the toughest consumer protections ever enacted, allow banks to continue to grow too big to fail, and ensure that predatory lenders continue to utilize their most abusive practices.

6. Protect those responsible for the oil spill and future environmental catastrophes
Cap liabilities for those responsible for environmental disasters like the Gulf oil spill and let companies like BP decide which victims deserve compensation for the disaster and what the timeline for relief should be.

7. Abolish the Department of Education
Put the big banks back in charge of student loans and put an end to federal assistance for public schools.

8. Abolish the Department of Energy
End America's investments in a clean-energy future and disband the organization responsible for oversight of nuclear materials.

9. Abolish the Environmental Protection Agency
Gut the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act -- which together protect our kids from air pollution and keep drinking water safe -- and disband the watchdog that holds polluters accountable.

10. Repeal the 17th Amendment
Take away your right to pick your U.S. Senator.

Doug Tudor Attacks Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

I have repeatedly said Doug Tuder can not win Florida District 12. Appparently, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz sent out a mass e-mail asking Democrats to support Tudor's primary opponent Lori Edwards. The Tudor campaign found out about the e-mail and is using it for fundraising purposes. I doubt it will do much good. According to OpenSecrets.org, Tudor has only raised $34,274.

Tudor has alienated the Democratic establishment. I have had my own misgivings with the establishment. I am also not running for Congress. Tudor needed the establishment for fundraising and endorsements. Instead, he operated his campaign without communicating with the DCCC and Florida Democratic Party. Tudor shouldn't act shocked that Wasserman-Schultz is supporting Edwards.

From Tudor's e-mail:

Over the next several days, I am going to send you a few more notes outlining why Debbie, who is in a safe D+13 district, is supporting a Conservative. Trust me, it is not the first time she has backed candidates that are opposed to the hope and change for which we worked so hard for in 2008. With your $20.00 contribution, we can send a clear message that it should be her last.

Man, this guy is vindictive. Tudor is obsessed with a Democrat representative from another district. That is much like Tudor's weird attack on Randy Edwards; a unknown candidate who withdrew from the race before he even really started. I don't want a person with Tudor's temperment anywhere near public office.

Another point is what hope and change did Tudor create in 2008? Tudor lost the District 12 general election to Adam Putnam by 16.8 percent. Tudor didn't help Barack Obama win Florida. So I really like to know how he is creating hope and change by attacking every Democrat he feels that dissed him?

Update: At the time of this post; Doug Tudor's ActBlue site has raised $170.00. That isn't going to cut it.

Quote of the Day

"I am confident that when it comes back from the conference committee that that language won't be there..."

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, on the Stupak-Pitts amendment

I don't share Wasserman Schultz's confidence.

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Interview

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz talks about the health care public option with Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks. Wasserman-Schultz believes there are over 200 votes for Medicare plus 5. Wasserman-Schultz is overestimating support for the strength of the public option. 14 members of the Progressive Caucus have defected.

Another dicussed topic is Ann Coulter attacking Wasserman-Schultz looks.

WHAT??????????? YOU CALL THAT HOT? I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT A MEGA-SUPER HOTTIE IN DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. AND NEED I REMIND YOU AGAIN OF THE RAW SEX APPEAL OF RACHEL MADDOW?

Side Note: What is it with conservatives being addicted to the BIG CAPS KEYS?

Alex Sink Endorsements

Florida's Democratic delegation has endorsed Alex Sink for Governor. The Florida Democratic Party is quickly rally around Sink.

U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd (FL - District 2)

U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown (FL - District 3)

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL - District 11)
"Like so many Floridians I am pleased to hear the great news that Alex Sink is running for Governor. We need Alex to continue to be a watchdog for Florida's resources and stand up for all of us against the special interests in Tallahassee. I am personally pleased that we can continue our partnership, working to expand health insurance for children, and fighting for seniors to stop Medicare fraud."

U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (FL - District 8)

U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL - District 23)
"Alex Sink is an accomplished business woman who has demonstrated her excellence as CFO of the State of Florida. She will not only be the next Governor of Florida, she will be an excellent Governor. I stand behind her candidacy and will campaign for her tirelessly to ensure that she gets elected."

U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL - District 22)
"I am proud to announce my endorsement of Alex Sink for Governor of Florida. CFO Sink has demonstrated strong and steady leadership in Tallahassee, working hard every day for Florida's families. Her experience in the business world makes her uniquely qualified to guide our state during these difficult economic times. I look forward to continuing to stand side-by-side with Alex through her election next November and beyond."

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (FL - District 24)
"Alex Sink understands the need to work towards common-sense, fiscally-responsible solutions that will help middle-class families and get Florida's economy back on the right track. Her experience as a business leader and her personal commitment to improving the quality of life for all of Florida's communities for many years make Alex the kind of person we need as governor for Florida's future. She will bring a fresh approach and strong leadership to Tallahassee and I am proud to endorse her candidacy for governor of our great state."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (FL - District 17)

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL - District 20)

U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (FL - District 19)
"There are few elected officials who are as impressive as Alex Sink and I am proud to endorse her for Governor. As CFO, she utilized her years of business experience to save Floridians money and safeguard their investments. As Governor, she will have the leadership skills and knowhow to rebuild Florida's economy and get our state moving again."

I read a commenter on Facebook wish Sink would get a primary opponent. The question is what candidate would be foolish enough to challenge Sink. Pay no intention to what Mayor Pam Iorio told Sue Carlton about wanting to serve out her term. Iorio left the Supervisor of Election office to become Mayor and Jeb Bush appointed Buddy Johnson as her replacement. (How did that work out?) Iorio knows Tampa area Democrats are firmly behind Sink. Sink is the most popular Democratic politician in Tampa. Iorio doesn't come close.

LGBT Equality Caucus

On June 5th, Rep. Tammy Baldwin(D-Wis.) and Barney Frank (D-Mass.) formed the LGBT Equality Caucus. The group is bipartisan and has 52 members in the House of Representatives.

Baldwin also noted the significance of launching the caucus with bipartisan support. “We have to have the most effective communication possible with both sides,” she said. “Our Republican charter members will be great at educating and being role models for their side of the aisle.”

The two Republican charter members are Connecticut’s Chris Shays and Florida’s Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, but others are expected to join this week. Shays agreed that forming the LGBT Equality Caucus is pivotal in educating fellow lawmakers. But he sees another reason why this particular caucus will be successful. Unlike most caucuses, which are helmed by a Republican and a Democratic cochair, “in this case, you have two cochairs who happen to be one gay and one lesbian -- individuals who have experienced the very discrimination we’re talking about.” That, he said, will show other lawmakers firsthand that being gay is not a threat to the social fabric of the country.

I'm surprised that Ileana Ros-Lehtinen joined the caucus. Her neoconservative heart is surprisingly liberal socially.

In related news: Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been named Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus.

Matt Stoller On Boyd and Wasserman Schultz

FDP convention speaker Matt Stoller was interviewed by the St. Petersburg Times about congressional Democrats Alan Boyd and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

"She gave $1,000 to Dan Lipinski...He's an extraordinarily conservative Democrat, a Rush Limbaugh listener in a plus-10 Democratic district" Stoller said of Schultz. "I don't know if she's progressive or not, but I have my doubts where her loyalty lies. I don't believe these people any more."

She appeared to woo his pants off. Reads Matt's post. It's a giant shoutout to the Florida netroots. "Ray Seaman is in da houze!"

Stoller is really harsh on Boyd.

"He's awful. There's no question he's a terrible congressman. He's a terrible person...Lots of people are dead because of the moral cowardice of these people."

Stoller also goes off on the DCCC leadership. Take it for what it's worth. The guy did think Wesley Clark was going to be the next president.

Alberto Gonzales Resigns

It is no coincidence that Alberto Gonzales resigned shortly after Karl Rove. Both were facing immense political pressure from the House and Senate Judiciary committees' investigations into the U.S. Atorney scandal. Both face the choice of staying in office and contradicting the testimony of others or seeking immunity. The choice isn't that difficult.

"Al Gonzales is a man of integrity, decency and principle," said President Bush.

The seal of approval from Bush was Gonzales's kiss of death. It was only a matter of time before the Attorney General was forced out.

“I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales,” Mr. Bush said of his old friend from Texas.

Bush's seal of approval did little to help Michael Brown, Tom Delay or Dennis Hastert. The President's loyalties and political instincts are so misplaced it's as if he is trying to intentionally screw up.

Fired U.S. Attorney David Iglesias had this advise on the qualifications for the next Attorney General.

"Get an attorney general who's respected by the courts and by Capitol Hill and somebody who has experience as a federal prosecutor.... You need someone who understands that the attorney general has to say no to the president sometimes."

One can only hope.

USA Today has an Alberto Gonzales timeline.

Update: Here are comments from Florida congressional members.

Mel Martinez: "Alberto Gonzales is an honorable man whose life history speaks volumes about what’s best about America. ... Alberto Gonzales has conducted himself always with honesty, dedication and integrity. He is my friend and he is a good man. He and his family have my thanks for their sacrifice for serving during difficult times, and my best wishes for the future."

Bill Nelson: “We have an urgent need to restore credibility at the Justice Department. My hope is President Bush’s new pick will take politics out of enforcing the law.”

Adam Putnam: “The Department of Justice now has the opportunity to benefit from fresh leadership. What the American people need right now is an effective, independent Attorney General who will be undistracted in his or her efforts to enforce our laws, secure our borders, and vigorously prosecute the war against militant Islamist jihadists.

Martinez is a Bush loyalist to the end.

Update: Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Ron Klein offer their opinions on Gonzo's resignation.

Wasserman Schultz

"We need an Attorney General who will act as a lawyer for the American people rather than a lawyer for President Bush- that is why he has a White House Counsel," said Wasserman Schultz, a member of the House Judiciary Committee. "Attorney General Gonzales was the antithesis of the blindfolded Lady of Justice; rather than providing a blind, balanced justice, he tipped the scales to the right. The President must now appoint an Attorney General who will serve as the nation's chief law enforcement officer and as defender of our constitution independent of political influence."

Klein

"The Attorney General is one of the most critical positions in our government as he or she is tasked with overseeing the enforcement of our laws, and the prosecution of suspected criminals and terrorists. Thus, it's essential that the Attorney General is a person that maintains our sense of justice and keeps Americans safe," Klein said. "Unfortunately, the retention of Alberto Gonzales is another example of President Bush favoring loyalty over competence and integrity. Strong, honest, independent leadership must be restored to the Office of Attorney General or else the American people's faith in our justice system will continue to be comprised. I strongly urge President Bush to appoint a person that meets these high thresholds of character and integrity when searching for a replacement to Mr. Gonzales."

Update: Litbrit has a post on Gonzo. She is surprised by Gonzales's resignation. I'm not. Both Rove and Gonzales know that a grand jury investigation(s) will go beyond Bush's term. The prospects of another Republican president is not guaranteed. They can't rely on a pardon. They need legal council and will likely point blame at Bush and Cheney. The President and Vice-President will hide behind executive privilege and run out the clock.