Bush supporters' aftermath thread

It is so easy to make these sort of glib pronouncements when one is expected, only, to fill space in a clever sort of way rather than post cogent expressions of opinion.

Presumably you are able to provide some actual basis (and not hysterical partisan rhetoric) for your opinion that Bush is a megalomaniac.

In short, Where is the effin beef?

uhh, hows about the way that in most cases, his big rallies were attended only by those with a ticket. that generally, from what i've heard, went to his loyalists.

if it makes it any warmer and fuzzier, we can just say that "this president" prefers a controlled environment.

This is my 1000th post on A2K.

I am now a "Seasoned Member" and am entitled to all that comes with such distinction. I'm given to understand that I get to go and slap Gus, and there may be some oregano involved. Other than that it is a mystery, and I am eager to face the benefits and responsibilities that will be bestowed upon me with this promotion.

I wandered into this place during the run-up to the Presidential elections, and I don't think I ventured from the Politics forum until after the election was over. I have found there to be a great many fun and interesting people here. I have clashed with many, and agreed with a few .... and have enjoyed the interaction immensely.

How many posts until I'm a Veteran?

Good to have you on board Tico! A2K is a better site for having you.

4,000 more post to become a veteran, but you have more important issues than that!














Now get busy!

DTOM writes


Do you think it is any different with any polititican? I was denied entry to both a Clinton rally and a Kerry rally here in Albuquerque because I refused to accept the sign and agree to wave it during the speech. What's a campaign whistle stop for anyway other than to energize your base and get yourself on the local evening news while flanked by an adoring, cheering crowd? It just wouldn't do to have sour faced or angry detractors and protesters in a scene like that.

And congratulations Tico. You've been much appreciated on A2K. I don't know how many posts to the next rank. Seems like I've been a seasoned member forever, but figure sooner or later I'll hit the magic number to be a veteran member, if I don't get myself booted out of here first.

That is your proof that Bush is a megalomaniac?

Political rallies are precisely that, political.

They have no purpose beyond invigorating the candidate's base, and serving as a means to generate a few sound bytes for the evening news.
They are anything but town meetings and that goes for the rallies of both parties.

Presumably Kerry's handlers felt that by opening the rallies to all he might win over a few undecided votes. Perhaps he did, but it's hard to imagine the numbers were of any consequence.

By restricting attendance at the Bush rallies, his handlers were able to

1) Avoid any chance of hecklers who would almost certainly have showed up and whose antics would have made the evening news instead of their candidate's message
2) Juice up the party faithful, and use the rallies has a launching pad for increased volunteer work. This was the real strategy.

It was an effective strategy and you can be fairly certain that come 2008, the Democrats will be employing it.

Yeah, Ticomaya, you're one of my favorite conservative posters. No lie. And I appreciate your saying you post in non-political threads, too. So do I. It helps humanize us, I think...

I don't recall having heard about Kerry having exclusivity at his rallies during the campaign. That story must not have been deemed "newsworthy." Reading MSM, one was certainly left with the impression given to DTOM, that Bush only allowed loyalists to attend his rallies. I always thought, "Big deal, makes sense to me," but it's interesting (and not surprising) to finally hear that Kerry did the same dern thing.

Thanks, foxy, and according to O'Bill, you've only a scant 167 to become a "Veteran." Better tread lightly though.

And thank you D'artagnan.

Nah.

In this post, I compiled an overview, at the time, of the very last poll published by all pollsters that put out any poll in the last week of the campaign. Seventeen in all. The average of 'em all was Bush 48.7%; Kerry 47,9%; Nader 0,9%. Doesnt add up to 100% because some polls still had a category "don't know", as well. But a Bush lead of only 0,8%, thus. In reality, his lead turned out to be some 3%. In your logic, that would evidence "massive fraud", I guess.

I don't know, isn't forcing someone to sign a loyalty oath a little different from asking them to wave a sign? And I saw plenty of people in Kerry rallies without signs, so what's up with that?

I know both politicians spoke at gatherings to which anybody could come and I know both camps had to remove protesters who disrupted the proceedings. Kerry's general tactic (and I'm sure Bush's too) was to have any protesters behind barricades and well away from any television cameras. I remember one visit Bill Clinton made to the Vietnam wall and they had the vets (who didn't think he deserved to be there) behind barricades a good 200 yards away while Clinton was there.

It's common practice for both to hold rallies reserved for their base to energize their base and reward their volunteers.

I understand that. But... loyalty oaths?

CONGRATS, TICO!!!

In honor of your "seasoning", we should have a party!!!

I got this invitation in my email....it was signed "Hillary", but I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I invite a few "friends" LOL.

You are Invited!!!!!

Due to the cancellation of the Inaugural Ball for Senator Kerry...There will be a small Soiree' (pity party) for those who have already bought their attire.

The nights' entertainment will be provided by the DIXIE CHICKS & Bruce Springsteen.

Tissues for excessive self pity will be furnished by Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins.

We are pleased to announce DAN RATHER will be our Master of ceremonies!!!

Yeah!!!!

Cameron Diaz has pledged CUPCAKES!!

What's this?....a Free Screening of Fahrenheit 911! Thank you, Michael Moore.

Ashton Kutcher will sign his latest book..."I open my mouth...and stupid falls out."

P Diddy will not be in attendance; he is still trying to get the vote out. If you see him, tell him that he was not "disenfranchised" from this event. He can come home now.

Barbara Streisand is preparing for her next role and will not be here, (boo hoo); she will be starring as Teresa Heinz Kerry in the sad story of "Shove It."

Ted Kennedy will be tending the bar (of course). He demanded a contract first. Serve one, drink two. Serve two, drink four - - -

Just in.....Sour grapes will be provided by the Heinz Corporation. Cheese is available with the whine.

Larry Flynt will be taking "official" photos -

Terry McAuliffe will be making an appearance - but only at the window - on the outside looking in.

George Soros will arrive in a gilded chariot pulled by eight white horses.

Teresa will be stunning in a jeweled hospital gown. She is coming directly from "election" surgery - had her lips stapled!

Susan Estrich, being picky about her diet, will be bringing her own crow.

John Kerry will be flippin the burgers...flipping is something he has proven to be very good at.

Lots of Ketchup folks, the white house has donated

thousands of bottles of Heinz relish, mustard, and all the pickles too. A spolesman reports they have switched to an alternative brand.

Attention all actors: Norman Lear is casting for his new television show "Fahrenheit 11-2-04 how'd the GOP do that?"

After counseling guests on moral issues, the Reverend Jesse Jackson will be sweeping up.

Hope to see you all there...not much else going on.

I'm there!

congrats tico !! now you get to know the secret ! ;

"the gold. it's in the..."

oh, well. guess you'll find out "one of these days".

damn, sure are mean today, jw.

where the heck did ya find those smileys? that's too funny!

btw, folks. saw clinton speak in '95. nobody asked me for or to do anything. there were a couple of anti-clinton folks there, but we just let them say their thing and moved on...

Not every Bush gathering was a loyalty-swearing, Republicans only, pay up front, name on the list shindig either.

what?!?!? you mean they missed one mcg ?!?!?

just messin' with ya man...

happy holidays to you and yours.