GOP YouTube fallout: We’ve lost the perky vote

posted at 8:18 am on July 30, 2007 by Allahpundit

The teddy bears on the bed are a bit much.

Here’s another one, short but much less sweet. I hope this is what they have the boss talking about tonight on O’Reilly. A righteous, nationally televised lambasting of GOP cowardice on this subject is just what the doctor ordered. Plus, it’d give KP a golden opportunity to perform her crowd-pleasing standard, “I agree with Michelle.”

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Oh no, we lost the loser vote! Oh no! We are all doomed!

TheBigOldDog on July 30, 2007 at 8:23 AM

maybe if the candidates were allowed to flush a koran live on tv they would all show up, now that is bravery!

zane on July 30, 2007 at 8:29 AM

If people who use YouTube are NOT a large portion of the United States. In fact, these statistics suggest that the demographic you’d hit when appealing to YouTubers would be the 12-17 year old range.

YouTube certainly isn’t going to swing an election.

http://www.nielsen-netratings.com/pr/pr_060721_2.pdf

wryteacher on July 30, 2007 at 8:31 AM

“I’m kind of a blank slate”.

Do tell.

JackStraw on July 30, 2007 at 8:32 AM

Actually, I thought Ms. Perky raised some valid points…not that I believe for a minute that she was a “blank slate”.

flipflop on July 30, 2007 at 8:32 AM

Baby boomers will lose all respect for GOP candidates if they attend this YouTube farce of a debate.

Good for Mitt for calling it what it is. I wouldn’t listen to my generation if I was him.

unamused on July 30, 2007 at 8:32 AM

Actually, I thought Ms. Perky raised some valid points…not that I believe for a minute that she was a “blank slate”.

Agreed.

Allahpundit on July 30, 2007 at 8:32 AM

Like… ya know, there is no such thing as bad publiciteeee, you know, like you are like sooo not going to be taken seriously by people in my age group if you don’t agree to the CNN / You Tube debate. I mean like grow up already… Get with the program. You did the Fox News debate and that was sooo like all adult and everything… how boringly 20th century… Hello!

Swinehound on July 30, 2007 at 8:34 AM

Jon Stewart’s take on the YouTube debate

TheBigOldDog on July 30, 2007 at 8:35 AM

That’s not The Perky Vote, that’s the The Snotty Vote. Perky people are usually happy and nice, she’s just snotty.

bloggless on July 30, 2007 at 8:35 AM

Oh, AP, Michelle, Bryan, get off it. This is a chance for GOP candidates to show they have some principle. They will not walk on a beach ball while wearing a tu-tu in front of a national audience.

This has zero to do with Youtube itself and everything to do with submitting to another left-wing media organization debate that is anything but a debate. Enough is enough. Let’s get some serious questions before our candidates. The snowman is just representative of the farcical nature of all the debates so far and I think Mitt and the boys are right to shun them.

unamused on July 30, 2007 at 8:36 AM

You dudes are just mean.

Allahpundit on July 30, 2007 at 8:36 AM

Allahpundit on July 30, 2007 at 8:32 AM

Hey AP, would Reagan do it? Just answer that one question for me.

TheBigOldDog on July 30, 2007 at 8:37 AM

Uh, like seriously, Al Gore didn’t, like, invent the internet.

Blank slate my butt.

boomer on July 30, 2007 at 8:37 AM

Not a blank slate. A blank mind.

Attila (Pillage Idiot) on July 30, 2007 at 8:38 AM

Even if there is a lose, then I suspect it is marginal. This is a non issue.

rplat on July 30, 2007 at 8:38 AM

Let’s try again . . . “lose” should be “loss”.

Sorry.

rplat on July 30, 2007 at 8:39 AM

What scares me the most is that these people take themselves seriously.

GoodBoy on July 30, 2007 at 8:40 AM

Baby boomers will lose all respect for GOP candidates if they attend this YouTube farce of a debate.

Good for Mitt for calling it what it is. I wouldn’t listen to my generation if I was him.

unamused on July 30, 2007 at 8:32 AM

I agree

Hey AP, would Reagan do it? Just answer that one question for me.

Seriously doubt it. Reagan had too much respect for the office that we hardly ever removed his suit jacket in the Oval Office.

TheBigOldDog on July 30, 2007 at 8:37 AM

MsUnderestimated on July 30, 2007 at 8:40 AM

Hey AP, would Reagan do it? Just answer that one question for me.

I don’t know. He’d have been a fool not to, though, given his communication skills.

My feeling about whether Reagan would have done it is the same as my feeling about that Patton video. It’s time to move on.

Allahpundit on July 30, 2007 at 8:40 AM

Baby boomers will lose all respect for GOP candidates if they attend this YouTube farce of a debate.

Good for Mitt for calling it what it is. I wouldn’t listen to my generation if I was him.

unamused on July 30, 2007 at 8:32 AM

I agree

Hey AP, would Reagan do it? Just answer that one question for me.

Seriously doubt it. Reagan had too much respect for the Office of the President that he hardly ever removed his suit jacket in the Oval Office.

TheBigOldDog on July 30, 2007 at 8:37 AM

MsUnderestimated on July 30, 2007 at 8:41 AM

Crap! I messed up the blockquotes… sorry.

MsUnderestimated on July 30, 2007 at 8:41 AM

The Dems avoid Fox News like the plague and yet do the You Tube thing? The left is scared of Brit Hume and we’re supposed to take seriously when people like Alan Combs and perky up there ask why the Republicans will not debate on CNN and You Tube?

Eh, right.

Swinehound on July 30, 2007 at 8:43 AM

She was a blank mind, but not a blank slate. The stoner with the 1998 goatee is a loss, and therefore no loss.

Jaibones on July 30, 2007 at 8:45 AM

These kids are so full of themselves. Thank God historically very few of them vote and very few of them will vote in the future.

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 8:45 AM

I’m sorry. But, does anyone think that there is even a chance that either of these people will be voting for the Republican candidate? More to the point, do you think that either of them is a registered republican and planning on voting in the republican primary election in their state? I doubt it.
They, like much of the so called “YouTube community” wants to be famous, feel important, “express” themselves, and be on TV. This whole CNN YouTube debate is a way for CNN to ask questions that are either stupid and gimmicky to get media play and ratings or are unfair and that would receive condemnation if their newsmen asked them. They can just point to the screen and say “it’s not us, it’s the people”. But, of course THEY selected the questions.
I love HOT AIR. I enjoy reading blogs. I enjoy posting and disussing and feel that I am part of the online community. But, I don’t see why this is a good idea for Republicans. CNN will screw them (worse than usual since they can blame it on YouTubers), 90% of the questions submitted will probably be from Ron Paul supporters and truthers and liberals who hate them, and they will look stupid doing this and gain almost nothing from it. Republicans can win the youth vote that reads Hot Air, that watches FOX, that READS a good newspaper, that listens to talk radio, and that has actually read a book in the last year other than Harry Potter or assigned reading material. They are not going to win the LonelyGirl15 (or whatever her name is) vote. Ain’t gonna happen.
That all having been said, if I were a candidate I would definitely go to the “debate” (even though there is almost no actual debating) because I am combative and contrarian and argumentative. But, this proves little since I could not be elected dog catcher.

D0WNT0WN on July 30, 2007 at 8:48 AM

These kids are so full of themselves. Thank God historically very few of them vote and very few of them will vote in the future.

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 8:45 AM

which kids?? most of the questioners on the youtube debate were grown adults! especially the republican and his baby!

zane on July 30, 2007 at 8:49 AM

Ahhh yes, let’s force all of the candidates to answer inane questions from a bunch of low-brows who’ve spent the last several years of their life at community college while they “find themselves”. These two jokers remind me of the pseudo-intellectuals I “debated” with years ago in a Western Civ. class. They beat the drums for the democrats then, after the election, they admit that they “didn’t have time” to vote. The perky one should have just gone to the fair and the bearded philosopher should move out of his parents’ basement.

LawCon on July 30, 2007 at 8:49 AM

Actually, I thought Ms. Perky raised some valid points…not that I believe for a minute that she was a “blank slate”.

Agreed.

She raised two points. Both were perky.

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 8:50 AM

So far, Romney has done something like 25 townhall meetings in NH and even more in Iowa. If real people want to ask him questions, like, all they have to do, is like, log off, show up and like, ask him.

What I would really like to see is a real debate not one of these 30 second sound bite farces. As Stewart demonstrated in his clip, no matter if its Chris Matthews asking the question or a snowman, these guys give the same pat answers.

JackStraw on July 30, 2007 at 8:50 AM

The candidates are going to have to deal with unorthodox questions on the campaign trail. I thought it was very revealing when Biden got the gun question and he, with the rest of the Democrat debaters chuckling in agreement in the background, started making fun of the questioner.

I agree that the debate is going to be unseemly and believe it will be chock-full of liberal bias. CNN will probably use the debate to undermine the Republican candidates by asking vicious, unfair questions. I would not at all be surprised to see Truther questions asked of Republican candidates; CNN would never allow their anchors to ask the questions (because that would just be too obvious), but here they can hide behind the YouTube mask — “oh, we didn’t ask the question, the guy in the snowman suit did!”

But if Republicans are going to maintain the high ground, we absolutely have to do this debate. Two reasons. (1) The old maxim “he who lives in a glass house should not thrown stones” — we can’t be hypocritical. (2) If we decline the debate, everyone will draw comparisons between the YouTube debate and the FoxNews debate that the Democrats ditched. I’m sorry, but there is NOT a valid comparison between Brit Hume, Chris Wallace and that third FNC questioner from the GOP debate and the leftist crazy YouTubers. However, liberals will be all too happy to compare a serious FoxNews debate to the guy in the snowman suit, because it’s a long term strategy of the liberals and Democrats to undermine the legitimacy of FoxNews.

Outlander on July 30, 2007 at 8:52 AM

because I am combative and contrarian and argumentative.

Are not!

Swinehound on July 30, 2007 at 8:52 AM

I don’t know. He’d have been a fool not to, though, given his communication skills.

The demographics dictate the questions will be skewed toward liberal issues. The audience (maybe 2M) will be largely made up of liberals who aren’t going to vote in the Republican primary or vote for a Republican under any circumstances anyway. The cuts from the debate that will air on the news will be of gaffs and/or anything strange. So, please, if you are so inclined, explain to me how Reagan would be q fool for skipping such an event?

For Republicans, it is all risk and no reward. Zero. I think you actually get credit from your base for standing up and calling a farce a farce.

TheBigOldDog on July 30, 2007 at 8:53 AM

The “we’re too good for their votes” strategy is an excellent idea and one that is sure to turn the election in the republicans favor. Rejecting the youtube debate as undignified while at the same time childishly mocking youtubers makes sense to me.

Good work everybody!

e-pirate on July 30, 2007 at 8:54 AM

Crap, messed up my quote…

because I am combative and contrarian and argumentative.

Are not!

Swinehound on July 30, 2007 at 8:54 AM

Will they ask John Edwards about any extra rooms he might have in his compound? Because I was just thinking, the authorities broke up a homeless encampment of about 12 people just a few miles away from his home. It would be really nice if Silky could let them bunk up with him and the kin, until they can get settled somewhere. This way Silky can live his dream for us. Know what I mean?

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070725/NEWS/70725054/1001

bloggless on July 30, 2007 at 8:57 AM

e-pirate,
Why thank you. It is not often that our efforts are recognized.

bloggless on July 30, 2007 at 8:58 AM

I think CNN should have a debate where Paris Hilton, ibraham hooper, and George Soros ask the questions.

Swinehound on July 30, 2007 at 8:59 AM

Keep drinking the koolaid, AP.

The perky one would be a good choice to be the voice over for a cover of Frank Zappa’s Valley Girl.

Guys are scumbags, girls are douchebags; get it right next time stoner. Oy!

These kids are so full of themselves. Thank God historically very few of them vote and very few of them will vote in the future.

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 8:45 AM

Oh no! The GOP must pander to these people! They are the future!

/sarcasm mode off

Sorry Blake, I was just using your comment to bounce off of.

TwinkietheKid on July 30, 2007 at 9:00 AM

OOPS, LET’S TRY THIS LINK!!!

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/648588.html

bloggless on July 30, 2007 at 9:00 AM

AP must need to justify, his urgent need for an iPhone.

captivated_dem on July 30, 2007 at 9:02 AM

I agree with the Republicans who do not participate in this stupid and pointless debate. The Dem version was so unpresidential it was embarassing and made the US look dumb which liberals do so well on a daily basis. I do not believe President Regan would have participated in this trash. You tube? This is not even a serious web sightl. How many getting hit in the crotch videos can we find? It’s the internet equivalent to morning talk show television. Trash for the mind.

gator70 on July 30, 2007 at 9:02 AM

Not worry!!! That age group usually has a short attention span.

jeanie on July 30, 2007 at 9:03 AM

Well, IF she were old enough to vote, despite that she says she hasn’t decided yet, you know she’d vote dem. She’s like a vegan pondering what it would be like to eat a beef cheeseburger, you know she’ll end up with the soy patty instead.
The Republicans have problems? Ok, fine, but the Dems points are not that far off, and in some polls, LOWER than the Reps. Like I said in another thread, let them do it with email, VoIP/Skype, or something else so if people don’t want to do be seen, they don’t have to, rather then substituting snowmen. Although, I still think some people thought it was an American Idol audition. Hope she enjoyed her pony ride at the fair…you know she’d rather of rode an elephant though. :D
First, Jones’ Soda rules. Second, I’m waiting for the Dems to petition to lower the voting age to the 12-17 demographic. Third, “douche bag?” That’s supposed to rile up the Reps to go on YouTube?

Tuari on July 30, 2007 at 9:04 AM

Like (hello) totally totally!

saved on July 30, 2007 at 9:07 AM

Actually, I thought Ms. Perky raised some valid points…not that I believe for a minute that she was a “blank slate”.

flipflop on July 30, 2007 at 8:32 AM

Agreed.

The dead give-away: Ms. Perky’s asymmetrical eyebrows.

Her LEFT brow is about 1/2 inch higher than her right, and when she raises her eyebrows only the LEFT one goes up, making the difference even more remarkable. The brow ridge itself appears level and I think I detect a 5 o’clock shadow where the LEFT brow should be.

Discuss.

IrishEi on July 30, 2007 at 9:07 AM

The tube top distracted me from whatever points she was trying to make. I felt cleaner once she mentioned she was a twentysomething.

Canadian Infidel on July 30, 2007 at 9:07 AM

I really think the outcry against the GOP refusal to debate YouTubers comes from those who are either liberal or have a horse in this new media race.

Think about it. We all know that the Dems looked like total fools in that debate (hypothetical debate lesbians anyone?). How will GOP come out of it different? And the “we can’t boycott a debate like the dems did” argument doesn’t hold water either. Didn’t we already submit to the liberal stylings of certain Chris Mathews?

I think the real issue here is that HotAir and other right-wing blogs are afraid of the message it sends when presidential candidates, of their own party, refuse to bow to the power of the internet. Nevermind the fact that the use of youtube in this debate is incidental and gimmicky.

But the reality here is that this fear has no basis in fact. GOP leaders are actually showing that they are the better choice here. They have the foresight and testicular fortitude to call an ambush when they see one and the sense to avoid it at all costs.

You want to be angry at someone over this GOP boycott of the debate? Look to CNN. If you actually believe that the GOP youtube debate will be anything but a setup, you are naive and do not deserve your readership.

unamused on July 30, 2007 at 9:08 AM

She found Romney’s remark about answering a snowman to be “disrespectful”?

To whom? Snowmen?

Was she wearing her Katie ‘smart’ glasses when she had this revelation?

An accumualtion of frozen water that’s collected, rolled up and then decorated doesn’t have ‘feelings’, you wackadoo!

It won’t turn up its carrot in insult or cry charcoal briquette tears if you diss’ it!

Btw, I don’t believe I heard this chick inhale once during the full 5:18.

God, these people are crazy!

Teddy on July 30, 2007 at 9:08 AM

Don’t people who have worms wiggle around like that guy? I get dizzy just watching him.

bloggless on July 30, 2007 at 9:11 AM

Such irony. The GOP used to be the party that understood the value of investing in the future. It tried to sell out it’s principles to big government and now it’s trying to sell out it’s future to pride. Good call guys.

Spirit of 1776 on July 30, 2007 at 9:11 AM

Ms Perky was right about one thing, publicity is a good thing.

So far, I have seen numerous headlines in the MSM, countless blog threads and internet posting all mentioning Mitt with many people congratulating him on his principled stand and many comparing his move to Reagan.

Well played, Mitt. Well played.

JackStraw on July 30, 2007 at 9:12 AM

Here’s an idea. Right after participating in the YouTube debate, the Republicans should all get on a big school bus, like the Partridge Family, and drive over to the Apple Store and buy Allah an iPhone. While there they could demand to speak with Steve Jobs. Since Steve Jobs can teleport to any Apple store instantaneously this will work out fine. Then they can negotiate an agreement to hold the first ever Iphone Debate. Can’t you just hear them now “Touch Screen Democracy! Connect with the candidates like never before!” . Then they can all promise to REVOLUTIONIZE government by making it more wired, wireless, connected, hip, in touch, and all about YOU! “My first act as President will be to dissolve this cranky old republic and institute a user generated iConstitution and a digital interactive YouCongress.” AP, please come back to reality. How are the Republicans going to win the security moms, soccer moms, and the independent middle aged white male voters in the key 5 or 6 swing states. I’m sorry if you, like me, aren’t in those groups. But, that’s what it will come down to. This is all a media story about the media.

D0WNT0WN on July 30, 2007 at 9:17 AM

Just one reaction:

Is YouTube really a good thing?

Do we really want every idiot with a webcam to be able to publish their tripe?

I used to think so. I’m not so sure anymore.

Like, seriously. Totally. Fer shure.

Oh – and can we please raise the voting age to 30? Please.

Like, seriously.

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:18 AM

You dudes are just mean.

Allahpundit on July 30, 2007 at 8:36 AM

I resemble that remark (or is that resent; I get the two confused ;-)

Seriously, I’m more-or-less agnostic on the YT-fueled, CNN-managed debate. The only shame is that News Corp didn’t think of a pseudo-conservative counter (not that MySpace would be a good mesh with Fox News).

steveegg on July 30, 2007 at 9:19 AM

Never before have I found myself agreeing with Jon Stewart.

Sensei Ern on July 30, 2007 at 9:21 AM

A “six dimensional” separation between libs and conservatives is a start. It’s about contrast not similarity.

captivated_dem on July 30, 2007 at 9:21 AM

Meh. The vaunted YouTube community doesn’t look or sound much different than the MTV generation. Self-aggrandizing in the extreme, but only a marginal electoral impact.

On the other hand, 537 votes did provide the winning margin in Florida a few years back.

Blacksheep on July 30, 2007 at 9:21 AM

Boy, if this youtube crap isn’t mockworthy, nothing is. Both kids are lying about their politics and we are supposed to buy into it. Both use dumbly veiled threats, i.e., lower yourselves to participating in this ridiculous faux debate or we’ll hold our breaths until the election and vote Hillary.

That MM and AP think it was a bad idea to tell youtube to shove it is scary.

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 9:21 AM

On moral high ground:

Any moral high ground the GOP currently has is not recognized in the media, and never will be. So, what’s the loss?

unamused on July 30, 2007 at 9:23 AM

You know what would make me take Ms. Perky seriously, if she’d have dropped the stuffed animals and her top. Everybody listens to a chick with her perkies on display. Hell bot of my financial advisers are strippers.

And in case you guys weren’t paying attention to the comments on youTube. Ron Paul would dominate, DOMINATE, that platform. So Rudy, Mitt and the rest of the gang are just afraid.

FEAR RON PAUL!!1111!111@111

phineas g. on July 30, 2007 at 9:23 AM

She is a perfect example why not to show up for this silly debate.

Wade on July 30, 2007 at 9:26 AM

A simple question:

If candidates can’t draw the line HERE and say that this forum isn’t appropriate for a Presidential debate – where CAN they draw the line?

I’m really curious, for those who think its counter-productive pride, or cowardice, etc. Is there ANY type of event or debate that candidates should reject? Couldn’t the same pride and/or cowardice arguments be used for ANY type of forum?

There has to be a line somewhere … doesn’t there?

I keep thinking about the famous briefs-or-boxers question that Clinton chose to answer. It seems the slippery slope began there, with a question that a Presidential candidate should have refused to answer.

There has to be a line somewhere. Where is it?

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:26 AM

I’m off to ride a pony or two?

Jesus wept.

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:28 AM

If you go to the comments on the original YouTube video, you will see obligatory “Show Us Your Boobs” post.

Now why wont Republicans take YouTube seriously?

For Liberals, that IS a serious question.

GoodBoy on July 30, 2007 at 9:29 AM

Well, it appears reader sentiment runs against you on this one Allah.

Time to drop the hype and admit the GOP are right?

unamused on July 30, 2007 at 9:30 AM

There has to be a line somewhere. Where is it?

Out the window when Politically Correctness when came through the door.

Swinehound on July 30, 2007 at 9:34 AM

She is a perfect example why not to show up for this silly debate.

Wade on July 30, 2007 at 9:26 AM

But, we can still admire her “perkies.”

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 9:34 AM

I gotta be honest, we all know if CNN is pulling gotcha videos and snowmen at the Democrats then the Republicans will recieve much, much worse.

I’ll make a bet right now. 20 bucks says that there WILL be a question from a New Orleans “victim” lambasting President Bush.

Another gotcha lesbian video is also likely, or perhaps a self identified “log cabin Republican” couple.

Finally, and this is plausible but not as likely, you’ll have some CAIR “low level secretary” asking about racial profiling the members of “The Religion of Peace (and beheading the Kufar).”

I go to Youtube for entertainment purposes. For politics I stick with Townhall and HotAir.

BKennedy on July 30, 2007 at 9:34 AM

Ok. What about a Foxnews/YouTube debate for the GOPer? I can certainly imagine the outcry….but which side?

Kokonut on July 30, 2007 at 9:36 AM

She keeps talking about all the people who didn’t what their faces to appear on television. Are we to understand that to mean those who lean democrat have warrants out for their arrest?

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 9:37 AM

No political debate could ever compete with the bulldog on his skateboard.

rplat on July 30, 2007 at 9:38 AM

Nice job on the freeze-frame still shot, by the way. That single image pretty much captures the content of the entire video.

Or as friends of the girl in the picture would put it, “you got mad skillz dawg.”

Or something. God, I’m old.

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:38 AM

e-pirate on July 30, 2007 at 8:54 AM

Well said.

Is it just me, or do people seem to be missing the point. It has little to do with YouTube, and much to do with the crap we are going to take for skipping out on it. The very attitude of “we’re too good for these idiots” is exactly what we will be accused of from the liberal talking points – and they will be right.

But, the real issue, in my mind is that while not everyone uses YouTube, a heck of a lot of people watch CNN debates. So, skipping out on the debate is not really a dig at YouTube, but a dig at the viewers. If we can’t handle a freaking YouTube debate, maybe we deserve to be ridiculed.

nailinmyeye on July 30, 2007 at 9:40 AM

Consider this…the GOP opting out of the CNN/YouTube debate places them on the same level as the Dems opting out of the Fox News debate.

Rise above it, I say.

flipflop on July 30, 2007 at 9:43 AM

Is it just me, or do people seem to be missing the point. It has little to do with YouTube, and much to do with the crap we are going to take for skipping out on it. The very attitude of “we’re too good for these idiots” is exactly what we will be accused of from the liberal talking points – and they will be right.

But by that logic … we could never skip ANYTHING. By that logic, as long as the Democrats do it … Republicans must do it, too.

I repeat: there has to be a line somewhere. If it’s not here, where is it?

Maybe we are too good for these idiots. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. And maybe it’s better to lose an election standing on principle than win one by abandoning principle.

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:44 AM

Rise above it, I say.

flipflop on July 30, 2007 at 9:43 AM

They already went on a CNN primary debate. Wolf Blitzer was there, remember?

You can’t accuse them of being afraid of CNN, they already do that. Snubbing YouTube only helps them. I mean, the Democrats, the people who had the most to gain from a 2 hour panderfest to their lowest common denominator YouTubers ended up looking foolish.

BKennedy on July 30, 2007 at 9:45 AM

And look at all the comments already. Apparently a perky blond in a boob tube is a better draw than a patented atheists-vs-Christians thread. Who knew?

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:45 AM

But, we can still admire her “perkies.”

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 9:34 AM

I am not very bright so can you please explain that to me?

Wade on July 30, 2007 at 9:45 AM

Is it just me, or do people seem to be missing the point. It has little to do with YouTube, and much to do with the crap we are going to take for skipping out on it.

It’s just you. The people who would be giving out the crap aren’t the ones who are going to vote gop anyway. Might I suggest you consider the crap that the gop would take from those who do vote gop if they did demean themselves by participating in this juvenile debate format.

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 9:46 AM

Here’s an idea. Right after participating in the YouTube debate, the Republicans should all get on a big school bus, like the Partridge Family, and drive over to the Apple Store and buy Allah an iPhone….

D0WNT0WN on July 30, 2007 at 9:17 AM

The Other Thompson campaign could probably contribute a nickel.

steveegg on July 30, 2007 at 9:47 AM

Off-topic/

Great story in the links above – the AmSpec “Retreat, Hell!” piece. Thanks.

I wish more of those great stories were down here in the main section.

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:48 AM

Might I suggest you consider the crap that the gop would take from those who do vote gop if they did demean themselves by participating in this juvenile debate format.

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 9:46 AM

That, my friend, is a very, very good point.

How many of the people who would call the GOP cowardly or snobbish for not participating … would ever, ever consider voting Republican?

And how many solid conservatives might be so appalled by the seeming lack of dignity in participating that they toss their hands up and decide not to bother voting?

Outstanding point. If you’re right – and I think you are – the cost-benefit analysis is clear here.

In my opinion, your point just won the debate.

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:51 AM

nailinmyeye on July 30, 2007 at 9:40 AM

The crap that would be taken, would be short lived. YouTube and CNN archives could provide a permanent ammunition store for the lib media. We know they love Facts and Context.

captivated_dem on July 30, 2007 at 9:53 AM

man what county fair is she off to? Lookin’ awful tony for snow cones and sideshow freaks….

John from OPFOR on July 30, 2007 at 9:53 AM

….the crap we are going to take….
nailinmyeye on July 30, 2007 at 9:40 AM

If they did show up, if they don’t show up, if they don’t decide until the last second, when will they not be ridiculed?

….a heck of a lot of people watch CNN debates….

Oh thank you. I needed a good laugh on a Monday morning. :-)

TwinkietheKid on July 30, 2007 at 9:55 AM

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 9:44 AM

I disagree.

Look, I think that all of the debates right now are a bit stupid to begin with. We are more than a year off from the election – and each debate has 10 freaking candidates, each of which must be taken seriously. In the system that we have now, Ron Paul is already taken as seriously as Rudy or Mitt. But, that is the situation that the candidates have created for themselves by jumping in this early. If they wanted to draw a line, one way to do it would be to not announce so early, and thereby not be faced with this problem to begin with.

As it stands, they have jumped in, and I think that they are going to take a lot of abuse by not participating in this debate. Abuse not just from liberals – but also from undecideds.

nailinmyeye on July 30, 2007 at 9:57 AM

It’s just you. The people who would be giving out the crap aren’t the ones who are going to vote gop anyway. Might I suggest you consider the crap that the gop would take from those who do vote gop if they did demean themselves by participating in this juvenile debate format.

Blake on July 30, 2007 at 9:46 AM

Yes, it is called net sum gain.

Do not buy into all publicity is good either.

Wade on July 30, 2007 at 9:57 AM

The teddy bears on the bed are a bit much.

That would explain the poor framing.

******
And was it John Stuart Mill who feared that one day all people would be able to publish their drivel, thereby rendering legitimate scholarship void?

wait… uh, ride a pony?

cadetwithchips2 on July 30, 2007 at 9:59 AM

Like totally, fer sure. like I don’t know. Hello like I mean wow! Like what if? Like seriously.

TheSitRep on July 30, 2007 at 10:00 AM

TheBigOldDog on July 30, 2007 at 8:37 AM

Potentially. Reagan also liked to laugh. He would’ve done it in a suit, but he would’ve laughed.

Regardless though, as AP says, different time. During Reagan’s time, the internet wasn’t a major, multi-million dollar fundraising medium. Today it is.

For me, like Ruffini, it’s not an emotional decision – it’s a business one. We need everything we can get in this race. At this point, we can come around and show them as cowards for not taking part in the Fox News debate, because it wouldn’t be comfortable. If we skip this, they can come around with saying we’re afraid to talk to the people.

amerpundit on July 30, 2007 at 10:00 AM

She is a perfect example why not to show up for this silly debate.

Wade on July 30, 2007 at 9:26 AM

Exactly!

TheSitRep on July 30, 2007 at 10:01 AM

Do not buy into all publicity is good either.

Wade on July 30, 2007 at 9:57 AM

No kidding. That has to be one of the stupider pieces of oft-repeated tripe.

It may be true if you’re marketing a product. It isn’t true if you’re trying to get elected. Name recognition may sell tickets to Hollywood movies. It doesn’t win elections … not when what your known for is a net negative.

Ask President John Edwards.

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 10:02 AM

I watched the first 10 seconds again and I stand corrected: she’s a brainless little lefty dipstick who is ranked in the third quartile of her senior class in high school, and got a 26 on the ACT test … on her third try.

Her favorite teacher is her (leftist) English teacher (he’s gay), and she plans to go to State U to study journalism.

Did you say we’re “mean”?

Jaibones on July 30, 2007 at 10:04 AM

I watched the first 10 seconds again

Jaibones on July 30, 2007 at 10:04 AM

If you didn’t watch the LAST 10 seconds, you’re really missing out. Seriously.

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM

Professor Blather on July 30, 2007 at 10:02 AM

Not showing up is also bad publicity.

Rock meet hardplace.

amerpundit on July 30, 2007 at 10:07 AM

The dead give-away: Ms. Perky’s asymmetrical eyebrows.

Her LEFT brow is about 1/2 inch higher than her right, and when she raises her eyebrows only the LEFT one goes up, making the difference even more remarkable. The brow ridge itself appears level and I think I detect a 5 o’clock shadow where the LEFT brow should be.

Discuss.

IrishEi on July 30, 2007 at 9:07 AM

OHMYGAWD !!!!!! She’s Alan Colmes in drag !!!!!

Always Right on July 30, 2007 at 10:07 AM

And these people would possibly vote republican?

At this point, we can come around and show them as cowards for not taking part in the Fox News debate

And who are we going to show and in what medium?

The people who already know and understand that the dems are cowards are the people who will see the upside of an embarrasing at best, youtube debate. We are singing to the choir. The truth of the matter is that the democrats youtube debate was rediculous, but that is expected from them. The republicans are supposed to be the grown up party.

Why don’t you do a search of that little girl on youtube and see how many of her postings discussed substantial topics. My bet is her previous postings are about shopping, the girls she hates and guys with equal or less IQs then she.

Reagan would not have done something so stupid and it’s stupid to think this is the only forum where a candidate can show their humor and humanity while getting the message across.

peacenprosperity on July 30, 2007 at 10:09 AM

If Romney has anyone with brains working for him, he will go somewhere the same night as the you(boob)tube show and give a major policy speach. While the others are fumbling to answer snotty, do you still beat your wife questions, Romney can be putting himself ahead of the pack.

peacenprosperity on July 30, 2007 at 10:12 AM

“Like oh my Gosh…”

Well, at least she is fun to look at…..but stereotypical nonetheless

ericire12 on July 30, 2007 at 10:13 AM

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