Don Fowler channels Michael Moore
posted at 8:21 pm on August 30, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Red State blogger “absentee” had the good fortune to travel from Denver to Charlotte after the Democratic convention with DNC National Chair Don Fowler and Congressman John Spratt of South Carolina. His fortune turned into Fowler’s misfortune, as it turns out the blogger videotaped a conversation on the plane between the two prominent Democrats, who seem pleased about Hurricane Gustav. In fact, Fowler apparently believes it to be divine intervention, as shown in this clip:
The hurricane’s going to hit New Orleans about the time they start. [Chuckle] The timing is — at least it appears now that it’ll be there Monday. That just demonstrates that God’s on our side. [Laughter] … Everything’s cool.
This comes just a day after Brother Michael Moore saw the Face of God in a natural disaster bearing down on New Orleans. Did the Democratic convention hold a seminar in Denver on how to take glee in the misfortune of others, as long as it works for you politically? While we’ve come to expect this from Moore, who is obnoxious even at the best of times, seeing this kind of weird schadenfreude from elected officials and high-ranking party members comes off … rather ghoulishly.
Absentee also reports that the pair had quite a laugh over Sarah Palin’s nomination, but apparently he didn’t get that on tape. They shrugged her off as a non-entity except for the accident of gender, and called her — oddly — “Dan Quayle on steroids”. None of that is rather exceptional, except that one can be sure that their official line will sound at least slightly more dignified, even if just as far removed from reality.
It does seem curious that Absentee had the camera at the ready while the plane was apparently in flight, and that neither Democrat noticed it. This also prompts a question of ethics, which all of us should consider carefully. Should private conversations between politicians get videotaped surreptitiously like this? If so, then perhaps Fowler and many, many others should take better care about having a laugh at the misery of others, even among friends.
Update (AP): I made this point in the Moore post yesterday but it bears repeating: This is their philosophy on Iraq too, of course. Defeat actually helps America, because defeat puts Democrats in power and only by having Democrats in power can America “progress.” Bear this in mind the next time Sen. Hopenchange affects indignation in wondering what McCain could possibly mean with his insinuations about putting country first. This is what he means.
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Priceless!
Glynn on August 30, 2008 at 9:19 PM
As satifying as it may be, I’d prefer to debate or comment with rational posters even if we do not share a point of view. I keep an open mind but there is a limit.
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Well,it didn’t work to well for the
Liberal Governor of Louisiana,but her
prays were answered!
Even tho,Nagan and her,failed to evacuate
New Orleans!
And President Bush was still blamed for
their inactions!
canopfor on August 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Yeah, seriously, that’s how they get their jollies.
Why do we humor them?
flyawaybird on August 30, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Donald Fowler (SC)
don@fowlercommunications.com
(803) 799-7550
be polite..express your concern
malkinmania on August 30, 2008 at 9:23 PM
for the same reason satyrs try to satisfy their nymphic counterparts…because it’s there.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Public transportation. It seems they had no problem speaking aloud, they probably had other strangers listening in as well. I say tape it.
Zorro on August 30, 2008 at 9:24 PM
I’ll refrain…..
my invitation to dinner may sound a bit too enthusiastic.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 9:24 PM
If it’s any consolation, I hear the RNC has contingency plans to postpone the convenction, I wonder if the DNC would do the same?
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 9:24 PM
Well, everything is going smoothly, and Jindal is doing a great job.
RobertInAustin on August 30, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Death and destruction in Iraq and Afghanistan alphie? In Iraq the award for death and destruction go to your hero and mentor, Saddam Hussein. As for Afghanistan, hasn’t anyone told you that Obama thinks that is the good war. In fact he is threatening a little death and destruction in Pakistan too.
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 9:26 PM
email this link to everyone in your address books.
Include the transcribed quote.
.
.
.
Don’t
.
Question
.
Their
.
Patriotism
.
.
subbottomfeeder on August 30, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Hi Buckeye, I live in Ohio as well but haven’t seen it yet.
Isn’t this the perfect opportunity for McCain to turn around to make the same point by highlighting Obama’s selection of Biden for Biden’s ‘foreign policy’ experience?
Cause heaven knows Obama has nada in that category.
congratulations_universe on August 30, 2008 at 9:26 PM
I think this is absolutely disgusting. That said I doubt any major media outlet will bother to report on it, MS-DNC certainly won’t mention it.
In regards to the issue of videotaping politicians, they are on an airplane surrounded by regular people, they should have known better. It seems that many politicians just do not understand how blogs and especially YouTube allow anything they say to be used against them, regardless of what they meant to say or were supposedly saying.
uabalumn07 on August 30, 2008 at 9:26 PM
I have sent the link to this to a few places, maybe it will get around.
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Country First.
lorien1973 on August 30, 2008 at 9:28 PM
They should deliver a copy of this on a dvd to every FEMA trailer.
malkinmania on August 30, 2008 at 9:31 PM
thats not the Fowler I knew
malkinmania on August 30, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Prayers and warm wishes to all HA folks — and all people — in Gustav’s path.
MrScribbler on August 30, 2008 at 9:32 PM
How many times could we hear that over the next 4 (8?) years?
*le sigh*
flyawaybird on August 30, 2008 at 9:34 PM
alphie is a *chokes* female-type person?
No I know what’s behind all the attacks on Sarah Palin: All the attack dogs somehow were told she is really alphie!
MrScribbler on August 30, 2008 at 9:34 PM
I’m not an idiot. Just a crappy typist.
MrScribbler on August 30, 2008 at 9:35 PM
U.S.A! U.S.A! Say it loud and say it often.
Isn’t the Obamessiah supposed stop the rising of the oceans? Surely he can deal with a hurricane..I know, I know, it wouldn’t disrupt the convention if HE did, but surely the Obamessiah can show some mercy to the havenots who aren’t in St Paul this week and desperately need The One to intervene.
BTW, I don’t mean to make light of the situation. I do mean to make fun of Barack Hussein Obama.
kellyjane on August 30, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Yes, ditto. Evacuate while you can, take care of your families.
I remember Hurricane Elana Labor Day weekend 1985, that darn storm went back and forth off shore for days. Just board up, evacuate and pray.
Zorro on August 30, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Amen. That should be the foundation of all political discourse. But these dem licksphincters choose to base their moves on a foundation of Party first.
If the foundation is crappy, everything built upon it will be likewise crappy.
BTW – I clicked over to your blog. I expect # of hits to skyrocket.
innominatus on August 30, 2008 at 9:40 PM
Had to come out of retirement for the weekend for this one…………
Yes……………….. It’s called “How to be a Democrat – 101″, just behind “Lie, Cheat, and Steal, don’t worry, the Media are on our side.” And who could forget, “It’s OK to be a Traitorist Son of a Bitch, just as long as we win power.”
Seven Percent Solution on August 30, 2008 at 9:41 PM
LOL! Seemed like a good idea. ;)
lorien1973 on August 30, 2008 at 9:41 PM
YAHOO! A DRUDGE SPLASH!
hashman on August 30, 2008 at 9:41 PM
Hey, you guys heard this McCain radio ad?
Sorry, OT. Heard it today and loved it.
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 9:42 PM
I’ve got my eye on the ball thanks for the well wishes, and I’ll split if need be but will stay as long as able to aid in initial cleanup.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 9:42 PM
Why not?
…………. it just got this couple a parking ticket!
Seven Percent Solution on August 30, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Drudge gave it the RED letter headline
malkinmania on August 30, 2008 at 9:46 PM
anybody know if he has an opponent in his race this year?
I would think the South Carolina GOP would find this video very interesting. It’s also a perfect opportunity for Lindsay Graham to just go nuclear on this guy….Lindsay is good at that. South Carolina has suffered hurricanes also.
Sickening.
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 9:47 PM
sven, get the hell out of there, unless you can weather out the storm in a hardened shelter
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Hard to tell what the DNC would have done with the added distraction when they were so divisive in the first place. I suspect they would have used Gustave as a rallying point and go on to bash the GOP for all the Katrina failings despite the very obvious fact that most of the real blame lies with Democrats Nagin and Blanco.
I’m fortunate. My employer will pay for my evacuation and will continue my salary during this “down time.” The only thing I’m dealing with is the uncertainty about my home. All the important papers, loved ones, etc. are not at my home this evening. All that is there is stuff that can be replaced and I am insured. What the RNC needs to be sensitive to is the fact that there are many who are not as fortunate. Evacuation and not showing up for work is money out of pocket. For John McCain and the GOP to party away in Minn. and ignore any real problems going on the Gulf Coast states would appear elitist and disconnected from real people. And if they do this they are.
That being said, I also don’t want to see the opposite where the pols descend en masse to make up for the way they mishandled Katrina. John McCain or Barak Obama showing up in the aftermath of the storm to “provide comfort” is nothing but a crass photo-op designed to convince the rest of the electorate that they care about these situations.
highhopes on August 30, 2008 at 9:48 PM
It’s on Drudge.
nukemhill on August 30, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Oops. I see I was beat to the punch.
nukemhill on August 30, 2008 at 9:50 PM
heh, wait for the bus
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Well, duh, Robert.
The hurricane hasn’t hit, yet.
I have a feeling even the ID crowd will be helpless before gawd’s power.
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Here’s the republican who is running against Spratt:
5th Congressional District
Albert F. Spencer
http://www.spencer4congress.com/
Email: skygirl49@yahoo.com
109 Ridgeway Road
Gaffney, SC 29340
Phone: 864-489-4300
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 9:53 PM
I live on the second story of an apartmnent 83 feet above sea level. The only real concern I have is my chimney, perhaps allowing in some water and/or carpet damage.
There are many elderly people here who cannot or will not run. The storm will in all likelihood be at most a low 3 or at the least a TS by the time it hits here. I am 61 miles from the coast.
As a relatively healthy adult male I have a duty to protect and aid those unable to maximize their preperations. Our Church has done a good job helping people get ready to hunker down.
Once the school either acknowledges its long-term closure or I do my initial aid and securing of the old Casa Sven I shall make the 16 hour trip home and eat a Cassano’s pizza and mind-meld with a nice warm bed under my boyhood trees.
Keep the faith,
sven
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Yes………… It’s called
Next lesson……..
Then moving on to………..
Rounding out the first Semester………….
Seven Percent Solution on August 30, 2008 at 9:53 PM
be thinking of you during the lightshow Ralphie and in the immortal words of Curly from CitySlickers:
I crap bigger than you.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 9:54 PM
This level of the political class assumes they have a certain level of anonymity they do not. They say stupid things in public, they try to pick up “partners” in airport restrooms, they think they can hire whores without it ever becoming public. For the most part this works. I’m one of those wonks who amazes friends and family by pointing out all the folks they show during State of the Union speeches. What are the odds that anybody else on the plane knew exactly who these idiots were? If you’ve got a camera recorder and if you have a cell phone you most likely do- I say film the crap out of these people!
highhopes on August 30, 2008 at 9:58 PM
By the way………
Keep your powder dry, God Speed, and make it back to us with some stories to amaze…………
………… via con suerte!
Seven Percent Solution on August 30, 2008 at 9:58 PM
OK, looking at the website, I get the idea it’s a real tilting at windmills campaign against this Spratt jerk.
BUT this guy definitely deserves a nice visit from the Palins.
http://www.spencer4congress.com/biography
I hope they have time
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Gustav, Nagin Video “Storm of the Century, you should be scared”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7590332.stm
Dr Evil on August 30, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I feel really old. I danced in the teen club to “Don’t Know Much About History” by Sam Cooke and you guys think it’s a song from “Animal House.” Man.
rivlax on August 30, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Radio Ad..
funky chicken on Aug 30,2008 at 9:42PM.
funky chicken:Excellent ad!
But,I thought the Liberals had to stop the
Republicans from spending like,”Drunken
Sailors”!
And how does Ospendtis Otoomuchis Obama
going to pay for this France style social
programs!!
canopfor on August 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Ah, OK. You have a place to go in case of tornado?
Highhopes, get the hell out of New Orleans. You don’t want to be stuck with the class of folks who is gonna ride this one out–looters and murderers only, would be my guess.
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Still trying to resist the feeding, keep thinking about being banned…keep thinking about being banned…
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
So, has Ray moved all those school busses out of the flood plain yet?
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I wish I had the money to put up billboards with these quotes in New Orleans.
Is there anything or anyone the Democrats won’t sacrifice to get power? I guess if a few poor folks have to die to throw off the scheduling for the Republican convention, so be it.
Can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs, eh comrade?
Asher on August 30, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Feeding the troll.
This is just too damned stupid to let go without challenge. The way you deal with a storm is to take care of people and prepare ahead of when the storm hits.
Bobby Jindal has mobilized 100% of the National Guard to deal with the first ever evacuation of Southwest and Southeast Louisiana. When charter busses were getting in short supply to get people out of harm’s way, those school busses like those that were flooded during Katrina were marshalled in preparation of getting people out. The SPCA is dealing with getting pets to a safe place with the information needed to get them back to their owners.
This is a serious storm with serious implications and morons like you really need STFU right now.
highhopes on August 30, 2008 at 10:08 PM
“If IO be really nice about this the largest levees are 18-19 feet.”
Ray “William Wonka” Nagin showing his levels of clarity and articulation….
we mere peons sit in abject rapture of the rhetorical eloquence of our betters.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:10 PM
+1
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Well said, if you would have included the dumba$$ governor Blanco refusing initial help and Naygen evacuating ant the last possible moment I would say it was perfect.
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM
To those in the path
Please forgive me if this is a stupid question. Do you see any difference in the attitudes of the people—not the goverment, the people on the street. Are they willing to leave this time?
You will have my prayers at your side
dish on August 30, 2008 at 10:13 PM
+2
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Rounding out the first semester..
Seven Percent Solution on Aug 30,2008 at 9:53PM.
Seven Percent Solutions:Oh,I can’t wait for your second
semester,like!
-How to use dead peoples id,to vote Liberal!
-how to make good voting cards,into a hanging chad!
-how to take your Obama tire gauge,and flatten Republicans
tires on vans used to pick-up shut-ins!
-how to convince the Liberal judges,that your rights were
violated at the never-happened voter intimidation false
charges.
-how to acquire Mexican fence hoppers,and have them illegaly vote Liberal!—————————–:)
canopfor on August 30, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Right next to your billboard would be one advocating William Jefferson for Congress 2008. While video of Dem politicians gloating is disgusting, I’d be remiss in not pointing out the other side of the coin where much of the problems of Katrina response (which is fueling this agnst more than anything else) comes from is cultural and institutional.
highhopes on August 30, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Very much so. Wal-Mart has been slammed every day this week. The kids in school are being given twice daily briefings on the storm.
Pretty much everyone who can run either has or is within 36 hours of launch.
Pain is a great educator and a lot of people who got cocky from the paucity of serious storms after camille learned a hard lesson.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I’m glad to hear it. Thank you. Be safe.
dish on August 30, 2008 at 10:18 PM
I did hear that people who need help getting around are already being evacuated by the city and state. Buses are available for people who need them. The Weather Channel said late this morning that New Orleans was already starting to look pretty empty.
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 10:19 PM
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Yikes. I hope you know I meant that I was glad to hear that people were taking this seriously, not that I was glad for their pain…
dish on August 30, 2008 at 10:20 PM
The original post is all about politics, hopey.
That’s what we are discussing here.
Isn’t there some place where you smug, pious types can gather together and bask in each other’s self-righteousness?
Oh, yeah…
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Yes, it was a private conversation but unlike the funny lines of a well-known comedian about being arrested for ‘drunk in public‘, those two are public figures that knew they were in public.
They share a laugh at George Bush’s expense, the people of New Orleans be damned.
Rep. Spratt chairs the House Budget Committee. He has continuously harangued the Bush administration for more money in the budget for Kartrina victims. For all their talk about taking care of people, it is always about power and the next election.
Hardy-har-har — not.
Sergeant Tim on August 30, 2008 at 10:24 PM
I have never said this about any commenter, but I think alphie should be banned.
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Drinks are on me, Sven.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Wrong, the original post is all about subhumans taking delight in other’s suffering. Play with your string.
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Not gonna offend me on the pain thing…I’m the one that typed it.
A lot of people were either counting on the Magic State/Federal Fairy to come grab their hand and lead them to a perfect and better life as an evacuee or I miss my guess. They were disabused of that notion about 3 years ago and I for one am glad. A lot of “moderates” were born that day from the ashes of disillusioned moonbats finding out that the magic fairies are like Unicorns…..a nice notion parents use to humor kids with.
In this case the parents have been generations of politcians fostering an unhealthy dependence on the government.
My favorite quote I have heard this time, “wel whada I’a need’n to know is whodat gone pay fo’ mah fu-yell FEMA or de Red Craws?”
Moonbat 9 to the Clue Phone!
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Yeah. It was Denver.
nukemhill on August 30, 2008 at 10:28 PM
I didn’t know you worked at the New Yorker, sven.
I’m impressed.
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 10:30 PM
You better goddamned well survive, you dumb Swede.
“Why Ricky, you are a rank sentimentalist.”
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Fellow posters, don’t forget that Hannah is out there as well and one track puts it going in the gulf.
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:33 PM
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Kinda explains it all…
dish on August 30, 2008 at 10:33 PM
A ball of twine would impress you, my little doorstop. You are just that stupid. But gosh, we do love you.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Sweet.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Liberalism really is a mental disease.
grapeknutz on August 30, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:33 PM
The latest track I saw looked like it included Houston for the first time…
I hated the unpredictability when I lived in the FL panhandle. So we made a rule. When hubby took the jets, I took the kids and the cats. Only had to do it once, the thing missed us, but I sure hated the hurricane season–watching the stupid weather channel at least once a day at the :50 mark June through November.
dish on August 30, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I will have none of that. Alphie is my precious little one. True, she is the village idiot here at HotAir. Nevertheless, we love her free spirited, Marx Brothers approach to logic and reason. Best of all, Alphie is the outdoors type who loves nature…in spite of what it did to her.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Haven’t seen the latest track for Hannah, they’ve had a hard enough time with Gustav. Florida has had enough rain with Faye. They don’t need any more.
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I was hoping to make sure that a local could try to decipher it for me….
buck up little tiger I’ll make you a toy from the toilet paper roll and some tin foil.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Here’s hoping Hannah misses the states altogether.
dish on August 30, 2008 at 10:46 PM
I hear Mexico is nice this time of year…they could probably use the rain.
Barack Lightworker to the Gust-o Line please.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:47 PM
With Gustav, we are very fortunate that Bobby Jindal has better advisors. He understands that asking the President for assistance means far more than a declaration of a disaster zone (i.e. the mechanism for legally allowing federal assistance not available otherwise). He’s done well and I suspect you will see the results of that in the aftermath of this storm from the contraflow (soon to be imposed) to the keeping of order in the city afterwards.
It amazes me but it turns out that more than a few of my fellow citizens will linger behind in these situations to loot and take advantage of a city free of those with the ability to evacuate. I suspect Jindal’s very public bringing in 25% of the National Guard to protect the city yesterday did much to encourage those without means to evacuate to do so today through the state plans.
We also have all the lessons learned from Katrina and Rita and they seem to be working well. Most importantly in New Orleans is that part where “shelter of last resort” translated into a place for people unwilling or unable to leave the city could go.
highhopes on August 30, 2008 at 10:48 PM
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Someone really needs to ask him if he could do his magic with the ‘rising oceans’ now, instead of later.
dish on August 30, 2008 at 10:50 PM
That’s one of the improbable track I saw. Raising a glass with that hope.
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 10:50 PM
I
That’s how I feel when Paris Palin is readin’ one of Rove’s scripts.
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 10:51 PM
“smug, pious types can gather together and bask in each other’s self-righteousness”
Yeah – Denver.
exhelodrvr on August 30, 2008 at 10:51 PM
You must have seen the class schedule…………
Don’t Forget………..
And for extra credit…….
Seven Percent Solution on August 30, 2008 at 10:51 PM
we used to have “aggressive retirement counseling” for looters….
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 10:52 PM
highhopes
we’ve squabbled here on hotair before many times. but I’m serious…get the hell out of there.
come visit the kids and I in Vegas. no hurricanes here….
funky chicken on August 30, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Meek steady under top! No certain wine can paper towel the video game!
Seven Percent Solution on August 30, 2008 at 10:53 PM
It’s a matter of priority. Gustav is still days away from landfall in America (Cuba is currently getting pounded) but we are evacuating thousands from the Gulf Coast. The “H” storm is next up and, I’m sure, being monitored but it isn’t yet THE threat. The only thing I’ve heard is that Hannah is potentially headed for the Gulf but not on the same track as Gustav.
highhopes on August 30, 2008 at 10:57 PM
That’s exactly how she sounds, seven.
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Now, now, Alphie…how many times have I told you? You feel with your hands. That’s right, ma petite dimbulb. Now here’s another banana.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Not trying to reprioritize HighHopes just saying there is more ahead that needs to be watched and /or planned for. The evacuation could be extended. Just trying to think ahead.
Les in NC on August 30, 2008 at 11:05 PM
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