Audio: DeMint goes nuclear on Boxer for getting snotty with general
posted at 4:25 pm on June 18, 2009 by Allahpundit
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From today’s “America’s Morning News” with John McCaslin and Melanie Morgan, a stark reminder that the conservative base’s favorite senator has never let collegiality keep him from speaking his mind. Quoth a Politico profile in January:
DeMint, up for reelection in 2010, is genial by nature and says he tried to work within the Capitol’s seniority system during his three terms in the House and his first two years in the Senate.
But he has learned, he said, that lawmakers in both parties “only respond to pain.”
“They don’t respond to good policy, persuasion, being nice. I’ve tried it all,” he said. “There’s nobody nicer than I am.”
In a chamber where relationship building is seen as paramount to legislative successes, DeMint said that “club friendships [have become] more important than the party and where we’re going as a country.”
No worries about any club friendships with Her Royal Highness after this, I’d imagine. Exit question: What does he mean when he says the military pays America’s civilian leadership a “courtesy” by showing deference to them?
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Boxer’s an embarrassment to her party, and her party’s an embarrassment to the United States.
Akzed on June 18, 2009 at 4:27 PM
It prolly means that the military has thus far resisted the temptation to pull off a coup.
Akzed on June 18, 2009 at 4:29 PM
This comes to show you how much these lib senators care about our men and women in the Military.
Keep digging yourselves into a black hole dems. Just keep digging.
Savrielle on June 18, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Boxer has an inferiority complex.
You will address me as Senator! I worked hard! You’re to respect me! How dare you use the feminine! I’m a Senator! You military types are all alike! Wait till you hear from Gloria Allred! I’m a Senator. Damn you!
OhEssYouCowboys on June 18, 2009 at 4:31 PM
he means we are all here and safe because of them, and that many of them are dead to preserve Boxer. How that bi*ch can’t understand that is inexcusable. That’s what he means.
JiangxiDad on June 18, 2009 at 4:31 PM
The military is under civilian leadership. All the secretaries who oversee the heads of the different branches are civilian and it is Congress and the President who determine the use of military assets and forces. If you’re in the military you really do have to show deference to civilians because they are ultimately in charge of you.
Rightwingguy on June 18, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Out of his professionalism, he deferred.
But the fact remains, Boxer is an arrogant old windbag, full of herself. Kind of fun to see her get her drawers in a bunch, though.
It just illustrates what a miserable, small-minded woman she is.
av8tr on June 18, 2009 at 4:32 PM
I believe he would say that while the civilian leadership may hold a legal position of authority over the members of the US military, those in uniform outrank politicians when it comes to character, courage, and service to their nation.
Stickeehands on June 18, 2009 at 4:33 PM
He sounds like he was so upset by Boxer’s stupid comment that he was trying to convey her comparative worthlessness to the military, and it came out a little awkwardly.
Cause calling her Asshat (as Ed suggested and I heartily endorse) would probably be inappropriate in the setting of a hearing.
Although if I had to address her under oath, than calling her Asshat would at least keep me from committing perjury.
DrAllecon on June 18, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Boxer is a typical older woman.Eventually they all think they’re some kind of queen, and you should kiss their keister.
Makes a guy want to run off and build a cabin in the wilderness all by himself.
Jeff from WI on June 18, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Call her Babs after all she is an employee…
Wade on June 18, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Contempt and ugliness is all the hard left can show to the military. Gratitude is only for show (parades and elections)
birdhurd on June 18, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Agreed that was awkward but Sen. DeMint quickly said it is about “respect” and “professionalism” so I would not read too much into it. In the presence of military folks, I am in awe, but not intimidated… Mdme. err Sen. Boxer is offended.
clorensen on June 18, 2009 at 4:34 PM
There’s a reason that these political pigs in perpetuity LOOK DOWN [literally] at those who testify before them.
They think that they are above the People. They want to Lord over us. That is why they sit on … high.
OhEssYouCowboys on June 18, 2009 at 4:34 PM
“You can call me “Maam” if you want to” KILLAH! LMAO!
I think, being a fellow Southerner, what Senator DeMint was saying is that our military deserves a lot of respect. More along the lines of we owe them the “Sir” and “Maams” not always the other way around. You know, the members of the military are extremely respectful when they speak to and of civilians. We see this often when some Leftist loon is spouting nonsense, and the military member will be so polite it is painful. In reality, what we really want, is for them to go off on the loon. But they never do it.
freeus on June 18, 2009 at 4:34 PM
I loved his line at the end when he said “you can call me ma’am.”
How does he describe Boxer? “Loose cannon” “embarrassment” “speaks before she thinks”. Yep, he just described every liberal menopausal nut case that I have the “pleasure” of working with every day.
CarolynM on June 18, 2009 at 4:35 PM
I believe he meant “civilian leadership” such as Our Gal Babs, who have no rank or authority over the military, is separate of those civilians and officers in the chain of command, to whom courtesy is owed by duty.
Chris_Balsz on June 18, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Boxer was emulating Hillary. Some women hate being female, and take umbrage at anything that indicates they are.
JiangxiDad on June 18, 2009 at 4:35 PM
He said what he meant by it. Members of the military suffer more discomfort and danger serving the country, Congress has it more then a little cushie. I’d say they are equals but only because Congress holds the purse strings, probably accounting for the deference. Unnecessary in my opinion. Plus the military folks were probably raised better then many in Congress.
Cindy Munford on June 18, 2009 at 4:35 PM
ed: to whom deference is owed by duty.
Chris_Balsz on June 18, 2009 at 4:36 PM
The proper way to address The Most Deserving Senator is “Barbara Bouncer”, given how she handles a checkbook.
corona on June 18, 2009 at 4:36 PM
While I understand it, that’s something that, as a civilian who has nothing but the utmost respect for them, I have always choked on. I cringe when a uniformed member of the military shows deferrence to me. It should be the other way around. (I know, it really shouldn’t be, but that’s my feeling about it.)
CurtZHP on June 18, 2009 at 4:37 PM
America should use gender neutral names.
Comrade Boxer.
There ya go. See how easy it is?
OhEssYouCowboys on June 18, 2009 at 4:37 PM
In all the coverage of this I haven’t heard how Boxer addressed the Brigadier General. That is a mouthful, did she say it even once?
ctmom on June 18, 2009 at 4:38 PM
She has nothing to worry about then. Female is the last thing most people think when they see her.
Grayson on June 18, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Boxer is just picking up where the Hildebeast left off. Willing suspension of disbelief and all that…..
BobMbx on June 18, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Where is the audio?
Thune on June 18, 2009 at 4:39 PM
She’s a “loose cannon” in need of spiking.
RandyChandler on June 18, 2009 at 4:41 PM
The President is the highest ranking member of the military, he is Commander in Chief true still a “civilian” but he and a couple of cabinet members are the only ones who “rank” above an officer.
She is a Senator, she is not “over” the General, they have two different bosses. He reports ultimately to the CINC, she reports, supposedly, to the people.
There is no “rankings”, their should be mutual respect, and the General showed respect, she did not.
right2bright on June 18, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Well, after all, it’s not like Californians didn’t show the military due respect. Remember when the Marines wanted to make a commercial, on the Golden Gate Bridge?
The State of California showed the military due respect then, right?
OhEssYouCowboys on June 18, 2009 at 4:41 PM
The same way that enlisted men pay their officers a courtesy by showing them deference. That’s what deference IS in the service: a courtesy.
Courtesy is pretty important (read: critical) when you are for all intents and purposes, a nation’s trained killers. Civilians should NEVER discount that fact, and should take it as it’s intended when it’s given.
Militant Bibliophile on June 18, 2009 at 4:42 PM
She started off her little tantrum with “you know”, hardly a sign of respect.
right2bright on June 18, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Answer to exit question: They are US citizens. They must use the military conventions when addressing anyone anywhere within the chain of command. But, as citizens, they can’t be compelled to show respect through “titles” to anyone. That’s in the constitution.
TubbyHubby on June 18, 2009 at 4:42 PM
I guess that’s what he means.
Jaibones on June 18, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Boxer is the Nancy Grace of the Senate.
OhEssYouCowboys on June 18, 2009 at 4:43 PM
LOL! And boy has the disdain and temptation been there. especially now with his holiness and his band of socialist criminals at the helm LOL!
elduende on June 18, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Damn it! The link is broken on my computer — hopefully I will be able to access this from home.
D2Boston on June 18, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Boxer is a rude, stoooopid, bitch who interrupted the General in mid answer to her question.
It showed appalling bad manners and utter disrespect for the gentleman who addressed her in a manner I spent years teaching my children to use. Ditto for his uniform.
I refer to my daughters as “ma’am”, and my sons as “sir”, and insist on them doing likewise to me.
Ragspierre on June 18, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Boxer is a rude, stoooopid, b!tch who interrupted the General in mid answer to her question.
It showed appalling bad manners and utter disrespect for the gentleman who addressed her in a manner I spent years teaching my children to use. Ditto for his uniform.
I refer to my daughters as “ma’am”, and my sons as “sir”, and insist on them doing likewise to me.
Ragspierre on June 18, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Much as they have had their share of idiots, Congress will always hold the Guinness record, a record that they’ve been shattering annually, of late.
Dusty on June 18, 2009 at 4:45 PM
I can’t watch the videos, but acceptable protocol in the hearing format would be to refer to him as “General”, with or without his last name. “Commander” would also be acceptable in some uses.
BobMbx on June 18, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Sir & Ma’am are drilled into the military as part of their ‘Customs & Courtesies.’
It is a courtesy to address anyone who is not your superior as ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’. In this case, the BGen’s boss, his boss’ boss, etc. on up the chain to CinC are to be addressed by either rank or Sir/Ma’am. Addressing anyone else with those honorifics is a courtesy, plain & simple.
So unless Sen @$$hat is somewhere in that chain, which she isn’t, she was being given the courtesy of being addressed with an honorific.
Kudos to the BGen for keeping his cool & not missing a beat. I seriously hope it bites Sen. @$$hat in the butt come re-election time. 1 can hope, right?
P2 on June 18, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Boxer needs to stop in New York at Macy’s and update her “ugly, imperious, Jewish slut look”.
Oooohhhhhh!
Thank you … thanks, folks! I’ll be here all week! Thank you…
Jaibones on June 18, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Don’t confuse respect with deference…civilians do not tell the military what to do.
We are completely out of the picture.
A senator cannot tell a general to deploy troops…only a select few civilians have that “power”.
A senator can’t tell a private what to do…he answers to his commanding officer. Otherwise there would be chaos.
right2bright on June 18, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Strong people don’t whine like a victim, show contempt for others, then demand to be addressed as if they are superiors.
Barbara Boxer is acting like a petulant child.
Loxodonta on June 18, 2009 at 4:46 PM
“Let us be clear,” declared Her Royal Highness, Senator Boxer. “You are but a public servant, while I, I have surmounted great obstacles and achieved very high status, which I hereby insist you acknowledge every time you speak in my presence.”
“Yes, Senator,” replied the General, acknowledging the embarrassing public self-demontion she had just performed.
NellE on June 18, 2009 at 4:47 PM
You can call me Senator and you can call me Boxer but you doesn’t have to call me Ma’am.
- The Cat
P.S. From now on I shall call her Ray Jay Boxer
MirCat on June 18, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Barbara, you ignorant slut!
angryed on June 18, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Hmm… terrific restraint by the General. I would have used the C word.
guntotinglibertarian on June 18, 2009 at 4:51 PM
My guess is that he means the military answers to the President, not congress.
Count to 10 on June 18, 2009 at 4:51 PM
You kidding me? That episode just made her polling numbers go up 19% in California.
angryed on June 18, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Well, actually that’s a bad thing to say to a PFC that’s done more for this country by showing up and making it through the first day of basic training than that HAG has done in her whole sorry, self serving life.
BigWyo on June 18, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Maybe if this General bowed to Senator Boxer like a Saudi King, you would have eased up on the snark there. The only thing close to your suggestion was DeMint saying that Ma’am was obvious courtesy. In the military, all high-ranking officials are addressed as Sir or Ma’am. It looks ungrateful for a member of Congress, a privileged government employee, to get all imperious with someone who risks their life in serving this country.
alliebobbitt on June 18, 2009 at 4:53 PM
I cannot tell you how angry that soundbite from her highness, SENATOR Boxer, made me!
MCPO Airdale on June 18, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Boxer’s an embarrassment to her party, and her party’s an embarrassment to the United States.
Akzed on June 18, 2009 at 4:27 PM
And the United States is an embarassment to capitalism.
RWLA on June 18, 2009 at 4:54 PM
I bet there’s senators eatin’
…in a fancy dining car.
They’re prob’ly drinkin’ coffee
…and smokin’ big cigars,
But I know they had it comin’,
…I know I can’t be free,
Because senators keep a yappin’,
…that they’re better then me.
Limerick on June 18, 2009 at 4:54 PM
I was glad to hear the female interviewer (from Bab’s district) basically call her a b-tch too. In the south, calling someone ma’am is a sign of respect but in this case it’s just because the old gal is well, old.
Oh, and good for DeMint. I loved his line “you can call me ma’am”.
txag92 on June 18, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Exit question: What does he mean when he says the military pays America’s civilian leadership a “courtesy” by showing deference to them?
Allahpundit
.
The general was showing his courtesy by saying “ma’am”. When Boxer injected her request to be called “senator” the general obliged with deference to her wishes and addressed her as senator.
Americannodash on June 18, 2009 at 4:55 PM
That’s why it’s called “Customs and Courtesies” by military regulation.
Big John on June 18, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Hillarious video of hypocritical Boxer forgetting her Senatorial etiquette when it was convenient for her.
CapitalistObserver on June 18, 2009 at 4:55 PM
I refer to judges as “Your Honor” frequently out of deference to their office. Only that, since they are frequently far less than honorable people, and have succumbed to the temptation to be tyrants.
Hope that helps…
Ragspierre on June 18, 2009 at 4:55 PM
I would love to meet Boxer and have her say that to me.
I would actually go “nuclear” on her. DeMint wasn’t nuclear… he was pure southern gentleman.
upinak on June 18, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Boxer (Ingrate-CA)
Christien on June 18, 2009 at 4:56 PM
I believe what he’s saying is….even though the military, or some in the military, generally disagree with the decisions, and antics, and policies of the government, they have always shown respect.
God knows, after Pelosi’s crap, and Reids, and Murthas’, and even Obama’s….they have every right to fire some of their opinions right back, with the same regard, respect, and gratitude Ms. Boxer has shown. Include her in the list I typed, above.
capejasmine on June 18, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Was just listening to Dennis Prager, and heard him say the the following about Senator Boxer:
“Barbara Boxer found offense where there was none…and if you look to be offended, you’ll be less happy. I can’t imagine she’s a very happy woman.”
I can’t either.
nickj116 on June 18, 2009 at 4:56 PM
General: Yes, Ma’am.
Boxer: Don’t call me Ma’am..call me Senator
General: Yes, Senator
But what he wanted to say was: You can kiss my a$$ and call me sunshine, sweetheart.
DrW on June 18, 2009 at 4:58 PM
Well, there is one general with a Butternut uniform in reserve.
Limerick on June 18, 2009 at 5:00 PM
I can’t imagine she is a lady, either.
And what about all this liberal drivel about understanding and appreciating different cultures. The US military has a culture, and Boxer and her ilk loath them, and show it by their conduct.
Ragspierre on June 18, 2009 at 5:00 PM
He’s too honorable for that.
nickj116 on June 18, 2009 at 5:01 PM
This is America none of us have to call her anything, she can ask but that doesn’t mean she can order anyone to call her anything….it’s a free country, with free speech, she really doesn’t want to hear what most Americans call her. Spoiled and Childish, would be among the tame.
Dr Evil on June 18, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Don’t equate deference with civility. In the military sense difference means to defer to or to take orders from. But senators likes Boxer are not in the chain of command and thus cannot give orders to the military. Thus to show deference is a courtesy freely given, but not required.
PackerBronco on June 18, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Just proves that these senators don’t really listen to the answers, just want to hear themselves pontificate.
ctmom on June 18, 2009 at 5:05 PM
As my former mother-in-law from Texas would have said, “Bless her heart, do you think she’s learned to shave her arms and legs yet?”
Being a native Californian, I cringe every time Boxer, Feinstein, or Pelosi open their mouths…nothing good is going to come of it. Now or in the future.
24K lady on June 18, 2009 at 5:05 PM
What arrogance. Someone get me a tongue depressor; I need to throw up.
timopb on June 18, 2009 at 5:06 PM
It kills me that she thinks she “worked so hard” to get that title. You’re a Democrat, with money, in California, honey. How f***ing hard did you really have to work to get elected? You probably had to shake hands with some of those working-class types, and pretend you actually gave a damn about what they were saying, huh?
I also note that she doesn’t address him by rank in that clip. A rank that he actually did earn, come to think of it.
landshark on June 18, 2009 at 5:06 PM
The cure for Boxer
CMonster on June 18, 2009 at 5:07 PM
She makes Nancy look like a Peach. She has no rival. She’s the most vile, arrogant, conceited, ignorant, condescending idiotic biotch ever to come to my attention.
TheBigOldDog on June 18, 2009 at 5:08 PM
I wish the General would have said “Ok Senator Dipshit”.
Frances on June 18, 2009 at 5:08 PM
I know a woman like this. This woman is far from being a senator, but she’s a micromanaging, narcissist, with control issues. Without her hobby, that she’s doing, her life has no meaning, so she takes it very very seriously. Boxer is the same thing. You can hear it in her voice. If she didn’t have this, her life would be pretty much worthless. Time to take it away from her? Hmmmmm?
capejasmine on June 18, 2009 at 5:08 PM
He should have just called her a humorless twit. She “works hard” for that title every day.
BakerAllie on June 18, 2009 at 5:08 PM
I’d say Boxer, and Pelosi were separated at birth.
capejasmine on June 18, 2009 at 5:09 PM
The cure for Boxer is a humiliating drubbing at the polls. Short of that, that &^$% is just gonna keep on keepin’ on.
TheBigOldDog on June 18, 2009 at 5:10 PM
He should’ve called her “Senator Ma’am.”
Just to twist the knife in her petty, pathetic ego.
What a shrew.
Christien on June 18, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Pretty much. What’s with CA and their love affair with these kind of people.
TheBigOldDog on June 18, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Boxer just has short person syndrome. She uses her mouth and attitude to make up for the stature
youngO on June 18, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Senator Shorts
Wade on June 18, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Howie Carr is keeps running the audio here in Boston. He says you’ve got to listen to Michael Savage tonight because he’s sure Savage is going to go nuclear on her. I guess Savage really hates Boxer.
TheBigOldDog on June 18, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Carr says Savage calls her the Yenta.
# (Yiddish) a vulgar shrew; a shallow coarse termagant
# (Yiddish) a woman who talks too much; a gossip unable to keep a secret; a woman who spreads rumors and scandal
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
# a gossiping, complaining, argumentative woman. Not your popularity contest winner.
amusingstories.net/Dictionary_Shmictionary.htm
TheBigOldDog on June 18, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Boxer is slimy little political worm and isn’t fit to carry water for that general.
rplat on June 18, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Speaking of Senators (well, politicians)…
Did y’all hear about the study that found politicians and serial killers have virtually identical personality traits?
Miss_Anthrope on June 18, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Exit question: What does he mean when he says the military pays America’s civilian leadership a “courtesy” by showing deference to them?
First off, let’s start with UCMJ Article 88 – Contempt towards officials. It states:
“Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”
The maximum punishment for this Article is “Dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 1 year.”
We show proper respect to all those entitled to it by virtue of their position. All the better if we can also respect them personally, which is rarely the case with civilian leadership. Still, we accord them the proper respect our duty requires, no mater how much we may loath and despise a particular government official. We do this because of our overriding duty to this country, the Constitution, and the people we serve to protect.
Sea Dragon
Still serving after all these years…
Sea Dragon on June 18, 2009 at 5:18 PM
TubbyHubby on June 18, 2009 at 4:42 PM
This brings up a good point – the imperiousness of the request. Americans are forbidden to carry any type of title which could be construed (in a cultural way) for the “be-titled” person to appear superior to the average citizen.
Senator Boxer is a public servant. She serves (ostensibly) at the pleasure of her constituents. Technically, her (as is every other Senator and Representative) position and hence her “title”, are below that of the everyday citizen. Senator Boxer, nor any other politician has earned a damn thing by being such. Nor IMO have they “worked hard” to attain that position. What has Senator Boxer ever “worked hard” at? She won an election. BFD!
A military member has volunteered to serve the country and does so at many times less the pay, benefits and prestige of any elected official. They do so many times without thanks, without big bank accounts, without huge staffs and expense accounts and oftentimes at the detriment of their health, family stability or ultimately the giving of their very life.
Senator Boxer isn’t fit to lick the crap off the lowliest service members boots.
When TSHTF and Senator Boxer ever ends up in trouble, she can dust off her hard earned “title” and keep the rampaging hordes away. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t @#$$$ on her if she were on fire.
catmman on June 18, 2009 at 5:18 PM
The military answers to the president, not to Congress. Separation of the Legislation, Executive and Judiciary is important.
E9RET on June 18, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Boxer long ago moved up the alphabet from the B’s to a C.
As a thirty year resident of SF you have no idea some of the nasty stuff she mails out looking for money. Worse then that I have to see her around town occasionally. Feinstein is an angel by comparison.
patrick neid on June 18, 2009 at 5:19 PM
That’s the first time I actually heard Boxer’s comment.
How is it possible to sound supercilious, snotty and insecure all at the same time?
logis on June 18, 2009 at 5:20 PM
p.s. I generally find those deserving of respect don’t have to insist on it…
E9RET on June 18, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Unless they fuck up big time, the admirals and generals will be around a lot longer than our ‘elected’ officials. There are very few politicians worthy of “respect”. I’d imagine the general in question has higher ethical standards than Babs does.
GarandFan on June 18, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Boxer just proved again how small a person she really is.
GFW on June 18, 2009 at 5:23 PM
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