Hidden camera video: How much does a left-wing astroturfer get paid, anyway?
posted at 9:01 pm on August 27, 2009 by Allahpundit
Answer: There are no left-wing astroturfers, silly. They do it because they love the cause and the “fight” and the Unicorn King currently installed in the White House.
That $33,000 a year plus benefits is just their share of the wealth that belongs to all of us.









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30 k a year you say? Shoot, I’ll astroturf for the libs for that jack.
BTMintheSTL on August 27, 2009 at 9:02 PM
I’m starting to look for Crowder’s videos the way I look for Mark Steyn’s columns.
Drained Brain on August 27, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Sorry, Crowder’s not worthy to be mentioned in the same sentence.
jgapinoy on August 27, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Question for the gay Hotheads: Would you hit it?
Apologetic California on August 27, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Crowder looks like Perez Hilton’s long lost brother.
SnarkVader on August 27, 2009 at 9:07 PM
that’s sum good stuff there…stick that in your so what folder and file it nan botox….
SHARPTOOTH on August 27, 2009 at 9:12 PM
How can we possibly fight this?
Conservalicious on August 27, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Sorry, Crowder’s not worthy to be mentioned in the same sentence.
jgapinoy on August 27, 2009 at 9:04 PM
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Steyn personally and I understand where you’re coming from.
I was making a point, just as Steyn just did in his recent Canadian column (Do you notice anything shrivelling?) and I’m glad I got your attention.
Drained Brain on August 27, 2009 at 9:13 PM
If he paid for supper…probably.
SouthernGent on August 27, 2009 at 9:15 PM
From each according to his Party, to each according to his fealty to Obama.
OhioCoastie on August 27, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Crowder ♥♥♥♥♥
lansing quaker on August 27, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Time to invest in an eye exam.
Cindy Munford on August 27, 2009 at 9:17 PM
I’m funemployed and considering getting a job with these groups. Would that be wrong of me to do? Its not like I’d be a good employee or anything.
El_Terrible on August 27, 2009 at 9:18 PM
Wash off the filthy hippie. Heh.
Fletch54 on August 27, 2009 at 9:22 PM
I say go for it. Earn money and material for a best seller.
Cindy Munford on August 27, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Take their money. They’re taking ours.
keep the change on August 27, 2009 at 9:24 PM
My audio isn’t working what’s the gist of the video?
nwsseeker on August 27, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Now hold on here. I think Steyn rocks. I could listen to the guy all day. Maybe Crowder is a Steyn in training???
Hey, they’re both on the same side.
On the other hand…this Americorp thing is really starting to creep me out..
BigWyo on August 27, 2009 at 9:26 PM
Gawd he’s hot.
outOfElement on August 27, 2009 at 9:30 PM
“H’mm wow that’s a really good deal. How about I give you the finger & you give me my phone call.”
I hope Crowder got all that stink off. Bathing in tomato juice is sometimes effective I hear.
GnuBreed on August 27, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Those hippy’s really stink too!!!
EEWWWWWWW
sonnyspats1 on August 27, 2009 at 9:32 PM
I am not very good at this but basically Mr. Crowder interviewed to knock on doors and drum up support for liberal causes for about $33K annually and some perks. Interviewer did not appear to see the irony of the job offer while complaining that the opposition was being back by big business. So the question is who are the “astroturfers” those attending tea parties and town halls being paid $0 or those she is hiring, training and paying?
Cindy Munford on August 27, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Working for a lefty non-profit is pretty profitable.
Ted Torgerson on August 27, 2009 at 9:34 PM
“What’s up my bromide. You look like a dude who likes to progress.” – StrongBad as a hippy
- The Cat
MirCat on August 27, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Thanks Steve. You rock!
But is this getting creepier and creepier? Or is it just me.
Christian Conservative on August 27, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Where do ya think Crowder get’s his T-shirt’s ? I like the fit.
ambuldog on August 27, 2009 at 9:38 PM
With the pay they put out. I’m ashamed to say I thought about it too. The only inhibiting factor is my conscience.
Trov on August 27, 2009 at 9:38 PM
When I was at Cal part of my fees went to CalPirg unless I opted out–which I always did. I think it was only $5, but multiply that times 30k students twice a year? That’s a tidy sum. I don’t think Berkeley was the only UC to do it, either.
Bob's Kid on August 27, 2009 at 9:38 PM
Okay. Seriously, great vid. While I was mostly paying attention to Crowder’s arms (♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥), the crack on Detroit schools/integration and the mention of the urban prairie phenomenon was absolutely amazing.
I hate all those “non-profit” activists. The Greenpeace hippies stop me constantly in Chicago. One time one stopped me if I had “a minute for the environment” while walking home from work. Told her sure, but I don’t have any money, and had no interest in donating. Said it was fine.
So she was giving her pitch, and was mentioning e-waste, and asked me if I was familiar. “Yes.” She tried to call a bluff: “Could you explain it to me?”
“E-Waste is the product of first world countries’ obsolete technologies being sent to less-developed nations. So poor people there break and melt them to pull out the few precious metals inside and make some money. But the chemicals that burn from other parts of whatever they’re melting and burning pollute the air, ground, water, and can affect their personal health.”
Then she went on to say I’m clearly educated, so she didn’t have to educate me, but instead activate me, because SO MANY OTHERS were so ignorant to these problems, and my donation would allow to keep people like her on the street attempting to educate the ignorant.
Yeah. That went over real well with me.
Ugh.
lansing quaker on August 27, 2009 at 9:41 PM
They have been doing this awhile.. I was looking for work last year, during the election(when things started tanking) and there was jobs posted DAILY at Craigslist for paid “volunteers” for O’s campaign… Liberal groups have ads daily for envirnoment, etc.
reshas1 on August 27, 2009 at 9:42 PM
but are you getting paid in Dollars or California IOU’s steven? I wouldn’t take the job until they let you know for sure :)
DaSaintFan on August 27, 2009 at 9:44 PM
My college career adviser — when I was contemplating switching jobs from the private-sector one I still have today — advised me, straight out the gate, to look into Not For Profit orgs.
I gave her a resounding “F*CK NO!” She was pretty startled by my knee-jerk reaction.
Universities breed kids into these positions. “Teach for America” is another fun NFP resume mill.
lansing quaker on August 27, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Same here. I went to UC Irvine. I had no idea how to opt out, but $5 went to CalPirg every quarter.
El_Terrible on August 27, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Cindy Munford on August 27, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Thank you.
nwsseeker on August 27, 2009 at 9:45 PM
If you need the work, go for it. Just carry a video camera and/or tape recorder, follow the money all the way up to Axelrose, and then join the vast right-wing conspiracy to out the real astroturfers. Make a movie or write a book or something.
/and take lotsa showers…
//Admittedly, this isn’t a very well thought out idea, but dinner is ready.
ornery_independent on August 27, 2009 at 9:47 PM
“Delouse ‘em, boys”
TMK on August 27, 2009 at 9:48 PM
I hope all of you are forwarding this to EVERYONE. You friends, family, the news ( yes even liberal ones), talk show hosts. EVERYONE.
This is kinda one of those things they would say were were crazy for believing. Well, here is your proof, as if you should need any.
Get this out and about folks
bucsox79 on August 27, 2009 at 9:51 PM
“I need to go wash off the filthy hippie.”
“That worked great for Detroit!”
Heh.
amerpundit on August 27, 2009 at 9:51 PM
So “the fund” paid out $400 mil over how long? So, what, the fund is an $8 billion endowment if that was per year? So… kinda blows our side out of the water, especially since evil corporate big pharma hopped on board obamacare and how many big evil companies have been pressured into various lib donations. Whew, at least evil capitalist Billionaire Buffett is on our side… Doh!
AnotherOpinion on August 27, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Our tax dollars… hard at work…
Khun Joe on August 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM
I think we finally have our Jon Stewart on steroids…literally.
RobCon on August 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM
I’ve listened 3 times and can’t make out the “Detroit” comment. What’d he say?
Chickyraptor on August 27, 2009 at 10:00 PM
I think Crowder is funnier than Jon Stewart.
terryannonline on August 27, 2009 at 10:02 PM
for the last part
I am not an ANIMAL!
Defector01 on August 27, 2009 at 10:05 PM
When she was listing benefits, was I wrong or did she not mention health insurance?
strictnein on August 27, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I say take the 33K and recruit Teaparty Attendees.
thomasaur on August 27, 2009 at 10:07 PM
You know, there are hints that Crowder is gay. But so what? And a comparison to PH is as far off base as one could possibly get. Hilton is unattractive, obnoxious, usually clueless, and a flamboyant liberal. Diametrically opposite of Crowder. Disclaimer: I don’t know he is gay. But I secretly hope he is, and he is clearly solidly conservative. Nothing wrong with it if he is, and by golly, I love the way it hacks off the left when someone who is “supposed” to be liberal refuses to stay on the reservation. Like Clarence Thomas or Tammy Bruce.
iurockhead on August 27, 2009 at 10:07 PM
The comparison to Perez had nothing to do with Crowder’s sexuality. Google image search Perez. They look alike. Especially the hair.
SnarkVader on August 27, 2009 at 10:10 PM
When was this? My memories are that CalPirg folks would try to fan out and guilt us out of the money (i.e., opt-in). Often times Freshmen would oblige and then, not seeing anything come of it the first time, avoid them like the plague thereafter. I seem to recall calling them “CalPrick” due to their fund-raising methods, and that was before I even knew what they really were.
calbear on August 27, 2009 at 10:11 PM
When was this? My memories are that CalPirg folks would try to fan out and guilt us out of the money (i.e., opt-in). Often times Freshmen would oblige and then, not seeing anything come of it the first time, avoid them like the plague thereafter. I seem to recall calling them “CalPr*ck” due to their fund-raising methods, and that was before I even knew what they really were.
calbear on August 27, 2009 at 10:12 PM
hawt…
HellCat on August 27, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I thought that video was great. I found this video and the health care video to be good.
jhffmn on August 27, 2009 at 10:14 PM
My only inhibiting factor in the electric chair for killing a bunch of hippies after being around them for ten minutes.
AaronGuzman on August 27, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Did the search. Nope, don’t see it.
iurockhead on August 27, 2009 at 10:19 PM
It does need subtitles.
Bob's Kid on August 27, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Obviously, the white powder is racist.
applebutter on August 27, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Gee, I went to a Raging Elephants ‘Rita Mixer this evening and took photos, but I didn’t receive dime one.
I did, however, get a free lemonade.
Ahhhh, sweet, sweet, lemonade.
But no benefits.
madmonkphotog on August 27, 2009 at 10:22 PM
88-91. I’ve had 3 kids there since, but don’t recall if it was the same way on their fees like it was when I was there.
Bob's Kid on August 27, 2009 at 10:22 PM
good stuff, too bad about the camera being somewhat off-target. This could have been shown on TV (Glenn Beck?) to great effect.
NORUK on August 27, 2009 at 10:27 PM
How do you use the internet without the use of your eyes? Voice recognition software?
American Elephant on August 27, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Wow! 33K a yr. is more than I ever made at any job! I guess it does pay to be a criminal,… er I mean democrat, um liberal. Whatever.
4shoes on August 27, 2009 at 10:31 PM
LMAO!!! That sure got my attention! That’s funny as hell!
Sorry to go OT…
4shoes on August 27, 2009 at 10:45 PM
HERESY.
Crowder is ♥. Do not commit such crimes against hotness again, plz.
lansing quaker on August 27, 2009 at 10:51 PM
And Steyn also gets mistaken as one who plays for the other team…not that there’s anything wrong with that.
And Crowder is an adorable piece of eye candy, one way or another.
Laura in Maryland on August 27, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Amen, friend. I think we can all get behind that, er… so to speak.
Laura in Maryland on August 27, 2009 at 11:00 PM
LOL Laura!
+1!
lansing quaker on August 27, 2009 at 11:14 PM
This kid is so freaking awesome. A great young comedic talent.
Jaibones on August 27, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Me too!
Let’s all $$$$ gatalife $$$$
Then we can all retire to Arkansas and starve to death.
Del Dolemonte on August 27, 2009 at 11:29 PM
But… but… I thought all this money was going to save whales and stuff.
faraway on August 27, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Great, a good video and now the thread turns into HOMOS talking about Crowder.
WoosterOh on August 27, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Crowder is like a young Glenn Beck, without the drugs.
Kini on August 28, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Not to worry! You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for blubber.
Shy Guy on August 28, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Lol priceless. Great job!
metric on August 28, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Hahahaha!
Excellent idea!
You, sir, have the makings of a community organizer.
justltl on August 28, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Crowder is amazing.
And please…to diss and compare one (crowder) AGAINST Steyn, is stupid. why bother?
They are both great and we should be thankful that they are both on the RIGHT team.
To diss crowder is just asinine, and me-thinkest you do so– so that you can come off as (dare I say) more “intellectual”?
(pinky UP when saying that.)
Handel on August 28, 2009 at 12:30 AM
If Michael Steele has an aide that covers Hot Air……….
………… he might want to get Crowder and Zo on the payroll.
Seven Percent Solution on August 28, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Damn that was great! Especially the “delousing”
Mini-14 on August 28, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Dude if I “volunteer” my time for them, I would give 70% of the money to good conservative causes. So that why Soros is helping conservatives kick HIS BUTT!!!
BroncosRock on August 28, 2009 at 1:05 AM
Dear RNC,
Pay me 45k a year, I’ll take a year off and astroturf wherever.
I’ll even make my own signs and pay for my matching ‘grassroots’ shirt and megaphone.
Let me know, thanks!
jhffmn on August 28, 2009 at 1:14 AM
PJTV must be really hurting for money if they can’t afford a working marker for Crowder.
MadisonConservative on August 28, 2009 at 3:07 AM
wow, just wow…. I’ve seen gigs like this on craiglist in the bay area this. $3400 salary w/ full benefits.
liquidflorian on August 28, 2009 at 3:09 AM
Great job. I’ve always thought of doing something like this, except in the mainstream media. Imagine if I started to work for CBS news or NBC or some other outlet that considers themselves to be “objective.” Although, nowadays everyone pretty much wears their liberalism on their sleeve. So even if I went undercover in the newsroom for 15 years and came out with a tell-all book about how liberal they are, it’d be like writing a book about the earth being round. So hey, it’s pretty useless.
EMR on August 28, 2009 at 4:04 AM
No, she did not, guess they’re waiting to scam it off the rest of us with BambiCare. Most ironic, too, that the benefits included a (filthy capitalistic) 401k plan, no?
ya2daup on August 28, 2009 at 4:22 AM
A “voluntary” fee for CalPirg — part of the Naderite shakedown empire — was indeed part of the quarterly fees assessed on stujints by the University, starting in the late 1970s at Berkeley when I was a grad student there. As I recall, the stujint sheeple actually voted to make it so. One could opt out, but since to do so would require them to perform that most difficult of math skills — subtraction — I’d guess that only a few discerning folks did.
ya2daup on August 28, 2009 at 4:45 AM
A minor error: Berkeley was on semesters; it was my undergrad school which divided the school year into quarters.
ya2daup on August 28, 2009 at 4:59 AM
“That $33,000 a year plus benefits is just their share of the wealth that belongs to all of us.”
This doesn’t seemmuch for a Commisar.
davod on August 28, 2009 at 6:32 AM
I have an idea.. Why don’t we all apply, receive the paycheck, infiltrate their groups, and begin educated them on conservative principles.
shar61 on August 28, 2009 at 7:17 AM
OL…GREAT JOB…Next month can ZO go undercover and join the Black Panthers?
Jeff from WI on August 28, 2009 at 7:17 AM
My step son, who is a 27 year old “cosmic slacker-leach”, while in the middle of a multi-month meth run, was hired to solicit for Obama in Las Vegas during the election.
The pretty well sums up the state of affairs in the USA.
Cleveland Steamer on August 28, 2009 at 7:45 AM
Starting to feel a bit like David and Goliath here.
Osis on August 28, 2009 at 7:46 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogg_XJ4rKik
Jeff from WI on August 28, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Both Mark and Steve are Canadians.
amex on August 28, 2009 at 8:10 AM
If only I were paid to be a conservative activist! What I would do! Talk about a dream job! lol!
The thing is,, most of these paid lib activists probably are lazy and unproductive at that. Where they make it up is probably in their numbers, cause they have to lack in their work ethic!
JellyToast on August 28, 2009 at 8:30 AM
I’m funemployed and considering getting a job with these groups. Would that be wrong of me to do? Its not like I’d be a good employee or anything.
El_Terrible on August 27, 2009 at 9:18 PM
With the pay they put out. I’m ashamed to say I thought about it too. The only inhibiting factor is my conscience.
Trov on August 27, 2009 at 9:38 PM
I thought about it too and actually looked into it. Just think of the damage you can do to the dems “message” by going out with their literature and showcasing all the lies and distortions. It would be fun until you got caught and sent off to the re-education camp.
milwife88 on August 28, 2009 at 8:47 AM
My daughter thinks Steven needs to do these videos without his shirt on!
SueM on August 28, 2009 at 8:54 AM
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