VP Picks: Karl Rove Swings and Misses Big Time
By SilentPatriot Thursday Aug 28, 2008 9:10pm
On August 10, Karl Rove went on "Face The Nation" to argue that Senator Obama would make an "intensely political choice" for Vice President without regard for the "responsibilities of president." At the time, Rove believed Obama would choose Tim Kaine, and argued against him by saying this:
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With all due respect again to Governor Kaine, he's been a governor for three years, he's been able but undistinguished. I don't think people could really name a big, important thing that he's done. He was mayor of the 105th largest city in America. And again, with all due respect to Richmond, Virginia, it's smaller than Chula Vista, California; Aurora, Colorado; Mesa or Gilbert, Arizona; north Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada. It's not a big town. So if he were to pick Governor Kaine, it would be an intensely political choice where he said, `You know what? I'm really not, first and foremost, concerned with, is this person capable of being president of the United States?
As we now know, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his VP, probably the least political choice he could have made, and probably the best governing choice he could have made. John McCain, on the other hand, is the one who made the "intensely political choice" by choosing Sara Palin -- a political newcomer and self-described "hockey mom" who has less than two years of governing experience and ZERO foreign policy experience -- all because the political winds dictated that "change" was going to trump "experience" this election.
Rove argues that Kaine's mayorship of Richmond (pop. 200,000+) is insignificant and that his 3 years as Governor of Virginia (pop. 7,712,091, GDP $383 million) has been "indistinguisahable." If Rove was intellectually consistent, wouldn't that mean Palin's mayorship of Wasilla (pop. 8,000+) and 20 months as Alaska governor (pop. 683,478, GDP $44.5 million) makes her even less qualified than Kaine?
Barack Obama chose Joe Biden because he knows his way around Washington and knows how to get stuff done. His selection mollifies virtually no voting block or constituency.
McCain, on the other hand, chose someone eminently unqualified for the job (seriously, can you see Sara Palin sitting down with Maliki or Karzai or any other world leader?) for the sole reason of appeasing the right-wing lunatic fringe and hoping to pick off a few die-hard Hillary holdouts, as well as assuaging voters' concerns about his septuagenarianism.
So, Karl, who made the "intensely political choice"?
What can we take away from this episode? When Karl Rove suggests something -- in this case, Obama would make an "intensely political decision" -- always assume the opposite will happen. Remember, Rove predicted, according to "the math," that the GOP would pick up seats in 2006.They of course were swept out of power in an historic landslide.
Remind me again why the punditocracy heralds this guys as some sort of political genius?
Full transcript below the fold:
CBS (.pdf):
SCHIEFFER: You have said yourself in the past that Obama probably should pick a red state governor, somebody just like Tim Kaine that we just heard just a minute ago from Virginia. Governor Kaine seems to think that Democrats really can carry Virginia this time. Do you think that state's going to be in play?
Mr. ROVE: Yeah. I think it's going to be in play, but let me clarify. I didn't say that I thought he ought to, I said that I thought he probably would pick a red state Democrat, because I think he's going to make an intensely political choice, not a governing choice. He's going to view this through the prism of a candidate, not through the prism of president; that is to say, he's going to pick somebody that he thinks will on the margin help him in a state like Indiana or Missouri or Virginia. He's not going to be thinking big and broad about the responsibilities of president.
With all due respect again to Governor Kaine, he's been a governor for three years, he's been able but undistinguished. I don't think people could really name a big, important thing that he's done. He was mayor of the 105th largest city in America. And again, with all due respect to Richmond, Virginia, it's smaller than Chula Vista, California; Aurora, Colorado; Mesa or Gilbert, Arizona; north Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada. It's not a big town. So if he were to pick Governor Kaine, it would be an intensely political choice where he said, `You know what? I'm really not, first and foremost, concerned with, is this person capable of being president of the United States? What I'm concerned about is, can he bring me the electoral votes of the state of Virginia, the 13 electoral votes in Virginia?'
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What about Sara Palin's down's syndrome baby cover-up?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&add...
http://www.reddit.com/comments/6f3nq/coverup_alaska_gov_palin_r_announce...
Looks like the 5th kid may actually be her daughter's.
Lets see Piglet spin his way out of this one....if anyone in the MSM will actually call him out about it in the first place. The think I do like about Rove tho...he looks every bit the sleazeball that he actually is.
LOL Rove
She's a motherfucking creationist.
All these Rove-inspired attacks are projection.
And thanks, Karl, for delivering Christmas in August.
bubba @ 5:
Thank you. I finally understand how Cain and Abel had children....
He was dead on if he had been talking about McCain.
Rove argues that Kaine’s mayorship of Richmond (pop. 200,000+) is insignificant and that his 3 years as Governor of Virginia (pop. 7,712,091, GDP $383 million) has been “indistinguisahable.” If Rove was intellectually consistent, wouldn’t that mean Palin’s mayorship of Wasilla (pop. 8,000+) and 20 months as Alaska governor (pop. 683,478, GDP $44.5 million) makes her even less qualified than Kaine?
Should those figures be Billions?
BWHAHAHAHAHA.....Rover, what a call ! How's those words fit now Turd Blossom? What a moron.
So an even lesser known, lesser experienced, less relevant state govenor is now a heartbeat away from the aged one. Nice.
Well, at least she knows a little about how bad the state of our economy is, right? After all, she was a "soccer mom" and should know how difficult it is to make ends meet these days.
I did find it very amusing that, standing in front of McSame, she was calling out Big Oil. LOL. Need some clean pants Rover?
"If Rove was intellectually consistent,..."
And that's where you argument fails. Rove is neither intellectual nor consistent.
"...makes her even less qualified than Kaine?"
The creationism, anti-choice, and under investigation for vengeful firing parts rank higher on my list, but that is the logical conclusion to Rove's boneheaded criticism of Kaine, yes.
"Remind me again why the punditocracy heralds this guys as some sort of political genius?"
I suspect blackmail is involved.
Oink, Oink, Oink. When is Mr. Piggy going to go to the committee, put his hand on the Bible and clear his good Christian name? Innocent men have the right to testify, tell the truth and to clear their names. Guilty criminals have something to hide.
The bottom line is that every dumb American female white voter over 50 will now vote for McCain. The Republicans screwed us. Michelle Obama just can't compete with this VP pick.
Ask yourselves this question
If something happen to John McCain today could she take over tomorrow?
If something happen to Barack Obama today could Joe Biden take over tomorrow.
The Answer is there and it is simple
Don't underestimate the power behind those PUMA gals--they almost filled a restaurant in Denver this week. Almost.
That's some funny shit!
If you're a white, female, middle class, middle aged voter, Michelle Obama now looks kinda skanky.
nin-mofo @ 4:
LOL
Greg @ 13:
Really? I don't think so.
I we get an ad out of this? I'm thinking that Turd Blossom's words of wisdom should carry a lot of weight in the heartland. Use Rove's metric for a VP's qualifications as a guideline and based on that compare and contrast Obama's choice with McCain's.
Greg @ 17:
Really? I don’t think so.
If the media were at all mainstream, let alone liberal, Rove would be laughed off the podium at his next speaking engagement and and Palin would be sent back to Alaska with her tail between her legs to hunt moose and spear beluga whales in Turnagain Arm.
However, as we all know, the media will do nothing more than lap up the bloodsauce from the McCain table, then sit back on their haunches and politely wait for more.
bubba @ 5:
Enough said.
RickMack @ 10:
Na uh, she wasn't a "soccer mom" she was a proud "hockey mom" who loves to hunt wolves from helicopters married to a man who's a world class snowmobile racer. How can you possibly top that?
Yes! Finally a VP true blue blooded American women can relate to! She just got my vote! I was going to vote for Hilary but now there's a good alternative!
listening to rove's remarks regarding governor kaine, one begins to suspect sarah palin is not the presumptive candidate rove would have recommended.
could this explain why the msm initially reported mccain had made his choice, only to report the next day he had not?
could mccain have become so pissed off by all the factions vying for his audience, he just yanked out his cell phone and called sarah?
could he have called her late in the night, when the viagra kicks in?
could rove have dropped a routine fly ball?!
xoites defends Constitution @ 21:
I'm with you xoites (nice to see you). Greg, you are full of crap.
I expect NO MSM outlet to pick this up, except perhaps Kieth O. Like the links to the pregnancy conspiracy, would it have passed the vetting? Stonewall and play the downs syndrome card? Would DNA clear it up? What if the daddy was the governor's hubby, lol.
Michelle Obama stinks @ 25:
You were going to Vote for whatever schmuck the Republicans spoon fed you to vote for. Who do you think you are kidding?
Finally! A white female VP! We're having a party at the country club tonight! Go Sara! Thank God Michelle Obama will now not be able to tarnish the White House.
Greg @ 17:
Wow the troll business is getting pretty tough. You should try some of my new men's aftershave just brought out for this republican election cycle. You'll fit right in with the rest of your fellow rockheads when you're wearing the smell of "Desperation." Free samples available for a limited time only, first come first served. Get yours tonight.
Greg @ 17:
2 words: Vogue Magazine.
okthxbyelol
I bet the press will not even look into the story about the baby coverup.
Clancy @ 30:
The Republican Party Promise:
A Troll In Every Discussion!
Sorry about the caps but this must be shouted!!!
SARAH PALIN IS A LIAR, SHE DIDN'T GIVE BIRTH. HER 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOT KNOCKED UP AND SARAH IS PAWNING THE KID OFF AS HER OWN. PROOF? SARAH CLAIMS SHE DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS "PREGNANT" UNTILL TWO MONTHS BEFORE SHE "GAVE BIRTH". THE DAUGHTER HAS MISSED MONTHS OF SCHOOL BECAUSE SHE HAD "MONO". BULLSHIT! PALIN IS A PRO-CHOICE LUNATIC WHO WOULD NEVER LET HER DAUGHTER GET AN ABORTION SO SHE HAS BEEN LYING ALL ALONG!!!
To the guys that run this site GET ON THIS!!! If it's true this will DESTROY McCain!!!
xoites defends Constitution @ 21:
Actually x (big hi btw) Greg already earned enough McPoints on previous threads for his signed McCain tee-shirt. Now he's shooting for that holy of holies, a chance to stroke John McCains big "straight-talk" bus. It's said to be better than lourdes. Merely by touching it, all sins mortal or venal, are forgiven by He who gave five and a half years...yadda,yadda,yadda.
Porky Pig's expertise at mass hypnotism has been highly overrated. He was only good at one thing: using hot button issues to divide Americans against one another in a way that splits the country (slightly) in favor of Republicans. Once a magician's trick has been exposed, people are not fooled by it anymore.
I've never SEEN the right wing pundits in such a panic of damage control before! This is hilarious! It's like somebody just tipped over a rock, and we're watching all the potato bugs scrambling for cover.
They're touting her five kids as proof that she's not a family-planning type, and praising her ability to "juggle a Blackberry and a breast pump at the same time." Because in the Republican world, a woman having a career is NOT an excuse from her 'housewife' duties.
Steve Doocey: Trying to paint her as an expert on foreign policy because "Alaska is next to Russia."
Amy Holmes: Trying to paint her as a Sheena, Queen of the Jungle who "Shoots a caribou from a helicopter, takes it home, skins it and cooks it for dinner." (That one was my personal favorite.)
She was in Kuwait for TEN MINUTES visiting the Alaska national guard, and they've been showing the same ten minutes of footage of her firing an M4 at a target range all day long.
To quote Stewie Griffin: Oh, this is so much fun it just HAS to be fattening!
Because when he's working in the shadows, he gets things done. Things get done that dare not see the light of day...the daylight would be coming through jail bars.
This may actually one-down the VP selection which was designed to be bad. So bad, in fact, that Congress would sheer away from impeaching Nixon if it meant they would end up with Gerald Ford. From the tapes, his eminence: "Can you see Jerry Ford sitting here?"
Actually, no, was the electoral answer, making him the only US President who never won a national election - if you don't count Dohbya.
This is very important. Bookmark this page! It is going to be interesting what Rove says. This example can be used over and over in any debate or argument anybody may have with a right wing McCrazy. What Rove said can and should be used against McShame's choice. It should be used in an Obama ad during the Republican convention!!!
Greg @ 17:
Only if your a republican who hangs out in men's bathroom stalls.
I don't care whether or not she is covering for her daughter.
She is unqualified for the job. The chances of John McCain being alive four years from now are not very great. She has no business being the President of the United States and anyone with any sense can see that.
Gozer @ 35:
Dude, you got anything to back this up with. This kind of stuff is a double edged sword, if it's accurate it's a deal breaker, if it's wrong it comes back and bites you in the ass. This one's got to be on target or you need to keep very, very quiet little wabbit.
Every woman in flyover territory will now vote for McCain. Sorry to those elitist liberals on the coasts, but most middle class American voters have A LOT in common with Sara. Democrats lose again! Can't wait for the side by side photos of Michelle Obama and Sara! Sara is so civilized and accomplished and proud of her country!
Rove = FAIL.
Chicken "Hussein" Little - Not! @ 43:
I just think it is irrelevant.
Sara truly exudes real American female ideals! I'm so proud of her!
Michelle Obama stinks @ 25:
Well, last I checked Michelle Obama wasn't running for anything. Secondly, if you were actually ever voting for Hillary I will eat my hat, and yours! Yeah, right, you were going to vote for Hillary, but now, you will choose this anti-reproductive rights, creationist believing, wolf hunting from a plane woman. Riiiiiiiight.
xoites defends Constitution @ 46:
Right, Clinton lied and you freaks spent $70million to impeach him. This totally unqualified bimbo lies and it's "irrelevant." You little troll dolls have absolutely no shame. Nice to see your days in power coming to an end.
Chicken "Hussein" Little - Not! @ 49:
At the risk of being called a troll again, i think it is irrelevant to the issue of her qualifications. She has none.
Kristol Meth is right more often than Bush's Anus.
bullfrog @ 26:
I agree, this smells like it was cooked up VERY quickly, probably as a result of some of the gonad stompers the Dems were finally able to land during the convention.
'Course, it's not like they were going to draft a...Mormon. Why the very thought...
Gozer @ 35:
Gozer, give a link for some info about this!!! NOW!!!
Chicken "Hussein" Little - Not! @ 43:
No, that's not a double edged sword at all! If it turns out to be true, it makes her a hero on two fronts! She's a hero to the pro-life movement, and she's a hero to the family values movement for taking one to protect her daughter. Sheesh, man...do NOT get too far out on that one! If you're wrong, you look like a shrill slime merchant, and if you're right, you make her a hero.
Palin came into office as a reform candidate. In Alaska. It's like being the thinnest person in fat camp.
Jesus would vote for Sara! It truly is a miracle! She is a message from the Lord!
Just think of all the babies who won't be aborted when Sara is VP! Praise the Lord!
xoites defends Constitution @ 50:
Well now that is a point I will gladly concede. However her selection, given the facts coming out concerning her potential abuse of power as governor as well as this little potential jewel if true, are very relevant to the issue of McCain's judgment.
Deidre @ 47:
Then you're a fuckwit retard.
Deidre @ 56:
Yes, and he's sending her to Minneapolis just in time for a hurricane to come ashore, praise Jebus!
Well, I have one nice thing to say about McCain--he is aware and proves daily just how gullible and stupid the republican public is and takes full advantage of it.
Ummm, she's not related to the monty python guy, is she?
When you know your audience (FauxNews regular viewers) are mostly gently retarded, then you can say anything.
This woman has no idea what she is in for. Like Obama, she will be considered and treated as an outsider and she won't have the insulation of Obama's great numbers and experienced handlers. If Palin falters, the Republicans will hang her out to dry. I am sure there are already people with severe hard feelings (MITT and Pawlenty). If she was smart she would have stayed in Alaska, where she could be productive and happy and not expose her family to the sickness that is Washington. But she is here and let the battle begin. When you swim with sharks............
Wow, do the surrender monkey dems really think that true Americans will vote for Michelle Obama over Sara? Sara is the epitome of American values! Game over Obama losers!
Greg @ 17:
I am a 60 year old, middle class, white, female voter and Michelle Obama looks and acts like a fine lady
Sara is so much more electable than Michelle Obama!!
Pericles @ 54:
Right, lying to the public with "good intentions" just what we need another 4 years of. If this act is so "glorious and heroic" why is she hiding it and lying about it? Bring it to the light of day and let her bask in adulation.
Deidre @ 44:
hahahahahahahahahaha
Sleep well Dems! Karl Rove is a genius. Sara is a true American choice! Praise the Lord!
omg....replace palin with kaine, and rove is talking about mcsame
who just made the most political choice for a vp candidate by picking a hot woman with little experience
and she was mayor of one of the smallest cities in the country
and is gov to a state with the least population size and the least amount of diversity
karl is a genius??? god, we were all so fooled
he is just an evil fuck
and why isnt he in leg irons and standing before the man?
Regarding this statement: "What can we take away from this episode? When Karl Rove suggests something ... always assume the opposite will happen"
Actually, his predictions used to come true. There's something way more interesting that this episode (and others) tell us: when Karl accuses somebody of anything, it generally telegraphs his own position. Indeed, when he attacks somebody else, the focus of his attack is his own weakness. In other words, when he accuses you of "holding the Old Maid" in your hand, he has it in his own!
Besides the example of the political VP choice, here are a couple more:
He attacks Kerry for his war record - George's war record is awful.
He attacks Obama's character, and McCain's character is that of a spoiled brat.
He attacks Obama as an elitist - McCain is the son of a 4-star general whose connections got Junior everything he wanted.
He accuses the Democrats of corrupting elections, while he uses every dirty trick in the book to squeeze out a win.
Karl has transcended the term "hypocrite" - he's a sociopath who will do anything and hurt anybody with absolutely no conscience - just to "win".
Karl,
I hope that you're around long enough to see history firmly establish that you never outgrew what you've always been - a fat, insecure, mean-spirited, childish, unpopular misfit. You're not a genius, you're a sneaky, small-minded plotter of dirty tricks who would deliberately sneeze on a pizza just to have it all for yourself. You are the opposite of a great man - you are a goblin who is proud of the smell of your own excrement and you enjoy fouling good things and good people with it.
I almost never post to these things, but I have to say the description of Rove is as good as I've ever heard or seen. That about sums him up.
Deidre @ 47:
hahahahahahahahahaha
Oh are you phucking deluded!
Man, what is the troll budget for the McCain campaign? They have to have used up a bunch of it today. That speech last night must have scared the $#&% out of 'em.
Fran @ 67:
Uhh, yeah. Palin is actually running for office. Duh.
Deidre @ 56:
Where do you get off saying who Jesus would or would not vote for. I for one would never engage in that sort of blasphemy.
Greg @ 17:
if you are a white, middle aged, broke middle class voter like me...you would want to bang them both
but only vote for michelle
The trolls come out at night, the trolls come out at night, the trolls come out at night (sing it with me).
Why?
Because they can't stand the bright light of truth and righteousness. They slither, they creep, they attempt to spread fear and divisiveness wherever they go. Lots of luck freaks, the time's they are a changin' and your days are numbered.
Deidre @ 56:
Now I am absolutely convinced, you are lunatic fringed.
Greg = Deidre = Fran = ho hum... praise (white) Jesus... yawn.
Michelle Obama stinks @ 25:
Troll city...
Here's a big, appropriate question: if Sarah Palin is touting that genetic testing on her son showed he had Down Syndrome, yet they never considered abortion. why did she have the genetic testing done?
The answer may be that it's done routinely, and that's fine. But if that's not the answer, then why have genetic testing done if you're not going to abort in any case?
And the investigation into her abuse of power in Alaska, this video sheds light, and I believe damns her and calls her out. We'll see how the investigation goes:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/211310.php
She's guilty of getting rid of a whistle blower, I'd say (I hope he has the e-mails to prove it); I'm sure the repubs are confident she'll not found guilty of any wrongdoing or they wouldn't have selected her. Right?
I was gonna vote for Michelle Obama, but Sara made me change my mind. Sara's hot!
Fran @ 65:
Pray, DO tell what defines a "true American" from your POV. Provincial racist bigot springs to mind...
fiver @ 73:
There's only one troll in here who's name swapping. The stupidity between the posts is uncanny.
Alice X - (Chomsky Nader) - status quObama - change you can pretend in - @ 69:
I second that, hahahahaha. A backwater Christo-0-fascist gun nut from a back water ass wipe state so far removed from civilization they're still using two dixie cups and a string to communicate to one another, yeah she's civilized! Hahahahahahaha
Deidre @ 57:
I won't think of anything more that you say, that is it. Finito!
This is just so funny. GOPers especially Rush the Radio-Windbag were so focused on getting Hillary the nomination so that they could use all of their pseudo-dirt on Mrs Clinton and destroy her. They ended up making her bigger than she would have been otherwise. Palin is their VP because of the ghost of Hiliary that they created.
Is anyone else betting that Palin will not be the VP nominee by