Grayson kicks ass on CNN's Situation Room

by: AdamGreen

Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 20:12


If you liked Adam Bink's post a while ago, featuring a bold strong Alan Grayson, you'll LOVE Grayson's appearance on CNN's Situation Room.  

The insurance company lobbyists won't be donating to Grayson anytime soon, but we can!

Today is the last day of the national fundraising quarter, which political insiders use to judge which candidates are strong. Grayson is a top Republican target in 2010.

Let's band together and raise $2,400 -- the equivalent of one "maxed out" donor to Grayson. Can you chip in tonight before midnight?
AdamGreen :: Grayson kicks ass on CNN's Situation Room

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Grayson kicks ass on CNN's Situation Room | 44 comments
Wow (4.00 / 6)
This is great.  Thanks Congressman, and thanks Matt Stoller! Awesome comments.    
I tossed him some (4.00 / 14)

 Now, here's a broader thought.

 Rep. Grayson KNOWS he's in a tough district. He KNOWS the Republicans are trying to pick off his seat. And this was true and well-established before today.

 And yet, Alan Grayson, instead of hiding behind the figleaf of "my district demands a centrist" and using that as an excuse to lie with the blue dogs, has instead acted like a real Democrat. Obviously HE doesn't think this is going to hurt him next year. And he would know.

 So Grayson, if he retains his popularity, is a MASSIVE embarrassment to the entire blue-dog movement.

 Hmmm. Now I want to toss him some more. He needs it. If he succeeds, the conservadems are revealed as paper tigers and frauds. And they're not about to let that happen.

 

"We judge ourselves by our ideals; others by their actions. It is a great convenience." -- Howard Zinn

He can energize some of the libertarian / Ron Paul types (4.00 / 4)
that are so hated here, but are crucial to the Numbers Game.

He has backed the Audit of the Fed, and he has backed legislation that would stop the private neocon military from stealing from us.

Those are two HUGE feathers in his cap.

[ Parent ]
All I can say is... (4.00 / 2)

 ...in his personal life, he better make Ward Cleaver look like a gangster.

 Progressives in elected office who speak the truth have NO margin for so much as a parking ticket.  

"We judge ourselves by our ideals; others by their actions. It is a great convenience." -- Howard Zinn

[ Parent ]
Yes but what we should be doing is picking off one of theirs. (4.00 / 2)
Why the hell is vitter still putting his diapered ass on any seat in the Senate. Why is Boner' orange face still grinning like a clown mask on national tv? One? hell, I want four more exposed tonight.

--

The government has a defect: it's potentially democratic. Corporations have no defect: they're pure tyrannies. -Chomsky
[ Parent ]
Because we aren't engaging our neighbors (4.00 / 4)
(I'm as guilty as anyone),

In Enlightenment left circles, politics is practically taboo.

We're supposed to love every one and be "above it all" in a Bodhisattva kind of way.

This is why the right has run rampant since the 60s.

Our best players won't even take the field.

[ Parent ]
It is buddha perfect to expose evil. It is zen to bring clarity. (4.00 / 1)
We have complained far too long about "balanced news coverage" that accepts any looney lying made up craptastic bs that the right rpoduces, and it it is held in exact balance with with whatever weak kneed apologetic niceness osme poor Dem can cough up. It is time we spoke the truth. Calmly is better, but directly.

Hurry up die is truth. A million dead since Bill Clinton first started trying to reform medical, a million dead who wopuld have lived had they had medical coverage, or were not kicked off for BS reasons, and the Republicans are proud of it.

--

The government has a defect: it's potentially democratic. Corporations have no defect: they're pure tyrannies. -Chomsky

[ Parent ]
One other thought (4.00 / 2)

 I have a kit in my closet containing a hammer, some wrenches, sockets, pliers, ratchets, a drill, nails, and other assorted related items.

 I've just renamed it my "Wolf Blitzer Kit".  

"We judge ourselves by our ideals; others by their actions. It is a great convenience." -- Howard Zinn

Sopme second story work for an exclusive exposure? (0.00 / 0)


--

The government has a defect: it's potentially democratic. Corporations have no defect: they're pure tyrannies. -Chomsky
[ Parent ]
Happy to donate (4.00 / 7)
Grayson needs to become one of THE main recipients of progressive cash in the 2010 cycle.
He should have pointed out that (4.00 / 9)
if the GOP wanted to do something on health care, they had control of Congress most of 12 years, and roughly six of those years they also held the White House. 'Nuff said.

My question is why the media gets so worked up over Grayson's comment, but apparently accepts as normative the fact that thousands die, millions go without health insurance, and millions more face financial hardship...even bankuptcy. Why is that not a concern?

Bill Kristol (4.00 / 2)
Come to think of it, he could also have repeated Bill Kristol's celebretory comment in 1994 that the defeat of the Clinton initiative would mean that health care reform wouldn't happen for at least 10 years. I heard him say that on TV, and I heard him say that when he came to speak at my college and sat 15 feet away from me.  
[ Parent ]
At 44.7K per year, that's roughly 800,000 (4.00 / 3)
who have died since the defeat of the Clinton health care bill in 1993, a time span in which the GOP controlled both houses of Congress almost 12 years, and held both Congress and the White House for almost six years. Add in Kristol's jubilant prediction, and I think Forrest Gump could connect the dots and understand Grayson's point.

Sorry for the triple post to myself; that must be a record!

[ Parent ]
It's certainly more (0.00 / 0)
esp. in the area of mental health.
[ Parent ]
Good point! (0.00 / 0)
While we're at it, next time the Rethugs complain about civility lacking in Democrats, point out their reprehensible statements (including and especially their refusal to disavow Limpbowel, Beck, all of Fox Noise, and the rest of the far right), and demand to know who the hell they think they are to demand civility from the left.


[ Parent ]
Alan Grayson should run a clinic (n/t) (4.00 / 2)


Politics is the art of the possible, but that means you have to think about changing what is possible, not that you have to accept it in perpetuity.
Hmm thats a damn good idea! (0.00 / 0)
I am sure some Mad as hell Doctors would lend a hand to defend someone taking on the politicians of death, and who is being targeted by their dark forces.

--

The government has a defect: it's potentially democratic. Corporations have no defect: they're pure tyrannies. -Chomsky
[ Parent ]
Awesome (4.00 / 6)
Of course he worded his attack in the most over-the-top manner he could come up with.  But his basic point is absolutely, dead-on correct.  As long as he sticks to it, there isn't much anyone else can do to him.
The Emperors have no clothes (4.00 / 5)

[ Parent ]
What a perfect media coup! (4.00 / 7)
I love seeing these flustered beltway insiders moving as one herd to marginalize Grayson. Hilarious! He's now set up to be re-elected as a perfect populist outsider!

http://www.funnyordie.com/jame...
Good for him! (4.00 / 8)
Dems need to stop being so mealy-mouthed and just tell the truth. I'm glad Grayson is doing this. He has my support. :-)

Yes, Virginia, there are progressives in Nevada.
And mine. (4.00 / 3)
BTW -I saw Capitalism a Love Story tonight, and I loved it. This is powerful stuff, do not miss seeing it, do not miss taking a bunch of people with you. Mike has made a fantastic film, a powerful film, Mike is giving Americans a chance to see their country. It may be one of the most moving political films I have seen.

--

The government has a defect: it's potentially democratic. Corporations have no defect: they're pure tyrannies. -Chomsky
[ Parent ]
Yes, keep landing the cultural body blows (0.00 / 0)
and the technocratic victory will follow naturally.
[ Parent ]
If Democrats as a whole would do what Grayson seems to be doing and back it up with actual substance... (0.00 / 0)
...they'd regain my full support.  Too bad that Grayson, Kucinich, and a handful of others are the exception instead of the rule.  Even worse that the party leaders don't even want the exception within their ranks.


[ Parent ]
Bar Fight (4.00 / 1)
I don't know where the link is at the moment, or if it is even still where it used to be, but all i could think of watching that was Hell Yea! This is the guy who is gonna have our back in the Bar-Fight....

Great to see!

Get behind someone with guts (4.00 / 1)
Carville said it was "great TV." Let's prove that it is more than just the Versailles spectacle. It's about speaking truth to power. Donate now.

Save Our Schools! March & National Call to Action, July 28-31, 2011 in Washington, DC: http://www.saveourschoolsmarch...
Amazing (4.00 / 8)
The best part is seeing the three journalists (Alex the GOPer analyst is nothing more than a walking talking point; the light of independent thought never shines inside his skull) absolutely beside themselves because a Democrat refuses to just roll over.  I believe they are apoplectic not because of Grayson's words but because he refuses to apologize, refuses to cower before the media and the GOPer attack machine, and actually goes on the offensive when attacked.  Sticks to his guns and throws back every attack: Hack Journalist: 'aren't these kinds of insults making it harder to pass a bill', Grayson 'it's the Republicans who are insulting the American people'.  

Love it.  Rep. Grayson has earned my contribution.

This country needs more people like Grayson and fewer people like Rahm.

Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a cool breeze? And cold comfort for change?

Journalists? (4.00 / 7)

 I didn't see any journalists there. Just Grayson and a few wanking right-wing hacks.  

"We judge ourselves by our ideals; others by their actions. It is a great convenience." -- Howard Zinn
[ Parent ]
He's as mad as hell, and he's not going to take it anymore (4.00 / 2)
This has me wound up about politics all over again.  This guy is number one and the best.
Please put up a paypal button (0.00 / 0)

Grayson earned my donation (4.00 / 3)
Yeah, stick it to the Republicans.

On CNN too! Truth is an "absolute defense" - good line.

Don't think about the phrase "Die quickly" (4.00 / 6)
What's brilliant about Grayson's plan is that it confirms Lakoff's theory of frames. Even bringing up the comments in the context of critiquing them will entrench the thought even further. I suspect that's why many conservative sites aren't touching this story yet, because in doing so they will actually have to reveal their plan (which they don't have) and repeat those devastating words. I suspect that's why he's not getting censured either. It's genius. They don't want to touch this. And comparing it to Wilson -- LOL -- they all voted against him being censured. They have no ground to stand on, and I look forward to them repeating "die quickly"  endlessly.  
Seriously. (4.00 / 5)
He played this perfectly.  Even if he does get a reprimand, or whatever it is the House does, it was worth the cost.  That'll be a wrist-slap for the nut-kick he just gave the Republicans.

He married the classic method of defining the opponent with a good, strong, and easily remembered message.  (I can recite it in my sleep after only hearing it once.  That's a damn good message.)  And then when Republicans attack him over it, instead of going on the defensive, he attacks right back with still more good messaging.  ("I want to apologize to all the dead.")  Perfect!

Then, to add insult to injury, he's been all over the news, even being on The Situation Room and Maddow to continue hammering hard.

All you elected Dems, take note!  This is how you fight.  Learn it.  Love it.  Live it.

We absolutely have to reward this kind of behavior.  I'm literally broke right now, but I've got family who can help out.  I got one to pitch in already ($25 Yay!).  Hope I can get more, though probably not before midnight.

Health insurance is not health care.
If you don't fight, you can't win.
Never give up. Never Surrender.
Watch out for flying kabuki.

[ Parent ]
The right (4.00 / 2)
will take him down:

http://www.alandisgrayson.com/

Beck will hit him.  Hannity will hit him.  Allegations of earmarks, ACORN ties, etc. etc.  It will be intense.  The "reasonable" folks of the village will declare him crazy.

No one will have the guts to defend him.  He has to defend himself, and he isn't getting any more chances on CNN.  He broke the rules.

Right wing red meat translates into media timidity, which translates into Democratic losses.


[ Parent ]
Not so sure... (4.00 / 3)
The GOP has backed off of their demand for a resolution.  I think they realized that the more they talk about this guy, the more they were losing.  

I think they will try to sweep it under the rug.  They don't have much to counter with right now.  I'm sure they will find dirt in the future, but that will be focused on an election campaign.  

He succeeded in making the GOP look bad and the more the GOP counterattacks, the deeper they sink into the quicksand.

REID: Voting against us was never part of our arrangement!
SPECTER: I am altering the deal! Pray I don't alter it any further!
REID: This deal keeps getting worse all the time!

[ Parent ]
I hope you're right. (0.00 / 0)
I've just seen this too many times.

There was an SNL skit on Joe Wilson, where the Republicans decided to yell "you lie" in unison before the speech, but changed their minds when Wilson was out of the room, leaving Wilson out on a limb.

The Republicans typically stand relatively unified in defending their most aggressive members, as they were in the beginning of the skit; the Democrats leave the most aggressive members to fend for themselves, as at the end.

Aggressiveness is emotionally satisfying, but not a winning strategy, unless the party starts backing their members up.  

[ Parent ]
I don't see it. (0.00 / 0)
To the average voter, repeating this isn't toxic to Republicans.

It sounds very over the top and personal.  It's connection to policy is probably lost on the average voter.

Google says pretty much everyone is on this story.  Conservatives are demanding an apology.  No one is staying away from it.

[ Parent ]
The GOP is as powerful as it is in large part because it gets in people's faces. (0.00 / 0)
As was pointed out up-thread, this is a classic instance of framing at work.  Obviously Grayson has the savvy to use it effectively, and the Rethugs are apoplectic that a Democrat is turning their own political game back on them (only with mostly the truth instead of lies - I wish Grayson would admit that the current bills don't go nearly far enough and go to bat for single-payer).  This is also why the far right hates Michael Moore and Al Franken so much; they know how to frame issues so that average citizens accept the message.  The far right is mortified by anything the left says that resonates with the electorate.


[ Parent ]
the Beltway insider media (4.00 / 4)
is puking up their canapés. Oh my goodness, a Democrat who does not fold like wet toilet paper. Natürlich they will try to destroy him utterly. Grayson does not look concerned much.

If McCain was president the DOJ would be rooting around in Grayson's freezer right about now.  

James Carville… (4.00 / 2)
...didn't know what to say. "Great TV"?!? Is that all? It occurred to me that we may have just witnessed the beginning of the tipping point in the healthcare debate, like John McCain's "7 houses"--which turned out to be either 8, 9 or 10.  

"This ain't for the underground. This here is for the sun." -Saul Williams
Don't underestimate "Great TV" (0.00 / 0)
TV and the innertoobs can spread this like a virus. No defense of Carville, but making valid, critical points in a way that is also "good TV", is potentially very powerful - even a tipping point as you suggest.


"It sounds wrong...
     ...but its right."
[ Parent ]
No underestimation whatsoever… (0.00 / 0)
...just think it's an odd compliment given Grayson's substantive jousts. Carville seemed more interested in the style than the substance, which seemed to mean absolutely nothing to the Congressman. Everyone's looking at him kinda like a star is born while he's busy conveying the facts on the ground. "Truth is an absolute defense," indeed.

"This ain't for the underground. This here is for the sun." -Saul Williams
[ Parent ]
Carville is a media pundit (0.00 / 0)
and has always had a flair for the dramatic, i.e. 'good TV'. His compliment fits his world view.  I don't see it as "odd", rather another sad commentary on the piss-poor state of what passes as journalism and news in this country.


"It sounds wrong...
     ...but its right."
[ Parent ]
What a bunch of tools (0.00 / 0)
They literally can't think or talk about anything but talking points and sound bites.
Grayson kicks ass on CNN's Situation Room | 44 comments
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