So I've been up late watching the Senate debate between Mike Johanns and Scott Kleeb on the KOLN/KGIN website. And here's what I've learned.
That Scott Kleeb is one fiery speaker. He's all cadenced and breathy. But he's something akin to eating the new "Fiery Habanero Doritos". (Wow, that's some kind of zing!)
You get done eating the whole bag, and you realize, "Hey, except for some riboflavin, there wasn't a lick of nutrition there."
Mike Johanns, on the other hand, is a little like that plate of broccoli. You're not pumped about it, but you know it's good for you and it is going to be a zillion times more nutritious than that bag of fried corn.
And that was the debate. Kleeb up there talking about pioneers (again) and getting into a froth and using that voice where he's speaking loudly, but sort of whispers at you. You know, so it sounds like he's really sincere? Yeah, that one. And then Johanns actually answers the question.
Well, I'm guessing you really don't want to take the time to watch. So here's the rest:
Kleeb's prepared "zinger" was,
"You can't send the same people back to Washington and expect different results."And Johanns's reply was,
"I was in Washington less time than Barack Obama has been in the Senate."My favorite exchange was when Kleeb finished off one of the questions about critiques of ethanol with:
"We have got to start asking ourselves the bigger questions and challenge ourselves to meet those new horizons."And then Johanns steps up to the mike and says to the questioner:
"Let me answer your question directly. It was about ethanol..."And that's pretty much the way it went. Kleeb being breathy and passionate about his feelings. And Johanns getting down to brass tacks. But then, what did you expect?
My final favorite was the following: A Boys Stater asked how the candidates felt about the strong successful conservatism of Ronald Reagan. Johanns gave essentially his support of the Reagan years. And here's how Kleeb responded:
And that's how liberal Democrats, like Kleeb, think.
There, now you don't have to watch.
Posts
76 comments:
Kleebs radical Al Gorish environmental agenda will destroy the ag economy of this state. He is not telling farmers and ranchers the policies he and his friends in the NRDC want to pass in the Senate.
If liberals were rational instead of operating solely from an emotional basis, Kleeb would have been laughed off the stage in any venue, even Boys State. He had nothing of substance to say and you could see his mind working while he was speaking..."have I mentioned "change" yet?". That isn't saying that watching Johanns is more exciting than watching paint dry, but at least he had some substance in his responses...and some kind of track record to back it up.
Amen, amen and amen ....
My personal fave was when Mike noted that Scooter wanted to spend his time arguing with the past, while he (Johanns) was interested in actually solving today's problems. That's not verbatim, but I don't feel like sorting through the clip to get the exact words.
BTW - as far as Kleeb's "pioneer roots" may I just say,
"bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha ..."
I've been looking into Kleeb's pioneer homesteader claims (Custer Country has amazingly complete and accessible homestead records available on line)... turns out it is - uh - "questionable" at best. More about that later.
Sheep's clothing is the native costume of Nebraska Democrats. Scott's problem, though, is he's not a wolf in sheep's clothing, he's a standard poodle. Pretty and well-groomed, but anyone older than a three year old can tell he's neither a sheep nor a wolf.
The part of the debate that I witnessed, Scooter (thanks Unc W for the moniker) it sounded just like the 5 talking points that wife Jane uses over and over as a FOX News contributor.
Their lack of imagination and sincerity stick out like OSHA paint.
"You can't send the same people back to Washington and expect different results."
That was Pete Ricketts' argument when he ran against Ben Nelson. It didn't work for Ricketts, but it is logical, then and now.
Johanns is the obvious choice...well maybe the lesser of two evils...but I am afraid he is going to doze off the next 100-and-some-days and wind up looking for even another job.
It's time for the Republican Party to get back in touch with the working folks and tell us what they are going to do to stop illegal immigration...stimulate the economy and reduce government spending.
Steph better poke "ol' laid back" in the ribs and get him moving cause time's a wasting.
"Fiery Habanero Doritos" will make your bung burn the next day, whereas fibrous broccoli makes for a satisfying movement.
Style over substance has gotten more than a few people elected in this country (Reagan, JFK, Bush II). i think johanns will win the election, but it will be closer than most people think. Kleeb is a very good and eloquent speaker, and not many politicians in nebraska can match that.
Would the be a "fiery" BM? Just like the Barack Movement, full of sh%#. I liked the music, what was it?
Better a habanero fueled, afterburning, room-clearing expulsion of flatulence to shake up Washington than a Yawnhanns induced coma guaranteed to stifle fresh ideas within 200 miles.
Besides, what good is a republican senator going to do you when more than sixty of the others are all democrats?
Reason, study, policy and thus good government are BORING. If you want excitement in legislation, if you want inspiring words before steady policy, please shoot yourself now so as to not inflict you dangerous stupidity upon a representative process that requires voters have a brain.
Tired of being regular, Steve? Rather fart when you've paid to crap? You make it sound like Mr. Kleeb (thymes with bleb) is that bomb Democrats have been wanting to throw at Congress since the 60's.
Steve...
I thought the Dems have been running the show for the past two years. With the likes of Pelosi and Reid do we need more of the same? I thought you guys wanted change???? I will ride with Johanns if I have to pick between the two.
Anyone tried the fiery Cheetos? They burn at both ends.
Uncle...
In regard to Kleb's heritage...didn't you mean "Baaa Baaa." I think I read his grandfather was a sheep rancher in cattle country.
snot kreep,
I want inspired ideas, not more of the same stale policies that have lead our country into its current, NeoCon led, downward spiral into oblivion.
ptg,
Mr. Kleeb would be a good laxative for the impacted bowel that our government has become under GWB and his enablers. I hope he helps clear out all that backed up ****.
one out in the third,
Ride with Yawnhanns if you like, but keep your own eyes on the road and your own hands on the wheel as he's likely to step while driving down the road. The only change he's capable of is changing jobs. You've got to admit, at that he is an expert.
You gotta be kidding, Steve. For eight years all I've heard from the Democrats is how much sh*t is coming out of the Bush administration. Grab a metaphor and stick with it.
The way the Democrats have run things since they took the majority in Congress, you might think they have been drinking legislative Immodium. At least you don't seem to have any trouble with verbal constipation.
Another helping of broccoli for me, please.
Keep in mind that neither Steve Achelpohl nor Mark Quandahl actually blogs on this site.
Steve Achelpohl don't let those dum Repubs get us down. Since WE got control of Congress we have done a lot. ---- Like our energy policy, we've showed them.
Steve, will you please expound for me on energy and all the other thing we have made better -- you're much more articulate.
Thanks
Monica
If Heath "Marsh" Mello runs google ads on Leavenworth Street why would it be a surprise for Achelpohl to blog on it?
If Quandahl did post on this site he would make sure you knew it. Just ask Steve Lathrop.
Looks like you have a response to your video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pETGWuLJVb8
Democrats used to offer candidates who had some basis for being elected. JFK was a war hero. Carter was a governor. They served this country and earned the right to lead it. Or they had executive experience and thus knew how to lead it.
Johanns has more government executive experience than Obama or McCain. McCain is a war hero with military leadership experience. Whereas McCain and Johanns offer something real, today’s Democratic Party bosses give us Kleebs and Obamas who offer a snappy patter, a whitened smile and little else of substance.
Nebraska has many Democrats who are experienced leaders, who have done more for America, and are better fit to lead than either Obama or Kleeb.
It is as if Democrat bosses have suddenly decided that ambitious talky kids are a reasonable alternative to heroic and experienced leadership.
Instead of reaching deep down for the Democrats of substance who should be running for office, today's party bosses instead grab the air filled bags who surface and float high because they are insubstantial.
Voters deserve better.
Perhaps you should check your facts before posting. Kleeb had it right on Reagan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pETGWuLJVb8
SS...
Your video must have revealed some truth to have them launch a counter video back at you.
To paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen..."I knew Ronald Reagan...and Scott Kleb is no Ronald Reagan." Funny he tries to emulate him though...the working cowboy...give me a break. Has Kleb's persona been modeled to make us think he is chiseled from the same block? The plan doesn't work.
Street Sweeper: You need to do some historical research before making blowhard videos based on your own chauvinist assumptions. You got Reagan exactly wrong, and Kleeb got him right.
Next time, try checking the facts first.
New Nebraska Network shows you how it should be done: http://www.newnebraska.net/showDiary.do?diaryId=1136
The makers of that response video seem lacking for attention as someone keeps advertising the URL. That being the case, I did take a moment to watch it, and the makers have demonstrated the veracity of the original point being made by SS. Ronald Reagan was a conservative. He espoused a diplomacy from strength - not a diplomacy which falsely granted credence to the evil policies our enemies held. "Tear down this wall" was not an invitation to 'kumbaya' with the USSR! To attempt to convey that Reagan was extending an olive branch is demonstrating the very point made by SS: "this is how liberal Democrats think". Of course Democrats and Republicans should equally be able to recognize the greatness of that moment in history, but what, pray tell, within Kleeb's policy resembles Ronald Reagan at the Brandenberg gate?
Keep up the great work, SS. I love seeing you get the Kleebophiles so in a huff that they waste oodles time producing these so-called response videos instead of helping their candidate in meaningful ways.
You dipshit liberals forget the deploying of the Peshing II missles and Starwars was announced without consultation of the Russians. The Soviets buckled.
Despite what the neo-con revisionists would like to believe, Reagan was a President that believed in talking with enemies, that believed in working through diplomacy. Go and read or listen to the full speech again since it appears most on here haven't done that. He believed in peace. He fought for arms reductions. And what Kleeb said was right on target. Just remember these words:
We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace.
General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
I understand the fear of war and the pain of division that afflict this continent-- and I pledge to you my country's efforts to help overcome these burdens. To be sure, we in the West must resist Soviet expansion. So we must maintain defenses of unassailable strength. Yet we seek peace; so we must strive to reduce arms on both sides.
"The strength that it took to go to Berlin and stand in front of the Brandenberg Gate, and say "Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall" was a moment of courage. And it was a moment of pride for our country to be able to see our President standing there on the symbol of division, and say let's come together".
Your hatred for all thing Kleeb and to rewrite Reagan into some mega God is blinding you to a reality - that Reagan had a diplomatic policy that, today, many of you would insult if it came from someone with a "D" by their name. And know that this comment comes from a "Reagan Democrat". I voted for him and believed in him.
I knew Al Franken. Scott Kleeb is no Al Franken.
---
The outpouring of Democrat love for Ronald Reagan here on the Street is heartwarming.
Too funny, PTG! I love it.
Of course, Scooter sure looks like the type of person who would sit in front of a mirror for hours telling himself, ala Stuart Smalley from SNL, "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough, and, doggone it, people like me."
Actually, the one that constantly talks about "I, me, I'm special" and would even sound like Stuart Smalley is Mike Johanns.
Historical Scholars need not apply at NNN.
I did like the little video they put together trying to correlate images of their poster boy (Kleeb) with the pictures of our Great President, Mr. Reagan - who they hate with a passion.
The only thing I found in common was that both rode a horse and only one of them knew why he was up there - and it wasn't for a photo shot for an airbrushed ad on the internet.
You folks want to know what a real phony is? Read up on what a wonderful guy John McCain is. He abandoned his first wife after he discovered that she had been badly injured in a car accident then went on to marry his current trophy wife for her money. What an ace!
Read about it here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.html
The Daily Mail? Wow, there's a reliable source. But I guess since the Weekly World News stopped publishing, it's been tough to find really rigorous, well-researched journalism in the checkout line, and you have to go to the English tabloids.
BTW, anyone know what's been happening to Bat Boy recently?
Yes, the Bat Boy grew up and became Gerard Harbisson. To this date he is still incapable of swallowing anything that isn't spoon fed to him by the right wing media. He avoids the truth because it causes his skin to melt.
Just a follow-up to the slimy comment about McCain's first marriage: his first wife had the car accident in 1969, at a time when then Lt. Cmdr. McCain was, ahem, busy overseas. He divorced her in 1980. Hardly a case of abandonment. Of the divorce she said
"The breakup of our marriage was not caused by my accident or Vietnam or any of those things. I don't know that it might not have happened if John had never been gone. I attribute it more to John turning 40 and wanting to be 25 again than I do to anything else."
When a man's spent his time between age 31 and age 37 in the Hanoi Hilton, it's perhaps understandable that at 40 he might want to get back to being 25 again. I'd cut him more slack than I'd cut most people for what he did when he got back to the US in 1973.
I guess when you can't argue with facts, you just shoot the freaking messenger. Here's a few more links for those who need more proof of John McCain's moral compass, and there are plenty more where these came from:
http://www.usvetdsp.com/mcaindiv.htm
http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter5.html
http://www.newsweek.com/id/94827
http://archive.salon.com/mwt/feature/2000/03/06/carol/print.html
Gerard,
You would make excuses for someone that sold every American citizen into slavery just so long as it was done by a Republican. What a tool!
So what are the rules about personal sliming on this blog, Sweeper? I'll be happy to deal with this creature
'Ed', but I'm thinking that perhaps moderator action is called for.
Either way, it's all good though :-)
GH and others:
We try to keep everything pretty open here. If the socialists that like to troll here want to try to knock an American hero like McCain, we're not going to hit the delete key. It shows their ignorance, and sensible people know better.
And people like Gerard do a service for us all by pointing out the FACTS. It's tough to do better than to quote the guy's ex-wife, no?
(We would like to do more but have been extremely busy here on L St. over the past few days. In the mean time, thanks to all those who keep commenting.)
The indisputable facts are that both John McCain and Bill Clinton both suffer from zipperitis. But GH will give Johnny a nod and a wink because he heroically got his ass shot down over Nam.
If a guy can't keep his p****r in his pants, what makes you think he'll be any better at leading our nation than Bill Clinton was. Or is that your point?
Politically, McCain has frustrated the heck out of me for the last 10 years. But sheesh, it's not just that he was a POW for 5 1/2 years, that he was tortured so that he couldn't walk for 9 months after he was freed, but his father was CINCPAC, and he could have gotten out at any time simply by making a propaganda statement for the North Vietnamese...or even by simply ignoring the Code of Conduct and accepting repatriation before those captured ahead of him.
But I'd like to encourage 'ed' to continue dwelling on McCain's character. I think that's a real winner for the Dems. Hey, want to know something worse? I happen to know for a certain fact that McCain didn't even vote in the 1968 or 1972 Presidential elections. You should run with that one.
By the way, re slavery, you do know which party ended it, right, 'ed'? No, sadly, you probably don't.
GH,
Do those incoherent ramblings of yours have anything to do with anything? So the guy's dad was CINCPAC. So the guy got tortured. So what the heck does that have to do with his inability to keep his tallywhacker holstered?
And he didn't vote in the 1968 or the 1972 elections? Well DUH! Diebold didn't have voting machines in Hanoi at the time. Aren't you the brilliant one?
As for the end of slavery, there may have been several
generations of blacks that disagree with you there. Although Abraham Lincoln did make the Emancipation Proclamation, the republican party of today has very little in common with the one of his day. In fact, the republican party of today has very little resemblance to that of the one Reagan represented. It has become a twisted, grotesque monstrosity compared to its historical origins.
I'd suggest you go back and read a bit of history yourself GH, and don't confine your research to Fox Noise.
Ed --- how was the hate FOX NEWS fest in Minnesota?
Bet you enjoyed it and felt right at home!!!!
For ED ----------- Did I miss the Reagan quote or did you. The champion of the RIGHT said he didn't leave the Dems --- the Dems left him!!! (I am not sure but he could have been talking about you)
Must have been people like you and George Soros with deep seeded hatred for heroes and partiots who desire less government. Liberty comes in many forms.
Also ---- it was the Peace Dems, better know as the Copperheads, that called Lincoln a "dunce" for his Proclamation.
Looks like there is nothing new under the sun.
When leaders want to give Freedoms and Liberty to a group of people, you will do whatever you can to hinder such action.
Cigar man,
Reagan was a traitor. If you want to claim him as your "hero" go right ahead. Iran invaded our sovereign soil by taking over our embassy in Tehran. Reagan sold them weapons with the aid of Oliver North. Selling arms to our enemies was still a treasonable offense at the time I do believe.
You guys have to reach back more than a hundred years to find crap on the democrats. Your really grasping desperately for straws.
Oops. Sorry Cigar fan, I have no idea what you are babbling about. Ronny fan, your "hero" was a traitor.
As Barack would say when confronted by the fact that the Democrat party was historically pro-slavery, pro-segregation, pro-Jim Crow and still has party leaders that used to belong to the Klan:
"Thats just not the Democrat Party I know."
---
I did my undergraduate work in history/philosophy and my graduate work in political science, both at ISU. I studied business administration and economics at UNO, and took a law degree from UNL. I've kept up my studies in the decades since I left academia.
Some of you cats sound like ideological parrots at best and uneducated twits at worst. It makes me cringe when you start in with your 'history' pronouncements.
Prof. Harbison at least has some scholarly credentials. What about the rest of you?
Oh. My. God. Professor Harbison is it?
I suppose we should haul out all the arguments used here against Scott Kleeb for being an educated person. Excuse the rest of us for having lives. Perhaps we should just hand the reins of government over to these eggheads like Ptg and Gerard and just let them run the show. They are so much smarter than everyone else. Just ask them. They'll be ever so happy to tell you about their advanced degrees, their boundless knowledge, and their overinflated egos.
Reagan was at best a mediocre president. For some god-awful reason the republican retards of today cling to some grand vision of the man. The pope deserves more credit for the fall of communism than Reagan, or how about we blame the commies themselves for the shoddy handling of their economy!!! speaking of economy, lowering taxes but not lowering spending is NOT fiscal conservativism. Reagan and the republican leadership since him have done nothing responsible for the domestic economy. Here is a thought that no republican can seem to grasp: All the money that was borrowed will have to be REPAID!!! read that twice to get a firm grip on it, and its true, im sure even the good professor will agree with it. Thank your children for making your life easier now, while giving all future generations the shaft
The repubs have it great, campaign on low taxes and keep spending like there is no tomorrow. Its easy to get elected when you tell people they can have the cake and eat it too!!! The proud GOP is a sham, total irresponsibility for the future generations of americans. So much for leaving the world a better place than you found it. Once again, thank your children, your childrens children, and on down the line...
Ed --- you need to get back on your medication before you blow a gasket.
ALL the pro-extreme leftists in Congress could not and did not find in all their hearings that Reagan was a TRAITOR. Only YOU could do that.
This must really devistate your inner self when you read the documents from Grenada showing the intent of the Soviets to spread their venom and Reagan foiled it almost single handedly.
Reagan tore down many walls to make this world a better place.
PTG --- YOU SAY
As Barack would say when confronted by the fact that the Democrat party was historically pro-slavery, pro-segregation, pro-Jim Crow and still has party leaders that used to belong to the Klan:
"Thats just not the Democrat Party I know."
I SAY ----------
1. The Democrat party today has "SUPER DELEGATES" (Elitism)
2. Obama promised the Union Leaders, if he is elected, in exchange for massive contributions the OLMS would have less oversight so they (Big Unions) could stiff the little guy. The Bush admisistration has gotten back over $100 million from the union oversight that Obama will turn his back on.
3. Scooter said he would vote to take the "secret ballot" aways from the hard workers of America concerning forming a union.
It doesn't look like the Dems have changed much since our uncivil war.
Ed seems to be the only one here who cares about John McCain's sex life. Those darn fundie Dems, always sticking their noses into other people's private lives!
Personally, I didn't care that Clinton screwed around; I cared he lied about it under oath.
Gerard,
You cared more about Bill Clinton lying about his sex life than you do about Bush Lite lying us into a disastrous war that has slaughtered hundreds of thousands of innocents, depleted our national treasury, made enemies of our friends, and weakened our military. Go tell a veteran that has had his legs blown off how important that difference is.
same tired old saying, but very true. Bush lied, people died. clinton lied about a BJ
The doctrine parrots are back.
I've seen no credible evidence that Bush lied. Bush was told Iraq had WMDs. Bush passed that on to the American people. So, for that matter did Ted Kennedy and dozens of other Democrat politicians. So did most foreign intelligence services. Is there the slightest evidence Bush knew he was wrong about that? Nope.
So stop lying, ed. If the only way you can stop is by throwing away your keyboard, I'm sure we can cope with your absence, somehow.
Wooh! Getting a little personal aren't we?
I think that both the Johanns and the Kleeb comments were a little out of line; much like bringing up rumors of sexuality or a child on the side. Let's leave one's family out of this, Deal?
Seems like Bush wasn't the only one who didn't have an effective exit strategy, huh Scooter??
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha ....
(the devil made me say it ... honest ....)
On a fresh topic.
Senate Republicans on a 50-44 vote blocked consideration of legislation that would extend tax breaks for wind, solar and other alternative energy sources.
And you wonder why we are the minority party.
Which one of you "Anonymous" cats has been posting over at AOL Newsbloggers as D. Koller? A sample:
"A serious man, Chuck Hagel, is retiring in Nebraska, and his successor will either by an absolute joke (Mike Johanns - Republican) or the type of politician you can dream of, Scott Kleeb - Democrat. Mike Johanns is the Bush crony who served as Secretary of Agriculture. He still loves the Iraq War, but apparently didn't care too much about toxic spinach or mad cows. Scott Kleeb has a Master's degree in International Relations and a PhD in History from Yale. If Mike Johanns wins, I will have a hard time restoring my faith in the people of Nebraska."
ptg ----- I like Scott Kleeb's personality and his speaking skills are exceptional. However, when he said he will vote to take away the secret ballot of the working class I just cannot trust him.
It is like a litmus test for me --- if he will not stand for liberty and freedoms, the foundation of our country, how can I ever trust him on other issues that he his hidden in his rhetoric.
PTG -- how can WE, the party of the working class, crap on the little guy???????
It is like our party has become the party of the rich (Gates and Buffett), the party of the Union Bosses (include the NEA)and the party of the trial attorneys.
This is not the party that I signed up for, this is not my party anymore.
PTG -- how can you support the Democrat party??????
I don't know how you got the idea that I support the Democrat party, ben. Unless you are pulling my leg, click the "ptg" above this post, visit one of the blogs where I post. In my opinion, the Democrat Party is a Communist front organization, and Barack is a Bolshevik. Just my opinion.
ptg, ben is a phoney.
I guess. Probably one of the Mickeys. Thanks Karen.
When did so many uber-libs start breaking away from NNN and start coming over here?
What, Kyle not being nice to you guys?
Karen --- what do you mean I am a phoney.
Is it difficult for you to believe a Dem can think for himself or WHAT???
No posts yet this week? C'mon street sweeper - quit slacking!
ben - the real deal, NOT!!!
You are a phoney if you insist on maintaining this charade of posting as a Democrat.
I know Barack Obama and you are no Barack Obama.
You might want to understand "secret ballots", their history and why eliminating them would help employees before making a judgement on the matter:
Unions, the Secret Ballot, and American Values
"...the history invoked is mistaken. There were no secret ballots for the first sixty to one hundred years of American history (depending on the state), and many of our forebearers (including key founding fathers) strongly believed that votes should be cast publicly, with voters proudly declaring their preference for one candidate over others....
"In the six weeks that typically elapse between the signing of pledge cards and the casting of ballots, workers are commonly subjected to employer-sponsored campaigns more intrusive and threatening than anything that happens in the arena of electoral politics. Employers often require workers, individually and in groups, to attend workplace meetings where anti-union arguments and claims are put forward (without any union representatives present to counter those claims); attendees at these meetings are frequently told that their plants will close if the union wins the election. (Unions also campaign during this period, but they do not control the paychecks of their prospective members.) Meanwhile, company officials actively try to gauge the views of individual workers, and, according to one study, roughly twenty percent of all pro-union activists end up getting fired. Such firings are illegal and can be reversed, but the process of reversal is arduous and can take years..."
Add'l reading:
The Joke that is "Secret Ballot" Union Elections
Again, we thank everyone for commenting.
Been extremely busy in the real world and we'll try to have something new up soon.
-SS
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