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Countdown Thursday: To Catch a Senator

Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:07 PM by Countdown
Filed Under:

The Bathroom Tape: As resonant and visceral as the arrest of Republican Senator Larry Craig after alleged lewd advances towards another man in a Minneapolis airport public bathroom might be...As much of a firestorm, and a collective Republican butt-covering, that might have been provoked... There seemed to be no way for the panoramically bizarre saga to have gotten worse. Unless, perhaps, there was audio tape of Senator Craig's post-arrest interview with the police -- and unless, perhaps, that tape were to become public. Our fifth story on the Countdown: ta da! There is a tape. It has been released. We will play it for you -- with captions. First, the other Larry Craig In The Toilet Headlines.

Pre-Emptive Strike:  The battle of the war reports. The GAO has a stinging draft assessment of Iraq...  It is leaked -- presumably so we can compare it to the watered down version after the military and the White House get to influence it. That and disarray at the Pentagon... there will be no one recommendation of the way forward to the president... because no one can decide on the way forward. General Wesley Clark joins us.

ODDBALL: Nake beer stealers, tooth train puller and Karl Rove gets punk'd
 
Decision 2008: Politics and comedy have this much in common. Your timing had better be good lest you put the audience to sleep.  With that in mind, Fred Thompson supporters can wake up now. Your candidate is almost ready to deliver his punchline. Our third story tonight, the latest in the countdown to 2008..

Diana, 10 Years Later:  Ten years after her death, even remembering Princess Diana's life is causing controversy. Her husband's new wife, who Diana detested, was originally scheduled to sit by Prince Charles' side throughout tomorrow's official memorial service. But on Sunday, someone changed her mind for her. So now, in our number two story on the Countdown, the Duchess of Cornwall is reportedly royally miffed - and planning a Caribbean vacation without her husband. While he, and his two sons... remember Princess Diana..

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD:  MLB, Faux News and a congressman who thinks we should stay in Iraq to keep the oil prices down.

Baby Got Back:  Normally when a headline screams that a celebrity "bares all" - we expect a heart-warming, tear-jerking confessional. Of course, in our number one story on the Countdown, when that celebrity is Britney Spears - we know to expect something more along the lines of nudity, partial nudity, or mental nudity.

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Comments

please remember kieth, in idaho the governer is a repoblican and he will send another repoblican in craig's place.
BUT in senator wimmer's case, the governer is a democrat, and he will send a democrat to washington, OK?

michael stein (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:26 PM)

Good good Thursday evening, everybody!

OK, that tape with Senator Craig and the cops was just pathetic. Having said that, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I'm starting to feel a little (note I said A LITTLE) sorry for the Senator from Idaho, especially after hearing what Tom "the Exterminator" DeLay had to say. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!! I'm starting to believe that a lot of the ICK! factor with Republican higher-ups is the fact that it was a potential homosexual "tryst." You've been unfaithful to the "little Mrs."? Just confess, find God, and all is well. Shifting some voting districts to gain political advantage and giving friends high value contracts? Well, that's just good 'ol fashion American capitalism! You think you might be gay?! GAY???!!! AAAUUUGGGHHH!

More to come later!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:37 PM)

Keith, Could you inform Michael Stein ...and the rest of NYC that the governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer, is a Democrat, but more importantly, a progressive, independent, and real American...who believes in self-relient energy for America.

Thanks for keeping it real Mr. O.

John Jacobs, Denver,co (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:51 PM)

OK...we're back! Sorry, I can't blame anyone for "disinviting" Camilla to Diana's memorial. Talk about the proverbial "elephant in the room"!

Would someone remind me PLEASE what "C average" GW would know about non-drug connected "high standards"?? If HIS standards were a little higher and had nothing to do with how blindly people would follow him or how many people would say "Yes" to him on EVERYTHING, I think we'd all be in a better place today. 3000+ families would still have their loved ones in their lives, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast would be rejuvenated, our DOJ would be apolitical guardians of THE LAW, etc. What a world, what a world!

On this note, happy one-year anniversary to "Special Comments"!! Everyone have a good evening. FRIDAY IS NEARLY HERE!!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:58 PM)

A 48-year old news journalist reporting on the nonsensical fashion foibles of a 25-year old pop star...

The steady diet of celebrity gossip offered by "Countdown" must be considered among the most spectacular failures in knowing your audience.

Do the sponsors who pay for commercial airtime during the last 15 minutes realize the mass exodus of viewers who change the channel towards the end?

James, NYC, NY (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:20 PM)

Sorry, nit-picky English professor here. Don't y'all mean "naked" in the ODDBALL header? I had to help grade English placement exams tonight, so I'm in proofreading mode more than usual. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU ALL DO!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:21 PM)

#1. I'd rather see Francis the Talking Mule "Bare". Hey wait, I have! #2. Di called her 'the Rottweiler' if I remember right. That doesn't seem condusive for good will. #3. Politics is always Comedy, unless there is a cooked-up war going on. Then the laugh is on We the People. #4. The way forward? That's a laugh.  This is the 'Mark Time-Mark!" President. Why not? He's got us where he wants us. #5. Well it won't be long before there is a CD and a Tour.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:33 PM)

WPitW:  I'm trying to figure out why Countdown would complain about a league official in the Red Sox dugout interfering with the manager during a game with the Yankees.  The whole thing sounds like a Yankee conspiracy to me -- but how did they get the commissioner's office to cooperate and why on earth would Countdown call attention to it?  
Britney:  Was that really "undercooked hams" that I heard?  I may be in (physical and psychological) therapy after this for laughing so hard. But exactly how does that fit in exactly with last night's claim to be a "family" format show?   And in that spirit, shouldn't the hams have  been pixellated?  (Like I care.)
Bathroom tape:  Who on earth reaches down in a public bathroom to pick up a piece of toilet tissue -- or any other "paper" -- on the floor?   Does the good senator expect us to think he's that fastidious?  Not a credible explanation, if only for that one simple detail.
Pre-emptive strike:  Don't tell me that those truthtellers at the White House would interfere with the GAO's war assessment?  For about the millionth time, I'm shocked, so shocked.  Paging Marcus Aurelius, again, and again, and again.

Bonnie (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:36 PM)

Hey, Senator-  "drop that club, and fight fair"

Buzz- aka- "hide 'n in the boy's room" Buzzy! (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:44 PM)

If you keep talking about her, the 'pantless' wonder will keep pushing the vulgar and stupid envelopes.  Her next gig will involve Hollywood Blvd, and "hey baby, you want to have a good time?"

Please Keith, please stop stooping to such a low level, you are so bright and so tall, it has to be really uncomfortable.  

On the bright side, I got 5 minutes of time back by not watching the last segment.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:04 PM)

Thank you to the news hole moderator today, you were great and we all appreciated it.  Can you please come back tomorrow?  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:06 PM)

Hey Krista, Keith's going to be in Indy Wednesday and Thursday.  Countdown will be coming from WTHR-TV on Wednesday, and I heard that there's supposed to be some football game next Thursday night at the RCA Dome he'll be working at with couple guys named Jerome Bettis, Cris Collinsworth, Tiki Barber and a small felolow named Bob...Cutlass?

James Craven, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:23 PM)

Wait a minute!  Now, some are suggesting the 'cop' was ineffectual?  WHAT?! Sure, he was trying to be nice... but, where did it get him?  From what I gathered, there was a 'fellow' officer in the room during the interrogation - thus, whatever could have, would have been said, other ears/eyes were present.

It wasn't a great interrogation, but, it wasn't the best situation, either.  Imagine yourself interrogating a U.S. Senator.  Now, what do ya think?

This man is a real sleeze bag, gay straight, or in between - funny thing, I remember from months ago -

I said to myself, "Self, this Senator is Gay."  Then, I just went on about my business - strange how some thoughts come back to haunt.  <g>

I actually did have this aha! moment.  I thought little of it, except his personal issues on 'homosexuality,' 'family values' and more, continue to slap him and others right back in the tush, face, or wherever...

I doubt there really are very many in the whole of Congress who do NOT value their families.  I doubt there are many who put out some kind of disclaimer saying they are "gay" - lesbian" - "bisexual" - even maybe, "transgender" and, so what?

An old friend once said; "If all g/l people were purple, and anyone who ever had a g/l experience, were a lighter shade of purple..." - Morris Kight.. We'd have a whole array of purplish colors in our society.

So, if congress people really want to be 'open, honest, and 'transparent', then let the true colors show!  What a beautiful rainbow there would be!

Just one more thought... someone began referring to those States which are not either heavily Republican, or Democrat, as 'purple' States.  I do not recall who to give credit for this statement - it happened more than once... hmmmmmm?

Ro , CA (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:36 PM)

Wait a minute!  Now, some are suggesting the 'cop' was ineffectual?  WHAT?! Sure, he was trying to be nice... but, where did it get him?  From what I gathered, there was a 'fellow' officer in the room during the interrogation - thus, whatever could have, would have been said, other ears/eyes were present.

It wasn't a great interrogation, but, it wasn't the best situation, either.  Imagine yourself interrogating a U.S. Senator.  Now, what do ya think?

This man is a real sleeze bag, gay straight, or in between - funny thing, I remember from months ago -

I said to myself, "Self, this Senator is Gay."  Then, I just went on about my business - strange how some thoughts come back to haunt.  <g>

I actually did have this aha! moment.  I thought little of it, except his personal issues on 'homosexuality,' 'family values' and more, continue to slap him and others right back in the tush, face, or wherever...

I doubt there really are very many in the whole of Congress who do NOT value their families.  I doubt there are many who put out some kind of disclaimer saying they are "gay" - lesbian" - "bisexual" - even maybe, "transgender" and, so what?

An old friend once said; "If all g/l people were purple, and anyone who ever had a g/l experience, were a lighter shade of purple..." - Morris Kight.. We'd have a whole array of purplish colors in our society.

So, if congress people really want to be 'open, honest, and 'transparent', then let the true colors show!  What a beautiful rainbow there would be!

Just one more thought... someone began referring to those States which are not either heavily Republican, or Democrat, as 'purple' States.  I do not recall who to give credit for this statement - it happened more than once... hmmmmmm?  Do ya s'pose?  Naw! Just a coincidence.

Ro , CA (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:39 PM)

Monday, Gonzales is the top news story.  Tuesday, Sen. Craig pushes Gonzales way below the fold because of a leak by an anonymous source.  Yes, Craig is pathetic.  But can't we all focus on the high crimes?  Let's make sure the AG goes out with the brightest lights on him that we can muster.  

Peter McAteer (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:09 PM)

It just goes to show that when you keep all those pent up sexual feelings the only way to bring yourself into balance is a little anonymous, public, homosexual activity.  The republican party needs to quit being so ANAL.  OOps.  

Paul Kesner (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:41 PM)

While all this is going on why is the coverage of the "mexican trucking" situation being swept under the rug.  Please, I realize that in large metropolitan areas you may not understand, but out here in mid America, my wife is on the freeway with literally hundreds of trucks in the 25 mile drive to work.  It is already hard enough to stay safe and for our highway patrol to keep track of the trucks that are unsafe,  I can guarantee that Mexican trucks and drivers do NOT meet our standards.  I am married into the Latin community (22 years) and personally know of 18 year old truck drivers.  This is NOT a good idea.  Are we not concerned enough to pay a few extra cents per product to make sure our roads are safe.  Corporate giants are the only ones (American citizens) benefitting from our open borders.

Paul Kesner (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:51 PM)

Okay, Tom Delay is an ass-so who really cares what he says?  BTW, the criminals of the Bush adminsitration are still there-and they have done things a thousand times worse than Senator Craig.

Speaking of that schmuck:  I don't feel sorry for him in any way, shape or form, however, I do think that it should be up to the voters of Idaho, and not the self righteous GOP that says whether he stays or goes.  

I know that I'm just echoing the sentiments of many on here, but how is it possible that solicitation trumps war, illegal wiretapping, fraudulent government contracts, etc.?  My goodness, those neocons need a good dose of the real world.
 

Jamie, Chula Vista, Ca (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 12:18 AM)

Larry Craig can come out to play now, and still claim, "I'm a married man.":

(CNN) -- An Iowa district court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples can marry based on the state constitution's guarantee of equal treatment, court documents show.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/08/30/iowa.samesexmarriage/index.html

Krista (8:58 post) "I can't blame anyone for "disinviting" Camilla to Diana's memorial. Talk about the proverbial "elephant in the room"!"

Couldn't have said it better.

I'm watching the rerun of 'Countdown' now (sorry, KO, football, even crappy preseason football, trumps all other broadcasts for me. It's a necessary diversion from the crappiness of real-world goings-on).

JAM, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 12:20 AM)

#5 - A sane person would not allow Republican Government Corruption Specialist Tom Delay to get into a “pissing contest” with the Democrat Party with his insane analysis of how the Republican Party handles scandals. Hey Tommy, Senator Larry-Caught-in-the-Bathroom-Craig does not need you!!

Mr. Moral Authority stated he “doesn't have all the facts about Craig and wouldn't comment on whether he should resign.” Brain freeze!! Craig plead guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct, paid $575 in fines and fees and was put on unsupervised probation for a year. Just what “facts” are you missing Tommy?

His “Huckleberry” analysis of how the Republican Party as a rule handles such scandals is nothing short of comical!! "Republicans act swiftly, unlike Democrats when it comes to dealing with scandal”, Tommy stated. He kindly reminded us of such fine upstanding characters as Cunningham, Nay and Foley (not wise to give us a recap of these sleazes Tommy, elections on the horizon). He conveniently left out “Senator David-I-Frequent-Prostitutes-Vitter", who is still in office.

Huckleberry continued his spin with, "On the other hand, "Democrats re-elect theirs," like Barney Frank who was censured (whoops, a lie Tommy) by the House of Representatives because he and his boyfriend were running a prostitution ring (oops, another lie Tommy) out of his house." (efforts to expel or censure Frank failed Tommy). Delay also brought up William Jefferson; who hasn't plead guilty to, nor been convicted of anything. (Don’t get me wrong, I adamantly believe Jefferson should go!! Just who keeps $90,000 wrapped in foil in plastic containers in their freezer – PLEASE)!! Remaining true to form, Tommy cited Senator Ted Kennedy. Just when was Senator Kennedy indicted or convicted Tommy?

Finally, former Speaker of the “Party of Morals & Values” forgot to mention he was indicted by two Texas grand juries in 2005 but didn't leave office until April of 2006.  I would like an explanation on how that makes Tommy an authority on dealing “swiftly” with scandal!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 2:56 AM)

michael stein (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:26 PM)
Well Micheal look at it this way lets hope his flight by passes that layover in Minneapolis,MN,he will be able to pick up some cheap shoes on Craig's list.Personally the pink patent leather with the Trent Lott Logo if they can be found.No Jordan's for this team.No jump balls here.Not on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
Definitely score him some points with the Republican Caucus come in on the Senate floor looking all hip slick and cool whip if you know what I mean.Some how I can see Amy Stewart reading this as I post and it makes me laugh.Sorry Countdown sometimes my medication wears down.What the hell I worked with these turks for many years in CA.(a lot em are still there in Congress.)Give me Maxine Waters any day when she's pissed off or Barbara Lee.They know how to rack the rack the balls and run the table.I'm old and have a lot of health issues so you don't mind leaving a little Spiritual DNA to let em know you were in the game.
As K.O. would say "a swing and a miss,...!"
Ok I better swing during the windup I've lost a step or two....

Bobby C

B.A. Buddsky (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 4:11 AM)

Katie Couric, a single mother going to Iraq? OMG!!   How ignorant can Faux News be?  Do they not realize there are already single mothers AND single fathers FIGHTING over in Iraq already?  Idiots!!

LA, Seattle (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 7:35 AM)

Mr. Olberman:

It seems we have another conservative Republican politician caught with his pants down.

Steve

Steve, San Diego, California (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 8:49 AM)

I understand that Craig is news and that it will be brought up and tossed in their faces as one instance among many denouncing the false claim by Republicans that they have the moral high road, but can we move on. There are more important matters as the continued threat to our troops still in Iraq and Afhghanistan and the gethering clouds over Iran as the whitehouse continues trying to build a case for a possible military action. The Craigs and Spears of this world are disguisting topics when we still have young brave men and women being killed in Iraq and Afhganistan, and everyone continues to sit on their hands.  

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 8:52 AM)

nuanced,  

I give up.  I knew "Ambalance" and "Lye-berry", but what is "Shwemps"?  This post is driving spell check nuts. Thank you.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 9:22 AM)

After watching Tom Delay on Hard Ball, I realised that I completely misunderstood the Religious Right.  Apparently, not only do those "good Christians" NOT forgive those who sinned, but after you "throw them under the bus", you put the bus in reverse and run over them a second time.  Then you put the bus in drive and run over them a third time.  

I got a history lesson dating back to the sixties of every transgression ever committed by a Democrat.  I am so glad that I'm not as intolerant as Tom Delay or I wouldn't have any one to talk to.  Does any one here know anyone who hasn't made a mistake, I don't.  Hypocrisy, thy name is Republican Politician.  

There are 508 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 431 days until election day -- 11/4/2008
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 9:30 AM)

This post is slightly off-topic but will, I think, be appreciated by most of us here:

"Na Na Na Na...Na Na Na Na...TurdBlossom, GOOD BYE!!" Today is "you know who"'s last day! Turdie, we knew ye way way WAY TOO LONG!!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 10:54 AM)

"Would someone remind me PLEASE what "C average" GW "

Bush's Grades at Yale were higher than John Kerry's grades at the same University.
If not for a D grade in Astronomy GWB would have probably had a B average. GWB's grades improved at Harvard and he  is the first US President to hold an MBA degree.

As usual the major difference between Bush and his detractors is that he never put on airs or pretended that his grades were any better than they were.

Wayne, TN (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 10:58 AM)

I listened to the tape and Sen. Craig should retire for being an idiot for having pled guilty to anything. Any defense lawyer would have driven a truck through this case. This cop's explanation of what happened is so ludicrous that a good case for entrapment could be made. He's sitting to the right of Craig in the stall and he can swear that Craig's LEFT hand came under his stall? As stupid as Craig was, the cop's explanation of all that happened is just plain bizarre. If Craig were not a middle-aged, Republican senator none of this would have become public. I thought liberals and Democrats decided during the Clinton administration that private behavior, particularly alleged or actual sexual behavior,  had nothing do do with qualification for public office. According to that standard, even if Craig's intention was to solicit a sexual encounter, so what? Oh, I know, he's being ridiculed because of hypocrisy because some feel he's a self-loathing gay. That's terrible! Almost as bad as living in a 28,000 square foot mansion and telling us we should give up our SUVs or taking cash from convicted felon fugitives. Gee, which party's presidential candidates committed that sort of hypocrisy?

Steven Rennie, Fillmore, NY (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 11:17 AM)

With all the attention on Senator Craig's restroom bust there seems to be a glaring oversight in the accusations. Perhaps, as he has publically stated, he is, in fact, not gay at all. Senators are prime candidates for under the table deals. This could have been an under the restroom stall deal gone horribly wrong. His hand gesture being one of expecting a payment after the prearranged foot tapping signal. His admission of guilt to "make it all go away" was to cover up the real reason he was there.  An investigation of his activities and finances would probably uncover a more serious corruption issue than this slightly seedy restroom tryst. There's a deeper story here, Keith. I'm suprised that the general media is going after the muck and ignoring the obvious.

George Peters, Boulder, CO (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 12:19 PM)

Regarding the GAO's report on Iraq: Three for eighteen on the benchmarks! Another Bush success that's WAAAAY below the Mendoza line lol

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 12:24 PM)

Ok, this is really bad; the blog has not been updated in more than 14 hours. update please.

Thank you (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 12:27 PM)

I am sorry, but at least one Republican has said the following:

"Jesus, why is there always a tape."

C. Williams (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 1:01 PM)

Okay, let's count coup here.  (No, my Native American ancestry is not Plains, but the analogy holds.)  Tucker says after listening to the interview tape of Sen. Craig and the policeman he felt dirty; Matthews plays it, then tries to explain to an obviously clueless Tom DeLay what the Webster's definition of "hypocrisy" is; then KO plays it and--Okay guys.  It was not so bad when we were just getting synopses of the proceedings, but playing the tape was too much, if for no better reason than I got nauseous listening to Craig's self-serving palaver.  Then on top of that, the night before we got the Dragnet whatever the F*** that was--Okay, guys, the joke's over.  There is a fine line between parody and meanness, and we've all crossed it.  I'm one, MSNBC's a collection of 'em, we are all hypocrites.  Think I'll look for something else to watch till this dust settles.

KT, TN (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 2:36 PM)

Cops rarely lose their cool while interviewing suspects, but Sgt. Karsnia obviously knew he was dealing with a lyin' perv.  I'm sorry but I can't feel sorry for Sen. Craig.  He knows what he is, portrayed himself wholesome and good (you know family values stuff), is intolerant of others whose lifestyle is different then his own and when caught lies to save his a**.  He should just fess up and be done with it.

Thank goodness some GAO staffer is watching out for "we the people".  We need more leaks like this.

No more actors in the White House..period.

Even in death Diana's feud with Camilla continues..amazing.

And did any of us really believe Iraq wasn't about oil.

Ay ya yey..not again.  Britney dear I know it's sweltering in L.A. and with our busy lives we do forget "things", but I deal with enough a**es in my daily life and don't have to see yours on every channel.  Please someone get this woman some chones.

TGIF.. and can't wait for the 3 day weekend.
Take care everyone.





Laura in sweltering, muggy L.A. (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 2:45 PM)

Ugh, the Lost Weekend, now the Lost Weekday.

Um, COUNTDOWN/NEWSHOLE? I was a longtime mod on an aquarium enthusiast website and was invited (but declined) to moderate another. Perhaps you should give me a job to help you out?

JAM, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 3:34 PM)

Craig is merely the most recent GOP poster boy for “it’s the hypocrisy stupid!! It’s not about his sexual orientation; it’s about his publicly claimed “moral standards” and core tactics of the GOP. Craig is just one more example of a Republican who has been exposed as living in utter contradiction to the sexual morality he has relentlessly championed for political gain.

It only takes reviewing Craig’s voting record to figure out his double standards. Craig voted yes on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage; no on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes; no on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation; yes on prohibiting same-sex marriage; and no on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation

Just as Rush Limbaugh was exposed for his immoral recreational drug-aided sexual behavior and Newt Gingrich's multiple, overlapping broken marriages; the Delay wingers can whine about the “Democrat slime machine” all they want, but they need to look in the mirror. For it is they who have played the gay demonizing card over and over and once again, it is they who have been once again caught with a stacked deck and it is now one of their own who was caught with his pants down!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 3:39 PM)

Please Countdown staff; if you're not going to update the blog at all today, tomorrow or the entire weekend, annouce it on your website please.  It's very bad when people spend time researching and writing to support this blog and you do not have to courtesy of letting us know what's going on.  What, 20 hours and counting now?

Please (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 4:02 PM)

Keith, the whole senator Craig incident is an embarrassment. That tape says it all. I love your show by the way. Why, no pieces on the Jena 6 incident. I expect silence from Fox News (there still on Micheal Vick), but not you?? Why no mention?

Starr, Homer,LA (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 4:33 PM)

Why is Tom Delay not in prison for his own criminal acts?

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 4:34 PM)

#5 - A sane person would not allow Republican Government Corruption Specialist Tom Delay to get into a “pissing contest” with the Democrat Party with his insane analysis of how the Republican Party handles scandals. Hey Tommy, Senator Larry-Caught-in-the-Bathroom-Craig does not need you!!



Mr. Moral Authority stated he “doesn't have all the facts about Craig and wouldn't comment on whether he should resign.” Brain freeze!! Craig plead guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct, paid $575 in fines and fees and was put on unsupervised probation for a year. Just what “facts” are you missing Tommy?



His “Huckleberry” analysis of how the Republican Party as a rule handles such scandals is nothing short of comical!! "Republicans act swiftly, unlike Democrats when it comes to dealing with scandal”, Tommy stated. He kindly reminded us of such fine upstanding characters as Cunningham, Nay and Foley (not wise to give us a recap of these sleazes Tommy, elections on the horizon). He conveniently left out “Senator David-I-Frequent-Prostitutes-Vitter", who is still in office.



Huckleberry continued his spin with, "On the other hand, "Democrats re-elect theirs," like Barney Frank who was censured (whoops, a lie Tommy) by the House of Representatives because he and his boyfriend were running a prostitution ring (oops, another lie Tommy) out of his house." (efforts to expel or censure Frank failed Tommy). Delay also brought up William Jefferson; who hasn't plead guilty to, nor been convicted of anything. (Don’t get me wrong, I adamantly believe Jefferson should go!! Just who keeps $90,000 wrapped in foil in plastic containers in their freezer – PLEASE)!! Remaining true to form, Tommy cited Senator Ted Kennedy. Just when was Senator Kennedy indicted or convicted Tommy?



Finally, former Speaker of the “Party of Morals & Values” forgot to mention he was indicted by two Texas grand juries in 2005 but didn't leave office until April of 2006.  I would like an explanation on how that makes Tommy an authority on dealing “swiftly” with scandal!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 4:52 PM)

Craig is merely the most recent GOP poster boy for “it’s the hypocrisy stupid!! It’s not about his sexual orientation; it’s about his publicly claimed “moral standards” and core tactics of the GOP. Craig is just one more example of a Republican who has been exposed as living in utter contradiction to the sexual morality he has relentlessly championed for political gain.

It only takes reviewing Craig’s voting record to figure out his double standards. Craig voted yes on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage; no on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes; no on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation; yes on prohibiting same-sex marriage; and no on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation

Just as Rush Limbaugh was exposed for his immoral recreational drug-aided sexual behavior and Newt Gingrich's multiple, overlapping broken marriages; the Delay wingers can whine about the “Democrat slime machine” all they want, but they need to look in the mirror. For it is they who have played the gay demonizing card over and over and once again, it is they who have been once again caught with a stacked deck and it is now one of their own who was caught with his pants down!!


Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 4:53 PM)

Sue- I'm with you. Why does NBC allow Delay to go on the TV and spout out about democratic scandles while not mentioning the pending charges against him.  He has managed to get a few of them tossed but he is still under indictment.  When he was majority leader in the house the republicans changed the law so he could keep his position.  He is way worse than any senator playing footsie in a bathroom.  

jen,il (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 5:04 PM)

I don't get it, y'all say Senator Larry Craig is slime, but Barney Frank and his gay brothel are just fine.  Can someone shed some light on this hypocrisy for me?

scott henderson nv (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 5:37 PM)

A "Patriot" indeed, Edwin Walker of Tennessee in reference to "Roadblock Republicans":

"I volunteered for the Army in 1968. Now, when I'm in Washington, I go to the Wall, and look for the names of my friends, and try not to weep. Someday they will build an Iraq Wall. Some of those names will be there because Senator _______ put Party above country and wouldn't make George Bush change course. Well, I'm not willing to be a voter who sat by while the number of names on that Wall grew and grew. Ask yourself -- are you?"

God Bless you Mr. Walker!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 5:59 PM)

scott henderson nv (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 5:37 PM)

Craig - It's GOP hypocrisy stupid (gees, what part of hypocrisy don't you understand?)

Scott-Nevada – It’s your fanaticism stupid.

Karma Checking In (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 6:22 PM)

scott henderson nv, if you can find one reputable source that proves Barney Frank had a brothel, you could get some credibility here.  Fox Noise doesn't count.  I await your proof about Barney Frank.  

and no wayne, I still don't care what you believe.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 6:27 PM)

Hello Pam B

You had some great posts.

You missed just one tiny thing about Delay and others like him. They don't let facts get in their way, when innuendo and half truths work so much better.

Enjoy your week end.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 6:38 PM)

Carol -

Thanks and I know I can always count on you, Jamie,  Junebug, Sue, B A, Bill-NY, C A, Krista and many others here to fill in the necessary blanks I leave out!! KUDOS FRIEND!!

Enjoy your weekend too!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 6:46 PM)

"scott henderson nv (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 5:37 PM)

Craig - It's GOP hypocrisy stupid (gees, what part of hypocrisy don't you understand?)

Scott-Nevada – It’s your fanaticism stupid.

Karma Checking In
"
Bull, the GOP has been on Craig to resign, and on flimsey grounds at that, because he might be Gay. So the GOP isn't being hypocritical, and even the major news sources have decided to finally admit that Craig's plea to Disorderly Conduct is not a plea of Guilty to any sort of homosexual solicitation.

Craigd mistake was in taking a plea bargin to the lesser charge and expecting it would go no further. That was a mistake regardless of whether he's gay or not. The Cop's case would be based soley on his interpretation of what are in fact innocuous actions, not on solid evidence or any statement made by Craig.

Perhaps some of the Liberalistas here are in the habit of picking up men in washrooms and use similar signals on a regular basis, this would give them insider knowledge on which to base their opinion.

The case doesn't smell right and the Cop's attitude during the interview also doesn't seem kosher. The bit about the ring sounded made up on the spur of the moment, as if the Cop were trying to establish his story as he went, rather than actually relying on memory.

What really seems hypocritical in this case is the way the Democrats especially the Gay Democrats and fellow travelers are so quick to jump to a conclusion not supported by fact , when they would go to extremes to defend Padilla or any other Terrorist suspect and insist on unshakable evidence.

Of course they also accept any claim of mistreatment made by Gitmo inmates without any evidence. Or in the case of Bloody Murder Mutha declare Marines are cold blooded murders long before an investigation even gets started, much less a trial.

Wayne, TN (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 6:53 PM)



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