TPMDC
Meet Joe Miller: The Alaska Tea Partier Who Has Dems Licking Their Lips
Republican candidate for US Senate in Alaska Joe Miller
Share
Send to a friend!
If Joe Miller ultimately prevails in Alaska's Republican primary and unseats Sen. Lisa Murkowski, you can expect the Democratic Party to go after him with gusto and paint him as an extremist. Miller (R-AK) seems to be a more polished candidate than his fellow GOP candidates Sharron Angle and Rand Paul in Nevada and Kentucky, respectively, but his positions on several issues are on par with theirs.
Among Miller's views: He wants to eliminate the Department of Education, believes the government shouldn't pay for unemployment insurance and says of climate change on his campaign site that it "may not even exist." Among the more mainstream GOP positions he's taken: Miller would cut welfare; eliminate health care for the poor by scrapping Medicaid; and the Anchorage Daily News reported that he has has called for sweeping cuts to Medicare and Social Security with a goal of phasing them out entirely in favor of total privatization.
Miller's strong performance in Tuesday's primary -- which will likely remain undecided through Sept. 8 until thousands of outstanding absentee ballots can be counted -- is seemingly thanks in large part to an abortion measure with which he shared the ballot. It forces minors to inform a parent before getting an abortion, and passed 55%-44%. Miller also opposed President Obama's decision to alter the Mexico City Policy (also known as the Global Gag Rule) to allow federal funding to go international NGOs that offer or make referrals for abortion to women abroad.
Democrats would say that Murkowski is a far cry from staunchly pro-choice (she has a 14% rating from NARAL), but that's how she was portrayed during the campaign. Miller is backed by the Family Research Council and opposes abortion even in the cases of rape and incest, a view far to the right of the mainstream of the GOP. (Operatives have cited her lack of negative campaigning to respond to Miller's charges as a reason for her surprising poor showing.)
Miller, 43, a lawyer from Fairbanks, was boosted by an endorsement from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and became a darling of the Tea Party Express. Alaska Republicans we interviewed doubted Palin's influence on the race, citing instead the more than $500,000 in television ads the tea party group put on air for Miller, and his support from the über-conservative Club for Growth. He's never held public office.
Democrats have tried to suggest Miller is in with the birther crowd because he offered a "no comment" when asked about that issue and Obama's faith, but his campaign has stated flatly, "He doesn't doubt the president's characterization of his faith," and insist he is not a birther.
Here's Miller's exact quote on Obama's citizenship, from an interview with KTVA-Channel 11: "President Obama's been elected. I'm not running on any type of birther platform. I will tell you that I am an Alaskan by choice though, and I'm going to put my documents up on the website."
Miller told ABC's TopLine in July that he wants to look at the constitutionality of the government paying for unemployment benefits. He's also said he would repeal health care reform entirely, a view differing from most GOP leaders who want to just repeal the unpopular parts and keep the rest.
"I don't think Alaskans are that crazy, and Miller is very fringe," an Alaska Democrat backing Democratic nominee Sitka Mayor Scott McAdams told TPM in an interview. The source added that McAdams is "not a flaming liberal" and can appeal to sensible members of both parties, adding a predication that because Murkowski supporters are mainstream, they will flock to McAdams in November.
Another source who has worked in Alaska Democratic politics said Miller is "radically outside of the mainstream" and "makes Sharron Angle and Rand Paul look normal."
National Democrats initially suggested privately they weren't so willing to invest resources or cash in this race, but TPM sources say that once a final result is known, that may change. The DNC's Organizing for America has a stronghold of volunteers who they could reactivate should the race become competitive.
Alaska Democrats we spoke with think McAdams has a chance to win if he's running against Miller. McAdams, who we profiled here yesterday, thinks so too. He told reporters on a press call yesterday he believes he can win over moderate Republicans offended by Miller's stances.
McAdams already is labeling Miller as far-right, suggesting his would not be a "campaign of extreme measures" but rather, a "campaign that looks toward the future." McAdams said Miller "doesn't reflect Alaska values" and wants to "say no to social progress."
The operative who worked in Alaska Democratic politics said the national party would be smart to jump in and help McAdams because it's much cheaper to run television advertising than other competitive states.
All of Tuesday's votes have been counted and Miller leads Murkowski by 1,668 votes. As we've noted several times, it's possible Murkowski could still win. In 2008, Sen. Ted Stevens led Mark Begich by several thousand votes, but lost once the absentees were counted a few weeks later.
Comments (150) | Join the Conversation!
Follow us!
Most Popular
TPM Stories Now Surging on Digg.com
TPM Top News
© 2010 TPM Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
EnnuiDivine
August 26, 2010 9:49 AM
Yep. Miller's as much of a teabagging right-wing extremist as Rand Paul or Ken Buck or Sharron Angle.
The difference between Miller and those three are that Kentucky, Colorado, and Nevada have been known to be elect Democrats from time to time. And not just when the incumbent Republican is indicted for massive corruption.
I'd love to see Miller fall flat and Alaska have two Democratic Senators for the first time since 1968...but it's just not all that likely.
Unless:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-08-25/alaska-senate-race-will-murkowski-run-as-third-party-candidate/
Murkowski isn't particularly well liked in Alaska. Unlike in Connecticut, where Lieberman actually had the support of a fair number of Republicans and some brainless Democrats...Murkowski is disliked by half the Republicans and nearly all the Democrats. If McAdams can boost his public image and cast himself as a sane Washington outsider, he might be able to split the vote and eke out an incredibly narrow victory.
Granted, the odds of that happening are only slightly higher than the odds of Meek winning in Florida or Tancredo winning in Colorado...but it's something, dammit.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
juke R
August 26, 2010 12:39 PM in reply to EnnuiDivine
Plenty of Democrats have won state wide elections in Alaska. You have to go back to 1968 to find 2 Democratic senators because Ted Stevens was so thoroughly entrenched. However, they had a two term Democratic governor before Murkowski (the father). Don Young, Alaska's representative to the House of Representatives is another entrenched politician, but I get the feeling that Alaskans vote for him for the entertainment factor.
It is more than possible that Alaskans will vot efor the Semocrat in this race.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Dave
August 26, 2010 6:14 PM in reply to juke R
I'll wait and see but, for right now, I wouldn't waste my $$ up there. This is the State where Ted Stevens narrowly lost AFTER being CONVICTED of a felony. Thats a pretty low bar for the Republicans.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jjdjjd
August 26, 2010 8:46 PM in reply to juke R
its possible pigs may fly, but not likely. what does 'more then possible' mean? it means likely. and with obama as head of our government its not likely, or even possible, that alaska will go democrat. 2 years of obama will prevent many democrats from getting elected, and several dozen from being re-elected. and i rejoice. the people of alaska love palin, and they remember all the shit you guys said about her and them. they will vote for miller even if they hate him, just to piss you off.good for them.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
alkfuiwueiu
August 26, 2010 8:49 PM in reply to juke R
Everything is true!
Go in look look: http://www.bizboysell.com
Believe that you may need.
%$&%$*%*^%**^%^%%^**&((&))&))))&*))&)*)&*)&)*&)))&*))&)&*
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
alkfuiwueiu
August 26, 2010 8:56 PM in reply to juke R
Everything is true!
Go in look look: http://www.bizboysell.com
Believe that you may need.]
^#$^$#^#$^#^#^#&&$$&$*^^*%*^%^())&*&)*)&*)&*&)_*(_(*
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 7:38 PM in reply to EnnuiDivine
i hope republicans are happy with what they've created...
sour grapes anyone?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
susanthe
August 26, 2010 9:59 AM
Ah, but will Miller continue to gouge the lower 48 for pork monies? Alaska is the #1 beneficiary of red state welfare - paid for by blue states like mine.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Steaming Pile
August 26, 2010 10:50 AM in reply to susanthe
That's a really, really good question. If he wants to to the Grover Norquist thing to our federal government, where is Alaska's pork coming from? I'd love to hear the answer to that.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
zonk
August 26, 2010 11:36 AM in reply to susanthe
As I recall, Miller has already stated he'll go cold turkey on pork.
Even if there are enough crazy Alaskans to elect Miller, I cannot believe there are enough of them stupid enough to do so.
Contrary to what you hear about CA, IL, et al -- it's Alaska that has the single worst state GDP/debt ratio in the nation that state simply cannot survive without the federal teat (phony chest thumping rugged individualism to the contrary)... I suspect there are enough Alaskans smart enough to realize that - I mean, there to be SOME reason Don Young keeps getting elected.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
*
August 26, 2010 11:51 AM in reply to zonk
Put another way... when Alaska was acquired as a territory, the Baked Alaskan, a Norwegian omelet, was introduced to honor the new state. Since then a Bombe Alaskan was introduced...made with dark rum set aflame. If Miller succeeds in winning the Senate seat, I suspect someone will introduce the Faux Alaskan...I'll be curious to see what ingredients it's made of.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cal Gal
August 26, 2010 2:08 PM in reply to *
Tea infused pork?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
FreemanW
August 26, 2010 2:19 PM in reply to Cal Gal
. . . artificial Bullshit made from snake oil with a dash of pie-in-the-sky.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Walter Mitty
August 26, 2010 10:02 AM
Miller will beat McAdams by double digits.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
dick_data
August 26, 2010 10:39 AM in reply to Walter Mitty
That would be up to 99 votes???
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Walter Mitty
August 26, 2010 10:42 AM in reply to dick_data
At least 10 percentage points. 55-45 or wider...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 10:04 AM
Spoiled little child!! This man effectively pays no taxes! He has lived off WELFARE from the mainland his whole life!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Walter Mitty
August 26, 2010 10:43 AM in reply to Luke
I don't think he is a native Alaskan.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
bibimimi
August 26, 2010 3:08 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
A salmonbagger.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 1:31 PM in reply to Luke
Joe Miller has only lived in Alaska for 16 years.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Barry Ragin
August 26, 2010 10:04 AM
He told reporters on a press call yesterday he believes he can win over moderate Republicans offended by Miller's stances.
Only two years out from Hope and Change, that's basically the entire DNC strategy this cycle, innit? "Vote for us - we're not batshit crazy."
Sigh.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
FreeRider
August 26, 2010 11:30 AM in reply to Barry Ragin
Yeah, trying to get votes from republicans who are turned off by teabaggers is really, really wrong. {rolling eyes}
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
cosliberal
August 26, 2010 1:25 PM in reply to FreeRider
Republicans, even the few that are still sane, will never vote for a democrat nor will they ever cooperate with Obama. It's pointless to try or to think that they will be turned off by their own lunatic fringe. By definition republican politicians are power mad, and republican voters think that giveaways to the rich will translate into giveaways for them too.
Miller, regardless of how nuts he is, will win handily, unless of course non-republican primary voters choose this opportunity to give failed half term governor Palin a slap in the face.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
DaddyD
August 26, 2010 1:57 PM in reply to cosliberal
Nonsense. I know good, decent people who are Republicans. These folks are not tea-bagging idiots, and are ashamed of where their party is going. Many of them actually voted for Obama. But even those who didn't are coming around - not because they've found something great in Obama or the Democrats, but because they're repulsed by the alternative.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 2:16 PM in reply to DaddyD
"I know good, decent people who are Republicans... Many of them actually voted for Obama."
And they are now singing the famous line from the old Who song:
"Won't get fooled AGAIN!!!!"
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cal Gal
August 26, 2010 2:11 PM in reply to cosliberal
But they might not vote at all. I think that the Democrats' hope.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Dave
August 26, 2010 6:22 PM in reply to Cal Gal
They'll vote and, at this point, their very conflicted. November is still very much up for grabs.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
masanf
August 26, 2010 6:55 PM in reply to Dave
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
pmb50
August 26, 2010 10:08 AM
The lunatic wing nut fringe of the republican of party is longer on the fridge they are the Republican Party. I don’t want to imagine the horrible depths of disaster and misery our country would be in if these despicable cretins get elected. These jack holes are the American Taliban
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Mooser
August 26, 2010 10:29 AM in reply to pmb50
"The lunatic wing nut fringe of the republican of party is longer on the fridge..."
In Alaska, you don't need a fridge.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
pmb50
August 26, 2010 10:11 AM
So what if McAdams was a flaming liberal. My do democrats run awya from being a liberal while Repulicans rally around being ultra concervative
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 12:22 PM in reply to pmb50
"you can expect the Democratic Party to go after him with gusto and paint him as an extremist."
Well, of course....anyone to the right of Bill Clinton or Obama is considered an "extremist".
You asked "My do democrats run awya from being a liberal while Repulicans rally around being ultra concervative." I think your question is actually "Why do democrats run away from being a liberal while Republicans rally around being ultra conservative"?
The answer is simple: the country is a center-right country ("As of June 2010, 40% of American voters identify themselves as conservatives, 36% as moderates and 22% as liberals.[9] There has been a high level of stability over the last two decades. In 1992 40% of voters called themselves conservative, 35% moderate and 18% liberal." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_liberalism_in_the_United_States ) and the voters have seen the deep canyon (not just a ditch) that the Democrats and their RADICAL ultra left policies have driven the country into. The Dems have taken off their masks and revealed themselves for who they are. Voters not only don't like it, but they are MAD AS HELL. Dems have turned "liberal" into such a dirty word that Dems now call themselves "progressive" (though their policies are more REgressive than PROgressive). Voters know and want "conservatism"---Republicans (at least many of them) are proud to call themselves conservative (no need for a new label since the old one works just fine). Nov. 3 will be a day of great mourning for liberals, but great joy for a majority of voters who kick Dems out of office.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Ray Hicks
August 26, 2010 12:39 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
Do you always have such diarrhea of the mouth? Do you ever answer anything with a succinct round of facts...or just loose fecal thoughts?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
chameleon
August 26, 2010 12:56 PM in reply to Ray Hicks
Yes in answer to all of your questions.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 12:58 PM in reply to Ray Hicks
His avatar is Uncle Sam going poo.
I think that says it all.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 2:09 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
Obviously, you are as unfamiliar with art as you are with political reality. See Rodin's "The Thinker" as the model for my avatar. Uncle Sam THINKING (as opposed to Karl Marx or Saul Alinsky, scheming)....get it? Probably not.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 2:25 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
How talk radio, it's so yesterday.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 6:08 PM in reply to Philip
"How talk radio, it's so yesterday."
Exactly right....if you are talking about Air America...or was it just a rumor that there were actual stations that carried "progressive" talk shows like Air America. Conservative talk radio, on the other hand is still going great.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 4:06 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
I get that you are an arrogant Thomas Paine wannabe.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 6:10 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
Better than an arrogant Markos "Daily Chaos" wannabe.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 6:18 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
I know you are, but what am I??
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 6:21 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
Is that you, Pee Wee Herman?! Clever...he, he.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 6:22 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
No matter what you say, your avatar looks like Uncle Sam taking a dump.
And that fits you.
I like the political discourse we are having.
Very engaging and enlightening.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 6:41 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
Acually I am a Dwight Eisenhower/Thomas Merton wannabe.
If I was at a party with you, you would think I am awesome.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 27, 2010 12:12 AM in reply to lilysdaddy
If we met in person, maybe we would each think that the other was awesome. I can respect liberals who are open-minded, intellectually curious and honest, and willing to engage in an honest dialogue. I have had a few serious discussions on threads here, but not many liberals are really willing and able to engage in a substantive discussion. Look at the replies to my comments here. It should be very embarrassing to a true liberal. Except for CalGal's semi serious (but factually challenged and cliche riddled) reply, there was not a SINGLE reply that contained ANY real substance to it.
Here are some of the replies that my comments have received on this thread:
"Do you always have such diarrhea of the mouth? Do you ever answer anything with a succinct round of facts...or just loose fecal thoughts? - Ray (I challenge you to find Ray stating a SINGLE fact on this thread)
"His avatar is Uncle Sam going poo.
I think that says it all." You
"How talk radio, it's so yesterday." Phillip Jenkins
"I get that you are an arrogant Thomas Paine wannabe." You, again.
"I know you are, but what am I??" You again. (Embarrassing, isn't it?)
"CT
I enjoy facts. They make things work. You, on the other hand, are as functional as a football bat." Ray Hicks again.
"There's no disgrace in the word liberal.
Maybe you should be figuring out why you've got a problem with the word & then get back to us, mr. "critical thinker." tres (That one almost verged on having some substance to it)
"LOL.
Go buy yourself a pack of Malboro's.
I hear they'll make you into a handsom cowboy if you smoke enough of 'em." mcrose6
"I apologize Sailor Boy, I may have been a little dismisive in my last post. I forgot you need things explained slowly and with small words (oh! there I go again - this time with the personal attack ;-) ).
No one every suggested that only nut-jobs watch FoxNews.
The problem is that when people watch ONLY FoxNews, they are pretty much guarenteed to become nut-jobs." mcrose6 again
Oh, well. You get the idea. A lot of ad hominem insults, condescension, but very little substance. Can't liberals here do any better than this? I refuse to believe that there are no liberals capable of carrying on a reasonable discussion, even if at the end we have to agree to disagree.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 1:18 PM in reply to Ray Hicks
To you, anything that disagrees with your fantasy world = diarrhea. I DID succinctly answer pmb's question (which I also had to unscramble) with FACTS:
1. 40% of American voters identify themselves as conservatives, 36% as moderates and ONLY 22% as liberals
2. voters don't like what liberals have been doing (all you have to do is check out TPM's own polls on Obama's approval rating and the generic Dem/Repub poll
3. Dems are about to be kicked in the ass, big time (even Dems with only a tenuous attachment to reality can see that)
Ray, your problem is that you just do not like facts, especially when they are backed up, undeniable, and deadly to liberals.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cal Gal
August 26, 2010 2:15 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
I particularly like the part about the Dems running the country into the ditch when the ReThugs were at the controls for the first decade. Those Bush wars, unpaid for, combined with a tax cut for the rich, those had NOTHING to do with the deficit growing, did they? And all those jobs NOT created during the Bush years, those don't have anything to do with unemployment now, either.
Typical ReThug.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 2:52 PM in reply to Cal Gal
Typical ignorant liberal!
The current recession had little to nothing to do with Bush deficits (which were TINY compared to the $1 TRILLION+ deficits Obama and Dems have done in 2009, 2010, and as far into the future as one can see---besides, Dems always complained the Republicans were "mean spirited" because they did not spend ENOUGH) and wars (which Dems voted for, until they decided it was to their political advantage to work for DEFEAT. Thankfully, Bush ignored Dems' calls for withdrawal from Iraq and NOW Biden says Iraq is one of the Obama administration's "achievements"----how's THAT for chutpah!?!?).
The current recession is mainly the result of the subprime mortgage meltdown. Which, strangely enough, came about because of SUBPRIME MORTGAGES (no, that does not refer to lower than prime interest rates, it refers to BORROWERS who had poor credit). Dems pushed for "affordable housing" and blocked reforms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-----the encouragers, enablers, and repackagers of subprime loans. But, Dems ignore the substantial role of Fannie, Freddie, and Dems in the financial crisis which put us into recession, and say it was due to "tax cuts for the rich, "deregulation", and George Bush.
As to jobs, during most of Bush's term, unemployment was around 5%. Obama's economic advisor, Christine Romer, projected that with the Obama "stimulus" unemployment would not exceed 8% and WITHOUT it unemployment would go to 9%. So, with Obamanomics, the Dems have set up an $800 billion slush fund and we now have unemployment that is HIGHER than Romer projected WITHOUT the "stimulus". Now THAT is a record that will serve Democrats well in November, won't it?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
AdAbsurdum
August 27, 2010 9:25 AM in reply to acriticalthinker
Once again the Prince Alwaweed's Network's, Fox News Corpse, stale version of the financial crisis. Save that for talk radio trailer trash listeners. Here you need to cite economists instead. The only sub-prime assets that brought the world economy down were in the psychopathic irresponsible Republican parasitic speculating communities in Orange County, Phoenix, Las Vegas suburbs, and Florida suburbs subsidizing their SUVs and mail ordering snuggies with the credit cards on Greenspan's bubble.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Ray Hicks
August 26, 2010 2:18 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
CT
I enjoy facts. They make things work. You, on the other hand, are as functional as a football bat.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcrose68
August 26, 2010 12:29 PM in reply to pmb50
Because FoxNews has run a very succesfull marketing campaign to attach a scowl, a grimace, and a shiver to the word "liberal".
Since liberals don't have a marketing campaign doing the same to the word "conservative" - this is what you get.
With a good marketing campaign you could convince people that having your face cut off and reattached is a privelage.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 12:36 PM in reply to mcrose68
"Because FoxNews has run a very succesfull marketing campaign to attach a scowl, a grimace, and a shiver to the word "liberal"."
Yeah, keep believing that THAT is why "liberal" is a dirty word! Besides, I thought only far right nut cases watched Fox News----and they are not going to like libs anyway. How is Fox having such a mesmerizing effect on large numbers of "normal" Americans.
No...it is liberals, themselves, who have brought approbrium and disgrace to the term "liberal".
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tres
August 26, 2010 1:12 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
There's no disgrace in the word liberal.
Maybe you should be figuring out why you've got a problem with the word & then get back to us, mr. "critical thinker."
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
CT Voter
August 26, 2010 1:19 PM in reply to tres
Or figure out why the poster is so angry at Democrats for debasing the word "liberal" when, according to the poster, conservatives are the bee's knees...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 1:56 PM in reply to tres
"Liberal" used to be a perfectly good word. I, myself, would identify with much of "classical liberalism" ( check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_liberalism ).
What is wrong with "liberal" is that liberals have turned classical liberalism into its OPPOSITE. What is wrong with liberalism are the policies that liberals enact and try to enact, often under names which are designed to conceal the true nature of the policy.
If liberals feel no disgrace in the word liberal, then I say "Proclaim loudly and proudly that you are a liberal!!!"
Especially if you are running for office. I am not "angry" if liberals want to run as liberals....more power to them. What I AM angry about is that liberals have debased the language by turning a perfectly good term into its opposite. See George Orwell. (up is down, evil is good, and euphenisms to make their policies more palatable----pro-abortion = pro-"choice", silencing critics = "fairness doctrine")
Hope this helps.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcrose68
August 26, 2010 1:14 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
LOL.
Go buy yourself a pack of Malboro's.
I hear they'll make you into a handsom cowboy if you smoke enough of 'em.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcrose68
August 26, 2010 1:27 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
I apologize Sailor Boy, I may have been a little dismisive in my last post. I forgot you need things explained slowly and with small words (oh! there I go again - this time with the personal attack ;-) ).
No one every suggested that only nut-jobs watch FoxNews.
The problem is that when people watch ONLY FoxNews, they are pretty much guarenteed to become nut-jobs.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
slb
August 26, 2010 5:39 PM in reply to mcrose68
For all his faults, ACT isn't Sailor Boy, or at least I don't think he is. He was trolling these boards long before Sailor showed up.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 6:12 PM in reply to slb
I have not been, and am not now, Sailor Boy or any other person.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcrose68
August 27, 2010 11:49 AM in reply to acriticalthinker
Ah. . . Well.
I AM A LIBERAL and believe in liberty.
My problem with politicians in general is when they run under one banner and govern under the cover of dark.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
pmb50
August 26, 2010 10:12 AM
McAdams better attack hard and tell the people of Alaska whoMiller really is
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jeffgee
August 26, 2010 10:13 AM
He's not running for governor. He'd be one of 100 Senators. How effective would a fringe freshman be getting a radical social agenda legislated?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Walter Mitty
August 26, 2010 10:52 AM in reply to jeffgee
Secret holds.
Also joining up with DeMint to elect him caucus leader.
Miller, Paul, Boozman, Rubio, Buck, Johnson, Coats, Toomey, would all vote DeMint it certainly seems.
If GOP have about 47 seats after November, DeMint would only need 24 votes. Lee, Coburn, Inhofe, Chambliss, Burr, Sessons, Isakson, Risch, Crapo, Blunt, Ayotte, Johanns, Thune, Hatch...
DeMint would be damn close.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Bill
August 26, 2010 11:09 AM in reply to Walter Mitty
Factor in the Blue Dogs, and they're over the top...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jeffgee
August 26, 2010 1:05 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
Didn't think of that. There are lots of ways for one person to make mischief and gum up the works
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 12:31 PM in reply to jeffgee
He doesn't have to get a "radical" agenda enacted. It will be enough for him to just vote for the "regular" conservative agenda. Of course, one senator can't enact a radical agenda all by himself (hell, not even 59 "radical" left senators can enact their agenda when there are 41 other senators opposed to it. It was a cruel twist of history that Ted Stevens was narrowly defeated on a conviction that was later reversed and Stuart Smalley was "elected" thanks to ACORN and some felons who illegally voted. "Thanks" to those unfortunate events, the radical and extreme ObamaCare was rammed through Congress against the will of a majority of the American people. The only upside is that by doing so, Dems have kicked a hornets nest and they are about to get stung big time.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
gonzo
August 26, 2010 1:41 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
Wow, the living embodiment of "diarrhea of the fingers" returns to soil itself all over these boards again.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 3:09 PM in reply to gonzo
I will take that as evidence that my comments were right on target and you simply don't like reasonable opinions grounded in reality. Neither you nor anyone else are required to accept my opinions, but they do furnish some balance to what passes for liberal "thought".
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
David Houghton
August 26, 2010 4:49 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
Here's another idea. You can take it as evidence that people take your ideas and pose as a "critical thinker" laughable and wish you would go away.
You're like a small yapping dog. You're loud, difficult to ignore, and filled with delusions of your own power. When people bark back at your yapping it isn't because of its eloquence.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 6:20 PM in reply to David Houghton
"Here's another idea. You can take it as evidence that people .....wish you would go away."
I know, a diverse point of view that provides SOME balance to liberal DRIVEL is annoying to the point of wishing that such offensive persons will just go away and let liberals be undisturbed by a divergent thought or opinion. It is enlightening to see how INTOLERANT and intellectually vapid liberals really are. Do you guys see that, or is that part of your blind spot?
"You're like a small yapping dog. You're loud, difficult to ignore, and filled with delusions of your own power."
So just ignore me if you can't refute me of engage in a rational discussion with me.
"When people bark back at your yapping it isn't because of its eloquence."
That is well put as to the typical reply I receive: barking, insults, and "go away, you bother me", but very little substance (your reply is Exhibit A)
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
slb
August 26, 2010 5:45 PM in reply to jeffgee
You haven't been paying attention for the last 19 months, have you? Under current Senate rules, a single senator can gum up the works of the entire Congress. Look at what happened to the health care bill over the issue of abortion, look at the pain Jim Bunning caused by single-handedly holding up extension of unemployment benefits.
Maybe he wouldn't be able to get his own legislation passed, but he could see to it that progressive legislation died on the Senate floor. And he could exact a heavy price for must-pass bills.
In the Senate, every Senator is a little king.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
valgal
August 26, 2010 10:29 AM
The Alaskan blog: http://www.themudflats.net is a good one to read for Alaska's political issues. Great comments there on the Miller-McAdams match up.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tchamp77
August 26, 2010 10:36 AM
I recently read in TPM that Palin protege Miller was going down the tubes in the primary. Now we think he'll be an easy target in November? Then in six years he'll be an easy knockoff candidate in his re-election...along with Don Young.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
It's Pat
August 26, 2010 10:47 AM in reply to tchamp77
Agreed.
Truth is no one can say at this point who will win. Polls are not always accurate and what people here think does not matter as much as what the people in Alaska do.
I believe it really comes down to who can inspire his/her supporters to get out and vote instead of sitting on their asses complaining.
And painting Miller as loon toon crazy may not work because people the supporting him may actually like the crazy or may actually be nuts themselves.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tchamp77
August 26, 2010 1:05 PM in reply to It's Pat
Yes as the headline asks:
Q:How Far Right is Miller. A: Far enough to win.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
valgal
August 26, 2010 10:38 AM
I think the headline saying, "Dems licking their lips" is a bit naive. As the locals say to single women of the lower 48 who are interested in the 8 to 1 men to women ratio in Alaska, "The odds are good but goods are odd".
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 3:28 PM in reply to valgal
"I think the headline saying, "Dems licking their lips" is a bit naive."
Not only naive, but also engaging in quite a bit of liberal wishful thinking and "hope". We all see how far "hope" has brought liberals to this point. November 3 will be a day of weeping and gnashing of teeth for Democrats all over the country.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
David Houghton
August 26, 2010 4:52 PM in reply to acriticalthinker
Ah, now there's some good critical thinking.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 6:23 PM in reply to David Houghton
How's that kool-aid tasting these days?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
hardheaded liberal
August 26, 2010 10:51 AM
If the returned absentee ballots turn out to be on the low end of the count (8,000), Murkowski will need 60% of them to erase Miller's current margin of 1668. If the absentee ballot count is on the high end (up to 16,000), she will need 55% of them to win.
She only has 49.1% now. Does anyone seriously think she can catch Miller based on the absentee ballots? I don't see how.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Walter Mitty
August 26, 2010 10:53 AM in reply to hardheaded liberal
And absentee ballots would probably break for the insurgent given Murkowski was seen as safe.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Ana Gama
August 26, 2010 11:24 AM
A pretty interesting read from an Alaskan political blogger on why McAdams could be a winner.
http://www.themudflats.net/2010/08/25/august-surprise-%e2%80%93-palin-backed-joe-miller-poised-to-overthrow-murkowski-dynasty-in-alaska/
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cederico
August 26, 2010 11:24 AM
I wish DEMS had ran a more well known candidate. If Ethan Berkowitz or Tony Knowles were running this race would be a top tier opportunity considering the situation with Miller.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 12:47 PM in reply to Cederico
Ethan is running for governor and Tony is a has-been.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
terje
August 26, 2010 1:15 PM in reply to Cederico
Actually I think this guy is a better choice in many ways.
Both Knowles and Berkowitz have recently lost statewide races (Knowles lost 2, including one to Sarah Palin). That isn't necessarily helpful.
McAdams offers a fresh face for the state -- a native-born, "real Alaskan" with a great Joe-average profile, small-town roots, and apparently a credible record as mayor. If he turns out to be a half-decent campaigner, he could turn out to present a great "common-sense" real-guy alternative to the right wing ideologue. I think that is a better profile than better known politicians who have lost statewide races.
Will be very interesting to watch how this one turns out.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cederico
August 26, 2010 3:55 PM in reply to terje
It will be interesting I agree. I do think the DSCC should expend some real money here as the media market is very inexpensive.
They spend heavily for Mark Begich in 2008 and he won so its not like a good DEM candidate can't compete in AK. Berkowitz was close to beating Young last time and former two term governor Knowles came very close to winning for Senate in 2004.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
PirateRothbard
August 26, 2010 11:40 AM
Don't know much about Miller but I like what he's said so far. Good to see someone standing up for the free market. Really though, I'd prefer to see socail security eliminated as soon as possible.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acamus
August 26, 2010 12:25 PM in reply to PirateRothbard
Well then, we'll send you around to personally tell all those victims of rape and incest that they'll have to keep their babies.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jeffgee
August 26, 2010 1:11 PM in reply to PirateRothbard
You have been duped. There is no free market. It's rigged to keep the powerful in power.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cal Gal
August 26, 2010 2:19 PM in reply to PirateRothbard
Pay me back what I've paid in.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
sean
August 26, 2010 11:41 AM
But, exactly how good at needlessly killing Alaskan wildlife is Miller anyways???
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Shawn Harmon
August 26, 2010 11:48 AM
We licked our lips and got giddy in the Colorado Senate race and look where that has us.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Philip Munger
August 26, 2010 12:06 PM
Here's Scott McAdams addressing Alaska Democrats in Anchorage Wednesday evening:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/8/26/896314/-Who-Is-Scott-McAdamsIntroducing-Scott
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 12:12 PM
Miller's xenophobic views won't win Rural Alaska. His platform on slashing Federal spending will do him in. But the nouveau-racist crowd LOVES him - they are predominantly white and have lived in Alaska less than 10 years. Miller himself has only been here 16 years - which have seen unprecedented economic growth which means he doesn't know SHIT about the feast and famine economic conditions here that depend on the rise and fall in the price of oil.
I think Murkowski will run as an independent (I hope she does, she at least owes it to us Alaskans to TRY and keep Miller out of office) and it will be a tight 3-way race.
McAdams is a fantastic candidate and I hope he runs an aggressive campaign vs. the weak "Mr. Nice Guy" stuff most Democrats run in Alaska.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Philip Munger
August 26, 2010 12:19 PM in reply to witty1
On Monday, driving through Wasilla, I saw a couple dozen pickup trucks with huge Joe Miller signs in the beds. Two had US flags and Confederate flags. One had a US flag and an Israeli flag. I think it was the rapture-ready version of the Israeli flag, though it's hard to tell from a distance.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 12:30 PM in reply to Philip Munger
I see them all the time Phil, but I'm not one of them. No one I know is one of them.
I've lived in Alaska all my life and this crowd is new. They also brought their "abundance management" philosophy to the Board of Game with them from wherever they came from.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Philip Munger
August 26, 2010 12:35 PM in reply to witty1
One of the things about Scott that hasn't gotten much attention yet is the charm and muscle he combined, when elected Mayor of Sitka, to diminish the impact of that same crowd there, and get bi-partisan thinking back onto the table. And it is quietly transforming that community.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 12:46 PM in reply to Philip Munger
He's fantastic Phil. I can't wait to see how this all heats up. The comparison between Scott and Joe will be stark. Above all - Alaskans really don't like to be seen as stupid...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 12:48 PM in reply to witty1
I'm an Alaskan also.
I commented yesterday that it feels like people are flocking up here to create some kind of Bible Fantasy Land.
They see Christian Soldiers.
I see Walmarts and white trash.
Alaska's promise is to live in an unspoiled, unpopulated environment. These people see a virgin territory to take over, populate and convert. Lots of room to build lots of churches.
I blame Palin.
She says she is a true Alaskan, but she is damaged.
Palin is a true Alaskan in one respect.
She is like Soapy Smith or other con artist that come to Alaska looking for easy marks to make a buck off.
The whole thing just turns my stomach.
My state is becoming more and more unrecognizable.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 12:54 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
I agree. The Valley is Alaska's bible belt (next to North Pole and the Kenai Peninsula) and Scott MUST campaign hard here to point out that people do have a choice.
I have noticed from some of my "born again" friends that they are turned off by the extreme right rhetoric, and also they vote for conservative ballot measures many of them seek out reasons to support much more moderate candidates -- usually for specific issue reasons that don't make the headlines.
Also, I find it hilarious that Joe (a recently fired/quittted Magistrate in Fairbanks) wants to return to a strict "Constitutional Government".
Sounds an awful lot like the Christian Re-constructionist movement,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Reconstructionism
Christian Reconstructionism is a religious and theological movement within Protestant Christianity that calls for Christians to put their faith into action in all areas of life, on public sphere as well.
The "7 mountains" doctrine, and there are plenty of mountains in Alaska for them to visualize their victory -- and of course bring Jesus to Wasilla.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 1:11 PM in reply to witty1
Yes. I see Jesus Christ returning at a Wasilla strip mall.
This is Walmart Lord. Need ye clothes?? They have robes of many colors.
These are McNuggets Lord. Carefully prepared in a deep fry for thine divine lips.
Drink of Coke, Son of God. It is good.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 1:25 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
HAHA!!!
Well, I'm an atheist raising two little atheists in Wasilla. The churches out here are just hillbilly country clubs. Low-information theologians and even lower-information voters.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 1:21 PM in reply to witty1
The bible thumpers I know would eat vomit before they would vote for a Democrat.
The religious people I know that live Christ's word instead of proselytizing are Democrats or progressives.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 1:29 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
Exactly. There are also quite a few Mormons who aren't really keen to the Evangelical takeover.
By-and-large, Valley folks keep to themselves and keep their political thought close to their vests.
Catholics are seeing a divide, between lockstep obedience and historically progressive policies. I call the ones aligned with the Christian-Right, Born Again Catholics... they have a certain militancy to them and are easily identified by not laughing at Catholic jokes.
As a former Catholic, you aren't a real Catholic if you don't find Catholic jokes funny. Just sayin.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acriticalthinker
August 26, 2010 6:25 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
Move to the Peoples Republics of California, Michigan, or Massachusetts then.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
clemenceau
August 26, 2010 12:14 PM
What's with the Miller's beard? I think he was shooting for rugged individualist but came up Kenny Loggins.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 12:33 PM in reply to clemenceau
I think he was going for Chuck Norris.
Miller Alaska Ranger
Grrrrrrr.....
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Frex
August 26, 2010 12:14 PM
TPM and other liberals shouldn't be so giddy when they uncover that one of these crazies is a birther and believes Obama is a Muslim. Given how unpopular Obama is there are no swing voters who are offended by those accusations. The deciding point will be do the Repugs have anything to offer and will it be better than the Dems.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tinsk
August 26, 2010 12:31 PM
Here's why everybody has to relax until all the votes are counted. Miller's surge came in the last 3 weeks as Freedom Works dumped $500,000 in ads into Miller's campaign.
Most absentee ballots are typically would have been filled out and mailed in before this surge in outsider spending. So it is possible that the original polls showing Murkowski with a 15 point lead may be reflective in the early absentee voters and thus, pushing her over the top.
If that's not the case, let's hope Murkowski runs as an independent. If for no other reason than her desire to be a spoiler and screw Sarah Palin denying her a "Miller victory" since Palin has been screwing with the Murkowski's for years.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 12:37 PM in reply to tinsk
Most absentee ballots are also Bush Alaska, and most aren't big fans of slashing federal spending... considering many remote communities still lack access to basics like clean water, sewer systems and schools. They also experience very high unemployment and the concomitant social problems like domestic violence and substance abuse.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tinsk
August 26, 2010 12:54 PM in reply to witty1
You're correct. And to add to that group are residents temporarily out of the state and/or the country. Add that all together and they are the least likely to be influenced by a last minute spending surge that clearly made the difference because they aren't seeing the ads. PLUS, Miller has never held elected office so for absentee voters, his name recognition compared to a Murkowski, has got to be nil.
Does anybody know how the absentee ballots already counted, split for the candidates?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tinsk
August 26, 2010 12:59 PM in reply to tinsk
Never mind. I found the answer. 7600 ballots of 16,000 were received by Monday. Those 7600 won't be counted until next Monday. The balance post marked before the 24 as they come in ill be counted through Sept. 8.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
booch221
August 26, 2010 12:42 PM
Oh yes there are! Don't underestimate the number of stupid people in Alaska. And they'll be the first to start whining when the federal teat runs dry.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 12:55 PM in reply to booch221
I think they rationalize the federal money.
They say 'per capita it might seem like alot BUT if you look at straight numbers Alaska takes much less than Illinois or other states' and 'Alaska spends the federal money on roads and bridges not social welfare like Illinois or other states'.
Not saying it's true, but that is the rationalization.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 1:08 PM in reply to lilysdaddy
Also, there have been billions spent in the past 8-10 years on upgrading and expanding numerous military bases.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cal Gal
August 26, 2010 2:23 PM in reply to booch221
Don't underestimate the number of stupid people ANYWHERE in the US of A. It's teaching to the damned test that's creating people who cannot think, but they can vote, and they do. I'm ashamed of the American electorate. They consistently vote against their own economic interests.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 12:53 PM
I know I sound like a broken record, but ever since I first hear about Miller, something about him sent my reporter's spider sense tingling.
I really believe there is something suspect about Miller's bio.
I have dug as far as I can with my limited resources, and accessing military records, even nominally "public" ones can be tough.
Not only as a Democrat, but as a veteran, I am highly displeased that this nimrod wingnut may be gilding the lily with regards to his war record.
I am begging; anyone with better resources/skills than I, get into this Miller's background. Something smells like rough trade with this guy!
mojo sends
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 12:55 PM in reply to Joshua
Sorry... "first heard about Miller..." I guess it would help my case if my post didn't read like a 419 scam email.
mojo sends
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 12:59 PM in reply to Joshua
Andrew Halcro has a blog that has been speculating about this same thing. Namely that Miller quit or was fired from his job as a magistrate in Fairbanks. For a long time he referred to himself as a judge - which a magistrate is not.
He also likes to call himself a combat veteran from the first Gulf War... but my understanding is that there wasn't much real combat, just paperwork combat... so a little detail on exactly what kind of "action" he saw would be interesting.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 1:32 PM in reply to witty1
Well, my research can not turn up any record of his receiving either the Bronze
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 1:38 PM in reply to Joshua
Well, my research can not turn up any record of his receiving either the Bronze Star (which he claims) or a Purple Heart (which would help explain the quirky timeline in his official biography).
mojo sends
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 2:17 PM in reply to Joshua
Sorry, next change.
His website contains .pdf documents of his discharge and Bronze Star certificate, although not the official paperwork, like his actual dd214 for his discharge.
mojo sends
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Mary Alice
August 26, 2010 12:53 PM
He won't keep the beard. Too scary,
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Mary Alice
August 26, 2010 12:54 PM
Too scary. sorry
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
06STS
August 26, 2010 1:00 PM
Is it just me or does this guy look a little like Sarah! Palin? The beard makes it even more apparent. My those purty teeth and big smile. I think we have found the next Tea Party hero!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jeffgee
August 26, 2010 1:13 PM in reply to 06STS
If Palin looked and sounded old and haggard like Jan Brewer, I doubt she'd have any appeal with male voters.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lilysdaddy
August 26, 2010 1:15 PM in reply to 06STS
It's the crazy eyes that look the same.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Joe Free
August 26, 2010 1:52 PM
there is a danger here of Democrats pursuing the same weak strategy that the Republican have established as their party platform:
"look how stupid the other guy is!! my solutions?...look how stupid the other guy is!!"
these people are loons and deserved to be portrayed as such, but it distracts from discussing and developing solutions to governments challenges.
Harry Reid's add shows all of the dopey things that Sharon Angle has said and she certainly is in the running for biggest idiot to seek public office, but there is nothing, I mean zero about what Harry Reid has planned.
the discourse is distracted from the rational on both sides at this point
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
witty1
August 26, 2010 2:03 PM
Scott McAdams press conference:
http://community.adn.com/plain/node/152903
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cal Gal
August 26, 2010 2:04 PM
It always amazes me how anti-government the feed-bag Alaskans are.
Let's see how far this guy would get if he proposed cutting the checks they get from the oil leases.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Ray Hicks
August 26, 2010 2:23 PM in reply to Cal Gal
Cut the dole off 100% and see how fast they get a voodoo priest to resurrect Uncle Ted...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
August 26, 2010 2:29 PM
Miller looks like one of those Promise Keeper dad's eager to be the adult leader of the young men's group. Fabulous!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
alaric
August 26, 2010 2:37 PM in reply to Philip
You are a sick sonofabitch
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
DaddyD
August 26, 2010 2:29 PM
"Alaska Democrats we spoke with think McAdams has a chance to win if he's running against Miller."
Are these the same Democrat sources that also told you Miller had no chance of beating Murkowski?
The R's will put up another bit o' bagger ballot candy. We'll see.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
alaric
August 26, 2010 2:35 PM
Democrats are grasping at anything right now. Democrats are done. Stick a fork in em.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Hank
August 26, 2010 2:43 PM
Seriously, we could pick up a Senate seat for like a million and force the GOP to back this guy at the same time.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
L0ngT0m
August 27, 2010 12:37 PM in reply to Hank
There is NO CHANCE IN THE WORLD of a Democrat winning this seat. This November is going to be a worse tidal wave against the Dems than 1994. Much worse. Thanks, Barack!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
decisivemoment
August 26, 2010 3:03 PM
What a hoot and a holler it would be if in this, of all election years, the Democrats come away with BOTH Alaska Senate seats!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
KdNicewanger
August 26, 2010 5:35 PM
"The source added that McAdams is 'not a flaming liberal' and can appeal to sensible members of both parties"
Unfortunately for McAdams, one of those parties is completely devoid of sensible members.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
masanf
August 26, 2010 6:40 PM
hahahahahaahahah, yeah, the Dems are licking their lips so much, the DNC rep. didn't even know the name of the guy who won the Dem primary. It is fucking hilarious and absolutely delusional that the Dems think they have a chance in AK. They only way they can win is if Miller is convicted of a felony before the election. Calling Alaska competitive state, particulary during a year when pretty much everybody realizes the Dems are going to get killed is a fucking laugh riot.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
masanf
August 26, 2010 6:43 PM
You know, the whole "Dems are licking their lips over another candidate like Rand Paul and Ken Buck" would be a great argument if both Paul and Buck were ahead in their races. Multiiple polls have come out recently showing Buck with close to a 10 point lead. Remember how Dems were cheering the night of the CO. primary, claiming it was their best night of the year? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahaha.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
masanf
August 26, 2010 6:51 PM in reply to masanf
And I meant to write that it would be a great argument if Paul and Buck weren't ahead.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
masanf
August 26, 2010 6:50 PM
Here is the Dem logic in regards to AK: A very Republican state, ranking up with Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, that voted against Obama by 20+ points, a state in which Mark Begich barely won, even though his opponent had multiple felony convictions is going to elect some far left unknown, a man who got hardly any votes during the primary.
Yeah, it all makes sense now.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
masanf
August 26, 2010 6:52 PM
I'm sorry, but anyone who thinks McAdams is going to win in a state that just passed a proposition requiring teens under 17 to get permission to get an abortion is just plain fucking nuts.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
krippendorf
August 26, 2010 7:09 PM
McAdams needs to paint himself as the heir apparent to Jay Hammond's policies. Yeah, Hammond was a Republican, but he was pretty far left by Alaska standards, certainly much closer to McAdams than Miller. And, Hammond gets credit for establishing the permanent fund & dividend checks.
The Dems need to find a vid of a teabagger stupid enough to say "get your government hands off my permanent fund dividend check." I'm sure there are plenty.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
uggboot
August 26, 2010 8:21 PM
Open the wardrobe is not yet found love after another the
right jerseys? So, also waiting for? Immediate action bar!
Welcome to { http://www.pointingtrade.com/sports-jerseys-c-1552.html } sure you will find
what you need. Moreover, the company has a good reputation,
product quality standards, at reasonable prices. Over the
years, has been well received by overseas friends for their
support. Therefore, please rest assured purchase.
welcome to :====== http://www.pointingtrade.com ====
f.r.e.e. (s.h.i.p.p.i.n.g)
(c.o.m.p.e.t.i.t.i.v.e) p.r.i.c.e
a.n.y [s.i.z.e] (a.v.a.i.l.a.b.l.e)
[a.c.c.e.p.t] t.h.e {p.a.y.p.a.l}
*
***
*****
*******
*********
***********
*************
***************
*******
*******
*******
*******
*******
*******
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
NobleCommentDecider
August 26, 2010 9:15 PM
Long as Miller don't raise no tax on chewin-tobaccy at my local Soldotna Lucky Raven Tobacco, you kin get smokes too for $50 a case.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
dbl.r7711
August 27, 2010 2:25 AM
Joe Miller, another gay republican... Just look at his mouth, the same look as Ken Mehlman, Ari Fleisher ,.... need I say more?...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
L0ngT0m
August 27, 2010 6:36 AM
Democrats licked their chops when Reagan got nominated. Democrats are idiots. They rooted for Rubio, and he's going to win. They rooted for Rand Paul, and he's going to win. They rooted for Angle, and she's going to win. This Miller is going to win in a slow walk.
Obama and Dems don't get it at all. They continue to count on the perspicacity of the electorate, which doesn't exist. They don't attack their opponents. They don't defend themselves against the attacks of their opponents. They don't have any narrative at all about why they should be elected. Nobody gives a shit about who thinks what about where Obama was born. They want to know why the economy is still fucked up and why Obama hasn't delivered on change we can believe in. They want to know what happened to the fierce urgency of now. They want to know why Obama doesn't care about unemployment (since he spent the first year of his term obssessing over health insurance).
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
simplygeorge
August 28, 2010 11:20 AM
Joe Miller and Sharon Angle and her kind are BAD for this Country.
http://suspiciouspackaging.blogspot.com/2010/08/idiot-of-decade-sharron- angle-her.html
This delusional omnipotence - this grandiose view of ones own self-worth and importance - this psychopathological idea that only you have the answers - this megalomaniacal belief that anyone who disagrees with you is your enemy - IS DANGEROUS.
We the people are not enemies simply because we have different view-points. Calling other Americans, members of Congress, "domestic enemies" degrades us all.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?