Congrats to Ned Lamont! (Sorry for bringing it up again, Norb.) I’m coming around to Ampersand’s POV that, regardless of how the general election turns out, Lieberman losing the ability to give Bush false bipartisan cover means a lot. I’m also inclined to agree that Joe arguably would’ve switched parties anyway if his seat would’ve kept the Rethugs in control. That second one is a little more out there, but I wouldn’t put it past him.
Anyway, today is a good day. However, this is a very, very weird celebratory photo/caption from Daily Kos:
This is what a political earthquake looks like. Meet the new face of the people-powered movement.
…okay.
I guess I understand kos’s point. Lamont’s victory brings with it the prospect of sending a message to Dems at large. But calling what might be the whitest, richest, most hetero family photo I’ve ever seen a “political earthquake” makes me queasy.
To break it down:
1) Standing in front of a huge building, giving me the mansion vibe even if it’s not one
2) Big daddy towering over his giddy nuclear pack
3) Extremely thin blonde wife
4) Token brunette to show family diversity
5) Clothes that cost a shitload of money
6) Bleached teeth that cost a shitload of money
Short of Ned using a servant as an armrest while one of his kids makes out with Nicky Hilton, I’m not sure how much more you could do to convey “establishment.”
Like me, it’s not Ned’s fault he’s a straight white male. And I’m not pissed he’s rich. But perhaps the phrase “this is what a political earthquake looks like” comes on a little strong for this photo. Or am I just being too nitpicky?
Nope, you’re not nit-picking. This has that strong, “Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss” feel to it.
I’m old enough and cynical enough to not really get what all this Lamont excitement is about. I’m sure he’s a nice enough guy, and will probably do a decent job, but politicians are politicians are politicians…no matter their party. I’m with fat doug lover here, same old boss.
Or am I just being too nitpicky?
No.
No problem here. He ran on what he is. Libermann ran on what he isn’t.
I’m a libertarian punk. I’m not embarrased by what I am. I like what I like. He worked hard to get that specific outcome. Probably there was a range of possiblites involved, none of which involved being NOT rich, NOT white and NOT heterosexual.
Kinda like me, only totally different.
“We all know about the Quinnipiac poll that showed Lamont (temporarily) with a double-digit lead over Lieberman, but let’s look back at a Quinnipiac poll from two weeks earlier. That poll showed Lamont beating Lieberman 51%-47% — almost exactly where the election wound up. And what did that poll say about a three-way general election?
Lieberman 51%, Lamont 27%, Schlesinger 9%.”
Gee, imagine what happens if the GOP gets Schlesinger to drop out. A 1 pickup for the GOP. Not that Lamont shouldn’t have won, but I’m busy counting to 51.
That picture is hilarious, and you’re right, this does not seem to be much of a revolution. But any Democrat is better than Lieberman.
So that caption isn’t sarcastic?
…Oh.
I hope is it the new face of the people-powered movement because it means that super-rich, white males and their families can be very progressive. If a fourth generation Harvard person with 300 million dollars can have all the progressive views he and his family have it can inspire others to reconsider their views.
…you mean like the Roosevelts and the Kennedys?
Bill Gates?
Warren Buffett?
Just to give you some more recent polling data, Rasmussen’s July 20 poll had Lamont and Lieberman tied at 40, with Schlesinger at 13. Look for Lamont to gain support as the entire Democratic establishment gets behind him and Lieberman fires all his staff. It’s not clear who will want to fund Lieberman’s campaign anymore.
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7. Blue jacket with gold buttons buttoned.
I think it’s the blue blazer that really puts it into notable category. Well, coupled with that caption. But I mean: they are who they are; rich WASPs are people too, etc. etc.
the guy was voted in on the grounds that he’s at least he’s not as much of an asshat as Lieberman.
as such I think he’ll do a decent job.
he’d better.
…bottom line; the really mockable one here is kos. POWER to the PEOPLE!! w00t.
Check out Lamont’s views. He’s progressive across the board (except maybe on AIPAC, not sure). I’m impressed. The Kennedy’s are Irish and Catholic, not WASPs. I think Bill Gates is pushing charter schools/privatizing schools and Buffett is giving most of his money to the Gates foundation. Were the Roosevelt’s personally wealthy? You may have got me there.