(E & P) Opinions Flowed Like Wine at Washington Parties

[truthpusher]

http://editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002425365&imw=Y

Opinions Flowed Like Wine at Washington Parties
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By Joe Strupp
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Published: April 30, 2006
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WASHINGTON Almost more intriguing than the White House Correspondents Dinner itself was the chatter, buzz and downright gossip of the surrounding parties, receptions and hallway discussions. Even though comedian Stephen Colbert and President Bush, along with his impersonator friend, amused the roomful of newspeople and celebrities, the array of comments in and out of the ballroom also proved eye-opening.

(snip)

Always-opinionated talk show host John McLaughlin said impeachment cannot be ruled out if Democrats take the House or Senate. “He’s facing a difficult election for the House and Senate,” McLaughlin boomed. “If the Democrats win the House, there will be extensive hearings on the war and what stems from Abramoff.”

(snip)

Chris Matthews, he of Hardball and Saturday Night Live impersonations, found the annual friendly gathering of adversaries a bit improper. “It seems to be a celebratory ritual at a time when the country is divided,” he said while sitting at his table in between dinner and dessert. “It is odd.” He noted a spoof video at a previous dinner in which Bush was sent hunting for WMD’s:“The press laughed as the president lampooned his reasons for the war.”

(snip)

Those seated near Bush said he quickly turned from a smiling joke victim to an obviously offended target as Colbert’s comments brought up his low approval ratings, problems in Iraq, and even Dick Cheney’s shooting episode.

(snip)

“This was all anti-Bush,” said one attendee. “Usually they go back and forth between us and him.” Another noted that Bush quickly turned unhappy, and left the dais shortly after while most seated near him, including Colbert and Snow, glad-handed the crowd. “You could see he stopped smiling about halfway through Colbert.”

more: http://editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002425365&imw=Y

[Ms. Clio]

1. the political drinks: The Cheney Shot, The Deep Throat, The Rove Rage!

Among the after parties was that thrown by Reuters, which went all out, offering town cars and shuttle buses to transport people from The Washington Hilton to a K Street lounge. Once inside, the music-pounding sound system kept any sleepyheads wide awake.

The most interesting element of the Reuters gathering was the political drink list, which included The Cheney Shot, with Wild Turkey or Famous Grouse; The Condoleezza, “clear, perfectly chilled”; The Deep Throat, “smooth drink with a deep dark secret”; and The Rove Rage, which let’s you “let loose a little righteous anger.”

Finally, those departing the Reuters shindig were given a half-dozen glazed Krispy Kreme Donuts. A comment on the administration trying to sugar-coat half-baked ideas?

[KharmaTrain]

2. Rove's Memes Sure Get Around, Don't They

I smelt this one coming a few weeks ago. The Repugnicans know how to win only one way...Fear. When A-rabs flying airplanes into your head worked, they won seats in 2002. Then the 2004 election was all fear all the time.

Now that reality is starting to settle into this country, the "war on terror" dog is not longer hunting and the immigration one is only geared for the far right wing...it's not scaring the "middle". So what's left? Scare with the sceptre of Clinton-era Starr-chamber endless investigations and to create a fear that we'll relive Watergate/Irangate and Lewinski all over again.

This is to scare the moderate wingnuts who are leaning towards staying home this November...to use the names of Conyers and Pelosi and others to put the "fear of god" into those Repugnians who aren't already snowed by the immigration and gay marriage/adoption strawmen.

Expect the corporate media to make it seem that a Democratic victory in November is akin to having teeth pulled and that it'll all be about vengence and payback (just like the Repugnicans did in '95). Yes, some investigations are not only warranted, but should be demanded...and history will be the ultimate judge on these criminals.

[MADem]

3. McLaughlin, former Jesuit priest, general pompous asshole, but not

infrequently CORRECT in his well-researched assessments:

...impeachment cannot be ruled out...

[emulatorloo]

4. They will do whatever it takes to keep Congress out of Democratic hands

McLaughlin reminded me -- it is absolutely critical for Bush and Repugs to keep the house and senate. They will do whatever it takes.

<snip>

Always-opinionated talk show host John McLaughlin said impeachment cannot be ruled out if Democrats take the House or Senate. “He’s facing a difficult election for the House and Senate,” McLaughlin boomed. “If the Democrats win the House, there will be extensive hearings on the war and what stems from Abramoff.”

<snip>