Seems like good timing for a basic blog rant. It’s been a tough couple of weeks and I’m cranky. Keeping the discussion on matters of politics a little review of the current situation seems in order.
Obamanation remains fixated on their, ‘let’s take over everything’ agenda. The central flaw in their quest beyond public disapproval and even outrage is similar to that of a typical spendthrift. They believe there is still money in the bank if they still have checks.
It’s amazing really. Politicians in both parties have frequently if not continuously committed the same financial sins for which they accuse others. Yet they have no shame for their own misguided actions or for political rhetoric employed as unemployment engulfs our nation.
By our votes we bestow upon them a public trust complete with perks for royalty yet we shed that anchor over two hundred years ago. And with the possible exception of the founding fathers those in public office have a two century record of malfeasance in office. If they were not directly involved with corrupt government they were willing participants by the fact of their incompetent objection.
As noted here elsewhere, notable Republicans like Palin, Romney and Scott Brown support McCain for re-election. Yet it is clear McCain is not a conservative. Which casts doubt on the credentials of the aforementioned.
Mr. Romney, who was supported on this blog since 2008, provided a less than convincing excuse for his endorsement. If McCain’s years of service and experience qualify him as the best choice for American leadership what does that say about his support of shamnesty during the second Bush 43 term? And then there’s Lindsey Graham with similar problems. The GOP has not turned the page toward conservative principles. How will they do that with barely half a year to go before the 2010 elections?
Yes, they are fiercely opposing the current liberal push for a totally out of touch agenda. But what else are they going to do? They believe this strategy against the Obamanation will translate to victory in November. What’s new about that? Sound like politics as usual just as much as the Dems failure on every level since the 2006 midterms.
The GOP fell from grace and have not returned in any meaningful way. The libs are apparently willing to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Worst of all, they have not drained the swamp. The culture of corruption is alive and well in Washington, DC and around the country in all levels of government.
The voters must drain the swamp in November 2010.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
editor’s note: The quality of this post has suffered as it is Friday and this month’s budget only allows for beer rather than top shelf single malt Scotch. Po’ Stanford. And no images were chosen for this post as none were available at the time of publication to fit the mood.
With some troubling news coming out of CPAC 2010 along with similar revelations about various ‘conservative’ philosophies and their proponents more reports suggest 2010 is still wide open.
The recent endorsement of John McCain by former running mate Sarah Palin was analyzed by some as the former Alaska governor being polite. But that argument fails given her unnecessary decision to ’stump’ and raise money for the veteran Senator from Arizona whose conservative values have always been in question. His maverick status being built more by a departure from conservative values than adherence to it.
With too many Republicans appearing more like their liberal counterparts in the Democratic party the wonder is how anyone can suggest a GOP majority after the 2010 elections. This blog features sidebar links for Palin and Romney. And past posts have called for support of both in past elections. For now those links and the supportive posts will remain. But the troubling trends being reported render all that subject to change.
What the hell are these people thinking? Enough noise was made by the public this year that even POLS with hearing impairments should have received the message. A return to basic common sense American values is long overdue and more necessary for survival than previously thought. If those connected to the GOP are as unresponsive as their political opposition from the other major party then one thing remains clear.
They are no better than those they criticize and have apparently improved upon the liberal trend of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
A successful stint on what appears to be a popular television program. A girl whose appearance is visually pleasing. Or put another way, yes, this qualifies as eye candy. OMG, sex, exploitation, perhaps a political agenda and the masses will rebel. NOT
No need to discuss all the possibilities for debate on what is presented here. Just ignore the natural inclination to weigh in and enjoy the view.
Speaking of views provides a handy transition to the next related item. OMG, controversy over one person’s, correction, two persons’ decision to make a statement about a topic apparently important to them. The piece below is spot on in its analysis.
Here’s a kid dealing with accepting consequences for her decisions. As they say, she chose life. And even with a great deal of support from family and friends that is no easy path. Some may continue to criticize, attack and bash the Palin’s including Bristol. But her ‘goal’ is not something to diss. In addition to what she faces for years to come, if using the media attraction to promote responsible living also comes from it she should get applause not criticism.
So that about wraps up this presentation of three sex stories. A story about an attractive young woman and her apparel which may seem tame these days. A young man and his Mom taking a stand on what they believe at some personal risk. And another attractive young woman dealing with the reality of life’s serious consequences. All of them deal with sex in some way. A topic that can use both serious and light-hearted attention. But one that we must give proper consideration to avoid serious damage and unnecessary setbacks.
Every now and then an article appears that begs for commentary. Not by the author but what the author writes. This one comes from WaPo and focuses on an old label, the glass ceiling, and electing a woman president.
This post avoids or ignores the introduction which focuses on trash talking during the 2008 presidential primary. For good reason, it should be avoided and ignored always even when it first appears.
Here’s an excerpt that seems to miss its own point.
Let’s see. Hillary Rodham Clinton ‘missed out on key endorsements from women, including Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy’ as the result of trying to prove her toughness? How about the obvious choice for O-prah’s vote was O-bama? The Dems elite would anoint the Messiah as they did Kerry/Edwards the previous election. And Caroline would not endorse HRC on a ‘toughness’ issue? Uh huh. Right. Sure. NOT!
In a primary election one needs to convince the electorate and a major party one can WIN. This is after all politics. And if you believe gender is the sole reason a woman has not yet been elected president think again. Any time a candidate must overcome a serious obstacle to the public’s evaluation of their electability other attributes must render that negative meaningless.
Is gender an obstacle to winning elections? Sure. Can it be overcome? Sure, Golda Meir in 1969, Indira Ghandi in 1966, Margaret Thatcher in 1979 all beat the gender issue and one could say under considerably more challenging venues than in the USA. The list goes on and a link listing such things is available here
If women do not vote for women how is that a gender issue? But certainly the question is raised if a man does not vote for a female candidate. Hey, I’m a man. I voted for Sarah Palin even in light of her major obstacle, John McCain.
On November 25th a brief post appeared on this blog entitled, ‘ Reading Sarah Palin’s Going Rogue…’ This is the follow up post. A brief review on some aspects of the Sarah Palin story comes to mind and is relevant for this post about reading her book.
A recent poll indicated many people believe Sarah Palin and her family were treated unfairly by the media and others. Certainly one’s family should be off limits to the press and other critics when covering news about celebrities or others in ‘public life.’ It seems that standard was largely applied to the Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea, and to a lesser degree the daughters of President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. It seems to be in force with the daughters of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Granted, the aforementioned families resided in the White House And Sarah Palin’s family did not. At least yet. And the poll would suggest that shouldn’t matter. Some things should be off limits in what Palin describes as a ‘bloodsport’. That is politics.
Some may be intrigued, impressed or simply fascinated about the notion that Sarah Palin appears to be an ordinary American. You could argue much about her life is or could be shared by many Americans. And as common place as it may seem to engage in politics and become a governor or Vice-Presidential candidate that is something not everyone can do. All you have to do is try it to understand how uncommon it is. And that is not the only uncommon thing about Sarah Palin.
The first two chapters in Sarah Palin’s book, ‘Going Rogue, An American Life,’ read by this blogger were ‘Going Rogue’ and ‘The Thumpin’. After reading the table of contents it was hard to pass up. And I didn’t. The first thing to be said about the book for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, regardless of political stripe or persuasion, it’s an interesting read. And while Palin employed the services of a ghost writer it is the opinion here this was a technical consideration not a strategy on content.
When reading about the 2008 campaign and for anyone who followed it something striking is again displayed. Given Palin’s descriptions of the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams of the campaign staff and developments along the way you have to ask yourself who was making the decisions? From the top down the ticket’s campaign staff appears to be credentialed and experienced enough to manage the task. When the top issue moved from war to the economy what caused the disarray? It was almost as if the plan was to fail.
For those on the left this comparison is offered. In 2004, it appeared John Edwards campaign had juice. Not long afterwards, the party elite chose John Kerry as their candidate and Edwards complied by taking one for the team and accepting spot two on a ticket. To this non-liberal that made no sense aside from the fact the party power brokers were calling the shots regardless of what might have been the popular vote and possibly electoral. How’d that work out for ya?
Similar situation applied to the McCain/Palin ticket. War hero, war campaign strategy, political risk in VP choice for a Presidential candidate whose chances seemed all but dead until late in the primaries. The popularity and assets of the VP selection as well as the central theme to the campaign are mishandled by veteran operatives and all one can say is…… how’d that work out for ya?
Say what you want about Sarah Palin. And you will. But it is hard to discount a woman who has brought a refreshing change to politics. Who knows what’s next for Sarah Palin? There are plenty of predictions or forecasts. Seems a bit premature. If she remains a popular voice in American politics and nothing more it will still be of significant value. But given her history to date it seems unlikely the former governor has given up on politics or a future in it.
Nothing like Sunday good news/bad news to get you ready for the week ahead. Some time back Dick Cheney was getting good reviews for bringing attention to what’s right and what’s wrong about the US and how we deal with terrorism. Something some other members of the GOP would do well to take a stand on. Now, ooh, new revelations from inside the CIA via Leon Panetta start another controversy on this same topic.
Where do you draw the line between national security and the ideals in this republic intended to govern those who govern? May be no one is handling this correctly. From the liberals obsessed with using their current majority to punish the opposition under the guise of democracy to the occasional conservatives looking for political cover, how about we have a real discussion on the subject.
It would have been better had politicians found the courage to deal on these matters with each other in private rather than possibly damaging national security by trying to score points in the media.
And the good news is Sarah Palin is not leaving politics. Contrary to the opinion of those who hold an unfavorable opinion of Governor Palin she is good for politics whether you are left or right.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
Democrats slam Dick Cheney over secret CIA program
Los Angeles Times - Julian E. Barnes -
Sen. Richard Durbin says Congress should investigate whether Cheney ordered the counter-terrorism program not be disclosed to lawmakers.
Senator: Cheney and alleged secret CIA program ‘a problem’
CNN - Pam Benson -
WASHINGTON (CNN) — CIA Director Leon Panetta testified to a congressional committee that he was told former Vice President Dick Cheney ordered the intelligence agency to withhold information about a secret counterterrorism program from Congress, …
Palin says she’s not leaving politics
The Associated Press -
WASHINGTON (AP) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said she’s not only staying involved in national politics, but she plans to jump back into the national scrum when she leaves office at the end of the month.
Maybe Maureen Dowd is one nutty puppy. But that is how she apparently perceives Governor Sarah Palin or wants you to view her that way. Dowd certainly wouldn’t be the first or only member of the MSM to do a hit piece on Sarah Palin.
Speaking of Dowd, what road did she take and how is she viewed as a ‘columnist’? Wiki should be up to the task of providing biographical information on Dowd. A BA in English and her early career from 1974 included editorial assistant, sports columnist, metropolitan reporter and feature writer for the Washington Star which closed in 1981. More of the same with the NYT until the op-ed job in 1995. One Pulitzer for stories about Monica Lewinsky, a few other awards and a writing style described as acerbic and polemical. That explains a lot.
If you view the Wiki entry for Dowd you will find an area labeled ‘criticism’. Funny how she is accused of many things that explain her latest shot at Palin. Which supports the notion that those who look favorably upon Sarah Palin are not the only ones that may find this latest ‘op-ed’ objectionable. But then her acerbic and polemical style may indicate she simply does this to p— people off. Is that a marketing strategy at the NY Times?
So what about ‘Caribou Barbie is one nutty puppy’? Ann Althouse writes Dowd borrowed from Todd Purdum at Vanity Fair for her current Palin hit piece supporting other criticism from the Wiki source alleging Dowd does no actual reporting. You can take that to mean she does nothing to gather facts and pass them along. Dowd is not a shrink but may play one in her op-ed to characterize Palin as having a mental disorder based on a layman’s paint by number analysis using a psychology reference text. And perhaps all borrowed from another author. Is she related to Joe Biden?
The interesting thing from Althouse is the argument that all public figures or political types have characteristics described by Dowd, et al, or they wouldn’t make it in their chosen line of work. Hence the failure of the Thompson bid for president in 2008.
Reading Dowd’s laundry list of insults of Sarah Palin appears like more of the same from the left. Bush bashing may have run its course and no longer aids in selling MSM advertising space or time although Dowd gets one shot in at Cheney. So why not bash Palin at least one more time? It can also give credence to the notion that those on the right to whom the left feels most vulnerable receive the most bashing.
Some expect Palin will retire from public life. Some think she is preparing for a 2012 run. And still others think she has reached a breaking point and cannot complete her term as governor. Dowd certainly expresses an opinion. How easy is it for someone like Dowd to sit on the sidelines and get paid to make comments and judge others without having any skin in the game? Very easy, based on the op-ed on Palin from the 4th.
Has Dowd ever stopped to consider that not only was Sarah Palin attacked which may be fair game in politics but her family was also attacked? And how many other POLS have been treated that way? None that come to mind with the possible exception of the daughters of President and Mrs Bush for a brief period during that administration. Protecting one’s family is not the worst reason to withdraw from battle.
This is rich. An organization who never saw a tax dollar they didn’t like, especially when it is spent on them, the NEA, has audacity greater than President Obama to criticize Governor Sarah Palin in a story indicating she is rejecting stimulus money.
From the people who brought you flat line educational performance that cannot compete on a global scale they claim as the justification for unrestrained spending comes a criticism of a Governor who may say no to liberals.
There is an abundance of reports in the news slamming Gov Sarah Palin for rejecting at least some of the stimulus package funding. The first thing those who criticize ignore is that all government funding comes from taxpayers. The second thing they forget is that many who receive benefit from such funding have contributed little or nothing to the public coffers. It is evidence in the case of the National Education Association pointing to their dismal record on teaching. The math suggests the enormous debt facing this country will hamstring future generations more than ever before in history. Yet they charge Palin with short-sighted political motives for rejecting the cash. Yet they would take the money now, or anytime, regardless of the consequences. They also claim Palin’s rejection of funds will have long term negative effects on education in Alaska but fail to mention the long term negative effects of the national debt and deficit spending. Who has the real vision problem?
In addition to $160 million in education related funds, $50 million in energy related spending was reported to be rejected by Palin. Where is the NEA outrage over that? Oh, that’s right, it doesn’t count as it shouldn’t find its way to their pockets.
If the NEA wants to hold someone accountable they should invest in a mirror. But that would require another tax increase. The data exposing their failure year after year is out there for everyone to see. Yet they can only slam those who may question education spending that continues to increase while education results continue to flat line or decrease.
At the very least the NEA and teachers who support it are hypocrites. Just another special interest group lobbying for taxpayer money to fill their own pockets.
A combination of typical misleading information, at least headlines, from the MSM, the political celebrity which is Gov Sarah Palin, Democrats and Republicans, the pork stimulus bill and an organization with a willingness to do anything for a drink. How can you not love a story like that? The jury here is still out on whether or not the opening line in the first piece below is correct or not. Are ‘most Republican governors’ pushing for pork in the massive Obamessiah pork package? On the one hand it would seem a needless slap at their own party with the recent House vote in which every GOP Congressman voted NO. On the other hand the most frequent abuse at the state level in politics (rather than government) is to please local constituents by stealing all the federal dollars possible. By the success found in that ploy one can only assume voters are too stupid to realize that money is also public revenue from their tax dollars. And it also steals from taxpayers in other states as it is part their money too.
The last sentence in the first piece below suggest Palin is going to Washington for pork. This post began with an interest in checking on the claims of the statement that ‘most Republican governors’ are targeting the pork. So go figure, if you’re starting to check governors and while Alaska isn’t the first state by alphabetical order who comes to mind when you think GOP governor? For others Palin might not be the first to come to mind but it was here and that was the first stop. The second piece below suggests with its title that ALL Alaska lawmakers question Palin’s focus. C’mon, when the terms Alaska and lawmakers (plural) are used together does it not suggest all of them? Oh no, you say, it only suggests more than one. Point is at least in that piece the author provides examples of those who do and those who do not. The best part is it begins with the leader of the political opposition in Alaska driving by the mansion and wondering why the place is not all lit up? Was he hoping it was so he could bash her on global warming or greenhouse gases or her carbon emissions? But it made him wonder if she’s focused? How absurd that is. And to anyone wondering, the piece itself says the legislative session started on January 20 and it is only the 31st. Criticism comes quickly in Alaska.
Questions abound with Sarah Palin’s weekend trip to Washington DC. You can guess what they are. The first paragraph in Gov Palin’s press release ‘Non-Partisan Events in the Nation’s Capital certainly suggests although mildly vague that the Governor and her legislature are pushing for federal pork. The one who rose to fame on her self-promoted maverick and reform reputation even with questions on the bridge that wasn’t too far but went to nowhere and connections to other scandalous politicians is now going to campaign for pork????
Her state of the state near the end of the post suggests they were successful in bolstering the state of Alaska and storing some cash for this rainy day. As asked below, what is their condition and do they need help? Along with other 49 states one has to expect all cannot be saved by the Fed. And it all ends up being tested amidst members of an organization who will do anything for a drink.
NEW YORK (AP) - Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama’s economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.
Their state treasuries drained by the financial crisis, governors would welcome the money from Capitol Hill, where GOP lawmakers are more skeptical of Obama’s spending priorities.
The 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, scheduled meetings in Washington this weekend with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other senators to press for her state’s share of the package.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Driving home at night from her Capitol office, the leader of Alaska’s House Democrats often passes the governor’s white-columned mansion and wonders why more lights aren’t on.
Rep. Beth Kerttula assumes Gov. Sarah Palin is out of town, though Palin’s staffers say so far their boss has been there for most of the legislative session that began Jan. 20.
Governor Palin to Attend Non-Partisan Events in Nation’s Capital
January 28, 2009, Juneau, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin is traveling to Washington, D.C. this weekend to attend a number of non-partisan functions while also visiting with her D.C. staff to continue discussions concerning the president’s stimulus package and Alaska dollars. The Alaska Legislature is working on a joint resolution urging the Obama Administration to pass a fair stimulus package, a point Governor Palin will stress while in the nation’s capital.
Governor Palin will first attend a dinner at the residence of Fred and Marlene Malek Friday evening. Fred Malek is a prominent business leader and the founder and Chairman of Thayer Capital Partners. In addition to his work in the private sector, Mr. Malek has had a distinguished career in public service. The governor is honored to have received the invitation and to have the chance to speak about Alaska and other issues impacting our state. A number of high-profile business and economic leaders are expected, as well as political leaders who will be making decisions on the stimulus package, including U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine). Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will also be attending. On Saturday, in addition to the official meeting with her staff, the governor will attend the Center for Strategic and International Studies luncheon, which is a pre-Alfalfa event. Governor Palin will attend the Alfalfa Club Dinner.
These non-partisan and high-profile events provide Governor Palin with the perfect opportunity to speak further about not only Alaska’s needs, but how Alaska should be allowed to develop its natural resources in order to contribute to America’s quest toward energy independence. In keeping with tradition, President Obama is also expected to attend the Alfalfa Club Dinner.
The governor will return to Alaska on Sunday.
Contrary to published reports, the governor will neither be speaking at the RNC Winter Meeting, nor attending it.
The discussion from just about everywhere continues as observers attempt to draw conclusions about the trashing of Sarah Palin. With no statistical sampling or professional polling data or anything substantial to provide guidance suffice it to say most comments lay blame on Senator McCain for those leveling insults her way. The most popular suspects are aides from the McCain/Palin campaign staff and John McCain himself. Maybe not for participating in the leak of insults but for appearing indifferent to the situation.
There are four videos presented here. One of Michell Malkin expressing her outrage at John McCain on Neil Cavuto’s show. One of O’Reilly and Greta van Susteren debating the relative merits of reports on the matter and a two part from YouTube offering McCain’s appearance on Leno November 11th. This is followed by a full text transcript of the Leno appearance by McCain.
The opinion on this blog has been and continues to be one of skepticism. No serious evidence has been witnessed by this blog’s author to allow a clear conclusion to be drawn showing guilt by McCain or his aides for all the bad press directed toward Sarah Palin. That is not to say it is or is not out there, just that it has not been seen from here.
Is the loss of adhering to conservative principles by the GOP or the loss of the 2008 Presidential election by the GOP ticket so painful that those who appear to have supported the Republican candidates for that office need to apply blame to someone for the current situation? It seems fair to say that whoever is trashing Sarah Palin is not a former or current supporter of her candidacy for Vice-President of the United States. If that includes members of the McCain/Palin campaign staff then someone was hired who should not have been. Where is the strong evidence supporting the notion that the campaign aides are responsible? Sadly, based on Michelle Malkin’s mention on Cavuto’s show of Carl Cameron and Newsweek as sources to explain some of this hours were spent searching for such information with no success. Of the content found related to the ‘trashing’ nothing was seen that confirms the accusation towards aides from McCain’s campaign staff. Even van Susteren refers to the reports as ‘gossip’ and would not have run with the story based on that whereas O’Reilly would have.
While some criticize McCain especially for not ‘denouncing’ aides for bashing Palin this blog believes his responses on Leno were reasonable. These things happen in campaigns, no one likes a sore loser, Palin and Obama inspired many and it’s time to move on. If anyone is expecting all the bad press directed at Sarah Palin to be withdrawn or labeled as lies by those who published or broadcasted them, they are living in a dream world. The best thing that can happen is to get back to the work of advancing the cause of conservative principles and politics in order to move this country forward in a practical and reasoned way. The ugliness of the last campaign must end. Let the ugliness of politics as usual in Washington begin anew. There will be no revolutionary changes in government if history is any indicator. Get a grip and help move the country forward. All this ranting and outrage is pointless. Coming from those on the right they are starting to sound like liberals with all the whining.
So, now for the videos and transcript and have a good view and a read. Feel free to point out where you think this post has errors or simply express your opinion. It appears to be time to focus on what is needed for the next round rather than obssess on past losses. If you look back at the primaries and what took place then and since the outcome was never really a surprise. Too many obstacles to overcome combined with a ship adrift in rough seas allowed a decision to accept any port in a storm. The harbor was not entirely friendly nor conducive to success. It is time to right the ship and head for open water not lament the damage caused or how it happened.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
Michelle Malkin on McCain and the Palin attacks
O’Reilly, Van Susteren debate Fox report
McCain on Leno 11/1108 Parts 1 & 2
TRANSCRIPT: JOHN MCCAIN ON “THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO
“THE TONIGHT SHOW”
Jay Leno: As I said, today is Veterans Day. I cannot think of a better person to have as my first guest. Vietnam veteran, real American war hero, also just ran a hard-fought campaign against Barack Obama, now our President elect. Please welcome, in his first television interview,
Senator John McCain. (Applause.) Welcome back, sir.
Senator John McCain: Thank you, my friend. And thank you for having all these brave servicemen and women here. I’m honored to be with you. Thanks.
Jay Leno: It’s been a week since the election. How are you doing?
Senator John McCain: Well, I’ve been sleeping like a baby. (Laughter.) Sleep two hours, wake up and cry. Sleep two hours, wake up and cry. (Laughter.)
Jay Leno: Well, how –
Senator John McCain: I gotta tell you one quick story about Arizona. As you know, the great state of Arizona I’ve had the honor to represent. And we have a problem in Arizona. It’s really kind of a sad thing, because Barry Goldwater from Arizona ran for President of the United States. Morris Udolf (sp.) from Arizona ran for President of the United States. Bruce Babbitt from Arizona ran for President of the 1 United States. I, twice. Arizona may be the only state in America where mothers don’t tell their children that some day they can grow up and be President of the United States. (Laughter.) I mean, that’s a sad story.
Jay Leno: How about your wife Cindy? How is she taking it? Because sometimes –
Senator John McCain: Yeah, it’s tough. It’s tougher always on the family members. But she’s doing fine. She’s doing very fine. Thanks for having her and Meghan on the show. Appreciate it.
Jay Leno: They were great guests.
Senator John McCain: Thank you. And I’m glad to be back for my 14th time. I’m happy to be on.
Jay Leno: The day after the election, it was so weird. I turn on the TV, and I see you coming out of your house or apartment. You get in your car, and you drive somewhere by yourself.
Senator John McCain: Yeah. To get a cup of coffee, yeah. I didn’t have a single accident.
Jay Leno: I mean –
Senator John McCain: Maybe one.
Jay Leno: What was that like to suddenly be surrounded — “He’s coming down the hall. Remove” — and then suddenly — I mean –
Senator John McCain: Well, secret service people, despite the idiot you talked about tonight, they’re wonderful people. They’re brave. They serve the country. They’re just really the best of America. But it is a bit confining, you know. So I’m able to –
Jay Leno: So what did you do that first day? Where were you driving when you –
Senator John McCain: Went down to get a cup of coffee. Cindy and I went down to get a cup of coffee and — not the newspaper. I knew what it was going to say. (Laughter.)
Jay Leno: And you went up to the mountains too?
Senator John McCain: Yeah, went up to our place near Sedona and had a very nice time.
Jay Leno: Now, which house is that? Number 12?
Senator John McCain: You know what? That’s — let’s see. 27.
Jay Leno: 27.
Senator John McCain: But we’re — you know, look, it’s a great honor. It’s a great privilege. It’s an incredible thing that I was able to do. And I saluted, as you know, and admire and respect the winner, Senator — President elect Barack Obama.
Jay Leno: Actually, to me, that was, I thought, a nice moment when you were talking somewhere. In the campaign when I saw ugly things going back and forth and a woman said, “Well, Barack Obama, he’s an Arab or a terrorist,” and you stopped and you said, “No, he’s a good man and he’s a family man.”
Senator John McCain: Yeah, a good and decent person.
Jay Leno: And I like that. I thought that was quite impressive.
Senator John McCain: Well, you’ve got to have a respectful campaign. And that doesn’t mean it isn’t tough. I mean, campaigns are tough, and they should be because you’re seeking the most important position in the world. But there’s a difference between being tough and being personal or angry. And look, America right now — I don’t have to tell you — I don’t have to tell anybody out here, especially those members of the military — that we’re in two wars. We’ve got housing problems. We’ve got economic crisis. We’ve got all these problems. Now it’s time for America to join together and support the man who was just elected President.
Jay Leno: Now, what do you think was the main reason you lost. I mean, it was close. You got –
Senator John McCain: I think personality.
Jay Leno: Personality fault? (Laughter.)
Senator John McCain: Maybe too many people saw me on the Jay Leno show.
Jay Leno: What would you — is there anything, looking back, you would have done differently? Seriously, is there anything you said, “Maybe I shouldn’t have said this”?
Senator John McCain: You know, one of the things — I do study history. And every book I’ve read about presidential campaigns is the person that one ran a perfectly flawless, beautifully machined, great campaign, and the person who lost, “Oh, my God, all screwed up.” I could tell you a lot of things that we may have made mistakes on. But Jack Kennedy, after the failure of the invasion of the Bay of Pigs, said, “Victory has a thousand fathers. Defeat has one more lonely orphan.” He didn’t use the word “orphan,” but we’re on television. So that’s the way it is. Look, I’m so happy to have had the friends, go to the places we went to, Gee’s Bend, Alabama, where Martin Luther King went before the March in Selma. And I met a group of African-American women who make quilts, singing. I’ll never forget so many of those wonderful experiences that I had that no other way I could have had — I could have had the experiences I had.
Jay Leno: When you sit with friends, you discuss it, it does seem like, as viewing this, knowing you, I would see sort of two McCains. Sometimes I would see one McCain, and then the times when you were being funny, like at the Al Smith dinner and “Saturday Night Live” and said, “Oh, that was” — I said, “Why can’t we get” — “where is that McCain?” That one didn’t seem to be quite as visible. Is it the pressure and the tension of –
Senator John McCain: I think these are tough times, and you have to — and campaigns are tough. I don’t, frankly, think that a lot of people wanted a standup comic. They wanted to know how we were going to address the issues. That’s why I didn’t worry about your write-in candidacy. (Laughter.) But, you know, you just do the best that you can. And again, it’s an incredible honor. You know, we’re not — I’m not denigrating my past, but I stood fifth from the bottom of my class at the Naval Academy. If my old Marine company officer were here today, he’d say, “In America, anything is possible.” (Laughter.)
Jay Leno: Look, we’ll take a break. When we come back, we’ll discuss Sarah Palin. We’ll be right back with Senator McCain. (Commercial break.) Welcome back. Talking with
Senator John McCain. Let’s talk about Governor Palin now. The polls show that she hurt you. I know you’re too much of a gentleman to probably answer this question, but did she? Do you think it hurt you at all?
Senator John McCain: No, look, Sarah Palin and her husband, who is an amazing guy, four-time champion –
Jay Leno: Snow machine.
Senator John McCain: Yeah, snow machine –
Jay Leno: I didn’t hear that. Was that mentioned?
Senator John McCain: One time the guy — with 250 miles to go, Todd broke his arm and finished the race. Look, I’m so proud of her. And I’m very grateful that she agreed to run with me. She inspired people. She still does. And look, I’m — I couldn’t be happier with Sarah Palin. And she’s going back to be a great governor, and I think she will play a big role in the future of this country.
Jay Leno: Did she ever get off message at one point?
Senator John McCain: Did you expect mavericks to stay on message? I’m sure that from — look, we did a lot of things together, a lot of these rallies. The people were very excited and inspired by her. And that’s what really mattered, I think. Look, she’s a great reformer. She took on the governor of her own party when she ran for governor.
Jay Leno: Gotcha.
Senator John McCain: She understands all the energy issues. There’s a $40 billion pipeline coming to bring natural gas to places like California. And so look, she’s a marvelous person.
Jay Leno: Now, these aides that were criticizing her — and I think everyone agrees there were Republican aides who were criticizing her. I know you wouldn’t go for that. I know you’re an old soldier. You don’t let people talk — but why?
Senator John McCain: One — these things happen in campaigns too. I think I have at least a thousand, quote, top advisors. “A top advisor said” — people I’ve never even heard of, much less a, quote, top advisor or a high-ranking Republican official. It’s — these things go on in campaigns, and you just –
Jay Leno: Why don’t we just move on.
Senator John McCain: I’m just very proud to have had Sarah Palin and her family, a wonderful family.
Jay Leno: I sort of guessed — when Barack Obama picked Joe Biden, I — it seemed to me he picked Joe Biden because Russia had just invaded Georgia and it seemed like, “Wow, I want to go with somebody with foreign experience. Biden’s got” — it seemed like he became a choice because of that. That’s just my guess. If this economic thing had happened a month earlier or prior to you choosing, would you might have gone with an economic person, maybe a Romney or somebody like that? Is there any chance — how much did the world events play in the decision?
Senator John McCain: The world events didn’t play a role. I just looked at people, and I saw all of the things that she had to offer. And all of them that we had to actually, quote, choose from or ask to serve with us were all good people. I like them all very much. It wasn’t an easy process. I just thought that — I really believe that Sarah Palin is amongst some, like Tim Pawlenty and Bobby Jindal, the governor of Louisiana, there’s a group of young Republican governors and — mainly governors, but also some in the Senate — that I think are the next generation of leadership of our party. And we’re probably going to — our party has a lot of work to do. We just got back from the woodshed.
Jay Leno: How about Joe Lieberman? Was he a close choice? Was that possible?
Senator John McCain: Joe is one of the finest, most wonderful men I’ve ever known in my life. I have never known a finer man than Joe Lieberman, and I believe I won the nomination because right before the New Hampshire primary — and I know I don’t expect a lot of you to remember all the details — he came out to supported me. It mattered. Independent voters voted with us. I love Joe Lieberman.
Jay Leno: That might cost him the chairmanship now. Is that –
Senator John McCain: I hope not, because Joe is a wonderful person. And we want people to stand up for –
Jay Leno: Can you do that? Can you lose your chairmanship in the Senate just because you picked what your party perceives as an –
Senator John McCain: It generally is not done. I don’t, obviously, know what — what’s going to happen. But I know that Joe Lieberman is one of the — and by the way, on national security issues, he’s really, really good.
Jay Leno: And he’s an independent now; right?
Senator John McCain: He’s a, quote, independent Democrat.
Jay Leno: Would you want him to be a, quote, independent Republican?
Senator John McCain: No, no.
Jay Leno: Try to get him over on the other side, kind of lure him over –
Senator John McCain: I’m honored to have –
Jay Leno: — get him some clothes, expensive clothes, maybe nice suit? (Laughter.)
Senator John McCain: Neiman Marcus?
Jay Leno: Neiman Marcus.
Senator John McCain: But yeah, I think that — I think that Joe is going to probably remain as what he is, an independent who stands up for what he believes in. We need more people like Joe Lieberman.
Jay Leno: I want to talk to some more. When we come back, I want to ask you about a couple of issues and if you think the outcome would have been different if those issues had been different. More with
Senator John McCain. (Commercial break.)
Jay Leno: Welcome back. Talking with
Senator John McCain. Let me ask you this: If the main issue had remained the Iraq War, do you think the outcome might have been different?
Senator John McCain: If frogs had wings — (Laughter.) Anyway, won’t finish that line. You know, I don’t know, Jay. If you get into this “might have been” or different scenarios — we fought, I thought, a good campaign. I’m honored by the friends we made. I’m honored to have had the opportunity. I know it sounds a little repetitious, but that’s what I’ll take with me. By the way, Senator Obama inspired millions of young people, and I think we inspired some people too. And that’s really what I think was important, that legacy.
Jay Leno: At what point did you feel like you’re up against almost a historical movement? It seemed almost bigger than either candidate. You know, when I watched Senator Obama give his speech and I saw people who had not been part of the process –
Senator John McCain: Never been — oh, yeah.
Jay Leno: — suddenly moving –
Senator John McCain: Especially a lot of young people too.
Jay Leno: A lot of young people. At what point did you realize, “Oh, this is kind of bigger than both of us”?
Senator John McCain: I never thought that, because I’m a fighter. We always — I knew I had a headwind. I can read the polls. They tried to keep them from me. “You don’t want to read that, Senator.” But no, I knew we had a real headwind.
Jay Leno: Do you feel the press kind of favored him? Did you see sort of –
Senator John McCain: Yeah, it’s all the press’s fault. (Laughter.)
Jay Leno: All the press’s fault.
Senator John McCain: No, no.
Jay Leno: Was there any hostility in the media? Like that Letterman fallout, was there any hostility there? (Laughter.)
Senator John McCain: You should have seen “The View.” (Laughter.)
Jay Leno: I saw “The View,” yeah.
Senator John McCain: No, but look, we’re big guys. We’re supposed to be able to take this kind of stuff, you know. You know, one thing I think Americans don’t want is a sore loser. And I’ve got a great — I get to go back to the United States Senate and work on a lot of issues and continue to serve. That’s been my life. That’s been my life.
Jay Leno: Joe the plumber, was that a gift for Republicans? Is that like you’re watching the other guy and you go, “Oh, there’s gold. The guy looks like Mr. Clean”?
Senator John McCain: I loved him. He’s a great guy. Joe Wurzelbacher. Great guy. Had the chance to get to know him a bit. He’s kind of the classic American trying to get ahead, trying to make it. A great guy, great guy. And honest to God — I’m not kidding you, because we took polls all the time — that guy went from zero to 70 percent name I.D. in 48 hours. Really. It was amazing. It was amazing. And he handled it incredibly well, incredibly well.
Jay Leno: Now, in 2012, you’ll be 76. Still a young man.
Senator John McCain: Yeah, here we go again. Ready to go again.
Jay Leno: Ready to go again? (Applause.)
Senator John McCain: I don’t — I wouldn’t think so, my friend. It’s been a great experience, and, you know, we’re going to have another generation of leaders come along, and I’ll hope that I can continue to contribute. That’s all.
Jay Leno: Any thoughts on Veterans Day today? I know this is one thing — you see, we had a lot of fun with you, but it’s always about age, maybe you’re cranky, but it was never about your patriotism or about your love of country because you are a true soldier and a true hero.
Senator John McCain: You’re very kind. (Applause.)
Jay Leno: Maybe you could — could you share with us something maybe you didn’t get a chance to share during the campaign.
Senator John McCain: Just about every day, but especially on Veterans Day, I think of a guy I was in prison with a long time ago. For a few years we were in Hanoi and prison camps in north Vietnam. They kept us in solitary confinement, two or three to a cell. They finally moved us into large cells, 20 or 25 prisoners in each cell. The guy that moved in with me was a guy named Mike Christian. Mike was from a small town near Selma, Alabama. Very poor family. Enlisted in the Navy at age 17. Later became an A6 bombardier navigator. Was shot down and captured. He loved this country. I moved in the same room with him. The uniform we wore in prison was blue, like, short-sleeved shirt, like, pajama trousers, and shoes — sandals that were cut out of automobile tires. I recommend them highly. One pair lasted me five and a half years. (Laughter.) Part of this change in treatment, they let us have some packages from home in which were small items — some of us — like a handkerchief or a scarf. He took his blue shirt, fashioned himself a bamboo needle, got a piece of white cloth, piece of red cloth, and sewed the American flag on the inside of his shirt. Every evening before we would have our bowl of soup, we would put his flag — his shirt on the wall of the cell and pledge our allegiance to the country. It was an important part of our day. One day the Vietnamese came, searched the cell, found his shirt, removed it, came back that night — and I’m telling it fast — opened the door of the cell, called for him to come out, closed the door of the cell, and beat him very badly for a couple hours. Then they threw him back into the cell. The cell in which we slept had a concrete slab, light bulbs in all four corners, naked light bulbs. We cleaned Mike up as well as we could. I went over to lie down on the concrete and go to sleep. And I happened to look over in the corner of the cell, and underneath the lightbulb, with a piece of white cloth and a piece of red cloth and his bamboo needle, was Mike, with his eyes almost shut from the beating that he had received, sewing another American flag. He wasn’t doing that for us. He was doing it for his country. He wasn’t doing it for himself. He was doing it for his country and our ability to pledge our allegiance to our flag and country. I’ll never forget Mike Christian. (Applause.)
Jay Leno:
Senator John McCain, thank you for being here. Thank you so much for your patriotism and your service to your country. I know you’ve got to go. Cindy is in the audience. There’s his lovely wife Cindy right there. John McCain, thank you, sir. (Applause.)
The MSM never ceases to amaze. Controlling what gets published historically handled by editors or gatekeepers or censors and the analysis by notables such as Marshall McLuhan may have suggested a practical side to media manipulation. There is a limit to how much can be presented in a given period of time. Regulation and perhaps public pressure influenced how far the media could test their first amendment rights. The term(s) yellow journalism has been around for more than a century and deals with the notion of honest content versus sensationalism but more importantly and more broadly the misuse of the power of the media by those who control it.
An inadequate review of media power, history and the critical issues to be sure, but the purpose of the above paragraph is to remind those who read this of the risk associated with mainstream media, its power to influence, and that these issues are not new. Unless you were sleeping for the last two years it is obvious much criticism has been directed equally toward the mainstream media and alternative sources such as conservative talk radio. For the mainstream the central claim was bias in reporting that favored one candidate over another. For the alternative media example, conservative talk radio, has been under threat by the so-called Fairness Doctrine aka, censorship, and CTR’s opposition against efforts to silence them.
This post features an article by Kate Snow from ABC News that demonstrates both the bias side of media as well as an often lacking presentation that is essentially neutral with respect to the subject. It starts with the title of ‘Campaign’s Over, Palin Still Talking’. For all the commentary in the media about Palin being kept under wraps with limited or non-existent press availability, the title is at least a curious choice. Then in the opening paragraph of the report’s online version Snow describes Palin as ‘closely guarded’. From being guarded to going rogue and everything in between the media coverage of Sarah Palin has been suspect and offered support to the notion of mainstream media bias related to the Presidential candidates for 2008.
On what may be the neutral treatment of Sarah Palin by this report from ABC News the first comment has to be a question. Is playing nice regarding Sarah Palin to be the mainstream media’s attempt to deflect the ‘bias’ criticism they so richly derserve now that the election is over for Palin, et al? The neutral part appears to be a collection of quotes from Sarah Palin on several targeted aspects of her personal and campaign life that were central to the bashing she received from opponents including the MSM. The report has antiseptic descriptions accompanying the quotes giving a matter of fact flavor to Palin’s response on stories about her during the campaign. It is reminiscent of stories where the media featured accusations that destroyed a person’s life only to publish retractions or news of an acquittal or exoneration on an obscure back page of the paper. It all seems a little contrived.
Since this story on Sarah Palin may be equivalent to a back page correction it is offered here to give some support to fair treatment of the Alaska Governor. “Some support’ refers to any positive effect this blog can provide based on traffic rankings. The support by this blog for Sarah Palin is full throated. She is spectacular for many of the reasons that made her a rich target for unrestrained media criticism as well as that from her political opponents. She is not a campaign robot or product of a political strategy in search of the shell of a candidate to be filled with the rhetoric to represent special interest agendas. She speaks honestly without pretense reflecting the spirit of many in this country who favor a return to the basic principles that have served this republic well in its brief 200 plus year history.
Wow, ABC reporting about an interview with Greta van Susteren of Fox News without characterizing it as an extension of the GOP. But the point here really is Palin may be exactly right. Many suggest McCain held back on strategies that may have improved his chances for victory. This applies to not only focusing on Obama’s flaws that were dismissed by the MSM and others but an honest and necessary discussion on his plans as President to disarm the lame, predictable notion from his opponents that McCain/Palin would be four more years of President Bush.
Gee, where was all this coverage on the evening news from the ‘traditional’ broadcasters during the campaign? Were they too busy advocating for Barack Obama? Was this not a story to be corrected by the media before election day? Try to make the argument the media is not biased in favor of liberal candidates.
Barack Obama being corrected by George Stephanopoulos when he used the phrase, ‘my Muslim faith’ and GS injected, ‘Christian faith’. Joe Biden being descibed as ‘that is just Joe being Joe’ referring to supporters’ reaction to one of Biden’s well documented gaffes. But not for Sarah Palin is the selective objective reporting occasionally available in the MSM. At least not when it is relevant or required as a matter of journalistic responsibility.
No commentary would be complete without mention of the most ridiculous coverage about Palin beyond the personal and family attacks. That would be the clothing story. Something too stupid to comment on aside from the fact it demonstrates the MSM’s need to carry ’sensational’ stories, true or not, to bring potentially damaging coverage to a candidate they do not support.
Imagine what this blog’s author thought when the story broke? That’s right. The clothing thing was a strategy put forth by the campaign staff or others responsible for deciding the candidate’s appearance, etc. This story has been a colossal waste of time. But its purpose was clear. To add more brush strokes to the media’s painting of Sarah Palin. But make sure there is no negative press for Barack Obama or Joe Biden other than those stories that cannot be ignored and we, the MSM, will spin the bad stuff into oblivion. But hey, said the MSM, do we have any more dirt to throw on Palin? Tina Fey might work. Thanks NBC.
Sarah Palin may have a significant role in national politics in the years ahead. This blog’s author will support her efforts in any such role. Those on either side of the political spectrum in this country should understand that not all issues important to a candidate personally see the light of day or have an impact on the results. Too discount Sarah Palin solely based on philosophical differences would be a mistake made too often in this country. Liberals who oppose Palin would do well to consider her love of country and desire to protect it and strengthen basic principles associated with the founding of this nation. That of course would assume that such things are important to liberals.
For all the he said, she said reports circulating about Sarah Palin this blog had chosen to wait and see what developed in terms of retractions or corrections and the like. Recently, reports that indicate McCain campaign insiders were not responsible for the latest collection of stories trashing Gov Palin is why this blog has chosen to weigh in now.
Whether the McCain campaign insiders did or did not contribute to the Palin-bashing is more or less irrelevant. If you think about it, every candidate is subject to a certain amount of bashing as it is just part of the game, sad to say. It may be testament to Governor Sarah Palin’s immense popularity that she received what many conclude was the lion’s share of media abuse and if not certainly a tremendous amount of it.
The idea of her possibly running in 2012 for President may find some of you puzzled. For those of you who are the following observation is presented. Barack Obama rose to the national spotlight for the first time, based on media reports, at the 2004 Democratic party convention for a speech he gave. In four short years he became President-elect. It is noted by many if not all that this was a tremendous accomplishment and of historic significance. Sarah Palin burst onto the national scene in 2008. She has accomplished at least the following…..
One related note and one aside about the report above. It was presented by Rasmussen Reports. The related note is below indicating an after the election report about the accuracy of Rasmussen’s polls. The aside is that this blog has often presented Rasmussen data or referred to their polling as it had been believed here they are quite spot on. This information was presented to support the notion that one historic event could be followed by another in a surprisingly similar fashion. Perhaps after the election of the first black President the election of the first woman President will follow in much the same way as Barack Obama’s achievement.
What the hell are these people thinking? Enough noise was made by the public this year that even POLS with hearing impairments should have received the message. A return to basic common sense American values is long overdue and more necessary for survival than previously thought. If those connected to the GOP are as unresponsive as their political opposition from the other major party then one thing remains clear.
Every now and then an article appears that begs for commentary. Not by the author but what the author writes. This one comes from WaPo and focuses on an old label, the glass ceiling, and electing a woman president.
In a primary election one needs to convince the electorate and a major party one can WIN. This is after all politics. And if you believe gender is the sole reason a woman has not yet been elected president think again. Any time a candidate must overcome a serious obstacle to the public’s evaluation of their electability other attributes must render that negative meaningless.
For those on the left this comparison is offered. In 2004, it appeared John Edwards campaign had juice. Not long afterwards, the party elite chose John Kerry as their candidate and Edwards complied by taking one for the team and accepting spot two on a ticket. To this non-liberal that made no sense aside from the fact the party power brokers were calling the shots regardless of what might have been the popular vote and possibly electoral. How’d that work out for ya?
Maybe Maureen Dowd is one nutty puppy. But that is how she apparently perceives Governor Sarah Palin or wants you to view her that way. Dowd certainly wouldn’t be the first or only member of the MSM to do a hit piece on Sarah Palin.
NEW YORK (AP) - Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama’s economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.
January 28, 2009, Juneau, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin is traveling to Washington, D.C. this weekend to attend a number of non-partisan functions while also visiting with her D.C. staff to continue discussions concerning the president’s stimulus package and Alaska dollars. The Alaska Legislature is working on a joint resolution urging the Obama Administration to pass a fair stimulus package, a point Governor Palin will stress while in the nation’s capital.
The discussion from just about everywhere continues as observers attempt to draw conclusions about the trashing of Sarah Palin. With no statistical sampling or professional polling data or anything substantial to provide guidance suffice it to say most comments lay blame on Senator McCain for those leveling insults her way. The most popular suspects are aides from the McCain/Palin campaign staff and John McCain himself. Maybe not for participating in the leak of insults but for appearing indifferent to the situation.
Is the loss of adhering to conservative principles by the GOP or the loss of the 2008 Presidential election by the GOP ticket so painful that those who appear to have supported the Republican candidates for that office need to apply blame to someone for the current situation? It seems fair to say that whoever is trashing Sarah Palin is not a former or current supporter of her candidacy for Vice-President of the United States. If that includes members of the McCain/Palin campaign staff then someone was hired who should not have been. Where is the strong evidence supporting the notion that the campaign aides are responsible? Sadly, based on Michelle Malkin’s mention on Cavuto’s show of Carl Cameron and Newsweek as sources to explain some of this hours were spent searching for such information with no success. Of the content found related to the ‘trashing’ nothing was seen that confirms the accusation towards aides from McCain’s campaign staff. Even van Susteren refers to the reports as ‘gossip’ and would not have run with the story based on that whereas O’Reilly would have.
While some criticize McCain especially for not ‘denouncing’ aides for bashing Palin this blog believes his responses on Leno were reasonable. These things happen in campaigns, no one likes a sore loser, Palin and Obama inspired many and it’s time to move on. If anyone is expecting all the bad press directed at Sarah Palin to be withdrawn or labeled as lies by those who published or broadcasted them, they are living in a dream world. The best thing that can happen is to get back to the work of advancing the cause of conservative principles and politics in order to move this country forward in a practical and reasoned way. The ugliness of the last campaign must end. Let the ugliness of politics as usual in Washington begin anew. There will be no revolutionary changes in government if history is any indicator. Get a grip and help move the country forward. All this ranting and outrage is pointless. Coming from those on the right they are starting to sound like liberals with all the whining.
The MSM never ceases to amaze. Controlling what gets published historically handled by editors or gatekeepers or censors and the analysis by notables such as Marshall McLuhan may have suggested a practical side to media manipulation. There is a limit to how much can be presented in a given period of time. Regulation and perhaps public pressure influenced how far the media could test their first amendment rights. The term(s) yellow journalism has been around for more than a century and deals with the notion of honest content versus sensationalism but more importantly and more broadly the misuse of the power of the media by those who control it.
