On George Allen, The Media, And One Supporter's Rage
The Washington Post runs its article on Sen. George Allen's denials of the N-word on page B-01. That's fairly prominent placement.
Why did the Post decide to be a handmaiden to this story?
Probably because the accusations came from multiple, independent-from-each-other on the record sources with (a) specific recollections and verifiable background details. One of the sources was apparently reluctant to come forward, and was pressed to do so only after a colleague forwarded his e-mails to the New York Times and the New Republic. Also: it fits a pattern of conduct attributed -- fairly or not -- to Allen. Also: Larry Sabato, who remains the country's most quoted political scientist.
One prominent Allen supporter we talked to is full of rage. His argument is that this freeding frenzy is profoundly unfair. That Salon is a liberal publication with an agenda. That James Webb's remarks about ethnicity and women have been virtually ignored. That the press is ignoring the contradictions in the story of one of Allen's accusers. That the press is giving literally millions of dollars worth of free media oxygen to Webb's campaign. That the press is betraying its elitism -- its gut-level desire to drive Allen to an early political grave. But this supporter worries most about the effect of these stories on conservatives. Redstate keeps up the fight, but the Weekly Standard's article is more indicative of Beltway opinion.
How can Allen win? He'll go negative on Webb. In a vacuum, negative ads move the chains. But right now, to borrow a football metahpor, Allen has had poor field position for several quarters and can't seem to convert on third downs.
To break out of the metaphor, almost: Changing the momentum of the game is just a lot harder when your own negative ratings are rising. [MARC AMBINDER]
Ahhh, Marc you don't disappoint with another thinly-veiled right-wing attack piece. First off, when should the facts be put to the side just because a liberal or conservative publication publishes a factual story based on real evidence?
Secondly, the difference between Webb and Allen is that Allen just recently engaged in racially insensitive behavior with his Macaca incident. It brought people's attention to Allen's history of racial insensitivity.
The Jewish heritage incident also cemented people's doubts about Allen telling the truth. One day he denies he's Jewish, the next day he accepts his Jewish background and makes fun of Jews with his "I ate ham-sandwiches, and my mother made great pork chops" comments.
No one has himself to blame but Allen. As the Weekly Standard correctly wrote, Allen is looking like a phony and a bumbling, error prone individual.
Oh Boo hooo.....George Allen and many other republican candidates are getting a taste of what was done to John Kerry and John McCain (one of their own) by the machine. How does it feel?????
Do I feel sorry for George Allen. HECK NO!!! Anyone who has taken French knows that that "M" word is their "N" word.
Hey George you know all liars do take the elevator down on that final day.....no matter what their religion is.......
I agree completely.
I don't care if it is true or not as long as it is damaging enough to defeat Republcans and sticks to them through election day.
That is the Republican mantra - win at all costs. Say anything. Do anything. Stop at nothing. Winning is all that counts.
Remember Bush bragging about being the first MBA president? Well a recent study of cheating by college students revealed that business school students cheat more than other students because they said that "winning is all that matters."
Sounds familiar doesn't it?
By the way, George Bush thinks you have to give up your principles and sink to the level of the terrorists to defeat them with torture, denial of civil rights, and killing tens of thousand innocent Iraqis. So, don't bother to respond that I'm just as bad as the Republicans.
Two wrongs don't make a right, unless it is to destroy the political career of a Republican - and then, as far as I am concerned, it is open season on dirty tricks, lies, smear campaigns, and any other low down rotten thing that anyone can come up with.
I hope I've made myself clear.