Krauthammer mocks Obama after his dinner with right-wing operatives
Tuesday was a very interesting day indeed. It was the day Barack Obama had dinner with some of his harshest critics.
The president-elect tonight is having dinner with some ideological adversaries: four of the most widely-read conservative columnists.
The right-wing punditocracy met at the house of uber-winger George Will. The men who tried to defeat him in the recent election. The men who tried to paint him as any number of things other than what he really is. One of those men was FOX's own Charles Krauthammer. On his mother station, Charles wouldn't reveal much about the affair other than to say:
Charles: What's interesting is the fact that he would want to do this. And you see that since his election he's kind of reached out to people who may not be his ideological allies. To Rick Warren, the pastor who will be at his inaugural. To John McCain, who he's treated with a lot of dignity and respect and to a bunch of right wing columnists last night. In part because I think he is a guy who's intellectually curious and he wants to exchange ideas. Also in part because he wants to co-opt the vast right wing conspiracy and I'm here to tell that speaking for myself---he succeeded. I'm brainwashed entirely. I'm in the tank and I'm a believer now in hope and change and above all audacity.
.
Ahhh, meeting with these men who often were exposed as cads and charlatans and whose ideas were almost always wrong, ideas that helped bring ruin to our great nation the last eight years. The political ideologues who so deeply resent him were validated as real men of thought by his actions; that which so stings the progressive movement after what we did for him day after day and month after month.
He has kept his campaign promise to the people by reaching out to the other side so far, but I don't think anyone expected him to break bread with these ultra-conservative windbags before he's even been sworn in.
And as exemplifies their perspective, he's being mocked by the very people he reached out to less than twenty four hours later. Could it have been any other way?
UPDATE: Think Progress:
Now do it with a big fucking stick on hand, and beat the sonsabitches bloody.
Make the stick long and thick enough to reach clear across the "aisle," and then beat the shit outta 'em widdit...
What? That's not "bi-partisan?" Well, okay, then kick the shit outta Loserman, too...
You got me - I just had to laugh!
Thom Hartmann: Must see! The TRUE story of the Boston Tea Party
He's tasted those cocktail weenies.
They're trying to make the power plays and keep him from getting uppity.
see http://cabdrollery.blogspot.com/2009/01/mindl...
We now have Charles Krauthammer on our side. And what a welcome addition he is. As welcome as Anthrax flavored bubblegum.
Since he's wrong almost all the time, can we please give him back?
now we'll be served sourKraut on a paper plate?
I wonder. It almost appears to me that he is in support of the president-elect. Though we may not like him, his voice does have a loud resonance. With voices such as his not working to defeat Obama initiatives, perhaps others will follow, and things actually get done. Who knows, perhaps the country won't be quite as polarized after a year.
Who knows, perhaps the country won't be quite as polarized after a year.
5 'll getcha 10 it's even MORE divided...
The rhetoric could go both ways. He could appear to be enlightened at this moment to prepare the path to attack Obama for not being bi-partisan in pushing neocon agenda items.
Obama skipped out on paying the bill and didn't leave enough change to tip?
It won't last, but maybe he can get a few of the easier things pushed through before the honeymoons over
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
Obama is capable of reading and understanding the meaning of a good book. Definately a step up from reading my pet goat upside down.
I just don't understand why some people are all butt-hurt about this. Obama has promised to talk with a bunch of different douchebags; the Iranians and Hamas at the top of the list.
Whats the difference between meeting with Iran or Conservatives?
Either way; Obama is going to have to interact with both groups; he might as well start now.
picked up the tab from supper, would it tick off the grassroots progressives that donated to his campaign, to know that their donation paid for William Kristol's lobster?
I imagine it would be just like George Will to charge dinner guests at his house.
cooked their own food, grown in Will's garden. Prob was ordered out.....Is this bi-partisanship in action? So if it happens that these two parties "work together" will it make Americans feel any better to be screwed by both parties combined, instead of one at a time? I was just wondering. We're used to seeing this bipartisanship in action up here in Canuckistan, and man, it's a dream come true. We've went from budget surpluses, to megabudget deficits in no time.
It was a bad lobster.
If krystol's kosher he couldn't eat shell fish.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Oooh, the ignorance of those that know no better.
The are the kinda schmucks though that though they may hate you, stroke their unbelievably unwarranted intellectual vanity a bit and its like pulling a thorn from the lion's paw. If the lion were an idiot.
But this is Obama's style. Just like he did while at Harvard. He doesn't have to win all of these toads over, just enough to get shit done.
I'm sick of the partisanship in washington. I'd meet with Satan himself if I though it would do some good.
What's the old saying about keeping your friends close, but your enemies closer?
Baptists will think you're dancing.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
John, I disagree. I worked for Obama, but I'm not going to get caught up in one dinner meeting.
I'll judge the Obama administration by its actions.
Those actions start on January 20.
but I disagree here as well. One of President Obama's strengths is his willingness to listen to opposing views. It doesn't mean he's going to abandon his promises or throw liberals under a bus.
I really get annoyed by "progressives" who seem caught up in ideological fervor as if "their" candidate won and how dare he not do everything in his power to ignore conservatives.
Those particular conservatives represent the views of millions of Americans. Oh ... I forgot ... Obama is only the President of the centrists, liberals and progressives. What a very neo conservative idea.
I agree with your sentiment. The whole "Is-he-really-going-out-with-him" tone of my fellow progressives seems like it comes out of a high school clique mentality rather than political philosophy. I suppose now that President Bush and the Republicans have been relegated to a less threatening position, my more moderate side is coming out, but I simply do not understand why talking to or reaching out to someone who is not in your "tribe" is an offense punishable by mocking.
Besides, it was Krauthammar, a man who has been called the worst columnist in America by more than one national critic. This is a man, in my opinion, who long ago lost his dignity to his neo con leanings.
Even Kristol (who, in my opinion is, if not the worst, the laziest columnist in America - well him or Jonah Goldberg) in the linked-to story said that some of the columnists there would support Obama on some issues. His dig wasn't at Obama. It seemed nothing more than in-house bragging rights the next time he meets up with DJ Dionne.
So far Obama is meeting (and in some cases exceeding) my expectations. For what that's worth anyway. I'm proud to be an "Obama Mama"!!
Hmmm...Obama musta served mock crab.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
With mock apple pie.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
...and bullshit with some of his fair minded audience by at least trying to reach out to this bastard...this method worked well in November.
Does he not look like the child snacher from Chitty,Chitty Bang Bang?? Robert Helpmann was his name..google him and check it out!
I watched the video and here's what I think...
It looked to me like Krauthammer didn't come away with any new opinions on those things Obama wants to do during his administration, but it does seem as though he was at least a little impressed that Obama would do this dinner when most other people would not.
Even if Obama can't change minds, he might have succeeded in softening hearts if even just a little bit. Perhaps this was his only intention. Or, perhaps this was a tactical ploy for Obama to show how ideologically different people can sit down in a civil manner to discuss differing opinions. Why lay that groundwork? Next stop, Iran.
Just a thought.
I was kinda thinking this may be a practice run for negotiations with Iran. I can't imagine the Iranians being any more difficult to talk to then right wing operatives.
I hope that's all code words for, "He made us an offer we dare not refuse". It's what I would have done were I the incoming president.
He threatened to put a horse's head in their beds
And they're sick of george boosh's puss.
Hmmm...maybe that should be a horse's ass.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
First he's too polarizing. Now, he's too condescending.
the better Obama does, the louder the mocking. Get ready.
Krauthammer and that crowd were going to be douchebags anyway, so there's two possible outcomes from him going to dinner with them: either some of them will be swayed a little, or they'll continue being douchebags even after Obama showed some class toward them.
I doubt it will have much affect on people who are solidly on the right or left, but I suspect it will play very well the mushy middleding moderates. Thing is, actions like these cost Obama nothing and it's not like these odious little troglodytes of hate are going to infect Obama's mind and turn him into a neocon.
I like it. Outside the box. Talking to your ideological enemys. To much back and forth anger and shouting. A civil conversation for once. I don't see any downside. Maybe they have some good ideas, maybe you can keep them off balanced, maybe you will get them to listen to your point of view, etc. Shake up the Washington estabilishment and orthadoxy. Just wish Bush would have done the same.
I worked on a successful senate campaign. In the process of winning the seat the candidate pissed off some powerful business interests in the state. Soon after the election he met with them, listened to their whines & dumbass ideas and once we left the room we never gave them shit for the next 6 years.
The point of the meeting: "Don't say I haven't heard your concerns or ignored you". It's a useful tactic especially with this crowd of world class bedwetters. Obama is a smart guy, a real Chicago pol. I guess we'll soon see where he's really going with all of this.
There must be dissenting points of view for any team to be successful. Obama is the leader of one of the most powerful teams in the world, and shows his skills as a leader by talking with those that will most likely disagree with them.
Your point is precise in that now none of them can say that their perspective was not shared. When someone is able to have their idea shared and considered, it makes it much easier for them to buy in to an opposing idea.
The problem is, I can't overlook the fact that they deserve to be ignored. Aggressively. They deserve to be roundly mocked and carried out of town on a rail, wearing coats of tar and feathers. Literally.
Is an asshole!
I hope we soon see where he is going because I am beginning to wonder.
If I was Obama I would have yelled out, "M-Fer, bring me more iced tea!"
Excellent. Genius.
What this does is begin to turn the tide against those who mock outreach. In good time it will make irrelevant the Malkins, Limbaughs,Krauthammer, Kristols and their ilk. The closer Obama reaches the more ridiculous the faux crowd will become. There is no recourse to authenticity. Obama has proven this by becoming the the next president.
This kind of play by Obama does exactly what he intends it to do.
These right wing hacks will disappear from the radar screen as Obama's star will rise over the wasteland they have created. They will dig their own grave.
Be glad Obama is this balanced. He knows exactly what is going to work for most people to envision a new America. For the few who will remain obtuse will be too few to stop Obama.
The ultimate goal here, if I may paraphrase, is a permanent Republican minority. Is Obama going to change the extreme Right Wing? of course not. Will they ever vote for him? of course not. Is he even trying to "appease" them in any way? Of course not.
This is what he is doing. By meeting with these people he is looking reasonable and presidential. He is looking bi-partisan. And that is the genius of this. Obama will, mostly, give us what we want. What they are doing here is impressing the middle and making the Right look even more shrill and ridiculous. He acts presidential by talking to these people and, at least claiming, to listen. Then, the Right goes back and does it's Hannity the Shrill routine and they look even more ridiculous . . . especially to those who will vote Republican from time to time.
Nothing Obama does here helps these people (Right Wingers) or gives them any credibility. He has put them on the spot big time. They continue their ways (and they will) and they are the ones that look like politics as usual and shrill to the world and to swayable voters.
This move is genius, it is fantastic, and the dividends it will pay are going to be huge.
I hope that's the last time the people who cheered George W. Bush and the Republican Congress into the decisions that have made a total mess of our economy and foreign relations are even allowed in the same room with people who will make the decisions on how to clean up the mess they created.
They are a toxic, anti-American influence on everything they observe, everything they comment on, everything they stand or sit near.
He just wanted to see what bunch of real assholes look like in person. leve it to fox to keep putting out there bullshit. When the Fairness Doctrine passes, what will fox do. hide like the chickenshit news(?) they are.
Actually, the correct phrase is "Obama met with a bunch of right wing whiners, who, asshole to asshole couldn't make a beer fart"
Democratic Party progressive, Vietnam veteran and proud Union member for 41 years
As one who routinely mocks others, I can appreciate his words :)
What a class act.
They can't help themselves, can they?
*
obummer just wanted to reasure these douchbags that the bush cheny policys would go on as planned under his leadership, iraq ! piece of cake, afganistan , hey boys im your man! israel, hell yeah billions in new aid for white phosperous ,or bunker busters , then he did the old soft shoe blowing kisses at them all the way to the limo!
I am no fan of Krauthammer, but what he said just seemed like just a joke. It seems like an over-reaction to say he is mocking Obama. I think you could just as well say he is mocking himself.
I thought he was making fun of the question. He said some very encouraging things about Obama. He then followed up with of course I am going to work with him you dipshit.
This shows no matter how much education you get even conservatives are ignorant to see when someone is really trying to make a difference. How sad in their mind they think he is being uppity. Well I wish Obama every success in the world because we need real change. It is obvious that the republican party hasn't gotten the message yet. Get a couple of more cycles of losing and just maybe they will start changing their closed minds.
Southern Yankee
I think the nuances of what Krauthammer said have escaped many of you.
Sarcasm can be difficult to read sometimes.
This is what I got out of this conversation.
Obama is a nice guy. He has treated us with dignity. He is willing to work with us and exchange ideas in an honest manner. I am willing to work with the guy. The medias red v. blue mindset is rediculous and stupid. The Real World just isn't that simplistic.
Only the media (with some exceptions) and political hacks in the GOP believe in a simplistic right/wrong-for/against form of political discourse. That simple minded bull is for people that have no time or patience to view political progress as a slow moving incremental and inclusive process where free discussion is encouraged and decisions are made by consensus.
Nobody is ultimately right or wrong. We just are.
"We will find fulfillment not in the goods that we have, but in the good we can do for each other."
Robert F. Kennedy
...but from the transcript, I think you're about right. I've see Krauthammer a few times on Faux and read some of his columns here and there, but I didn't know much about his background. He's a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and first worked in politics in the Jimmy Carter administration, working on medical/psychiatric policy.
So, while I rarely agree with his political views now, the guy is not a dumb a**hole as some have called him. I suspect both sides in the political realm better start getting serious about working together to solve the very major problems we face - or we're toast.
"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of Stupidity" - Frank Leahy
Corrupt, slimy reichwingers like Charles Krauthammer realize that, even as much as they have shredded the Constitution and gutted the economy, still there is more they can ruin in the next four years.
Mocking the incoming president is an excellent start. Got any stink bombs for the inaugural?
Oops, I may have spoiled somebody's surprise...
always pimping Krauthammer articles....on this site, like we're really going to read it...
We don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children - Native American proverb
If being cold means there's no such thing as global warming, does being full mean there's no such thing as world hunger?
There are those of us that like to know what our adversaries are thinking and talking about.
I've read a fair amount of Krauthammer over the years, sapping every ounce of intestinal fortitude at my disposal in the process. I can say with some certainty that his sarcasm is not directed at Obama. He's basically saying, "Obama is a thoughtful, intelligent, charming and likable guy. I disagree with him on just about everything, but I'm giving credit where it's due. At least he'll talk with us."
Krauthammer, Will, Kristol, Brooks, et al, are all about engaging in public discourse to affect public opinion. Bush did none of it and in the process alienated a generation.
Fact is, Bush was a disaster for guys like Krauthammer, and Krauthammer is kind of acknowledging it here. The evidence? "What's interesting is the fact that he would want to do this." He sounds genuinely impressed. He is more likely taking a stab at the fact that Bush made absolutely no effort to convince or persuade or even engage the opposition (or even moderates) in an effort to win converts.
Those were, after all, some pretty nervous chuckles.
I'm not even beginning to suggest that Kraut will be in any way supportive of Obama's policies or will be converted.
Krauthammer = WATB
Clearly, conservatives are unaware that Unicorns are not only sparkly and full of hope. They also have wills of iron and live by blood vendettas.
with nary a shiver. A brave man indeed. (But he really knows he can beat them at their own game - it was to show them how inconsequential they are.)
Sauerkraut will miss his Dick-Licking of Dumbya the most.
sooo.... when is the dinner with the lefties?
he has had his neocon op-ed dinner, soon he will have a dinner in honor of mccain... none of which--turning off my kneejerk response to question such things--is bad. in fact, as the legions of obama supporters have pointed out again and again and again and again and again, it might be a smart tactic.
but, still, i wonder if/when obama is going to sit down with the some of the ideological leaders on the left to have a media-notified bread-break?
)o( <-- that is about the funniest little logo before ysbaddaden's name. is that supposed to be krauthammer's pucker about to get reamed by our liberal pounding?
There's mythic significance, but it's also a way to mark my comments, so I can easily find them later, and see what if any responses I got.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
If neocon pundits continue to be shrill after Obama extends olive branches, it will be very easy for Obama to turn to the rest of the country and say "hey, I tried." In a room full of tired old men, Obama came across as the one grownup.
I won't find it ironic in the slightest if these pundits were to act as if they were doing Obama a favor by dining with him rather than vice versa. Their speaking engagements haven't dried up. Their pieces still get published. They still get booked on the Dunay talk shows. As far as they're concerned, they've got the same amount of power they did this time last year. Hopefully time will prove them wrong, as they relize they had a true moment of bipartisanship staring them in the face and they chose to either downplay it or ridicule it.
These people will shake hands with you with the right hand, and slip a knife in your gut with the left one.
This may be the first time Obama learns that Republicans don't work and play well with others. Especially if you are trying to do good for America. They've been screwing up America for too long to have Obama come along and fix all their hard work!
There is nothing so quite annoying to the GOP than a good example,especially a successful Dem setting a superior example. Pity Obama's example of hearing his opposition out hasn't rubbed off on Israel..and doubtful it ever will.
....Here, Obama sat with at least 3 very influencial Jewish reporters who probably told him; you better side with Israel or we'll make our Op-Eds a living hell over the next 4 years. Protecting Israel is PRIORITY 1 Mr. Prez.
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