Rand Paul vs. Newt Gingrich, Rand Paul vs. Fox News

Rand Paul at the Congressional Correspondents' Dinner last night:

Comments

[smalls]

Brave. Not funny.....but brave. Good for him?

[Fist of Etiquette]

I think they're doing a pretty good job of leading cheer for bombing while at the same time Obama-bashing. A fairly good balance.

[Gregory Smith]

What an idiot, first he bashes Newt Gingrich who has done NOTHING against him.

Then he bashes Fox News which is the only network that treats him with respect.

Shame on Rand Paul, shame!

Separation of common sense and state: Township takes "Easter" out of the egg hunt.
http://libertarians4freedom.bl.....state.html

[MWG]

Barf!

[deified]

Donderrrrroooooooooooo!

[Otto]

No. If you've been here long enough to know Dondero, you might remember "Neal".

[Hugh Akston]

Nobody remembers Neal. But Donderoooooo was famous for believing that only the firm hand of authoritarian republicans can guarantee real liberty. He may have also been a blog whore, but I don't recall. I think it's an apt comparison.

[Warty]

He also liked to post his cell number and challenge us to call him, remember?

[Hugh Akston]

But in his defense, posting his number on the internet was the only way to make sure his phone was working.

[Warty]

If I remember correctly, he called us pussies because no one called him.

[SugarFree]

Eric Dondero|11.21.07 @ 9:35PM|#|show direct|ignore
Isaac, why don't you just pick up the mother-fucking phone and call me direct?

If you feel so strongly, want to just let it rip, here's my cell - 832-896-9505.

You can even call me tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day. Or even today, which happens to be my 45th Birthday.

But don't be surprised if I return the fire.

C'mon with it, pussy boy non-Veteran.

[Hugh Akston]

He did that in at least 12 different threads. He must be a lonely guy.

Of course, it's not easy to be bottom to a Rudy Guiliani blowup doll.

[Tacos mmm...]

I'm contemplating calling just to find out if he's one of those guys who gets out of breath from the exertion of answering a phone.

[Gregory Smith]

Thank you. Besides Dondero is not a blogger.

[Hugh Akston]

O RLY?

[Warty]

NeoCon Karl Rove blasts libertarian Republican Donald Trump over Birth Certificate stance

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Never change, Dondero. Never change.

[SugarFree]

Of course Dondero is a Birther. Of course he is.

[Warty]

If you were a libertarian like Donald Trump, you would be too. Do you have a swastika tattooed on your ass or something? Why do you hate America?

[Gregory Smith]

Donald Trump is no libertarian, he doesn't want his employees smoking.

[heller]

Donald Trump is no libertarian, he doesn't want his employees smoking.

Brilliant analysis, Gregoooo.

[Hugh Akston]

OBAMA'S TRUE PLACE OF BIRTH IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO OUR LIBERTIES IN OUR LIFETIME.

[Gregory Smith]

Well, you have to be born in AMERICA to be president of AMERICA. In fact, most countries require that of their president, or do you think you can just move to France and ran for president there?

Then again, Mr. Akston, perhaps you are one of those global citizens who likes to imagine that there is no border.

Gee Hugh, if there are no borders then why have countries? Maybe you'd like to sing the United Nation's national anthem, or perhaps "La International" is more up your alley?

[Warty]

perhaps "La International" is more up your alley?

A++

[Gregory Smith]

Thank you, Warty. I'm glad someone here remembers Communism which by the way, hasn't died, it has simply evolved into progressivism.

[heller]

Great trolling Gregooo. Keep it up.

[Hugh Akston]

Obama has been certified eligible for the presidency by every legal authority in the land. For all intense and porpoises he is the President, and peoples' energies are better spent criticizing his policy decisions than where he fell out of his mother.

And yeah, actually, a world without borders (or with borders so porous they might as well not be there) sounds pretty good to me.

And I have repeatedly submitted my proposal for the national/world anthem.

[R C Dean]

Obama has been certified eligible for the presidency by every legal authority in the land.

Which is not, of course, the same thing as actually being eligible to be President.

[Cue pointlss debate on legal positivism.]

[Gregory Smith]

Hugh, there are so many documents Obama hasn't released, including his certificate of baptism and college transcripts! Think about it, could there not be a conspiracy to certify him eligible for the presidency?

I'm starting to think so, even Donald Trump is raising questions.
http://libertarians4freedom.blogspot.com/

[Ben P.]

You say 'even Donald Trump is raising questions' as if that is supposed to impress us. As if Donald Trump is a bastion of liberalism, self-restraint, and modest, intellectual discourse whose sudden concerns about the President's citizenship status *should* alarm us.

Are we supposed to be impressed that a man most famous for going repeatedly bankrupt and making money again every time by exploiting American fascination with sideshow freaks and celebutard train-wrecks is somehow a political expert?

I await your pithy reply that he is somehow more of a political expert than, say, a former community organizer. Go ahead. I'll just wait right here.

[Joshua Corning]

I think the whole birther phenomena can be condensed down to the fact that Obama the candidate was not really scrutinized very well by main stream media during the election. His speeches were good but lacked substance, he was rarely confronted (Joe the plumber was the closest thing think we got and it was done by some working class d-bag), and every one of his screw ups forgiven and ignored.

I think there is a substantial group of people who correctly thought that Obama got a free pass in 2008. Among that group there are those who don't understand it and are incapable of articulating what they are feeling in a rational way.

That feeling which was never articulated in the press simply fell into the cracks of conspiracy.

So yes Brithers are wrong and irrational...but most importantly they only exist because the press (this means you Weigel) did a shitty job in 2008 and have yet to admit it and correct the record....so the phenomena persists.

Note: Weigel was particularly bad on this issue in 2008. Not only did he refuse to cover Obama but instead of actually looking at the candidate focused his reporting on covering birthers.

His 2008 election work at reason was pure hackery. It sickened me at the time as it still sickens me today.

[Michael]

Camacho doesn't need to show you a birth certificate! Fuck you, Gregory Smith!

[joe the mole]

No, you don't have to be born in AMERICA to be president of AMERICA, you moron. Study some friggin' nationality law before you post something stupid.

[Gregory Smith]

Well, I saw his blog and have to admit I liked it.

[Jack]

I, sir, remember Neal/Caeser with great fondness. There's nothing on Reason now to match his greatness.

[Brandybuck]

He was famous for claiming that only active warmongers could be libertarian. His "libertarian republican" blog still routinely bashes libertarians who are not on the side of perpetual war in the Middle East.

[D.D. Driver]

Can't say I have an opinion of Fox News one way or another (although I enjoy Red Eye). I also am no big fan of Gingrich.

BUT...I sort of hate it when speakers pander to an audience like this. Of COURSE the Congressional Correspondents will eat this shit up.

It reminds me of the Dixie Chicks bashing Bush---in England where it is nice and safe.

I still love Rand, though.

[Gregory Smith]

I spent two weeks without watching Fox News in Chicago, I had to put up with CNN and that weirdo with white hair. It felt like the bastard child of Pradva and NPR.

I recommend Fox News, specially Glenn Beck and The O'Reilly Factor or The Fox Business Network for Judge Napolitano's Freedom Watch.

BTW, if it wasn't for Fox News, John Stossel would never be on TV. You think the liberal media likes him? Think again.

[Hugh Akston]

I had a similar experience, except I watched both FOX and CNN in the hotel. Both of them were so insulting to my intelligence that I forgot how to drive.

And that was just the straight coverage. I would hate to have seen what their commentary programming was like.

[Gregory Smith]

The segments where Bill O'Reilly interviews John Stossel are quite interesting.

Seriously, until y'all get The Libertarian News Network on TV, the only network you'll ever agree with on many issues is Fox News.

[heller]

You just love being Team Red's little slut, don't you Gregooo?

[Gregory Smith]

Any team that lowers my taxes and lets me keep my guns will be my team.

Of course, you probably voted for Obama because you thought he was going to end war, right? Well, the great Obama is gonna bring more war while raising taxes, keeping people in jail even if they're found innocent, and will eventually confiscate your guns. This I have read in conspiracy websites, and sometimes conspiracies do come true.

[heller]

You're such a stupid fuck, I didn't vote for Obama. Libertarians shouldn't side with either team, they're both statist fucks.

[DesigNate]

Let me know how that works out for you Grego.

[Joshua Corning]

Seriously, until y'all get The Libertarian News Network on TV

I am building a time machine and giving [Adult Swim] circa 2005 its own network.

[Bradley]

I recommend Fox News, specially Glenn Beck and The O'Reilly Factor or The Fox Business Network for Judge Napolitano's Freedom Watch.

Bill O'Reilly: now there's a great libertarian. Yes sir.

[deified]

BTW, if it wasn't for Fox News, John Stossel would never be on TV. You think the liberal media likes him? Think again.

The dude was on 20/20 for over 20 years. That's ABC: network media. He had stand-alone TV specials that were consistently in the Nielsen Top 20.

Just because he left to get more money at Fox (good for him!) doesn't mean he had no other options.

[Gregory Smith]

Yeah, and why did he have to leave ABC? Because they were CENSORING HIM! They refused to let him do a 20/20 on Obamacare. Seriously, do you people read? I read TWO of Stossel's books. In fact, it's Stossel who praises conservatives for being open minded to his ideas. In fact, when Stossel writes a book is the "rightwing" media that loves interviewing him while The New York Times and the liberal media ignores him. That's the truth and you know it.

[CrackertyAssCracker]

If I were forced to watch an entire 24 hours of one of the news networks, I'd have to go with fox. But if were only forced to watch 2 hours of primetime, I'd much rather watch Hardball and Maddow than O'Reilly and Hannity.

Really the best two hours are Freedom Watch and Redeye though. I actually watch them in their entirety occasionally.

[Gregory Smith]

Maddow and Hardball? Jesus Christ, if you don't watch out you're gonna become a liberal.

[dunphy]

maddow is a good journalist. i may completely disagree with her politically, but she's not a hack, and she is very watchable.

[Ben P.]

You forget, though, that people like Gregory Smith are often pathologically incapable of admitting that people with whom they disagree are intelligent or talented.

[Gregory Smith]

You're wrong, I often disagree with Juan Williams yet I'll admit he's intelligent and talented man who's willing to attack BOTH the right and the left unlike Maddow and her ilks of progressive friends.

[JT Florida]

I agree.

Chris Matthews on Hardball is just a loud mouth who says nothing new or interesting. To me, he is just the MSNBC version of Hannity. Maddow, though, gives an interesting and succinct review of the days news through the eyes of a "progressive", "leftist", whatever label you want to apply to her.

[CJ]

I recommend Fox News, specially Glenn Beck and The O'Reilly Factor

It would be really nice if you'd stop lying about who you are by moving your blog to some other URL without "libertarians" in the title. Even someone as awful as Max is at least upfront about his political leanings so that even a casual observer knows what ideology to blame for spawning him.

[Gregory Smith]

Well, I can't call myself conservative, the republicans don't consider me republican, so after examining what libertarianism was I decided that was my political philosophy except for the anti-war part of the platform.

[nj]

You are not a libertarian. You are just a conservative with some libertarian leanings.

[Gregory Smith]

Well, whatever, if the GOP can accept Log Cabin Republicans and if CPAC can put up with Rand Paul supporters, I see no reason why a politically incorrect libertarian like me can't opine here. Frankly, y'all reminding me a lot of segregation, do they have separate drinking fountains for PIL libertarians at the LP?

[TDL]

Opine all you want, you ain't a libertarian.

Regards,
TDL

[zoltan]

if it wasn't for Fox News, John Stossel would never be on TV.

ROFL.

[mad libertarian guy]

You mean except for the 28 year TV career he had with ABC BEFORE leaving ABC to go to FOX Business?

[affenkopf]

You really do try hard to finally reach the coveted 'most annoying blogwhore on H&R' postition.

[kbolino]

I have clicked on a number of your ridiculous links and read your stupid blog. I can say quite honestly that you would fit in much better with conservatives than libertarians.

[Gregory Smith]

Bullshit, Freerepublic has kicked me out three times. I am a libertarian and I will come here as much as I'd like.

Besides, the fact that you keep clicking on my links shows you're enjoying my blog. Seriously dude, you're talking like liberals who think advertising makes them buy stuff. "Oh, I didn't want to buy that dress but it was on sale."

[kbolino]

Do as you please. I'm not saying where you can or cannot go, I was just suggesting you might find more ideological compatriots among a different group of people.

Freepers don't count.

[Gregory Smith]

There's quite a few libertarians that admit supporting me in private, you'd be surprised.

[Moron]

What's to prevent these "quite a few libertarians" from voicing their support from you here? I mean, apart from the fact that they don't exist.

It's not as though there are any actual consequences to be suffered, particularly behind the curtain of anonymity provided by this blog.

[jacob]

They do it in private because it's too fucking embarrassing.

[SIV]

Speaking of bombing...

[Chydenian]

It's very shameful of Rand Paul.

Shameful of him for not running for President...

[kilroy]

He is his father's son.

[Tim Cavanaugh]

So the negative correlation remains 100 percent: Any actually funny line at a correspondents dinner will get no laughs.

[Hugh Akston]

The lines themselves may have been funny, but the man has no comic timing.

[Joshua Corning]

I think I agree with Rand to much to find humor in what he said.

Plus yeah his timing was off.

[Otto]

Agreed. Also, the bit about the conflict at Fox News would have had to have been played much "bigger" to be funny.

[JT Florida]

You beat me to it.

I found his comments funnier when I saw them in print, before I actually heard him deliver the lines.

[Tim]

The truth hurts. Paul needs to work on his delivery. These are the facts:
1. Gingrich has more wives than an arab potentate.
2. Fox is conflicted.
3. I am absolutely not kissing up, Cavanaugh you charming, erudite bastard.

[rather]

4. He was only funny when he made off the cuff remarks that weren't meant to be funny

[rather]

I posted this ealier. I want a hat tip bitches

[Tim]

I saw you not post it. This being the internet you can't not, not disprove anything. Not.

[rather]

when are you going to stop raping Girl Scouts Tim?

[Joshua Corning]

This is a disadvantage of using reason to generate hits.

Your consumers will read reason before we read your blog.

[rather]

My headline is so much better too
http://rctlfy.wordpress.com/20.....terrorist/

[affenkopf]

Step up your game if you want to remain the most annoying blogwhore on H&R. Donderoooooo is closing in.

[Otto]

It's Neal, not Dondero. Dondero would have been unable to conceal his anger at Ron Paul for this length of time.

[SugarFree]

While I don't have an answer to the conundrum, the "Neil" faction seems to be ignoring the fact that no matter how aggressively ignorant, petulant, paranoid, and provincial Greg is, there are millions of real GOP voters that believe and behave exactly like he does. This means that one of them finding us is not that unlikely. Especially with our track record of attracting broken personalities with an anti-libertarian ax to grind... not to mention all the stealth GOP "libertarians" on here that are undoubtedly real people.

[Clich? Bandit]

you bring up a good point. But I must say that this:

Bullshit, Freerepublic has kicked me out three times. I am a libertarian and I will come here as much as I'd like.

smacks of intentional amature. I am now completly conflicted on the Gregoooooo identity conspiracy.

[Gregory Smith]

Provincial eh? You must be one of those global citizen that would like to sing with all the children of the world.

Tell me, why do you hate the right more than the left? I admit that the right annoys me on a few minor issues like abortions and their stance against gay rights, but they're so wonderful with almost everything else.

I mean, will life end if the GOP opposes legalizing same-sex marriage? Of course not!

Yet some of you libertarians seem to have no trouble hanging out with the left while bitching about the right.

[heller]

Yet some of you libertarians seem to have no trouble hanging out with the left while bitching about the right.

No, you just think that because we are criticizing you for being rightwing, so you automatically assume that we are pro-left. Typical two-party cheerleader thinking.

[Gregory Smith]

I'm only "rightwing" when it comes to war, the border, English-only, patriotism, and a few tiny issues like that. On everything else I'm freedomwing. Want to have an abortion? Go ahead! Just don't do it with my money, thank you very much.

[The Ingenious Hidalgo]

"The border" is not a tiny issue. What you're saying is you're for freedom of association - but only within predetermined groups of people. If a guy from Texas wants to rent his loft to a Mexican, it's none of your business, and if a guy in New York wants to give a Chilean a job, that's none of your business either. And English only? What the fuck?

[Gregory Smith]

Freedom of association is letting any illegal come here? Are you kidding me?

[The Ingenious Hidalgo]

No, freedom of association is me letting anyone I want into my house. Including foreigners.

[Old Mexican]

Re: Gregory Smith,

Freedom of association is letting any illegal come here? Are you kidding me?

Greg, you're conflating two different issues, one having to do with liberty and the other to do with the State. They are NOT compatible.

A so-called "illegal immigrant" is so only by the State's fiat. If a person comes from another land, rents or buys a place to stay in a totally voluntary transaction with a renter or seller, and obtains employment in a totally voluntary way with an employer, then why would it be an issue whether that person asked the State permission or not? The person committed no immoral or unethical act so far. Saying "because the law says so" only makes you look the more silly, as such argument is circular.

[dunphy]

and no true scotsman arguments aside, being pro border enforcement doesn't automatically mean one can't be a libertarian (small "l").

[Jim]

That's a pretty serious list which would make many neutral observers believe that you are not, in fact, libertarian. You may be a mix of libertarian and conservative, and that's fine; human thought cannot be prepackaged into a series of mutually exclusive boxes. But IMO you're no more a libertarian than you are a conservative. You're something else entirely.

And yes, I want to live in a world with no artificial lines drawn by dead politicians which purport to dictate to me whom I may and may not conduct free economic exchanges with.

True story: on Monday of this week, my garbage disposal broke. I called several plumbers and got quotes. Then I went to the day-labor center, and asked them which guy they use for their plumbing. The "legal" jackasses wanted anywhere from $135 - $150 to do the job. My illegal did it just fine for $50. Why do you believe in using the law to force me to accept uncompetitive wages, and prevent my freedom of economic transaction?

[Gregory Smith]

So what should I call myself? Independent? I hate that term.

Well, good luck with the garbage disposal, if however that thing breaks again, good luck getting the illegal to repair it for free as most legal companies would do. My brother in law is a contractor and he knows all the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors.

[Jim]

You're free to call yourself whatever you want, it just seems that "libertarian" doesn't really describe you any better than "republican" would.

And living in the southwest, I'm well aware of the quality dangers involved. But from my experience, they may really seriously fuck up about 20% of the time, whereas a more expensive pro will maybe 5% of the time. But I still save so much money using cheaper labor, that I come out ahead even given their higher instances of fuck-up-ery. So far the disposal has worked fine, but even if he charged me full price to come out again, I'd have to have him over two more times before I'd incur any costs above having hired the legal guy in the first place. It's a risk / reward calculation that border fanatics don't believe I'm qualified to make on my own, because our gov't overlords know what's best for us.

[Joshua Corning]

So what should I call myself? Independent? I hate that term.

You are a conservative libertarian or a libertarian conservative. Take your pick.

I find much of your list contradictory with libertarianism...but fuck it, its a big tent welcome to the party.

Still wandering around drunk and yelling at all of us for being lefty lovers will not gain you many friends.

I know from experience =)

[Moe19]

"...the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors."

WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!!1!

Some of us are smart enough to do our own DD on who we want to hire, not just those that paid the state for a stupid license.

Jerkoff.

[mad libertarian guy]

SOMALIA!!!!!!!

[Warty]

Rectal's game is stepped up as far as it steps, dude. Just incif her to avoid brain injury and continue throwing insults.

[rather]

poor baby, is it hard to pretend you aren't reading every word?

[Rather Retarded]

You can't ignore me Warty, you love me, everyone loves me, I am beloved!

[The Internets]

STOP teasing rather.

She once got 200 blog hits.

200!

[rather]

I get two hundred everyday by noon

[Warty]

The best part about insulting rectal is the little greyed out post that appears a few minutes later, all full of poorly-expressed rage and terrible masturbation-themed insults. Sometimes I regret missing out on it. But then I'll see someone quote her, and I know I made the right decision.

[rather]

masturbation-themed insults

Holy shit, Warty is Madam Cleo!

[Spazmo]

YES. I get a semi boner every time I see that tiny, pathetic, italicized rather appear on my screen. Feels good man.

[Old Mexican]

Re: rather,

My headline is so much better too

It was mostly tongue-in-cheek, which I don't find amusing. I prefer tongue-in-snatch. But, that's just me.

[rather]

Do you toss salad?

[Rather Retarded]

I love tossing Daddy's salad.

[Tim]

Rand, on box, mocks Fox.

[Anarchosubmissive wifey]

Mock Fox, mock!

[Joshua Corning]

It appears Rush has made the decision that bashing Obama was more important then bombing the middle east.

Also if Libya is the middle east then where is north Africa?

Lastly I am so happy that Rand will be there for 6 years giving shit to the Republicans that i really cannot contain myself.

[Sudden]

Also if Libya is the middle east then where is north Africa?

Admittedly, the thing I like about the whole "Libya=MidEast" meme is that I can now in good conscience start referring to Italy, Germany, et al as the Northern Middle East, which given the percentage of their populations that believes Allah is the one true God and Mohammad his prophet, isn't entirely incorrect demographically speaking.

[Ska]

Rommel commanded the Middleeasternkorps, right?

[R C Dean]

Well, Libya is next to a country that's next to the Middle East. Close enough for journalism work!

[Mo]

SoS Dulles included Libya in the Middle East, your beef is with him.

[Mo]

I did not realize that regions couldn't overlap. Is Egypt in the MidEast or North Africa?

[Brian from Texas]

At times Rand can certainly be his father's son. Good for him.

[Jerry]

That SNL line was pretty good.

[blubi]

Congressional correspondents is about an evening without partisanship and having a laugh, which usually revolves around selfdeprecating humour. Jokes about someone else?s wives is a crass cheap shot. Rand?s ideological fervour and ego are being mixed with poor results. Here he comes across as mean-spirited, his previous rant about toilet flushes made him look ridiculous.
Fame has strange effects on the brain.

[Old Mexican]

Re: blubi,

Fame has strange effects on the brain.

So, it would seem, obsession...

[Joshua Corning]

Jokes about someone else?s wives is a crass cheap shot.

Some circles find it crass to ditch one's wife for a younger women.

I am not in that circle, me being, at least in theory, libertine...still if I don't find running out on one's wife crass I certainly can't find making jokes about it crass either.

[Old Mexican]

Re: Gregory Smith,

Freedom of association is letting any illegal come here? Are you kidding me?

Greg, you're conflating two different issues, one having to do with liberty and the other to do with the State. They are NOT compatible.

A so-called "illegal immigrant" is so only by the State's fiat. If a person comes from another land, rents or buys a place to stay in a totally voluntary transaction with a renter or seller, and obtains employment in a totally voluntary way with an employer, then why would it be an issue whether that person asked the State permission or not? The person committed no immoral or unethical act so far. Saying "because the law says so" only makes you look the more silly, as such argument is circular.

[jacob]

I FUCKING LOVE RAND PAUL!

Newt Gingrich is a moron, it's nice to see other Republicans call him out. If Newt Gingrich runs, we can guarantee another 4 yrs for Obama.

[Cytotoxic]

Wow, Gregory Smith has trolled the shit out of this thread. It's all but official.

His timing was off, but I don't care. I still think Rand be much better running for GOP candidate than his father.

[mad libertarian guy]

The timing is bad.

He'll be unelectable in 2012 because of his "inexperience" (as if that fucking matters), and 2016 he'll be busy running for re-election.