Reason.com - Free Minds and Free Markets
Reason logo Reason logo
  • Latest
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Subscribe
    • Crossword
  • Video
  • Podcasts
    • All Shows
    • The Reason Roundtable
    • The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie
    • The Soho Forum Debates
    • Just Asking Questions
    • The Best of Reason Magazine
    • Why We Can't Have Nice Things
  • Volokh
  • Newsletters
  • Donate
    • Donate Online
    • Donate Crypto
    • Ways To Give To Reason Foundation
    • Torchbearer Society
    • Planned Giving
  • Subscribe
    • Reason Plus Subscription
    • Print Subscription
    • Gift Subscriptions
    • Subscriber Support

Login Form

Create new account
Forgot password

Politics

Tonight on The Independents: Election Desperation, Grover Norquist Woos Libertarians, John Fund Warns About Voter Fraud, Everybody's Racist and Sexist, Rock the Non-Vote, and Assisted Suicide

Matt Welch | 11.3.2014 8:00 PM

Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL
Media Contact & Reprint Requests
You can't unsee. ||| L.A. Times
L.A. Times

Tonight's episode of The Independents (Fox Business Network, 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT, with re-airs three hours later), being the last before the most important election ever about nothing, will start with a last-gasp Senate-numbers breakdown from Fox Business Network Washington Correspondent Rich Edson. Party Panelists Julie Roginsky (Fox News contributor, Democrat) and Ellison Barber (Washington Free Beacon writer, non-Democrat) will assess each side's level of desperation, assign sexism points to Tom Harkin's Taylor Swift-boating of Joni Ernst, and bask in the glory of Rock-the-Voters who don't vote.

Anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist will make his case that libertarians should vote Republican if the election is close. Longtime right-of-center journalist and commentator John Fund will make the case that if the election is close, Democrats may well cheat. The co-hosts will provide a scorecard to a whole host of late-breaking campaign comments about race. And if all that's not enough to get you reaching for the Hydrocodon, the show will end with a discussion of Brittany Maynard's suicide.

Online-only aftershow begins at foxbusiness.com/independents just after 10. Follow The Independents on Facebook at facebook.com/IndependentsFBN, follow on Twitter @ independentsFBN, and click on this page for more video of past segments.

Start your day with Reason. Get a daily brief of the most important stories and trends every weekday morning when you subscribe to Reason Roundup.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

NEXT: Independent Candidates Shake Up 2014 Governor Races

Matt Welch is an editor at large at Reason.

PoliticsThe IndependentsScience & TechnologyCulturePolicyElection 2014LibertarianismMoviesRacismSexism
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL
Media Contact & Reprint Requests

Hide Comments (292)

Editor's Note: As of February 29, 2024, commenting privileges on reason.com posts are limited to Reason Plus subscribers. Past commenters are grandfathered in for a temporary period. Subscribe here to preserve your ability to comment. Your Reason Plus subscription also gives you an ad-free version of reason.com, along with full access to the digital edition and archives of Reason magazine. We request that comments be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for comments, which are owned by the readers who post them. Comments do not represent the views of reason.com or Reason Foundation. We reserve the right to delete any comment and ban commenters for any reason at any time. Comments may only be edited within 5 minutes of posting. Report abuses.

  1. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Hydrocodon is the precursor to the Oreo, right?

    1. C. Anacreon   11 years ago

      Close. The afterproduct of the Oreo can be known as Hydrox Faecalis.

  2. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

    John Fund is the idiot who wrote a WSJ column about how the Minnesota GOP Governor and Supreme Court "cheated" Norm Coleman out of a Senate seat.

    1. Buddy Bizarre   11 years ago

      So I guess you missed that column in the WaPo? Also, Fund wrote an entire book about voter fraud.

      http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....-election/

      1. Paul.   11 years ago

        The only gripe I have with the lede, is I'm just as worried about how citizens are deciding elections, let alone non-citizens.

  3. Bo Cara Esq.   11 years ago

    Will Alaska become the first Red state to legalize marijuana?

    1. Hyperion   11 years ago

      Nope. I wish, but not going to happen.

      Oregon may be the 3rd state. None of the other states will pass.

      1. Bo Cara Esq.   11 years ago

        I'm honestly surprised by that. I would really have bet Alaska would pass it.

        1. Hyperion   11 years ago

          I hope you're right. We'll see.

          1. Bo Cara Esq.   11 years ago

            Supposedly polls face real challenges up there so let's keep our fingers crossed.

        2. Steve G   11 years ago

          I'm honestly surprised there's still dry counties in this country, so I don't see the legal MJ taking off anytime soon.

          1. Some call me Tim?   11 years ago

            Depends on how you define "taking off." It will spread--slowly but surely--but spread nonetheless. All it takes is for the rest of the country to see that WA and CO don't have the sky falling on them and they'll realize that keeping it illegal costs more than it is worth. Breaking the seal was the hard part, it's all gravy from here on out.

    2. Dances-with-Trolls   11 years ago

      Will Illinois elect a governor that doesn't end up going to prison?

  4. Rufus J. Firefly   11 years ago

    Tonight's episode seems a lot about nothing.

  5. Andrew S.   11 years ago

    Came home tonight and my daughter was watching some show called Dora and Friends. It's Dora, now tweenaged, with her multicultural friends.

    Anyways, the episode was written by a Kevin Bacon fan, because it involved a town where dancing was banned. And the backstory was the mayor's daughter hurt herself while dancing, so the Mayor banned dancing in the name of safety. And continued the ban in spite of evidence to the contrary and his own foolishness, because he knew he was right.

    My cold libertarian heart is warmed by this excellent lesson on the idiocy of government being taught to our youth.

    1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

      Dancing is a sin according to conservatives in the original Footloose. This must be a alternate universe version where progs ban dancing for safety reasons.

      Both suck just for the record. Although religious zealots have far more power than liberals.

      1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

        Is that really true? Liberals definitely have power in the US, but religious zealots appear to be a force in decline. I say this as someone who thinks we will ultimately benefit from the reduced influence of organized religion.

        If we're talking about countries like Saudi Arabia or Iran then I would certainly agree though.

        1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

          I agree in general. Western society has shucked religious shackles for the most part. But as we gain the RCC and Islam expands into the ROW. B

          And Southern Baptists. Shudder.

          1. GILMORE   11 years ago

            WHEN WE ARE FREE FROM RELIGION, THEN LOVE CAN SPREAD NATURALLY, FREE FROM ARBITRARY MORAL CODES

          2. Irish   11 years ago

            I agree in general. Western society has shucked religious shackles for the most part. But as we gain the RCC and Islam expands into the ROW. B

            And as we've 'shucked religious shackles' we've actually become progressively more authoritarian.

            I think there was a time mid-shucking when we gained more freedom from the elimination of religion than we did from encroaching progressivism, but that time's long past. I'd rather live in a comparatively religious 1987 than in the irreligious progressive tyranny your buddies are dutifully assembling.

            1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

              So you are making the case that religious shackles lead to freedom?

              1. Dweebston   11 years ago

                Voluntary institutions within a liberal society, some of which are, indeed, religious, are acceptable fonts of free and conscientious expression. And to the extent that many people channel their time and effort into these societies rather than, say, morbidly vegetating at home, or worse, is on net better for civilization writ large. I say this as an atheist who only once attended service, and only then because I thought I could worm my way into my hostesses' panties.

                1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

                  Logical.

                  1. Dweebston   11 years ago

                    No, then as now, I'm sodden.

          3. juris imprudent   11 years ago

            Plastic ass fantastic shuck and jive!

        2. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

          .

          1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

            I'm not haha, but aren't you Francisco? I thought he fessed up in another thread, but I may be wrong.

            1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

              .

      2. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

        Nice conflation there: conservatives=religious zealots.

        But then again, look at what posted it.

        1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

          Yes. Muslims are very conservative. See also the Fundie Wahhabi Christians in the USA.

          1. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

            so, Muslims are now religious zealots? You sound like the proggie version of the W admin you love to shit on.

            Plus, since Wahhabi isn't related to Christianity, you fail yet again!

            Have you ever gotten anything correct?

            1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

              Fuck Islam. I despise all forms of conservatism. I believe in Open Society.

              1. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

                So open that conservatives need not apply, eh?

                Please, do what so many others around here have instructed you to do, and fuck right off.

            2. trshmnster the terrible   11 years ago

              so, Muslims are now religious zealots? You sound like the proggie version of the W admin you love to shit on.

              It's so hard for them to hate their opponent while holding the same view as them. Secretly, deep down, Muslims are dogs to the left. However, dog rights are a winning plank right now, so they bed up with the Muslims right now. The instant it stops being politically expedient, their racist thoughts about Muslims will resurface.

              1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

                You GOPers freak when someone points out your uncanny simularity to Muslims.

                1. Mint Berry Crunch   11 years ago

                  But liberal sources tell me nowadays American Muslims are Team Blue just like you, Dave.

                  Sure, the typical Muslim probably doesn't spend as much time defending Obama as you do. Still, most of what I've read indicates Muslims heavily backed your hero over Romney.

            3. Bo Cara Esq.   11 years ago

              "so, Muslims are now religious zealots?"

              Er, yes many of them.

              "since Wahhabi isn't related to Christianity,"

              I think he's saying they share religious conservatism

              1. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

                Er, yes many of them.

                Then, "many" is what he should have said. His blanket statements don't help his arguments any. Jumping in on his side of things doesn't really look so hot for you, either.

                And, yes, I know what he was implying with his Wahhabi comment. It's just as ridiculous when you explain it as when he states it.

                1. Bo Cara Esq.   11 years ago

                  It's not ridiculous to say Warren is to Stalinism what Santorum is to Wahabbism

                  1. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

                    It's not ridiculous to say Warren is to Stalinism what Santorum is to Wahabbism

                    WTH...? Who made that comparison? You? A little goal-post moving never hurt, huh?

                    You say that the millenial is bo is a crazy person (that what it looks like via the layout), yet his/her posts have made far more sense than yours.

                  2. Irish   11 years ago

                    It's not ridiculous to say Warren is to Stalinism what Santorum is to Wahabbism

                    This actually is ridiculous because Warren is a moron but is nowhere near as bad as Stalin and Santorum is a moron but is nowhere near as bad as the House of Saud.

                    Therefore both of these are absurd false equivalencies.

                    1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

                      Irish wins that point.

              2. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

                .

                1. Bo Cara Esq.   11 years ago

                  Hi Mr. Crazy Person!

                  1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

                    Is it Francisco? I thought he had said that he created this name as a joke on another thread, but he hasn't struck me as crazy in his other posts.

                    1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

                      .

              3. Irish   11 years ago

                I think he's saying they share religious conservatism

                Then he's a moron because there's no such thing as 'religious conservatism.'

                If I'm a fundamentalist Buddhist that takes a vastly different form than a fundamentalist Muslim which takes a different form than a fundamentalist Christian. Since conservatism varies based on what religion you're talking about, claiming that Christians and Muslims 'share religious conservatism' is a nonsensical argument with no rational basis.

                1. John Titor   11 years ago

                  Attempting to blend all religious radicalism into some kind of 'religious conservatism' is about the most historically, religiously and culturally ignorant, intellectually lazy thing you can do. It's clumping a massively diverse group of ideals and concepts into a very narrow, modern Western concept.

                  Of course, it's also very useful if you want to prop up some delusion of an 'us vs. them' conflict involving whatever parties you want.

                  1. Irish   11 years ago

                    Attempting to blend all religious radicalism into some kind of 'religious conservatism' is about the most historically, religiously and culturally ignorant, intellectually lazy thing you can do.

                    It's especially ridiculous given that a lot of religious fundamentalism isn't even conservative, it's radical and relatively new. Modern Islamic fundamentalism *is not* the same as the Islamic fundamentalism of the 1700s or 1800s. Modern fundamentalism largely traces its origins to people like Sayyid Qutb who had vastly different views of Islam than their elders and were therefore radicals rather than conservatives.

                    There's a reason the the most famous branch of the Iranian military is called the Revolutionary Guard, after all. It isn't because they were formed as a conservative force.

            4. Hyperion   11 years ago

              Proggies are the new Puritans. They are the most closed minded anti-freedom luddites to ever walk the face of the earth. Shreek is a good example if you're looking for one.

      3. GILMORE   11 years ago

        LIBERALS WOULD NEVER BAN ANYTHING 'CULTURAL!'

      4. LynchPin1477   11 years ago

        religious zealots have far more power than liberals

        In the U.S.? Is this a joke?

        1. Hyperion   11 years ago

          No, it's just shreekytard.

        2. PapayaSF   11 years ago

          Haven't you noticed the religious zealot control of the the media, Hollywood, and the educational establishment?

    2. C. Anacreon   11 years ago

      Came home tonight and my daughter was watching some show called Dora and Friends. It's Dora, now tweenaged, with her multicultural friends.

      Is she still friends with the monkey and the talking map?

    3. Paul.   11 years ago

      Are you sure the theme wasn't that the leaders made a wise choice?

  6. GILMORE   11 years ago

    God, all this politics...

    When there's *real stuff* happening in the world!

    Like... Russian Homophobic iPhone Bashing, one of the world's Worst Leaders discovers bugs up her ass, and.... well, sadly some of the 'boots on the ground' against ISIS seem to have found the air-support lacking. And ground support. And, well, actually everyone just let them die. But seriously, that shouldn't impact future recruiting at all. Because *strategy*

    1. BigT   11 years ago

      'bugs up her ass' from anal?

      1. LynchPin1477   11 years ago

        Clearly she didn't go to Harvard.

        1. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

          +1 Veritas

  7. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

    A question for you Peanuts. Would you prefer to live in liberal Sweden or conservative low tax oil loving religiousy Saudi Arabia?

    1. GILMORE   11 years ago

      Fascinating question.

      But first = Would you rather remain naturally retarded, or finally be lobotomized so that you had an excuse?

      1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

        I suspected you were too cowardly to give an honest response.

        1. GILMORE   11 years ago

          That was an honest response. brain damage is no laughing matter.

          1. juris imprudent   11 years ago

            In shreek's case, it is a laughing matter - it really is just fucking hysterical that a total progtard can keep insisting he is more libertarian than anyone else around here.

        2. Sevo   11 years ago

          Palin's Buttplug|11.3.14 @ 8:49PM|#

          Fuck off, turd.

    2. Hyperion   11 years ago

      There's no way in hell that I would live in either one. Both of them are anti-liberty shit holes.

      1. Dances-with-Trolls   11 years ago

        That's brutal criticism given your home state. :p

        1. Hyperion   11 years ago

          Maryland is a shining beacon of liberty compared to Sweden. And also, I don't endorse the MD political agenda, so it's hardly a valid point.

      2. The_Millenial   11 years ago

        I think that's a somewhat simplistic view of Sweden. For instance, Sweden has partially privatized its Social Security system and allows for school choice via vouchers. It's also included in the same category (albeit with a slightly lower score) as the US on the Index of Economic Freedom.

        1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

          .

    3. Rai   11 years ago

      What kind of mental illness must a person have to continue to return to a group that despises and mocks them, and laughs at their opinions?

      Was it your Dad or and Uncle broke you?

      1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

        I have the freedom to speak freely here. And like my fellow atheist and capitalist Ayn Rand I don't shy away from enemies.

        1. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

          Ooohhhh..."enemies"! That's rich*.

          *Sorry, Rich.

          1. Rai   11 years ago

            I don't shy away from enemies.

            So Paranoid Schizophrenia. Makes sense, you probably feel the mockery is persecution, and justifies your actions.

          2. Vulgar Madman   11 years ago

            He meant *enemas*

      2. Sevo   11 years ago

        Rai|11.3.14 @ 8:45PM|#
        "What kind of mental illness must a person have to continue to return to a group that despises and mocks them, and laughs at their opinions?"

        A turd who's desperate for attention. Not even the whores will put up with the slimy bastard.

    4. John Titor   11 years ago

      So wait, liberal=a basically one party state where its economy is run by corporatist arms dealers that never got rid of its fascists after World War 2 and people mysteriously believe non-white immigrants are inherently violent? Good to know.

    5. Hyperion   11 years ago

      Here you go, Shreeky. Not that I expect you to be intelligent to understand the irony of your own question"

      Liberty loving Sweden

      But if I were a prog, I guess I'd love Sweden. So makes sense you picked that country out as an example, doesn't it?

    6. C. Anacreon   11 years ago

      I pick Sweden, but just because I think Swedish chicks are mind-blowingly hot and they wear tight clothes. I don't think it's possible to see a Saudi woman because of the burka, so I don't know if they are hot or not.
      As far as the politics goes, fuck both countries.

      1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

        Thanks for an earnest and logical reply. The peanuts don't have that in them.

      2. The_Millenial   11 years ago

        Sweden's politics are still much better than Saudi Arabia's. I hope you aren't completely serious.

        1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

          .

        2. John Titor   11 years ago

          Actually that's very dependent on where you are. Being a Westerner in Saudi Arabia's Special Economic Zones is not bad.

          1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

            Point taken, but I have heard stories from people who have lived in Sweden and those who lived in Saudi Arabia's special zones. Sweden still seems to have more advantages overall.

            1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

              .

      3. PapayaSF   11 years ago

        I don't think it's possible to see a Saudi woman because of the burka

        Sometimes it's possible....

    7. Rev-Match   11 years ago

      What the fuck is "conservative" about Saudi Arabia? It is a theocracy, not a Constitutional Republic, you mendacious prick.

      1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

        It's the same lefty misuse of the word that referred to the Communist opposition to Yeltsin as "conservatives."

      2. juris imprudent   11 years ago

        That's what makes it "conservative", it doesn't bend to the will of the progtardary.

      3. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

        Fuck you. Conservative means to "preserve tradition". Look it up.

        1. GILMORE   11 years ago

          You mean 'preserving tradition' like intensely-racist Swedes?

          1. John Titor   11 years ago

            Yeah...Swedes have this whole ethnic nationalism thing going on that's pretty uncomfortable. When I was in Stockholm I had some rough conversations about North American crime rates having to do with 'black genetics'.

            1. GILMORE   11 years ago

              The Buttplug enjoys the frothy combination of White-Power politics and Rape Panic

        2. PapayaSF   11 years ago

          Technically correct, the best kind of correct! But misleading in a political context, of course. By that sort of loose definition, Obama is a "socialist."

          1. Vulgar Madman   11 years ago

            National?

    8. Vulgar Madman   11 years ago

      A question for you waggle. Are you going to immolate yourself after the election results are in?

    9. Paul.   11 years ago

      Question for you... would you rather live in progressive North Korea, or Christfag Georgia?

  8. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    I have a dilemma.

    Is it okay to vote for a kooky Libertarian, that would be an absolutely horrible Rep, to send a message to the cookie cutter Team options?

    1. Dances-with-Trolls   11 years ago

      Is that kooky for a politician, or kooky for a Libertarian?

      1. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

        Kooky for a human. Not very educated. Speaks poorly. His website is standard libertarian stuff, but then he starts spouting about how the draft is coming back.

        1. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

          Not sure I can pull the trigger on that one?

          Won't matter, the Republican is a shoe-in.

          1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

            Yeah, if the other party is a shoe-in, vote your conscience.

        2. Dances-with-Trolls   11 years ago

          Go for it. Just run down a list of greatest hits from current officeholders if you must. Guam tipping over, thing that goes up, etc.

    2. GILMORE   11 years ago

      I stand by my argument that there should be a Dog and/or Houseplant on every ballot so that you are not forced into these moral quandaries.

      1. LynchPin1477   11 years ago

        I would really love a "none of the above" option that, if it received 50% of the vote, would trigger a new election in 30 days with an entirely new slate of candidates.

        1. robc   11 years ago

          50%?

          A plurality should be enough.

          You think NOTA couldnt carry the Florida governors race, for example?

          1. juris imprudent   11 years ago

            In a landslide. Also likely to win in PA.

      2. Hyperion   11 years ago

        It's almost guaranteed that there are one of each on each ballot. Well, here in MD, that would be two houseplants. Ohhhh, you were referring to actual species, not intellectual level. I get it now.

      3. Squishy   11 years ago

        Florida's race is really scumbag vs scumbag.

        1. GILMORE   11 years ago

          MY TEAM SCUMBAG IS BETTER THAN YOUR TEAM SCUMBAG!!
          /Buttplug

      4. Franco Luke Garzo   11 years ago

        What would happen if Micky Mouse or Donald Duck actually won an election?

        1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

          Their main priority would be to extend copyright terms.

    3. sarcasmic   11 years ago

      The only message you send by voting for a third party candidate is that you're a nutter.

      0nly the lunatic fringe votes for fringe candidates.

      The major parties might like your vote, but they certainly aren't going to change their policies to get it.

      1. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

        The major parties might like your vote, but they certainly aren't going to change their policies to get it.

        They certainly will, when enough voters do it.

        1. juris imprudent   11 years ago

          No, the powers that run each party will die in denial before they will change. There is nothing sacred about D or R that says they must be the only choices.

  9. Derpetologist   11 years ago

    ? I know the Bible is right!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7OL5_Nyv9Y

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QHaEeYs2SM

  10. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    INDEPENDENTS RALLY!

    1. sarcasmic   11 years ago

      DYSLEXICS UNTIE!

    2. Rufus J. Firefly   11 years ago

      There's an independent rally? Where?

      1. Headless Body of Agnew   11 years ago

        Ewerhon?

        1. Headless Body of Agnew   11 years ago

          Erewhon, dammit!

  11. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Prediction...

  12. Cdr Lytton   11 years ago

    OT: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetw.....dies-at-77

  13. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    It's the pineapple shirt, again. I hate that shirt.

    1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

      It looks like a pumpkin being vomited by a snake.

      1. GILMORE   11 years ago

        +1 you complete me

        1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

          Glad you liked that.

  14. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    Damn Libertarians!

  15. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    If Republicans want that seat they should change their policy to attract the libertarian vote.

    1. juris imprudent   11 years ago

      In Amerika, Party not change for YOU!

  16. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Whoa, why is the host introduction happening so deep into the show?

  17. Merrill Hess   11 years ago

    The categories this post is in:

    The Independents, 2014 Elections, Death, Libertarianism, Hollywood, Racism, Sexism

    Sounds like the makings of a good show.

  18. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    NO SPOILERS.

    1. robc   11 years ago

      Its a sled.

      1. Wasteland Wanderer   11 years ago

        Darth Vader is Luke's father.

        1. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

          Bruce Willis is dead.

  19. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Ha, Welch doesn't even get to toss his two cents at us. JUST SIT THERE AND LOOK PRETTY.

  20. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    Ellison Barber...

    ...yummy!

    1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

      Who names their daughter "Ellison"? Sheesh.

      1. John Titor   11 years ago

        Fans of Harlan?

  21. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    So what? The voter is going to give very much a shit.

  22. GILMORE   11 years ago

    The reason they're trying the scare-tactics in NY is to test and see what impact is has. They'd never test something like that in 'close' states. They want to see what 'scaring' produces.

  23. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    I stepped out for a second. Who's that blonde? Could she host the show?

    1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

      That's Ellison Barber. I prefer Julie Roginsky, though. Hubba-hubba.

      But keep Kennedy as host. She's fine.

  24. Rufus J. Firefly   11 years ago

    I know how you voted last summer.

  25. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    Wings, beer, and election coverage? I'm game. I'll turn it into a drinking game.

    Rules:
    1. Drink.
    2. There are no other rules.

    1. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

      So, we can talk about Fight Club...?

  26. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    So what's Grover's story? Is he really a libertarian Republican or is it a scam?

    How does he feelz about teh gehyz?

    1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

      I heard he goes both ways, so I'd assume he's a fan of them.

      1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

        .

        1. trshmnster the terrible   11 years ago

          I'm starting to think that "the millennial is bo" is either the millennial or bo

          1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

            Now that would be absurd. I promise it isn't the case.

          2. GILMORE   11 years ago

            (trshmnster the terrible is Swedish)

            1. trshmnster the terrible   11 years ago

              *narrows gaze*

              1. trshmnster the terrible   11 years ago

                Swiss... Swedish... whatever.

          3. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

            Yup all three the same chick.

            1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

              I didn't think you could type anything other than a period. Good to know.

              1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

                .

                1. GILMORE   11 years ago

                  I wouldn't be surprised, but its not important.

                  See: Tulpa, etc. Who cares?

                2. The_Millenial   11 years ago

                  And we're back

                  1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

                    .

    2. C. Anacreon   11 years ago

      So what's Grover's story?

      Grover is a Muppet.

      1. Hyperion   11 years ago

        A stoned muppet.

        1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

          That would make Sesame Street better. It would be a great way to introduce kids to the benefits and wonders of pot.

          1. The millenial is bo   11 years ago

            .

  27. GILMORE   11 years ago

    The Independents Attire Review, 03 November 2014

    Alternate Reality-Edition

    - Kennedy: We've always been confounded by this Doily-esque, "1970s Bathroom Wallpaper"-patterned blouse. It makes me think of a 'Christmas Sweater Gone Horribly Wrong'. We like Kennedy in oranges more 'Nuclear-Jolly-Rancher, and less 'Grandma's Bathrobe'.

    - Matt: Mm. We forget what we once said before about the grey shirt... that Matt had finally found a tie-combo that worked? We think it might have been the Navy/Grey-striped tie that i was impressed with. This isn't bad (his bright red tie has been tried, and *that* was genuinely bad), but its not singing me any love songs.

    - Kmele: Maroon tie continues to provide the vanguard of style, but sadly it is running into the breach without any support from its fellow fashion-combatants. We've given our lecture on the 'plaids question' many times in the past. This is neither the best or worst example, but somewhere in a limbo that leaves us unmoved.

    Conclusion = tonight no one wins, because they *didn't even fail*. This is also how we feel about politics, FWIW

    Baniha

  28. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    Obviously the Republicans didn't quite get the message.

    Stupid party.

  29. Squishy   11 years ago

    Libertarians are responsible for Obamacare, so, after that gross slander, vote for my guy!

    1. Squishy   11 years ago

      In all seriousness, you're gonna blame Libertarians for Obamacare, and then expect me to vote for you?

      Fuck you Grover.

    2. Hyperion   11 years ago

      Well, way to shoot yourself in the ballz with libertarians, Grover. And I always sort of liked the guy. I especially had respect for the fact that he always shows up on the teevee stoned.

      Oh well, stoned and a dumbfuck, they aren't mutually exclusive.

  30. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    I knew it. Libertarian = Obamacare.

    1. juris imprudent   11 years ago

      Face it, no one plays the long game like Libertarians.

  31. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    Just realized. Themz sum big ass hoops.

  32. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Let's just see if Grover gets the last word.

  33. Rufus J. Firefly   11 years ago

    Call me old fashioned but shouldn't guests get the final word?

    1. Rev-Match   11 years ago

      Psh, Kennedy didn't even have the decency to offer him a hot beverage.

    2. PapayaSF   11 years ago

      Talk show etiquette is different.

    3. Hyperion   11 years ago

      Not if you're Bill O'Reilly or Kennedy.

  34. trshmnster the terrible   11 years ago

    I'm all set and ready to be an official Wendy Davis poll watcher tomorrow. The only way I could possibly let myself do this is 1) I displace some "true believer" who would possibly sanction some shenanigans, and 2) I get public service hours for school. It's weak rationalization, but damn do I need those service hours.

    They tried to solicit me into manning a phone at their state headquarters. Fuck if I'm gonna volunteer to drive 50 miles to volunteer for these disingenuous pricks (they sold this poll watcher deal as "neutral and non-partisan").

    Anyway, this whole thing has been enlightening. I've now has first-hand experience into the procedural sleaziness of a major campaign, and it makes me hate these people even more than I already did. They will say anything and do anything just to hold the magic sceptre, even just for a moment.

    1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

      public service hours for school

      I am so glad that I finished school before that kind of crap.

      1. Paul.   11 years ago

        Hmm, I think I know what happened to the Arbeit Macht Frei sign.

        http://seattletimes.com/html/n.....texml.html

  35. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

    Obamacare is a private insurance market with an overpriced federal paid front end web site.

    Fact. Markets work and so will this one.

    1. Rev-Match   11 years ago

      Sure, all "private" markets require the governments gun to the customers head to buy the product.

      1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

        All "private" markets also have the contents and prices of their products micromanaged by the government.

        1. Rev-Match   11 years ago

          "Fascism": What is it?

          1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

            We're just practicing socialism nationally! It's the exact opposite of national socialism!

    2. GILMORE   11 years ago

      Do you also eat ice-cream with a fork?

      1. Wasteland Wanderer   11 years ago

        But what if you're eating it with pie?

        1. GILMORE   11 years ago

          DAMN YOU AND YOUR PARADOXES

    3. Sevo   11 years ago

      Fuck off, turd.

  36. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Kmele Foster is the most racist < i The Independents host in American history.

  37. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Why so serious?

  38. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Don't vote for the pope!

  39. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    They can take our votes, but they'll never take our freedom!

  40. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    That's a man.

  41. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Oh, Manufacturing Marvels. With 3D printers, Fiberpad is going to the way of Kinkos via desktop publishing.

  42. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    That's happy baby-making music.

  43. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    Apologized for what?

  44. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    T-Swift is gross. There, I said it.

  45. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Taylor Swift looks batshit insane to me.

  46. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    It's sexist because he's Democrat, I'm guessing.

  47. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    Fucking bullshit. How many women vote for the best looking guy for President?

    Double standard.

    1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

      How many women vote for the best looking guy for President?

      Supposedly Warren Harding's looks helped him with women voters. I know, I don't get it, either.

  48. Rai   11 years ago

    Who's the gross downy in granny panties?

    1. Rai   11 years ago

      Or is that a prison jumpsuit?

  49. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Ha, Foster nails this subject on many levels. STOP SHOWING IT.

  50. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    Zombie Calvin Coolidge. That is all.

  51. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Foster likes the ladies with back. It's been established.

  52. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    That woman is disgusting.

    1. Rai   11 years ago

      "That woman" {{cn}}

    2. Trouser-Pod   11 years ago

      Who, the HBO shit-stain?

      Of course!

  53. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    Kim Kardashian is gross, too. There, I said it.

    1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

      Well, she is a hobbit

    2. Rai   11 years ago

      Pikey trash.

  54. Irish   11 years ago

    Lena Dunham, currently threating to sue conservative websites for saying mean things about her, compares Republicans to Nazis.

    When asked why her new love interest in the second season is a Republican, Dunham replied, "We liked the idea of a Republican entering their universe. And Hannah doesn't really have a clear sense of why you shouldn't date a Republican; it's kind of just like the same reason why you shouldn't date a Nazi: You just shouldn't."

    Dunham Logic: When you use my own words against me, you're committing liable. When I call you a Nazi, I'm just being quirky and honest.

    1. Rai   11 years ago

      Why does she have the same haircut as Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber?

      1. Sevo   11 years ago

        "Why does she have the same haircut as Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber?"

        She's auditioning for the sequel.

        1. Paul.   11 years ago

          Job well done!

    2. GILMORE   11 years ago

      How dare she insult Nazis that way

    3. John Titor   11 years ago

      Apparently the 'voice of a generation' hasn't heard of Godwin.

      1. Paul.   11 years ago

        The concept is BT... Before Twitter.

  55. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Why is Dr. Spaceman shilling for Progressive? That's worse than when Cyril Figgis did it.

  56. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    THIS MAN'S VOICE IS PUTTING ME TO SLEEP.

  57. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

    I need to retire for the night. But make this a lesson for you Peanuts. You can't sell conservatism to an Ayn Rand atheist/liberal. She told Reagan to fuck off.

    1. GILMORE   11 years ago

      Make sure not to choke on your retainer.

      1. Emmerson Biggins   11 years ago

        Actually, go ahead. Choke on it.

    2. Sevo   11 years ago

      Fuck off, turd.

  58. Rai   11 years ago

    Oh, look at stupid ass Kennedy getting shut the fuck up.

  59. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

    Got her.

  60. Irish   11 years ago

    CAPTION CONTEST!

    GO!

    1. PapayaSF   11 years ago

      "I can almost see a future for communism...."

    2. GILMORE   11 years ago

      NORTH KOREA TRIALS ITS FIRST "VIDEO GAME"

    3. Rai   11 years ago

      number 1 or number 2? number 3 or number 4?

    4. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

      Rook at those regs.

      1. Kool   11 years ago

        Winner

  61. GILMORE   11 years ago

    What is the libertarian case *against* voter ID?

    ive never understood why we need ID to drink a beer, but not to vote.

    1. Rai   11 years ago

      It adds another level of complexity and regulation as well as a potential barrier for the government to deny voting rights.

      Theoretically.

      1. GILMORE   11 years ago

        In comparison to other areas of life that require 'complexity and regulation'...

        ..Flying, anyone?
        (no relation)

        ...i don't buy it at all. 'potential barrier', i call bullshit too. we already have less than 50% of registered voters showing up, and its not due to already extant 'barriers'.

        i fail to see what the real 'threat' of requiring ID is, relative to a million other areas in life where its similarly required.

        1. Rai   11 years ago

          Two things.

          1) "Theoretically."

          2) "In comparison to other areas of life " NO. Not in comparison to anything. The fact that other shit is hard is of absolutely no relevance here at all.

          1. GILMORE   11 years ago

            I have no idea what you're saying. if not having an ID is not 'a significant barrier' to other areas of life, then it can't suddenly be declared a significant issue vis a vis voting.

            1. Rai   11 years ago

              "I have no idea what you're saying"

              Clearly.

              "if not having an ID is not 'a significant barrier' to other areas of life"

              Why are you quoting "significant barrier" when I didn't say that?

              Have you considered that your lack of understanding might be the result of a very clear comprehension problem?

              1. GILMORE   11 years ago

                "your lack of understanding might be the result of a very clear comprehension problem?"

                (ponders)

                No, that's not it.

                Maybe I need to find someone who actually thinks that voter ID is a 'bad thing', rather than you try and paraphrase the 'theoretical 'why'

    2. Emmerson Biggins   11 years ago

      Cocktail parties. If you wanna keep goin to em, you have to find some issues where you can disagree with the wrong sort of people.

      1. GILMORE   11 years ago

        I also fail to see how its a 'fashionable' POV to think IDs for voting is like OMG END OF THE WORLD

        None of it makes sense to me. My namesake/alter-ego linked above sued the Attorney General over the (secret) laws that require airlines to refuse to allow people to travel inside the country unless they have ID.

        No one seems to ever bring that up anymore (although Reason was all over that sort of civil-libertarianism when it was 'news').

        Yet, VOTING!? OMG THE NERVE?

        Its sort of like that Dave Chapelle bit about 'how white people talk about voting'

  62. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Al Franken's election did one thing, and it's given proof that voter fraud can affect elections.

    1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

      The GOP Governor and court counted every vote you moron.

      1. Rai   11 years ago

        Oh well, in that case there's no way any fraud would have occurred.

        And your Paranoid Schizophrenia is showing, you said you leaving 8 minutes ago.

      2. PapayaSF   11 years ago

        When 1,099 felons vote in race won by 312 ballots

  63. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Get in the last word! Try it, buddy. You just try.

  64. GILMORE   11 years ago

    I don't understand why the hosts here all seem to default to a given position on the issue. Is there really no spectrum of opinion here?

    1. Palin's Buttplug   11 years ago

      You tell em Gilmore!

    2. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

      Contender for Two Minutes Hate? I don't think so.

      1. GILMORE   11 years ago

        That was sincere. They have disagreed about other issues in the past, i don't see why the Voter ID issue is something that everyone naturally falls on one side of.

        1. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

          I don't get that, either.

        2. Paul.   11 years ago

          Any argument that NPR has successfully injected the race component into makes people desperately not want to appear racist.

  65. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    Virginia has voter ID. They sent out a little, laminated card to all registered voters in case they did not have other ID. I would hardly call it an impediment to voting.

  66. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    AH! Lou Dobbs.

  67. GILMORE   11 years ago

    MAD CUTOFF! DOBBS

  68. Rev-Match   11 years ago

    I'm an absolutist. Either you own your body or you don't. So, it should never be 'illegal' to end your own life.

  69. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    I can't imagine South Park did great for the Shake Weight.

  70. Sevo   11 years ago

    OT, but hey:
    "Cuba seeks over $8 billion in foreign investment"
    (And the IPCC asks the world give up fossil fuels, too!)
    http://www.sfgate.com/news/wor.....867078.php

    Like the IPCC, they have a bit of a problem with people not wanting to become poor to help out an idiotic scheme:
    "Despite the push, foreigners at Havana's International Fair, the country's main economic promotional event, described Cuba as a place that still makes investors deeply nervous. Many basic supplies are lacking and simple decisions take weeks or months for approval from overlapping government agencies."

    1. mnarayan   11 years ago

      Ironically, that's how much California is asking the peons to pay for water tomorrow.

  71. GILMORE   11 years ago

    I had a beer with Robert De Nero - I WIN FAMOUS-PERSON-STORY!!!

  72. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Oh, I am so stalking Foster now.

  73. GILMORE   11 years ago

    People who watch pre-election polls like sporting events are more retarded than Buttplug

  74. Fist of Etiquette   11 years ago

    Cut her mic.

  75. GILMORE   11 years ago

    "Steak Quesedilla"

    Apparently they go to a mexican place after the aftershow. STALKERS DEPLOY!

    Kmele frequently shouts the names of mexican foods at the end of the livestream. it all makes sense now.

  76. SIV   11 years ago

    How many Tulpa-sockpuppet comments in this thread?

    1. including you?   11 years ago

      Who gives a fuck, let that corpse rot and die. What kind of idiot asshole brings him up again.

      1. including you?   11 years ago

        Apart from ANOTHER of his self important sock puppets, of course.

  77. Irish   11 years ago

    Every time I speak with conservatives, I realize how much I hate them and how terrible it will be if they ever gain total power again.

    God, we're fucked. Conservatives are idiots who basically deny that Bush and his Republican Congress started all the things they are now complaining about Obama continuing. Massive spending, intrusions into our daily lives by the government, etc. But apparently if I have qualms about voting for such morons, I'm a 'libertarian narcissist' who is 'helping the statists.'

    They are just the worst.

    Exhibit A: Kurt Schlichter's barely literate screed about how the Republicans should own your vote.

    1. Irish   11 years ago

      Honestly, has Schlichter ever read a book? Because he's such a terrible writer I'm not sure he ever graduated from pop-ups:

      "But, but," stammer those self-described conservatives who make liberals smile by choosing to indulge their emotions instead of coldly acting to beat the statists, "I'm staying home because I'm sick of having to choose the lesser of two evils!"

      You tools. That'll show Obama. He'll be heartbroken as he nominates some commie law school professor to the Supreme Court and Reid nuke options him into a robe for the next 30 years. You can pat yourself on the back about choosing to let the greater of two evils win as you lose your right to speak freely, to write what you want, to read what you want, to worship God like you want, to own weapons to protect your family, community and Constitution. Yeah, way to go, Thinky.

      I honestly am not sure he's capable of thinking or writing above a third grade level. Got it, Thinky?

      1. Dweebston   11 years ago

        Is he the bald-headed chap? Because I remember thinking he reminds me of my own shaved-pate sibling, except substituting facile conservatism for insipid progressivism.

        1. Irish   11 years ago

          No, Schlichter's the dude who wrote that hysterical article about Bronies for Breitbart.com.

          All the while, as these pathetic sissies giggle like school girls over magic unicorns that spray rainbows from their horns, real men ? and women ? who have put aside the temptation to retreat into a frivolous fantasy world are tromping through the wilds of Afghanistan. Such young adults, some younger (in years) than the "bronies," are protecting all of us ? including these pathetic weirdos.
          It makes me want to wretch.

          Yeah, Schlichter's fucking crazy.

          1. Dweebston   11 years ago

            Yeah, no, Jesus, the guy I had my brother pegged for was at least serious about his ideological predilections.

            This guy is just Naomi Wolf level of sad.

    2. The_Millenial   11 years ago

      How about the way many of them make out Benghazi to be the biggest scandal/crime in recent political history. Were they asleep during the Bush years!? Investigate Benghazi and all that, but when Bush and Cheney are given free passes then you are being blatantly hypocritical.

      1. Dweebston   11 years ago

        I heard you're a bo. I'm not sure what that means, but it's something I've heard.

        1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

          That is a joke/theory floating around here. The poster "the millenial is bo" is hard to miss haha.

          bo refers to the poster 'Bo Cara Esq.'

          1. Irish   11 years ago

            Yes, we know.

            We know.

            1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

              I know you do, but I wasn't sure if Dweebston knows the full story and/or if he is a new poster as well.

              1. Dweebston   11 years ago

                New, no. Well, newish. A few years old, and somewhat irregular.

                Facetious, yes.

                1. The_Millenial   11 years ago

                  It's hard to be sure on the net, but thanks for the clarification

                  1. GILMORE   11 years ago

                    Man, that Benghazi thing is such a joke! I mean, hello! BUSH?!

  78. Dweebston   11 years ago

    Longtime right-of-center journalist and commentator John Fund will make the case that if the election is close, Democrats may well cheat.

    I guess I'm just not that offended by the franchise being (allegedly, potentially) abused like this. It's not all that different from laws barring the underaged from imbibing, which ultimately rest on prosecuting the poor schmoes who get caught up serving liquor to informants in sting operations as warnings to the rest. The volunteers manning the voting centers are certainly less educated in dealing with identification, so are we going to incarcerate the poor saps when they slip up?

    1. Sevo   11 years ago

      "The volunteers manning the voting centers are certainly less educated in dealing with identification, so are we going to incarcerate the poor saps when they slip up?"

      I don't think the 'cheating' at that level is worth spit; your vote doesn't count and neither do those of 10 of your closest friends.
      What matters is the industrial-strength cheating of, say Chicago under Daly electing Kennedy.
      And in that case, see turd above, for how hard it is to find and eradicate.

    2. lap83   11 years ago

      If your comparison holds, we absolutely should enforce laws against cheating at elections. I don't know if you've ever worked in establishments that serve liquor, but I have, and those sting operations really work in getting managers to pressure the staff (including threat of firing) to card people.

      So presumably if you think cheating in counting votes is more serious than giving a 20 year old a beer (and most people do), we should enforce the laws at least as much for the former as we do for the latter. Again, assuming the comparison is apt.

  79. The artist known Dunphy   11 years ago

    Awesome video

    Hint to DUI'ers like Sarcasmic: don't pull into jail parking lot drunk, and arguing with you passenger drawing attention of police

    http://www.policeone.com/bizar.....-arrested/

    Reminds me of the nimrod who pulled up to my car in a parking lot, impaired by liquor , claimed to be a soldier who needed gas money to get to his fort, and was impaired by alcohol

    Oops

    Note it's also a crime to solicit money based on false representation as a warrior, when you are not in the military

    Double oops

    1. Francisco d'Anconia   11 years ago

      Fuck off Tulpa.

  80. lap83   11 years ago

    Taylor Swift looks more and more like Janice from The Muppets with each picture that I see of her.

    1. The artist known Dunphy   11 years ago

      Woman! Woman! Woman!

  81. trshmnster the terrible   11 years ago

    He dead!

Please log in to post comments

Mute this user?

  • Mute User
  • Cancel

Ban this user?

  • Ban User
  • Cancel

Un-ban this user?

  • Un-ban User
  • Cancel

Nuke this user?

  • Nuke User
  • Cancel

Un-nuke this user?

  • Un-nuke User
  • Cancel

Flag this comment?

  • Flag Comment
  • Cancel

Un-flag this comment?

  • Un-flag Comment
  • Cancel

Latest

How Making GLP-1s Available Over the Counter Can Unlock Their Full Potential

Jeffrey A. Singer | From the June 2025 issue

Bob Menendez Does Not Deserve a Pardon

Billy Binion | 5.30.2025 5:25 PM

12-Year-Old Tennessee Boy Arrested for Instagram Post Says He Was Trying To Warn Students of a School Shooting

Autumn Billings | 5.30.2025 5:12 PM

Texas Ten Commandments Bill Is the Latest Example of Forcing Religious Texts In Public Schools

Emma Camp | 5.30.2025 3:46 PM

DOGE's Newly Listed 'Regulatory Savings' for Businesses Have Nothing to Do With Cutting Federal Spending

Jacob Sullum | 5.30.2025 3:30 PM

Recommended

  • About
  • Browse Topics
  • Events
  • Staff
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Media
  • Shop
  • Amazon
Reason Facebook@reason on XReason InstagramReason TikTokReason YoutubeApple PodcastsReason on FlipboardReason RSS

© 2024 Reason Foundation | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

r

Do you care about free minds and free markets? Sign up to get the biggest stories from Reason in your inbox every afternoon.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

This modal will close in 10

Reason Plus

Special Offer!

  • Full digital edition access
  • No ads
  • Commenting privileges

Just $25 per year

Join Today!