Political Translator

Rahm Emanuel/Bruce Reed – The Plan

politicaltranslator — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 03:56:02 +0000

We will never make progress by whining about what we’re against. It is high time to say what we’re for, what we stand for, and above all, what we plan to do. (Chicago Sun-Times)

TRANSLATION:

We don’t need any “master plan” bullshit, but we do want to add to the media story-line that this is like 1994 and putting out stuff like this helps add to our sense of inevitability.

Democratic National Committee – Revising Primary Schedule

politicaltranslator — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 03:40:46 +0000

Democrats agreed to shake up tradition Saturday by wedging Nevada between Iowa’s leadoff caucuses and the New Hampshire primary in the 2008 presidential nominating calendar and adding South Carolina soon afterward. (Washington Post)

TRANSLATION:

You white boys gave us John Kerry. Now you’re going to pay for your mistake.

TRUTH OF THE DAY – Political Coalitions (8/21/06)

politicaltranslator — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 03:35:54 +0000

Every successful politican and/or political movement is simply a reflection of various interest groups that have been integrated by one common voice. In general, voters are asked to choose one interest group coalition over another.

Rich Lowry – Turning on Bush

politicaltranslator — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 03:26:33 +0000

“Conservatives for a long time were in protective mode, wanting to emphasize the progress in Iraq to contrast what they felt was an unfair attack on the war by the Democrats and media and other sources,” Rich Lowry, editor of the National Review, said in an interview. “But there’s more of a sense now that things are on a downward trajectory, and more of a willingness to acknowledge it and pressure the administration to react to it.” (Washington Post)

TRANSLATION:

I will write positive or negative things about Bush in direct proportion to his poll numbers. Luckily, I’m in the media so I don’t have to worry about being held accountable for my opinions.

Rick Davis – McCain as Frontrunner

politicaltranslator — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 03:14:01 +0000

“We are a party that gravitates toward front-runners.” (New York Times)

TRANSLATION:

McCain is going to have to rely on being a perpetual front-runner because the party faithful will turn on him in a second if he shows any weakness in the polls.

Bill Clinton – Why Lieberman Lost

politicaltranslator — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:10:42 +0000

“Well, if I were Joe and I was running as an independent, that’s what I’d say, too,” Clinton said. “But that’s not quite right. That is, there were almost no Democrats who agreed with his position, which was, ‘I want to attack Iraq whether or not they have weapons of mass destruction.’” (ABC News)

TRANSLATION:

Stop trying to hang on to my political coattails like a leach Joe. I won’t be dragged down just because you’re too stupid. Last time I do a charity apperance for an old friend…

TRUTH OF THE DAY – Democrats on Terrorism (8/15/06)

politicaltranslator — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 04:14:50 +0000

Democrats are going for broke by attacking Bush/Republicans on terrorism. Either its going to backfire as another politically tone-deaf defeat, or its going to win them the House of Representatives in November.

Tony Snow – Bush Not Endorsing Schlesinger

politicaltranslator — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 04:10:51 +0000

When reporters pressed Mr. Snow on whether the President supported his own party’s candidate, he responded: “There may be — there are a whole host of reasons the president — I’m just not going to play.” (New York Times)

TRANSLATION:

Let’s see how much havoc we can cause in general in this race.

George Allen – Macaca

politicaltranslator — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 03:40:46 +0000

“I would never want to demean him as an individual. I do apologize if he’s offended by that. That was no way the point.” (Washington Post)

TRANSLATION:

I know what I said. Hopefully this will blow over in the mainstream media…but I’ll secure the rural racist vote in the meantime.

TRUTH OF THE DAY – Lamont and Netroots (8/10/06)

politicaltranslator — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 04:43:17 +0000

The Lamont victory will embolden the netroots, which will lead to them overreaching. They should remember he only won by 4 points.